Diagnóstico de babesia caballi em éguas doadoras e receptoras de embrião pela técnica de reação em cadeia polimerase

A piroplasmose equina é uma doença transmitida por carrapatos infectados pelos protozoários Babesia caballi e Theileria equi, conhecida, respectivamente, como Babesiose ou Theileriose. As manifestações clínicas variam desde febre, anemia, apatia, até quadros agudos que podem resultar em morte ou perdas reprodutivas em éguas. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar as sequências de DNA de Babesia caballi através da técnica de PCR convencional e diagnosticar a ocorrência de piroplasmose equina. Foram coletados 2 mL de sangue de 50 fêmeas equinas das raças Brasileiro de Hipismo (BH), Sem Raça Definida (SRD) e Quarto de Milha (QM), de idades variadas, pertencentes à Haras localizados no nordeste do Brasil. Os animais foram divididos em 2 grupos, sendo 9 animais do grupo das doadoras e 41 animais no grupo das receptoras, o sangue foi enviado ao laboratório de biologia molecular para ser utilizado para detecção de Babesia spp. Das 50 fêmeas equinas testadas nenhuma foi positiva para o protozoário Babesia spp. Resultado do bom manejo sanitário e controle de ectoparasitas de éguas doadoras e receptoras de embriões.

Systematic Analysis of Clemastine, a Candidate Apicomplexan Parasite-Selective Tubulin-Targeting Agent

Apicomplexan parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii, Plasmodium spp., Babesia spp., and Cryptosporidium spp., cause significant morbidity and mortality. Existing treatments are problematic due to toxicity and the emergence of drug-resistant parasites. Because protozoan tubulin can be selectively disrupted by small molecules to inhibit parasite growth, we assembled an in vitro testing cascade to fully delineate effects of candidate tubulin-targeting drugs on Toxoplasma gondii and vertebrate host cells. Using this analysis, we evaluated clemastine, an antihistamine that has been previously shown to inhibit Plasmodium growth by competitively binding to the CCT/TRiC tubulin chaperone as a proof-of-concept. We concurrently analyzed astemizole, a distinct antihistamine that blocks heme detoxification in Plasmodium. Both drugs have EC50 values of ~2 µM and do not demonstrate cytotoxicity or vertebrate microtubule disruption at this concentration. Parasite subpellicular microtubules are shortened by treatment with either clemastine or astemizole but not after treatment with pyrimethamine, indicating that this effect is not a general response to antiparasitic drugs. Immunoblot quantification indicates that the total α-tubulin concentration of 0.02 pg/tachyzoite does not change with clemastine treatment. In conclusion, the testing cascade allows profiling of small-molecule effects on both parasite and vertebrate cell viability and microtubule integrity.

Molecular Detection of Zoonotic and Non-Zoonotic Pathogens from Wild Boars and Their Ticks in the Corsican Wetlands

Corsica is the main French island in the Mediterranean Sea and has high levels of human and animal population movement. Among the local animal species, the wild boar is highly prevalent in the Corsican landscape and in the island’s traditions. Wild boars are the most commonly hunted animals on this island, and can be responsible for the transmission and circulation of pathogens and their vectors. In this study, wild boar samples and ticks were collected in 17 municipalities near wetlands on the Corsican coast. A total of 158 hunted wild boars were sampled (523 samples). Of these samples, 113 were ticks: 96.4% were Dermacentor marginatus, and the remainder were Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma scupense and Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. Of the wild boar samples, only three blood samples were found to be positive for Babesia spp. Of the tick samples, 90 were found to be positive for tick-borne pathogens (rickettsial species). These results confirm the importance of the wild boar as a host for ticks carrying diseases such as rickettsiosis near wetlands and recreational sites. Our findings also show that the wild boar is a potential carrier of babesiosis in Corsica, a pathogen detected for the first time in wild boars on the island.

Potential Role of Avian Populations in the Epidemiology of Rickettsia spp. and Babesia spp.

