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Parasitic Diseases of Domestic, Wild, and Exotic Animals
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Parasitic Diseases of Domestic, Wild, and Exotic Animals

A special issue of Pathogens (ISSN 2076-0817). This special issue belongs to the section "Parasitic Pathogens".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 December 2021) | Viewed by 51812

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Stefania Perrucci

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
Interests: endo and ectoparasites (helminths, protozoa, arthropods); animals (domestic, wild, exotic); zoonotic parasite species
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In infected animals, parasitic diseases may greatly impair growth, welfare, fertility, and production, as well as cause severe health problems and death. Moreover, a high number of parasites may infect both animals and humans and may have public health relevance.

In wild, exotic and zoo animals, parasitic diseases may affect population dynamics and animal behavior and greatly increase mortality, often with dramatic effects in endangered and fragmented populations and wildlife conservation.

Wildlife, including exotic species, can be the reservoirs or occasional hosts of many parasites shared with domestic animals and humans that can be relevant for public health and economy. Moreover, disease emergence and potential spillovers of parasitic diseases to humans often take place at the complex human/domestic animals/wildlife interface.

The understanding of parasite epidemiology, diagnosis, pathology, host–pathogen interaction, zoonotic, and spillover potential with far-reaching significance also for human medicine, is fundamental for planning effective measures for the control of parasitic diseases. In many cases, knowledge of parasites of some wild and exotic animals is very limited, while it is fundamental for wildlife conservation plans and to avoid the introduction of exotic parasites.

This Special Issue will collect original papers and/or review papers dealing with those aspects of parasitic diseases of wild, domestic, and exotic animals that can be relevant for animal and public health and welfare, economy, and conservation. Work exploring the implementation of the knowledge of parasites of wild and exotic animal species and all aspects useful for the control of parasitic diseases in wild, domestic, and exotic animals is also welcome.

References:

Mihalca AD. Ticks imported to Europe with exotic reptiles. Vet Parasitol. 2015;213(1–2):67–71. doi:10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.03.024

Otranto D, Deplazes P. Zoonotic nematodes of wild carnivores. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl. 2019;9:370-383. doi:10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.12.011

Otranto D, Cantacessi C, Pfeffer M, et al. The role of wild canids and felids in spreading parasites to dogs and cats in Europe. Part I: Protozoa and tick-borne agents. Vet Parasitol. 2015;213(1–2):12–23. doi:10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.04.022

Otranto D, Cantacessi C, Dantas-Torres F, et al. The role of wild canids and felids in spreading parasites to dogs and cats in Europe. Part II: Helminths and arthropods. Vet Parasitol. 2015;213(1–2):24–37. doi:10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.04.020

Mendoza-Roldan JA, Modry D, Otranto D. Zoonotic Parasites of Reptiles: A Crawling Threat [published online ahead of print, 2020 May 7]. Trends Parasitol. 2020;S1471-4922(20)30128-8. doi:10.1016/j.pt.2020.04.014

Mancianti F, Terracciano G, Sorichetti C, Vecchio G, Scarselli D, Perrucci S. Epidemiologic Survey on Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella pseudospiralis Infection in Corvids from Central Italy. Pathogens. 2020;9(5):336. doi:10.3390/pathogens9050336

Coppola F, Maestrini M, Berrilli F, Procesi IG, Felicioli A, Perrucci S. First report of Giardia duodenalis infection in the crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata L., 1758). Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl. 2020;11:108–113. doi:10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.01.006

Prof. Dr. Stefania Perrucci
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • parasites
  • wild animals
  • exotic animals
  • domestic animals
  • zoonosis
  • economy
  • wildlife conservation
  • exotic parasites
  • control.

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Published Papers (13 papers)

