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Yasur-Landau D, Genad O, Salant H, Dvir E, Mazuz ML, Baneth G. Comparison of multiplex copro PCR with coproscopy followed by PCR on recovered eggs for the detection of Echinococcus granulosus and Taenia spp. infection in dogs. Vet Parasitol 2023; 315:109885. [PMID: 36696840 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.109885] [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: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Echinococcosis and taeniasis are important helminth diseases that carry considerable impact on human and animal health. Domestic dogs and other canids are definitive hosts for several parasites of this group, including Echinococcus granulosus, Taenia multiceps, T. ovis, T. hydatigena and E. multilocularis. Detection of infection in dog populations is imperative for estimating the risk to susceptible humans and animals, and for its mitigation through prevention measures in dogs, other animals and humans. To date, identification of taeniid eggs, antigens or DNA in fecal samples are the most practical diagnostic modalities available for canine definitive hosts. Although widely used for this purpose, there is limited information comparing copro PCR and combined coproscopy-PCR protocols for the detection of taeniids. In the current study, a widely used multiplex PCR was performed on a large number of dog fecal samples using DNA extracted directly from feces. The samples were also tested by fecal flotation and coproscopy, eggs were isolated from microscopically-positive samples and extracted DNA was tested using the same multiplex PCR. The total number of taeniid positive samples detected using both methods was 46/317 (14.5%), including 10/317 (3.2%) E. granulosus positive samples. Both copro PCR and coproscopy have identified an equal number of samples as taeniid positive (n = 32). However, for the purpose of identification to species level, the copro PCR was significantly more sensitive than coproscopy followed by PCR on isolated eggs (sensitivity 0.7 vs. 0.41, p = 0.012), with 32/317 (10.1%) and 19/317 (6%) positive samples identified, respectively. The difference in identification of E. granulosus was highly apparent, as the majority of the E. granulosus positive samples (8/10) were detected by the copro PCR only. Coproscopy and egg PCR have identified 5/317 (1.6%) positive samples not detected by the copro PCR, including only a single sample (0.3%) positive for E. granulosus. Adding these positive samples to those identified by the copro PCR did not significantly improve the overall sensitivity (p = 0.074). Therefore, using both copro PCR and coproscopy in parallel may not be advantageous for taeniid detection and identification, at least until the egg PCR is further optimized and performs better. These results should be weighed against the different advantages that coproscopy based approach may offer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Yasur-Landau
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O.B. 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel.
| | - Or Genad
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Harold Salant
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Eran Dvir
- Department of Life Science, Tel-Hai College, Upper Galilee, 1220800, Israel.
| | - Monica L Mazuz
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O.B. 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel.
| | - Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
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Tirosh-Levy S, Wolkomirski R, Savitsky I, Kenigswald G, Fridgut O, Bardenstein S, Blum S, Mazuz ML. Neospora-related abortions in sheep in Israel - A serological diagnostic challenge in an endemic area. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 36:100809. [PMID: 36436896 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abortions in sheep flocks is a common multifactorial problem, which affects animal productivity and welfare. Israel is endemic to several infectious abortifacient pathogens, with neosporosis identified as a prominent cause. High seroprevalence of N. caninum is present in the general sheep population, making complicate to associate it as the causative agent of abortion in sheep. Here we describe two investigations of abortion storms in sheep flocks with high seroprevalence of neosporosis. In flock A, higher anti-Neospora antibody titers were demonstrated in aborting versus non-aborting ewes, suggesting that it may be the cause of abortions. In flock B, several infectious abortifacients were identified, but only the seroprevalence of border disease differed statistically between aborting and non-aborting ewes. These reports highlight the difficulty of diagnosing the cause of abortion in a multifactorial situation, and confirm the necessity to assess paired samples from aborting and non-aborting ewes, for reliable interpretation of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Tirosh-Levy
- Parasitology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Ricardo Wolkomirski
- Parasitology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Igor Savitsky
- Parasitology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan 50250, Israel
| | | | - Orly Fridgut
- Virology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan 50250, Israel
| | | | - Shlomo Blum
- Bacteriology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Monica L Mazuz
- Parasitology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan 50250, Israel.
