Characteristics, immunological events, and diagnostics of Babesia spp. infection, with emphasis on Babesia canis

AbstractVector-borne infection constitutes a significant health issue in dogs worldwide. Recent reports point to an increasing number of canine vector-borne disease cases in European countries, including Poland. Canine babesiosis caused by various Babesia species is a protozoal tick-borne disease with worldwide distribution and significant veterinary importance. The development and application of molecular methods have increased our knowledge about canine babesiosis, its prevalence, and clinical and pathological aspects of the infection. Parasitologists and veterinary surgeons need an accurate description of the species responsible for canine babesiosis to improve diagnostic and therapeutic methods, as well as predictions for the course of the disease. Therefore, we decided to summarise recent knowledge concerning Babesia species and B. canis.

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Over 20 years of research on canine babesiosis at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of WULS-SGGW in Warsaw

Medycyna Weterynaryjna ◽

10.21521/mw.5792 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 73 (10) ◽

pp. 606-612

Author(s):

Wojciech Zygner ◽

Olga Gójska-Zygner ◽

Paweł Górski ◽

Justyna Bartosik

Keyword(s):

Veterinary Medicine ◽

Case Reports ◽

Dermacentor Reticulatus ◽

Endocrine Disorders ◽

Babesia Canis ◽

Pathological Changes ◽

Canine Babesiosis ◽

Euthyroid Sick Syndrome ◽

Veterinary Surgeons ◽

Pituitary Thyroid Axis

Canine babesiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by infection with protozoa of the genus Babesia. During over 20 years of studies on canine babesiosis at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences, the researchers have identified the species of the parasite and its vector in Poland, determined the cause of azotemia and observed other pathological changes, such as endocrine disorders, changes in the de Ritis quotient, as well as biochemical and hematological changes. It was shown that the tick Dermacentor reticulatus is the only vector of canine babesiosis in Poland and the disease is caused by Babesia canis (formerly known as Babesia canis canis). The first studies of pathological changes confirmed the results of previous research in other countries, in which the most prevalent changes in canine babesiosis were thrombocytopenia, anemia leucopenia, increased activity of liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP), azotemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypoglycemia, hyponatremia and hypokalemia. Research on azotemia in dogs infected with B. canis showed the contribution of TNF-α overproduction to hypotension and its influence on renal ischemia, hypoxia and the development of azotemia. Moreover, in research on endocrine disorders in canine babesiosis, it was shown that IL-6 overproduction leads to the suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis resulting in euthyroid sick syndrome, and that secondary hyperaldosteronism results from decreased renal blood flow and leads to hypokalemia. The results of the research were published in 27 original papers, 6 case reports and many review articles in veterinary journals. These studies provided veterinary surgeons in Poland with improved procedures for diagnosing canine babesiosis, as well as allowed them to better understand some pathogenic mechanisms of the disease and to develop more efficacious therapies..

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Detection of Babesia spp. in High Altitude Cattle in Ecuador, Possible Evidence of the Adaptation of Vectors and Diseases to New Climatic Conditions

Pathogens ◽

10.3390/pathogens10121593 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. 1593

Author(s):

María A. Chávez-Larrea ◽

Cristina Cholota-Iza ◽

Viviana Medina-Naranjo ◽

Michelle Yugcha-Díaz ◽

Jorge Ron-Román ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Explanatory Variable ◽

Climatic Factors ◽

Ribosomal Gene ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Babesia Bovis ◽

Babesia Species ◽

Babesia Bigemina ◽

Tick Borne Disease ◽

Babesia Spp

Background: Babesia species are intraerythrocytic protozoa, distributed in tropical and subtropical areas of the world, causing anemic diseases in many animals, including cattle. This disease, called babesisosis, is transmitted from one animal to another through ticks (Tick Borne-Disease or TBD). On the other hand, Ecuador has a tropical climate that allows the development of the vector Rhipicephalus microplus, and therefore favors the transmission of Babesia spp. in cattle. Methods and principal findings: We determined the presence of Babesia spp. by PCR using 18s ribosomal gene as target (18s PCR) in 20 farms in the area of El Carmen (zone below 300 m above sea level) and 1 farm in Quito (2469 m.a.s.l.). In addition, we analyzed parameters such as age, sex, and packed cell volume (PCV) as explanatory variable associated with the disease. Results: The 18s PCR test showed that 18.94% (14.77% Babesia bovis and 4.17% Babesia bigemina) and 20.28% (14.69% B. bovis and 5.59% B. bigemina) of the cattle were positive for Babesia spp in farms sampled in El Carmen and in Quito, respectively. Age influenced the presence of animals positive for Babesia spp., but sex and PCV did not. The phylogenetic analysis of sequences showed 4 isolates of B. bovis and 3 isolates of B. bigemina in the 2 study zones, with similarities between 99.73 and 100% with other sequences. One B. bovis isolate was similar in the zone of El Carmen and Quito. Conclusion and significance: This work is the first molecular characterization of B. bigemina and B. bovis in Ecuador, and it is also the first evidence of Babesia spp. in cattle in the area of Quito at an altitude of 2469 m.a.s.l., being the highest altitude reported for animals with babesiosis and for the tick R. microplus. Climatic factors as well as mobility of tick-carrying animals without any control allow the presence of Babesiosis outbreaks in new geographical areas.

