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Costa GCA, Silva FAA, Torquato RJS, Silva Vaz I, Parizi LF, Tanaka AS. Evaluation of the biological function of ribosomal protein S18 from cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102333. [PMID: 38522220 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2024.102333] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, also known as the cattle tick, causes severe parasitism and transmits different pathogens to vertebrate hosts, leading to massive economic losses. In the present study, we performed a functional characterization of a ribosomal protein from R. microplus to investigate its importance in blood feeding, egg production and viability. Ribosomal protein S18 (RPS18) is part of the 40S subunit, associated with 18S rRNA, and has been previously pointed to have a secondary role in different organisms. Rhipicephalus microplus RPS18 (RmRPS18) gene expression levels were modulated in female salivary glands during blood feeding. Moreover, mRNA levels in this tissue were 10 times higher than those in the midgut of fully engorged female ticks. Additionally, recombinant RmRPS18 was recognized by IgG antibodies from sera of cattle naturally or experimentally infested with ticks. RNAi-mediated knockdown of the RmRPS18 gene was performed in fully engorged females, leading to a significant (29 %) decrease in egg production. Additionally, egg hatching was completely impaired, suggesting that no viable eggs were produced by the RmRPS18-silenced group. Furthermore, antimicrobial assays revealed inhibitory activities against gram-negative Escherichia coli and gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, affecting bacterial growth. Data presented here show the important role of RmRPS18 in tick physiology and suggest that RmRPS18 can be a potential target for the development of novel strategies for tick control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel C A Costa
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade de Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernando A A Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade de Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo J S Torquato
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade de Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Itabajara Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), RS, Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), RS, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), RJ, Brazil
| | - Luís F Parizi
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), RS, Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), RS, Brazil
| | - Aparecida S Tanaka
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade de Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), RJ, Brazil.
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Chaisri W, Aneknan T, Khonkarn R, Tiwananthagorn S, Suriyasathaporn W, Pangprasit N, Saipinta D, Saengsitthisak B, Pikulkaew S. Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) containing Cymbopogon citratus essential oil: Enhancing the stability and acaricide efficacy against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. Vet Parasitol 2024; 328:110171. [PMID: 38552269 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to develop a self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) to enhance the stability and efficacy of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil or lemongrass oil (LEO) against cattle tick larvae and engorged females. The system with the highest oil loading in SEDDS was composed of LEO (23.33%w/w), Tween 80: SGKH 4000 in a 2:1 ratio as surfactant (66.67%w/w), and propylene glycol as co-surfactant (10%w/w). The selected SEDDS-LEO has a particle size of 18.78 nm with a narrow size distribution (polydispersity index of 0.27). Notably, the stability of SEDDS was superior to that of the original oil, both during long-term storage and under accelerated conditions. SEDDS-LEO at oil concentrations ranging from 1.458% to 5.833% w/v showed a significantly higher percentage of egg-laying reduction against adult ticks compared with the original oil at the same concentrations (p < 0.05). Furthermore, SEDDS-LEO demonstrated greater larvicidal efficacy than the original oil, with lower LC50 and LC90 values of 0.91 mg/mL and 1.20 mg/mL, respectively, whereas the original oil's LC50 and LC90 values were 1.17 mg/mL and 1.74 mg/mL, respectively. Our findings indicate that SEDDS-LEO is a promising candidate for use as an acaricide in the control of tick populations in dairy cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasana Chaisri
- Research Center of Producing and Development of Products and Innovations for Animal Health, Chiang Mai Univesity, Chiang Mai 50100Thailand; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Tanat Aneknan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Ruttiros Khonkarn
- Research Center of Producing and Development of Products and Innovations for Animal Health, Chiang Mai Univesity, Chiang Mai 50100Thailand; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | | | - Witaya Suriyasathaporn
- Research Center of Producing and Development of Products and Innovations for Animal Health, Chiang Mai Univesity, Chiang Mai 50100Thailand; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand; Cambodia Campus, Asian Satellite Campuses Institute, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Noppason Pangprasit
- Department of Livestock Clinics, Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thamarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Duanghathai Saipinta
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | | | - Surachai Pikulkaew
- Research Center of Producing and Development of Products and Innovations for Animal Health, Chiang Mai Univesity, Chiang Mai 50100Thailand; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand.
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Azevedo BT, de Oliveira HN, Katiki LM, Filho AEV, Domingos AG, Antunes S, Okino CH, de Sena Oliveira MC, Ibelli AMG, Giglioti R. A small proportion of Zebu genetic background in crossbred calves may not be enough to improve resistance against natural bovine Babesia spp. infections. Vet Parasitol 2024; 328:110165. [PMID: 38490159 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110165] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
The main objective of cattle breeders in tropical and subtropical regions is to acquire animals with taurine-productive traits adapted to the broad weather range of these regions. However, one of the main challenges on using taurine genetics in these areas is the high susceptibility of these animals to tick-borne diseases. Consequently, the present study evaluated from 10 November 2021-19 April 2022, the over 13 assessments, the Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina DNA loads and the IgG anti-B. bovis and anti-B. bigemina levels in Angus (n = 17, 100% Taurine) and Ultrablack (n = 14, ∼82% taurine and 18% Zebu) calves. Data were analyzed using a multivariate mixed model with repeated measures of the same animal including the fixed effects of evaluation, genetic group, sex, Babesia spp., and their interactions. The repeatability values were estimated from the (co)variances matrix and expressed for each species. The correlations between the DNA loads (CNlog) and IgG titers (S/P) values for the two species were also estimated using the same model. Regarding the specific IgG antibody titers for both Babesia spp., no significant differences were observed between the two genetic groups. However, for B. bovis and B. bigemina DNA loads, Ultrablack calves presented significantly higher values than Angus calves. Under the conditions evaluated in this study, our findings suggest that the low percentage of Zebu genetic in the Ultrablack breed was insufficient to improve resistance against babesiosis. Further studies must demonstrate if the low percentages of Zebu genetics in Taurine breeds can modify the susceptibility to babesiosis infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Tainá Azevedo
- Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Sandra Antunes
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal
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Dinon A, Fiorani F, Campero LM, Moore DP, Corva PM. The role of genetic variability of the host on the resistance to Neospora caninum infection in cattle. Anim Genet 2024; 55:304-318. [PMID: 38419150 DOI: 10.1111/age.13410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is one of the most frequently diagnosed abortifacient pathogens in cattle. There is abundant genomic information about the parasite itself, but very little is known about the genetic variability of resistance in the most common intermediate host. The aim of this review was to compile all the available information about the genetic variability associated with the resistance to N. caninum both between and within cattle breeds. We systematically searched for published studies that investigated the influence of genetics of the host on the prevalence of N. caninum and risk of abortion. Beyond the potential confounding effects of feeding systems, management and animal density, some lines of evidence suggest that Holstein, the most popular breed for milk production, has a comparatively higher risk of abortion due to infections by N. caninum, whereas some beef breeds from Continental Europe seem to be more resistant. It is still not clear if different genetic mechanisms of resistance are involved in the two known routes of infection: postnatal ingestion of oocysts or transplacental transmission from the infected dam to the fetus. Genomic information associated with susceptibility to infection and risk of abortion in different cattle breeds is still scarce. The information reported here could be useful to identify new research alternatives and to define novel strategies to deal with this major problem of animal production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anabella Dinon
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Franco Fiorani
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Lucía María Campero
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Dadín Prando Moore
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Argentina
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Pablo Marcelo Corva
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Argentina
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Olmos LH, Moreno RD, Lloberas MM, Aguirre DH, Suarez VH. Ecology of the free-living stages of cattle nematodes in the dry season in the Lerma Valley, Salta province, Argentina. Parasitol Int 2024; 100:102869. [PMID: 38395104 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2024.102869] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
The objective of this work was to describe the dynamics of development and survival of the free-living stages of cattle gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in fecal matter (FM) and pasture during the dry season in the Lerma Valley, Salta province, northwestern Argentina (NWA) to contribute to GIN management. The climate in the region is characterized by a rainy summer followed by a dry season from middle autumn to early spring. Fecal matter from calves naturally infected with GIN was deposited on three experimental field plots in April, July and October 2019, corresponding to the beginning, middle and end of the dry season, respectively. Each experimental unit consisted of 7 stools of about 800 g and had four repetitions. To determine the development from egg to infective larvae (L3), the first sampling (5 g fecal matter) was performed from the 10th day post-contamination and continued every 3 days until L3 were found. Subsequently, a monthly sampling was made until two consecutive negative results were obtained. Sampling of pasture began three days after the L3 recovery from FM, and continued monthly until two negative results were obtained. The following parameters were evaluated: development time and development rate from egg to L3; permanence time of L3 in feces; time of appearance on pasture; migration rate; and permanence time of L3 on pasture. The main genera of parasites present were Cooperia and Haemonchus. Significant differences were observed in the development time among contamination months (p < 0.001); development time was highest in the July contamination (28 days), with October and April contamination averaging 9 and 10 days, respectively. Development time also showed significant differences (p < 0.01) among contamination months, being highest in October (31.48%). The highest permanence time in fecal matter values were recorded in the July contamination (183 days) and migration rate was highest in the October contamination (42.49%). The highest time of appearance on pasture value was recorded in the July contamination (117 days). Finally, the highest permanence time of L3 in feces values were detected in the October contamination (148 days). The results of this work show that fecal contamination in the NWA region in the dry season would play an epidemiological role in the GIN cycle as a source of infection for the next productive cycle in the rainy season.
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Affiliation(s)
- L H Olmos
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), -CIAP -Animal Research Institute of the Semiarid Chaco -Animal Health Research Area, Agricultural Experiment Station (EEA) Salta (Cerrillos), Argentina.
| | - R D Moreno
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), -CIAP -Animal Research Institute of the Semiarid Chaco -Animal Health Research Area, Agricultural Experiment Station (EEA) Salta (Cerrillos), Argentina
| | - M M Lloberas
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA)- Parasitology Laboratory- Agricultural Experimental Station (EEA), Balcarce, Argentina
| | - D H Aguirre
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), -CIAP -Animal Research Institute of the Semiarid Chaco -Animal Health Research Area, Agricultural Experiment Station (EEA) Salta (Cerrillos), Argentina
| | - V H Suarez
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), -CIAP -Animal Research Institute of the Semiarid Chaco -Animal Health Research Area, Agricultural Experiment Station (EEA) Salta (Cerrillos), Argentina
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Nenni M, Çelebier M, Maçin S, Örsten S, Yabanoğlu-Çiftçi S, Baysal İ. Untargeted metabolomics to discriminate liver and lung hydatid cysts: Importance of metabolites involved in the immune response. Vet Parasitol 2024; 328:110180. [PMID: 38626652 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110180] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
The Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato species complex is responsible for the neglected zoonotic disease known as cystic echinococcosis (CE). Humans and livestock are infected via fecal-oral transmission. CE remains prevalent in Western China, Central Asia, South America, Eastern Africa, and the Mediterranean. Approximately one million individuals worldwide are affected, influencing veterinary and public health, as well as social and economic matters. The infection causes slow-growing cysts, predominantly in the liver and lungs, but can also develop in other organs. The exact progression of these cysts is uncertain. This study aimed to understand the survival mechanisms of liver and lung CE cysts from cattle by determining their metabolite profiles through metabolomics and multivariate statistical analyses. Non-targeted metabolomic approaches were conducted using quadrupole-time-of-flight liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) to distinguish between liver and lung CE cysts. Data processing to extract the peaks on complex chromatograms was performed using XCMS. PCA and OPLS-DA plots obtained through multiple statistical analyses showed interactions of metabolites within and between groups. Metabolites such as glutathione, prostaglandin, folic acid, and cortisol that cause different immunological reactions have been identified both in liver and lung hydatid cysts, but in different ratios. Considering the differences in the metabolomic profiles of the liver and lung cysts determined in the present study will contribute research to enlighten the nature of the cyst and develop specific therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Nenni
- Cukurova University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Adana, Turkey; Hacettepe University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Department of One Health, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Çelebier
- Hacettepe University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Salih Maçin
- Selçuk University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Konya, Turkey
| | - Serra Örsten
- Hacettepe University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Department of One Health, Ankara, Turkey; Hacettepe University, Vocational School of Health Services, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - İpek Baysal
- Hacettepe University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Department of One Health, Ankara, Turkey; Hacettepe University, Vocational School of Health Services, Ankara, Turkey.
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Villa L, Allievi C, Di Cerbo AR, Zanzani SA, Sommariva F, Zanini L, Mortarino M, Manfredi MT. Neospora caninum antibodies in bulk tank milk from dairy cattle herds in Italy in relation to reproductive and productive parameters and spatial analysis. Acta Trop 2024; 254:107194. [PMID: 38521123 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107194] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Among the available diagnostic techniques, antibody detection in bulk tank milk (BTM) represents a useful tool to estimate and monitor Neospora caninum herd prevalence. To evaluate the prevalence of N. caninum and the effect of parasite infection on herd performances, BTM samples collected from 586 dairy herds located in one of the largest dairy production areas in Italy (Lombardy) were analyzed by an indirect ELISA to detect anti-N. caninum specific antibodies. Generalized linear models (GLMs) were developed. A purely spatial analysis scanning for clusters with high or low rates for N. caninum using the Bernoulli model was performed. A maximum entropy approach was used to estimate the probability of distribution of the parasite based on occurrence records together with environmental variables. Overall, 180 herds resulted positive for N. caninum antibodies on bulk tank milk (P = 30.7 %). A higher risk of seropositivity was evidenced in the provinces of Milano, Cremona, Brescia, and Bergamo (P = 32-40 %); a lower risk was evidenced in Lodi, Pavia, and Mantova (P = 13-24 %). A higher risk of seropositivity was revealed for small-medium farms (101-300 animals) (O.R.=2.8) and for older animals with more than 4 years (O.R.=4.4). Regarding the effect of N. caninum infection on herd performances, the number of inseminations for conception was higher (> 3 inseminations), and the period from calving to conception was longer (> 150 days) for positive farms (O.R.=2.0 and O.R.=2.3, respectively); besides, lower head daily milk production (<20 kg and 21-25 kg) and mature equivalent milk yield (<11,000), and somatic cell counts higher than 300,000 cells/ml were observed for N. caninum positive herds (O.R.=0.4, O.R.=0.4 and O.R.=1.9 respectively). The geographical distribution of N. caninum positive farms with the highest level of probability covers the central sector of the Po Plain where a significant cluster for high risk of parasite infection was shown by spatial scan statistic and Maximum entropy ecological niche modelling. A further significant cluster of low risk occurred in the southern. The climatic and environmental variables with the highest training gain when used in isolation resulted altitude, land use/land cover, and other variables related to temperature and precipitation. Neosporosis is widely distributed in Italian dairy herds and an impact of the parasite on herd performances could be hypothesized. Even if the role of N. caninum in alterations of reproductive and productive parameters should be further explored, veterinarians and farmers should be aware of neosporosis, and control plans should be adopted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Villa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Carolina Allievi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Di Cerbo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Sergio Aurelio Zanzani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Flavio Sommariva
- Associazione Regionale Allevatori della Lombardia, Via Kennedy, 30, Crema 26013, Italy
| | - Lucio Zanini
- Associazione Regionale Allevatori della Lombardia, Via Kennedy, 30, Crema 26013, Italy
| | - Michele Mortarino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Manfredi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy.
