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1.
Vet Res Commun ; 48(5): 3263-3270, 2024 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39133400

ABSTRACT

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has been employed as a therapy against both acute and chronic skin lesions, contaminated or not, and has effects on angiogenesis and reepithelialization promoting healing. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of a CAP jet associated with pharmacological treatment described by the 2015 AAHA/AAFP pain management guidelines and the 2022 WSAVA guidelines for the recognition, assessment, and treatment of pain, on the healing of chronic skin lesions caused by a pruritic reaction resulting from post-surgical neuropathic pain. To this end, a single CAP application was performed on a feline patient with a 6 months old recurrent contaminated cervical skin lesions along with administration of ketamine (10 µg/kg/min) following the prescription of prednisone (1 mg/kg, SID, 6 days), gabapentin (8 mg/kg, BID, 60 days) and amitriptyline (0.5 mg /kg, SID, 60 days). A single application of plasma associated with an NMDA antagonist, anti-inflammatory steroid, tricyclic antidepressant and gabapentinoid thus provided a significant improvement in the macroscopic appearance of the lesion within 10 days, and the owner reported the cessation of intense itching within the first four hours after treatment and a consequent improvement in the animal's quality of life. The medical treatment was finished almost a year since the writing of this paper, without clinical or reported recurrent signs of the condition. Therefore, we observed that single dose CAP application associated with ketamine, gabapentin, amitriptyline and prednisone leads to significant healing of chronically infected skin lesions resulting from post-surgical neuropathic pain.


Subject(s)
Analgesics , Cat Diseases , Ketamine , Neuralgia , Plasma Gases , Animals , Cats , Neuralgia/veterinary , Neuralgia/drug therapy , Neuralgia/etiology , Plasma Gases/therapeutic use , Plasma Gases/pharmacology , Cat Diseases/drug therapy , Ketamine/administration & dosage , Ketamine/therapeutic use , Analgesics/therapeutic use , Analgesics/administration & dosage , Pain, Postoperative/veterinary , Pain, Postoperative/drug therapy , Gabapentin/therapeutic use , Gabapentin/administration & dosage , Male , Amitriptyline/therapeutic use , Amitriptyline/administration & dosage , Prednisone/therapeutic use , Prednisone/administration & dosage , Combined Modality Therapy/veterinary , Female
2.
Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis ; 112: 102228, 2024 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39151280

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to categorise diseases associated with FeLV infection in cats. A total of 154 cats were submitted to necropsy, histopathology exam and anti-FeLV immunohistochemistry (IHC), and 83 (50.9 %) were IHC FeLV-positive. The cats age means of 4.1 years, including 3.6 % kittens, 34.9 % junior, 37.4 % prime, 18.1 % mature, 2.4 % senior, 3.6 % unknown age. Neoplastic diseases were most prevalent with leukaemia and lymphoma being most predominant, followed by viral diseases, bacterial, trauma, degenerative, intoxications, parasitic, malformation and others. FeLV+ cats were 5.73 times more likely to be diagnosed with neoplasms than other diseases. The odds ratio (OR) of FeLV+ cats developing leukaemia (OR = 7.75) and lymphoma (OR = 6.75) was higher than other neoplasms. FeLV infection was more prevalent in the mixed breed, junior to prime, male, with neoplastic diseases, including leukaemia and lymphoma. Therefore, understanding the diseases associated with FeLV is of paramount importance in Brazil due to its high prevalence, and it may encourage the implementation of prophylactic measures to reduce its dissemination.


Subject(s)
Cat Diseases , Leukemia Virus, Feline , Leukemia, Feline , Cats , Animals , Leukemia Virus, Feline/isolation & purification , Brazil/epidemiology , Male , Cat Diseases/virology , Cat Diseases/epidemiology , Female , Prevalence , Leukemia, Feline/epidemiology , Leukemia, Feline/virology , Lymphoma/epidemiology , Lymphoma/veterinary , Lymphoma/virology , Retroviridae Infections/epidemiology , Retroviridae Infections/veterinary , Retroviridae Infections/virology , Immunohistochemistry , Neoplasms/epidemiology , Neoplasms/veterinary , Neoplasms/virology , Tumor Virus Infections/veterinary , Tumor Virus Infections/epidemiology , Tumor Virus Infections/virology
3.
Vet Rec ; 195(4): e4435, 2024 Aug 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39148234

