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- Zoonotic Diseases, Vol. 4, Pages 174-186: Prevalence and Risk Factors of
Multidrug Resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli Isolated from Milk of Small
Scale Dairy Buffaloes in Rupandehi, Nepal
Authors: Anil Gautam, Sirjan Bastola, Keshav Lamsal, Krishna Kaphle, Prajjwal Shrestha, Shambhu Shah, Deepak Subedi
First page: 174
Abstract: Escherichia coli in untreated milk leads to economic losses from subclinical mastitis and reduced milk production, while also posing a public health risk due to the emergence of antimicrobial resistant strains, particularly associated with consuming unpasteurized milk and dairy products. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of E. coli isolated from buffalo milk in Siddarthanagar Municipality of Rupandehi district, Nepal. A total of 102 milk samples were collected from lactating buffaloes. The isolation and identification of E. coli were carried out using enrichment media, selective media, and biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method on Mueller–Hinton agar (Merck), according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) recommendations. Resistance was tested against gentamicin, amikacin, ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, cotrimoxazole, and chloramphenicol. In addition to this, farmers were administered a questionnaire consisting of both open- and close-ended questions to identify various animal-related and management-related risk factors associated with the prevalence of E. coli. The prevalence of E. coli in our study was 29.4% (n = 30/102). Ceftriaxone and ceftazidime showed 100% resistance, while cotrimoxazole and amikacin showed 86.7% and 80% resistance, respectively. Furthermore, 86.7% of E. coli isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR). Despite suggestive trends, associations between E. coli prevalence and risk factors lacked statistical significance, necessitating further research. While some antibiotics exhibited effectiveness, many faced resistance, highlighting the need for prudent antimicrobial usage and increased awareness among farmers. Raising awareness about milk pasteurization and implementing food safety practices is essential for ensuring farmers and public health.
Citation: Zoonotic Diseases
PubDate: 2024-07-24
DOI: 10.3390/zoonoticdis4030016
Issue No: Vol. 4, No. 3 (2024)
- Zoonotic Diseases, Vol. 4, Pages 187-200: Molecular Dynamics and
Optimization Studies of Horse Prion Protein Wild Type and Its S167D Mutant
Authors: Jiapu Zhang
First page: 187
Abstract: Prion diseases, also called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), are fatal neurodegenerative diseases characterised by the accumulation of an abnormal prion protein isoform (PrPSc: rich in β-sheets—about 30% α-helix and 43% β-sheet), which is converted from the normal prion protein (PrPC: predominantly α-helical—about 42% α-helix and 3% β-sheet). However, prion disease has not been reported in horses up to now; therefore, horses are known to be a species resistant to prion diseases. Residue S167 in horses has been cited as a critical protective residue for encoding PrP conformational stability in prion-resistance. According to the “protein-only” hypothesis, PrPSc is responsible for both the spongiform degeneration of the brain and disease transmissibility. Thus, understanding the conformational dynamics of PrPSc from PrPC is key to developing effective therapies. This article focuses on molecular dynamics and optimization studies on the horse PrP wild type and its S167D mutant, respectively, to understand their conformational dynamics and optimized confirmation; the interesting results will be discussed.
Citation: Zoonotic Diseases
PubDate: 2024-08-01
DOI: 10.3390/zoonoticdis4030017
Issue No: Vol. 4, No. 3 (2024)
- Zoonotic Diseases, Vol. 4, Pages 123-134: A Zoonotic Strain of
Rocahepevirus ratti Hepatitis E Virus Does Not Replicate Efficiently
within Human Placental JEG-3 Cells
Authors: Kush Kumar Yadav, Jacob D. Hofstetter, Scott P. Kenney
First page: 123
Abstract: Paslahepevirus balayani and Rocahepevirus ratti are genetically diverse species of hepatitis E virus [HEV]. Previously, only members of the Paslahepevirus genus were known to infect humans but recently some Rocahepevirus members have been found to be infectious to both immunocompromised and immunocompetent humans. Paslahepevirus balayani genotypes (gt) 1, 2, and 4 are known for their detrimental effects during pregnancy, causing pregnancy-related disorders. Recent findings have demonstrated the ability of Paslahepevirus balayani gt3 to replicate within placental cell lines, suggesting a direct effect on the placenta and fetus. To study whether zoonotic rat HEV strains possess a similar human-host placental tropism, we utilized JEG-3 cells to understand the replicative ability of an infectious clone of a recently reported strain of Rocahepevirus ratti, the LCK-3110 strain. Infectious cDNA clones of Pasla-, Avi-, and Rocahepevirus were transcribed and then, transduced into JEG-3 cells. Cells were harvested, and cell lysates were used for testing infectivity. Five days post-transfection or after inoculation onto naive HepG2/C3A cells, the cells were analyzed for infection. Replication in transduced JEG-3 cells and the infection potential in HepG2/C3A cells were assessed via an indirect immunofluorescence assay and a flow-cytometry assay. We found that the Rocahepevirus ratti LCK-3110 strain did not have efficient replication in JEG-3 cell cultures.