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Scholz T, Davidovich N, Aflalo O, Hadar S, Mazuz ML, Yasur-Landau D. Invasive Amirthalingamia macracantha (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea) larvae infecting tilapia hybrids in Israel: a potential threat for aquaculture. Dis Aquat Organ 2021; 145:185-190. [PMID: 34263733 DOI: 10.3354/dao03611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Larvae (metacestodes) of gryporhynchid tapeworms (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea) are reported for the first time from the liver of tilapia hybrids (Oreochromis aureus × O. niloticus) reared in earth ponds in northeastern Israel (along the Jordan River). This is the first record of Amirthalingamia macracantha (Joyeux & Baer, 1935), a parasite of cormorants (Phalacrocoracidae), outside Africa and outside the tropics. Larvae found in the liver of tilapias (Cichlidae) were identified to species level because they possessed 20 massive rostellar hooks of 3 types, with the 4 largest hooks measuring almost 500 µm. Molecular data confirmed species identification. The possible route of introduction to Israel of this African parasite, which is large (length up to 2 cm) and potentially pathogenic for cultivated tilapias, is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Scholz
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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Tirosh-Levy S, Mazuz ML, Savitsky I, Pinkas D, Gottlieb Y, Steinman A. Serological and Molecular Prevalence of Babesia caballi in Apparently Healthy Horses in Israel. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10040445. [PMID: 33917822 PMCID: PMC8068206 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10040445] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Babesia caballi is a tick-borne hemoparasite of equines and one of the causative agents of equine piroplasmosis, which poses a great concern for the equine industry regarding animal welfare and international horse movement. The parasite is endemic in Israel; however, its seroprevalence in the area was never evaluated due to antigenic heterogenicity in the gene used in the commercially available kit. Blood samples were collected from 257 horses at 19 farms throughout the country and screened for the presence of anti-B. caballi antibodies via an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and for the presence of parasite DNA by nested PCR. The seroprevalence of B. caballi was 69.6% and its molecular prevalence was 9.7%. The geographical area, horse’s sex, breed, housing, exposure to ticks, and specifically to Hyalomma marginatum, and co-infection with Theileria equi were found to be significantly associated with serologic exposure in univariable analysis, while the geographical area and horses’ sex remained significant in the multivariable analysis. The results of this study demonstrate a high level of exposure to B. caballi and identify important risk factors for infection. The difference between the serological and molecular prevalence, probably related to parasite clearance, is also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Tirosh-Levy
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (D.P.); (Y.G.); (A.S.)
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan 50250, Israel; (M.L.M.); (I.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Monica L. Mazuz
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan 50250, Israel; (M.L.M.); (I.S.)
| | - Igor Savitsky
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan 50250, Israel; (M.L.M.); (I.S.)
| | - Dana Pinkas
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (D.P.); (Y.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Yuval Gottlieb
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (D.P.); (Y.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Amir Steinman
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (D.P.); (Y.G.); (A.S.)
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Mazuz ML, Laughery JM, Lebovitz B, Yasur-Landau D, Rot A, Bastos RG, Edery N, Fleiderovitz L, Levi MM, Suarez CE. Experimental Infection of Calves with Transfected Attenuated Babesia bovis Expressing the Rhipicephalus microplus Bm86 Antigen and eGFP Marker: Preliminary Studies towards a Dual Anti-Tick/Babesia Vaccine. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020135. [PMID: 33572875 PMCID: PMC7911397 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine babesiosis, caused by Babesia bovis and B. bigemina, is a major tick-borne disease of cattle with global economic impact. The disease can be prevented using integrated control measures including attenuated Babesia vaccines, babesicidal drugs, and tick control approaches. Vaccination of cattle with the Rhipicephalus microplus Bm86-based recombinant vaccine reduces the fitness of R. microplus and R. annulatus, but several booster inoculations are required to maintain protection. Herein, we generated a stable transfected strain of B. bovis expressing an enhanced GFP (eGFP) and a chimeric version of Bm86 (B. bovis/Bm86/eGFP). The eGFP was expressed in the parasite cytoplasm, whereas Bm86 was displayed on the surface of merozoites. Three splenectomized calves experimentally infected with B. bovis/Bm86/eGFP showed mild signs of acute disease and developed long-lasting antibody responses to B. bovis and native Bm86. No evidence of sequestration of parasites in the cerebral capillaries was found upon postmortem analysis, confirming attenuation of the strain. This is the first report of transfected B. bovis expressing the tick antigen Bm86 on the merozoite surface that elicits an antibody response to native Bm86. These results represent a proof of concept for a novel live, attenuated, tagged dual-vaccine approach to attempt simultaneous control of babesiosis and tick infestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica L. Mazuz
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O.B. 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel; (B.L.); (D.Y.-L.); (A.R.); (L.F.); (M.M.L.)
