Efficacy of monthly treatment with oral fluralaner (Bravecto® 1-Month) against Tunga penetrans in dogs in Brazil: a randomized, double-blind, controlled field study.

BACKGROUND: Tungiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the adult female sand flea (Tunga penetrans). Dogs are considered important reservoirs of T. penetrans in Brazil. The aim of this study was to determine the monthly insecticidal efficacy of a single oral administration of fluralaner at a dose of 10-18 mg/kg (Bravecto® 1-Month, also registered as Defenza® in some countries; MSD Animal Health) in dogs naturally infested with T. penetrans. METHODS: This clinical trial was conducted in a rural community located in Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil. A total of 64 dogs were selected and distributed in a completely randomized design between a treated group (TG) that received one single dose of Bravecto® 1-Month (Defenza®) and a negative control group (CG) that received no treatment. Each group was composed of 32 dogs. The evaluations took place on days 0, 7 ± 2, 14 ± 2, 21 ± 2, 28 ± 2, 35 ± 2, and 42 ± 2 post treatment, in which the dogs were inspected to evaluate the infestation stage and classify lesions associated with tungiasis. The primary efficacy was determined from the percentage of treated dogs free of fleas (stage II and III lesions) after administration of the formulation at each evaluation time. Secondary efficacy was based on the number of active lesions (stages II and III) in each group at each evaluation time. The clinical condition of the animals was defined based on the Severity Score for Acute Dog Tungiasis (SCADT), which is related to the number and severity of lesions. RESULTS: The primary efficacy of the product was greater than 95.0% from days 7 to 21 and reached 100.0% between days 28 and 42, with a significant association between treatment and infestation decline (P < 0.025) between days 7 and 42. Secondary drug efficacy was greater than 99.9% from days 7 to 21, reaching 100.0% between days 28 and 42 (P < 0.05). The treated dogs also scored lower on the SCADT than the control animals did during the entire clinical evaluation period (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A single administration of Bravecto® 1-Month (Defenza®) was effective in eliminating Tunga penetrans infestations, as well as in preventing parasitism for at least 42 days after treatment.

Body Condition Scores in Cats and Associations with Systolic Blood Pressure, Glucose Homeostasis, and Systemic Inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Feline obesity is the most common nutritional disease in cats. This study aimed to investigate the differences between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and circulating concentrations of glucose, fructosamine, and serum amyloid-A (SAA) in ideal-weight, overweight, and obese cats. METHODS: The animals were divided into three groups: ideal-weight (BCS 5, N = 20), overweight (BCS 6, N = 20), and obese cats (BCS ≥ 7, N = 20). SBP, circulating concentrations of glucose, fructosamine, and SAA were evaluated. RESULTS: The SBP values of the ideal-weight, overweight, and obese cats were 140.0 mmHg, 160.0 mmHg, and 160.0 mmHg, respectively. The blood glucose and fructosamine levels for the ideal, overweight, and obese cats were 104.0 mg/dL and 245.0 µmol/L, 123.0 mg/dL and 289.0 µmol/L, and 133.0 mg/dL and 275.0 µmol/L, respectively, for each group. The SAA values were <5 ug/mL in all the groups. The SBP values of the cats with ideal BCS were significantly lower compared to overweight (p = 0.019) and obese (p = 0.001) cats. The blood glucose values of obese cats were higher than those of ideal-weight cats (p = 0.029). There was no statistical difference between the groups for fructosamine and SAA. CONCLUSIONS: Obese cats had significantly higher SBP and blood glucose concentrations than ideal-weight cats, showing the effect of BSC on these parameters.

Shih-Tzu dogs show alterations in ocular surface homeostasis despite adequate aqueous tear production.