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Terbinafine has been successfully used in the treatment of human sporotrichosis; however, its effectiveness in the treatment of feline sporotrichosis is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the use of terbinafine in the treatment of feline sporotrichosis. METHODS: A cohort study was conducted in cats with sporotrichosis to assess the effectiveness and safety of terbinafine (30‒60 mg/kg/day). Clinical examination and analysis of laboratory parameters were performed monthly until clinical signs resolved or terbinafine treatment was discontinued. RESULTS: Of the 54 cats with sporotrichosis included in the study, 19 were lost during follow-up and five were withdrawn from the study due to switching to treatment with another prescription drug. Of the remaining 30 cats, 10 achieved clinical cure, with a median treatment time of 18.5 weeks. Treatment failed in 18 cases, and two cats died. Twenty-two cats had adverse reactions to terbinafine treatment, and 10 cats showed elevation of serum transaminases. LIMITATION: Loss during follow-up was high, which makes it difficult to draw accurate conclusions regarding clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: The low rate of clinical cure observed suggests that terbinafine does not represent an effective treatment option for cases of feline sporotrichosis.


Subject(s)
Antifungal Agents , Cat Diseases , Sporotrichosis , Terbinafine , Cats , Animals , Terbinafine/therapeutic use , Cat Diseases/drug therapy , Sporotrichosis/drug therapy , Sporotrichosis/veterinary , Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use , Antifungal Agents/adverse effects , Treatment Outcome , Male , Female , Cohort Studies
4.
J Wildl Dis ; 60(4): 874-885, 2024 Oct 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39021050

ABSTRACT

Toxoplasma gondii, a parasitic protozoan, may infect most warm-blooded animals, including humans and carnivores. Our study focused on alien-invasive American minks (Neogale vison) and domestic cats (Felis catus) in the Valdivian Temperate Rainforest, Chile. The main goal was to investigate the relationship between their dietary habits and T. gondii exposure in the Valdivia River watershed. To detect T. gondii exposure, blood serum samples from 49 domestic cats and 40 American minks were analyzed using an ELISA, and stable isotope analysis of δ15N and δ13C from vibrissae was performed to determine the dietary habits of both species. Relationships between T. gondii exposure and dietary habits were explored using generalized linear mixed-effects models. American minks that were T. gondii seropositive exhibited a broader prey range compared to seropositive domestic cats, with minimal dietary overlap between the two groups. Exposure of domestic cats to T. gondii had no significant association with any isotope value or prey item in their diet. In American minks, we found a positive and significant association between the proportion of Domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) in the diet and high δ15N values with T. gondii exposure. This suggests that domestic species prey related to anthropogenic areas, and the consumption of high-trophic-level prey, may contribute to T. gondii exposure in American minks. Conversely, contrary to previous hypotheses, consumption of rodents showed no significant association with T. gondii exposure in either species. Our findings emphasize the importance of further research to investigate trophic interactions in the transmission dynamics of T. gondii in the Valdivian Temperate Rainforest.


Subject(s)
Cat Diseases , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis, Animal , Animals , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/epidemiology , Chile/epidemiology , Cats , Cat Diseases/parasitology , Cat Diseases/epidemiology , Cat Diseases/blood , Feeding Behavior , Rainforest , Female , Diet/veterinary , Male
5.
Lab Anim ; 58(4): 302-312, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39075859

ABSTRACT

The aim was to determine changes in clinical parameters, glucose concentration, cortisol and behavior in colony queens in no music conditions compared with exposing to different genres of music. Mixed breed clinically healthy queens (N = 9) were used. Queens were studied under no music conditions (control=CON) and auditory enrichment: Soft Rock (M1), Motown (M2), Pop (M3), Frenchcore (M4) and music that was composed to be species-appropriate for cats (M5). The queens underwent auditory enrichment, including three days of silence (D1-3), five consecutive days of auditory enrichment (D4-8) and three days of silence (D9-11). We recorded clinical parameters, glucose, cortisol and behavior. Data were analyzed with GLIMMIX. Queens showed a significant increase of femoral pulse during exposure to M1, M2 and M4; and respiratory rate during exposure to M1, M2, M3 and M4 compared with CON. There was a significant increase in glucose during exposure to M2 and M5 compared with CON. However, there was a significant decrease in glucose during exposure to M4 compared with CON. There was a significant decrease in cortisol during exposure to M2 and M5 compared with CON. When we evaluated the ethogram, we observed a significant decrease in the percentage of interaction with other cats in M1 and M2 compared with CON. In addition, we found a significant decrease in the purring in M1 and M3 compared with CON. Auditory enrichment can be beneficial in situations that cause discomfort and distress in colony cats, such as in feline hospitalization; however, it should be acknowledged that there are limits to direct extrapolation.


