Cardio-pulmonary parasites, such as
Angiostrongylus vasorum
,
Crenosoma vulpis
, and
Eucoleus aerophilus
, pose a significant concern on account of pulmonary and cardiac problems they induce in dogs. ...While the red fox is known to be a key reservoir host for
A. vasorum
and may also play a role in transmitting
C. vulpis
and
E. aerophilus
, there has been no recent research on these parasites in foxes from Sardinia, with the most current studies dating back to 1986. A survey was conducted on red foxes in Sardinia, where a total of 51 foxes were collected, necropsied, and examined for adult worms in their hearts and lungs. The worms were identified using morphometric analysis and molecular methods. The results showed a 54.9% overall prevalence at dissection: 45.1% of the foxes were positive for
E. aerophilus
, 17.6% for
C. vulpis
, and 13.7% for
A. vasorum
. The molecular analyses validated the morphological characterization. In comparison to previous research, which found 13 out of 85 foxes to be positive for
A. vasorum
with a prevalence rate of 15.3% and 1 for
E. aerophilus
with a prevalence of 1.2%, this study showed an increased prevalence of
E. aerophilus
and
C. vulpis
, and a decrease in the prevalence of
A. vasorum
. These results indicate that the red foxes in Sardinia represent a reservoir host for cardio-pulmonary nematodes and it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome in dogs.
Infections with the Apicomplexa
Toxoplasma gondii
,
Neospora caninum
, and
Sarcocystis
spp. are common causes of reproductive disorders in sheep. However, few epidemiological studies regarding ...co-infections with these three protozoa are reported in sheep in Italy. For this reason, this study aims to evaluate possible co-infections with
T. gondii
,
N. caninum
, and
Sarcocystis
spp. in sheep slaughtered for human consumption. From April to July 2019, individual blood, brain, heart, and diaphragm samples were collected from 138 sheep after slaughtering. The presence of IgG anti-
Toxoplasma
in serum samples was evaluated through ELISA. DNA of the three protozoa was investigated using specific PCRs. Co-infection with
T. gondii
,
N. caninum
and
Sarcocystis
spp. was found in 66.7% of the examined sheep. Antibodies against
T. gondii
were found in the 36.2% of serum samples. The presence of
T. gondii
DNA was detected in the 67.4%, 77.5%, and 21.7% of the brain, heart, and diaphragm samples, respectively.
Neospora caninum
DNA was found in 72.5% of the examined brain samples.
Sarcocystis
spp. DNA was detected in 92% and 52.2% of the heart and diaphragm samples, respectively. Sequence analysis of the
Sarcocystis
spp. revealed the sole presence of
Sarcocystis tenella
. The present study demonstrates that sheep have a high risk of infection with the three Apicomplexa investigated, suggesting the need to adopt adequate measures to prevent the spread of these parasitic infections considering their clinical and economic impact on ovine production. Furthermore, the possible role sheep play in the zoonotic transmission of toxoplasmosis to humans was highlighted.
Leishmaniasis is a widespread, vector-borne parasitosis causing clinical manifestations in animals and in humans. In dogs, Canine Leishmaniasis has been reported in as much as 50 countries and the ...Mediterranean basin is known to be one of the most affected zones. Within these areas, the Island of Sardinia (Italy) has long been considered endemic for leishmaniasis and the presence of two arthropod vectors has recently been reported there. Nevertheless, to date, no epidemiological surveys regarding CanL have been carried out on the island. Hence, for the first time, the seroprevalence and the risk factors were investigated. Blood samples, as well as clinical and general information from 1.147 dogs, were collected and analyzed. Dogs consisted of two distinct populations, namely “owned dogs” and “kennel dogs.” Anti-
Leishmania
IgG antibodies were detected using IFAT and samples were scored as positive at a cut-off dilution of 1:80. Data was analyzed using a Chi-squared test and bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Overall, 15.4% of dogs were found to be infected with CanL while only 44.1% of these animals exhibited clinical signs. Owned dogs (27.2%) were found to be infected more often than kennel dogs (10.6%); male dogs were found to be more frequently infected than female dogs and the number of infected animals increases with age. The present survey confirmed the endemic nature of leishmaniasis in Sardinia with a similar seroprevalence as mainland Italy. The results obtained serve as validation for the hypothesis that, in endemic areas, clinical CanL representations constitute only a fraction of the leishmaniasis cases.
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a widespread zoonosis and a significant economic concern and cause of morbidity in humans. A scarcity of education on the sources of CE infection and containment ...measures is considered to be a key factor responsible for persistent transmission within communities. Recently, edutainment approaches have captured the attention of health education (HE) professionals due to the benefits of integrating cognitive and emotional learning processes.
