ABSTRACT
Echinococcus spp. is an emerging zoonotic parasite of high concern. In Canada, an increase in the number of human and animal cases diagnosed has been reported, but information regarding the parasite's distribution in wildlife reservoir remains limited. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of wild canids infected with Echinococcus spp. and Echinococcus multilocularis in areas surrounding populated zones in Québec (Canada); to investigate the presence of areas at higher risk of infection; to evaluate potential risk factors of the infection; and as a secondary objective, to compare coproscopy and RT-PCR diagnostic tests for Taenia spp. and Echinococcus identification. From October 2020 to March 2021, fecal samples were collected from 423 coyotes (Canis latrans) and 284 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) trapped in 12 administrative regions. Real-time PCR for molecular detection of genus Echinococcus spp. and species-specific Echinococcus multilocularis were performed. A total of 38 positive cases of Echinococcus spp., of which 25 were identified as E. multilocularis, were detected. Two high-risk areas of infection were identified. The prevalence of Echinococcus spp. was 22.7% (95% CI 11.5-37.8%) in the Montérégie centered high-risk area, 26.5% (95% CI 12.9-44.4%) in the Bas-St-Laurent high-risk area, and 3.0% (95%CI 1.8-4.7%) outside those areas. For E. multilocularis, a prevalence of 20.5% (95% CI 9.8-35.3%) was estimated in the high-risk area centered in Montérégie compared to 2.4% (95% CI 1.4-3.9%) outside. Logistic regression did not show any association of infection status with species, sex, or geolocation of capture (p > 0.05). This study shows the circulation of Echinococcus in a wildlife cycle in 9/12 administrative regions of Québec.
Subject(s)
Animals, Wild , Echinococcosis , Echinococcus , Foxes , Animals , Quebec/epidemiology , Echinococcosis/epidemiology , Echinococcosis/veterinary , Echinococcosis/parasitology , Prevalence , Animals, Wild/parasitology , Echinococcus/genetics , Echinococcus/isolation & purification , Cross-Sectional Studies , Foxes/parasitology , Echinococcus multilocularis/isolation & purification , Echinococcus multilocularis/genetics , Feces/parasitology , Canidae/parasitology , Coyotes/parasitologyABSTRACT
Canine-transmitted worms and an uncontrolled deworming program of stray dogs have caused that accurate diagnosis of zoonotic parasites received notable attention in endemic regions. This study aimed to assess the presence of E. multilocularis and E. granulosus infections in canids from Guilan province, northern Iran. A total of 272 fecal samples from carnivores were collected across 24 different regions in Guilan province between 2023 and 2024. All fecal specimens were observed following concentration and flotation techniques. DNAs of taeniid eggs were extracted, amplified, and sequenced targeting of specific mitochondrial Cox1 gene for E. granulosus and NAD 1 gene for E. multilocularis. On the base of molecular and phylogenetic analysis 1.47â¯% (in jackal) and 25â¯% (in dogs and jackal) of samples were positive for E. multilocularis and E. granulosus sensu strico G1 genotype, respectively. Molecular technique was found to be more sensitive in detecting infection in comparison with conventional techniques. Sequence analysis of Cox1 indicated a high genetic diversity (Haplotype diversity; 0.933; Number of haplotypes, h: 7) in E. granulosus G1. Current findings show that canids particularly jackals play potential role of definitive host in maintenance and transmission dynamic of E. multilocularis and E. granulosus in northern Iran. The presence of these infections is of particular concern in Guilan province due to the high influx of tourists, increasing the risk of transmission to humans. Therefore, the implementation of preventive programs is warranted to apply hygienic practices and adjusting deworming programs for the canids and at-risk individuals in the region.
