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Nocerino M, Pepe P, Ciccone E, Maurelli MP, Bosco A, Boué F, Umhang G, Lahmar S, Said Y, Sotiraki S, Ligda P, Laatamna A, Reghaissia N, Saralli G, Musella V, Alterisio MC, Piegari G, Rinaldi L. Epidemiological update of cystic echinococcosis in livestock and assessment of practices related to its control in the Mediterranean area. Acta Trop 2024; 255:107240. [PMID: 38705342 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107240] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus, is a zoonotic parasitic disease that still represents a serious threat to human and animal health worldwide. The Mediterranean basin is recognized as one of the major hotspots of CE due to several factors, including the presence of diverse intermediate host species as well as socio-economic and cultural conditions of local communities. This study aims to take a closer look at epidemiological data on CE in the Mediterranean area and assess the knowledge attitudes and practices of shepherds towards this disease in four countries (Algeria, Greece, Italy and Tunisia), highly endemic for CE, with the final goal of identifying highly endemic risk areas and practices in use which might potentially allow the persistence of E. granulosus infection in these areas. To update the epidemiological scenario of CE in Mediterranean areas, a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature on CE prevalence data published during the 2017-2023 period was carried out and, through a geographical information system (GIS), a map displaying the current CE distribution in the Mediterranean area was generated. In addition, a questionnaire survey was conducted through in-depth interviews of the farmers to collect information on their management system as well as knowledge attitudes and practices towards CE. From the farmer-participatory survey some risky practices emerged including the non-regular deworming of dogs or the use of ineffective drugs or dosing, as well as the provision of uncooked animal viscera to dogs. Finally, lower levels of knowledge and awareness of the disease was observed among farmers from North Africa compared with those of European countries. In conclusion, the results obtained highlight that CE is still a very serious problem in Mediterranean areas and increased efforts are needed to promote awareness among farmers and to turn research results into policy in order to reduce the spread of this disease, according to the One Health perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Nocerino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples 80137, Italy
| | - Paola Pepe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples 80137, Italy.
| | - Elena Ciccone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples 80137, Italy; Regional Reference Centre for Animal Health (CRESAN), Campania Region, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples 80137, Italy; Regional Reference Centre for Animal Health (CRESAN), Campania Region, Italy
| | - Antonio Bosco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples 80137, Italy; Regional Reference Centre for Animal Health (CRESAN), Campania Region, Italy
| | - Franck Boué
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife Diseases, Technopôle agricole et vétérinaire, BP 40009, Malzéville 54220, France
| | - Gérald Umhang
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife Diseases, Technopôle agricole et vétérinaire, BP 40009, Malzéville 54220, France
| | - Samia Lahmar
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, University of Manouba, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Yousra Said
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, University of Manouba, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Smaragda Sotiraki
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation-Demeter, Thessaloniki 57001, Greece
| | - Panagiota Ligda
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation-Demeter, Thessaloniki 57001, Greece
| | - AbdElkarim Laatamna
- Laboratory of Exploration and Valorization of Steppic Ecosystems, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Djelfa, Moudjbara Road, BP, Djelfa 3117, Algeria
| | - Nassiba Reghaissia
- Institute of Agronomic and Veterinary Sciences, University of Souk Ahras, Annaba Road, Souk Ahras 41000, Algeria
| | - Giorgio Saralli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana M. Aleandri, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Musella
- Department of Health Science, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Alterisio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples 80137, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Piegari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples 80137, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples 80137, Italy; Regional Reference Centre for Animal Health (CRESAN), Campania Region, Italy
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Nocerino M, Pepe P, Bosco A, Ciccone E, Maurelli MP, Boué F, Umhang G, Pellegrini J, Lahmar S, Said Y, Sotiraki S, Ligda P, Laatamna A, Saralli G, Paciello O, Alterisio MC, Rinaldi L. An innovative strategy for deworming dogs in Mediterranean areas highly endemic for cystic echinococcosis. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:86. [PMID: 38395867 PMCID: PMC10893745 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06184-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato, is a zoonotic parasitic disease of economic and public health importance worldwide, especially in the Mediterranean area. Canids are the main definitive hosts of the adult cestode contaminating the environment with parasite eggs released with feces. In rural and peri-urban areas, the risk of transmission to livestock as well as humans is high because of the free-roaming behavior of owned/not owned dogs. Collecting data on animal movements and behavior using GPS dataloggers could be a milestone to contain the spread of this parasitosis. Thus, this study aims to develop a comprehensive control strategy, focused on deworming a dog population in a pilot area of southern Italy (Campania region) highly endemic for CE. METHODS Accordingly, five sheep farms, tested to be positive for CE, were selected. In each sheep farm, all shepherd dogs present were treated every 2 months with praziquantel. Furthermore, 15 GPS dataloggers were applied to sheep and dogs, and their movements were tracked for 1 month; the distances that they traveled and their respective home ranges were determined using minimum convex polygon (MCP) analysis with a convex hull geometry as output. RESULTS The results showed that the mean daily walking distances traveled by sheep and dogs did not significantly differ. Over 90% of the point locations collected by GPS fell within 1500 mt of the farm, and the longest distances were traveled between 10:00 and 17:00. In all the sheep farms monitored, the area traversed by the animals during their daily activities showed an extension of < 250 hectares. Based on the home range of the animals, the area with the highest risk of access from canids (minimum safe convex polygon) was estimated around the centroid of each farm, and a potential scheme for the delivery of praziquantel-laced baits for the treatment of not owned dogs gravitating around the grazing area was designed. CONCLUSIONS This study documents the usefulness of geospatial technology in supporting parasite control strategies to reduce disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Nocerino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Pepe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, 80137, Naples, Italy.
| | - Antonio Bosco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, 80137, Naples, Italy
- Regional Reference Centre for Animal Health (CRESAN), Naples, Campania Region, Italy
| | - Elena Ciccone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, 80137, Naples, Italy
- Regional Reference Centre for Animal Health (CRESAN), Naples, Campania Region, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, 80137, Naples, Italy
- Regional Reference Centre for Animal Health (CRESAN), Naples, Campania Region, Italy
| | - Franck Boué
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife Diseases, Technopôle Agricole et Vétérinaire, BP 40009, 54220, Malzéville, France
| | - Gérald Umhang
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife Diseases, Technopôle Agricole et Vétérinaire, BP 40009, 54220, Malzéville, France
| | - Justine Pellegrini
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife Diseases, Technopôle Agricole et Vétérinaire, BP 40009, 54220, Malzéville, France
| | - Samia Lahmar
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Univ., Manouba, Tunisie
| | - Yousra Said
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Univ., Manouba, Tunisie
| | - Smaragda Sotiraki
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation-Demeter, 57001, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panagiota Ligda
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organisation-Demeter, 57001, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - AbdElkarim Laatamna
- Laboratory of Exploration and Valorization of Steppic Ecosystems, Faculty of Nature and Life Sciences, University of Djelfa, Moudjbara Road, BP 3117, Djelfa, Algeria
| | - Giorgio Saralli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana M. Aleandri, Rome, Italy
| | - Orlando Paciello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Alterisio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, 80137, Naples, Italy
- Regional Reference Centre for Animal Health (CRESAN), Naples, Campania Region, Italy
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Hammami I, Ciuca L, Maurelli MP, Romdhane R, Sassi L, Rjeibi MR, Farhat N, Simo AK, Rinaldi L, Rekik M, Gharbi M. First morphometric and molecular characterization of Fasciola spp. in Northwest Tunisia. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:2467-2476. [PMID: 37642769 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07933-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to characterize the Tunisian Fasciola spp. flukes by morphometric and molecular analyses. Flukes were collected from livers of sheep slaughtered in Sejnane slaughterhouses (Bizerte gouvernorate, Northwest Tunisia) between January and March 2021.Five morphometric parameters were determined for all the liver flukes, as follows: (i) total body length (BL), (ii) distance between ventral sucker and the tail (VS-T), (iii) distance between oral sucker and ventral sucker (OS-VS), (iv) abdomen diameter (AD), (v) tail diameter (TD) and the body length to width ratio (BL/BW). Molecular identification of the fluke specimens was carried out by polymerase chain reaction, restriction fragment polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) of a 680 bp sequence of the internal transcribes spacer 1 (ITS1) gene and by amplification, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis of a 500 bp sequence of the ITS2 gene. Morphometric measurements showed that the mean of the total body length of the adult flukes was 21.1 ± 2.7 mm with minimum and maximum lengths of 13 and 31 mm, respectively. The PCR-RFLP analysis revealed a single profile consisting of three bands of approximately 370, 100, and 60 bp. Fasciola sequences described in the present study (GenBank numbers: OQ457027 and OQ457028) showed 99.58-100% identity to Fasciola hepatica. In conclusion, the results of this study show that molecular and phylogenetic analyses confirm the presence of a single species of F. hepatica in the Sejnane region Northwest of Tunisia. However, further studies are needed to identify the occurrence of Fasciola species in other Tunisian regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Hammami
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Univ Manouba, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia.
- Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 2092 Manar II, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Lavina Ciuca
- Unit of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Via Delpino, 1, 80137, Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Unit of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Via Delpino, 1, 80137, Napoli, Italy
| | - Rihab Romdhane
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Univ Manouba, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Limam Sassi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Univ Manouba, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Ridha Rjeibi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Univ Manouba, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Institut de La Recherche Vétérinaire de Tunisie, 20 Rue de Jebel Lakdhar, La Rabta, 1006, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Nadia Farhat
- Circonscription de la production animale, 7010 Sejnane, Bizerte, Tunisia
| | - Alain Kouam Simo
- Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, Université des Montagnes, BP, 208, Bangangté, Cameroon
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Unit of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Via Delpino, 1, 80137, Napoli, Italy
| | - Mourad Rekik
- International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohamed Gharbi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Univ Manouba, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
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Illiano S, Ciuca L, Maurelli MP, Pepe P, Caruso V, Bosco A, Pennacchio S, Amato R, Pompameo M, Rinaldi L. Epidemiological and molecular updates on hookworm species in dogs from southern Italy. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:204. [PMID: 37833701 PMCID: PMC10571300 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03765-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The zoonotic hookworms Ancylostoma caninum and Uncinaria stenocephala are widespread soil-transmitted helminths in dogs in Europe. Given the veterinary and public health importance of hookworms in dogs and the recent changes in the molecular epidemiology of some species, there is a need to continuously monitor the epidemiological and molecular prevalence of these parasites also at the "local" level. The present study aimed to update the epidemiological scenario of hookworm infections in both owned and stray dogs in southern Italy and to discriminate between different hookworm species (A. caninum and U. stenocephala) through molecular analyses. For this purpose, a retrospective analysis was performed over 10 years (2011-2021), including a total of 7008 owned dogs and 5642 stray dogs referred to our laboratory for copromicroscopic examinations. Moreover, 72 faecal samples, from dogs naturally infected by hookworms, were used to discriminate between A. caninum and U. stenocephala using two PCR protocols. Prior to molecular analyses, a subsample of 40/72 positive faecal samples was used for morphometric investigations on hookworm eggs. RESULTS The results of the ten-year retrospective analysis (2011-2021) showed an overall prevalence of hookworm infection of 9.16%, specifically 5.1% in owned dogs and 14.2% in stray dogs. Logistic regression showed a significant association between positivity to hookworms and the variable "puppies" both in stray (13.84%; OR = 2.4) and owned (7.07%; OR = 2.2) dogs. The results of molecular analyses showed that positivity was confirmed only in 21/72 samples, specifically, 6 samples using protocol A and 19 with protocol B. Sequencing revealed 15 samples positive to U. stenocephala and 6 to A. caninum. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study showed a high prevalence of hookworm infections in dogs in southern Italy, updating the epidemiological scenario of the last decade. Moreover, the results of the study revealed the first identification of hookworm species in dogs in Italy by molecular studies, highlighting that U. stenocephala is more prevalent than A. caninum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Illiano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino, 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Lavinia Ciuca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino, 1, 80137, Naples, Italy.
