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Parasites & Vectors Oct 2020Dirofilaria immitis is responsible for heartworm disease in dogs in endemic areas worldwide. Screening for this infection is done by blood tests. Antigen testing is the...
BACKGROUND
Dirofilaria immitis is responsible for heartworm disease in dogs in endemic areas worldwide. Screening for this infection is done by blood tests. Antigen testing is the most sensitive method to detect an infection with adult (female) worms. Microscopic examination of a blood smear or Knott's test can be used to detect circulating microfilariae, the infective larvae. To increase the sensitivity of the antigen test by decreasing the false negative test results, heating of the blood sample has been recommended in recent guidelines. Heating is believed to remove blocking immune-complexes. Circulating microfilariae are not specific findings for heartworm infection, as other nematodes (among others, Acanthocheilonema dracunculoides) can also result in microfilaremia. Although the type of microfilariae cannot be determined by microscopy alone, real-time PCR can reliably identify the infecting nematode species. Correct identification of the parasite is of major importance, as an infection with D. immitis requires antiparasitic therapy, whereas A. dracunculoides is thought to be a clinically irrelevant coincidental finding. The present case report describes a microfilaremic dog where the initial antigen test for D. immitis turned positive after heat treatment, whereas real-time PCR revealed that the microfilariae were A. dracunculoides (syn. Dipetalonema dracunculoides).
RESULTS
A circa 5-year old, asymptomatic Spanish mastiff dog was referred for heartworm therapy because microfilariae were found via a screening blood test. The dog was recently imported to the Netherlands from Spain, where it had been a stray dog. Antigen tests on a plasma sample for D. immitis were performed with three different test kits, which all turned out to be negative. However, heat treatment of two of these samples were carried out and both of them led to a positive antigen test result. Real-time PCR showed that the circulating microfilariae belonged to A. dracunculoides species. Three administrations of moxidectin spot-on at monthly intervals resulted in a negative antigen and a negative Knott's tests one month after the last treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that heat treatment of initially negative blood samples for D. immitis could lead to false positive antigen test results if the dog is infected with A. dracunculoides.
Topics: Acanthocheilonema; Acanthocheilonemiasis; Animals; Antigens, Helminth; Blood; Dirofilaria immitis; Dirofilariasis; Dog Diseases; Dogs; False Positive Reactions; Female; Hot Temperature; Immunologic Tests; Microfilariae
PubMed: 33004047
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04376-9 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2020Previous studies have reported filarial parasites of the genus and from French Guiana monkeys, based on morphological taxonomy. In this study, we screened blood...
Previous studies have reported filarial parasites of the genus and from French Guiana monkeys, based on morphological taxonomy. In this study, we screened blood samples from nine howler monkeys () for the presence of filaria and DNA. The infection rates were 88.9% for filaria and 55.6% for wolbachiae. The molecular characterization, based on the gene of filariids, revealed that are infected with at least three species ( sp., sp. and an unidentified Onchocercidae species.). Since the and generic primers are not very effective at resolving co-infections, we developed ITS genus-specific PCRs for and genus. The results revealed coinfections in 75% of positives. The presence of sp. and sp. was also confirmed by the phylogenetic analysis of their associated . sp., which close to the species from the subgenus encountered in New World Monkeys, while sp. was identical to the strain circulating in French Guiana dogs. We propose a novel genus-specific qPCR. We applied it to screen for infection in howler monkeys and 66.7% were found to be positive. Our finding highlights the need for further studies to clarify the species diversity of neotropics monkeys by combining molecular and morphological features. The novel genus-specific qPCR assays could be an effective tool for the surveillance and characterization of this potential zoonosis.
PubMed: 32752052
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9080626 -
Parasitology Aug 2020Current systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate the prevalence reports of filariasis in animals in Iran along with human cases. Studies were screened, relevant... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Current systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate the prevalence reports of filariasis in animals in Iran along with human cases. Studies were screened, relevant papers were selected and the random-effect model was used by forest plot with 95% confidence interval (CI). Of 17 records of human case-reports, particularly from Khuzestan province (5 cases), Dirofilaria repens was the most detected parasite (10 cases) with higher involvement of the right eye (7 cases) than other organs. Eleven animal species were reported to be parasitised by filarioids in Iran. The prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in canids was 14.69% (95% CI: 10.33-19.67), with highest rates (20.92%; 95% CI: 13.84-29.03) in free-ranging dogs. Male (10.07%; 95% CI: 5.10-16.47) and more than 1-year old (20.77%; 95% CI: 8.66-36.42) dogs were more likely to be found infected. The frequency of other filarioids of zoonotic interest was: Acanthocheilonema reconditum in dogs 2.15% (95% CI: 0.71-4.33), Dipetalonema evansi in camels 10.16% (95% CI: 4.73-17.34), Onchocerca cervicalis in horses 3.63% (95% CI: 1.44-6.75%) and Onchocerca fasciata 16.57% (95% CI: 10.12-24.24%) in camels. Still, our knowledge on parasitic filariae in Iran is limited and more investigation is needed in both human and animal populations.
