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Turkiye Parazitolojii Dergisi Sep 2023Cats have an important and different place due to their close relationships with humans. Since most of the parasites they carry are zoonotic, it is important to detect... (Review)
Review
Cats have an important and different place due to their close relationships with humans. Since most of the parasites they carry are zoonotic, it is important to detect them. According to the research, spp., spp., spp., and sp. were found to be higher in cats compared to other parasites. It has been determined that scabies and flea infestations are common as ectoparasites. This review aims to present the reported parasites and their prevalence rates in cats in Türkiye.
Topics: Humans; Cats; Animals; Parasites; Flea Infestations; Scabies; Toxoplasma; Toxocara
PubMed: 37724370
DOI: 10.4274/tpd.galenos.2023.85698 -
Parasites & Vectors May 2022Dipilidiosis is a parasitic disease caused by the tapeworm Dipylidium caninum. Fleas and, less frequently, lice act as an intermediate host, and their ingestion is... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Dipilidiosis is a parasitic disease caused by the tapeworm Dipylidium caninum. Fleas and, less frequently, lice act as an intermediate host, and their ingestion is required for infection to occur. While the disease mainly affects domestic and wild carnivores, it is also considered a zoonotic disease, with most human cases reported in children. Dipylidium caninum is considered to be the most common tapeworm infesting companion animals, but dipilidosis in humans is rare. The aims of this review were to improve current understanding of the epidemiology of this parasitosis and its management by the medical and veterinary community.
METHODS
A comprehensive review of the published literature during the last 21 years (2000-2021) on the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prevention measures of D. caninum infection and dipilidiosis in companion animals and humans was conducted.
RESULTS
Using predefined eligibility criteria for a search of the published literature, we retrieved and screened 280 publications. Of these, 161 (141 epidemiological studies, 20 case reports [16 human cases]) were considered for inclusion in this review. This parasitosis is present worldwide; however, despite being the most frequent cestode infection in animals, it is often underdiagnosed using common coprological techniques. Its diagnosis in humans has also proved challenging, being frequently confused with pinworm infection, leading to inappropriate treatment and to the persistence of the disease over time. Prevention measures include control of ectoparasites in animals and the environment, as well as regular deworming of animals, most commonly with praziquantel.
CONCLUSIONS
The diagnosis of dipilidiosis remains challenging in both animals and humans, primarily due to the low sensitivity of the diagnostic methods currently available and a lack of knowledge of the morphological characteristics of the parasite. Although treatment with the appropriate anti-cestode compounds is well tolerated and results in resolution of the infection, indiscriminate use of these compounds may predispose to an increase in resistance. Given the worldwide distribution of this parasite, it is essential to act on several fronts, with a focus on health education for children and animal owners and the control of intermediate hosts, both in animals and in the surrounding environment.
Topics: Animals; Cestoda; Cestode Infections; Flea Infestations; Humans; Pets; Siphonaptera
PubMed: 35534908
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05243-5 -
Genomics May 2021Here, we present a draft genome of the tapeworm Dipylidium caninum (family Dipylidiidae) and compare it with other cestode genomes. This draft genome of D. caninum is...
Here, we present a draft genome of the tapeworm Dipylidium caninum (family Dipylidiidae) and compare it with other cestode genomes. This draft genome of D. caninum is 110 Mb in size, has a repeat content of ~13.4% and is predicted to encode ~10,000 protein-coding genes. We inferred excretory/secretory molecules (representing the secretome), other key groups of proteins (including peptidases, kinases, phosphatases, GTPases, receptors, transporters and ion-channels) and predicted potential intervention targets for future evaluation. Using 144 shared single-copy orthologous sequences, we investigated the genetic relationships of cestodes for which nuclear genomes are available. This study provides first insights into the molecular biology of D. caninum and a new resource for comparative genomic and genetic explorations of this and other flatworms.
