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Parasitology Research Apr 2016Despite the economic importance of camels, the parasites that affect them have not received adequate attention so far and molecular studies are scarce compared to other...
Despite the economic importance of camels, the parasites that affect them have not received adequate attention so far and molecular studies are scarce compared to other livestock. In this study, we characterized peripheral blood microfilariae in 200 healthy one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) from south-east Iran by microscopy and molecular tools to receive a more detailed insight into prevalence and species that affect them. Moreover, adult specimens of the filarial nematode Dipetalonema evansi were collected from the carcass of an infected animal. Microscopic examination was performed on Giemsa-stained blood smears, and blood was also spotted on Whatman FTA(®) cards for DNA analysis. Genomic DNA was extracted, and PCR was carried out for the detection of filaroid helminths, followed by sequence analysis of positive samples. Four samples were positive for microfilariae by microscopy, while 16 animals (8 %) were positive by PCR. Sequence analysis revealed D. evansi in all cases. Phylogenetic analysis of a cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) sequence of filaroid nematodes showed that most species in a single genus cluster in the same clade; however, D. evansi and D. gracile are not monophyletic and branch rather at the base of the tree. Further studies on the life cycle of D. evansi, specifically the identification of intermediate host(s), have become feasible with the provision of the first specific COI sequences in this study.
Topics: Animals; Camelus; Dipetalonema; Dipetalonema Infections; Geography; Iran; Microfilariae; Phylogeny; Prevalence; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sequence Analysis, DNA
PubMed: 26750131
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4896-y -
Parasites & Vectors Feb 2014Angiostrongylus vasorum is a potentially fatal canine nematode. Due to the high variability of clinical signs and the often chronic and subtle course of the infections,...
BACKGROUND
Angiostrongylus vasorum is a potentially fatal canine nematode. Due to the high variability of clinical signs and the often chronic and subtle course of the infections, the diagnosis is particularly challenging. A rapid in-clinic assay (Angio Detect Test, IDEXX Laboratories, Westbrook, Maine, USA) for the serological detection of circulating antigen and intended for routine in-clinic diagnosis has been evaluated.
METHODS
Sensitivity was calculated with sera from 39 naturally infected dogs confirmed by Baermann-Wetzel analysis, while sera of 38 experimentally infected dogs were used for follow-up analyses, of which 10 were treated with imidacloprid/moxidectin. Cross-reactivity was tested with a total of 123 samples from dogs with proven parasitic infections with Toxocara canis (n = 21), Ancylostoma caninum (n = 4), Crenosoma vulpis (n = 18), Oslerus osleri (n = 3), Eucoleus aerophilus, (n = 6), Dirofilaria immitis (n = 28), Dirofilaria repens (n = 20), Acantocheilonema reconditum (n = 10) or Dipetalonema dracunculoides (n = 10) or multiple infections (n = 3). All sera were tested with the Angio Detect Test and with an ELISA for detection of circulating antigen of A. vasorum.
RESULTS
The sensitivity of the Angio Detect Test was 84.6% (95% C.I. 69.5 - 94.1%), while specificity was 100% (95% C.I. 97.6 - 100%). The sensitivity of the ELISA (94.9%, 95% C.I. 82.7 - 99.3%) was comparable with previous evaluations. In experimentally infected dogs, earliest positive results with the Angio Detect Test were observed 9 weeks post inoculation and 5 weeks later all sera were Angio Detect Test positive. After anthelmintic treatment, seropositive dogs turned negative again within 3 to 7 weeks after treatment. The evaluation of the colour intensity of the test strips confirmed the delay of approximately 3-4 weeks for antigen detection by the Angio Detect™ Test compared to the ELISA and its correlation with the time after infection.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provided evidence of a good sensitivity and a very high specificity of the rapid device Angio Detect Test for detection of circulating A. vasorum antigen in dogs with suspected canine angiostrongylosis, representing a very simple and useful tool to be broadly applied in veterinary practices. The rapid detection of infected dogs is a key point for initiating an indispensable and urgent therapy.
Topics: Angiostrongylus; Animals; Antigens, Helminth; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; Sensitivity and Specificity; Strongylida Infections; Time Factors
PubMed: 24548539
DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-72 -
Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences... Jul 2013Totally 294 dromedary camels of different ages and both sexes slaughtered at slaughterhouses in Yazd, Isfahan and Kerman provinces were inspected for infection with...
