Parasitic Infections and Diseases of Domestic Animals

A special issue of Pathogens (ISSN 2076-0817). This special issue belongs to the section "Parasitic Pathogens".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 March 2024) | Viewed by 9073

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa
Interests: veterinary parasitology; veterinary entomology; zoonosis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa
2. Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri 600230, Nigeria
Interests: parasitology; vector-borne diseases; ticks and tick-borne diseases; protozoan diseases; interactions in the parasite community; tick-host-pathogen interactions

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 29053, Kenya
Interests: veterinary parasitology; veterinary pharmacology and toxicology; vector-borne diseases

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Domestic animals such as livestock serve as an important commodity for humans as far as agricultural production is concerned, whilst others are significant companion animals. Parasite infections cause some of the most significant diseases in domestics animals. There are two groups of parasites which infest or infect animals: (i) ectoparasites, which are mainly represented by blood-sucking arthropods found on the integument of vertebrate animals such as Diptera flies, ticks, mites, lice and fleas; and (ii) endoparasites, which are divided into two groups: haemoparasites, found in the bloodstream, and those that invade erythrocytes such as protozoa, as well as parasites that infect various tissues or organs such as helminths.

This Special Issue focuses on research conducted on parasitic infections and diseases of domestic animals including livestock (cattle, sheep, goats and poultry) and companion animals (cats, dogs, rodents, camels, horses and donkeys). We invite you to submit original research or review articles reporting on basic and applied biology, epidemiology, therapeutics, vaccine studies related to parasitic infections, and/or diseases of domestic animals. This Special Issue aims to provide updated knowledge on the understanding of parasites and disease dynamics of domestic animals, and ultimately contributing to the formulation of effective control measures. 

Prof. Dr. Oriel Thekisoe
Dr. ThankGod Onyiche
Dr. Gabriel Aboge
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • ectoparasites
  • endoparasites
  • haemoparasites
  • protozoa
  • helminths
  • host–parasite interactions
  • parasite–vector interactions
  • domestic animals