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14 pages, 1942 KiB  
Article
Giardia duodenalis in Wildlife: Exploring Genotype Diversity in Italy and across Europe
by Isabel Guadano Procesi, Margherita Montalbano Di Filippo, Claudio De Liberato, Andrea Lombardo, Giuseppina Brocherel, Stefania Perrucci, David Di Cave and Federica Berrilli
Pathogens 2022, 11(1), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11010105 - 16 Jan 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2277
Abstract
Fragmented data are so far available on genotype diversity of G. duodenalis in wildlife in different countries in Europe, in particular, in Italy. In the present study, G. duodenalis sequences obtained from different Italian wild animals [12 porcupines (Hystrix cristata), 4 [...] Read more.
Fragmented data are so far available on genotype diversity of G. duodenalis in wildlife in different countries in Europe, in particular, in Italy. In the present study, G. duodenalis sequences obtained from different Italian wild animals [12 porcupines (Hystrix cristata), 4 wild boars (Sus scrofa), 1 wolf (Canis lupus italicus), 6 Alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra)] were compared with those available from wild host species in Europe to add new data on the geographic distribution of Giardia assemblages/sub-assemblages and their transmission patterns among natural hosts. Thirty-eight sequences were obtained by MLG analysis (SSU-rRNA, bg, gdh, and tpi genes) and subsequently compared by phylogenetic and network analyses with those from wild species monitored in the last decades in Europe. The results revealed the presence of potentially zoonotic (A-AI, A-AII from wild boar; B from porcupine) and host-adapted (D from wolf; E, A-AIII from chamois) assemblages and sub-assemblages and represent the first report for Italian wild boar. The analysis did not find any evidence of spatial or host segregation for specific genetic variants, mostly shared between different hosts from different European countries. However, conflicting evidence was found in genotypic assignment, advocating for data improvement and new genomic approaches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Diseases of Domestic, Wild, and Exotic Animals)
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9 pages, 295 KiB  
Article
Prevalence, Risk Factors and Genotypes of Giardia duodenalis in Sheltered Dogs in Tuscany (Central Italy)
by Andrea Agresti, Federica Berrilli, Michela Maestrini, Isabel Guadano Procesi, Enrico Loretti, Niccolò Vonci and Stefania Perrucci
Pathogens 2022, 11(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11010012 - 23 Dec 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2481
Abstract
In sheltered dogs, the prevalence of Giardia duodenalis is frequently high and may include potential zoonotic genotypes. The prevalence, genotypes and potential risk factors of G. duodenalis were assessed in 168 dogs from four kennels (Pistoia, Prato, Florence, Valdarno) in Tuscany, central Italy [...] Read more.
In sheltered dogs, the prevalence of Giardia duodenalis is frequently high and may include potential zoonotic genotypes. The prevalence, genotypes and potential risk factors of G. duodenalis were assessed in 168 dogs from four kennels (Pistoia, Prato, Florence, Valdarno) in Tuscany, central Italy and compared with data from previous Italian studies. The prevalence of other intestinal parasites was also investigated. Individual dog faecal samples collected from each kennel were examined by parasitological techniques and a rapid immunoassay for the detection of G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium faecal antigens. On Giardia-positive samples, molecular analysis was performed for genotype identification. Overall, 69 dogs scored positive for G. duodenalis (41%), but significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were found among the four kennels and sampling seasons. The potentially zoonotic assemblages A and B and the canine-specific assemblage C (Pistoia: A-AII, B, C; Prato: A-AII, B; Florence: A-AII; Valdarno: A and C) were identified. Toxocara canis (8.9%), Trichuris vulpis (3.6%), hookworms (1.19%) and Cryptosporidium sp. (0.6%) were also identified. The high prevalence of G. duodenalis and the identification of potentially zoonotic genotypes in all examined kennels underline the need to improve routine parasite monitoring and control measures and to provide insights into the zoonotic potential of G. duodenalis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Diseases of Domestic, Wild, and Exotic Animals)
18 pages, 3836 KiB  
Article
New Insights into Gastrointestinal and Pulmonary Parasitofauna of Wild Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in the Harz Mountains of Germany
by Lisa Segeritz, Ole Anders, Tomma Lilli Middelhoff, Deliah Tamsyn Winterfeld, Pavlo Maksimov, Gereon Schares, Franz Josef Conraths, Anja Taubert and Carlos Hermosilla
Pathogens 2021, 10(12), 1650; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10121650 - 20 Dec 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4350
Abstract
