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Gabrielli S, Brustenga L, Morganti G, Ciuca L, Barlozzari G, Rigamonti G, Orlandi M, Sforna M, Veronesi F. Genetic variability of Dirofilaria repens isolates from humans and dogs in Italy. Vet Parasitol 2024; 326:110096. [PMID: 38141355 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.110096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Dirofilaria repens is a paradigmatic example of an emerging vector-borne pathogen (VBP) in both human and veterinary fields. The spatial expansion and the increasing zoonotic impact of this VBP can be related to several drivers including the genetic structure of parasite populations. Italy is one of the European countries traditionally endemic with the highest incidence of canine and human cases of subcutaneous dirofilariosis. The present study aimed to assess the genetic identity and variability of D. repens isolates of human and canine origin from areas of Central Italy, compared with those isolated from different areas of Europe by sequence analysis of mtDNA genes (i.e., 12 S rDNA and cox1). A total of twenty isolates of D. repens were obtained from biopsies of subcutaneous and ocular cases of dirofilariosis occurring in 10 dogs and 10 humans. The sequence analysis of 12 S rDNA showed that all the sequences obtained clustered as a monophyletic group with a strong nodal support, indicating that all sequence types represented D. repens. The cox1 and the 12 S sequence analysis did not show host-related polymorphisms between human and dog-derived specimens. The sequence analysis of cox1 was performed including 8 additional sequences previously obtained from human and canine isolates in the same areas. Out of the 28 sequences analyzed, 20 were grouped in a haplogroup comprising 15 haplotypes (i.e., DR1, DR2, DR4, DR5, DR7, DR8, DR10-DR18), 2 sequences matched to DR9, reported for the first time in Italy, and 6 showed peculiar polymorphisms that were not previously described. The results obtained have implications for a better understanding of the epidemiology and phylogeography of this emerging vector-borne zoonotic parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Gabrielli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Leonardo Brustenga
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giulia Morganti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Lavinia Ciuca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naple, Italy
| | - Giulia Barlozzari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana M. Aleandri, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Rigamonti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Margherita Orlandi
- Freelance Veterinarian for MyLav - La Vallonea, Laboratorio di Analisi Veterinarie s.r.l. Passirana di Rho (MI), Italy
| | - Monica Sforna
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Fabrizia Veronesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Klerkx S, Venstermans C. Subcutaneous dirofilariasis in a 25-year-old male patient in Belgium on ultrasonography: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2024; 18:16. [PMID: 38218864 PMCID: PMC10787962 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-023-04242-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Subcutaneous dirofilariasis is a parasitic zoonosis commonly described in Canidae but rarely seen in humans. Most physicians are unfamiliar with this disease, especially in nonendemic areas, which can lead to medication error and diagnostic and treatment delay. To the best of our knowledge, no previous case of subcutaneous dirofilariasis preoperatively diagnosed on ultrasound has been described in Western Europe. CASE PRESENTATION A 25-year-old Belgian male patient presented with a subcutaneous nodule in the epigastric region. Ultrasound investigation showed a typical cystic lesion with an internal serpiginous structure with echogenic lines, and there was active twirling movement of this serpentine structure during investigation, pathognomonic for subcutaneous dirofilariasis. Surgical extirpation was performed, and the diagnosis was histopathologically confirmed. CONCLUSION Subcutaneous dirofilariasis has a characteristic appearance on ultrasound but is not well known in nonendemic areas, often leading to diagnostic delay and initial incorrect treatment. More knowledge of this disease and of its characteristic ultrasound appearance will hopefully lead to better patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Klerkx
- Department of Imaging & Pathology, GZA Hospitals Sint-Augustinus, Oosterveldlaan 24, 2610, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Caroline Venstermans
- Department of Imaging & Pathology, GZA Hospitals Sint-Augustinus, Oosterveldlaan 24, 2610, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
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Kozlov SS, Ermakova LA, Lobzin YV, Nagorny SA, Kornienko IV, Telicheva VO, Kaliuzhina MA, Pshenichcnaya NY. [A case of pleuropulmonary dirofilariasis caused by Dirofilaria repens. Case report]. TERAPEVT ARKH 2023; 95:970-975. [PMID: 38158954 DOI: 10.26442/00403660.2023.11.202477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The differential diagnosis of neoplasms of various localizations is the primary task in clinical practice of all physicians. We present a description of the case of invasion with Dirofilaria repens in the lung of a 68-year-old patient. In 2016 the patient was diagnosed with cancer of the left kidney and underwent a left-sided nephrectomy. During the dynamic observation in 2019, a lump was found in the left lung, which was regarded as a metastasis. An atypical SIX resection of the left lung was performed. Microscopy of the removed lump revealed the presence of a nematode of the genus Dirofilaria, presumably D. repens. The species identity of D. repens was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction using species-specific primers. It is known that the morphological identification of parasites up to the species in the surgical material presents certain difficulties and requires high professional training of the researcher. Therefore, the diagnosis of dirofilariasis in atypical localizations of nematodes in the human body is of great importance in the differentiation of malignant and benign formations, and the use of the polymerase chain reaction method can significantly increase the accuracy in establishing the final diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Kozlov
- Pediatric Research and Clinical Center for Infectious Diseases
- Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University
- Kirov Military Medical Academy
| | - L A Ermakova
- Rostov Research Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology
| | - Y V Lobzin
- Pediatric Research and Clinical Center for Infectious Diseases
- Kirov Military Medical Academy
- Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University
| | - S A Nagorny
- Rostov Research Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology
| | - I V Kornienko
- Federal Research Center Southern Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences
- Southern Federal University
| | - V O Telicheva
- Rostov Research Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology
| | - M A Kaliuzhina
- Rostov Research Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology
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Edana GG, Preena P, Balan C, Sarangom SB, Vijayakumar K. Hematological characteristics of autochthonous hypermicrofilaremic dirofilariosis in dogs in Kannur District of Kerala. J Parasit Dis 2023; 47:787-792. [PMID: 38009152 PMCID: PMC10667202 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-023-01622-6] [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: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine whether autochthonous high-intensity D. repens microfilaremia leads to haematological changes in companion dogs. Dogs with hypermicrofilaremia presented to the District Veterinary Centre, Kannur were selected for the study. A total of 100 dogs were positive for hypermicrofilariaemia with D. repens based on peripheral blood smear examination and Knott's test. Of these, 3 dogs were concurrently positive for sheathed microfilaria (MF) of Brugia spp. Interestingly, an adult live worm of D. repens approximately eight cm in length was detected on a subcutaneous mass on the hind limb of a hypermicrofilaremic dog in the study. We compared the hematological parameters of 100 autochthonous hypermicrofilaremic dogs and 15 uninfected dogs. The hematological findings in the study are mild to moderate anemia, moderate to severe thrombocytopenia, leucocytosis with granulocytosis, lymphocytosis and monocytosis as compared to the uninfected group of dogs. The pathogenicity of naturally occurring hypermicrofilaremia is poorly studied, and knowledge of its epidemiology, host-parasite relationship and impact on various organs is warranted for better prevention and control, especially in hot-spot areas. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12639-023-01622-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgen G. Edana
- Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Mannuthy, 680 651 Kerala India
| | - P. Preena
- Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Mannuthy, 680 651 Kerala India
| | - C. Balan
- Department of Animal Husbandry Statistics and Computer Applications, Madras Veterinary College (TANUVAS), Chennai, 600 007 India
| | - Sherin B. Sarangom
- Department of Animal Husbandry, District Veterinary Centre, Kannur, Kerala 670 001 India
| | - K. Vijayakumar
- Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Mannuthy, 680 651 Kerala India
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Tasić-Otasevic S, Golubović M, Trichei S, Zdravkovic D, Jordan R, Gabrielli S. Microfilaremic Dirofilaria repens Infection in Patient from Serbia. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:2548-2550. [PMID: 37987593 PMCID: PMC10683817 DOI: 10.3201/eid2912.230796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
We report a case of Dirofilaria repens infection causing microfilaremia in a patient from Serbia. Serum samples tested positive for D. repens IgG by ELISA. Our findings and those of others suggest the parasite's progressive adaptation to humans. Clinicians should be aware that microfilaremia can develop during Dirofilaria spp. infections.
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Genchi M, Kramer L, Venco L, Ciuca L, Vismarra A. How Italian practitioners manage dirofilariosis in dogs and cats? Data of a second national survey. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 46:100934. [PMID: 37935535 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
The zoonotic nematodes Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are endemic in many European countries and their distribution is changing. A correct diagnosis is the starting point to reduce their spread and veterinary practitioners represent the first line of defense against these two vector-borne diseases in pets and humans. With the aim to better understand current knowledge by veterinarians and to compare them with the previous survey, an online questionnaire was sent to Italian companion animal veterinary facilities. The overall response rate was 22.3%. Approximately 50% and 5% of facilities have diagnosed at least one case of Dirofilaria spp. in the last year in dogs and cats, respectively. In agreement with international guidelines, of the 665 facilities that responded to the questionnaire, 16.8% used Knott's test in combination with serology (Antigenic test-Ag-) to diagnose heartworm infection in dogs. For the diagnosis of D. repens infection, 13.8% used Knott's test in dogs and cats, and 10.5% used Knott's test only in dogs. Most facilities recommended beginning prevention of canine heartworm disease in April and ending in November. Injectable moxidectin and oral ivermectin were the two most commonly used preventives for D. immitis in dogs, while selamectin was most frequently used in cats. The drug most commonly used for heartworm adulticide treatment in dogs was melarsomine followed by the combined ivermectin-doxycycline treatment. The results of this study suggest that, on the one hand, veterinarians are aware of the recent developments in adulticide therapy, while on the other hand, diagnosis is not always made according to what is recommended by international guidelines and that the start and end times of prevention may not be optimal. Furthermore, the data show an increase in cases of coinfection compared to the previous survey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Genchi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parasitology Unit, strada del Taglio, 10, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Laura Kramer
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parasitology Unit, strada del Taglio, 10, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Luigi Venco
- Ospedale Veterinario Città di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Lavinia Ciuca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples "Federico II", Parasitology Unit, via Delpino, 1, 80137 Napoli, Italy
| | - Alice Vismarra
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parasitology Unit, strada del Taglio, 10, 43126 Parma, Italy.
