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Itamar Aroch - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • nematode eggs observed in cytology of cerebrospinal fluid diagnostic for intramedullary Spirocerca Lupi spinal cord migration
    Veterinary Clinical Pathology, 2018
    Co-Authors: Sigal Klainbart, Itamar Aroch, Orit Chai, Rafael Vaturi, Kira Rapoport, Merav H Shamir
    Abstract:

    : Spinal spirocercosis due to aberrant Spirocerca Lupi nematode migration is an emerging etiology for acute myelitis in dogs in Israel, causing severe, mostly nonsymmetrical hind limb paresis or paralysis, and sometimes tetraparesis or tetraparalysis. So far, incidental identification of parasites during spinal surgery or at necropsy provides the only definite diagnosis, while antemortem diagnosis of this condition has been uncertain. Specifically, antemortem diagnosis is based on the typical clinical presentation of acute, progressive, asymmetrical hind limb paresis or paralysis, with moderate to severe eosinophilic to mixed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis and increased CSF protein concentration. Exclusion of other differential diagnoses also requires using spinal cord imaging. In this novel report, we document a case of an intradural spinal spirocercosis in a dog, diagnosed antemortem, by detecting S Lupi eggs in the CSF, and subsequent treatment, resulting in the resolution of the clinical signs.

  • detection and quantification of Spirocerca Lupi by hrm qpcr in fecal samples from dogs with spirocercosis
    Parasites & Vectors, 2017
    Co-Authors: Alicia Rojas, Itamar Aroch, Gilad Segev, Alex Markovics, Gad Baneth
    Abstract:

    Spirocerca Lupi, the dog oesophageal nematode, causes a potentially fatal disease in domestic dogs, and is currently clinically diagnosed by coproscopy and oesophagoscopy. To date, a single molecular method, a semi-nested PCR, targeting the cox1 gene, has been developed to aid in the diagnosis of spirocercosis. The present study describes three novel high-resolution melt (HRM) quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays targeting fragments of the ITS1, 18S and cytb loci of S. Lupi. The performance of these molecular assays in feces was compared to fecal flotation and to the previously described cox1 gene semi-nested PCR in 18 fecal samples from dogs with clinical oesophageal spirocercosis diagnosed by oesophagoscopy. The HRM qPCR for ITS1 and 18S were both able to detect 0.2 S. Lupi eggs per gram (epg), while the HRM qPCR for the cytb and the semi-nested PCR for the cox1 detected 6 epg and 526 epg, respectively. Spirocerca Lupi was detected in 61.1%, 44.4%, 27.8%, 11.1% and 5.6% of the fecal samples of dogs diagnosed with spirocercosis by using the ITS1 and 18S HRM qPCR assays, fecal flotation, cytb HRM qPCR and cox1 semi-nested PCR, respectively. All dogs positive by fecal flotation were also positive by ITS1 and 18S HRM qPCRs. Quantification of S. Lupi eggs was successfully achieved in the HRM qPCRs and compared to the fecal flotation with no significant difference in the calculated concentrations between the HRM qPCRs that detected the 18S and ITS1 loci and the fecal flotation. The HRM qPCR for the 18S cross-amplified DNA from Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina. In contrast, the HRM qPCR for ITS1 did not cross-amplify DNA from other canine gastrointestinal parasites. This study presents two new molecular assays with significantly increased sensitivity for confirming and quantifying fecal S. Lupi eggs. Of these, the HRM qPCR for ITS1 showed the best performance in terms of the limit of detection and absence of cross-amplification with other parasites. These assays will be useful in detecting infection and for follow-up during therapy.

  • Detection and quantification of Spirocerca Lupi by HRM qPCR in fecal samples from dogs with spirocercosis
    Parasites & Vectors, 2017
    Co-Authors: Alicia Rojas, Itamar Aroch, Gilad Segev, Alex Markovics, Gad Baneth
    Abstract:

    Background Spirocerca Lupi , the dog oesophageal nematode, causes a potentially fatal disease in domestic dogs, and is currently clinically diagnosed by coproscopy and oesophagoscopy. To date, a single molecular method, a semi-nested PCR, targeting the cox 1 gene, has been developed to aid in the diagnosis of spirocercosis. The present study describes three novel high-resolution melt (HRM) quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays targeting fragments of the ITS1, 18S and cytb loci of S. Lupi . The performance of these molecular assays in feces was compared to fecal flotation and to the previously described cox 1 gene semi-nested PCR in 18 fecal samples from dogs with clinical oesophageal spirocercosis diagnosed by oesophagoscopy. Results The HRM qPCR for ITS1 and 18S were both able to detect 0.2  S. Lupi eggs per gram (epg), while the HRM qPCR for the cytb and the semi-nested PCR for the cox 1 detected 6 epg and 526 epg, respectively. Spirocerca Lupi was detected in 61.1%, 44.4%, 27.8%, 11.1% and 5.6% of the fecal samples of dogs diagnosed with spirocercosis by using the ITS1 and 18S HRM qPCR assays, fecal flotation, cytb HRM qPCR and cox 1 semi-nested PCR, respectively. All dogs positive by fecal flotation were also positive by ITS1 and 18S HRM qPCRs. Quantification of S. Lupi eggs was successfully achieved in the HRM qPCRs and compared to the fecal flotation with no significant difference in the calculated concentrations between the HRM qPCRs that detected the 18S and ITS1 loci and the fecal flotation. The HRM qPCR for the 18S cross-amplified DNA from Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina. In contrast, the HRM qPCR for ITS1 did not cross-amplify DNA from other canine gastrointestinal parasites. Conclusions This study presents two new molecular assays with significantly increased sensitivity for confirming and quantifying fecal S. Lupi eggs. Of these, the HRM qPCR for ITS1 showed the best performance in terms of the limit of detection and absence of cross-amplification with other parasites. These assays will be useful in detecting infection and for follow-up during therapy.

