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Fagundes-Moreira R, Bezerra-Santos MA, May-Junior JA, Berger L, Baggio-Souza V, Souza UA, Bilhalva LC, Reis AO, Wagner PGC, Peters FB, Favarini MO, Albano APN, Sartorello L, Rampim LE, Tirelli FP, Otranto D, Soares JF. Dirofilaria immitis and Onchocercidae spp. in wild felids from Brazil. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:195. [PMID: 38658460 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08209-x] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Among the species described within the Onchocercidae family, Dirofilaria immitis is regarded as the most common worldwide, causing severe and often fatal conditions in dogs, cats, and occasionally humans. Dirofilaria spp. are vectored by mosquitoes, simulids, and culicoids, with their epidemiology dependent on the geographical distribution of competent vectors. Eight species of Dirofilaria have been reported so far in Brazil, of which six parasitize non-human primates, deer, procyonids, and marsupials. Here, we investigated the occurrence of Onchocercidae in wild felids (i.e., Panthera onca, Puma concolor, Herpailurus yagouaroundi, Leopardus geoffroyi, Leopardus guttulus, Leopardus pardalis, Leopardus wiedii, Leopardus munoai) from different locations in Brazil. Overall, 82 samples (n = 63 blood; n = 19 tissues) were molecularly screened for cytochrome c oxidase subunit-1 (cox1) gene. Four (i.e., 4.8%) wild felid samples were positive, and at BLAST analysis, the obtained sequences showed varying percentage of nucleotide identity with the genera Brugia (i.e., 87-88%), Setaria (i.e., 89%), and D. immitis (i.e., 94.4%). Phylogenetic analyses clustered sequences obtained into three distinct clades, one with D. immitis and the remaining two with other Onchocercidae spp. Data herein obtained highlight the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the diversity and biology of Onchocercidae in South America in order to assess the potential impact that these species may have for domestic and wild animals, as well as humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Fagundes-Moreira
- Laboratório de Protozoologia E Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 91540-000, Brazil
| | | | - Joares Adenilson May-Junior
- Laboratório de Protozoologia E Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 91540-000, Brazil
- Onçafari Association, São Paulo, Brazil
- Panthera Corporation, New York, USA
| | - Laura Berger
- Laboratório de Protozoologia E Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Baggio-Souza
- Laboratório de Protozoologia E Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Ugo Araújo Souza
- Laboratório de Protozoologia E Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Lina Crespo Bilhalva
- Laboratório de Protozoologia E Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Adeyldes Oliveira Reis
- Laboratório de Protozoologia E Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Paulo Guilherme Carniel Wagner
- Laboratório de Protozoologia E Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 91540-000, Brazil
- Instituto Brasileiro Do Meio Ambiente E Dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis (IBAMA), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil
| | - Felipe Bortolotto Peters
- Instituto Pró-Carnívoros, Atibaia, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biociências, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marina Ochoa Favarini
- Instituto Pró-Carnívoros, Atibaia, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biociências, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula N Albano
- Hospital de Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, Brazil
| | | | | | - Flavia Pereira Tirelli
- Instituto Pró-Carnívoros, Atibaia, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biociências, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - João Fabio Soares
- Laboratório de Protozoologia E Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 91540-000, Brazil.
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Fagundes-Moreira R, Baggio-Souza V, May-Junior JA, Berger L, Bilhalva LC, Reis AO, Sartorello L, Rampim LE, Bezerra-Santos MA, Otranto D, Soares JF. Detection of Trypanosoma evansi in jaguars (Panthera onca): insights from the Brazilian Pantanal wetland. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:88. [PMID: 38190005 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08101-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Trypanosoma evansi is a widespread and neglected zoonotic parasite that affects domestic and wild animals, causing a disease commonly known as "surra." The Brazilian Pantanal wetland is recognized as an enzootic area for this protozoan, yet recognizing the importance of reservoir hosts also in order to prevent zoonotic outbreaks. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of T. evansi in jaguars (Panthera onca) from the Brazilian Pantanal wetland and explore associated clinical and hematological manifestations. A total of 42 animals were screened by PCR and sequenced for species identification when positive. Trypanosoma evansi was detected in six free-ranging jaguars (six positive animals of 42 captures and 16 recaptures), representing the first molecular evidence of such infection in this animal species. Our findings suggest that jaguars may act as reservoir hosts of T. evansi in the Brazilian Pantanal wetland. The better understanding of the role of wildlife in the epidemiology of T. evansi is also of importance to future reintroduction and translocation programs toward wildlife conservation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Fagundes-Moreira
- Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Baggio-Souza
- Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Joares Adenilson May-Junior
- Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Onçafari Association, São Paulo, Brazil
- Panthera Corporation, New York, USA
| | - Laura Berger
- Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Lina Crespo Bilhalva
- Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Adeyldes Oliveira Reis
- Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - João Fabio Soares
- Laboratório de Protozoologia e Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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Kniha E, Dvořák V, Koblmüller S, Prudhomme J, Ivović V, Hoxha I, Oerther S, Heitmann A, Lühken R, Bañuls AL, Sereno D, Michelutti A, Toniolo F, Alarcón-Elbal PM, Bravo-Barriga D, González MA, Lucientes J, Colella V, Otranto D, Bezerra-Santos MA, Kunz G, Obwaller AG, Depaquit J, Alić A, Kasap OE, Alten B, Omeragic J, Volf P, Walochnik J, Sebestyén V, Trájer AJ. Reconstructing the post-glacial spread of the sand fly Phlebotomus mascittii Grassi, 1908 (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Europe. