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Animals
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Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases in Dogs and Cats
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Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases in Dogs and Cats

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Companion Animals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 November 2024) | Viewed by 29132

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Antonio Ortega-Pacheco

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Animal Health and Preventive Medicine, Autonomous University of Yucatan, Merida 97000, Mexico
Interests: veterinary medicine; epidemiology; zoonoses; dogs
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Matilde Jimenez-Coello

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Animal Health and Preventive Medicine, Autonomous University of Yucatan, Merida 97000, Mexico
Interests: veterinary epidemiology; antimicrobial resistence; zoonoses
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Vector-borne and zoonotic diseases in dogs and cats are widely distributed throughout the world; however, their epidemiology and etiology varies depending on the specific climatic conditions and the presence and abundance of vectorial agents. Climatic and ecological changes and globalization are now affecting the distribution and patterns of transmission vectors and, as a consequence, have introduced etiological agents that can potentially affect dogs, cats, and their owners. On the other hand, the pattern of the classical clinical signs of the diseases are changing and thus the diagnosis may be challenging. 

This Special Issue is focused on vector-borne agents and diseases affecting dogs and cats with potential zoonosis and is aimed to disseminate knowledge on the current status of vector-borne diseases all around the world. For the effective control and prevention of these diseases, thorough knowledge of the infectious agents, their vectors, and major  hosts is required in every ecological region at national and regional levels.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Emerging vector-borne diseases in dogs and cats.
  • Epidemiology of vector-borne diseases in dogs and cats.
  • Transmission patterns of vector-borne diseases in dogs and cats.
  • Impact of current vector-borne diseases on health.
  • Diagnosis of major of vector-borne diseases in dogs and cats.
  • New patterns of clinical signs of vector-borne diseases in dogs and cats.

Dr. Antonio Ortega-Pacheco
Dr. Matilde Jimenez-Coello
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • vector-borne diseases
  • climate change
  • epidemiology
  • transmission
  • diagnosis

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Other

3 pages, 142 KiB  
Editorial
Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases in Dogs and Cats
by Antonio Ortega-Pacheco and Matilde Jimenez-Coello
Animals 2025, 15(11), 1520; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15111520 - 23 May 2025
Viewed by 304
Abstract
Vector-borne and zoonotic diseases (VBZDs) remain some of the most dynamic and complex challenges in veterinary medicine, public health, and environmental sciences [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases in Dogs and Cats)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Other

11 pages, 709 KiB  
Article
Radiological Evaluation of Vascular Structures in Cats Infected with Immature Worms of Dirofilaria immitis
by Soraya Falcón-Cordón, Yaiza Falcón-Cordón, Sara Nieves García-Rodríguez, Noelia Costa-Rodríguez, Daniel Julio Vera-Rodríguez, José Alberto Montoya-Alonso and Elena Carretón
Animals 2024, 14(20), 2943; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14202943 - 11 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1444
Abstract
This study aimed to assess thoracic radiographic abnormalities in cats infected with immature stages of Dirofilaria immitis to evaluate the utility of this diagnostic technique during early infection. A total of 123 cats from a hyperendemic area were classified into three groups: asymptomatic [...] Read more.
This study aimed to assess thoracic radiographic abnormalities in cats infected with immature stages of Dirofilaria immitis to evaluate the utility of this diagnostic technique during early infection. A total of 123 cats from a hyperendemic area were classified into three groups: asymptomatic cats seronegative to anti-D.-immitis antibodies (Group A), seropositive asymptomatic cats (Group B), and seropositive cats with clinical signs that were at high risk of heartworm-associated respiratory disease (HARD) (Group C). Radiographic measurements and lung parenchymal abnormalities were analyzed and compared across the groups. Significant differences in several parameters, including CrPA/R4, and CdPA/R9 ratios, were observed between healthy and seropositive cats, suggesting early arterial damage even in the absence of adult worms. Other parameters that showed differences between healthy and infected cats were CVC/Ao and CVC/R4 ratios, but not the VHS. Group C exhibited a marked bronchointerstitial pattern, indicating severe parenchymal alterations associated with clinical signs. The study demonstrated that thoracic radiography can detect early vascular and parenchymal changes in feline D. immitis infections, providing valuable information for diagnosing HARD. However, it also highlights the limitations of radiographic techniques, as some seropositive cats displayed no significant abnormalities. The findings underscore the importance of combining radiography with clinical and serological assessments for a more accurate diagnosis of feline heartworm disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases in Dogs and Cats)
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10 pages, 250 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Thoracic Radiographic Alterations in Dogs with Heartworm and Their Correlation with Pulmonary Hypertension, Pre- and Post-Adulticide Treatment
by Soraya Falcón-Cordón, Yaiza Falcón-Cordón, Noelia Costa-Rodríguez, Jorge Isidoro Matos, José Alberto Montoya-Alonso and Elena Carretón
Animals 2024, 14(17), 2551; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14172551 - 2 Sep 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1385
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a prevalent and severe complication in dogs infected with Dirofilaria immitis. This study aimed to elucidate the progression of PH by analyzing radiographic parameters and the Right Pulmonary Artery Distensibility (RPAD) Index at three key time points: diagnosis [...] Read more.
