Article
Microbiology
Zhongqiu Teng, Yan Shi, Na Zhao, Xue Zhang, Xiaojing Jin, Jia He, Baohong Xu, Tian Qin
Summary: Ticks and tick-borne pathogens pose a significant threat to human and animal health worldwide. A study conducted in Hebei Province, China, collected 646 Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks from free-ranging domestic sheep. PCR assays and sequence analysis revealed the presence of zoonotic and veterinary important tick-borne pathogens, including Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Borrelia, Theileria, and Hepatozoon spp. The study provides valuable data for controlling ticks and tick-borne diseases in the region.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Antonio Humberto Hamad Minervino, Arlei Marcili, Jonas Moraes-Filho, Julia T. R. Lima, Herbert S. Soares, Antonio F. Malheiros, Salatiel Ribeiro Dias, Solange M. Gennari, Marcelo B. Labruna
Summary: This study aimed to detect tick-borne pathogens in dogs from two indigenous communities in the Brazilian Amazon. The results showed that a significant number of dogs were infected with Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, and Hepatozoon canis. Additionally, it was found that ethnicity and tick attachment were associated with E. canis infection.
VECTOR-BORNE AND ZOONOTIC DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Entomology
N. S. G. Tucker, E. N. I. Weeks, L. Beati, P. E. Kaufman
Summary: This study tested populations of the brown dog tick from various regions globally to identify the distribution of resistance mechanisms, pathogen-vector interactions, and phylogeny in relation to latitude. The results shed light on the geographical distribution of known resistance mechanisms and provide insights into the interactions between pathogens and vectors.
MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
AbdElkarim Laatamna, Christina Strube, Deon K. Bakkes, Sabine Schaper, Fatima Zohra Aziza, Hanan Ben Chelef, Nour El Houda Amrane, Ramlia Bedraoui, Gerhard Dobler, Lidia Chitimia-Dobler
Summary: A molecular investigation was conducted on important tick-borne pathogens in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu stricto collected from domestic dogs in steppe and high plateau areas of central and eastern Algeria. The study revealed a high prevalence of Hepatozoon spp., with additional detections of Babesia vogeli, Anaplasma platys, Rickettsia spp., and Ehrlichia canis. Further large scale studies are needed to better understand the epidemiology and distributions of canine tick-borne pathogens in Algeria.
Article
Parasitology
Asmaa A. Hegab, Hussein M. Omar, Mai Abuowarda, Souzan G. Ghattas, Nisreen E. Mahmoud, Magdy M. Fahmy
Summary: The study aimed to screen and genetically identify tick-borne pathogens in dogs and associated ticks in Egypt. The prevalence of TBPs in dogs was 23.56%, with Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Babesia being the most common. The molecular prevalence rate of TBPs was 25.81% in dog blood samples and 29.17% in ticks, with various species of TBPs detected, including Hepatozoon canis and Anaplasma marginale being reported for the first time in Egypt.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Kimberly J. Ledger, Lorenza Beati, Samantha M. Wisely
Summary: This study aimed to describe the occurrence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in different land use types in southern Africa. Through molecular techniques, 1716 ticks were screened for infection, revealing multiple pathogen species across seven tick species collected. The findings suggest that tick species and the pathogens they carry may vary according to land use, highlighting the importance of comprehensive surveillance in understanding the diversity and ecology of tick-borne pathogens.
Article
Parasitology
Jairo Alfonso Mendoza-Roldan, Giovanni Benelli, Marcos Antonio Bezerra-Santos, Viet-Linh Nguyen, Giuseppe Conte, Roberta Iatta, Tommaso Furlanello, Domenico Otranto
Summary: This study assessed the prevalence and distribution of tick-borne pathogens in clinically suspect dogs from three macro areas in Italy over a 15-year period. The results showed high seroprevalence and wide distribution of the four key pathogens, advocating for integrative control strategies for their prevention.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Linda Kidd
Summary: The increasing prevalence of tick-borne diseases highlights the need to consider various pathogens and coinfection in patients. Comprehensive testing using PCR and serology, as well as repeat testing, can help identify infections and improve outcomes, especially in patients with suspected immune-mediated diseases.
VETERINARY CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA-SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Miao Lu, Junhua Tian, Wen Wang, Hongqing Zhao, Hai Jiang, Jizhou Han, Wenping Guo, Kun Li
Summary: Multiple species of Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia were discovered in ticks from Yunnan Province, Southwest China, with some having potential pathogenicity to humans. The high infection rate of certain human pathogenic bacteria in ticks suggests potential infection risk in humans and underscores the importance of surveillance in local populations.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Cristoforo Guccione, Claudia Colomba, Manlio Tolomeo, Marcello Trizzino, Chiara Iaria, Antonio Cascio
Summary: There is no updated information on the spread of Rickettsiales in Italy. A study identified 36 species of microorganisms belonging to Rickettsiales, with certain species found in human tissues. Pathologies caused by microorganisms transmissible by bloodsucking arthropods in humans are not well characterized.
