RESUMEN
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The cestode Echinococcus granulosus causes cystic echinococcosis, a zoonotic parasitic infection that constitutes a significant public health risk. This parasite has been documented to have potential reservoirs and carriers among wild canids, namely wolves, foxes and jackals. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and molecular characteristics of E. granulosus sensu lato species/genotypes among wild canids in three northern, northeastern and north-western Iran regions. METHODS: From 2019 to 2022, 93 wild canid carcasses (69 jackals), (22 foxes) and (2 wolves) were collected that were killed in car accidents or illnesses. Analyses of morphology and morphometry were performed to verify the presence of E. granulosus. To determine E. granulosus s.l. species/genotypes, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-RFLP (ITS1) was performed utilizing the Bsh1236I (BstUI) restriction enzyme. COX1, NADH1 and ITS1 gene sequencing were also performed to confirm the PCR-RFLP results. RESULTS: During this study, 93 wild canids were examined, and 3.2% (95% CI: 0%-7%) of the 93 were infected with Echinococcus. The north-western region of Iran showed two out of 30 jackals (6.6%) infected with adult Echinococcus compared to one out of 35 jackals (2.8%) in the northern region. DNA from Echinococcus was detected in these individuals by PCR. Based on PCR-RFLP analysis of the ITS1 gene and sequencing of COX1, NADH1 and ITS1 gene, E. granulosus sensu stricto genotype was confirmed in the jackals that had been infected. CONCLUSION: Evidence shows that E. granulosus occurs in jackals in Iran, with the E. granulosus s.s. genotype being the most common. This parasite has been identified as a zoonotic parasite with a genotype that can be transmitted to livestock and humans. Establishing effective control measures to prevent the spread of echinococcosis and ensure public health is crucial.
Asunto(s)
Equinococosis , Echinococcus granulosus , Genotipo , Animales , Echinococcus granulosus/genética , Irán/epidemiología , Equinococosis/veterinaria , Equinococosis/epidemiología , Equinococosis/parasitología , Chacales/parasitología , Zorros/parasitología , Lobos/parasitología , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa/veterinaria , Prevalencia , Polimorfismo de Longitud del Fragmento de RestricciónRESUMEN
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical parasitic vector-borne disease that has emerged or re-emerged in recent years and is a major health problem. Algeria is a country where leishmaniasis reaches high levels of endemicity. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to collect, compile and summarise data on the prevalence of animal leishmaniasis in Algeria. Data were collected from 2004 to 2022 during which a number of 12 papers were published from dogs, cats, hedgehogs, and jackals. A total of 4812 dogs, 388 stray cats, 24 hedgehogs and 2 Jackals were included in this analysis. The diagnosis of leishmaniasis was performed using serological or molecular tests. The overall prevalence in dogs was 21.2 % (95 %CI, 15.7-26.9 %), and in stray cats, hedgehogs and Jackal was, respectively, 25.3 % (95 %CI, 17-36.6 %), 20.8 % (95 %CI, 8.8-40.9 %) and 50 %. This study is a comprehensive epidemiological analysis of canine leishmaniasis in Algeria and will therefore be a useful tool for researchers. Further studies are needed for a better and continuous assessment of the occurrence of this zoonosis. It can also be used to propose or improve appropriate national surveillance programs for these diseases.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de los Gatos , Enfermedades de los Perros , Leishmaniasis , Animales , Gatos , Perros , Argelia/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Gatos/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/parasitología , Erizos , Chacales/parasitología , Leishmaniasis/epidemiología , Leishmaniasis/veterinaria , Zoonosis/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Alveolar hydatid disease caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis is a parasitic disease present in the northern hemisphere. Echinococcus multilocularis is a parasite of canid and felid carnivores as definitive hosts, and small mammals, particularly rodents as intermediate hosts. Other animal species and humans can be aberrant intermediate hosts for this parasite. It is known that besides acting as definitive hosts, domestic dogs can rarely become infected with the larval form of E. multilocularis and develop alveolar echinococcosis; however, a role of wild canids as aberrant intermediate hosts has not been documented until now. To the best of our knowledge the present paper provides the first description of alveolar hydatid disease in a golden jackal (Canis aureus). CASE PRESENTATION: Necropsy of the yearling female animal found a large, round, tumor-like mass, 20 cm in diameter, with a rough, multilobulated surface in the abdominal cavity, connected to the liver and omentum. On the cut surface this tumor-like lesion was multicystic, with a number of locular cavities filled with a clear yellowish to orange watery fluid and a large area of necrosis in the central part of the mass. Histopathology revealed multiple cystic spaces separated by fibrous sheaths and inflammatory cells-lymphocytes, plasma cells, neutrophil and eosinophil granulocytes. The cysts contained either pale, hyaline, eosinophilic laminar and occasionally amorphous, acellular, PAS-positive structures, or metacestodes with invaginated protoscolices. In several cysts round calcified bodies (calcareous corpuscles) were noted. Microscopic examination showed everted and inverted protoscolices which were attached to fragments of the brood capsule or free in hydatid fluid. By comparing consensus nucleotide sequence of 457 bp obtained by PCR reaction with sequences deposited in NCBI GenBank it is determined that it was 100% identical with E. multilocularis sequences under accession numbers MH259778.1, MH259776.1, AB668376.1, EU704124.1 and AB018440.2. CONCLUSIONS: The present paper provides a proof that the golden jackal, besides being a definitive host, can also serve as the aberrant intermediate host for E. multilocularis.