  • in vitro lectin binding to the outer surface of Spirocerca Lupi at different life stages
    Veterinary Parasitology, 2017
    Co-Authors: Itamar Aroch, I Arogeti, A Marcovics, Y Spiegel, Eran Lavy
    Abstract:

    Abstract Spirocerca Lupi is the esophageal nematode of dogs. Early, transient eosinophilia occurs in experimentally infected dogs, but is absent in advanced cases, suggesting that the nematode evades the dog’s immune system. Lectins are proteins or glycoproteins of plant or animal origin, binding different saccharides, with varying specificities and avidities, used to characterize surface haptens in plant and animal parasitic helminths. This study investigated the in vitro binding of six lectins (Concanavalin A [ConA], wheat germ agglutinin [WGA], peanut agglutinin [PNA], soybean agglutinin [SBA], Dolichus biflorus agglutinin [DBA] and Ulex earopaeus agglutinin I [UEA]) to the surface of S. Lupi nematodes at different life stages, the L2 and L3 larvae (dead and alive) and to dead adult worms, with negative controls, with and without addition of the six respective inhibitory sugar haptens. Con A moderately bound to surfaces of both live and frozen L3, to the stoma and excretory pores of adult worms, and to the outer surface nematode’s eggs, within a female worm, but not to L2. PNA bound only to stoma and excretory pores surfaces in both frozen and live L3. WGA bound strongly to the outer surfaces of live and dead L2 and L3, which resulted in molting of live larvae. These results suggest that the nematode’s surface content change during its development. Such changes may play roles in the nematode’s interactions with the intermediate and definitive hosts’ tissues, and in its ability to evade the immune response, its long survival within the host, and even induce neoplastic transformation.

  • long term outcome of transendoscopic oesophageal mass ablation in dogs with Spirocerca Lupi associated oesophageal sarcoma
    Veterinary Record, 2015
    Co-Authors: Anna Shipov, Eran Lavy, Itamar Aroch, G. Kelmer, Joshua Milgram, Gilad Segev
    Abstract:

    Oesophageal sarcoma is a potential sequel of Spirocerca Lupi infection. Oesophageal mass excision can be performed by open chest surgery. The objectives of this observational study were to evaluate the feasibility, short-term morbidity and long-term outcome of transendoscopic oesophageal mass ablation in dogs with spirocercosis-associated oesophageal neoplasia. A 9 mm video-endoscope and laser or electrocauterisation were used to debulk the oesophageal mass. Long-term follow-up was done by telephonic interviews. Fifteen dogs were included. The median tumour size was 5 cm (range 3.5–9). The median procedure time was 75 minutes (range 35–165) and was deemed successful in 12/15 dogs (80 per cent). Recovery was uneventful in all dogs. Immediate complications included oesophageal damage (two dogs) oesophageal perforation (one dog) and a focal thermal damage (one dog). The median hospitalisation time of all dogs was less than one day, with all but two discharged on the procedure day. The median survival time, available in nine dogs that were followed, was 202 days (range 51–691). Four of these dogs (44 per cent) survived more than six months, of which three survived more than one year. In conclusion, transendoscopic oesophageal mass ablation might be considered an alternative, palliative procedure for open-chest oesophageal surgery. It has comparable long-term survival, lower morbidity, short hospitalisation time and relatively low cost.

Eran Lavy - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • in vitro lectin binding to the outer surface of Spirocerca Lupi at different life stages
    Veterinary Parasitology, 2017
    Co-Authors: Itamar Aroch, I Arogeti, A Marcovics, Y Spiegel, Eran Lavy
    Abstract:

    Abstract Spirocerca Lupi is the esophageal nematode of dogs. Early, transient eosinophilia occurs in experimentally infected dogs, but is absent in advanced cases, suggesting that the nematode evades the dog’s immune system. Lectins are proteins or glycoproteins of plant or animal origin, binding different saccharides, with varying specificities and avidities, used to characterize surface haptens in plant and animal parasitic helminths. This study investigated the in vitro binding of six lectins (Concanavalin A [ConA], wheat germ agglutinin [WGA], peanut agglutinin [PNA], soybean agglutinin [SBA], Dolichus biflorus agglutinin [DBA] and Ulex earopaeus agglutinin I [UEA]) to the surface of S. Lupi nematodes at different life stages, the L2 and L3 larvae (dead and alive) and to dead adult worms, with negative controls, with and without addition of the six respective inhibitory sugar haptens. Con A moderately bound to surfaces of both live and frozen L3, to the stoma and excretory pores of adult worms, and to the outer surface nematode’s eggs, within a female worm, but not to L2. PNA bound only to stoma and excretory pores surfaces in both frozen and live L3. WGA bound strongly to the outer surfaces of live and dead L2 and L3, which resulted in molting of live larvae. These results suggest that the nematode’s surface content change during its development. Such changes may play roles in the nematode’s interactions with the intermediate and definitive hosts’ tissues, and in its ability to evade the immune response, its long survival within the host, and even induce neoplastic transformation.

