Apparent tick paralysis by Otobius megnini in a cat.

In this study, we report a rare case of tick paralysis in a cat induced by Otobius megnini infestation. An 11-month-old female cat was admitted to a private veterinary clinic in Luling Texas, USA presenting with depression, tachycardia, and flaccid paralysis of the entire body. The four recovered ticks were morphologically and molecularly identified as O. megnini nymphs. Following initial tick removal and treatment with 0.1% milbemycin oxime in the ear canal on the first day of hospitalization, and additional tick removal and topical selamectin treatment on the second day of hospitalization the animal gradually improved. The recovery of the cat after tick removal supports the diagnosis of tick toxicosis. While tick antiserum is not available in North America, prevention of tick infestation and tick-induced paralysis can be effectively accomplished using repellent collars and the compliant use of other ectoparasiticide products year-round.

Aural hematoma in lambs associated with Otobius megnini (Ixodida: Argasidae) infestation.

In this report we described a case of aural hematomas in three lambs associated with Otobius megnini (Ixodida: Argasidae) infestation. From April to May 2021, five 3-month-old Hampshire cross lambs presented with unilateral aural hematomas. Upon otoscopic examination, engorged soft ticks (O. megnini) were observed in the external ear canals of three of the five lambs. The remaining two lambs had lesions consistent with infestation and were in a shared environment and deemed likely to have been infected. The treatment of all animals was based on the drainage of the serosanguinous fluid through an incision in the internal space of the ear pinna. Upon physical inspection of the entire flock (n = 310), O. megnini infestation was observed in one additional animal that did not have a hematoma. Following animal and environmental ectoparasiticide treatment with permethrin, no recurrences or additional cases of aural hematomas were observed in the flock in the following two-year period. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first description of aural hematomas in lambs associated with O. megnini infestation with successful recovery after surgery and off-label acaricide treatment.

Apparent fatal winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus) infestation in captive reindeer (Rangifertarandus).

The winter tick, Dermacentor albipictus (Ixodidae), commonly infests a wide variety of wild and domestic ungulates throughout North America. This one-host-tick infests animals from October to April, with moose (Alces alces) particularly affected. Animals highly infested may present with anemia, tick-induced alopecia, and alterations in thermoregulation, often resulting in death. Mortality from winter tick infestation has been reported in free-ranging woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) and captive reindeer in Alberta, Canada. This historic report raises concern about mortality due to D. albipictus in a wider host range, specifically on translocated caribou. The aim of this report was to describe three cases of winter tick infestation in captive reindeer resulting in severe anemia and mortality likely due to the infestation in New Hampshire, northeastern United States (US). Additionally, ticks were screened molecularly for the detection of tick-borne pathogens. At time of necropsy, all three reindeer showed decreased nutritional status, marked submandibular edema, and had heavy D. albipictus infestation. None of the reindeer exhibited alopecia, which is a common clinical manifestation in moose that die from winter tick infestation. No pathogens were detected via qPCR screening. This report highlights the risk that captive cervids face in areas where winter tick is endemic; therefore, the adoption of preventive control measures should be encouraged to reduce the risk of tick infestation and potential death of these animals.

Chronic polyarthritis associated to Cercopithifilaria bainae infection in a dog.

Despite the widespread distribution of Cercopithifilaria bainae among canine and tick populations worldwide, this filarioid is currently considered of 'minor importance' in veterinary medicine, particularly when compared to related filarioids, such as Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens. To date, only a single case of dermatological alterations possibly associated to infection by C. bainae had been reported in a dog. In the present study, we describe the first case of systemic alterations associated to C. bainae infection in a dog suffering from diffused chronic polyarthritis. The animal had a previous history of reluctance to move and stiff gait and displayed multiple joint pain during manipulation of limbs. No biochemical, haematological and X-ray alterations were detected; microfilariae were observed in the synovial fluids collected from the joints. In spite of the morphological and molecular identification of these microfilariae as C. bainae, the dog did not respond to multiple microfilaricidal treatments with milbemicyn oxyme. The potential role of C. bainae in the pathogenesis of this clinical condition is discussed. Given the potential pathogenicity of this parasite, improved knowledge of this little known tick-borne nematode is warranted in order to assist the development of novel and effective treatment strategies.

Development and assessment of a latex agglutination test based on recombinant MSP5 to detect antibodies against Anaplasma marginale in cattle.

