Multicentre Study of Endo-Ectoparasite Infection in Italian Cats

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Genchi ◽  
ALICE VISMARRA ◽  
STEFANIA ZANET ◽  
SIMONE MORELLI ◽  
ROBERTA GALUPPI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Private Households ◽  
Health Concept ◽  
Study Population ◽  
The One

Abstract BackgroundParasites infecting cats include protozoa, helminths and arthropods. Many are also transmissible to humans. Effective control relies on knowledge of parasite distribution and risk factors for infection. The present study was aimed at evaluating prevalence of major feline parasites in Italy and risk factors associated with their occurrence.MethodsOver a 12-month study period, thirteen study centers across Italy analyzed feces, hair and ectoparasites from naturally infected cats coming from feral colonies, shelters and private households. Samples from cats (n=987) were analyzed by all centers using the same diagnostic methods. Prevalence values and risk factors were evaluated statistically for identification of predictors of risk. ResultsThe overall prevalence of gastro-intestinal (GI) and bronco-pulmonary (BP) nematodes was 35.9% (354/987). T. cati was the most prevalent species (253/987; 25.6%), followed by hookworms (98/987; 9.9%). Among BP nematodes, A. abstrusus was the most common (76/987; 7.7%). Approximately 35.7% (352/987) of the study population was infested by ectoparasites. The most common were fleas 29.4% (290/987), followed by ear mites O. cynotis 9.8% (97/987).Predictors of risk for parasite infection included age, a predominantly or exclusively outdoor lifestyle, geographic area and lack of anti-parasitic treatment.ConclusionBoth ecto- and endoparasites are still common in cats throughout Italy, many of them being of zoonotic concern and vectors of pathogens to humans. Given the presence of parasites throughout the entire study period, year-round treatment should be considered. Furthermore, data confirm the need to protect the human-animal bond using proper endo- and ecto-parasiticides to reduce the risk of human infection, in application of the One-Health concept.

scholarly journals Prevalence and risk factors associated with cat parasites in Italy: a multicenter study

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Genchi ◽  
Alice Vismarra ◽  
Stefania Zanet ◽  
Simone Morelli ◽  
Roberta Galuppi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Toxocara Cati ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Private Households ◽  
Health Concept

Abstract Background Parasites that infect cats include protozoa, helminths and arthropods, many of which are transmissible to humans. Effective control relies on a good knowledge of parasite distribution and the risk factors for infection. The present study was aimed at evaluating the prevalence of major feline parasites in Italy and the risk factors associated with their occurrence. Methods Over a 12-month study period, feces, hair and ectoparasites from naturally infected cats from feral colonies, shelters and private households were analyzed at 13 study centers across Italy. Samples from these cats (n = 987) were analyzed at all centers using the same diagnostic methods. Prevalence values and risk factors were evaluated statistically for the identification of predictors of risk. Results The overall prevalence of gastro-intestinal and broncho-pulmonary (BP) nematodes was 35.9% (354/987). Toxocara cati was the most prevalent species (253/987; 25.6%), followed by Ancylostomatidae (98/987; 9.9%). Among BP nematodes, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus was the most common (76/987; 7.7%). Approximately 35.7% (352/987) of the study population was infested by ectoparasites, of which the most common were fleas (29.4%, 290/987), followed by ear mites Otodectes cynotis (9.8%, 97/987). Predictors of risk for parasite infection included age, a predominantly or exclusively outdoor lifestyle, geographic area and lack of antiparasitic treatment. Conclusions Both ecto- and endoparasites are still common in cats throughout Italy, many of them being of zoonotic concern and vectors of pathogens to humans. Given the presence of parasites throughout the entire study period, year-round treatment should be considered. Furthermore, data confirm the need to protect the human–animal bond using proper endo- and ectoparasiticides to reduce the risk of human infection, in application of the One-Health concept. Graphical abstract

scholarly journals Tick-borne zoonoses and commonly used diagnostic methods in human and veterinary medicine

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Springer ◽  
Antje Glass ◽  
Julia Probst ◽  
Christina Strube
Keyword(s):  
Veterinary Medicine ◽  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
One Health ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Zoonotic Pathogens ◽  
Health Concept ◽  
The One