Subject(s)
Echinococcosis , Echinococcus granulosus , Echinococcus multilocularis , Feces , Phylogeny , Animals , Iran/epidemiology , Echinococcosis/epidemiology , Echinococcosis/veterinary , Echinococcosis/parasitology , Echinococcosis/diagnosis , Echinococcus granulosus/genetics , Echinococcus granulosus/isolation & purification , Echinococcus multilocularis/genetics , Feces/parasitology , Dogs , Genetic Variation , Canidae/parasitology , Genotype , Dog Diseases/parasitology , Dog Diseases/epidemiology , Dog Diseases/diagnosis , Dog Diseases/transmission , Haplotypes , DNA, Helminth/genetics , Zoonoses/parasitology , Zoonoses/epidemiology , Electron Transport Complex IV/geneticsABSTRACT
Piroplasmids and Hepatozoon spp. Are apicomplexan protozoa that may cause disease in several canid species. The present study aimed to expand the knowledge on the diversity of piroplasmids and Hepatozoon in crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous; n = 12) sampled in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul State, central-western Brazil. PCR assays based on the 18S rRNA were used as screening. Three (25%) and 11 (91.7%) were positive for piroplasmids and Hepatozoon spp., respectively. Co-infection was found in three C. thous. Phylogenetic analyses based on the near-complete 18S rRNA, cox-1 and hsp70 genes evidenced the occurrence of a novel of Babesia spp. (namely Babesia pantanalensis nov. sp.) closely related to Rangelia vitalii and Babesia sp. 'Coco'. This finding was supported by the genetic divergence analysis which showed (i) high divergence, ranging from 4.17 to 5.62% for 18 S rRNA, 6.16% for hps70 and 4.91-9.25% for cox-1 and (ii) the genotype network (which displayed sequences separated from the previously described Piroplasmida species by median vectors and several mutational events). Also, phylogenetic analysis based on the 18S rRNA gene of Hepatozoon spp. positioned the sequences obtained herein in a clade phylogenetically related to Hepatozoon sp. 'Curupira 2', Hepatozoon sp. detected in domestic and wild canids from Uruguay and Hepatozoon americanum. The present study described Babesia pantanalensis nov sp. and Hepatozoon closely related to H. americanum in crab-eating foxes from Brazil. Moreover, the coinfection by piroplasmids and Hepatozoon sp. for the first time in crab-eating foxes strongly suggesting that this wild canid species potentially acts as a bio-accumulate of hemoprotozoan in wild environment.
Subject(s)
Babesia , Babesiosis , Coccidiosis , DNA, Protozoan , Genotype , Phylogeny , RNA, Ribosomal, 18S , Animals , Babesia/genetics , Babesia/classification , Babesia/isolation & purification , RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics , Babesiosis/parasitology , Babesiosis/epidemiology , Brazil/epidemiology , Coccidiosis/veterinary , Coccidiosis/parasitology , Coccidiosis/epidemiology , DNA, Protozoan/chemistry , DNA, Protozoan/isolation & purification , Eucoccidiida/genetics , Eucoccidiida/classification , Eucoccidiida/isolation & purification , Cyclooxygenase 1/genetics , Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary , HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins/genetics , Coinfection/veterinary , Coinfection/parasitology , Foxes/parasitology , Canidae/parasitology , Electron Transport Complex IV/geneticsABSTRACT
Echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease with great significance to public health, and appropriate detection and control strategies should be adopted to mitigate its impact. Most cases of echinococcosis are believed to be transmitted by the consumption of food and/or water contaminated with canid stool containing Echinococcus spp. eggs. Studies assessing Echinococcus multilocularis, Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto, and Echinococcus shiquicus coinfection from contaminated water-derived, soil-derived, and food-borne samples are scarce, which may be due to the lack of optimized laboratory detection methods. The present study aimed to develop and evaluate a novel triplex TaqMan-minor groove binder probe for real-time polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR) to simultaneously detect the 3 Echinococcus spp. mentioned above from canid fecal samples in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau area (QTPA). The efficiency and linearity of each signal channel in the triplex rtPCR assay were within acceptable limits for the range of concentrations tested. Furthermore, the method was shown to have good repeatability (standard deviation ≤0.32 cycle threshold), and the limit of detection was estimated to be 10 copies plasmid/µl reaction. In summary, the evaluation of the present method shows that the newly developed triplex rtPCR assay is a highly specific, precise, consistent, and stable method that could be used in epidemiological investigations of echinococcosis.
