Wild canids as hosts for ticks and tick-borne zoonotic pathogens in Serbia

Wild canids are recognized as important reservoir hosts for several vector-borne pathogens and are a good sentinel species for epidemiological surveillance. Identifying the reservoir hosts for particular zoonotic pathogens in a specific area enables the implementation of adequate measures in order to prevent the occurrence of zoonotic diseases in humans and domestic animals. The present review aims to summarize the role of wild canids in the epidemiology of tick-borne zoonoses in Serbia based on previously published papers and to discuss the available data from an epidemiological point of view. The results of previously published studies indicate that wild canids are potential reservoir hosts for several zoonotic tick-borne pathogens in Serbia, and hosts for several tick species which are proven competent vectors. Based on molecular studies conducted so far, the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, was confirmed in jackals while the presence of Candidatus Neoehrlichia micurensis (FU98), Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia garinii, and Borrelia lusitaniae was proven by PCR in analyzed red foxes. There is a need for continuous epidemiological monitoring of diseases caused by pathogens previously confirmed in wild canids. Also, further research is needed to reveal the role of other wild and domestic animals in the epidemiology of tick-borne zoonoses in Serbia.

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Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp. (FU98) and Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato in Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Serbia

Acta veterinaria ◽

10.2478/acve-2019-0026 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 69 (3) ◽

pp. 312-324 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ratko Sukara ◽

Salem Juwaid ◽

Duško Ćirović ◽

Aleksandra Penezić ◽

Darko Mihaljica ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽

Vulpes Vulpes ◽

Domestic Animals ◽

Sensu Stricto ◽

Health Concern ◽

Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato ◽

Red Foxes ◽

Sylvatic Cycle ◽

Borrelia Lusitaniae

Abstract Human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and environmental pollution lead to a reduction in the spatial boundary between wild animals, domestic animals and humans. These activities increase the risk for the emergence of pathogens from the sylvatic cycle in the population of domestic animals and humans. Foxes are recognized as potential reservoirs for a number of bacterial pathogens of medical and public health concern. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and spatial distribution of bacterial tick-borne pathogens from the Anaplasmataceae family, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), Rickettsia spp., Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis, Bartonella spp., in the red fox population from Serbia and to discuss the obtained results from the epidemiological point of view. Legally hunted red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from 14 localities in Serbia were included in the study and spleen samples from 129 animals were tested with conventional PCR assays for the presence of bacterial tick-borne pathogens. DNA of Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp. (FU98), Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia lusitaniae, and Borrelia garinii was detected in 6 (4.7%), 1 (0.8%), 2 (1.6%) and 1 (0.8%) animals, respectively. Co-infection by Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp. (FU98) and B. garinii was detected in one animal. All samples were negative for other tested bacterial tick-borne pathogens. The results of the present study indicate the potential role of foxes in natural cycles of Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp. (FU98) and causative agents of Lyme borreliosis in the investigated areas. Further research is required to elucidate the role of foxes in the epidemiology of these and other tick-borne zoonotic pathogens in the Republic of Serbia.

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Identification of a New Borrelia Species among Small Mammals in Areas of Northern Spain Where Lyme Disease Is Endemic

Applied and Environmental Microbiology ◽

10.1128/aem.71.3.1336-1345.2005 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 71 (3) ◽

pp. 1336-1345 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

Horacio Gil ◽

Marta Barral ◽

Raquel Escudero ◽

Ana L. García-Pérez ◽

Pedro Anda

Keyword(s):

Lyme Disease ◽

Small Mammals ◽

Phylogenetic Analyses ◽

Sensu Stricto ◽

Cross Reactivity ◽

Northern Spain ◽

Borrelia Garinii ◽

Questing Ticks ◽

Reservoir Hosts

ABSTRACT The role of small mammals as reservoir hosts for Borrelia burgdorferi was investigated in several areas where Lyme disease is endemic in northern Spain. A low rate of infestation by Ixodes ricinus nymphs was found in the small mammal populations studied that correlated with the near-absence of B. burgdorferi sensu lato in 184 animals tested and with the lack of transmission of B. burgdorferi sensu lato to I. ricinus larvae that fed on them. In contrast, questing ticks collected at the same time and in the same areas were found to carry a highly variable B. burgdorferi sensu lato repertoire (B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia garinii, Borrelia valaisiana, and Borrelia afzelii). Interestingly, the only isolate obtained from small mammals (R57, isolated from a bank vole) grouped by phylogenetic analyses with other Borrelia species but in a separate clade from the Lyme disease and relapsing fever organisms, suggesting that it is a new species. This new agent was widely distributed among small mammals, with infection rates of 8.5 to 12% by PCR. Moreover, a high seroprevalence to B. burgdorferi sensu lato was found in the animal sera, suggesting cross-reactivity between B. burgdorferi sensu lato and R57. Although small mammals do not seem to play an important role as reservoirs for B. burgdorferi sensu lato in the study area, they seem to be implicated in the maintenance of spirochetes similar to R57.