BACKGROUND: Shih-Tzu dogs are frequently affected by ocular surface disorders such as corneal ulceration and dry eye disease (DED). The aim of this study was to evaluate ocular surface homeostasis in Shih-Tzu dogs that have adequate aqueous production. Twenty-eight dogs were subjected to eyelid blink counting, Schirmer tear test (STT-1), ophthalmic evaluation, tear film break-up time (TBUT), fluorescein test and Masmali tear ferning (TF) grading scale. RESULTS: Of the 28 animals evaluated, the median value of incomplete eyelid blinks/min (median = 15.0 blinks/min; Interquartil interval - IQR = 8.7 blinks/min - 19.5 blinks/min) was higher than the complete blinks/min (median = 2.5 blinks/min; IQR = 1.6 blinks/min - 4.3 blinks/min), with statistically significant difference. The Schirmer tear test had a median value of 25.0 mm/min (IQR = 22.7 mm/min - 27.5 mm/min), considered within the normal range for the species. On ophthalmic examination, all dogs had trichiasis of the caruncle and medial lower eyelid entropion. Lagophthalmos was the third most common alteration observed (71.4%; 20/28). The median of TBUT was 4.0 s; (IQR = 3.0 - 6.0 s). All the animals were negative to the fluorescein test and the TFT indicated that the majority of the eyes (51.8%; 29/56) were classified in abnormal grades 3 and 4 according to the Masmali tear ferning (TF) grading scale. CONCLUSIONS: Although the Shith-Tzu dogs had STT-1 values within the normal range for the species there was high prevalence of abnormal TFT grades and low TBUT in all dogs, showing that despite adequate aqueous production, these dogs have poor precorneal tear film quality. In addition, the dogs showed few complete eyelid blinks and ophthalmic alterations, promoting poor tear film diffusion. All these findings, isolated or together, can result in DED.

Efficacy of an oral formulation of afoxolaner and milbemycin oxime against Tunga penetrans in naturally infected dogs.

BACKGROUND: The sand flea Tunga penetrans is one of the agents of tungiasis, an important parasitic skin disease affecting humans and several mammalian species. Tungiasis is mainly observed in disadvantaged rural and peripheral urban communities in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa. The dog is a major reservoir of Tunga fleas. Hematophagous adult female Tunga spp. embed and grow in their host's epidermis and cause cutaneous inflammatory disorders. NexGard Spectra® is an orally administered endectocide for dogs, a co-formulation of the isoxazoline afoxolaner and the macrocyclic lactone milbemycin oxime. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of this product against canine tungiasis. METHODS: A blinded, negative-controlled field trial was conducted in a Brazilian community known to be highly endemic for tungiasis. Sixty-six dogs naturally infected with live T. penetrans were randomly allocated to a treated group (44 dogs) and an untreated control group (22 dogs). In a first phase, dogs from the treated group were treated on days 0, 30, and 60. Efficacy was evaluated on the basis of the macroscopic parasitic skin lesions (Fortaleza classification) on days 7, 14, 21, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90. In a second phase, to evaluate natural reinfections, all dogs were treated on day 90 and evaluated every 2 weeks thereafter until at least 30% of dogs were infected with live sand fleas. RESULTS: During the first phase, efficacy (reduction in live sand fleas) of 92.4% was demonstrated on day 7. From day 14 until day 90, the efficacy of NexGard Spectra® was 100%. In the second phase, all dogs were free of live T. penetrans from 15 until 45 days after the day 90 treatment; 60 days post-treatment, 11% of dogs were reinfected, and 75 days post-treatment, 40% of dogs were reinfected. CONCLUSIONS: NexGard Spectra® was demonstrated to be highly effective against canine tungiasis. In addition to an obvious beneficial effect on the health and welfare of the treated dog, the use of this product may have a one-health benefit on human cases by controlling the main reservoir of sand fleas.

Tungiasis: Participation of Cats and Chickens in the Dispersion and Maintenance of the Disease in an Endemic Tourist Area in Brazil.

