scholarly journals Epidemiological and Clinicopathological Features of Anaplasma phagocytophilum Infection in Dogs: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah El Hamiani Khatat ◽  
Sylvie Daminet ◽  
Luc Duchateau ◽  
Latifa Elhachimi ◽  
Malika Kachani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Febrile Illness ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Host Immune System ◽  
Granulocytic Anaplasmosis ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Vector Borne

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a worldwide emerging zoonotic tick-borne pathogen transmitted by Ixodid ticks and naturally maintained in complex and incompletely assessed enzootic cycles. Several studies have demonstrated an extensive genetic variability with variable host tropisms and pathogenicity. However, the relationship between genetic diversity and modified pathogenicity is not yet understood. Because of their proximity to humans, dogs are potential sentinels for the transmission of vector-borne pathogens. Furthermore, the strong molecular similarity between human and canine isolates of A. phagocytophilum in Europe and the USA and the positive association in the distribution of human and canine cases in the USA emphasizes the epidemiological role of dogs. Anaplasma phagocytophilum infects and survives within neutrophils by disregulating neutrophil functions and evading specific immune responses. Moreover, the complex interaction between the bacterium and the infected host immune system contribute to induce inflammatory injuries. Canine granulocytic anaplasmosis is an acute febrile illness characterized by lethargy, inappetence, weight loss and musculoskeletal pain. Hematological and biochemistry profile modifications associated with this disease are unspecific and include thrombocytopenia, anemia, morulae within neutrophils and increased liver enzymes activity. Coinfections with other tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) may occur, especially with Borrelia burgdorferi, complicating the clinical presentation, diagnosis and response to treatment. Although clinical studies have been published in dogs, it remains unclear if several clinical signs and clinicopathological abnormalities can be related to this infection.

scholarly journals Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in cats: A literature review to raise clinical awareness

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 428-441
Author(s):  
Ingo Schäfer ◽  
Barbara Kohn
Keyword(s):  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Tick Infestation ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Granulocytic Anaplasmosis ◽  
The Family ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Cat Diseases ◽  
Clinical Awareness

Practical relevance: Granulocytic anaplasmosis is a disease in humans and animals caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum within the family Anaplasmataceae. The pathogen is transmitted by ticks of the Ixodes species. Infections with A phagocytophilum have often been described in dogs but reports on natural infections in cats are rare. An infection with A phagocytophilum should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cats if the history reveals tick infestation and/or outdoor access in combination with the relevant clinical signs. Global importance: A phagocytophilum is also important in human medicine because of its zoonotic potential. Due to the risk of vector-borne infections for both feline and public health, cats should be protected with ectoparasiticides, especially in endemic areas. Aim: The aim of this review is to give an overview of the published data and summarise the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, clinical signs and therapy of feline granulocytic anaplasmosis. As clinical signs are vague and non-specific, this review aims to raise awareness of A phagocytophilum infection, both among clinicians, so that they consider testing potentially exposed cats, and scientists, in order to prompt further research. Evidence base: Sixteen publications describing 55 cats have been reviewed. Thirty-four cats were well diagnosed based on guidelines of the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases and blood analyses were performed to varying extents for these cats. Because of the limited number of studies and a lack of knowledge in cats, clinical signs and blood analyses are compared with available data in dogs.

scholarly journals Co-infection with arthropod-borne pathogens in domestic cats

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 525-531 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcos Rogério André ◽  
Kilder Dantas Filgueira ◽  
Ana Cláudia Calchi ◽  
Keyla Carstens Marques de Sousa ◽  
Luiz Ricardo Gonçalves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Ehrlichia Canis ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Cytauxzoon Felis ◽  
Blood Smears ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Biochemical Abnormalities

Abstract The role of several feline vector-borne pathogens (FVBP) as a cause of disease in cats has not been clearly determined. In fact, with the exception of Bartonella spp. and hemoplasmas, FVBP in cats has not been clearly determined in Brazil yet. The present study aimed at identifying, by using molecular methods, the presence of FVBP in three cats showing non-specific clinical signs and inclusions suggestive of hemoparasites in blood smears. Cytauxzoon felis, ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’, Ehrlichia sp. closely related to Ehrlichia canis, and Anaplasma sp. closely related to Anaplasma phagocytophilum were detected in blood samples from two out of three sampled cats. Both cats positive for multiple FVBP did not show hematological and biochemical abnormalities. The present work emphasizes the need for molecular confirmation of co-infection by multiple FVBP in cats presenting non-specific clinical signs and inclusions resembling hemoparasites in blood smears.

