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Souheila Guerbouj - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Paraechinus aethiopicus (Ehrenberg 1832) and Atelerix algirus (Lereboullet 1842) hedgehogs: Possible reservoirs of endemic leishmaniases in Tunisia.
Infection Genetics and Evolution, 2018Co-Authors: Hejer Souguir-omrani, Jomaa Chemkhi, Akila Fathallah-mili, Yusr Saadi-benaoun, Insaf Belhadjali, Ikram Guizani, Souheila GuerboujAbstract:Rodents and dogs are the confirmed leishmaniases reservoir hosts in Tunisia. Recently, we described hedgehog Leishmania (L.) major and L. infantum infection in an L. infantum endemic area in the North-West. In order to assess if the observation could extend to other endemic areas and to highlight the potential role of hedgehogs as reservoir host, we aimed here at investigating their Leishmania infection in different foci in Tunisia located along a North-South transect, during and outside different transmission seasons. Based on morphological criteria, 2 hedgehogs' species, Atelerix algirus and Paraechinus aethiopicus were identified. Cytologic analysis showed presence of amastigotes in 9/22 samples corresponding to 4 Atelerix algirus specimens. Also, by combining 3 PCR tests targeting repeated DNA fragments using 13A/13B, Lei70R/Lei70L and nested T2/B4-L1/L4 specific primers, all hedgehogs (N = 12) showed a Leishmania infection. The infection rates were very high on spleen (91.66%), kidney (91.66%), blood (90.90%), liver (83.33%) and eye swabs (100%). Parasites were also detected in peritoneum. Three hedgehogs were found infected with L. infantum and the only Paraechinus aethiopicus specimen with L. major. A mixed L. major and L. infantum infection was identified in 8 animals, while the last one also had an L. tropica infection. Interestingly, 2 animals had skin lesions infected with L. major while all others appeared asymptomatic. There was a correlation between infected status and epidemiological profiles of the localities. Sequences and phylogeny indicated micro-heterogeneity and lack of correlation with sampling, season, or localities. We confirmed natural infection of Atelerix algirus and originally of Paraechinus aethiopicus in Tunisia. High rate of asymptomatic infection, parasitemia, proximity to transmission cycles, epidemiological patterns of infection together with hedgehogs' abundance, lifespan and lifestyle corroborate the hypothesis they constitute reservoir hosts.
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natural infection of algerian hedgehog Atelerix algirus lereboullet 1842 with leishmania parasites in tunisia
Acta Tropica, 2015Co-Authors: Jomaa Chemkhi, Ikram Guizani, Hejer Souguir, Insaf Bel Hadj Ali, Mehdi Driss, Souheila GuerboujAbstract:In Tunisia, Leishmania parasites are responsible of visceral leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania infantum species while three cutaneous disease forms are documented: chronic cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania killicki, sporadic cutaneous form (SCL) caused by L. infantum and the predominant zoonotic cutaneous leishmanaisis (ZCL) due to Leishmania major. ZCL reservoirs are rodents of the Psammomys and Meriones genera, while for SCL the dog is supposed to be a reservoir. Ctenodactylus gundii is involved in the transmission of L. killicki. However, other mammals could constitute potential reservoir hosts in Tunisia and other North African countries. In order to explore the role of hedgehogs as potential reservoirs of leishmaniasis, specimens (N=6) were captured during July-November period in 2011-2013 in an SCL endemic area in El Kef region, North-Western Tunisia. Using morphological characteristics, all specimens were described and measured. Biopsies from liver, heart, kidney and spleen of each animal were used to extract genomic DNA, which was further used in PCR assays to assess the presence of Leishmania parasites. Different PCRs targeting kinetoplast minicircles, ITS1, mini-exon genes and a repetitive Leishmania- specific sequence, were applied. To further identify Leishmania species involved, RFLP analysis of amplified fragments was performed with appropriate restriction enzymes. Using morphological characters, animals were identified as North African hedgehogs, also called Algerian hedgehogs, that belong to the Erinaceidae family, genus Atelerix Pomel 1848, and species algirus (Lereboullet, 1842). PCR results showed in total that all specimens were Leishmania infected, with different organs incriminated, mainly liver and spleen. Results were confirmed by direct sequencing of amplified fragments. Species identification showed that all specimens were infected with L. major, three of which were additionally co-infected with L. infantum. The present study demonstrates, for the first time in Tunisia, natural infection of hedgehog animals (Atelerix algirus) by the Leishmania parasites species L. major and L. infantum. L. major is also detected for the first time in wild animals captured in the North Western part of the country; likewise for the co-infection of these animals by the 2 Leishmania species. This mammal could play a potential reservoir role in epidemiology of SCL or ZCL and could contribute to emergence or extension of ZCL in the studied region.