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Kamkong P, Jitsamai W, Thongmeesee K, Ratthawongjirakul P, Taweethavonsawat P. Genetic diversity and characterization of Wolbachia endosymbiont in canine filariasis. Acta Trop 2023; 246:107000. [PMID: 37567493 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Canine filariasis is caused by nematodes from the family Onchocercidae, which is transmitted by arthropod vectors. The disease is commonly found in Southeast Asia and exists worldwide. Some filarial nematodes are associated with intracellular bacteria of the genus Wolbachia, which plays an important role in embryogenesis, molting, and the long-term survival of adult worms. This study aims to characterize Wolbachia sp. and determine the association between Wolbachia and canine filarial nematode species in Thailand. A total of 46 dog blood samples that were naturally infected with filarial nematodes were obtained to identify filarial nematode species by Giemsa stained under a light microscope and confirmed using the molecular technique. In order to characterize Wolbachia sp., the nested PCR assay targeting the 16S rRNA gene showed that all samples of Dirofilaria immitis and fifteen samples of Candidatus Dirofilaria hongkongensis were grouped into Wolbachia supergroup C. In addition, all samples of Brugia spp. and five samples of Candidatus Dirofilaria hongkongensis were classified into Wolbachia supergroup D. The genetic diversity analysis conducted using the 16S rRNA gene revealed a similar result when analyzed through phylogenetic tree analysis. This is the first genetic diversity study of Wolbachia of Candidatus Dirofilaria hongkongensis in infected dogs in Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patchana Kamkong
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Graduate Program of Molecular Sciences in Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Biomarkers in Animal Parasitology Research Group, Thailand
| | - Wanarit Jitsamai
- Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kritsada Thongmeesee
- Veterinary Pathobiology Graduate Program, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Panan Ratthawongjirakul
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Piyanan Taweethavonsawat
- Biomarkers in Animal Parasitology Research Group, Thailand; Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Parasitology Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
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Ciuca L, Caruso V, Illiano S, Bosco A, Maurelli MP, Rinaldi L. Corrigendum: Emerging risk of Dirofilaria spp. infection in shelter dogs in southern Italy. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1290005. [PMID: 37829354 PMCID: PMC10565950 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1290005] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1112036.].
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Ciuca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Unit of Parasitology, University of Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Shaikh Z, Kar P, Mohanty S, Dey M, Samal DK. Ocular dirofilariasis: A report from Odisha. Indian J Med Microbiol 2023; 45:100388. [PMID: 37573051 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmmb.2023.100388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
We report a case of ocular dirofilariasis in a 68-year-old man manifesting as pre-septal abscess with gradually increasing swelling of the left eyelid and near complete ptosis of eye. A live worm was seen wriggling in the lesion while the abscess was being drained and was extracted carefully. Subsequently, it was identified as an adult female Dirofilaria repens worm. The lid edema and swelling resolved and the patient was discharged without any residual complaints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaid Shaikh
- Department of ENT, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751019, Odisha, India.
| | - Punyatoya Kar
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751019, Odisha, India.
| | - Srujana Mohanty
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751019, Odisha, India.
| | - Monalisa Dey
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751019, Odisha, India.
| | - Dillip Kumar Samal
- Department of ENT, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, 751019, Odisha, India.
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Jha VK, Verghese A, Basaiawmoit P, Janakiraman N, Raman M, Biswas J. Removal and identification of a subconjunctival parasite by light and scanning electron microscopy. Indian J Ophthalmol 2023; 71:3270. [PMID: 37602631 PMCID: PMC10565932 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_830_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ophthalmic dirofilariasis is an uncommon zoonotic parasitic infection caused by species of Dirofilaria, a dog tapeworm that is transmitted to human by mosquitoes. Man is a dead-end host for the parasite. Ophthalmic involvement is rare and includes periorbital, subconjunctival, subtenon, and intra-ocular involvement. We report the removal of a subconjunctival worm and identification by light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Purpose : A 62-year-old female presented with complaints of redness, discharge, and foreign body sensation with difficulty in opening eyes in the left eye for the last 3 days. The patient is a non-vegetarian. On examination, her best corrected visual acuity in both eyes was 20/20. On slit lamp examination, there was a long, thin, round, coiled white subconjunctival live worm in the left eye superiorly. The rest of anterior segment evaluation, intra-ocular pressure, and fundus was normal in both eyes. The parasite was removed under local anesthesia from subconjunctival space [Video]. External surface morphology under LM revealed fine transverse cuticular striations with tapered cephalic and caudal ends. Uterus was long and coiled with indistinguishable masses inside. The finding was also confirmed by SEM. Synopsis A subconjuctival parasite was removed and identified as Dirofilaria repens by characteristic LM and SEM findings. Highlight Dirofilaria species may lodge in many tissues of human bodies including eye and adnexa. Dirofilaria is a natural parasite of carnivorous animals, mostly dogs, cats, and foxes.[1] The most common mode of transmission to human is usually by bite of mosquitoes like Culex and Aedes, which are considered as vectors, and it is often thought that parasitemia is because of accidental conduction.[1] Simple surgical removal of the worm is curative. After removal, the worm should be visualized directly under LM. All the internal structures of the transparent worm could be seen and compared with those under SEM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Kumar Jha
- Department of Uvea, Medical Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Amita Verghese
- Department of General Ophthalmology, Eye Microsurgery and Laser Centre, Tiruvalla, Kerala, India
| | - Priya Basaiawmoit
- Department of General Ophthalmology, Eye Microsurgery and Laser Centre, Tiruvalla, Kerala, India
| | - Narayanan Janakiraman
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Vision Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Muthusamy Raman
- Department of Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College and amp, Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and amp, Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jyotirmay Biswas
- Department of Uvea, Medical Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Dosemane D, Khadilkar MN, Sriperumbudur S, Aggarwal I. Unusual cause of unilateral facial oedema: intramuscular dirofilariasis. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 280:4291-4293. [PMID: 37310453 PMCID: PMC10382336 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-023-08057-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Unilateral facial oedema may occur due to inflammatory, infective, or cystic pathology; patients often seek medical help at an early stage. CASE REPORT We report one such case caused mimicking a parotid abscess, caused by dirofilariasis. CONCLUSION Dirofilariasis is an emerging zoonosis and should be considered a differential diagnosis of atypical facial swelling. It is equally important for clinicians, radiologists, and pathologists to be familiar with the diagnostic characteristics to avoid misdiagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deviprasad Dosemane
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 575001, India
| | - Meera Niranjan Khadilkar
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 575001, India.
| | - Susmita Sriperumbudur
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 575001, India
| | - Ishaan Aggarwal
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 575001, India
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Menna F, Billia F, Papazoglou A, Tschopp M, Grobholz R. Unusual Masquerading Infraorbital Mass-A Case Report of Human Ocular Dirofilariosis Found in A Ukrainian Patient in Switzerland. Pathogens 2023; 12:982. [PMID: 37623942 PMCID: PMC10459646 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12080982] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A 78-year-old Ukrainian woman who had immigrated to Switzerland presented with a rapid growing subcutaneous infraorbital mass. Surgical excision of the mass revealed a well-circumscribed, encapsulated tumor, adherent to the skin. The excision showed a soft tissue inflammation with parts of Dirofilaria spp. The number of cases of human dirofilariosis reported in the last 50 years has gradually increased. Dirofilaria repens is now endemic in many countries and is currently considered to be one of the fast spreading zoonoses in Central, Eastern and Northern Europe. The first empirical evidence of Swiss spreading of D. repens infections was in a dog from southern Switzerland in 1998. Ours is the first case of human orbital dirofilariosis found in a Ukranian patient reported in Switzerland. Our purpose is to inform the ophthalmologist to consider orbital dirofilariosis in the differential diagnosis of inflammatory masses of the orbit and to warn about the spread of this infection in Switzerland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feliciana Menna
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, CH-5001 Aarau, Switzerland; (F.B.); (A.P.); (M.T.)
| | - Filippo Billia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, CH-5001 Aarau, Switzerland; (F.B.); (A.P.); (M.T.)
| | - Anthia Papazoglou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, CH-5001 Aarau, Switzerland; (F.B.); (A.P.); (M.T.)