Citation: Zoonotic Diseases
PubDate: 2024-04-03
DOI: 10.3390/zoonoticdis4020012
Issue No: Vol. 4, No. 2 (2024)
- Zoonotic Diseases, Vol. 4, Pages 135-145: Prevalence and Risk Factors of
Human Taenia solium Cysticercosis in Mbulu District, Northern Tanzania
Authors: Vedasto Bandi, Bernard Ngowi, Emmanuel Mpolya, Andrew Martin Kilale, John-Mary Vianney
First page: 135
Abstract: Background: Taeniosis and cysticercosis are human infections caused by the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. This study is a baseline for community-based intervention. We determined the prevalence of human cysticercosis and associated risk factors following a deworming program conducted throughout the country, with Mbulu District being among the districts in Northern Tanzania. Methods: Human cysticercosis was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Ag- ELISA). Household interviews and observations were conducted to identify risk factors for cysticercosis transmissions among households and communities. Results: Three hundred individuals participated in this study. The age ranged from 5 to 89 years, with a median of 19 years. The prevalence of human cysticercosis was 23 (7.67%). The prevalence was high with 6 (11.76%) among individuals aged 26 to 35 years and ±45 years. There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence by age group, sex, or occupation. Among the 300 participants, 82 (27.3%) had received anthelmintics during the previous year; among these, 5 (21.7%) were infected. The likelihood of infection was low among anthelmintic users by 28% [0.72 (0.26–2.01)], but the protection was not significant. The communities differed in risk factors on the availability of a clean and safe water supply; 52.7% (46/86) of households visited had no pit latrine. The cysticercosis prevalence showed a significant difference in communities. Conclusions: The prevalence of human cysticercosis was high and associated with higher age groups. The prevalence was low among those who had taken anthelmintics and was associated with lower age groups. The current school deworming program has a positive effect on school children, while the elderly are at higher risk because the intervention did not target them. It is recommended to scale up anthelmintic intervention to higher age groups.
Citation: Zoonotic Diseases
PubDate: 2024-05-03
DOI: 10.3390/zoonoticdis4020013
Issue No: Vol. 4, No. 2 (2024)
- Zoonotic Diseases, Vol. 4, Pages 146-161: Global Distribution and
Molecular Evolution of Bat Coronaviruses
Authors: Mohamed El Sayes, Rebecca Badra, Mohamed A. Ali, Rabeh El-Shesheny, Ghazi Kayali
First page: 146
Abstract: Bat coronaviruses cause a wide range of illnesses in humans and animals. Bats are known to harbor a wide diversity of Alphacoronaviruses and Betacoronaviruses. Betacoronaviruses have been linked to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and other diseases such as gastroenteritis, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia. In the last 20 years, three betacoronaviruses emerged and caused widespread outbreaks in humans, including two deadly betacoronavirus epidemics, SARS-CoV, with mortality rate of 10%, and MERS-CoV, with mortality rate of 34.7%, and SARS-CoV-2, which caused the COVID-19 pandemic, with mortality rate of 3.4%. Studies have shown that bats are the main natural reservoirs for these viruses or their ancestral viruses. Observed variations in bat coronavirus genomes indicate that these viruses may have a potential to transmit to other hosts in close contact with humans and subsequently transmit to humans. As of today, there are no reported cases of direct coronavirus transmission from bats to humans. One reason for this might be that intermediate hosts are required for the transmission of bat coronaviruses to humans. Further studies are needed to map the amino acids and genomic regions responsible for the interactions between the spike of coronavirus and its receptors.