The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) represents an endangered wild felid species. In Germany, it currently occurs in three isolated populations in and around the Harz Mountains, the Palatinate Forest and the Bavarian Forest. Lynx parasitic infections affect animal health and might [...] Read more.
The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) represents an endangered wild felid species. In Germany, it currently occurs in three isolated populations in and around the Harz Mountains, the Palatinate Forest and the Bavarian Forest. Lynx parasitic infections affect animal health and might have an influence on population performance. Therefore, we investigated the protozoan and helminth fauna of free-ranging Eurasian lynx of the Harz population with emphasis on zoonotic parasites. Individual scat samples (n = 24) were collected from wild animals between 2019 and 2021 in the Harz National Park and surrounding areas. In total, 15 taxa of endoparasites were detected, including seven nematodes (i.e., Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Angiostrongylus spp., Uncinaria stenocephala, Toxascaris leonina, Toxocara cati, Cylicospirura spp. and Capillaria spp.), one cestode (Diphyllobothriidae) and one trematode (Heterophylidae) as well as six protozoans (i.e., Cystoisospora rivolta, Cystoisospora felis, Toxoplasma gondii/Hammondia spp., Sarcocystis spp., Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium spp.). Moreover, first-stage larvae (L1) of spurious lungworm, Protostrongylus pulmonalis, originating from lagomorph preys were identified. This work represents the first report on patent A. abstrusus and Angiostrongylus spp. infections in wild German Eurasian lynxes. Some of the identified parasites represent relevant pathogens for lynxes, circulating between these carnivorous definitive hosts and a variety of mammalian and invertebrate intermediate hosts, e.g., Sarcocystis spp., T. gondii/Hammondia spp., T. cati, T. leonina, A. abstrusus and Angiostrongylus spp., while others are considered exclusively pathogenic for wild felids (e.g., Cylicospirura spp., C. rivolta, C. felis). This study provides insights in the occurrence of zooanthroponotically relevant metazoan (i.e., T. cati and U. stenocephala) and protozoan (i.e., G. intestinalis) species in free-ranging lynx. The present work should be considered as a baseline study for future monitoring surveys on endoparasites circulating in wild Eurasian lynx for appropriate management practices in lynx conservation strategies in Europe. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Diseases of Domestic, Wild, and Exotic Animals)
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7 pages, 563 KiB  
Article
Molecular Detection and Characterization of Giardia duodenalis in Farmed Pigs in Three Provinces of Southern China
by Yang Zou, Xiao-Dan Yuan, Sheng-Ying Zhang, Hong-Yan Zhang and Xiao-Qing Chen
Pathogens 2021, 10(11), 1481; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10111481 - 14 Nov 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1819
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is a flagellated zoonotic parasite that can infect various animals and humans, causing economic losses in husbandry and detriments to public health. Although it has been reported in pigs worldwide, there are few reports on the prevalence and assemblages of G. [...] Read more.
Giardia duodenalis is a flagellated zoonotic parasite that can infect various animals and humans, causing economic losses in husbandry and detriments to public health. Although it has been reported in pigs worldwide, there are few reports on the prevalence and assemblages of G. duodenalis infection in pigs in China. In this study, the 396 pig fecal samples were randomly collected from seven farms in Zhejiang, Guangdong and Yunnan provinces in southern China, and were examined by means of the nested PCR amplification of β-giardin (bg), glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), and triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) for the detection of G. duodenalis. Overall, 21 fecal samples were positive for G. duodenalis, with a prevalence of 5.3%. Three risk factors are associated with G. duodenalis infection, namely, region, age and gender. Moreover, 13, six and two samples were successfully amplified at the bg, gdh and tpi gene loci, respectively. Three assemblages of G. duodenalis were identified, including assemblage E (n = 17), assemblage A (n = 3) and assemblage B (n = 1). Assemblage E was the dominating genotype and was distributed in three provinces. These assemblages of G. duodenalis have also been found in human beings, non-human primates, sheep, goats and cattle, which further reveals that farmed pigs pose a potential threat to public health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Diseases of Domestic, Wild, and Exotic Animals)
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11 pages, 894 KiB  
Article
Prevalence and Subtype Distribution of Blastocystis sp. in Diarrheic Pigs in Southern China
by Pei Wang, Sen Li, Yang Zou, Zhao-Wei Hong, Ping Wang, Xing-Quan Zhu, De-Ping Song and Xiao-Qing Chen