| | - Markus Tschopp
- Department of Ophthalmology, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, CH-5001 Aarau, Switzerland; (F.B.); (A.P.); (M.T.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Rainer Grobholz
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Pathology, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, University of Zurich, CH-5001 Aarau, Switzerland;
- Institute of Pathology, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, CH-5001 Aarau, Switzerland
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Napoli E, D'Amico G, Ramos RAN. Editorial: Dog filariosis: the threat walks not only in the blood stream. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1258004. [PMID: 37546335 PMCID: PMC10401595 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1258004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ettore Napoli
- Department Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gianluca D'Amico
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Rafael Antonio Nascimento Ramos
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Federal University of the Agreste of Pernambuco, Garanhuns, Brazil
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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14
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Ciuca L, Caruso V, Illiano S, Bosco A, Maurelli MP, Rinaldi L. Emerging risk of Dirofilaria spp. infection in shelter dogs in southern Italy. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1112036. [PMID: 37483291 PMCID: PMC10357286 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1112036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In southern Italy, the number of autochthonous cases of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs has increased considerably. This also occurs in the Campania region, particularly in coastal areas, where infections with D. immitis and Dirofilaria repens have been reported more frequently. Therefore the aim of the present study was to better investigate the occurrence of Dirofilaria spp. in a local dog shelter in Castel Volturno (Campania region, southern Italy). Briefly, a total of 260 blood samples were analysed for identification of microfilariae (mff) and detection of Dirofilaria immitis antigen. Dogs were classified according to their age (1-3 years; 4-6 years; 7-11 years; > 11 years) and length of stay in the shelter at the time of sampling (dogs that entered in the shelter in the last 4 months; dogs housed in the shelter for more than 4 months up to 2 years; dogs housed for more than 2 years). The modified Knott's test revealed that 195 dogs (75.0%) were positive for circulating mff of Dirofilaria spp. Specifically, 104/260 (40.0%) dogs were positive for D. immitis and 91/260 (35.0%) were positive for D. repens. In addition, 72/260 (27.7%) dogs had both D. immitis and D. repens mff. Antigen testing revealed that 78/260 (30.0%) dogs were positive for D. immitis. However, 26/104 (25.0%) of the dogs with D. immitis mff were antigen-negative. The overall k concordance between the modified Knott's test and the antigenic test was ≤0.2 (poor) (p = 0.000). The results of the logistic regression model showed a significant association between Dirofilaria exposure and the period of time the dogs had spent in the shelter at the time of sampling. Dogs housed in the shelter for 4 months (group 1) and between 4 months and 2 years (group 2) had higher Dirofilaria positivity than dogs in group 3 (housed for more than 2 years) (80.4% vs. 79.6% vs. 62.4%, respectively). Moreover, male dogs and older dogs (between 7 and 11 years of age) were more likely to be infected with Dirofilaria spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Ciuca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Unit of Parasitology, University of Federico II, Naples, Italy
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15
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Choudhury PD, Raja D, Sarma V. Human subcutaneous dirofilariasis: A diagnostic dilemma. Trop Parasitol 2023; 13:118-121. [PMID: 37860617 PMCID: PMC10583780 DOI: 10.4103/tp.tp_117_20] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Human dirofilariasis is a rare infection caused by filarial worms of genus Dirofilaria. Humans may be infected as aberrant (accidental) hosts, mainly by Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria immitis. Most of the cases reported in India are of ocular dirofilariasis, with a few reports on subcutaneous dirofilariasis. We hereby report one such case of human subcutaneous dirofilariasis affecting the neck region of a 63-year male patient from Assam. This case indicates that this infection is a potentially emerging zoonosis in Assam and there is scope of finding more such cases with surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parasmita Das Choudhury
- Department of Microbiology, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital, Barpeta, Assam, India
| | - Dina Raja
- Department of Microbiology, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Vaishali Sarma
- Department of Microbiology, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Guwahati, Assam, India
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16
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Napoli E, De Benedetto G, Ciuca L, Bosco A, Lia RP, Veneziano V, Bezerra Santos MA, Otranto D, Rinaldi L, Brianti E. New distribution patterns of Dirofilaria immitis in Italy. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1162403. [PMID: 37215465 PMCID: PMC10193386 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1162403] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, the number of autochthonous cases and foci of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs from southern regions has increased considerably, suggesting that the distribution of the species is not limited to northern Italian regions. This epidemiological picture emerges from case reports or studies in specific locations where outbreaks of heartworm disease have occasionally been reported together with the presence of mosquito vectors. To obtain a more comprehensive picture of the current distribution of D. immitis in southern Italy, a multicenter cross-sectional survey of canine filariasis was conducted. Owned and sheltered dogs (n = 1,987) were included in the survey regardless their breed, attitude and/or sex. All included dogs were older than 1 year and had no history of chemoprophylactic treatment against filarioses. A blood sample was collected from enrolled dogs and screened by modified Knott's test and, when positive, tested using D. immitis specific ELISA rapid test (SNAP 4DX, IDEXX). The overall microfilaremia prevalence was 17% (n = 338) being single-species infection (92.6%) more common that mixed (7.4%). Remarkably, D. immitis was the most frequent species detected with an overall prevalence of 11.4% (n = 227), followed by Dirofilaria repens (n = 74; 3.7%), and Acanthocheilonema reconditum (n = 12; 0.6%). Sheltered dogs were significantly more infected by D. immitis, as well as mongrel dogs and animals housed in rural areas. Data here reported indicate that D. immitis is largely present in southern Italy, raising awareness about the necessity of proper screening and chemoprophylactic treatments in exposed animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ettore Napoli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Lavinia Ciuca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonio Bosco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Vincenzo Veneziano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Emanuele Brianti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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17
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[Occurrence of canine subcutaneous dirofilariosis ( Dirofilaria repens) in Switzerland]. SCHWEIZ ARCH TIERH 2023; 165:321-31. [PMID: 37227094 DOI: 10.17236/sat00395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Infectious diseases are increasingly introduced into Switzerland due to the increased travel activity in recent decades and the import of dogs. Dirofilariasis, caused by Dirofilaria immitis or D. repens, is one of them. An infection with D. repens, the cause of canine subcutaneous dirofilariosis, is often asymptomatic in dogs, but represents a potential zoonotic disease risk for humans. Due to the rapidly increasing number of human cases, D. repens is considered an emerging zoonosis in north-eastern Europe. The prevalence of D. repens infections in dogs and humans in Switzerland is unknown. Since 2016 the analysing diagnostic laboratory provided with the newly introduced filaria PCR a realiable diagnostic test to differentiate betweeen D. immitis and D. repens. Total nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) was extracted from 200 μl EDTA blood without prior enrichment followed by a species-specific real-time PCR assay. The analyses for Dirofilariae in the years 2016 to 2021 were examined in a descriptive retrospective study and the proportion of positive tests per year (prevalence with 95 % confidence interval) was calculated. Furthermore, blood samples of 50 imported dogs to Switzerland were analyzed in an exploratory cross-sectional study for the presence of dirofilaria. No D. repens positive case was found in the first two years after the introduction of the PCR. In 2018 five of 546 analyzed samples (5/546, 0,9 %, 95 % confidence interval [95 % CI]=0,7 - 1,2 %) tested positive for D. repens, in 2019 four of 591 (0,7 %, 95 % CI=0,5 - 0,9 %), in 2020 15 of 783 (1,9 %, 95 % CI=1,6 - 2,3 %) and in 2021 eleven of 1058 samples (1,0 %, 95 % CI=0,8 - 1,3 %). In the exploratory cross-sectional study, four of the 50 examined dogs were positive for D. repens (8 %, 95 % CI=2,6 - 20,1 %). One dog had a concurrent infection with D. immitis and D. repens. All four positive tested dogs were imported from Hungary. Potentially zoonotic infections with D. repens occur in dogs living in Switzerland. This disease should be included in the differential diagnoses of imported dogs and a monitoring during routine health checks should be done more often. The veterinary profession can thus assume its responsibility for the prevention of zoonoses as part of a One Health approach.
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Safarov A, Ionică AM, Akramova F, Shakarbaev U, Briciu VT, Ieremia A, Berdibaev A, Azimov D. A case of recurrent human Dirofilaria repens infection in Uzbekistan. J Helminthol 2023; 97:e30. [PMID: 36949661 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x23000147] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Dirofilaria repens is a zoonotic mosquito-borne filarioid that parasitizes in the subcutaneous tissues of carnivores, that has been incriminated in the great majority of human dirofilariasis cases reported throughout the Old World. From the Republic of Uzbekistan, recent data showed that this parasite is endemic in domestic and wild carnivores. In contrast, information regarding human infection is scarce and mostly outdated, with a single case report being published during the last decades. The present paper reports a case of recurrent autochthonous infection with D. repens in a patient living in the rural area of the Sirdaryo Region of Uzbekistan and having no international travel history. The first diagnosis was in 2019, when the patient presented with what was suspected to be a tumour of the left breast. Three years later, in 2022, she presented for a consultation after experiencing redness, occasional swelling and persistent itching in the umbilical region of the abdomen. The ultrasound indicated the presence of a living, motile nematode. Following anthelmintic therapy, the parasite was surgically removed and identified as a female D. repens. The present report highlights the possibility of human re-infection with D. repens and further underlines the necessity of raising public awareness and implementing of solid control strategies in carnivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Safarov
- State Committee of Veterinary and Livestock Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan, 21 A Kichik khalka youli Street, 100123 Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - A M Ionică
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 23 Iuliu Moldovan Street, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - F Akramova
- Institute of Zoology of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, 232 Bogishamol Street, 100053 Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - U Shakarbaev
- Institute of Zoology of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, 232 Bogishamol Street, 100053 Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - V T Briciu
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 23 Iuliu Moldovan Street, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- 'Iuliu Hațieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - A Ieremia
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 23 Iuliu Moldovan Street, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - A Berdibaev
- Nukus State Pedagogical Institute named after Ajiniyaz Republic of Karakalpakstan, P. Seytov Street, City of Nukus 230105, Uzbekistan
| | - D Azimov
- Institute of Zoology of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, 232 Bogishamol Street, 100053 Tashkent, Uzbekistan
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19
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Alsarraf M, Dwużnik-Szarek D, Hildebrand J, Mierzejewska EJ, Kloch A, Kot K, Kurek K, Nowak S, Mysłajek RW, Myśliwy I, Popiołek M, Rodo A, Alsarraf M, Tołkacz K, Topolnytska M, Wężyk D, Bajer A. Occurrence of Dirofilaria repens in wild carnivores in Poland. Parasitol Res 2023. [PMID: 36939921 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07823-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
Dirofilaria repens is an expanding vector-borne zoonotic parasite of canines and other carnivores. Sub-clinically infected dogs constitute the most important reservoir of the parasite and the source of infection for its mosquito vectors. However, occurrence of D. repens infection in wild animals may contribute to the transmission of the parasite to humans and may explain the endemicity of filariae in newly invaded regions. The aim of the current study was to determine the occurrence of D. repens in 511 blood and spleen samples from seven species of wild carnivores (wolves, red foxes, Eurasian badgers, raccoons, raccoon dogs, stone martens, and pine martens) from different regions of Poland by means of a PCR protocol targeting the 12S rDNA gene. Dirofilaria repens-positive hosts were identified in seven of fourteen voivodeships in four of the seven regions of Poland: Masovia, Lesser Poland, Pomerania and Warmia-Masuria. The highest prevalence was found in Masovia region (8%), coinciding with the highest previously recorded prevalence in dogs in Central Poland. The DNA of Dirofilaria was detected in 16 samples of three species (total prevalence 3.13%). A low and similar percentage of positive samples (1.9%, 4.2% and 4.8%) was recorded among badgers, red foxes, and wolves, respectively. Dirofilaria repens-positive hosts were identified in seven of fourteen voivodships. Based on detection in different voivodeships, D. repens-positive animals were recorded in four out of the seven regions of Poland: in Masovia, Lesser Poland, Pomerania, and Warmia-Masuria. The highest prevalence of filariae was found in Masovia region (8%), reflecting the highest previously recorded prevalence in dogs (12-50%) in Central Poland. In summary, we conducted the first comprehensive study on the epidemiology of D. repens in seven species of wild hosts in all seven regions of Poland and identified the first case of D. repens infection in Eurasian badgers in Poland and the second in Europe.
