Article
Veterinary Sciences
Lavinia Ciuca, Valeria Caruso, Sergio Illiano, Antonio Bosco, Maria Paola Maurelli, Laura Rinaldi
Summary: The number of autochthonous cases of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs has increased considerably in southern Italy, especially in coastal areas of the Campania region. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of Dirofilaria spp. in a local dog shelter in Castel Volturno.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Rossella Panarese, Roberta Iatta, Frederic Beugnet, Domenico Otranto
Summary: This study evaluated the incidence of Dirofilaria immitis and Leishmania infantum infections in two dog shelters in southern Italy. The results showed that one of the dog shelters had higher infection rates, potentially posing a threat to animal and human health.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Erich W. Zinser, Tom L. McTier, Nicole S. Kernell, Debra J. Woods
Summary: Research has shown that cryopreserved microfilariae of Dirofilaria immitis can develop into third-stage larvae in vector mosquitoes and are infectious to both dogs and ferrets, where they undergo normal development into adult worms and complete the heartworm lifecycle.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wanarit Jitsamai, Pimsiri Piromkij, Patchana Kamkong, Sudchit Chungpivat, Piyanan Taweethavonsawat
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of two mosquito-borne parasites in dogs in Thailand, as well as the effects of season and environmental parameters on their prevalence. The findings suggest that environmental parameters may not have a significant impact on the prevalence of these parasites, but the threat of B. pahangi and D. immitis should still be considered, especially in subtropical regions. Owners and veterinarians should prioritize filarial prevention and control measures for these parasites.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Rachel Smith, Daniel Felipe Barrantes Murillo, Kelly Chenoweth, Subarna Barua, Patrick John Kelly, Lindsay Starkey, Byron Blagburn, Theresa Wood, Chengming Wang
Summary: This study is the first nationwide molecular survey of Dirofilaria spp. in dogs and cats in the USA. The results revealed a higher prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs in the USA, with a lower prevalence in cats. The Southern states had a significantly higher prevalence compared to other regions, and Dirofilaria repens was not detected in the USA.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dongjie Cai, Bin Tian, Yongxia Liu, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, David Ranucci, Fabrizia Veronesi, Antonio Varcasia, Wanzhong Jia, Jianzhu Liu
Summary: The study assessed the presence of Dirofilaria immitis infection in pet dogs in China. About 70.8% of the pet dogs showed clinical symptoms resembling heartworm infection, and the overall dirofilariosis positivity rate was 12.5%. The highest infection rate was found in Shandong Province (15.5%), and the prevalence was significantly higher in summer compared to other seasons. Preventive measures should be taken to control the spread of dirofilariosis and reduce the risk of human and pet infection.
Article
Parasitology
Sonia Gomes-de-Sa, Sergio Santos-Silva, Alicia de Sousa Moreira, Patricia Ferreira Barradas, Irina Amorim, Luis Cardoso, Joao R. Mesquita
Summary: Dirofilariasis is a vector-borne disease that is prevalent in many countries and is transmitted to mosquitoes through infected dogs, cats, and wild canids. In Portugal, limited epidemiological data is available regarding the distribution and impact of this disease. A study was conducted on canine blood samples from the north of Portugal to assess the prevalence of Dirofilaria spp. The results indicate a high risk of D. immitis infection in dogs in this region.
