Molecular update on cystic echinococcosis in cattle and water buffaloes of southern Italy

Cystic echinococcosis (CE)--caused by the larval stage (hydatid cyst) of the cestode Echinococcus granulosus--is one of the most widespread zoonoses of veterinary and medical importance. Molecular techniques have allowed the identification of 10 different genotypes (G1-G10) of the parasite. The present paper is an update regarding the E. granulosus genotypes infecting water buffaloes and cattle bred in the Campania region of southern Italy. The molecular study was performed on 30 hydatid cysts (11 from water buffaloes and 19 from cattle). Two different mitochondrial DNA genes, namely the cytochrome c oxidase subunits 1 and the 12S ribosomal DNA (12S rDNA) were used as genetic markers. Three different genotypes of E. granulosus were unequivocally identified, i.e. the G1 (common sheep), G2 (Tasmanian sheep) and G3 (buffalo) genotypes, as well as some G1 and G2 variants. It should be noted that the present study demonstrated for the first time: (i) the presence of the G2 genotype in water buffaloes from a Mediterranean area; and (ii) the fact that the analysed portion of the 12S rDNA gene can not discriminate between the G2 and G3 genotypes of E. granulosus. The finding of the G1, G2 and G3 genotypes in large ruminants from southern Italy is of epidemiological relevance and immediate public health importance because of their recognized infectivity in humans.     

Prevalence and economic importance of cystic echinococcosis in slaughtered ruminants in Burdur,Turkey

This study was conducted between April 2000 and March 2001, in 12-month period. During the study, local slaughterhouses were visited periodically for 1 year to examine the internal organs (livers, lungs, spleens and hearts) for the presence of cysts and total 1355 cattle, 218 sheep and 104 goats were examined for the cystic echinococcosis (CE). It was found that 13.5% of cattle, 26.6% of sheep and 22.1% of goats were infected with this disease. While cysts in cattle (P < 0.001) and goats (P > 0.05) were found mostly in lungs (88.5 and 82.6%, respectively), but they were mostly found in livers (P > 0.05) in sheep. In addition to this, three spleens and one heart in cattle were infected with CE. In this study, the prevalence of CE and the number of cysts in ruminants were found different when the cattle, sheep and goats examined were stratified based on age. The prevalence and the number of cysts increased with age approaching an asymptotic prevalence of one in the oldest animals (P < 0.05). The number of cysts in cattle, sheep and goats were increasing at a rate of 0.31, 0.63 and 0.42/year, respectively. The economic decrease in the value of the carcasses because of the discarded liver and lung as a result of CE was estimated as 1.1% (7.5 US dollars per cattle) for cattle, 4.37% (3.2 US dollars per sheep) for sheep and 4.26% (2.9 US dollars per goat) for goats. The minimum total loss for all infected animals was determined to be 583 US dollars in infected animals, based on the market prices in the year 2002.     

Estimating the production losses due to cystic echinococcosis in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Turkey

Veterinary Research Communications - The current study aimed at estimating the direct (condemned offal) and indirect (meat, milk, and fecundity losses) production losses due to cystic...     

Estimating the production losses due to cystic echinococcosis in ruminants in Turkey

The aim of this study was to estimate the production losses due to cystic echinococcosis (CE) in cattle, sheep and goats in Turkey. For this purpose, official records and previously published data in the literature were used. The weighted mean prevalence rates of the disease were calculated to be 7.4% in cattle, 46.3% in sheep and 10.9% in goats. The financial losses were estimated in US$ at 2008 current prices under expected (mean value), optimistic (mean value lowered by 10%), and pessimistic (mean value increased by 10%) scenarios. The production losses in an infected ruminant were estimated as US$ 139.2 (125.3–153.2, under optimistic–pessimistic scenarios) for cattle, US$ 13.7 (12.3–15.1) for sheep, and US$ 13.9 (12.5–15.3) for goats. The nation-wide annual losses due to CE were estimated as US$ 32.4 million (26.2–39.1) for cattle, US$ 54.1 million (43.8–65.5) for sheep and US$ 2.7 million (2.2–3.3) for goats. The nation-wide production losses due to CE in Turkey in 2008 were calculated as US$ 89.2 million (72.2–107.9). The results of this study may provide information to assist decisions of the policy makers in prioritising the allocation of scarce resources in controlling animal diseases in Turkey. However, alternative disease control-eradication programmes and cost-benefit analyses of them are needed for the future studies of this kind to provide better decision support in this area.     