Asunto(s)
Quistes , Equinococosis , Echinococcus multilocularis , Animales , Perros , Equinococosis/parasitología , Equinococosis/veterinaria , Femenino , Humanos , Chacales/parasitologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Due to the complexity of retrieving skin-dwelling microfilariae, filarioids of dogs presenting dermal microfilariae (e.g. Cercopithifilaria spp., Onchocerca lupi) are relatively unknown compared to Dirofilaria spp. and Acanthocheilonema spp. whose microfilariae circulate in the blood. Although Cercopithifilaria spp. and O. lupi filarioids are distributed worldwide, there is a paucity of information on their occurrence in Iran. The aim of this study was to investigate these filarioids in a large population of dogs from different regions of Iran. METHODS: From October 2018 to September 2020, skin biopsies were obtained from dogs housed in shelters (n = 557) and privately owned dogs (n = 26) in seven provinces of Iran (Hamedan, Kermanshah, Yazd, Mazandaran, Khuzestan, Lorestan, Esfahan), as well as from three road-killed jackals (Canis aureus) and three cats (Felis catus) in Hamedan province. The skin biopsies were first soaked in saline solution at room temperature overnight, and examined for dermal microfilariae under the microscope. Positive skin specimens and sediments were tested by PCR for a 304-bp region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene and amplicons were sequenced. RESULTS: Microfilariae of Cercopithifilaria spp. were found in skin biopsies of 32 of the 583 (5.5%) dogs tested, with infection rates of up to 25% in Kermanshah. No microfilariae were recovered from skin biopsy samples collected from dogs in Khorramabad and Ahvaz, nor from the examined jackals and cats. None of the privately owned dogs were found to be infected. Morphologic and morphometric characteristics of the microfilariae were consistent with C. bainae. Eighteen skin samples were positive for the cox1 gene, of which 15 sequences showed a nucleotide identity of 100% and three of 93.4% with the reference sequence of C. bainae available in GenBank (haplotype I; GenBank accession number: JF461457). CONCLUSIONS: The data from this study broadens current knowledge on the geographical distribution of C. bainae in dogs in Middle Eastern countries. Further studies on different wild canine species in the country (e.g. jackal, fox, wolf) could provide further information on the epidemiology of these filarioids. A particular focus should be put on zoonotic O. lupi given the reports of its presence in human patients from this country.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Filariasis/veterinaria , Filarioidea/aislamiento & purificación , Chacales/parasitología , Enfermedades Cutáneas Parasitarias/epidemiología , Enfermedades Cutáneas Parasitarias/veterinaria , Piel/parasitología , Animales , Biopsia , Gatos/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Perros/parasitología , Perros/parasitología , Femenino , Filariasis/epidemiología , Filarioidea/clasificación , Filarioidea/genética , Irán/epidemiología , Masculino , Microfilarias , Filogenia , Piel/patologíaRESUMEN
In sub-Saharan Africa, babesiosis in domestic dogs is caused primarily by Babesia rossi. Black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas), which are subclinical carriers of B. rossi, were a likely reservoir host from which infection passed to domestic dogs. The role of other indigenous canids, e.g. African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus), as reservoirs of B. rossi has not been elucidated. The question also arises whether genetic differences have arisen between B. rossi infecting domestic dogs and "ancestral" B. rossi in jackals. In a previous study we found that nearly one-third (27 of 91) of jackals were infected with B. rossi; this was confirmed by 18S rDNA sequence analysis. In this study, the near full-length B. rossi 18S rRNA gene was successfully amplified from 6 domestic dogs and 3 black-backed jackals. The obtained recombinant sequences were identical (100 %) to previously described B. rossi sequences of black-backed jackals in South Africa, and 99 % similar to B. rossi from dogs in South Africa and the Sudan. Although blood specimens from 5 (10 %) of 52 free-ranging African wild dogs (from Kruger National Park, South Africa, reacted with the B. rossi probe on RLB hybridisation, the presence of B. rossi could not be confirmed by amplification and sequencing, nor by multiplex, real-time PCR. Although African wild dogs they can be infected with B. rossi without showing clinical signs, our findings suggest that they are apparently not important reservoir hosts of B. rossi.