Subject(s)
Hydrocortisone , Music , Animals , Cats/physiology , Female , Hydrocortisone/blood , Behavior, Animal/physiology , Blood Glucose/metabolism
6.
Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports ; 53: 101063, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39025547

ABSTRACT

Seroprevalence studies on cats are essential for monitoring the occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii infection. The present research investigated anti-T. gondii antibodies, risk factors, clinical signs, hematology and serum biochemistry in cats from different regions of Rio de Janeiro. An overall 18.7% (17/91) of the cats were seroreactive, and age was associated with increased chances of seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies. Clinical signs, hematology and serum biochemistry parameters did not help achieve an antemortem diagnosis of cat toxoplasmosis. The parasite circulates in cats from three major regions of Rio de Janeiro, and the present data set will contribute to future epidemiological studies in this endemic state of Brazil.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Protozoan , Cat Diseases , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis, Animal , Cats , Animals , Brazil/epidemiology , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Cat Diseases/epidemiology , Cat Diseases/parasitology , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/epidemiology , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/parasitology , Toxoplasma/immunology , Risk Factors , Antibodies, Protozoan/blood , Female , Male
7.
Zoonoses Public Health ; 71(6): 609-619, 2024 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39044549

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis caused by different species of thermodimorphic fungi belonging to the genus Sporothrix. These fungi may affect a wide range of warm-blooded animals, including humans, dogs and, mainly, cats. METHODS: In this article, we conducted a narrative literature review about the status of feline and cat-transmitted sporotrichosis in Latin American countries, with emphasis on Brazil. RESULTS: From a global perspective, Latin America is one of the main foci of human and feline sporotrichosis. In humans, the disease has been reported in several countries, with endemic transmission occurring in Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico and Uruguay. Sporothrix brasiliensis is the most common species identified in human cases in Brazil, whereas Sporothrix schenckii predominates in other countries. CONCLUSION: Domestic cats are the main source of infection in the zoonotic transmission cycle of sporotrichosis in Latin America. Cases of feline sporotrichosis have been reported in several countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay and Peru.


Subject(s)
Cat Diseases , Sporotrichosis , Zoonoses , Cats , Sporotrichosis/epidemiology , Sporotrichosis/veterinary , Sporotrichosis/transmission , Sporotrichosis/microbiology , Animals , Cat Diseases/epidemiology , Cat Diseases/microbiology , Cat Diseases/transmission , Latin America/epidemiology , Humans , Zoonoses/transmission , Sporothrix/isolation & purification , Incidence
8.
Am J Vet Res ; 85(9)2024 Sep 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38984890

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To cohouse cats experimentally infected with Bartonella clarridgeiae (Bc) with naive cats in a flea-free environment or with Ctenocephalides felis, Bartonella henselae (Bh), Mycoplasma haemofelis, and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum to determine which flea could be a vector and to assess whether transmission of the infectious agents could be blocked by fipronil and (S)-methoprene. ANIMALS: Specific pathogen-free cats (n = 34). METHODS: In experiment 1, Bc was inoculated in 1 cat that was housed with 9 naive cats without C felis. In experiment 2, the 2 cats inoculated with Bc were housed with 6 other cats (2 inoculated with Bh, 2 inoculated with M haemofelis, and 2 inoculated with Candidatus M haemominutum) in the center (enclosure 2) of 3 housing enclosures separated by mesh walls that allow passage of fleas but precludes fighting. C felis were placed only on cats in enclosure 2 (5 times). Cats in enclosures 1 (n = 8) and 2 (8) were untreated, and cats in enclosure 3 (8) were administered fipronil and (S)-methoprene. Blood was collected from all cats for PCR assays for the pathogens. RESULTS: None of the cats housed with the cat inoculated with Bc became PCR positive in the absence of C felis. All cats in enclosure 2 became Bc DNA positive. While 2 of 8 cats in enclosure 1 became Bc PCR positive, none of the treated cats in enclosure 3 became infected. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The study demonstrated that C felis can be a vector for Bc. The results support the recommendation that flea control products can reduce the risk of transmission of flea-borne pathogens.