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a prevalent and severe complication in dogs infected with Dirofilaria immitis. This study aimed to elucidate the progression of PH by analyzing radiographic parameters and the Right Pulmonary Artery Distensibility (RPAD) Index at three key time points: diagnosis (day 0), discharge (day 90), and six months post-discharge (day 270). Fifty-two heartworm-infected dogs were divided into two groups: non-hypertensive and hypertensive. Radiographic measurements, including Vertebral Heart Size (VHS), CrPA/R4 ratio, and CdPA/R9 ratio, along with the RPAD Index, were assessed on Days 0, 90, and 270. Results indicated that, in Group A, the RPAD Index improved significantly from 42% on Day 0 to 43.16% on Day 90, with no significant change by Day 270 (42%). In contrast, hypertensive dogs exhibited a persistently low RPAD Index, averaging 17% throughout this study (p < 0.001). Radiographic parameters in hypertensive dogs showed continuous elevation compared to non-hypertensive dogs, with significant increases in VHS, CrPA/R4, and CdPA/R9 ratios on day 270 compared to day 0 (p < 0.05). The results confirmed that PH persisted in dogs with D. immitis after adulticide treatment, highlighting the importance of regular radiographic monitoring for assessing and managing long-term outcomes in dogs with PH during and after adulticide treatment. Continuous surveillance is thus essential for the effective post-treatment management of PH in dogs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases in Dogs and Cats)
14 pages, 2346 KiB  
Article
Treatment of Canine Leishmaniasis with Meglumine Antimoniate: A Clinical Study of Tolerability and Efficacy
by Serena Digiaro, Alessandra Recchia, Antonella Colella, Sara Cucciniello, Beatrice Greco, Dora Buonfrate and Paola Paradies
Animals 2024, 14(15), 2244; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14152244 - 1 Aug 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3236
Abstract
Antimoniate therapy, in association with allopurinol, is one of the first-line treatments of canine leishmaniasis (CanL). This study evaluates the potential adverse effects associated with aNm in the treatment of CanL through both a retrospective analysis and a long-term prospective study also aimed [...] Read more.
Antimoniate therapy, in association with allopurinol, is one of the first-line treatments of canine leishmaniasis (CanL). This study evaluates the potential adverse effects associated with aNm in the treatment of CanL through both a retrospective analysis and a long-term prospective study also aimed to investigate its efficacy. The retrospective study reviewed records of 87 dogs with CanL with at least one follow-up available during or at the end of therapy with aNm (Glucantime®) at a dose of 50 mg/kg administered subcutaneously twice a day in association with allopurinol. In total, 29.8% of dogs showed adverse effects during treatment as local reactions at the injection site (n = 6), severe systemic reaction to pain (originating from the inoculation site) with depression and anorexia (n = 4), systemic disease due to renal function worsening (n = 4), acute pancreatitis (n = 1), diarrhea (n = 5), vomiting (n = 3) and severe idiosyncratic skin reactions (n = 3). Of these dogs, 13 (14.9%) required treatment suspension. The prospective study included 16 dogs, selected among the LeishVet stages II and III CKD IRIS stage 1 (International Renal Interest Society staging of canine Chronic Kidney Disease) and treated with the same aNm plus allopurinol protocol as in the retrospective study and observed for 360 days; 2 dogs were excluded for severe reactions at the injection site. Mild and transient adverse events were reported in the other 4 dogs. The criteria used to evaluate the efficacy of treatment with aNm were as follows: a reduction in the clinical score and improvement and/or normalization of laboratory parameters, negativization of PCR on the bone marrow samples and disease-free interval time. The proportion of reduction in the clinical score reached 91.9% at D180. No animals showed clinical laboratory relapse during the whole study duration and interestingly, the PCR results showed complete negativity between D0 and D60 in 78.5% of animals. Veterinarians must be vigilant regarding the potentially serious adverse effects associated with aNm and promptly stop drug administration if unexpected clinical manifestations occur. On the other hand, they should not discard its use for CanL treatment since it is confirmed that aNm in association with allopurinol is highly effective in controlling CanL. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases in Dogs and Cats)
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9 pages, 500 KiB  
Article
Association between Thoracic Radiographic Changes and Indicators of Pulmonary Hypertension in Dogs with Heartworm Disease
by Soraya Falcón-Cordón, Yaiza Falcón-Cordón, Alicia Caro-Vadillo, Noelia Costa-Rodríguez, José Alberto Montoya-Alonso and Elena Carretón
Animals 2024, 14(13), 1900; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131900 - 27 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1534
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a consequence of pulmonary endarteritis during infection with Dirofilaria immitis in dogs. Echocardiography is the technique of choice but is not always accessible to all clinicians. This study aimed to evaluate the association of the radiological findings in dogs [...] Read more.