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First evidence of tick-borne protozoan pathogens, Babesia sp. and Hepatozoon canis, in red foxes (vulpes vulpes) in Serbia

Acta Veterinaria Hungarica ◽

10.1556/004.2019.008 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 67 (1) ◽

pp. 70-80 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Salem Juwaid ◽

Ratko Sukara ◽

Aleksandra Penezić ◽

Darko Mihaljica ◽

Gorana Veinović ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vulpes Vulpes ◽

Domestic Animals ◽

Hepatozoon Canis ◽

Zoonotic Potential ◽

Babesia Species ◽

Protozoan Parasites ◽

Red Foxes ◽

The Republic ◽

Enzootic Cycle

Tick-borne haematozoans cause severe diseases in domestic animals, and some of them have zoonotic potential. The results of previous studies in Europe point to the important role of foxes in natural endemic cycles of several tick-borne pathogens, including protozoa. The aim of the present research was to acquire information on the prevalence and distribution of tick-borne protozoan parasites among foxes in Serbia. Legally hunted foxes from 14 localities throughout Serbia were analysed. Spleen samples were collected from 129 animals and tested for the presence of Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. by PCR. In total, 79/129 (61.2%) of the tested foxes were positive for H. canis, while the presence of two Babesia species was confirmed: B. vulpes (37/129, 28.7%) and B. canis (1/129, 0.8%). Coinfection with B. vulpes and H. canis was present in 26/129 (20.2%) foxes and one animal (1/129, 0.8%) was co-infected by B. canis and H. canis. The results of this study indicate the important role of foxes in the epizootiology of B. vulpes and H. canis in the Republic of Serbia and stress the need for further research to clarify all elements of the enzootic cycle of the detected pathogens, including other reservoirs, vectors, and transmission routes.

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Conquering Switzerland: the emergence of Angiostrongylus vasorum in foxes over three decades and its rapid regional increase in prevalence contrast with the stable occurrence of lungworms

Parasitology ◽

10.1017/s0031182020000700 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 147 (10) ◽

pp. 1071-1079 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Nina Gillis-Germitsch ◽

Lucienne Tritten ◽

Daniel Hegglin ◽

Peter Deplazes ◽

Manuela Schnyder

Keyword(s):

Angiostrongylus Vasorum ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Wild Canids ◽

North Eastern ◽

Short And Long Term ◽

Capillaria Aerophila ◽

Time Periods ◽

Reservoir Hosts

AbstractAngiostrongylus vasorum, Crenosoma vulpis and Capillaria aerophila are the most common lungworms of domestic and wild canids. We investigated the short- and long-term lungworm prevalence changes in the Swiss fox population with a focus on A. vasorum. Between 2012 and 2017, lungs and hearts of 533 foxes from north-eastern Switzerland were necropsied and blood samples tested for circulating A. vasorum antigen. Angiostrongylus vasorum prevalence increased steadily from 21.5% in 2012 to 81.8% in 2017. In contrast, C. aerophila and C. vulpis prevalences fluctuated between 41.8 and 74.7%, and 3.6 and 14.9%, respectively. Based on 3955 blood samples collected between 1986 and 2017 from three geographic areas and during four time periods, antigen seropositivity increased from 2.4 to 62.0%. In north-eastern Switzerland, seropositivity was initially low (1.9 and 1.7% in the first two time periods) but increased in the following two decades to 22.2 and 62.0%, respectively. Our findings depict the spectacular expansion of A. vasorum in the past three decades. Regionally, the prevalence in foxes increased 4-fold within 6 years in some regions. This underpins the important role of foxes as reservoir hosts, likely explaining the increasing number of cases of canine angiostrongylosis in Switzerland. Our findings are representative of central Europe and may help anticipating future developments in areas where A. vasorum is present but (still) infrequent.