Subject(s)
Bartonella Infections , Bartonella , Cat Diseases , Ctenocephalides , Methoprene , Pyrazoles , Animals , Cats , Cat Diseases/transmission , Cat Diseases/microbiology , Cat Diseases/prevention & control , Ctenocephalides/microbiology , Ctenocephalides/drug effects , Pyrazoles/pharmacology , Methoprene/pharmacology , Bartonella Infections/transmission , Bartonella Infections/veterinary , Bartonella Infections/prevention & control , Flea Infestations/veterinary , Flea Infestations/transmission , Flea Infestations/prevention & control , Insecticides/pharmacology , Female , Male , Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms , Mycoplasma , Insect Vectors/microbiology
9.
Med Mycol ; 62(8)2024 Aug 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39049454

ABSTRACT

Itraconazole (ITZ) is the most used drug to treat feline sporotrichosis; however, little is known about its pharmacokinetics in cats with this mycosis. The aim of this study was to determine plasma ITZ concentrations in cats with sporotrichosis treated with ITZ as monotherapy or in combination with potassium iodide (KI). Cats diagnosed with sporotrichosis received orally ITZ (100 mg/cat/day) or combination therapy with ITZ (100 mg/cat/day) and KI (2.5-5 mg/kg/day) in the case of worsening or stagnation of the clinical condition. At each monthly visit, blood samples were collected at an interval of 4 h for analysis of trough and peak plasma ITZ concentrations by HPLC. Clinical features and laboratory parameters were evaluated during follow-up. Sixteen cats were included in the study. The median plasma ITZ concentration of all cats was 0.75 µg/mL. The median plasma ITZ concentration was 0.5 µg/mL in cats that received ITZ monotherapy (n = 12) and 1.0 µg/mL in those treated with ITZ + KI (n = 4). The clinical cure rate was 56.3% (n = 9) and the median treatment duration was 8 weeks. Nine cats (56.3%) developed adverse clinical reactions, and hyporexia was the most frequent (n = 8; 88.9%). Serum alanine aminotransferase was elevated in four cats (25%). The median plasma ITZ concentration detected in cats was considered to be therapeutic (>0.5 µg/mL) and was reached after 4 weeks of treatment. Plasma ITZ concentrations were higher in cats that received ITZ + KI compared to those treated only with ITZ, suggesting pharmacokinetic synergism between these drugs.


Itraconazole is the most common therapy for feline sporotrichosis, and combination therapy with potassium iodide is used in nonresponsive cases. Our study showed that all cats achieved a therapeutic plasma concentration of itraconazole, with higher levels in cats treated with the combination therapy.


Subject(s)
Antifungal Agents , Cat Diseases , Itraconazole , Potassium Iodide , Sporotrichosis , Animals , Cats , Sporotrichosis/drug therapy , Sporotrichosis/veterinary , Sporotrichosis/blood , Itraconazole/blood , Itraconazole/pharmacokinetics , Itraconazole/administration & dosage , Itraconazole/therapeutic use , Cat Diseases/drug therapy , Cat Diseases/blood , Cat Diseases/microbiology , Antifungal Agents/pharmacokinetics , Antifungal Agents/blood , Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use , Antifungal Agents/administration & dosage , Male , Potassium Iodide/therapeutic use , Potassium Iodide/administration & dosage , Potassium Iodide/pharmacokinetics , Female , Treatment Outcome , Drug Therapy, Combination , Administration, Oral , Plasma/chemistry
10.
Med Mycol ; 62(8)2024 Aug 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39043446

ABSTRACT

Zoonotic sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis is an emerging mycosis in Latin America. One of the problems to quickly treat infected animals and break the transmission chain is associated with the time-consuming gold-standard diagnosis method (culture). We aimed to evaluate a species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the diagnosis of sporotrichosis caused by S. brasiliensis using non-invasive samples. We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study using samples collected with swabs from humans and cats with clinical suspicion of sporotrichosis. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted using a commercial kit, and a species-specific PCR for S. brasiliensis detection was performed. One hundred ten samples were included. PCR showed a good concordance with culture (86% of agreement) for human and cat samples (Kappa coefficient = 0.722, and 0.727, respectively). In conclusion, our data shows that this adapted PCR using non-invasive samples can be applied to sporotrichosis diagnosis, being a good alternative mainly in regions with a lack of mycologists to identify the fungus in culture, contributing to the control of this emergent zoonosis.