  • long term outcome of transendoscopic oesophageal mass ablation in dogs with Spirocerca Lupi associated oesophageal sarcoma
    Veterinary Record, 2015
    Co-Authors: Anna Shipov, Eran Lavy, Itamar Aroch, G. Kelmer, Joshua Milgram, Gilad Segev
    Abstract:

    Oesophageal sarcoma is a potential sequel of Spirocerca Lupi infection. Oesophageal mass excision can be performed by open chest surgery. The objectives of this observational study were to evaluate the feasibility, short-term morbidity and long-term outcome of transendoscopic oesophageal mass ablation in dogs with spirocercosis-associated oesophageal neoplasia. A 9 mm video-endoscope and laser or electrocauterisation were used to debulk the oesophageal mass. Long-term follow-up was done by telephonic interviews. Fifteen dogs were included. The median tumour size was 5 cm (range 3.5–9). The median procedure time was 75 minutes (range 35–165) and was deemed successful in 12/15 dogs (80 per cent). Recovery was uneventful in all dogs. Immediate complications included oesophageal damage (two dogs) oesophageal perforation (one dog) and a focal thermal damage (one dog). The median hospitalisation time of all dogs was less than one day, with all but two discharged on the procedure day. The median survival time, available in nine dogs that were followed, was 202 days (range 51–691). Four of these dogs (44 per cent) survived more than six months, of which three survived more than one year. In conclusion, transendoscopic oesophageal mass ablation might be considered an alternative, palliative procedure for open-chest oesophageal surgery. It has comparable long-term survival, lower morbidity, short hospitalisation time and relatively low cost.

  • serological cross reactivity of three commercial in house immunoassays for detection of dirofilaria immitis antigens with Spirocerca Lupi in dogs with benign esophageal spirocercosis
    Veterinary Parasitology, 2015
    Co-Authors: Itamar Aroch, Eran Lavy, Gilad Segev, Alicia Rojas, Paul Slon, Gad Baneth
    Abstract:

    Abstract The nematode Spirocerca Lupi infects dogs and is endemic in Israel. It leads to formation of esophageal nodules and neoplasia. Infection is diagnosed by coproscopy, endoscopy and radiography. Dirofilaria immitis causes heartworm disease in dogs, and has a world-wide distribution, but autochthonous infection has never been detected in Israel. Infection is confirmed based on identifying D. immitis microfilariae, in concentrated blood specimens by microscopy (Knott’s test or other tests) and serological tests specifically detecting circulating adult worm antigens. In the first part of this study, sera from dogs definitively diagnosed with esophageal spirocercosis by endoscopy were examined using three in-house immunoassays for detecting D. immitis antigen, and were positive in 2/19 (10.5%), 5/35 (14.3%) and 14/48 (29.2%) dogs, in assays 1 to 3, respectively, with no statistical difference between assays (P = 0.08). Next, sera from 32 additional dogs with confirmed esophageal spirocercosis, which were confirmed to be negative for D. immitis and Dirofilaria repens DNA using a sensitive high-resolution melt PCR were tested using assay 3 and 8/32 (25%) were positive. These results demonstrate serological cross-reactivity between D. immitis and S. Lupi in blood samples of dogs. In areas where the distributions of both nematodes overlap, this cross-reactivity should be considered when dog are screened for heartworm disease.

  • temporal association of ambient temperature and relative humidity with Spirocerca Lupi infection of onthophagus sellatus a 14 year longitudinal study
    Veterinary Parasitology, 2014
    Co-Authors: Yuval Gottlieb, Eran Lavy, Itamar Aroch, Meira Kaufman, Eyal Klement, Michael Samish, Adrienn Markovics
    Abstract:

    The parasitic nematode Spirocerca Lupi causes major morbidity and mortality in dogs. The scarab beetle Onthophagus sellatus is its major intermediate host in Israel. We investigated the prevalence of beetle infection by S. Lupi in different years between 1994 and 2008. The average monthly maximum and minimum relative humidity (RH) and ambient temperature (AT) throughout the study period were calculated based on daily meteorological data. The infection prevalence decreased over the study period, possibly due to a chronological change resulting from increased preventive treatment of dogs against S. Lupi, or climate change. Multivariate analysis was performed for these two hypotheses. Under the first hypothesis, chronological change was forced into the model, and environmental variables were inserted stepwise. The final model included beetle-collection date, minimum RH (RHmin) during the month preceding beetle collection, its interaction with maximal AT (ATmax) during that same month, and the interaction of maximal RH (RHmax) and ATmax, during the month of beetle collection. Under the second hypothesis, chronological change was not forced. The final model included RHmax during the month of beetle collection, average RH (RHave) during the month preceding beetle collection, and its interaction with ATmax during the latter month. The results suggest that under both hypotheses, RH and AT during the month preceding beetle collection influence S. Lupi's ability to develop and survive in O. sellatus, and may be used to predict the risk to dogs of S. Lupi infection.

