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The poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae is a hematophagous ectoparasite of layer hens. Infestations with poultry red mites pose an increasing threat to the egg production industry, causing serious problems to animal health and welfare, directly or indirectly as a vector of several infectious agents. In this study, we aimed to investigate common avian pathogens in mites. The mite samples were collected from 58 poultry farms in 7 regions accounting for more than 70 % of the national egg production in Algeria. The presence of 13 avian pathogens was detected using DNA and RNA samples from mites collected. Results revealed significant associations between PRM and potential pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, fowlpox virus, and gallid herpesvirus 1. Pathogen detection in Dermanyssus gallinae could serve as an early diagnostic or a risk analysis tool for infectious diseases in poultry farms, facilitating effective disease management strategies. Despite further research being necessary to address uncertainties, such a strategy could be used to enhance the integrated management of poultry health.
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Pasteurellosis, a disease caused by Pasteurella multocida, is responsible for economic losses in rabbit industrial farms due to rhinitis, conjunctivitis, pneumonia, metritis, mastitis, orchitis, subcutaneous abscesses, otitis, encephalitis, and septicaemic forms. Although the occurrence of the disease is conditioned by predisposing factors that affect the rabbit immune response, the strains of P. multocida involved in the infection may have a different pathogenic ability. Therefore, typing of strains spread among the rabbits is important to assess their pathogenic potential. The aim of this study is to investigate the P. multocida strains responsible for disease in rabbit industrial farms. A total of 114 strains identified from different lesions were serotyped. Additionally, the presence of virulence-associated genes was investigated using three PCR (polymerase chain reaction) protocols. Capsular type A was prevalently found in strains from respiratory lesions while types D and F in those from metritis, mastitis, and other lesions. Different associations between some virulence-associated genes and both capsular type and lesions found in rabbits were detected. The presence of 8 virulence-associated genes seems to increase the occurrence of metritis. In addition, strains belonging to capsular type A and responsible for respiratory disorders especially, were found equipped with 10 and 11 virulence-associated genes. Nevertheless, the presence of strains responsible only for rhinitis was also detected among the latter, suggesting that the pathogenic ability of the bacteria depends on the expression rather than the presence of a gene.
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A strain belonging to the genus Psychrobacter, named PraFG1T, was isolated from the peritoneal effusion of a stray dog during necropsy procedures. The strain was characterized by the phylogenetic analyses based on the nucleotide sequences of 16S and 23S rRNA genes and of gyrB, which placed the strain in the genus Psychrobacter. The nucleotide sequence of the chromosome confirmed the placement, showing an average nucleotide identity of 72.1, 77.7, and 77.5â% with the closest related species, namely Psychrobacter sanguinis, Psychrobacter piechaudii, and Psychrobacter phenylpyruvicus, respectively, thus indicating a novel species. The polyphasic characterization by biochemical and fatty acid profiling as well as MALDI-TOF supported those findings. The strain was halotolerant, capable of growing within a temperature range between 4 and 37â°C, it was positive for catalase and oxidase, indole producing, nitrate reducing, and not able to use 5-keto-d-gluconic acid as a carbon source. Taken together, the data suggest that strain PraFG1T could be considered as representing a novel species, with the name Psychrobacter raelei sp. nov. (type strain PraFG1T=CIP 111873T=LMG 32233T).
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Técnicas de Tipagem Bacteriana , DNA Bacteriano , Ácidos Graxos , Peritonite , Filogenia , Psychrobacter , RNA Ribossômico 16S , RNA Ribossômico 23S , Análise de Sequência de DNA , Animais , Psychrobacter/genética , Psychrobacter/isolamento & purificação , Psychrobacter/classificação , RNA Ribossômico 16S/genética , DNA Bacteriano/genética , Peritonite/microbiologia , Cães , RNA Ribossômico 23S/genética , Doenças do Cão/microbiologia , Infecções por Bactérias Gram-Positivas/microbiologiaRESUMO
This study describes the acute poisoning of four 3-month-old Franconia geese (Anser anser) by oleander plants (Nerium oleander). After the accidental ingestion of oleander clippings, the geese exhibited a rapid onset of severe symptoms, leading to mortality within 15-90 min. Necropsy revealed cardiac and renal lesions. Specifically, interstitial edema, red blood cell infiltration, and myofibril loss were observed in the cardiac muscle, and tubular epithelial degeneration, interstitial edema, and hemorrhages were evident in the kidneys. Oleandrin, a glycoside with cardiac effects, was detected in the liver, kidneys, heart, brain, and muscles. The clinical implications underscore the urgency of veterinary intervention upon oleander ingestion, and the specific findings contribute valuable insights into the pathological effects of acute oleander poisoning in geese, aiding veterinarians in prompt diagnosis and treatment.