We aimed to evaluate a molecular method for diagnosing sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis in humans and cats. We observed that the technique is in good agreement with the classic method and is a good alternative for assisting in the diagnosis and consequent control of this zoonosis.


Subject(s)
Cat Diseases , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Sporothrix , Sporotrichosis , Sporotrichosis/diagnosis , Sporotrichosis/microbiology , Sporotrichosis/veterinary , Cats , Sporothrix/genetics , Sporothrix/isolation & purification , Sporothrix/classification , Humans , Animals , Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods , Cat Diseases/diagnosis , Cat Diseases/microbiology , Retrospective Studies , Cross-Sectional Studies , Zoonoses/diagnosis , Zoonoses/microbiology , DNA, Fungal/genetics , Molecular Diagnostic Techniques/methods , Sensitivity and Specificity
11.
Prev Vet Med ; 230: 106275, 2024 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39043072

ABSTRACT

The research addresses zoonotic sporotrichosis in Brazil, particularly caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis, highlighting its epidemiological severity. Transmission occurs through contact with sick animals, especially felines, and diagnosis in humans is challenging due to the low fungal load in the lesions. The study analyzed data from Information System for Notifiable Diseases (SINAN) and Zoonosis Surveillance Unit (UVZ) from January 2017 to March 2023, carried out in Contagem, Minas Gerais. Geospatial tools and statistical analysis revealed a significant increase in cases, peaking in 2021 for felines and 2022 for humans. The geospatial analysis highlighted areas of higher incidence, suggesting a correlation between human and feline populations. The research contributes to the understanding of sporotrichosis in Contagem, emphasizing the importance of integrated approaches for surveillance and control strategies, aiming to mitigate impacts on the local community.


Subject(s)
Cat Diseases , Sporotrichosis , Zoonoses , Cats , Animals , Sporotrichosis/veterinary , Sporotrichosis/epidemiology , Sporotrichosis/microbiology , Cat Diseases/epidemiology , Cat Diseases/microbiology , Brazil/epidemiology , Zoonoses/epidemiology , Humans , Incidence , Spatio-Temporal Analysis , Sporothrix
12.
Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports ; 53: 101068, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39025541

ABSTRACT

Leishmaniases are a group of neglected diseases of significant public health concern, with Brazil being the primary focus of this disease in the Americas. The municipality of Sobral, in the state of Ceará, is a historical focus of visceral leishmaniasis in both humans and dogs, but data on Leishmania spp. infections in cats are limited. Between April 2021 and February 2022, 205 cats from a referral hospital population were sampled and tested for Leishmania spp. by real-time PCR. Eight cats (3.9%; 95% CI: 1.7-7.5%) tested positive. Among these, three (37.5%) displayed clinical signs compatible with feline leishmaniosis. Non-domiciled cats showed significantly higher positivity compared to domiciled ones (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.0124). Considering their potential role as reservoirs of L. infantum, it is crucial to conduct further studies to understand the Leishmania spp. circulating among cats in Sobral and to implement measures for reducing their exposure to phlebotomine sand fly vectors in this important focus of leishmaniases.