- Correspondence: (M.L.M.); (C.E.S.); Tel.: +972-3-968-1690 (M.L.M.); Tel.: +1-509-335-6341 (C.E.S.)
| | - Jacob M. Laughery
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-7040, USA; (J.M.L.); (R.G.B.)
| | - Benjamin Lebovitz
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O.B. 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel; (B.L.); (D.Y.-L.); (A.R.); (L.F.); (M.M.L.)
| | - Daniel Yasur-Landau
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O.B. 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel; (B.L.); (D.Y.-L.); (A.R.); (L.F.); (M.M.L.)
| | - Assael Rot
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O.B. 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel; (B.L.); (D.Y.-L.); (A.R.); (L.F.); (M.M.L.)
| | - Reginaldo G. Bastos
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-7040, USA; (J.M.L.); (R.G.B.)
| | - Nir Edery
- Division of Pathology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O.B. 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel;
| | - Ludmila Fleiderovitz
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O.B. 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel; (B.L.); (D.Y.-L.); (A.R.); (L.F.); (M.M.L.)
| | - Maayan Margalit Levi
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O.B. 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel; (B.L.); (D.Y.-L.); (A.R.); (L.F.); (M.M.L.)
| | - Carlos E. Suarez
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-7040, USA; (J.M.L.); (R.G.B.)
- Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, WSU, Pullman, WA 99164-6630, USA
- Correspondence: (M.L.M.); (C.E.S.); Tel.: +972-3-968-1690 (M.L.M.); Tel.: +1-509-335-6341 (C.E.S.)
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Salant H, Yasur-Landau D, Rojas A, Otranto D, Mazuz ML, Baneth G. Troglostrongylus brevior is the dominant lungworm infecting feral cats in Jerusalem. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:3443-3450. [PMID: 32813040 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06852-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Feline lungworms infect the respiratory tract of wild and domestic cats, causing infection often associated with clinical disease. Until recently, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus has been considered the most relevant species of lungworm, while Troglostrongylus brevior was considered of less significance. Fecal samples of feral cats from Jerusalem, Israel, collected over a year, were examined for first stage lungworm larvae (L1) using the Baermann method. Positive samples were morphologically identified, and their species identity was molecularly confirmed. Forty of 400 (10.0%) cats were lungworm-positive, of which 38/40 (95.0%) shed Troglostrongylus brevior and 6/40 (15.0%) shed Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. Four cats (10.0%) had mixed infections with both lungworm species. L1 shedding was associated with clinical respiratory signs in 11 (19.0%) T. brevior shedding cats of a total of 58 cats manifesting respiratory signs, while 23/342 (6.7%) cats without respiratory signs were L1-positive (p = 0.006). Non-respiratory clinical signs were also found to be more prevalent in L1 shedders (p = 0.012). A young kitten ≤ 4 weeks of age shed T. brevior L1 larvae. DNA sequences of both lungworm species using the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) locus were > 99% similar to other sequences deposited in GenBank, suggesting that T. brevior and A. abstrusus ITS2 sequences are both highly conserved. In conclusion, L1 shedding in feral cats from Jerusalem were mostly caused by T. brevior with only a small proportion involving A. abstrusus, different from many studies from other geographical regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Salant
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - D Yasur-Landau
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O.B. 12, 50250, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - A Rojas
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Microbiology, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - D Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, BA, Italy
| | - M L Mazuz
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O.B. 12, 50250, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - G Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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Tirosh-Levy S, Gottlieb Y, Mazuz ML, Savitsky I, Steinman A. Infection dynamics of Theileria equi in carrier horses is associated with management and tick exposure. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101508. [PMID: 32993928 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101508] [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: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The tick-borne equine hemoparasite, Theileria equi, is endemic in many parts of the world where prevalence may be high, and most infected horses are apparently healthy but serve as life-long carriers. To determine the factors that affect T. equi dynamics, we followed parasitic loads in apparently healthy horses at four time points during one year. A total of 1094 blood samples were collected from 395 horses, along with ticks and demographic and clinical data. Infection and load of T. equi were tested by PCR and qPCR, and for the spring dataset, infection was also tested serologically by IFAT (n = 268). Theileria equi was molecularly detected in 64.8 % of the horses. The agreement between molecular and serological results was 79.8 % (K > 0.674) and positively correlated with parasitic load. Infection was associated with pale mucus membranes, lower packed cell volume and higher total solids (all P < 0.001), although these changes had only minor clinical importance. While parasitic loads in qPCR-positive samples (n = 561) were generally low (mean = 7.9-10-4% parasitized erythrocytes), younger horses showed higher loads, possibly suggesting development of immunity. Infection and parasitic load were associated with housing management and tick exposure, illustrating different patterns of exposure. Endemic stability is suggested in pasture farms with constant exposure to ticks, where parasite prevalence was high (96 %) and associated with T. equi 18S rRNA genotype D, low parasitemia and high antibody titers. Endemic instability can be suggested in case were horses are kept in paddocks (prevalence = 49 %) with intermittent exposure to ticks, where infection was associated with high parasitemia when ticks were present. A steady state is suggested in stabled horses (prevalence = 46 %), with no exposure to ticks; where infection was associated with genotype A, low parasitemia and low antibody titers. The ability to identify different risk groups within endemic areas may improve the administration of suitable treatment and control practices in an effort to reduce the risk of clinical disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Tirosh-Levy
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B 12, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
| | - Yuval Gottlieb
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B 12, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
| | - Monica L Mazuz
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O.B 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel.
