1
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Delgado-de Las Cuevas GE, Prakas P, Rudaitytė-Lukošienė E, García-Gil ML, Martínez-González M, Butkauskas D, Mowery JD, Dubey JP, Habela MA, Calero-Bernal R. First description of Sarcocystis species infecting Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia). Parasitol Res 2021; 120:2881-2886. [PMID: 34251515 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07239-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia) is a North African native wild Caprinae, introduced in the 1970s in new territories such as Spain, the USA, and Mexico. Here, we describe Sarcocystis species in Barbary sheep. Sarcocysts were found in 19 out of 56 adult A. lervia in Southern Spain and characterized morphologically and molecularly. By light microscopy, sarcocysts had thin (< 1 μm) or thick (> 2 μm) walls. By transmission electron microscopy, sarcocysts with thick walls had Type 14 villar protrusions corresponding to S. tenella/S. capracanis of domestic sheep (Ovis aries) or goats (Capra hircus). Sarcocysts with thin walls had Type 7b villar protrusions that corresponded to S. arieticanis/S. hircicanis of domestic sheep or goats. Molecular analyses allowed the identification of only thick-walled Sarcocystis species. Six sarcocysts were assigned to S. tenella (99.2-100% and 95.6-100% sequence similarity within 18S rRNA and COI, respectively) and 19 sarcocysts were assigned to S. capracanis (98.5-99.8% and 97.9-99.0% sequence similarity within 18S rRNA and COI, respectively). Further studies are needed for taxonomic identification of sarcocysts in Barbary sheep because Sarcocystis species in sheep and goats are not cross transmissible despite morphological similarities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Petras Prakas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | - María L García-Gil
- Spanish National Microscopy Centre, Av. Complutense s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Martínez-González
- Animal Health Department, University of Extremadura, Avda. Universidad s/n, 10071, Cáceres, Spain
| | | | - Joseph D Mowery
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Building 1001, Beltsville, MD, 20705-2350, USA
| | - Jitender P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Electron and Confocal Microscopy Unit, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 12, Beltsville, MD, 20705-2350, USA
| | - Miguel A Habela
- Animal Health Department, University of Extremadura, Avda. Universidad s/n, 10071, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Rafael Calero-Bernal
- SALUVET Group, Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Complutense s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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2
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González-Barrio D, Köster PC, Habela MA, Martín-Pérez M, Fernández-García JL, Balseiro A, Barral M, Nájera F, Figueiredo AM, Palacios MJ, Mateo M, Carmena D, Álvarez-García G, Calero-Bernal R. Molecular survey of Besnoitia spp. (Apicomplexa) in faeces from European wild mesocarnivores in Spain. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 68:3156-3166. [PMID: 34174029 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies have unsuccessfully tried to unravel the definitive host of the coccidian parasite Besnoitia besnoiti. Cattle infections by B. besnoiti cause a chronic and debilitating condition called bovine besnoitiosis that has emerged in Europe during the last two decades, mainly due to limitations in its control associated with the absence of vaccines and therapeutical tools. Although the exact transmission pathways of B. besnoiti is currently unknown, it is assumed that the parasite might have an indirect life cycle with a carnivore as definitive host. Current lack of studies in wildlife might underestimate the importance of free-living species in the epidemiology of B. besnoiti. Thus, the aim of the present study is to assess the presence of Besnoitia spp. in free-ranging mesocarnivores in Spain. DNA was searched by PCR on faeces collected from wild carnivores as a first approach to determine which species could be considered as potential definitive host candidates in further research. For this purpose, a total of 352 faecal samples from 12 free-living wild carnivore species belonging to the Canidae, Felidae, Herpestidae, Mustelidae, Procyonidae and Viverridae families were collected in seven Spanish regions. PCR testing showed that Besnoitia spp. DNA was present in four faecal samples from red foxes collected in western Spain, an area with the greatest density of extensively reared cattle and associated with high incidence of bovine besnoitiosis in the country. To date, this is the first report of a B. besnoiti-like sequence (99.57% homology) from carnivore faeces in a worldwide context. Red foxes might contribute to the epidemiology of B. besnoiti, although further studies, mostly based on bioassay, would be needed to elucidate the accuracy and extent of these interesting findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- David González-Barrio
- SALUVET, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.,Viral Hepatitis Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.,SaBio Working Group, Institute for Game and Wildlife Research IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Pamela C Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A Habela
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Sciences Faculty, Extremadura University, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Manuel Martín-Pérez
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Sciences Faculty, Extremadura University, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Jose L Fernández-García
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Sciences Faculty, Extremadura University, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Ana Balseiro
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, University of León, León, Spain.,Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), Finca Marzanas, Grulleros, León, Spain
| | - Marta Barral
- NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Fernando Nájera