Pathogens 2021, 10(9), 1189; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10091189 - 14 Sep 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2264
Abstract
Blastocystis sp. is a common pathogen that infects the intestines of humans and animals, causing a threat to public health. However, little information on the prevalence and subtypes of Blastocystis sp. in diarrheic pigs in China is available. Herein, 1254 fecal samples were [...] Read more.
Blastocystis sp. is a common pathogen that infects the intestines of humans and animals, causing a threat to public health. However, little information on the prevalence and subtypes of Blastocystis sp. in diarrheic pigs in China is available. Herein, 1254 fecal samples were collected from diarrheic pigs in 37 intensive pig farms in Hunan, Jiangxi, and Fujian provinces in southern China, and the prevalence and subtypes of Blastocystis sp. were investigated. Blastocystis sp. was detected by PCR assay, which amplified the small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene. Overall prevalence of Blastocystis sp. was 31.4% (394/1254), including 21.5% (66/307), 33.1% (99/299), 58.9% (56/95), and 31.3% (173/553) in suckling piglets, weaned piglets, fattening pigs, and sows, respectively. Moreover, age and region factors were significantly related to prevalence of Blastocystis sp. (p < 0.05). Four Blastocystis sp. subtypes were identified, including ST1, ST3, ST5, and ST14. The preponderant subtype was ST5 (76.9%, 303/394). To our knowledge, ST14 was firstly found in pigs in China. The human-pathogenic subtypes (ST1, ST3, ST5, and ST14) that were observed in this study indicate a potential threat to public health. These findings provided a new sight for studying the genetic structure of Blastocystis sp. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Diseases of Domestic, Wild, and Exotic Animals)
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16 pages, 3905 KiB  
Article
Parasites Circulating in Wild Synanthropic Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris): A One Health Approach
by Manuel Uribe, Carlos Hermosilla, Arlex Rodríguez-Durán, Juan Vélez, Sara López-Osorio, Jenny J. Chaparro-Gutiérrez and Jesús A. Cortés-Vecino
Pathogens 2021, 10(9), 1152; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10091152 - 07 Sep 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 9376
Abstract
Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) are affected by a wide range of protozoan and metazoan-derived parasitic diseases. Among parasites of free-ranging capybaras are soil-, water-, food- and gastropod-borne parasitosis, today considered as opportunistic infections in semiaquatic ecosystems. The overlapping of the capybara’s natural [...] Read more.
Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) are affected by a wide range of protozoan and metazoan-derived parasitic diseases. Among parasites of free-ranging capybaras are soil-, water-, food- and gastropod-borne parasitosis, today considered as opportunistic infections in semiaquatic ecosystems. The overlapping of the capybara’s natural ecological habitats with human and domestic animal activities has unfortunately increased in recent decades, thereby enhancing possible cross- or spillover events of zoonotic parasites. Due to this, three synanthropic wild capybara populations in the Orinoco Basin were studied for the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasite infections. A total of forty-six fecal samples were collected from free-ranging capybaras in close proximity to livestock farms. Macroscopical analyses, standard copromicroscopical techniques, coproELISA, PCR, and phylogenetic analysis revealed thirteen parasite taxa. In detail, the study indicates stages of five protozoans, four nematodes, one cestode, and three trematodes. Two zoonotic parasites were identified (i.e., Plagorchis muris, and Neobalantidium coli). The trematode P. muris represents the first report within South America. In addition, this report expands the geographical distribution range of echinocoelosis (Echinocoleus hydrochoeri). Overall, parasitological findings include two new host records (i.e., P. muris, and Entamoeba). The present findings collectively constitute baseline data for future monitoring of wildlife-derived anthropozoonotic parasites and call for future research on the health and the ecological impact of this largest semiaquatic rodent closely linked to humans, domestic and wild animals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Diseases of Domestic, Wild, and Exotic Animals)
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14 pages, 3467 KiB  
Article
Habitat Characteristics as Potential Drivers of the Angiostrongylus daskalovi Infection in European Badger (Meles meles) Populations
by Eszter Nagy, Ildikó Benedek, Attila Zsolnai, Tibor Halász, Ágnes Csivincsik, Virág Ács, Gábor Nagy and Tamás Tari
Pathogens 2021, 10(6), 715; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10060715 - 07 Jun 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2270
Abstract
From 2016 to 2020, an investigation was carried out to identify the rate of Angiostrongylus spp. infections in European badgers in Hungary. During the study, the hearts and lungs of 50 animals were dissected in order to collect adult worms, the morphometrical characteristics [...] Read more.