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Alsarraf M, Baneth G, Bogucka-Kocka A, Ciuca L, Dwużnik-Szarek D, Fuehrer HP, Kloch A, Kołodziej P, Levytska V, Mierzejewska EJ, Mihalca AD, Ionică AM, Mushynskyi A, Nachum-Biala Y, Alsarraf M, Bajer A. Haplotypes of Dirofilaria repens from Poland and selected countries of Central, North-Eastern Europe and the Middle East: An evaluation on the relation between the genetic diversity and the geographic distribution of the fast-spreading parasite. Vet Parasitol 2023; 315:109882. [PMID: 36731209 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.109882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Subcutaneous dirofilariosis is a fast-spreading infection of dogs, and occasionally of other carnivores and humans. Several factors contribute to its spread, including climate change, which facilitates development and survival of Dirofilaria repens in the mosquito vector. Movement/relocation of infected definitive hosts (dogs) from endemic regions to non-endemic regions is another possible cause of local emergence and the presence of a wide variety of wild reservoirs of the parasite may also contribute to its spread. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of D. repens from different regions of Europe and to evaluate the spread of identified haplotypes and their geographic origin. A total of 95 D. repens isolates were obtained from Central and Eastern Europe (Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Austria, Romania), NE Europe (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia), Italy and Israel. All but two positive samples were obtained from the blood of dogs while one positive sample was obtained from an adult worm from a human case from the Lublin area in SE Poland and one sample was obtained from Anopheles plumbeus mosquito from Austria. Genetic diversity in D. repens isolates was evaluated by PCR amplification and sequencing of three genetic markers, including two mitochondrial genes (mtDNA): the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and dehydrogenase subunit I (NADH). Additionally, the genomic marker, internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) was amplified and sequenced. Haplotypes were differentiated based on sequence alignments by identifying Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNPs) using DnaSP and Mega X. PopArt was used to construct a haplotype network including all identified haplotypes. Both mtDNA sequences (COI and NADH) were combined together for phylogenetic and network analyses. Altogether 18 haplotypes (DR1-DR18) were identified in combined mtDNA markers among 95 analysed samples. Haplotype DR1 was the most common encompassing 66 isolates: 42 isolates from Poland (41 from dogs and one from a human), 13 from Lithuania, 4 from Latvia, 2 from Ukraine and 5 from Romania. All other haplotypes grouped around haplotype DR1 separated by 1-5 SNPs, forming a star-like shape. Haplotype DR2 was the second most common haplotype, formed by six isolates from Romania. Interestingly, haplotype DR3 was represented only by four isolates from Israel. The remaining 15 haplotypes were represented by 1-4 isolates of different origins. Our study showed that only minor genetic diversity was found in D. repens since all isolates appear to have clustered in or branched out from haplotype DR1 with 1-5 SNP differences. The genetic diversity appears to be governed by geographic origin since isolates from neighbouring populations (countries) appear to share unique haplotypes while other populations that are geographically distant from individual haplotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Alsarraf
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Gad Baneth
- The Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Anna Bogucka-Kocka
- Chair and Department of Biology and Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4A, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Lavinia Ciuca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli Federico II, Via Delpino 1, 80137 Napoli, Italy
| | - Dorota Dwużnik-Szarek
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Agnieszka Kloch
- Institute of Functional Biology and Ecology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Przemysław Kołodziej
- Chair and Department of Biology and Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4A, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Viktoria Levytska
- Department of Infectious and Invasive Disease, Podillia State University, Shevchenko 12, 32316 Kamianets-Podilskyi, Ukraine; Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre CAS, Branišovská 1160/31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Ewa Julia Mierzejewska
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andrei D Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Manastur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca 400372, Romania
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Manastur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca 400372, Romania
| | - Andrii Mushynskyi
- Department of Infectious and Invasive Disease, Podillia State University, Shevchenko 12, 32316 Kamianets-Podilskyi, Ukraine
| | - Yaarit Nachum-Biala
- The Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Mohammed Alsarraf
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Bajer
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
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Thilakarathne SS, Wijayawardhane N, Perera PK, Mallawa C, Rajakaruna RS. Filariasis in dogs brought to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:461-469. [PMID: 36482010 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07742-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilariasis is the predominant emerging zoonotic filariasis in the world. The two most frequent filarial worms that infect dogs are Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria immitis. This study reports filariasis among dogs brought to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) at the University of Peradeniya and signifies the first molecular characterization of D. repens, responsible for an emerging zoonotic filarial disease in Sri Lanka. Blood samples were collected and were morphologically analyzed using Modified Knott's Technique, followed by molecular analyses. The difference in filariasis prevalence among gender, breed, and age categories was analyzed using a chi-square test. Infection intensities were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal Wallis test. The dogs were brought to the clinic for either vaccination and/or for a regular checkup, and most were sick having non-specific clinical signs. Among the 87 dogs tested, 27.6% were positive for Dirofilaria. Conventional PCR and bi-directional sequencing of genomic DNA of microscopically tested positive samples revealed that the species in Sri Lanka was D. repens. The infection was significantly higher in males (39.1%) than in females (14.6%; χ2 = 0.447, p = 0.011), though it is not significant between puppies (age < 1 year) and adult dogs. More crossbred dogs were infected compared to older and purebred dogs. There was no difference in intensity of infection based on their gender, age, or breed. Sequences obtained from the current study were unique and were only 63% identical to those of D. repens reported from South India. The high number of Dirofilaria infections in domestic dogs indicates a potential reservoir for emerging human dirofilariasis cases in Sri Lanka. Thus, morphological and molecular diagnosis, along with epidemiological assessment of these zoonoses, is critical for the formulation of effective public health programs and control mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandani S Thilakarathne
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna, Galle, Sri Lanka.,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 20400, Sri Lanka
| | - Nayana Wijayawardhane
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Piyumali K Perera
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 20400, Sri Lanka
| | - Chandima Mallawa
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Rupika S Rajakaruna
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 20400, Sri Lanka.
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Rymgayłło-Jankowska B, Ziaja-Sołtys M, Flis B, Bogucka-Kocka A, Żarnowski T. Subcutaneous Dirofilariosis of the Eyelid Brought to Poland from the Endemic Territory of Ukraine. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020196. [PMID: 36839467 PMCID: PMC9966818 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
We present the case of a 60-year-old man who was diagnosed with a subcutaneous nodule on the upper eyelid of his left eye. The patient reported multiple mosquito bites during numerous work trips to Ukraine. Histopathological examination of the nodule isolated during surgery suggested Dirofilaria repens infestation. The infection was brought to Poland from the territory of Ukraine. Ophthalmologists must be aware of uncommon presentations of parasitic infestations when they consider infections of the ocular adnexa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Rymgayłło-Jankowska
- Department of Diagnostic and Microsurgery of Glaucoma, Medical University of Lublin, Chmielna 1 Street, 20-079 Lublin, Poland
| | - Marta Ziaja-Sołtys
- Department of Biology with Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Witolda Chodźki 4A Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Beata Flis
- Clinic of General and Children’s Ophthalmology, Medical University of Lublin, Chmielna 1 Street, 20-079 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Bogucka-Kocka
- Department of Biology with Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Witolda Chodźki 4A Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Żarnowski
- Department of Diagnostic and Microsurgery of Glaucoma, Medical University of Lublin, Chmielna 1 Street, 20-079 Lublin, Poland
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Panarese R, Moore R, Page AP, McDonald M, MacDonald E, Weir W. The long-distance relationship between Dirofilaria and the UK: case report and literature review. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1128188. [PMID: 37180057 PMCID: PMC10172649 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1128188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last two decades, vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) have changed their distribution across the globe as a consequence of a variety of environmental, socioeconomic and geopolitical factors. Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are perfect exemplars of European VBPs of One Health concern that have undergone profound changes in their distribution, with new hotspots of infection appearing in previously non-endemic countries. Some areas, such as the United Kingdom, are still considered non-endemic. However, a combination of climate change and the potential spread of invasive mosquito species may change this scenario, exposing the country to the risk of outbreaks of filarial infections. Only a limited number of non-autochthonous cases have been recorded in the United Kingdom to date. These infections remain a diagnostic challenge for clinicians unfamiliar with these "exotic" parasites, which in turn complicates the approach to treatment and management. Therefore, this review aims to (i) describe the first case of D. repens infection in a dog currently resident in Scotland, (ii) summarise the available literature on Dirofilaria spp. infections in both humans and animals in the United Kingdom and (iii) assess the suitability of the United Kingdom for the establishment of these new VBPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Panarese
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Rossella Panarese,
| | - Rhiannon Moore
- Dundas Veterinary Group Limited, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Antony P. Page
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Mike McDonald
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Emma MacDonald
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - William Weir
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Ugolini S, Lima M, Maffi M, Pierangeli F, Vastano M, Gargano T, Varani S, Gustinelli A, Caffara M, Fioravanti ML. Dirofilaria repens Testicular Infection in Child, Italy. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:2569-2572. [PMID: 36418007 PMCID: PMC9707574 DOI: 10.3201/eid2812.220424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular Dirofilaria repens infection was identified and confirmed by sequence analysis in a child in northeastern Italy. Because human dirofilariasis is emerging in southern and eastern Europe, this parasitic infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of scrotal swelling in disease-endemic countries to avoid unnecessary interventions, such as orchiectomy.
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Biasizzo H, Šoba B, Ilovski F, Harlander M, Lukin M, Blatnik O, Turel M, Srpčič M, Kern I, Beović B. Severe and Rare Case of Human Dirofilaria repens Infection with Pleural and Subcutaneous Manifestations, Slovenia. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:2504-2507. [PMID: 36417956 PMCID: PMC9707586 DOI: 10.3201/eid2812.221366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a case of human Dirofilaria repens infection in a woman in Slovenia who had concomitant pleural and subcutaneous manifestations of the infection. This case report illustrates the clinical course of a severe symptomatic parasitic infection that had multisystemic manifestations.
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Fehr JE, Schnyder M, Joekel DE, Pantchev N, Sarkunas M, Torgerson P, Deplazes P. Estimated specific antibody-based true sero-prevalences of canine filariosis in dogs in Central Europe and the UK. Parasitol Res 2022. [PMID: 36260253 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07695-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilariosis is a vector-borne disease mainly caused by Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens. In contrast to the known endemicity of dirofilariosis in southern and south-eastern Europe, information on the distribution of D. repens in Central-Europe is fragmentary. We tested 8877 serum samples from dogs from Austria, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Switzerland and the UK using an ELISA detecting filarial-specific antibodies, hypothesising higher occurrence of D. repens. Based on two overlapping frequency distributions, presumed negative samples had a mean optical density (OD) value of 0.097, representing 97.45% of all samples. Presumed positive samples, representing 2.55% of all sera, had a mean OD value of 0.287. Test prevalence based on the calculated cut-off was 3.51% for all sera (4.36% for Austria, 1.94% for Denmark, 1.39% for Germany, 3.37% for Italy, 6.90% for Lithuania, 6.99% for Poland, 0.77% for Switzerland and 0.0% for the UK, respectively). The bimodal distribution, representing overlapping distributions of OD values from positive and negative dogs, enabled the assignment of a probability of true infection status to each dog. Mean probabilities of true infection status across groups, based on the postal codes of origin, allowed us to estimate and map true prevalences. For all countries, except the UK, the true prevalence was lower than the test prevalence. The large number of serum samples and the use of a non-gold standard analytical method allowed us to create a more realistic picture of the distribution of D. repens in Central Europe and the UK.