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1244. [PMID: 38066195 PMCID: PMC10709326 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05616-1] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Phlebotominae) are the principal vectors of Leishmania spp. (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae). In Central Europe, Phlebotomus mascittii is the predominant species, but largely understudied. To better understand factors driving its current distribution, we infer patterns of genetic diversity by testing for signals of population expansion based on two mitochondrial genes and model current and past climate and habitat suitability for seven post-glacial maximum periods, taking 19 climatic variables into account. Consequently, we elucidate their connections by environmental-geographical network analysis. Most analyzed populations share a main haplotype tracing back to a single glacial maximum refuge area on the Mediterranean coasts of South France, which is supported by network analysis. The rapid range expansion of Ph. mascittii likely started in the early mid-Holocene epoch until today and its spread possibly followed two routes. The first one was through northern France to Germany and then Belgium, and the second across the Ligurian coast through present-day Slovenia to Austria, toward the northern Balkans. Here we present a combined approach to reveal glacial refugia and post-glacial spread of Ph. mascittii and observed discrepancies between the modelled and the current known distribution might reveal yet overlooked populations and potential further spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Kniha
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vít Dvořák
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Jorian Prudhomme
- UMR MIVEGEC (Université de Montpellier-IRD-CNRS), Institute of Research for Development, Montpellier, France
- INTHERES, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, Toulouse, France
| | - Vladimir Ivović
- Department of Biodiversity, FAMNIT, University of Primorska, Koper-Capodistria, Slovenia
| | - Ina Hoxha
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandra Oerther
- Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Mosquito Control Association (KABS), Speyer, Germany
- Institute for Dipterology (IfD), Speyer, Germany
| | - Anna Heitmann
- Department of Arbovirology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Renke Lühken
- Department of Arbovirology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- Research Group Vector Control, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anne-Laure Bañuls
- UMR MIVEGEC (Université de Montpellier-IRD-CNRS), Institute of Research for Development, Montpellier, France
| | - Denis Sereno
- UMR MIVEGEC (Université de Montpellier-IRD-CNRS), Institute of Research for Development, Montpellier, France
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Université de Montpellier, UMR INTERTRYP, Parasite Infectiology and Public Health Research group. IRD, CIRAD, Montpellier, France
| | - Alice Michelutti
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Micology and Medical Entomology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Federica Toniolo
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Micology and Medical Entomology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Pedro M Alarcón-Elbal
- Departamento de Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública Veterinaria y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos (PASAPTA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, Valencia, Spain
- Laboratorio de investigación de Entomología, Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Bloque B, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Daniel Bravo-Barriga
- Department of Animal Health, Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM), University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Mikel A González
- Department of Animal Production and Health, Veterinary Public Health and Food Science and Technology (PASAPTA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
- Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation Group, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Javier Lucientes
- Animal Health Department, The AgriFood Institute of Aragon (IA2), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Vito Colella
- Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | | | - Gernot Kunz
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Adelheid G Obwaller
- Division of Science, Research and Development, Federal Ministry of Defence, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jerome Depaquit
- Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, ESCAPE EA7510, USC ANSES VECPAR, SFR Cap Santé, UFR de Pharmacie, Reims, France
| | - Amer Alić
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Ozge Erisoz Kasap
- Department of Biology, Ecology Section, Faculty of Science, VERG Laboratories, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bulent Alten
- Department of Biology, Ecology Section, Faculty of Science, VERG Laboratories, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Jasmin Omeragic
- Department of Pathobiology and Epidemiology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Viktor Sebestyén
- University of Pannonia, Sustainability Solutions Research Lab, Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Attila J Trájer
- University of Pannonia, Sustainability Solutions Research Lab, Veszprém, Hungary.
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Fagundes-Moreira R, Bezerra-Santos MA, May-Junior JA, Baggio-Souza V, Rampim LE, Sartorello LR, Lia RP, Soares JF, Otranto D. The jaguar (Panthera onca) as a potential new host of Dracunculus sp. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:2951-2956. [PMID: 37823992 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07984-3] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Nematode species of the genus Dracunculus (Spirurida: Dracunculoidea) infect tissues and body cavities of reptiles, domestic and wild carnivores, and humans. The definitive hosts acquire the infection by ingesting intermediate (i.e., cyclopoid copepod) or paratenic (i.e., amphibians and fishes) hosts. Here we report the jaguar (Panthera onca) as a potential new host for Dracunculus sp. The nematode was collected from an ulcerated cutaneous nodule on the left anterior limb of a female jaguar in the municipality of Miranda, Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil. Based on the morphology of first stage larvae collected from a small fragment of the uterus of the adult nematode, the species was identified as Dracunculus sp. Reichard, 1759. Additionally, the morphological identification was molecularly confirmed by sequencing the cox1 gene. This report advocates for further investigations into the transmission cycle of this parasite in the Brazilian Pantanal wetland, considering the role of wildlife hosts and the zoonotic potential of Dracunculus species in that area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Fagundes-Moreira
- Laboratório de Protozoologia E Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 91540-000, Brazil
| | | | - Joares Adenilson May-Junior
- Laboratório de Protozoologia E Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 91540-000, Brazil
- Onçafari Association, São Paulo, Brazil
- Panthera Corporation, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vinicius Baggio-Souza
- Laboratório de Protozoologia E Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 91540-000, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - João Fabio Soares
- Laboratório de Protozoologia E Rickettsioses Vetoriais, Faculty of Veterinary, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 91540-000, Brazil.