- Directorate-General for Environment, Regional Government of Extremadura, Mérida, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Ana M Figueiredo
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal.,Department of Bioscience & CEES, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Maria Jesus Palacios
- Directorate-General for Environment, Regional Government of Extremadura, Mérida, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Marta Mateo
- Veterinary Faculty, Alfonso X El Sabio University, Avenida Universidad 1, Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Calero-Bernal
- SALUVET, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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3
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Díaz-Sánchez S, Fernández AM, Habela MA, Calero-Bernal R, de Mera IGF, de la Fuente J. Microbial community of Hyalomma lusitanicum is dominated by Francisella-like endosymbiont. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 12:101624. [PMID: 33418339 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101624] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Exploring tick associations with complex microbial communities and single-microbial partners, especially intracellular symbionts, has become crucial to understand tick biology. Of particular interest are the underlying interactions with biological consequences i.e. tick fitness, vector competence. In this study, we first sequenced the 16S rRNA bacterial phylogenetic marker in adult male ticks of Hyalomma lusitanicum collected from 5 locations in the province of Cáceres to explore the composition of its microbial community. Overall, 16S rRNA sequencing results demonstrated that the microbial community of H. lusitanicum is mostly dominated by Francisella-like endosymbionts (FLEs) (ranging from 52% to 99% of relative abundance) suggesting it is a key taxon within the microbial community and likely a primary endosymbiont. However, further research is required to explore the mechanisms underlying the interaction between FLEs and H. lusitanicum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Díaz-Sánchez
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Alberto Moraga Fernández
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Miguel A Habela
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Avenida Complutense s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Calero-Bernal
- Animal Health Department, University of Extremadura, Avda. Universidad s/n, 10071, Cáceres, Spain; SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Avenida Complutense s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel G Fernández de Mera
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain; Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
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4
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Moraga-Fernández A, Ruiz-Fons F, Habela MA, Royo-Hernández L, Calero-Bernal R, Gortazar C, de la Fuente J, Fernández de Mera IG. Detection of new Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus genotypes in ticks feeding on deer and wild boar, Spain. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:993-1000. [PMID: 32738065 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is the causative agent of the severe tick-borne, often fatal, zoonotic Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), which is widely distributed worldwide. The CCHFV transmission to humans occurs through tick bite, crushing of engorged ticks or contact with infected host blood. Previously, CCHFV genotype Africa III was reported in Spain. Given the emergence of CCHF and the role of ticks in pathogen maintenance and transmission, we investigated the presence and genotype identity of the virus in tick species parasitizing abundant wild host species in south-western Spain. A total of 613 adult ticks were collected from hunter-harvested wild ungulates in twenty locations throughout south-western Spain. Ticks were identified, nucleic acids were extracted, RNA was analysed by a nested RT-PCR targeting CCHFV S segment, and the amplicons were sequenced. According to the 212-bp sequence amplified, the presence of CCHFV human genotype Europe V was detected in Hyalomma lusitanicum and Dermacentor marginatus ticks collected from red deer, fallow deer and Eurasian wild boar in different locations from south-western Spain. Genotype Africa IV was also detected in a H. lusitanicum tick collected from a red deer. The detection of CCHFV in different tick species collected from various wild hosts and localities provided strong evidence of widespread CCHFV presence in the region, suggesting that the circulation of the virus in Spain requires more attention. Additionally, the identification of the CCHFV genotype Europe V in ticks suggested that its introduction in Spain was probably from Eastern Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Moraga-Fernández
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Fons
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Miguel A Habela
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Lara Royo-Hernández
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Rafael Calero-Bernal
- SALUVET, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Christian Gortazar
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain.,Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
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5