The recombinant protein MSP5 has been established as an important antigen for serological diagnosis of Anaplasma marginale by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). However, due to the high cost of specialized equipment, this technique is not accessible to all laboratories, especially in developing countries in areas where the disease is endemic. The present study describes the standardization of a latex agglutination test (LAT) to detect antibodies against A. marginale based on recombinant MSP5. Compared with indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA), the relative sensitivity and specificity of the LAT were 95.21% and 91.86% respectively, with an almost perfect agreement between tests (kappa index = 0.863). These results can be considered important for the serological diagnosis of A. marginale, as they indicate that the test represents a rapid and low cost alternative to ELISA.

Spirocerca lupi infection in a dog from southern Italy: an "old fashioned" disease?

Canine spirocercosis caused by Spirocerca lupi is a life-threatening helminthic disease featured by severe clinical signs and potential development of oesophageal neoplasia. This infection is considered fairly frequent in Europe but almost unknown in Italy, from where only few reports have been published in local journals at the beginning of the XXI century. In the present study, an autochthonous case of canine spirocercosis in a 2-year-old dog from southern Italy is described. The animal was admitted to a private veterinary clinic in the municipality of Potenza (Basilicata region) due to persistent dyspnoea, vomiting, and regurgitation. At the abdominal ultrasound, a mass (1.3 × 2 cm) was observed and, thereafter, surgically removed from the apical part of the stomach. A female specimen of S. lupi was morphologically identified during the histological examination of the nodule and its eggs were detected in the faeces. In addition, the morphological identification was confirmed by molecular amplification and sequencing of partial cox2 gene sequence of S. lupi. Veterinarians should be aware of the potential risks derived from infection with this spirurid, which requires specific diagnostic and preventive measures.

Development and assessment of a latex agglutination test based on recombinant MSP5 to detect antibodies against Anaplasma marginale in cattle

The recombinant protein MSP5 has been established as an important antigen for serological diagnosis of Anaplasma marginale by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). However, due to the high cost of specialized equipment, this technique is not accessible to all laboratories, especially in developing countries in areas where the disease is endemic. The present study describes the standardization of a latex agglutination test (LAT) to detect antibodies against A. marginale based on recombinant MSP5. Compared with indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA), the relative sensitivity and specificity of the LAT were 95.21% and 91.86% respectively, with an almost perfect agreement between tests (kappa index = 0.863). These results can be considered important for the serological diagnosis of A. marginale, as they indicate that the test represents a rapid and low cost alternative to ELISA.

[Comparison of nested-PCR with blood smear examination in detection of Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys in dogs]. / Comparação de nested-PCR com o diagnóstico direto na detecçáo de Ehrlichia canis e Anaplasma platys em cães.

The clinical signs of Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys infection are similar, and the diagnosis of these pathogens made by stained blood smears is poor due sensibility and specificity. On the other hand, the molecular diagnosis is highly sensitive and specific and nested-PCR have been optimized for accurate diagnosis these pathogens in dogs. At the veterinary teaching hospital, whole-blood samples with EDTA were obtained from 100 dogs and smears were made from blood samples for evaluation for intracellular parasites. For each sample, DNA was extracted and submitted to nPCR analysis for detection of E. canis and A. platys. The results of stained blood smears showed 9% of the animals were positive for E. canis and 21% for A. platys. Regarding of nPCR analysis, 57 and 55% of dogs were positive for E. canis and A. platys respectively. As compared to a nested PCR, the stained blood smears revealed false-negative results for both E. canis and A. platys. The results indicate that the nPCR is highly sensitive and specific for detection of both pathogens and the molecular diagnosis could be more useful at veterinary hospital.