Birds often are carriers of hard and/or soft ticks harboring pathogens of humans and veterinary concern. Migratory avian species, which cover long distance by their flight, may deeply influence the ticks’ distribution worldwide; in particular, they can introduce in a given geographic area new tick species and related tick-borne pathogens. Studies about the detection of tick-borne agents in birds are not numerous, whereas more attention has been turned to the presence of these microorganisms in ticks carried by birds. The present review focused on the role of avian populations in the epidemiology of rickettsioses and babesioses, which represent two severe problems for the health of humans and other mammals.

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

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.

Molecular Survey of Babesia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Roe Deer from a Wildlife Rescue Center in Italy

Babesia ssp. and Anaplasma spp. are tick-borne microorganisms representing a possible health risk for domestic and wild animals, as well as humans. Roe deer serve as a suitable reservoir host for some species ascribed to Babesia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum taxa, also due to its important role in the maintenance of large populations of Ixodes ricinus, the main tick vector of these pathogens in Europe. Roe deer populations have been recently expanding throughout Europe, namely in Italy. However, the collection of samples from free-ranging wild animals for diagnostic investigations often includes several practical issues. This problem can be overcome using samples provided by wildlife rescue centers making them available for investigations following routine analyses. The presence of Babesia spp. and Anaplasma spp. in blood samples of 43 roe deer rescued by a wildlife rescue center in Emilia-Romagna region (Italy) was molecularly investigated. PCR screening revealed the presence of at least one pathogen in 86.05% of the animals, while co-infection occurred in 18.92% of the tested individuals. Zoonotic Babesia venatorum was found in 6.98% of the samples, while Babesia capreoli and Anaplasma phagocytophilum were detected in 74.42% and in 20.93%, respectively. No hematological signs compatible with clinical anaplasmosis or piroplasmosis, as well as absence of intracellular circulating microorganisms in blood smears, were observed, suggesting asymptomatic infection in the tested animals. These results confirm the usefulness of wild rescued animals as convenient source of biological samples for tick-borne pathogens investigation and the role of roe deer as a key factor in the endemic cycle of Babesia species and A. phagocytophilum.

UVEÍTE ANTERIOR COMO MANIFESTAÇÃO CLÍNICA ISOLADA DE BRUCELOSE EM CÃO

Introdução: A infecção por Brucella canis é considerada uma das etiologias da uveíte anterior em cães. Outras manifestações oculares incluem panuveíte, endoftalmite, panoftalmite, coriorretinite, vitreíte, descolamento de retina e ceratoconjuntivite. Contudo, há ainda poucos relatos na literatura que relacionam oftalmopatias à infecção natural por Brucella canis. Objetivos: Descrever a evolução clínica de um caso de uveíte anterior unilateral em cão como única manifestação de brucelose. Material e métodos: Cão, Yorkshire Terrier, 3 anos de idade, foi atendido apresentando opacidade em olho direito (OD) com evolução de duas semanas. Como histórico, paciente havia sido utilizado como reprodutor em canil e apresentava hiperlipidemia. Ao exame, verificado blefarospasmo, hiperemia conjuntival, edema de córnea e turbidez em câmara anterior em OD. A pressão intraocular foi de 11 mmHg em OD e 15 mmHg em olho esquerdo (TonoVet®). Foi iniciado tratamento em OD com prednisolona 1%, 5 vezes por dia, e hialuronato de sódio 0,15%, 3 vezes por dia, havendo melhora na primeira semana de tratamento. Porém, durante redução gradual da prednisolona até 1 vez por dia e, mesmo sob tratamento para hiperlipidemia com bezafibrato, houve recidiva do quadro. Portanto, foi mantido o tratamento com prednisolona 1%, 3 vezes por dia, sendo substituída posteriormente por diclofenaco sódico 0,1%, 1 vez por dia. Ao reduzir a frequência do diclofenaco sódico para a cada 48 horas, houve nova recidiva, quando foram solicitados hemograma, PCR para Ehrlichia canis e Babesia spp. e teste ELISA para pesquisa de anticorpos contra E. canis, Leishmania spp., Brucella canis, Anaplasma spp. e Borrelia burgdorferi e antígeno de Dirofilaria immitis. Resultados: O teste ELISA para Brucella canis foi positivo e o paciente foi submetido a tratamento com enrofloxacino e doxiciclina, ambos 10 mg/kg, 1 vez por dia, durante 30 dias. Durante o acompanhamento, não houve novas recidivas de uveíte. Conclusão: A brucelose canina é uma enfermidade que pode ser subdiagnosticada, dado que os sintomas mais frequentes, como aborto e infertilidade, são observados apenas em animais em reprodução. Assim, a pesquisa de brucelose em cães com uveíte é necessária especialmente em pacientes com histórico desconhecido ou destinados previamente a reprodução.