Topics: Animals; Cestoda; Cestode Infections; Genomics; Platyhelminths
PubMed: 33677058
DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2021.02.019 -
Diseases (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2020Dogs are reservoirs of many zoonotic diseases. In Ethiopia, the majority of owned dogs are semi-stray, freely roaming in the community. Studies reporting dog borne...
Dogs are reservoirs of many zoonotic diseases. In Ethiopia, the majority of owned dogs are semi-stray, freely roaming in the community. Studies reporting dog borne zoonotic diseases are scarce in Ethiopia. This study was conducted to assess infection in dogs and in children with gastrointestinal complaints in Bishoftu Town, Oromia. We collected 384 fecal samples from dogs presented to veterinary teaching hospital and 259 stool samples from children presented to Bishoftu Hospital for clinical examination. Samples were first macroscopically examined for the presence of proglotids, followed by microscopic examination for the presence of eggs with the direct smear following flotation technique. The prevalence of was 21% (95% CI: 16.6-24.9) in dogs. Although not statistically significant ( > 0.05), higher prevalence was detected in adult (11.9%), local breed (17.7%), and male (12.6%) dogs compared to young (8.59%), exotic breed (2.86%), and females (7.81%), respectively. was detected in a stool sample obtained from a three year-old child (0.4%, 1/259). This study showed that the prevalence of in the dogs is high while it is rare in children. Although the prevalence in children is negligible in this study, the high proportion of infected dogs can pose a significant risk of infection in the general human population. Public health risk can be reduced by eliminating the semi-roaming of owned dogs and proper management of dogs with regular deworming and prevention of environmental contamination with dog feces. Similarly, raising public awareness about dog borne zoonoses and avoiding contact with dog feces are important.
PubMed: 33374931
DOI: 10.3390/diseases9010001 -
Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic... Nov 2023infections in dogs and cats are underestimated because of a lack of proglottid observations and poor recovery of parasite elements by centrifugal flotation. We...
infections in dogs and cats are underestimated because of a lack of proglottid observations and poor recovery of parasite elements by centrifugal flotation. We developed an immunoassay that employs a pair of monoclonal antibodies to capture specific coproantigen in fecal extracts from dogs and cats. Real-time PCR for DNA in perianal swabs and observation of proglottids were used as reference methods. In 6 experimentally infected dogs, parasite DNA, coproantigen, and proglottid segments were first detected at 22, 23, and 26 d post-infection, respectively. Praziquantel treatment of 3 experimentally infected dogs resulted in the elimination of both coproantigen and proglottid shedding within 1-5 d post-treatment; however, parasite DNA persisted for 14 d. Immunohistochemistry on immature and mature tapeworm segments using an antibody against the coproantigen supports the premise that the antigen is produced in mature segments. We assessed the performance of our coproantigen test in natural infections in 78 dogs from a flea-endemic area. Of the 12 antigen-positive samples, 11 were confirmed with a positive PCR test and/or proglottid observation. Finally, we evaluated a convenience sample set of 730 canine and 163 feline fecal samples obtained from a commercial diagnostic laboratory; antigen was detected in 4.1% of the canine and 12.9% of the feline samples, whereas parasite elements were observed in only 0.028% of samples. Our coproantigen immunoassay provides a sensitive method for the detection of infection in dogs and cats.
Topics: Animals; Cats; Dogs; Cat Diseases; Dog Diseases; Cestoda; Cestode Infections; Immunoassay; Feces; DNA
PubMed: 37491878
DOI: 10.1177/10406387231189193 -
PloS One 2022Free-roaming domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) pose major conservation and public health risks worldwide. To better understand the threat of domestic dogs to...
