The Experts below are selected from a list of 360 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Séverine Tasker - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Association between canine leishmaniosis and Ehrlichia canis co-infection: a prospective case-control study.
Parasites & vectors, 2018Co-Authors: Charalampos Attipa, Christopher R Helps, Francesca Soutter, Laia Solano-gallego, Kostas Papasouliotis, David Morris, Scott Carver, Séverine TaskerAbstract:In the Mediterranean basin, Leishmania infantum is a major cause of disease in dogs, which are frequently co-infected with other vector-borne pathogens (VBP). However, the associations between dogs with clinical leishmaniosis (ClinL) and VBP co-infections have not been studied. We assessed the risk of VBP infections in dogs with ClinL and healthy controls. We conducted a prospective case-control study of dogs with ClinL (positive qPCR and ELISA antibody for L. infantum on peripheral blood) and clinically healthy, ideally breed-, sex- and age-matched, control dogs (negative qPCR and ELISA antibody for L. infantum on peripheral blood) from Paphos, Cyprus. We obtained demographic data and all dogs underwent PCR on EDTA-blood extracted DNA for haemoplasma species, Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., and Hepatozoon spp., with DNA sequencing to identify infecting species. We used logistic regression analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) to evaluate the risk of VBP infections between ClinL cases and controls. From the 50 enrolled dogs with ClinL, DNA was detected in 24 (48%) for Hepatozoon spp., 14 (28%) for Mycoplasma haemocanis, 6 (12%) for Ehrlichia canis and 2 (4%) for Anaplasma platys. In the 92 enrolled control dogs, DNA was detected in 41 (45%) for Hepatozoon spp., 18 (20%) for M. haemocanis, 1 (1%) for E. canis and 3 (3%) for A. platys. No Babesia spp. or “Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum” DNA was detected in any dog. No statistical differences were found between the ClinL and controls regarding age, sex, breed, lifestyle and use of ectoparasitic prevention. A significant association between ClinL and E. canis infection (OR = 12.4, 95% CI: 1.5–106.0, P = 0.022) was found compared to controls by multivariate logistic regression. This association was confirmed using SEM, which further identified that younger dogs were more likely to be infected with each of Hepatozoon spp. and M. haemocanis, and dogs with Hepatozoon spp. were more likely to be co-infected with M. haemocanis. Dogs with ClinL are at a higher risk of co-infection with E. canis than clinically healthy dogs. We recommend that dogs diagnosed with ClinL should be tested for E. canis co-infection using PCR.
-
Association between canine leishmaniosis and Ehrlichia canis co-infection: a prospective case-control study
Parasites & Vectors, 2018Co-Authors: Charalampos Attipa, Francesca Soutter, Laia Solano-gallego, Kostas Papasouliotis, David Morris, Chris Helps, Scott Carver, Séverine TaskerAbstract:Background In the Mediterranean basin, Leishmania infantum is a major cause of disease in dogs, which are frequently co-infected with other vector-borne pathogens (VBP). However, the associations between dogs with clinical leishmaniosis (ClinL) and VBP co-infections have not been studied. We assessed the risk of VBP infections in dogs with ClinL and healthy controls. Methods We conducted a prospective case-control study of dogs with ClinL (positive qPCR and ELISA antibody for L . infantum on peripheral blood) and clinically healthy, ideally breed-, sex- and age-matched, control dogs (negative qPCR and ELISA antibody for L . infantum on peripheral blood) from Paphos, Cyprus. We obtained demographic data and all dogs underwent PCR on EDTA-blood extracted DNA for haemoplasma species, Ehrlichia / Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., and Hepatozoon spp., with DNA sequencing to identify infecting species. We used logistic regression analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) to evaluate the risk of VBP infections between ClinL cases and controls. Results From the 50 enrolled dogs with ClinL, DNA was detected in 24 (48%) for Hepatozoon spp., 14 (28%) for Mycoplasma haemocanis , 6 (12%) for Ehrlichia canis and 2 (4%) for Anaplasma platys . In the 92 enrolled control dogs, DNA was detected in 41 (45%) for Hepatozoon spp., 18 (20%) for M . haemocanis , 1 (1%) for E. canis and 3 (3%) for A . platys . No Babesia spp. or “ Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum” DNA was detected in any dog. No statistical differences were found between the ClinL and controls regarding age, sex, breed, lifestyle and use of ectoparasitic prevention. A significant association between ClinL and E. canis infection (OR = 12.4, 95% CI: 1.5–106.0, P = 0.022) was found compared to controls by multivariate logistic regression. This association was confirmed using SEM, which further identified that younger dogs were more likely to be infected with each of Hepatozoon spp. and M . haemocanis , and dogs with Hepatozoon spp. were more likely to be co-infected with M . haemocanis . Conclusions Dogs with ClinL are at a higher risk of co-infection with E. canis than clinically healthy dogs. We recommend that dogs diagnosed with ClinL should be tested for E. canis co-infection using PCR.