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Neira G, Mera Y Sierra R, Cremaschi F, Sohaefer N, González M, Godoy D, Scarcella S. Blood parameters and parasite burden in cattle with chronic fascioliasis. Acta Trop 2024; 254:107200. [PMID: 38552997 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107200] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Fascioliasis is a trematodiasis that affects domestic and wild animals as well as humans worldwide. It is a well-recognized disease in livestock, were it produces serious economic losses. Yet in cattle, there is limited information about the burden of liver flukes and its relation to the eggs per gram shed to the environment. There is also lack of knowledge on the effect of parasite load in blood parameters of infected animals, which is important to evaluate the severity and progression of the disease. The objective of this work was to gain insight in these aspects. Cattle from Mendoza province, Argentina, were inspected at a farm and at the abattoir determining the presence or absence of Fasciola hepatica. Each animal was sampled for blood and feces and in the slaughterhouse the livers were inspected. Hematology and blood chemistry parameters were determined, feces were examined for F. hepatica eggs by a quantitative sedimentation technique and livers were thoroughly inspected to determine the number of flukes. Infected cattle presented a mild burden of liver flukes per animal, strongly correlated (r = 0.72) to the number of eggs per gram of feces. The total number of eggs (X̄=35,100) shed per animal to the environment and the type of livestock management techniques in the region exacerbate the role of cattle as efficient reservoirs of this disease. Statistically significant lower red blood cell, lymphocyte and neutrophil counts were observed in infected compared to uninfected animals. All hepatic parameters tested showed highly statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) as well as proteins by cause of rise of globulins in infected cattle. The correlation between the amount of flukes in the liver and the number of eggs per gram of faces indicates coprology as a reliable and cost-effective method to infer parasite burden. The impact of fascioliasis on blood parameters can be of aid for the veterinary practitioner on the assessment of this disease on cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Neira
- Centro de Investigación en Parasitología Regional (CIPAR), Universidad Juan Agustín Maza, Avenida Acceso Este, Lateral Sur 2245, Guaymallén, Mendoza, Argentina, CP M5519; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CP B7000GHG, Argentina.
| | - Roberto Mera Y Sierra
- Centro de Investigación en Parasitología Regional (CIPAR), Universidad Juan Agustín Maza, Avenida Acceso Este, Lateral Sur 2245, Guaymallén, Mendoza, Argentina, CP M5519
| | - Franco Cremaschi
- Centro de Investigación en Parasitología Regional (CIPAR), Universidad Juan Agustín Maza, Avenida Acceso Este, Lateral Sur 2245, Guaymallén, Mendoza, Argentina, CP M5519
| | - Noelia Sohaefer
- Centro de Investigación en Parasitología Regional (CIPAR), Universidad Juan Agustín Maza, Avenida Acceso Este, Lateral Sur 2245, Guaymallén, Mendoza, Argentina, CP M5519
| | - Mariana González
- Centro de Investigación en Parasitología Regional (CIPAR), Universidad Juan Agustín Maza, Avenida Acceso Este, Lateral Sur 2245, Guaymallén, Mendoza, Argentina, CP M5519
| | - Dayana Godoy
- Centro de Investigación en Parasitología Regional (CIPAR), Universidad Juan Agustín Maza, Avenida Acceso Este, Lateral Sur 2245, Guaymallén, Mendoza, Argentina, CP M5519; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CP B7000GHG, Argentina
| | - Silvana Scarcella
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Celular, Centro de Investigaciones Veterinarias (CIVETAN-CONICET), Universidad del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Campus Universitario, Tandil, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina, CP B7000GHG; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CP B7000GHG, Argentina
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Ali S, Ahmad AS, Ashraf K, Khan JA, Rashid MI. Insights into the involvement of male Hyalomma anatolicum ticks in transmitting Anaplasma marginale, lumpy skin disease virus and Theileria annulata. Trop Anim Health Prod 2024; 56:167. [PMID: 38761254 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-024-04022-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: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Ticks can transmit viruses, bacteria, and parasites to humans, livestock, and pet animals causing tick-borne diseases (TBDs) mechanically or biologically in the world. Lumpy skin disease virus, Anaplasma marginale, and Theileria annulata inflict severe infections in cattle, resulting in significant economic losses worldwide. The study investigated the potential transmissions of LSDV, A. marginale, and T. annulata through male Hyalomma anatolicum ticks in cattle calves. Two 6-month-old Holstein crossbred calves designated as A and B were used. On day 1, 15 uninfected female ticks (IIa) and infected batch of 40 male ticks (I) were attached on calf A for 11 days. Filial transmission of the infections was observed in female ticks (IIb) collected from calf A, where 8 female ticks had been co-fed with infected male ticks. The blood sample of calf B was found positive through PCR for the infections. The larvae and egg pools obtained from the infected ticks were also tested positive in PCR. The study confirmed the presence of these mixed pathogens and potential intra-stadial and transovarial transmissions of A. marginale, T. annulata, and LSDV in male and female ticks of H. anatolicum and experimental calves to establish the feasibility of infections through an in vivo approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sikandar Ali
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Abdullah Saghir Ahmad
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur, 63100, Pakistan
| | - Kamran Ashraf
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Jawaria Ali Khan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran Rashid
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
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Ibrahim K, Chatanga E, Mohamed NS, Ahmed A, Alasmari S, Almathen F, Nakao R, Salim B. Intra- and interspecies variation and population dynamics of Fasciola gigantica among ruminants in Sudan. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:210. [PMID: 38743097 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08201-5] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Fasciola gigantica is a widespread parasite that causes neglected disease in livestock worldwide. Its high transmissibility and dispersion are attributed to its ability to infect intermediate snail hosts and adapt to various mammalian definitive hosts. This study investigated the variation and population dynamics of F. gigantica in cattle, sheep, and goats from three states in Sudan. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (ND1) genes were sequenced successfully to examine intra and interspecific differences. ND1 exhibited higher diversity than COI, with 15 haplotypes and 10 haplotypes, respectively. Both genes had high haplotype diversity but low nucleotide diversity, with 21 and 11 polymorphic sites for ND1 and COI, respectively. Mismatch distribution analysis and neutrality tests revealed that F. gigantica from different host species was in a state of population expansion. Maximum likelihood phylogenetic trees and median networks revealed that F. gigantica in Sudan and other African countries had host-specific and country-specific lineages for both genes. The study also indicated that F. gigantica-infected small ruminants were evolutionarily distant, suggesting deep and historical interspecies adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal Ibrahim
- Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Elisha Chatanga
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-18, Nishi-9, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0818, Japan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, P.O. Box 219, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Nouh S Mohamed
- Molecular Biology Unit, Sirius Training and Research Center, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Ayman Ahmed
- Institute of Endemic Diseases, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Saeed Alasmari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Najran University, Najran, 1988, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal Almathen
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Animal Husbandry, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ryo Nakao
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, P.O. Box 219, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Bashir Salim
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Khartoum, P.O. Box 32, Khartoum North, Sudan.
- Camel Research Center, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf, Al-Hasa, Saudi Arabia.
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11
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Megersa B, Hussein B, Shemsu J, Kassahun R, Merera O, Moje N, Edao BM, Waktole H, Ashenafi H, Ayana D. Trematode infection in ruminants and diversity of snail hosts across three agro-ecological zones in Ethiopia. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:197. [PMID: 38741097 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04049-0] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of trematodes among ruminants and their snail vectors is a major concern across various agro-ecological regions of Ethiopia. Trematodes pose significant threats to animals, causing considerable economic losses and impacting public health. In this study, we have investigated 784 ruminant fecal samples, and 520 abattoir samples, alongside the collection and identification of snail vectors from various agro-ecological regions. Fecal examinations revealed Fasciola, Paramphistomum and Schistosoma species infected 20.5% (95% CI: 17.6, 23.8), 11.7% (95% CI: 9.6, 14.2), and 6.3% (95% CI: 4.1, 9.1) of the animals, respectively. The overall prevalence of trematodes among ruminants was 28.8% (95% CI: 25.7, 32.1%), with 6.0% (95% CI: 4.3, 7.7) showing mixed infections. Fasciola was more prevalent in Asela (26%) compared to Batu (19%) and Hawassa (11.5%), while a higher proportion of animals in Batu were infected with Paramphistomum. Schistosoma eggs were detected only in Batu (12.5%), but not in other areas. Sheep and cattle exhibited higher infection rates with Fasciola, Paramphistoma, and Schistosoma compared to goats. Significant associations were observed between trematode infections and risk factors including agro-ecology, animal species, body condition score, and deworming practices. About 20.8% and 22.7% of the slaughtered animals harbored Fasciola and Paramphistomum flukes, respectively, with a higher prevalence in Asela and Hawassa abattoirs compared to Batu abattoir. Additionally, a total of 278 snails were collected from the study areas and identified as lymnae natalensis, lymnae trancatula, Biomphalaria pffiferi, Biomphlaria sudanica, and Bulinus globosus. In conclusion, the study highlights the widespread occurrence of trematode infections, emphasizing the need for feasible control measures to mitigate their economic and public health impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bekele Megersa
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia.
| | - Bilisuma Hussein
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Jemila Shemsu
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | - Redeat Kassahun
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | - Olana Merera
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | - Nebyou Moje
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | - Bedaso Mammo Edao
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois, Champaign, USA
| | - Hika Waktole
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | - Hagos Ashenafi
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis, Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Dinka Ayana
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
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12
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Amisigo CM, Amegatcher G, Sunter JD, Gwira TM. Adipose and skin distribution of African trypanosomes in natural animal infections. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:215. [PMID: 38734633 PMCID: PMC11088761 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06277-7] [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: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal African trypanosomiasis, which is caused by different species of African trypanosomes, is a deadly disease in livestock. Although African trypanosomes are often described as blood-borne parasites, there have been recent reappraisals of the ability of these parasites to reside in a wide range of tissues. However, the majority of those studies were conducted on non-natural hosts infected with only one species of trypanosome, and it is unclear whether a similar phenomenon occurs during natural animal infections, where multiple species of these parasites may be present. METHODS The infective trypanosome species in the blood and other tissues (adipose and skin) of a natural host (cows, goats and sheep) were determined using a polymerase chain reaction-based diagnostic. RESULTS The animals were found to harbour multiple species of trypanosomes. Different patterns of distribution were observed within the host tissues; for instance, in some animals, the blood was positive for the DNA of one species of trypanosome and the skin and adipose were positive for the DNA of another species. Moreover, the rate of detection of trypanosome DNA was highest for skin adipose and lowest for the blood. CONCLUSIONS The findings reported here emphasise the complexity of trypanosome infections in a natural setting, and may indicate different tissue tropisms between the different parasite species. The results also highlight the need to include adipose and skin tissues in future diagnostic and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Mmalebna Amisigo
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Gloria Amegatcher
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Jack D Sunter
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - Theresa Manful Gwira
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
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Rodrigues VD, Borges DGL, Conde MH, de Freitas MG, do Nascimento Ramos CA, de Souza AI, Reckziegel GH, de Castro Rodrigues D, Borges FDA. Biomarkers of gastrointestinal nematodes in beef cattle raised in a tropical area. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:207. [PMID: 38713234 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08228-8] [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: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Biomarkers are specific molecular, histological, or physiological characteristics of normal or pathogenic biological processes and are promising in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs). Although some biomarkers have been validated for infection by Ostertagia sp. in cattle raised in temperate regions, there is a lack of information for tropical regions. The aim of this project was to assess potential biomarkers and validate the most promising. In the first study, 36 bovines (Nelore breed) naturally infected by GINs were distributed into two groups: infected (not treated with anthelmintic) and treated (treated with fenbendazole on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, and 56). The variables of interest were live weight, fecal egg count, hemogram, serum biochemical markers, phosphorus, gastrin, and pepsinogen. In the second step, pepsinogen was assessed in cattle of the Nelore breed distributed among three groups: infected (not treated with anthelmintic), MOX (treated with moxidectin), and IVM + BZD (treated with ivermectin + albendazole). In the first study, no difference between groups was found for weight, albumin, hematocrit (corpuscular volume [CV]), erythrocytes, or hemoglobin. Negative correlations were found between pepsinogen and both CV and albumin, and albumin was negatively correlated with the percentage of Haemonchus sp. in the fecal culture. Among the biomarkers, only pepsinogen differentiated treated and infected (beginning with the 28th day of the study). In the second study, a reduction in pepsinogen was found after anthelmintic treatment. Therefore, pepsinogen is a promising biomarker of worms in cattle naturally infected by the genera Haemonchus and Cooperia in tropical areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Fernando de Almeida Borges
- Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso Do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil.
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária E Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso Do Sul, Avenida Senador Filinto Müller, Campo Grande, MS, 2443, Brazil.
