Prevalence of antibodies against Rickettsia conorii,Babesia canis,Ehrlichia canis,and Anaplasma phagocytophilum antigens in dogs from the Stretto di Messina area (Italy)

The aims of this study were to determine the seroprevalence for Rickettsia conorii, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia canis in outdoor-kennelled dogs (n = 249) from the Stretto di Messina (Italy) and to compare seroprevalence in 2 public shelters and 4 privately-owned kennels where different tick-preventive measures were implemented in order to focus on the specific sanitary risk posed by public shelters in southern Italy for tick-borne pathogens. R. conorii (72%) and B. canis (70%) were the most prevalent infections when compared to E. canis (46%) and A. phagocytophilum (38%). Seroprevalence for R. conorii, E. canis, and A. phagocytophilum was significantly higher in public shelters than in private kennels. However, B. canis seropositivity was similar in both types of kennels. In addition, in private kennels where a regular ectocide treatment was carried out by means of spot-on devices, dogs did not present E. canis and A. phagocytophilum antibodies. One hundred fifty-one dogs out of 249 (61%) were seropositive to more than one pathogen with R. conorii and B. canis the most common ones. Coinfections were more frequently found in public-shelter dogs. This study demonstrated high seroprevalences against R. conorii, B. canis, E. canis, and A. phagocytophilum in kennelled dogs from both coastal sites of the Stretto di Messina and the importance of regular tick-bite prevention by means of individual spot-on devices.     

A Preliminary Parasitological Survey of Hepatozoon Spp. Infection in Dogs in Mashhad,Iran

Background

We attempted to determine the prevalence of Hepatozoon spp. infection in Mashhad, northeast of Iran, via blood smear parasitology.

Methods

The prevalence was investigated by examination of blood smear parasitology, using blood samples collected from 254 dogs (51 strays and 203 privately owned-dogs).

Results

Two stray dogs (2/51; 3.92%) and two privately-owned dogs (2/203; 0.98%) were infected with Hepatozoon spp. Therefore, as per blood smear parasitology, the prevalence of Hepatozoon spp. infection was 1.57% (4/254). Sixteen out of 254 dogs (6.29%) were infested with ticks; all of which were Rhipicephalus sanguineus. One of the dogs infected with Hepatozoon spp. exhibited ticks at the time of examination. Concurrent infection with Ehrlichia canis and Leishmania infantum was not detected in the four Hepatozoon spp. infected dogs.

Conclusion

This is the first epidemiological study on the prevalence of Hepatozoon spp. infection in dogs in Iran.     

Leptospira wolffii,a potential new pathogenic Leptospira species detected in human,sheep and dog

Leptospirosis is the most common zoonotic disease, which is transmitted to humans through contaminated water or direct exposure to the urine of infected animals. In this study, the presence and prevalence of Leptospira species in the infected samples of human (n = 369) and sheep (n = 75) sera and also dogs’ urine (n = 150), collected from four provinces of Iran, were investigated by using nested-PCR/RFLP assay followed by sequencing analysis. Nested-PCR assay detected that 98/369 (26.5%) human, 13/75 (17.33%) of sheep's sera and 33/150 (22%) dogs’ urine samples were positive for Leptospira DNA. RFLP assay detected that all positive cases had either pathogenic or intermediate Leptospira species. By sequence analysis, Leptospira interrogans was the most prevalent species among the examined samples of human (53/82, 64.6%) and sheep (11/13, 84.6%). However, in dog samples, Leptospira wolffii (27/29, 93.1%) was detected for the first time and was the dominant species. The presence of L. wolffii with 100% identity in clinical human samples and animals suspected with Leptospira may provide evidence for circulation of L. wolffii and its role in transmission cycle within human and animal hosts. In addition, this species can be potentially pathogenic to human and probably animal hosts. A large epidemiology survey would be needed to define the presence and the prevalence of this species in global endemic regions.     