Tunga spp. are fleas commonly found in impoverished tropical regions. In Vila Juerana, a tourist community in Ilheus, Bahia, Brazil, where tungiasis is endemic, dogs are the main host of fleas during their life cycle. However, there is no information about the role of cats and chickens in tungiasis in the village. Of the 272 households investigated, 112 had domestic animals, 48 had only dogs, 28 had only cats, and nine had only chickens. Of the 27 households with cohabitation among species, 16 had cats and dogs, eight had chickens and dogs, and three had dogs, cats, and chickens. The injuries due to tungiasis were ranked according to the Fortaleza classification, considering stages I, II, and III as viable lesions. The paws/feet of 71/111 (63.9%) cats and 173/439 (39.4%) chickens were inspected. Dogs that lived with positive cats and chickens also were inspected. Among the 38% (27/7; 95% IC 26.74-49.32) positive cats, 16 cohabited houses with infected dogs but none lived with positive chickens. Of the chickens, 2.3% (4/173; 95% IC 0.07-4.5) had lesions caused by tungiasis. In each household where a cat was infected, the dog was also positive. Two chickens cohabited with an infected dog and the other two did not coexist with other species. Cohabitation with infected dogs and the absence of house confinement restrictions in Vila Juerana make cats important carriers that spread tungiasis in this community. Chickens had a low frequency of tungiasis lesions despite living in proximity to infected dogs and cats.

Treatment of Animal Tungiasis: What's New?

In tropical and subtropical countries, particularly in disadvantaged communities, tungiasis is a severe public health problem, which is often neglected by the authorities. The sand fleas Tunga penetrans, predominant in endemic areas, and Tunga trimamillata, whose cases in humans are less frequent, are the cause of this zoonosis. Domestic animals are potential reservoirs and disseminators of tungiasis, so controlling their infection would significantly advance the prevention of human cases. This literature review compiles the most recent studies and innovations in treating animal tungiasis. Studies of approaches to the treatment of animal tungiasis, as well as disease control and prevention, are described. Isoxazolines are highlighted as promising drugs to treat animal tungiasis, with high efficacy and pharmacological protection. The positive impacts of this discovery on public health are also discussed, since dogs are an essential risk factor for human tungiasis.

Spatial Distribution of Off-Host Stages of Tunga penetrans in the Soil within the Home Range of Nine Infected Dogs in An Endemic Tourist Area in Brazil.

Tungiasis is a neglected disease caused by the sand flea Tunga penetrans, and dogs are considered the main reservoirs in Brazil. This study aimed to identify the role of dogs as tungiasis dispersers and to investigate the presence of T. penetrans in the soil of an endemic tourist area. Nine dogs infected by T. penetrans were included in this study and received GPS collars to analyze their movement through the village. Duplicate sand samples were collected in different areas of the community. Those areas were classified as peridomicile (n = 110), open area (n = 110), beach (n = 50), and river (n = 58). The analysis of the points recorded by the collars showed that the dogs roamed throughout the community, potentially facilitating the spread of the disease. Samples contaminated with developmental forms of the parasite were found in the circulation area of three dogs. Adult fleas were found in 3/328 samples. These data emphasize that infected dogs' roaming can influence the fleas' dispersion in the soil. Statistically, none of the study variables had a significant correlation (p > 0.5) with the presence of T. penetrans in the area analyzed. This study was the first to assess infected dogs' role as tungiasis propagators.

Threat under cats' claws: Molecular detection and risk factors for zoonotic Bartonella species in blood and claw samples from cats in Brazil.

Bartonelloses are zoonoses widely dispersed throughout the world caused by bacteria of the genus Bartonella. Domestic cats play an important role in the epidemiology of bartonelloses, since these animals are considered natural hosts of B. henselae, B. koehlerae and B. clarridgeiae. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of Bartonella spp. in domestic cats' blood and claw samples in the southern region of Bahia, northeastern Brazil. Additionally, the main clinical and hematological changes in Bartonella-positive animals were investigated, as well as the risk factors associated with the infection. For this purpose, 188 indoor house domestic cats were clinically evaluated and submitted to claw and blood sample collection. Additionally, data regarding the clinical history of the animals were recorded. Out of 188 cats' blood samples, 20.7% (39/188) were positive in the qPCR for Bartonella spp. based on the nuoG gene. Out of 39 claw samples collected, 23.9% (9/39) were positive for Bartonella spp. The parameters of the blood and claw samples ranged from 1.42 to 395,000 and 4.32 - 108,000 copies/µL of a fragment of Bartonella nuoG gene, respectively. The amplified sequences shared identity ranging from 99% to 100% with the three main cat-related Bartonella species. Higher platelet values (p = 0.0082) were observed in animals positive for Bartonella spp. Young and unsterilized cats with outdoor access were more prone to infection by Bartonella spp. The data reported here demonstrated the occurrence of Bartonella spp. in blood and claw samples from cats in northeastern Brazil showing no significant clinical and hematological disorders.