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Rudaitytė-Lukošienė E, Delgado de Las Cuevas GE, Prakas P, Calero-Bernal R, Martínez-González M, Strazdaitė-Žielienė Ž, Servienė E, Habela MA, Butkauskas D. Sarcocystis spp. diversity in the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from Lithuania and Spain. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:1363-1370. [PMID: 31927621 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06603-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) has been identified as an intermediate host for six known Sarcocystis species, S. capreolicanis, S. entzerothi, S. gracilis, S. linearis, S. oviformis, and S. silva. In this study, we identified Sarcocystis species in the diaphragm and tongue muscles from the Lithuanian and Spanish roe deer, respectively, on the basis of a microscopic examination and DNA analysis. A total of 43 and 27 sarcocysts were isolated and characterized from the Lithuanian and Spanish roe deer, respectively. Overall six Sarcocystis species were identified in roe deer from Lithuania, and only three of them, S. gracilis, S. linearis, and S. silva were found to have infecting animals from Spain. The current paper represents first molecular results of Sarcocystis species in the Spanish roe deer. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy examination revealed specific wall structure of sarcocysts studied, S. linearis was characterized by ribbon-like villar protrusions (vp) (type 8a), and S. oviformis was distinguished by elongated vp resembling spades or mushroom-like structures (type 39). Based on 18S rDNA and cox1 sequences, Sarcocystis species from the roe deer showed considerable intraspecific genetic variability. However, similar values of intraspecific genetic variation were estimated at both genes analysed. The highest variability was observed for S. capreolicanis and S. linearis in both genes and for S. silva at cox1. Consequently, the level of genetic variability of Sarcocystis from the roe deer varied depending on species rather than on gene analysed or geographical area.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Rudaitytė-Lukošienė
- Nature Research Centre, Institute of Ecology, Akademijos 2, LT-08412, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | | | - P Prakas
- Nature Research Centre, Institute of Ecology, Akademijos 2, LT-08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - R Calero-Bernal
- SALUVET Group, Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, Avda. Complutense s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Martínez-González
- Animal Health Department, University of Extremadura, Avda. Universidad s/n, 10071, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Ž Strazdaitė-Žielienė
- Nature Research Centre, Institute of Ecology, Akademijos 2, LT-08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - E Servienė
- Nature Research Centre, Institute of Ecology, Akademijos 2, LT-08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - M A Habela
- Animal Health Department, University of Extremadura, Avda. Universidad s/n, 10071, Cáceres, Spain
| | - D Butkauskas
- Nature Research Centre, Institute of Ecology, Akademijos 2, LT-08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
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6
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Calero-Bernal R, Santín M, Maloney JG, Martín-Pérez M, Habela MA, Fernández-García JL, Figueiredo A, Nájera F, Palacios MJ, Mateo M, Balseiro A, Barral M, Lima-Barberoi JF, Köster PC, Carmena D. Blastocystis sp. Subtype Diversity in Wild Carnivore Species from Spain. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2019; 67:273-278. [PMID: 31691450 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence and molecular diversity of the stramenopile eukaryote Blastocystis sp. was investigated by PCR and sequencing (Sanger and NGS) methods in 380 faecal specimens of free-living carnivores in Spain. Blastocystis sp. was confirmed in 1.6% (6/380) of the specimens analysed. Two samples from a common genet and a fox were successfully subtyped as ST7 by Sanger. Using NGS, ST14 was found in a fox and a European polecat, ST7 in a fox, and two additional foxes presented mixed infections of ST1/ST2/ST4 and ST1/ST2/ST7, respectively. Wild carnivore species could act as carriers of zoonotic Blastocystis subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Calero-Bernal
- SALUVET, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary, Complutense University of Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Santín
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, 20705, USA
| | - Jenny G Maloney
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, 20705, USA
| | - Manuel Martín-Pérez
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Sciences Faculty, Extremadura University, Av. de la Universidad s/n, 10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Miguel A Habela
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Sciences Faculty, Extremadura University, Av. de la Universidad s/n, 10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - José L Fernández-García
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Sciences Faculty, Extremadura University, Av. de la Universidad s/n, 10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Ana Figueiredo
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Fernando Nájera
- Directorate-General for Environment, Regional Government of Extremadura, Luis Jacinto Ramallo García s/n, 06800, Mérida, Badajoz, Spain
| | - María J Palacios
- Directorate-General for Environment, Regional Government of Extremadura, Luis Jacinto Ramallo García s/n, 06800, Mérida, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Marta Mateo
- Veterinary Faculty, Alfonso X El Sabio University, Avenida Universidad 1, 28691, Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Balseiro
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, University of León, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24007, León, Spain
| | - Marta Barral
- Department of Animal Health, Basque Institute of Agricultural Research and Development (NEIKER), Berreaga 1, 48160, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - José F Lima-Barberoi
- SaBio Working Group, Institute for Game and Wildlife Research IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain.,SABIOTec Spin Off, Camino de Moledores s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Pamela C Köster
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km 2, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Carmena
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Ctra. Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km 2, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
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7