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Study on coinfecting vector-borne pathogens in dogs and ticks in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária ◽

10.1590/s1984-29612014071 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 23 (3) ◽

pp. 407-412 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Luiz Ricardo Gonçalves ◽

Kilder Dantas Filgueira ◽

Silvia Maria Mendes Ahid ◽

Josivânia Soares Pereira ◽

André Mendes do Vale ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Signs ◽

Rio Grande ◽

Molecular Techniques ◽

Multiple Infections ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Vector Borne Diseases ◽

Leishmania Spp ◽

Tick Borne Disease ◽

Vector Borne ◽

Babesia Spp

Since dogs presenting several vector borne diseases can show none or nonspecific clinical signs depending on the phase of infection, the assessment of the particular agents involved is mandatory. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Hepatozoon spp. and Leishmania spp. in blood samples and ticks, collected from two dogs from Rio Grande do Norte showing suggestive tick-borne disease by using molecular techniques. DNA of E. canis, H. canis and L. infantum were detected in blood samples and R. sanguineus ticks collected from dogs. Among all samples analyzed, two showed the presence of multiple infections with E. canis, H. canis and L. infantum chagasi. Here we highlighted the need for molecular differential diagnosis in dogs showing nonspecific clinical signs.

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Detection and Molecular Characterization of Babesia canis vogeli and Theileria annulata in Free-Ranging Dogs and Ticks from Shahriar County, Tehran Province, Iran

Iranian Journal of Parasitology ◽

10.18502/ijpa.v15i3.4196 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Gholamreza HABIBI ◽

Alireza IMANI ◽

Asghar AFSHARI ◽

Soghra BOZORGI

Keyword(s):

Molecular Techniques ◽

Babesia Canis ◽

Pcr Assay ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Tick Borne Disease ◽

Dog Blood ◽

Vector Borne ◽

Bovine Theileriosis ◽

Free Ranging

Background: We aimed to detect and characterize vector-borne parasites of Babesia and Theileria in dog and ticks by PCR assay. Canine babesiosis is a significant tick-borne disease caused by different Babesia species. As the infection has not been reported in Shahriar region Tehran, Iran, molecular techniques allowed us to identify tick-borne parasites in asymptomatic dogs. Methods: The number of 40 dog peripheral blood samples and 27 skin attached ticks were analyzed by molecular PCR assay. The specific primers were used for detecting Babesia canis, B. gibsoni and T. annulata. Results: B. c. vogeli was detected in 10 dog blood samples (25%). Additionally, T. annulata infection was identified in 13 dog blood samples (32.5%) and 18 isolated tick DNAs (66.7%). The results of PCR were confirmed by 18S rRNA and Tams1 gene sequence analyzing and have been registered in GenBank under following accession numbers for B. c. vogeli (MH793502) and T. annulata (MK105284). Conclusion: The verification of T. annulata infection in free-ranging dogs and ticks shows dogs might be considered as important natural carriers/reservoirs for T. annulata in enzootic region for bovine theileriosis. The obtained data may be useful for veterinary practitioners and dog owners to aware of Babesia and Theileria infection in dog and tick to establish the effective preventive measures.

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Genetic Diversity of Canine Babesia Species Prevalent in Pet Dogs of Punjab, Pakistan

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani9070439 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 439 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Muhammad Tayyub ◽

Kamran Ashraf ◽

Muhammad Lateef ◽

Aftab Ahmad Anjum ◽

Muhammad Asad Ali ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Diversity ◽

Nucleotide Sequencing ◽

Babesia Species ◽

Canine Babesiosis ◽

Chain Reaction ◽

Specific Primers ◽

Pet Dogs ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

Species Specific ◽

Babesia Spp

Canine babesiosis is a serious threat to dogs’ health worldwide, caused by the intra-erythrocytic Babesia species. The present study was carried out in pet dogs presented at three clinics of Lahore and one of Narowal in Punjab, Pakistan. Two hundred blood samples (50 from each clinic) were collected and screened by microscopy for Babesia spp. Out of 200 samples, 84 (42%) were found to be positive for babesiosis. The highest number of positive cases (50%) was recorded in dogs at Narowal clinic. Non-significant variation (p > 0.05) was observed in the prevalence of babesiosis in dogs in relation to sex and age. Positive samples were further confirmed by a polymerase chain reaction using 18S-rRNA genus-specific and species-specific primers. Amplicons were further analyzed by nucleotide sequencing for genetic diversity. Babesia canis and gibsoni were confirmed by genome sequencing in all diseased dogs. These isolates closely resembled each other, but differed from previous reported strains. In conclusion, pet dogs suffering from babesiosis were infected with B. canis and gibsoni, while in other countries, other Babesia species are also prevalent.