Subject(s)
Canidae/parasitology , Dog Diseases/parasitology , Echinococcosis/veterinary , Echinococcus/isolation & purification , Feces/parasitology , Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary , Animals , Computational Biology/standards , DNA, Helminth/isolation & purification , Dogs , Echinococcosis/parasitology , Echinococcus/classification , Echinococcus/genetics , Foxes/parasitology , Limit of Detection , Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods , Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction/standards , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and Specificity , Soil/parasitologyABSTRACT
O Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra (PNSC), localizado no estado de Minas Gerais, é um importante habitat de inúmeras espécies de animais ameaçados de extinção, como o lobo-guará (Chrysocyon brachyurus). Parasitos de animais selvagens podem representar um problema para os programas de manejo e recuperação de espécies ameaçadas, pois atuam como causa primária ou agravante de inúmeras doenças. Dependendo da época do ano, a suscetibilidade ao parasitismo pode ser maior devido à facilidade de infecção. Com o objetivo de avaliar a frequência de endoparasitos e a sazonalidade dessas parasitoses em diferentes épocas do ano, foram examinadas 103 amostras fecais de lobos-guarás, coletadas no PNSC, durante o período de março de 2017 a agosto de 2019. O número de amostras positivas para pelo menos uma espécie de parasito foi de 47 amostras (45,63%), sendo o outono a estação em que foi encontrada a maior frequência de formas parasitárias, com 60,86% (14/23) de amostras positivas, seguido do inverno, com 52,38% (11/21), verão com 37,5% (15/40), e primavera com 36,84% (7/19). Dentre os parasitos encontrados, Capillaria sp. apresentou a maior frequência, sendo encontrado em 23 amostras (22,33%), seguido de trematódeos, em 15 amostras (14,56%), acantocéfalos, ascarídeos, Trichuris sp. e Ancylostoma sp., em cinco amostras (4,85%), nematoides da superfamília Strongyloidea, Lynxacarus sp., em duas amostras (1,94%), e pentastomídeos em uma amostra (0,97%).(AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Parasitic Diseases, Animal/diagnosis , Parasitic Diseases, Animal/epidemiology , Canidae/parasitology , Parasite Egg Count/veterinary , Brazil , Animals, Wild/parasitologyABSTRACT
Rangeliosis is a condition transmitted by the tick Amblyomma aureolatum and caused by the protozoan parasite Rangelia vitalii in canids. In domestic dogs, the disease causes a severe hemolytic disease, while in wild canids the piroplasm is often detected without any clinical abnormality. This study aimed to detect and quantify the number of copies of the R. vitalii Hsp70 gene (indirect parasite burden) in several organs of domestic and South American wild canids (Cerdocyon thous and Lycalopex gymnocercus) to elucidate distinct clinical presentations of rangeliosis in these species. A total of seven domestic dogs that died due to rangeliosis and 38 wild foxes were initially included, with all dogs presenting histological and molecular features of rangeliosis, while eight C. thous were positive at the molecular analysis for R. vitalii. Fragments of 22 organs collected from domestic (n = 7) and wild foxes (n = 8) were employed for histological and molecular quantification using real-time polymerase chain reaction aiming at the Hsp70 gene. Histologically, parasitophorous vacuoles were constantly detected in the dogs, while these were detected only in two C. thous. Parasitic burden was significantly higher in the digestive, cardiorespiratory, endocrine, genitourinary, and skeletal-muscle systems of domestic dogs when compared to wild foxes. In the hematopoietic system of wild canids, some organs, such as the lymph nodes and tonsils, presented significantly lower amounts of R. vitalii, while other organs (spleen, bone marrow, and blood) had results similar to those of domestic dogs. Additionally, the central nervous system of both domestic and wild canids presented a similar quantity of R. vitalii. The etiological agent is possibly maintained through an asexual reproductive process (merogony) in both domestic and wild species. Nonetheless, a limited or short-duration schizogony phase occurs in C. thous, which would designate this species as a possible reservoir host for the agent. Dogs, in contrast, would most likely act as accidental hosts, presenting a severe and more pathogenic schizogony phase, resulting in characteristic clinical and pathological rangeliosis.