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a consequence of pulmonary endarteritis during infection with Dirofilaria immitis in dogs. Echocardiography is the technique of choice but is not always accessible to all clinicians. This study aimed to evaluate the association of the radiological findings in dogs with heartworm disease and the presence or absence of echocardiographically characterised PH. The study included 62 heartworm-infected dogs that underwent thoracic radiographs and echocardiography. The studied dogs showed moderate to severe PH when the Right Pulmonary Artery Distensibility (RPAD) Index was <29.5%. The RPAD Index was used for comparison with thoracic radiographs. The Vertebral Heart Size (VHS), right cranial pulmonary artery passing through the fourth rib in the laterolateral projection (CrPA/R4) ratio, and right caudal pulmonary artery to the ninth rib in the dorsoventral projection (CdPA/R9) ratio showed significant differences between dogs with/without PH (p < 0.001). Sensitivity (sen) and specificity (sp) cut-off values were obtained: VHS ≥ 9.53 (sen 93.75%, sp 63.33%); CrPA/R4 ≥ 1.08 (sen 87.5%, sp 70%); and CdPA/R9 ≥ 1.10 (sen 96.88%, sp 76.66%). The CrPA/R4 and CdPA/R9 ratios showed potential as a preliminary screening tool for PH in heartworm-infected dogs, suggesting that they may reliably indicate the presence of PH and guide the decision for further diagnostic testing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases in Dogs and Cats)
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13 pages, 4169 KiB  
Article
Echocardiographic Documentation of Dilated Cardiomyopathy Development in Dogs Naturally Infected with Trypanosoma cruzi
by Eduardo E. Avalos-Borges, Carlos M. Acevedo-Arcique, Jose C. Segura-Correa, Matilde Jiménez-Coello, Nisha J. Garg and Antonio Ortega-Pacheco
Animals 2024, 14(13), 1884; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131884 - 26 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2356
Abstract
We aimed to characterize the echocardiographic alterations in dogs from an endemic region that were naturally infected with T. cruzi. Dogs (n = 130) seropositive for antibodies against T. cruzi and/or with acute parasitemia were enrolled in the study. Indicators of changes [...] Read more.