Ex-vivo mucolytic and anti-inflammatory activity of BromAc in tracheal aspirates from COVID-19.

COVID-19 is a lethal disease caused by the pandemic SARS-CoV-2, which continues to be a public health threat. COVID-19 is principally a respiratory disease and is often associated with sputum retention and cytokine storm, for which there are limited therapeutic options. In this regard, we evaluated the use of BromAc®, a combination of Bromelain and Acetylcysteine (NAC). Both drugs present mucolytic effect and have been studied to treat COVID-19. Therefore, we sought to examine the mucolytic and anti-inflammatory effect of BromAc® in tracheal aspirate samples from critically ill COVID-19 patients requiring mechanical ventilation. METHOD: Tracheal aspirate samples from COVID-19 patients were collected following next of kin consent and mucolysis, rheometry and cytokine analysis using Luminex kit was performed. RESULTS: BromAc® displayed a robust mucolytic effect in a dose dependent manner on COVID-19 sputum ex vivo. BromAc® showed anti-inflammatory activity, reducing the action of cytokine storm, chemokines including MIP-1alpha, CXCL8, MIP-1b, MCP-1 and IP-10, and regulatory cytokines IL-5, IL-10, IL-13 IL-1Ra and total reduction for IL-9 compared to NAC alone and control. BromAc® acted on IL-6, demonstrating a reduction in G-CSF and VEGF-D at concentrations of 125 and 250 µg. CONCLUSION: These results indicate robust mucolytic and anti-inflammatory effect of BromAc® ex vivo in tracheal aspirates from critically ill COVID-19 patients, indicating its potential to be further assessed as pharmacological treatment for COVID-19.

Protein expression of the tear film of domestic cats before and after inoculation with Toxoplasma gondii.

BACKGROUND: Tear film (TF) helps maintain and protect ocular function against damage to the ocular surface. Proteins are one of its main constituents, whose expression pattern can be used as a biomarker of ocular changes and systemic diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of proteins in the TF of domestic cats before and after infection with Toxoplasma gondii, in the phases of acute infection and chronicity. Twelve healthy cats received orally homogenized brain matter obtained from mice inoculated with T. gondii oocysts, strain ME49. Cat feces were collected daily from the third day after infection to assess the release of oocysts. TF samples were obtained from cats, by Schirmer's Tear Test 1, on day 0 (before infection), day 5 after infection (acute phase of infection, with maximum peak release of oocysts in feces) and on day 21 after infection (start of chronic phase, 7 days after total absence of oocyst release in feces). Tear samples were also submitted to proteomic analysis in a Q-Tof-Premier mass spectrometer. RESULTS: A total of 37 proteins with scores equal to or greater than 100 were identified on D0, followed by 36 on D5 and 42 on D21. Of these, 27 were common to D0 and D5, 33 to D0 and D21, 27 to D5 and D21, and 26 were common to the three groups, totaling 54 proteins. The most abundant proteins were lipocalin allergen Fel d, serum albumin, aldehyde dehydrogenase, lactoperoxidase and lactotransferrin. There was no significant difference in the abundance of proteins found on D0 and D5, but there was a statistical difference between D0 and D21 for ACT1_AEDAE, CERU_HUMAN and GELS_HUMAN. Regarding D5 and D21, there were significant differences for KV1_CANLF, LAC_PIG, TRFL_PIG, ACT1_AEDAE, CERU_HUMAN, GELS_HUMAN and OVOS2_HUMAN. CONCLUSIONS: The main proteins identified in the TF of domestic cats are similar to those found in humans and other animal species. Most are part of the ocular surface defense system against injuries. The most expressed proteins in animals in the chronic phase of T. gondii infection are associated with the immune response to the parasite.