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Smith R, Murillo DFB, Chenoweth K, Barua S, Kelly PJ, Starkey L, Blagburn B, Wood T, Wang C. Nationwide molecular survey of Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens in companion dogs and cats, United States of America. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:367. [PMID: 36229848 PMCID: PMC9559157 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05459-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Heartworms, Dirofilaria immitis, are known to be widespread in dogs and cats in the USA, but there have been no country-wide prevalence studies performed to date. There have also been no large-scale studies to determine whether the closely related species, Dirofilaria repens, occurs in the USA. Methods To provide this large-scale data, we examined whole blood samples (n = 2334) submitted from around the USA to the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory at Auburn University between 2016 and 2022. Quantitative PCRs for D. immitis (targeting 16S rRNA) and D. repens (targeting cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene) were performed to determine the presence of Dirofilaria DNA. DNA sequencing was performed to confirm the results. Results Dirofilaria immitis DNA was found in 6.3% (68/1080) of the dogs from 17/39 states, and 0.3% (4/1254) of the cats from 4/42 states. None of the dogs or cats were positive for D. repens. The average 16S rRNA copy number of D. immitis in the dogs was 1,809,604 in 200 µl whole blood, while only a single copy was found in each of the four D. immitis-positive cats. The prevalence of D. immitis in dogs of different ages, sexes, and breeds did not differ significantly, but the prevalence in Southern states (7.5%, 60/803) was significantly higher than in the Western (1.7%, 1/58), Midwest (3.3%, 4/120), and Northeastern states (3.1%, 3/98) (P < 0.05). Dogs positive for D. immitis were identified in each study year (2016: 4.2%, 2/48; 2017: 9.8%, 4/41; 2018: 5.1%, 8/156; 2019: 4.9%, 15/306; 2020: 9.8%, 26/265; 2021: 4.9%, 13/264). Interestingly, dogs infected with Hepatozoon spp. (11.8%, 37/313) were significantly more likely to also be positive for D. immitis than dogs without evidence of Hepatozoon infection (3.9%, 30/760) (P < 0.0001). Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first nationwide molecular survey of Dirofilaria spp. in dogs and cats in the USA, and the largest molecular survey of canine and feline dirofilariosis worldwide. Further studies are warranted to combine PCR with standard heartworm diagnostics to better understand the prevalence of Dirofilaria spp. and aid in determining the risks posed to dogs and cats in the USA. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05459-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Smith
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | | | - Kelly Chenoweth
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Subarna Barua
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Patrick John Kelly
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Lindsay Starkey
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Byron Blagburn
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Theresa Wood
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Chengming Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA. .,Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, AL, USA.
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Rathnayake S, Chandrasena N, Wijerathna T, Mallawarachchi H, Gunathilaka N. Canine filaria species in selected lymphatic filariasis endemic and non-endemic areas in Sri Lanka. Parasitol Res 2022. [PMID: 35614145 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07555-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Subperiodic brugian filariasis and dirofilariasis show a rising trend in Sri Lanka posing a threat to public health. As information was limited on canine filaria species in Sri Lanka, we studied the filaria parasites among dog populations in lymphatic filariasis (LF) endemic and non-endemic regions by microscopy and molecular methods. Thick blood smears (TBSs) were performed among 295 dogs presenting to veterinary clinics for surgical or sterilization procedures in Galle (LF endemic) and Mullaitivu (LF non-endemic) districts, of which 55.6% were positive for any microfilariae. We identified Dirofilaria repens (50.8%) and Brugia spp. (20.6%) by microscopy, which, included mono-infections (D. repens 35.3% and Brugia spp. 5%) and co-infections (15.6%). Infections in Galle and Mullaitivu were 61% and 44.9% respectively. The brugian filariasis rate was significantly higher among canines in LF endemic Galle district (29.9%) than in Mullaitivu (LF non-endemic) (1.1%) (P < 0.001), while D. repens infections were comparable in both districts. Genomic DNA extracted from 10% of microfilariae positive TBSs was amplified using pan-filarial primers targeting the internal-transcriber-spacer region-2 (ITS-2). Sequencing of amplicons confirmed the presence of D. repens (89.28%), Brugia pahangi (7.14%) and B. malayi (3.57%) infections. The phylogeny constructed and analysed in MEGA X indicated genetic variability among D. repens and B. pahangi isolates from Sri Lanka. With this study, we were able to report B. pahangi infections for the first time in Sri Lanka.
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Ahmed N, Tonelli L, Labagnara G, Doglioni C, Pedica F. Subcutaneous dirofilariosis in Italy: a diagnostic hypothesis to remind when the anamnesis is misleading. Pathologica 2022; 114:174-177. [PMID: 35481570 PMCID: PMC9248251 DOI: 10.32074/1591-951x-297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Subcutaneous parasitic infections are possible matches in routine pathology and can be detected not only in patients coming from or travelling in tropical countries, but also when the anamnesis does not suggest at first worm infestations. Here we report the case of a young man from the north-west of Italy, with a negative anamnesis for travels but the presence of dogs at home, who presented a subcutaneous nodule showing a nematode surrounded by a fibrous capsule; the morphology was suggestive for Dirofilaria repens. Dirofilariosis is a zoonosis caused by D. repens or D. immitis, which can be acquired by dogs and cats through mosquitos bites; the disease is widespread in developing countries, but it is also emerging in Western countries, becoming an important public health issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naghia Ahmed
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Institute, Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Leonardo Tonelli
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Institute, Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Claudio Doglioni
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Institute, Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Pedica
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Institute, Milan, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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Dasanayake R, Balendran T, Atapattu D, Iddawela D. A study on canine dirofilariasis in selected areas of Sri Lanka. BMC Res Notes 2022; 15:137. [PMID: 35421998 PMCID: PMC9009037 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-022-06024-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Canine dirofilariasis is a mosquito borne zoonotic filarial parasitic disease caused by Dirofilaria species. In Sri Lanka, human dirofilariasis is endemic and well documented. Even though canine dirofilariasis is an established infection among dog populations in Sri Lanka, the prevalence and risk factors were not documented in Kanthale divisional secretariat, Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of dirofilariasis and to identify the exposure-related risk factors in dogs using an interviewer administered questionnaire in Kanthale divisional secretariat. Results Out of 162 blood samples collected from dogs, 47.5% (n = 77/162) were positive for the presence of microfilariae by direct smear. Of 162 samples 58.6% (n = 95/162) were molecularly identified as D. repens. Species-specific primer pair DIR3/DIR4 that amplified 5S rRNA was used. The current study observed a significant association between mongrels and canine dirofilariasis (p = 0.049), where 61.3% (n = 95) out of 155 mongrels showed PCR positivity. This study showed no significant association between the occurrence of dirofilariasis and the age, sex, rearing method, presence or absence of skin rash, and stray or domestic dogs. Dirofilaria immitis was not identified in direct smear test and PCR. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13104-022-06024-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randima Dasanayake
- Animal Quarantine Office, Bandaranayake International Airport, Katunayake, Sri Lanka
| | - Thivya Balendran
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Dhilma Atapattu
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Devika Iddawela
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
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Cimpan AA, Baneth G, Nachum-Biala Y, Miron L, Rojas A. Dirofilaria repens predominates in shelter dogs from South Romania. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 84:101793. [PMID: 35287057 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Canine filarioids are zoonotic vector-borne parasitic nematodes distributed mostly in the tropics and subtropics. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, distribution, etiology and genetic variation of canine filarioid infections by three different PCR techniques in four Southern Romanian counties. Blood samples of 300 shelter dogs were screened for infections with canine filarioids by real-time PCR. To determine filarioid species and coinfections, samples positive in the initial screening were further tested by conventional PCR and sequenced. Results indicated that 17% of the tested dogs were positive for at least one filarioid species. The prevalence of D. repens infection was 11.7%, significantly higher than that of D. immitis (4.7%) and A. reconditum (1.3%) (p ≤ 0.003). The high prevalence of canine filarioid infections represents a challenge to animal and human health in the South of Romania, and they should be constantly monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Yaarit Nachum-Biala
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Liviu Miron
- Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Iasi, Romania.
| | - Alicia Rojas
- Laboratory of Helminthology, Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica.
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Ferrara M, Maglione R, Ciccarelli D, Mundis SJ, Di Loria A, Pisaroglo de Carvalho M, Santoro D. Prevalence of Dirofilaria repens in dogs living in deltaic coastal plain of the Volturno River (Italy): a geographical risk model of infection. J Helminthol 2022; 96:e12. [PMID: 35195063 DOI: 10.1017/S0022149X22000062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of vector-associated parasitic infections is high in central-southern Italy. The deltaic coastal plain of the Volturno River has been suspected, by veterinary practitioners, to have a high accidental incidence of Dirofilaria repens. Thus, the goal of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of dirofilariasis and other coinfections frequently described in dogs living in the Volturno area. Blood samples of 100 clinical asymptomatic dogs were examined using a Knott's technique and polymerase chain reaction in order to identify microfilariae. Other vector-borne coinfections were also investigated using ELISA kits. The results were analysed using statistical and Geographic Information System (GIS) software. Microfilariae of D. repens were detected in 10% of the dogs surveyed, with a presence of antibodies against Ehrlichia canis (4/10) and Dirofilaria immitis (1/10). Such high incidence should be considered in light of the zoonotic potential for D. repens and the support for more regular use of repellents to prevent the spread of this disease. The GIS analyses indicated that the study area provides suitable conditions to sustain populations of mosquito vectors and D. repens parasites throughout much of the year.
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Thongpiya J, Kreetitamrong S, Thongsit T, Toothong T, Rojanapanus S, Sarasombath PT. The first case report of subcutaneous dirofilariasis caused by Dirofilaria repens in Thailand. Trop Parasitol 2021; 11:125-127. [PMID: 34765535 PMCID: PMC8579766 DOI: 10.4103/tp.tp_113_20] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Dirofilariasis is a rare zoonotic disease which is commonly caused by two Dirofilaria species; Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens. Humans are accidental dead-end hosts of the parasites, and the infection is mainly asymptomatic. Here, we report the case of a 54-year-old Thai woman who experienced a painful left shoulder nodule and eosinophilia for 1 month. An excisional biopsy of the nodule revealed a degenerated filarial nematode compatible with adult females of the Dirofilaria species. Molecular identification of the partial 12 mt rRNA gene of the worm confirmed that the causative species was D. repens, a zoonotic filariasis that causes subcutaneous dirofilariasis in dogs and cats. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first reported case of subcutaneous dirofilariasis caused by D. repens in Thailand. This increased concerns about zoonotic filariasis from natural animal reservoirs in Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerapas Thongpiya
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Tanaporn Toothong
- Division of Vector Borne Disease, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Sunsanee Rojanapanus
- Division of Vector Borne Disease, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
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Szostakowska B, Ćwikłowska A, Marek-Józefowicz L, Czaplewski A, Grzanka D, Kulawiak-Wasielak N, Sulima M. Concurrent subcutaneous and ocular infections with Dirofilaria repens in a Polish patient: a case report in the light of epidemiological data. Parasitol Int 2021; 86:102481. [PMID: 34688883 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102481] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilariasis is an emerging zoonosis caused by nematodes of the genus Dirofilaria, most often D. repens and D. immitis. The main final hosts and reservoirs of pathogens are dogs. The intermediate hosts and vectors of infection are female mosquitoes (Culicidae). Human is an accidental host in which the parasite does not usually mature. Over the past 20 years, the range of Dirofilaria spp. in Europe has expanded. We present an unusual case of multifocal dirofilariasis of mixed subcutaneous-ocular course caused by D. repens in a 52-year-old Polish patient who was probably infected in Spain or Croatia, where she stayed one year before the onset of symptoms. Surgical removal of the nematodes followed by treatment with Ivermectin in a single dose of 1200 μg and Doxycycline 200 mg daily for 7 days resulted in complete recovery. We believe that all cases of human dirofilariasis, especially in countries where the disease is not frequent at present, should be registered for epidemiological purposes. Moreover, due to the widening of the range of D. repens and D. immitis occurrence and the possibility of atypical courses of infection with both nematodes, diagnostics should include the species identification of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Szostakowska
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Ćwikłowska
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Antoni Jurasz University Hospital No. 1 in Bydgoszcz, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Luiza Marek-Józefowicz
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Antoni Jurasz University Hospital No. 1 in Bydgoszcz, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Artur Czaplewski
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Antoni Jurasz University Hospital No. 1 in Bydgoszcz, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Dariusz Grzanka
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Antoni Jurasz University Hospital No. 1 in Bydgoszcz, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland.