Totally 294 dromedary camels of different ages and both sexes slaughtered at slaughterhouses in Yazd, Isfahan and Kerman provinces were inspected for infection with Dipetalonema evansi. Blood smears of all camels and carcasses of 125 of them (100 from Isfahan and 25 from Yazd) were studied for larva and adult forms of the parasite. Microfilariae were found in peripheral blood smears of 38 out of 294 (12.92%) tested camels, while 20 out of 125 camels (13.89%) harbored D. evansi adult worms in at least one region in their testicle, epididymis, spermatic cord, lung and heart. Two of infected males had adult forms of the parasite in all studied organs simultaneously. Pathological study of infected tissues revealed sections of parasite, severe acute and chronic inflammation, fibrosis and atrophy. D. evansi is endemic and constitutes an important health problem to camels in Iran's central desert, resulting in impaired working capacity and lowered productivity.
Topics: Animals; Camelus; Dipetalonema; Dipetalonema Infections; Female; Iran; Male; Prevalence
PubMed: 24505989
DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2013.647.650 -
Veterinary Parasitology Mar 2014We present here a real time PCR with high resolution melting (HRM) analysis for determining the prevalence and distribution of filarial species in domestic cats residing...
We present here a real time PCR with high resolution melting (HRM) analysis for determining the prevalence and distribution of filarial species in domestic cats residing in brugian filariosis endemic areas of Narathiwat province, Thailand. Filarial species can be clearly distinguished in a single well using a single pair of primers. Blood samples were taken from a total of 2039 domestic cats living in endemic areas. Microfilariae were detected in 5.7% of the sample, while the overall prevalence of filaria infection by HRM analysis was 6.6%. The filariae species found in the infected cats were Brugia malayi, Dirofilaria immitis, D. repens as well as Acanthocheilonema (Dipetalonema) reconditum. This is the first report of A. reconditum infection from Thailand. The study also observed an overlapping of the distribution areas of animal and human filariae. From a public health perspective, the distribution and prevalence of these nematodes warrant an appropriate drug-based prophylaxis to be administered to cats in the endemic areas to reduce the number of diseased carriers. Furthermore, this molecular approach is more sensitive than microfilariae detection, enables species identification and greatly facilitates the collection of epidemiological data. Thus, the present study may help to bridge human-animal interface by coordinating research outcomes with the control of zoonoses that is vitally important for human and veterinary public health.
Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; DNA, Helminth; Epidemiologic Methods; Filariasis; Filarioidea; Prevalence; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Thailand
PubMed: 24462253
DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.12.011 -
Iranian Journal of Parasitology Jan 2013The aim of the study was to determine the helminthic species occurring in great gerbil Rhombomys opimus collected from Maraveh Tappeh, Golestan Province, northeast Iran.
BACKGROUND
The aim of the study was to determine the helminthic species occurring in great gerbil Rhombomys opimus collected from Maraveh Tappeh, Golestan Province, northeast Iran.
METHODS
During 2010-2011, a total of 77 R. opimus were captured from rural areas of Maraveh Tappeh, Golestan Province, using Sherman live traps and examined for infectivity with any larva or adult stages of helminthic parasites.
RESULTS
Overall, 63 R. opimus (81.8%) were found infected with different helminthic species. The rate of infectivity with each species was as follows: Trichuris rhombomidis 31.2%, Trichuris muris 32.5%, Trichuris spp. 10.4%, Syphacia muris 2.6%, Dipetalonema viteae (Acanthocheilonema viteae) 37.7%, Skrjabinotaenia lobata 15.6%, Hymenolepis (=Rodentolepis) nana fraterna 5.2%, and Taenia endothoracicus larva 1.3%.
CONCLUSION
R. opimus is host for several species of cestodes and nematodes in the study area. The high rate of infectivity with D. viteae indicates the susceptibility of these gerbils to this filarial nematode. Synchronous infections occurred up to four species of helminthes in one host.
PubMed: 23682264
DOI: No ID Found -
Indian Journal of Ophthalmology 2012Parasitic infestations of the eye have been reported since centuries, affecting various parts of the eye. Some are subtle, coexisting with vision, while many others...