Hiroo Madarame - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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primary histiocytic sarcoma of the brain in an african hedgehog Atelerix albiventris
Journal of Comparative Pathology, 2017Co-Authors: Kikumi Ogihara, Kaoru Suzuki, Hiroo MadarameAbstract:Summary A 2.5-year-old African hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) with signs of progressive paresis/paralysis for approximately 6 months was diagnosed with ‘wobbly hedgehog syndrome’ (WHS). Post-mortem examination revealed a primary central nervous system (CNS) histiocytic sarcoma (HS) associated with neurodegenerative changes of the CNS and skeletal muscle atrophy. Grossly, a spherical mass infiltrated the left forebrain and was located between the frontal lobe and thalamus in coronal sections. Microscopically, the neoplastic cells had eccentrically located anisokaryotic nuclei and abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm. Immunohistochemically, they were positive for calcium-binding adapter molecule 1, lysozyme, CD68 and vimentin. Ultrastructurally, the neoplastic cells had varying amounts of bundles and whorls of intermediate filaments and scattered lysosomes. This report represents the first documentation of primary CNS HS in this species. Primary CNS HS should be considered as a differential diagnoses for hedgehogs that present with neurological signs of WHS.
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disseminated histiocytic sarcoma in an african hedgehog Atelerix albiventris
Journal of Comparative Pathology, 2016Co-Authors: Kikumi Ogihara, T Itoh, Y Mizuno, Kenichi Tamukai, Hiroo MadarameAbstract:Disseminated histiocytic sarcoma (HS) was diagnosed on post-mortem examination of a 1.5-year-old African hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) that was presented in poor physical condition and with diarrhoea. Leucocytosis and a hypoechoic abdominal mass were noted on haematological and ultrasonographical examinations. Gross pathological, histopathological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural evaluation of the mass supported a diagnosis of disseminated HS. To our knowledge, this report represents the first documentation of disseminated HS in this species.
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detection of skunk adenovirus 1 skadv 1 in an african pigmy hedgehog Atelerix albiventris
Veterinary Record Case Reports, 2016Co-Authors: Hiroo Madarame, Kikumi Ogihara, Hideharu Ochiai, Tsutomu Omatsu, Tetsuya MizutaniAbstract:Skunk adenovirus 1 (SkAdV-1) was detected in an African pigmy hedgehog ( Atelerix albiventris ) that died following congestive heart failure. Incidental segmental desquamative tracheitis with nuclear inclusions was observed, and SkAdV-1 was suspected as a possible causative agent of respiratory tract infection. As far as the authors are concerned, adenovirus infection has not yet been reported in hedgehogs and SkAdV-1 has been not identified in any species other than skunks ( Mephitis mephitis ). SkAdV-1 should be monitored closely as a potential cause of emerging and cross-species infections.
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detection of a pneumonia virus of mice pvm in an african hedgehog Atelerix arbiventris with suspected wobbly hedgehog syndrome whs
Veterinary Microbiology, 2014Co-Authors: Hiroo Madarame, Kikumi Ogihara, Hideharu Ochiai, Tsutomu Omatsu, Moe Kimura, Makoto Nagai, Tetsyuya MizutaniAbstract:A pneumonia virus of mice (PVM) from an African hedgehog (Atelerix arbiventris) with suspected wobbly hedgehog syndrome (WHS) was detected and genetically characterized. The affected hedgehog had a nonsuppurative encephalitis with vacuolization of the white matter, and the brain samples yielded RNA reads highly homogeneous to PVM strain 15 (96.5% of full genomic sequence homology by analysis of next generation sequencing). PVM antigen was also detected in the brain and the lungs immunohistochemically. A PVM was strongly suggested as a causative agent of encephalitis of a hedgehog with suspected WHS. This is a first report of PVM infection in hedgehogs.