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14
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Winter case of babesiosis identified in a cow in Northern Ireland. Vet Rec 2024; 194:e3955. [PMID: 38700218 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.4264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
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15
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Jacob SS, Sengupta PP, Kumar HBC, Maharana SM, Goudar A, Chandu AGS, Rakshitha TS, Shivakumar V, Gulati BR, Reddy GBM. Unveiling genotypic diversity of Theileria orientalis in lethal outbreaks among bovines in Karnataka, India. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:202. [PMID: 38703234 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08227-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Theileria orientalis, the causal agent of oriental theileriosis, is known to cause mild disease in cattle and buffalo across the world. Recently, different genotypes of T. orientalis have emerged as pathogenic, causing high reported morbidity in cattle. This study focuses on investigating three suspected outbreaks of oriental theileriosis that resulted in fatalities among crossbred and indigenous bulls in Karnataka, India. Examination of blood smears revealed the presence of T. orientalis piroplasms within erythrocytes. The genetic characterization of T. orientalis was conducted by targeting specific markers, including the mpsp gene, p23 gene, and ribosomal DNA markers (18S rRNA gene, ITS-1, and ITS-2). Analysis based on the 18S rRNA gene unveiled the presence of both Type A and Type E genotypes of T. orientalis in the outbreaks. The mpsp gene-based analysis identified genotype 7 of T. orientalis in crossbred cows, whereas genotype 1 (Chitose B) was found to be present in indigenous bulls. Haplotype network analysis based on the mpsp gene revealed the presence of 39 distinct haplotypes within the 12 defined genotypes of T. orientalis with a high haplotype diversity of 0.9545 ± 0.017. Hematological and biochemical analysis revealed a decrease in calcium, hemoglobin levels, red blood cell counts, and phosphorus. This study constitutes the initial documentation of a clinical outbreak of oriental theileriosis in indigenous bulls with genotype 1 (Chitose 1B). Substantial epidemiological investigations are imperative to gain a comprehensive understanding of the geographical distribution of distinct genotypes and the diverse clinical manifestations of the disease across various hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siju Susan Jacob
- ICAR National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics, Ramagondanahalli, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, 560064, Karnataka, India
| | - Pinaki Prasad Sengupta
- ICAR National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics, Ramagondanahalli, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, 560064, Karnataka, India
| | - H B Chethan Kumar
- ICAR National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics, Ramagondanahalli, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, 560064, Karnataka, India
| | - S Madhaba Maharana
- ICAR National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics, Ramagondanahalli, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, 560064, Karnataka, India
| | - Akshata Goudar
- ICAR National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics, Ramagondanahalli, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, 560064, Karnataka, India
| | - A G S Chandu
- ICAR National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics, Ramagondanahalli, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, 560064, Karnataka, India
| | - T S Rakshitha
- ICAR National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics, Ramagondanahalli, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, 560064, Karnataka, India
| | - V Shivakumar
- Veterinary College, KVAFSU, Hassan, Karnataka, India
| | - Baldev R Gulati
- ICAR National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics, Ramagondanahalli, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, 560064, Karnataka, India
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Drescher G, dos Santos HG, Pinto MMDG, Morello LG, Figueiredo FB. Diagnosis of fasciolosis antibodies in Brazilian cattle through ELISA employing both native and recombinant antigens. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0009524. [PMID: 38534120 PMCID: PMC11064638 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00095-24] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bovine fasciolosis is a parasitic disease with a global reach. Coprological based on egg detection in fecal samples and liver inspection to evaluate the presence of the parasite is currently the gold standard for diagnosing chronic fasciolosis in cattle. However, these techniques are labor-intensive and ineffective during the acute phase of the disease. Serodiagnosis using native and recombinant antigens has become an interesting alternative in efforts to identify cattle fasciolosis. We evaluated cattle from abattoir (n = 139) and farms (n = 500) through liver inspection and coprological examination, respectively. Our laboratory team optimized and validated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests based on somatic antigen, excretory/secretory proteins, and the recombinant antigen cathepsin L-1 to detect serum antibodies against fasciolosis in cattle. For animals from abattoir, 10 were positive for fasciolosis according to liver inspection. Both FhES and FhrCL-1 presented an area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve of 0.80, with a sensitivity of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.46-0.95) and 0.70 (95% CI: 0.38-0.90) and specificity of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.73-0.87) and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.80-0.92), respectively. For those cattle from farms, 28 were positive only for fasciolosis according to coprological examination. In this scenario, FhES gave the best performance, with an AUROC of 0.84, sensitivity of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.60-0.90), and specificity of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.82-0.89). In conclusion, our study highlights the potential of serodiagnosis for accurately screening cattle fasciolosis. The promising sensitivity and specificity values of FhES when compared to liver inspection or coprological examination enhance its importance for cattle fasciolosis diagnosis. IMPORTANCE The aim of this article was to identify antibodies against fasciolosis in cattle in Brazil. The methodology was reproduced in our laboratory and applied for the first time to the Brazilian cattle herd. The antigens tested can be used as a screening test and thus speed up the diagnosis of bovine fascioliasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Drescher
- Cellular Biology Laboratory, Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ-PR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | | | - Luis Gustavo Morello
- Laboratory for Applied Science and Technology in Health, Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ-PR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
- Parana Institute of Molecular Biology, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Fabiano Borges Figueiredo
- Cellular Biology Laboratory, Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ-PR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
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Kiwan P, Masse S, Piorkowski G, Ayhan N, Gasparine M, Vial L, Charrel RN, de Lamballerie X, Falchi A. Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in Ticks Collected from Cattle, Corsica, France, 2023. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:1036-1039. [PMID: 38666687 PMCID: PMC11060454 DOI: 10.3201/eid3005.231742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
We report the detection of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) in Corsica, France. We identified CCHFV African genotype I in ticks collected from cattle at 2 different sites in southeastern and central-western Corsica, indicating an established CCHFV circulation. Healthcare professionals and at-risk groups should be alerted to CCHFV circulation in Corsica.
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18
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Shams M, Bahrami AM, Mousivand A, Shamsi L, Asghari A, Shahabi S, Sadrebazzaz A. First molecular characterization of Blastocystis subtypes from domestic animals (sheep and cattle) and their animal-keepers in Ilam, western Iran: A zoonotic concern. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2024; 71:e13019. [PMID: 38225853 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.13019] [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: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
A total of 360 fecal samples were randomly collected from 150 cattle, 150 sheep, and 60 humans (30 people with close animal contact and 30 individuals without close animal contact) at 10 farms in Ilam, western Iran from June 2022 to August 2023. All samples were directly examined for Blastocystis by zinc sulfate flotation, followed by microscopic observation. Positive samples were further subtyped using conventional PCR and sequencing methods. A mean prevalence of 5.3% (16/300) was estimated for Blastocystis infection among examined animals, with 6% and 4.7% for cattle and sheep, respectively. Among the people who had close and non-close animal contact, 16.7% (5/30) and 3.3% (1/30) were infected with Blastocystis, respectively (p < 0.05). All 22 positive samples were successfully sequenced at the SSU rRNA locus. Accordingly, Blastocystis isolates infecting domestic animals in Ilam belonged to the four STs (ST1-ST3, and ST10). Of the 16 animal isolates, nine sequences (four ST10, three ST3, and two ST1) were related to cattle, and seven sequences (three ST10, two ST3, and two ST2) were isolated from sheep. Among the six human isolates, ST3 was the most predominant ST, followed by STs 1, 2, 6, and 7 (one case each). Of note, ST1-ST3 were isolated in various farms both from animals and their breeders, which indicates the possible circulation of these STs between animal and human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Shams
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | | | - Asma Mousivand
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Laya Shamsi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Ali Asghari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saeed Shahabi
- Department of Biology and Control of Disease Vectors, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Alireza Sadrebazzaz
- Razi Vaccine & Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Mashhad, Iran
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Abduch NG, Reolon HG, Ligori VA, Silva RMDO, Veríssimo CJ, Paz CCP, Stafuzza NB. Resistance to natural tick infestation varies with age and coat and hair traits in a tropically adapted beef cattle breed. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 50:101017. [PMID: 38644040 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101017] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus causes considerable livestock production losses. Knowledge of the traits that influence tick resistance contributes to the development of breeding strategies designed to improve herd productivity. Within this context, this study evaluated the resistance of Caracu, a tropically adapted cattle breed, to R. microplus. Tick count, hair length, coat thickness, and coat color were evaluated in 202 naturally tick-infested females (cows and heifers) over a period of 18 months. Blood samples were collected from all animals during the winter season for hematological analysis. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlations, generalized linear models, and principal component analysis. Correlation coefficients of tick count with coat color, coat thickness, and hair length were estimated within each season. Hematological parameters were only included in the winter season analysis and were analyzed by the restricted maximum likelihood method using log-transformed data. No differences in blood parameters were observed between animals with and without ticks. However, tick count was negatively correlated with erythrocytes (-0.29) and hematocrit (-0.24) and positively correlated with mean corpuscular hemoglobin (0.21) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (0.25). These findings suggest that higher tick counts lead to a decrease in erythrocytes but also to an increase in the amount of hemoglobin per erythrocyte, which could reduce the damage caused by low erythrocyte levels due to tick hematophagy, delaying or preventing anemia. Although tick infestation on pasture was demonstrated by the infestation of all staff members during herd management, none of the animals exhibited high tick counts, providing evidence of resistance of Caracu animals to R. microplus. Tick infestation was influenced by age class (cows > heifers), season (spring and summer > fall and winter), coat thickness (>1.5 mm > <1.5 mm), and hair length (>6 mm > <6 mm). Three components were extracted by principal component analysis, which accounted for 69.46% of data variance. The findings of this study will contribute to the development of efficient strategies aimed at reducing economic losses due to tick infestation and could be applied in animal breeding to select for tick resistance traits, reducing chemical control strategies and consequently improving sustainable livestock production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalya Gardezani Abduch
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School (FMRP), University of Sao Paulo (USP), Ribeirao Preto, SP 140349-900, Brazil.
| | | | - Viviane Andrade Ligori
- Beef Cattle Research Center, Animal Science Institute (IZ), Sertaozinho, SP 14160-900, Brazil.
| | | | - Cecília José Veríssimo
- Sao Paulo Agency of Agribusiness and Technology, Animal Science Institute (IZ), Nova Odessa, SP 13380-011, Brazil.
| | - Claudia Cristina Paro Paz
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School (FMRP), University of Sao Paulo (USP), Ribeirao Preto, SP 140349-900, Brazil; Sustainable Livestock Research Center, Animal Science Institute, Sao Jose do Rio Preto, SP 15130-000, Brazil
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20
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Sun Y, Nan H, Zhang C, Yang X, Zhao Y, Feng G, Ma L. Genetic characteristics of Blastocystis sp. in cattle from Hebei Province, China. Microb Pathog 2024; 190:106629. [PMID: 38522492 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106629] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is a protozoan parasite that infects the intestines of humans and animals, causing chronic diseases such as skin rashes, abdominal pain, and irritable bowel syndrome. A survey was conducted to determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of Blastocystis sp. infection in cattle, in Hebei Province, China. 2746 cattle fecal samples were collected from 11 cities in Hebei Province and analyzed using polymerase chain reaction targeting the Blastocystis sp. barcoding gene. MEGA, PhyloSuite, and PopART were used to analyze the subtype, sequence signature, pairwise genetic distance, and genetic diversity indices. The results showed that the Blastocystis sp. detection rate was 12.60% (346/2746). The infection rate in different herds was affected by region, age, breeding mode, and variety; that is, the infection rates in areas of southern Hebei, cattle under one year old, intensive raising, and dairy cattle were higher than the infection rates in northern Hebei, cattle over one year old, scatter feeding, and beef cattle. Seven Blastocystis subtypes were identified, namely, ST1, ST2, ST5, ST10, ST14, ST21, and ST26; ST10 was the dominant subtype, and ST14 was the second most common subtype. A total of 374 polymorphic and conserved sites were obtained, including 273 invariable (monomorphic) sites and 101 variable (polymorphic) sites, accounting for 27.01% of all nucleotides. The nucleotide diversity index (Pi) was 0.07749, and the haplotype (gene) diversity index (Hd) was 0.946. This study provides the first comprehensive information on the epidemiological situation of Blastocystis sp. infection in cattle from Hebei Province, China, and revealed rich genetic diversity of Blastocystis sp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Sun
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Huizhu Nan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Gang Feng
- Tangshan Municipal Administration Center of Zoo, Tangshan, 063000, China
| | - Lei Ma
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Environment, Hebei Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China.