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Delgado de las Cuevas GE, Prakas P, Strazdaitė-Žielienė Ž, Martínez-González M, Rudaitytė-Lukošienė E, Butkauskas D, Servienė E, Habela MA, Calero-Bernal R. Sarcocystis morae (Apicomplexa) in Fallow Deer (Dama dama) from Spain: Ultrastructure and New Host Record. J Parasitol 2019. [DOI: 10.1645/19-56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo E. Delgado de las Cuevas
- Parasitology Section, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, 10071, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Petras Prakas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | - Manuel Martínez-González
- Parasitology Section, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, 10071, Cáceres, Spain
| | | | | | - Elena Servienė
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Miguel A. Habela
- Parasitology Section, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, 10071, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Rafael Calero-Bernal
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, Avenida Complutense s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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8
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de Las Cuevas GED, Prakas P, Strazdaitė-Žielienė Ž, Martínez-González M, Rudaitytė-Lukošienė E, Butkauskas D, Servienė E, Habela MA, Calero-Bernal R. Sarcocystis morae (Apicomplexa) in Fallow Deer ( Dama dama) from Spain: Ultrastructure and New Host Record. J Parasitol 2019; 105:813-815. [PMID: 31660793] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Members of the genus Sarcocystis are frequently found infecting members of the family Cervidae. Although Sarcocystis species are generally host specific for their intermediate hosts, species in cervids appear to be less host specific. Here, we report fallow deer (Dama dama) as a new host for Sarcocystis morae, originally described from the red deer (Cervus elaphus). Tongues of 69 legally hunted animals in Spain were tested for sarcocysts, and the species were characterized by light microscopy, ultrastructurally and molecularly. Sarcocysts were identified in 66.7% of D. dama. Sarcocysts had thin (<2 μm thick) cyst wall with hair-like villar protrusions bifurcated at their tips resembling type 8a. Genetic sequences obtained for 18S rRNA and COI reached 99.6-100% and 97.9-98.7% similarity, respectively, to those of S. morae from the red deer. The present study provides new data concerning lower level of host specificity within Sarcocystis genus for cervids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo E Delgado de Las Cuevas
- Parasitology Section, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, 10071, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Petras Prakas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | - Manuel Martínez-González
- Parasitology Section, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, 10071, Cáceres, Spain
| | | | | | - Elena Servienė
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Miguel A Habela
- Parasitology Section, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, 10071, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Rafael Calero-Bernal
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, Avenida Complutense s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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9
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Cajimat MNB, Rodriguez SE, Schuster IUE, Swetnam DM, Ksiazek TG, Habela MA, Negredo AI, Estrada-Peña A, Barrett ADT, Bente DA. Genomic Characterization of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in Hyalomma Tick from Spain, 2014. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2017; 17:714-719. [PMID: 28836897 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2017.2190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe tick-borne disease caused by CCHF virus (CCHFV). Ticks in the genus Hyalomma are the main vectors and reservoirs of CCHFV. In Spain, CCHFV was first detected in Hyalomma ticks from Cáceres in 2010. Subsequently, two autochthonous CCHF cases were reported in August 2016. In this study, we describe the characterization of the CCHFV genome directly from Hyalomma lusitanicum collected in Cáceres in 2014. Phylogenetic analyses reveal a close relationship with clade III strains from West Africa, with an estimated divergence time of 50 years. The results of this work suggest that CCHFV has been circulating in Spain for some time, and most likely originated from West Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria N B Cajimat
- 1 Galveston National Laboratory, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston, Texas.,2 Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston, Texas
| | - Sergio E Rodriguez
- 1 Galveston National Laboratory, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston, Texas
| | - Isolde U E Schuster
- 1 Galveston National Laboratory, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston, Texas
| | - Daniele M Swetnam
- 1 Galveston National Laboratory, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston, Texas
| | - Thomas G Ksiazek
- 1 Galveston National Laboratory, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston, Texas.,2 Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston, Texas
| | - Miguel A Habela
- 3 Parasitology & Parasitic Diseases, Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura , Cáceres, Spain
| | - Ana Isabel Negredo
- 4 Arbovirus and Imported Viral Diseases Unit, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Red de Investigación Colaborativa en Enfermedades Tropicales , Madrid, Spain
| | - Agustín Estrada-Peña
- 5 Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza , Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Alan D T Barrett
- 1 Galveston National Laboratory, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston, Texas.,2 Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston, Texas
| | - Dennis A Bente
- 1 Galveston National Laboratory, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston, Texas
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10