A study was carried out in Sardinia, Italy, between 2020 and 2022, amid the SARS-Covid-19 pandemic. The project, designed to involve primary school children (via remote or face-to-face learning depending on the evolving Covid-19 containment measures) consisted of four distinct phases: (i) creation of material for school children and teachers focused on cystic echinococcosis; (ii) pre-intervention evaluation of CE knowledge (i.e. True False Don't Know TFD pre-intervention questionnaire based on CE-related knowledge and practices); (iii) edutainment activity (e.g. interactive lessons enhanced by the comic booklet and the "Fight the parasite" cartoon video, hands-on educational activities and drawing activities on CE); and (iv) post-intervention evaluation of CE knowledge (via TFD post-intervention questionnaire same questionnaire as used for the pre-intervention assessment on CE-related knowledge and practices) and on-site edutainment tour in primary schools taking part to the project.
The percentage of correct answers increased from 65% for the questionnaire administered pre-intervention to 87.9% for the same questionnaire administered post-intervention (χ
= 648.12, df = 1, P < 0.0001), while the percentage of uncertain answers (i.e. 'I don't know') decreased from 23% pre-intervention to 5% post-intervention (χ
= 603.44, df = 1, P < 0.0001). These differences indicate a significantly enhanced understanding of CE among participating school children after the intervention.
The results of the present survey indicate that the use of digital educational tools, the use of video animations as a model for science communication, as well as other participatory teaching methods, enabled children to retain key knowledge of the routes of CE transmission and ways to prevent it.
Purpose
Human cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic parasitic disease that constitutes a public health challenge and a socio-economic burden in endemic areas worldwide. No specific surveillance ...system of CE infections in humans exists in Lebanon. The incidence and trends over time have not been documented. The current study aimed to assess the demographic and epidemiologic features of human CE surgical cases over a 14-year period in the five main regions of Lebanon.
Methods
From 2005 to 2018, a total of 894 surgically confirmed cases of hydatidosis were recorded from five anatomy and pathology laboratories.
Results
The mean annual surgical incidence was 1.23/100,000 inhabitants. Over the span of these years, the incidence increased from 0.53 to 1.94 cases/100,000 inhabitants in 2005 and 2018, respectively. CE is present in Lebanon with an uneven distribution from one region to the other with higher prevalence in Bekaa (29.0%), a rural area where sheep raising is widespread. Human CE cases were more common in females (60.1%) than in males (39.9%) and a high burden of infection was reported for the age group of 30–39 years. Besides, 66.7% of the cases expressed only liver complications whereas, 20.5% showed predilection towards lungs. The 7.8% of cases presented cysts in other organs, and 1.3% showed multiple localizations. Additionally, predominant involvement of
Echinococcus granulosus
sensu stricto was recorded in human infections. Comparison of
Echinococcus granulosus s.s.
populations from different Mediterranean countries also revealed high gene flow among this region and sharing of alleles.
Conclusion
The current study is a step forward to fill the gap of knowledge for the hydatidosis in Lebanon where the lack of epidemiological data and control measures have resulted in higher incidence of human CE.
Graphic Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a disease of livestock and humans caused by the larval stage of the
Echinococcus granulosus
sensu lato (s.l.) species complex and occurs especially in areas where sheep ...breeding is widespread. This survey evaluates, after more than a decade since the last epidemiological survey, the current situation and trend of CE in sheep of the highly endemic island of Sardinia (Italy). From 2012 to 2018, out of a total of 1416 sheep, 65.3% were found positive for CE. Cyst fertility has increased slightly from 10.3% in 2006 (Scala et al.
2006
) to 11.7% in the present survey (
χ
2 = 1.07;
P
= 0.30018) with a peak of 14.0% in the province of Sassari. Overall, 6815 hydatids were found and classified as sterile (26.2%), fertile (14.4%), caseous (5.3%), or calcified (54.1%) based on their morphology. All isolates were identified as
E. granulosus
sensu stricto (former G1/G3, strains). Results shown as the implementation of new European Council Regulations and in particular of 21/2004 that established a system for the individual identification and tracking of sheep could be a step forward towards a better control of animal movement, preventing illegal slaughtering on the island as well as in other countries experiencing similar problems. Even if at first sight the general situation of Sardinia regarding CE seems a little better compared with the past, our findings indicate that in some Provinces the epidemiological situation is not improved since 2006.
Cystic echinococcosis (CE), a parasitic zoonosis of public health and economic concern, is highly endemic in Sardinia, Italy. The study involved examining the intraspecific variability and ...demographic structure of
Echinococcus granulosus
sensu stricto
(
s.s.