Comparação de nested-PCR com o diagnóstico direto na detecção de Ehrlichia canis e Anaplasma platys em cães / Comparison of nested-PCR with blood smear examination in detection of Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys in dogs

Os sinais clínicos das infecções por Ehrlichia canis e Anaplasma platys são similares, e o diagnóstico desses patógenos feito por esfregaços sanguíneos corados é difícil devido à sensibilidade e especificidade. Por outro lado, os diagnósticos moleculares são altamente sensíveis e específicos, e nested-PCRs têm sido otimizadas para o diagnóstico preciso desses patógenos em cães. Em um Hospital Veterinário Escola, amostras de sangue total com EDTA foram obtidas de 100 cães, e esfregaços foram feitos das amostras de sangue para busca dos parasitos intracelulares. Para cada amostra, DNA foi extraído e submetido à nPCR para detecção de E. canis e A. platys. Os resultados dos esfregaços sanguíneos mostraram que 9% dos animais foram positivos para E. canis e 21% para A. platys. Com relação à nPCR, 57 e 55% dos cães foram positivos para E. canis e A. platys, respectivamente. Quando comparados com a nPCR, os esfregaços sanguíneos corados revelaram resultados falso-negativos para E. canis e A. platys. Os resultados indicam que a nPCR é altamente sensível e específica para detecção de ambos os patógenos, e os diagnósticos moleculares podem ser mais úteis nos Hospitais Veterinários.

The clinical signs of Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys infection are similar, and the diagnosis of these pathogens made by stained blood smears is poor due sensibility and specificity. On the other hand, the molecular diagnosis is highly sensitive and specific and nested-PCR have been optimized for accurate diagnosis these pathogens in dogs. At the veterinary teaching hospital, whole-blood samples with EDTA were obtained from 100 dogs and smears were made from blood samples for evaluation for intracellular parasites. For each sample, DNA was extracted and submitted to nPCR analysis for detection of E. canis and A. platys. The results of stained blood smears showed 9% of the animals were positive for E. canis and 21% for A. platys. Regarding of nPCR analysis, 57 and 55% of dogs were positive for E. canis and A. platys respectively. As compared to a nested PCR, the stained blood smears revealed false-negative results for both E. canis and A. platys. The results indicate that the nPCR is highly sensitive and specific for detection of both pathogens and the molecular diagnosis could be more useful at veterinary hospital.

Eficácia do extrato concentrado contendo Saccharum officinarum L: Poaceae, Azadirachta indica A. Juss. Meliaceae, e Eucaliptus spp Myrtaceae, sobre Pediculus capitis De Geer, (Anoplura: Pediculidae) / Effectiveness of concentrate extract containing Saccharum Officinarum L: Poaceae, Azadirachta Indica A. Juss. Meliaceae, And Eucaliptus Spp Myrtaceae Against Pediculus Capitis De Geer, (Anoplura: Pediculidae)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficácia do extrato concentrado contendo Saccharum officinarum L. Poaceae, Azadirachta indica A. Juss. Meliaceae, e Eucaliptus spp Myrtaceae sobre Pediculus capitis De Geer Pediculidae. Foram coletados mil e trinta e cinco piolhos da cabeça de crianças infestadas por Pediculus capitis de creches da Região Metropolitana do Recife, Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Para realização do teste utilizou-se três grupos com trezentos e quarenta e cinco piolhos cada referentes aos produtos, extrato concentrado (EC), inseticida piretróide (PI) e controle (C). Os piolhos foram imersos em solução dos produtos por três minutos e em seguida secos. A mortalidade foi monitorada em diferentes momentos, por um período de vinte e quatro horas. O extrato concentrado matou todos os piolhos antes de doze horas e uma média de 60,28 por cento (208/345) de mortalidade do EC ocorreu entre três e seis horas, a maior parte da mortalidade do PI foi observada 24 h após o tratamento. Os resultados mostraram que o extrato contendo Saccharum officinarum, Azadirachta indica, e Eucaliptus spp constitui-se como uma potente ferramenta no controle do Pediculus capitis.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of concentrate extract containing Saccharum officinarum L. Poaceae, Azadirachta indica A. Juss. Meliaceae, and Eucaliptus spp Myrtaceae against Pediculus capitis De Geer Pediculidae. A thousand and thirty five head lice were collected from children with Pediculus capitis infestation from some day care centers at Metropolitan Region of Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil. The tests were performed in three groups with three hundred forty five lice each one according to product, concentrate extract (CE), pyrethroid insecticide (PI) and control (C). The immersing head lice in the diluted products for three minutes, washing off products and dry the insects were used. The mortality of lice was monitored at different points in time, for a period of twenty four hours. Concentrate extract killed all head lice after twelve hours and an average of 60.28 percent (208/345) of lice mortality of the CE occurred between three and six hours, while the mortality of PI was observed 24 h after treatment. The results showed the extract containing Saccharum officinarum, Azadirachta indica, and Eucaliptus spp could be a potent tool in the control of Pediculus capitis.