| | - Igor Savitsky
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O.B 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel.
| | - Amir Steinman
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B 12, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
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Tirosh-Levy S, Gottlieb Y, Arieli O, Mazuz ML, King R, Horowitz I, Steinman A. Genetic characteristics of Theileria equi in zebras, wild and domestic donkeys in Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 11:101286. [PMID: 31537490 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is an important tick-borne disease of equids, caused by Theileria equi and Babesia caballi. It is endemic in most parts of the world, including Israel, and has clinical and economic consequences. This study was set to evaluate the presence of EP parasites in domestic donkeys and in wild equids in Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA). To assess subclinical EP infection in 98 domestic donkeys (Equus africanus asinus), 9 Asiatic wild donkeys (Equus hemionus), 8 zebras (Equus quagga), 7 African wild donkeys (Equus africanus) and 5 mules, were tested using PCR and qPCR. Positive samples were characterized by amplification and sequencing of a 1600 bp fragment of the 18S rRNA gene. Babesia caballi was not detected in any of the animals. Theileria equi was detected in 32% of the donkeys, 89% of Asiatic wild donkeys, 57% of African wild donkeys, 62% of zebras and none of the mules. Parasitemia was low in all of the positive samples. Risk factors associated with infection in donkeys included one farm (Kiryat Gat) and animal sex (male). The sequences of the 18S rRNA gene from domestic donkeys were all similar, and belonged to the T. equi genotype D, similar to the genotype sequenced from horses in the same area, while sequences from wild donkeys were unique and belonged to the T. equi genotype A. Verification of the T. equi genotype in zebras could not be concluded, suggesting major genetic variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Tirosh-Levy
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B 12, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel.
| | - Yuval Gottlieb
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B 12, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel.
| | - Ori Arieli
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B 12, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel.
| | - Monica L Mazuz
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O.B 12, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel.
| | - Roni King
- Israel Nature and Parks Authority, 3 Am Ve'Olamo St., Jerusalem, 95463, Israel.
| | - Igal Horowitz
- Zoological Center Tel Aviv-Ramat Gan & Israeli Wildlife Hospital at the Zoological Center Tel Aviv-Ramat Gan, 1 HaTsvi Ave., Ramat Gan, 52109, Israel.
| | - Amir Steinman
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B 12, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel.