Asunto(s)
Babesiosis/epidemiología , Canidae/parasitología , Especificidad del Huésped , Animales , Babesia/genética , Babesiosis/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Perros/parasitología , Perros , Chacales/parasitología , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa , Sudáfrica/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Parasites of the genus Cryptosporidium Tyzzer, 1910 are one of the most common protistan parasites of vertebrates. Faecal samples from 179 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes [Linnaeus]), 100 grey wolves (Canis lupus Linnaeus), 11 golden jackals (Canis aureus Linnaeus), and 63 brown bears (Ursus arctos Linnaeus) were collected in the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia. Samples were examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. using microscopy and PCR/sequence analysis. Phylogenetic analysis based on the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU), actin and 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60) genes using the maximum likelihood method revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium tyzzeri Ren, Zhao, Zhang, Ning, Jian et al., 2012 (n = 1) and C. andersoni Lindsay, Upton, Owens, Morgan, Mead et Blackburn, 2000 (n = 2) in red foxes, C. canis Fayer, Trout, Xiao, Morgan, Lai et Dubey, 2001 (n = 2) and C. ubiquitum Fayer, Santín et Macarisin, 2010 (n = 2) in grey wolves, and C. galli Pavlásek, 1999 in brown bears (n = 1) and red foxes (n = 1). Subtyping of isolates of C. ubiquitum and C. tyzzeri based on sequence analysis of gp60 showed that they belong to the XIId and IXa families, respectively. The presence of specific DNA of C. tyzzeri, C. andersoni and C. galli, which primarily infect the prey of carnivores, is probably the result of their passage through the gastrointestinal tract of the carnivores. Finding C. ubiquitum XIId in wolves may mean broadening the host spectrum of this subtype, but it remains possible this is the result of infected prey passing through the wolf - in this case deer, which is a common host of this parasite. The dog genotype of C. canis was reported for the first time in wolves.
Asunto(s)
Carnívoros/parasitología , Criptosporidiosis/epidemiología , Cryptosporidium , Animales , Cryptosporidium/genética , Cryptosporidium/aislamiento & purificación , República Checa/epidemiología , ADN Protozoario/genética , Perros/parasitología , Europa (Continente)/epidemiología , Heces/parasitología , Zorros/parasitología , Genes Protozoarios , Variación Genética , Técnicas de Genotipaje , Chacales/parasitología , Filogenia , Polonia/epidemiología , Prevalencia , Subunidades Ribosómicas Pequeñas/genética , Eslovaquia/epidemiología , Ursidae/parasitología , Lobos/parasitologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Ticks are hematophagous arthropods which normally attach to the surface of the host's skin. Their aberrant presence in the subcutaneous tissue of a few carnivores, predominantly foxes, has been reported. However, there have been no reports of this phenomenon in other carnivores such as mustelids or golden jackals. Our aim was to investigate the host spectrum for this aberrant localization of ticks. METHODS: Between 2015 and 2020, a total of 198 carcasses of 12 species of carnivore were examined by parasitological necropsy. When a subcutaneous tick was found, the nodule was removed, carefully dissected, and stored in ethanol. The morphological identification of the subcutaneous tick was carried out to species level. RESULTS: A single subcutaneous tick was found in one carcass, that of a golden jackal (Canis aureus). The tick was identified as a female Ixodes ricinus. All the other carcasses were negative for the presence of subcutaneous ticks. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first report of a subcutaneous tick in a golden jackal. This finding broadens the host spectrum of subcutaneous ticks, and reinforces the idea that, among carnivores, this phenomenon only occurs in canids.
Asunto(s)
Carnívoros/parasitología , Especificidad del Huésped , Ixodes/fisiología , Chacales/parasitología , Tejido Subcutáneo/parasitología , Animales , Vectores de Enfermedades , Femenino , Zorros/parasitologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Toxocariasis is a worldwide zoonotic parasitic disease caused by species of Toxocara and Toxascaris, common in dogs and cats. Herein, a meta-analysis was contrived to assess the prevalence of Toxocara/Toxascaris in carnivore and human hosts in different regions of Iran from April 1969 to June 2019. METHODS: The available online articles of English (PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Ovid) and Persian (SID, Iran Medex, Magiran, and Iran Doc) databases and also the articles that presented in held parasitology congresses of Iran were involved. RESULTS: The weighted prevalence of Toxocara/Toxascaris in dogs (Canis familiaris) and cats (Felis catus) was 24.2% (95% CI: 18.0-31.0%) and 32.6% (95% CI: 22.6-43.4%), respectively. Also, pooled prevalence in jackal (Canis aureus) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes) was 23.3% (95% CI: 7.7-43.2%) and 69.4% (95% CI: 60.3-77.8%), correspondingly. Weighted mean prevalence of human cases with overall 28 records was 9.3% (95% CI: 6.3-13.1%). The weighted prevalence of Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati, and Toxascaris leonina was represented as 13.8% (95% CI: 9.8-18.3%), 28.5% (95% CI: 20-37.7%) and 14.3% (95% CI: 8.1-22.0%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis results illustrate a considerable prevalence rate of Toxocara/Toxascaris, particularly in cats and dogs of northern parts of Iran. The presence of suitable animal hosts, optimum climate and close contact of humans and animals would have been the reason for higher seroprevalence rates of human cases in our region. Given the significance clinical outcomes of human Toxocara/Toxascaris, necessary measures should be taken.