-
Analysis of risk factors and prevalence of haemoplasma infection in dogs.
Veterinary parasitology, 2016Co-Authors: Larissa C. Aquino, Christopher R Helps, Chelsea A E Hicks, J. Kamani, A. M. Haruna, Giane Regina Paludo, Séverine TaskerAbstract:Mycoplasma haemocanis (Mhc) and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum' (CMhp) are canine haemoplasma species that can induce anaemia in immunocompromised and/or splenectomised dogs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and phylogeny of canine haemoplasma species in dogs from Nigeria and describe any risk factors for infection. Canine haemoplasma species-specific and generic haemoplasma qPCR assays were used. The species-specific qPCR assays found Mhc infection in 18 of 245 dogs (7.3%), and CMhp infection in only one dog (0.4%). The generic haemoplasma qPCR assays were positive in 44 of 245 (17.9%) dogs. Twenty-five dogs had discordant qPCR results in that they were generic haemoplasma qPCR positive but species-specific qPCR negative. Further evaluation of these dogs by 16S rDNA sequencing gave limited results but 5 were confirmed to be infected with non-haemoplasma species: 2 Anaplasma phagocytophilum, 1 Anaplasma ovis, 1 Serratia marcescens and 1 Aerococcus spp. The 16S rRNA gene sequences from Mhc species showed>99.8% identity with each other and>99.6% identity with GenBank sequences, and resided in a single clade with other global Mhc and Mycoplasma haemofelis sequences, indicating low 16S rRNA genetic variability amongst this canine haemoplasma species.
-
Use of real-time quantitative PCR to document successful treatment of Mycoplasma haemocanis infection with doxycycline in a dog.
Veterinary clinical pathology, 2012Co-Authors: Francesca Pitorri, Marta Dell'orco, Nick Carmichael, Emily N. Barker, Mike Hollywood, Séverine TaskerAbstract:An 8-year-old Jack Russell Terrier was diagnosed with hemolytic anemia caused by hemoplasmosis 4 years following splenectomy. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis was used initially to confirm infection with Mycoplasma haemocanis and subsequently to monitor and direct medical therapy. Doxycycline was administered beyond resolution of clinical signs until hemoplasma DNA could no longer be detected by qPCR. The dog remained clinically healthy and hemoplasma-negative 8 months following cessation of therapy. Canine hemoplasmosis should remain as a differential diagnosis for hemolytic anemia in dogs, particularly those that are splenectomized or immunocompromised, even in geographic regions where prevalence of infection is low. Prolonged doxycycline administration has been shown by qPCR to lead to sustained absence of detectable infection and should be considered as a first line treatment for canine hemoplasmosis.
-
Prevalence of canine haemotropic Mycoplasma infections in Sydney, Australia
The Veterinary record, 2012Co-Authors: Natasha J L Hetzel, Emily N. Barker, Séverine Tasker, Christopher R Helps, A. Arteaga, Vanessa R. Barrs, Julia A. BeattyAbstract:Haemotropic Mycoplasmas (haemoplasmas) are epierythrocytic, wall-less bacteria that cannot be cultivated in vitro (Messick 2003). Two species have been identified in dogs: Mycoplasma haemocanis (Mhc) and ‘ Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum’ (CMhp) (Messick and others 2002, Sykes and others 2004). Rhipicephalus sanguineus has been proposed as a tick vector (Seneviratna and others 1973, Novacco and others 2010) and is endemic in Australia (Roberts 1970). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays have been used to examine the prevalence of haemoplasmas in several locations worldwide (Kenny and others 2004, Sasaki and others 2008, Wengi and others 2008, Barker and others 2010, Roura and others 2010). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of and examine potential risk factors for haemoplasma infection in dogs in Sydney, Australia, using qPCR. Residual EDTA anti-coagulated blood samples (n = 281) were available (with owner consent) from 271 dogs presenting to the University of Sydney, Australia from May 2008 to September 2009. Samples were collected during investigation of a variety of conditions and transported in 96 well plates to the UK on ice. DNA was purified from 100 ∝ l blood using a commercial kit (Macherey-Nagel NucleoSpin Blood kit; ABgene). Two negative control extractions were included in each batch of 92 sample extractions. All samples were subjected to species-specific qPCR for the detection of Mhc and CMhp, as described previously (Barker and others 2010). Each assay was duplexed with a canine glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene-specific qPCR as an internal control to monitor for extraction and/or PCR errors (Barker and …
Rebecca J. Traub - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
A Host-Specific Blocking Primer Combined with Optimal DNA Extraction Improves the Detection Capability of a Metabarcoding Protocol for Canine Vector-Borne Bacteria.