AbstractAround the world, human health and animal health are closely linked in terms of the One Health concept by ticks acting as vectors for zoonotic pathogens. Animals do not only maintain tick cycles but can either be clinically affected by the same tick-borne pathogens as humans and/or play a role as reservoirs or sentinel pathogen hosts. However, the relevance of different tick-borne diseases (TBDs) may vary in human vs. veterinary medicine, which is consequently reflected by the availability of human vs. veterinary diagnostic tests. Yet, as TBDs gain importance in both fields and rare zoonotic pathogens, such as Babesia spp., are increasingly identified as causes of human disease, a One Health approach regarding development of new diagnostic tools may lead to synergistic benefits. This review gives an overview on zoonotic protozoan, bacterial and viral tick-borne pathogens worldwide, discusses commonly used diagnostic techniques for TBDs, and compares commercial availability of diagnostic tests for humans vs. domestic animals, using Germany as an example, with the aim of highlighting existing gaps and opportunities for collaboration in a One Health framework.

scholarly journals Cryptosporidiosis in HIV-positive patients and related risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Parasite ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 27
Author(s):  
Ehsan Ahmadpour ◽  
Hanie Safarpour ◽  
Lihua Xiao ◽  
Mehdi Zarean ◽  
Kareem Hatam-Nahavandi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Related Risk ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Staining Methods

Cryptosporidium is one of the major causes of diarrhea in HIV-positive patients. The aim of this study is to systematically review and meta-analyze the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in these patients. PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Cochrane and Ovid databases were searched for relevant studies dating from the period of 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2017. Data extraction for the included studies was performed independently by two authors. The overall pooled prevalence was calculated and subgroup analysis was performed on diagnostic methods, geographical distribution and study population. Meta-regression was performed on the year of publication, proportion of patients with diarrhea, and proportion of patients with CD4 < 200 cells/mL. One hundred and sixty-one studies and 51,123 HIV-positive participants were included. The overall pooled prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in HIV-positive patients was 11.2% (CI95%: 9.4%–13.0%). The pooled prevalence was estimated to be 10.0% (CI95%: 8.4%–11.8%) using staining methods, 13.5% (CI95%: 8.9%–19.8%) using molecular methods, and 26.3% (CI95%: 15.0%–42.0%) using antigen detection methods. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium in HIV patients was significantly associated with the country of study. Also, there were statistical differences between the diarrhea, CD4 < 200 cells/mL, and antiretroviral therapy risk factors with Cryptosporidiosis. Thus, Cryptosporidium is a common infection in HIV-positive patients, and safe water and hand-hygiene should be implemented to prevent cryptosporidiosis occurrence in these patients.

scholarly journals The Association of Serum Circulating Neuropeptide Q and Chemerin Levels with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors among Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 1863
Author(s):  
Marta Pelczyńska ◽  
Aniceta Ada Mikulska ◽  
Krystyna Czyżewska ◽  
Paweł Bogdański ◽  
Teresa Grzelak
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Metabolic Disorders ◽  
Cardiometabolic Risk ◽  
Cardiometabolic Risk Factors ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Total Muscle

The potential involvement of neuropeptide Q (NPQ) and chemerin (CHEM) in metabolic disorders is yet to be fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum concentrations of NPQ and CHEM and to establish their relationship with cardiometabolic risk factors among individuals with metabolic syndrome. A total of 66 patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and 83 healthy volunteers (non-MetS) underwent biochemical, blood pressure, and anthropometric measurements. The concentration of NPQ in the MetS group was significantly lower (0.47 (0.34 ; 0.54) vs. 0.52 (0.43 ; 0.60) ng/mL, p = 0.015) than in non-MetS, while there were no differences in CHEM level. In the entire study population, we observed several negative correlations between NPQ concentration and waist-hip ratio (WHR), visceral adipose tissue, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), triglycerides (TG) along with a positive correlation with high-density lipoprotein (HDL), total muscle mass, and CHEM. Moreover, a negative correlation was observed in the MetS group between NPQ and glycemia. CHEM showed no significant correlations with cardiometabolic risk factors in the study population. In a multiple regression model, the total muscle mass proved to be an independent factor determining NPQ concentration in the population (p < 0.00000001, R2adj = 28.6%). NPQ seems to protect against metabolic disorders correlated with obesity. Thus, it is worth considering NPQ level as a candidate protective biomarker of metabolic syndrome complications.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Strongyloidiasis in Peru: Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia Ortiz-Martínez ◽  
Jose-Manuel Ramos-Rincon ◽  
María-Esteyner Vásquez-Chasnamote ◽  
Olga-Nohelia Gamboa-Paredes ◽  
Katty-Madeleine Arista-Flores ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Strongyloides Stercoralis ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Stool Examination ◽  
Baermann Technique ◽  
Public Health Significance ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Health Significance ◽  
Great Public Health