Asunto(s)
Toxascaris/inmunología , Toxocara canis/inmunología , Toxocariasis/epidemiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Animales , Gatos , Niño , Preescolar , Perros , Heces/parasitología , Zorros/parasitología , Interacciones Huésped-Parásitos , Humanos , Lactante , Irán/epidemiología , Chacales/parasitología , Prevalencia , Factores de Riesgo , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Toxascaris/aislamiento & purificación , Toxocara canis/aislamiento & purificación , Toxocariasis/parasitología , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis in dogs and other carnivores is caused by Dirofilaria immitis, while Dirofilaria repens usually causes a subcutaneous infection. The importance of red foxes and golden jackals in the epidemiology of dirofilariosis remains unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to conduct a cross-sectional molecular survey of Dirofilaria species in stray dogs, red foxes and golden jackals from the endemic region of Vojvodina, Serbia, in order to determine and update data on their prevalence and provide insight into the epidemiological importance of wild canids. A total of 59 blood samples from stray dogs, 94 from red foxes and 32 from golden jackals were collected and screened by real-time PCR targeting a 115-bp fragment of the mitochondrial 12S gene of filarioids and by conventional PCR assay targeting a 484-524-bp fragment of 5.8S-ITS2-28S locus of filarioids. The cross-sectional molecular survey detected the filarioid mitochondrial 12S gene fragment in stray dogs (27.1 %), red foxes (8.5 %) and golden jackals (6.3 %) in the same endemic region of Vojvodina, Serbia. Only D. immitis was detected in stray dogs, while both D. immitis and D. repens were detected in populations of red foxes and golden jackals. These results outline a possible interaction of D. immitis infection between the dog population and the wild canid populations, while D. repens was found to circulate mostly in golden jackals and red foxes populations.
Asunto(s)
Dirofilaria immitis/clasificación , Reservorios de Enfermedades/veterinaria , Enfermedades de los Perros/parasitología , Perros/parasitología , Zorros/parasitología , Chacales/parasitología , Animales , Estudios Transversales , Dirofilaria immitis/aislamiento & purificación , Dirofilariasis/epidemiología , Dirofilariasis/parasitología , Reservorios de Enfermedades/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Genes Mitocondriales , Prevalencia , Serbia/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Canids are definitive hosts of Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus. This study aimed to survey these two Echinococcus species in canids of North-Khorasan Province, northeastern Iran, using morphological criteria and genetic characterization of mitochondrial DNA. METHODS: The carcasses of 106 canids, namely 61 jackals (Canis aureus), 23 foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 19 dogs (Canis familiaris) and three wolves (Canis lupus) were collected from the study area in 2013-2014 and examined for Echinococcus species. Morphological features were assessed by microscopy of adult worms. For molecular characterization, DNA was extracted, mostly from the adult worms but also from eggs. DNA fragments of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1) mitochondrial genes were amplified and sequenced. Sequences were aligned and compared with reference sequences. Intraspecific and interspecific diversity were calculated and phylogenetic analysis was performed. RESULTS: Overall, 9.4% of the canids (eight jackals and two foxes) were found infected with E. multilocularis by molecular methods, of which seven cases were also confirmed using morphological description of the adult worms. Echinococcus granulosus was found in 6.6% of the canines (four dogs, two jackals and one wolf) as determined by both molecular methods and adult cestode morphology. All E. granulosus isolates were identified as the G1 genotype. Comparative sequence analysis indicated 0-0.7% and 0% intraspecific divergence within E. granulosus isolates and 0% and 0-0.2% within E. multilocularis isolates for cox1 and nad1, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed the presence of E. multilocularis and E. granulosus in canids of North-Khorasan Province of Iran. Jackals were found infected with both E. multilocularis and E. granulosus, but infection with the former species was higher.