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Addo SO, Bentil RE, Mosore MT, Behene E, Adinkrah J, Tagoe J, Yeboah C, Baako BOA, Atibila D, Kwarteng SA, Poku-Asante K, Owusu-Darbo E, Asoala V, Mingle DL, Nyarko EO, Fox AT, Letizia AG, William JD, Nimo-Paintsil S, Harwood JF, Dadzie SK. Risk factors affecting the feeding site predilection of ticks on cattle in Ghana. Exp Appl Acarol 2024; 92:835-850. [PMID: 38578579 PMCID: PMC11065925 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-024-00906-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Ticks are important disease vectors affecting animal health and causing substantial economic loss, especially in the tropics and subtropics. To examine the tick burden of cattle and associated risk factors for tick infestation, ticks were collected from 388 cattle within five regions in Ghana. Most of the cattle were males (50.3%) and generally older than 3 years (65%). Of the animals sampled, 2187 ticks were collected with a mean tick burden of 5.6 ticks per cattle, and the average tick burden on the udder/scrotum being significantly higher than in the anal region (Generalized Linear Mix Model [GLMM], p = 0.01197). The tick species identified were predominantly Amblyomma variegatum (42.6%) and Hyalomma rufipes (26.2%). High proportions of cattle examined were found to have A. variegatum infesting the udder/scrotum. Furthermore, H. rufipes infested mostly the anal region compared to other examined body parts (OR 14.8, 95% CI 8.6-25.4, p < 0.001). Using the GLMM, tick abundance was found to be significantly higher in cattle older than 3 years. The tick burden in the udder/scrotum was higher than that from the chest and leg/thigh of the cattle (GLMM, p < 0.05). The tick burden at the anal region was also significantly higher than the leg/thigh and chest. This study indicates that the preferred attachment sites of ticks on cattle are species-dependent and effective treatment with acaricides should take into consideration the udder/scrotum and anal regions as well as prioritizing older cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth Offei Addo
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit EURAFCENT, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Ronald Essah Bentil
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit EURAFCENT, Accra, Ghana
| | - Mba-Tihssommah Mosore
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit EURAFCENT, Accra, Ghana
| | - Eric Behene
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit EURAFCENT, Accra, Ghana
| | - Julian Adinkrah
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit EURAFCENT, Accra, Ghana
| | - Janice Tagoe
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit EURAFCENT, Accra, Ghana
| | - Clara Yeboah
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit EURAFCENT, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Dorcas Atibila
- Entomology Unit, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Kintampo Health Research Centre, Kintampo, Ghana
| | - Sandra Abankwa Kwarteng
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Kwaku Poku-Asante
- Entomology Unit, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Kintampo Health Research Centre, Kintampo, Ghana
| | - Ellis Owusu-Darbo
- School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Victor Asoala
- Navrongo Health Research Centre, Navrongo, Upper East Region, Ghana
| | - Daniel Lartei Mingle
- Public Health Division, 37 Military Hospital, Ghana Armed Forces Medical Service, Accra, Ghana
| | - Edward Owusu Nyarko
- Public Health Division, 37 Military Hospital, Ghana Armed Forces Medical Service, Accra, Ghana
| | - Anne T Fox
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit EURAFCENT, Accra, Ghana
| | - Andrew G Letizia
- Infectious Diseases Directorate, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | - Samuel Kweku Dadzie
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
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Rehbein S, Vymyslická PJ, Peterka T, Strube C, Visser M, Mayr S, Lackerschmid J. Calicophoron daubneyi (Paramphistomidae) in deer of the Šumava National Park, Czech Republic - Consequence of prevalent rumen fluke infection in cattle. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 50:101012. [PMID: 38644044 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
A substantial parallel increase in prevalence and geographical spread of the rumen fluke, Calicophoron daubneyi, in livestock in western and central Europe has been recognized in the recent past. In the course of the examination of rectum feces of 471 red deer (Cervus elaphus) and one sika deer (Cervus nippon) from the Fascioloides magna endemic Šumava National Park in the years 2021 and 2022, rumen fluke eggs were detected in four red deer (0.8%) and the sika deer and identified as eggs of C. daubneyi by molecular analysis. Subsequent examination of rectal fecal samples of 247 beef cattle from 22 herds of 14 farms located in or nearby the national park revealed rumen fluke eggs in 53 samples (21.5%) originating from 16 herds of 11 farms, molecularly identified as C. daubneyi eggs as well. One C. daubneyi egg positive red deer and three C. daubneyi egg positive cattle samples also contained fasciolid eggs, respectively, which were detected in 9.5% or 3.6% of the total samples from red deer or cattle, respectively. Results of this investigation reveal the first finding of C. daubneyi in sika deer worldwide and in red deer in mainland Europe and add to the growing number of reports on C. daubneyi in livestock in Europe. Considering that the ratio of cattle excreting rumen fluke eggs exceeded that of deer substantially, it can reasonably be assumed that the C. daubneyi infections in deer are a consequence of the prevalent infection in cattle, illustrating a pathogen spillover event from livestock into wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Rehbein
- Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, Kathrinenhof Research Center, Rohrdorf, Germany.
| | - Pavla Jůnková Vymyslická
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Praha-Suchdol, Czech Republic; Šumava National Park, Vimperk, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Peterka
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Praha-Suchdol, Czech Republic; Šumava National Park, Vimperk, Czech Republic
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Visser
- Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, Kathrinenhof Research Center, Rohrdorf, Germany
| | - Sandra Mayr
- Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, Kathrinenhof Research Center, Rohrdorf, Germany
| | - Juliane Lackerschmid
- Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, Kathrinenhof Research Center, Rohrdorf, Germany
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Jaimes-Dueñez J, Tique-Oviedo M, Arias-Vega L, Castiblanco-Diaz E, Rivero-Rodriguez L, Marin-Cossio L, Gongora-Orjuela A, Jimenez-Leaño A. Epidemiological assessment of Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bigemina, and Babesia bovis infections in Colombian creole cattle breeds: A molecular survey in northeastern Colombia. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 50:101011. [PMID: 38644043 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Anaplasmosis and babesiosis are globally distributed arthropod-borne diseases known for causing substantial economic losses due to their high morbidity and mortality rates. This study aims to assess the frequency and epidemiological features associated with the infection of Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bigemina, and Babesia bovis in three Creole cattle breeds (Chino Santandereano (Chino), Casanareño (CAS), and Sanmartinero (SM)) in northeastern Colombia. Between June 2019 and March 2020, a total of 252 Creole cattle were sampled, with Chino, CAS, and SM accounting for 42.8%, 29.5%, and 29.5% of the samples, respectively. Blood samples were subjected to molecular analysis to detect the DNA of A. marginale, B. bigemina, and B. bovis, using species-specific primers. Additionally, Packed Cell Volume (PCV), total serum proteins, and body condition were evaluated. Molecular analyses revealed the presence of B. bigemina, A. marginale, and B. bovis in 83.7% (211/252; 95% CI = 79.1%-88.3%), 59.9% (151/252; 95% CI = 53.8%-66.1%), and 40.9% (103/252; 95% CI = 34.7%-46.9%) of the samples, respectively, with 69% (174/252; 95% CI = 57.8%-80.3%) exhibiting coinfections. Notably, in infected animals, no significant alterations in PCV, total serum proteins, or body condition were observed. Multivariate analyses indicated a statistically significant association between the frequency of A. marginale infection and the breed and season, with a higher frequency in SM during the rainy season (P < 0.05). To our knowledge, this is the first molecular survey that evaluates multiple arthropod-borne pathogens in Colombian Creole breeds. The results revel a high frequency of B. bigemina and A. marginale infections, coupled with a notable frequency of coinfections, all without significant alteration in the PCV, total serum proteins and body conditions. Our findings enhance the understanding of the epidemiological aspects of arthropod-borne pathogens in Colombian Creole breed and contribute to the improvement of sanitary programs for these animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeiczon Jaimes-Dueñez
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Animales - GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia UCC, Bucaramanga, Colombia.
| | - Marisol Tique-Oviedo
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Animales - GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia UCC, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Laura Arias-Vega
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Animales - GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia UCC, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Edinson Castiblanco-Diaz
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Animales - GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia UCC, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Leslie Rivero-Rodriguez
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Animales - GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia UCC, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Laura Marin-Cossio
- Grupo de Investigación en Reproducción y Genética Animal - GIRGA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad de los Llanos, Villavicencio, Colombia
| | - Agustín Gongora-Orjuela
- Grupo de Investigación en Reproducción y Genética Animal - GIRGA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad de los Llanos, Villavicencio, Colombia
| | - Angela Jimenez-Leaño
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Animales - GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia UCC, Bucaramanga, Colombia
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Alobaidii WA, Abdullah DA, Alkatab YNM, Ali SA, Ola-Fadunsin SD, Gimba FI. The first molecular investigation of Besnoitia besnoiti infections among cattle in Mosul, Iraq. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:585. [PMID: 38683464 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09377-w] [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: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bovine besnoitiosis (elephant skin disease) caused by Besnoitia besnoiti is a costly endemic disease in the Middle East, Asia, and tropical and subtropical Africa and is also emerging as a significant problem in Europe. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence of B. besnoiti in blood and skin biopsies of cattle as well as evaluating the risk factors associated with the infection among cattle in Mosul, Iraq. METHODS AND RESULTS To achieve this aim, four hundred and sixty apparently healthy cattle of different breeds, ages, and sexes were sampled from seven different locations in Mosul, Iraq. Blood and skin biopsies were carefully collected from each cattle, and these samples were subjected to molecular analysis. The detection of B. besnoiti was molecularly confirmed by the presence of 231 bp of ITS-1 in the rDNA gene of the protozoan. Besnoitia besnoiti DNA was present in 74 (16.09%; 95% CI = 13.01-19.72) and 49 (10.65%; 95% CI = 8.15-13.80) of the blood and skin biopsies, respectively, that were analyzed. Age, breed, and sex were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the occurrence of B. besnoiti among cattle in the study area. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study will serve as baseline data in the epidemiology, prevention, and control of the protozoan among cattle in Iraq.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasan Amjad Alobaidii
- Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
| | - Donea Abdulrazak Abdullah
- Department of Animal Production Techniques, Northern Technical University, Mosul, Iraq
- Center of Technical Research, Northern Technical University, Mosul, Iraq
| | | | - Shahad Abbas Ali
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Kirkuk, Mosul, Iraq
| | - Shola David Ola-Fadunsin
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.
| | - Fufa Ido Gimba
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
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Yi XL, Yang WH, Zheng HL, Cao ML, Xiong J, Chen WC, Zhou YJ, Li F, Zhu XQ, Liu GH. Seroprevalence and molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in beef cattle and goats in Hunan province, China. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:195. [PMID: 38671515 PMCID: PMC11055231 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06283-9] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are closely related protozoan parasites that are considered important causes of abortion in livestock, causing huge economic losses. Hunan Province ranks 12th in the production of beef and mutton in China. However, limited data are available on the seroprevalence, risk factors and molecular characterization of T. gondii and N. caninum in beef cattle and goats in Hunan province, China. METHODS Sera of 985 beef cattle and 1147 goats were examined for the presence of specific antibodies against T. gondii using indirect hemagglutination test (IHAT) and anti-N. caninum IgG using competitive-inhibition enzyme-linked immunoassay assay (cELISA). Statistical analysis of possible risk factors was performed using PASW Statistics. Muscle samples of 160 beef cattle and 160 goats were examined for the presence of T. gondii DNA (B1 gene) and N. caninum DNA (Nc-5 gene) by nested PCR. The B1 gene-positive samples were genotyped at 10 genetic markers using the multilocus nested PCR-RFLP (Mn-PCR-RFLP). RESULTS Specific IgG against T. gondii were detected in 8.3% (82/985) and 13.3% (153/1147) and against N. caninum in 2.1% (21/985) and 2.0% (23/1147) of the beef cattle and goats, respectively. Based on statistical analysis, the presence of cats, semi-intensive management mode and gender were identified as significant risk factors for T. gondii infection in beef cattle. Age was a significant risk factor for T. gondii infection in goats (P < 0.05), and age > 3 years was a significant risk factor for N. caninum infection in beef cattle (P < 0.05). PCR positivity for T. gondii was observed in three beef samples (1.9%; 3/160) and seven chevon samples (4.4%; 7/160). Genotyping of PCR positive samples identified one to be ToxoDB#10. The N. caninum DNA was observed in one beef sample (0.6%; 1/160) but was negative in all chevon samples. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first large-scale serological and molecular investigation of T. gondii and N. caninum and assessment of related risk factors in beef cattle and goats in Hunan Province, China. The findings provide baseline data for executing prevention and control of these two important parasites in beef cattle and goats in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Long Yi
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-He Yang
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - He-Liang Zheng
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Mei-Ling Cao
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Xiong
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Cheng Chen
- Chenzhou Center for Livestock Poultry and Aquatic Product Quality Inspection, Chenzhou, 423000, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Jing Zhou
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Fen Li
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guo-Hua Liu
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
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Rojas MJ, Bastos RG, Navas J, Laughery JM, Lacy PA, Suarez CE. A conserved motif in the immune-subdominant RAP-1 related antigen of Babesia bovis contains a B-cell epitope recognized by antibodies from protected cattle. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1380660. [PMID: 38720894 PMCID: PMC11076753 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1380660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Babesia bovis, a tick-borne apicomplexan parasite causing bovine babesiosis, remains a significant threat worldwide, and improved and practical vaccines are needed. Previous studies defined the members of the rhoptry associated protein-1 (RAP-1), and the neutralization-sensitive rhoptry associated protein-1 related antigen (RRA) superfamily in B. bovis, as strong candidates for the development of subunit vaccines. Both RAP-1 and RRA share conservation of a group of 4 cysteines and amino acids motifs at the amino terminal end (NT) of these proteins. Methods and results Sequence comparisons among the RRA sequences of several B. bovis strains and other Babesia spp parasites indicate a high level of conservation of a 15-amino acid (15-mer) motif located at the NT of the protein. BlastP searches indicate that the 15-mer motif is also present in adenylate cyclase, dynein, and other ATP binding proteins. AlphaFold2 structure predictions suggest partial exposure of the 15-mer on the surface of RRA of three distinct Babesia species. Antibodies in protected cattle recognize a synthetic peptide representing the 15-mer motif sequence in iELISA, and rabbit antibodies against the 15-mer react with the surface of free merozoites in immunofluorescence. Discussion and conclusion The presence of the 15-mer-like regions in dynein and ATP-binding proteins provides a rationale for investigating possible functional roles for RRA. The demonstrated presence of a surface exposed B-cell epitope in the 15-mer motif of the B. bovis RRA, which is recognized by sera from protected bovines, supports its inclusion in future subunit epitope-based vaccines against B. bovis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel J. Rojas
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology & Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
- Animal Health Department, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Reginaldo G. Bastos
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology & Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
- Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Jinna Navas
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology & Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Jacob M. Laughery
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology & Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Paul A. Lacy
- Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Carlos E. Suarez
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology & Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
- Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Pullman, WA, United States
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27
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Sereno-Bruno E, Fuchs L, Oyhenart J. In vitro efficacy testing of ivermectin against Tritrichomonas foetus trophozoites. Acta Vet Hung 2024; 72:21-23. [PMID: 38367048 DOI: 10.1556/004.2024.01023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
There are no recommended drugs to treat cattle infected with the protozoan Tritrichomonas foetus (TF). Ivermectin, widely used in the treatment of intestinal parasites, was found effective against some protozoa growing in vitro. Here, its effectiveness against a TF line was investigated. Trophozoites were incubated in media with increasing concentrations of ivermectin and mortality was determined after 24 h. Ivermectin killed cells with a mean maximum effective concentration (EC50) of 2.47 μg mL-1. The effective concentration of ivermectin was rather high for a formulation suitable for systemic treatment. However, topical treatment of animals against TF could still be considered and tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía Sereno-Bruno
- 1Instituto de Ciencias de la Tierra y Ambientales de La Pampa (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas - Facultad de Ciencias Naturales Universidad Nacional de La Pampa), Santa Rosa, La Pampa, Argentina
| | - Lumila Fuchs
- 2Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Anguil, La Pampa, Argentina
| | - Jorge Oyhenart
- 1Instituto de Ciencias de la Tierra y Ambientales de La Pampa (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas - Facultad de Ciencias Naturales Universidad Nacional de La Pampa), Santa Rosa, La Pampa, Argentina
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Magalhães de Almeida T, Neto IR, de Oliveira Brandão Y, Molento MB. Geographic expansion of Fasciola hepatica (Linnaeus, 1758) due to changes in land use and cover in Brazil. Int J Parasitol 2024; 54:201-212. [PMID: 38160740 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Fasciolosis is caused by parasites of the genus Fasciola, affecting animals and humans worldwide. In South America, the disease is a result of infection with Fasciola hepatica and although animal infections are more frequently reported, the full extent of the impact on human health due to underdiagnosis remains uncertain. This study analyzed changes in land use and the distribution of F. hepatica in bovine livers in Brazil over 18 years. Data on land use and land cover were collected from the Mapbiomas Project. Data on 414,481,963 slaughtered cattle and condemned livers due to F. hepatica infection were obtained from 4,433 municipalities. Joinpoint analysis was used to study the time series, and the Susceptible-Infected-Recovered (SIR) model was utilized to explore the behavior of F. hepatica infection. In the North, pasture areas significantly increased (P = 0.000001), while forested areas decreased (P = 0.000001). The midwestern and northern regions concentrated the highest number (>290 million) of cattle slaughtered in Brazil. More than 2 million bovine livers were infected by F. hepatica. The infected cattle originated from 194 municipalities in 2002, increasing to 747 in 2020. We consider that the changes in land use and intense cattle transportation may have caused the expansion of F. hepatica. The SIR model analyzed the spread of the disease looking at all six biomes: Caatinga, Amazon Forest, Cerrado, Pantanal, Atlantic Forest, and Pampa. Moreover, this infection not only threatens the health of animals but is also a major concern to biodiversity and vulnerable human communities in South America. Emblematic biomes such as the Amazon basin already face challenges with logging, desertification, and loss of biodiversity. Therefore, strategies for mitigating infection should include controlling illegal pasture areas, establishing health inspections of animal transport, quarantine of newly arrived animals, and livestock zoning, as well as clear One Health policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thayany Magalhães de Almeida
- Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Parasitology, Federal University of Paraná, R: dos Funcionários, 1540, Curitiba, PR CEP: 80.035-050, Brazil
| | - Irineu Romero Neto
- Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Parasitology, Federal University of Paraná, R: dos Funcionários, 1540, Curitiba, PR CEP: 80.035-050, Brazil
| | - Yara de Oliveira Brandão
- Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Parasitology, Federal University of Paraná, R: dos Funcionários, 1540, Curitiba, PR CEP: 80.035-050, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Beltrão Molento
- Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Parasitology, Federal University of Paraná, R: dos Funcionários, 1540, Curitiba, PR CEP: 80.035-050, Brazil.