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
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Brianti E, Napoli E, De Benedetto G, Venco L, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Basile A, Bezerra-Santos MA, Drake J, Schaper R, Otranto D. Elimination of Dirofilaria immitis Infection in Dogs, Linosa Island, Italy, 2020-2022. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:1559-1565. [PMID: 37486185 PMCID: PMC10370836 DOI: 10.3201/eid2908.221910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
On Linosa Island, Italy, Dirofilaria immitis infection has been hyperendemic in dogs and seroprevalent among islanders. In 2020, we implemented a heartworm disease elimination program on Linosa Island. Of 54 dogs tested for D. immitis antigen and microfilariae, 28 had positive results and received treatment with oral doxycycline twice daily for 4 weeks plus topical imidacloprid/moxidectin monthly for 12 months. The 26 dogs with negative results received monthly topical imidacloprid/moxidectin as preventive. During month 1, the number of microfilaremic dogs was reduced by 76.5%. From month 2 on, all animals were microfilariae negative, and during months 3 to 9, the number of antigen-positive dogs decreased progressively. Treatment of positive dogs coupled with chemoprophylaxis for noninfected dogs was effective, protecting them from new infections. The elimination program reduced the risk for human infection, representing a One Health paradigm. Monitoring and chemoprophylaxis are advocated to maintain the status of heartworm disease-free area.
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Ramos RAN, de Macedo LO, Bezerra-Santos MA, de Carvalho GA, Verocai GG, Otranto D. The Role of Parasitoid Wasps, Ixodiphagus spp. (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), in Tick Control. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12050676. [PMID: 37242346 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050676] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Species of Ixodiphagus (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) are parasitoid wasps whose immature forms develop inside ixodid and argasid ticks (Acari: Ixodida). Following oviposition by adult female wasps into the idiosoma of ticks, larvae hatch and start feeding on their internal contents, eventually emerging as adult wasps from the body of the dead ticks. Species of Ixodiphagus have been reported as parasitoids of 21 species of ticks distributed across 7 genera. There are at least ten species described in the genus, with Ixodiphagus hookeri being the most studied as an agent for biological control of ticks. Although attempts of tick control by means of this parasitoid largely failed, in a small-scale study 150,000 specimens of I. hookeri were released over a 1-year period in a pasture where a small cattle population was kept, resulting in an overall reduction in the number of Amblyomma variegatum ticks per animal. This review discusses current scientific information about Ixodiphagus spp., focusing on the role of this parasitoid in the control of ticks. The interactions between these wasps and the ticks' population are also discussed, focusing on the many biological and logistical challenges, with limitations of this control method for reducing tick populations under natural conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucia Oliveira de Macedo
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Federal University of the Agreste of Pernambuco, Garanhuns 55292-270, PE, Brazil
| | | | | | - Guilherme Gomes Verocai
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, 70121 Bari, Italy
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan 65174, Iran
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Manoj RRS, Latrofa MS, Bezerra-Santos MA, Sgroi G, Samarelli R, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Otranto D. Molecular detection and characterization of the endosymbiont Wolbachia in the European hedgehog flea, Archaeopsylla erinacei. Infect Genet Evol 2022; 97:105161. [PMID: 34843992 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.105161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Wolbachia, the endosymbiont of arthropods and onchocercid nematodes is present in many medically important insect species, being also considered for the indirect control of parasitic ones. Archaeopsylla erinacei is a flea species infesting hedgehogs acting as vector of Rickettsia felis, Bartonella henselae, and Rickettsia helvetica, thus having public health relevance. The Wolbachia surface protein (wsp) and 16S rRNA genes were used to determine the presence, prevalence and molecular typing of Wolbachia in this flea species collected in two regions of southern Italy. Of the 45 fleas tested (n = 16 males, 35.6%; n = 29 females, 64.4%), 43 (95.6%; 95% CI: 84.8-99.2) scored positive for Wolbachia, of which 15 (33.3%) and 28 (62.2%) were males and females, respectively. The sex-wise prevalence of this endosymbiont was almost equal in both sexes (males 93.8%; 95% CI: 69.5-99.7; females 96.7%; 95% CI: 83.1-99.8). Single locus sequence analysis (SLST) of Wolbachia revealed two sequence types for 16S rRNA gene, named as wAr_15227 and wAr_15234, which came from two different areas, equally distributed in male and female fleas, whilst only one sequence type was identified for wsp gene. The phylogenetic analysis placed the two 16S rRNA sequence types in paraphyletic clades belonging to the supergroup A and B, respectively. Whilst, the tree of wsp gene clustered the corresponding sequence in the same clade including those of Wolbachia supergroup A. In MLST analyses, both Wolbachia sequence types clustered in a monophyletic clade with Drosophila nikananu (wNik) and Drosophila sturtevanti (wStv) from supergroup A. ClonalFrame analysis revealed a recombination event in the wAr_15234 strain which came from Apulia region. Scientific knowledge of the presence/prevalence of Wolbachia among medically important fleas, may contribute to develop an alternative biological method for the vector control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Giovanni Sgroi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | | | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy; Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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Nguyen VL, Iatta R, Manoj RRS, Colella V, Bezerra-Santos MA, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Otranto D. Molecular detection of Trypanosoma evansi in dogs from India and Southeast Asia. Acta Trop 2021; 220:105935. [PMID: 33930300 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma evansi, the causative agent of surra, is a hemoflagellate protozoan mechanically transmitted by hematophagous flies, mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. This protozoan affects several mammalian hosts, including dogs, which are highly susceptible to the infection. To investigate the occurrence of T. evansi in dogs, a total of 672 DNA samples from India (n = 228), Indonesia (n = 57), Malaysia (n = 45), the Philippines (n = 103), Thailand (n = 120), and Vietnam (n = 119) were screened by using species-specific conventional PCR. Of the tested dogs, 10 (1.5%) scored positive to T. evansi. In particular, positive samples were detected in canine blood samples collected from India (n = 4; 1.8%), Indonesia (n = 4; 7%), and Malaysia (n = 2; 4.4%). All tested samples from the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam were negative. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed a high variation (i.e. from 0.4% to 6.2%) among the RoTat 1.2 variant surface glycoprotein (vsg) gene. Although the number of sequences included in this analysis is relatively small, this nucleotide variation may indicate the divergence of T. evansi RoTat 1.2 vsg gene among different strains. The high incidence of T. evansi previously reported in cattle and buffaloes in India and Southeast Asia suggests that these animals are the main source of infection to dogs.