Identical 18S rRNA haplotypes of Hepatozoon canis in dogs and foxes in Brandenburg,Germany

Hepatozoon canis is a blood parasite of the suborder Adeleorina infecting wild and domestic canids. Transmission occurs by oral uptake of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato vector ticks infected with H. canis, but vertical transmission is also assumed to be possible. In German foxes, a high prevalence of H. canis has previously been reported despite the fact that R. sanguineus s.l. is not endemic. In the absence of knowledge about local transmission pathways, foxes should be considered to be possible reservoirs of H. canis and contribute to infection of domestic dogs. The present study aimed to determine how often foxes and dogs are infected in Brandenburg (Germany) and if identical or different H. canis 18S rRNA haplotypes are found in these host species. Hepatozoon spp. were detected by PCR in 46/1050 (4.4 %) of dog blood and 176/201 (77.6 %) of fox spleen samples from Brandenburg. Sequencing of 19 dog and 56 fox samples identified all as H. canis. For nine positive dogs, owners stated that they had never left Germany suggesting that autochthonous transmission occurs not only in foxes but also in dogs. Sequences for seven of these possible autochthonous cases were obtained and six were identical to the predominant haplotype found in the foxes. Haplotype network analysis confirmed that many dogs, including some without travel history, carried the same or very similar 18S rRNA haplotypes as the foxes suggesting that both hosts participate in the same epidemiological cycle.     

Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis in Kerman,Southeast of Iran: A Seroepidemiological,Histopathological and Molecular Study

Background

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is a systemic disease with a high mortality rate, caused by a diphasic protozoan parasite, Leishmania infantum/chagasi in the world. The objective of the present study was to determine the presence of CVL in the city and suburbs of Kerman, using a range of serological, histopathological and molecular methods.

Methods

Blood samples were taken from 80 clinically symptomatic stray dogs All the collected blood samples were tested by direct agglutination test (DAT) to detect the anti-Leishmania antibodies in dogs, using a cut-off value of ≥1:320. Pathological specimens including spleen, liver and lymph nodes were prepared for paraffin blocks, sectioning, staining and final microscopic examination in the pathology laboratory. PCR amplification of kDNA from 9 samples of DAT positive stray dogs was studied.

Results

The anti-Leishmania antibody was detected in 9 dogs (11.25 %) of the total 80 studied dogs. No significant difference was found between VL infection and gender. In contrast, there was a significant difference between seropositivity and age (P<0.05). Pathological samples showed changes including hyperplasia of infected macrophages and inflammatory cells that occupied sinusoids and splenic cords. Among the samples which was characterized by PCR, only one specimen revealed to be mixed infection between L. infantum and L. tropica.

Conclusion

The results revealed a high prevalence of L. infantum infection in stray dogs in Kerman. This kind of information is needed for implementation of future control programs.     

Cross sectional and longitudinal surveys of canine enteric coronavirus infection in kennelled dogs: A molecular marker for biosecurity

Previous studies have suggested that kennelled dogs are more likely to test positive for CECoV than household pets. Here we describe both cross sectional and longitudinal studies in two rescue kennels and two boarding kennels, together with molecular diagnostics, to provide a new insight into the epidemiology of CECoV. Prevalence of CECoV in the cross sectional studies tended to be higher in the rescue kennels (13.8% and 33.3%) than the boarding kennels (5.3% and 13.5%). In each kennel, type I CECoV was more prevalent than type 2 CECoV. The mean quantity of type I detected was equivalent to 6.3×10(8)gc/gm (range=5×10(6), 8.5×10(11)), compared to 1.3×10(8)gc/gm (range=3×10(6), 2.4×10(10)) for type II. In one rescue shelter where dogs were followed longitudinally, infection was significantly associated with accommodation block as well as the length of stay (increased risk of CECoV per week in residence of ×1.9). Of those animals sampled on two or more occasions, none tested positive on arrival, and 54.5% later shed CECoV, suggesting that infection may have been acquired within the kennel. Shedding patterns and sequence analysis suggested both types I and II CECoV were maintained in this population by a combination of introductions into the shelter and within-shelter transmission. The findings suggest that some kennel environments may be important in maintaining CECoV infection in the population. We also propose that the diversity of viruses like CECoV in these populations may provide a novel surrogate marker for the success of biosecurity.     