Molecular evidence of vector-borne pathogens coinfecting dogs from Poland

2011 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Rymaszewska ◽  
Małgorzata Adamska
Keyword(s):  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Molecular Evidence ◽  
Chain Reactions ◽  
Group Iii ◽  
Polymerase Chain Reactions ◽  
Group I ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Pathogenic Agents

Ticks of the genusIxodesare vectors for many pathogens, includingBorrelia burgdorferisensu lato,Anaplasma phagocytophilumandRickettsiaspp., and may also serve as vectors forBartonellaspp. However, the role of ticks inBartonellatransmission requires additional studies. The aim of this study was to investigate whether coinfection with two or more vector-borne pathogens can occur in the following three groups of dogs: I — dogs with suspected borreliosis (N = 92), II — dogs considered healthy (N = 100), and III — dogs with diagnosed babesiosis (N = 50). Polymerase chain reactions were performed to detect DNA ofAnaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsiaspp. andBartonellaspp. in the blood of dogs. In dogs of Group I, the DNA of bothA. phagocytophilumandBartonellasp. was detected (14% and 1%, respectively). In eight dogs, coinfection was indicated:A. phagocytophilumorBartonellasp. withB. burgdorferis.l. (the presence of antibodies against and/or DNAB. burgdorferis.l.). In the case of five dogs positive forA. phagocytophilumDNA, no coinfection withB. burgdorferis.l. was shown. In Group II, the DNA ofA. phagocytophilumwas detected in four dogs. In Group III, no pathogenic agents possibly transmitted by ticks were confirmed. No DNA ofR. helveticawas detected in any of the groups studied.

Human behaviour trumps entomological risk.

2021 ◽  
pp. 276-282
Author(s):  
Sam Telford
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Expert Opinion ◽  
Global Climate Change ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Human Aspects ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
The Many

Abstract This expert opinion argues that human aspects of risk are poorly studied and need to be considered in any discussion of the role of global climate change on risk for vector-borne infections, particularly for those transmitted by ticks. It also covers the many models that are used predict the future distribution of Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections in the USA and elsewhere, based on anticipated changes in weather.

scholarly journals The role of sheep ked (Melophagus ovinus) as potential vector of protozoa and bacterial pathogens

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna Werszko ◽  
Marek Asman ◽  
Joanna Witecka ◽  
Żaneta Steiner-Bogdaszewska ◽  
Tomasz Szewczyk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Bacterial Pathogens ◽  
Potential Vector ◽  
Melophagus Ovinus ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
First Time ◽  
Hematophagous Insect

AbstractThe sheep ked (Melophagus ovinus) hematophagous insect may act as a potential vector of vector-borne pathogens. The aim of this study was to detect the presence of Trypanosoma spp., Bartonella spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in sheep ked collected from sheep in Poland. In total, Trypanosoma spp. was detected in 58.91% of M. ovinus, whereas Bartonella spp. and B. burgdorferi s.l. were found in 86.82% and 1.55% of the studied insects, respectively. A. phagocytophilum was not detected in the studied material. In turn, co-infection by Trypanosoma spp. and Bartonella spp. was detected in 50.39%, while co-infection with Trypanosoma spp. and Bartonella spp. and B. burgdorferi s.l. was found in 1.55% of the studied insects. The conducted study showed for the first time the presence of B. burgdorferi s. l. in M. ovinus, as well as for the first time in Poland the presence of Trypanosoma spp. and Bartonella spp. The obtained results suggest that these insects may be a potential vector for these pathogens, but further-more detailed studies are required.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum in domestic cats from Germany, Austria and Switzerland and clinical/laboratory findings in 18 PCR-positive cats (2008–2020)

