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Special Issue "Advances in Parasitic Diseases"

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2023) | Viewed by 39348

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Hans-Peter Fuehrer

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Guest Editor

Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
Interests: mosquitoes and mosquito-borne pathogens; vectors and vector-borne pathogens; Calodium hepaticum; Plasmodium malariae; Plasmodium ovale spp.
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Claudia Paredes-Esquivel

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Guest Editor

Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands | UIB, Palma, Spain
Interests: Angiostrongylus cantonensis; emerging parasitic diseases; molecular epidemiology of parasites and vectors

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Parasitic diseases constitute a major health burden in domestic animals and humans, but also in crop plants. Despite the considerable efforts of governmental and private bodies to develop and apply effective control measures for affected populations, considerable knowledge gaps and a lack of sustainable and economic control options still remain. However, advances in vaccine development and deeper insights into the dynamics of antiparasitic drug resistance and its prevention (or at least delay) have demonstrated progress in the combat of parasitic diseases. Global changes (including climate changes, landscape overuse and loss of biodiversity), however, appear to shift the development in the opposite direction, and the (re-)emergence of parasitic diseases threatens previous success. At the forefront, vector-borne and zoonotic parasites are of utmost concern. This Special Issue of Pathogens highlights the most recent advances in fundamental and applied research on parasitic diseases (in animals, humans and plants) with a focus on epidemiology, novel options for surveillance and control, and cutting-edge -omics analyses, which provide the basis for the development of effective long-term control.

Dr. Hans-Peter Fuehrer
Dr. Claudia Paredes-Esquivel
Guest Editors

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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. Pathogens is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2700 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

diagnosis
control
antiparasitic treatment
antiparasitic resistance
prevention
vaccines
sustainability

Related Special Issue

Advances in Parasitic Diseases—Second Edition in Pathogens (4 articles)

Published Papers (22 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 6616 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Update on the First Finding of the Rat Lungworm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, in Rattus spp. in Continental Europe, Valencia, Spain, 2022

María Teresa Galán-Puchades

Mercedes Gómez-Samblás

and

Pathogens 2023, 12(4), 567; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12040567 - 06 Apr 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1851

Abstract

The rat lungworm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, is an emerging parasite that can cause eosinophilic meningitis in humans. Over the past 60 years, the worm has greatly expanded its original Asian distribution to most tropical and subtropical areas of the world, mostly by traveling on ships with its definitive hosts, rats. Angiostrongylus cantonensis was recently found for the first time in Continental Europe, specifically in 3 (2 Rattus norvegicus and 1 Rattus rattus) out of 27 rats trapped in the sewer system of the city of Valencia, Spain. Updating the investigation, the parasite has subsequently been found in 8 (5 R. norvegicus and 3 R. rattus) out of 94 rats analyzed. The highest prevalence of infection (20%) was obtained in rats trapped in the orchards that surround the city, where both snails and slugs (intermediate hosts) abound, and where vegetables consumed in Valencia, other parts of Spain, and abroad, are produced. The presence of the parasite in rats does not necessarily mean that the disease it causes becomes a relevant public health concern since it strongly depends on the food habits of the population at risk. If proper precautions are taken, the risk of acquiring neuroangiostrongylosis should be minimal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Parasitic Diseases)

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9 pages, 282 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Vector-Borne Pathogens in Guard Dogs in Ibadan, Nigeria

Isabella Gruenberger

Amelie-Victoria Liebich

Temitayo Olabisi Ajibade

Oluwasola Olaiya Obebe

Nkiruka Fortunate Ogbonna

Licha N. Wortha

Maria S. Unterköfler

Hans-Peter Fuehrer

and

Adekunle Bamidele Ayinmode

Pathogens 2023, 12(3), 406; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12030406 - 02 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1055