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Yasur-Landau D, Salant H, Levin-Gichon G, Botero-Anug AM, Zafrany A, Mazuz ML, Baneth G. Urinary incontinence associated with Mesocestoides vogae infection in a dog. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:1039-1044. [PMID: 30685781 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06216-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Peritoneal larval cestodiasis caused by Mesocestoides spp. is a rare infection in dogs. A 6-year-old female dog was presented for veterinary care with urinary incontinence which started 1 year earlier. After performing hematology, ultrasound, and computerized tomography, an exploratory laparotomy revealed canine peritoneal larval cestodiasis (CPLC) with the presence of Mesocestoides vogae (syn. Mesocestoides corti) tetrathyridia confirmed by morphological identification and PCR and DNA sequencing. Parasitic cysts were found around the urinary bladder and appeared to inhibit its normal function. An initial treatment with 5 mg/kg praziquantel subcutaneously every 2 weeks for four treatments failed to alleviate the clinical signs, and only treatment with fenbendazole at 100 mg/kg P.O. twice daily for 28 days was associated with the disappearance of ascites and regaining of urinary control. This is the first report of CPLC associated with urinary incontinence in dogs and the first description of this cyclophyllidean cestode in dogs in Israel.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Yasur-Landau
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 12, 50250, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - Harold Salant
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, 76100, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - G Levin-Gichon
- Hahistadrut Veterinary Clinic, 60 Histadrut Street, Holon, Israel
| | | | - A Zafrany
- Knowledge Farm Specialist's Referral Center, Beit Berl, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - M L Mazuz
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 12, 50250, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - G Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, 76100, Rehovot, Israel
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Mazuz ML, Alvarez-García G, King R, Savisky I, Shkap V, Ortega-Mora LM, Gutiérrez-Expósito D. Exposure to Neospora spp. and Besnoitia spp. in wildlife from Israel. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2018; 7:317-321. [PMID: 30175044 PMCID: PMC6115540 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Neosporosis and besnoitiosis, caused by cyst-forming protozoa Neospora caninum and Besnoitia besnoiti, respectively, are parasitic infestations of livestock in Israel. These parasites cause significant economic losses in cattle due to reproductive and productive disorders. Both parasites have been detected in several wild ruminant species throughout other regions of the world, while the existence of a sylvatic life cycle in Israel remains uncertain. Thus, a wide panel of 871 sera from two wild carnivores and nine wild ruminant species were tested. All sera were first analysed by MAT for an initial screening and positive samples were confirmed a posteriori by Western blot. Additionally, a complementary IFAT was used for the detection of antibodies against N. caninum. Neospora antibodies were present in six out of the 11 species investigated, whereas Besnoitia antibodies were undetected. Golden jackal, red fox, addax, Arabian oryx, Persian fallow deer, mouflon, mountain gazelle, Nubian ibex, scimitar horned oryx and water buffalo were seropositive against N. caninum infection by IFAT and/or MAT. Moreover, the presence of Neospora spp.-specific antibodies was confirmed by Western blot in golden jackal (6/189; 3.2%), red fox (1/75; 1.3%), Persian fallow deer (13/232; 5.6%), mouflon (1/15; 16.7%), Nubian ibex (22/55; 40%) and water buffalo (12/18; 66.7%). Addax (1/49) and water buffalo (1/18) were MAT-seropositive against B. besnoiti but were seronegative by Western blot. Hence, Neospora sylvatic cycle is present in Israel and may cross over to a domestic life cycle. In contrast, wildlife species investigated are unlikely to present a risk of transmitting Besnoitia to livestock in Israel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica L Mazuz
- Parasitology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, PO Box 12, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel
| | - Gema Alvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roni King
- Science Division, Israel Nature & Parks Authority, 3 Am Ve´Olamo St, Jerusalem, 9546303, Israel
| | - Igor Savisky
- Parasitology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, PO Box 12, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel
| | - Varda Shkap
- Parasitology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, PO Box 12, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel
| | - Luis M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Gutiérrez-Expósito
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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Margalit Levi M, Tirosh-Levy S, Dahan R, Berlin D, Steinman A, Edery N, Savitski I, Lebovich B, Knowles D, Suarez CE, Baneth G, Mazuz ML. First Detection of Diffuse and Cerebral Theileria equi Infection in Neonatal Filly. J Equine Vet Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2017.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Mazuz ML, Shkap V, Wollkomirsky R, Leibovich B, Savitsky I, Fleiderovitz L, Noam S, Elena B, Molad T, Golenser J. Neospora caninum: Chronic and congenital infection in consecutive pregnancies of mice. Vet Parasitol 2016; 219:66-70. [PMID: 26921042 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Revised: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum, the causative agent of bovine neosporosis is the major cause of abortion in cattle worldwide. The principal route of transmission is via in utero infection of the offspring. Congenitally-infected dams remain persistently infected for life and might undergo abortions in consecutive pregnancies. In the present study, the effect of N. caninum in chronic and congenital infection was examined. CD1 mice were infected intra-peritoneally with live tachyzoites of the NcIs491 isolate, while non-infected mice served as a control. There were no clinical signs of infection observed following inoculation, but high titers of specific