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Carvalho J, Serrano E, Pettorelli N, Granados JE, Habela MA, Olmeda S, Fonseca C, Pérez JM. Sarcoptes scabiei infestation does not alter the stability of ectoparasite communities. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:379. [PMID: 27370780 PMCID: PMC4930578 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1659-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [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: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The host represents a heterogeneous ecosystem where multiple parasite species co-occur and interact with each other for space and resources. Although these interactions may rule the features of an infracommunity and may shape the infracommunity response to external perturbations, the resilience of ectoparasite communities to new infestations remains poorly explored. Methods We analysed the composition of the ectoparasite communities found on 214 individual Iberian ibexes (Capra pyrenaica) inhabiting the Sierra Nevada Natural Space, southern Spain. Using classification and regression trees, we explored how the presence of Sarcoptes scabiei (a highly contagious mite), the off-host environment and the host sex govern the prevalence and abundance of lice and ticks. Null model analysis was applied to assess the impact of S. scabiei on the structure of the ectoparasite communities. Results Our results suggest that S. scabiei infestation acts in tandem with off-host environment and host sex to define the prevalence and abundance of lice and ticks. We also provided evidence for differences in species co-occurrence only at the early stages of S. scabiei infestation. Regarding species diversity, we recorded that ectoparasite communities in scabietic ibexes reached a high richness faster than those in healthy individuals. Conclusions Even though we show that ectoparasite burden is correlated with S. scabiei infestation, off-host environment and host sex, the species response to S. scabiei infestation and climate seem to be highly variable and influenced by ectoparasite life-history traits. Ectoparasite communities also appear resilient to perturbations which is in agreement with what was previously reported for endoparasites. Future refinement of sample collection and the incorporation of ecological and epidemiological-related variables may allow us to establish causal effects and deepen the knowledge about the mechanisms and consequences of ectoparasite interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Carvalho
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal. .,Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, E-08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Emmanuel Serrano
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.,Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, E-08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nathalie Pettorelli
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - José E Granados
- Espacio Natural de Sierra Nevada, Carretera Antigua de Sierra Nevada, km 7, E-18071, Pinos Genil, Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel A Habela
- Parasitology & Parasitic Diseases Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura Av. Universidad, s.n., E-10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Sonia Olmeda
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro, s.n., E-28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Fonseca
- Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Jesús M Pérez
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas, s.n., E-23071, Jaén, Spain.
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11
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Moreno V, Romero-Fernández I, Marchal JA, Beltrán M, Granados JE, Habela MA, Tamadon A, Rakhshandehroo E, Sarasa M, Pérez JM, Sánchez A. Molecular characterization of bot flies, Oestrus spp., (Diptera, Oestridae), from domestic and wild Bovidae hosts. Vet Parasitol 2015; 212:473-7. [PMID: 26298510 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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: 04/07/2015] [Revised: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The identification of Oestrus spp. larvae from Bovidae hosts is a difficult task due to the great morphological similarity between species. The lack of unambiguous identification criteria could have also serious epidemiological implications since domestic and wild hosts are sympatric in many natural areas. In order to accurately identify the Oestrus parasitizing hosts, we characterized two different genetic markers, 28S (rRNA) and COI, in larvae collected from domestic sheep and goats, European mouflon and Iberian ibex. Our sequence analyses demonstrate that all samples, except those from Iberian ibex, greatly resembles O. ovis and so we conclude that the species parasitizing this ibex is not O. ovis. Further studies will be needed to confirm whether it is in fact O. caucasicus, as previously suggested, or even a new species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Moreno
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas, s.n., E-23071 Jaén, Spain
| | - Ismael Romero-Fernández
- Departamento de Biología Experimental, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas, s.n., E-23071 Jaén, Spain
| | - Juan A Marchal
- Departamento de Biología Experimental, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas, s.n., E-23071 Jaén, Spain
| | - Manuel Beltrán
- Departamento de Biología Experimental, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas, s.n., E-23071 Jaén, Spain
| | - José E Granados
- Espacio Natural Sierra Nevada, Carretera Antigua de Sierra Nevada, Km 7, E-18071 Pinos Genil, Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel A Habela
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Extremadura, E-10071 Cáceres, Spain
| | - Amin Tamadon
- Transgenic Technology Research Center, Shiraz University, P.O Box 71348-74478 Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ehsan Rakhshandehroo
- Division of Animal Health Management, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, P.O. Box: 71345-1731 Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mathieu Sarasa
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas, s.n., E-23071 Jaén, Spain
| | - Jesús M Pérez
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas, s.n., E-23071 Jaén, Spain.