  • a novel bacterial symbiont in the nematode Spirocerca Lupi
    BMC Microbiology, 2012
    Co-Authors: Yuval Gottlieb, Eran Lavy, Adrienn Markovics, Meira Kaufman, Murad Ghanim, Itamar Aroch
    Abstract:

    Background The parasitic nematode Spirocerca Lupi (Spirurida: Thelaziidae), the canine esophageal worm, is the causative agent of spirocercosis, a disease causing morbidity and mortality in dogs. Spirocerca Lupi has a complex life cycle, involving an obligatory coleopteran intermediate host (vector), an optional paratenic host, and a definitive canid host. The diagnosis of spirocercosis is challenging, especially in the early disease stages, when adult worms and clinical signs are absent. Thus, alternative approaches are needed to promote early diagnosis. The interaction between nematodes and their bacterial symbionts has recently become a focus of novel treatment regimens for other helminthic diseases.

Gilad Segev - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • ultrasonography is insensitive but specific for detecting aortic wall abnormalities in dogs infected with Spirocerca Lupi
    Veterinary Record, 2020
    Co-Authors: Nadav Merhavi, Gilad Segev, Eran Dvir, Dana Peery
    Abstract:

    Background Spirocercosis is caused by the nematode Spirocerca Lupi (S Lupi). The disease mainly affects dogs and is typically diagnosed by oesophagoscopy or faecal examination; however, these diagnostic tests may deliver false negative results during the migration phase of the nematode. The aim of the present prospective study was to evaluate whether ultrasonography could detect abnormalities in the abdominal aorta, celiac artery, and gastric wall structure as a diagnostic aid to detect S Lupi infection in dogs. Methods Oesophagoscopy and a focused abdominal ultrasound scan were performed in 40 dogs that presented to the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, with gastrointestinal complaints. Ultrasonography scan findings of 20 dogs with oesophageal nodules, indicating S Lupi infection (study group), were compared with those of 20 control dogs. Results Vascular wall irregularity was significantly more common in the study group than in the control group (9/20 v 1/20, respectively; P=0.008). Conclusion Ultrasonographic evaluation of the abdominal aorta, celiac artery, and gastric wall structure is not a sensitive diagnostic marker for spirocercosis in dogs. However, the presence of vascular wall irregularity of the abdominal aorta or celiac artery might indicate S Lupi migration.

  • Spirocerca Lupi induced oesophageal neoplasia predictors of surgical outcome
    Veterinary Parasitology, 2018
    Co-Authors: Paolo Pazzi, Anna Shipov, Gilad Segev, Anastasia Kavkovsky, Eran Dvir
    Abstract:

    Abstract Canine spirocercosis is caused by the nematode Spirocerca Lupi. Migration results in oesophageal fibro-inflammatory nodules that may undergo neoplastic transformation. No studies have assessed pre- or post-surgical prognostic indicators in dogs that undergo intervention for S. Lupi induced oesophageal neoplasia. This observational, multi-center study aimed to assess the outcome of dogs with Spirocerca induced sarcoma undergoing endoscopic-guided ablation (n = 12) or surgery (n = 18), and identify prognostic indicators. Parameters evaluated included: age, weight, gender, presenting complaints, duration of clinical signs, complete blood count, serum biochemistry, neoplasia size, placement of percutaneous endoscopically-placed gastrostomy tube, histopathological mitotic indices, days to discharge and chemotherapy administration. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed no difference in survival between ablation and surgery {(median: 73.5 days (range: 0–1511) vs. 108 days (range: 0–1550), respectively (p = 0.982)}. Reduced survival was documented in patients presenting with weight loss (P = 0.027), hypochromasia (MCHC 15 × 109/L, P = 0.017) with a hazard ratio of 2.51 (CI95% = 1.071–6.018, P = 0.034), 2.71 (CI95% = 1.10–6.65, P = 0.03) and 4.39 (CI95%: 1.21–15.97, P = 0.025) respectively. In the dogs surviving more than 21 days, Ht 15.0 × 109/L at presentation were associated with reduced survival (p = 0.016, p = 0.021 respectively) and hazard ratio of 3.29 (CI95% = 1.18–9.2, P = 0.023) and 3.81 (CI95% = 1.15–12.55, P = 0.028) respectively. Intra-intervention-group survival analysis identified increased survival time in dogs receiving chemotherapy, but only within the surgical group (P = 0.02).The hospitalisation time of dogs undergoing ablation (median: 0 days, range: 0–4) was significantly shorter than dogs undergoing surgery (9 days, 1–21) (P  In this study, no clear benefit was identified for surgery, thus when ablation is technically possible it should be considered advantageous, as hospitalisation time is significantly shorter. Weight loss, hypochromasia and leucocytosis were identified as long-term prognostic indicators at presentation.

  • detection and quantification of Spirocerca Lupi by hrm qpcr in fecal samples from dogs with spirocercosis
    Parasites & Vectors, 2017
    Co-Authors: Alicia Rojas, Itamar Aroch, Gilad Segev, Alex Markovics, Gad Baneth
    Abstract:

    Spirocerca Lupi, the dog oesophageal nematode, causes a potentially fatal disease in domestic dogs, and is currently clinically diagnosed by coproscopy and oesophagoscopy. To date, a single molecular method, a semi-nested PCR, targeting the cox1 gene, has been developed to aid in the diagnosis of spirocercosis. The present study describes three novel high-resolution melt (HRM) quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays targeting fragments of the ITS1, 18S and cytb loci of S. Lupi. The performance of these molecular assays in feces was compared to fecal flotation and to the previously described cox1 gene semi-nested PCR in 18 fecal samples from dogs with clinical oesophageal spirocercosis diagnosed by oesophagoscopy. The HRM qPCR for ITS1 and 18S were both able to detect 0.2 S. Lupi eggs per gram (epg), while the HRM qPCR for the cytb and the semi-nested PCR for the cox1 detected 6 epg and 526 epg, respectively. Spirocerca Lupi was detected in 61.1%, 44.4%, 27.8%, 11.1% and 5.6% of the fecal samples of dogs diagnosed with spirocercosis by using the ITS1 and 18S HRM qPCR assays, fecal flotation, cytb HRM qPCR and cox1 semi-nested PCR, respectively. All dogs positive by fecal flotation were also positive by ITS1 and 18S HRM qPCRs. Quantification of S. Lupi eggs was successfully achieved in the HRM qPCRs and compared to the fecal flotation with no significant difference in the calculated concentrations between the HRM qPCRs that detected the 18S and ITS1 loci and the fecal flotation. The HRM qPCR for the 18S cross-amplified DNA from Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina. In contrast, the HRM qPCR for ITS1 did not cross-amplify DNA from other canine gastrointestinal parasites. This study presents two new molecular assays with significantly increased sensitivity for confirming and quantifying fecal S. Lupi eggs. Of these, the HRM qPCR for ITS1 showed the best performance in terms of the limit of detection and absence of cross-amplification with other parasites. These assays will be useful in detecting infection and for follow-up during therapy.

  • Detection and quantification of Spirocerca Lupi by HRM qPCR in fecal samples from dogs with spirocercosis
    Parasites & Vectors, 2017
    Co-Authors: Alicia Rojas, Itamar Aroch, Gilad Segev, Alex Markovics, Gad Baneth
    Abstract:

    Background Spirocerca Lupi , the dog oesophageal nematode, causes a potentially fatal disease in domestic dogs, and is currently clinically diagnosed by coproscopy and oesophagoscopy. To date, a single molecular method, a semi-nested PCR, targeting the cox 1 gene, has been developed to aid in the diagnosis of spirocercosis. The present study describes three novel high-resolution melt (HRM) quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays targeting fragments of the ITS1, 18S and cytb loci of S. Lupi . The performance of these molecular assays in feces was compared to fecal flotation and to the previously described cox 1 gene semi-nested PCR in 18 fecal samples from dogs with clinical oesophageal spirocercosis diagnosed by oesophagoscopy. Results The HRM qPCR for ITS1 and 18S were both able to detect 0.2  S. Lupi eggs per gram (epg), while the HRM qPCR for the cytb and the semi-nested PCR for the cox 1 detected 6 epg and 526 epg, respectively. Spirocerca Lupi was detected in 61.1%, 44.4%, 27.8%, 11.1% and 5.6% of the fecal samples of dogs diagnosed with spirocercosis by using the ITS1 and 18S HRM qPCR assays, fecal flotation, cytb HRM qPCR and cox 1 semi-nested PCR, respectively. All dogs positive by fecal flotation were also positive by ITS1 and 18S HRM qPCRs. Quantification of S. Lupi eggs was successfully achieved in the HRM qPCRs and compared to the fecal flotation with no significant difference in the calculated concentrations between the HRM qPCRs that detected the 18S and ITS1 loci and the fecal flotation. The HRM qPCR for the 18S cross-amplified DNA from Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina. In contrast, the HRM qPCR for ITS1 did not cross-amplify DNA from other canine gastrointestinal parasites. Conclusions This study presents two new molecular assays with significantly increased sensitivity for confirming and quantifying fecal S. Lupi eggs. Of these, the HRM qPCR for ITS1 showed the best performance in terms of the limit of detection and absence of cross-amplification with other parasites. These assays will be useful in detecting infection and for follow-up during therapy.

  • long term outcome of transendoscopic oesophageal mass ablation in dogs with Spirocerca Lupi associated oesophageal sarcoma
    Veterinary Record, 2015
    Co-Authors: Anna Shipov, Eran Lavy, Itamar Aroch, G. Kelmer, Joshua Milgram, Gilad Segev
    Abstract:

    Oesophageal sarcoma is a potential sequel of Spirocerca Lupi infection. Oesophageal mass excision can be performed by open chest surgery. The objectives of this observational study were to evaluate the feasibility, short-term morbidity and long-term outcome of transendoscopic oesophageal mass ablation in dogs with spirocercosis-associated oesophageal neoplasia. A 9 mm video-endoscope and laser or electrocauterisation were used to debulk the oesophageal mass. Long-term follow-up was done by telephonic interviews. Fifteen dogs were included. The median tumour size was 5 cm (range 3.5–9). The median procedure time was 75 minutes (range 35–165) and was deemed successful in 12/15 dogs (80 per cent). Recovery was uneventful in all dogs. Immediate complications included oesophageal damage (two dogs) oesophageal perforation (one dog) and a focal thermal damage (one dog). The median hospitalisation time of all dogs was less than one day, with all but two discharged on the procedure day. The median survival time, available in nine dogs that were followed, was 202 days (range 51–691). Four of these dogs (44 per cent) survived more than six months, of which three survived more than one year. In conclusion, transendoscopic oesophageal mass ablation might be considered an alternative, palliative procedure for open-chest oesophageal surgery. It has comparable long-term survival, lower morbidity, short hospitalisation time and relatively low cost.