Ehrlichia canis TRP36 diversity in naturally infected-dogs from an urban area of Colombia

Ehrlichia canis is the etiologic agent of a highly prevalent tick-borne disease, canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME). Four defined E. canis genotypes based on the trp36 gene sequences have been reported, three of them identified in North or South America. The diversity of E. canis has been investigated using genetic and serologic approaches based on distinct 36 kDa tandem repeat protein (trp36) gene sequences that have been reported. The main objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of E. canis infection in dogs from Medellín, Colombia by PCR and determine the E. canis diversity using molecular and serologic approaches. Blood was collected from dogs (n = 300) with clinical signs of CME for PCR detection of E. canis 16S rRNA, dsb and trp36 DNA. Phylogenetic analysis of trp36 gene sequences was performed using MEGA. A serological evaluation was performed using immunofluorescence microscopy and ELISA with species-specific peptides from E. canis TRP19 and TRP36 (3 genotypes) and E. chaffeensis (TRP32). E. canis DNA (16S rRNA and/or dsb) was detected in 18 % (53/300) of dogs by PCR amplification. The trp36 gene was amplified and sequenced from 35/53 16S rRNA/dsb PCR positive samples revealing three genotypes: United States (US; n = 21), Costa Rica (CR; n = 11), and Brazil (BR; n = 3). Most dogs (33/35) with detectable trp36 DNA had anti-E. canis TRP19 and TRP36 peptide antibodies that corresponded to the genotype detected by PCR. Dogs that had antibodies to the TRP19 peptide (82/300; 38 %), also had antibodies to one or more genotype-specific TRP36 peptides. Based on TRP36 serology, the dogs exhibited highest frequency of infection with the US genogroup (US = 26), followed by the CR genogroup (CR = 19) and the BR genogroup (BR = 11). Notably, 26/53 trp36 PCR positive dogs had detectable antibodies to multiple E. canis genotypes (US/BR/CR = 8, BR/CR = 7, US/CR = 6 and US/BR = 5) suggesting coinfection or multiple sequential infections with different genotypes. Colombian dogs did not have antibodies to E. chaffeensis as determined by a TRP32 species-specific ELISA. Our results demonstrate the presence of three previously defined genotypes in North and South America in Colombian dogs (US, BR, CR). These results also demonstrate that TRP19 and TRP36 serology can provide valuable information regarding E. canis exposure and the potential genotype(s) involved in infection.     

First report of Cryptosporidium canis in foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) and identification of several novel subtype families for Cryptosporidium mink genotype in minks (Mustela vison) in China

Despite the rapid and extensive advances in molecular epidemiology of Cryptosporidium in humans and a variety of animals, the prevalence and genetic traits of the parasite in wildlife bred in captivity and the role of the neglected hosts in zoonotic transmission of human cryptosporidiosis are rarely understood. This study investigated the prevalence, species/genotype, and subtype of Cryptosporidium in farmed fur animals in China and assessed the possibility of zoonotic transmission. Three of 191 (1.6%) foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 17 of 162 (10.5%) raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides), and 48 of 162 (29.6%) minks (Mustela vison) were positive for Cryptosporidium by nested PCRs targeting the small subunit rRNA gene. Sequence analysis indicated the presence of only Cryptosporidium canis in foxes and raccoon dogs. There is no significant difference in prevalence between young and adult foxes (or raccoon dogs). Three Cryptosporidium species or genotype including C. canis, Cryptosporidium meleagridis, and mink genotype were determined in minks aged five to six months. Subtyping based on nucleotide and amino acid sequence polymorphisms of the 60 kDa glycoprotein facilitated identification of three novel subtype families named as Xb to Xd for Cryptosporidium mink genotype. The presence of zoonotic C. canis, C. meleagridis, and Cryptosporidium mink genotype in captive-bred fur animals is of public health concerns. The findings expanded the host ranges of C. canis and C. meleagridis and confirmed genetic diversity at the subtype level in Cryptosporidium mink genotype. This is the first study reporting Cryptosporidium infections in foxes and raccoon dogs in China.     

Molecular characterization of Ehrlichia canis and Babesia vogeli reveals multiple genogroups associated with clinical traits in dogs from urban areas of Colombia