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino, 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Pepe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino, 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Caruso
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino, 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Bosco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino, 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Saverio Pennacchio
- ASL Naples 1 Centro, Veterinary Hospital, Via Marco Rocco Di Torrepadula, 13, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - Ruggero Amato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino, 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Pompameo
- ASL Naples 1 Centro, Veterinary Hospital, Via Marco Rocco Di Torrepadula, 13, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino, 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
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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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Mancusi A, Proroga YTR, Giordano A, Girardi S, D’Orilia F, Pinto R, Sarnelli P, Rinaldi L, Capuano F, Maurelli MP. First application of a droplet digital PCR to detect Toxoplasma gondii in mussels. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1238689. [PMID: 37744920 PMCID: PMC10514481 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1238689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, is one of the main food-, water- and soil-borne zoonotic disease worldwide. Over the past 20 years many papers were published on the transmission of T. gondii by marine animals, including mollusks, which can concentrate the oocysts and release them. Sporulated oocysts may remain viable and infective for 18 months in seawater. Therefore, raw or undercooked bivalve mollusks pose a risk to humans. This study aimed to apply and validate for the first time a very sensitive digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) protocol to detect and quantify T. gondii DNA in mussels. Four concentration levels: 8000 genomic copies (gc)/μL, 800 gc/μL, 80 gc/μL, 8 gc/μL of a T. gondii reference DNA were tested. DNA was extracted from 80 pools of mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis). Forty pools were contaminated with T. gondii reference DNA and used as positive controls, while 40 pools were used as negative controls. DdPCR reaction was prepared using a protocol, previously developed by the authors, for detection of T. gondii in meat. Amplification was obtained up 8 gc/μL. All infected replicates resulted positive, as well as no droplets were detected in negative controls. The droplets produced in the reaction ranged from 8,828 to 14,075 (average 12,627 droplets). The sensitivity and specificity of ddPCR were 100% (95%CI = 94.3-99.9). In addition, 100 pools of mussels collected in the Gulf of Naples were used to validate the protocol. Of these 16% were positive (95% CI = 9.7-25.0) for T. gondii. Samples were also tested by real-time PCR and no positive samples were found. Data obtained from ddPCR showed good identification of negative and positive samples with higher specificity and efficiency than real-time PCR. This tool could be very useful for a rapid sensitive detection of low DNA concentrations of T. gondii in mussels, reducing the risk of toxoplasmosis in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Mancusi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | | | - Angela Giordano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | - Santa Girardi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | | | - Renato Pinto
- UOD Prevenzione e Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria Regione Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Sarnelli
- UOD Prevenzione e Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria Regione Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Centro di Riferimento Regionale Sanità Animale (CReSan), Salerno, Italy
- Unit of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, CREMOPAR, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Federico Capuano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Unit of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, CREMOPAR, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Štrbac F, Krnjajić S, Stojanović D, Ratajac R, Simin N, Orčić D, Rinaldi L, Ciccone E, Maurelli MP, Cringoli G, Bosco A. Invitro and in vivo anthelmintic efficacy of peppermint ( Mentha x piperita L.) essential oil against gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1232570. [PMID: 37662995 PMCID: PMC10472939 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1232570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, the exclusive use of commercial anthelmintics for the treatment of gastrointestinal nematode infections in ruminants is less sustainable due to anthelmintic resistance, as well as the problem of drug residues in animal products and the environment. Therefore, an integrated therapeutic approach is needed, including the search for alternatives to synthetic anthelmintic drugs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of using the essential oil of peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.) in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep. For this purpose, the in vitro and in vivo anthelmintic efficacy of this oil and the toxic effects on the hosts were examined. In the in vitro egg hatch test, ovicidal activity varied from 21.0-90.3% depending on the concentration of essential oil used (0.0125, 0.025, 0.049, 0.195, 0.781, 3.125, 12.5, and 50 mg/mL). To some extent, anthelmintic efficacy was confirmed in the in vivo fecal egg count reduction test at a mean dose of 150 mg/kg, with an average reduction of nematode eggs of 26.9 and 46.0% at Days 7 and 14 after treatment, respectively. Furthermore, no toxic effects of applied oil were observed on sheep behavior, kidney, or liver function. The main compounds identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyzes were menthol (32.6%), menthone (22.0%), menthyl-acetate (10.0%), and isomenthone (9.39%). Due to their complex chemical compositions, numerous bioactive ingredients, and natural origin, herbal formulations represent a potentially valuable alternative for the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep. In this context, the results of the present study showed that peppermint essential oil is one of the promising candidates. Further studies should be performed to collect more data on the safety profile of M. piperita EO in treated animals to find the most appropriate formulation for use in field conditions and to test it against resistant gastrointestinal nematode populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Štrbac
- Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Slobodan Krnjajić
- Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragica Stojanović
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | | | - Nataša Simin
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Dejan Orčić
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Ciccone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Bosco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy
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Bosco A, Ciuca L, Maurelli MP, Vitiello P, Cringoli G, Prada JM, Rinaldi L. Comparison of Mini-FLOTAC, Flukefinder and sedimentation techniques for detection and quantification of Fasciola hepatica and Calicophoron daubneyi eggs using spiked and naturally infected bovine faecal samples. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:260. [PMID: 37533114 PMCID: PMC10399002 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05890-2] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fasciolosis (Fasciola hepatica) and paramphistomosis (Calicophoron daubneyi) are two important infections of livestock. Calicophoron daubneyi is the predominant Paramphistomidae species in Europe, and its prevalence has increased in the last 10-15 years. In Italy, evidence suggests that the prevalence of F. hepatica in ruminants is low in the southern part, but C. daubneyi has been recently reported at high prevalence in the same area. Given the importance of reliable tools for liver and rumen fluke diagnosis in ruminants, this study evaluated the diagnostic performance of the Mini-FLOTAC (MF), Flukefinder(R) (FF) and sedimentation (SED) techniques to detect and quantify F. hepatica and C. daubneyi eggs using spiked and naturally infected cattle faecal samples. METHODS Briefly, negative bovine faecal samples were artificially spiked with either F. hepatica or C. daubneyi eggs to achieve different egg count levels: 10, 50 and 100 eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces. Moreover, ten naturally infected cattle farms from southern Italy with either F. hepatica and/or C. daubneyi were selected. For each farm, the samples were analysed individually only with MF technique and as pools using MF, FF and SED techniques. Bayesian latent class analysis (LCA) was used to estimate sensitivity and accuracy of the predicted intensity of infection as well as the infection rate in the naturally infected farms. RESULTS The outcome of this study showed that the highest number of eggs (F. hepatica and C. daubneyi) recovered was obtained with MF, followed by FF and SED in spiked infected samples at 50 and 100 EPG, while at lower infection levels of 10 EPG, FF gave the best results. Moreover, the sensitivity for all the techniques included in the study was estimated at > 90% at infection levels > 20 EPG for both F. hepatica and C. daubneyi eggs. However, MF was the most accurate of the three techniques evaluated to estimate fluke infection intensity. Nevertheless, all three techniques can potentially estimate infection rate at farm level accurately. CONCLUSIONS Optimization and standardization of techniques are needed to improve the FEC of fluke eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Bosco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Regional Center for Monitoring Parasitic infections (CREMOPAR), Naples, Italy
| | - Lavinia Ciuca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Regional Center for Monitoring Parasitic infections (CREMOPAR), Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Regional Center for Monitoring Parasitic infections (CREMOPAR), Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Vitiello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Regional Center for Monitoring Parasitic infections (CREMOPAR), Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Regional Center for Monitoring Parasitic infections (CREMOPAR), Naples, Italy
| | - Joaquin M. Prada
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guilford, UK
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Regional Center for Monitoring Parasitic infections (CREMOPAR), Naples, Italy
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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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De Biase D, Prisco F, Pepe P, Bosco A, Piegari G, d'Aquino I, Russo V, Papparella S, Maurelli MP, Rinaldi L, Paciello O. Evaluation of the Local Immune Response to Hydatid Cysts in Sheep Liver. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10050315. [PMID: 37235398 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10050315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to characterize the inflammatory phenotype of livers of sheep naturally infected by cystic echinococcosis, 100 sheep livers have been macroscopically assessed for the presence of hydatid cysts and sampled for histopathological and molecular analysis. According to gross and microscopic examination, livers were subsequently classified into three groups: normal liver (Group A), liver with the presence of fertile hydatid cysts (Group B), and liver with the presence of sterile hydatid cysts (Group C). Immunohistochemical analyses were accomplished using primary antibodies anti-Iba1, anti-CD3, anti-CD20, anti-TGF-β, and anti-MMP9. Finally, real-time PCR was performed in order to estimate the concentration levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (INF-γ), interleukin (IL)-12, IL-10, and TGF-β. Immunohistochemical analysis showed a diffuse immunolabelling of mononuclear cells for Iba-1 and TGF-β and a higher amount of CD20+ B cells compared to CD3+ T cells in both Groups B and C. The expression levels of Th-1-like immune cytokines TNF-α, INF-γ, and IL-12 did not show significant statistical differences. However, we found a significant increase in expression levels of Th-2 immune cytokines TGF-β and IL-10 in Groups B and C compared to Group A. Taken together, our findings suggest that macrophages have a predominant role in the local immune response to cystic echinococcosis. Moreover, we can speculate that Th2 immunity may be dominant, corroborating the idea that B cells are decisively essential in the control of the immune response during parasitic infection and that the immunomodulatory role of IL-10 and TGF-β may ensure the persistence of the parasite within the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide De Biase
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Francesco Prisco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli "Federico II", CREMOPAR, Via Delpino, 1, 80137 Napoli, Italy
| | - Paola Pepe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli "Federico II", CREMOPAR, Via Delpino, 1, 80137 Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonio Bosco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli "Federico II", CREMOPAR, Via Delpino, 1, 80137 Napoli, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Piegari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli "Federico II", CREMOPAR, Via Delpino, 1, 80137 Napoli, Italy
| | - Ilaria d'Aquino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli "Federico II", CREMOPAR, Via Delpino, 1, 80137 Napoli, Italy
| | - Valeria Russo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli "Federico II", CREMOPAR, Via Delpino, 1, 80137 Napoli, Italy
| | - Serenella Papparella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli "Federico II", CREMOPAR, Via Delpino, 1, 80137 Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli "Federico II", CREMOPAR, Via Delpino, 1, 80137 Napoli, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli "Federico II", CREMOPAR, Via Delpino, 1, 80137 Napoli, Italy
| | - Orlando Paciello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli "Federico II", CREMOPAR, Via Delpino, 1, 80137 Napoli, Italy
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Rinaldi L, Krücken J, Martinez-Valladares M, Pepe P, Maurelli MP, de Queiroz C, Castilla Gómez de Agüero V, Wang T, Cringoli G, Charlier J, Gilleard JS, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G. Advances in diagnosis of gastrointestinal nematodes in livestock and companion animals. Adv Parasitol 2022; 118:85-176. [PMID: 36088084 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2022.07.002] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Diagnosis of gastrointestinal nematodes in livestock and companion animals has been neglected for years and there has been an historical underinvestment in the development and improvement of diagnostic tools, undermining the undoubted utility of surveillance and control programmes. However, a new impetus by the scientific community and the quickening pace of technological innovations, are promoting a renaissance of interest in developing diagnostic capacity for nematode infections in veterinary parasitology. A cross-cutting priority for diagnostic tools is the development of pen-side tests and associated decision support tools that rapidly inform on the levels of infection and morbidity. This includes development of scalable, parasite detection using artificial intelligence for automated counting of parasitic elements and research towards establishing biomarkers using innovative molecular and proteomic methods. The aim of this review is to assess the state-of-the-art in the diagnosis of helminth infections in livestock and companion animals and presents the current advances of diagnostic methods for intestinal parasites harnessing (i) automated methods for copromicroscopy based on artificial intelligence, (ii) immunodiagnosis, and (iii) molecular- and proteome-based approaches. Regardless of the method used, multiple factors need to be considered before diagnostics test results can be interpreted in terms of control decisions. Guidelines on how to apply diagnostics and how to interpret test results in different animal species are increasingly requested and some were recently made available in veterinary parasitology for the different domestic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
| | - J Krücken
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - M Martinez-Valladares
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - P Pepe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - M P Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - C de Queiroz
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 3331 Hospital Drive, Host-Parasite Interactions (HPI) Program University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, St Georges University, Grenada
| | - V Castilla Gómez de Agüero
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - T Wang
- Kreavet, Kruibeke, Belgium
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | | | - J S Gilleard
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 3331 Hospital Drive, Host-Parasite Interactions (HPI) Program University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - G von Samson-Himmelstjerna
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Mancusi A, Giordano A, Bosco A, Girardi S, Proroga YTR, Morena L, Pinto R, Sarnelli P, Cringoli G, Rinaldi L, Capuano F, Maurelli MP. Development of a droplet digital polymerase chain reaction tool for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii in meat samples. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1467-1473. [PMID: 35230549 PMCID: PMC8993784 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07477-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Infection in humans has usually been related to the consumption of raw, undercooked or cured meat. The aim of this study was to develop a droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR)-based assay for the detection and quantification of T. gondii in meat samples. To optimize the ddPCR, T.gondii reference DNA aliquots at five known concentrations: 8000 cg/µl, 800 cg/µl, 80 cg/µl, 8 cg/µl were used. Moreover, results obtained by ddPCR and quantitative PCR (qPCR) were compared using 80 known samples (40 positive and 40 negative), as well as 171 unknown diaphragm tissue samples collected at slaughterhouses. The ddPCR showed a sensitivity of 97.5% and a specificity of 100%, with a detection limit of 8 genomic copy/µl of T. gondii. A nearly perfect agreement (κ = 0.85) was found between results obtained by ddPCR and qPCR for both positive and negative known samples analysed. On the 171 diaphragm tissue samples from field, 7.6% resulted positive by ddPCR and only 1.2% by qPCR. Therefore, this innovative method could be very useful for the detection of T. gondii in meat samples, aiming to prevent human infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Mancusi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, NA), Italy
| | - Angela Giordano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, NA), Italy
| | - Antonio Bosco
- Unit of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy
| | - Santa Girardi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, NA), Italy
| | | | - Luigi Morena
- Centro Di Riferimento Regionale Sanità Animale (CReSan), Salerno, Italy
| | - Renato Pinto
- UOD Prevenzione E Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria Regione Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Sarnelli
- UOD Prevenzione E Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria Regione Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Unit of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy
- Centro Di Riferimento Regionale Sanità Animale (CReSan), Salerno, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Unit of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy
- Centro Di Riferimento Regionale Sanità Animale (CReSan), Salerno, Italy
| | - Federico Capuano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, NA), Italy
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Unit of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy.