2021 ◽  
pp. 1098612X2110174
Author(s):  
Ingo Schäfer ◽  
Barbara Kohn ◽  
Elisabeth Müller
Keyword(s):  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Indirect Detection ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Direct Pcr ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Granulocytic Anaplasmosis

Objectives Anaplasma phagocytophilum is considered the most significant rickettsial pathogen affecting cats. The organism is transmitted by ticks of the species Ixodes ricinus in Central Europe and can cause granulocytic anaplasmosis in pets, wildlife and humans. The aims of this study were to assess the frequency of positive test results for A phagocytophilum in cats in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, as well as to evaluate clinical and laboratory findings in cats with positive PCR results. Methods This study included the results of direct (PCR) and indirect detection methods (immunofluorescence antibody tests [IFAT]) requested by veterinarians in Germany, Austria and Switzerland between 2008 and 2020 from the LABOKLIN laboratory (Bad Kissingen, Germany). The veterinarians treating the PCR-positive cats were contacted by telephone to enquire about their clinical signs, laboratory findings, management and outcomes. Results In total, 244/1636 cats (15%) tested positive by direct (PCR: n = 27/725 [4%]) and/or indirect detection methods (IFAT: n = 221/956 [23%]). In 18/26 cats with PCR results positive for A phagocytophilum, additional information about clinical signs, laboratory findings, treatment and outcome was obtained. Of these 18 cats, five had comorbidities independent of their infection with A phagocytophilum. The most common clinical signs in PCR-positive cats (total/without comorbidities) were lethargy (83%/92%), fever (83%/85%) and thrombocytopenia (61%/62%). Overall, more than half (57%) of the cats with and without comorbidities recovered clinically. Conclusions and relevance Infections with A phagocytophilum should be considered as differential diagnoses in cats with tick infestation, lethargy, fever and thrombocytopenia. The clinical signs and laboratory findings are consistent with published case reports in cats. Ectoparasite prophylaxis in cats is recommended throughout the entire year.

scholarly journals The absence of the drhm gene is not a marker for human-pathogenicity in European Anaplasma phagocytophilum strains

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Denis B. Langenwalder ◽  
Sabine Schmidt ◽  
Cornelia Silaghi ◽  
Jasmin Skuballa ◽  
Nikola Pantchev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
North American ◽  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Febrile Illness ◽  
Gene Clusters ◽  
Neutrophil Granulocytes ◽  
European Origin ◽  
The North ◽  
Granulocytic Anaplasmosis ◽  
Typing Methods

Abstract Background Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium that replicates in neutrophil granulocytes. It is transmitted by ticks of the Ixodes ricinus complex and causes febrile illness in humans and animals. The geographical distribution of A. phagocytophilum spans the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia. However, human disease predominantly occurs in North America but is infrequently reported from Europe and Asia. In North American strains, the absence of the drhm gene has been proposed as marker for pathogenicity in humans whereas no information on the presence or absence of the drhm gene was available for A. phagocytophilum strains circulating in Europe. Therefore, we tested 511 European and 21 North American strains for the presence of drhm and compared the results to two other typing methods: multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and ankA-based typing. Results Altogether, 99% (478/484) of the analyzable European and 19% (4/21) of the North American samples from different hosts were drhm-positive. Regarding the strains from human granulocytic anaplasmosis cases, 100% (35/35) of European origin were drhm-positive and 100% (14/14) of North American origin were drhm-negative. Human strains from North America and Europe were both part of MLST cluster 1. North American strains from humans belonged to ankA gene clusters 11 and 12 whereas European strains from humans were found in ankA gene cluster 1. However, the North American ankA gene clusters 11 and 12 were highly identical at the nucleotide level to the European cluster 1 with 97.4% and 95.2% of identity, respectively. Conclusions The absence of the drhm gene in A. phagocytophilum does not seem to be associated with pathogenicity for humans per se, because all 35 European strains of human origin were drhm-positive. The epidemiological differences between North America and Europe concerning the incidence of human A. phagocytophilum infection are not explained by strain divergence based on MLST and ankA gene-based typing.

scholarly journals Differential Susceptibility of Male Versus Female Laboratory Mice to Anaplasma phagocytophilum Infection