From 2016 to 2020, an investigation was carried out to identify the rate of Angiostrongylus spp. infections in European badgers in Hungary. During the study, the hearts and lungs of 50 animals were dissected in order to collect adult worms, the morphometrical characteristics of which were used for species identification. PCR amplification and an 18S rDNA-sequencing analysis were also carried out. Global and local spatial autocorrelation methods were used to detect high-rated and low-rated infected animal clusters. We conducted a binary logistic regression analysis along with hierarchical agglomerative clustering to determine the relation between selected biotic and abiotic variables, and the prevalence of an A. daskalovi infection. We found a high prevalence (72%) and moderate mean intensity (14.1) of Angiostrongylus sp. infection. Morphology and sequencing revealed that all animals were infected by A. daskalovi. The results of both spatial autocorrelations suggested that the spatial distribution of infected badgers was more spatially clustered than random. The results of an analysis of the correlation between habitat characteristics and infection showed that the infected animals could be associated with dry and open landscape habitats without extended and connected canopy. It is suggested that the territorial behaviour of badgers and the landscape-directed aggregation of potential intermediate hosts might be the drivers of an A. daskalovi infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Diseases of Domestic, Wild, and Exotic Animals)
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13 pages, 1077 KiB  
Article
Impact of Subclinical Haemoproteus columbae Infection on Farmed Domestic Pigeons from Central Java (Yogyakarta), Indonesia, with Special Reference to Changes in the Hemogram
by Imron Rosyadi, Siti Isrina Oktavia Salasia, Bayanzul Argamjav and Hiroshi Sato
Pathogens 2021, 10(4), 440; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10040440 - 07 Apr 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3593
Abstract
Pigeon haemoproteosis caused by Haemoproteus columbae (Apicomplexa: Haemosporida: Haemoproteidae) is globally prevalent in rock doves (Columba livia), although little is known regarding this disease in pigeons and doves in Indonesia. Blood samples of 35 farmed domestic pigeons (C. livia f. [...] Read more.
Pigeon haemoproteosis caused by Haemoproteus columbae (Apicomplexa: Haemosporida: Haemoproteidae) is globally prevalent in rock doves (Columba livia), although little is known regarding this disease in pigeons and doves in Indonesia. Blood samples of 35 farmed domestic pigeons (C. livia f. domestica) from four localities in Yogyakarta Special Region, Central Java, Indonesia, were collected from March to June, 2016, subjected to a hemogram, and analyzed for the presence of hemoprotozoan infections. Microscopic examination of blood smears revealed a prevalence of 62.5–100% of H. columbae at the four localities (n = 8–10 for each locality), and geometric means of 3.0–5.6% of erythrocytes were parasitized by young and mature gametocytes, suggesting that all infected pigeons were in the chronic phase of infection with repeated recurrences and/or reinfections. Nucleotide sequencing of mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (cytb) for haemosporidian species demonstrated the distribution of four major cytb lineages of H. columbae (mainly HAECOL1, accompanied by COLIV03, COQUI05, and CXNEA02 according to the MalAvi database). Hemogram analysis, involving the estimation of packed cell volume, erythrocyte counts, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and plasma protein and fibrinogen levels of 20 parasitized pigeons and five non-infected pigeons demonstrated significant macrocytic hypochromic anemia with hypoproteinemia and hyperfibrinogenemia in the infected pigeons. This study shows the profound impact of long-lasting subclinical pigeon haemoproteosis caused by H. columbae on the health of farmed domestic pigeons. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Diseases of Domestic, Wild, and Exotic Animals)
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14 pages, 1907 KiB  
Article
Insight into One Health Approach: Endoparasite Infections in Captive Wildlife in Bangladesh
by Tilak Chandra Nath, Keeseon S. Eom, Seongjun Choe, Shahadat Hm, Saiful Islam, Barakaeli Abdieli Ndosi, Yeseul Kang, Mohammed Mebarek Bia, Sunmin Kim, Chatanun Eamudomkarn, Hyeong-Kyu Jeon, Hansol Park and Dongmin Lee
Pathogens 2021, 10(2), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10020250 - 23 Feb 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 9846
Abstract
Introduction: Endoparasites in captive wildlife might pose a threat to public health; however, very few studies have been conducted on this issue, and much remains to be learned, especially in limited-resource settings. This study aimed to investigate endoparasites of captive wildlife in [...] Read more.