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13
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Štrbac F, Bosco A, Maurelli MP, Ratajac R, Stojanović D, Simin N, Orčić D, Pušić I, Krnjajić S, Sotiraki S, Saralli G, Cringoli G, Rinaldi L. Anthelmintic Properties of Essential Oils to Control Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Sheep-In Vitro and In Vivo Studies. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9020093. [PMID: 35202346 PMCID: PMC8880401 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9020093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Herbal products such as essential oils may play a promising role in the treatment of infections caused by gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro potential of 11 essential oils (EOs) and one binary combination of isolated EO compounds, as well as the in vivo anthelmintic efficacy of two EO formulations. Four GIN genera were identified in the coproculture examination: Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Teladorsagia and Chabertia. The in vitro egg hatch test (EHT) was performed at six different concentrations (50, 12.5, 3.125, 0.781, 0.195 and 0.049 mg/mL) for each EO, whereas in the in vivo faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT), each EO sample was diluted in sunflower oil and orally administrated at a dose of 100 mg/kg to the different group of animals. In the EHT, the EOs of Origanum vulgare, Foeniculum vulgare, Satureja montana, Satureja hortensis and two types of Thymus vulgaris were the most effective. The dominant compounds of these EOs were carvacrol, thymol, anethol, p-cymene and γ-terpinene, indicating their importance for the anthelmintic activity. In the FECRT, both T. vulgaris EO type 1 and linalool:estragole combination show an anthelmintic potential with a mean effect on FECR of approximately 25%. The results suggest the possible role of tested EOs as anthelmintic agents in sheep farms, although further in vivo tests are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Štrbac
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21102 Novi Sad, Serbia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +381-613181091
| | - Antonio Bosco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (A.B.); (M.P.M.); (G.C.); (L.R.)
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (A.B.); (M.P.M.); (G.C.); (L.R.)
| | - Radomir Ratajac
- Scientific Veterinary Institute Novi Sad, Rumenački put 20, 21113 Novi Sad, Serbia; (R.R.); (I.P.)
| | - Dragica Stojanović
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21102 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Nataša Simin
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, 21102 Novi Sad, Serbia; (N.S.); (D.O.)
| | - Dejan Orčić
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, 21102 Novi Sad, Serbia; (N.S.); (D.O.)
| | - Ivan Pušić
- Scientific Veterinary Institute Novi Sad, Rumenački put 20, 21113 Novi Sad, Serbia; (R.R.); (I.P.)
| | - Slobodan Krnjajić
- Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, Kneza Višeslava 1, 11030 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Smaragda Sotiraki
- Veterinary Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Foundation, NAGREF Campus, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Giorgio Saralli
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lazio and Tuscany M. Aleandri, Via Appia Nuova, 00178 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (A.B.); (M.P.M.); (G.C.); (L.R.)
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Via Federico Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (A.B.); (M.P.M.); (G.C.); (L.R.)
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Maurelli MP, Pepe P, Illiano S, Nocerino M, Ciuca L, Saralli G, Cringoli G, Rinaldi L. A five-year retrospective study on ascarid infections in dogs in southern Italy. SCHWEIZ ARCH TIERH 2022; 164:79-88. [PMID: 34983742 DOI: 10.17236/sat00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A 5-year retrospective analysis of ascarid infections (Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina) in dogs from southern Italy was performed to update the epidemiological scenario of these parasites and to identify the risk factors which may favour these infections in animals in this study area. A total of 8,149 dogs, referred to our labs for copromicroscopic analysis using the FLOTAC technique, was considered. A sub-sample of 500 faecal samples were analysed also with the Mini-FLOTAC technique. Of the overall dog samples analysed, 9,2 % (95 % CI = 8,6-9,8) resulted positive for T. canis while 0,5 % (95 % CI = 0,4-0,7) resulted positive for T. leonina. Co-infections with T. canis and T. leonina were found in 0,1 % of dogs (95 % CI = 0,0-0,1). The results obtained by the FLOTAC and Mini-FLOTAC examinations showed a nearly perfect k agreement (k = 0,99, P < 0,001) between these two techniques. Chi-square test showed positivity to T. canis and T. leonina significantly (P < 0,001) associated with dogs housed outdoor (i.e., that lived in garden or in kennel). Moreover, the positivity for T. canis was significantly associated (P < 0,001) also with age (i.e., puppies), as shown by the logistic regression. The decreasing overall prevalence both for T. canis and T. leonina during the years of monitoring, showed that, as suggested by the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites, the regular diagnosis could contribute to an efficient control of these parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy
| | - P Pepe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy
| | - S Illiano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy
| | - M Nocerino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy
| | - L Ciuca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy
| | - G Saralli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana M. Aleandri, Rome, Italy
| | - G Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy
| | - L Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy
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Maurelli MP, Pepe P, Montresor A, Mupfasoni D, Nocerino M, Morgoglione ME, Musella V, Cringoli G, Rinaldi L. Development of a public geographical information system-based website to follow the impact of control activities of soil-transmitted helminths in endemic countries. Geospat Health 2021; 16. [PMID: 34913331 DOI: 10.4081/gh.2021.1049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are among the most common neglected tropical diseases worldwide causing high morbidity and mortality rates in endemic areas. Preventive chemotherapy (PC) programmes and health education are recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to reduce the impact of STH in endemic countries. Following our role as WHO collaborating centre (WHO CC ITA-116), we have developed a WebGIS and a dataset to support PC programmes to monitor the impact of STH control. This vHealth presentation shows the potentiality of these tools in improving communication among WHO's regional and country offices, Ministries of Health, pharmaceutical industries and other partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, WHO Collaborating Centre ITA-116, Naples.
| | - Paola Pepe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, WHO Collaborating Centre ITA-116, Naples.
| | - Antonio Montresor
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva.
| | - Denise Mupfasoni
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva.
| | - Martina Nocerino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, WHO Collaborating Centre ITA-116, Naples.
| | - Maria Elena Morgoglione
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, WHO Collaborating Centre ITA-116, Naples.
| | - Vincenzo Musella
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Graecia, Catanzaro.
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, WHO Collaborating Centre ITA-116, Naples.
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, WHO Collaborating Centre ITA-116, Naples.
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Ciuca L, Martinescu G, Miron LD, Roman C, Acatrinei D, Cringoli G, Rinaldi L, Maurelli MP. Occurrence of Babesia Species and Co-Infection with Hepatozoon canis in Symptomatic Dogs and in Their Ticks in Eastern Romania. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10101339. [PMID: 34684287 PMCID: PMC8538781 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101339] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the distribution of Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon canis is well known in Romania, there is still a marked lack of information in many places of the country. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of these haemoparasites in symptomatic dogs and in their ticks in Iasi, eastern Romania. Ninety owned dogs were subjected to clinical examination at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Iasi and all detectable ticks (58 ticks from 15 dogs) were collected. Additionally, 124 ticks collected from the coat of other dogs (no. = 23) were included. Three Babesia species were found in dogs: Babesia canis (94.4%), Babesia vogeli (3.3%), and Babesia rossi (2.2%). All the dogs resulted negative for H. canis. The ticks were identified as follows: Ixodes ricinus (64%), Dermacentor reticulatus (33%), and Rhipicephalus sanguineus group (3%). B. canis (Minimum Infection Rate; MIR = 81%), B. vogeli (MIR = 3%), and Babesia microti-like piroplasm (MIR = 1%) were found in ticks. Moreover, 15 ticks were positive for H. canis, 6 were co-infected with B. canis, and 1 with B. microti-like piroplasm. This is the first molecular identification of B. rossi in two symptomatic dogs from Romania, although further studies are needed to investigate the vector competence of other ticks from Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Ciuca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Via Delpino, 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (G.C.); (L.R.); (M.P.M.)
- Correspondence: (L.C.); (G.M.); Tel.: +39-3661381556 (L.C.); +40-757872575 (G.M.)
| | - Gabriela Martinescu
- Parasitology Service, Clinics Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences (IULS), Mihail Sadoveau Alley, 3, 700489 Iasi, Romania; (L.D.M.); (C.R.); (D.A.)
- Correspondence: (L.C.); (G.M.); Tel.: +39-3661381556 (L.C.); +40-757872575 (G.M.)
| | - Liviu Dan Miron
- Parasitology Service, Clinics Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences (IULS), Mihail Sadoveau Alley, 3, 700489 Iasi, Romania; (L.D.M.); (C.R.); (D.A.)
| | - Constantin Roman
- Parasitology Service, Clinics Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences (IULS), Mihail Sadoveau Alley, 3, 700489 Iasi, Romania; (L.D.M.); (C.R.); (D.A.)
| | - Dumitru Acatrinei
- Parasitology Service, Clinics Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences (IULS), Mihail Sadoveau Alley, 3, 700489 Iasi, Romania; (L.D.M.); (C.R.); (D.A.)
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Via Delpino, 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (G.C.); (L.R.); (M.P.M.)
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Via Delpino, 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (G.C.); (L.R.); (M.P.M.)
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Via Delpino, 1, 80137 Naples, Italy; (G.C.); (L.R.); (M.P.M.)
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Bosco A, Alves LC, Cociancic P, Amadesi A, Pepe P, Morgoglione ME, Maurelli MP, Ferrer-Miranda E, Santoro KR, Nascimento Ramos RA, Rinaldi L, Cringoli G. Epidemiology and spatial distribution of Echinococcus granulosus in sheep and goats slaughtered in a hyperendemic European Mediterranean area. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:421. [PMID: 34419132 PMCID: PMC8380321 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04934-9] [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: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a worldwide parasitic zoonosis caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato affecting livestock, particularly sheep and goats. However, often this parasitosis is underestimated. For this reason, this study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological features and spatial distribution of CE in sheep and goats slaughtered in a hyperendemic Mediterranean area. Methods A survey was conducted in the Basilicata region (southern Italy) from 2014 to 2019. A total of 1454 animals (1265 sheep and 189 goats) from 824 farms were examined for hydatid cyst detection by visual inspection, palpation and incision of target organs. All the CE cysts were counted and classified into five morphostructural types (unilocular, multiseptate, calcified, caseous and hyperlaminated). Molecular analysis was performed on 353 cysts. For spatial analysis, a kriging interpolation method was used to create risk maps, while clustering was assessed by Moran’s I test. Results CE prevalence of 72.2% (595/824) and 58.4% (849/1454) was observed at the farm and animal levels, respectively, with higher values in sheep (62.9%) than goats (28.0%). The liver and lungs were the most frequently infected organs in both sheep and goats. Most of recovered cysts were of the calcified and multiseptate morphotypes. All the isolates were identified as E. granulosus sensu stricto (genotypes G1–G3). Spatial distribution showed a moderate clustering of positive animals. Conclusion The findings of this study can be used to better understand the eco-epidemiology of echinococcosis and to improve CE surveillance and prevention programs in regions highly endemic for CE. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Bosco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Campania, Italy
| | - Leucio Camara Alves
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Paola Cociancic
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Campania, Italy.,Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE-CONICET-UNLP-asociado a CICPBA), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alessandra Amadesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Campania, Italy
| | - Paola Pepe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Campania, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Morgoglione
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Campania, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Campania, Italy.