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Avian malaria is a re-emerging threat to avian species worldwide. It is sustained by several protozoan species belonging to the genus Plasmodium, mainly Plasmodium relictum. The even wider diffusion of the disease, probably because of the increase in the areas covered by their mosquito vectors, may pose new risks for avian species lacking natural resistance (especially those from artic or sub-artic environments) or those hosted in structures like zoos and wildlife rescue centers. With that premise, this study describes the efficacy and safety of a therapeutic protocol to treat avian malaria in three snowy owls (Bubo scandiacus) hosted in a wildlife rescue center in Apulia, south of Italy, and affected by avian malaria by P. relictum. The protocol consisted of administering 10/4 mg/kg atovaquone/proguanil per os once a day for three consecutive days, repeating this seven days later. Seven days after the end of the treatment, P. relictum was not detected in the birds' blood and no adverse effects were observed during the 60 days of monitoring after the end of the treatment. Therefore, a therapeutic regimen of 10/4 mg/kg/day may be considered safe and effective in a valuable and endangered species such as B. scandiacus.
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Starting from June 2022, increased mortality associated with enteric signs was reported in European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) recovered at a regional wildlife rescue center, in Apulia, Italy. Cases of enteric disease were observed until the end of the breeding season, despite increased biosafety measures. A novel parvovirus was identified using metaviromic, and parvovirus-like particles were observed in the stools on electron microscopy observation. The virus was detected in the fecal samples of all the animals tested (n = 9) and in the internal organs (liver, spleen, and kidney) of three out of nine animals using a specific quantitative assay. In the full-length genome, the parvovirus was closely related (90.4% nt) to a chaphamaparvovirus identified in an Amur hedgehog (Erinaceus amurensis) in Asia and to chaphamaparvoviruses (≤ 70% nt) detected in bats and rodents. Since chaphamaparvoviruses are considered as pathogen in rodents, it will be important to investigate the pathogenic role, if any, of these parvoviruses in hedgehogs. IMPORTANCE European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) are common in Europe. This species has been shown to harbor occasionally zoonotic pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Exploring the virome of wildlife animals is important for animal conservation and also to assess zoonotic risks. Our metaviromic investigation identified a novel parvovirus from an outbreak of enteritis in European hedgehogs housed in a wildlife rescue center, extending the spectrum of potential viral pathogens in this species.
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Colibacillosis, caused by E. coli, is responsible for economic losses in the poultry industry due to mortality, decreased production, and the cost of antibiotic treatments. Prevention of colibacillosis is based on improved biosecurity measures and the use of the vaccine performed with O78 E. coli strains, which is responsible for most cases of colibacillosis. Recently, there has been increased interest in other infection control methods, such as the use of natural compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of cinnamon essential oil (CEO) against E. coli strains isolated from poultry. The MIC50 and MIC90 of CEO were determined by testing 117 strains belonging to serogroups O78, O2, O128, O139, isolated from laying hens (91 strains), broilers (10 strains), and turkeys (16 strains). The bacterial strains were tested at cell densities of 108 and 106 CFU/mL. At the cell density of 108 CFU/mL, MIC50 and MIC90 were 0.4 and 0.5 µL/mL for most of the tested strains, while they corresponded to 0.5 µL/mL for all strains isolated from broilers and for strains belonging to serogroup O139. At the cell density of 106 CFU/mL, MIC50 and MIC90 were 0.3 and 0.4 µL/mL, regardless of bird species of origin and for strains belonging to serogroups O78 and O2. In addition, a concentration of 0.04 µL/mL of CEO corresponded both to MIC50 and MIC90 for strains belonging to serogroups O139 and O128. Based on these results, cinnamon essential oil showed an effective antibacterial activity against E. coli strains from poultry and could find field application for the prevention of colibacillosis.
