Occurrence of antibodies anti-Toxoplasma gondii among sheltered and free-roaming cats within a university campus

The present study aimed to assess anti-T. gondii antibodies in sheltered and free-roaming cats within a university campus that has an overlapping population of humans and livestock. A total of 51 cats were tested for anti-T. gondii antibodies using the indirect immunofluorescent antibody test. Overall, 8/51 cats (15.7%) were seropositive. Cats were more likely to be seropositive when free-roaming (p= 0.008) and with presence of skin lesions (p= 0.042), and less likely with < 1 year of age (p= 0.021), probably due to higher environmental exposure and infected prey consumption. The presence of seropositive free-roaming cats whose areas overlapped those occupied by humans and livestock may suggest an increased on-campus chance of T. gondii occurrence.

Vertical transmission and kinetic of antibodies anti-Neospora caninum in naturally infected lambs in the semiarid region of Brazil

Aimed with this study to evaluate vertical transmission of Neospora caninum in naturally infected sheep and to monitor the kinetics of antibodies against this protozoon in their lambs. Therefore, 48 pregnant ewes, from five herds, were divided into two groups: G1 - positive for anti-N. caninum antibodies, with 19 animals; and G2 - seronegative, with 29 animals. Blood samples were taken from the ewes and their lambs, immediately after birth, before ingesting colostrum, and 2, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49 and 56 days after birth. Analysis on serum antibodies was performed using the indirect immunofluorescent antibody test. Among the 19 seropositive mothers, six (31.6%) gave birth to lambs seropositive before ingesting colostrum and it was found that these lambs remained positive until the end of the study (56 days). Only one of the lambs, from a ewe that presented an antibody titer of 200, seroconverted after ingestion of colostrum. All the lambs that had been born from negative mothers remained negative throughout the experimental period. It was concluded that transplacental transmission was an important form of diffusion of N. caninum in the herds studied and that seropositive lambs maintained circulating antibodies during the period analyzed.

Serodiagnosis of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Northeastern Italy: Evaluation of Seven Serological Tests

This study compares the performance of seven assays, including two ELISA (Leishmania ELISA IgG + IgM, Vircell Microbiologists; Leishmania infantum IgG ELISA, NovaTec), three rK39-based immunochromatographic tests (rK39-ICTs) (Leishmania Dipstick Rapydtest, Apacor; On Site Leishmania IgG/IgM Combo Rapid Test, CTK Biotech; LEISHMANIA Strip quick Test, Cypress Diagnostic), one indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) (Leishmania-Spot IF, BioMérieux), and one western blot (WB) (Leishmania WESTERN BLOT IgG, LDBio Diagnostics) for serodiagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Serum samples from 27 VL patients living in northeastern Italy were analyzed, as well as the serum samples from 50 individuals in whom VL diagnosis was excluded. The WB and the IFAT had 96% sensitivity, followed by the ELISA (63% and 74%, respectively). The rK39-ICT exhibited the worst performance among the serological tests, with sensitivities ranging from 52% to 70%. By combining selected ELISA/ICT, the sensitivity of VL detection reached 89%. IFAT and WB outperformed ELISA and rK39-ICT by possessing optimal sensitivity, but their high cost and complexity of execution would not allow their employment as screening tests. In conclusion, the combination of easy-to-perform tests, such as ICT and ELISA, could improve sensitivity in the serodiagnosis of Mediterranean VL.

Toxoplasma gondii molecular and immunological identification and risk factors associated with infection in chicken slaughtered at Triângulo Mineiro region, Minas Gerais, Brazil

This study aimed to determine the occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in the serum of slaughtered chickens in the region of Triângulo Mineiro, Minas Gerais, Brazil, to detect the parasite in tissues (heart and brain) of serologically positive chickens, based on molecular analysis, and to investigate risk variables associated with the infection. Sera from 417 chickens raised in extensive, semi-intensive, and intensive production systems were tested by an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and indirect hemagglutination antibody test (IHA). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect T. gondii DNA in brain and heart tissues. Antibody anti-T. gondii were found in 37.65% (157/417) of chickens by IFAT, and in 75.06% (313/417) by IHA. The Kappa index showed a weak concordance between the techniques (0.087). Association was observed between seropositivity and the variables, age (p < 0.0001), type of feeding (p < 0.0001) and collective raising with other animal’s species (p < 0.0001). Association, based on IFAT, was not observed between seropositivity and the variables, sex (p = 0.0526), presence of cats (p > 0.9999), and presence of rats (p > 0.9999). Presence of parasite DNA was detected in brain samples from two chickens, which were raised in intensive and semi-intensive production systems. The results suggest the meat of these slaughtered animals may serve as a transmission source of this protozoan to humans.