Molecular and serological prevalence of Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina in water buffaloes in the northeast region of Thailand

Bovine babesiosis is a tick-transmitted hemoprotozoan disease that is mainly caused by Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina and is characterized by significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The disease is widespread in the northeastern region of Thailand, where an increasingly large part of the livestock is composed of water buffaloes. The present study was therefore conducted to investigate the epidemiological distribution of B. bovis and B. bigemina in water buffaloes in the northeastern region of Thailand. A total of 305 buffalo blood samples were randomly collected from five provinces and simultaneously analyzed by the nested PCR (nPCR) assay, ELISA, and IFAT techniques. The overall prevalence of B. bovis and B. bigemina was 11.2% and 3.6% by nPCR, 14.7% and 5.9% by ELISA, and 16.8% and 5.6% by IFAT, respectively. The high concordance between the molecular and the serological detection tests revealed the specificity and sensitivity of the diagnostic assays used for the detection of infection as well as the endemic stability status of the parasites in the surveyed areas. Statistically significant differences in the prevalence of the two infections were observed on the basis of age and location but not gender. Our data provide valuable information regarding the epidemiology of B. bovis and B. bigemina infection in water buffaloes in the northeastern region of Thailand which will likely be very beneficial for management and control programs of this disease.     

Cystic echinococcosis in slaughtered sheep in Sardinia (Italy)

Of 771 regularly slaughtered Sardinian breed sheep, 580 (75%) were found infected with Echinococcus granulosus hydatid cysts. Seventy-nine sheep (10.3%) had at least 1 fertile cyst. The prevalence of sheep infected with purulent/caseous cysts, calcified cysts and sterile cysts was 13, 59 and 28%, respectively. The age of sheep was positively associated with the probability of infection that increased 1.15 fold for each further year of age. Fertile cysts were found in the lungs of 46 sheep (6%) and in the liver of 13 sheep (1.7%), and in the lung and the liver of 20 sheep (2.6%). Most fertile cysts were found in the lungs (314) and most sheep were infected with less than 10 cysts. When analyzed by a mixed-effect logistic model, the probability to find fertile cysts in the lungs was three times higher compared to the liver and it increased with the age of the sheep (rho = 0.70, p < 0.001). Of 4072 collected cysts, 532 were fertile, 178 purulent/caseous, 2339 calcified and 1023 sterile.     

Occurrence and financial loss assessment of cystic echinococcosis (hydatidosis) in cattle slaughtered at Wolayita Sodo municipal abattoir,Southern Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study aimed at determining the prevalence and cyst characteristics and estimating the financial loss due to cystic echinococcosis (hydatidosis) in cattle slaughtered at Wolayita Sodo municipal abattoir was conducted from November 2009 to April 2010. Out of 546 cattle examined, 92 (16.85%) were found to harbor visible hydatid cysts. Significantly higher infection was detected in local (P < 0.05) than crossbred cattle. No significant variation was observed with regard to origin, sex, and body condition status of animals. Regarding organ distribution, infections of the lung, liver, spleen, and kidney were 57.78%, 35.46%, 8.75%, and 4.01%, respectively. Of the total 1,097 hydatid cysts counted, 952 (86.78%), 136 (12.4%), and eight (0.82%) were found to be small-sized, medium-sized, and large-sized, respectively. Likewise, out of 450 cysts assessed, 138 (30.67%) were fertile, 241 (53.56%) sterile, and 71 (15.78%) calcified. Of the 138 fertile cysts subjected for viability test, 13 (9.42%) were viable while 125 (90.57%) were nonviable. Moreover, assessment of annual economic loss due to bovine hydatidosis at Wolayita Sodo municipal abattoir from offal condemnation and carcass weight loss was estimated at 410,755.90 Ethiopian Birr (ETB; 30,202.64 US; 1 US; 1 US = 13.60 ETB). Despite the moderate magnitude of infection detected currently, there seems to be an existing socioeconomic situation favorable for hydatidosis, and hence, it remains one of the most important diseases warranting serious attention for prevention and control actions in Wolayita zone. Hence, establishment of well-equipped standardized abattoirs, creation of public awareness, and control of stray dogs are of paramount importance.     