Ehrlichia canis and Babesia vogeli are vector-borne pathogens that infect blood cells and produce the diseases Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (CME) and Babesiosis in dogs. Considering the lack of studies on these pathogens in Colombia, this study aims to determine the molecular prevalence and genetic characterization of E. canis and Babesia spp., in dogs from the Metropolitan Area of Bucaramanga (MAB), Santander, a region with one of the greatest pet densities in Colombia. One hundred eighty-five dogs were surveyed and analyzed through molecular, clinical, and hematological approaches. The molecular detection of E. canis and Babesia spp., was performed by conventional PCR targeting the dsb and 18S rRNA genes, respectively. To identify genogroups, E. canis positive samples underwent a hemi-nested PCR of the trp36 gene, and the PCR products were subsequently sequenced. Molecular analyses showed a prevalence of 13% (24/185; CI 95%, 8.1 – 18.0%) and 1.09% (2/185; CI 95,% -0.43 – 2.6%) for E. canis and B. vogeli respectively, as well as the presence of the genogroups US (USA), BR (Brazil), and CR (Costa Rica), in 62.5, 16.6, and 16.6% of E. canis positive samples, respectively. Values of hematocrit, hemoglobin, platelets, erythrocytes, white blood cell (WBC) count, lymphocytes, and eosinophils showed significant differences between animals infected with the different genogroups of E. canis (p< 0.05). In contrast, hematocrit values, hemoglobin, platelets, red blood cells, and creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (CK-MB) were lower in B. vogeli positive animals. Statistical analysis indicated that E. canis infection was associated with specific socioeconomic sectors as well as with some household features (p< 0.05). In conclusion, our results present evidence of the circulation of multiple genogroups of E. canis in the MAB, which is associated with different geographical origins and clinical traits. Epidemiological analyses suggest a need to increase molecular surveillance and prevention campaigns especially in lower socioeconomic sectors.     

Detection of tick-borne pathogens in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato and dogs from different districts of Portugal

Dogs are highly exposed to pathogens transmitted by ectoparasites. The Mediterranean climate of Southern Europe, together with the presence of stray and/or neglected pets in close proximity with humans, contribute for tick expansion and stand for increased risk to infections in humans due to the zoonotic potential of many of these agents.The aim of this study was to perform a molecular survey in dogs (suspected of tick-borne disease and/or infested with ticks), as well as in ticks collected from those animals, from 12 districts of Portugal to investigate the occurrence of Rickettsia spp. and other tick-borne pathogens (Babesia, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma and Hepatozoon). Additionally, a serological survey of spotted fever group Rickettsia in Portuguese dogs was performed using an in-house immunofluorescence assay (IFA).A total of 200 whole-blood samples and 221 Rhipicephalus sanguineus s. l. ticks were collected from dogs.A total of 14 (7 %) blood samples and 10 (4.5 %) ticks yielded presumptively positive 420-bp amplicons using the Rickettsia spp. partial ompB nested PCR. Screening of the ompB-positive samples using the gltA gene showed 8 positive ticks. All Rickettsia ompB and gltA sequences had the highest identity with R. massiliae. The Rickettsia-positive dogs were further tested for other tick-borne pathogens and were found to be infected with Babesia spp. (n = 5), but not with Ehrlichia, Anaplasma or Hepatozoon.Of the 149 dog serum specimens tested in the serological assay, 103 (69 %) were positive for IgG antibodies against spotted fever group Rickettsia. Antibodies were found in dogs from all the studied districts, in 55 (53 %) of the stray and in 48 (47 %) of the owned dogs.Our study detected and characterized for the first time R. massiliae in dogs from Portugal, broadening the geographical range of this canine pathogen and adding knowledge to the impact of this disease in dogs.     

Canine piroplasmids: Molecular detection and laboratory characterization in dogs from Brasilia,Brazil, with the first molecular evidence of dog exposure to a novel opossum-associated Babesia sp.

Canine piroplasmid infections can be caused by Babesia spp., Theileria spp. and Rangelia vitalii. In Brazil, canine babesiosis caused by Babesia vogeli is endemic and reported throughout the country. On the other hand, Rangeliosis caused by R. vitalii has only been described so far in the South and Southeast regions. Despite that, studies analyzing the laboratory and molecular characterization of these hemoprotozoa are still scarce. To investigate the occurrence, the laboratory features, the molecular characterization, and the diversity of piroplasmids from Midwestern Brazil, a survey was performed using blood samples obtained from 276 domestic dogs from Brasília, Federal District, Midwestern Brazil. A broad-range quantitative PCR (qPCR) targeting the mitochondrial large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU4) was used to detect piroplasmid DNA. The overall molecular occurrence of piroplasmids was 11.2% (31/276), with 9.7% (27/276) of the sequences identified as Babesia vogeli (98–100% identity to B. vogeli isolate from the USA). Based on a partial 18S rRNA sequence pairwise alignment (-250 bp), 1.4% (4/276) of the sequences showed only 76.8% identity with B. vogeli but 100% identity with opossum-associated Babesia sp. (MW290046–53). These findings suggest the exposure of dogs from Brazil to a recently described Babesia sp. isolated from white-eared opossum. None of the analyzed dogs was positive for Theileria spp. or R. vitalii. Subsequently, all positive sequences were submitted to three additional PCR assays based on the 18S rRNA, cox-1, and cytb genes, aiming at performing a haplotype network analysis. Haplotype network using cox-1 sequences showed the presence of six different haplotypes of B. vogeli; one of them was shared with isolates from Brazil, the USA, and India. When including animals co-infected with other vector-borne diseases, piroplasmid-positive dogs had 2.3 times higher chance of having thrombocytopenia than the negative ones. The molecular results demonstrated that the compared Babesia vogeli sequences showed a low variability as well as evidence of exposure to a putative novel opossum-associated Babesia sp. in dogs from Midwestern Brazil.     