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PROBLEMS OF STRAY ANIMALS IN NOVOSIBIRSK

Interexpo GEO-Siberia ◽

10.33764/2618-981x-2020-4-2-85-91 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 85-91

Author(s):

Elena E. Rinchinova ◽

Diyara A. Takumova ◽

Irina I. Bochkareva

Keyword(s):

Urban Population ◽

Domestic Animals ◽

Legal Documents ◽

Quantitative Indicators ◽

The City

The article discusses main issues of organizing activities for the treatment of stray and street animals in the city of Novosibirsk. The important role of successful solving the problem of stray animals in ensuring environmental comfort and safety of the urban population is noted. Definitions of the concepts “stray animals” and “street animals” are given, the differences between them are emphasized. The main regulatory and legal documents governing the handling of stray and street animals are listed. The ways in which domestic animals get into a stray state are described briefly. The results of the collection and analysis of information on the activities of shelters for stray animals in Novosibirsk are described. The information on the quantitative indicators of the shelters are given. Conclusions on how to solve the problem of stray animals, relying on the latest regulations are drawn.

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Faculty Opinions recommendation of The origin of human pathogens: evaluating the role of agriculture and domestic animals in the evolution of human disease.

Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature ◽

10.3410/f.1033754.388830 ◽

2006 ◽

Author(s):

Douglas Erwin

Keyword(s):

Human Disease ◽

Domestic Animals ◽

Human Pathogens

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Role of beta-adrenergic receptor subtypes in pig uterus contractility with inflammation

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-91184-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Barbara Jana ◽

Jarosław Całka

Keyword(s):

Adrenergic Receptors ◽

Adrenergic Receptor ◽

Domestic Animals ◽

Inhibitory Effect ◽

Receptor Subtypes ◽

Beta Adrenergic Receptor ◽

Pharmacological Modulation ◽

Uterine Inflammation ◽

Myometrial Contractility

AbstractUterine inflammation is a very common and serious condition in domestic animals. To development and progression of this pathology often lead disturbances in myometrial contractility. Participation of β1-, β2- and β3-adrenergic receptors (ARs) in noradrenaline (NA)-influenced contractility of the pig inflamed uterus was studied. The gilts of SAL- and E.coli-treated groups were administered saline or E.coli suspension into the uterine horns, respectively. Laparotomy was only done in the CON group. Compared to the period before NA administration, this neurotransmitter reduced the tension, amplitude and frequency in uterine strips of the CON and SAL groups. In the E.coli group, NA decreased the amplitude and frequency, and these parameters were lower than in other groups. In the CON, SAL and E.coli groups, β1- and β3-ARs antagonists in more cases did not significantly change and partly eliminated NA inhibitory effect on amplitude and frequency, as compared to NA action alone. In turn, β2-ARs antagonist completely abolished NA relaxatory effect on these parameters in three groups. Summarizing, NA decreases the contractile amplitude and frequency of pig inflamed uterus via all β-ARs subtypes, however, β2-ARs have the greatest importance. Given this, pharmacological modulation of particular β-ARs subtypes can be used to increase inflamed uterus contractility.

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Novel Protozoans in Austria Revealed through the Use of Dogs as Sentinels for Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms9071392 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 1392

Author(s):

Michiel Wijnveld ◽

Anna-Margarita Schötta ◽

Theresa Stelzer ◽

Georg Duscher ◽

Michael Leschnik ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽

Blot Hybridization ◽

Dermacentor Reticulatus ◽

Sensu Stricto ◽

Babesia Microti ◽

Rickettsia Helvetica ◽

Haemaphysalis Concinna ◽

Borrelia Lusitaniae ◽

Rickettsia Monacensis ◽

Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Stricto

We previously isolated and cultivated the novel Rickettsia raoultii strain Jongejan. This prompted us to ask whether this strain is unique or more widely present in Austria. To assess this issue, we retrospectively screened ticks collected from dogs in 2008. Of these collected ticks, we randomly selected 75 (47 females and 28 males) Dermacentor reticulatus, 44 (21 females, 7 males, and 16 nymphs) Haemaphysalis concinna, and 55 (52 females and 3 males) ticks of the Ixodes ricinus complex. Subsequently, these ticks were individually screened for the presence of tick-borne pathogens using the reverse line blot hybridization assay. In our current study, we detected DNA from the following microbes in D. reticulatus: Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia lusitaniae, Borrelia spielmanii, Borrelia valaisiana, and R. raoultii, all of which were R. raoultii strain Jongejan. In H. concinna, we found DNA of a Babesia sp., Rickettsia helvetica, and an organism closely related to Theileria capreoli. Lastly, I. ricinus was positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia garinii/Borrelia bavariensis, B. lusitaniae, B. spielmanii, B. valaisiana, Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Rickettsia helvetica, Rickettsia monacensis, and Theileria (Babesia) microti DNA. The detection of DNA of the Babesia sp. and an organism closely related to Theileria capreoli, both found in H. concinna ticks, is novel for Austria.

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