Abstract Strongyloidiasis is a disease of great public health significance. We aimed to assess the prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis infection in Peru.Methods.This systematic review was based on a literature search in PubMed, SciELO and Google Scholar using the key words or root words “strongyl*” AND “Peru” on 15 July 2020. Eligible studies were published from 1 January 1981 to 15 July 2020 and written in English, Spanish, Italian, or French.Results.We included 21 papers in the analysis. Studies were heterogeneous regarding the study population, diagnostic methods, and the prevalence of S. stercoralis, which ranged from 0.3–45%. Half were designed to detect parasites in general. In studies designed to detect S. stercoralis, the most widely used diagnostic method was the Baermann technique.Conclusion.Prevalence of S. stercoralis in Peru was high but varied by geographic area, techniques for stool examination, and participant characteristics.

scholarly journals Tick-Borne Pathogens and Diseases in Greece

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 1732
Author(s):  
Artemis Efstratiou ◽  
Gabriele Karanis ◽  
Panagiotis Karanis
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
One Health ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Prevalence Data ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Future Developments ◽  
Integrated Tick Management ◽  
Health Concept ◽  
The One

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are recognized as a serious and growing public health epidemic in Europe, and are a cause of major losses in livestock production worldwide. This review is an attempt to present a summary of results from studies conducted over the last century until the end of the year 2020 regarding ticks, tick-borne pathogens, and tick-borne diseases in Greece. We provide an overview of the tick species found in Greece, as well as the most important tick-borne pathogens (viruses, bacteria, protozoa) and corresponding diseases in circulation. We also consider prevalence data, as well as geographic and climatic conditions. Knowledge of past and current situations of TBDs, as well as an awareness of (risk) factors affecting future developments will help to find approaches to integrated tick management as part of the ‘One Health Concept’; it will assist in avoiding the possibility of hotspot disease emergencies and intra- and intercontinental transmission. Increased surveillance in Greece is required to ensure clear and effective policies for TBD control.

scholarly journals Association between resistin, adiponectin and leptin and cardiovascular risk factors in Japanese school children

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toru Matsudaira ◽  
Hironari Sano ◽  
Yumi Miyashita ◽  
Naoko Tajima ◽  
Takako Shirasawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽  
School Children ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease Risk ◽  
Height Ratio ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Waist To Height Ratio

Abstract Background It is not clear whether resistin, adiponectin and leptin are as closely associated with cardiovascular disease risk in childhood as in adulthood. Methods A survey was performed on elementary school 4 th graders aged 9 to 10 years in Ina-machi, Saitama, Japan to investigate whether resistin, adiponectin and leptin in these children might be associated with cardiovascular risk factors (atherosclerosis index: AI, waist-to-height ratio: W/H ratio, body mass index: BMI), and how the presence of obesity might affect their association. Results A total of 204 boys and 176 girls participated in the survey. Leptin and the leptin-to-adiponectin ratio (L/A ratio) were significantly correlated with the cardiovascular risk factors except AI, and adiponectin was shown to be negatively correlated with all the cardiovascular risk factors examined in the entire study population. While the serum resistin concentration was not found to be significantly different among the boys and girls with or without obesity, the resistin-to-adiponectin ratio (R/A ratio) was found to be significantly different between the obese and non-obese boys but not between the obese and non-obese girls. Among the obese boys, there was a significant correlation between resistin and AI and between the R/A ratio and the cardiovascular risk factors, neither of which was noted among the entire boy population or the non-obese boys. Whereas the R/A ratio was significantly correlated with all the cardiovascular risk factors only in the obese boys. (AI: 0.426, p<0.05, Waist Circumference: 0.545, p<0.01, W/Hr: 0.562, p<0.01, BMI: 0.401, p<0.05) Conclusions Our study findings suggest that school children with high leptin and/or low adiponectin levels are placed at higher cardiovascular risk, regardless of gender. It was also suggested that among boys with obesity as a cardiovascular risk factor, cardiovascular risk was higher in those with high leptin and/or low adiponectin levels, regardless of gender. Furthermore, the findings suggest that resistin is elevated and adiponectin is decreased in obese boys who are placed at higher cardiovascular risk.

scholarly journals Serological Evidence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia spp. Exposure in Horses from Central Italy

Pathogens ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentina Virginia Ebani
Keyword(s):  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Spotted Fever ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Spotted Fever Group ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Health Concept ◽  
Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia ◽  
The One ◽  
Sfg Rickettsia

Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Rickettsia spp. are tick-borne bacteria of veterinary and human concern. In view of the One-Health concept, the present study wanted to evaluate the spreading of these pathogens in horses living in central Italy. In particular, the aim of the investigation was to verify the exposure to A. phagocytophilum in order to update the prevalence of this pathogen in the equine population from this area, and to spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia spp. to evaluate a possible role of horses in the epidemiology of rickettsiosis. Indirect immunofluorescent assay was carried out to detect antibodies against A. phagocytophilum and SFG (spotted fever group) Rickettsia spp. in blood serum samples collected from 479 grazing horses living in central Italy during the period from 2013 to 2018. One hundred and nine (22.75%) horses were positive for A. phagocytophilum, 72 (15.03%) for SFG Rickettsia spp., and 19 (3.96%) for both antigens. The obtained results confirm the occurrence of A. phagocytophilum in equine populations, and also suggest the involvement of horses in the epidemiology of SFG rickettsiosis. In both cases, in view of the zoonotic aspect of these pathogens and the frequent contact between horses and humans, the monitoring of equine populations could be useful for indication about the spreading of the tick-borne pathogens in a certain geographic area.

scholarly journals The Animal-foods-environment interface of Klebsiella pneumoniae in Germany: an observational study on pathogenicity, resistance development and the current situation

2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gamal Wareth ◽  
Heinrich Neubauer
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Health ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Multi Drug Resistance ◽  
Temporal And Spatial Distribution ◽  
Resistance Development ◽  
Development Of Resistance ◽  
Animal Populations ◽  
Animal Contact ◽  
Health Concept ◽  
The One

AbstractKlebsiella (K.) pneumoniae as a multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogen is an emerging challenge for clinicians worldwide. Virulence factors are capsular antigens, adherence factors, the O-lipopolysaccharide, and siderophores promoting infectivity. Mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance are inactivation of compounds via enzymes, change of membrane permeability, and alteration of the target site of the antimicrobial compound. In addition to environmental resistance, K. pneumoniae can survive increasing concentrations of disinfectants, if exposed. This review describes the temporal and spatial distribution of K. pneumoniae in the past decades in Germany, with emphases on the development of resistance in the non-human columns of the One-Health concept. In general, K. pneumoniae is a neglected pathogen in veterinary and environmental health, and the risk of human infection concerning animal contact and food consumption is barely investigated. Few reports exist (n = 26) on antibiotic resistance of isolates from non-human origin. Multi-drug resistance and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (MDR-ESBL) strains also resistant to carbapenems and antibiotics of the ß-lactam group harbor blaCTX-M, blaOXA, blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCMY, and PMQR have been found in animals, foods, and the environment. Colistin resistant strains carrying the mcr-1 gene were detected in wastewater. The blaCTX-M-15 and blaOXA-48 genes are the most frequently identified AMR genes in isolates of humans and were also the most predominant ESBL-genes in samples collected from animal hosts. Several aspects of the molecular epidemiology and resistance development of K. pneumoniae in farm animal populations, wildlife, and foods need intensive research. Environmental health has to be integrated into national research plans, as a lack of data is apparent. Increasing awareness of the fact that non-human sources can act as a reservoir for this pathogen has to be raised.

scholarly journals Community Based Assessment of Behavior and Awareness of Risk Factors of Cystic Echinococcosis in Major Cities of Pakistan: A One Health Perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aisha Khan ◽  
Haroon Ahmed ◽  
Shaheera Amjad ◽  
Muhammad Sohail Afzal ◽  
Waseem Haider ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Cystic Echinococcosis ◽  
One Health ◽  
Community Perception ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Health Concept ◽  
The One ◽  
Sanitation Systems

Background: The parasitic disease, cystic echinococcosis (CE), is a serious health problem in Pakistan. Risk of disease transmission is increased by economic and political instability, poor living conditions, and limited awareness of hygienic practices. The current study aimed to investigate the community perception and awareness regarding the risk factors of CE in Pakistan, from a One Health perspective.Methods: We conducted a community-based survey involving 454 participants in the major cities of Pakistan. Quantitative data based on knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP), the One Health concept, risk factors, and community perception of CE among the general population of the major cities of Pakistan were collected. The questions included those related to knowledge, attitude, practices, One Health concept, risk factors, and community perception. The Chi-squared test was applied to determine the associations regarding KAPs across socio-demographic parameters.Results: KAPs had no significant associations with sociodemographic aspects such as age, sex, religion, ethnicity, education, marital status, occupation, or financial status of the participants. The findings indicated a lack of awareness about CE among the participants. Respondents were unaware of the risk factors and the One Health concept of CE. However, the community attitude and perception were positive toward the control of CE.Conclusion: Illiteracy, deficient sanitation systems and lack of awareness are the contributing factors to CE in Pakistan. It is necessary to make the community aware regarding CE and its importance. Increasing this awareness represents an important step toward the eradication and control of CE.

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