| | - Antonio Sánchez
- Departamento de Biología Experimental, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas, s.n., E-23071 Jaén, Spain
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Estrada-Peña A, Palomar AM, Santibáñez P, Sánchez N, Habela MA, Portillo A, Romero L, Oteo JA. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in ticks, Southwestern Europe, 2010. Emerg Infect Dis 2012; 18:179-80. [PMID: 22261502 PMCID: PMC3310114 DOI: 10.3201/eid1801.111040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
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14
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Camacho AT, Guitian FJ, Pallas E, Gestal JJ, Olmeda AS, Habela MA, Telford SR, Spielman A. Theileria (Babesia) equi and Babesia caballi Infections in Horses in Galicia, Spain. Trop Anim Health Prod 2005; 37:293-302. [PMID: 15934637 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-005-5691-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The control of equine piroplasmosis is becoming increasingly important to maintain the international market open to the horse industry. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the occurrence of equine piroplasmosis (Theileria equi and Babesia caballi) in Galicia, north-west Spain, and to compare haematological and serum biochemistry parameters between non-parasitaemic horses and horses parasitaemic with T. equi and B. caballi. Sixty serum samples (control group) were taken from healthy horses pastured on two farms, and examined for evidence of equine T. equi and B. caballi infection by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Of the 60 samples, 24 (40%) and 17 (28.3%) samples were positive for T. equi and B. caballi, respectively. Twelve (20%) samples were positive for both parasites. Haematology and serum biochemistry were compared between controls and a series of 36 horses clinically affected by T. equi (25) or B. caballi (11). Compared with the healthy group, there was a 43% and 37% decrease in the haematocrit for T. equi and B. caballi infection, respectively. Parasitaemic horses presented an intense anaemia and serum biochemistry signs of liver damage. The anaemia was more severe in T. equi-infected than in B. caballi-infected horses. Our results suggest that equine piroplasmosis is widespread in the region and is a cause for concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- A T Camacho
- Laboratorio Lema & Bandín, C / Lepanto 5, bajo, 36201 Vigo, Spain.
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Abstract
Theileriosis caused by Theileria annulata can be effectively prevented by vaccination with attenuated, cultured schizonts. Although these attenuated vaccines have been applied for a long time, not much is known about the fate of the vaccine strain in the field. Here, two experimental Spanish vaccine strains originating in Cádiz and Cáceres, and one Sudanese strain are studied to address the development of a carrier status and the infectivity for Hyalomma ticks. Moreover, the heterogeneity of the merozoite surface protein, Tams1, was analyzed in search for an attenuation marker. Using the sensitive reverse line blot (RLB) hybridization, the development of a low level carrier status was demonstrated in the Cáceres and Sudanese line vaccinated calves. Although no signal was detected in the Cádiz line vaccinated calves, seroconversion against the schizont stage was observed, as it was in all other calves. The experimental transmission of T. annulata by Hyalomma ticks to naïve calves was unsuccessful for all cell line inoculated calves. Tams1 heterogeneity indicated a clonal selection of parasites during the process of attenuation, but the Tams1 sequence itself has no connection with the attenuation status. In conclusion, a carrier status develops in attenuated schizont culture vaccinated calves, but is not infective for Hyalomma ticks. Based on these data, the risk for spread of the vaccine strains in the field may be very low.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Gubbels
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University
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16
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Abstract