Introduction: Endoparasites in captive wildlife might pose a threat to public health; however, very few studies have been conducted on this issue, and much remains to be learned, especially in limited-resource settings. This study aimed to investigate endoparasites of captive wildlife in Bangladesh. Perception and understanding of veterinarians regarding one health and zoonoses were also assessed. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2019 to August 2020. A total of 45 fecal samples from 18 different species of wild animals (i.e., 11 species of mammals: herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores, six birds, and a single reptile species) were collected randomly. Parasitological assessments were done by modified formalin ether sedimentation technique and rechecked by Sheather’s sugar floatation technique. Molecular identification of Spirometra spp. was conducted by amplifying the cytochrome c oxidase 1 (cox1) gene. Questionnaire surveys among 15 veterinarians and an in-depth interview (IDI) with a zoo officer were conducted. Results: Helminths (Spirometra sp., Capillaria sp., Ascaridia/Heterakis, opisthorchiid, strongyles, acuariid, hookworms, roundworms, and unidentified nematode larvae) and protozoa (coccidian oocyst) were identified, and the overall prevalence was 48.9% (22/45). The cox1 sequences (341 bp) of the Bangladesh-origin Spirometra species from lion showed 99.3–99.7% similarity to the reference sequences of Spirometra decipiens (GenBank No: KJ599679.1; MT122766). The majority of study participants (86.6%) agreed about the importance of endoparasite control in zoo animals, and 73.3% expressed that the one health concept should be promoted in Bangladesh. Only 6.7% of veterinarians perceived confidence in diagnosing parasitic diseases and preventing antiparasiticidal resistance. Conclusions: In the present survey, we found a considerable prevalence of endoparasites in captive wildlife. For the first time, zoonotically important S. decipiens from lion was molecularly characterized in Bangladesh. Veterinarian training is required to improve parasite control knowledge and practice. This study highlights the need for routine parasitological assessment, promotion of one health, and improvement of the implementation of current parasite control strategies in zoo animals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Diseases of Domestic, Wild, and Exotic Animals)
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13 pages, 1952 KiB  
Article
Microneme Protein 6 Is Involved in Invasion and Egress by Neospora caninum
by Xianmei Wang, Di Tang, Fei Wang, Gaowei Jin, Lifang Wang, Qun Liu and Jing Liu
Pathogens 2021, 10(2), 201; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10020201 - 13 Feb 2021
Viewed by 1895
Abstract
Background: Neospora caninum, is the etiological agent of neosporosis, an infection that causes abortions in cattle and nervous system dysfunction in dogs. Invasion and egress are the key steps of the pathogenesis of N. caninum infection. Microneme proteins (MICs) play important roles [...] Read more.
Background: Neospora caninum, is the etiological agent of neosporosis, an infection that causes abortions in cattle and nervous system dysfunction in dogs. Invasion and egress are the key steps of the pathogenesis of N. caninum infection. Microneme proteins (MICs) play important roles in the recognition, adhesion, and invasion of host cells in other apicomplexan parasites. However, some MICs and their functions in N. caninum infection have rarely been reported. Methods: The homologous recombination strategy was used to investigate the function of MIC6 in N. caninum infection. Results: ΔNcMIC6 showed a smaller plaque size and weakened capacities of invasion and egress than Nc1. Transcription levels of the egress-related genes CDPK1, PLP1, and AMA1 of ΔNcMIC6 were downregulated. Due to the lack of NcMIC6, virulence of the pathogen in the infected mouse was weakened. The subcellular localization of NcMIC1 and NcMIC4 in ΔNcMIC6, however, did not change. Nevertheless, the transcription levels of MIC1 and MIC4 in ΔNcMIC6 were downregulated, and the expression and secretion of MIC1 and MIC4 in ΔNcMIC6 were reduced compared with that in Nc1. Furthermore, the absence of NcMIC6 weakened the virulence in mice and lower parasite load detected in mice brains. Conclusions: NcMIC6 is involved in host cell invasion and egress in N. caninum and may work synergistically with other MICs to regulate the virulence of the pathogen. These data lay a foundation for further research into the function and application of NcMIC6. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Diseases of Domestic, Wild, and Exotic Animals)
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10 pages, 1643 KiB  
Article
Toxocara cati and Other Parasitic Enteropathogens: More Commonly Found in Owned Cats with Gastrointestinal Signs Than in Clinically Healthy Ones
by Aurora L. Ursache, Adriana Györke, Viorica Mircean, Mirabela O. Dumitrache, Andrei Răzvan Codea and Vasile Cozma
Pathogens 2021, 10(2), 198; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10020198 - 13 Feb 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2556
Abstract