| | - Edyniesky Ferrer-Miranda
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Federal University of Agreste of Pernambuco, Garanhuns, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Kleber Régis Santoro
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Federal University of Agreste of Pernambuco, Garanhuns, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Campania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Campania, Italy
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Gizzarelli M, Bosco A, Foglia Manzillo V, Bongiorno G, Bianchi R, Giaquinto D, Ben Fayala NEH, Varloud M, Crippa A, Gradoni L, Cringoli G, Maurelli MP, Rinaldi L, Oliva G. Examining the Relationship of Clinical and Laboratory Parameters With Infectiousness to Phlebotomus perniciosus and Its Potential Infectivity in Dogs With Overt Clinical Leishmaniasis. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:667290. [PMID: 34017871 PMCID: PMC8129199 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.667290] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Infected dogs are considered the main domestic animal reservoirs for Leishmania infantum parasite. Infectiousness to competent phlebotomine vectors has been associated with many factors, the main being the severity of the disease exhibited by infected dogs. This study examines the relationship between different clinical parameters and the infectiousness to colonized Phlebotomus perniciosus sand flies having a blood meal on dogs. Data obtained in the present study come from an untreated group of Leishmania sick dogs submitted to xenodiagnosis for the evaluation of a spot on insecticide solution. Seventeen dogs were diagnosed as affected by leishmaniasis through clinical examination, immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) serology, and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). The disease severity (clinical score) was staged by using a numeric value derived from eight clinical and parasitological parameters. Xenodiagnosis was performed on caged dogs exposed for 1.5 h to sand-fly bites. The following parameters related to sand flies were examined: blood feeding (% of blood engorged females), promastigote detection (% of promastigote-positive sand flies), promastigote burden, and the promastigote stage maturation (potential transmissibility rate). Statistical relationship between the clinical score and entomological parameters was investigated, as well as the possible correlation between each clinical and laboratory parameters and sand fly infection/infectivity. The severity of clinical score may influence the blood feeding by, and the probability of promastigote detection in, sand flies; skin lesions seem to be the main factor that influences the rate of blood feeding. Promastigote burden is related to IFAT titer, skin lesions, and clinical score. All entomological parameters are strongly related among them. This study confirms that both P. perniciosus infection and infectivity are influenced by a dog's clinical condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Gizzarelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Bosco
- Unit of Vector-Borne Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Foglia Manzillo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gioia Bongiorno
- Unit of Vector-Borne Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Bianchi
- Unit of Vector-Borne Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Giaquinto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Nour El Houda Ben Fayala
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Luigi Gradoni
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gaetano Oliva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Ciuca L, Pepe P, Bosco A, Caccio SM, Maurelli MP, Sannella AR, Vismarra A, Cringoli G, Kramer L, Rinaldi L, Genchi M. Effectiveness of Fenbendazole and Metronidazole Against Giardia Infection in Dogs Monitored for 50-Days in Home-Conditions. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:626424. [PMID: 33842570 PMCID: PMC8032893 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.626424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A field trial performed in-home conditions was conducted on 24 dogs naturally infected with Giardia, in order to compare the efficacy of fenbendazole and metronidazole. Animals were allocated in groups randomly in order to obtain two groups of 12 dogs each with similar parasitic loads of Giardia cysts: dogs in Group A were treated with fenbendazole (Panacur®, Intervet Italia Srl) administered at the dose of 50 mg/kg orally once a day for 5 consecutive days, dogs in Group B were treated with metronidazole (Flagyl®, Zambon Italia Srl) administered orally at the dose of 50 mg/kg, once a day for 5 consecutive days. All the dogs that were shedding Giardia cysts after the first treatment (Day 0) were retreated (either at Day 7 or at Day 14 or at Day 21) until a negative result was obtained with the same treatment. Additionally, all the dogs were re-examined at Day 50. All the dogs were tested for the presence of Giardia cysts using a fecal flotation method (FLOTAC). The percent efficacy of the treatments (A and B) was calculated at each sampling point (Days 7, 14, 21, and 50) as reduction in mean Giardia cysts. After the first therapy, on day 7, 4/12 (33.3%) dogs tested positive for Giardia cysts in the Group A and 5/12 (41.7%) in the Group B. Efficacies at (Days 7, 14, 21, and 50) of the treatments against Giardia infection were 80.9, 94, 100, and 97% in the Group A and 70.8, 99, 100, and 97.1% in the Group B. Statistically significant differences were not observed between the efficacy of Fenbendazole and Metronidazole against infection by G. duodenalis (P = 0.686). Molecular analysis revealed full homology (i.e., 100% with JN416550) with the canine specific assemblage D in six positive dogs. Different hypotheses might explain the re-appearance of the Giardia cysts in some dogs after treatment, e.g., re-infection from the home environment, the correct medication given by the owners, the diet, as well as treatment failure, but also biological issues related to the intermittent excretion of Giardia cysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Ciuca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Pepe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Bosco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Simone Mario Caccio
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Rosa Sannella
- European Union Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Alice Vismarra
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Kramer
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Genchi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Cringoli G, Pepe P, Bosco A, Maurelli MP, Baldi L, Ciaramella P, Musella V, Buonanno ML, Capuano F, Corrado F, Ianniello D, Alves LC, Sarnelli P, Rinaldi L. An integrated approach to control Cystic Echinococcosis in southern Italy. Vet Parasitol 2021; 290:109347. [PMID: 33444910 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a severe zoonosis, caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. This helminth infection is of increasing public health and socio-economic concern due to the considerable morbidity rates that cause economic losses both in the public health sector and in the livestock industry. Control programmes against E. granulosus are considered long-term actions which require an integrated approach and high expenditure of time and financial resources. Since 2010, an integrated approach to control CE has been implemented in a highly endemic area of continental southern Italy (Campania region). Innovative procedures and tools have been developed and exploited during the control programme based on the following strategies: i) active and passive surveillance in livestock (using geospatial tools for georeferencing), ii) diagnosis in dogs (using the FLOTAC techniques and molecular analysis), iii) targeted treatment of farm dogs (using purpose-built confinement cages), iv) early diagnosis in livestock (by ultrasonography), v) surveillance in humans (through hospital discharge records analysis), vi) monitoring the food chain (analysing raw vegetables), vii) outreach activities to the general public (through dissemination material, e.g. brochures, gadgets, videos, virtual reality). Over eight years, the integrated approach and the new strategies developed have resulted in a noteworthy reduction of the parasite infection rates in livestock (e.g. up to 30 % in sheep). The results obtained so far highlight that using a one health multidisciplinary and multi-institution effort is of pivotal importance in preparing CE control programmes at regional level and could be extended to other endemic Mediterranean areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Centro Regionale per il Monitoraggio delle Parassitosi (CREMOPAR), Regione Campania, Eboli, SA, Italy; Centro di Riferimento Regionale per le Malattie degli Animali Domestici (CReSan), Regione Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - P Pepe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Centro Regionale per il Monitoraggio delle Parassitosi (CREMOPAR), Regione Campania, Eboli, SA, Italy
| | - A Bosco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Centro Regionale per il Monitoraggio delle Parassitosi (CREMOPAR), Regione Campania, Eboli, SA, Italy
| | - M P Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Centro Regionale per il Monitoraggio delle Parassitosi (CREMOPAR), Regione Campania, Eboli, SA, Italy
| | - L Baldi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - P Ciaramella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - V Musella
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - M L Buonanno
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - F Capuano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - F Corrado
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - D Ianniello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Centro Regionale per il Monitoraggio delle Parassitosi (CREMOPAR), Regione Campania, Eboli, SA, Italy
| | - L C Alves
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - P Sarnelli
- Centro Regionale per il Monitoraggio delle Parassitosi (CREMOPAR), Regione Campania, Eboli, SA, Italy; UOD Prevenzione e Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria Regione Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - L Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; Centro Regionale per il Monitoraggio delle Parassitosi (CREMOPAR), Regione Campania, Eboli, SA, Italy; Centro di Riferimento Regionale per le Malattie degli Animali Domestici (CReSan), Regione Campania, Naples, Italy.
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21
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Ciuca L, Roman C, Prisco F, Miron L, Acatrinei D, Paciello O, Maurelli MP, Vismarra A, Cringoli G, Rinaldi L. First report of Dirofilaria repens infection in a microfilaraemic cat from Romania. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2020; 22:100497. [PMID: 33308740 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100497] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The present study describes the first report of Dirofilaria repens infection with the presence of both microfilariae and adult nematodes in a cat from Northeastern Romania. Briefly, a 5-year-old male mixed breed cat was presented to a veterinary clinic in Iasi (Romania), for neutering, in early February 2020. During the surgery, two whitish worms were removed from the internal part of the scrotum. Two adult nematodes, one female and one male, were identified, on the basis of morphological features, as D. repens with whitish, cylindrical bodies, measuring 12.5 cm and 6.5 cm in length, respectively. At histology, the female nematode showed two cavitated structures containing myriads of variably arranged microfilariae. The male had a transversal diameter of 350 μm, a 10 μm thick cuticle and a ridge-period of 10 Μm. multiplex PCR confirmed the diagnosis of D. repens from both nematodes. The Knott's test revealed the presence of microfilariae of D. repens. Routine biochemistry panel was within range with one exception, urea serum level slightly increased. The haematology results revealed an increased number of neutrophils, lymphocytes and eosinophils. The cat had an infection with Otodectes cynotis as well. The cat was discharged with the following therapy recommended: oral doxycycline (10 mg/kg) for 30 days and topical moxidectin, monthly doses. After six months, the Knott's test gave negative results. Further studies should include new insights of D. repens infection in cats concerning its epidemiology, diagnosis and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Ciuca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via della Veterinaria, 1, Naples, Italy; Ion Ionescu de la Brad, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Iasi, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, M. Sadoveanu Alley No. 8, 700489, Iasi, Romania.
| | - Constantin Roman
- Ion Ionescu de la Brad, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Iasi, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, M. Sadoveanu Alley No. 8, 700489, Iasi, Romania.
| | - Francesco Prisco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via della Veterinaria, 1, Naples, Italy.
| | - Liviu Miron
- Ion Ionescu de la Brad, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Iasi, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, M. Sadoveanu Alley No. 8, 700489, Iasi, Romania.
| | - Dumitru Acatrinei
- Ion Ionescu de la Brad, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Iasi, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, M. Sadoveanu Alley No. 8, 700489, Iasi, Romania.
| | - Orlando Paciello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via della Veterinaria, 1, Naples, Italy.
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via della Veterinaria, 1, Naples, Italy.
| | - Alice Vismarra
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via della Veterinaria, 1, Naples, Italy.
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via della Veterinaria, 1, Naples, Italy.
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22
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Maurelli MP, Dourado Martins OM, Morgan ER, Charlier J, Cringoli G, Mateus TL, Bacescu B, Chartier C, Claerebout E, de Waal T, Helm C, Hertzberg H, Hinney B, Höglund J, Kyriánová IA, Mickiewicz M, Petkevičius S, Simin S, Sotiraki S, Tosheska M, Toth M, Martínez-Valladares M, Varady M, Sekovska B, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, Rinaldi L. A Qualitative Market Analysis Applied to Mini-FLOTAC and Fill-FLOTAC for Diagnosis of Helminth Infections in Ruminants. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:580649. [PMID: 33195595 PMCID: PMC7642452 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.580649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Helminth infections, mainly by gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN), are one of the main concerns for animal health, welfare and productivity in grazing ruminant livestock worldwide. The use of a sensitive, precise, accurate, low-cost, and easy-to-perform copromicroscopic technique is of pivotal importance to perform reliable fecal egg count (FEC) and fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT), in order to determine the need of anthelmintic treatment, but also anthelmintic efficacy or resistance. This approach is fundamental to a correct and efficient control of GIN. Unfortunately, in worldwide ruminant farm practice, repeated anthelmintic treatments are carried out, without prior diagnosis of infection, contributing to the spread of Anthelmintic Resistance (AR). Tackling this phenomenon, improving mainly the GIN diagnosis and AR status in farm animals, is a priority of the European COST Action “COMBAR—COMBatting Anthelmintic Resistance in Ruminants” and of the STAR-IDAZ International Research Consortium on Animal Health. One of the specific objectives of the COMBAR Working Group 1 (WG1) is to conduct an European market analysis of new diagnostics and develop a business plan for commercial test introduction, leveraging technical know-how of participants. Since the Mini-FLOTAC in combination with the Fill-FLOTAC may be considered a good candidate for a standardized FEC and FECRT in the laboratory, as well as directly in the field, the aim of this study was to conduct SWOT (Strength—Weaknesses—Opportunities—Threats) and PESTEL (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal) analyses of these tools in 20 European countries involved in the COMBAR WG1, in order to identify the opportunities, barriers, and challenges that might affect the Mini-FLOTAC and Fill-FLOTAC commercialization in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Eric R Morgan
- Institute of Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | | | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Letra Mateus
- CISAS-Centre for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Escola Superior Agrária, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun'Àlvares, Viana do Castelo, Portugal.,EpiUnit-Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Bogdan Bacescu
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Spiru Haret University, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Edwin Claerebout
- Laboratory for Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Theo de Waal
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Christina Helm
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Barbara Hinney
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johan Höglund
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Section for Parasitology Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Iveta Angela Kyriánová
- Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Marcin Mickiewicz
- Division of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Stanislav Simin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | | | | | - Mariann Toth
- Institutes of Agricultural Research and Educational Farm, Research Institute of Karcag, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | | | - Marian Varady
- Institute of Parasitology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Blagica Sekovska
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, St. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | | | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Bosco A, Kießler J, Amadesi A, Varady M, Hinney B, Ianniello D, Maurelli MP, Cringoli G, Rinaldi L. The threat of reduced efficacy of anthelmintics against gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep from an area considered anthelmintic resistance-free. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:457. [PMID: 32907633 PMCID: PMC7487796 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04329-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [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: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The worldwide increased difficulty to combat gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection in sheep, due to progressing anthelmintic resistance (AR), calls for an enhanced and standardized implementation of early detection of AR. This study provides a snapshot of the current AR status against benzimidazoles and macrocyclic lactones in southern Italy, generated with standardized techniques. METHODS On 10 sheep farms, the efficacy of albendazole (ALB) and either eprinomectin (EPR) or ivermectin (IVM) was evaluated based on the faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) performed with the Mini-FLOTAC. For each tested drug, 40 sheep were rectally sampled at D0 and sampled again 14 days after the treatment (D14). The FECRT was calculated from individual samples and pooled samples which consist of 5 individual samples. Efficacy was classified as 'reduced, 'suspected' and 'normal'. Coprocultures were set for D0 and D14 faecal samples of each group. From farms with FECR < 95%, an in vitro egg hatch test (EHT) and a follow-up FECRT using fenbendazole (FBZ) were conducted. RESULTS Based on the FECR, high efficacy (from 95.7% to 100%) was observed for ALB and IVM in eight farms (Farms 3-10). On Farm 1 and Farm 2, the efficacy for the macrocyclic lactones was classified as 'normal', but 'reduced' efficacy was observed for ALB on Farm 1 (FECR = 75%) and 'suspected' efficacy on Farm 2 (FECR = 93.3%) with the predominant GIN genus Trichostrongylus followed by Haemonchus at D14. The FEC results of pooled samples strongly correlated with those of individual samples, for FEC at D0 (rs = 0.984; P < 0.0001) and at D14 (rs = 0.913; P < 0.0001). The classifications of efficacy in Farm 1 (FECR = 86.0%) and Farm 2 (FECR = 93.0%) in the follow-up FECRT with FBZ coincide with the main FECRT trial. The in vitro EHT confirmed AR in both farms (Farm 1: 89%; Farm 2: 74%). CONCLUSIONS In regions like southern Italy, where the negative impacts from AR have played a minor role, efficient monitoring of AR is important in order to evaluate potential risks and being able to promptly respond with countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Bosco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy
| | - Jan Kießler
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alessandra Amadesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy
| | - Marian Varady
- Institute of Parasitology of Slovak Academy of Sciences, 040 01, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Barbara Hinney
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Davide Ianniello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy.