anti- N. caninum antibodies were detected. A month after infection, when chronic-infection was established, mice were mated. Fertility, litter size and mortality rate were monitored within two generations of four consecutive pregnancies. During a nine months period of the study all females maintained high level of antibodies, while the non- infected control mice remained seronegative. There was no difference in the fertility rate of the dams, or in the litter size of infected and control mice. Mortality of offspring of the first and second generations of the infected dams was observed within the two first weeks of life. The vertical transmission was analyzed by PCR assay of offspring brains. PCR positive results were found in all 13 litters of the first generation tested during four consecutive pregnancies. The rate of vertical transmission slightly decreased in successive pregnancies being 74.2%, 59.5%, 48.1% and 40% for the first to fourth pregnancies respectively. In the second generation 21 out of 28 litters were found positive and the overall rate of vertical transmission was 28.5%. In chronically and congenitally infected dams N. caninum infection was maintained during all successive pregnancies for about 9 months. The results show that CD-1 outbred mice are a suitable model for studying chronic and congenital neosporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica L Mazuz
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O.B. 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Varda Shkap
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O.B. 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Ricardo Wollkomirsky
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O.B. 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Benjamin Leibovich
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O.B. 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Igor Savitsky
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O.B. 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Ludmila Fleiderovitz
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O.B. 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Sugar Noam
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O.B. 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Blinder Elena
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O.B. 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Thea Molad
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O.B. 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Jacob Golenser
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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13
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Molad T, Erster O, Fleiderovitz L, Roth A, Leibovitz B, Wolkomirsky R, Mazuz ML, Behar A, Markovics A. Molecular characterization of the Israeli B. bigemina vaccine strain and field isolates. Vet Parasitol 2015; 212:147-55. [PMID: 26154404 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The present study demonstrated the genetic character of the Israeli Babesia bigemina vaccine strain and field isolates, based on rap-1a and rap-1c gene sequences. The RAP-1a of blood-derived Israeli B. bigemina field isolates shared 100% amino acid sequence identity. However, comparison of RAP-1c from various Israeli B. bigemina field isolates revealed that the total sequence identity among the field isolates ranged from 98.2 to 100%. High identity was observed when RAP-1a sequences from the Israeli vaccine strain and field isolates were compared with RAP-1a from Egypt, Syria, Mexico and South Africa, while, the Israeli RAP-1c sequences showed the highest identity to the Mexican isolate JG-29 and to the PR isolate from Puerto-Rico. Based on sequence variations between the rap-1a of the vaccine strain and that of the field isolate, and between the rap-1c of the vaccine strain and that of the field isolates, nPCR-RFLP procedures were developed that enable, for the first time differentiation between the Israeli B. bigemina vaccine strain and field-infection isolates. These assays could serve as fast and sensitive methods for detection and differentiation between Israeli B. bigemina vaccine strains and field isolates, as well as for epidemiological investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Molad
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel.
| | - O Erster
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - L Fleiderovitz
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - A Roth
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - B Leibovitz
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - R Wolkomirsky
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - M L Mazuz
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - A Behar
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - A Markovics
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
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Mazuz ML, Golenser J, Fish L, Haynes RK, Wollkomirsky R, Leibovich B, Shkap V. Artemisone inhibits in vitro and in vivo propagation of Babesia bovis and B. bigemina parasites. Exp Parasitol 2013; 135:690-4. [PMID: 24184077 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2013.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 04/29/2013] [Revised: 08/26/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Artemisone was evaluated, in in vitro and in vivo, for control of bovine babesiosis caused by Babesia bigemina and Babesia bovis parasites. In vitro, artemisone reduced parasitemia in a dose-dependent manner: the inhibitory effects increased gradually, reaching a maximum inhibition of 99.6% and 86.4% for B. bigemina and B. bovis, respectively 72 h after initiation of treatment with initial parasitemia of 0.5%. In calves infected with either B. bigemina or B. bovis artemisone treatment was well tolerated and prevented development of acute babesiosis in all animals except for one B. bovis-infected calf. The treatment did not eliminate all blood parasites, and recovered animals carried a persistent low-level infection. Treatment with artemisone may be useful as an alternative drug for preventing the pathology that results from babesiosis, without interfering with acquired immune protection following recovery from an acute babesiosis infection or vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica L Mazuz
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, 50250 Bet Dagan, Israel.