Abstract

Canine vector-borne diseases are of great relevance not only regarding animal welfare but also in relation to the One Health concept. Knowledge concerning the most relevant vector-borne pathogens in dogs is scarce and limited to stray dogs in most western African regions, and there is virtually no information about the situation in kept dogs presenting (regularly) to vets. Therefore, the blood samples of 150 owned guard dogs in the Ibadan area—in the southwest of Nigeria—were collected and analyzed for the DNA of Piroplasmida (Babesia, Hepatozoon, Theileria), Filarioidea (e.g., Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens), Anaplasmataceae (e.g., Anaplasma, Ehrlichia), Trypanosomatidae (e.g., Leishmania, Trypanosoma), Rickettsia, Bartonella, Borrelia and hemotropic Mycoplasma using molecular methods. Overall, samples from 18 dogs (12%) tested positive for at least one pathogen. Hepatozoon canis (6%) was the most prevalent blood parasite, followed by Babesia rossi (4%). There was a single positive sample each for Babesia vogeli (0.6%) and Anaplasma platys (0.6%). Moreover, one mixed infection with Trypanosoma brucei/evansi and Trypanosoma congolense kilifi was confirmed (0.67%). Generally, the prevalence of vector-borne pathogens in this sample group of owned dogs in southwest Nigeria was lower than in prior studies from the country and in other parts of Africa in total. This leads to the assumption that, firstly, the exact geographical location has a major influence on the incidence of vector-borne diseases, and, secondly, it seems to make a difference if the dogs are owned and, therefore, regularly checked at a veterinary clinic. This study should raise awareness of the importance of routine health check-ups, tick and mosquito prophylaxis, and a well-managed infectious disease control program to prevent vector-borne diseases in canines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Parasitic Diseases)

12 pages, 1295 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trapping Behaviour of Duddingtonia flagrans against Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Cattle under Year-Round Grazing Conditions

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Pathogens 2023, 12(3), 401; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12030401 - 01 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1071

Abstract

The purpose of using nematophagous fungi as biological control agents of gastrointestinal nematodes of livestock is to reduce the build-up of infective larvae on pasture and thus avoid clinical and subclinical disease. As the interaction of fungus-larval stages takes place in the environment, it is crucial to know how useful the fungal agents are throughout the seasons in areas where livestock graze all year-round. This study was designed to determine the predatory ability of the nematophagous fungus Duddingtonia flagrans against gastrointestinal nematodes of cattle during four experiments set up in different seasons. In each experiment, faeces containing eggs of gastrointestinal nematodes were mixed with 11,000 chlamydospores/g and deposited on pasture plots. A comparison between fungal-added faeces and control faeces without fungus were made with regard to pasture infectivity, larval presence in faecal pats, faecal cultures, faecal pat weight, and temperature inside the faecal mass. In three of the four experiments, Duddingtonia flagrans significantly reduced the population of infective larvae in cultures (68 to 97%), on herbage (80 to 100%), and inside the faecal pats (70 to 95%). The study demonstrated the possibility of counting on a biological control tool throughout most of the year in cattle regions with extensive grazing seasons. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Parasitic Diseases)

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12 pages, 632 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum Antibodies in Dogs and Cats from Egypt and Risk Factor Analysis

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Pathogens 2022, 11(12), 1464; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11121464 - 02 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1321

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are major protozoan parasites of worldwide distribution and significance in veterinary medicine and, for T. gondii, in public health. Cats and dogs, as final hosts for T. gondii and N. caninum, respectively, have a key function in environmental contamination with oocysts and, thus, in parasite transmission. Very little is known about the prevalence of T. gondii infections in dogs and cats in Egypt, and even less about the prevalence of N. caninum in the same hosts. Methods: In the current study, 223 serum samples of both dogs (n = 172) and cats (n = 51) were investigated for specific antibodies to T. gondii and N. caninum using commercially available ELISAs. A risk factor analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with seropositivity. Results & discussion: Exposure to T. gondii was reported in 23.3% of the dogs and in 9.8% of the cats, respectively. In addition, N. caninum-specific antibodies were recorded in 5.8% of dogs and in 3.4% of cats. A mixed infection was found in two dogs (1.2%) and in one cat (2%). Antibodies to T. gondii in dogs were significantly more frequent in dogs aged 3 years or more and in male German Shepherds. As this breed is often used as watchdogs and was the most sampled breed in Alexandria governorate, the purpose “watchdog” (compared to “stray” or “companion”), the male sex, and the governorate “Alexandria” also had a significantly higher seroprevalence for T. gondii. No factors associated with antibodies to N. caninum could be identified in dogs, and no significant factors were determined in cats for either T. gondii or N. caninum infection. Our study substantially adds to the knowledge of T. gondii infection in dogs and cats and presents data on N. caninum infection in cats for the first and in dogs in Egypt for the second time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Parasitic Diseases)

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14 pages, 2171 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence, Infection Intensity and Molecular Diagnosis of Mixed Infections with Metastrongylus spp. (Metastrongylidae) in Wild Boars in Uzbekistan

Abdurakhim E. Kuchboev

and

Jürgen Krücken

Pathogens 2022, 11(11), 1316; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11111316 - 09 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1091