Prevalence and molecular characterization of Giardia duodenalis in dogs in Aydin,Turkey

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and molecular characterization of Giardia duodenalis among dogs in Aydin, Turkey. A total of 473 faecal samples from dogs were collected. The overall prevalence of G. duodenalis was 18.8%. Higher infection rates were observed in dogs younger than three months old, from shelters, and with diarrhoea. Faecal samples of 89 dogs, diagnosed Giardia-positive by microscopy, were found positive by nested PCR. The β-giardin nested PCR assay revealed assemblage B in all samples (100%), whereas 38 of the samples were mixed with assemblage A (42%). Sequence analysis of isolates indicated sub-genotypes A3 and B4 which have been previously detected in human isolates from Turkey. The results of the present study indicated the relatively high prevalence of giardiasis and the presence of the zoonotic sub-genotypes suggesting the important role of dogs as potential reservoirs of human infections.     

Canine Heartworm in Southeastern of Iran with Review of disease distribution

Background

Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is mosquito-borne filarial nematode capable of causing serious cardiopulmonary disease in canines and felines, and pulmonary dirofilariasis in man. This research was conducted with the objectives of determining the incidence and assessing possible risk factors of canine heartworm in the southeast of Iran.

Methods

From October 2012 to September 2013, blood samples from 87 dogs from Zabol area in Sistan and Baluchestan and 33 dogs from Bam area in Kerman Province were examined for detection of Dirofilaria immitis using modified knott test and serology.

Results

Out of 120 dogs, 29 (24.2%; 95%CI: 16.6-31.8%) were positive, serologically. The overall seroprevalence of D. immitis in dog in Zabol and Bam was 27.5% (95% CI: 24.7-32.5%) and 15.15% (95% CI: 12.3-20.7%), respectively. 28.8% of stray dogs and 20.6% of housed dogs in the study areas were seropositive. Seroprevalence of D. immitis was not significantly different between stray and housed dogs (P = 0.295). Investigation of seasonal dynamic of infection with D. immitis in stray and housed dog showed that the proportion of infected dog in spring and summer was greater than colder season (autumn and winter) which was not significant. The prevalence of infection with D. immitis in >5 years old stray dogs (53.8%) was greater than other age categories while in housed dogs infection rate was greater in 3-5 years old (27.3%).

Conclusion

It is important to point out the increased incidence of canine heatrworm in Iran. In order to stop the spread of canine heartworm, preventive measures must be taken now.     

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium sp. in institutionalized dogs in the city of São Paulo, Brazil

OBJECTIVE: Dogs play an important role as infection source of human cryptosporidiosis. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium sp. in dogs as well as to compare two techniques of fecal analysis. METHODS: Four-hundred and fifty canine fecal samples from the city of S?o Paulo were analyzed between 2003 and 2004. Fecal samples were randomly selected from dogs housed in a university veterinary hospital (group 1, n=200) and private kennels (group 2, n=250). The detection of Cryptosporidium was performed using modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique. Statistical analysis was performed using the two-tailed test of significance at 5% confidence interval (z critical=+/-1.645). RESULTS: Only Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts were found. The prevalences found by light microscopy examination and PCR techniques were 8.8% and 9.5%, respectively. Young animals showed a lower frequency (5.5%) compared to adults (10.1%). There was no statistically significant difference in Cryptosporidium prevalence between males and females. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of C. parvum in the canine population studied was similar to that one found in the literature and affects equally males and females. The use of PCR allowed the detection of more positive cases than light microscopy.     