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Bezerra-Santos MA, Sgroi G, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Khedri J, Camarda A, Iatta R, Sazmand A, Otranto D. Ectoparasites of hedgehogs: From flea mite phoresy to their role as vectors of pathogens. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2021; 15:95-104. [PMID: 33996441 PMCID: PMC8102208 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hedgehogs are synanthropic mammals, reservoirs of several vector-borne pathogens and hosts of ectoparasites. Arthropod-borne pathogens (i.e., Rickettsia spp., Borrelia spp., and Anaplasmataceae) were molecularly investigated in ectoparasites collected on hedgehogs (n = 213) from Iran (161 Hemiechinus auritus, 5 Erinaceus concolor) and Italy (47 Erinaceus europaeus). In Iran, most animals examined (n = 153; 92.2%) were infested by ticks (Rhipicephalus turanicus, Hyalomma dromedarii), and 7 (4.2%) by fleas (Archeopsylla erinacei, Ctenocephalides felis). Of the hedgehogs infested by arthropods in Italy (i.e., 44.7%), 18 (38.3%) were infested by fleas (Ar. erinacei), 7 (14.9%) by ticks (Haemaphysalis erinacei, Rh. turanicus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato), and 6 (12.8%) by mites (Caparinia tripilis, Acarus nidicolous, Ornithonyssus spp.). Phoretic behavior of C. tripilis on Ar. erinacei was detected in two flea specimens from Italy. At the molecular analysis Rickettsia spp. was detected in 93.3% of the fleas of Italy. In Iran, Rickettsia spp. was detected in 8.0% out of 212 Rh. turanicus ticks, and in 85.7% of the Ar. erinacei fleas examined. The 16S rRNA gene for Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp. was amplified in 4.2% of the 212 Rh. turanicus ticks. All sequences of Rickettsia spp. from fleas presented 100% nucleotide identity with Rickettsia asembonensis, whereas Rickettsia spp. from Rh. turanicus presented 99.84%–100% nucleotide identity with Rickettsia slovaca, except for one sequence, identical to Rickettsia massiliae. The sequences of the 16S rRNA gene revealed 99.57%–100% nucleotide identity with Anaplasma spp., except for one, identical to Ehrlichia spp. A new phoretic association between C. tripilis mites and Ar. erinacei fleas has been herein reported, which could be an important route for the spreading of this mite through hedgehog populations. Additionally, spotted fever group rickettsiae were herein detected in ticks and fleas, and Anaplasma/Ehrlichia spp. in ticks, suggesting that hedgehogs play a role as reservoirs for these vector-borne pathogens. New phoretic association of Caparinia tripilis mites on Archaeopsylla erinacei fleas. Occurrence of spotted fever group rickettsiae in Rhipicephalus turanicus from hedgehogs. Occurrence of Anaplasmataceae in Rhipicephalus turanicus from hedgehogs. High Prevalence of Rickettsia asembonensis in Archaeopsylla erinacei fleas from hedgehogs. Hedgehogs are suggested as reservoirs of vector-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giovanni Sgroi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, 70010, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Javad Khedri
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Antonio Camarda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, 70010, Bari, Italy.,Osservatorio Faunistico Regionale - Wildlife Rescue Center of Apulia, Bitetto, 70020, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, 70010, Bari, Italy
| | - Alireza Sazmand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, 6517658978, Hamedan, Iran.,Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, 8915173160, Yazd, Iran
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, 70010, Bari, Italy.,Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, 6517658978, Hamedan, Iran
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Otranto D, Colella V, Bezerra-Santos MA, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Cavalera MA, Pereira A, Schaper R, Maia C. Efficacy of a spot-on formulation containing moxidectin 2.5%/imidacloprid 10% for the treatment of Cercopithifilaria spp. and Onchocerca lupi microfilariae in naturally infected dogs from Portugal. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:199. [PMID: 33849643 PMCID: PMC8042703 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04704-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Onchocerca lupi and Cercopithifilaria spp. are vector-borne filarioids of dogs, which harbour skin microfilariae (mfs), the former being of zoonotic concern. Proper treatment studies using compounds with microfilaricidal activity have not been performed. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the efficacy of a commercially available spot-on formulation containing moxidectin 2.5%/imidacloprid 10% for the treatment of O. lupi or Cercopithifilaria spp. skin-dwelling mfs in naturally infected dogs. METHODS Privately owned dogs (n = 393) from southern Portugal were sampled via skin biopsies to identify and count mfs in 20 µl of skin sediment. A total of 22 mfs-positive dogs were allocated to treatment group (n = 11; G1) or left untreated as a control (n = 11; G2). As a pilot investigation to test the treatment efficacy, five dogs assigned to G1 were treated four times at monthly intervals with moxidectin 2.5%/imidacloprid 10% spot-on formulation on SDs 0, 28 (± 2), 56 (± 2), and 84 (± 2). Based on the negative results for both O. lupi and/or Cercopithifilaria spp. mfs of dogs in the pilot study from SD28 onwards, the remaining six dogs in G1 were treated at SD0 and assessed only at SD28. RESULTS Of the 393 animals sampled, 78 (19.8%) scored positive for skin-dwelling mfs. At the pilot investigation, a mean number of 19.6 mfs for O. lupi was recorded among five infected dogs whereas no mfs were detected at SD28. At SD0, the mean number of Cercopithifilaria spp. larvae was 12.6 for G1 and 8.7 for G2. The mean number of mfs for G2 was 20.09. CONCLUSIONS Results herein obtained suggest that a single treatment with moxidectin 2.5%/imidacloprid 10% spot-on formulation is efficacious against skin-dwelling mfs in dogs. The microfilaricidal effect of moxidectin could also be useful in reducing the risk of O. lupi infection for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, 70010, Italy.