Subject(s)
Cat Diseases , Leishmaniasis , Animals , Cats , Brazil/epidemiology , Cat Diseases/epidemiology , Cat Diseases/parasitology , Prevalence , Female , Male , Leishmaniasis/veterinary , Leishmaniasis/epidemiology , Leishmaniasis/parasitology , Leishmania/isolation & purification , Leishmaniasis, Visceral/veterinary , Leishmaniasis, Visceral/epidemiology , Leishmaniasis, Visceral/parasitology , Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary , Hospitals, Animal , Leishmania infantum/isolation & purification
13.
Mycopathologia ; 189(4): 66, 2024 Jul 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39003373

ABSTRACT

Cat-transmitted sporotrichosis is caused by the emerging fungal pathogen Sporothrix brasiliensis and constitutes a significant public health issue that affects people living in resource-poor urban centers in Brazil. The lack of knowledge about transmission dynamics makes it difficult to propose public health policies to contain the advance of sporotrichosis. We describe the recent emergence of 1,176 cases of sporotrichosis in cats (2016 to 2021) in the metropolitan region of Recife, Brazil, leading to significant zoonotic transmission and an overwhelming occurrence of S. brasiliensis as the etiological agent. Most cases were from cats in the cities of Olinda (408/1,176; 34.70%), Jaboatão dos Guararapes (332/1,176; 28.23%), and Recife (237/1,176; 20.15%). Molecular typing using amplified fragment length polymorphism (EcoRI-GA/MseI-AG) revealed low polymorphic information content (PIC = 0.2499) and heterozygosity (H = 0.2928), typical of an outbreak scenario. Dendrogram and multivariate cluster analysis revealed that isolates from Pernambuco are closely related to Rio de Janeiro isolates. We report a substantial occurrence of MAT1-2 idiomorphs in the metropolitan region of Recife (0:60 ratio; χ2 = 60.000, P < 0.0001). The limited population differentiation and genetic diversity of the isolates from Pernambuco suggest a recent introduction, possibly via a founder effect, from the parental population in Rio de Janeiro. Our findings emphasize the critical importance of molecular surveillance of S. brasiliensis for outbreak response. A comprehensive one-health strategy is mandatory to control the spread of cat-transmitted sporotrichosis driven by S. brasiliensis, encompassing sanitary barriers, quick diagnosis, and treatment.


Subject(s)
Cat Diseases , Sporothrix , Sporotrichosis , Sporotrichosis/transmission , Sporotrichosis/microbiology , Sporotrichosis/veterinary , Sporotrichosis/epidemiology , Cats , Brazil/epidemiology , Sporothrix/genetics , Sporothrix/isolation & purification , Sporothrix/classification , Animals , Cat Diseases/microbiology , Cat Diseases/transmission , Cat Diseases/epidemiology , Molecular Typing , Zoonoses/transmission , Zoonoses/microbiology , Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis , Communicable Diseases, Emerging/transmission , Communicable Diseases, Emerging/microbiology , Communicable Diseases, Emerging/epidemiology , Genotype , Phylogeny
15.
PLoS Negl Trop Dis ; 18(7): e0012328, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39038043

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Sporotrichosis is the most common subcutaneous mycosis caused by Sporothrix spp. Traditionally, it is transmitted through injuries involving plant debris. However, over the past few decades, there has been an epidemic increase in human cases resulting from contact with infected animals, particularly cats, in various regions of Brazil. In this report, we report a notable increase in both human and animal cases within the Brazilian Amazon state. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: An ecological study was conducted by analyzing official records of human and animal sporotrichosis diagnosed in the state of Amazon from 2020 to 2023. Data including patient demographics, clinical manifestations, mycological examination results, and species identification through PCR confirmation were evaluated. During this period, a total of 950 human cases and 2,823 animal cases of sporotrichosis were reported at an exponential rate, since no human cases were registered in 2020. The spatial and temporal dispersion of human sporotrichosis followed that of animal cases, moving from downtown areas to the periphery. Contact with infected animals was reported in 77.7% of cases, with cats being the most commonly implicated (73.5%). Only 66.7% of individuals underwent mycological examination. Among the positive cultures for Sporothrix spp., 65.4% were identified as S. brasiliensis. All patients were treated with systemic antifungals. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This study highlights a rising incidence of sporotrichosis among animals and humans in the Brazilian Amazon region over the past four years, with S. brasiliensis being the predominant agent. Collaborative efforts involving healthcare professionals, veterinarians, and public health authorities are crucial to implement effective control measures, educate populations at risk, and promote responsible guidance for pet guardians. These measures are essential to mitigate the burden of epidemic sporotrichosis in Brazil.