Review
Parasitology
Molly D. Savadelis, Tom L. McTier, Kristina Kryda, Steven J. Maeder, Debra J. Woods
Summary: Heartworm disease remains a significant and pathogenic disease in dogs, despite the regular use of preventive products. Some strains of D. immitis have developed resistance to the only available drug class, macrocyclic lactones (MLs), for heartworm prevention in the United States. The optimization of dose and formulation of moxidectin provides a unique opportunity to improve efficacy against ML-resistant strains. Two new products, ProHeart (R) 12 and Simparica Trio (R), have demonstrated 100% preventive efficacy against recent field strains of heartworm, offering important advances in heartworm prevention for veterinarians and pet owners.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Guadalupe Miro, Ian Wright, Helen Michael, Wade Burton, Evan Hegarty, Jaume Rodon, Jesse Buch, Nikola Pantchev, Georg Von Samson-Himmelstjerna
Summary: This study provides the largest dataset on CVBD seropositivity in Europe to date. The decrease in test positivity over the study period may be attributed to changes in testing behavior and increased screening of healthy animals. The mapping of CVBD across Europe provides expected test positivity values that can help guide veterinarians' decisions on screening and prevention.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
C. Autumn M. Vetter, Alison G. Meindl, Bianca N. Lourenco, Michael Coyne, Corie Drake, Rachel Murphy, Ira G. Roth, Andrew R. Moorhead
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate changes in renal function during treatment for canine heartworm disease (CHD). Serum creatinine and SDMA concentrations were measured at different time points, and the results suggest that the current treatment protocol does not have a substantial impact on renal function.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Lavinia Ciuca, Alice Vismarra, Dario Constanza, Antonio Di Loria, Leonardo Meomartino, Paolo Ciaramella, Giuseppe Cringoli, Marco Genchi, Laura Rinaldi, Laura Kramer
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy of different formulations of moxidectin combined with doxycycline in naturally infected dogs with D. immitis. The majority of dogs in all treatment groups showed antigen-negative status at Day 270. Radiographic improvements were observed in all treatment groups, and most dogs cleared pulmonary abnormalities within 6 months of treatment.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
E. Napoli, R. Panarese, F. La Russa, I Cambera, J. A. Mendoza-Roldan, D. Otranto, E. Brianti
Summary: The potential involvement of Culicoides spp. in the transmission of Dirofilaria spp. as well as the blood-meal source was investigated. The detection of D. immitis and D. repens DNA in Culicoides midges suggests their potential role in the epidemiology of these filarial nematodes.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Angelo Basile, Ettore Napoli, Emanuele Brianti, Luigi Venco
Summary: Canine Heartworm Disease (HWD) mainly affects the pulmonary vasculature. The reduced Pulmonary Artery Distensibility (PAD) is an early indicator of pulmonary vascular disease. Different methods and reference values exist for measuring PAD, leading to a lack of uniformity in clinical practice.
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
Kennedy Mwacalimba, Andrea Wright, Konstantinos Giannakakis, Richard L'Estrange, Tinh-Son Nguyen
Summary: In the 5 years from 2010 to 2015, 73% of dog owners who visited a veterinary practice at least twice made less than two purchases of HW preventatives from the veterinary practice. For those with at least two preventative purchases, 76.7% of dogs receiving IM and 24.4% of dogs prescribed with MHW products purchased enough doses to provide continuous protection over the observation period.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Erica Marchiori, Francesco Quaglio, Giovanni Franzo, Ginevra Brocca, Sonja Aleksi, Pietrogiovanni Cerchier, Rudi Cassini, Federica Marcer
Summary: Gymnophallids of the genus Parvatrema were found to infect waterbirds as adult trematodes, with clams and mussels acting as intermediate hosts and inducing pearl formation. Parasitological investigations showed a high prevalence (75.3%) and variable infection intensity in sampled Mytilus galloprovincialis mussels. Morphological and molecular analyses classified the metacercariae as Parvatrema, but phylogenetic analysis revealed independent clustering of the obtained sequences compared to other Parvatrema species. Further research is needed to assess the ecological and epidemiological aspects of this infection due to its potential commercial impact on farmed mussels.
JOURNAL OF INVERTEBRATE PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Waktole Terfa, Bersissa Kumsa, Dinka Ayana, Anna Maurizio, Cinzia Tessarin, Rudi Cassini
Summary: This study investigated the diffusion of gastrointestinal parasites in central Ethiopia and identified the factors that facilitate their presence. The most prevalent parasites in the investigated cattle population were gastro-intestinal strongyles and coccidian protozoa. The animals' body condition and environmental factors were found to significantly influence the presence of parasites. The study contributes to a better understanding of parasite dynamics and suggests targeted treatments for highly parasitized animals.