Parasitic infestations of the eye have been reported since centuries, affecting various parts of the eye. Some are subtle, coexisting with vision, while many others damage and destroy, in part or totally, the gift of sight. This report describes a patient with live subconjunctival dipetalonema infestation of the right eye, with 22 parasites removed live in one sitting from one eye.
Topics: Aged; Animals; Conjunctiva; Conjunctival Diseases; Diagnosis, Differential; Dipetalonema; Dipetalonema Infections; Eye Infections, Parasitic; Humans; Male
PubMed: 22569390
DOI: 10.4103/0301-4738.95881 -
Iranian Journal of Parasitology Mar 2011Dirofilaria immitis is an important parasite in dog and other carnivores. Our objective was study on incidence and periodicity of heartworm in north of Iran and using...
BACKGROUND
Dirofilaria immitis is an important parasite in dog and other carnivores. Our objective was study on incidence and periodicity of heartworm in north of Iran and using other methods for its diagnosis in addition to Parasitology exam.
METHODS
This survey spanned two years, between 2006 and 2008. Blood samples were collected from 431 stray dogs distributed along north of Iran, the coastal areas of the Caspian Sea. The Knott's modified test was used for diagnosis of D. immitis and other filariae. Meanwhile, the periodicity of microfilaria in peripheral blood circulation was calculated and the imaging diagnosis techniques of four dogs that had positive results were done.
RESULTS
Diagnostic parasitology results indicated that 16.01% of stray dogs were microfilaremic. Two different microfilariae were diagnosed: D. immitis in 13.69%, Dipetalonema reconditum in 1.86% and in 0.46% both of them. There was no statistically significant between infection to fiariae with sex and age of dogs. Also study on the periodicity of the presence of microfilaria in peripheral circulation showed that the highest rate of those was at 1 am and the lowest rate at 12 pm. Radiographic study showed distinctive signs with varied degrees of severity included: Tortuous and enlargement of main and lobar pulmonary artery, pulmonary parenchymal lesions and Right side heart enlargement that confirmed in electrocardiography. Also in echocardiographic images observed short parallel-sided images with the appearance of equal signs that indicated the presence of the heartworm.
CONCLUSION
These results showed that to obtain a reliable diagnosis of heartworm infection, imaging tests could support parasitological exams.
PubMed: 22347277
DOI: No ID Found -
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology May 2012Macrocyclic lactones (MLs) have many anti-parasitic applications in small companion animal medicine. They were first developed as chemoprophylactics against heartworm... (Review)
Review
Macrocyclic lactones (MLs) have many anti-parasitic applications in small companion animal medicine. They were first developed as chemoprophylactics against heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection to be applied monthly for retroactive killing of third- and fourth-stage larvae. ML-containing products formulated for oral (ivermectin, milbemycin oxime), topical (selamectin, moxidectin) or injectable sustained release (moxidectin, ivermectin) are approved for heartworm prevention in dogs or cats. Clearance of microfilariae and gradual or "soft" killing of adult heartworms constitute increasingly prevalent extra-label uses of MLs against D. immitis. Some commercial ML formulations contain sufficient levels of active ingredient (milbemycin oxime, selamectin, moxidectin) to support additional label claims against gastrointestinal nematode parasites such as hookworms (Ancylostoma spp.) and ascarid round worms (Toxocara spp. and Toxascaris leonina). Beyond these approved applications, safe, extra-label uses of MLs against nematodes parasitizing the urinary tract, such as Capillaria spp., and parasites of the tissues, such as Dipetalonema reconditum, Dirofilaria repens, Thelazia spp. and Spirocerca lupi, in dogs and cats as well as exotic pets have been reported. MLs as a group have intrinsic insecticidal and acaricidal activity, and topical or otic formulations of certain compounds (selamectin, moxidectin, milbemycin oxime or ivermectin) are approved for treatment and control of fleas, certain ixodid ticks, sarcoptiform and demodectic mange mites and psoroptiform ear mites. Extra-label applications of MLs against ectoparasites include notoedric mange mites, dermanyssids such as Ornythonussus bacoti, numerous species of fur mite (e.g. Cheyletiella spp. and Lynxacarus) and trombiculids ("chiggers") in cats, dogs and nontraditional or exotic pets.