Liliana Aurora Ramos - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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carcinoma de glandulas sebaceas en un erizo africano Atelerix albiventris
Veterinaria Mexico, 2008Co-Authors: Jose Ramirez L, Larisa Chavez A S, Enrique Aburto F, Liliana Aurora RamosAbstract:Se diagnostico un carcinoma de glandulas sebaceas en un erizo africano adulto (Atelerixalbiventris). La neoplasia estaba localizada en el tejido subcutaneo de la region cervical y se extendia hacia la zona axilar y parte de la pared toracica. El erizo fue internado para realizar la remocion quirurgica de la neoplasia, pero murio durante el periodo transoperatorio. No fue posible determinar si existia metastasis, ya que los duenos del animal no permitieron el estudio post mortem. El presente trabajo tuvo como proposito describir la morfologia microscopica y ultraestructural de dicha neoplasia, asi como el manejo clinico y quirurgico del paciente, para aportar informacion sobre enfermedades neoplasicas en el erizo. En general, es escasa la informacion acerca de las enfermedades que afectan a la fauna silvestre. Actualmente en Mexico muchas personas estan interesadas en adquirir al erizo pigmeo africano en calidad de animal de compania. Es necesario que el medico veterinario dedicado a la clinica de este tipo de animales, tenga la mayor informacion posible y considere al carcinoma de glandulas sebaceas como diagnostico diferencial entre los tumores cutaneos del erizo
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carcinoma de glandulas sebaceas en un erizo africano Atelerix albiventris sebaceous gland carcinoma in an african hedgehog Atelerix albiventris
2008Co-Authors: Jose L Ramirez, Larisa A Chavez, Enrique F Aburto, Liliana Aurora RamosAbstract:A sebaceous gland carcinoma was diagnosed in an adult African hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris). The neoplasm, was localized in the subcutis of the cervicall region and extendend towards the axilar region and along the thorax. The animal was admitted for surgical removal of the tumor but died during the procedure. It was not possible to rule out metastatic dissemination since the post-mortem study was not authorized by the owner. The aim of this report is to describe the microscopic and ultrastructural morphology of this neoplasm, as well as the clinical and surgical management of the patient, in order to bring information about neoplastic diseases in this species. There is little information on diseases affecting wildlife animals. Currently, in Mexico, there is big interest on acquiring pygmy African hedgehogs as pets. For this reason, it is necessary that veterinarians, working on these type of animals, have more information and take into account the sebaceous gland carcinoma as differential diagnosis among skin tumors in the hedgehog.
Jomaa Chemkhi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Paraechinus aethiopicus (Ehrenberg 1832) and Atelerix algirus (Lereboullet 1842) hedgehogs: Possible reservoirs of endemic leishmaniases in Tunisia.
Infection Genetics and Evolution, 2018Co-Authors: Hejer Souguir-omrani, Jomaa Chemkhi, Akila Fathallah-mili, Yusr Saadi-benaoun, Insaf Belhadjali, Ikram Guizani, Souheila GuerboujAbstract:Rodents and dogs are the confirmed leishmaniases reservoir hosts in Tunisia. Recently, we described hedgehog Leishmania (L.) major and L. infantum infection in an L. infantum endemic area in the North-West. In order to assess if the observation could extend to other endemic areas and to highlight the potential role of hedgehogs as reservoir host, we aimed here at investigating their Leishmania infection in different foci in Tunisia located along a North-South transect, during and outside different transmission seasons. Based on morphological criteria, 2 hedgehogs' species, Atelerix algirus and Paraechinus aethiopicus were identified. Cytologic analysis showed presence of amastigotes in 9/22 samples corresponding to 4 Atelerix algirus specimens. Also, by combining 3 PCR tests targeting repeated DNA fragments using 13A/13B, Lei70R/Lei70L and nested T2/B4-L1/L4 specific primers, all hedgehogs (N = 12) showed a Leishmania infection. The infection rates were very high on spleen (91.66%), kidney (91.66%), blood (90.90%), liver (83.33%) and eye swabs (100%). Parasites were also detected in peritoneum. Three hedgehogs were found infected with L. infantum and the only Paraechinus aethiopicus specimen with L. major. A mixed L. major and L. infantum infection was identified in 8 animals, while the last one also had an L. tropica infection. Interestingly, 2 animals had skin lesions infected with L. major while all others appeared asymptomatic. There was a correlation between infected status and epidemiological profiles of the localities. Sequences and phylogeny indicated micro-heterogeneity and lack of correlation with sampling, season, or localities. We confirmed natural infection of Atelerix algirus and originally of Paraechinus aethiopicus in Tunisia. High rate of asymptomatic infection, parasitemia, proximity to transmission cycles, epidemiological patterns of infection together with hedgehogs' abundance, lifespan and lifestyle corroborate the hypothesis they constitute reservoir hosts.