Study on the prevalence of cystic hydatidosis and its economic significance in cattle slaughtered at Hawassa Municipal abattoir,Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2008 to March 2009 to assess the status of cystic hydatidosis in cattle slaughtered at Hawassa Municipal abattoir. Out of the total 632 cattle examined visually and manually (palpation and incision), 333 (52.69%) were found harboring hydatid cysts. A significantly higher infection was detected in older cattle (P < 0.05, χ ² = 4.36) than young. Regarding body condition score, no significant variation (P > 0.05, χ ² = 2.148) was observed as the prevalence was 54.55% for lean cattle followed by medium (53.83%) and fat (46.88%). Of the total 333 infected, 123 (36.9%) had hydatid cysts only in the lung, 23 (6.9%) in the liver, 12 (3.6%) in the spleen, five (1.5%) in the heart, and three (0.9%) in the kidney while the rest 167 (50.2%) had multiple organ infections. Of the 530 viscera harboring hydatid cysts, the highest (52.83%) was lung followed by liver (34.15%), spleen (9.06%), heart (3.39%), and kidney (0.56%). Size assessment made on 874 cysts indicated that 308 (35.3%) were small, 251 (28.7%) medium, 89 (10.2%) large, and 226 (25.9%) were calcified. The distribution of characterized cysts in different organs based on their size was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). In addition, out of the total 874 cysts collected, 26.9% were fertile, 47.3% sterile, and 25.9% calcified or purulent cysts. There was a significant difference in fertility of cyst from different organs (P < 0.05, χ ² = 27.96), those of lung origin being highly fertile. Likewise, out of the 121 fertile cysts subjected for viability test, 68 (56.2%) were viable. Considering the current result, the total annual economic loss from organ condemnation and carcass weight loss due to bovine hydatidosis at Hawassa Municipal abattoir was estimated at 1,791,625.89 Ethiopian Birr (ETB; 1USD = 12.93ETB). Results in the study were discussed in light of the situation in different parts of Ethiopia and abroad, and finally, relevant recommendations were forwarded.     

Molecular detection of Cryptosporidium spp. infections in water buffaloes from northeast Thailand

The objectives of this study were to determine the individual and herd-level prevalence and genotype of Cryptosporidium and to identify putative risk factors associated with Cryptosporidium spp. infections in water buffaloes in northeast Thailand. Fecal samples from 600 water buffaloes of 287 farms in six provinces were collected and tested using DMSO-modified acid-fast staining and polymerase chain reaction. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium infections in buffaloes was 5.7 and 8.7 % among individual animals and herds, respectively. The provinces with highest infected Cryptosporidium were located in the Sakon Nakhon Basin in the northern part of the region. In addition, higher herd prevalence was observed among farms with more than five buffaloes (30 %) than those with five or less animals (16.2 %). Thirty (88.2 %) of the 34 Cryptosporidium-positive samples were Cryptosporidium parvum and four (11.8 %) were Cryptosporidium ryanae.     