Subject(s)
Canidae/parasitology , Dog Diseases , Piroplasmida , Animals , DNA, Protozoan , Disease Reservoirs , Dog Diseases/epidemiology , Dog Diseases/transmission , Dogs , HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins/genetics , Life Cycle Stages , Piroplasmida/genetics , Piroplasmida/isolation & purification , Protozoan Infections/epidemiology , Protozoan Infections/transmissionABSTRACT
Prompt and reliable diagnostic tests for taeniid infection in canids are important due to the risk of zoonoses like Echinococcus spp. Current diagnostic methods relying on fecal flotation lack sensitivity and specificity, but this has rarely been quantified due to the challenges in performing adult cestode recovery (the gold standard) in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris). Therefore, we recovered adult Taenia and Echinococcus spp. from intestines, as well as fecal/intestinal material from 484 wild canids trapped for fur in two Canadian provinces (276 foxes - primarily Vulpes vulpes, coyotes - Canis latrans, and wolves - Canis lupus in Québec and 208 coyotes in Saskatchewan). The performances of a newly developed coproPCR for tapeworm DNA detection in dogs, and centrifugal fecal flotation using Sheather's solution, were evaluated against adult cestode recovery. Overall, adult taeniid cestode prevalence (Taenia and/or Echinococcus) was 28 % (95 % CI: 23-33 %) in Québec (62 % (CI: 51-73%) of 74 coyotes, 65 % (CI: 44-82) of 23 wolves, and 11 % (CI: 7-16%) of 179 foxes) and 79 % (CI: 73-84%) of 208 coyotes in Saskatchewan. In Québec, E. canadensis and Taenia spp. were detected in coyotes and wolves, and foxes were only infected with Taenia spp., whereas Saskatchewan coyotes were predominantly infected with E. multilocularis (at significantly higher prevalence, but not intensity, than coyotes in Québec). Compared with centrifugal fecal flotation, the new coproPCR had at least double the sensitivity (58 % vs 23 % in QC coyotes, 57 % vs 23 % in QC wolves, 24 % vs 0% in QC foxes, and 80 % vs 25 % in SK coyotes). Notably, no taeniid eggs were detected on flotations from foxes infected with Taenia spp., and the new coproPCR had highest sensitivity in Saskatchewan coyotes, which were predominantly infected with E. multilocularis. CoproPCR has promising prospects for use in Veterinary clinics and diagnostic laboratories to detect taeniid cestode infections because of its higher sensitivity than faecal flotation methods. This is particularly important for zoonotic Echinococcus spp. where, from a public health perspective, false negatives are a much greater concern than false positives.
Subject(s)
Canidae/parasitology , Echinococcosis/veterinary , Echinococcus/isolation & purification , Feces/parasitology , Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary , Animals , Animals, Wild , DNA, Helminth/genetics , Echinococcosis/diagnosis , Echinococcosis/parasitology , Parasite Egg Count/veterinary , Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods , Sensitivity and SpecificityABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
Babesiosis/epidemiology , Canidae/parasitology , Host Specificity , Animals , Babesia/genetics , Babesiosis/parasitology , Dog Diseases/parasitology , Dogs , Jackals/parasitology , Polymerase Chain Reaction , South Africa/epidemiologyABSTRACT
The nematode family Spirocercidae Chitwood and Wehr, 1932, comprises three subfamilies, Spirocercinae Chitwood and Wehr, 1932; Ascaropsinae Alicata and McIntosh, 1933; and Mastophorinae Quentin, 1970, which occur worldwide. Spirocercids infect canids and can cause severe illness. The crab-eating fox, Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766), is a canid that inhabits most of South America, including Brazil and is a host for several parasitic worms, in particular, nematodes. However, few reports or genetic data are available on the spirocercids found in this host. In the present study, we describe a new species of Spirobakerus Chabaud and Bain 1981, from the intestine of two crab-eating foxes from two different biomes in Brazil. Spirobakerus sagittalis sp. nov. presents a) unequal spicules, with a long, thin left spicule with a lanceolated shape at the tip; b) a pair of sessile papillae and a median unpaired papillae located anteriorly of the cloaca, and c) a tuft without spines at the tip of the tail in females. The molecular phylogenetic analysis indicated that S. sagittalis sp. nov. is basal to the other species of the subfamily Ascaropsinae, which was not recovered as monophyletic. Our phylogenies also indicated that Spirocercidae is paraphyletic, given that Mastophorinae did not group with Ascaropsinae and Spirocercinae. We provide the first molecular data on the genus Spirobakerus and expand the molecular database of the spirocercids. However, further studies, including the sequences of other spirocercid taxa, are still needed to infer the relationships within this family more accurately.