Citation: Zoonotic Diseases
PubDate: 2024-05-14
DOI: 10.3390/zoonoticdis4020014
Issue No: Vol. 4, No. 2 (2024)
- Zoonotic Diseases, Vol. 4, Pages 162-173: A Survey of Zoonotic Bacteria in
the Spleen of Six Species of Rodents in Panama
Authors: Gleydis García, Anakena M. Castillo, Publio González, Blas Armien, Luis C. Mejía
First page: 162
Abstract: Emerging zoonotic diseases are one of the main threats to human and animal health. Among the agents with the potential for zoonoses, those of bacterial origin have great relevance in Public Health. Rodents are considered one of the main reservoirs of pathogens that represent a risk to human health or animal species. We used massive 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing to survey bacteria present in the spleen of six species of rodents in Panama in order to identify bacterial taxa with zoonotic potential in the country. We found 3352 bacterial Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs, i.e., phylogenetic species) in the spleen of six rodent species surveyed (Liomys adspersus, Melanomys caliginosus, Mus musculus, Proechimys semispinosus, Rattus rattus, Zygodontomys brevicauda). This bacterial community was represented by 25 phyla, 55 classes, 140 orders, 268 families, and 508 genera. The three predominant phyla were Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria, and the five predominant classes were Actinobacteria, Alpha- and Gammaproteobacteria, Bacilli, and Clostridia. There were seven high-abundance genera: Acinetobacter, Bartonella, Cutibacterium, Enterococcus, Sarcina, Staphylococcus, and Wolbachia. Genera found with less abundance included Bradyrhizobium, Chryseobacterium, Clostridium, Corynebacterium, Lactobacillus, Pseudonocardia, Rhodococcus, and Sphingomonas. Some of these genera (high or low abundance) have clinical importance. The identification of bacterial taxa with zoonotic potential in rodent species performed here allows us to have surveillance mechanisms for these pathogens and to be able to recognize localities to be prioritized for prevention of transmission and outbreaks, thus being of value for public health in Panama.
Citation: Zoonotic Diseases
PubDate: 2024-06-03
DOI: 10.3390/zoonoticdis4020015
Issue No: Vol. 4, No. 2 (2024)
- Zoonotic Diseases, Vol. 4, Pages 8-10: Zoonoses: Changing, Challenging,
and Increasing Global Disease Threats
Authors: Stephen K. Wikel
First page: 8
Abstract: The public awareness of zoonotic pathogens as well as the threats they pose to global public health have grown significantly, since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic [...]
Citation: Zoonotic Diseases
PubDate: 2024-01-01
DOI: 10.3390/zoonoticdis4010002
Issue No: Vol. 4, No. 1 (2024)
- Zoonotic Diseases, Vol. 4, Pages 11-21: Dominance of Diarrheagenic E. coli
Virulent Types in Integrated Crop–Livestock Farms and Their
Antibiotic Resistance Patterns
Authors: Arpita Aditya, Dita Julianingsih, Zajeba Tabashsum, Zabdiel Alvarado-Martinez, Chuan-Wei Tung, Matthew Wall, Debabrata Biswas
First page: 11
Abstract: Microbial ecology on integrated crop–livestock farms (ICLFs) can impact food safety through pathogen transfer between animals and crops. Recent reports of pathogen-contaminated products sold in local organic retail, roadside, and farmers markets highlight the need for assessment of the ecological patterns of bacterial pathogens. This study investigated the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of the virulent type of diarrheagenic E. coli in ICLFs. Over two years, 2973 samples from ICLFs and markets in Maryland and Washington DC were analyzed. Diarrheagenic E. coli was found in 4.30% (128/2973) of collected samples, with a higher isolation rate in environmental (4.42%, 59/1332) and produce (4.20%, 69/1641) samples. Overall, livestock bedding materials had the highest prevalence (8.51%, 4/47). Post-harvest produce exhibited a lower contamination rate of 1.32% (10/756), whereas pre-harvest produce had a higher incidence with 6.67% contamination (59/885), indicating the presence of E. coli. Alarmingly, 92.30% (72/78) of pathogenic E. coli isolates were resistant to common antibiotics. The findings highlight potential risks associated with integrated farming practices and emphasize the importance of safe harvesting and post-harvesting measures, particularly in the context of the growing popularity of local integrated farming. Implementing precautions at on-farm and market levels is crucial to mitigate the risk of antibiotic-resistant E. coli-related enteric illnesses, safeguarding both consumers and the integrity of integrated farming systems.