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Hecker AS, Raulf MK, König S, Knubben-Schweizer G, Wenzel C, May K, Strube C. In-herd prevalence of Fasciola hepatica and Calicophoron / Paramphistomum spp. infections in German dairy cows with comparison of two coproscopical methods and establishment of real-time pyrosequencing for rumen fluke species differentiation. Vet Parasitol 2024; 327:110142. [PMID: 38308933 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Infections with liver and rumen flukes are among the most frequent parasitic diseases in cattle worldwide. In Europe, the predominant liver fluke species is Fasciola hepatica, and the recently rapidly spreading rumen flukes are mostly Calicophoron daubneyi and occasionally Paramphistomum leydeni. In this study, 1638 faecal samples from individual dairy cows from 24 northern and 18 southern German farms as well as one central German farm, all preselected for potential F. hepatica infection, were examined to determine in-herd prevalences of liver and rumen fluke infections. Furthermore, individual faecal egg counts (FECs) were determined in the northern and central German cows. On farms with patent F. hepatica infections, the mean in-herd prevalence was 15.8% in northern Germany, 41.6% in southern Germany and 14.0% in the central German farm. Rumen fluke infections resulted in high in-herd prevalences in all regions with a mean prevalence of 46.0% in northern, 48.4% in southern and 40.0% in central Germany. Individual FECs varied between 0.1 and 4.1 (mean 0.4) eggs per gram faeces (EPG) for F. hepatica and between 0.1 and 292.4 (mean 16.9) EPG for rumen flukes. Mean in-herd prevalence and mean FECs did not differ significantly between mono- and coinfected farms for either fluke species. Comparison of the classical sedimentation technique and the Flukefinder® method on a subset of 500 faecal samples revealed a similar number of positive samples, however, Flukefinder® mean FECs were three to four times higher for liver and rumen fluke eggs, respectively, with an increasing gap between EPG levels with rising egg counts. Fluke egg size measurement confirmed P. leydeni eggs on average to be larger in length and width (161.0 µm x 87.1 µm) than those of C. daubneyi (141.8 µm x 72.9 µm). However, due to overlap of measurements, morphological species identification based on egg size proved unreliable. For accurate identification, a real-time pyrosequencing approach was established, offering the advantage over classical Sanger sequencing of unambiguously identifying rumen fluke mixed species infections. Real-time pyrosequencing confirmed C. daubneyi (78.1% [50/64]) as the predominant rumen fluke species in Germany, while P. leydeni was detected in 12.5% (8/64) of sampled cows. A total of 9.4% (6/64) cows were infected with both C. daubneyi and P. leydeni, representing the first finding of a mixed infection in domestic ruminants in Europe to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Sophie Hecker
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Marie-Kristin Raulf
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Sven König
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Ludwigstraße 21b, 35390 Gießen, Germany
| | - Gabriela Knubben-Schweizer
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Sonnenstraße 16, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Christoph Wenzel
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Sonnenstraße 16, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Katharina May
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Ludwigstraße 21b, 35390 Gießen, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany.
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Antepli Oğlu T, Yapici TS, Dincel GC, Al-Olayan E, Alshahrani MY, El-Ashram S. Assessment of oxidative stress and tissue damage in Echinococcus granulosus naturally infected bovine liver. Tissue Cell 2024; 87:102333. [PMID: 38422584 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2024.102333] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Echinococcus granulosus is a zoonotic parasite infects many livestock species, especially cattle, sheep, goat and buffalo, causing cystic echinococcosis. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the presence of the parasite and parasitic tissue damage histopathologically and to determine the role of oxidative stress in the tissue damage through the immunohistochemical detection of the oxidative damage-marker malondialdehyde (MDA) and the antioxidant response-marker superoxide dismutase (SOD). The material of the study consisted of 20 liver samples with Echinococcus cysts and 10 E.granulosus- negative healthy liver samples obtained from different cattle at various times from slaughterhouses in Kırıkkale province, Turkey. Histopathologically, Echinococcus cysts of various sizes were observed along with the surrounding fibrous connective tissue. Giant cells, mononuclear cells, and eosinophilic leukocytes were found between the fibrous connective tissue and the cyst. In the parenchymal tissue distant from the cyst, inflammatory changes were observed, including vacuolation and necrosis in hepatocytes, congestion and dilation sinusoidal capillaries. Immunohistochemically, MDA immunopositivity was observed in both hepatocytes surrounding the cyst and areas distant from the cyst, while SOD immunopositivity was mainly detected in fibrous connective tissue and hepatocytes surrounding the Echinococcus cysts. A significant increase in MDA immunoreactivity was observed in E.granulosus s.l.-infected livers. Although no statistically significant change was observed in SOD immunopositivity in the liver tissues with cystic echinococcosis, regional variations were noted. Germinal layer (GL) of Echinococcus cyst showed immunopositive staining for MDA, while laminated layer (LL) exhibited immunonegative staining. To the authors' best understanding, this study represents a pioneering effort in showcasing and evaluating the immunoreactivities of MDA and SOD within the liver tissue afflicted with Echinococcus cysts. Simultaneously, the examination extends to encompass tissue damage and the infiltration of inflammatory cells. This study highlights the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) and the need for further investigation of antioxidant defense mechanisms and their regional variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuğçe Antepli Oğlu
- Kırıkkale University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology, Kırıkkale, Turkey
| | - Tilbe Su Yapici
- Kırıkkale University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology, Kırıkkale, Turkey
| | | | - Ebtesam Al-Olayan
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Y Alshahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 61413, Abha 9088, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saeed El-Ashram
- Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh 33516, Egypt; College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, 18 Jiangwan Street, Foshan, Guangdong Province 528231, China.
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González S, Panadero R, Del Rio ML, Díez MN, Del Rosario Hidalgo M, Martínez A. Assesment of Hypoderma infestation in a wild population of Cervus elaphus from mountains Atlantic ecosystems in southwestern Europe (Spain). Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:761-771. [PMID: 37906354 PMCID: PMC10998772 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10240-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Hypodermosis in Cervus elaphus was studied in the Riaño Regional Hunting Reserve, Province of León, north-western Spain. One hundred and ten red deer were examined for the presence of warble fly larvae. They were analyzed by PCR analysis of the COI region of mt-DNA and identified as Hypoderma actaeon. The prevalence of larvae was 42.7% with a mean intensity of 12.5 ± 18 (range 1-80) warbles/deer infested. The distribution of larvae in the infested animals showed an aggregated/overdispersed pattern (aggregation index = 25.84), where the larvae are not randomly or uniformly distributed, but strongly aggregated among their hosts. Larvae were found in all three states. First and second-instars were observed mainly in the autumn until the end of winter (November-March) and third-instars in late winter until mid-spring (March-May). The adult animals and the males had a higher prevalence than the young and the females, finding statistically significant differences only according to the sex of the animals. Seasonal variations were observed in the prevalence with the highest number of infested animals in winter and autumn, but not in terms of the mean intensity of parasites. Additionally, we assessed the presence of anti-Hypoderma antibodies in serum by means of indirect ELISA tests, using a crude larval extract (CLE) and a purified fraction the hypodermin C (HyC) obtained from first instars of Spanish isolates of Hypoderma lineatum (cattle). These findings confirm that H. actaeon is widely distributed in northern Spain, and provide new information about its chronobiology in mountainous Atlantic ecosystems from southwestern Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara González
- Department of Animal Health, Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of León, 24071, León, Spain
| | - Rosario Panadero
- Department of Animal Pathology, Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Santiago de Compostela, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - María Luisa Del Rio
- Department of Animal Health, Section of Immunobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of León, 24071, León, Spain
| | - María Natividad Díez
- Department of Animal Health, Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of León, 24071, León, Spain
| | - María Del Rosario Hidalgo
- Department of Animal Health, Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of León, 24071, León, Spain.
| | - Angélica Martínez
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Sciences, University of Burgos, 09001, Burgos, Spain
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Arnuphapprasert A, Nugraheni YR, Khunmanee S, Kaewlamun W, Kaewthamasorn M. Seasonal dynamics and genetic characterization of bovine arthropod-borne parasites in Nan Province, Thailand with molecular identification of Anaplasma platys and Trypanosoma theileri. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 107:102156. [PMID: 38457963 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2024.102156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Virulent species or strains of hematophagous borne pathogens such as Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Theileria spp., and Trypanosoma spp., are lethal to susceptible animals or reduce their productivity on a global scale. Nonetheless, efforts to diagnose the causative agents and assess the genotypic profiles as well as quantify the parasite burden of aforementioned parasites across seasons remain limited. Therefore, the present investigation sought to elucidate the genotypic composition of Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Theileria spp., and Trypanosoma spp. The findings revealed heightened infection rates during the summer, manifesting a correlation between Trypanosoma spp. infection and seasonal fluctuations. Among the identified pathogens, Anaplasma marginale emerged as the most dominant species, while the occurrence of Anaplasma platys in Thai cattle was confirmed via the sequencing of the groEL gene. Moreover, the study successfully identified two lineages of Trypanosoma theileri. The findings of this investigation offer valuable insights that can inform the development of preventive strategies for vector-borne diseases, such as considering the appropriate use of insect repellent, mosquito or insect nets, or eliminating breeding places for insects in each season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apinya Arnuphapprasert
- Veterinary Parasitology Research Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yudhi Ratna Nugraheni
- The International Graduate Program of Veterinary Science and Technology (VST), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia
| | - Sarawanee Khunmanee
- School of Agricultural Resources, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Winai Kaewlamun
- School of Agricultural Resources, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Morakot Kaewthamasorn
- Veterinary Parasitology Research Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Najera J, Berry MM, Ramirez AD, Reyes BR, Angel A, Jellyman JK, Mercer F. Bovine neutrophils kill the sexually-transmitted parasite Tritrichomonas foetus using trogocytosis. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:865-875. [PMID: 37968413 PMCID: PMC10998815 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10260-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Tritrichomonas foetus (T. foetus) is the causative organism of bovine trichomonosis (also referred to as trichomoniasis), a sexually-transmitted infection that reduces fertility in cattle. Efforts to control trichomonosis on cattle farms are hindered by the discouragement of antibiotic use in agriculture, and the incomplete, short-lived protection conferred by the current vaccines. A more complete mechanistic understanding of what effective immunity to T. foetus entails could enable the development of more robust infection control strategies. While neutrophils, the primary responders to infection, are present in infected tissues and have been shown to kill the parasite in vitro, the mechanism they use for parasite killing has not been established. Here, we show that primary bovine neutrophils isolated from peripheral blood rapidly kill T. foetus in vitro in a dose-dependent manner, and that optimal parasite killing is reduced by inhibitors of trogocytosis. We also use imaging to show that bovine neutrophils surround T. foetus and trogocytose its membrane. These findings are consistent with killing via trogocytosis, a recently described novel neutrophil antimicrobial mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Najera
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University Pomona, Pomona, CA, 91768, USA
| | - Michael M Berry
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University Pomona, Pomona, CA, 91768, USA
| | - Ashley D Ramirez
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University Pomona, Pomona, CA, 91768, USA
| | - Bryan Ramirez Reyes
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University Pomona, Pomona, CA, 91768, USA
| | - Arielle Angel
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University Pomona, Pomona, CA, 91768, USA
| | - Juanita K Jellyman
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University Pomona, Pomona, CA, 91768, USA
| | - Frances Mercer
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University Pomona, Pomona, CA, 91768, USA.