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to characterize the diversity of Metastrongylus spp. in wild boars and the earthworm intermediate host species contributing to the maintenance of the life cycle. Here, wild boars were subjected to parasitological necropsies, and lungworm species were identified morphologically, followed by confirmation using ITS-2 sequencing and a phylogenetic analysis. Earthworms were collected from wild boar habitats and investigated for the presence of larvae. The prevalence of Metastrongylus spp. in wild boars was 78.8%, and many individuals were positive for all three detected species, Metastrongylus pudendotectus, Metastrongylus salmi and Metastrongylus elongatus. The phylogenetic analysis did not clearly resolve all species, except for M. pudendotectus. Age group and season had no influence on prevalence, while intensity was significantly higher in autumn than in spring and summer (Kruskal–Wallis followed by Dunn’s test). Three out of six investigated earthworm species were positive for metastrongyloid larvae (prevalence of 10.4–16.7%), but neither their phylogenetic relationship nor ecological microhabitats were able to explain these differences. Further sequence data should be used to improve the resolution in phylogenetic trees to determine potential cryptic species in the genus, while the application of deep sequencing approaches might provide insights into species-specific epidemiology and pathology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Parasitic Diseases)

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13 pages, 710 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Characterization of the Poultry Red Mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) in Poland and a Comparison with European and Asian Isolates

Sylwia Koziatek-Sadłowska

and

Rajmund Sokół

Pathogens 2022, 11(11), 1301; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11111301 - 06 Nov 2022

Viewed by 904

Abstract

(1) Background: The blood-feeding mite Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer 1778) continues to attract wide interest from researchers and bird breeders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of D. gallinae populations in five commercial laying hen farms in Poland and to determine their similarity with isolates from other countries. The study involved an analysis of a fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI). A total of 38 isolates obtained from Polish farms and 338 sequences deposited in GenBank were analyzed. (2) Results: Haplotype No. 46 was dominant (90%) in Polish isolates and was homologous with the isolates from Great Britain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Japan, and South Korea. These results are indicative of high genetic homogeneity and common ancestry of the poultry red mite and point to a common source of infestation in the examined farms. (3) Conclusions: The genetic diversity of D. gallinae should be further studied to promote a better understanding of how this parasite is disseminated within and between countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Parasitic Diseases)

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8 pages, 1438 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dirofilaria immitis: Genotyping Randomly Selected European Clinical Samples and USA Laboratory Isolates with Molecular Markers Associated with Macrocyclic Lactone Susceptibility and Resistance

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Pathogens 2022, 11(8), 934; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11080934 - 18 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1079

Abstract

Dirofilaria immitis is a parasitic nematode and causes dirofilariosis, a potentially fatal pulmonary infection which primarily infects canids. Dirofilariosis infections are controlled via prophylactic macrocyclic lactone (ML) regimens. Recent evidence has confirmed the development of ML-resistant isolates in the USA, which are genetically distinct from wildtype populations. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) associated with ML-resistant phenotypes were clinically validated in USA populations. In this study, 3 USA laboratory-maintained isolates (Berkeley, Georgia II, and WildCat) and 11 randomly selected European clinical samples from 7 hosts were analyzed. The samples tested were fresh microfilaria (mf) in blood or adult worms preserved in ethanol. The samples underwent MiSeq sequencing of the top 9 SNP associated with ML resistance. The results provide the first genotypic analysis of the three USA laboratory-maintained isolates and any European samples. The European clinical samples show no genomic evidence of ML resistance based on the 9 SNP. The early adoption of genotyping of clinical D. immitis samples could provide an early indication of the potential development of ML resistance and aid to distinguish clinical cases of heartworm infection due to ML resistance from those due to a lack compliance with the recommended treatments, as has been seen in North America. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Parasitic Diseases)

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13 pages, 1553 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oral and Intragastric: New Routes of Infection by Leishmania braziliensis and Leishmania infantum?

Mayra M. Reimann

Eduardo Caio Torres-Santos

Celeste S. F. de Souza

Valter V. Andrade-Neto

Ana Maria Jansen

Reginaldo P. Brazil

and

André Luiz R. Roque

Pathogens 2022, 11(6), 688; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11060688 - 16 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2197