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Colibacillosis, caused by enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), is one of the most common diseases in rabbit farms, resulting in economic losses due to mortality and decrease in production. Until recently, antimicrobials were used to both treat and prevent disease on livestock farms, leading to the possible risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the selection of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Therefore, interest in alternative control methods, such as the use of natural substances, has increased in the scientific community. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of Phyto-L (Pro Tech s.r.l.), a product containing organosulfur compounds (OSCs) such as propyl propane thiosulfonate (PTSO) from Allium spp., against 108 strains of E. coli isolated from rabbits with colibacillosis from 19 farms. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of Phyto-L were assessed. Bacterial suspensions with a charge of 108 CFU/mL, corresponding to those found in the rabbit gut under pathologic conditions, were tested with different concentrations from 20 to 0.15 µL/mL of Phyto-L. For each strain, the MIC and concentrations above the MIC were plated on Tryptic Soy agar (TSA) without Phyto-L to assess the MBCs. MIC and MBC values ranged from 1.25 to 5 µL/mL and 1.25 to 20 µL/mL, respectively, depending on the strain tested. The data showed an interesting antibacterial activity of Phyto-L against EPEC strains. Therefore, this product could be effective in preventing colibacillosis in field application, especially considering that 104-105 CFU/g of feces is the amount of E. coli usually found in the gut contents of rabbits under physiological condition.
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The poultry red mite (PRM), Dermanyssus gallinae, is a major threat for the poultry industry worldwide. Chemical compounds have been extensively used for PRM control, leading to selection of resistant mites. Molecular mechanisms of resistance have been investigated in arthropods, showing the role of target-site insensitivity and enhanced detoxification. Few studies are available about those mechanisms in D. gallinae, and none have yet focused on the expression levels of detoxification enzymes and other defense-related genes through RNA-seq. We tested PRM populations from Italy for their susceptibility to the acaricidal compounds phoxim and cypermethrin. Mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (vgsc) and in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were investigated, detecting mutations known to be associated with acaricide/insecticide resistance in arthropods, including M827I and M918L/T in the vgsc and G119S in the AChE. RNA-seq analysis was performed to characterize metabolic resistance in fully susceptible PRM and in cypermethrin-resistant PRM exposed and unexposed to cypermethrin as well as phoxim resistant PRM exposed and unexposed to phoxim. Detoxification enzymes (including P450 monooxygenases and glutathione-S-transferases), ABC transporters and cuticular proteins were constitutively overexpressed in phoxim and cypermethrin resistant mites. In addition, heat shock proteins were found constitutively and inductively upregulated in phoxim resistant mites, while in cypermethrin resistant mites esterases and an aryl hydrocarbon receptor were constitutively highly expressed. The findings suggest that acaricide resistance in D. gallinae is due to both target-site insensitivity and overexpression of detoxification enzymes and other xenobiotic defense-related genes, which is mostly constitutive and not induced by treatment. Understanding the molecular basis of resistance could be useful to screen or test PRM populations in order to select targeted acaricides and to avoid the abuse/misuse of the few available compounds.
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Acaricidas , Infestações por Ácaros , Ácaros , Doenças das Aves Domésticas , Trombiculidae , Animais , Acaricidas/farmacologia , Acetilcolinesterase/genética , Ácaros/genética , Aves Domésticas , Galinhas , Infestações por Ácaros/veterináriaRESUMO
In recent years, there has been a more prudent use of drugs on livestock farms and alternative products have been considered, with a view of reducing the risk of the onset of antibiotic resistance. Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) may cause disease in poultry, and it is also responsible for human food poisoning. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of garlic against S. Enteritidis and to define its Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC)90 and MIC50 values. The study was carried out in vitro, testing 26 S. Enteritidis strains identified in laying hens from various farms in Southern Italy. A preliminary efficacy trial was carried out on two strains, S. Enteritidis and Escherichia coli, using a garlic concentration of 10 mg/mL (1%). Later, 26 strains of S. Enteritidis at 106 Colony Forming Unit (CFU) and 104 CFU were tested with different concentrations of garlic, ranging from 10 mg/mL to 1 mg/mL. Based on the results, intermediate concentrations of garlic, from 5 mg/mL to 4 mg/mL and 4 mg/mL to 3 mg/mL, were used to test 106 CFU and 104 CFU, respectively. The data were statistically analyzed. The MIC90 was 4.75 mg/mL for strains tested at 106 CFU and 4 mg/mL for strains tested at 104 CFU. The results highlight garlic's potential to inhibit the growth of Salmonella enterica ser. Enteritidis in vitro. Efficacy was dependent on the microbial concentration used. In vivo efficacy trials will be crucial to confirm the efficacy of garlic against S. Enteritidis and to assess whether garlic can be used in poultry flocks to prevent the spread of the bacterium in the field.
