Review
Veterinary Sciences
Muhammad Umair Aziz, Sabir Hussain, Baolin Song, Hammad Nayyar Ghauri, Jehan Zeb, Olivier Andre Sparagano
Summary: Ehrlichiosis in dogs is caused by Ehrlichia bacteria, with Ehrlichia canis being the most pathogenic species. Rhipicephalus sanguineus is the main vector, but Haemaphysalis longicornis is also involved in transmission in east Asian countries. The disease has acute, subclinical, and chronic clinical manifestations, with no age or sex predilection. Diagnosis can be done through microscopy, indirect immunofluorescence test (IFAT), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This review provides information on infection rates, prevalence in Asian countries, treatment options, and vectors responsible for transmission. Canine ehrlichiosis is an emerging zoonotic disease worldwide, with Ehrlichia canis being the most commonly implicated species. Dogs act as reservoirs, with Rhipicephalus sanguineus being the main vector. The disease affects multiple organs and can have acute, subclinical, or chronic manifestations. Diagnosis involves cytology, immunofluorescence testing, and PCR. Doxycycline, rifampicin, and minocycline are effective treatments. This review aims to provide an overview of the disease in dogs, prevalence in Asian countries, current treatment options, and vectors involved, while also identifying areas for further research.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
YuJing Wu, Sumei Wang, Guangye Wu, Jiandong Zhang, Shuye Liu
Summary: This is a case report of the first pleural effusion infection caused by Brachybacterium muris. The patient presented with fever, chills, occasional abdominal pain, occasional chest tightness, and shortness of breath. The pleural fluid culture was positive, and B. muris was identified using 16S rDNA amplification and sequence comparisons. This suggests that B. muris can be pathogenic in humans.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Lorenza Urbani, Alessandro Tirolo, Andrea Balboni, Roberta Troia, Francesco Dondi, Mara Battilani
Summary: This report describes the concomitant infection of CPV-2, H. canis, and E. canis in two puppy dogs from Southern Italy. Multiple diagnostic methods were used to confirm the infection, and it was found that CPV-2 belonged to the 2c variant and that H. canis and E. canis preferred to infect the same cells. It is important to carefully evaluate the movement of puppies from areas where vector-borne pathogens are endemic and to adopt appropriate preventive measures.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Guang Xu, Erik Foster, Fumiko Ribbe, Andrias Hojgaard, Rebecca J. Eisen, Sara Paull, Stephen M. Rich
Summary: In 2011, Ehrlichia muris eauclairensis (EME) was identified as a human pathogen transmitted by the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis. It was previously considered to be confined to the upper midwestern United States, but this study reveals its presence in Massachusetts through DNA detection in ticks and rodents.
VECTOR-BORNE AND ZOONOTIC DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Jehan Zeb, Baolin Song, Munsif Ali Khan, Haytham Senbill, Muhammad Umair Aziz, Sabir Hussain, Abdul Waris, Ala E-Tabor, Olivier Andre Sparagano
Summary: This study assessed the genetic diversity and prevalence pattern of vector-/tick-borne pathogens (V/TBPs) in ixodid ticks infesting dogs in Pakistan. The results revealed a diverse array of V/TBPs that pose a potential threat to public and canine health.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Onur Ceylan, Ali Uslu, Onder Ozturk, Ferda Sevinc
Summary: The study found the common presence of parasitic and rickettsial pathogens causing CVBDs in dogs in the western part of Turkey, highlighting the importance of preventive measures for animal welfare and public health.
PAKISTAN VETERINARY JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Evelyn Alejandra Miranda, Sun-Woo Han, Ji-Min Rim, Yoon-Kyoung Cho, Kyoung-Seong Choi, Joon-Seok Chae
Summary: This study investigates the seroprevalence of tick-borne infections in dogs in the Republic of Korea, finding widespread presence of Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi, and Ehrlichia canis. Dogs may serve as sentinel animals for multiple zoonotic infectious agents in the country.
JOURNAL OF VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Siamak Molazadeh, Amir Tukmechi, Mojtaba Hadian, Bahram Dalir-Naghadeh
Summary: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and phylogenetic analysis of Ehrlichia spp. in horses and dogs in Iran. The results showed that 4.5% of the samples (3% horses and 6% dogs) were positive for Ehrlichia sp. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the prevalent species were E. canis and E. ruminantium.
COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Luyang Wang, Letian Cao, Shuangjian Zheng, Yankai Chang, Kaihui Zhang, Sumei Zhang, Longxian Zhang
Summary: This study isolated C. muris Cryptosporidium from Bactrian camels in China, which was the first report of this species in camels in the country. Further epidemiological research is needed to understand the transmission characteristics of C. muris in camels in different geographic areas.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Debora Marcolino Silva, Ana Izabel Passarella Teixeira, Gustavo Adolfo Sierra Romero
Summary: The risk factors for canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) in a specific area in Brazil were identified, including greater purchasing power and paved yard, while the use of repellent collars in dogs may have a moderate protective effect against CVL.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Khemraj Budachetri, Mingqun Lin, Rory C. Chien, Wenqing Zhang, Guy Nathaniel Brock, Yasuko Rikihisa
Summary: This study investigates the vaccine potential of two surface-exposed outer membrane proteins of Ehrlichia chaffeensis, OMP-1B and VirB2-4. The results show that immunization with rOMP-1B or rVirB2-4 can effectively protect mice from E. chaffeensis infection and induce high antibody titers in dogs. Furthermore, dogs immunized with OMP-1B or rVirB2-4 showed no detectable E. chaffeensis in their blood and had lower bacterial load in previously infected ticks. Additionally, rVirB2-4 vaccination in dogs led to increased interferon-gamma secretion and inhibition of Ehrlichia infection. These findings suggest that OMP-1B and VirB2-4 have potential as vaccine candidates for blocking tick-borne ehrlichial transmission.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Miao Lu, Guangpeng Tang, Zhongqiu Ren, Jun Zhang, Wen Wang, Xincheng Qin, Kun Li
Summary: Research in Guizhou province, China, detected a new Ehrlichia species and highly genetically diverse Bartonella strains carried by rodents. In addition, it was unexpectedly found that rodents may be closely related to the Coxiella endosymbiont of ticks.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Andreia Garces, Ricardo Lopes, Augusto Silva, Filipe Sampaio, Daniela Duque, Paula Brilhante-Simoes
Summary: This study investigated the current scenario of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in companion animals with urinary tract infections in Portugal. The findings revealed a high level of bacterial resistance and a significant proportion of multidrug-resistant bacteria compared to northern European countries.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ying Wang, Bing-Cheng Ma, Li-Ying Wang, Gongsang Quzhen, Hua-Sheng Pang
Summary: The study evaluated the effects of dog management on the infection rate of dogs in Linzhi, China. Results showed that increased dog registration, decreased dog population, and increased dog de-worming frequency contributed to a significant decrease in the dog infection rate. Control and prevention campaigns based on dog management could effectively reduce the infection of Echinococcus spp. in echinococcosis endemic areas.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Janos Degi, Oana-Alexandra Motco, Diana Maria Degi, Tiana Suici, Mihai Mares, Kalman Imre, Romeo Teodor Cristina
Summary: The study investigated the antibiotic susceptibility profile of Pseudomonas aeruginosa pathogens in two University Veterinary hospitals in Romania, revealing high levels of drug resistance. Despite resistance to all tested antibiotics, it is crucial to conduct antibiotic susceptibility testing to formulate effective treatment plans for superficial infections in dogs.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Erin Lashnits, Brendon Thatcher, Ariel Carruth, Anton Mestek, Jesse Buch, Melissa Beall, Pradeep Neupane, Ramaswamy Chandrashekar, Edward B. Breitschwerdt
Summary: Toy breeds and dogs under 1 year old were less likely to be seroreactive to Bartonella spp., while dogs in the West South Central and South Atlantic regions of the United States were more likely to be seroreactive. Overall, the demographic and geographical patterns of Bartonella spp. exposure were similar to previous reports.
JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Alejandra Alvarez-Fernandez, Ricardo Maggi, Gerard Eduard Martin-Valls, Marta Baxarias, Edward Bealmear Breitschwerdt, Laia Solano-Gallego
Summary: This study investigated Bartonella spp. infections and co-infections with other pathogens in cats from Barcelona, Spain. The results showed that Bartonella and hemotropic Mycoplasmas infections were prevalent, while infections with other pathogens were not detected. Co-infection with hemotropic Mycoplasma was common in Bartonella-infected cats. This study provides valuable knowledge on the prevalence and co-infection patterns of these pathogens in the cat population.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Simone Morelli, Donato Traversa, Anastasia Diakou, Mariasole Colombo, Ilaria Russi, Anton Mestek, Ramaswamy Chandrashekar, Melissa Beall, Barbara Paoletti, Raffaella Iorio, Athina Tsokana, Domitilla De Cristofaro, Alessandra Barlaam, Giulia Simonato, Angela Di Cesare
Summary: This study investigated the diagnostic reliability of PCR assay for the detection of A. abstrusus infections in domestic cats. The results confirmed that PCR is highly sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of this parasitic infection. Additionally, pharyngeal swabs were found to be the most suitable sample for molecular analysis in clinical settings.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Hongxia Bai, Leonard B. B. Collins, Marcos Rogerio Andre, Edward B. B. Breitschwerdt, Taufika Islam Williams
Summary: A bottom-up proteomics workflow was developed to study a system containing multiple organisms, allowing a thorough understanding of their interactions. The workflow utilized label-free quantification proteomics with nanoLC-MS/MS. Detailed instructions were provided to promote the adoption of this workflow in other laboratories.
RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Richard Lathe, Nikki M. Schultek, Brian J. Balin, Garth D. Ehrlich, Lavinia Alberi Auber, George Perry, Edward B. Breitschwerdt, David B. Corry, Richard L. Doty, Robert A. Rissman, Peter L. Nara, Ruth Itzhaki, William A. Eimer, Rudolph E. Tanzi
Summary: Microbial infections can cause dementia, and their role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology has long been debated. The lack of standardized detection methods has resulted in inconsistent identification of microbes in AD brains. The Alzheimer's Pathobiome Initiative aims to compare microbes in various samples to establish a consensus methodology for detection. If successful, this could lead to tailored antimicrobial treatments for patients with mild cognitive impairment or AD, potentially improving clinical outcomes.
ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Safari S. Richardson, Celine A. Mainville, Andrea Arguello-Marin, Darcy Whalley, Wade Burton, Edward B. Breitschwerdt, Barbara A. Qurollo
Summary: The second-generation SNAP 4Dx Plus test, incorporating new peptides, has improved the detection of antibodies against Anaplasma and Ehrlichia in naturally infected dogs. Compared to the first-generation test, the second-generation test showed higher sensitivity and detected more infected dogs. The use of the second-generation test allows for earlier diagnosis and better management decisions.
JOURNAL OF VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Natalie Thiel, Marissa Baker, Beth Lipton, Lee Fuller, Edward B. Breitschwerdt, Peter Rabinowitz
Summary: This study investigated personal protective equipment use, injury frequency, and Bartonella seroreactivity in veterinary workers in Washington State. The results showed that Bartonella seroreactivity ranged from 24.0% to 55.2% depending on the titer cutoff. No significant predictors of seroreactivity were found, although the relationship between high-risk status and increased seroreactivity for some Bartonella species approached significance.
VECTOR-BORNE AND ZOONOTIC DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Charlotte Moore, Edward B. B. Breitschwerdt, Lisa Kim, Yiyao Li, Kelli Ferris, Ricardo Maggi, Erin Lashnits
Summary: Surveillance of fleas and flea-borne pathogens in cats is crucial for human and animal health. Our study aimed to identify cat and flea factors associated with Bartonella and Rickettsia infection. We found that Bartonella and Rickettsia were the most common pathogens infecting fleas, emphasizing the importance of considering host and vector characteristics in epidemiological studies of flea-borne diseases.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Chance Liedig, Pradeep Neupane, Erin Lashnits, Edward B. Breitschwerdt, Ricardo G. Maggi
Summary: This study aims to improve the diagnostic detection of Bartonella henselae by combining patient samples with enriched bacterial cultures. The current methods for growing Bartonella henselae and extracting DNA should be optimized. Sheep blood was added to enhance the growth of Bartonella henselae, and different DNA extraction methods were compared.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Charlotte Moore, Erin Lashnits, Pradeep Neupane, Brian H. H. Herrin, Michael Lappin, Marcos Rogerio Andre, Edward B. B. Breitschwerdt
Summary: The effect of Bartonella henselae on the microbiome of Ctenocephalides felis (the cat flea) was investigated in this study. The microbiome of laboratory-origin C. felis fed on B. henselae-infected cats for 24 h or 9 days was analyzed to identify changes in microbial diversity. It was found that microbial diversity increased after 24 h of feeding on infected cats but returned to baseline after 9 days. B. henselae acquisition was poor, with only one out of four infected flea pools showing detection.
Article
Psychiatry
Amy Offutt, Edward B. Breitschwerdt
Summary: This article examines a boy diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and suggests that poly-microbial vector-borne infections may have contributed to his neuropsychiatric symptoms. Targeted antimicrobial treatment led to substantial improvement in cognitive and neurobehavioral symptoms.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Janice C. C. Bush, Ricardo G. G. Maggi, Edward B. B. Breitschwerdt
Summary: This study investigated the survival ability of Bartonella henselae, the etiological agent of Cat Scratch Disease, in different fluid matrices, and found that it can survive in blood, urine, milk, and saline for several days. It was also observed that the bacteria can be preserved through air-desiccation, which may serve as a potential source of infection for animals and humans.