Abstract

Although Leishmania transmission in nature is associated with the bite of an infected sandfly vector, other possible transmission routes are speculated to occur, such as the oral route. We evaluated the possibility of infection by this route in golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) using Leishmania braziliensis (Lb) and Leishmania infantum (Li). Hamsters were exposed to experimental oral or intragastrical infection with axenic promastigotes, besides oral ingestion of a suspension of cultivated macrophages infected with amastigotes, lesion-fed Lutzomyia longipalpis, skin lesion or infective spleen fragment. The parasite’s isolation, besides a positive PCR and IFAT, confirmed the intragastric infection by promastigote parasites. The oral ingestion of macrophages infected with L. braziliensis amastigotes was also infective. These results confirmed that Leishmania parasites could infect mammals by the intragastric route through the ingestion of promastigote forms (what can happen after a sandfly ingestion) and by the oral ingestion of infected macrophages (what can happen in nature in a predator–prey interaction). The better understanding of these alternative routes is essential to understand their transmission dynamics in nature. As far as we know, this is the first time that oral and intragastric Leishmania transmission has been experimentally demonstrated, constituting new infection routes, at least for L. infantum and L. braziliensis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Parasitic Diseases)

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11 pages, 648 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Diversity and Haplotype Analysis of Cattle Hydatid Cyst Isolates Using Mitochondrial Markers in Turkey

Harun Kaya Kesik

Figen Celik

Seyma Gunyakti Kilinc

and

Pathogens 2022, 11(5), 519; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11050519 - 28 Apr 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1516

Abstract

Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) causes cystic echinococcosis in ungulates and humans. The current study was designed to find the genetic diversity and haplotypic profiles of hydatid cysts from the lungs of cattle in three provinces in eastern Turkey. Individual cyst isolates (n = 60) were collected from infected cattle lungs after slaughter and then samples were stored in ethanol (70%) until further use. From each isolate, total gDNA was extracted from the cysts’ germinal layers. A partial (875 bp) mt-CO1 gene was amplified by PCR and sequenced unidirectionally. The final size of the trimmed sequences was 530 bp for 60 sequences. Sequence and haplotype analyses were performed, followed by phylogenetic analyses. According to BLAST searches, all sequences were detected as E. granulosus s.s. (G1 and G3 strains). Forty-nine point mutations were identified. In addition, five conserved fragments were detected in all sequences. The haplotype analysis diagram showed E. granulosus s.s. haplotypes organized in a star-like configuration. The haplotypes were characterized by 1–17 mutations compared with the fundamental focal haplotype. Thirty-three haplotypes were determined in 60 samples of which 17 (28.3%) belonged to the main haplotype (Hap_06). The mt-CO1 sequences revealed 49 polymorphic sites, 34.5% (20/49) of which were informative according to parsimony analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Parasitic Diseases)

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27 pages, 376 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Serological Assays for Alveolar and Cystic Echinococcosis—A Comparative Multi-Test Study in Switzerland and Kyrgyzstan

Philipp A. Kronenberg

Cordula Meyer zu Schwabedissen

Sezdbek Aitbaev

Rakhatbek A. Omorov

Kubanychbek K. Abdykerimov

and

Pathogens 2022, 11(5), 518; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11050518 - 27 Apr 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2126

Abstract

Both alveolar (AE) and cystic echinococcosis (CE) are lacking pathognomonic clinical signs; consequently imaging technologies and serology remain the main pillars for diagnosis. The present study included 100 confirmed treatment-naïve AE and 64 CE patients that were diagnosed in Switzerland or Kyrgyzstan. Overall, 10 native Echinococcus spp. antigens, 3 recombinant antigens, and 4 commercial assays were comparatively evaluated. All native E. multilocularis antigens were produced in duplicates with a European and a Kyrgyz isolate and showed identical test values for the diagnosis of AE and CE. Native antigens and three commercial tests showed high diagnostic sensitivities (Se: 86–96%) and specificities (Sp: 96–99%) for the diagnosis of AE and CE in Swiss patients. In Kyrgyz patients, values of sensitivities and specificities were 10–20% lower as compared to the Swiss patients’ findings. For the sero-diagnosis of AE in Kyrgyzstan, a test-combination of an E. multilocularis protoscolex antigen and the recombinant antigen Em95 appears to be the most suitable test strategy (Se: 98%, Sp: 87%). For the diagnosis of CE in both countries, test performances were hampered by major cross-reactions with AE patients and other parasitic diseases as well as by limited diagnostic sensitivities (93% in Switzerland and 76% in Kyrgyzstan, respectively). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Parasitic Diseases)

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11 pages, 1412 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vector Surveillance and Pathogen Detection in the Working Areas of Military Working Dogs in Eastern Austria

Bernhard W. Sonnberger

and

Pathogens 2022, 11(5), 506; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11050506 - 24 Apr 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2077