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Waheeda Naimi ◽  
Ryan Green ◽  
Chelsea Cockburn ◽  
Jason Carlyon
Keyword(s):  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Differential Susceptibility ◽  
Febrile Illness ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Male Mice ◽  
Laboratory Mice ◽  
Infected Female ◽  
Bacterial Dna ◽  
Female Patients ◽  
Granulocytic Anaplasmosis

Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is a debilitating, non-specific febrile illness caused by the granulocytotropic obligate intracellular bacterium called Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Surveillance studies indicate a higher prevalence of HGA in male versus female patients. Whether this discrepancy correlates with differential susceptibility of males and females to A. phagocytophilum infection is unknown. Laboratory mice have long been used to study granulocytic anaplasmosis. Yet, sex as a biological variable (SABV) in this model has not been evaluated. In this paper, groups of male and female C57Bl/6 mice that had been infected with A. phagocytophilum were assessed for the bacterial DNA load in the peripheral blood, the percentage of neutrophils harboring bacterial inclusions called morulae, and splenomegaly. Infected male mice exhibited as much as a 1.85-fold increase in the number of infected neutrophils, which is up to a 1.88-fold increase in the A. phagocytophilum DNA load, and a significant increase in spleen size when compared to infected female mice. The propensity of male mice to develop a higher level of A. phagocytophilum infection is relevant for studies utilizing the mouse model. This stresses the importance of including SABV and aligns with the observed higher incidence of infection in male versus female patients.

scholarly journals Exposure to Anaplasma phagocytophilum in two dogs in Belgium

2015 ◽  
Vol 84 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Elhamiani-Khatat ◽  
P. Defauw ◽  
S. Marynissen ◽  
I. Van de Maele ◽  
A. Van Dongen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antibody Titer ◽  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Granulocytic Anaplasmosis ◽  
First Case ◽  
Immune Mediated ◽  
Positive Antibody ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Canine Granulocytic Anaplasmosis

In this report, two dogs are described, which were exposed to Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Belgium. The first case was presented for acute weakness and collapse, and was diagnosed with immune mediated hemolytic anemia. Vector-borne serology panel revealed a positive antibody titer for A. phagocytophilum, and the dog recovered during doxycycline therapy. The second patient suffered from an immune mediated glomerulopathy, and concurrently had a highly increased antibody titer for A. phagocytophilum. The relationship between canine granulocytic anaplasmosis and both IMHA and protein-losing nephropathy is unclear in these cases. However, it is suspected that A. phagocytophilum could be associated with kidney injury, as it is described in the second case.

scholarly journals Feline Leishmaniosis: An Emerging Public Health Problem

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 173
Author(s):  
Ana Elena Ahuir-Baraja ◽  
María Pilar Ruiz ◽  
María Magdalena Garijo ◽  
Lola Llobat
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mediterranean Region ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
The Third ◽  
Feline Leishmaniosis ◽  
Leishmania Spp ◽  
Vector Borne

Leishmaniosis is the third most important vector-borne disease in humans, preceded by malaria and lymphatic filariasis, and it is considered endemic in tropical and subtropical areas, where higher temperatures favor development of its vector, sandflies. This zoonotic disease is caused by infection of protozoa Leishmania spp. and the most serious mucocutaneous and visceral form is produced by Leishmania infantum, which predominates in the Mediterranean region. The usual hosts for this parasite are dogs and humans, but an increment in cases of L. infantum infection has been observed in cats in the last years. This increase could be due to the use of sandflies repellents in dogs, obligating the parasite to looking for other hosts. The role of cats in the epidemiology of this disease is unknown, although increase of prevalence of feline leishmaniosis has been observed in endemic areas in the last years. Diagnostic techniques and treatments in cats are not standardized, which makes it difficult to establish prevalence and epidemiology of feline leishmaniosis. Furthermore, the clinical signs and immune response against Leishmania in cats are different to those in dogs, with an observed increment of drug resistance. It is necessary to increase our knowledge about L. infantum infection in cats, including clinical signs, transmission, treatments, and the role of cats in the increasing of zoonoses. Finally, new alternative treatments are required for controlling the spread of this disease in all species of mammals.

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