Tungiasis in domestic, wild, and synanthropic animals in Brazil.

Tungiasis is an ectoparasitic skin disease of humans and warm-blooded animals caused by fleas of the genus Tunga (Jarocki, 1938). Dogs, cats, pigs, and synanthropic rodents are the main animal reservoirs. Of the 14 known species, 12 are found in Latin America and, among these, eight are found in Brazil, including the two zoonotic species Tunga penetrans and Tunga trimamillata. Tunga penetrans predominates among humans and Brazilian pets, where the dog is the most affected species, and its presence is a risk factor associated with the disease in humans. Tunga spp. are widely distributed throughout the national territory, with T. penetrans being the most dispersed and the most frequent in animals from endemic areas, especially in underprivileged communities. Infections in animals, associated with inadequate management, favor the spread and perpetuation of the disease. Intense injuries can result in sequelae and serious clinical conditions, compromising the health, welfare, and productivity of animals, as well as leading to death. Health precariousness, lack of control and neglect in the management of populations of domestic and synanthropic animals, poor hygiene habits of individuals, lack of information from both the population and related professionals, lack of effective treatment, and of perception of tungiasis as a disease are among the main challenges for the control of this parasitosis. As recommended for other zoonotic Neglected Tropical Diseases, strategies based on the concept of One Health can guarantee more effective results in the fight against human and animal tungiasis.

First genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 recovered from an infected cat and its owner in Latin America.

An 11-year-old male mixed-breed cat, with exclusively indoor life, presented 3 cough episodes after the owners tested positive by RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2. The house is inhabited by 5 people (3 adults and 2 children), and 2 of the adults have shown mild symptoms associated with throat discomfort. The cat was vaccinated, had no history of any previous disease, and tested negative for feline coronavirus (FCoV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV). Rectal sample collected from the cat was positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR. Viral genome sequences recovered from human and cat samples showed an average 99.4% sequence identity. This is the first report of genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 recovered from a cat and its owner in Latin America.

Clinical and macroscopic morphological features of canine tungiasis.

Tungiasis is a public health problem in endemic resource-poor communities, where dogs are important reservoirs of Tunga spp., contributing significantly to the process of transmission of this zoonosis. In order to optimize the diagnosis of canine tungiasis, macroscopic morphological characteristics and clinical signs of the lesions were investigated, based on the inspection of 40 dogs infested by T. penetrans from an endemic rural community in northeastern Brazil. Of the 1546 lesions found in these dogs, including all stages of development of the parasite, 89.1% (1378) were located on the paw pads. Dogs aged up to 5 years had the greatest number of lesions. Dark pigmentation and hyperkeratosis of the paw pads made it difficult to identify the lesions. Among all the clinical signs observed were hyperemia (38; 95%), pain (32; 80%), fissure (11; 27.5%), onychogryphosis (29; 72.5%), cluster of lesions (26; 65%), hyperkeratosis (25; 62.5%), lameness (15; 37.5%), and fissure (11; 27.5%). Ectopic lesions were found especially in the nipples (64; 4.1%) and abdomen (51; 3.3%). The maximum diameter of the stage III neosomes was 6 mm. Dogs with a higher number of lesions had a higher degree of hyperkeratosis. Age over 1 year was associated with a higher rate of dispersion of the parasite in the environment (p = 0.04). The identification of the initial stages of tungiasis can guarantee a more effective control of the disease in dogs, which will mainly depend on the treatment of adult animals and the application of continuous preventive actions based on One Health in these communities.

The use of tear ferning test in cats for evaluation of ocular surface.