We report the detection of Theileria annulata, the causative agent of tropical theileriosis, by PCR in blood samples obtained from carrier cattle. The assay employs primers specific for the gene encoding the 30-kDa major merozoite surface antigen of T. annulata. A 721-bp fragment was amplified from blood samples taken monthly from calves experimentally infected with one of four different stocks of T. annulata originating in either Mauritania, Portugal, Spain, or Turkey. At the end of the experiment, five animals carried the infection for 12 months and two animals remained infected for 15 months. DNAs from six other Theileria species, T. parva, T. mutans, T. sergenti, T. buffeli, T. velifera, and T. taurotragi, were not amplified. Moreover, DNAs from four other hemoparasites (Anaplasma centrale, Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bovis, and Babesia bigemina) were also not amplified. As a control, primers derived from the small subunit rRNA gene of Theileria spp. amplified a 1.1-kb DNA fragment from all Theileria species examined but not from the other four hemoparasites. As few as two to three parasites per microliter of infected blood in a 50-microliters sample volume were detected by Southern or microplate hybridization with a T. annulata-specific cDNA probe. In addition, 92 field samples obtained from cattle in Spain were tested; 22% were positive in blood smears, 40% were positive by immunofluorescent antibody test, and 75% were positive for T. annulata by PCR. The method provides a useful diagnostic tool for detecting T. annulata carrier cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- C d'Oliveira
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
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Abstract
A study was made of the nephropathy in canine leishmaniasis produced in ten adult dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum. Renal function analyses were performed (uraemia, creatinaemia, plasma proteins, biochemistry and urinary sediment), the humoral immune response (fluorescent antibodies and levels of serum IgG, IgM and IgA) was assessed and histopathological studies were carried out. Correlation of the results showed acute renal insufficiency which was reversible in two animals (endotheliomesangial glomerulonephritis) and irreversible in four cases corresponding to glomerulonephritis in its Type I and Type II proliferative forms; extensive increase in the glomerular basal membrane, proliferation of mesangial cells and growth of the mesangial matrix were observed, as was a widespread incidence of immune complex deposits. Two animals showed chronic renal insufficiency. Lack of renal changes (minimal-changes glomerulonephritis) in two dogs was accounted for in one animal by an almost complete absence of symptoms and in the other by chronic viscerocutaneous symptoms; neither showed more than a slight immunoglobulin response.
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Affiliation(s)
- C G Nieto
- Department of Animal Health and Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Cáceres, Spain
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Nieto CG, Barrera R, Habela MA, Navarrete I, Molina C, Jiménez A, Serrera JL. Changes in the plasma concentrations of lipids and lipoprotein fractions in dogs infected with Leishmania infantum. Vet Parasitol 1992; 44:175-82. [PMID: 1466128 DOI: 10.1016/0304-4017(92)90115-p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A study was made of serum concentrations of cholesterol, phospholipids, triglycerides, cholesterol bound to high-density lipoproteins (HDL), HDL1-cholesterol, HDL2-cholesterol and cholesterol bound to low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in 16 dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum (ZMON-1) taken from an endemic focus. Results were compared with those of a control group of ten healthy dogs. Statistically significant increases in cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol levels were observed. There was, however, a statistically significant decrease in HDL-cholesterol level, mainly at the expense of the HDL2-cholesterol subfraction. Cholesterol transport is therefore shown to undergo changes which may be attributed to the consumptive evolution of the disease, immunocomplex deposits in cells, hepatic disorders and interactions between the parasite and the normal cholesterol metabolism of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- C G Nieto
- Departamento de Medicina y Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
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Abstract
Histopathological study was made of 12 Merino sheep - five splenectomized and seven intact - experimentally infected with Babesia ovis. Non-purulent encephalitis; initially exudative and subsequently interstitial pneumonia; pericarditis, myocarditis and haemorrhagic endocarditis; centrilobular necrotic hepatitis; hyperplasia of the lymphoreticular system; necrosis and vascular changes in adrenal glands were observed. The kidney was the most severely affected organ, exhibiting acute tubular necrosis typical of kidney shock syndrome. The lesions observed were suggestive of hypovolemic shock culminating in haemorrhagic diathesis owing to consumptive coagulopathy. Additionally, the massive release of catabolites from lysis and necrosis apparently produced endotoxic shock.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Habela
- Department of Animal Health and Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Cáceres, Spain
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