Pathogens (Basel Switzerland), 2020Co-Authors: Lucas G. Huggins, Anson V. Koehler, Bettina Schunack, Tawin Inpankaew, Rebecca J. TraubAbstract:Bacterial canine vector-borne diseases are responsible for some of the most life-threatening conditions of dogs in the tropics and are typically poorly researched with some presenting a zoonotic risk to cohabiting people. Next-generation sequencing based methodologies have been demonstrated to accurately characterise a diverse range of vector-borne bacteria in dogs, whilst also proving to be more sensitive than conventional PCR techniques. We report two improvements to a previously developed metabarcoding tool that increased the sensitivity and diversity of vector-borne bacteria detected from canine blood. Firstly, we developed and tested a canine-specific blocking primer that prevents cross-reactivity of bacterial primer amplification on abundant canine mitochondrial sequences. Use of our blocking primer increased the number of canine vector-borne infections detected (five more Ehrlichia canis and three more Anaplasma platys infections) and increased the diversity of bacterial sequences found. Secondly, the DNA extraction kit employed can have a significant effect on the bacterial community characterised. Therefore, we compared four different DNA extraction kits finding the Qiagen DNeasy Blood and Tissue Kit to be superior for detection of blood-borne bacteria, identifying nine more A. platys, two more E. canis, one more Mycoplasma haemocanis infection and more putative bacterial pathogens than the lowest performing kit.
-
Assessment of a metabarcoding approach for the characterisation of vector-borne bacteria in canines from Bangkok, Thailand
Parasites & Vectors, 2019Co-Authors: Lucas G. Huggins, Anson V. Koehler, Dinh Ng-nguyen, Stephen Wilcox, Bettina Schunack, Tawin Inpankaew, Rebecca J. TraubAbstract:Background Globally, bacterial vector-borne disease (VBD) exerts a large toll on dogs in terms of morbidity and mortality but nowhere is this more pronounced than in the tropics. Tropical environments permit a burgeoning diversity and abundance of ectoparasites some of which can transmit an extensive range of infectious agents, including bacteria, amongst others. Although some of these vector-borne bacteria are responsible for both animal and human diseases in the tropics, there is a scarcity of epidemiological investigation into these pathogens’ prevalence. The situation is further exacerbated by frequent canine co-infection, complicating symptomatology that regular diagnostic techniques may miss or be unable to fully characterise. Such limitations draw attention to the need to develop screening tools capable of detecting a wide range of pathogens from a host simultaneously. Results Here, we detail the employment of a next-generation sequencing (NGS) metabarcoding methodology to screen for the spectrum of bacterial VBD that are infecting semi-domesticated dogs across temple communities in Bangkok, Thailand. Our NGS detection protocol was able to find high levels of Ehrlichia canis , Mycoplasma haemocanis and Anaplasma platys infection rates as well as less common pathogens, such as “ Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum”, Mycoplasma turicensis and Bartonella spp. We also compared our high-throughput approach to conventional endpoint PCR methods, demonstrating an improved detection ability for some bacterial infections, such as A. platys but a reduced ability to detect Rickettsia . Conclusions Our methodology demonstrated great strength at detecting coinfections of vector-borne bacteria and rare pathogens that are seldom screened for in canines in the tropics, highlighting its advantages over traditional diagnostics to better characterise bacterial pathogens in environments where there is a dearth of research.