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Pérez-Otáñez X, Rodríguez-Hidalgo R, Enríquez S, Celi-Erazo M, Benítez W, Saegerman C, Vaca-Moyano F, Ron-Garrido L, Vanwambeke SO. High-resolution prediction models for Rhipicephalus microplus and Amblyomma cajennense s.l. ticks affecting cattle and their spatial distribution in continental Ecuador using bioclimatic factors. Exp Appl Acarol 2024; 92:439-462. [PMID: 38388882 PMCID: PMC11035444 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00883-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
In Ecuador, the main tick species affecting cattle are Rhipicephalus microplus and Amblyomma cajennense sensu lato. Understanding their spatial distribution is crucial. To assess their distribution, data from 2895 farms visited between 2012 and 2017 were utilized. Ticks were collected during animal inspections, with each farm's location georeferenced. Bioclimatic variables and vapor pressure deficit data were obtained from Climatologies at High resolution for the Earth´s Land Surface Areas (CHELSA) dataset. They were overlaid to develop predictive maps for each species using Random Forest (RF) models. The cross-validation results for RF prediction models showed high accuracy for both R. microplus and A. cajennense s.l. presence with values of accuracy = 0.97 and 0.98, sensitivity = 0.96 and 0.99, and specificity = 0.96 and 0.93, respectively. A carefully selected subset of bioclimatic variables was used to describe the presence of each tick species. Higher levels of precipitation had positive effect on the presence of R. microplus but a negative effect on A. cajennense s.l. In contrast, isothermality (BIO3) was more important for the presence of A. cajennense s.l. compared to R. microplus. As a result, R. microplus had a broader distribution across the country, while A. cajennense s.l. was mainly found in coastal areas with evident seasonality. The coexistence of both species in some regions could be attributed to transitional zones, whereas high altitudes limited tick presence. This information can aid in developing appropriate tick management plans, particularly considering A. cajennense s.l.'s broad host range species and R. microplus's specificity for cattle. Moreover, the predictive models can identify areas at risk of associated challenging hemoparasite, requiring special attention and mitigation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximena Pérez-Otáñez
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis-CIZ, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador.
- Center for Earth and Climate Research, Earth & Life Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain-UCLouvain, Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium.
| | - Richar Rodríguez-Hidalgo
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis-CIZ, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Sandra Enríquez
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis-CIZ, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Maritza Celi-Erazo
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis-CIZ, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Washington Benítez
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis-CIZ, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Claude Saegerman
- Research Unit of Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Applied to Veterinary Science (UREAR-ULiège), Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH) Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Liège, Belgium
| | - Franklin Vaca-Moyano
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis-CIZ, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Lenin Ron-Garrido
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis-CIZ, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrícolas, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Sophie O Vanwambeke
- Center for Earth and Climate Research, Earth & Life Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain-UCLouvain, Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium
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Che-Kamaruddin N, Hamid NFS, Idris LH, Yusuff FM, Ashaari ZH, Yahaya H, Sahimin N, Isa NMM. Prevalence and risk factors of fasciolosis in a bovine population from farms in Taiping, Malaysia. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 49:100998. [PMID: 38462308 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.100998] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Fasciolosis is a zoonotic disease, considered an emerging neglected tropical disease threatening ruminant productivity and causing economic losses. Controlling fasciolosis is challenging due to the complex life cycle of Fasciola, which involves snail intermediate hosts. The high rainfall status in Taiping makes it an optimal region for snail abundance, which increases the opportunity to complete Fasciola's life cycle. Previous studies showed that liver condemnation caused by fasciolosis was highly prevalent in the Taiping abattoir compared to other investigated main abattoirs of Peninsular Malaysia. Therefore, the present study determined the prevalence of bovine fasciolosis and risk factors in farms from Larut and Matang (Taiping), Malaysia. Sampling was carried out from February until August 2020. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 371 fecal samples from bovines (dairy cattle, beef cattle, buffalo) were examined from 23 farms selected based on location, farmer consent, and history of anthelmintic usage. Animal's intrinsic and farm management details were recorded, and interview sessions were conducted with farmers to collect information on the potential risk factors. Individual fecal samples were examined for the presence of Fasciola egg using Flukefinder® sedimentation. There was moderate prevalence of bovine fasciolosis in Taiping (36.9%, n = 137/371). Significant risk factors (p < 0.05) were observed, which include buffalo group (OR = 9.5, 95% CI: 9.44-9.55), age of >3 years (OR = 5.5, 95% CI: 5.43-5.57), thinner animals with body condition score of 1 to 4 (OR = 1.2-14.9, 95% CI: 1.09-15.08), and larger grazing area (OR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.30-1.31). Additional risk factors include the presence of more than one ruminant species in the same farm (OR = 2.0-2.1, 95% CI: 2.00-2.22), extensive housing system (OR = 4.0, 95% CI: 3.77-4.23), farm age (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.20-1.21), and also co-infection with Paramphistomes (OR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.10-1.71). The present study underscores the importance of local bovine fasciolosis epidemiology, which could be used to conduct future veterinary and public health programmes to inform effective parasitic management aimed at reducing the prevalence of fasciolosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naim Che-Kamaruddin
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia; Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
| | - Nur Fazila Saulol Hamid
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
| | - Lokman Hakim Idris
- Department of Veterinary Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
| | - Ferdaus Mohamat Yusuff
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Environmental Forestry and Environment, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia
| | - Zulfa Hanan Ashaari
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Environmental Forestry and Environment, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia
| | - Hasmawati Yahaya
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Norhidayu Sahimin
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Nur Mahiza Md Isa
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia.
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Fathi A, Nabavi R, Noaman V, Sarani A, Saadati D, Ben Said M, Ghafar A, Jabbar A, Sazmand A. Molecular identification, risk factor assessment, and phylogenetic analysis of tick-borne pathogens in symptomatic and asymptomatic cattle from South-Eastern Iran. Exp Appl Acarol 2024; 92:479-506. [PMID: 38457048 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00886-0] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) represent a substantial threat to cattle globally, exerting adverse impacts on production, health, and economic viability. This study delves into the prevalence and implications of TTBPs in cattle sourced from resource-limited smallholder livestock farms situated in southeastern Iran, proximate to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Blood and tick specimens were systematically collected from a cohort of 230 cattle, comprising 150 asymptomatic and 80 symptomatic individuals. Genomic DNA isolated from blood samples underwent rigorous examination for the presence of key TBPs, including Anaplasma marginale, A. phagocytophilum, A. bovis, A. centrale, Babesia bigemina, and Theileria annulata, utilizing multiple genetic markers. Nucleotide sequence analysis facilitated the reconstruction of phylogenetic relationships. The study also evaluated various potential risk factors, such as clinical status, gender, age, breed, tick infestation, and management practices, to elucidate their associations with TTBPs. Among the cattle cohort, a staggering 87.8% (202/230) tested positive for at least one pathogen. Prevalence statistics encompassed A. marginale (72.2%), T. annulata (68.3%), A. phagocytophilum/A. platys-like complex (66.1%), A. centrale (16.7%), B. bigemina (10.0%), and A. bovis (6.1%). Remarkably, mixed infections involving two, three, and four pathogens were detected in 23%, 52.1%, and 2.2% of animals, respectively. Notably, all asymptomatic cattle were positive for at least one TBP. Tick infestation was observed in 62.2% (143/230) of cattle, predominantly caused by Hyalomma anatolicum (82.5%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus (13.1%), and R. sanguineus sensu lato (4.4%). Risk factors linked to TBPs encompassed tick infestation, older age, and crossbred animals. Clinical presentations among symptomatic cattle encompassed fever, anemia, weight loss, anorexia, jaundice, and enlarged superficial lymph nodes. This study underscores the pivotal role of asymptomatic carriers in the propagation of TTBPs within endemic regions. Furthermore, it emphasizes the potential for the implementation of molecular diagnostics to unmask subclinical infections, thereby affording the opportunity for targeted interventions aimed at ameliorating the burden of TTBPs in resource-constrained smallholder dairy farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Fathi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Reza Nabavi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, 6517658978, Iran.
| | - Vahid Noaman
- Department of Parasitic Disease Research, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Karaj, Iran
| | - Ali Sarani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zabol, Bonjar Road, Zabol, 9861335856, Iran
| | - Dariush Saadati
- Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zabol, Bonjar Road, Zabol, 9861335856, Iran
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Department of Basic Sciences, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, 2010, Manouba, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Microbiology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, 2010, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Abdul Ghafar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, 3030, Australia
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, 3030, Australia
| | - Alireza Sazmand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, 6517658978, Iran
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Etiang P, Atim SA, Nkamwesiga J, Nalumenya D, Byaruhanga C, Odongo S, Vudriko P, Ademun AR, Biryomumaisho S, Erume J, Masembe C, Thomson EC, Muhanguzi D, Tweyongyere R. Identification and distribution of Rhipicephalus microplus in selected high-cattle density districts in Uganda: signaling future demand for novel tick control approaches. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:119. [PMID: 38528496 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03979-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini, 1888), the Asian blue tick, is a highly invasive and adaptable ectoparasite. This tick species has successfully established itself in most regions of the world, with movement of cattle being a major driver for its spread. In the recent past, R. microplus ticks have been reported in three districts of Uganda. Information on its spread and distribution are vital in deepening our understanding of the ecological scenarios that lead to tick persistence and in the formulation of control strategies. This is especially important in the cattle-dense districts. METHODS We randomly collected tick specimens from 1,461cattle spread across seven cattle dense districts located in the Central, Karamoja and West Nile regions of Uganda from January to September 2020. The ticks were identified using standard morpho-taxonomic keys and the R. microplus tick species identities were confirmed by sequencing of the ITS2 region, 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes and phylogenetic analyses. RESULTS Adult ticks (n = 13,019) were collected from 1,461 cattle. Seventeen tick species were identified based on morpho-taxonomic keys and the majority (47.4%; n=6184) of these were R. appendiculatus. In total, 257 R. microplus ticks were found infesting cattle in 18 study sites in the districts of Amudat, Kaabong, Napak (Karamoja region) and Arua (West Nile region). The identity of R. microplus was confirmed using molecular technics. No R. microplus tick was recorded in the districts of Lyantonde and Nakaseke (Central region). Arua district accounted for 82.1% (n=211) of the R. microplus ticks recorded followed by Napak district at 16.3% (n=42), while Amudat and Kaabong districts accounted for 1.5% (n=4). Rhipicephalus microplus and R. decoloratus co-existed in 6 of the 13 study sites in Arua district, while in another 6 study sites, no R. decoloratus was recorded. In the Karamoja region districts R. decoloratus co-existed with R.microplus. Of the total 618 ticks belonging to four species of the subgenus Boophilus recorded in this study, R. decoloratus accounted for 50.04% (n=334), followed by R. microplus at 41.58% (n=257), R. geigyi at 2.75% (n=17) and R. annulatus at 1.61% (n=10). In the districts of Amudat, Kaabong and Napak, R. decoloratus was more dominant (76.1%; n=179) of the three Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) tick species recorded, followed by R. microplus (19.5%; n=46) and R. geigyi (4.2%; n=10). Contrariwise, R. microplus was more dominant (84%; n=211) in Arua district followed by R. decoloratus (10.7%; n=27), R. annulatus (3.9%; n=10) and R. geigyi (1.1%; n=3). Phylogenetic analyses of the ITS2 region, 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes revealed subgrouping of the obtained sequences with the previously published R. microplus sequences from other parts of the world. CONCLUSION Rhipicephalus microplus ticks were found infesting cattle in four districts of Uganda. The inability to find R. decoloratus, an indigenous tick, from six sites in the district of Arua is suggestive of its replacement by R. microplus. Rhipicephalus microplus negatively affects livestock production, and therefore, there is a need to determine its distribution and to deepen the understanding of the ecological factors that lead to its spread and persistence in an area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Etiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
- Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Busitema University, P.O. Box 236, Tororo, Uganda
| | - Stella A Atim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
- Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, P.O. Box 102, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Joseph Nkamwesiga
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David Nalumenya
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Charles Byaruhanga
- National Agricultural Research Organization, P.O. Box 259, Entebbe, Uganda
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Programme, Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Steven Odongo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Patrick Vudriko
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Anna Rose Ademun
- Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, P.O. Box 102, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Savino Biryomumaisho
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Erume
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Charles Masembe
- College of Natural Sciences (CONAS), Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Emma C Thomson
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR), Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Dennis Muhanguzi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert Tweyongyere
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
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Dini FM, Jacinto JGP, Cavallini D, Beltrame A, Del Re FS, Abram L, Gentile A, Galuppi R. Observational longitudinal study on Toxoplasma gondii infection in fattening beef cattle: serology and associated haematological findings. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:169. [PMID: 38520500 PMCID: PMC10960757 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08189-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is a globally distributed zoonotic infection with significant implications for human and animal health. This study investigated the prevalence of T. gondii infection in a population of beef cattle at three different stages of their productive lifespan and examined the impact of T. gondii serological status on blood parameters. A commercial beef fattening unit in Italy was the setting for this research, which involved a biosecurity assessment upon cattle arrival, blood sampling at three time points and Toxoplasma-specific serological testing using indirect fluorescent antibody tests (IFAT). Results revealed a dynamic pattern of T. gondii seropositivity in cattle, with an initial prevalence of 30.6% at arrival (T0) that increased to 44.6% at 14 days (T1) and then decreased slightly to 39.3% at slaughter after 5 months (T2). Interestingly, seroconversion was observed during the study, indicating ongoing infections, and antibody waning occurred in some animals. In terms of blood parameters, seropositive cattle exhibited significantly lower mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and a higher neutrophil-lymphocyte (N/L) ratio, suggesting an activation of the innate immune response. Furthermore, cattle with higher antibody titres displayed higher neutrophil counts. However, all blood parameters with a statistical significance were within the reference range. This study provides for the first time a longitudinal investigation on the serological status for T. gondii in naturally exposed beef cattle. These findings provide valuable insights into the clinico-pathological aspects of natural T. gondii exposure in cattle and underscore the importance of monitoring and managing T. gondii infection in livestock production systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo M Dini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Tolara Di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy.