Subject(s)
Canidae/parasitology , Phylogeny , Spirurida Infections/veterinary , Spiruroidea/classification , Animals , Brazil , DNA, Helminth/genetics , Female , Male , Species Specificity , Spirurida Infections/parasitology , Spiruroidea/cytology , Spiruroidea/geneticsABSTRACT
Dioctophymosis is the disease caused by Dioctophyma renale, a large nematode, popularly known as giant kidney worm, and whose definitive hosts are the domestic dog and many wild mammal species. There are some reports of maned wolf parasitism by D. renale, however, in most cases the reports are restricted to the finding of the parasite during necropsy, without clinical assessment. The present report aimed to describe the clinical-therapeutic, ultrasonographic and pathological aspects of D. renale parasitism in a free-ranging maned wolf, emphasizing the treatment with an association of doramectin, praziquantel, pyrantel pamoate, and febantel that resulted in complete elimination of the parasite.(AU)
A dioctofimose é a doença causada pelo Dioctophyma renale, um nemátodo grande, popularmente chamado de verme gigante do rim e que tem como hospedeiro definitivo o cão doméstico e inúmeras espécies de mamíferos silvestres. Existem alguns relatos do parasitismo do lobo-guará por D. renale, contudo, na maioria das vezes, os relatos se restringem apenas ao achado do parasita durante a necropsia, sem a correlação clínica. O presente relato objetiva descrever os aspectos clínico-terapêuticos, ultrassonográficos e patológicos do parasitismo por D. renale em um lobo-guará de vida livre, enfatizando o tratamento com uma associação de doramectina, praziquantel, pamoato de pirantel e febantel, o que resultou na eliminação completa do parasita.(AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Enoplida Infections/pathology , Enoplida Infections/veterinary , Enoplida Infections/diagnostic imaging , Canidae/parasitology , Dioctophymatoidea , Animals, Wild/parasitology , Animals, Zoo/parasitologyABSTRACT
Among the Nematodes of Cerdocyon thous, the genus Pterygodermatites is characteristic for presenting cuticular projections along the body, being mentioned in different hosts in South America, although there are no records of its occurrence in the Amazon Biome. To enable further exploration in terms of their morphology and morphometry, the nematodes collected from cadavers of C. thous were fixed and observed using bright field microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, revealing characteristics compatible with P. (Multipectines) affinis, thus contributing more information about the geographic distribution of the parasite, as well as knowledge of the helminthological fauna of wild mammals in the Brazilian Amazon.
Subject(s)
Canidae , Nematode Infections , Spirurida , Animal Distribution , Animals , Brazil , Canidae/parasitology , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Nematode Infections/parasitology , Species Specificity , Spirurida/ultrastructureABSTRACT
Hemoplasmas are bacteria able to adhere themselves loosely to the plasma membrane of erythrocytes and may parasitize several species of mammals. There are three known species of hemoplasmas that parasitize domestic and wild cats: Mycoplasma haemofelis, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis'. Dogs are infected by at least two species of hemoplasmas: 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum' and Mycoplasma haemocanis. The hemoplasmoses are very important in veterinary clinics, either because of its worldwide distribution and severity of clinical signs, depending on parasite species and host immune competence, or due to its zoonotic potential and capability of infecting endangered species. This study set out to investigate which hemoplasmas species parasitize different captive wild carnivores in order to clarify the epidemiology of hemoplasmoses in wild animals. Furthermore, the research intended to characterize the hematological changes caused by different species of hemotropic mycoplasmas infection in order to establish their clinical importance to wild species and the capacity of these species to become a reservoir of studied agents. Samples of 33 wild felids and 18 wild canids were investigated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect hemoplasmas DNA and it was observed that the occurrence of infection in these species is 45.5% and 83.3%, respectively. Factors such as age, gender or anaemia are not more frequent in animals positive for the infection. Therefore, it is concluded that infection caused by hemoplasmas in wild carnivores has high prevalence, and either agent pathogenicity is low, or chronic stage is more frequent, resulting in a low rate of diagnosis.(AU)