Citation: Zoonotic Diseases
PubDate: 2024-01-12
DOI: 10.3390/zoonoticdis4010003
Issue No: Vol. 4, No. 1 (2024)
- Zoonotic Diseases, Vol. 4, Pages 22-36: “Small Wins” for those
with Lyme Disease in Canada: Patients in an Embodied Health Movement
Authors: Marilyn Cox, Mario Levesque
First page: 22
Abstract: Lyme disease patient organizations have formed to challenge a health system that is failing Canadians who suffer from a disease that is ambiguous in its symptomology and trajectory. The framework of an embodied health movement illustrates the importance of the illness experience in mobilizing patients to oppose a system that is reliant on restrictive guidelines that deny testing and treatment and to seek alliances with researchers, physicians, and politicians who are sympathetic to their goals. The strategies of Lyme disease patient organizations, the importance of experiential knowledge, and the roles of both adversaries and allies are examined through a “small wins” approach to gauge successes and setbacks within a Canadian context.
Citation: Zoonotic Diseases
PubDate: 2024-01-22
DOI: 10.3390/zoonoticdis4010004
Issue No: Vol. 4, No. 1 (2024)
- Zoonotic Diseases, Vol. 4, Pages 37-48: The Prevalence of Leptospira
Serovars in African Giant Pouched Rats (Cricetomys spp.) from the
Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
Authors: Prisca N. Kahangwa, Amani S. Kitegile, Robert S. Machang’u, Ginethon G. Mhamphi, Abdul S. Katakweba
First page: 37
Abstract: Leptospirosis, also known as Weil’s disease, is a febrile tropical disease of humans and diverse animals. The maintenance hosts of the infectious pathogen, Leptospira spp., are primarily rodents, while other warm-blooded animals and some reptiles are secondary or transient hosts of this pathogen. African giant pouched rats (Cricetomys spp.) have been identified to be important maintenance hosts of pathogenic leptospires in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. This study assessed the seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. in the African giant pouched rats of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), Tanzania, where there is close human, domestic animal, and wildlife interaction. A total of 50 African giant pouched rats were sampled between July 2020 and December 2021. Blood sera were screened for specific leptospiral antibodies using a microscopic agglutination test (MAT), while urine and kidney tissues were examined for the pathogen and pathogen-specific genes using cultures and polymerase chain reactions (PCR), respectively. The pathogen detection varied from 0% in cultures to 6% via the MAT and 20% via PCR. The Fisher exact test was applied to compare positive cases detected through the diagnostic tests, and showed a significant difference in the indirect and direct detection of Leptospira serovars via the MAT and PCR. We conclude that pathogenic Leptospira serovar are found in the NCA and recommend that the NCA authority raises awareness of the existence of the Leptospira serovar in giant African pouched rats, and possibly other rodents. The NCA should initiate appropriate management strategies, including the guided disposal of household garbage, which is the major attractant of rodents to residential areas. Where necessary, the NCA should carry out limited rodent control and periodic monitoring of the pathogen carrier (rodent) populations.
Citation: Zoonotic Diseases
PubDate: 2024-01-23
DOI: 10.3390/zoonoticdis4010005
Issue No: Vol. 4, No. 1 (2024)
- Zoonotic Diseases, Vol. 4, Pages 49-56: West Nile Virus in Italy: An
Update of the Viral Strains Circulating in the Late 2022 Epidemic Season
Authors: Fabrizia Valleriani, Andrea Polci, Federica Iapaolo, Ottavio Portanti, Maura Pisciella, Antonella Cersini, Annalisa Guercio, Irene Del Lesto, Valentina Curini, Luana Fiorella Mincarelli, Francesca Gucciardi, Claudio De Liberato, Giuseppa Purpari, Giorgia Amatori, Daniela Morelli, Giovanni Savini, Federica Monaco
First page: 49
Abstract: West Nile virus (WNV) (Flaviviridae, Flavivirus) infection is a mosquito-borne zoonosis able of causing disease and death in humans and animals. Over the past decade, WNV infections have been a significant public health concern in Europe, and Italy has been among the most affected countries since 2008. The 2022 vector season has been characterized by an intense and early circulation of WNV. This report describes cases of co-circulation of WNV L1 and of WNV L2 occurring at the end of the 2022 vector season in Sicily and Tuscany, regions where no strains had ever been sequenced. The phylogenetic analysis of the detected strains confirmed the peculiar WNV scenario that has characterized the Italian West Nile disease (WND) epidemic since its appearance. The circulation observed in Tuscany was in fact a consequence of the spread of endemic strains to new areas while the Sicilian episodes were linked to new introductions of WNV L1 and L2 strains likely from other European countries.