Topics: Animals; Dirofilaria immitis; Dirofilariasis; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Filariasis; Filarioidea; Humans; Iran
PubMed: 32249728
DOI: 10.1017/S003118202000058X -
Journal of Parasitic Diseases :... Dec 2019The prevalence and species spectrum of some blood and intestinal parasites affecting imported camels was studied on a total of 120 clinically suspected camels (males)...
The prevalence and species spectrum of some blood and intestinal parasites affecting imported camels was studied on a total of 120 clinically suspected camels (males) imported to Egypt from Sudan during the period from January till July 2016 in Abu-Simbel quarantine station, Aswan governorate. Blood and fecal samples were collected from all camels under the study. The fecal samples were collected and examined by sedimentation-floatation techniques for detection of parasitic eggs/oocysts. Coprological examination revealed that the prevalence rate of the parasitic infection was 60% (72 out of 120). Eighteen species of helminthes/protozoan parasites eggs/oocysts were encountered stongyles species were the hightest prevalent of nematodes 12.5%. Four genera of flat worms were identified in the present study including sp. 0.8%, sp. 3.3%, sp. 7.5% and sp. 0.8%. Four species of were identified (, , and ) in infected camels the commenst one is 15.8%, sp. and were recorded with a prevalence rate about 15.8%, 8.3% and 6.7% respectively. Blood smears from jugular vein revealed that 2.5% of camels were infected with Wide spectrum and high prevalence of internal parasites were observed in the present study which may be lead to severe economic losses, so the application of control measures and treatment of infected camels with specific and effective drugs during the quarantine period are most important to prevent spreading of parasitic infestation and/or introduction of parasites previously not exist in our country.
PubMed: 31749532
DOI: 10.1007/s12639-019-01138-y -
Veterinary World Nov 2018The present investigation was conducted to study the prevalence of microfilaremia in dogs in Gujarat.
AIM
The present investigation was conducted to study the prevalence of microfilaremia in dogs in Gujarat.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 418 adult dogs aged between 2 and 14 years with signs of weakness and non-specified complaints, presented at TVCC, Deesa (North Gujarat), Nandini Veterinary Hospital, Surat (South Gujarat), and Private Clinics, Ahmedabad (Central Gujarat), were included in the present investigation for studying the prevalence of microfilaremia from July 2016 to May 2017.
RESULTS
A total of 418 dogs were screened, of which 33 were found positive for circulating microfilariae with the prevalence rate of 7.89% in the population. Among microfilaremic dogs, the finding of microfilariae of () reconditum was more common (23 cases; 69.69%) than (10 cases; 30.30%) making their prevalence in the population of 418 dogs as 5.50% and 2.39%, respectively. Breed-wise distribution of microfilaremic dogs revealed that 12 (36.36%), 8 (24.24%), 5 (15.15%), 4 (12.12%), 2 (6.06%), 1 (3.03%), and 1 (3.03%) cases were observed in Pomeranian, non-descript, German Shepherd, Labrador, Great Dane, Lhasa Apso, and Pug dogs, respectively. Of 10 cases of , 5, 2, 2, and 1 were observed in Pomeranian, Labrador, non-descript, and Great Dane dogs, respectively. Cases of were highest in Pomeranian (7), followed by non-descript (6), German Shepherd (5), Labrador (2), Great Dane (1), Lhasa Apso (1), and Pug (1). Age-wise distribution recorded significantly (p≤0.01) higher number of cases in adult dogs (4-14 years) for (30.30%) and (39.39%). Sex-wise distribution of microfilaremic dogs showed that male (22/33, 66.66%) was more predisposed to microfilaremia rather than females (11/33, 33.34%). It is apparent from the study that the number of dogs with microfilaremia due to was significantly (p≤0.01) higher than that of .