Asunto(s)
ADN de Helmintos/genética , ADN Mitocondrial/genética , Equinococosis/veterinaria , Echinococcus granulosus/aislamiento & purificación , Echinococcus multilocularis/aislamiento & purificación , Animales , Enfermedades de los Perros/parasitología , Perros/parasitología , Equinococosis/parasitología , Echinococcus granulosus/clasificación , Echinococcus granulosus/genética , Echinococcus multilocularis/clasificación , Echinococcus multilocularis/genética , Femenino , Zorros/parasitología , Genotipo , Irán , Chacales/parasitología , Masculino , Filogenia , Lobos/parasitologíaRESUMEN
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminth parasitic infections and associated risk factors for the human infection among the people of Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Infection status of helminths including Echinococcus granulosus was surveyed in domestic and wild animals from 4 sites in the Samarkand region, Uzbekistan during 2015-2018. Fecal samples of each animal were examined with the formalin-ether sedimentation technique and the recovery of intestinal helminths was performed with naked eyes and a stereomicroscope in total 1,761 animals (1,755 dogs, 1 golden jackal, and 5 Corsac foxes). Total 658 adult worms of E. granulosus were detected in 28 (1.6%) dogs and 1 (100%) golden jackal. More than 6 species of helminths, i.e., Taenia hydatigena, Dipylidium caninum, Diplopylidium nolleri, Mesocestoides lineatus, Toxocara canis, and Trichuris vulpis, were found from 18 (1.0%) dogs. Six (T. hydatigena, Toxascaris leonina, Alaria alata, Uncinaria stenocephala, D. caninum, and M. lineatus) and 2 (D. nolleri and M. lineatus) species of helminths were also detected from 5 Corsac foxes and 1 golden jackal, respectively. Taeniid eggs were found in 2 (20%) out of 10 soil samples. In the present study, it was confirmed that the prevalences of helminths including E. granulosus are not so high in domestic and wild animals. Nevertheless, the awareness on the zoonotic helminth infections should be continuously maintained in Uzbekistan for the prevention of human infection.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de los Perros/parasitología , Zorros/parasitología , Helmintiasis Animal/parasitología , Helmintos/aislamiento & purificación , Parasitosis Intestinales/veterinaria , Chacales/parasitología , Animales , Animales Salvajes/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Perros , Heces/parasitología , Femenino , Helmintiasis/epidemiología , Helmintiasis/parasitología , Helmintiasis Animal/epidemiología , Helmintos/clasificación , Helmintos/genética , Parasitosis Intestinales/epidemiología , Parasitosis Intestinales/parasitología , Masculino , Prevalencia , Uzbekistán/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) of domestic and wild carnivores are of major public health concern both in industrialized and developing countries, especially in poor socioeconomic settings. War-torn areas specifically suffer from absence of veterinary surveillance of VBDs, resulting in lack of scientific knowledge on this topic. To investigate occurence and prevalence of several vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) in some carnivore species from Iraq, blood samples (nâ¯=â¯397) were obtained from 190 canids [97 stray dogs (Canis familiaris), 55 jackals (Canis aureus) and 38 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes)] and 207 stray cats (Felis catus) collected during a feral animal control and zoonotic disease surveillance program in several United States military bases in Iraq. The presence of Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp., Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Dirofilaria spp. and Leishmania spp. DNA was molecularly investigated. Out of 397 animals tested, 176 (44.3%; 95% CI: 39.5-49.2%) were positive for at least one pathogen with the highest prevalence in foxes (73.7%; 95% CI: 58-85%), followed by jackals (54.5%; 95% CI: 41.5-67%), dogs (38.1%; 29.1-48.1%) and cats (39.1%; 95% CI: 32.7-45.9%). Up to five pathogens were diagnosed in dogs. Hepatozoon canis was the most prevalent VBP in jackals (49.1%; 95% CI: 36.4-61.9%), foxes (47.3%; 95% CI: 32.5-62.7%) and dogs (33%; 95% CI: 24.4-42.8%), whereas Hepatozoon felis was the only species detected in cats (39.1%; 95% CI: 32.7-45.9%). A species of Babesia related to but different from Babesia lengau and designated as Babesia sp. MML was detected in six foxes (15.8%; 95% CI: 7.4-30.4%) and in one jackal (1.8%; 95% CI: 0.3-9.6%). This finding suggested the existence of a new species in the genus Babesia as inferred by molecular and phylogenetical analysis. Further, Babesia vulpes was identified only in two foxes (5.3%; 95% CI: 1.5-17.3%). All samples were negative for Leishmania spp. and Ehrlichia spp. Co-infection with H. canis and Babesia spp. was the most prevalent (5/176, 2.8%, i.e., 4 foxes and 1 jackal), followed by H. canis and Dirofilaria immitis (1/176, 1.3%, i.e., in 1 jackal), H. canis and Dirofilaria repens or Acanthocheilonema reconditum (1/176, 1.3%, i.e., in one dog, each). Data presented fill gaps into knowledge of VBPs in dogs, cats and wild canids in Iraq, indicating that different pathogens circulate amongst animal populations living in the same areas, possibly sharing the same tick vectors. Large-scale surveys are urgently needed to further assess VBPs distribution in Iraq and establish preventative strategies in domestic animals to minimize the risk of infection for animals and humans.