Subject(s)
Disease Outbreaks , Sporothrix , Sporotrichosis , Zoonoses , Sporotrichosis/epidemiology , Sporotrichosis/microbiology , Sporotrichosis/veterinary , Brazil/epidemiology , Animals , Humans , Zoonoses/epidemiology , Zoonoses/microbiology , Zoonoses/transmission , Cats , Sporothrix/isolation & purification , Sporothrix/genetics , Male , Female , Adult , Public Health , Middle Aged , Adolescent , Young Adult , Aged , Child
16.
Rev Bras Parasitol Vet ; 33(2): e006324, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38958295

ABSTRACT

Diseases such as those caused by feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) represent health problems for cats. Feline leishmaniasis (FL) has been reported in several cities across the country. The objective was to carry out a clinical-epidemiological and laboratory study of FIV, FeLV and FL in cats from shelters in Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Blood samples and swabs from the conjunctival and nasal mucosa were obtained from 75 cats, from four animal shelters. Serology for FIV and FeLV was performed. For Leishmania, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on blood, conjunctiva and nasal mucosa. In the immunochromatographic serological test, seven cats tested positive for FIV and none for FeLV. No samples was positive in PCR for Leishmania. The study showed that despite the presence of human and canine leishmaniasis in the studied region, Leishmania spp. were absent in the cats studied. To avoid an increase in contagion in shelters, it is essential isolate cats with FIV.


Subject(s)
Cat Diseases , Immunodeficiency Virus, Feline , Leishmaniasis , Leukemia Virus, Feline , Animals , Cats , Brazil/epidemiology , Immunodeficiency Virus, Feline/isolation & purification , Leukemia Virus, Feline/isolation & purification , Leukemia Virus, Feline/genetics , Cat Diseases/epidemiology , Cat Diseases/parasitology , Cat Diseases/virology , Prevalence , Male , Leishmaniasis/veterinary , Leishmaniasis/epidemiology , Female , Leishmania/isolation & purification
17.
Virology ; 597: 110163, 2024 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38959724

ABSTRACT

To gain insight into the functional relationship between the nucleocapsid (NC) domains of the Gag polyproteins of feline and simian immunodeficiency viruses, FIV and SIV, respectively, we generated two FIV Gag chimeric proteins containing different SIV NC and gag sequences. A chimeric FIV Gag protein (NC1) containing the SIV two zinc fingers motifs was incapable of assembling into virus-like particles. By contrast, another Gag chimera (NC2) differing from NC1 by the replacement of the C-terminal region of the FIV NC with SIV SP2 produced particles as efficiently as wild-type FIV Gag. Of note, when the chimeric NC2 Gag polyprotein was expressed in the context of the proviral DNA in feline CrFK cells, wild-type levels of virions were produced which encapsidated 50% of genomic RNA when compared to the wild-type virus.


Subject(s)
Gene Products, gag , Immunodeficiency Virus, Feline , Simian Immunodeficiency Virus , Virus Assembly , Zinc Fingers , Animals , Immunodeficiency Virus, Feline/genetics , Immunodeficiency Virus, Feline/metabolism , Immunodeficiency Virus, Feline/physiology , Gene Products, gag/genetics , Gene Products, gag/metabolism , Gene Products, gag/chemistry , Simian Immunodeficiency Virus/genetics , Simian Immunodeficiency Virus/physiology , Cats , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/genetics , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/metabolism , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/chemistry , Cell Line , Nucleocapsid/metabolism , Nucleocapsid/genetics , Nucleocapsid Proteins/genetics , Nucleocapsid Proteins/metabolism , Phenotype
18.
Int J Parasitol ; 54(12): 607-615, 2024 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38885873