Abstract

Vector-borne diseases play a major role in human and veterinary medicine worldwide. A previous study detected asymptomatic vector-borne pathogens in military working dogs stationed at a military base in eastern Austria, and a follow-up survey of potential arthropod vectors was conducted in spring 2019 and 2020 in the vicinity of the base to evaluate the presence of vectors and their carrier status for a range of canine and zoonotic pathogens. A total of 1324 ticks (nymphs and adults of Ixodes ricinus, comprising 92.9% of the collected specimens, and adults of Haemaphysalis inermis, a tick previously only rarely described in Austria, Haemaphysalis concinna, and Dermacentor reticulatus) were collected by flagging. In 44.1% (125/284) of all pools (n = 284), one infectious agent was found; in 27.8% (79/284) and in 1.1% (3/284), two and three different agents, respectively, could be identified. Overall, 72.9% of the pools contained at least one pathogen (Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., Bartonella spp., and Babesia microti). Borrelia mijamotoi, B. lustinaniae, and B. microti were previously only described in single cases in Austria. Mosquitoes were collected with BG-Sentinel traps monthly during the summer of 2019. A total of 71 individuals from 11 species were collected. No filarioid DNA was detected in the mosquito sample pools, although Dirofilaria repens had been present in the dogs from the military site. In conclusion, vector surveillance should be combined with the surveillance of an exposed population whenever possible to estimate the infection risks for dogs and their handlers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Parasitic Diseases)

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6 pages, 929 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Eprinomectin and Moxidectin Resistance of Trichostrongyloids on a Goat Farm in Austria

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Pathogens 2022, 11(5), 498; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11050498 - 21 Apr 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1916

Abstract

Anthelmintic resistance (AR) of trichostrongyloids is widespread in Europe, but there is no up-to-date information on the spread of AR in caprine parasites in Austria. Eprinomectin (EPR) is currently the only anthelmintic drug of the macrocyclic lactones registered for goats in Europe. The aim of the present study was to gather information regarding the efficacy of anthelmintics against trichostrongyloids on a dairy goat farm in Austria with reported treatment failure of macrocyclic lactones and to determine the presence of different trichostrongyloid genera. Faecal egg count reduction tests (FECRT) using Mini-FLOTAC were performed with eprinomectin (EPR) and moxidectin (MOX). Egg count reduction, calculated with the R package egg-Counts, was 44% for EPR and 86% for MOX, confirming AR of trichostrongyloids for both compounds. The most frequently detected genus in larval cultures was Haemonchus, followed by Trichostrongylus. This is the first report of MOX resistance in caprine trichostrongyloids in Europe. Failure of EPR and MOX to control trichostrongyloid infections is a severe threat to dairy goat farming, since other compounds must not be applied in goats used for milk production. Haemonchus contortus is one of the most pathogenic parasites of small ruminants and can quickly develop AR. Thus, immediate action should be taken to slow the further spread of AR in this and other roundworm species of ruminants in Austria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Parasitic Diseases)

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16 pages, 1675 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Absence of Polymorphisms in Codons 167, 198 and 200 of All Seven β-Tubulin Isotypes of Benzimidazole Susceptible and Resistant Parascaris spp. Specimens from Australia

Murat Özben

Georg von Samson-Himmelstjerna

Malene K. B. Freiin von Streit

Edwina J. A. Wilkes

Kristopher J. Hughes

and

Jürgen Krücken

Pathogens 2022, 11(5), 490; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11050490 - 20 Apr 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1638

Abstract

Benzimidazoles resistance is widespread in strongyle parasitic nematodes and associated with polym orphisms in the codons 167, 198 and 200 of isotype 1 β-tubulin (tbb-1). In ascarids, benzimidazole (BZ) resistance has rarely been reported and in none of these cases were any of these polymorphisms detected. Here, available genome and transcriptome data from WormBase ParaSite were used to compare the complete β-tubulin reservoirs of Parascaris univalens, Ascaris suum and Ascaris lumbricoides. Adult Parascaris spp. specimens collected in Australia from horses after BZ treatment (susceptible, n = 13) or surviving BZ treatment and collected after ivermectin treatment (resistant, n = 10) were genotyped regarding codons 167, 198 and 200 using Sanger sequencing. Phylogenetic analyses clearly showed that there are no one-to-one ascarid orthologs of strongyle tbb-1 genes. In the reference genomes, as well as phenotypically susceptible and resistant Parascaris spp. from Australia, six out of seven β-tubulin genes showed a BZ-susceptible genotype (F167, E198, F200). The only exception were the testis-specific β-tubulin D genes from all three ascarid species that encode tyrosine at codon 200. This was observed independently of the BZ-susceptibility phenotype of Parascaris spp. These data suggest that different mechanisms lead to BZ resistance in ascarid and strongyle nematodes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Parasitic Diseases)