Article
Microbiology
Andrea Grassi, Matteo Gambini, Marianna Pantoli, Simona Toscano, Anna Albertetti, Deborah Maria Del Frassino, Iniobong Chukwuebuka Ikenna Ugochukwu, Orazio Romeo, Domenico Otranto, Claudia Cafarchia
Summary: This study described a case of lethal Cladosporium allicinum infection in a captive bullfrog in Europe. The infection was confirmed by histology, cytology, and molecular methods. Despite antifungal treatment, the frog died, highlighting the poor prognosis of Cladosporium infections in animals.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Hana Tadesse, Marika Grillini, Giulia Simonato, Alessandra Mondin, Giorgia Dotto, Antonio Frangipane di Regalbono, Bersissa Kumsa, Rudi Cassini, Maria Luisa Menandro
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in dogs in low-income tropical countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The results showed that dogs in Ethiopia carried various tick-borne pathogens, including Hepatozoon canis, Babesia canis rossi, Anaplasma phagocythophilum, Ehrlichia canis, Borrelia spp., and Rickettsia spp. Some of these pathogens, such as Anaplasma phagocythophilum and species of Borrelia and Rickettsia, have zoonotic potential, which calls for further investigation. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology of tick-borne pathogens and their impact on human and animal health.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Review
Parasitology
Anna Maurizio, Stefania Perrucci, Claudia Tamponi, Antonio Scala, Rudi Cassini, Laura Rinaldi, Antonio Bosco
Summary: Helminth infections are common in grazing ruminants and cause production losses. Anthelmintic resistance (AR) is now widespread in parasites throughout Europe and threatens the sustainability of ruminant farming. Outdated and fragmentary data exist on the prevalence and distribution of helminths in Italian small ruminants. However, research suggests that AR is spreading in Italy. This article provides an overview of helminth prevalence and distribution, treatment strategies, and control approaches in small ruminants in Italy, as well as alternative strategies being investigated.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Anna Morea, Angela Stufano, Giovanni Sgroi, Leonarda De Benedictis, Marcos Antonio Bezerra-Santos, Jairo Alfonso Mendoza-Roldan, Vincenzo Veneziano, Domenico Otranto, Piero Lovreglio, Roberta Iatta
Summary: This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of L. infantum in different groups of outdoor workers and identified veterinarians as having the highest seroprevalence. It highlights the importance of increased occupational health surveillance and collaboration among different experts to prevent the spread of this disease.
ZOONOSES AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Yazavinder Singh, Marco Cullere, Davide Bertelli, Severino Segato, Giovanni Franzo, Antonio Frangipane di Regalbono, Paolo Catellani, Cristian Taccioli, Silvia Cappellozza, Antonella Dalle Zotte
Summary: Insects, such as silkworm chrysalis, can be a sustainable and alternative feed ingredient due to their rich nutritional profile. This research aimed to understand the potential of silkworm chrysalis as a feedstuff for laying quails, finding that it can be included up to 12% in the feed formulation for optimal performance and egg quality.
Review
Microbiology
Carlo Andrea Cossu, Nicola E. Collins, Marinda C. Oosthuizen, Maria Luisa Menandro, Raksha Vasantrai Bhoora, Ilse Vorster, Rudi Cassini, Hein Stoltsz, Melvyn Quan, Henriette van Heerden
Summary: Ticks in Africa remain a major obstacle in the livestock industry due to tick-borne pathogens. This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the distribution and prevalence of these pathogens in African ticks. The highest prevalence was found for Rickettsia spp., R. africae, R. conorii, A. marginale, E. ruminantium, and E. canis. The prevalence of C. burnetii was low, but higher for Coxiella spp. and Coxiella-like endosymbionts. The study also identified the effect of tick genera, tick species, country, and other variables on the epidemiology of these pathogens in ticks.