Topics: Animals; Antiparasitic Agents; Cat Diseases; Cats; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Macrolides; Off-Label Use; Parasitic Diseases, Animal; Pets
PubMed: 22039798
DOI: 10.2174/138920112800399167 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Oct 2011The filarial parasites Loa loa and Mansonnella perstans are endemic in the central and western African forest block. Loa loa is pathogenic and represents a major...
BACKGROUND
The filarial parasites Loa loa and Mansonnella perstans are endemic in the central and western African forest block. Loa loa is pathogenic and represents a major obstacle to the control of co-endemic filariae because its treatment can cause fatal complications such as encephalitis.
METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
4392 individuals aged over 15 years were studied both by direct examination and a concentration technique. The overall prevalence rates were 22.4% for Loa loa microfilaremia, 10.2% for M. perstans microfilaremia, and 3.2% for mixed infection. The prevalence of both filariae was higher in the forest ecosystem than in savannah and lakeland (p<0.0001). The intensity of microfilariae (mf) was also higher in the forest ecosystem for both parasites. The prevalence and intensity of microfilaria were both influenced by age and gender. Correlations were found between the prevalence and intensity of Loa loa microfilariae (r = 0.215 p = 0.036), and between the prevalence of Loa loa and the prevalence of individuals with microfilaria >8000 mf/ml (r = 0.624; p<0.0001) and microfilariae >30 000 mf/ml (r = 0.319, p = 0.002). In contrast, the prevalence of pruritis and Calabar swellings correlated negatively with the prevalence of Loa loa microfilaria (r = -0.219, p = 0.032; r = -0.220; p = 0.031, respectively). Pruritis, Calabar swellings and eye worm were not associated with L. loa mf intensity (r = -0.144, p = 0.162; r-0.061, p = 0.558; and r = 0.051, p = 0.624, respectively), or with the prevalence or intensity of M. perstans microfilariae.
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE
This map of the distribution of filariae in Gabon should prove helpful for control programs. Our findings confirm the spatial uniformity of the relationship between parasitological indices. Clinical manifestations point to a relationship between filariae and allergy.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Animals; Coinfection; Comorbidity; Dipetalonema Infections; Endemic Diseases; Female; Gabon; Geography; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Loiasis; Male; Mansonella; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Sex Factors; Young Adult
PubMed: 22022623
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001329 -
Parasitology Research Apr 2012Canine arthropod-borne infections are of major interest in small animal practice and have been widely investigated in Central and Western Europe. However, only limited...
Canine arthropod-borne infections are of major interest in small animal practice and have been widely investigated in Central and Western Europe. However, only limited epidemiological data are available from South-Eastern European countries, although diseases including babesiosis or dirofilariosis are widely recognised as important canine infections in these countries. A steadily increasing number of dogs imported from South-Eastern Europe into Germany require particular attention by small animal practitioners. In this study, a total of 216 dogs [29 local Romanian pet dogs presented at Salvavet Veterinary Clinic in Bucharest, Romania, and 187 imported stray dogs from Romania (n = 109) and Hungary (n = 78) into Germany] were screened by molecular biological, serological and haematological methods for canine arthropod-borne infections. Eleven different parasitic and bacterial vector-borne pathogens-Babesia canis canis, Babesia canis vogeli, Babesia gibsoni, Babesia felis-like, Hepatozoon canis, Leishmania spp., Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens, Acanthocheilonema reconditum, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Mycoplasma haemocanis-were detected. Fifty-six percent of the dogs were positive by direct methods. B. canis canis was the most prevalent pathogen in dogs imported to Germany (42.8%) and dogs submitted for clinical consultation in Bucharest (44.8%). Our data strongly suggest the introduction of an adjusted screening panel in dogs from South-East Europe in view of increasing importation of dogs into Germany.
Topics: Anaplasma; Animals; Babesia; Dipetalonema; Dirofilaria immitis; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Female; Germany; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections; Hungary; Leishmania; Male; Mycoplasma; Parasitic Diseases, Animal; Romania; Sequence Analysis, DNA
PubMed: 21947342
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2659-y