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natural infection of algerian hedgehog Atelerix algirus lereboullet 1842 with leishmania parasites in tunisia
Acta Tropica, 2015Co-Authors: Jomaa Chemkhi, Ikram Guizani, Hejer Souguir, Insaf Bel Hadj Ali, Mehdi Driss, Souheila GuerboujAbstract:In Tunisia, Leishmania parasites are responsible of visceral leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania infantum species while three cutaneous disease forms are documented: chronic cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania killicki, sporadic cutaneous form (SCL) caused by L. infantum and the predominant zoonotic cutaneous leishmanaisis (ZCL) due to Leishmania major. ZCL reservoirs are rodents of the Psammomys and Meriones genera, while for SCL the dog is supposed to be a reservoir. Ctenodactylus gundii is involved in the transmission of L. killicki. However, other mammals could constitute potential reservoir hosts in Tunisia and other North African countries. In order to explore the role of hedgehogs as potential reservoirs of leishmaniasis, specimens (N=6) were captured during July-November period in 2011-2013 in an SCL endemic area in El Kef region, North-Western Tunisia. Using morphological characteristics, all specimens were described and measured. Biopsies from liver, heart, kidney and spleen of each animal were used to extract genomic DNA, which was further used in PCR assays to assess the presence of Leishmania parasites. Different PCRs targeting kinetoplast minicircles, ITS1, mini-exon genes and a repetitive Leishmania- specific sequence, were applied. To further identify Leishmania species involved, RFLP analysis of amplified fragments was performed with appropriate restriction enzymes. Using morphological characters, animals were identified as North African hedgehogs, also called Algerian hedgehogs, that belong to the Erinaceidae family, genus Atelerix Pomel 1848, and species algirus (Lereboullet, 1842). PCR results showed in total that all specimens were Leishmania infected, with different organs incriminated, mainly liver and spleen. Results were confirmed by direct sequencing of amplified fragments. Species identification showed that all specimens were infected with L. major, three of which were additionally co-infected with L. infantum. The present study demonstrates, for the first time in Tunisia, natural infection of hedgehog animals (Atelerix algirus) by the Leishmania parasites species L. major and L. infantum. L. major is also detected for the first time in wild animals captured in the North Western part of the country; likewise for the co-infection of these animals by the 2 Leishmania species. This mammal could play a potential reservoir role in epidemiology of SCL or ZCL and could contribute to emergence or extension of ZCL in the studied region.
Tetsyuya Mizutani - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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detection of a pneumonia virus of mice pvm in an african hedgehog Atelerix arbiventris with suspected wobbly hedgehog syndrome whs
Veterinary Microbiology, 2014Co-Authors: Hiroo Madarame, Kikumi Ogihara, Hideharu Ochiai, Tsutomu Omatsu, Moe Kimura, Makoto Nagai, Tetsyuya MizutaniAbstract:A pneumonia virus of mice (PVM) from an African hedgehog (Atelerix arbiventris) with suspected wobbly hedgehog syndrome (WHS) was detected and genetically characterized. The affected hedgehog had a nonsuppurative encephalitis with vacuolization of the white matter, and the brain samples yielded RNA reads highly homogeneous to PVM strain 15 (96.5% of full genomic sequence homology by analysis of next generation sequencing). PVM antigen was also detected in the brain and the lungs immunohistochemically. A PVM was strongly suggested as a causative agent of encephalitis of a hedgehog with suspected WHS. This is a first report of PVM infection in hedgehogs.