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Morgoglione ME, Bosco A, Maurelli MP, Alves LC, Saralli G, Bruni G, Cringoli G, Rinaldi L. A 10-Year Surveillance of Eimeria spp. in Cattle and Buffaloes in a Mediterranean Area. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:410. [PMID: 32851006 PMCID: PMC7417623 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Coccidiosis due to Eimeria spp. are widespread parasitic infections in cattle and water buffaloes and may impair health, welfare, and production of these livestock species. The aims of this study were (i) to investigate the prevalence and seasonal dynamics of eimeriosis and (ii) to characterize the Eimeria species in large ruminants in a Mediterranean area, in order to plan effective control strategies. Parasitological data were obtained from a 10-year surveillance program (2010–2019) on 3,631 farms (2,089 buffalo and 1,542 cattle farms) sampled in central and southern Italy. Pooled fecal samples were analyzed using the FLOTAC technique with an analytic sensitivity of 2 oocysts per gram of feces (OPG) utilizing a saturated sodium chloride flotation solution (specific gravity = 1.200). Eimeria species identification was performed by morphometric analysis after a one week incubation of oocysts in a 2.5% potassium dichromate solution. The results showed high prevalence of Eimeria (up to 100%) in both cattle and buffaloes in the 10 years of surveillance, even if a slight reduction was reported in the last three years. The overall prevalence of eimeriosis was 91.7% (95% confidence interval, 95% CI = 90.2–93.1) in cattle farms and 81.5% (95% CI = 79.8–83.1) in water buffalo farms. The mean OPG value was 66.8 (min = 2; max = 8,065) in cattle and 55.9 (min = 2; max = 15,415) in water buffaloes, but this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In total, nine species of Eimeria were found in cattle the most prevalent being Eimeria bovis, E. ellipsoidalis, E. cylindrica, and E. zuernii, whereas in water buffaloes eight species of Eimeria were found, the most prevalent being E. ellipsoidalis, E. auburnensis, E. bovis, and E. zuernii. Mixed infections were common in both ruminant species. The seasonal pattern showed a higher prevalence of eimeriosis in cattle in spring (86.9%) whereas in buffalo farms the prevalence was higher in winter (82.3%) and summer (82.4%). In conclusion, the 10-year surveillance program indicates that eimeriosis is common in cattle and water buffaloes and therefore continuous effective control strategies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elena Morgoglione
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Bosco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Leucio Camara Alves
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Giorgio Saralli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana M. Aleandri, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Bruni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana M. Aleandri, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Naples, Italy
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Amadesi A, Bosco A, Rinaldi L, Cringoli G, Claerebout E, Maurelli MP. Cattle gastrointestinal nematode egg-spiked faecal samples: high recovery rates using the Mini-FLOTAC technique. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:230. [PMID: 32375871 PMCID: PMC7204292 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04107-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Faecal egg count (FEC) techniques are commonly used to detect gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) in cattle and to determine anthelmintic efficacy/resistance through the faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT). Mini-FLOTAC is one of the techniques recommended for a standardised FEC/FECRT of helminth eggs in cattle. However, only one paper evaluated the recovery rate of GIN eggs by Mini-FLOTAC (compared to McMaster and modified-Wisconsin method) in cattle, using only a level of contamination of 200 eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces and using GIN eggs collected from goat faeces to spike faecal samples from cattle. To further study the recovery rate of GIN eggs from cattle faeces, this study was conducted in two laboratories, one in Belgium and one in Italy to evaluate the sensitivity, accuracy, precision and reproducibility of the Mini-FLOTAC and McMaster techniques (at two reading levels: grids and chambers) for the detection of GIN eggs in spiked bovine faecal samples. Methods In both countries, spiked cattle faecal samples with five different levels of egg contamination (10, 50, 100, 200 and 500 EPG) of GINs were used. The study was performed in both laboratories by the same expert operator and using the same standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the Mini-FLOTAC and McMaster techniques. Sensitivity, accuracy and precision were calculated for each technique and for each level of contamination. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate differences in performance between the two techniques. Results Mini-FLOTAC had a higher sensitivity (100% at all EPG levels for Mini-FLOTAC vs 0–66.6% for McMaster chambers and grids at levels< 100 EPG), a higher accuracy (98.1% mean value for Mini-FLOTAC vs 83.2% for McMaster grids and 63.8% for McMaster chambers) and a lower coefficient of variation (10.0% for Mini-FLOTAC vs 47.5% for McMaster grids and 69.4% for McMaster chambers) than McMaster. There was no significant difference in the recovery of GIN eggs between the two studies performed in Belgium and in Italy. Conclusions The high GIN egg recovery rate detected by Mini-FLOTAC and the similar results obtained in Belgium and in Italy indicated that the diagnostic performance of a FEC technique was not dependent on the laboratory environment.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Amadesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy.
| | - Antonio Bosco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy
| | - Edwin Claerebout
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Naples, Italy
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Maurelli MP, Bosco A, Foglia Manzillo V, Vitale F, Giaquinto D, Ciuca L, Molinaro G, Cringoli G, Oliva G, Rinaldi L, Gizzarelli M. Clinical, Molecular and Serological Diagnosis of Canine Leishmaniosis: An Integrated Approach. Vet Sci 2020; 7:vetsci7020043. [PMID: 32295198 PMCID: PMC7378766 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci7020043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is caused by protozoans of the genus Leishmania and characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical signs in dogs. Early diagnosis is of great importance in order to perform an appropriate therapy and to prevent progression towards severe disease. The aim of this study was to compare a point-of-care molecular technique, i.e., the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), with a real-time polymerase chain reaction (Rt-PCR), and three serological techniques, i.e., immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and a rapid SNAP Leishmania test, to develop an integrated approach for the diagnosis of CanL. Sixty dogs were chosen after physical examination and collection of blood and sera samples, fine-needle aspiration of lymph nodes, and conjunctival swabs were performed. Lymphadenopathy (82.3%), as well as clinicopathological alterations of total proteins (70.6%), were the most frequent signs. Forty-one (68.3%) samples resulted positive at least to one technique. IFAT resulted in the best serological diagnostic method (specificity = 100%, sensitivity = 97.2%), detecting a higher number of positive samples than those revealed by other techniques. Among the samples used for molecular analysis, fine-needle aspiration of lymph nodes was revealed as the best sample source. LAMP showed a substantial agreement (κ = 0.80; p <0.0001) with Rt-PCR; therefore, it could be promising for the rapid diagnosis of CanL. Nevertheless, further studies should be performed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (M.P.M.); (A.B.); (D.G.); (L.C.); (G.M.); (G.C.); (G.O.); (L.R.); (M.G.)
- Regional Center for Monitoring Parasitic Diseases (CREMOPAR), Campania Region, 84025 Eboli (Sa), Italy
| | - Antonio Bosco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (M.P.M.); (A.B.); (D.G.); (L.C.); (G.M.); (G.C.); (G.O.); (L.R.); (M.G.)
- Regional Center for Monitoring Parasitic Diseases (CREMOPAR), Campania Region, 84025 Eboli (Sa), Italy
| | - Valentina Foglia Manzillo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (M.P.M.); (A.B.); (D.G.); (L.C.); (G.M.); (G.C.); (G.O.); (L.R.); (M.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Fabrizio Vitale
- National Reference Center for Leishmaniosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, 90129 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Daniela Giaquinto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (M.P.M.); (A.B.); (D.G.); (L.C.); (G.M.); (G.C.); (G.O.); (L.R.); (M.G.)
| | - Lavinia Ciuca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (M.P.M.); (A.B.); (D.G.); (L.C.); (G.M.); (G.C.); (G.O.); (L.R.); (M.G.)
- Regional Center for Monitoring Parasitic Diseases (CREMOPAR), Campania Region, 84025 Eboli (Sa), Italy
| | - Giuseppe Molinaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (M.P.M.); (A.B.); (D.G.); (L.C.); (G.M.); (G.C.); (G.O.); (L.R.); (M.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (M.P.M.); (A.B.); (D.G.); (L.C.); (G.M.); (G.C.); (G.O.); (L.R.); (M.G.)
- Regional Center for Monitoring Parasitic Diseases (CREMOPAR), Campania Region, 84025 Eboli (Sa), Italy
| | - Gaetano Oliva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (M.P.M.); (A.B.); (D.G.); (L.C.); (G.M.); (G.C.); (G.O.); (L.R.); (M.G.)
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (M.P.M.); (A.B.); (D.G.); (L.C.); (G.M.); (G.C.); (G.O.); (L.R.); (M.G.)
- Regional Center for Monitoring Parasitic Diseases (CREMOPAR), Campania Region, 84025 Eboli (Sa), Italy
| | - Manuela Gizzarelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy; (M.P.M.); (A.B.); (D.G.); (L.C.); (G.M.); (G.C.); (G.O.); (L.R.); (M.G.)