Asunto(s)
Gatos/parasitología , Perros/parasitología , Zorros/parasitología , Chacales/parasitología , Anaplasma/aislamiento & purificación , Animales , Babesia/aislamiento & purificación , Gatos/microbiología , Vectores de Enfermedades , Perros/microbiología , Ehrlichia/aislamiento & purificación , Femenino , Zorros/microbiología , Irak/epidemiología , Chacales/microbiología , Leishmania/aislamiento & purificación , Masculino , PrevalenciaRESUMEN
Angiostrongylosis caused by Angiostrongylus vasorum is an emerging disease in Europe. Recent reports have shown that, besides the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) recognized as the main definitive host and reservoir for the parasite, the role of the definitive host can be taken by a range of mammals. We considered that, due to the rapid large-scale expansion of its populations in Europe, the golden jackal (Canis aureus) could assume an important role in the epidemiology of the disease. The aim of the investigations was to explore the role of the golden jackal as the definitive host for A. vasorum. Sixty-three golden jackals, legally hunted in lowlands around the Danube River in Serbia recognized as the core area of the species' distribution in Europe, were subjected to patho-morphological and parasitological examination. The adult forms of A. vasorum were detected in the pulmonary arteries in six golden jackals with gross lesions manifested in the lungs. The finding of first stage larvae (L1) of A. vasorum in microscopic smears of the lung tissue altered by infection, which was consistent with the presence of adult parasites and manifestation of gross lesions in the lungs, confirms the successful reproduction of the parasite in the golden jackal. Migration of L1 from the blood vessels to the airways was confirmed by histopathology and, subsequently, their shedding was demonstrated by the Baermann method. The results support the hypothesis that the golden jackal acts as a suitable definitive host for A. vasorum. As a definitive host with a large-scale expansion of its populations in Europe, the golden jackal may be an important part of the parasite's host repertoire by spreading the parasite into previously non-endemic areas and by being an additional definitive host in endemic areas of vulpine angiostrongylosis.
Asunto(s)
Angiostrongylus/aislamiento & purificación , Reservorios de Enfermedades , Chacales/parasitología , Animales , Larva , Pulmón/virología , SerbiaRESUMEN
Alveolar echinococcosis, caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis, is one of the world's most dangerous zoonosis and an emerging disease with growing incidence in humans. The disease has been reported in new areas and host species in the last two decades, and the primary hosts of the parasite - red fox, golden jackal and grey wolf - are expanding their distribution in Europe. Here we report the morphological and molecular identification of Echinococcus multilocularis tapeworms in one of 29 carcasses of adult golden jackals in Croatia, where the only previous report of the parasite was in red foxes in 2016. These results suggest that alveolar echinococcosis should be treated as an emerging disease in Croatia.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades Transmisibles Emergentes/veterinaria , Equinococosis/veterinaria , Echinococcus multilocularis/clasificación , Chacales/parasitología , Animales , Enfermedades Transmisibles Emergentes/epidemiología , Enfermedades Transmisibles Emergentes/parasitología , Croacia/epidemiología , Equinococosis/epidemiología , Equinococosis/parasitología , Echinococcus multilocularis/aislamiento & purificación , Geografía , Humanos , ZoonosisRESUMEN
Nematodes of the genus Trichinella are zoonotic parasites causing trichinellosis. In Iran, these parasites occur in several animal species and rare cases have been recorded in humans. To monitor the epidemiological pattern of these parasites in the Khorasan-e-Razavi province, Northeastern Iran, muscle tissues were collected from the tongues of roadkill animals between 2016 and 2017: 295 stray dogs, one red fox (Vulpes vulpes), 12 golden jackals (Canis aureus), and one wild boar (Sus scrofa). Trichinella spp. larvae were retrieved using the artificial digestion method and identified to the species level by multiplex PCR. Larvae identified as Trichinella britovi were detected in five stray dogs (1.7%) and one golden jackal (8.3%). The results confirm the circulation of T. britovi in animals of the Khorasan-e-Razavi province, as previously documented. A review of the literature on Trichinella spp. in animals in Iran showed that these parasites were previously detected in 20.02% and 0.04% of carnivore and omnivore mammals, respectively, and that golden jackals can be screened as indicator animals for these zoonotic nematodes. Convenient sampling of Trichinella susceptible roadkill animals may provide a suitable method of monitoring the circulation of these parasites within any given region.
Asunto(s)
Chacales/parasitología , Trichinella/aislamiento & purificación , Triquinelosis/veterinaria , Animales , Animales Salvajes/parasitología , Perros/parasitología , Zorros/parasitología , Irán/epidemiología , Larva/parasitología , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa Multiplex , Sus scrofa/parasitología , Lengua/parasitología , Trichinella/genética , Triquinelosis/epidemiología , Triquinelosis/parasitologíaRESUMEN
The golden jackal (Canis aureus) is a medium-sized canid species native to Europe. This species is characterized by rapid large-scale expansion. A similar trend is also observed in Serbia, where the species is now distributed in more than a half of the territory. Although jackals prefer habitats in human-dominated landscapes, these animals have not been studied well enough from an eco-epidemiological point of view, and little is known about their potential for carrying zoonotic pathogens. In a study conducted during a three-year period (01/2010-02/2013), a total of 216 hunted or road-killed golden jackals were collected from 10 localities in Serbia. Ticks, when present, were removed, and after necropsy, spleen samples were collected from each animal. All tick and spleen samples were tested for the DNA of bacterial and protozoan tick-borne pathogens (Borrelia species, Bartonella species, Rickettsia species, Anaplasma species, Coxiella burnetii, Francisella species and Babesia species) by multiplex real-time PCR, conventional PCR and sequencing analyses. The DNA of Babesia canis was detected in nine out of 216 (4.2%) spleen samples, and two samples (0.9%) tested positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum. In 118 ticks collected from jackals, the DNA of two Babesia species (Ba. canis and Ba. microti), three Borrelia species (Bo. garinii, Bo. valaisiana, and Bo. lusitaniae) and A. marginale was detected. From the aspect of public health surveillance, the potential role of the golden jackal in the maintenance of vector-borne zoonotic pathogens in Serbia must be considered, and further eco-epidemiological studies should be performed to determine the precise role of this animal species in zoonotic disease transmission cycles.