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15
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Mazuz ML, Haynes R, Shkap V, Fish L, Wollkomirsky R, Leibovich B, Molad T, Savitsky I, Golenser J. Neospora caninum: in vivo and in vitro treatment with artemisone. Vet Parasitol 2011; 187:99-104. [PMID: 22260899 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2011] [Revised: 12/08/2011] [Accepted: 12/16/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Neosporosis caused by Neospora caninum has global economic, clinical, and epidemiological impacts, mainly in the cattle industry. Currently, there is no useful drug for treatment of neosporosis. This publication is the first to describe the significant benefits that artemisone has on Neospora infections both in vitro and in vivo. Artemisone is a new semi-synthetic 10-alkylamino artemisinin that is superior to other artemisinin derivatives in terms of its significantly higher antimalarial activity, its tolerance in vivo, lack of detectable neurotoxic potential, improved in vivo pharmacokinetics and metabolic stability. Low micromolar concentrations of artemisone inhibited in vitro Neospora development. Prophylactic and post-infection treatment profoundly reduced the number of infected cells and parasites per cell. In the in vivo gerbil model, a non-toxic dose prevented typical cerebral symptoms, in most animals. There were no signs of clinical symptoms and brain PCR was negative. Most treated gerbils produced high specific antibody titer and were protected against a challenge. Overall, artemisone could be considered as a future drug for neosporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica L Mazuz
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
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Shkap V, Rasulov I, Abdurasulov S, Fish L, Leibovitz B, Krigel Y, Molad T, Mazuz ML, Savitsky I. Babesia bigemina: attenuation of an Uzbek isolate for immunization of cattle with live calf- or culture-derived parasites. Vet Parasitol 2007; 146:221-6. [PMID: 17368728 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2007.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2006] [Revised: 12/17/2006] [Accepted: 02/15/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The virulence of an Uzbek isolate of Babesia bigemina, obtained from infected Boophilus annulatus ticks from an endemic area in Uzbekistan, was attenuated for immunization of cattle with autochthonous calf- or culture-derived parasites in Uzbekistan. After four "slow passages" in vivo the virulence was reduced, as evidenced by the response of calves inoculated with an experimental live frozen vaccine produced from the following passage. The vaccine was safe and protective against homologous virulent challenge under laboratory conditions. The culture-derived experimental vaccine was produced from cultures initiated after 3 passages in vivo followed by 22 passages in vitro. The cultured parasites did not elicit any clinical sign, but inoculated calves seroconverted following vaccination and were protected against the virulent homologous challenge. Both calf- and culture-derived vaccines were safe for cattle grazing in an endemic area in Uzbekistan. Despite the high polymorphism of B. bigemina, as reported from various geographical regions, the Central Asian strain was attenuated similarly to those that form the basis of the existing live B. bigemina vaccines in other parts of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varda Shkap
- Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel.
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Molad T, Mazuz ML, Fleiderovitz L, Fish L, Savitsky I, Krigel Y, Leibovitz B, Molloy J, Jongejan F, Shkap V. Molecular and serological detection of A. centrale- and A. marginale-infected cattle grazing within an endemic area. Vet Microbiol 2005; 113:55-62. [PMID: 16300909 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2005.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2005] [Revised: 10/11/2005] [Accepted: 10/14/2005] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A reverse line blot hybridization (RLB) one-stage nested PCR (nPCR) for Anaplasma centrale and a nested PCR for Anaplasma marginale were used to detect infected cattle grazing within an endemic region in Israel. A novel set of PCR primers and oligonucleotide probes based on a 16S ribosomal RNA gene was designed for RLB detection of both Anaplasma species, and the performance of the molecular assays compared. The immunofluorescent antibody test (IFA) was used to detect antibodies to both Anaplasma species, whereas, a highly sensitive and specific competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) was used to detect antibodies in A. centrale-vaccinated cattle. The RLB and the nested PCR procedures showed bacteremia with sensitivity of 50 infected erythrocytes per milliliter. Up to 93% of the A. centrale vaccinates carried specific antibodies that were detected by cELISA, and up to 71% of the vaccinated cattle were found to be naturally infected with A. marginale according to the PCR and the RLB assays. Nevertheless, no severe outbreaks of A. marginale infection occurred among vaccinated herds in this endemic region. It appears that both, molecular tools and serology are useful for evaluation of the vaccine efficacy. In the light of wide natural field infection with A. marginale, strong recommendations to continue the A. centrale vaccination program regime will continue until a new generation of non-blood-based vaccine will be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Molad
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 12, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
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