Molecular detection and characterization of Ehrlichia canis from dogs in Turkey

Seroprevalence of Ehrlichia canis antibodies among dogs in Turkey were previously reported, however, the ehrlichial organism has never been characterized in this region. The current study examined dogs from Ankara with febrile illness for E. canis infection with E. canis-specific PCR. Three of the 12 blood specimens from dogs showing clinical signs compatible with canine ehrlichiosis were found to be positive by PCR using E. canis-specific primers. E. canis detected in one of the blood specimens was designated as Kutahya strain. The representative E. canis strain was characterized by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and Western blot analysis of the plasma sample from the dog infected with E. canis. The 16S rRNA sequence (1,388 bp) of the E. canis Kutahya was identical to that of Ehrlichia ovina from a sheep in Turkey and Venezuelan Dog Ehrlichia (VDE) and was closely related (99.9%) to that of type strain of E. canis, Oklahoma. The plasma of the dog infected with E. canis Kutahya was analyzed by Western blotting using the purified E. canis Oklahoma strain as antigen. The reactive antibody profiles of the dog infected with E. canis Kutahya was found to be similar to those of dogs infected with E. canis Oklahoma and VDE, suggesting the antigenic similarities among these strains. The findings in this study would help for a better understanding of epidemiology of canine ehrlichiosis. This is the first report of molecular detection and characterization of an ehrlichial agent in Turkey.     

Control of cystic echinococcosis: Background and prospects

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by Echinococcus granulosus, is a chronic and debilitating zoonotic larval cestode infection in humans, which is principally transmitted between dogs and domestic livestock, particularly sheep. Human CE occurs in almost all pastoral communities and rangeland areas of the underdeveloped and developed world. Control programmes against CE have been implemented in several endemic countries to reduce or eliminate the disease. New Zealand and Tasmania are examples of some of the first programmes to be undertaken (in insular territories) and which were very successful in the elimination of CE. The advent and proven effectiveness of praziquantel, plus the experience of insular models, produced high expectations for rapid advances in a second generation of control programmes undertaken in continental areas (Argentina, Uruguay and Chile). Nevertheless, only moderate gains in CE control have been made and the impact on prevalence among humans has been slight. A major impediment to the adoption of procedures that were successful in New Zealand and Tasmania has been the requirement to administer praziquantel to dogs in rural areas eight times per year over numerous years. In addition, there have been clear technological improvements made in the diagnosis of canine echinococcosis for surveillance, the genetic characterization of parasite strains and in vaccination against CE infection in livestock. In order to establish new paradigms and appropriate combinations of control strategies, we have carried out a review and discussion of the available control tools and control models. Control strategies must be suitable and sustainable to benefit the Echinococcosis–endemic areas primarily, which at the same time are the poorest regions of the world.     

Epidemiological study of the cystic echinococcosis in Morocco

The objectives of this epidemiological study on cystic echinococcosis (CE) in Morocco (2001-2004) were to update the prevalence of CE in different animal species living in the most important areas of the country and to collect protoscoleces and germinal layers for genetic research purposes. The post mortem inspection concerned 2948 sheep, 2337 goats, 618 cattle, 482 camels and 455 equines (325 horses, 60 mules and 70 donkeys) in five different regions: the Rif (Mediterranean coast and high mountains of the Rif), the Loukkos (Atlantic northwest plain), the center (Rabat and Casablanca regions), the Middle Atlas mountains and the south (arid and semi desert areas). The global CE infection prevalence rates obtained were 22.98% in cattle, 10.58% in sheep, 12.03% in camels, 17.80% in equines and 1.88% in goats. The infection rates were especially high in the Middle Atlas in cattle (48.72%) and in the Loukkos in cattle and sheep (37.61 and 31.65%, respectively). The majority of infected cattle (49.6%) and sheep (52.1%) had hydatid cysts in both liver and lungs. Except for cattle, the liver was more infected than lungs in all the other animal species. Animals more than 5 years old were the most infected in all species. The mean CE infection rates of these animals were about 56% in cattle, 40% in sheep, 20% in camels, 17.80% in equines and 7% in goats. These rates were much higher in the Loukkos (85% of cattle and 59% of sheep) and in the Middle Atlas (68% of cattle and 45% of sheep) than in the other regions. Results showed that Echinococcus granulosus is in an endemic steady state with no evidence of protective immunity in the intermediate hosts. The mean numbers of infections per year are 0.099 for cattle, 0.063 for sheep, 0.03 for camels and 0.010 for goats.     