Prevalence of antibodies against Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato,Babesia gibsoni,and Ehrlichia spp. in dogs in the Republic of Korea

There is a lack of comprehensive studies on the seroprevalence of tick-borne pathogens in the Republic of Korea. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalences of Anaplasma spp. (A. phagocytophilum/A. platys), Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Babesia gibsoni, Ehrlichia spp. (E. canis/E. ewingii), and Ehrlichia chaffeensis in dogs across the Republic of Korea in 2017 and 2018. A total of 2215 serum samples collected from 938 companion dogs, 969 shelter dogs, and 308 military working dogs were examined using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect fluorescence immunoassay (IFA) kits. Data collected for each animal, including breed, sex, age, region, season, and dog type, were used for statistical analysis. The overall seroprevalence was highest for Anaplasma spp. (15.1 %), followed by Ehrlichia spp. (10.3 %), B. burgdorferi sensu lato (6.4 %), E. chaffeensis (2.3 %), and B. gibsoni (1.7 %). One hundred and sixty-one dogs had antibodies against two or three different pathogens. The most common combinations were Anaplasma spp. - Ehrlichia spp. (2.1 %), Anaplasma spp. - E. chaffeensis (1.4 %), and Anaplasma spp. - B. burgdorferi sensu lato (1.2 %). Season was significantly associated with the seroprevalences of B. burgdorferi sensu lato and Ehrlichia spp., with dogs presenting the highest percentage of positive results during summer. Anaplasma spp. and B. gibsoni were significantly more prevalent in the northern and southern regions, respectively. The seroprevalences of Anaplasma spp., B. burgdorferi sensu lato, and Ehrlichia spp. were significantly higher in military working dogs, while the seroprevalence of E. chaffeensis was higher in companion dogs. The current findings are important for future surveillance of canine tick-borne pathogens and designing appropriate approaches for the diagnosis and control of these pathogens in the Republic of Korea.     

Epidemiology,Sero-Diagnosis and Therapeutic Studies on Nematodes Infection in Balochi Range-Sheep at District Quetta,Balochistan, Pakistan

Background

Among the infectious organisms of parasitic origin, gastrointestinal nematodes are very important as they have been reported worldwide. The main aim of the present research study to highlight the annual epidemiological contributing factors associated with the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes and their control in sheep.

Methods

A total 1200 faecal samples (100 per month) were collected from farmers holding Balochi-sheep (either sexes, 1-5 years old) during January-December 2012 and analyzed to determine the prevalence of nematodes based on microscopy and ELISA based diagnostic assay. Therapeutic efficacies of different synthetic and herbal medicines against these nematodes were assessed by field trials.

Results

Results showed that 23.92% Balochi-sheep were infected with nematodes. Five nematodes infections were recorded with highest prevalence of Haemonchus (7.75%) followed by Nematodirus (7.58%), Strongyloides (4.42%), Trichostrongylus (2.33%) and Trichuris (1.83%). The younger and older ewes (one and five years) presented higher nematodes prevalence with peak during March/April and August/September. Haemonchus and Trichuris positive samples based on coprological examination were also showed 92-100% positive sensitivity for these nematodes by the ELISA. Sheep treated with Ivermectin showed higher reduction (97.76%) in nematode egg counts followed by Atreefal deedan (96.42%) and Oxfendazole (95.44%), respectively.

Conclusion

The gastro-intestinal nematodes are prevalent in all age and either sex of Balochi-sheep with peak during summer. The ELISA based diagnosis is more accurte. The synthetic and herbal products are very effective against sheep nematodes.     

Non-primate hepacivirus transmission and prevalence: Novel findings of virus circulation in horses and dogs in Morocco

Non-primate hepacivirus (NPHV) is a homolog of hepatitis C virus and has been isolated from dogs and horses. Data on NPHV prevalence and distribution are not complete, and there is a particular lack of reports from the African continent. The present study represents the first investigation of NPHV prevalence in horses and dogs in North Africa.Blood was collected from 172 horses and 36 dogs at different locations in Morocco, and screened for NPHV RNA using nested PCR targeting 5’UTR and NS3 regions and analyzed for anti-NPHV NS3 antibody using a Gaussia luciferase immunoprecipitation system—to determine seroprevalence. Eight sequences of the NS3 region isolated from positive serum samples were targeted for phylogenetic analysis.Horses and dogs showed respective NPHV RNA positivity rates of 10.5% and 5.5%, and seroprevalences of 65.7% and 8.33%. Juvenile horses appeared more susceptible to infection, with a 23.5% NHPV RNA positivity rate. Seropositivity was more extensive in mares than stallions (77.14% vs. 46.27%, p < 0.0001). Phylogenetically, that NPHV NS3 genes isolated from horses and dog are clustered together. The NPHV strains we detected showed no correlation with geographic location within Morocco.In conclusion, Moroccan horses showed much evidence of previous and/or current NPHV infection, with young age and female sex as noted potential risk factors. Interestingly, NPHV is circulating in dogs as well as horses, suggesting that it has crossed species barriers and that horses and dogs are potential vectors by which an ancestor to hepatitis C virus was transmitted into human populations.     