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
| | - Vito Colella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, 70010, Italy
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | | | | | | | - André Pereira
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene E Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (NOVA), Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene E Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (NOVA), Lisboa, Portugal
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Brianti E, Panarese R, Napoli E, De Benedetto G, Gaglio G, Bezerra-Santos MA, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Otranto D. Dirofilaria immitis infection in the Pelagie archipelago: The southernmost hyperendemic focus in Europe. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:1274-1280. [PMID: 33787005 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [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: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are mosquito-borne filarioids of zoonotic concern, which primarily cause canine heartworm disease (HWD) and subcutaneous dirofilariosis, respectively. The geographical distribution of these nematodes is constantly changing, due to many factors such as the colonization by new invasive mosquito species, the increased movement of animals and the absence of chemoprophylactic strategies in non-endemic regions. Although HWD has always been considered endemic in northern Italy, an increase in the prevalence of this disease has been recorded in the last decades in central and southern regions. We describe the southernmost hyperendemic European focus of heartworm disease in the Pelagie archipelagos. From June to November 2020, 157 dogs and 46 cats were sampled in Linosa and Lampedusa islands for the detection of Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens by modified Knott's, rapid antigen and molecular tests. Mosquitoes were collected using CDC light and BG sentinel-2 traps and aspirators, and tested for host blood meal and Dirofilaria spp. DNA. Out of 56 dogs in Linosa and 101 in Lampedusa, 33 (i.e. 58.9%) and 8 (i.e. 7.9%) were positive to D. immitis and D. repens, respectively. Three cats scored positive to D. immitis (i.e. 17.6%) in Linosa. Six mosquito species were identified, and the abdomen of a non-engorged Aedes albopictus was positive for D. immitis and human DNA. The results suggest that D. immitis infection could spread to new previously non-endemic territories in southern Europe, representing a real threat to animal and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Brianti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Rossella Panarese
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Ettore Napoli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Gabriella Gaglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy.,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
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12
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Greco G, Zarea AAK, Sgroi G, Tempesta M, D'Alessio N, Lanave G, Bezerra-Santos MA, Iatta R, Veneziano V, Otranto D, Chomel B. Zoonotic Bartonella species in Eurasian wolves and other free-ranging wild mammals from Italy. Zoonoses Public Health 2021; 68:316-326. [PMID: 33779044 PMCID: PMC8251765 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Bartonellae are emerging vector-borne pathogens infecting humans, domestic mammals and wildlife. Ninety-seven red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 8 European badgers (Meles meles), 6 Eurasian wolves (Canis lupus), 6 European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus), 3 beech martens (Martes foina) and 2 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from Italian Nature Conservatory Parks were investigated for Bartonella infection. Several Bartonella species (9.84%; 95% CI: 4.55-15.12), including zoonotic ones, were molecularly detected among wolves (83.3%; 95% CI: 51-100.00), foxes (4.12%; 95% CI: 0.17-8.08), hedgehogs (33.33%; 95% CI: 0.00-71.05) and a roe deer. Bartonella rochalimae was the most common Bartonella species (i.e. in 4 foxes and 2 wolves) detected. Candidatus B. merieuxii and B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii were identified for the first time in wolves. Furthermore, Bartonella schoenbuchensis was identified in a roe deer and a new clone with phylogenetic proximity to B. clarridgeiae was detected in European hedgehogs. Zoonotic and other Bartonella species were significantly more frequent in Eurasian wolves (p < .0001), than in other free-ranging wild mammals, representing a potential reservoir for infection in humans and domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Greco
- Veterinary Medicine Department, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari, 70010, Italy
| | - Aya Attia Koraney Zarea
- Veterinary Medicine Department, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari, 70010, Italy.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Giovanni Sgroi
- Veterinary Medicine Department, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari, 70010, Italy.,Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Tempesta
- Veterinary Medicine Department, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari, 70010, Italy
| | - Nicola D'Alessio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | - Gianvito Lanave
- Veterinary Medicine Department, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari, 70010, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Iatta
- Veterinary Medicine Department, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari, 70010, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Veneziano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Veterinary Medicine Department, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Bari, 70010, Italy
| | - Bruno Chomel