CONCLUSION
The present study revealed that microfilaremia due to and is prevalent in the state of Gujarat. The infection with was associated with severe lung and cardiac pathological manifestations.
PubMed: 30587889
DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2018.1564-1568 -
Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia... 2018Dipetalonema gracile (Rudolphi, 1809) (Filarioidea: Onchocercidae) is one of six species of cavities filarial parasites of Neotropical non-human primates. The present...
Dipetalonema gracile (Rudolphi, 1809) (Filarioidea: Onchocercidae) is one of six species of cavities filarial parasites of Neotropical non-human primates. The present study recorded the occurrence of D. gracile, provides morphological and morphometric data and extends the geographical distribution. Adult filariae were obtained from the thoracic and abdominal cavities of 38 specimens of woolly monkey, which were used for local human consumption, in the northeastern Peruvian Amazon. Male and female filarids were processed and analysed using light and scanning electron microscopy. Details of the cephalic papillae, post-cloacal bands and papillae, vulva, phasmid position and lateral appendages are showed by scanning electron microscopy and is recorded the occurrencce of Lagothrix poeppigii monkey as a new host of this filaria in the Yavari-Mirin river basin, Peruvian Amazon.
Topics: Animals; Atelinae; Dipetalonema; Female; Male; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Peru
PubMed: 29846443
DOI: 10.1590/s1984-296120180014 -
Parasite (Paris, France) 2017Parasitic diseases of camels are major causes of impaired milk and meat production, decreases in performance or even death. Some camel parasites also represent a threat... (Review)
Review
Parasitic diseases of camels are major causes of impaired milk and meat production, decreases in performance or even death. Some camel parasites also represent a threat to human health. About 171,500 one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) and 100-300 two-humped camels (Camelus bactrianus) live in Iran. Knowledge of the biodiversity of their parasites is still limited. The present review covers all information about camel parasitic diseases in Iran published as dissertations and in both Iranian and international journals from 1931 to February 2017. Ten genera of Protozoa (Trypanosoma, Eimeria, Cryptosporidium, Toxoplasma, Neospora, Sarcocystis, Besnoitia, Theileria, Babesia and Balantidium), 48 helminth species detected in the digestive system, including three species of Trematoda, four species of Cestoda, and 41 species of Nematoda, as well as helminths from other organs - Echinococcus spp., Dictyocaulus filaria, Thelazia leesei, Dipetalonema evansi and Onchocerca fasciata - have so far been described in Iranian camels. Furthermore, 13 species of hard ticks, mange mites, the myiasis flies Cephalopina titillator and Wohlfahrtia magnifica, and immature stages of the Pentastomida Linguatula serrata have also been reported from camels of Iran. Camel parasitic diseases are a major issue in Iran in terms of economics and public health. The present review offers information for an integrated control programme against economically relevant parasites of camels.
Topics: Animals; Camelus; Ectoparasitic Infestations; Iran; Parasitic Diseases, Animal
PubMed: 28617666
DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2017024 -
International Journal For Parasitology.... Aug 2017Parasite-host relationships are influenced by several factors intrinsic to hosts, such as social standing, group membership, sex, and age. However, in wild populations,...
Parasite-host relationships are influenced by several factors intrinsic to hosts, such as social standing, group membership, sex, and age. However, in wild populations, temporal variation in parasite distributions and concomitant infections can alter these patterns. We used microscropy and molecular methods to screen for naturally occurring haemoparasitic infections in two Neotropical primate host populations, the saddleback () and emperor () tamarin, in the lowland tropical rainforests of southeastern Peru. Repeat sampling was conducted from known individuals over a three-year period to test for parasite-host and parasite-parasite associations. Three parasites were detected in including , , spp., while only hosted the latter two. Temporal variation in prevalence was observed in and spp, confirming the necessity of a multi-year study to evaluate parasite-host relationships in this system. Although callitrichids display a distinct reproductive dominance hierarchy, characterized by single breeding females that typically mate polyandrously and can suppress the reproduction of subdominant females, logistic models did not identify sex or breeding status as determining factors in the presence of these parasites. However, age class had a positive effect on infection with and , and adults demonstrated higher parasite species richness than juveniles or sub-adults across both species. Body weight had a positive effect on the presence of spp. The inclusion of co-infection variables in statistical models of parasite presence/absence data improved model fit for two of three parasites. This study verifies the importance and need for broad spectrum and long-term screening of parasite assemblages of natural host populations.
PubMed: 28393014
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2017.03.004 -
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 -
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