) in common hosts of this parasite. Molecular surveillance included the fragment amplification of a partial mitochondrial gene,
cox1
(750 bp), for a total of 69 isolates derived from sheep (
n
= 52), cattle (
n
= 11), pigs (
n
= 4), and goats (
n
= 2). It was ascertained that
E. granulosus s.s.
was the primary agent of infection among these ungulates and G1 genotype was highly prevalent (79.71%). Considerable intraspecific variation was found, revealing the existence of 22 haplotypes with relatively high haplotype (0.8555 ± 0.033) and low nucleotide diversities (0.00281 ± 0.00030). Population demographics indicated an expanding parasitic population signifying negative deviation from neutrality indices. Little genetic differentiation was found between the subpopulations of
E. granulosus s.s.
in the island. Moreover, the geographic dispersal of genotypes G1 and G3 also indicated similarity between Sardinian and mainland
Echinococcus granulosus s.s
. populations reaffirming the sympatric occurrence and efficient transmission of G1 and G3 genotypes. Molecular survey of CE has the potential to yield baseline information on the infective genotypes among the intermediate hosts and helps in devising suitable control strategies for curtailing the disease.
Taenia multiceps is a taeniid cestode that inhabits the small intestines of both wild and domestic carnivores. The larval stage, Coenurus cerebralis, is typically found in the central nervous system ...(CNS) of a wide range of livestock and, to a lesser extent, in the extra-cerebral tissues of sheep and goats. This review covers all aspects of the life cycle of T. multiceps and its epidemiology, molecular characterization, pathogenesis, diagnosis, therapy, control and zoonotic potential. Coenurosis caused by the larval stage of T. multiceps has a worldwide distribution and is often fatal in intermediate hosts, which can result in substantial economic losses in livestock farming. Molecular characterization using the mitochondrial genes cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase subunit 1 of different T. multiceps populations has revealed significant genetic variation and the presence of three major haplotypes. The disease mostly affects young sheep and is referred to as either acute or chronic coenurosis. Acute coenurosis occurs as a result of oncospheres migrating through the CNS, while chronic coenurosis occurs as a consequence of the coenurus maturing, which causes displacement and pressure atrophy of brain tissue. Non-cerebral coenurosis has been most commonly reported in goats. The best diagnostic method for cerebral coenurosis involves the interpretation of clinical signs with accurate localization of the cyst using diagnostic imaging techniques. A vaccine based on recombinant oncosphere antigens has proved to be an effective tool against T. multiceps infection in sheep. Additionally, use of anthelmintics during the parasite's migration stages reduces the development of cysts in the sheep brain. Surgery is considered the most effective method for the treatment of cerebral coenurosis in small ruminants, but is often not carried out because of the limited finances of many sheep and goat breeders. However, coenurosis can also be controlled effectively through preventative measures, such as anthelmintic treatment of dogs and the proper disposal of intermediate host carcasses. The parasite is also zoonotic, and cases of coenurosis have been reported in humans with coenuri located in the brain, spinal cord and eyes.
Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus
is a zoonotic parasite affecting suids worldwide which are the definitive hosts for this helminth species.
Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus
is of significant economic ...and management concern due to its pathogenicity, causing intestinal obstruction and perforation in the definitive hosts. Current study is the preliminary investigation from Sardinia, Italy, reporting the pathomorphological findings and molecular characterization of
M. hirudinaceus
in the wild boars (
Sus scrofa meridionalis
). A total of 59 wild boars were examined showing acanthocephalan infection in 8 (13.6%) animals. In total, 49 parasites were collected with a mean intensity of 6.1. Comparatively higher infection levels were observed for males (16.7%) and young boars (14.3%); however, these epidemiological differences were statistically non-significant. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of a variable number of nodules (∼5 mm) in the intestine of
M. hirudinaceus
infested animals surrounded by a hyperemic-hemorrhagic halo. Several parasites were recovered from the intestinal lumen attached by the means of characteristic hooks showing necrosis in muscle layers. A moderate number of plump reactive fibroblasts and lesser numbers of fibrocytes were embedded with and at the borders of the inflammatory nodules in a moderate amount of homogeneous intensely eosinophilic fibrillary material rupturing the cell membrane. For molecular characterization, six isolated worms were amplified for the partial mitochondrial
cox1
gene showing distinct interindividual variations. This first pathological and molecular description from southern Europe provided new knowledge about the diffusion of
M. hirudinaceus
in wild boars, furthering the research into the origin and transmission status of
M. hirudinaceus
in endemic localities.
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