Citation: Zoonotic Diseases
PubDate: 2024-02-05
DOI: 10.3390/zoonoticdis4010006
Issue No: Vol. 4, No. 1 (2024)
- Zoonotic Diseases, Vol. 4, Pages 57-73: Basis for a One Health
Approach—Inventory of Routine Data Collections on Zoonotic Diseases
in Lower Saxony, Germany
Authors: Anne Schnepf, Katja Hille, Gesine van Mark, Tristan Winkelmann, Karen Remm, Katrin Kunze, Reinhard Velleuer, Lothar Kreienbrock
First page: 57
Abstract: Two-thirds of human infectious diseases are zoonotic diseases and routine data collections exist for each sector (human, veterinary, environmental). However, these operate separately and the collected data are not integrated across sectors. Publicly available information on these routine data collections in terms of metadata and the information collected is sparse. The aim was to create an inventory of routine data collections in the Federal State of Lower Saxony, Germany. A systematic screening of existing routine data collections from the human and veterinary sectors on zoonotic infectious diseases was carried out on the basis of expert interviews. A standardised template was used to collect relevant metadata on data collections and pathogens they contain. The template was transferred to Research Electronic Data Capture tools. We recorded metadata for 19 veterinary, 16 human and 2 other data collections, and for 69 different zoonotic pathogens. The frequencies of a selection of metadata were analysed descriptively. The data collections, which served different purposes, differed, e.g., in underlying population and sampling strategy, export format and access to the original data. We identified challenges for integrated analyses of data from different collections, which need to be addressed to develop a One Health monitoring and surveillance system.
Citation: Zoonotic Diseases
PubDate: 2024-02-06
DOI: 10.3390/zoonoticdis4010007
Issue No: Vol. 4, No. 1 (2024)
- Zoonotic Diseases, Vol. 4, Pages 74-85: Occurrence of Picobirnavirus in
Domestic and Wild Animals from Three Cities of Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Elaine Hellen Nunes Chagas, Julia Rezende da Silva, Bruno de Cássio Veloso de Barros, José Wandilson Barbosa Duarte Júnior, Fabiolla da Silva dos Santos, Edivaldo Costa Sousa Júnior, Delana Andreza Melo Bezerra, Maria Inês dos Santos, Helder Henrique Costa Pinheiro, Yashpal Singh Malik, Joana D’Arc Pereira Mascarenhas
First page: 74
Abstract: This study aimed to detect picobirnavirus (PBV) in the fecal samples of wild and domestic animals from 2014 to 2016 in the Amazon biome. Fecal samples from different animals, including birds (n = 41) and mammals (n = 217), were used. The PAGE test showed negativity for PBV. However, 32 samples (12.4%, 32/258) showed positive results in RT-PCR analyses. Among the positive samples, pigs and cats, both with 28.12% (9/32), registered the highest frequencies. In a phylogenetic analysis, eight sequences from positive samples were grouped in the Genogroup 1 of PBV (PBV GI). PBV occurrence was significantly related to cats and pigs but not other mammals or birds, independently of their geographical origin. A nucleotide analysis demonstrated similarity among the feline group but the absence of a defined structure between the clades. PBVs are highly widespread viruses that can affect the most diverse types of hosts in the Amazon biome, including humans.
Citation: Zoonotic Diseases
PubDate: 2024-02-20
DOI: 10.3390/zoonoticdis4010008
Issue No: Vol. 4, No. 1 (2024)
- Zoonotic Diseases, Vol. 4, Pages 86-96: Testing the Functionality of Joint
Zoonotic Disease Electronic Surveillance and Reporting Systems through a
Pandemic Influenza Full-Scale Simulation Exercise in Jordan
Authors: Rebecca Badra, Alaa Hamdallah, Nour Abu Elizz, Majid Hawawsheh, Heba Mahrous, Amgad Abdalla Elkholy, Abdinasir Abubakar, Mohammad Alhawarat, Lora Alsawalha, Ghazi Kayali
First page: 86
Abstract: Zoonotic disease surveillance and response simulation exercises are an important tool to assess national infrastructures and mechanisms supporting joint zoonotic disease surveillance and information sharing across sectors. In December 2022, the Jordanian Ministries of Health and Agriculture, supported by the World Health Organization Country Office, conducted a 10-day full-scale simulation exercise in Amman, Jordan, to evaluate the linkage between their electronic surveillance and response systems. An exercise management team designed a realistic fictitious scenario of an outbreak of avian influenza on a poultry farm that subsequently led to human infections. The functions and actions tested included all aspects of outbreak management, from initial reporting to conclusion. Debriefings and an after-action review were conducted after the activities were completed. Gaps in both ministries’ surveillance systems, epidemiological investigations, biosafety and biosecurity, sample collection, sample transport, laboratories, interventions, and coordination were identified. This simulation exercise was a unique exercise focusing on multiple technical and operational capacities that related to the joint response to potential zoonotic disease outbreaks and real-time information sharing between the sectors under the One Health approach. This exercise is a step towards the operationalization of the One Health approach in Jordan, building on the coordination mechanisms already in place.