COMPARISON OF A RAPID ENZYME-LINKED IMMUNOSORBANT ASSAY TEST WITH AN INDIRECT IMMUNOFLUORESCENT ANTIBODY TEST IN DIAGNOSING EHRLICHIA AND ANAPLASMA INFECTIONS IN DOGS

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to compare the diagnostic value of commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFA) in detecting immunoglobulin-G (IgG) antibodies to Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. METHODS: Seventy-four serum samples, obtained from dogs believed to be naturally infected with E. canis or A. phagocytophilum, were analyzed. RESULTS: By ELISA, 48 (64.9%) samples were found positive for IgG to E. canis, 10 (13.5%) to A. phagocytophilum, 12 (16.2%) to both E. canis and A. phagocytophilum, and in 4 (5.4%) samples no presence of antibodies was detected. The number of serologically positive dogs for IgG was 44 (59.5%) to E. canis, 10 (13.5%) to A. phagocytophilum, 16 (21.6%) to both E. canis and A. phagocytophilum, and 4 (5.4%) were determined negative by means of IFA. In most samples the antibody titer did not exceed 1:80 but in 5 it reached a level of 1:320, and in other 4 of even above 1:640. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that IFA assay is more sensitive than commercial ELISA rapid test when serum antibody titers are low.

Norwegian or Crusted Sarcoptic Mange in Two Leishmanial Dogs

ABSTRACT Norwegian or crusted scabies (N/CS) is a rare skin disease with very few cases reported in the dog or the cat. Two adult, stray dogs were admitted in our clinic with a generalized, multifocal to diffuse and nonpruritic dermatitis that was characterized by severe crusting, scaling, and ulceration. In both instances, leishmaniosis and N/CS were diagnosed by immunofluorescent antibody test serology, lymph node cytology, and skin scrapings in which high numbers of Sarcoptes mites were found. The combination of miticidal and antileishmanial treatment, supported by topical treatment and nutritional support, resulted in the complete resolution of the skin lesions and spectacular improvement of the body condition in both cases. Dog 1 eventually died from end-stage kidney disease attributed to leishmaniosis-associated glomerulonephritis, whereas the also proteinuric dog 2 remains clinically healthy. The manifestation of the rare type of N/CS in these dogs could be attributed to cell-mediated immunosuppression, which was most likely induced by leishmaniosis and malnutrition. The necessity of searching for leishmaniosis in those scabietic cases, especially in the endemic areas of leishmaniosis, is strongly recommended.

Seroprevalence of Ehrlichia Canis Infection in Stray Dogs from Serbia

Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease with worldwide distribution. With regards to the population of stray dogs, the disease is facilitated due to their lifestyle and the lack of anti-parasitic protection. The aim of this study was to provide serological data on the presence of a specific Ehrlichia canis IgG antibodies in stray dogs, originating from 7 municipalities in Serbia. During the period from April 2013 to June 2014, 217 canine sera were submitted to the laboratory of the Department of Infectious Diseases of Animals and Bees, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Belgrade. An immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was performed to detect antibodies to Ehrlichia canis (cut off, 1:50). Seropositive dogs were found in 5 out of 7 counties with a seroprevalence varying from 3.57% to 20% and an overall seroprevalence of 11.06% (24/217). There was no statistically significant difference between the prevalence of infection and the host age or gender. Results showed that stray dogs contribute to maintaining and spreading of Ehrlichia canis in Serbia. Due to the close relationship between people and dogs, it is of great importance to constantly monitor and improve prevention of this disease.

Conjunctival leishmaniasis in a case of disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis

A 15-year-old female patient presented with numerous, small, papulonodular skin lesions, and hepatosplenomegaly 9 months after a treated biopsy proved cutaneous leishmaniasis. In ocular examination there were two yellowish, raised gelatinous conjunctival lesions in the left eye. The exisional conjunctival lesion biopsy revealed many Leishman bodies inside tissue histiocytes. The patient had no systemic immunologic problems (normal serum immunoglobulins, nitroblue-tetrazolium test, complement CH50 test and flow cytometry of leukocytes). The indirect immunofluorescent antibody test for Leishmania tropica (titre of 1:1024) and the leishmanin skin test were positive. DNA of L. tropica was detected by a specific polymerase chain reaction on whole blood, bone marrow and skin biopsy specimens. The skin and conjunctival lesions disappeared with miltefosine and no intraocular tissue penetration of organism happened. Conjunctival leishmaniasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of raised conjunctival lesions in a disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis patient and needs proper systemic therapy.