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Zanet S, Battisti E, Pepe P, Ciuca L, Colombo L, Trisciuoglio A, Ferroglio E, Cringoli G, Rinaldi L, Maurelli MP. Tick-borne pathogens in Ixodidae ticks collected from privately-owned dogs in Italy: a country-wide molecular survey. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:46. [PMID: 32028946 PMCID: PMC7006417 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-2263-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks and tick-borne diseases are increasingly recognized as a cause of disease in dogs worldwide. The epidemiology of ticks and tick-transmitted protozoa and bacteria has changed due to the spread of ticks to urban and peri-urban areas and the movement of infected animals, posing new risks for animals and humans. This countrywide study reports information on distribution and prevalence of pathogens in ticks collected from privately-owned dogs in Italy. We analyzed 2681 Ixodidae ticks, collected from 1454 pet dogs from Italy. Specific PCR protocols were used to detect i) Piroplasms of the genera Babesia and Theileria, ii) Gram-negative cocci of the family Anaplasmataceae and iii) Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. Sequencing of positive amplicons allowed for species identification. Results Babesia/Theileria spp. DNA was detected in 435 homogeneous tick-pools (Minimum Infection Rate (MIR) = 27.6%; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 25.4–29.8%) with higher prevalence in Ixodes ricinus and Rhipicephalus sanguneus group. The zoonotic B. venatorum was the most prevalent species (MIR = 7.5%; 95% CI = 6.3–9.0%). Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species were detected in 165 tick-pools (MIR = 10.5%; 95% CI = 9.3–11.8%) and specifically, A. phagocytophilum was identified with MIR = 5.1% (95% CI = 4.1–6.3%). Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. and B. afzelii were detected with MIR = 0.4% (95% CI = 0.2–0.8%) and MIR = 0.3% (95% CI 0.1–0.7%) respectively. Conclusions Zoonotic pathogens B. venatorum and A. phagocytophilum were the most frequently detected in ticks collected from privately-owned dogs which might be used as markers of pathogens presence and distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Zanet
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, largo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Elena Battisti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, largo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Paola Pepe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino, 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Lavinia Ciuca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino, 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Liliana Colombo
- MSD Animal Health, Via Fratelli Cervi, 20090, Segrate, MI, Italy
| | - Anna Trisciuoglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, largo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Ezio Ferroglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, largo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, TO, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino, 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino, 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via Federico Delpino, 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
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Pagano TB, Prisco F, De Biase D, Piegari G, Maurelli MP, Rinaldi L, Cringoli G, Papparella S, Paciello O. Muscular Sarcocystosis in Sheep Associated With Lymphoplasmacytic Myositis and Expression of Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I and II. Vet Pathol 2019; 57:272-280. [PMID: 31801417 DOI: 10.1177/0300985819891257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Sarcocystosis is a protozoal disease affecting a wide range of animals. The aims of this study were to characterize the following in sheep: (1) the muscle pathology in Sarcocystis infection, (2) the inflammatory infiltrate and its relationship to severity of infection, and (3) immune markers expressed by parasitized muscle fibers and parasitic cysts. Skeletal muscle samples from 78 sheep slaughtered in southern Italy were snap frozen and analyzed by histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing were used for Sarcocystis species identification. All 40 muscle samples tested were PCR-positive for Sarcocystis tenella. Histologically, cysts were identified in 76/78 cases (97%), associated with an endomysial infiltrate of lymphocytes and plasma cells. The T cells were predominantly CD8+, with fewer CD4+ or CD79α+ cells. Eosinophils were absent. Notably, sarcolemmal immunopositivity for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I and II was found in 76/78 cases (97%) and 75/78 cases (96%), respectively, both in samples with and in those without evident inflammatory infiltrate. The number of cysts was positively correlated with inflammation. In addition, MHC I was detected in 55/78 cyst walls (72%), and occasionally co-localized with the membrane-associated protein dystrophin. The findings suggest that muscle fibers respond to the presence of cysts by expression of MHC I and II. The possible role of MHC I and II in the inflammatory response and on the cyst wall is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Bruna Pagano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Unit of Pathology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Prisco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Unit of Pathology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Davide De Biase
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Unit of Pathology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Piegari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Unit of Pathology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Unit of Parasitology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Unit of Parasitology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Unit of Parasitology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Serenella Papparella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Unit of Pathology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Orlando Paciello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Unit of Pathology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Maurelli MP, Santaniello A, Fioretti A, Cringoli G, Rinaldi L, Menna LF. The Presence of Toxocara Eggs on Dog's Fur as Potential Zoonotic Risk in Animal-Assisted Interventions: A Systematic Review. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E827. [PMID: 31635019 PMCID: PMC6826609 DOI: 10.3390/ani9100827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [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: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) usually contribute to the well-being and health of users/patients, but it is essential that the animals involved in these activities do not represent a source of zoonoses. This systematic review focused on the evaluation of the potential risk of the transmission of Toxocara by dogs' fur, considering their involvement as the main animal species in AAIs. Three databases were considered: MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, and the PRISMA guidelines were used. Out of 162 articles found, 14 papers were identified as eligible for inclusion in the review. Although the findings were very heterogeneous, they showed that regular parasitological surveillance to plan effective control programs is strongly needed to guarantee the health of pets and consequently the public health, according to the concept of One Health. Since AAIs involve patients and/or users potentially susceptible, it is very important to appropriately treat dogs enrolled in these interventions after an accurate diagnosis of parasitic zoonoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Paola Maurelli
- Unit of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, 80137 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Antonio Santaniello
- Unit of Infectious Diseases of Domestic Animals, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 8-80134 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Fioretti
- Unit of Infectious Diseases of Domestic Animals, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 8-80134 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Unit of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, 80137 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Unit of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via Delpino 1, 80137 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Lucia Francesca Menna
- Unit of Infectious Diseases of Domestic Animals, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 8-80134 Napoli, Italy.
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Gizzarelli M, Foglia Manzillo V, Ciuca L, Morgoglione ME, El Houda Ben Fayala N, Cringoli G, Oliva G, Rinaldi L, Maurelli MP. Simultaneous Detection of Parasitic Vector Borne Diseases: A Robust Cross-Sectional Survey in Hunting, Stray and Sheep Dogs in a Mediterranean Area. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:288. [PMID: 31555672 PMCID: PMC6727173 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) are a spectrum of diseases caused by different pathogens transmitted by blood-feeding arthropoda. The aim of this study was to investigate leishmaniosis, babesiosis, and filarial infections in dogs with three different lifestyles (hunting, stray, and sheep dogs) in Molise, the smallest region of southern Italy, where data available about these parasitic infections are very scant. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 318 hunting, 180 stray, and 218 sheep dogs. Immunofluorescence antibody test, blood smear, molecular techniques and Knott's test were performed to detect Leishmania infantum, Babesia spp. and filarial nematodes. Association between positivity to CVBDs, age, sex, and living conditions was evaluated. An overall prevalence of 12.3% of CVBDs caused by L. infantum (10.2%), B. canis canis (0.3%) and filarial nematodes (2.1%) was detected. Three dogs showed co-infections of L. infantum and B. c. canis (0.1%) or Acanthocheilonema reconditum (0.3%). A significantly association was found only for filarial infection in hunting dogs. These parasites were reported also in dogs without clinical signs. It is very important to plan effective control programs for CVBDs to guarantee not only the health and welfare of pets, but also the public safety, because some of mentioned parasites are of zoonotic importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Gizzarelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Foglia Manzillo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Lavinia Ciuca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,CREMOPAR Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Morgoglione
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,CREMOPAR Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Nour El Houda Ben Fayala
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,CREMOPAR Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Gaetano Oliva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,CREMOPAR Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,CREMOPAR Campania Region, Naples, Italy
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Rinaldi L, Amadesi A, Dufourd E, Bosco A, Gadanho M, Lehebel A, Maurelli MP, Chauvin A, Charlier J, Cringoli G, Ravinet N, Chartier C. Rapid assessment of faecal egg count and faecal egg count reduction through composite sampling in cattle. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:353. [PMID: 31311591 PMCID: PMC6636157 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3601-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Faecal egg counts (FEC) and the FEC reduction test (FECRT) for assessing gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection and efficacy of anthelmintics are rarely carried out on ruminant farms because of the cost of individual analyses. The use of pooled faecal samples is a promising method to reduce time and costs, but few studies are available for cattle, especially on the evaluation of different pool sizes and FECRT application. Methods A study was conducted to assess FEC strategies based on pooled faecal samples using different pool sizes and to evaluate the pen-side use of a portable FEC-kit for the assessment of FEC on cattle farms. A total of 19 farms representing 29 groups of cattle were investigated in Italy and France. On each farm, individual faecal samples from heifers were collected before (D0) and two weeks after (D14) anthelmintic treatment with ivermectin or benzimidazoles. FEC were determined individually and as pooled samples using the Mini-FLOTAC technique. Four different pool sizes were used: 5 individual samples, 10 individual samples, global and global on-farm. Correlations and agreements between individual and pooled results were estimated with Spearman’s correlation coefficient and Lin’s concordance correlation coefficients, respectively. Results High correlation and agreement coefficients were found between the mean of individual FEC and the mean of FEC of the different pool sizes when considering all FEC obtained at D0 and D14. However, these parameters were lower for FECR calculation due to a poorer estimate of FEC at D14 from the faecal pools. When using FEC from pooled samples only at D0, higher correlation and agreement coefficients were found between FECR data, the better results being obtained with pools of 5 samples. Interestingly, FEC obtained on pooled samples by the portable FEC-kit on-farm showed high correlation and agreement with FEC obtained on individual samples in the laboratory. This field approach has to be validated on a larger scale to assess its feasibility and reliability. Conclusions The present study highlights that the pooling strategy and the use of portable FEC-kits on-farm are rapid and cost-effective procedures for the assessment of GIN egg excretion and can be used cautiously for FECR calculation following the administration of anthelmintics in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli Federico II, CREMOPAR, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Amadesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli Federico II, CREMOPAR, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Bosco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli Federico II, CREMOPAR, Napoli, Italy
| | | | | | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli Federico II, CREMOPAR, Napoli, Italy
| | | | | | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Napoli Federico II, CREMOPAR, Napoli, Italy
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Pepe P, Ianniello D, Alves LC, Morgoglione ME, Maurelli MP, Bosco A, Cringoli G, Rinaldi L. Comparative cost-effectiveness of immunoassays and FLOTAC for diagnosing Giardia spp. infection in dogs. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:158. [PMID: 30961639 PMCID: PMC6454601 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3425-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Giardia spp. is a protozoan pathogen and is the most common enteric parasite of domestic animals and humans. Assays for detecting infection in fecal samples using direct or indirect examinations are important tools for diagnosing the disease. The objective of the present study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of immunoassays and FLOTAC technique for diagnosing Giardia spp. infection in dogs. RESULTS Fecal samples from 80 positive stray dogs were tested for the presence of copro-antigens of Giardia spp. using the direct immunofluorescence assay (IFA), a rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the FLOTAC double technique. All methods were performed in accordance with the instructions reported in the original description for each technique. The results showed that ELISA can be run in less time than IFA and almost at the same time of the FLOTAC technique. Among the tests used in this study, FLOTAC had the lowest cost per correct diagnosis, compared with immunoassays. CONCLUSIONS The results from this cost-effectiveness analysis, in combination with the sensitivity and specificity of the FLOTAC technique, suggest that the FLOTAC technique can be use in the routine diagnosis of Giardia spp. infection in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Pepe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Campania Region, Eboli, Italy
| | - Davide Ianniello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Campania Region, Eboli, Italy
| | - Leucio Camara Alves
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, R. Manuel de Medeiros s/n, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil.