-
Assessment of a metabarcoding approach for the characterisation of vector-borne bacteria in canines from Bangkok, Thailand
Parasites & vectors, 2019Co-Authors: Lucas G. Huggins, Anson V. Koehler, Dinh Ng-nguyen, Stephen Wilcox, Bettina Schunack, Tawin Inpankaew, Rebecca J. TraubAbstract:Globally, bacterial vector-borne disease (VBD) exerts a large toll on dogs in terms of morbidity and mortality but nowhere is this more pronounced than in the tropics. Tropical environments permit a burgeoning diversity and abundance of ectoparasites some of which can transmit an extensive range of infectious agents, including bacteria, amongst others. Although some of these vector-borne bacteria are responsible for both animal and human diseases in the tropics, there is a scarcity of epidemiological investigation into these pathogens’ prevalence. The situation is further exacerbated by frequent canine co-infection, complicating symptomatology that regular diagnostic techniques may miss or be unable to fully characterise. Such limitations draw attention to the need to develop screening tools capable of detecting a wide range of pathogens from a host simultaneously. Here, we detail the employment of a next-generation sequencing (NGS) metabarcoding methodology to screen for the spectrum of bacterial VBD that are infecting semi-domesticated dogs across temple communities in Bangkok, Thailand. Our NGS detection protocol was able to find high levels of Ehrlichia canis, Mycoplasma haemocanis and Anaplasma platys infection rates as well as less common pathogens, such as “Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum”, Mycoplasma turicensis and Bartonella spp. We also compared our high-throughput approach to conventional endpoint PCR methods, demonstrating an improved detection ability for some bacterial infections, such as A. platys but a reduced ability to detect Rickettsia. Our methodology demonstrated great strength at detecting coinfections of vector-borne bacteria and rare pathogens that are seldom screened for in canines in the tropics, highlighting its advantages over traditional diagnostics to better characterise bacterial pathogens in environments where there is a dearth of research.
-
Canine vector-borne pathogens in semi-domesticated dogs residing in northern Cambodia
Parasites & Vectors, 2016Co-Authors: Tawin Inpankaew, Sze Fui Hii, Wissanuwat Chimnoi, Rebecca J. TraubAbstract:Background In Southeast Asia, the canine vector-borne pathogens Babesia spp., Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys , Hepatozoon canis , haemotropic Mycoplasmas and Dirofilaria immitis cause significant morbidity and mortality in dogs. Moreover, dogs have also been implicated as natural reservoirs for Rickettsia felis , the agent of flea-borne spotted fever, increasingly implicated as a cause of undifferentiated fever in humans in Southeast Asia. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and diversity of canine vector-borne pathogens in 101 semi-domesticated dogs from rural Cambodia using molecular diagnostic techniques. Results The most common canine vector-borne pathogens found infecting dogs in this study were Babesia vogeli (32.7 %) followed by Ehrlichia canis (21.8 %), Dirofilaria immitis (15.8 %), Hepatozoon canis (10.9 %), Mycoplasma haemocanis (9.9 %) and “ Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum” (2.9 %). A high level of co-infection with CVBD agents (23.8 %) was present, most commonly B. vogeli and E. cani s. Naturally occurring R. felis infection was also detected in 10.9 % of dogs in support of their role as a natural mammalian reservoir for flea-borne spotted fever in humans. Conclusions This study reports for the first time, the prevalence and diversity of CVBD pathogens in dogs in Cambodia. In total, five species of CVBD pathogens were found infecting semi-domesticated dogs and many were co-infected with two or more pathogens. This study supports the role of dogs as natural mammalian reservoirs for R. felis , the agent of flea-borne spotted fever in humans.
-
A survey of canine tick-borne diseases in India
Parasites & Vectors, 2011Co-Authors: Puteri Azaziah Megat Abd Rani, Peter J Irwin, Glen T Coleman, Mukulesh Gatne, Rebecca J. TraubAbstract:Background There are few published reports on canine Babesia , Ehrlichia , Anaplasma, Hepatozoon and haemotropic Mycoplasma infections in India and most describe clinical disease in individual dogs, diagnosed by morphological observation of the microorganisms in stained blood smears. This study investigated the occurrence and distribution of canine tick-borne disease (TBD) pathogens using a combination of conventional and molecular diagnostic techniques in four cities in India. Results On microscopy examination, only Hepatozoon gamonts were observed in twelve out of 525 (2.3%; 95% CI: 1.2, 4) blood smears. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a total of 261 from 525 dogs (49.7%; 95% CI: 45.4, 54.1) in this study were infected with one or more canine tick-borne pathogen. Hepatozoon canis (30%; 95% CI: 26.0, 34.0) was the most common TBD pathogen found infecting dogs in India followed by Ehrlichia canis (20.6%; 95% CI: 17.2, 24.3), Mycoplasma haemocanis (12.2%; 95% CI: 9.5, 15.3), Anaplasma platys (6.5%; 95% CI: 4.5, 8.9) , Babesia vogeli (5.5%, 95% CI: 3.7, 7.8) and Babesia gibsoni (0.2%, 95% CI: 0.01, 1.06). Concurrent infection with more than one TBD pathogen occurred in 39% of cases. Potential tick vectors, Rhipicephalus (most commonly) and/or Haemaphysalis ticks were found on 278 (53%) of dogs examined. Conclusions At least 6 species of canine tick-borne pathogens are present in India. Hepatozoon canis was the most common pathogen and ticks belonging to the genus Rhipicephalus were encountered most frequently. Polymerase chain reaction was more sensitive in detecting circulating pathogens compared with peripheral blood smear examination. As co-infections with canine TBD pathogens were common, Indian veterinary practitioners should be cognisant that the discovery of one such pathogen raises the potential for multiple infections which may warrant different clinical management strategies.