| | - Natalia Kulawiak-Wasielak
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Sulima
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland
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Safarov A, Akramova F, Azimov D, Mihalca AD, Ionică AM. Updates on the distribution and host spectrum of Dirofilaria repens in the Republic of Uzbekistan. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:3987-3992. [PMID: 34677665 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07347-w] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Among the zoonotic mosquito-borne nematodes, Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria immitis (Spirurida, Onchocercidae) are highly significant from a public health perspective. While D. immitis is also of major veterinary concern, D. repens is regarded as less pathogenic for carnivores, but is the main causative agent of human dirofilariosis throughout the Old World. In the Republic of Uzbekistan, recent data refer exclusively to D. immitis infection in domestic and wild carnivores, while the current prevalence and distribution of D. repens remain unknown. Between 2015 and 2021, a total of 559 domestic and wild carnivore carcasses were collected and examined by necropsy. All subcutaneous nematodes were collected and identified morphologically. The overall prevalence of D. repens infection was of 11.03% in domestic dogs, Canis familiaris, and 9.29% in wildlife hosts: golden jackals, Canis aureus (11.76%), wolves, Canis lupus (9.09%), red foxes, Vulpes vulpes (9.23%), and jungle cats, Felis chaus (7.14%). Additionally, a human case of subcutaneous D. repens infection was also documented. The present study represents the first recent assessment of the occurrence of the zoonotic filarioid D. repens in the Republic of Uzbekistan. It indicates a wide distribution in domestic dogs and four species of wildlife hosts throughout the country, raising awareness on the public health risks associated with this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisher Safarov
- State Committee of Veterinary and Livestock Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
| | - Firuza Akramova
- Institute of Zoology of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Djalaliddin Azimov
- Institute of Zoology of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Andrei D Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Angela M Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Fuehrer HP, Morelli S, Unterköfler MS, Bajer A, Bakran-Lebl K, Dwużnik-Szarek D, Farkas R, Grandi G, Heddergott M, Jokelainen P, Knific T, Leschnik M, Miterpáková M, Modrý D, Petersen HH, Skírnisson K, Vergles Rataj A, Schnyder M, Strube C. Dirofilaria spp. and Angiostrongylus vasorum: Current Risk of Spreading in Central and Northern Europe. Pathogens 2021; 10:1268. [PMID: 34684217 PMCID: PMC8537668 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past few decades, the relevance of Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, causing cardiopulmonary and subcutaneous dirofilariosis in dogs and cats, and of Angiostrongylus vasorum, causing canine angiostrongylosis, has steadily increased in Central and Northern Europe. In this review, a summary of published articles and additional reports dealing with imported or autochthonous cases of these parasites is provided for Central (Austria, Czechia, Germany, Hungary, Luxemburg, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland) and Northern (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) Europe. Research efforts focusing on Dirofilaria spp. and A. vasorum have varied by country, and cross-border studies are few. The housing conditions of dogs, pet movements, the spread of competent vectors, and climate change are important factors in the spread of these nematodes. Dogs kept outside overnight are a major factor for the establishment of Dirofilaria spp. However, the establishment of invasive, diurnal, synanthropic, competent mosquito vectors such as Aedes albopictus may also influence the establishment of Dirofilaria spp. The drivers of the spread of A. vasorum remain not fully understood, but it seems to be influenced by habitats shared with wild canids, dog relocation, and possibly climatic changes; its pattern of spreading appears to be similar in different countries. Both Dirofilaria spp. and A. vasorum merit further monitoring and research focus in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (M.S.U.); (K.B.-L.)
| | - Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
| | - Maria Sophia Unterköfler
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (M.S.U.); (K.B.-L.)
| | - Anna Bajer
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland; (A.B.); (D.D.-S.)
| | - Karin Bakran-Lebl
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (M.S.U.); (K.B.-L.)
| | - Dorota Dwużnik-Szarek
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland; (A.B.); (D.D.-S.)
| | - Róbert Farkas
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Giulio Grandi
- Section for Parasitology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden;
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), 756 51 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mike Heddergott
- Department of Zoology, Musée National d’Historire Naturelle, 25, Rue Münster, 2160 Luxembourg, Luxembourg;
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark;
| | - Tanja Knific
- Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Michael Leschnik
- Clinical Unit of Internal Medicine Small Animals, Department/Universitätsklinik für Kleintiere und Pferde, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Martina Miterpáková
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - David Modrý
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic;
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources/CINeZ, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 16500 Praha-Suchdol, Czech Republic
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 61137 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Heidi Huus Petersen
- Centre for Diagnostic, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark;
| | - Karl Skírnisson
- Institute for Experimental Pathology at Keldur, University of Iceland, Keldnavegur 3, 112 Reykjavik, Iceland;
| | - Aleksandra Vergles Rataj
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Manuela Schnyder
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland;
| | - Christina Strube
- Centre for Infection Medicine, Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
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Pupić-Bakrač A, Pupić-Bakrač J, Beck A, Jurković D, Polkinghorne A, Beck R. Dirofilaria repens microfilaremia in humans: Case description and literature review. One Health 2021; 13:100306. [PMID: 34466651 PMCID: PMC8385151 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Dirofilaria repens is a vector-borne filaroid helminth of carnivorous animals, primarily domesticated dogs. Humans are considered to be accidental hosts in which D. repens rarely reach sexual maturity but induce local inflammation, mainly in subcutaneous and ocular tissues. Methods In the current study, we present the detection of multiple adults of D. repens, endosymbiont Wolbachia sp. and microfilariae by molecular analysis in peripheral tissues and bloodstream of a human host. A subsequent meta-analysis of published literature identified 21 cases of human infection with adult D. repens producing microfilariae. Results Within the study population, there were 13 (59.09%) males, eight (36.36%) females and, in one (4.55%) case, sex was not reported. A total of 11 (50.00%) cases had subcutaneous dirofilariasis, six (27.27%) had ocular dirofiliariasis, with single cases (4.55% each) of genital, mammary, lymphatic and a combination of subcutaneous and pulmonary dirofilariasis described. In one (4.55%) case, the primary anatomical site of adult D. repens could not be found. D. repens microfilariae were detected in the local tissue (local microfilariasis) in 11 (50.00%) cases and the peripheral blood (microfilaremia) in 11 (50.50%) cases. Final identification of D. repens microfilariae was based on morphological detection in 14 (63.64%) cases, and molecular detection in eight (36.36%) cases. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that humans may act as a final host for D. repens, however its role as a source of D. repens infection is less clear. Humans may act as a final host for D. repens Immunodeficiency is not a risk factor for human D. repens microfilaremia. Surgical extirpation of adult D. repens is a mainstay of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Pupić-Bakrač
- Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital Zadar, Bože Peričića 5, 23 000, Zadar, Croatia
| | - Jure Pupić-Bakrač
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Maxillofacial Surgery, General Hospital Zadar, Bože Peričića 5, 23 000, Zadar, Croatia
| | - Ana Beck
- Veterinary Pathology, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Daria Jurković
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, New South Wales Health Pathology, Nepean Blue Mountains Pathology Service, PO Box 63, Penrith, New South Wales 2751, Australia
| | - Relja Beck
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Manoj RRS, Latrofa MS, Cavalera MA, Mendoza‐Roldan JA, Maia C, Otranto D. Molecular detection of zoonotic filarioids in Culex spp. from Portugal. Med Vet Entomol 2021; 35:468-477. [PMID: 33948978 PMCID: PMC8453905 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the role of dipterans in the transmission of Onchocerca lupi and other zoonotic filarioids, samples were collected from different sites in Algarve, southern Portugal, morphologically identified and molecularly tested for filarioids. Culex sp. (72.8%) represented the predominant genus followed by Culicoides sp. (11.8%), Ochlerotatus sp. (9.7%), Culiseta sp. (4.5%), Aedes sp. (0.9%) and Anopheles sp. (0.3%). Nineteen (2.8%) specimens scored positive for filarioids, with Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus (2%) positive for Dirofilaria immitis (1.4%), Dirofilaria repens, Acanthocheilonema reconditum, Onchocerca lupi, unidentified species of Filarioidea (0.2%, each) and Onchocercidae (0.6%). Additionally, Culiseta longiareolata (6.5%), Ochlerotatus caspius (3%) and Culex laticinctus (0.2%) scored positive for unidentified Onchocercidae, A. reconditum and for O. lupi, respectively. This is the first report of the occurrence of DNA of O. lupi, D. repens and A. reconditum in Culex spp. in Portugal. Information regarding the vectors and the pathogens they transmit may help to adopt proper prophylactic and control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. R. S. Manoj
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of BariValenzanoItaly
| | - M. S. Latrofa
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of BariValenzanoItaly
| | - M. A. Cavalera
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of BariValenzanoItaly
| | | | - C. Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT)Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira, 100Lisbon, 1349‐008Portugal
| | - D. Otranto
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of BariValenzanoItaly
- Faculty of Veterinary SciencesBu‐Ali Sina UniversityHamedanIran
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Younes L, Barré-Cardi H, Bedjaoui S, Ayhan N, Varloud M, Mediannikov O, Otranto D, Davoust B. Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens in mosquitoes from Corsica Island, France. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:427. [PMID: 34446069 PMCID: PMC8390287 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04931-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are the main causative agents of heartworm disease and subcutaneous dirofilariasis in domestic and wild canids, respectively. Both pathogens have zoonotic potential and are transmitted by mosquitoes. The present study aimed to determine the transmission period, prevalence and diversity of Dirofilaria spp. vectors from endemic areas of Corsica (France). METHODS A monthly point data model based on average temperature recorded by four meteorological stations during 2017 was used to calculate the Dirofilaria transmission period. From June to September 2017, female mosquitoes (n = 1802) were captured using Biogents® Sentinel 2 traps lured with carbon dioxide and BG-Lure™ or octanol. Mosquitoes were identified to species level, pooled accordingly, and screened using multiplex real-time qPCR to detect D. immitis and D. repens. RESULTS The monthly point data model showed the possible transmission of Dirofilaria spp. from the third week in May to the last week in October in the studied area. Mosquitoes were identified as Ochlerotatus caspius (n = 1432), Aedes albopictus (n = 199), Culex pipiens sensu lato (n = 165) and Aedes vexans (n = 6) and were grouped into 109 pools (from 1 to 27 specimens, mean 11.4 ± 0.7), of which 16 scored positive for Dirofilaria spp. (i.e., n = 13; estimated infection rate [EIR] = 1.1% for D. immitis and n = 3; EIR = 0.2% for D. repens). Specifically, 6 (i.e., EIR = 3.8%) of 15 pools of Ae. albopictus were positive for D. immitis, 2 of 14 of Cx. pipiens s.l. were positive for D. immitis and D. repens, respectively, and 8 of 77 pools of Oc. caspius were positive for D. immitis (i.e., n = 6; EIR = 0.4%) and D. repens (i.e., 2; EIR = 0.1%). The highest mosquito infection rate was recorded in July (EIR = 2.5%), then in June (EIR = 1.3%) and September (EIR = 0.6%). CONCLUSIONS The data suggest that both Dirofilaria species are endemic and occur possibly in sympatry in the studied area in Corsica, highlighting the need to implement preventive chemoprophylaxis and vector control strategies to reduce the risk of these filarioids in dog and human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laidoudi Younes
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Samia Bedjaoui
- Laboratory of Food Hygiene and Quality Insurance System (HASAQ), Higher National Veterinary School, Issad Abbes, Oued Smar, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Nazli Ayhan
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD 190, INSERM U1207, Unité des Virus Emergents, Marseille, France
| | - Marie Varloud
- Ceva Santé Animale, 10, Av de la Ballastière, Libourne, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France.,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Domenico Otranto
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Bernard Davoust
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France. .,IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France. .,Animal Epidemiology Experts Group of the Military Health Service, Tours, France.