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
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Bezerra-Santos MA, Nguyen VL, Iatta R, Manoj RRS, Latrofa MS, Hodžić A, Dantas-Torres F, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Otranto D. Genetic variability of Ehrlichia canis TRP36 in ticks, dogs, and red foxes from Eurasia. Vet Microbiol 2021; 255:109037. [PMID: 33740731 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2021.109037] [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: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ehrlichia canis is among the most prevalent tick-borne pathogens infecting dogs worldwide, being primarily vectored by brown dog ticks, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.). The genetic variability of E. canis has been assessed by analysis of different genes (e.g., disulfide bond formation protein gene, glycoprotein 19, tandem repeat protein 36 - TRP36) in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and in a single dog sample from Europe (i.e., Spain). This study was aimed to assess the variations in the TRP36 gene of E. canis detected in naturally infected canids and R. sanguineus s.l. ticks from different countries in Asia and Europe. DNA samples from dogs (n = 644), foxes (n = 146), and R. sanguineus s.l. ticks (n = 658) from Austria, Italy, Iran, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Taiwan were included in this study. Ehrlichia canis 16S rRNA positive samples (n = 115 from the previous studies; n = 14 from Austria in this study) were selected for molecular examination by analyses of TRP36 gene. Out of 129 E. canis 16S rRNA positive samples from dogs (n = 88), foxes (n = 7), and R. sanguineus s.l. ticks (n = 34), the TRP36 gene was successfully amplified from 52. The phylogenetic analysis of the TRP36 pre-repeat, tandem repeat, and post repeat regions showed that most samples were genetically close to the United States genogroup, whereas two samples from Austria and one from Pakistan clustered within the Taiwan genogroup. TRP36 sequences from all samples presented a high conserved nucleotide sequence in the tandem repeat region (from 6 to 20 copies), encoding for nine amino acids (i.e., TEDSVSAPA). Our results confirm the US genogroup as the most frequent group in dogs and ticks tested herein, whereas the Taiwan genogroup was present in a lower frequency. Besides, this study described for the first time the US genogroup in red foxes, thus revealing that these canids share identical strains with domestic dogs and R. sanguineus s.l. ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Viet-Linh Nguyen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | | | | | - Adnan Hodžić
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy; Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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de Macedo LO, Bezerra-Santos MA, de Mendonça CL, Alves LC, Ramos RAN, de Carvalho GA. Prevalence and risk factors associated with infection by Eimeria spp. in goats and sheep in Northeastern Brazil. J Parasit Dis 2020; 44:607-612. [PMID: 32801513 PMCID: PMC7410878 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-020-01235-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Eimeria spp. infections lead to acute or chronic intestinal disorders in small ruminants, being responsible for important economic losses worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors associated with Eimeria spp. infection in small ruminants of the microregion of Garanhuns, state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. Fecal samples (n = 822) were obtained from goats (n = 414) and sheep (n = 408) and evaluated by the modified Gordon and Whitlock technique. Risk factors were assessed through univariate analysis and logistical regression. Oocysts of Eimeria species were detected in 62.9% (517/822) of the animals, with 77.8% (322/414) in goats and 47.8% (195/408) in sheep. For goats, the herd size (OR = 5.52), rearing system (OR = 1.57), feeding place (OR = 2.60), absence of mineral salt in the diet (OR = 2.54), flooring type (OR = 2.83) and periodicity of cleaning (OR = 5.39) were considered risk factors. Conversely, for sheep only the herd size (OR = 3.16) and rearing system (OR = 2.45) were important factors associated with infection by Eimeria spp. Data herein obtained brings meaningful information on the epidemiology of coccidiosis in small ruminants in Northeastern Brazil. The knowledge of these risk factors is useful to contribute to the development of preventive measures, thereby, reducing the economic impact caused by these protozoa in small ruminant production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Oliveira de Macedo
- Academic Unit of Garanhuns, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Garanhuns, Pernambuco 55292-270 Brazil
| | | | - Carla Lopes de Mendonça
- Clinic of Bovines of Garanhuns, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Garanhuns, Pernambuco 55292-270 Brazil
| | - Leucio Câmara Alves
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco 52171-900 Brazil
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Bezerra-Santos MA, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Abramo F, Lia RP, Tarallo VD, Salant H, Brianti E, Baneth G, Otranto D. Transmammary transmission of Troglostrongylus brevior feline lungworm: a lesson from our gardens. Vet Parasitol 2020; 285:109215. [PMID: 32862125 PMCID: PMC7428694 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109215] [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: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Transmammary transmission of Troglostrongylus brevior in domestic cats is suggested. Snails, rats and lizards play a role in the epidemiology of this feline lungworm. Observational parasitology is important in studying events that may occur in small ecological niches around us.