Hemoplasmas são bactérias capazes de aderir frouxamente à membrana plasmática de eritrócitos e que podem parasitar diversas espécies de mamíferos. São conhecidas três espécies de hemoplasmas que parasitam felídeos domésticos e selvagens: Mycoplasma haemofelis, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis'. Cães são infectados por ao menos duas espécies de hemoplasmas: Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum' and Mycoplasma haemocanis. As hemoplasmoses são de grande importância na clínica veterinária, tanto pela sua distribuição ubíqua e severidade dos sinais clínicos, a depender da espécie do parasita e imunocompetência do hospedeiro, quanto pelo seu potencial zoonótico e capacidade de infectar espécies ameaçadas. Este estudo visa investigar quais espécies de hemoplasmas parasitam diferentes carnívoros selvagens de cativeiro, a fim de esclarecer a epidemiologia das hemoplasmoses em animais selvagens. Além disso, o trabalho objetivou caracterizar as alterações hematológicas causadas pela infecção por diferentes espécies de micoplasmas hemotrópicos visando estabelecer sua importância clínica para espécies selvagens e a capacidade destas espécies de se tornar reservatórios dos agentes estudados. Amostras de 33 felídeos selvagens e de 18 canídeos selvagens foram investigadas por meio da reação em cadeia da polimerase (RCP) para detectar o DNA dos agentes e foi observado que a ocorrência da infecção por hemoplasmas nestas espécies é de 45,5% e 83,3%, respectivamente. Fatores como idade, sexo ou anemia não são mais frequentes em animais positivos para a infecção. Dessa forma, conclui-se que a infecção causada por hemoplasmas em carnívoros selvagens possui alta prevalência, no entanto ou a patogenicidade dos agentes é baixa ou o estágio crônico da infecção é mais frequente, resultando em uma baixa frequência diagnóstica.(AU)
Subject(s)
Animals , Canidae/microbiology , Canidae/parasitology , Felidae/microbiology , Felidae/parasitology , Animals, Wild/microbiology , Animals, Wild/parasitology , Mycoplasma Infections/epidemiology , Anemia/veterinaryABSTRACT
Trematode Alaria spp. have a complex life cycle that includes canids, mustelids, and felids as definitive hosts. However, several mammal species, besides acting as definitive hosts, may also act as paratenic hosts. Alaria spp. life cycles are well studied. Still, there is a lack of knowledge on one host significance as both-the paratenic and definitive host, especially in the case of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx). Previous studies have described Eurasian lynx as a definitive host for A. alata although the prevalence has always been low. The aim of the present study was to analyze the occurrence of A. alata in Eurasian lynx in Latvia. The viscera (n = 231) and muscle samples (n = 234) from Eurasian lynx were collected during the hunting seasons from 2004/2005 to 2017/2018. The prevalence of the adult A. alata in Eurasian lynx was 1.7%. However, mesocercariae infection in Eurasian lynx was detected for the first time. These findings suggest that the Eurasian lynx may serve both as paratenic and definitive host for A. alata.
Subject(s)
Lynx/parasitology , Trematoda/isolation & purification , Trematode Infections/epidemiology , Trematode Infections/veterinary , Animals , Canidae/parasitology , Latvia/epidemiology , Muscles/parasitology , Mustelidae/parasitology , Prevalence , Trematoda/classification , Trematoda/geneticsABSTRACT
Abstract Among the Nematodes of Cerdocyon thous, the genus Pterygodermatites is characteristic for presenting cuticular projections along the body, being mentioned in different hosts in South America, although there are no records of its occurrence in the Amazon Biome. To enable further exploration in terms of their morphology and morphometry, the nematodes collected from cadavers of C. thous were fixed and observed using bright field microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, revealing characteristics compatible with P. (Multipectines) affinis, thus contributing more information about the geographic distribution of the parasite, as well as knowledge of the helminthological fauna of wild mammals in the Brazilian Amazon.
Resumo Entre os nematodas de Cerdocyon thous, o gênero Pterygodermatites é característico por apresentar projeções cuticulares ao longo do corpo, sendo citado em diferentes hospedeiros na América do Sul, porém, sem registros de sua ocorrência no Bioma Amazônia. Passível de maior exploração quanto à sua morfologia e morfometria, os nematoides colhidos de cadáveres de C. thous foram fixados e observados em microscopia de campo claro e microscopia eletrônica de varredura, revelando características compatíveis com P. (Multipectines) affinis. Com isso contribuiu com mais informações sobre a distribuição geográfica do parasito, bem como o conhecimento da fauna helmintológica de mamíferos selvagens na Amazônia brasileira.
Subject(s)
Animals , Spirurida/ultrastructure , Canidae/parasitology , Nematode Infections/parasitology , Species Specificity , Brazil , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Animal DistributionABSTRACT
Abstract A free-living, adult male maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) was referred to the Governador "Laudo Natel" - FCAV/Unesp veterinary hospital after being found with skin lesions and a fracture on the right pelvic limb, which had to be amputated due to compromised integrity. Around 20 days later, bilateral accentuated swollen on humerus-radius-ulna articulation was observed. The synovial liquid was drained and sent to the laboratory for synovial cytology with Rosenfeld staining that revealed predominantly degenerated neutrophils with karyolytic chromatin associated with intracellular inclusions suggestive of Hepatozoon sp. gametocytes. Blood and synovial liquid samples were submitted to molecular analysis, aiming to amplify the Hepatozoon spp. 18S rRNA gene fragment. Despite the positioning of the found Hepatozoon sequence together with Hepatozoon canis previously detected in domestic carnivores, the BLAST analysis showed only 98% identity with H. canis. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first time a Hepatozoon was detected in the synovial liquid by clinical pathology and molecular analyses.