Intestinal parasites are involved in the health and wellbeing of cats and some of them, due to their zoonotic potential, represent a problem for public health. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of parasitic infections in cats with gastrointestinal signs. Fecal samples [...] Read more.
Intestinal parasites are involved in the health and wellbeing of cats and some of them, due to their zoonotic potential, represent a problem for public health. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of parasitic infections in cats with gastrointestinal signs. Fecal samples collected from 137 cats were analyzed by the flotation method using a sodium chloride saturated solution. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 50.4%. Intestinal parasites were significantly (p < 0.0001) more common in cats with digestive clinical signs (66.7%) than in clinically healthy ones (19.2%). Toxocara cati (40.2%) was the most frequently identified intestinal parasite, followed by Cystoisospora spp. (10.2%), hookworms (3.7%), Taeniidae (2.2%), Giardia duodenalis (2.2%), and Toxoplasma gondii (0.7%). Toxocara cati (53.3%, p < 0.0001) and Cystoisospora spp. (15.6%, p < 0.001) were significantly more frequently diagnosed in cats with clinical signs. A lack of deworming in the last three months (OR: 15.9), outdoor access (OR: 13.8), the presence of digestive symptoms (OR: 5.4), and young age (OR: 4.2) were identified as risk factors for T. cati infection by logistic regression analysis. Regardless of age, gastrointestinal signs like vomiting, diarrhea, and inappetence were positively associated with T. cati. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Diseases of Domestic, Wild, and Exotic Animals)
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7 pages, 1513 KiB  
Article
The Vector-Borne Zoonotic Nematode Thelazia callipaeda in the Eastern Part of Europe, with a Clinical Case Report in a Dog in Poland
by Leszek Rolbiecki, Joanna N. Izdebska, Marta Franke, Lech Iliszko and Sławomira Fryderyk
Pathogens 2021, 10(1), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10010055 - 09 Jan 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2389
Abstract
Thelazia callipaeda is a zoonotic nematode transmitted by drosophilid flies. It causes ocular thelaziosis, a disease of carnivores, such as dogs, cats, and foxes, and also humans. The parasite has thus far been observed in various areas of Eurasia, including 20 countries within [...] Read more.
Thelazia callipaeda is a zoonotic nematode transmitted by drosophilid flies. It causes ocular thelaziosis, a disease of carnivores, such as dogs, cats, and foxes, and also humans. The parasite has thus far been observed in various areas of Eurasia, including 20 countries within Europe. The present study documents its presence in the south-east region of Poland, near the Ukraine border. An adult nematode was removed from the conjunctival sac of a dog showing ocular inflammation and purulent discharge. The dog’s precise origin is unknown. Based on its localization and morphometrical features, the nematode was identified as a Thelazia callipaeda adult male. The present study is the first report of T. callipaeda in a dog in Poland. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Diseases of Domestic, Wild, and Exotic Animals)
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10 pages, 1731 KiB  
Case Report
Molecular Confirmation of Massive Taenia pisiformis Cysticercosis in One Rabbit in Poland
by Małgorzata Samorek-Pieróg, Jacek Karamon, Adam Brzana, Ewa Bilska-Zając, Jolanta Zdybel and Tomasz Cencek
Pathogens 2021, 10(8), 1029; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10081029 - 14 Aug 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2885
Abstract
The aim of this study was to provide molecular characterization, together with phylogenetic analysis, of Taenia pisiformis cysts isolated from rabbit. On the basis of morphological features and molecular analysis, the cysticerci were identified as T.pisiformis metacestodes. PCR was performed with three [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to provide molecular characterization, together with phylogenetic analysis, of Taenia pisiformis cysts isolated from rabbit. On the basis of morphological features and molecular analysis, the cysticerci were identified as T.pisiformis metacestodes. PCR was performed with three different protocols to obtain partial sequences of 12S ribosomal RNA (12S rRNA), NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (nad1), and cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) of Taenia spp. The products from the PCRs were sequenced. Interpretation of the sequencing results of the obtained amplicons, by comparing them with the GenBank database, proved that the causative agent, in this case, was T. pisiformis. The phylogenetic analysis of the received sequences identified a new haplotype. The received data can be used to supplement the species description. To our knowledge, this is the first molecular confirmation of T. pisiformis metacestodes infection in the rabbit, in Poland. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Diseases of Domestic, Wild, and Exotic Animals)
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