Comparação de nested-PCR com o diagnóstico direto na detecção de Ehrlichia canis e Anaplasma platys em cães / Comparison of nested-PCR with blood smear examination in detection of Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys in dogs

Os sinais clínicos das infecções por Ehrlichia canis e Anaplasma platys são similares, e o diagnóstico desses patógenos feito por esfregaços sanguíneos corados é difícil devido à sensibilidade e especificidade. Por outro lado, os diagnósticos moleculares são altamente sensíveis e específicos, e nested-PCRs têm sido otimizadas para o diagnóstico preciso desses patógenos em cães. Em um Hospital Veterinário Escola, amostras de sangue total com EDTA foram obtidas de 100 cães, e esfregaços foram feitos das amostras de sangue para busca dos parasitos intracelulares. Para cada amostra, DNA foi extraído e submetido à nPCR para detecção de E. canis e A. platys. Os resultados dos esfregaços sanguíneos mostraram que 9% dos animais foram positivos para E. canis e 21% para A. platys. Com relação à nPCR, 57 e 55% dos cães foram positivos para E. canis e A. platys, respectivamente. Quando comparados com a nPCR, os esfregaços sanguíneos corados revelaram resultados falso-negativos para E. canis e A. platys. Os resultados indicam que a nPCR é altamente sensível e específica para detecção de ambos os patógenos, e os diagnósticos moleculares podem ser mais úteis nos Hospitais Veterinários.

The clinical signs of Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys infection are similar, and the diagnosis of these pathogens made by stained blood smears is poor due sensibility and specificity. On the other hand, the molecular diagnosis is highly sensitive and specific and nested-PCR have been optimized for accurate diagnosis these pathogens in dogs. At the veterinary teaching hospital, whole-blood samples with EDTA were obtained from 100 dogs and smears were made from blood samples for evaluation for intracellular parasites. For each sample, DNA was extracted and submitted to nPCR analysis for detection of E. canis and A. platys. The results of stained blood smears showed 9% of the animals were positive for E. canis and 21% for A. platys. Regarding of nPCR analysis, 57 and 55% of dogs were positive for E. canis and A. platys respectively. As compared to a nested PCR, the stained blood smears revealed false-negative results for both E. canis and A. platys. The results indicate that the nPCR is highly sensitive and specific for detectionof both pathogens and the molecular diagnosis could be more useful at veterinary hospital.

[Detection of antibodies against Anaplasma sp. in small ruminants from the semi-arid region against Pernambuco State, Brazil]. / Detecção de anticorpos para Anaplasma sp. em pequenos ruminantes no semi-árido do Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil.

This paper reports the detection of antibodies against Anaplasma sp. in goats and sheep from the semi-arid region from Pernambuco State, Brazil, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with recombinant MSP5 of Anaplasma marginale. Sera from 243 goats and 68 sheep from Ibimirim municipality were analyzed and frequencies of antibodies of 11.93% (29/243) and 16.17% (11/68) were found for goats and sheep, respectively. The epidemiological relevance of the findings was discussed.

Detecção de anticorpos para Anaplasma sp. em pequenos ruminantes no semi-árido do estado de Pernambuco, Brasil / Detection of antibodies against Anaplasma sp. in small ruminants from the semi-arid region against Pernambuco State, Brazil

Neste trabalho é descrita a detecção de anticorpos para Anaplasma sp. em caprinos e ovinos da região do semi-árido do Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil, utilizando-se um ensaio de imunoadsorção enzimática baseado em MSP5 recombinante de Anaplasma marginale. Foram analisados soros de 243 caprinos e 68 ovinos provenientes do município de Ibimirim, e observadas freqüências de anticorpos de 11,93 por cento (29/243) e 16,17 por cento (11/68) para caprinos e ovinos, respectivamente. A importância epidemiológica dos achados foi discutida.

This paper reports the detection of antibodies against Anaplasma sp. in goats and sheep from the semi-arid region from Pernambuco State, Brazil, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with recombinant MSP5 of Anaplasma marginale. Sera from 243 goats and 68 sheep from Ibimirim municipality were analyzed and frequencies of antibodies of 11.93 percent (29/243) and 16.17 percent (11/68) were found for goats and sheep, respectively. The epidemiological relevance of the findings was discussed.