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Campylobacter (C.) jejuni and C. coli are responsible for food poisoning in humans. Laying hens may host the bacteria usually without developing symptoms. The aims of this paper were to evaluate the incidence of C. jejuni and C. coli infection in laying hen flocks housed in different rearing systems, the plasma levels of two welfare indicators (corticosterone and interleukin 6, IL-6) and the antimicrobial resistance of the detected Campylobacter strains. Two different flocks (1 and 2) from cage (A), barn (B) and aviary (C) farms were investigated. The highest (p < 0.05) levels of IL-6 were detected in laying hens housed in aviaries. A similar trend emerged in corticosterone level, although differences were found between C1 and C2. C. jejuni and C. coli were identified in 43.5% and 38.9% of birds, respectively. In total, 14 out of 177 (7.9%) hens simultaneously hosted C. jejuni and C. coli.C. jejuni was prevalently detected in hens housed in barns (B1: 53.3%; B2: 46.7%) and aviaries (C1: 34.6%; C2: 86.7%). Conversely, laying hens housed in cages were significantly exposed to infection of C. coli (A1: 41.9%; A2: 80%) while, regarding barns and aviaries, a significant prevalence emerged only in flocks B2 (40%) and C1 (54.8%). Simultaneous infection was statistically significant in barn B1 (36.7%). Antibiotic resistance was mainly detected among C. coli strains, and it was most frequent for fluoroquinolones and tetracycline. Multidrug resistance was also found in C. jejuni (19.7%) and C. coli (17.5%) strains. Based on the results of this study, we recommend increasing biosecurity and hygienic measures to manage hen flocks.
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Climate change, excessive exploitation of agricultural land which reduces natural habitats, wildlife shooting, and the use of pesticides all cause difficulties for wildlife, with considerable numbers of animals being brought to wildlife rescue centres. Although the efforts of staff involved in wildlife management at these centres usually focus on therapeutic treatments to reintroduce them into the wild, the monitoring of pathogens that may be transmitted to humans is of relevance. Campylobacter (C.) jejuni and C. coli are frequently carried by animals without inducing clinical signs and are responsible for enteric disorders and more rarely extra-intestinal disease in humans. Farm species and poultry, in particular, are the main reservoirs of C. jejuni and C. coli, but wild animals may also be carriers. The aim of this paper was to investigate the presence of C. jejuni and C. coli in wild birds housed at a wildlife rescue centre and to evaluate the sensitivity of the detected strains to antibiotics. Campylobacter was found in 52 out of 209 (24.88%) birds from 33 different species. C. jejuni was more prevalent, while C. coli was only detected in three Long-eared Owls (Asio otus). The incidence of the infection was particularly high (72.22%) among omnivorous species. Infection rates were higher in birds housed indoors (57.14%) than outdoors (31.74%). Moreover, Campylobacter was not detected in species whose mean temperature body is below 40 °C or higher than 42.2 °C. The most common antibiotic resistance in the tested strains was against trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin. In addition, multi-drug resistance was also found. The results highlight the need to increase biosecurity measures at rescue centres so as to reduce health-related risks to workers involved in wildlife management.
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Bacteria belonging to the genus Pseudomonas are ubiquitous and characterized by a high adaptation capability to different environmental conditions and wide range of temperatures. They may colonize food, sometimes causing alteration. Quite recently, a blue pigmentation due to Pseudomonas fluorescens has been widely reported in mozzarella cheese. In this report, we describe a blue coloration occurred on rabbit meat stored in the refrigeration cell of a slaughterhouse. The alteration was observed after about 72 hours of storage at 4-6°C. Bacteriological analyses were performed, and a microorganism included in the Pseudomonas fluorescens group was identified. The experimental contamination was planned, using a bacterial suspension with 1×108 UFC/ml load to spread on rabbit carcasses. The blue pigmentation appeared after 24 hours of storage in a cell with the same conditions of temperature. The bacterium was reisolated and identified as responsible for the alteration on meat. These findings highlight the importance of considering the members of the genus Pseudomonas and, more specifically, of the P. fluorescens group when the microbiological quality of food is to be ascertained. In fact, even if these bacteria are not considered a public health problem, their presence should be monitored by food industry operators in self-control plans because they may cause alteration in food. In fact, any altered product should be withdrawn from the market in agreement with Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
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The number of pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and parrots has increased in European families. Social benefits to owners such as decreasing feelings of loneliness and anxiety are provided by pets which are also used in Animal-assisted Therapy (AAT). Nevertheless, human-animal interactions are also associated with health problems including allergies, asthma, and zoonosis. Rabbits may carry potential pathogens for humans. One of the most common bacteria that colonizes the oro-pharynx and the upper respiratory tract of rabbits is Pasteurella (P.) multocida. Transmission of the infection to humans results from scratches, licks, and bites but it also can occur from the inhalation of air particles containing the microorganism. Immunocompromised people or persons with pulmonary disorders are particularly susceptible to the infection. Infected rabbits may carry P. multocida with or without clinical signs. In this paper, the sensitivity to antibiotics and the invasiveness ability of P. multocida identified in a farm of pet rabbits affected by severe pasteurellosis were investigated. The strain was P. multocida belonging to capsular type A which is the type most often detected in humans. The identified strain was susceptible to the tested antibiotics, but it appeared equipped with several virulence genes which are responsible for fimbriae production, adhesion processes to host cells, enzyme production, and are involved in iron acquisition processes. These findings are of particular interest because rabbits recovered from pasteurellosis very often become carriers of the bacteria. Therefore, we suggest considering P. multocida screening in the routine medical checks of rabbits, especially if they are meant to be companion animals for children and elder people, given that the transmission of the pathogen cannot be excluded.