Free-roaming domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) pose major conservation and public health risks worldwide. To better understand the threat of domestic dogs to wildlife and people and add to the growing literature on free-roaming dog ecology, a study was conducted to estimate the dog population in Tulúm, México. A modified mark-recapture technique and program MARK were used to obtain dog population estimates along six different transects dividing the city. Population estimates ranged from 19.75 dogs in one transect to 101.841 dogs in another, with 150 total dogs identified throughout the study and an estimated minimum population density of 48.57 dogs/km2. Fecal samples were also opportunistically collected for parasite identification through fecal flotation analysis using the McMaster technique. Out of 25 samples collected, 19 tested positive for gastrointestinal parasites with the most common species found being Ancylostoma caninum, followed by Toxocara canis, Dipylidium caninum, and Cystoisospora spp. Parasite loads ranged from 50 to 10,700 ova per gram of feces. The large population of free-roaming dogs and the prevalence of three zoonotic parasites highlight the importance of understanding free-roaming dog ecology and educating the public on the health risks free-roaming dogs pose. Los perros callejeros (Canis lupus familiaris) representan un gran riesgo para la conservación de animales y la salud pública mundialmente. Para comprender mejor la amenaza que significan los perros domésticos para la fauna silvestre y los humanos y aportar a la creciente bibliografía sobre la ecología de los perros callejeros, se realizó una investigación para estimar la población de los perros en Tulúm, México. Se utilizó una técnica modificada de marcado y recaptura junto con el programa MARK para estimar la población canina en seis transectos de la ciudad. Los estimados varían desde 19.75 perros en un transecto hasta 101,841 en otro, con un total de 150 perros identificados en el transcurso de la investigación y una densidad mínima estimada de 48,57 perros/km2. Además, se hizo una recolección oportunista de muestras de heces para la identificación de parásitos por medio del análisis de flotacíon fecal, con el método McMaster. De las 25 muestras recolectadas, 19 resultaron positivas para parásitos gastrointestinales, de las cuales las especies más comunes fueron Ancylostomoa caninum, seguida por Toxocara canis, Dipylidium caninum, y Cystoisospora spp. Las cargas parasitarias variaron desde 50 hasta 10.700 óvulos por gramo de heces. La alta población de perros callejeros y la prevalencia de tres enfermedades zoonóticas resaltan la importancia de entender la ecología de los perros callejeros y educar al público sobre los riesgos que significan los perros callejeros para la salud.
Topics: Dogs; Animals; Parasites; Mexico; Wolves; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 36301991
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276880 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Feb 2023(Linnaeus, 1758) is a common zoonotic cestode of dogs and cats worldwide. Previous studies have demonstrated the existence of largely host associated canine and feline...
(Linnaeus, 1758) is a common zoonotic cestode of dogs and cats worldwide. Previous studies have demonstrated the existence of largely host associated canine and feline genotypes based on infection studies, genetic differences at the nuclear 28S rDNA gene and complete mitochondrial genomes. There have been no comparative studies at a genome-wide scale. Here, we sequenced the genomes of a dog and cat isolate of from the United States using the Illumina platform and conducted comparative analyses with the reference draft genome. Complete mitochondrial genomes were used to confirm the genotypes of the isolates. canine and feline genomes generated in this study had mean coverage depths of 45x and 26x and an average identity of 98% and 89% respectively when compared to the reference genome. SNPs were 20 times higher in the feline isolate. Comparison and species delimitation using universally conserved orthologs and protein coding mitochondrial genes revealed that the canine and feline isolates are different species. Data from this study builds a base for future integrative taxonomy. Further genomic studies from geographically diverse populations are necessary to understand implications for taxonomy, epidemiology, veterinary clinical medicine, and anthelmintic resistance.
PubMed: 36865108
DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.23.529708 -
Parasites & Vectors Dec 2022Dipylidium caninum is the causal agent of dipylidiasis affecting mainly cats and dogs worldwide. Human cases of dipylidiasis are rare, and the diagnosis is prevalently...
BACKGROUND
Dipylidium caninum is the causal agent of dipylidiasis affecting mainly cats and dogs worldwide. Human cases of dipylidiasis are rare, and the diagnosis is prevalently based on morphological features of the parasite. Here we report the diagnosis of dipylidiasis through morphological and molecular characterization of D. caninum infecting an 11-month-old boy in Cajicá, Colombia.