We aimed to characterize the echocardiographic alterations in dogs from an endemic region that were naturally infected with T. cruzi. Dogs (n = 130) seropositive for antibodies against T. cruzi and/or with acute parasitemia were enrolled in the study. Indicators of changes in the structure and systolic and diastolic functions of the left ventricle (LV) and blood flow patterns were evaluated by echocardiography. The frequency and extent of alterations in these indicators were associated with the severity of the disease. Briefly, 15 (11.54%) dogs were diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and 115 (88.46%) dogs were diagnosed as being without DCM. Infected dogs with DCM exhibited structural features of LV dysfunction, e.g., a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the LV internal diameter at systole and diastole (LVID-s, LVID-d) and a decline in the LV posterior wall (LVPW-d) thickness at diastole. Despite an increase in stroke volume and cardiac output indicating contraction force, DCM resulted in a decreased ejection fraction, affecting systolic function. Dogs that were diagnosed as DCM-negative but were positive for T. cruzi by PCR exhibited a high frequency of an increase in the thickness of the interventricular septum in systole (IVS-s) and the LV posterior wall in diastole (LVPW-d), a decline in the LV inner diameter (LVID-d, LVID-s), and fractional shortening (FS). The thinning of the LVPW at systole was the most defining feature observed in chronically infected dogs. In summary, this is the first study reporting the echocardiographic changes occurring in dogs naturally infected with T. cruzi and developing DCM. Our data suggest that changes in LVID are a major indicator of risk of cardiac involvement, and the observation of changes in the IVS, LVPW, and FS have predictive value in determining the risk of DCM development in infected dogs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases in Dogs and Cats)
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22 pages, 1032 KiB  
Article
Improved Antibody Detection for Canine Leptospirosis: ELISAs Modified Using Local Leptospiral Serovar Isolates from Asymptomatic Dogs
by Pannawich Boonciew, Watcharee Saisongkorh, Suppalak Brameld, Matsaya Thongpin, Alongkorn Kurilung, Pratomporn Krangvichian, Waree Niyomtham, Kanitha Patarakul, Thanmaporn Phichitraslip, David J. Hampson and Nuvee Prapasarakul
Animals 2024, 14(6), 893; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14060893 - 14 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2614
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of significant concern for human and animal health, with domestic animals, including dogs, acting as reservoirs for human infection. Serology is widely used for leptospirosis diagnosis, even though the standard microscopic agglutination test (MAT) using a panel of [...] Read more.
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of significant concern for human and animal health, with domestic animals, including dogs, acting as reservoirs for human infection. Serology is widely used for leptospirosis diagnosis, even though the standard microscopic agglutination test (MAT) using a panel of serovars lacks specificity and can lead to detection limitations in certain regions. In this study, we aimed to develop an antibody detection tool for dogs using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with a set of local serovar isolates, including Paidjan, Dadas, and Mini, to enhance the accuracy of leptospirosis surveillance in our region. The specificity and sensitivity of various antigen preparations, namely leptospiral whole-cell protein (WCP), total membrane protein (TMP), and outer membrane protein (OMP), were assessed using sera from infected and non-infected dogs, as well as negative puppy sera. Leptospirosis diagnosis was supported using a genus-specific nested polymerase chain reaction test on all collected sera. Protein preparations were validated using SDS-PAGE and Western blotting analysis. In the results, the standard MAT failed to detect antibodies in any of the dogs confirmed as being infected using PCR and isolation, highlighting its limitations. In contrast, the OMP-based ELISAs using local isolates of Leptospira serovars gave positive results with sera from all infected dogs, and negative results with sera from all dogs from non-endemic areas. IgG titres of infected and unvaccinated dogs from endemically affected areas were significantly higher than those in non-endemic regions. Using the OMP-based IgG/ELISAs with the local serovar Dadas resulted in higher specificity and lower sensitivity than when using the WCP- and TMP-based IgG/ELISAs. Agreement analysis revealed fair and moderate concordance between OMP-based IgG/ELISAs and PCR results, whereas slight and fair agreement was observed between OMP-based ELISAs and the MAT. Overall, the modified OMP-based IgG/ELISAs, utilising relevant local serovar isolates from dogs, demonstrated improved accuracy in detecting leptospirosis in the study area, overcoming the limitations of the MAT. This study highlights the importance of identifying and incorporating these local circulating serovar isolates into serological techniques for leptospirosis diagnosis and surveillance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases in Dogs and Cats)
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21 pages, 2874 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Control of Leishmania infantum Infection: A Multi-Epitope Nanovaccine for Durable T-Cell Immunity
by Clara Hurtado-Morillas, Abel Martínez-Rodrigo, José A. Orden, Laura de Urbina-Fuentes, Alicia Mas and Gustavo Domínguez-Bernal
Animals 2024, 14(4), 605; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14040605 - 13 Feb 2024
Viewed by 2122
Abstract
Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is a growing health problem for which vaccination is a crucial tool for the control of disease. The successful development of an effective vaccine against this disease relies on eliciting a robust and enduring T-cell immune response involving the activation [...] Read more.
Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is a growing health problem for which vaccination is a crucial tool for the control of disease. The successful development of an effective vaccine against this disease relies on eliciting a robust and enduring T-cell immune response involving the activation of CD4+ Th1 and CD8+ T-cells. This study aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity and prophylactic efficacy of a novel nanovaccine comprising a multi-epitope peptide, known as HisDTC, encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticles against Leishmania infantum infection in the murine model. The encapsulation strategy was designed to enhance antigen loading and sustain release, ensuring prolonged exposure to the immune system. Our results showed that mice immunized with PLGA-encapsulated HisDTC exhibited a significant reduction in the parasite load in the liver and spleen over both short and long-term duration. This reduction was associated with a cellular immune profile marked by elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IFN-γ, and the generation of memory T cells. In conclusion, the current study establishes that PLGA-encapsulated HisDTC can promote effective and long-lasting T-cell responses against L. infantum in the murine model. These findings underscore the potential utility of multi-epitope vaccines, in conjunction with appropriate delivery systems, as an alternative strategy for CanL control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases in Dogs and Cats)
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12 pages, 1663 KiB  
Article
An Epidemiological Assessment of Cryptosporidium and Giardia spp. Infection in Pet Animals from Taiwan
by Chia-Hui Hsu, Chi Liang, Shi-Chien Chi, Kuan-Ju Lee, Chung-Hsi Chou, Chen-Si Lin and Wen-Yuan Yang
Animals 2023, 13(21), 3373; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13213373 - 31 Oct 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2212
Abstract
Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are enteric protozoan pathogens in humans. and animals. Companion animals infected with zoonotic species/assemblages are a matter of major public concern around the world. The objectives of the present study were to determine the prevalences of Cryptosporidium spp. [...] Read more.
Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are enteric protozoan pathogens in humans. and animals. Companion animals infected with zoonotic species/assemblages are a matter of major public concern around the world. The objectives of the present study were to determine the prevalences of Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis infections and their co-infection statuses in dogs and cats living in Taiwan and to identify the species and assemblages. Fecal samples were collected from local animal shelters (n = 285) and a veterinary hospital (n = 108). Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using the SSU-rRNA, β-giardin, and glutamate dehydrogenase genes for Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis, respectively. Results showed that the overall prevalences of Cryptosporidium and G. duodenalis were 7.38% (29/393) and 10.69% (42/393). In addition, co-infection was detected in 1.02% (4/393) of all samples. Sample source, clinical sign, and breed may be risk factors that influence the infection rate. In Cryptosporidium-positive samples, C. canis and C. felis were detected most frequently. Although the canine-specific assemblages C and D (37/42) were dominant, the zoonotic human-specific assemblage A (1/42) was also found in Giardia-positive samples. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that most positive samples belonged to host-specific subtypes/assemblages, while some Cryptosporidium or Giardia-positive samples could be zoonotic. The findings suggested that pet animals could be a cause of zoonotic transmission, causing human cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis in Taiwan. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases in Dogs and Cats)
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12 pages, 2255 KiB  
Article
Intron Regions as Genetic Markers for Population Genetic Investigations of Opisthorchis viverrini sensu lato and Clonorchis sinensis
by Chairat Tantrawatpan, Wanchai Maleewong, Tongjit Thanchomnang, Warayutt Pilap, Takeshi Agatsuma, Ross H. Andrews, Paiboon Sithithaworn and Weerachai Saijuntha
Animals 2023, 13(20), 3200; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13203200 - 13 Oct 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1850
Abstract
Opisthorchiasis and clonorchiasis are prevalent in Southeast and Far-East Asia, which are caused by the group 1 carcinogenic liver flukes Opisthorchis viverrini sensu lato and Clonorchis sinensis infection. There have been comprehensive investigations of systematics and genetic variation of these liver flukes. Previous [...] Read more.
Opisthorchiasis and clonorchiasis are prevalent in Southeast and Far-East Asia, which are caused by the group 1 carcinogenic liver flukes Opisthorchis viverrini sensu lato and Clonorchis sinensis infection. There have been comprehensive investigations of systematics and genetic variation of these liver flukes. Previous studies have shown that O. viverrini is a species complex, called “O. viverrini sensu lato”. More comprehensive investigations of molecular systematics and population genetics of each of the species that make up the species complex are required. Thus, other polymorphic genetic markers need to be developed. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the intron regions of taurocyamine kinase gene (TK) to examine the genetic variation and population genetics of O. viverrini and C. sinensis collected from different geographical isolates and from a range of animal hosts. We screened seven intron regions embedded in TK. Of these, we selected an intron 5 of domain 1 (TkD1Int5) region to investigate the genetic variation and population genetics of theses liver flukes. The high nucleotide and haplotype diversity of TkD1Int5 was detected in O. viverrine. Heterozygosity with several insertion/deletion (indel) regions were detected in TkD1Int5 of the O. viverrine samples, whereas only an indel nucleotide was detected in one C. sinensis sample. Several O. viverrine samples contained three different haplotypes within a particular heterozygous sample. There were no genetic differences between C. sinensis isolated from various animal host. Heterozygous patterns specifically detected in humans was observed in C. sinensis. Thus, TkD1Int5 is a high polymorphic genetic marker, which could be an alternative marker for further population genetic investigations of these carcinogenic liver flukes and other related species from a wide geographical distribution and variety of animal hosts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases in Dogs and Cats)
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Other

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7 pages, 500 KiB  
Brief Report
Efficacy of Sustained-Release Formulation of Moxidectin (Guardian SR) in Preventing Heartworm Infection over 18 Months in Dogs Living in a Hyperendemic Area
by Agustina Isabel Quintana-Mayor, Elena Carretón and José Alberto Montoya-Alonso
Animals 2024, 14(20), 3001; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14203001 - 17 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1375
Abstract
This study investigates the efficacy of a sustained-release (SR) moxidectin microsphere formulation in preventing canine heartworm infection over 18 months in Canary Hound dogs, a hunting breed common in the Canary Islands, which is a hyperendemic region. These dogs typically do not receive [...] Read more.