Joanne B. Messick - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Identification, occurrence and clinical findings of canine hemoplasmas in southern Brazil.
Comparative Immunology Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 2014Co-Authors: Stella De Faria Valle, Alexander Welker Biondo, Joanne B. Messick, Andrea Pires Dos Santos, Luiz Carlos Kreutz, Naila Cristina Blatt Duda, Gustavo Machado, Luis Gustavo Corbellini, Félix Hilário Diaz GonzalezAbstract:Hemoplasmas are ubiquitous pleomorphic and epicellular bacteria detected in erythrocytes in several species. In Brazil, studies on hemoplasmas have not included information on occurrence, clinical signs, and risk factors in dogs. This paper investigates the occurrence of hemoplasmas in dogs, focusing on risk factors and clinical status. Conventional PCR for the four types of canine hemoplasmas was performed in 331 blood samples collected from dogs clinically treated at a teaching veterinary hospital. Of all samples, 17/331 (5.1%) were positive for Mycoplasma haemocanis and 6/331 (1.8%) were positive for a 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum-like' organism. Risk factors included the presence of vectors, old age, dog bite wounds, and neoplastic diseases. In the multivariate analysis, a 4.40 odds ratio in dogs with vector-borne diseases indicated risk for hemoplasmosis. There was correlation between hemoplasma infection and neoplastic disease, suggesting that neoplastic conditions are a risk factor for hemoplasma infection in dogs.
-
Mycoplasma haemocanis – the canine hemoplasma and its feline counterpart in the genomic era
Veterinary Research, 2012Co-Authors: Naíla C. Do Nascimento, Phillip Sanmiguel, Andrea P Santos, Ana Ms Guimaraes, Joanne B. MessickAbstract:Mycoplasma haemocanis is a hemotrophic Mycoplasma (hemoplasma), blood pathogen that may cause acute disease in immunosuppressed or splenectomized dogs. The genome of the strain Illinois, isolated from blood of a naturally infected dog, has been entirely sequenced and annotated to gain a better understanding of the biology of M. haemocanis . Its single circular chromosome has 919 992 bp and a low G + C content (35%), representing a typical Mycoplasmal genome. A gene-by-gene comparison against its feline counterpart, M. haemofelis , reveals a very similar composition and architecture with most of the genes having conserved synteny extending over their entire chromosomes and differing only by a small set of unique protein coding sequences. As in M. haemofelis , M. haemocanis metabolic pathways are reduced and apparently rely heavily on the nutrients afforded by its host environment. The presence of a major percentage of its genome dedicated to paralogous genes (63.7%) suggests that this bacterium might use antigenic variation as a mechanism to evade the host’s immune system as also observed in M. haemofelis genome. Phylogenomic comparisons based on average nucleotide identity (ANI) and tetranucleotide signature suggest that these two pathogens are different species of Mycoplasmas, with M. haemocanis infecting dogs and M. haemofelis infecting cats.
-
Mycoplasma haemocanis the canine hemoplasma and its feline counterpart in the genomic era
Veterinary Research, 2012Co-Authors: Naila Do C Nascimento, Phillip Sanmiguel, Andrea Pires Dos Santos, Ana Ms Guimaraes, Joanne B. MessickAbstract:Mycoplasma haemocanis is a hemotrophic Mycoplasma (hemoplasma), blood pathogen that may cause acute disease in immunosuppressed or splenectomized dogs. The genome of the strain Illinois, isolated from blood of a naturally infected dog, has been entirely sequenced and annotated to gain a better understanding of the biology of M. haemocanis. Its single circular chromosome has 919 992 bp and a low G + C content (35%), representing a typical Mycoplasmal genome. A gene-by-gene comparison against its feline counterpart, M. haemofelis, reveals a very similar composition and architecture with most of the genes having conserved synteny extending over their entire chromosomes and differing only by a small set of unique protein coding sequences. As in M. haemofelis, M. haemocanis metabolic pathways are reduced and apparently rely heavily on the nutrients afforded by its host environment. The presence of a major percentage of its genome dedicated to paralogous genes (63.7%) suggests that this bacterium might use antigenic variation as a mechanism to evade the host’s immune system as also observed in M. haemofelis genome. Phylogenomic comparisons based on average nucleotide identity (ANI) and tetranucleotide signature suggest that these two pathogens are different species of Mycoplasmas, with M. haemocanis infecting dogs and M. haemofelis infecting cats.