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Combined Untargeted and Targeted Metabolomics Approaches Reveal Urinary Changes of Amino Acids and Energy Metabolism in Canine Babesiosis With Different Levels of Kidney Function

Frontiers in Microbiology ◽

10.3389/fmicb.2021.715701 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Josipa Kuleš ◽

Ivana Rubić ◽

Blanka Beer Ljubić ◽

Petra Bilić ◽

Renata Barić Rafaj ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Energy Metabolism ◽

Kidney Function ◽

Acid Metabolism ◽

Kidney Injury ◽

Canine Babesiosis ◽

Differential Abundance ◽

Worldwide Distribution ◽

Tick Borne Disease ◽

Healthy Dogs ◽

Targeted Approach

Canine babesiosis is a tick-borne disease with a worldwide distribution, caused by the haemoprotozoan parasites of the genus Babesia. One of the most prevalent complication is acute kidney injury, and an early diagnosis of altered kidney function remains a challenge for veterinary practice. The aim of this study was to assess the urine metabolic profile from dogs with babesiosis and different degree of kidney function using untargeted and targeted MS-based metabolomics approaches. In this study, 22 dogs naturally infected with Babesia canis and 12 healthy dogs were included. Untargeted metabolomics approach identified 601 features with a differential abundance between the healthy group and groups of dogs with babesiosis and different level of kidney function, with 27 of them identified as a match to known standards; while targeted approach identified 17 metabolites with significantly different concentrations between the groups. A pattern of significantly altered metabolites referring to the inflammatory host response, oxidative stress, and energy metabolism modulation in babesiosis was presented. Our findings have demonstrated that kidney dysfunction accompanying canine babesiosis was associated with changes in amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, and biochemical pathways such as urea cycle and ammonia detoxication. These findings will enable the inclusion of urinary markers for the detection and monitoring of renal damage in babesiosis, as well as in other similar diseases.

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Current Challenges in the Development of Vaccines and Drugs Against Emerging Vector-borne Diseases

Current Medicinal Chemistry ◽

10.2174/0929867325666181105121146 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 26 (16) ◽

pp. 2974-2986 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Kwang-sun Kim

Keyword(s):

New Host ◽

In Vivo Models ◽

Vector Borne Diseases ◽

Novel Drugs ◽

Huge Impact ◽

Tick Borne Disease ◽

Vector Borne ◽

Living Organisms

Vectors are living organisms that transmit infectious diseases from an infected animal to humans or another animal. Biological vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, and sand flies carry pathogens that multiply within their bodies prior to delivery to a new host. The increased prevalence of Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) such as Aedes-borne dengue, Chikungunya (CHIKV), Zika (ZIKV), malaria, Tick-Borne Disease (TBD), and scrub typhus has a huge impact on the health of both humans and livestock worldwide. In particular, zoonotic diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks place a considerable burden on public health. Vaccines, drugs, and vector control methods have been developed to prevent and treat VBDs and have prevented millions of deaths. However, development of such strategies is falling behind the rapid emergence of VBDs. Therefore, a comprehensive approach to fighting VBDs must be considered immediately. In this review, I focus on the challenges posed by emerging outbreaks of VBDs and discuss available drugs and vaccines designed to overcome this burden. Research into promising drugs needs to be upgraded and fast-tracked, and novel drugs or vaccines being tested in in vitro and in vivo models need to be moved into human clinical trials. Active preventive tactics, as well as new and upgraded diagnostics, surveillance, treatments, and vaccination strategies, need to be monitored constantly if we are to manage VBDs of medical importance.