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Review

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13 pages, 307 KiB

Open AccessReview

Migrating Anatidae as Sources of Environmental Contamination with Zoonotic Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora and Microsporidia

Piotr Solarczyk

Agnieszka Wojtkowiak-Giera

and

Mike Heddergott

Pathogens 2023, 12(3), 487; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12030487 - 20 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1106

Abstract

Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, and microsporidia are gastrointestinal pathogens that can cause various disease symptoms in both animals and humans. Numerous studies worldwide have confirmed the presence of these eukaryotic pathogens in nesting and migrating wild geese, ducks, and swans. Migration spreads these zoonotic enteric pathogens to distant locations, which could have public health implications. Soils and water bodies (lakes, ponds, rivers and wetlands) in urban and suburban areas have been shown to be vulnerable to contamination by waterfowl droppings. This review addresses the epidemiology of these enteric pathogens in wild migratory bird species (Anatidae) and some consequences of their spread in the environment. To date, both zoonotic pathogens and genotypes restricted to avian hosts have been found in faecal samples from 21 anatid species worldwide. One of the routes of infection for these zoonotic gastrointestinal micropathogens is the indirect route. For example, shared water bodies (e.g., for drinking or recreational purposes) previously contaminated by birds during the migratory season may facilitate infections of humans through water. However, it is unclear how much wild waterfowl contribute to the transmission of giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis, cyclosporosis, and microsporidiosis in many regions through contaminated environmental sources. Comprehensive epidemiological surveillance based on molecular data on gastrointestinal pathogens is crucial to take measures to control infections in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Parasitic Diseases)

21 pages, 847 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Prevalence and Control of Lungworms of Pastoral Ruminants in Iran

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Pathogens 2022, 11(12), 1392; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11121392 - 22 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1537

Abstract

Lungworms of the genera Dictyocaulus, Muellerius, Protostrongylus, and Cystocaulus are common helminths of domestic and wild ruminants with substantial veterinary and economic importance. Several studies have assessed the presence and prevalence of lungworm infections in ruminants in Iran. This report compiles the available scientific information about the occurrence of lungworms in domestic and wild ruminants in Iran between 1931 and June 2022 to give an insight into their epidemiology, and where possible to describe drug treatment efficacy. For this purpose, national and international scientific databases were searched. Overall, 54 publications comprising 33 articles in peer-reviewed journals, 8 conference papers, and 13 dissertations were evaluated regarding prevalence data; and an additional 4 peer-reviewed articles were evaluated regarding drug efficacy. Seven species of lungworms, namely Dictyocaulus filaria, Dictyocaulus viviparus, Dictyocaulus eckerti, Protostrongylus rufescens, Protostrongylus raillietti, Muellerius capillaris, and Cystocaulus ocreatus have been recorded from different ruminant hosts in Iran. Thirty-three studies conducted on small ruminant (sheep and goat) lungworms reported prevalences of lungworm infection of 11.6%, 45.81% and 66.29% using abattoir meat inspection, Baermann technique and fecal flotation, respectively. Eight studies conducted on large ruminants (cattle and water buffalo) reported prevalences of infection of 14.83%, 13.98% and 5% using abattoir meat inspection, the Baermann technique and fecal flotation, respectively. The prevalence of infection in wild ruminants was variable across examined species; 38% in urial, 37% in wild goats, 5% in goitered gazelles and 67% in red deer, in addition to a single case report in roe deer. There are few contemporary studies assessing the efficacy of currently available broad-spectrum anthelmintic compounds against lungworms in Iran. The high prevalence of multiple lungworm species in Iran, combined with a lack of information about drug efficacy, supports the need to improve the understanding of these important nematode parasites and inform the development of sustainable control strategies. The aim of this review and meta-analysis is to provide a baseline for future conventional parasitology and next generation molecular epidemiological studies of lungworm infection in pastoral ruminants in Iran. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Parasitic Diseases)

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14 pages, 948 KiB

Open AccessReview

Calomys callosus: An Experimental Animal Model Applied to Parasitic Diseases Investigations of Public Health Concern

Rafael Borges Rosa

Mylla Spirandelli da Costa

Samuel Cota Teixeira

Emilene Ferreira de Castro

Willyenne Marília Dantas

Eloisa Amália Vieira Ferro

and

Murilo Vieira da Silva

Pathogens 2022, 11(3), 369; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11030369 - 17 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2234