-
Complete Genome Sequence of Mycoplasma haemocanis Strain Illinois
Journal of bacteriology, 2012Co-Authors: Naíla C. Do Nascimento, Andrea Pires Dos Santos, Ana Marcia Sá Guimarães, Phillip Sanmiguel, Joanne B. MessickAbstract:ABSTRACT Mycoplasma haemocanis is a blood pathogen that may cause acute disease in immunosuppressed or splenectomized dogs. The genome of the strain Illinois is a single circular chromosome with 919,992 bp and a GC content of 35%. Analyses of the M. haemocanis genome will provide insights into its biology and in vitro cultivation requirements.
-
The splenectomized dog: do we have to say farewell to an established hemorrhagic shock model?
Anesthesia and analgesia, 2005Co-Authors: Gregor Kemming, Konrad Messmer, Eckart Thein, Joanne B. MessickAbstract:To the Editor:Braz et al. report the effects of fluid resuscitation in acutely splenectomized dogs (1). We would like to address an issue that we believe is dramatically underestimated. Recently, we reported the endemic occurrence of Mycoplasma haemocanis infection in laboratory dogs (2)—an incident
Ricardo G. Maggi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Detection of Mycoplasma haemocanis, Mycoplasma haematoparvum, Mycoplasma suis and other vector-borne pathogens in dogs from Córdoba and Santa Fé, Argentina
Parasites & Vectors, 2016Co-Authors: Patricia E. Mascarelli, Gustavo P. Tartara, Norma B. Pereyra, Ricardo G. MaggiAbstract:Background In Argentina, only very few reports are available for canine tick-borne diseases where most are related to parasitic diseases. The objective of this survey was to investigate the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in 70 dogs from Santa Fé and Córdoba, Argentina. Methods Microscopic blood smear examination as well as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification using species-specific markers of Anaplasma , Babesia , Bartonella , Borrelia , Ehrlichia , Francisella , Mycoplasma (hemotropic group) and Rickettsia , followed by DNA sequencing were used to establish the prevalence of each infecting pathogen. Results Blood smear analysis showed 81% (57/70) prevalence of structures morphologically compatible with hemotropic Mycoplasmas. No structures resembling either piroplasms or Anaplasma/Ehrlichia were detected. Hemotropic Mycoplasma species ( Mycoplasma haematoparvum , Mycoplasma haemocanis and Mycoplasma suis ) were the most prevalent pathogens detected with an overall prevalence of 77.1%. Anaplasma platys was detected and identified in 11 of the 70 dogs (15.7%), meanwhile two Bartonella spp. ( B. clarridgeiae and an uncharacterized Bartonella sp.) and Babesia vogeli were detected at 3 and 7% prevalence, respectively. Conclusions The work presented here describes a high molecular prevalence for hemotropic Mycoplasma species in each of the five locations selected. Three Mycoplasma spp., including Mycoplasma suis , reported for the first time in dogs have been identified by DNA amplification and sequencing. This study highlights the risk that these bacterial pathogens represent for companion animals and, due to their potential zoonotic nature, also for people.
-
Detection of Mycoplasma haemocanis, Mycoplasma haematoparvum, Mycoplasma suis and other vector-borne pathogens in dogs from Córdoba and Santa Fé, Argentina.
Parasites & vectors, 2016Co-Authors: Patricia E. Mascarelli, Gustavo P. Tartara, Norma B. Pereyra, Ricardo G. MaggiAbstract:Background In Argentina, only very few reports are available for canine tick-borne diseases where most are related to parasitic diseases. The objective of this survey was to investigate the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in 70 dogs from Santa Fe and Cordoba, Argentina.
-
Vector-borne pathogens in arctic foxes, Vulpes lagopus, from Canada.