Feline lungworms such as Aerulostrongylus abstrusus and Troglostrongylus brevior are snail-borne pathogens causing respiratory disease in domestic cats. Paratenic hosts such as rodents and reptiles have also been implicated in the epidemiology of these parasites. Although A. abstrusus has been recognized for a long time as the most prevalent lungworm among cats worldwide, T. brevior is of major concern in kittens. Bearing in mind that disease due to T. brevior occurs mainly in pediatric patients younger than 6 months of age, the diagnosis of this parasite in two kittens presenting severe respiratory disease from the garden of one of the authors inspired us to investigate the potential routes of transmission for T. brevior in domestic cats. Of the three queens (A, B and C) that delivered kittens (n = 8), only cat A was positive for T. brevior, presenting her two kittens severe respiratory clinical signs, which lead to the exitus in one of them, 18 days of age. In addition, three kittens, the offspring of queen B, turned to be positive at the coprological examination after suckling from queen A, whereas those from queen C (that suckled only on their own mother) remained negative. A series of coprological, histological and molecular tests were conducted to confirm the presence of T. brevior in the patients as well as in the other cats cohabiting the same garden. Adult nematodes were retrieved from the trachea and bronchi of the dead kitten (kitten 1A), and larvae at the histology of the lung and liver parenchyma associated with bronco pneumonitis and lymphocytic pericholangitis, respectively. Cornu aspersum (n = 60), Eobania vermiculata (n = 30) snails (intermediate hosts) as well as lizards and rats (potential paratenic hosts) were collected from the same garden and processed through tissue digestion and molecular detection. Troglostrongylus brevior larvae were recovered through tissue digestion from two C. aspersum (3.33 %) and it was confirmed by PCR-sequencing approach, which also detected T. brevior DNA in the liver and lungs of one rat and in the coelomatic cavity of one gecko lizard. During the COVID-19 lockdown, when scientists spent more time at home, we grasp the opportunity to decipher T. brevior biology and ecology starting in a small ecological niche, such as the garden of our house. Data herein presented led us to suggest: i) the transmammary transmission of T. brevior in domestic cats; ii) the role of intermediate and paratenic hosts (including reptiles) in the epidemiology of the infection which they transmit; as well as iii) the importance of observational parasitology in studying any event that certainly occurs in small ecological niches, as it could be in our home gardens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Francesca Abramo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Harold Salant
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Emanuele Brianti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy; Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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16
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Bezerra-Santos MA, Nogueira BCF, Yamatogi RS, Campos AK. Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii in opossums from Southeastern, Brazil. J Parasit Dis 2020; 44:661-665. [PMID: 32801521 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-020-01243-3] [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: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide-distributed zoonotic disease of great relevance to public health. Many wildlife species, including marsupials of the genus Didelphis, are considered hosts for Toxoplasma gondii, which makes them to have a possible role in the dispersion and maintenance of this parasite in nature. This study provides data on the molecular detection of T. gondii in D. aurita opossums from an urbanized area of Southeastern Brazil. Animals were captured and blood and/or spleen samples were collected. Real Time PCR was performed for the detection of T. gondii. From the opossums captured, 26.3% (n = 15/57) scored positive, with a frequency of 21.6% (n = 11/51) in blood, and 66.7% (n = 6/9) in spleen samples. BLAST analysis demonstrated 100% identity and 100% cover query with sequences of T. gondii available in GenBank database. Data herein reported present great public health importance, since Didelphis spp. are usually observed inhabiting close to human dwellings, which facilitates their contact with people and domestic animals, and consequently, the transmission of zoonotic agents. However, further studies are needed to elucidate whether these opossums play an important role in the zoonotic cycle of T. gondii in urban areas of Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Antônio Bezerra-Santos
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. PH Rolfs, s/n, University Campus, Viçosa, MG 36570-900 Brazil
| | - Bárbara Cristina Félix Nogueira
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. PH Rolfs, s/n, University Campus, Viçosa, MG 36570-900 Brazil
| | - Ricardo Seiti Yamatogi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. PH Rolfs, s/n, University Campus, Viçosa, MG 36570-900 Brazil
| | - Artur Kanadani Campos
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. PH Rolfs, s/n, University Campus, Viçosa, MG 36570-900 Brazil
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Bezerra-Santos MA, Fontes CS, Nogueira BCF, Yamatogi RS, Ramos RAN, Galhardo JA, Furtado LFV, Rabelo ÉML, de Araújo JV, Campos AK. Gastrointestinal parasites in the opossum Didelphis aurita: Are they a potential threat to human health? J Parasit Dis 2020; 44:355-363. [PMID: 32508410 PMCID: PMC7244705 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-020-01205-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, a great proportion of the emerging infectious human diseases are zoonotic, with most of the pathogens originated from wildlife. In this sense, synanthropic animals such as marsupials play important role in the dissemination of pathogens due to their proximity to human dwellings. These hosts are affected by many gastrointestinal parasites, including species with zoonotic potential. The aim of this study was to assess the diversity of gastrointestinal parasites infecting the black-eared opossum D. aurita captured in urban areas of Southeastern, Brazil. In addition, the potential risk for the human population based on the One Health perspective has been discussed. Forty-nine marsupial specimens were captured with Tomahawk live traps and fecal samples were collected. The samples were evaluated by parasitological procedures. Eggs and oocysts were analyzed at different magnifications (400 × and 1000 ×), and their identification, together with adult nematodes, was established on morphological and morphometric data. Forty-three hosts (87.76%) scored positive for at least one gastrointestinal parasite, being 83.67% (41/49) for helminths, and 65.30% (32/49) for protozoa. For Cryptosporidium sp., only 13 samples were evaluated due to insufficient amount of feces obtained of some animals. A prevalence of 23.08% (3/13) was reported for this parasite. PCR analysis revealed Ancylostomatidae eggs to belong to the genus Ancylostoma. Our results demonstrated that multiparasitism is frequently found in these animals and a high percentage of potentially zoonotic parasites are observed, implying that D. aurita may be involved in zoonotic cycles in urban environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Antônio Bezerra-Santos