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 6033 KiB  
Article
A Flow Cytometry Study of the Binding and Stimulation Potential of Inactivated Trypanosoma evansi toward Dromedary Camel Leukocytes
by Jamal Hussen, Omar A. AL-Jabr, Mayyadah Abdullah Alkuwayti, Noof Abdulrahman Alrabiah, Baraa Falemban, Abdulaziz Alouffi, Waleed S. Al Salim, Ketsarin Kamyingkird and Marc Desquesnes
Pathogens 2024, 13(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13010021 - 25 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1886
Abstract
Surra, a wasting disease caused by Trypanosoma evansi, is one of the major animal health burdens in camel-rearing countries, imposing significant economic losses due to reduced fertility and high mortality rates. The present study used inactivated T. evansi (from the Card Agglutination Test [...] Read more.
Surra, a wasting disease caused by Trypanosoma evansi, is one of the major animal health burdens in camel-rearing countries, imposing significant economic losses due to reduced fertility and high mortality rates. The present study used inactivated T. evansi (from the Card Agglutination Test for Trypanosomes/Trypanosoma evansi; CATT/T. evansi) and flow cytometry to investigate their binding and activation potential toward camel leukocyte subsets. Labeling T. evansi with propidium iodide (PI) enabled their flow cytometric enumeration and identification with forward scatter (FSC; indicative for cell size) and side scatter (SSC; indicative for cell internal complexity) characteristics that are comparable with values reported for Trypanosoma cruzi. The incubation of PI-labeled non-opsonized T. evansi with camel leukocyte populations revealed that camel monocytes have the highest potential to bind T. evansi, followed by granulocytes and lymphocytes. The identification of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) on camel immune cells and the pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) in T. evansi that are responsible for this different binding capacity requires further studies. Stimulation of camel neutrophils with Trypanosoma evansi induced shape change, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and neutrophil extracellular traps (NET)-formation. To ensure that T. evansi, in the parasite concentration used in this study, is not apoptotic or necrotic to camel leukocytes, we evaluated cell apoptosis and necrosis after stimulation with T. evansi. The results revealed no impact of T. evansi stimulation for 2 h on the cell viability of camel leukocytes. Subsequent work may focus on the diagnostic employment of labeled T. evansi and flow cytometry for the detection of anti-Trypanosoma antibodies in camel serum. In addition, more efforts should be deployed to investigate the host–pathogen interaction mechanisms and the escape mechanisms of T. evansi in camels. To complete these data, further studies using the living or freshly killed parasites could also be implemented in camels and/or horses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Infections and Diseases of Domestic Animals)
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14 pages, 1205 KiB  
Article
Inflicting Significant Losses in Slaughtered Animals: Exposing the Hidden Effects of Parasitic Infections
by Hafiz Muhammad Rizwan, Hafiz Muhammad Zohaib, Muhammad Sohail Sajid, Haider Abbas, Muhammad Younus, Muhammad Umar Farid, Tahira Iftakhar, Hizqeel Ahmed Muzaffar, Syed Soban Hassan, Muhammad Kamran, Muhammad Hussnain Raza and Muhammad Haziq Bajwa
Pathogens 2023, 12(11), 1291; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12111291 - 29 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1986
Abstract
We started a campaign in the heart of Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan, to expose the hidden threats of parasitic illnesses in ruminants and the severe financial consequences associated with them. Our in-depth investigations focused on the prevalence, impact, and astounding financial losses brought on [...] Read more.
We started a campaign in the heart of Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan, to expose the hidden threats of parasitic illnesses in ruminants and the severe financial consequences associated with them. Our in-depth investigations focused on the prevalence, impact, and astounding financial losses brought on by organ contamination in slaughtered animals. Of the 384 slaughtered ruminants examined for gastrointestinal parasites, a prevalence of 44.79% was recorded. It is interesting to note that we found no conclusive association between parasitic infection and the various ruminant species under study (p > 0.05). However, goats (52.0%) had the highest numerical prevalence of parasitic infection, followed by cattle (46.1%), buffalo (46.0%), and sheep (34.7%) in that order. A significant finding (p < 0.05) showed that the majority of animals had light parasitism (46.5%), as opposed to those with moderate (30.2%) or severe loads (23.2%). Our research revealed substantial (p < 0.05) relationships between ruminant age, sex, and parasitic infection prevalence. In comparison to females (56.4%) and adults (48.1%), males (36.1%) and young (36.9%) ruminants showed considerably decreased infection rates (p < 0.05). On the other hand, we discovered a non-significant (p > 0.05) association between the months and the prevalence of parasitic infection. As a result of the condemnation of contaminated organs such as the rumen, lungs, and liver, an estimated financial loss of PKR 133,731,400 (USD = 466,939.2) was incurred. The yearly economic losses caused by liver condemnation were much greater than those caused by rumen and lung condemnation (p < 0.05). Our research not only reported a significantly higher abundance but also economic threats of the parasitic diseases among the slaughtered animals in Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan. Our findings highlighted the critical need for preventive and therapeutic interventions for parasitic infections in animals, in order to mitigate the economic losses through strengthened animal health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Infections and Diseases of Domestic Animals)
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17 pages, 11271 KiB  
Article
In Vivo Efficacy of Curcumin and Curcumin Nanoparticle in Trypanosoma congolense, Broden 1904 (Kinetoplastea: Trypanosomatidae)-Infected Mice