Research in veterinary science, 2014Co-Authors: Patricia E. Mascarelli, Edward B. Breitschwerdt, Stacey A. Elmore, Emily J. Jenkins, Ray T. Alisauskas, Mary Walsh, Ricardo G. MaggiAbstract:Because of the relatively low biodiversity within arctic ecosystems, arctic foxes, Vulpes lagopus, could serve as sentinels for the study of changes in the ecology of vector-borne zoonotic pathogens. The objective of this study was to determine the molecular prevalence of 5 different genera of vector borne pathogens (Anaplasma, Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and Hemotropic Mycoplasma spp.) using blood collected from 28 live-trapped arctic foxes from the region of Karrak Lake, Nunavut, Canada. Bartonella henselae (n = 3), Mycoplasma haemocanis (n = 1), Ehrlichia canis (n = 1), and an Anaplasma sp. (n = 1) DNA were PCR amplified and subsequently identified by sequencing. This study provides preliminary evidence that vector borne pathogens, not typically associated with the arctic ecosystem, exist at low levels in this arctic fox population, and that vector exposure, pathogen transmission dynamics, and changes in the geographic distribution of pathogens over time should be investigated in future studies.
-
Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum and Mycoplasma haemocanis infections in dogs from the United States.
Comparative immunology microbiology and infectious diseases, 2012Co-Authors: S. M. Compton, Ricardo G. Maggi, Edward B. BreitschwerdtAbstract:Mycoplasma haemocanis (Mhc) and Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum (CMhp) have been described in dogs. Historically, microscopic visualization of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. has occurred most often in immunocompromised or splenectomized dogs. The aim of this study was to determine the Mhc and CMhp prevalences among dogs from the United States. Novel 16S rRNA and RNAseP gene PCR assays were used to amplify hemotropic Mycoplasma species DNA for GenBank sequence alignment. Among the study population, hemoplasma prevalence was 1.3% (7 out of 506), with Mhc and CMhp prevalences of 0.6% and 0.8%, respectively. Two of six CMhp-infected dogs were co-infected with a Bartonella sp., and a third dog was seroreactive to Bartonella henselae antigens. The prevalence of Mhc and CMhp in this study was low; potential blood donors should be screened; and dogs and people can be co-infected with hemoplasma and Bartonella spp.
Edward B. Breitschwerdt - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Distribution and risk factors of canine haemotropic Mycoplasmas in hunting dogs from southern Italy
Veterinary microbiology, 2020Co-Authors: Laura Cortese, Melissa J. Beall, Francesco Buono, Jesse Buch, Laura Pacifico, Benedetto Neola, Anna Teresa Palatucci, Phyllis Tyrrell, Alessandro Fioretti, Edward B. BreitschwerdtAbstract:Mycoplasma haemocanis (Mhc) and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum" (CMhp) are the main haemoplasma species known to infect dogs. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of haemoplasma species infections in hunting dogs from southern Italy and assess related risk factors. 1,433 hunting dogs living in Campania region were tested by qPCR assay. The prevalence was 19.9 %; 13.1 % for Mhc and 11.4 % for CMhp; 4.6 % showed a coinfection with both haemoplasma species. Statistical analysis revealed living in Salerno province (Mhc: OR 3.72; CMhp: OR 2.74), hound (Mhc: OR 5.26; CMhp: OR 8.46) and mixed breed (Mhc: OR 3.38; CMhp: OR 2.80), rural environment (Mhc: OR 12.58; CMhp: OR 10.38), wild mammal hunting (Mhc: OR 8.73; CMhp: OR 8.32), cohabitation with other animals (Mhc: OR 2.82; CMhp: OR 2.78) and large pack size (Mhc: OR 2.96; CMhp: OR 1.61) as risk factors for haemoplasmas. Male gender (OR 1.44) and tick infestation history (OR 1.40) represented risk factors only for Mhc, while adult age (2-7 years - OR 2.01; > 7 years - OR 1.84) and large body size (OR 1.48) were associated only to CMhp. Mhc infection was significantly associated to Babesia vogeli (p < 0.05) and Hepatozoon canis (p < 0.001), while CMhp with H. canis (p < 0.001). This study adds information on haemoplasma species distribution in hunting dogs in southern Italy. Outdoor lifestyle and contact with wild fauna, through greater exposure to tick infestation, or possibly wounds acquired during hunting or fighting, could be factors contributing to haemoplasma infections.