BACKGROUND: The tear film is a trilaminar fluid composed mainly of lipids, electrolytes, proteins and water. It is responsible for lubrication, nutrition and protection against microbial and toxic agents. Disruption of any these components may weaken the ocular surface, making it more susceptible to disease. Increasing evidence suggests that qualitative tear film deficiencies are an important predisposing factor or cause of some of the most common and challenging ocular diseases in cats, including conjunctivitis, corneal ulcer, spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCED), pigmentary keratitis, corneal sequestrum and dry eye syndrome. The aim of this study was to describe the tear ferning test in healthy cats and to compare the results by using two grading scales for humans. Tear samples were collected using Schirmer tear test (STT) strips from 60 healthy cats, and, after centrifuging the strips to obtain the samples, the aliquot was placed on clean microscope glass until it dried and the tear ferning patterns were observed under a polarized light microscope and classified according to the Rolando and Masmali grading scales. RESULTS: Ferning patterns in the lower grades showed full crystallization with high density, without gaps between the ferns and branches, forming several nuclei that were easily distinguished. According to the Rolando scale, 50% (60/120), 46.6% (56/120) and 3.4% (4/120) of eyes showed type I, II and III patterns, respectively. According to the Masmali scale, 15% (18/120), 56.6% (68/120 eyes) and 28.4% (34/120) of eyes showed grade 0, 1 and 2 patterns, respectively. No difference was observed between the right and left eyes for both Rolando (P = 0.225) and Masmali (P = 0.683) scales. CONCLUSIONS: The tear ferning test is a qualitative test that can be used in cats as a complementary evaluation of the ocular surface. While the Rolando scale showed an increased prevalence of types I and II, the Masmali scale showed an increased prevalence of grades 1 and 2. This can be attributed to the species-specific differences between human and feline tear film. So Masmali grade 2 can be considered a normal tear pattern for the species, because all the cats used in study were clinically healthy. For this reason, future complementary studies are necessary for comparing healthy eyes and eyes with different ocular surface disease in cats. Both scales can be feasible options for grading tear crystallization in cats, but as Rolando scale included 96.6% of the samples in the 2 types that are considered normal for humans, we think that this scale seemed to be more precise to classify crystallization pattern in cats. The crystallization patterns observed in this study can form the basis for standardizing ocular surface parameters in cats.

Seasonal variation and persistence of tungiasis infestation in dogs in an endemic community, Bahia State (Brazil): longitudinal study.

Tungiasis is a zoonosis neglected by authorities, health professionals, and affected populations. Domestic, synanthropic, and sylvatic animals serve as reservoirs for human infestation, and dogs are usually considered a main reservoir in endemic communities. To describe the seasonal variation and the persistence of tungiasis in dogs, we performed quarterly surveys during a period of 2 years in a tourist village in the municipality of Ilhéus, Bahia State, known to be endemic for tungiasis. Prevalence in dogs ranged from 62.1% (43/66) in August 2013 to 82.2% (37/45) in November 2014, with no significant difference (p = 0.06). The prevalence of infestation remained high, regardless of rainfall patterns. Of the 31 dogs inspected at all surveys, period prevalence was 94% (29/31; 95% CI 79.3-98.2%) and persistence of infestation indicator [PII] was high (median PII = 6 surveys, q1 = 5, q3 = 7). Dogs < 1 year of age had a higher mean prevalence of 84.5%, as compared with 69.3% in the older dogs. No significant difference was found between the risk of infestation and age or sex (p = 0.61). Our data indicate that canine tungiasis persisted in the area during all periods of the year. The seasonal variation described in human studies from other endemic areas was not observed, most probably due to different rainfall patterns throughout the year. The study has important implications for the planning of integrated control measures in both humans and animal reservoirs, considering a One Health approach.

Canine tungiasis: High prevalence in a tourist region in Bahia state, Brazil.