Abstract

The appearance and spread of parasitic diseases around the world aroused the interest of the scientific community to discover new animal models for improving the quality and specificity of surveys. Calomys callosus is a rodent native to South America, an easy handling model, with satisfactory longevity and reproducibility. C. callosus is susceptible to toxoplasmosis and can be used as experimental model for the study the pathogenesis, treatment, vertical transmission, and ocular toxoplasmosis. C. callosus can also be used to study cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis, as the animals present cutaneous lesions, as well as parasites in the organs. C. callosus has epidemiological importance in Chagas disease, and since it is a Trypanosoma cruzi natural host in which rodents show high parasitemia and lethality, they are also effective as a model of congenital transmission. In the study of schistosomiasis, Schistosoma mansoni was proven to be a C. callosus natural host; thus, this rodent is a great model for fibrosis, hepatic granulomatous reaction, and celloma associated with lymphomyeloid tissue (CALT) during S. mansoni infection. In this review, we summarize the leading studies of parasitic diseases that used C. callosus as a rodent experimental model, describing the main uses and characteristics that led them to be considered an effective model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Parasitic Diseases)

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7 pages, 1157 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

First Morphological and Molecular Identification of Demodex injai in Golden Jackal (Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758) in Romania

Sorin Morariu

Florica Morariu

Ana-Maria Marin

Maria Monica Florina Moraru

and

Pathogens 2023, 12(3), 412; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12030412 - 05 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1376

Abstract

Demodicosis is one of the most important external parasitic diseases found in carnivores. Three species of the Demodex mite inhabit the skin of dogs and related species, D. canis being the most prevalent. This paper describes the first case of infestation with D. injai in a golden jackal in Romania. An emaciated golden jackal female body found in Timiș County, western Romania, was examined at Parasitology Department of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Timișoara. The gross lesions were present on different regions of the body: feet, tail, axillary and inguinal areas, and skin folds as well, consisting of erythema, extensive severe alopecia with lichenification, seborrhea, and scaling. In order to establish diagnosis, microscopic examination of skin scrapes, trichogram (hair plucking), acetate tape test (impression), fungal culture, and PCR were performed. Both microscopic measurements and PCR analysis have confirmed the presence of D. injai. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Parasitic Diseases)

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9 pages, 1240 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Genetic and Morphological Identification of Spirometra decipiens in Snakes and Domestic Dog Found in Cuba

Alexander Morales

Rebeca M. Laird-Pérez

Virginia Capó

Enrique Iglesias

Luis Fonte

Arturo Plascencia-Hernández

Enrique J. Calderón

Keeseon S. Eom

Yaxsier de Armas

and

Héctor R. Pérez-Gómez

Pathogens 2022, 11(12), 1468; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11121468 - 05 Dec 2022

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Abstract

Spirometra (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidea) affects humans and some species of domestic and wild animals which eventually interact with humans. In this article, we report three new cases of Spirometra decipiens (Diesing, 1850) infection observed in two intermediate hosts and one definitive host, in Cuba. Genetic and morphological identification of S. decipiens in two snakes and a domestic dog were carried out by molecular means and routine histological study using hematoxylin–eosin staining, respectively. Taken together, the anatomical location, the host species infected with the specimens and their morphological and genetic features, all the samples were identified as S. decipiens. In each of the three cases, PCR assays using specific primers amplified bands that corresponded to S. decipiens species. To our knowledge, this paper is the first report of S. decipiens in species of Cuban endemic fauna and in the Caribbean islands. These species constitute a real or potential risk of transmission of Spirometra to humans in Cuba. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Parasitic Diseases)

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6 pages, 453 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

A Case of Plasmodium malariae in Bangladesh: A Representation of the Suboptimal Performance of Rapid Diagnostic Approaches in Malaria Elimination Settings

Fatema Tuj Johora

Mohammad Golam Kibria

Hans-Peter Fuehrer

and

Mohammad Shafiul Alam

Pathogens 2022, 11(10), 1072; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11101072 - 21 Sep 2022

Viewed by 1993

Abstract

Plasmodium malariae is a neglected human malaria parasite with low parasitemia that often results in the misdiagnosis and underestimation of the actual disease burden of this pathogen. Microscopy is the best diagnostic tool, despite the fact that rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are the best surveillance tool for malaria diagnosis in many rural areas for their ease of use in elimination settings. For parasite antigen detection other than P. falciparum, RDTs depend on essential glycolytic Plasmodium proteins, i.e., Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) and Plasmodium aldolase (pAldo) antigens. There is a lack of species-specific test kits for P. malariae, and overall, its rapid antigenic test accuracy is questionable. False negative results can accelerate the burden of asymptomatic malaria infection and transmission. Here, we report a case of a malaria patient in Bangladesh infected with P. malariae who tested negative on pLDH and pAldo based RDTs. This case provides useful information for health providers to be aware of possible RDT failure and also for the future development of analytically sensitive test kits for P. malariae. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Parasitic Diseases)