Asunto(s)
Bacterias/aislamiento & purificación , Chacales/parasitología , Piroplasmida/aislamiento & purificación , Enfermedades por Picaduras de Garrapatas/epidemiología , Zoonosis/epidemiología , Anaplasma/aislamiento & purificación , Anaplasma/patogenicidad , Anaplasma phagocytophilum/aislamiento & purificación , Anaplasma phagocytophilum/patogenicidad , Animales , Babesia/aislamiento & purificación , Babesia/patogenicidad , Bacterias/genética , Bacterias/patogenicidad , Bartonella/aislamiento & purificación , Bartonella/patogenicidad , Borrelia/aislamiento & purificación , Borrelia/patogenicidad , Grupo Borrelia Burgdorferi/aislamiento & purificación , Grupo Borrelia Burgdorferi/patogenicidad , ADN Bacteriano/genética , ADN Protozoario/genética , Vectores de Enfermedades , Humanos , Ixodes/microbiología , Ixodes/parasitología , Piroplasmida/genética , Piroplasmida/patogenicidad , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa , Salud Pública , Rickettsia/aislamiento & purificación , Rickettsia/patogenicidad , Serbia/epidemiología , Infestaciones por Garrapatas/epidemiología , Infestaciones por Garrapatas/parasitología , Enfermedades por Picaduras de Garrapatas/transmisión , Zoonosis/microbiología , Zoonosis/parasitología , Zoonosis/transmisiónRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. are apicomplexan parasites that infect a variety of animals, including canids. Their life-cycle includes an invertebrate hematophagous vector as a definitive host and vertebrates as intermediate hosts. The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence and risk factors for Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. infections in wild golden jackals (Canis aureus) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Israel and to compare spleen with blood sample polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of infection. RESULTS: Blood and spleen samples from 109 golden jackals and 21 red foxes were tested by PCR for the detection of Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. using primers for the 18S ribosomal (r) RNA gene. Hepatozoon canis was detected in 50/109 (46%) of the jackals and 9/21 (43%) of the foxes. "Babesia vulpes" (the Babesia microti-like piroplasm) was detected in 4/21 (19%) of the foxes and in none of the jackals. A previously unknown genotype termed Babesia sp. MML related to Babesia lengau (96-97% identity) was detected in 1/109 (1%) of the jackals and 4/21 (19%) of the foxes. Further characterization of this genotype carried out by PCR of the rRNA internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) indicated that it had only 87% identity with the B. lengau ITS2. Sex (male or female), age (juvenile or adult) and geographic zone (North, Central or South Israel) were not found to be significant risk factors for these protozoan infections. The prevalence of "B. vulpes" and Babesia sp. MML infections was significantly higher in foxes compared to jackals (χ2 = 15.65, df = 1, P < 0.005), while there was no statistically significant difference in the rate of H. canis infection between these two canid species. A fair agreement beyond chance between identification in the blood and spleen of H. canis was found in 21 animals from which both blood and spleen samples were available (k = 0.33). CONCLUSIONS: This study describes a high prevalence of H. canis infection in foxes and jackals and is the first report of "B. vulpes" infection in Israel, an area where Ixodes spp. are rare. It describes infection with a previously unknown genotype of Babesia related to B. lengau from Africa.