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. PH Rolfs, s/n, University Campus, Viçosa, MG 36570-900 Brazil
| | - Carolina Silveira Fontes
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. PH Rolfs, s/n, University Campus, Viçosa, MG 36570-900 Brazil
| | - Bárbara Cristina Félix Nogueira
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. PH Rolfs, s/n, University Campus, Viçosa, MG 36570-900 Brazil
| | - Ricardo Seiti Yamatogi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. PH Rolfs, s/n, University Campus, Viçosa, MG 36570-900 Brazil
| | - Rafael Antonio Nascimento Ramos
- Academic Unit of Garanhuns, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Av. Bom Pastor, s/n, Boa Vista, Garanhuns, PE 55292-270 Brazil
| | - Juliana Arena Galhardo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Av. Senador Filinto Müller, 2443, Jd. Ipiranga, Campo Grande, MS 79074-460 Brazil
| | - Luis Fernando Viana Furtado
- Department of Parasitology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av. Presidente Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 31270-901 Brazil
| | - Élida Mara Leite Rabelo
- Department of Parasitology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av. Presidente Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 31270-901 Brazil
| | - Jackson Victor de Araújo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. PH Rolfs, s/n, University Campus, Viçosa, MG 36570-900 Brazil
| | - Artur Kanadani Campos
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. PH Rolfs, s/n, University Campus, Viçosa, MG 36570-900 Brazil
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Bezerra-Santos MA, Furtado LFV, Rabelo ÉML, Nogueira BCF, Yamatogi RS, Campos AK. High prevalence of Ancylostoma caninum infection in black-eared opossums (Didelphis aurita) in an urban environment. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:2343-2346. [PMID: 32435896 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06708-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Marsupials of the genus Didelphis, such as black-eared opossums (Didelphis aurita), are common synanthropic animals in urban areas of Brazil. These marsupials are frequently parasitized by numerous helminth species, including ancylostomatid nematodes. This study aimed to report the occurrence of Ancylostoma caninum in black-eared opossums captured in an urban environment of Southeastern Brazil and discuss the potential impact of these findings for public health. From January to June 2019, we collected fecal samples from 49 restrained opossums and evaluated by a simple flotation method; Helminth eggs were observed at different magnifications and identified according to morphological and morphometric features. Genomic DNA was extracted from Ancylostomatidae eggs and screened by duplex PCR for Ancylostoma spp. and Necator americanus using primers that amplify a region of internal transcribed spacer 2 and the 28S ribosomal RNA (ITS2-28S rRNA). Ancylostoma spp. eggs were detected in 65.3% (32/49) of the animals. Sequence analysis revealed 100% homology with A. caninum sequences from GenBank. Our results demonstrate a new host-parasite interaction for A. caninum, suggesting that black-eared opossums may participate in the zoonotic cycle of this parasite in urban areas of Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Antônio Bezerra-Santos
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. PH Rolfs, s/n, University Campus, Vicosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - Luis Fernando Viana Furtado
- University of the State of Minas Gerais, Av. Juca Stockler, 1130, Nossa Sra. das Gracas, Passos, MG, 37900-106, Brazil
| | - Élida Mara Leite Rabelo
- Department of Parasitology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Av. Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Cristina Félix Nogueira
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. PH Rolfs, s/n, University Campus, Vicosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Seiti Yamatogi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. PH Rolfs, s/n, University Campus, Vicosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Artur Kanadani Campos
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. PH Rolfs, s/n, University Campus, Vicosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil
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Bezerra-Santos MA, Nogueira BCF, Yamatogi RS, Ramos RAN, Galhardo JA, Campos AK. Ticks, fleas and endosymbionts in the ectoparasite fauna of the black-eared opossum Dipelphis aurita in Brazil. Exp Appl Acarol 2020; 80:329-338. [PMID: 31927646 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-020-00468-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Ticks and fleas are essential vectors of pathogens that affect humans and animals, and among their hosts, synanthropic animals such as the black-eared opossum, Didelphis aurita, play a role in public health due to their ability to move between urban centers and forested areas in Brazil. This study aimed to assess the ectoparasite fauna of D. aurita, as well as the presence of pathogens and endosymbionts in ticks and fleas. Opossums (n = 58) captured in Tomahawk livetraps were examined for ectoparasites, and their blood sampled for further analysis. Additionally, spleen samples were collected in individuals found dead. Samples were PCR screened for Rickettsia spp., Borrelia spp., Anaplasmataceae, and Babesia spp. Two tick species were morphologically identified as Ixodes loricatus 24/58 (41.4%) and Amblyomma sculptum 1/58 (1.7%). For fleas, Ctenocephalides felis was detected in 60.3% (35/58) of the animals, and Xenopsylla cheopis in 5.2% (3/58). PCR analysis detected Anaplasmataceae DNA in 34% (16/47) of pooled samples of C. felis, and in 66.7% (2/3) pooled samples of X. cheopis. Sequence analysis revealed Wolbachia pipientis symbiont in all positive samples. Tick, blood and spleen samples were all negative for the microorganisms assessed. These findings suggest that these arthropods circulate among wildlife and urban environments, which may implicate in their participation in the cycle of zoonotic pathogens among opossums, humans and companion animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Antônio Bezerra-Santos
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. PH Rolfs, s/n, University Campus, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - Bárbara Cristina Félix Nogueira
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. PH Rolfs, s/n, University Campus, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Seiti Yamatogi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. PH Rolfs, s/n, University Campus, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Rafael Antonio Nascimento Ramos
- Academic Unit of Garanhuns, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Av. Bom Pastor, s/n, Boa Vista, Garanhuns, PE, 55292-270, Brazil
| | - Juliana Arena Galhardo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso Do Sul, Av. Senador Filinto Müller, 2443, Jd. Ipiranga, Campo Grande, MS, 79074-460, Brazil
| | - Artur Kanadani Campos
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. PH Rolfs, s/n, University Campus, Viçosa, MG, 36570-900, Brazil
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