Frequência de Babesia spp. em bezerras holandesas no município de Patos de Minas - MG / Babesia spp. occurance in holstine calves in Patos de Minas - MG

As babesioses bovinas tratam-se de doenças parasitárias causadas por Babesia bovis e Babesia bigemina, sendo que o único vetor biológico é o carrapato Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. O aspecto mais relevante da patogenicidade desse agente reside na anemia grave, ocasionando um alto índice de morbimortalidade nos rebanhos, além de queda da produção de leite e carne, abortos, redução de fertilidade, entre outros prejuízos. A raça holandesa tem origem nos países baixos europeus e tem sido evidenciada como uma das principais raças leiteiras entre as bovinas, sendo expandida a criação da mesma em quase todos os continentes. Todas as raças bovinas são suscetíveis à Babesia spp., mas o Bos indicus apresenta maior resistência do que o Bos taurus. O Brasil é considerado como um país enzoótico para a Babesiose devido à constante transmissão dos agentes. O objetivo geral deste trabalho é determinar a prevalência de infecção por Babesia bovis em bezerras da raça Holandesa no município de Patos de Minas, MG, através da análise de esfregaços de sangue periférico. O estudo foi realizado em 10 (dez) propriedades de rebanho leiteiro da raça Holandesa (HPB), no período de julho de 2016. Foram avaliadas bezerras entre 90 e 270 dias, utilizando-se amostras de sangue periférico de 160 animais destas propriedades. Os resultados obtidos demonstram que (46%) dos animais foram considerados infectados por Babesia spp., confirmando a presença deste hemoparasito no município Patos de Minas, MG.

Epidemiologic, Clinical and Immunological Consequences of Co-Infections during Canine Leishmaniosis

Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is a vector-borne, parasitic disease. CanL is endemic in the Mediterranean basin and South America but also found in Northern Africa, Asia, and the U.S. Regions with both competent sand fly vectors and L. infantum parasites are also endemic for additional infectious diseases that could cause co-infections in dogs. Growing evidence indicates that co-infections can impact immunologic responses and thus the clinical course of both CanL and the comorbid disease(s). The aim for this review is to summarize epidemiologic, clinical, and immunologic factors contributing to eight primary co-infections reported with CanL: Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Borrelia spp., Babesia spp., Trypanosoma cruzi, Toxoplasma gondii, Dirofilaria immitis, Paracoccidioides braziliensis. Co-infection causes mechanistic differences in immunity which can alter diagnostics, therapeutic management, and prognosis of dogs with CanL. More research is needed to further explore immunomodulation during CanL co-infection(s) and their clinical impact.

Experimental Infection of Ticks: An Essential Tool for the Analysis of Babesia Species Biology and Transmission

Babesiosis is one of the most important tick-borne diseases in veterinary health, impacting mainly cattle, equidae, and canidae, and limiting the development of livestock industries worldwide. In humans, babesiosis is considered to be an emerging disease mostly due to Babesia divergens in Europe and Babesia microti in America. Despite this importance, our knowledge of Babesia sp. transmission by ticks is incomplete. The complexity of vectorial systems involving the vector, vertebrate host, and pathogen, as well as the complex feeding biology of ticks, may be part of the reason for the existing gaps in our knowledge. Indeed, this complexity renders the implementation of experimental systems that are as close as possible to natural conditions and allowing the study of tick-host-parasite interactions, quite difficult. However, it is unlikely that the development of more effective and sustainable control measures against babesiosis will emerge unless significant progress can be made in understanding this tripartite relationship. The various methods used to date to achieve tick transmission of Babesia spp. of medical and veterinary importance under experimental conditions are reviewed and discussed here.