by Nthatisi Innocentia Molefe-Nyembe, Oluyomi Stephen Adeyemi, Daisuke Kondoh, Kentaro Kato, Noboru Inoue and Keisuke Suganuma
Pathogens 2023, 12(10), 1227; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12101227 - 9 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1550
Abstract
Curcumin (CUR) is known for its wide folkloric effects on various infections; however, its solubility status has remained a hindrance to its bioavailability in the host. This study evaluated the comparative effects of CUR and CUR-nanoparticle in vitro on T. congolense, T. [...] Read more.
Curcumin (CUR) is known for its wide folkloric effects on various infections; however, its solubility status has remained a hindrance to its bioavailability in the host. This study evaluated the comparative effects of CUR and CUR-nanoparticle in vitro on T. congolense, T. b. brucei, and T. evansi. Additionally, CUR and CUR-nanoparticle anti-Trypanosoma efficacy were assessed in vivo against T. congolense. All the CUR-nanoparticles were two folds more effective on the T. congolense as compared to CUR in vitro, with recorded efficacy of 3.67 ± 0.31; 7.61 ± 1.22; and 6.40 ± 3.07 μM, while the CUR-nanoparticles efficacy was 1.56 ± 0.50; 28.16 ± 9.43 and 13.12 ± 0.13 μM on T. congolense, T. b. brucei, and T. evansi, respectively. Both CUR and CUR-nanoparticles displayed moderate efficacy orally. The efficacy of CUR and CUR-nanoparticles in vivo was influenced by solubility, presence of food, and treatment period. CUR-treated mice were not cured of the infection; however, the survival rate of the orally treated mice was significantly prolonged as compared with intraperitoneal-treated mice. CUR-nanoparticles resulted in significant suppression of parasitemia even though relapsed was observed. In conclusion, CUR and CUR-nanoparticles possess moderate efficacy orally on the trypanosomes as compared to the intraperitoneal treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Infections and Diseases of Domestic Animals)
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10 pages, 2523 KiB  
Article
Epidemiological Surveillance of Hypodermosis in Cattle from Romania
by Gheorghe Dărăbuș, Vasile Daniel Tomoioagă, Tiana Florea, Mirela Imre, Ion Oprescu, Sorin Morariu, Narcisa Mederle and Marius Stelian Ilie
Pathogens 2023, 12(9), 1077; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12091077 - 24 Aug 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1158
Abstract
Hypodermosis, or warble fly, is an endemic parasitic disease, common in countries from the northern hemisphere. The use of effective insecticides has decreased the frequency of this parasitic disease, with untreated cattle remaining to act as reservoirs. This study focused on assessing the [...] Read more.
Hypodermosis, or warble fly, is an endemic parasitic disease, common in countries from the northern hemisphere. The use of effective insecticides has decreased the frequency of this parasitic disease, with untreated cattle remaining to act as reservoirs. This study focused on assessing the status of hypodermosis in northwestern Romania by means of clinical examination (skin inspection and palpation performed in order to identify nodules) conducted on a number of 11.741 cattle. The study was carried out from March until June 2021. The identified larvae were subject to molecular assays for species identification and genotyping, followed by comparison with data available in the GenBank database. The average prevalence rate of parasitism caused by Hypoderma spp. was 0.31%, with values ranging from a minimum of 0.11% to a maximum of 1.32%. The dominant age group among positive animals was the 1–3 years old category and in terms of breed distribution, most positive cases were seen in cows belonging to an indigenous breed: Bruna de Maramures. April was the most prolific month in terms of nodule count/animal. The species identified in our study by means of molecular assays was H. bovis with two haplotypes: HB3 and HB8. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Infections and Diseases of Domestic Animals)
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16 pages, 565 KiB  
Article
Acaricide Resistance Development in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) Populations against Amitraz and Deltamethrin on Communal Farms of the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality, South Africa
by William Diymba Dzemo, Patrick Vudriko, Tsepo Ramatla and Oriel Thekisoe
Pathogens 2023, 12(7), 875; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12070875 - 26 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1785
Abstract
Chemical acaricides are widely used to control ticks and tick-borne pathogens in cattle. However, prolonged and indiscriminate use of these chemicals inevitably leads to the selection of resistant ticks. In-vitro bioassays (adult and larval immersion tests) were conducted to assess amitraz and deltamethrin [...] Read more.
Chemical acaricides are widely used to control ticks and tick-borne pathogens in cattle. However, prolonged and indiscriminate use of these chemicals inevitably leads to the selection of resistant ticks. In-vitro bioassays (adult and larval immersion tests) were conducted to assess amitraz and deltamethrin resistance in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus populations from communal farms of the King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality of South Africa. Data generated on percentage inhibition of oviposition (%IO) revealed that all the tick populations assessed showed resistance (%IO ≤ 95%) to at least one of the acaricides. All six tick populations assessed for efficacy (%IO ≥ 95%) at the DD) with deltamethrin were resistant (%IO ≤ 95%) and only one of the six tick populations assessed for efficacy with amitraz was susceptible. Based on the resistance ratios (RR), the adult immersion test detected amitraz and deltamethrin resistance in three (RR ranging from 2.30 to 3.21) and five (RR ranging from 4.10 to 14.59) of the six tick populations, respectively. With the larval immersion test, deltamethrin and amitraz resistance (larval mortality < 90% at the DD) was detected in all four and three of four R. (B.) microplus populations assessed, respectively. These data are critical for the design of an effective and sustainable tick control strategy on the communal farms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Infections and Diseases of Domestic Animals)
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