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Global Distribution of Babesia Species in Questing Ticks: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on Published Literature

Pathogens ◽

10.3390/pathogens10020230 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 230

Author(s):

ThankGod E. Onyiche ◽

Cristian Răileanu ◽

Susanne Fischer ◽

Cornelia Silaghi

Keyword(s):

Tick Species ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mammalian Species ◽

Molecular Techniques ◽

Ixodid Ticks ◽

Babesia Microti ◽

Babesia Species ◽

Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽

Questing Ticks ◽

Veterinary Importance

Babesiosis caused by the Babesia species is a parasitic tick-borne disease. It threatens many mammalian species and is transmitted through infected ixodid ticks. To date, the global occurrence and distribution are poorly understood in questing ticks. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to estimate the distribution of the pathogen. A deep search for four electronic databases of the published literature investigating the prevalence of Babesia spp. in questing ticks was undertaken and obtained data analyzed. Our results indicate that in 104 eligible studies dating from 1985 to 2020, altogether 137,364 ticks were screened with 3069 positives with an estimated global pooled prevalence estimates (PPE) of 2.10%. In total, 19 different Babesia species of both human and veterinary importance were detected in 23 tick species, with Babesia microti and Ixodesricinus being the most widely reported Babesia and tick species, respectively. Regardless of species, adult ticks with 2.60% had the highest infection rates, while larvae had the least with 0.60%. Similarly, female ticks with 4.90% were infected compared to males with 3.80%. Nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) 2.80% had the highest prevalence among the molecular techniques employed. In conclusion, results obtained indicate that Babesia species are present in diverse questing tick species at a low prevalence, of which some are competent vectors.

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Molecular Identification of New Cases of Human Dirofilariosis (Dirofilaria repens) in Italy

Pathogens ◽

10.3390/pathogens10020251 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 251

Author(s):

Simona Gabrielli ◽

Valentina Mangano ◽

Federica Furzi ◽

Alessandra Oliva ◽

Serena Vita ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Molecular Diagnosis ◽

Central Italy ◽

Research Work ◽

Pulmonary Nodules ◽

Elisa Test ◽

Future Research ◽

Worldwide Distribution ◽

Human Dirofilariosis ◽

Vector Borne ◽

Etiological Agents

(1) Dirofilariosis is a vector-borne parasitic disease mainly in domestic and wild carnivores caused by Dirofilaria (Noctiella) repens, which is endemic in many countries of the Old World, and D. immitis, which has a worldwide distribution. In recent years, an increase in the number of human cases has been reported, suggesting that dirofilariosis is an emergent zoonosis. Here, we describe further cases (N = 8), observed in Central Italy during the years 2018–2019. (2) Molecular diagnosis was performed on: (i) live worms extracted from ocular conjunctiva, cheek, and calf muscle; (ii) histological sections of surgically removed nodules from parenchymal lung, coccyx, and breast. (3) Sequence analysis (650-bp) of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene (mtDNA cox1) showed a match of 100% with the sequences of D. repens previously deposited in GenBank. ELISA test to detect IgG against filarial antigens was performed on four patients’ sera and resulted positive in two patients who showed ocular and subcutaneous dirofilariosis, respectively. Microfilariae have been never detected in the peripheral blood of the patients. (4) The occurrence of N = 8 new cases of human D. repens-infections observed in a two-year period suggests an increased circulation of the parasite in Italy. Therefore, dirofilariosis should be included in differential diagnosis in patients presenting subcutaneous and/or pulmonary nodules. Molecular diagnosis of the etiological agents is fundamental. Specific serological diagnosis needs to be improved in future research work.

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Wolbachia: endosymbiont of onchocercid nematodes and their vectors

Parasites & Vectors ◽

10.1186/s13071-021-04742-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ranju Ravindran Santhakumari Manoj ◽

Maria Stefania Latrofa ◽

Sara Epis ◽

Domenico Otranto

Keyword(s):

Control Strategies ◽

Molecular Data ◽

Scientific Data ◽

Growth And Survival ◽

Vector Borne Diseases ◽

Wide Range ◽

Veterinary Importance ◽

Wolbachia Endosymbiont ◽

Vector Borne ◽

And Control

Abstract Background Wolbachia is an obligate intracellular maternally transmitted, gram-negative bacterium which forms a spectrum of endosymbiotic relationships from parasitism to obligatory mutualism in a wide range of arthropods and onchocercid nematodes, respectively. In arthropods Wolbachia produces reproductive manipulations such as male killing, feminization, parthenogenesis and cytoplasmic incompatibility for its propagation and provides an additional fitness benefit for the host to protect against pathogens, whilst in onchocercid nematodes, apart from the mutual metabolic dependence, this bacterium is involved in moulting, embryogenesis, growth and survival of the host. Methods This review details the molecular data of Wolbachia and its effect on host biology, immunity, ecology and evolution, reproduction, endosymbiont-based treatment and control strategies exploited for filariasis. Relevant peer-reviewed scientic papers available in various authenticated scientific data bases were considered while writing the review. Conclusions The information presented provides an overview on Wolbachia biology and its use in the control and/or treatment of vectors, onchocercid nematodes and viral diseases of medical and veterinary importance. This offers the development of new approaches for the control of a variety of vector-borne diseases. Graphic Abstract

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