Tungiasis is a parasitic skin disease neglected by authorities, health professionals, and the general population. Its occurrence is significantly associated with poverty. A cross-sectional study was conducted to describe the prevalence of tungiasis, associated clinical signs and risk factors of the canine population at a tourist site in the city of Ilhéus, Bahia (northeast Brazil). All village households were visited and dogs inspected after authorization by owners. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered. Of the 114 dogs included in the study, 71 (62.3%) were infested; all of them had lesions on their pads. An ectopic lesion on the nose was observed in one dog (1.4%). The number of manipulated lesions outnumbered the number of vital and avital lesions with an average of 88.3%. Edema (95.8%) and hyperkeratosis (85.9%) were the most prevalent clinical signs. Behavioral disorders such as excessive licking (6/71; 8.5%), disobedience (1/71; 1.4%) and prostration (2/71; 2.8%) were reported. In the multi-variate analysis, semi-restricted condition of the dogs (adjusted OR=8.58; 95% CI=2.47-29.76) and the presence of sand on the compound (adjusted OR=14.23, 95% CI=2.88-70.28) were significantly associated with infestation. We concluded that, infestation with Tunga spp. is highly endemic in the canine population of the village. The low level of restrictions on dogs and the presence of sand in areas most frequented by the animals are perpetuating factors of infestation in the community, subject to integrated and multidisciplinary intervention measures.

Canine ehrlichiosis: prevalence and epidemiology in northeast Brazil.

Ehrlichiosis is a zoonotic disease that is caused by bacteria of the genus Ehrlichia. The aims of this study were to detect the presence of Ehrlichia spp. in the blood of dogs in Ituberá, Bahia, and to compare the sensitivities and specificities of blood smear, serological, and molecular examinations. Furthermore, this study identified factors associated with exposure to the agent in dogs in this locality. Blood samples were collected from 379 dogs and submitted for indirect immunofluorescent assay and polymerase chain reaction testing for the detection of Ehrlichia spp. antibodies and DNA, respectively. Additionally, a peripheral blood smear was obtained from the ear tip for parasite identification. Of the 379 animals, 12.4%, 32.7%, and 25.6% were identified as positive on the blood smear, serological, and molecular tests, respectively. The dogs positive in one of the three techniques were considered exposed (46.9%). Younger dogs and rural habitat were protective factors and presence of ticks and contact with other dogs were the risk factors associated with exposure to the agent. It was concluded that dogs of Ituberá have high positivity for Ehrlichia spp. and that the diagnostic methods used for detection are complementary.

Canine ehrlichiosis: prevalence and epidemiology in northeast Brazil / Erliquiose canina: prevalência e epidemiologia no nordeste do Brasil

Ehrlichiosis is a zoonotic disease that is caused by bacteria of the genus Ehrlichia. The aims of this study were to detect the presence of Ehrlichia spp. in the blood of dogs in Ituberá, Bahia, and to compare the sensitivities and specificities of blood smear, serological, and molecular examinations. Furthermore, this study identified factors associated with exposure to the agent in dogs in this locality. Blood samples were collected from 379 dogs and submitted for indirect immunofluorescent assay and polymerase chain reaction testing for the detection of Ehrlichia spp. antibodies and DNA, respectively. Additionally, a peripheral blood smear was obtained from the ear tip for parasite identification. Of the 379 animals, 12.4%, 32.7%, and 25.6% were identified as positive on the blood smear, serological, and molecular tests, respectively. The dogs positive in one of the three techniques were considered exposed (46.9%). Younger dogs and rural habitat were protective factors and presence of ticks and contact with other dogs were the risk factors associated with exposure to the agent. It was concluded that dogs of Ituberá have high positivity for Ehrlichia spp. and that the diagnostic methods used for detection are complementary.