Resumo Um lobo guará (Chrysocyon brachyurus) adulto, macho, de vida livre foi encaminhado para atendimento no hospital veterinário Governador "Laudo Natel" - FCAV/Unesp após ser encontrado com lesões de pele e fratura em membro pélvico direito, sendo amputado devido a comprometimento da integridade do membro. Aproximadamente 20 dias após a chegada ao hospital, foi notado acentuado aumento de volume bilateral em região de articulação úmero-rádio-ulnar. O líquido sinovial foi drenado e enviado para análise citológica com coloração de Rosenfeld, revelando a presença de neutrófilos degenerados com cromatina cariolítica associados a inclusões intracelulares sugestivas de gametócitos de Hepatozoon sp. Amostras de sangue e líquido sinovial foram submetidas a análises moleculares visando amplificar um fragmento do gene 18S rRNA de Hepatozoon spp. Apesar da sequência de Hepatozoon detectada se posicionar filogeneticamente no mesmo clado que H. canis previamente detectado em carnívoros domésticos, o resultado da análise do BLAST mostrou somente 98% de identidade com H. canis. De acordo com o conhecimento dos autores, esta é a primeira vez que Hepatozoon foi detectado no líquido sinovial por meio de patologia clínica e análises moleculares.
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Protozoan Infections/parasitology , Synovial Fluid/parasitology , Apicomplexa/genetics , Canidae/parasitology , Phylogeny , Brazil , RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics , Apicomplexa/isolation & purification , Incidental FindingsABSTRACT
Spirocerca lupi is a parasitic and carcinogenic nematode of canids distributed in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The excretion-secretion proteins (PES) of S. lupi have been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of its infection. We aimed to identify the PES of different stages of S. lupi and search for proteins that would be useful for diagnostic, therapeutic and vaccination purposes as well as understand their functions. A nano-UPLC mass spectrometry de novo analysis was performed on proteins collected from cultures of S. lupi L3 larvae, L4 females, adult females and adult males from naturally infected hosts. A total of 211 proteins were identified in all cultures. Accordingly, 117, 130, 99 and 116 proteins were detected in L3 larva, L4 females, adult females and adult males, respectively, with a strong correlation in the biological replicates (Pearson coefficients > 0.73). Fourty-four proteins were detected in all developmental stages, 64 were stage-specific and 49 were exclusively identified in L4 females. Cell compartment enrichment analysis revealed that proteins common to all stages were cytoplasmatic (pâ¯<â¯9.x10-6), whereas L4 unique proteins were in collagen trimers, and macromolecular complexes (pâ¯<â¯0.00001). Functional enrichment analysis of proteins showed significant enrichment in lipid metabolism in L3-unique proteins (p<0.00005), in mannose metabolism and protein de-glycosylation for L4-unique proteins (pâ¯<â¯0.00004), and in phosphorus metabolism in proteins shared by all stages (pâ¯<⯠2.1 x10-9). Interestingly, annexin 6, associated with cancer in humans, was detected in all life stages, but in a larger abundance in L4 females and adults. These findings indicate that S. lupi establishes complex interactions with its hosts by an arsenal of proteins expressed in different patterns in each life stage which influence the pathogenesis and oncogenesis of S. lupi and may be used as potential targets for diagnostic assays, drug targets or vaccine candidates.
Subject(s)
Canidae/parasitology , Helminth Proteins/physiology , Life Cycle Stages , Spirurida Infections/veterinary , Thelazioidea/chemistry , Thelazioidea/growth & development , Animals , Annexins/genetics , Annexins/physiology , Cell Transformation, Neoplastic , Coleoptera/parasitology , Female , Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/veterinary , Helminth Proteins/analysis , Helminth Proteins/chemistry , Host-Parasite Interactions , Israel , Lipid Metabolism , Male , Principal Component Analysis , Proteomics , Spirurida Infections/complications , Spirurida Infections/parasitology , Tropical ClimateABSTRACT
Progressive expansion of the most hazardous human parasitoses caused by trematodes, cestodes and nematodes has been found on the south of the Russian Far East. Decelerating expansion of the trematode Clonorchis sinensis, an agent of clonorchiasis towards the southern Primorye Territory from the Amur River basin, that began 10-15 years ago, was revealed. A prognosis was made on the activation of the natural foci of clonorchiasis and paragonimiasis. Circulation possibilities are discussed of the highly pathogenic trematode Pagonimus heterotremusar in the South Asian regional ecosystems. Our experiments showed that the freshwater gastropods of the Parajuga genus from the Amur River basin and those of Stenothyra genus from Primorsky Territory were resistant to this trematode infection. Nevertheless, this does not exclude the possibility of this parasite penetration into the Far East region via infection of the local gastropods of other genera.