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40
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Genchi M, Ciuca L, Vismarra A, Ciccone E, Cringoli G, Kramer L, Rinaldi L. Evaluation of alternative reagents on the performance of the modified Knott's test. Vet Parasitol 2021; 298:109555. [PMID: 34425345 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the suitability of different reagents as safe alternatives to 2% formalin in the modified Knott's test for the diagnosis of subcutaneous (Dirofilaria repens) and cardiopulmonary (D. immitis) dirofilariosis. A total of 61 blood samples from dogs naturally infected with D. immitis and D. repens were collected and analysed in two different laboratories (Lab 1, University of Parma and Lab 2, University of Napoli). For each blood sample the modified Knott's method was performed to identify and measure the mean length and width of the microfilariae (mfs) using 2% formalin (A), 2% acetic acid (B), 2% glacial acetic acid (C), 10% saponin (D) and distilled water (E). When compared to 2% formalin, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) among the mean length and width of either D. immitis or D. repens mfs with distilled water (E). The lengths and widths of mfs, however, were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) when using B, C, D likely due to more pronounced parasite dehydration. Despite differences in measurements, the morphological features of the head and tail of the two species were maintained, suggesting that all the solutions tested could be a suitable alternative to formalin. All alternative reagents caused more marked haemolysis compared to formalin, improving readability of slides. The values of the mean length and the mean width of D. immitis and the mean width of D. repens mfs obtained with formalin and distilled water were statistically different (P < 0.005) between the two laboratories. The difference in mf measurements between the two labs could be due to the use of reagents purchased from different manufacturing companies. Results suggest that distilled water could replace formalin in the modified Knott's test, as a safer reagent that allows morphology-based species differentiation of Dirofilaria spp.
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Laidoudi Y, Otranto D, Stolowy N, Amrane S, Santhakumari Manoj RR, Polette L, Watier-Grillot S, Mediannikov O, Davoust B, L'Ollivier C. Human and Animal Dirofilariasis in Southeast of France. Microorganisms 2021; 9:1544. [PMID: 34361979 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Dirofilariasis is one of the oldest known zoonotic infections of humans mainly caused by the filarial parasites of the species Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, which primarily infect dogs. A five-year survey (2017 to 2021) was conducted among the dog population to assess the molecular prevalence of Dirofilaria spp. in southeast France. Morphological and genetic analysis were performed on filaroids from dogs and one infected woman from the studied area. A total of 12 (13%) dogs scored molecularly positive for Dirofilaria spp. of which nine carried blood microfilariae. Ocular dirofilariasis was detected in a 79-year-old woman with no travel history. Both electron microscopy and molecular sequencing identified the worm in the human case as D. repens. Molecularly, D. repens isolates were identical in the human and dog cases, representing the only genotype reported so far in France. Despite the distribution of this genotype through all Europe, it was grouped separately with the other two European genotypes and with Asian ones. As in almost all previous human cases in France, D. repens parasites were mainly recovered from the ocular region of patients and were geographically concentrated in the southeastern regions. Data demonstrate the sympatric occurrence of D. immitis and D. repens with high risk of infection to human and dog populations in these investigated geographical areas, thereby underlining the urgent need to implement preventive chemoprophylactic strategies and vector control to reduce the risk of these filaroids in dog and human populations.
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Huebl L, Tappe D, Giese M, Mempel S, Tannich E, Kreuels B, Ramharter M, Veletzky L, Jochum J. Recurrent Swelling and Microfilaremia Caused by Dirofilaria repens Infection after Travel to India. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:1701-1704. [PMID: 34013860 PMCID: PMC8153875 DOI: 10.3201/eid2706.210592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human subcutaneous dirofilariasis is an emerging mosquitoborne zoonosis. A
traveler returning to Germany from India experienced
Dirofilaria infection with concomitant microfilaremia.
Molecular analysis indicated Dirofilaria repens nematodes of an
Asian genotype. Microfilaremia showed no clear periodicity. Presence of
Wolbachia endosymbionts enabled successful treatment with
doxycycline.
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43
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Sonnberger BW, Graf B, Straubinger RK, Rackl D, Obwaller AG, Peschke R, Shahi Barogh B, Joachim A, Fuehrer HP. Vector-borne pathogens in clinically healthy military working dogs in eastern Austria. Parasitol Int 2021; 84:102410. [PMID: 34166784 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Military working dogs have an increased risk of acquiring an infection with vector-borne pathogens due to kennel housing and regular exposure to wildlife and vectors. To evaluate the level of infections in clinically healthy dogs of the Austrian Armed Forces, 94 individuals of the Military Working Dog Training Centre (MWDTC) Kaisersteinbruch/eastern Austria were examined in August 2016, February 2019 and August 2019. A modified Knott test was used to determine the presence of microfilariae, PCR for DNA detection of filarioid nematodes (incl. Dirofilaria), Leishmania spp., piroplasms, Borrelia spp., Bartonella spp. and Anaplasmataceae, and serological examination for antibodies against Borrelia burgdoferi s. l. and Leishmania infantum in all dogs. Two dogs were positive for Dirofilaria repens in the Knott test, and one of them also by PCR. Six clinically healthy dogs (4.2%) were positive for Babesia canis (PCR). In serology, 10 (10.6%) of the dogs were positive for specific antibodies against Borrelia burgdoferi s. l. The results suggest that the current measures against arthropod vector exposure and the pathogens they can transmit are not fully sufficient for these dogs. Further investigations of the tick and mosquito fauna in this area will shed more light on the risk of exposure for both the dogs and the staff of the MWDTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard W Sonnberger
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Graf
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Reinhard K Straubinger
- Chair for Bacteriology and Mycology, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Germany.