| | - Maria Elena Morgoglione
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Campania Region, Eboli, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Campania Region, Eboli, Italy
| | - Antonio Bosco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Campania Region, Eboli, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Campania Region, Eboli, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Campania Region, Eboli, Italy
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Capasso M, Maurelli MP, Ianniello D, Alves LC, Amadesi A, Laricchiuta P, Silvestre P, Campolo M, Cringoli G, Rinaldi L. Use of Mini-FLOTAC and Fill-FLOTAC for rapidly diagnosing parasitic infections in zoo mammals. Rev Bras Parasitol Vet 2019; 28:168-171. [PMID: 30785552 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-296120180087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Animals reared in restricted environments are highly susceptible to gastrointestinal infection by helminths and protozoa and therefore zoos are characterized as being parasite-rich environments. Successful implementation of control programs of these parasites in zoo environment depends upon precise and rapid diagnosing of gastrointestinal infections. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the role of the Mini-FLOTAC technique in combination with Fill-FLOTAC for rapidly diagnosing parasitic infections in zoo mammals. Fecal samples were collected from 70 animals in four different zoos located in central and southern Italy. All the samples were analyzed using Mini-FLOTAC in combination with Fill-FLOTAC. Out of the 70 pooled samples examined, 80% (24/30) were positive for at least one parasite. Among the gastrointestinal nematodes, Strongyles were the most frequent (40%), followed by Trichuris spp. (23.3%), Parascaris spp. (13.3%) and Capillaria spp. (3.3%). Among the protozoa, Blastocystis spp., Giardia spp. and Eimeria spp. were detected in 6.6%, 3.3% and 3.3%, respectively. These results show that Mini-FLOTAC in combination with Fill-FLOTAC can be used, not only for rapidly diagnosing parasitic infections in zoo mammals, but also for monitoring control programs in which large numbers of fecal samples need to be examined rapidly and reliably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Capasso
- Zoo di Napoli, Naples, NA, Italy.,Zoo delle Star, Fossignano, LT, Italy.,Zoo d'Abruzzo, Rocca San Giovanni, CH, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animali, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II Naples, NA, Italy
| | - Davide Ianniello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animali, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II Naples, NA, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Amadesi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animali, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II Naples, NA, Italy
| | - Piero Laricchiuta
- Zoo Safari di Fasanolandia, Fasano, BR, Italy.,Parco Faunistico Valcorba, Pozzonuovo, PD, Italy
| | | | | | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animali, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II Naples, NA, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animali, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II Naples, NA, Italy
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Maurelli MP, Pepe P, Colombo L, Armstrong R, Battisti E, Morgoglione ME, Counturis D, Rinaldi L, Cringoli G, Ferroglio E, Zanet S. A national survey of Ixodidae ticks on privately owned dogs in Italy. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:420. [PMID: 30012202 PMCID: PMC6048866 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2994-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [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: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The geographical distribution of ticks on companion animals needs to be monitored to develop and plan effective control measures, as suggested by the European Scientific Counsel on Companion Animal Parasites. The aim of this study was to conduct the first Italian national survey of tick distribution on privately owned dogs. METHODS The study was performed over 20 months (February 2016 - September 2017) and involved 153 veterinary practices in 64 different provinces covering 17/20 (85%) Italian regions. Participating practitioners were asked to examine five different dogs per month at random and complete a questionnaire for each dog. Differences in tick infestation associated with: sex, age and hair length (long and short); the dog's habitat (indoor or outdoor/kennel); and the dog's environment (urban or rural/sylvatic) were evaluated. The attachment site of ticks on the dog was also recorded. Acaricide efficacy was evaluated for the subset of dogs for which complete information on product used, date of sampling and date of last ectoparasiticide treatment was available. RESULTS Of the 3026 dogs examined, 1383 (45.7%) were carrying at least one tick. Overall, 2439 tick samples were collected and a total of 14 tick species identified. Rhipicephalus sanguineus group were the most predominant ticks (63.6%), followed by Ixodes ricinus (30.6%) and I. hexagonus (5.6%). Twenty-four dogs had mixed tick infestations. Long-haired dogs had a higher tick infestation risk as did dogs with outdoor and rural/sylvatic lifestyles. Ticks were located on the head (37.4%), the neck (28.8%), the muzzle (15.5%) and the back (15.3%). A higher prevalence of Rhipicephalus was found in the interdigital spaces (10.8%) compared to Ixodes (0.2%). Finally, ectoparasiticide treatments were found significantly protective against tick infestation, especially orally administered formulations. CONCLUSIONS Privately owned dogs in Italy have a high prevalence (45.7%) of infestation with ixodid ticks and this risk varies by dog phenotype and lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Pepe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Elena Battisti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Morgoglione
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Ezio Ferroglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Stefania Zanet
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Bosco A, Amadesi A, Morandi N, Pepe P, Maurelli MP, Cringoli G, Rinaldi L. Ostertagia ostertagi antibodies in bulk tank milk from dairy cattle in Italy: A nation-wide survey. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2018; 13:166-170. [PMID: 31014867 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Revised: 04/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the exposure to Ostertagia ostertagi in dairy cattle herds across Italy through measurement of antibody concentration in the bulk tank milk (BTM) and to evaluate the possible effect of regions, seasons and pasture management practices on the level of exposure to the parasite. The O. ostertagi antibody levels in milk were determined using a commercial ELISA kit (SVANOVIR® O. ostertagi-Ab) and expressed as optical density ratio (ODR). From March 2015 to September 2017, BTM samples were collected in 1209 dairy cattle farms located in 15 regions of Northern, Central and Southern Italy. As reported in previous studies, BTM samples were classified in three different categories according to the level of exposure to O. ostertagi as follows: (i) positive with ODR values >0.60; (ii) negative with ODR values <0.30 and (iii) grey zone with ODR values between 0.30 and 0.60. Finally, differences in ODR values between regions, seasons and herd management practices were studied using the one-way analysis of variance. The overall mean ODR revealed a value of 0.49 in Italy; in particular, dairy cattle farms located in Southern Italy showed the highest O. ostertagi BTM ODR values than the other regions (p < 0.05). The ODR values ranged from 0.45 in autumn to 0.53 in spring and the seasonal difference was significant (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a positive association was found between the ODR values and the access to pasture; herds with access to pasture showed significantly higher titres (p < 0.0001) of O. ostertagi antibodies in milk (mean ODR = 0.63) than in those in total-confinement housing (mean ODR = 0.42). This study, the first of its kind in Italy, will provide a quantitative assessment exposure to O. ostertagi of Italian dairy herds and represents a significant step forward in evidence-based medicine for dairy veterinarians, advisors and farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Bosco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Campania Region, Naples, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Amadesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Campania Region, Naples, Italy.
| | - Nicola Morandi
- Merial (Boehringer Ingelheim), Via Lorenzini 8, Milan, Italy.
| | - Paola Pepe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Campania Region, Naples, Italy.
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Campania Region, Naples, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Campania Region, Naples, Italy.
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR, Campania Region, Naples, Italy.
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Maurelli MP, Bosco A, Pepe P, Ianniello D, Amadesi A, Cringoli G, Rinaldi L. Innovative tools for the diagnosis of Echinococcus granulosus in definitive hosts. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:2607-2612. [PMID: 29858944 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5952-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop and validate an innovative protocol for the diagnosis of Echinococcus granulosus and other Taeniidae in dogs. For this purpose, three experiments were performed, using faecal samples from naturally infected dogs. Firstly, the FLOTAC technique was calibrated with five flotation solutions: saturated sodium chloride (specific gravity, s.g. = 1.20), zinc sulphate (s.g. = 1.35), zinc chloride (s.g. = 1.45), Breza (s.g. = 1.30) and modified Breza (s.g. = 1.40). Then, FLOTAC was compared with four techniques of flotation in centrifuge using: zinc sulphate (s.g. = 1.20), Breza (s.g. = 1.30), modified Breza (s.g. = 1.40), and zinc chloride (s.g. = 1.45). Finally, four different protocols of DNA extraction were compared for Taeniidae identification: QIAamp Tissue Kit and QIAamp Stool from eggs; QIAamp Stool and Wizard Magnetic Purification System for Food from faeces. FLOTAC with zinc sulphate was the most efficient method to detect Taeniidae eggs, showing highest mean of eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces. The QIAamp Stool, using eggs concentrated by FLOTAC, was the best method for DNA extraction. The combination of these protocols provided the highest number of positive samples with PCR, i.e., 47/50 (94.0%). The three negative samples showed a low faecal egg count (2 EPG) below the detection limit (4 EPG) of the protocol. From sequencing of the 47 positive samples: 6 samples were identified as E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.), 28 as Taenia hydatigena and 6 as T. pisiformis. A co-infection between different genera of Taeniidae was found in 7 samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Naples, Italy.
| | - Antonio Bosco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Pepe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Davide Ianniello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Amadesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Naples, Italy
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Bosco A, Maurelli MP, Ianniello D, Morgoglione ME, Amadesi A, Coles GC, Cringoli G, Rinaldi L. The recovery of added nematode eggs from horse and sheep faeces by three methods. BMC Vet Res 2018; 14:7. [PMID: 29304858 PMCID: PMC5756441 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1326-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nematode infections in horses are widespread across the world. Increasing levels of anthelmintic resistance, reported worldwide in equine parasites, have led to the creation of programs for the control of nematodes based on faecal egg counts (FEC). To improve nematode egg counting in equine faecal samples and establish whether the matrix of equine faeces or the eggs affect the counts, the analytical sensitivity, accuracy and precision of Mini-FLOTAC (combined with Fill-FLOTAC), McMaster and Cornell-Wisconsin techniques were compared. Known numbers of eggs extracted from equine or ovine faeces were added to egg free ovine and equine faeces to give counts of 10, 50, 200 and 500 eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces. RESULTS The Cornell-Wisconsin significantly underestimated egg counts and McMaster showed a low analytical sensitivity, revealing 100% of sensitivity only for concentrations greater than 200 EPG. EPG values detected by Mini-FLOTAC did not differ significantly from expected counts at any level of egg density. CONCLUSIONS Mini-FLOTAC combined to Fill-FLOTAC which provides an accurate method of weighing without need for a balance and filtering out debris, could be used for FEC on the farm as well as in the laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Bosco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Davide Ianniello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Morgoglione
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Amadesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Gerald C. Coles
- University of Bristol, School of Veterinary Sciences, Langford House, Bristol, BS40 5DU UK
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Naples, Italy
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Alvarado-Villalobos MA, Cringoli G, Maurelli MP, Cambou A, Rinaldi L, Barbachano-Guerrero A, Guevara R, Chapman CA, Serio-Silva JC. Flotation techniques (FLOTAC and mini-FLOTAC) for detecting gastrointestinal parasites in howler monkeys. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:586. [PMID: 29169387 PMCID: PMC5701314 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2532-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Analyses of environmental correlates of the composition of gastrointestinal parasite communities in black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) have been hindered by inadequate calibration techniques of detection and quantification methods of the parasites. Here we calibrate samples and compare the likelihood of parasite detection using two flotation techniques, FLOTAC and Mini-FLOTAC, and compare flotation solution, preservation method and dilution ratio for egg detection and counts of the most common parasites (Controrchis spp. and Trypanoxyuris spp.) in howler monkeys. Results For samples preserved in 5% formalin, the Mini-FLOTAC technique was the best option for qualitative and quantitative copro-microscopic analysis. This technique displays an 83.3% and 100% detection of Controrchis spp. and Trypanoxyuris spp. infections, respectively. For the trematode Controrchis spp., more eggs per gram of feces (EPG) were recorded with the flotation solution (FS) #7 (zinc sulfate; specific gravity SG = 1.35) at 1:20 and 1:25 dilution than other methods. By contrast, for the nematode Trypanoxyuris spp., the best results were recorded with FS1 (sucrose and formaldehyde; SG = 1.20) at 1:10 dilution. Conclusions We recommend the Mini-FLOTAC technique for general use with parasite analysis on frugivore/folivores like the howler monkey, especially if many samples are analyzed. The technique has a high detection rate and the best EPG counts, allowing the qualitative and quantitative analysis of parasite load among the species or populations without the need for specialized equipment. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-017-2532-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Unit of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Unit of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Aurelie Cambou
- ENSAIA (Ecole National e Supérieure d'Ágronomie et des Industries Alimentaires), Vandoeuvre-lés-Nancy, France
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Unit of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Arturo Barbachano-Guerrero
- Laboratorio de Medicina de Conservación, Departamento de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México, Mexico
| | - Roger Guevara
- Red de Biología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología A.C, Xalapa, 91070, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Colin A Chapman
- Department of Anthropology & McGill School of Environment, McGill University, Quebec, Montreal, H3A 2T7, Canada
| | - Juan Carlos Serio-Silva
- Red de Biología y Conservación de Vertebrados, Instituto de Ecología A.C, Xalapa, 91070, Veracruz, Mexico.
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Gerardi F, Santaniello A, Del Prete L, Maurelli MP, Menna LF, Rinaldi L. Parasitic infections in dogs involved in animal-assisted interventions. Italian Journal of Animal Science 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2017.1344937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Gerardi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animali, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonio Santaniello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animali, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Luisa Del Prete
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animali, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animali, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Lucia Francesca Menna
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animali, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animali, University of Napoli Federico II, Napoli, Italy
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Ciucă L, Musella V, Miron LD, Maurelli MP, Cringoli G, Bosco A, Rinaldi L. Geographic distribution of canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection in stray dogs of eastern Romania. Geospat Health 2016; 11:499. [PMID: 27903061 DOI: 10.4081/gh.2016.499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A survey was conducted in the eastern part of Romania to assess the prevalence and geographical distribution of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs. Plasma samples were collected from 458 stray dogs hosted in shelters in 8 counties and tested serologically for the presence of heartworm. In addition, 45 blood samples from dogs of a shelter in Galati city were examined by the modified Knott and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. The immmunological assay showed a heartworm infection prevalence of 8.9% in the dogs. Optical density results for positive samples ranged between 0.217 and 2.683. Geographical information systems (GIS) were used to produce overlays of distribution maps of D. immitis prevalence and predictive maps based on temperature suitability. High prevalence of D. immitis was found in the central East up to the northern border of the country, i.e. Galati county (60%), followed by the counties of Vaslui (12.0%) and Iasi (7.7%). Out of 45 samples examined using the Knott test, 23 were positive for circulating microfilariae (51.1%), while 19 dogs were positive for D. immitis and 4 for both D. immitis and D. repens with the multiplex PCR test. The high prevalence for D. immitis shown in dogs in the Southeast (Galati, 42.2%) also by multiplex PCR gave strong support to the results achieved by the serological tests. The present study confirms the ability of GIS to predict the distribution and epidemiology of dirofilariosis in different geographical territories as has been already demonstrated by the empirical epidemiological data obtained at the continental, national and intraregional levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Ciucă
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ion Ionescu de la Brad University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Iaşi, Iaşi.
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d'Ovidio D, Pantchev N, Noviello E, Del Prete L, Maurelli MP, Cringoli G, Rinaldi L. Survey of Baylisascaris spp. in captive striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) in some European areas. Parasitol Res 2016; 116:483-486. [PMID: 27866266 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5307-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Skunks are popular carnivore species kept both in zoological institutions and in households where they are hand raised as exotic pets. These small carnivores are considered the main definitive hosts of the roundworm Baylisascaris columnaris. The purpose of this survey was to investigate the occurrence of Baylisascaris spp. in striped skunks kept as pets or in private zoo collections in some European areas. Copromicroscopic data from two laboratories, one in Italy and one in Germany, were used. A total of 60 animals were selected. Samples came from Germany (n = 30), Italy (n = 23), United Kingdom (n = 5), Austria (n = 1), and the Netherlands (n = 1). Twenty-eight animals were certainly kept as pets in private households in Italy and the UK. Fifteen out of 60 animals (25%) were positive for Baylisascaris spp. Molecular identification of adult parasites was performed in ten of those animals, revealing B. columnaris in all cases. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first survey of Baylisascaris spp. in captive skunks in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- D d'Ovidio
- Veterinari Esotici Campani, Clinica Veterinaria VetLan, Via G. Brodolini, Battipaglia, SA, 84091, Italy
| | - N Pantchev
- IDEXX Laboratories, Mörikestr. 28/3, Ludwigsburg, 71636, Germany
| | - E Noviello
- Veterinari Esotici Campani, Clinica Veterinaria VetLan, Via G. Brodolini, Battipaglia, SA, 84091, Italy
| | - L Del Prete
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Regione Campania, Via della Veterinaria 1, Naples, 80137, Italy
| | - M P Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Regione Campania, Via della Veterinaria 1, Naples, 80137, Italy
| | - G Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Regione Campania, Via della Veterinaria 1, Naples, 80137, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Regione Campania, Via della Veterinaria 1, Naples, 80137, Italy.