Article
Immunology
Miao Lu, Yuqi Ji, Hongqing Zhao, Wen Wang, Junhua Tian, Chengyu Duan, Xincheng Qin, Yawen Guo, Gaosong Chen, Fuyu Lei, Chao Meng, Kun Li
Summary: Multiple Rickettsiales species, including some potential human pathogens, have been identified in ticks collected from different locations in Sichuan Province, China. The study reveals the remarkable biodiversity of Rickettsiales in the area and highlights the potential exposure risk to local people.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Marcos Rogerio Andre, Ana Claudia Calchi, Maria Eduarda Chiaradia Furquim, Isabela de Andrade, Paulo Vitor Cadina Arantes, Lara Cristina de Melo Lopes, Iuri Kauan Lins do Nascimento Demarchi, Mayra Araguaia Pereira Figueiredo, Cirilo Antonio de Paula Lima, Rosangela Zacarias Machado
Summary: Despite extensive research on tick-borne agents (TBA) in dogs, little is known about the occurrence, vectors, and molecular identity of these agents in cats. This study aimed to investigate the presence and molecular identity of TBA in cats from different regions in Brazil. The results showed the presence of various TBA in cats, emphasizing the importance of awareness and proper diagnosis among veterinary practitioners when dealing with cats infected with multiple TBA.
Article
Microbiology
Xiaojing Jin, Jiasheng Liao, Qingqing Chen, Junfei Ding, Hongwei Chang, Yong Lyu, Liang Yu, Bohai Wen, Yong Sun, Tian Qin
Summary: In this study, 880 ticks collected from Jinzhai County, Lu'an City, Anhui Province, China in 2021-2022 were examined, revealing extensive diversity of Rickettsiales bacteria. Thirteen Rickettsiales species belonging to three genera were detected, including potential pathogens that may cause unrecognized diseases.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Lourdes Lledo, Consuelo Gimenez-Pardo
Summary: Limited information is available on the presence of rickettsial infection in animal reservoirs in Spain. Antibodies against Rickettsia slovaca and Rickettsia conorii were more prevalent in wild animals compared to farm and domestic animals in northern Spain. Among all three groups, the highest titers were recorded for R. slovaca.
Article
Microbiology
Latifa Elhachimi, Carolien Rogiers, Stijn Casaert, Siham Fellahi, Thomas Van Leeuwen, Wannes Dermauw, Felix Valcarcel, Angeles Sonia Olmeda, Sylvie Daminet, Sarah El Hamiani Khatat, Hamid Sahibi, Luc Duchateau
Summary: Tick-borne pathogens were investigated in cattle in the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region of Morocco, revealing a high prevalence and diversity of tick species, with Anaplasma/Ehrlichia spp. having the highest infection rate. Risk factors for pathogen abundance included crossbreeds, females, older age, and high tick infestation. Locations with the highest prevalence of tick-borne pathogens were Jorf El Melha, Sidi Yahya Zaer, Ait Ichou, and Arbaoua.
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
Environmental Sciences
Elisa Mazzotta, Laura Lucchese, Cristiano Salata, Tommaso Furlanello, Ermenegildo Baroni, Alessandro Zotti, Gabriele Venturi, Alice Fincato, Silvia Marchione, Katia Capello, Alda Natale
Summary: Leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease primarily affecting dogs, was investigated for human exposure in the northeast of Italy. The study found that veterinarians were not at a higher risk of contracting the disease compared to the general population, likely due to their awareness of the zoonotic risk and effective preventive measures. Additionally, symptomatic dogs were found to have low levels of Leptospira excretion, suggesting their role as environmental sentinels rather than transmission vehicles.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Vito Priolo, Marisa Masucci, Giulia Donato, Laia Solano-Gallego, Pamela Martinez-Orellana, Maria Flaminia Persichetti, Ana Raya-Bermudez, Fabrizio Vitale, Maria Grazia Pennisi
Summary: This study finds that FIV seropositive cats are more likely to be infected with L. infantum in canine leishmaniosis endemic areas, and their risk of L. infantum antibody positivity is higher than that of FIV seronegative cats. Pale mucous membranes, low body condition score, and oral lesions are significantly associated with the coinfection.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Marta Baxarias, Julia Vinals, Alejandra Alvarez-Fernandez, Ma Magdalena Alcover, Laia Solano-Gallego
Summary: This study compared the detection of Leishmania-specific antibodies in paired serum and oral transudate samples from dogs in different regions and clinical status using an in-house ELISA. The results showed a positive correlation and substantial agreement between serum and oral transudate ELISA, with the highest agreement found in dogs from low endemicity regions and sick dogs.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Parasitology
Guadalupe Miro, Juliana Sarquis, Luis Cardoso, Patrick Bourdeau, Laia Solano-Gallego, Gaetano Oliva, Maria Grazia Pennisi, Christine Petersen, Lluis Ferrer, Gad Baneth
Summary: The organizers of the 1st congress on animal leishmaniosis (ALIVE) in Malaga, Spain, discuss the recent advances in the field presented during the meeting.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Gad Baneth, Laia Solano-Gallego
VETERINARY CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA-SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE
(2022)
Review
Parasitology
Ricardo Guillermo Maggi, Vicky Halls, Friederike Kramer, Michael Lappin, Maria Grazia Pennisi, Andrew S. Peregrine, Xavier Roura, Bettina Schunack, Valeria Scorza, Severine Tasker, Gad Baneth, Patrick Bourdeau, Dwight D. Bowman, Edward B. Breitschwerdt, Gioia Capelli, Luis Cardoso, Filipe Dantas-Torres, Gerhard Dobler, Lluis Ferrer, Luigi Gradoni, Peter Irwin, Frans Jongejan, Volkhard A. J. Kempf, Barbara Kohn, Susan Little, Maxime Madder, Carla Maia, Mary Marcondes, Guadalupe Miro, Torsten Naucke, Gaetano Oliva, Domenico Otranto, Barend L. Penzhorn, Martin Pfeffer, Angel Sainz, SungShik Shin, Laia Solano-Gallego, Reinhard K. Straubinger, Rebecca Traub, Ian Wright
Summary: Large populations of unowned cats pose various issues worldwide, including animal welfare, ecology, society, and public health. Relocating and homing these cats is seen as a means to alleviate suffering and social problems, while also contributing to ethical population control. Understanding individual cats' lifestyle and disease status is crucial for veterinary professionals and those working with cat charities to minimize cat stress and the spread of pathogens, especially vector-borne ones.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Erika Carli, Laia Solano-Gallego, Stefano De Arcangeli, Laura Ventura, Elisa Ligorio, Tommaso Furlanello
Summary: This study evaluated clinicopathological findings and risk factors associated with Cytauxzoon spp. infection in domestic cats. The results showed that infection mainly manifested as subclinical infection, and anemia was more common in subclinical infected cats.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Marta Baxarias, Oriol Jornet-Rius, Giulia Donato, Cristina Mateu, Ma Magdalena Alcover, Maria Grazia Pennisi, Laia Solano-Gallego
Summary: This study highlights the importance of evaluating the clinical health status of apparently healthy L. infantum-seropositive dogs in Europe. Routine laboratory tests, including antibody quantification and PCR, should be performed to detect sick dogs with clinicopathological findings that would otherwise remain undetected.
Article
Microbiology
Iciar Martinez-Florez, Maria Jose Guerrero, Annabel Dalmau, Maria Cabre, Maria Magdalena Alcover, Diana Berenguer, Liam Good, Roser Fisa, Cristina Riera, Laura Ordeix, Laia Solano-Gallego
Summary: This study evaluated the safety and clinical efficacy of local meglumine antimoniate, locally administered polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) alone or PHMB in combination with a Toll-like receptor 4 agonist (TLR4a) for the treatment of papular dermatitis due to L. infantum infection. The results showed that local administration of meglumine antimoniate had the fastest clinical resolution, while local administration of PHMB (alone or with TLR4a) also showed positive results. In conclusion, the local administration of meglumine antimoniate appears to be safe and clinically efficient for the treatment of canine papular dermatitis due to L. infantum infection.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Marta Baxarias, Laia Solano-Gallego
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of storage on NBTT in dog blood samples. The results showed that the NBTT can be performed up to 72 h after the collection of canine blood if correctly refrigerated at 4℃.
VETERINARY CLINICAL PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Marta Baxarias, Cristina Mateu, Guadalupe Miro, Laia Solano-Gallego
Summary: This study investigated the seroprevalence of canine leishmaniosis in apparently healthy dogs in different areas of Spain. The results showed significant regional variations in the infection rates, with the highest prevalence in the Southeast and the lowest in the North.
VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Carles Blasi-Brugue, Iciar Martinez-Florez, Marta Baxarias, Joan del Rio-Velasco, Laia Solano-Gallego
Summary: This study investigated the role of neutrophils in canine leishmaniosis and found that neutrophil activation was higher in dogs with mild disease and healthy-seropositive dogs. A relationship between neutrophil activation and the production of IFN-gamma was also observed.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Vito Priolo, Pamela Martinez-Orellana, Maria Grazia Pennisi, Ana Isabel Raya-Bermudez, Estefania Jurado-Tarifa, Marisa Masucci, Giulia Donato, Federica Bruno, Germano Castelli, Laia Solano-Gallego
Summary: This study compares the prevalence and immune response of Leishmania infantum in cats and dogs from the same endemic area. The results show similar infection rates in cats and dogs, but dogs have a stronger immune response.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Pamela Martinez-Orellana, Noemi Gonzalez, Antonella Baldassarre, Alejandra Alvarez-Fernandez, Laura Ordeix, Paola Paradies, Manuel Soto, Laia Solano-Gallego
Summary: In this study, it was found that LSA induced stronger antibody responses in dogs compared to rKMP11, with sick dogs exhibiting significantly higher antibody responses than healthy groups. Additionally, the cellular immune response measured by specific ex vivo IFN-gamma production was more intense to LSA than stimulated to rKMP11.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2022)