| | - Joana G P Jacinto
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Damiano Cavallini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Tolara Di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | | | - Flavia S Del Re
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Tolara Di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Laura Abram
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Tolara Di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Arcangelo Gentile
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Tolara Di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Roberta Galuppi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Tolara Di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
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Deng YP, Li R, Zhang XL, Yi XL, Liu GH. The complete mitochondrial genome of cattle tick clade C reveals the genetic relationship within Rhipicephalus microplus complex. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:168. [PMID: 38517567 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08185-2] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Cattle ticks (Rhipicephalus microplus) are important economic ectoparasites causing direct and indirect damage to cattle and leading to severe economic losses in cattle husbandry. It is common knowledge that R. microplus is a species complex including five clades; however, the relationships within the R. microplus complex remain unresolved. In the present study, we assembled the complete mitochondrial genome of clade C by next-generation sequencing and proved its correctness based on long PCR amplification. It was 15,004 bp in length and consisted of 13 protein genes, 22 transfer genes, and two ribosomal genes located in the two strains. There were two copies of the repeat region (pseudo-nad1 and tRNA-Glu). Data revealed that cox1, cox2, and cox3 genes were conserved within R. microplus with small genetic differences. Ka/Ks ratios suggested that 12 protein genes (excluding nad6) may be neutral selection. The genetic and phylogenetic analyses indicated that clade C was greatly close to clade B. Findings in the current study provided more data for the identification and differentiation of the R. microplus complex and made up for the lack of information about R. microplus clade C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Ping Deng
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan Province, China
| | - Rong Li
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xue-Ling Zhang
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xi-Long Yi
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan Province, China
| | - Guo-Hua Liu
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan Province, China.
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Liao JR, Liao YH, Liao KM, Wu HH, Tu WC, Lin YH. Nationwide survey of ticks on domesticated animals in Taiwan: Revealing the hidden threat to animal and public health. Med Vet Entomol 2024; 38:99-107. [PMID: 37715613 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12692] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are not only bloodsucking ectoparasites but also important vectors of tick-borne diseases (TBDs), posing significant threats to public and animal health. Domesticated animals serve as critical hosts for numerous ticks, highlighting the importance of understanding tick infestations in Taiwan. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a nationwide survey to identify ticks on domesticated animals and associated environments in 2018 and 2019. A total of 6,205 ticks were collected from 1,337 host animals, revealing the presence of seven tick species, with Rhipicephalus microplus, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus being the dominant species. High infestation rates and widespread distribution of ticks were observed on domesticated animals, especially on dogs and cattle (yellow cattle and angus cattle), and the neighbouring grassland of yellow cattle. While this study has certain limitations, it provides valuable insights into the distribution and prevalence of ticks on domesticated animals in Taiwan and their implications for controlling TBDs. Further research is needed to comprehensively understand the complex interactions among ticks, hosts and pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhih-Rong Liao
- Systematic Zoology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yi-Hao Liao
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsinchu City, Taiwan
| | - Kuei-Min Liao
- National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Huai-Hui Wu
- Department of Biotechnology, Tajen University, Yanpu Township, Taiwan
| | - Wu-Chun Tu
- National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, Taiwan
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Bandung Institute of Technology, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Ying-Hsi Lin
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsinchu City, Taiwan
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Nahal A, Ben Said M. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Piroplasma spp. Infection and Co-infection with Anaplasma marginale in Domestic Ruminants from Algeria. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:135-151. [PMID: 38157135 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00768-w] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Piroplasmosis and anaplasmosis stand out as the primary diseases affecting livestock during periods of tick activity. These vector-borne diseases continue to emerge worldwide, exerting a detrimental impact on both animal health and national economies. The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of Piroplasma spp. and its co-occurrence with Anaplasma marginale in domestic ruminants in Algeria. METHODS Three databases were systematically reviewed to identify eligible studies for the final meta-analysis, following the PRISMA statement. The 'meta' package in the R software was employed for the meta-analysis with the random effects model chosen for data pooling. RESULTS The meta-analysis encompasses 14 research papers spanning a 19-year period (2004-2023). Theileria spp. was identified in all studies, covering 1675 cattle, 190 sheep, and 128 goats, yielding an overall Theileria infection rate of 45% (95% CI 26-65%). Specifically, cattle had a 59% infection rate, while sheep and goats had rates of 18% and 20%, respectively. Babesia spp. was found in nine studies, involving 1183 cattle and 190 sheep, resulting in an overall Babesia infection rate of 7% (95% CI 4-15%), with cattle and sheep having rates of 10% and 3%, respectively. Notably, eight Piroplasma species T. annulata, T. orientalis, T. buffeli, T. equi, Theileria sp., B. bovis, B. bigemina, and B. occultans were detected in cattle, with T. annulata being the most prevalent at 54%. Regional disparities and host factors also impacted infection rates, with higher rates in Northeastern Algeria and among suspected disease cattle. Additionally, gender, age, and breed influenced cattle susceptibility to Theileria infection. Furthermore, six distinct co-infections between Piroplasma spp. and A. marginale were observed, with T. annulata/A. marginale identified in six studies, demonstrating an 8.3% co-infection rate. CONCLUSION This analysis offers crucial insights into the current status of Piroplasmosis and its co-infection with A. marginale in Algerian domestic ruminants, providing valuable data for surveillance and prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Nahal
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Life, Chadli Bendjedid University- El-Tarf, B.P 73, 36000, El-Tarf, Algeria.
| | - Mourad Ben Said
- Laboratory of Microbiology, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, 2010, Manouba, Tunisia
- Department of Basic Sciences, Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, 2010, Manouba, Tunisia
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Karakavuk M, Can H, Can Ş, Karakavuk T, Döşkaya M, Değirmenci Döşkaya A. Development of a "Rapid-Crypto Colorimetric LAMP Test" to Detect Cryptosporidiosis in Feces of Newborns Calves. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:691-699. [PMID: 38358452 PMCID: PMC11001726 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00791-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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptosporidiosis is a disease that causes major intestinal damage in humans and animals. The causative agents of the disease are Cryptosporidium species. In newborn calves, diarrhea can lead to death, resulting in significant economic losses for the farms. Therefore, accurate, rapid, and cost-effective diagnosis of the disease is very important. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this study, a novel colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) test named "Rapid-Crypto Colorimetric LAMP test" targeting Cryptosporidium spp. 18S rRNA gene was developed to detect cryptosporidiosis in the feces of newborn calves. The analytical sensitivity of the test was determined by plasmid controls. Clinical sensitivity was determined using the feces of 127 calves collected from farms in İzmir and Manisa provinces. All of the samples were also investigated with Real-Time PCR targeting the Cryptosporidium spp. COWP gene. Cross-reactivity was tested using the DNA of other parasites and bacteria. RESULTS According to the results, the analytical sensitivity of the "Rapid-Crypto Colorimetric LAMP test" was found as 1 copy plasmid/reaction. When the results were compared with the Real-Time PCR test, the sensitivity of the "Rapid-Crypto Colorimetric LAMP test" was 100% and the specificity was 97.4%. The test did not cross-react with other parasites and bacteria. CONCLUSION: The "Rapid-Crypto Colorimetric LAMP test" developed in this study provides an advantage in the diagnosis of Cryptosporidium spp. in calf stool samples since it can be applied in basic laboratories or in the field, does not require experienced personnel, and has high sensitivity. Moreover, diagnosis can be made with the naked eye without using any device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammet Karakavuk
- Ege University, Ödemiş Vocational School, Ödemiş, İzmir, Türkiye
- Ucyıldız Biotechnology and Veterinary Services, Yunusemre, Manisa, Türkiye
- Ege University, Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, Bornova, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Hüseyin Can
- Ege University, Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, Bornova, İzmir, Türkiye
- Ege University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, Bornova, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Şengül Can
- Ucyıldız Biotechnology and Veterinary Services, Yunusemre, Manisa, Türkiye
- Ege University, Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, Bornova, İzmir, Türkiye
- Research Entrepreneurship and Innovation Coordination Center, Manisa Celal Bayar University, Yunusemre, Manisa, Türkiye
| | - Tuğba Karakavuk
- Ege University, Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, Bornova, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Mert Döşkaya
- Ucyıldız Biotechnology and Veterinary Services, Yunusemre, Manisa, Türkiye
- Ege University, Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, Bornova, İzmir, Türkiye
- Ege University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Bornova, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Aysu Değirmenci Döşkaya
- Ege University, Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, Bornova, İzmir, Türkiye.
- Ege University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Bornova, İzmir, Türkiye.
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Oduori DO, Kitala PM, Wachira TM, Mulinge E, Zeyhle E, Gabriël S, Gathura PB. Sympatric occurrence of Taenia saginata and Sarcocystis spp. in cattle from Narok County, Kenya: meat inspection findings with molecular validation. J Helminthol 2024; 98:e20. [PMID: 38380478 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x24000129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
The epidemiological picture of Taenia saginata infections in Kenya is fragmented with limited available data. Although Sarcocystis species are significant meat-borne parasites, few studies have explored their occurrence in Kenya. This study aimed to estimate the occurrence of bovine cysticercosis and screen for the presence of Sarcocystis spp. A meat inspection-based survey was conducted in ten abattoirs in Narok County, Kenya, and inspection for T. saginata cysticerci was limited to the Triceps brachii muscle. The apparent occurrence of the parasite was 5.4% (95% CI, 3.8, 7.6, n=573). Molecular confirmation of T. saginata was done via nested polymerase chain reaction targeting the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA gene and restricted fragment length polymorphism. Sarcocystis species were identified using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction method targeting the 18S ribosomal RNA gene sequences and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene. Of the 31 cystic lesions tested, 26/31 (83.9%) were confirmed to be T. saginata.Sarcocystis cruzi and S. hominis were detected in 8/31 (25.8%) and 1/31 (3.2%) of the cystic lesions, respectively. Co-infections of S. cruzi and T. saginata were found in 6/31 lesions (19.4%). The confirmation of bovine cysticercosis and S. hominis is suggestive of the presence of risky culinary and sanitation practices that facilitate transmission. This is the first report and molecular confirmation of Sarcocystis spp. in cattle in the country. The presence of both zoonotic S. hominis and pathogenic S. cruzi highlights an underexplored concern of veterinary and human health significance, warranting further epidemiological investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- D O Oduori
- Department of Public Health Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, Kangemi, Kenya
- Department of Animal Health and Production, Maasai Mara University, Narok, Kenya
| | - P M Kitala
- Department of Public Health Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, Kangemi, Kenya
| | - T M Wachira
- Department of Public Health Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, Kangemi, Kenya
| | - E Mulinge
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - E Zeyhle
- Meru University of Science and Technology, Meru, Kenya
| | - S Gabriël
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, University of Ghent, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - P B Gathura
- Department of Public Health Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, Kangemi, Kenya
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44
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Hussein HE, Johnson WC, Taus NS, Ueti MW. Expression of sex-specific molecular markers by Babesia bovis gametes. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:75. [PMID: 38374075 PMCID: PMC10877833 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06185-w] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bovine babesiosis caused by Babesia bovis is one of the most important tick-borne diseases of cattle in tropical and subtropical regions. Babesia bovis parasites have a complex lifecycle, including development within the mammalian host and tick vector. In the tick midgut, extracellular Babesia parasites transform into gametes that fuse to form zygotes. To date, little is known about genes and proteins expressed by male gametes. METHODS AND RESULTS We developed a method to separate male gametes from in vitro induced B. bovis culture. Separation enabled the validation of sex-specific markers. Collected male gametocytes were observed by Giemsa-stained smear and live-cell fluorescence microscopy. Babesia male gametes were used to confirm sex-specific markers by quantitative real-time PCR. Some genes were found to be male gamete specific genes including pka, hap2, α-tubulin II and znfp2. However, α-tubulin I and ABC transporter, trap2-4 and ccp1-3 genes were found to be upregulated in culture depleted of male gametes (female-enriched). Live immunofluorescence analysis using polyclonal antibodies confirmed surface expression of HAP2 by male and TRAP2-4 by female gametes. These results revealed strong markers to distinguish between B. bovis male and female gametes. CONCLUSIONS Herein, we describe the identification of sex-specific molecular markers essential for B. bovis sexual reproduction. These tools will enhance our understanding of the biology of sexual stages and, consequently, the development of additional strategies to control bovine babesiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hala E Hussein
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA, USA.