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12 pages, 6813 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Molecular Confirmation of Taenia crassiceps Cysticercosis in a Captive Ring-Tailed Lemur (Lemur catta) in Poland

Małgorzata Samorek-Pieróg

Weronika Korpysa-Dzirba

and

Tomasz Cencek

Pathogens 2022, 11(8), 835; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11080835 - 26 Jul 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1277

Abstract

(1) Background: Taenia crassiceps is a cosmopolitan tapeworm endemic to the northern hemisphere with an indirect lifecycle. Its definitive hosts are carnivores, and its intermediate hosts are rodents and rabbits. Nonhuman primates in zoos appear to be highly susceptible to T. crassiceps cysticercosis. The aim of this study was to confirm the presence and the molecular characterization of T. crassiceps cysts isolated from a captive ring-tailed lemur. (2) Methods: Surgery revealed multifocal, transparent saccules containing several thin-walled tapeworm cysticerci. In some of the metacestodes, single or multiple exogenous buds from daughter cysticerci were spotted. A molecular analysis was performed to confirm our morphological examinations, using two protocols to obtain the partial nad1 and cox1 genes of the Taenia sp. (3) Results: On the basis of morphological features and molecular analysis, the cysticerci were identified as T. crassiceps metacestodes, and products taken from the PCRs were sequenced. With respect to interpreting the sequencing results of the obtained amplicons, we compared them with data in the GenBank database, proving that, in this case, the causative agent was indeed T. crassiceps. (4) Conclusions: The received data can be used to supplement descriptions of this species. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of cysticercosis caused by T. crassiceps in a nonhuman primate in Poland. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Parasitic Diseases)

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8 pages, 8199 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Trichurosis on a Conventional Swine Fattening Farm with Extensive Husbandry—A Case Report

Christiane Weissenbacher-Lang

and

Lukas Schwarz

Pathogens 2022, 11(7), 775; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11070775 - 07 Jul 2022

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Abstract

Helminth infections of swine regain clinical and economic importance due to the increasing demand for pork from extensive husbandry. Infections with Trichuris suis in pigs can lead to wasting and diarrhoea. This was demonstrated by a case of clinical trichurosis on a conventional fattening farm, where pigs were kept on pasture. While all pre-fattening pigs, which had not been on the pasture yet, had a good body condition and firm faeces, diarrhoea and poor body condition were observed in approximately half of the fattening pigs kept on pasture. Rectally collected faecal samples from all animals were investigated using faecal flotation. High numbers of T. suis eggs were detected in 17 out of 32 faecal samples, while all samples from pre-fattening pigs were negative. The highest number of eggs per gram of faeces was 778,000. Two out of three environmental samples were also positive for T. suis in faecal flotation. This case demonstrates that T. suis must be considered as an enteropathogen in pigs kept on pasture, as favourable environmental conditions, and the lack of removal of faeces from a pasture can lead to the accumulation of large numbers of infective eggs in the pigs’ surroundings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Parasitic Diseases)

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6 pages, 575 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Hymenolepis diminuta Infection in a Romanian Child from an Urban Area

and

Pathogens 2022, 11(3), 322; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11030322 - 07 Mar 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4430

Abstract

Hymenolepis diminuta is primarily a rodent parasite that is ubiquitously distributed worldwide, but with only a few cases described as human infections. We report a case of Hymenolepis diminuta infection in a 15-month-old child, living in an urban setting, with no previous medical history. The patient presented with two episodes of seizures, and complaints of abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, with no apparent history of rodent contact. Furthermore, the patient’s gastrointestinal symptoms were linked to the emission of suspected tapeworm proglottids in the feces. After excluding other possible etiologies, a diagnosis of Hymenolepis diminuta infection was made, based on the examination of characteristic eggs in a concentrated stool specimen. The infant was successfully treated with praziquantel and fully recovered. After two weeks, the stool sample was free of Hymenolepis diminuta eggs. The clinical follow-up over the next 3 years was normal. Hymenolepis diminuta is rarely found in humans, and, when present, the infection is frequently asymptomatic. Abdominal pain, irritability, itching, eosinophilia, and seizures have also been reported. In this paper, we report, for the first time in the literature, an infection with Hymenolepis diminuta in a Romanian infant who had atypical neurological presentation, with full recovery, without subsequent neurological sequelae. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Parasitic Diseases)

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