Eran Dvir - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • ultrasonography is insensitive but specific for detecting aortic wall abnormalities in dogs infected with Spirocerca Lupi
    Veterinary Record, 2020
    Co-Authors: Nadav Merhavi, Gilad Segev, Eran Dvir, Dana Peery
    Abstract:

    Background Spirocercosis is caused by the nematode Spirocerca Lupi (S Lupi). The disease mainly affects dogs and is typically diagnosed by oesophagoscopy or faecal examination; however, these diagnostic tests may deliver false negative results during the migration phase of the nematode. The aim of the present prospective study was to evaluate whether ultrasonography could detect abnormalities in the abdominal aorta, celiac artery, and gastric wall structure as a diagnostic aid to detect S Lupi infection in dogs. Methods Oesophagoscopy and a focused abdominal ultrasound scan were performed in 40 dogs that presented to the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, with gastrointestinal complaints. Ultrasonography scan findings of 20 dogs with oesophageal nodules, indicating S Lupi infection (study group), were compared with those of 20 control dogs. Results Vascular wall irregularity was significantly more common in the study group than in the control group (9/20 v 1/20, respectively; P=0.008). Conclusion Ultrasonographic evaluation of the abdominal aorta, celiac artery, and gastric wall structure is not a sensitive diagnostic marker for spirocercosis in dogs. However, the presence of vascular wall irregularity of the abdominal aorta or celiac artery might indicate S Lupi migration.

  • insights on Spirocerca Lupi the carcinogenic dog nematode
    Trends in Parasitology, 2020
    Co-Authors: Alicia Rojas, Eran Dvir, Gad Baneth
    Abstract:

    Spirocerca Lupi is a nematode transmitted by dung beetles that infects domestic and wild canids in tropical and subtropical regions and is associated with neoplasia. It produces a distinctive pathology with the formation of esophageal nodules classified as inflammatory, preneoplastic, or neoplastic with metastasis to distant organs. Aberrant central nervous system migration of this nematode is also responsible for severe neurological manifestations. Reports of spirocercosis have increased over the last two decades showing spread of this canine helminth in five continents. S. Lupi from different geographical locations is genetically distinct with two genotypes, genotype I from Africa, Asia, and Australia, and genotype II from Europe, and recently separated from Spirocerca vulpis, a new species described in red foxes from Europe.

  • Phylogenetic analysis of Spirocerca Lupi and Spirocerca vulpis reveal high genetic diversity and intra-individual variation
    Parasites & Vectors, 2018
    Co-Authors: Alicia Rojas, Eran Dvir, Alex Markovics, Domenico Otranto, Róbert Farkas, Kalyan Sarma, Sonjoy Borthakur, Abdul Jabbar, Gad Baneth
    Abstract:

    Background Spirocerca Lupi is a parasitic nematode of canids that can lead to a severe and potentially fatal disease. Recently, a new species, Spirocerca vulpis , was described from red foxes in Europe, suggesting a high genetic diversity of the Spirocerca spp. infecting canids. The genetic variation and phylogenetic relationships of S. Lupi collected from naturally-infected domestic dogs from Australia, Hungary, Israel, Italy, India and South Africa, and S. vulpis from red foxes from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy and Spain, was studied using mitochondrial and rDNA markers. Results A high intra-individual variation was found in the first internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) locus in all Spirocerca spp., ranging between 0.37–2.84%, with up to six haplotypes per specimen. In addition, a combination of phylogenetic and haplotype analyses revealed a large variability between S. Lupi specimens collected from different geographical locations using the ITS1 (0.37–9.33%) and the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 ( cox 1) gene (1.42–6.74%). This genetic diversity led to the identification of two S. Lupi genotypes circulating among dogs (PTP support > 0.829), including genotype 1 found in S. Lupi from Australia, India, Israel and South Africa, and genotype 2 represented by specimens from Hungary and Italy. These genotypes presented pairwise nucleotide distances of 0.14%, 8.06% and 6.48 ± 0.28% in the small rDNA subunit ( 18S ), ITS1 and cox 1 loci, respectively. Additionally, Nei’s genetic distance in the ITS1 showed a further subdivision of genotype 1 worms into 1A (Israel and South Africa) and 1B (Australia and India). A morphological analysis of the anterior and posterior extremities of genotype 1 and genotype 2 worms using scanning electron microscopy did not show any differences between the specimens, contrary to the morphological differences between S. Lupi and S. vulpis . Conclusions These findings demonstrate the high genetic variability among Spirocerca spp. from different geographical locations, thereby expanding our understanding of the epidemiology, evolution and phylogenetic variability within the genus.

  • phylogenetic analysis of Spirocerca Lupi and Spirocerca vulpis reveal high genetic diversity and intra individual variation
    Parasites & Vectors, 2018
    Co-Authors: Alicia Rojas, Eran Dvir, Alex Markovics, Domenico Otranto, Róbert Farkas, Kalyan Sarma, Sonjoy Borthakur, Abdul Jabbar, Gad Baneth
    Abstract:

    Spirocerca Lupi is a parasitic nematode of canids that can lead to a severe and potentially fatal disease. Recently, a new species, Spirocerca vulpis, was described from red foxes in Europe, suggesting a high genetic diversity of the Spirocerca spp. infecting canids. The genetic variation and phylogenetic relationships of S. Lupi collected from naturally-infected domestic dogs from Australia, Hungary, Israel, Italy, India and South Africa, and S. vulpis from red foxes from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy and Spain, was studied using mitochondrial and rDNA markers. A high intra-individual variation was found in the first internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) locus in all Spirocerca spp., ranging between 0.37–2.84%, with up to six haplotypes per specimen. In addition, a combination of phylogenetic and haplotype analyses revealed a large variability between S. Lupi specimens collected from different geographical locations using the ITS1 (0.37–9.33%) and the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene (1.42–6.74%). This genetic diversity led to the identification of two S. Lupi genotypes circulating among dogs (PTP support > 0.829), including genotype 1 found in S. Lupi from Australia, India, Israel and South Africa, and genotype 2 represented by specimens from Hungary and Italy. These genotypes presented pairwise nucleotide distances of 0.14%, 8.06% and 6.48 ± 0.28% in the small rDNA subunit (18S), ITS1 and cox1 loci, respectively. Additionally, Nei’s genetic distance in the ITS1 showed a further subdivision of genotype 1 worms into 1A (Israel and South Africa) and 1B (Australia and India). A morphological analysis of the anterior and posterior extremities of genotype 1 and genotype 2 worms using scanning electron microscopy did not show any differences between the specimens, contrary to the morphological differences between S. Lupi and S. vulpis. These findings demonstrate the high genetic variability among Spirocerca spp. from different geographical locations, thereby expanding our understanding of the epidemiology, evolution and phylogenetic variability within the genus.

  • Spirocerca Lupi induced oesophageal neoplasia predictors of surgical outcome
    Veterinary Parasitology, 2018
    Co-Authors: Paolo Pazzi, Anna Shipov, Gilad Segev, Anastasia Kavkovsky, Eran Dvir
    Abstract:

    Abstract Canine spirocercosis is caused by the nematode Spirocerca Lupi. Migration results in oesophageal fibro-inflammatory nodules that may undergo neoplastic transformation. No studies have assessed pre- or post-surgical prognostic indicators in dogs that undergo intervention for S. Lupi induced oesophageal neoplasia. This observational, multi-center study aimed to assess the outcome of dogs with Spirocerca induced sarcoma undergoing endoscopic-guided ablation (n = 12) or surgery (n = 18), and identify prognostic indicators. Parameters evaluated included: age, weight, gender, presenting complaints, duration of clinical signs, complete blood count, serum biochemistry, neoplasia size, placement of percutaneous endoscopically-placed gastrostomy tube, histopathological mitotic indices, days to discharge and chemotherapy administration. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed no difference in survival between ablation and surgery {(median: 73.5 days (range: 0–1511) vs. 108 days (range: 0–1550), respectively (p = 0.982)}. Reduced survival was documented in patients presenting with weight loss (P = 0.027), hypochromasia (MCHC 15 × 109/L, P = 0.017) with a hazard ratio of 2.51 (CI95% = 1.071–6.018, P = 0.034), 2.71 (CI95% = 1.10–6.65, P = 0.03) and 4.39 (CI95%: 1.21–15.97, P = 0.025) respectively. In the dogs surviving more than 21 days, Ht 15.0 × 109/L at presentation were associated with reduced survival (p = 0.016, p = 0.021 respectively) and hazard ratio of 3.29 (CI95% = 1.18–9.2, P = 0.023) and 3.81 (CI95% = 1.15–12.55, P = 0.028) respectively. Intra-intervention-group survival analysis identified increased survival time in dogs receiving chemotherapy, but only within the surgical group (P = 0.02).The hospitalisation time of dogs undergoing ablation (median: 0 days, range: 0–4) was significantly shorter than dogs undergoing surgery (9 days, 1–21) (P  In this study, no clear benefit was identified for surgery, thus when ablation is technically possible it should be considered advantageous, as hospitalisation time is significantly shorter. Weight loss, hypochromasia and leucocytosis were identified as long-term prognostic indicators at presentation.

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  • aberrant mesenteric migration of Spirocerca Lupi larvae causing necrotizing eosinophilic arteritis thrombosis and intestinal infarction in dogs
    Veterinary Pathology, 2020
    Co-Authors: Ori Brenner, Alicia Rojas, Ana Maria Boteroanug, Shelley Hahn, Gad Baneth
    Abstract:

    This report presents a novel canine condition in 32 dogs in which aberrant migration of Spirocerca Lupi larvae through mesenteric arteries, instead of gastric arteries, led to small or large intestinal infarction. This form of spirocercosis was first recognized in Israel in 2013 and is currently ongoing. Typical clinical signs were anorexia and weakness of 3 to 4 days and, less frequently, vomiting and diarrhea, followed by collapse, bloody diarrhea, and severe vomiting. Exploratory laparotomy showed 1 or more infarcted and often perforated intestinal segments in all cases. Microscopically, there was intestinal mucosal to transmural coagulative necrosis and mesenteric multifocal necrotizing eosinophilic arteritis, thrombosis, hemorrhage, and early fibroplasia. Third-stage S. Lupi larvae were identified by morphologic features in 9 of 32 (28%) cases, and the species was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction in 4 cases. Nearly 50% of the dogs had been receiving prophylactic therapy, which did not prevent this form of spirocercosis.

  • insights on Spirocerca Lupi the carcinogenic dog nematode
    Trends in Parasitology, 2020
    Co-Authors: Alicia Rojas, Eran Dvir, Gad Baneth
    Abstract:

    Spirocerca Lupi is a nematode transmitted by dung beetles that infects domestic and wild canids in tropical and subtropical regions and is associated with neoplasia. It produces a distinctive pathology with the formation of esophageal nodules classified as inflammatory, preneoplastic, or neoplastic with metastasis to distant organs. Aberrant central nervous system migration of this nematode is also responsible for severe neurological manifestations. Reports of spirocercosis have increased over the last two decades showing spread of this canine helminth in five continents. S. Lupi from different geographical locations is genetically distinct with two genotypes, genotype I from Africa, Asia, and Australia, and genotype II from Europe, and recently separated from Spirocerca vulpis, a new species described in red foxes from Europe.