Subject(s)
Disease Reservoirs/parasitology , Helminthiasis/parasitology , Animals , Canidae/parasitology , Cestoda/pathogenicity , Climate , Demography/statistics & numerical data , Felidae/parasitology , Fishes/parasitology , Helminthiasis/epidemiology , Helminthiasis/transmission , Humans , Mollusca/parasitology , Nematoda/pathogenicity , Siberia , Trematoda/pathogenicityABSTRACT
A free-living, adult male maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) was referred to the Governador "Laudo Natel" - FCAV/Unesp veterinary hospital after being found with skin lesions and a fracture on the right pelvic limb, which had to be amputated due to compromised integrity. Around 20 days later, bilateral accentuated swollen on humerus-radius-ulna articulation was observed. The synovial liquid was drained and sent to the laboratory for synovial cytology with Rosenfeld staining that revealed predominantly degenerated neutrophils with karyolytic chromatin associated with intracellular inclusions suggestive of Hepatozoon sp. gametocytes. Blood and synovial liquid samples were submitted to molecular analysis, aiming to amplify the Hepatozoon spp. 18S rRNA gene fragment. Despite the positioning of the found Hepatozoon sequence together with Hepatozoon canis previously detected in domestic carnivores, the BLAST analysis showed only 98% identity with H. canis. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first time a Hepatozoon was detected in the synovial liquid by clinical pathology and molecular analyses.
Subject(s)
Apicomplexa/genetics , Canidae/parasitology , Protozoan Infections/parasitology , Synovial Fluid/parasitology , Animals , Apicomplexa/isolation & purification , Brazil , Incidental Findings , Male , Phylogeny , RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/geneticsABSTRACT
Cystic echinococcosis (CE), the parasitic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.), is a global public health problem. In Mongolia, despite wide distribution of human CE, not enough information is available on the prevalence and molecular characterization of CE in livestock and its zoonotic linkage with human cases. We investigated the distribution of human CE cases and livestock population using statistical models to get insight into the zoonotic linkage. The incidence of human CE cases increased by a factor of 1.71 for one interquartile range increment in the density of the camel population. No significant association was observed with other livestock species. The samples collected from 96 camels and 15 goats in an endemic region showed a CE prevalence of 19.7% and 6.7%, respectively. All livestock CE were E. granulosus s.l. G6/G7 species of the E. granulosus s.l. complex. The genetic diversity was investigated using the haplotype network based on full cox1 gene analysis of the samples collected from livestock CE and nucleotide sequences previously reported from human CE and wild canids infection in Mongolia. Four haplotypes were identified within the livestock samples, two of which had not been previously reported. A common haplotype was identified among humans, camels, goats, and a wolf, all of which were within the same geographical area. A mixed infection of E. granulosus s.l. G6/G7 with different haplotypes in the intermediate host was identified. To the best of our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive description of the current epidemiological situation of CE in Mongolia with substantial evidence that camels might be the main intermediate host of E. granulosus s.l. G6/G7 in Mongolia. Moreover, our result presents the first report in the country to provide insight into the prevalence of E. granulosus s.l. G6/G7 in livestock.
Subject(s)
Camelus/parasitology , Disease Reservoirs/parasitology , Echinococcosis/parasitology , Echinococcosis/transmission , Echinococcus granulosus/isolation & purification , Animals , Camelus/physiology , Canidae/parasitology , Echinococcus granulosus/classification , Echinococcus granulosus/genetics , Genotype , Goats/parasitology , Haplotypes , Humans , Livestock/parasitology , Mongolia , Zoonoses/parasitology , Zoonoses/transmissionABSTRACT
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a zoonosis and the dog is considered the most important urban reservoir. Cases in cats have been reported, but little is known about Leishmania infection and disease in wild felids and canids kept in captivity in endemic areas. Thus, the serological pattern of wild felids and canids kept in captivity at the Belo Horizonte Zoological Garden was investigated using two primary antigens for conventional ELISA: k39 and rKDDR, as well as three serological rapid kits: Dual Path Platform (DPP®) immunochromatographic test, rKDDR Immunochromatographic assay and ELISA SNAP Leishmania IDEXX®. A total of 21 serum samples, 13 of wild felids and 8 wild canids of varying age and sex were evaluated. The results obtained in the tests were analyzed by agreement using Kappa coefficient, and between ELISA antigens all the analysis performed had showed significant agreement among both of them, as well between the three immunochromatographic tests. The results demonstrated that there is serological evidence of wild animals seropositive for Leishmania antibodies at the Belo Horizonte Zoological Garden, and that all the antigens and rapid tests used can be employed in serological screening for VL in wild felids and canids.