ABSTRACT

Oocysts of the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii are found in felid feces and can be washed into coastal waters, where they persist for months, attaching to algae and accumulating in invertebrates. We used wild bivalves to assess contamination of coastal waters of the Kerguelen and Galapagos archipelagos by this zoonotic parasite. Additionally, we leveraged the contrasting situations of these archipelagos to identify some potential drivers of contamination. In the Galapagos, with a cat density reaching 142 per km2, 15.38% of the sampled oysters (Saccostrea palmula) tested positive for T. gondii by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) (n = 260), and positive samples were found in all eight sampling sites. In Kerguelen, with 1-3 cats per km2, 40.83% of 120 tested mussels (Mytilus edulis platensis) were positive, and positive samples were found in four out of the five sampling sites. These findings provide evidence of T. gondii contamination in the coastal waters of these archipelagos. Furthermore, T. gondii-positive bivalves were found on islands located 20 km away (Galapagos) and 5 km away (Kerguelen) from the nearest cat population, indicating that T. gondii oocysts can disperse through waterborne mechanisms over several kilometers from their initial deposition site. In the Galapagos, where runoff is infrequent and all sites are exposed to currents, the prevalence of qPCR-positive bivalves did not show significant variations between sites (p = 0.107). In Kerguelen where runoff is frequent and site exposure variable, the prevalence varied significantly (p < 0.001). The detection of T. gondii in Kerguelen mussels was significantly correlated with the site exposure to currents (odds ratio (OR) 60.2, p < 0.001) and the on-site density of giant kelp forests (OR 2.624, p < 0.001). This suggests that bivalves can be contaminated not only by oocysts transported by currents but also by consuming marine aggregates containing oocysts that tend to form in kelp forests.


Subject(s)
Kelp , Toxoplasma , Animals , Toxoplasma/genetics , Toxoplasma/isolation & purification , Cats/parasitology , Chile , Bivalvia/parasitology , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/parasitology , Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
19.
Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis ; 24(9): 625-631, 2024 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38829161

ABSTRACT

Introduction: COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 that has become a serious threat to public health owing to its rapid spread from aerosols from infected people. Despite being considered a strictly human disease, there are reports in the literature about animals with confirmed presence of the virus. Aim: Owing to the scarcity of scientific literature on the potential for infection of animals and their importance for One Health, the objective of this work was to research SARS-CoV-2 RNA in felines (Felis silvestris catus) and dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) domiciled. Materials and Methods: Oropharyngeal swabs were collected from domestic dogs and cats belonging to patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from August to October 2021 and residents of the northwest and west regions of Paraná, Brazil. Results: Of the 34 samples collected, 14 were from dogs and 20 from cats. Three of these samples tested positive in real-time PCR, and two of them were also positive in the immunochromatographic test. After testing positive in real-time PCR, the samples underwent genetic sequencing using the Illumina COVIDSeq test. Of the 34 samples collected, three (9%), all of them female and from the feline species, tested positive in real-time PCR, with two of these (67%) also testing positive in the immunochromatographic test. Regarding sequencing, it was possible to sequence the three samples aligned with the AY.101 lineage, corresponding to the Delta variant. Conclusion: The occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs and cats is seen as an unintended event with significant implications for public health, including its potential transmission to other animal species. Further research is required to enhance our understanding of how this disease spreads among these animals and its broader impact on One Health initiatives.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Cats , Dogs , Pets , SARS-CoV-2 , Animals , Cats/virology , Dogs/virology , Brazil , COVID-19/diagnosis , COVID-19/transmission , COVID-19/virology , Paraguay , Pets/virology , Phylogeny , Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction , SARS-CoV-2/classification , SARS-CoV-2/genetics , SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification , Female
20.
Trop Doct ; 54(4): 335-339, 2024 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38841779

ABSTRACT

Scabies is a neglected tropical disease and has been highlighted as a target for control. Sarcoptic mange affects animals, but mange is also considered a zoonosis. We present rapid assessment data on scabies and sarcoptic mange collected from key informants via a web-based questionnaire in Ceará State (1265 data entries). A total of 181/184 (98.3%) municipalities reported the occurrence of human scabies; 149 (80.9%) current occurrence; 168 (91.3%) severe cases; and 113 (61.4%) severe cases currently. Sarcoptic mange was reported from 149/184 (80.9%) municipalities, and severe mange from 128 (69.9%), most commonly in dogs (117 municipalities), cats (79), pigs (17), cattle (15), horses (15), and goats (2). Respondents from 171 (92.9%) municipalities observed seasonality of occurrence. Scabies and sarcoptic mange are important public health issues in a northeast Brazilian state. The wide distribution of severe cases requires an integrated One Health approach effectively and sustainably to reduce the disease burden.


Subject(s)
Scabies , Scabies/epidemiology , Scabies/diagnosis , Humans , Animals , Brazil/epidemiology , Dogs , Goats , Zoonoses/epidemiology , Zoonoses/parasitology , Cats , Cattle , Horses , Swine , Surveys and Questionnaires , Seasons , Sarcoptes scabiei
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