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Dermanyssus gallinae is a hematophagous ectoparasitic mite that usually infests poultry, but is also known for occasionally attacking other animals and humans. It represents a major problem for poultry systems all over the world, with detrimental effects for both production and animal welfare. Despite the significance of D. gallinae, very little is known about the biting process to date. Therefore, this study has aimed to verify if mite DNA is injected into the host skin during the blood meal. Mite DNA has been detected by seminested PCR from infested chicken skin and quantified by real-time PCR. Furthermore, its localization within the host tissue has been checked by fluorescent in situ hybridization. Results showed that a very little amount of D. gallinae DNA can be released by mites, suggesting that the latter do not introduce whole or partially destroyed cells into the host, but rather it injects traces of nucleic acids, possibly together with merocrine secretions.
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Wild carnivores are known to play a role in the epidemiology of several canine viruses, including canine adenoviruses types 1 (CAdV-1) and 2 (CAdV-2), canine circovirus (CanineCV) and canine distemper virus (CDV). In the present study, we report an epidemiological survey for these viruses in free ranging carnivores from Italy. A total of 262 wild carnivores, including red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), wolves (Canis lupus) and Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) were sampled. Viral nucleic acid was extracted and screened by real-time PCR assays (qPCR) for the presence of CAdVs and CanineCV DNA, as well as for CDV RNA. CAdV-1 DNA was detected only in red foxes (4/232, 1.7%) whilst the wolves (0/8, 0%) and Eurasian badgers (0/22, 0%) tested negative. CanineCV DNA was detected in 4 (18%) Eurasian badgers, 4 (50%) wolves and 0 (0%) red foxes. None of the animals tested positive for CDV or CAdV-2. By sequence and phylogenetic analyses, CAdV-1 and CanineCV sequences from wild carnivores were closely related to reference sequences from domestic dogs and wild carnivores. Surprisingly, two sequences from wolf intestines were identified as cycloviruses with one sequence (145.20-5432) displaying 68.6% nucleotide identity to a cyclovirus detected in a domestic cat, while the other (145.201329) was more closely related (79.4% nucleotide identity) to a cyclovirus sequence from bats. A continuous surveillance in wild carnivores should be carried out in order to monitor the circulation in wildlife of viruses pathogenic for domestic carnivores and endangered wild species.
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Marek's disease is an infectious disease in poultry that usually appears in neural and visceral tumors. This disease is caused by Gallid alphaherpesvirus 2 infection in lymphocytes, and its meq gene is commonly used in virulent studies for coding the key protein functional in oncogenic transformation of the lymphocytes. Although vaccines have been introduced in many countries to control its spread and are proven to be efficient, recent records show a decline of such efficiency due to viral evolution. In this study, we reviewed the outbreak of Marek's disease in Asia for the last 10 years, together with associated meq sequences, finding a total of 36 studies recording outbreaks with 132 viral strains in 12 countries. The visceral type is the most common (13 in 16 studies) form of Marek's disease, but additional unobserved neural changes may exist. MD induces liver lymphoma most frequently (11 in 14 studies), and tumors were also found in spleen, kidney, heart, gizzard, skin, intestine, lung, and sciatic nerve. Twelve viral strains distributed in China have been reported to escape the CVI988 vaccine, reaching a mortality rate of more than 30%. Phylogenetic analyses show the internal connection between the Middle East (Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia), South Asia (India, Indonesia), and East Asia (China and Japan), while external viral communications might occasionally occur. In 18 strains with both sequential and mortality data, amino acid alignment showed several point substitutions that may be related to its virulence. We suggest more behavioral monitoring in Marek's disease-endemic regions and further studies on strain virulence, together with its Meq protein structural changes.