Review
Microbiology
Sina Mohtasebi, Alireza Sazmand, Salman Zafari, Guilherme G. G. Verocai, Domenico Otranto
Summary: This report summarizes the scientific information available from 1980 to 2022 on the occurrence of lungworms in non-ruminant mammals and humans in Iran. A total of 10 lungworm species belonging to seven genera were reported. The prevalence of lungworm infection varied among different animal species. Rating: 8/10.
Review
Microbiology
Rafael Antonio Nascimento Ramos, Lucia Oliveira de Macedo, Marcos Antonio Bezerra-Santos, Gilcia Aparecida de Carvalho, Guilherme Gomes Verocai, Domenico Otranto
Summary: Species of Ixodiphagus are parasitoid wasps that develop inside ticks. Adult female wasps lay eggs inside ticks, and the larvae feed on the internal contents before emerging as adult wasps. Ixodiphagus has been reported as a parasitoid of multiple tick species. The most studied species, Ixodiphagus hookeri, has shown potential for reducing tick populations, although control attempts have faced challenges.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Laura Grassi, Michele Drigo, Hana Zelena, Daniela Pasotto, Rudi Cassini, Alessandra Mondin, Giovanni Franzo, Claudia Maria Tucciarone, Martina Ossola, Elena Vidorin, Maria Luisa Menandro
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of tick-borne zoonotic pathogens and flaviviruses in wild ungulates in Europe. The results showed a high prevalence of these pathogens and a significant seroprevalence for flaviviruses. Wild ungulates play a crucial role in the circulation and spread of these diseases.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2023)
Editorial Material
Parasitology
Rudi Cassini, Fabrizio Bruschi, Antonio Frangipane di Regalbono, Laura Rinaldi
Summary: Founded in 1959, the Italian Society of Parasitology (SoIPa) is a professional organization consisting of nearly 200 researchers and professionals from various fields. It organizes a biennial congress to promote collaboration and discussion in the field of parasitology. The present Special Issue focuses on emerging topics discussed during the XXXII SoIPa Congress, aiming to explore the new role of parasitologists in the future society.
Review
Parasitology
Marcos Antonio Bezerra-Santos, Filipe Dantas-Torres, Jairo Alfonso Mendoza-Roldan, R. C. Andrew Thompson, David Modry, Domenico Otranto
Summary: Invasive wild mammals pose a major threat to native ecosystems and can act as spreaders of zoonotic parasites. Europe has the highest number of zoonotic parasites associated with invasive wild mammals.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jairo Alfonso Mendoza-Roldan, Viviane Noll Louzada-Flores, Nouha Lekouch, Intissar Khouchfi, Giada Annoscia, Andrea Zatelli, Frederic Beugnet, Julia Walochnik, Domenico Otranto
Summary: This study investigated the presence of parasites and pathogens in the blood and feces of reptiles sold in the markets of Marrakech in order to assess the risk of zoonotic transmission. The results showed that 28.9% of reptiles carried at least one pathogen, including Anaplasma and Rickettsia. In addition, some potentially zoonotic bacteria, such as Proteus vulgaris and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were found. The study highlights the potential role of reptiles in the transmission of pathogens to humans in the markets of Marrakech.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Hailehizeb Cheru, Habtamu Tamrat, Mussie Hailemelekot, Rudi Cassini, Negus Belayneh
Summary: Despite the expansion of modernized poultry farming in Ethiopia, the prevalence of Eimeria species remains high, causing significant morbidity and mortality rate in poultry. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence, identify Eimeria species, and investigate the major risk factors. The overall prevalence of Eimeria species in poultry from the study area was found to be 26.5%.
VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SCIENCE
(2023)