-
Evidence for vertical transmission of Mycoplasma haemocanis, but not Ehrlichia ewingii, in a dog
Journal of veterinary internal medicine, 2019Co-Authors: Erin Lashnits, Sandra Grant, Brittany Thomas, Barbara A. Qurollo, Edward B. BreitschwerdtAbstract:A 2-year-old female intact pregnant Beagle was evaluated after the owner surrendered her to a shelter. Prepartum and 2 months postpartum at the time of routine spay, the dam was whole-blood polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive for Ehrlichia ewingii. She was also whole-blood PCR positive for Mycoplasma haemocanis prepartum and continuously for 5 months thereafter. The dam delivered 5 healthy puppies, 1 of which was whole-blood PCR positive for M. haemocanis. All 5 puppies had antibodies against Ehrlichia spp. at 1 month of age but not thereafter, and all puppies were Ehrlichia spp. PCR negative for 5 months of follow-up. Therefore, this study supports a potential role for vertical transmission in the maintenance of M. haemocanis in dogs as reservoir hosts. In contrast, in this case there was no evidence that E. ewingii was transmitted transplacentally or during the perinatal period.
-
Vector-borne and zoonotic diseases of dogs in North-west New South Wales and the Northern Territory, Australia
BMC Veterinary Research, 2017Co-Authors: Amanda J. Shapiro, Edward B. Breitschwerdt, Graeme Brown, Jacqueline M. Norris, Katrina L. Bosward, Debbie J. Marriot, Nandhakumar Balakrishnan, Richard MalikAbstract:Background Vector-borne diseases of dogs in Australian Aboriginal communities are relatively unexplored. These dogs represent a unique group with variable ecto- and endo-parasitic burdens, nutritional stresses and a general lack of veterinary intervention. We investigated haemoprotozoal and bacterial pathogen prevalences in relation to erythrocyte and platelet numbers in dogs from North-West New South Wales (N-W NSW) and the Northern Territory (NT; Central Australia). Methods Real-time PCR (qPCR) amplification of Anaplasma platys, Babesia vogeli, Mycoplasma haemocanis, Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum and Bartonella spp., serological screening for Coxiella burnetii, and Bartonella spp. and haematological analyses were performed on dogs from the two cohorts (96 dogs in total). Brucella suis serology was determined additionally for the N-W NSW cohort. Results Anaplasma platys ( n = 26 dogs) , Babesia vogeli ( n = 7) , Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum ( n = 10 dogs) , and Mycoplasma haemocanis ( n = 14) were detected in the sample population ( n = 96) using qPCR. There were significant associations between (i) A. platys and anaemia (OR 8.7, CI 2.4–31.7; P
-
Vector-borne pathogens in arctic foxes, Vulpes lagopus, from Canada.
Research in veterinary science, 2014Co-Authors: Patricia E. Mascarelli, Edward B. Breitschwerdt, Stacey A. Elmore, Emily J. Jenkins, Ray T. Alisauskas, Mary Walsh, Ricardo G. MaggiAbstract:Because of the relatively low biodiversity within arctic ecosystems, arctic foxes, Vulpes lagopus, could serve as sentinels for the study of changes in the ecology of vector-borne zoonotic pathogens. The objective of this study was to determine the molecular prevalence of 5 different genera of vector borne pathogens (Anaplasma, Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and Hemotropic Mycoplasma spp.) using blood collected from 28 live-trapped arctic foxes from the region of Karrak Lake, Nunavut, Canada. Bartonella henselae (n = 3), Mycoplasma haemocanis (n = 1), Ehrlichia canis (n = 1), and an Anaplasma sp. (n = 1) DNA were PCR amplified and subsequently identified by sequencing. This study provides preliminary evidence that vector borne pathogens, not typically associated with the arctic ecosystem, exist at low levels in this arctic fox population, and that vector exposure, pathogen transmission dynamics, and changes in the geographic distribution of pathogens over time should be investigated in future studies.
-
Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum and Mycoplasma haemocanis infections in dogs from the United States.
Comparative immunology microbiology and infectious diseases, 2012Co-Authors: S. M. Compton, Ricardo G. Maggi, Edward B. BreitschwerdtAbstract:Mycoplasma haemocanis (Mhc) and Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum (CMhp) have been described in dogs. Historically, microscopic visualization of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. has occurred most often in immunocompromised or splenectomized dogs. The aim of this study was to determine the Mhc and CMhp prevalences among dogs from the United States. Novel 16S rRNA and RNAseP gene PCR assays were used to amplify hemotropic Mycoplasma species DNA for GenBank sequence alignment. Among the study population, hemoplasma prevalence was 1.3% (7 out of 506), with Mhc and CMhp prevalences of 0.6% and 0.8%, respectively. Two of six CMhp-infected dogs were co-infected with a Bartonella sp., and a third dog was seroreactive to Bartonella henselae antigens. The prevalence of Mhc and CMhp in this study was low; potential blood donors should be screened; and dogs and people can be co-infected with hemoplasma and Bartonella spp.