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The possibility that Dermanyssus gallinae, the poultry red mite, could act as a vector of infectious disease-causing pathogens has always intrigued researchers and worried commercial chicken farmers, as has its ubiquitous distribution. For decades, studies have been carried out which suggest that there is an association between a wide range of pathogens and D. gallinae, with the transmission of some of these pathogens mediated by D. gallinae as vector. The latter include the avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), Salmonella enterica serovars Enteritidis and Gallinarum and influenza virus. Several approaches have been adopted to investigate the relationship between D. gallinae and pathogens. In this comprehensive review, we critically describe available strategies and methods currently available for conducting trials, as well as outcomes, analyzing their possible strengths and weaknesses, with the aim to provide researchers with useful tools for correctly approach the study of the vectorial role of D. gallinae.
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Vetores de Doenças , Infestações por Ácaros/transmissão , Infestações por Ácaros/veterinária , Doenças das Aves Domésticas/parasitologia , Doenças das Aves Domésticas/transmissão , Animais , Galinhas/parasitologia , Ácaros/microbiologia , Ácaros/virologia , Aves Domésticas/parasitologiaRESUMO
Trypanosomes are haemoflagellate protozoa transmitted by blood-feeding arthropods causing infections in a wide range of mammals, including humans. Adult badgers (Meles meles, n = 2), displaying severe paralysis, ataxia and severe ectoparasite infestation, were rescued from a peri-urban area of Bari (southern Italy). Blood samples and ectoparasites were screened for Trypanosoma spp. by the combined PCR/sequencing approach, targeting a fragment of 18S rRNA gene. Smears of haemolymph, guts and salivary glands of the alive ticks were microscopically observed. No haematological alterations, except thrombocytopenia, were found. Trypomastigotes and epimastigotes were observed in the blood smears of both badgers and Trypanosoma pestanai was molecularly identified. Out of 33 ticks (i.e. n = 31 Ixodes canisuga, n = 2 Ixodes ricinus) and two fleas (Ctenocephalides felis), 11 specimens (n = 5 I. canisuga engorged nymphs, n = 4 engorged females and n = 2 I. ricinus engorged females) tested positive only for T. pestanai DNA. All smears from ticks were negative. The present study firstly revealed T. pestanai in Ixodidae and badgers from Italy, demonstrating the occurrence of the protozoan on the peninsula. Further studies are needed to clarify the occurrence of the only known vector of this parasite, Paraceras melis flea, as well as other putative arthropods involved in the transmission of T. pestanai.
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Ixodes , Ixodidae , Mustelidae , Sifonápteros , Trypanosoma , Animais , Feminino , Humanos , Mustelidae/parasitologia , Trypanosoma/genéticaRESUMO
Monitoring of infections that may be transmitted to humans by animals in wildlife rescue centres is very important in order to protect the staff engaged in rehabilitation practices. Salmonella may be a natural inhabitant of the intestinal tract of turtles, rarely causing disease. This may represent a potential risk for humans, increasing the sanitary risk for operators in wildlife rescue centres. In this paper, the occurrence of non-typhoidal Salmonella among terrestrial turtles housed in a wildlife rescue centre in Southern Italy was investigated, in order to assess the serovars more frequently carried by turtles and identify those that may represent a risk for operators involved in wildlife management. Sixty-nine adult turtles (Testudo hermanni hermanni, T. h. boettgeri, T. graeca, and T. marginata) were tested. Detection and serotyping of Salmonella strains were performed according to ISO 6579-1 and ISO/TR 6579-3:2013, respectively. The distribution of Salmonella spp. was significantly higher in T. hermanni hermanni than in other species, independent of the age and gender of the animals. Two different Salmonella species, S. enterica and S. bongori, three S. enterica subspecies (enterica, diarizonae, salamae), and five different serovars (Hermannswerder, Abony, Ferruch, Richmond, Vancouver) within the group S. enterica subspecies enterica were identified. Different combinations of Salmonella types were simultaneously found in specimens of T. h. hermanni. Most of detected Salmonella types may represent a potential risk for public health. Adopting correct animal husbandry procedures and informing on potential sanitary risks may be useful for minimising the risk of transmission of Salmonella to workers involved in wildlife management.