METHODS
Fresh faecal samples were obtained from the infant, and morphological identification of the parasite was performed through faecal smears. DNA was extracted from proglottids and used in PCR analyses for amplification of a 653-bp fragment of the nuclear ribosomal RNA (rRNA) encoding the 28S rRNA gene. A phylogeny study to better characterize the obtained DNA sequence was inferred using the maximum likelihood method and the Tamura-Nei model.
RESULTS
After morphological and molecular analyses, D. caninum was identified as the etiological agent causing the infection in the infant. Results of phylogenetical analyses showed that the obtained sequence clusters within the feline genotype clade. After the diagnosis of the parasite, effective treatment with praziquantel was administered to the infant.
CONCLUSIONS
This is the third human case of dipylidiasis reported in Colombia, and the first study in South America to provide a molecular identification of D. caninum.
Topics: Male; Cats; Animals; Infant; Humans; Dogs; Parasites; Colombia; Cestoda; Cestode Infections; Praziquantel
PubMed: 36514137
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05573-4 -
Parasite (Paris, France) 2021NexGard Combo, a novel topical antiparasitic product for cats, combines the insecticide/acaricide esafoxolaner with the nematocide eprinomectin and cestodicide...
NexGard Combo, a novel topical antiparasitic product for cats, combines the insecticide/acaricide esafoxolaner with the nematocide eprinomectin and cestodicide praziquantel. The efficacy of this combination product was evaluated against two common endoparasites of global occurrence in cats, the nematode Toxocara cati and the cestode Dipylidium caninum, in five controlled studies using naturally or experimentally infected cats with parasites of North American, South African or European origin. Cats evaluated in these studies harbored patent infection of the target parasite confirmed through a pre-treatment fecal examination. In each study, cats were allocated randomly to two groups of equal size (8 or 10 cats per group per study), one group treated with a placebo (mineral oil) and the other with NexGard Combo. Both treatments were administered once as a spot-on at 0.12 mL per kg body weight to deliver the minimum label dosage (1.44 mg/kg esafoxolaner, 0.48 mg/kg eprinomectin, and 10.0 mg/kg praziquantel) to the NexGard Combo-treated cats. To determine efficacy, geometric mean parasite counts seven to 12 days after treatment of placebo-treated (control) cats and NexGard Combo-treated cats were compared. The efficacy of NexGard Combo was 98.8% and 100% against adult T. cati in two studies; and 98.0%, 98.3% and 93.2% against D. caninum in three studies. No adverse events related to treatment were observed throughout the studies. These studies demonstrate high efficacy against these major feline endoparasites and excellent acceptability of the novel topical antiparasitic combination of esafoxolaner, eprinomectin and praziquantel.
Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Cestoda; Ivermectin; Methoprene; Praziquantel; Pyrazoles; Toxocara
PubMed: 33812460
DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2021024 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) May 2023(Linnaeus, 1758) is a common zoonotic cestode of dogs and cats worldwide. Previous studies have demonstrated the existence of largely host-associated canine and feline...
(Linnaeus, 1758) is a common zoonotic cestode of dogs and cats worldwide. Previous studies have demonstrated the existence of largely host-associated canine and feline genotypes based on infection studies, differences at the 28S rDNA gene, and complete mitochondrial genomes. There have been no comparative genome-wide studies. Here, we sequenced the genomes of a dog and cat isolate of from the United States using the Illumina platform at mean coverage depths of 45× and 26× and conducted comparative analyses with the reference draft genome. Complete mitochondrial genomes were used to confirm the genotypes of the isolates. Genomes of canine and feline genotypes generated in this study, had an average identity of 98% and 89%, respectively, when compared to the reference genome. SNPs were 20 times higher in the feline isolate. Comparison and species delimitation using universally conserved orthologs and protein-coding mitochondrial genes revealed that the canine and feline isolates are different species. Data from this study build a base for future integrative taxonomy. Further genomic studies from geographically diverse populations are necessary to understand implications for taxonomy, epidemiology, veterinary clinical medicine, and anthelmintic resistance.
PubMed: 37242345
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050675