This study investigates the efficacy of a sustained-release (SR) moxidectin microsphere formulation in preventing canine heartworm infection over 18 months in Canary Hound dogs, a hunting breed common in the Canary Islands, which is a hyperendemic region. These dogs typically do not receive preventive treatments and act as reservoirs for the disease. This field study was conducted across 11 hunting kennels with 109 dogs living outdoors, none of whom were receiving heartworm prophylaxis, with Dirofilaria immitis prevalence ranging from 11.1% to 57.1% (average 36.7%). Among these, 20 clinically healthy, heartworm-negative dogs were randomly selected to receive a single subcutaneous injection of moxidectin SR (0.17 mg/kg body weight). Antigen and Knott’s tests were performed at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. All dogs completed the study without adverse reactions and remained heartworm-negative throughout. By the end of the study, kennel heartworm prevalence ranged from 14.3% to 46.7% (average 35.4%). A single subcutaneous dose of moxidectin SR at the recommended dosage may prevent patent heartworm infection in dogs for up to 18 months in hyperendemic regions. Further studies are required to confirm these findings. Extending the efficacy period of moxidectin could improve owner compliance, particularly among those with lower animal health awareness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases in Dogs and Cats)
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37 pages, 5217 KiB  
Systematic Review
Toxocara cati Infection in Cats (Felis catus): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Jorge Luis Bonilla-Aldana, Alba Cristina Espinosa-Nuñez, D. Katterine Bonilla-Aldana and Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales
Animals 2024, 14(7), 1022; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14071022 - 27 Mar 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 7118
Abstract
Introduction: Toxocariasis is an infection caused in canines, felines, humans, and other vertebrates by species of the genus Toxocara, such as T. canis and T. cati. The embryonated eggs of these parasites are the primary means of acquiring the infection for [...] Read more.
Introduction: Toxocariasis is an infection caused in canines, felines, humans, and other vertebrates by species of the genus Toxocara, such as T. canis and T. cati. The embryonated eggs of these parasites are the primary means of acquiring the infection for both definitive hosts, dogs and cats, respectively, and for intermediates, such as humans and other vertebrates. When deposited on park soils, environmental contamination becomes a risk to environmental, human, and animal health. Objective: To determine the global prevalence of Toxocara cati in cats (Felis catus). Methods: A systematic review of the literature was carried out in six databases (Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciELO and Google Scholar) to evaluate the global prevalence of Toxocara cati in cats, defined by coproparasitological, histological, and molecular techniques. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model to calculate pooled prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). A two-tailed 5% alpha level was used for hypothesis testing. Results: Two hundred and eighty-nine studies were included. The global pooled prevalence of Toxocara cati in cats using coproparasitological methods was 17.0% (95.0% CI: 16.2–17.8%). In the subgroup analysis according to country, Nepal had the highest prevalence of T. cati infection (94.4%; 95% CI 89.7–99.2%). The pooled prevalence of T. cati infection by PCR in four studies was 4.9% (95.0% CI: 1.9–7.9%). Conclusions: This systematic review underscores the need for preventive action against toxocariasis due to its widespread prevalence. The interplay between animal and human health should be emphasised, necessitating measures like deworming cats, hygiene practices, and public education to mitigate risks. Safeguarding feline health can also reduce human transmission, benefiting both species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases in Dogs and Cats)
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