Erliquiose é uma doença zoonótica causada por bactérias do gênero Ehrlichia. O objetivo desse estudo foi detectar a presença de Ehrlichia spp. no sangue de cães em Ituberá-BA, e comparar as sensibilidades e especificidades do esfregaço sanguíneo, e testes sorológico e molecular. Além disso, esse estudo identificou fatores associados com a exposição ao agente em cães desta localidade. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas de 379 cães e submetidas à Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta e Reação em Cadeia de Polimerase para detecção de anticorpos e DNA de Ehrlichia spp., respectivamente. Adicionalmente, sangue periférico de ponta de orelha foi coletado para identificação do parasita. Dos 379 animais, 12,4%, 32,7% e 25,6% foram identificados como positivos no esfregaço sanguíneo, teste sorológico e molecular, respectivamente. Cães positivos em uma das três técnicas foram considerados expostos (46,9%). Cães mais novos e hábitat rural foram fatores de proteção e presença de carrapatos e contato com outros cães foram os fatores de risco associados à exposição ao agente. Foi concluído que, os cães do município de Ituberá têm alta positividade para Ehrlichia spp. e que os diferentes métodos diagnósticos utilizados para sua detecção são complementares.

Risk factors and clinical disorders of canine ehrlichiosis in the South of Bahia, Brazil.

The aim of this work was to study the clinical disorders and risk factors of canine ehrlichiosis in Ilhéus and Itabuna, Bahia, and compare different diagnostic methods. Blood samples were collected from 200 dogs. Each dog was clinically examined. A questionnaire was used to evaluate the risk factors. The blood samples were analyzed using the Dot-ELISA test; hematometry, platelet counts and searches for morulae on blood smears were performed. Nested PCR was carried out on 50 serologically positive samples and 50 negative samples. Three positive PCRs were sequenced. Thirty-six percent were serologically positivity and 5.5% from blood smears. The animals were anemic and thrombocytopenic. Presence of ticks and living in areas on the urban periphery were considered to be risk factors (p < 0.05). Nested PCR identified 11 positive dogs of which nine were serologically positive and two were negative. The DNA sequencing was consistent with the presence of Ehrlichia canis.

Risk factors and clinical disorders of canine ehrlichiosis in the South of Bahia, Brazil / Fatores de risco e alterações clínicas da erhlichiose canina no sul da Bahia, Brasil

The aim of this work was to study the clinical disorders and risk factors of canine ehrlichiosis in Ilhéus and Itabuna, Bahia, and compare different diagnostic methods. Blood samples were collected from 200 dogs. Each dog was clinically examined. A questionnaire was used to evaluate the risk factors. The blood samples were analyzed using the Dot-ELISA test; hematometry, platelet counts and searches for morulae on blood smears were performed. Nested PCR was carried out on 50 serologically positive samples and 50 negative samples. Three positive PCRs were sequenced. Thirty-six percent were serologically positivity and 5.5 percent from blood smears. The animals were anemic and thrombocytopenic. Presence of ticks and living in areas on the urban periphery were considered to be risk factors (p < 0.05). Nested PCR identified 11 positive dogs of which nine were serologically positive and two were negative. The DNA sequencing was consistent with the presence of Ehrlichia canis.

Objetivou-se com este trabalho estudar as alterações clínicas, fatores de risco da ehrlichiose canina nos municípios de Ilhéus e Itabuna, Bahia, e comparar diferentes métodos de diagnóstico. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas de 200 cães e cada animal foi examinado clinicamente. Foi preenchido um questionário para avaliar os fatores de risco. As amostras de sangue foram analisadas pelo teste Dot-ELISA e foram realizadas hematimetria, contagem de plaquetas e procura de mórulas em esfregaço de sangue. Nested-PCR foi realizada em 50 amostras positivas e 50 negativas na sorologia. Três amostras PCRs positivas foram seqüenciadas. Foi encontrado 36,0 por cento de positividade na sorologia e 5,5 por cento nos esfregaços sanguíneos. Os animais apresentavam anemia e trombocitopenia. Ter carrapatos e residir em áreas suburbanas foram considerados fatores de risco (p < 0,05). A Nested-PCR identificou 11 cães positivos, sendo 9 com sorologia positiva e 2 negativos. O sequenciamento de DNA foi compatível com a presença de Ehrlichia canis.