  • secretome of the carcinogenic helminth Spirocerca Lupi reveals specific parasite proteins associated with its different life stages
    Veterinary Parasitology, 2019
    Co-Authors: Alicia Rojas, Gad Baneth
    Abstract:

    Abstract Spirocerca Lupi is a parasitic and carcinogenic nematode of canids distributed in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The excretion-secretion proteins (PES) of S. Lupi have been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of its infection. We aimed to identify the PES of different stages of S. Lupi and search for proteins that would be useful for diagnostic, therapeutic and vaccination purposes as well as understand their functions. A nano-UPLC mass spectrometry de novo analysis was performed on proteins collected from cultures of S. Lupi L3 larvae, L4 females, adult females and adult males from naturally infected hosts. A total of 211 proteins were identified in all cultures. Accordingly, 117, 130, 99 and 116 proteins were detected in L3 larva, L4 females, adult females and adult males, respectively, with a strong correlation in the biological replicates (Pearson coefficients > 0.73). Fourty-four proteins were detected in all developmental stages, 64 were stage-specific and 49 were exclusively identified in L4 females. Cell compartment enrichment analysis revealed that proteins common to all stages were cytoplasmatic (p

  • detection of intraspinal Spirocerca Lupi in canine cerebrospinal fluid by polymerase chain reaction
    Journal of Comparative Pathology, 2019
    Co-Authors: M Ruggeri, Alicia Rojas, Gad Baneth, Orit Chai, H Purzyc, Erez Hanael, K Rapoport, I Barnoon, Lilach Konstantin, Merav H Shamir
    Abstract:

    Summary Aberrant migration of Spirocerca Lupi into the spinal cord is an important cause of severe progressive neurological dysfunction in dogs. Although early diagnosis is essential to prevent deterioration, ante-mortem diagnosis of this condition remains challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the detection of the 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) S. Lupi gene in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of presumptively-affected dogs using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Dogs with a non-compressive spinal cord lesion, pleocytosis with presence of eosinophils in the CSF and a characteristic clinical presentation were included. CSF samples from eight dogs were available for the study, of which seven were definitively diagnosed with intraspinal spirocercosis by PCR of either the CSF samples (6/7) or tissue samples obtained at necropsy examination (3/7), or both (2/7). Of these seven positive cases, only one dog had a negative CSF PCR, indicating a sensitivity of 86% for detecting nematode DNA in the CSF of infected dogs using this PCR protocol. The nematode DNA sequences obtained from the CSF of six dogs and the spinal cord tissue of three dogs were 98–100% identical to the publicly available sequences of S. Lupi , confirming the diagnosis. These findings indicate that PCR targeting the 18S rDNA of S. Lupi in CSF is useful for the ante-mortem diagnosis of canine intraspinal spirocercosis.

  • Phylogenetic analysis of Spirocerca Lupi and Spirocerca vulpis reveal high genetic diversity and intra-individual variation
    Parasites & Vectors, 2018
    Co-Authors: Alicia Rojas, Eran Dvir, Alex Markovics, Domenico Otranto, Róbert Farkas, Kalyan Sarma, Sonjoy Borthakur, Abdul Jabbar, Gad Baneth
    Abstract:

    Background Spirocerca Lupi is a parasitic nematode of canids that can lead to a severe and potentially fatal disease. Recently, a new species, Spirocerca vulpis , was described from red foxes in Europe, suggesting a high genetic diversity of the Spirocerca spp. infecting canids. The genetic variation and phylogenetic relationships of S. Lupi collected from naturally-infected domestic dogs from Australia, Hungary, Israel, Italy, India and South Africa, and S. vulpis from red foxes from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy and Spain, was studied using mitochondrial and rDNA markers. Results A high intra-individual variation was found in the first internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) locus in all Spirocerca spp., ranging between 0.37–2.84%, with up to six haplotypes per specimen. In addition, a combination of phylogenetic and haplotype analyses revealed a large variability between S. Lupi specimens collected from different geographical locations using the ITS1 (0.37–9.33%) and the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 ( cox 1) gene (1.42–6.74%). This genetic diversity led to the identification of two S. Lupi genotypes circulating among dogs (PTP support > 0.829), including genotype 1 found in S. Lupi from Australia, India, Israel and South Africa, and genotype 2 represented by specimens from Hungary and Italy. These genotypes presented pairwise nucleotide distances of 0.14%, 8.06% and 6.48 ± 0.28% in the small rDNA subunit ( 18S ), ITS1 and cox 1 loci, respectively. Additionally, Nei’s genetic distance in the ITS1 showed a further subdivision of genotype 1 worms into 1A (Israel and South Africa) and 1B (Australia and India). A morphological analysis of the anterior and posterior extremities of genotype 1 and genotype 2 worms using scanning electron microscopy did not show any differences between the specimens, contrary to the morphological differences between S. Lupi and S. vulpis . Conclusions These findings demonstrate the high genetic variability among Spirocerca spp. from different geographical locations, thereby expanding our understanding of the epidemiology, evolution and phylogenetic variability within the genus.