Echinococcosis/Hydatidosis in Ilam Province,Western Iran

Background

Hydatidosis is a zoonotic disease of global prevalence. It causes considerable health problems and economic losses throughout the world, including Iran. The objective of this study was to assess the current status of echinococcosis/hydatidosis in the province of Ilam (western Iran).

Methods

From April to September 2011, 65 stray dogs were collected from urban and rural areas of Ilam City. Parasites were isolated from the dogs and stained with carmine. A taxonomic study was carried out by measuring different parts of helminths. Meat inspection documents from slaughterhouses in Ilam were used to assess the prevalence of hydatidosis during a 3-year period in sheep, cattle, and goats. ELISA test was used to detect the presence of antibodies to hydatidosis in human sera. Clinical records from 2000 to 2010 of either treated or diagnosed patients from public hospitals of this province were reviewed.

Results

The prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus infection in stray dogs was 9%. A total of 81,726 animals were assessed for hydatidosis; 2.94% (2403 cases) had liver hydatidosis and 2.34% (1918 cases) had lung hydatidosis. Within a 10-year period, 140 patients (91 females and 49 males) were treated for hydatidosis. Of 1200 human sera, 2.25% (27 patients) were seropositive for hydatidosis.

Conclusion

Hydatidosis is endemic in Ilam Province especially in rural area. The health and economic losses caused by the disease are significant; thus, our efforts need to be focused on the control of this disease.     

Epidemiological Studies on Echinococcosis and Characterization of Human and Livestock Hydatid Cysts in Mauritania

Background

Echinococcosis/hydatidosis is considered endemic in Mauritania. The aim of this study is to present an epidemiological study on the echinococcosis in man and animals in the Nouakchott region.

Methods

The internal organs from livestock carcasses were inspected for research of hydatid cysts. The hydatid fluid was examined for research of the protoscoleces. Dogs were necropsied for the collect of Echinococcus granulosus.

Results

In the Nouakchott Hospital, 24 surgical operation of human hydatid cysts have been performed, out of which 50% were localised in the lung, 33% in the liver and 17% elsewhere. Then, the incidence rate would be of 1.2% per 100 000 inhabitants in Mauritania. In the dog, the prevalence rate is 14%. The average number of E. granulosus on the whole dogs is 172 and 1227 on the positive dogs. Concerning the livestock, hydatid cysts found in 30.1% of the dromedary, 5.5% of the cattle and 6.5 of the sheep. The fertility rate of hydatid cysts in humans (75%) and camels (76%) was significantly higher than that of sheep (24%) and cattle (23%) (P<0.0001). Hydatid infestation is characterized globally by the dominance of pulmonary localizations in humans (50%) and camels (72.7%) and in the liver in sheep (76.1%) and cattle (82.3%).

Conclusion

The differences between prevalence rates, the fertility of hydatid cysts and diversity sites localization observed in humans and camels of one hand and the sheep and cattle on the other hand, depends possibly the strain(s) diversity of E. granulosus.     

Prevalence of Balantidium coli Infection in Bred Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca mulatta) in Guangxi,southern China

Background

Balantidium coli infects humans, primates and pigs, causing serious diarrhea and dysentery. Little information on the prevalence of B. coli in primates is available in China. This investigation was conducted to determine the prevalence of B. coli infection in bred rhesus monkeys in Guangxi Zhuang Nationality Autonomous Region (GZNAR), southern China.

Methods

A total of 120 fecal samples were collected from rhesus monkeys bred in cages in GZNAR and B. coli cysts and/or trophozoites were examined microscopically after sedimentation with water in May 2013.

Results

(64.2%) samples were tested positive. The prevalence was 65% (39/60) and 63.3% (38/60) in female and male monkeys, respectively. 80% (48/60) cages in this nonhuman primate center were positive for B. coli.

Conclusion

The present survey revealed high circulation of B. coli in bred rhesus monkeys in GZNAR, which poses potential threats to animal and human health.