| | - Dietmar Rackl
- Federal Ministry of Defense, Joint Support Command, Veterinary Service, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Adelheid G Obwaller
- Federal Ministry of Defense, Division of Science, Research and Development, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Roman Peschke
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Bita Shahi Barogh
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
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Nagy V, Nagyová D. A rare clinical presentation of human Dirofilaria repens infection as a pseudo-tumour of the epididymis - Case Report. Ann Agric Environ Med 2021; 28:348-351. [PMID: 34184522 DOI: 10.26444/aaem/136387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Introduction. Epididymal dirofilariasis is one of the unusual manifestations of this zoonosis. In Slovakia, this is the third case out of 20 Dirofilaria repens infected patients in whom the worm (the parasite) was identified in the epididymis. The patient felt a painless tumour about 2 cm in size on the left testicle. During ultrasound examination, the radiologist observed a cyst containing a live worm within the epididymis. After mechanical stimulation, the movement characteristic for filarial worms (´filarial dance sign´) appeared. An orchiectomy was performed at the Department of Urology in the University Hospital in Košice. Histopathology confirmed a parasitic cyst with a worm, and based on characteristic morphological features, the parasite was identified as Dirofilaria repens. Objective. The aim of case report is to alert physicians to the possibility dirofilarial infection of the epididymis, where tumors and cystic structures often occur and to present clinical signs of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Nagy
- P.J.Šafárik University, Medical Faculty and L.Pasteur University Hospital, Košice, Slovak Republik, Slovak Republic
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Riebenbauer K, Weber PB, Walochnik J, Karlhofer F, Winkler S, Dorfer S, Auer H, Valencak J, Laimer M, Handisurya A. Human dirofilariosis in Austria: the past, the present, the future. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:227. [PMID: 33926526 PMCID: PMC8082911 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04696-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Dirofilariosis is a vector-borne parasitosis caused by filarial nematodes of the genus Dirofilaria. In humans, who represent accidental hosts, dirofilariosis is mostly caused by Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria immitis. In Austria, the first reported case occurred in 1978. Since then, several (case) reports have been published. Methods A systematic and retrospective review of collected published cases and new, unpublished confirmed cases of human dirofilariosis occurring in Austria was performed. A nematode was extracted from the eyelid of a previously unreported case and subsequently characterized histologically and using molecular biology techniques. Results Data on a total of 39 cases of human dirofilariosis in Austria occurring between 1978 and 2020 are summarized. Over the past four decades the incidence has markedly increased, in particular after 1998. Of the 39 patients, men and women were equally affected, and the mean age was 47.1 years. The area most frequently affected was the head (38.5% of cases). Confined ocular involvement was observed in 23.1% of cases, and nematodes were isolated from the neck/trunk, extremities and the genito-inguinal area in 25.6, 15.4 and 15.4% of patients, respectively. Microfilariae were detected in two cases. Of the 39 patients, only 73.9% tested positive for anti-filarial antibodies and 56.3% for eosinophilia, despite successful isolation of a nematode; consequently, these measures did not represent reliable markers for dirofilariosis. Most patients had a travel history to countries endemic for Dirofilaria species. One patient who had not traveled abroad represented the only autochthonous case recorded to date. Dirofilaria repens was the predominant species, identified in 89.7% of cases. In the newly reported case of subcutaneous dirofilariosis, a live non-gravid Dirofilaria repens adult female of 12 cm length was isolated from the eyelid of the patient, and a video of the extraction is provided. Conclusions The incidence of human dirofilariosis cases has increased strikingly over the last four decades in Austria. More cases can be expected in the foreseeable future due to changes in human behavior and (travel) activities as well as climate changes and the associated alterations in the availability of the natural reservoir, the vectors and the intrinsic characteristics of the parasite. ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04696-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Riebenbauer
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp B Weber
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Franz Karlhofer
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Winkler
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sonja Dorfer
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Herbert Auer
- Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Valencak
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Laimer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Alessandra Handisurya
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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Brianti E, Panarese R, Napoli E, De Benedetto G, Gaglio G, Bezerra-Santos MA, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Otranto D. Dirofilaria immitis infection in the Pelagie archipelago: The southernmost hyperendemic focus in Europe. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:1274-1280. [PMID: 33787005 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are mosquito-borne filarioids of zoonotic concern, which primarily cause canine heartworm disease (HWD) and subcutaneous dirofilariosis, respectively. The geographical distribution of these nematodes is constantly changing, due to many factors such as the colonization by new invasive mosquito species, the increased movement of animals and the absence of chemoprophylactic strategies in non-endemic regions. Although HWD has always been considered endemic in northern Italy, an increase in the prevalence of this disease has been recorded in the last decades in central and southern regions. We describe the southernmost hyperendemic European focus of heartworm disease in the Pelagie archipelagos. From June to November 2020, 157 dogs and 46 cats were sampled in Linosa and Lampedusa islands for the detection of Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens by modified Knott's, rapid antigen and molecular tests. Mosquitoes were collected using CDC light and BG sentinel-2 traps and aspirators, and tested for host blood meal and Dirofilaria spp. DNA. Out of 56 dogs in Linosa and 101 in Lampedusa, 33 (i.e. 58.9%) and 8 (i.e. 7.9%) were positive to D. immitis and D. repens, respectively. Three cats scored positive to D. immitis (i.e. 17.6%) in Linosa. Six mosquito species were identified, and the abdomen of a non-engorged Aedes albopictus was positive for D. immitis and human DNA. The results suggest that D. immitis infection could spread to new previously non-endemic territories in southern Europe, representing a real threat to animal and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Brianti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Rossella Panarese
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Ettore Napoli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Gabriella Gaglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy.,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
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Bozidis P, Sakkas H, Pertsalis A, Christodoulou A, Kalogeropoulos CD, Papadopoulou C. Molecular Analysis of Dirofilaria repens Isolates from Eye-Care Patients in Greece. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:271-276. [PMID: 32780297 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-020-00257-4] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Human ocular dirofilariasis is a zoonotic disease caused by several species of filarioid helminths of the genus Dirofilaria. The aim of this study was to further re-examine five preserved specimens previously isolated from patients with ocular dirofilariasis by molecular means. METHODS Four of the examined helminths had been stored in unbuffered formaldehyde solution for more than eight years; whereas, the fifth helminth was stored in ethanol buffer for more than two years. For the four specimens stored in formaldehyde, different methods of DNA recovery and amplification were applied and investigated for their efficiency in DNA extraction and PCR amplification. However, the DNA extraction and PCR amplification were successful only for the ethanol-preserved helminth. RESULTS The genetic identification of the ethanol-preserved specimen as Dirofilaria repens (D. repens) and its phylogenetic position based on the analysis of mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA, nuclear 18S ribosomal RNA and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit one sequences are reported in the present paper. To our knowledge, these are the only deposited sequences related to D. repens that have been isolated in Greece. CONCLUSIONS Routine laboratory diagnosis is based on phenotypic characteristics of the helminthic parasites, but more accurate diagnosis requires molecular identification. Although the specimens preserved in formalin buffers may be a potential source for the enrichment of parasite genome databases, the DNA recovery of such samples is a challenging task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petros Bozidis
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece.
| | - Hercules Sakkas
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Athanasios Pertsalis
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | | | - Chris D Kalogeropoulos
- Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Chrissanthy Papadopoulou
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
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Deak G, Ionică AM, Szasz I, Taulescu M, Mihalca AD. A case of inguinal hernia associated with atypical Dirofilaria repens infection in a dog. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:125. [PMID: 33637128 PMCID: PMC7912512 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04635-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dirofilaria repens is a filarioid nematode transmitted by mosquitoes. Adult D. repens are typically localized in the subcutaneous tissue of the host, but other, atypical localizations have also been reported. There have been several reports of clinical cases involving an association of parasites and hernias in both animals and humans. However, it is unclear if parasitic infection can act as a triggering factor in the development of hernias. METHODS A 12-year-old dog was referred to a private veterinarian clinic in Satu Mare, northwestern Romania due to the presence of a swelling in the lateral side of the penis (inguinal area). The dog underwent hernia repair surgery during which four long nematodes were detected in the peritoneal serosa of the inguinal hernial sac. One female specimen was subjected to genomic DNA extraction to confirm species identification, based on amplification and sequencing of a 670-bp fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene. Treatment with a single dose of imidacloprid 10% + moxidectin 2.5% (Advocate, Bayer AG) was administered. RESULTS The nematodes were morphologically identified as adult D. repens, and the BLAST analyses revealed a 100% nucleotide similarity to a D. repens sequence isolated from a human case in Czech Republic. CONCLUSIONS We report a case of an atypical localization of D. repens in the peritoneal cavity of a naturally infected pet dog with inguinal hernia and discuss the associations between hernia and parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgiana Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Molecular Biology and Veterinary Parasitology Unit (CDS 9), "Regele Mihai I al României" Life Science Institute, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Izabela Szasz
- SC Sabados Vet SRL, Arinului 4, 440186, Satu-Mare, Romania
| | - Marian Taulescu
- Department of Pathology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Gabrielli S, Mangano V, Furzi F, Oliva A, Vita S, Poscia R, Fazii P, Di Paolo J, Marocco R, Mastroianni CM, Bruschi F, Mattiucci S. Molecular Identification of New Cases of Human Dirofilariosis ( Dirofilaria repens) in Italy. Pathogens 2021; 10:251. [PMID: 33672411 PMCID: PMC7926647 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Dirofilariosis is a vector-borne parasitic disease mainly in domestic and wild carnivores caused by Dirofilaria (Noctiella) repens, which is endemic in many countries of the Old World, and D. immitis, which has a worldwide distribution. In recent years, an increase in the number of human cases has been reported, suggesting that dirofilariosis is an emergent zoonosis. Here, we describe further cases (N = 8), observed in Central Italy during the years 2018-2019. (2) Molecular diagnosis was performed on: (i) live worms extracted from ocular conjunctiva, cheek, and calf muscle; (ii) histological sections of surgically removed nodules from parenchymal lung, coccyx, and breast. (3) Sequence analysis (650-bp) of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene (mtDNA cox1) showed a match of 100% with the sequences of D. repens previously deposited in GenBank. ELISA test to detect IgG against filarial antigens was performed on four patients' sera and resulted positive in two patients who showed ocular and subcutaneous dirofilariosis, respectively. Microfilariae have been never detected in the peripheral blood of the patients. (4) The occurrence of N = 8 new cases of human D. repens-infections observed in a two-year period suggests an increased circulation of the parasite in Italy. Therefore, dirofilariosis should be included in differential diagnosis in patients presenting subcutaneous and/or pulmonary nodules. Molecular diagnosis of the etiological agents is fundamental. Specific serological diagnosis needs to be improved in future research work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Gabrielli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.F.); (A.O.); (C.M.M.); (S.M.)
- UOS Parasitology, AOU Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Mangano
- Department of Translational Research, School of Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Unit of Microbiology, Pisa University Hospital, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Federica Furzi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.F.); (A.O.); (C.M.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Alessandra Oliva
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.F.); (A.O.); (C.M.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Serena Vita
- INMI IRCCS Lazzaro Spallanzani, 00149 Rome, Italy;
| | - Roberto Poscia
- Clinical Research Department, Direzione Generale AOU Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Paolo Fazii
- S. Spirito Hospital, Via Fonte Romana, 8, 65124 Pescara, Italy; (P.F.); (J.D.P.)
| | - Josephine Di Paolo
- S. Spirito Hospital, Via Fonte Romana, 8, 65124 Pescara, Italy; (P.F.); (J.D.P.)
| | - Raffaella Marocco
- S. Maria Goretti University Hospital, Via Antonio Canova, 04100 Latina, Italy;
| | - Claudio Maria Mastroianni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.F.); (A.O.); (C.M.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Fabrizio Bruschi
- Department of Translational Research, School of Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Programma Monitoraggio Parassitosi, AOU Pisana, Via Paradisa 2, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Simonetta Mattiucci
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.F.); (A.O.); (C.M.M.); (S.M.)
- UOS Parasitology, AOU Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Gebauer J, Ondruš J, Kulich P, Novotný L, Sałamatin R, Husa P, Novobilský A. The first case of periorbital human dirofilariasis in the Czech Republic. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:739-742. [PMID: 33415394 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-07003-9] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria immitis are the most common filarial species affecting humans in Europe. Dirofilaria repens causes subcutaneous or ocular infection, whereas D. immitis is responsible mainly for the pulmonary form. In this report, we present the first human case of periorbital dirofilariasis in the Czech Republic. A 58-year-old woman suffered from an eyelid oedema, redness and pain in the left eye. After excising the parasite from her eyelid, all clinical symptoms disappeared. Based on the morphology and cytochrome oxidase I sequencing, the parasite was identified as D. repens. Histology revealed that the excised worm was female with absent microfilariae in uteri. With respect to the length of the incubation period and the sequence identity with a known Czech isolate, we concluded that D. repens was most likely of autochthonous origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Gebauer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 621 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Ondruš
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 621 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Kulich
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 621 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ladislav Novotný
- Novopath s.r.o., Vrchlického 230, 533 45, Čeperka, Czech Republic
- Finn Pathologists, CVS Group, One Eyed Lane, Weybread, Norfolk, UK
| | - Rusłan Sałamatin
- Department of General Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-004, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Petr Husa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Brno, Jihlavská 340/20, Brno, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 735/5, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Adam Novobilský
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 621 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
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