Asunto(s)
Animales Salvajes , Babesia/aislamiento & purificación , Canidae , Eucoccidiida/aislamiento & purificación , Animales , Animales Salvajes/microbiología , Animales Salvajes/parasitología , Babesia/genética , Babesiosis/sangre , Babesiosis/epidemiología , Babesiosis/microbiología , Canidae/microbiología , Canidae/parasitología , Coccidiosis/sangre , Coccidiosis/epidemiología , Coccidiosis/parasitología , ADN Bacteriano/genética , ADN Protozoario/genética , Vectores de Enfermedades , Eucoccidiida/genética , Zorros/microbiología , Zorros/parasitología , Israel/epidemiología , Ixodes , Chacales/microbiología , Chacales/parasitología , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa , ARN Ribosómico 18S/genéticaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Domestic dogs are not native to sub-Saharan Africa, which may account for their susceptibility to Babesia rossi, of which endemic black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas) are natural reservoirs. There is virtually no information on the occurrence of potentially pathogenic haemogregarines (e.g. Hepatozoon canis) or even rickettsial bacteria (e.g. Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp.) in indigenous canids in sub-Saharan Africa. Such organisms could pose a risk to domestic dogs, as well as to populations of endangered indigenous canid species. RESULTS: Genomic DNA extracted from blood samples taken from 126 free-ranging and 16 captive black-backed jackals was subjected to reverse line blot (RLB) hybridization assay; 82 (57.8%) specimens reacted only with the Ehrlichia/Anaplasma genera-specific probe. Full-length bacterial 16S rRNA gene of five of these specimens was cloned and the recombinants sequenced. The ten 16S rDNA sequences obtained were most closely related, with approximately 99% identity, to Anaplasma sp. South African Dog, various uncultured Anaplasma spp., as well as various Anaplasma phagocytophilum genotypes. Ninety-one specimens were screened for haemogregarines through PCR amplification using the 18S rRNA gene; 20 (21.9%) specimens reacted positively, of which 14 (15.4%) were confirmed positive for Hepatozoon genotypes from within H. canis. Two (2.2%) specimens were found positive for two different Hepatozoon genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: Sequence analyses confirmed the presence of 16S rDNA sequences closely related to A. phagocytophilum and Anaplasma sp. South African Dog as well as two H. canis genotypes in both free-ranging and captive black-backed jackals. Distinguishing between closely related lineages may provide insight into differences in pathogenicity and virulence of various Anaplasma and H. canis genotypes. By building up a more comprehensive understanding of the range and diversity of the bacteria and eukaryotic organisms (piroplasms and haemogregarines) in the blood of indigenous canids, we may gain insight to such infections in these often-endangered species and the potential for horizontal transmission to and from domestic dogs via ticks where favourable conditions exist.
Asunto(s)
Anaplasma/aislamiento & purificación , Anaplasmosis/epidemiología , Coccidiosis/epidemiología , Eucoccidiida/aislamiento & purificación , Chacales , Anaplasma/genética , Anaplasmosis/sangre , Anaplasmosis/microbiología , Anaplasmosis/parasitología , Animales , Coccidiosis/sangre , Coccidiosis/microbiología , Coccidiosis/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/microbiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/parasitología , Perros , Eucoccidiida/genética , Chacales/microbiología , Chacales/parasitología , ARN Ribosómico 16S/genética , Análisis de Secuencia de ADN , Sudáfrica/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Angiostrongylosis caused by metastrongyloid nematode Angiostrongylus vasorum is an emerging parasitic disease in Europe and the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is considered as a main reservoir species for this parasite. Little is known about the role of other wild canids in the epidemiology of angiostrongylosis. The present paper provides the first description of pathomorphological lesions caused by A. vasorum in a golden jackal (Canis aureus). The paper describes a case of co-infection with A. vasorum and Dirofilaria immitis in a one-year-old female golden jackal, legally hunted near the City of Kovin, South Banat, Serbia. The postmortem examination revealed severe pneumonia, proliferative endarteritis, the presence of two adult males of D. immitis in the right atrium, and the presence of 15 adult forms of A. vasorum (11 females and 4 males) in the pulmonary arteries. Native microscopy of an impression smear of the lung tissue found numerous larvae compatible with the A. vasorum first larval stage. This paper provides the first evidence that angiostrongylosis exists in the golden jackal in Serbia and confirms that the golden jackal should be considered as a very suitable definitive host for A. vasorum. The results suggest the possibility that the golden jackal may act as reservoir species and as an important transmitter of A. vasorum larvae.
Asunto(s)
Angiostrongylus/aislamiento & purificación , Chacales/parasitología , Neumonía/veterinaria , Infecciones por Strongylida/veterinaria , Animales , Femenino , Masculino , Neumonía/epidemiología , Neumonía/parasitología , Serbia/epidemiología , Infecciones por Strongylida/epidemiología , Infecciones por Strongylida/parasitologíaRESUMEN
Wild animals, including red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and golden jackals (Canis aureus), are the most important reservoirs of Trichinella spp. Although the red fox is considered one of the main reservoirs of Trichinella spp. in Europe, only a few animals have been examined in Serbia. The present study assessed Trichinella spp. infection in red foxes and golden jackals from the six districts in Serbia. Thirty-seven carcasses of red foxes and 13 carcasses of golden jackals shot during the official hunting season were examined. Larvae of Trichinella spp. were detected in 13 (35%) of 37 red foxes and in 8 (61%) of 13 golden jackals. Trichinella spiralis and Trichinella britovi were the only two species identified after a multiplex polymerase chain reaction analysis. Trichinella britovi infection was detected in 85% of red foxes and in 38% of golden jackals, and T. spiralis was detected in 15% of red foxes and in 63% of golden jackals. The findings emphasize the need for an active surveillance program for Trichinella spp. infection in wildlife in Serbia and the whole of the Balkans, with special attention on the red fox because it is widespread and occurs in high densities.