Citation: Zoonotic Diseases
PubDate: 2024-02-29
DOI: 10.3390/zoonoticdis4010009
Issue No: Vol. 4, No. 1 (2024)
- Zoonotic Diseases, Vol. 4, Pages 97-113: Bacterial Zoonotic Diseases and
Male Reproduction
Authors: Lateef Olabisi Okeleji, Lydia Oluwatoyin Ajayi, Aduragbemi Noah Odeyemi, Victor Amos, Bosede Grace Akanbi, Moyinoluwa Comfort Onaolapo, Bolade Sylvester Olateju, Wale Johnson Adeyemi, Ayodeji Folorunsho Ajayi
First page: 97
Abstract: Bacterial zoonotic diseases hold significant public health importance due to their substantial contribution to human morbidity and mortality. These infections have been implicated in reducing the fertility rate among couples of reproductive age. Despite the increasing prevalence of infertility and sub-fertility in men, there has been limited investigation into the possible effects of bacterial zoonotic infections on the male reproductive system. The purpose of this review is to describe common bacterial zoonotic diseases and their effects on human reproduction in order to unveil the hidden roles these infections could play in male factor infertility. While there is a dearth of information on this subject from human studies, available evidence from experimental animals suggests that bacterial zoonotic diseases impair male reproductive functions and structures primarily through the activation of the inflammatory response and distortion of the antioxidant system, resulting in the generation of oxidative species. In light of the limited research on bacterial zoonotic diseases and their role in male reproduction, efforts must be directed towards the subject to unravel the underlying pathological mechanisms and reduce the incidence among the human populace, either through preventive or curative measures.
Citation: Zoonotic Diseases
PubDate: 2024-03-19
DOI: 10.3390/zoonoticdis4010010
Issue No: Vol. 4, No. 1 (2024)
- Zoonotic Diseases, Vol. 4, Pages 114-122: Canine Leishmaniasis in Southern
Brazil: Diagnosis and Clinical Features in Domestic Dogs
Authors: Aline Padilha de Fraga, Vinicius Proença da Silveira, Patrícia de Freitas Salla, Fernanda Gass de Oliveira Goulart, André Felipe Streck, Vagner Reinaldo Zingalli Bueno Pereira, Lauren Santos de Mello, André Salvador Kazantzi Fonseca, Nilo Ikuta, Vagner Ricardo Lunge
First page: 114
Abstract: Leishmania infantum is a hemopathogen of importance for the health of domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), causing canine leishmaniasis (CanL), and it is also the etiological agent of human visceral leishmaniasis (HVL). This parasite was not reported in southern Brazil until the early 2000s, but CanL and HVL were increasingly reported in the last 15 years, mainly in cities bordering Argentina. The present study aimed to detect L. infantum in domestic dogs and to determine the main clinical manifestations in infected animals from Uruguaiana, a city with a high incidence of CanL. Fifty-one dogs suspected of having CanL in the urban perimeter of the city were clinically examined by veterinarians and investigated for the occurrence of L. infantum with two immunoassays (rapid chromatography test and ELISA) and real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction). Clinical signs were compared in positive and negative L. infantum animals. A total of 31 dogs (60.8%) were infected with L. infantum. The main clinical manifestations associated with CanL dogs were onychogryphosis and peeling (p < 0.05). L. infantum was frequently detected in urban dogs from Uruguaiana, highlighting the concerning situation regarding health in this city. The occurrence of some clinical signs (onychogryphosis/peeling) could help to detect CanL more frequently in the canine population.
Citation: Zoonotic Diseases
PubDate: 2024-03-21
DOI: 10.3390/zoonoticdis4010011
Issue No: Vol. 4, No. 1 (2024)
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