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Ciucă L, Genchi M, Kramer L, Mangia C, Miron LD, Prete LD, Maurelli MP, Cringoli G, Rinaldi L. Heat treatment of serum samples from stray dogs naturally exposed to Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens in Romania. Vet Parasitol 2016; 225:81-5. [PMID: 27369579 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Revised: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Pre-heating of serum samples has been shown to reverse false negative antigen tests for Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs. Here the authors report the results of serum sampling in a population of dogs naturally exposed to D. immitis and Dirofilaria repens infection by testing in ELISA before and after heat treatment. Of 194 dogs sampled from four cities in Romania, D. immitis circulating antigens were found in 16 (8.2%) non heated samples and in 52 (26.8%) heated samples. Of the 108 dogs examined by Knott test, 24 dogs (22.2%) were positive for circulating mf. Subsequent PCR identification showed six dogs had D. immitis mf only, 12 dogs, had only D. repens mf, and 5 were positive for both. Fifty% of dogs with circulating D. immitis mf had positive antigen tests before and after heating, while the other 50% reverted to positive only after heat treatment. Sixty% of dogs with mixed D. immitis/D. repens infection were antigen positive before and after heating, while the other 40% converted to positive after heating. Antigen testing for D. immitis in the 12 dogs with only D. repens mf gave conflicting results. Only two dogs (16%) were antigen negative both before and after heat treatment. Six dogs (50%) became antigen positive after heating and four dogs (30%) were antigen positive both before and after heat treatment. Results would suggest that: false negative result for antigen testing can be reverted by heating of the serum sample; dogs infected with D. repens may have also an occult infection with D. immitis; heat treatment of serum from D. repens-infected dogs can reveal an occult infection with D. immitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Ciucă
- Ion Ionescu de la Brad, University of AgriculturalSciences and Veterinary Medicine Iasi, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, M. Sadoveanu Alley No. 8, 700489, Iasi, Romania
| | - M Genchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Medico-Veterinarie, Università di Parma, via del Taglio 10, 43121, Parma, Italy
| | - L Kramer
- Dipartimento di Scienze Medico-Veterinarie, Università di Parma, via del Taglio 10, 43121, Parma, Italy.
| | - C Mangia
- Dipartimento di Scienze Medico-Veterinarie, Università di Parma, via del Taglio 10, 43121, Parma, Italy
| | - L D Miron
- Ion Ionescu de la Brad, University of AgriculturalSciences and Veterinary Medicine Iasi, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, M. Sadoveanu Alley No. 8, 700489, Iasi, Romania
| | - L Del Prete
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via della Veterinaria, 1, Naples, Italy
| | - M P Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via della Veterinaria, 1, Naples, Italy
| | - G Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via della Veterinaria, 1, Naples, Italy
| | - L Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via della Veterinaria, 1, Naples, Italy
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Condoleo R, Musella V, Maurelli MP, Bosco A, Cringoli G, Rinaldi L. Mapping, cluster detection and evaluation of risk factors of ovine toxoplasmosis in Southern Italy. Geospat Health 2016; 11:432. [PMID: 27245805 DOI: 10.4081/gh.2016.432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, an important cause of reproductive failure in sheep, is responsible for significant economic losses to the ovine industry worldwide. Moreover, ovine meat contaminated by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii is considered as a common source of infection for humans. The aim of this study was to develop point and risk profiling maps of T. gondii seroprevalence in sheep bred in Campania Region (Southern Italy) and analyse risk factors associated at the flock-level. We used serological data from a previous survey of 117 sheep flocks, while environmental and farm management information were obtained from an analysis based on geographical information systems and a questionnaire purveyance, respectively. An univariate Poisson regression model revealed that the type of farm production (milk and meat vs only meat) was the only independent variable associated with T. gondii positivity (P<0.02); the higher within-flock seroprevalence in milking herds suggests that milking practices might influence the spread of the infection on the farm. Neither environmental nor other management variables were significant. Since a majority of flocks were seasonally or permanently on pasture, the animals have a high exposure to infectious T. gondii oocysts, so the high within-flock seroprevalence might derive from this management factor. However, further studies are needed to better assess the actual epidemiological situation of toxoplasmosis in sheep and to clarify the factors that influence its presence and distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Condoleo
- IZSLT, Institute for Experimental Veterinary Medicine of Latium and Tuscany, Rome.
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Del Prete L, Maurelli MP, Pennacchio S, Bosco A, Musella V, Ciuca L, Cringoli G, Rinaldi L. Dirofilaria immitis and Angiostrongylus vasorum: the contemporaneous detection in kennels. BMC Vet Res 2015; 11:305. [PMID: 26689960 PMCID: PMC4687387 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-015-0619-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cardiopulmonary nematodes Dirofilaria immitis and Angiostrongylus vasorum are increasingly reported in dogs and are responsible for two diseases with overlapping endemic areas, especially in Europe: dirofilariosis and angiostrongylosis. The reasons for their apparent emergence are unknown, but several factors (e.g. increased disease awareness, better diagnostic tools, climatic changes, seasonal population dynamics and movements of animals) may play a role in the recent rise in reports of infection in the various countries of Europe. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of D. immitis (by DiroCHECK® ELISA) and the fecal presence of first stage larvae (L1) of A. vasorum (by FLOTAC) in dogs from 68 kennels of the Campania region (southern Italy). The fecal samples were collected from pooled samples using the box as epidemiological unit. To the authors's knowledge, this is the first cross-sectional survey conducted at regional-scale in Italy and in Europe on the contemporaneous detection of D. immitis antigens and A. vasorum L1 in kennels. RESULTS Antigens of D. immitis were detected in 24/537 (4.4%; 95% Confidence Interval = 3.0-6.7) dogs in 6 out of the 68 kennels (8.8%; 95% CI = 3.6-18.9). The 24 positive samples for D. immitis antigen were tested also with AngioDetect® and only 1 sample was seropositive for A. vasorum with a prevalence of 4.2%. A. vasorum L1 were detected in dogs from 9 out of the 68 kennels (13.2%; 95% CI = 21.8-44.9). Pooled fecal samples from 25 boxes out of the 1360 analyzed resulted positive to A. vasorum L1 (1.8%; 95% CI = 1.2-2.7). CONCLUSIONS The present study indicates that cardiopulmonary nematodes are present in Campania region in symptomatic dogs as well as in asymptomatic ones. Therefore, regular parasitological surveillance, appropriate treatment strategies and high quality standard of hygiene are required to guarantee the health and welfare of kennel dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Del Prete
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Via Della Veterinaria 1, 80137, Naples, Italy.
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Via Della Veterinaria 1, 80137, Naples, Italy.
| | - Saverio Pennacchio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Via Della Veterinaria 1, 80137, Naples, Italy.
| | - Antonio Bosco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Via Della Veterinaria 1, 80137, Naples, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Musella
- Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Lavinia Ciuca
- Jon Ionescu de la Brad", University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Iasi, Romania.
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Via Della Veterinaria 1, 80137, Naples, Italy.
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, CREMOPAR Campania Region, Via Della Veterinaria 1, 80137, Naples, Italy.
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Costin (Dumitrache) II, Ionita M, Predoi G, Avram E, Rinaldi L, Maurelli MP, Mitrea IL. Molecular genotypes of Echinococcus granulosus spread among cattle from Romania. J Biotechnol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2015.06.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Mitrea IL, Ionita M, Costin II, Predoi G, Avram E, Rinaldi L, Maurelli MP, Cringoli G, Genchi C. Occurrence and genetic characterization of Echinococcus granulosus in naturally infected adult sheep and cattle in Romania. Vet Parasitol 2014; 206:159-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Revised: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Djokic V, Blaga R, Rinaldi L, Le Roux D, Ducry T, Maurelli MP, Perret C, Djurkovic Djakovic O, Cringoli G, Boireau P. Mini-FLOTAC for counting Toxoplasma gondii oocysts from cat feces--comparison with cell counting plates. Exp Parasitol 2014; 147:67-71. [PMID: 25448359 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii represent one of the most common environmental contaminants causing the zoonotic infection toxoplasmosis. The aim of the present study was to compare the Mini-FLOTAC device with traditional cell counting plates (Kova Slide) for the detection of T. gondii oocysts from feline feces. Two types of experiments were performed: (i) purified oocysts were counted in different dilutions and (ii) specific pathogen free T. gondii-negative cat feces was inoculated with numbers of purified oocysts and counting was performed directly from feces. Our analysis showed a thousand times higher sensitivity of Mini-FLOTAC (5 × 10(2) oocysts) compared to Kova Slide (5 × 10(5) oocysts). Also, when compared by McNemar's test, counting of the purified oocysts showed a higher sensitivity of Mini-FLOTAC compared to Kova Slide, for a dilution of 10(3) oocysts/ml (chi(2) = 6.1; P < 0.05). A better sensitivity was also found with Mini-FLOTAC in dilutions of 10(5) and 10(4) oocysts/ml, when counted from feces (chi(2) = 4.2 and 8.1, respectively, P < 0.05). Our results show that Mini-FLOTAC is more sensitive than traditional methods of T. gondii oocysts detection and quantification is more accurate. Furthermore, Mini-FLOTAC simplicity and cost effectiveness allow it to be used with light microscopes in any laboratory or field conditions. We therefore recommend its use for regular screening. Further studies are needed to validate Mini-FLOTAC for the detection of oocysts in soil and water samples in field conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitomir Djokic
- ANSES, Laboratoire de santé animale de Maisons-Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France; National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Dr. Subotića 4, P.O. Box 102, Belgrade 11129, Serbia.
| | - Radu Blaga
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Delphine Le Roux
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Tamara Ducry
- ANSES, Laboratoire de santé animale de Maisons-Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Maria Paola Maurelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Catherine Perret
- ANSES, Laboratoire de santé animale de Maisons-Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Olgica Djurkovic Djakovic
- National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Dr. Subotića 4, P.O. Box 102, Belgrade 11129, Serbia
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Pascal Boireau
- ANSES, Laboratoire de santé animale de Maisons-Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
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Maurelli MP, Rinaldi L, Rubino G, Lia R, Musella V, Cringoli G. FLOTAC and Mini-FLOTAC for uro-microscopic diagnosis of Capillaria plica (syn. Pearsonema plica) in dogs. BMC Res Notes 2014; 7:591. [PMID: 25178780 PMCID: PMC4167516 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-7-591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Capillaria plica (syn. Pearsonema plica) is a nematode that resides in the urinary bladder and rarely in ureters or in the kidney pelvis of various carnivores, especially foxes and dogs. Urine sedimentation technique is actually the only diagnostic tool that permits the identification of C. plica eggs, but its sensitivity is low and when an infection is suspected (or when it is necessary to confirm treatment efficacy) more than one examination of urine sediment should be performed. The present paper reports a clinical case of natural C. plica infection in a dog from southern Italy. In addition, two new techniques, FLOTAC and Mini-FLOTAC, were used for the diagnosis of C. plica in dog urine and compared with the technique of sedimentation. Results Using FLOTAC with fresh urine and sodium chloride as flotation solution, were obtained the best results for the diagnosis of C. plica in dog urine in term of eggs counted (mean eggs per 10 ml of urine = 70.3 FLOTAC vs 40.3 Mini FLOTAC vs 32.8 sedimentation) and coefficient of variation (CV%) (6.2 FLOTAC vs 13.4 Mini-FLOTAC vs 32.9 sedimentation). Conclusions The FLOTAC was the more sensitive method, but also the Mini-FLOTAC could be a valid alternative diagnostic method because gave better results than the classical sedimentation and can be used in place of the FLOTAC in laboratories where the centrifugation step cannot be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II CREMOPAR, Campania Region, Naples, Italy.
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Costin II, Ionita M, Predoi G, Avram E, Rinaldi L, Maurelli MP, Romig T, Mitrea IL. Molecular epidemiology of cystic echinococcosis in sheep in Romania. J Biotechnol 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2014.07.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Beato S, Parreira R, Roque C, Gonçalves M, Silva L, Maurelli MP, Cringoli G, Grácio MA. Echinococcus granulosus in Portugal: The first report of the G7 genotype in cattle. Vet Parasitol 2013; 198:235-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Revised: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 08/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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