| | - Wendell C Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Naomi S Taus
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture-ARS-Animal Disease Research Unit, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Massaro W Ueti
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture-ARS-Animal Disease Research Unit, Pullman, WA, USA
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45
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Imhof D, Hänggeli KPA, De Sousa MCF, Vigneswaran A, Hofmann L, Amdouni Y, Boubaker G, Müller J, Hemphill A. Working towards the development of vaccines and chemotherapeutics against neosporosis-With all of its ups and downs-Looking ahead. Adv Parasitol 2024; 124:91-154. [PMID: 38754928 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan and obligatory intracellular parasite, which is the leading cause of reproductive failure in cattle and affects other farm and domestic animals, but also induces neuromuscular disease in dogs of all ages. In cattle, neosporosis is an important health problem, and has a considerable economic impact. To date there is no protective vaccine or chemotherapeutic treatment on the market. Immuno-prophylaxis has long been considered as the best control measure. Proteins involved in host cell interaction and invasion, as well as antigens mediating inflammatory responses have been the most frequently assessed vaccine targets. However, despite considerable efforts no effective vaccine has been introduced to the market to date. The development of effective compounds to limit the effects of vertical transmission of N. caninum tachyzoites has emerged as an alternative or addition to vaccination, provided suitable targets and safe and efficacious drugs can be identified. Additionally, the combination of both treatment strategies might be interesting to further increase protectivity against N. caninum infections and to decrease the duration of treatment and the risk of potential drug resistance. Well-established and standardized animal infection models are key factors for the evaluation of promising vaccine and compound candidates. The vast majority of experimental animal experiments concerning neosporosis have been performed in mice, although in recent years the numbers of experimental studies in cattle and sheep have increased. In this review, we discuss the recent findings concerning the progress in drug and vaccine development against N. caninum infections in mice and ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Imhof
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Kai Pascal Alexander Hänggeli
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maria Cristina Ferreira De Sousa
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anitha Vigneswaran
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Larissa Hofmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yosra Amdouni
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ghalia Boubaker
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Joachim Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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46
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Martviset P, Geadkaew-Krenc A, Piyatadsananon P, Jirojwong R, Chantree P, Phadungsil W, Wangboon C, Jamklang M, Chumkiew S, Poomkhokrak R, Taylor A, Kosa N, Grams R. Coproprevalence, seroprevalence, and geographic distribution of Fasciola spp. infection in beef and dairy cattle in Pak Chong highland, Nakhon-Ratchasima Province, Northeast Thailand. Parasitol Int 2024; 98:102809. [PMID: 37704000 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2023.102809] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Fasciola spp. is a major livestock parasite, especially in cattle, water buffalo, sheep, and goats. Infection reduces animal productivity, e.g., meat, dairy, wool and might cause death. In Thailand, reports of Fasciola spp. infection in livestock, especially dairy and beef cattle, are sparse. Pakchong district in Nakhon Ratchasima province is one of Thailand's largest farming areas for dairy and beef cattle, but the prevalence of Fasciola spp. infection has never been reported in this district. The landscape of this area is mainly a hilltop plateau with many water sources suitable for the development of lymnaeid snails, the intermediate host of Fasciola spp., which are essential for the parasite life cycle. This study surveyed the copro- and seroprevalence of Fasciola spp. infection in dairy and beef cattle farmed in Pakchong district by microscope-based examination, PCR, and indirect ELISA. Associated risk factors and geographic information data were collected and analyzed. Paired stool and serum samples were collected from 102 dairy cattle and 99 beef cattle from April to November 2021. Sample analyses demonstrated a high prevalence of Fasciola spp. infection, especially in beef cattle. The overall copro-prevalence was 5.97%, with 0.99% in dairy cattle and 11.11% in beef cattle. The overall seroprevalence was 23.88%, with 2.94% in dairy cattle and 45.45% in beef cattle. Moreover, the data indicated that infection status was not correlated with animal sex and age whereas consumption of natural grasses, water resources, housing floor, and farming system were significant risk factors. Data analysis by a geographic information system (GIS) demonstrated that an associated risk could be farmed in lowering areas, especially in Chan Thuck, Nong Sa Rai, and Khlong Muang subdistricts. In conclusion, this study reports the prevalence of Fasciola spp. infection in cattle in a major farming area of Thailand which could be beneficial for designing parasite control policies in this region as well as adapting this knowledge to other Fasciola spp. endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pongsakorn Martviset
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand; Thammasat University Research Unit in Nutraceuticals and Food Safety, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand.
| | - Amornrat Geadkaew-Krenc
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Pantip Piyatadsananon
- School of Geoinformatics, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon-Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Ruttiroj Jirojwong
- Department of Livestock Development, Ministry of Agricultural and Cooperatives, Nakhon-Ratchasima 30130, Thailand
| | - Pathanin Chantree
- Thammasat University Research Unit in Nutraceuticals and Food Safety, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand; Division of Anatomy, Department of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Wansika Phadungsil
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Chompunoot Wangboon
- School of Preclinic, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon-Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Mantana Jamklang
- School of Preclinic, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon-Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Sirilak Chumkiew
- School of Biology, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon-Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | | | - Aree Taylor
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Nanthawat Kosa
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Rudi Grams
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
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47
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Miotti C, Morel N, Signorini ML, Nava S. Stochastic modelling to predict a priori the potential outcomes of different control schemes against the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus. Vet Parasitol 2024; 326:110095. [PMID: 38142468 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.110095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Stochastic models are valuable tools to describe and analyze tick population dynamic in a given area, and to evaluate different control schemes. The objective of this study was to provide a tool to predict a priori how a control scheme could affect the abundance of Rhipicephalus microplus in an area highly favourable for its development, through the building of a stochastic model of the population dynamic of this tick. The dynamic was stochastically modelled using field data of the parasitic and non-parasitic phases of R. microplus. The host susceptibility to tick infestations was also considered by including representative values of natural resistance of three different breeds (Bos indicus, B. taurus and B. indicus x B. taurus). Two different control schemes (strategic and threshold methods) using three annual applications of synthetic acaricides in different moments were evaluated. Furthermore, we have evaluated the impact of different moments of pasture spelling as a tool for tick control on the dynamic of the non-parasitic phases of R. microplus. The results showed that the model appropriately fits to field data and can simulate the annual variability in female ticks count in animals from different ecological characteristics. The model has also captured the variability that host susceptibility has on tick abundance. This fact was expressed in the different levels of tick abundance obtained for the three breeds of bovines. According to the model, strategic control applications of chemical acaricides have more efficacy than the threshold control method. The model indicates that a pasture spelling started in early or mid-summer generates a higher reduction in the number of available eggs in pastures. Analysis of the results allows to conclude that the model developed in this study was useful to predict a priori the performance of different control methods based on the strategic application of chemical acaricides or by applying pasture spelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Miotti
- Instituto de Investigación de la Cadena Láctea (INTA - CONICET), Ruta 34 Km 227, Rafaela (C.P. 2300), Provincia de Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Nicolás Morel
- Instituto de Investigación de la Cadena Láctea (INTA - CONICET), Ruta 34 Km 227, Rafaela (C.P. 2300), Provincia de Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Lisandro Signorini
- Instituto de Investigación de la Cadena Láctea (INTA - CONICET), Ruta 34 Km 227, Rafaela (C.P. 2300), Provincia de Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Santiago Nava
- Instituto de Investigación de la Cadena Láctea (INTA - CONICET), Ruta 34 Km 227, Rafaela (C.P. 2300), Provincia de Santa Fe, Argentina
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48
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González-Warleta M, Castro-Hermida JA, Figueira M, López J, Conesa D, López-Quílez A, Ubeira FM, Mezo M. Bayesian hierarchical modelling of the geospatial distribution of fasciolosis in dairy cattle and the impact on production: Application to the main milk-producing region (Galicia) in Spain. Vet Parasitol 2024; 325:110091. [PMID: 38056318 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.110091] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Fasciolosis caused by Fasciola hepatica is a common parasitic infection among cattle in many countries. Although infected adult cows rarely show overt clinical signs, milk production may be impaired. Thus, significant production losses may occur in dairy herds with a high prevalence of fasciolosis. In this study, Bayesian hierarchical modelling was used to estimate the geospatial distribution of dairy cattle fasciolosis and its impact on milk production. The study was conducted in Galicia, the main milk producing region in Spain and a geographically heterogeneous area. The aims were: 1) to model the geospatial distribution of fasciolosis in dairy herds in the study area, 2) to identify clusters of herds with a high prevalence of fasciolosis, and 3) to assess the effect of fasciolosis on milk yield and quality. A large number of dairy cattle farms (n = 4907), of which 1660 provided production records, were surveyed. Fasciola infection status was determined by applying the MM3-SERO ELISA test to bulk tank milk samples. A high probability of infection was predicted in several zones, particularly in the centre, northeast and southeast of Galicia. Conversely, the predicted probability was very low in some parts of the northwest of the region. Infections with high within-herd prevalence (> 25% lactating cows infected) predominated. High within-herd prevalence was associated with loss of milk production (-1.387 kg/cow/ day, on average). No association between Fasciola infection and either milk fat or protein content was observed. This study has generated the first maps of the spatial distribution of the probability of Fasciola infection in dairy cattle herds in Galicia. The maps presented here can be used for reference purposes, enabling the design of better targeted fasciolosis control programmes in the region. Use of Bayesian hierarchical statistical analysis enabled us to ascertain the uncertainty of the predictions and to account for the spatial autocorrelation in the data. It also enabled us to generate maps showing the residual spatial variation in milk production, a topic that may deserve more detailed study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta González-Warleta
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Centro de Investigaciones Agrarias de Mabegondo, AGACAL, Abegondo, A Coruña, Spain
| | - José Antonio Castro-Hermida
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Centro de Investigaciones Agrarias de Mabegondo, AGACAL, Abegondo, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Mario Figueira
- Valencia Bayesian Research Group, Departament d'Estadística i Investigació Operativa, Universitat de València, València, Spain
| | - Jesúa López
- Valencia Bayesian Research Group, Departament d'Estadística i Investigació Operativa, Universitat de València, València, Spain
| | - David Conesa
- Valencia Bayesian Research Group, Departament d'Estadística i Investigació Operativa, Universitat de València, València, Spain
| | - Antonio López-Quílez
- Valencia Bayesian Research Group, Departament d'Estadística i Investigació Operativa, Universitat de València, València, Spain
| | - Florencio M Ubeira
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Institute of Research on Chemical and Biological Analysis (IAQBUS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Mercedes Mezo
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Centro de Investigaciones Agrarias de Mabegondo, AGACAL, Abegondo, A Coruña, Spain.
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Euan-Canto A, Torres-Romero JC, Alvarez-Sánchez ME, Arana-Argáez VE, Acosta-Viana K, Ceballos-Góngora E, Vázquez-Carrillo L, Alvarez-Sánchez L. Activation of murine macrophages by membrane proteins from Tritrichomonas foetus grown on iron- and calcium-rich conditions. Parasite Immunol 2024; 46:e13020. [PMID: 38275198 DOI: 10.1111/pim.13020] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Tritrichomonas foetus is a protozoan parasite that causes a venereal disease in cattle limiting reproduction by abortions and sterility. The immune response against this parasite is poorly understood. Since the iron and calcium ions are important regulators of the microenvironment of the urogenital tract in cattle, we decided to evaluate the role of these divalent cations on the antigenicity of membrane proteins of T. foetus on macrophage activation as one of the first inflammatory responses towards this pathogen. Colorimetric methods and ELISA were used to detect the nitric oxide and oxygen peroxide production and expression of cytokines in culture supernatant from macrophage incubated with membrane proteins from T. foetus cultured in iron- and calcium-rich conditions. qRT-PCR assays were used to evaluate the transcript expression of genes involved in the inflammatory response on the macrophages. The membrane proteins used for in vitro stimulation caused the up-regulation of the iNOS and NOX-2 genes as well as the generation of NO and H2 O2 in murine macrophages on a dependent way of the metal concentrations. Additionally, after stimulation, macrophages showed a considerable rise in pro-inflammatory cytokines and a downregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines, as well as up-regulation in the transcription of the TLR4 and MyD88 genes. These data suggest that membrane proteins of T. foetus induced by iron and calcium can activate an inflammatory specific macrophage response via TLR4/MyD88 signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Euan-Canto
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica y Genética Molecular, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Farmacología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Julio César Torres-Romero
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica y Genética Molecular, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | | | - Victor Ermilo Arana-Argáez
- Laboratorio de Farmacología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Karla Acosta-Viana
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Dr. Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Emanuel Ceballos-Góngora
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica y Genética Molecular, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Farmacología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Laura Vázquez-Carrillo
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Leidi Alvarez-Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica y Genética Molecular, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
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50
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Sauermann C, Waghorn T, Miller C, Leathwick D. Simultaneous resistance to multiple anthelmintic classes in nematode parasites of cattle in New Zealand. Vet Parasitol 2024; 325:110079. [PMID: 38029560 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.110079] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Resistance to the benzimidazole and macrocyclic lactone anthelmintics is widespread in Cooperia spp. on cattle farms in New Zealand. Since this was first documented in 2006 little has changed in cattle farming systems except for the widespread use of levamisole to control Cooperia spp. in young cattle (i.e., parasite control has maintained an almost total reliance on use of anthelmintics). Here we report the emergence of simultaneous resistance to the benzimidazole, macrocyclic lactone and levamisole anthelmintics in Cooperia spp. and in Ostertagia spp. Anthelmintic efficacy against nematode parasites of cattle was investigated on four commercial farms following reports of poor animal growth rates and welfare, and positive faecal egg counts, despite routine treatment with combination anthelmintics, which included levamisole. Faecal egg count reduction tests involved 15 animals per treatment group, individual egg counts (paired samples) conducted pre- and post-treatment, with eggs counted to ≤ 15 eggs per g faeces and larval cultures for morphological identification. Actives tested varied between farms but always included levamisole alone and several combination products containing levamisole. Of the 20 tests conducted (i.e., 5 products on each of 4 farms) only 3 exceeded 90% efficacy against Cooperia spp. even though 8 of the products tested were combinations containing levamisole and at least one other broad-spectrum anthelmintic. Levamisole used alone achieved efficacies between 44% and 71% against Cooperia spp. across the four trials. The only product to exceed 95% efficacy against Cooperia spp. was a combination of monepantel + abamectin which was 100% effective against all parasites. Resistance to oxfendazole in Ostertagia spp. was indicated on 3 farms, while on one farm efficacy of all the tested products was ≤75% against this parasite. All the farms involved in this study were farming intensive cattle operations with an almost total reliance on anthelmintics to control parasitism. The results clearly demonstrate the emergence of simultaneous resistance to oxfendazole, levamisole and the macrocyclic lactone anthelmintics. Despite years of advice and recommendations to change farming practices away from intensive monocultures, many farmers have continued with the practice, and some are now faced with the very real possibility of being unable to control cattle parasites on their farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sauermann
- AgResearch Grassland, Private Bag 11008, Tennent Drive, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
| | - Tania Waghorn
- AgResearch Grassland, Private Bag 11008, Tennent Drive, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Chris Miller
- AgResearch Grassland, Private Bag 11008, Tennent Drive, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Dave Leathwick
- AgResearch Grassland, Private Bag 11008, Tennent Drive, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
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