Molecular and phenotypic characterization of enterococci isolated from broiler flocks in Turkey

The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial resistance, resistance mechanisms implicated, and virulence genes (asa1, gelE, cylA, esp, and hyl) of Enterococcus spp. isolated from broiler flocks in Turkey. In addition, clonality of ampicillin and vancomycin-resistant enterococci was also investigated using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Out of 430 cloacal swab samples investigated, 336 (78.1%) Enterococcus spp. was isolated. The most frequently identified species were E. faecalis (87.8%), E. faecium (8.3%), E. durans (2.4%), E. casseliflavus (0.9%), and E. hirae (0.6%). The most common resistance was against tetracycline (81.3%), erythromycin (77.1%), ciprofloxacin (56.8%), and chloramphenicol (46.4%). Fifty (14.9%) isolates showed high-level gentamicin resistance (HLGL) phenotype. Ampicillin and vancomycin resistance were observed in 3.3% and 1.5% of the isolates, respectively. Two hundred eighty-three isolates were positive for the presence of virulence genes. Among the virulence genes tested, only gelE, asa1, esp, and cylA genes were detected. The most prevalent virulence gene was gelE (234, 69.6%), followed by asa1 (160, 47.6%), esp (37, 11%), and cylA (2, 0.6%). In conclusion, this study revealed that commensal enterococci from broiler flocks showed high rate of resistance to antimicrobials including clinically important antimicrobials for humans. The main underlying reason for high resistance could be attributed to the inappropriate and widespread use of antimicrobials. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop control strategies to prevent the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance.

     

Prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in slaughtered cattle and buffaloes in Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic

This is the first report regarding isolation of Campylobacter in caecum and bile samples obtained from ruminants in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Campylobacter was isolated from 3 (1.6%) of the 184 caecum samples and 1 (1.0%) of the 100 bile samples obtained from buffaloes. Three of the 4 isolates were determined to be C. jejuni, which was detected in 2 caecum samples and 1 bile sample; the other caecum sample contained C. fetus. Campylobacter was not isolated from any of the 82 cattle caecum samples. Our results suggest that cattle and buffaloes may not be important sources of Campylobacter food poisoning in Lao PDR.     

Prevalence and molecular characterization of Sarcocystis species in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalus) in Egypt

The present study was planned to investigate the prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. among slaughtered water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) at Alexandria province, Egypt. Three hundred blood samples were collected from slaughtered buffaloes (5–7 years old). Two techniques were used to evaluate the seroprevalence of Sarcocystis spp., enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect haemagglutination assay (IHA). It was revealed that 203 (67.6 %) and 191 (63.6 %) of the tested serum samples were seropositive to Sarcocystis spp. by ELISA and IHA, respectively. The results of sensitivity and specificity of IHA relative to ELISA were 94 and 100 %, respectively. For molecular characterization of inter- and intra-species genetic polymorphism within Egyptian isolates of Sarcocystis spp. of water buffaloes, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and polymerase chain reaction-restriction length polymorphisms (PCR-RFLPs) were performed on four macroscopic isolates. The isolates represented two different geographical regions of Egypt, Alexandria and Assuit provinces. Alexandria isolates (large and small-sized cyst of the same host) and Assuit isolates (large and small-sized cyst of the same host) were used. The 18S rDNA of the macroscopic cysts were characterized, in tandem, by four restriction endonucleases, RsaI, MboI, SspI and DraI. RsaI and MboI enzymes did not show any restriction sites for all isolates, leaving the amplified fragments without cutting. SspI showed two fragments in Alexandria and Assuit small-sized isolates cut by the enzyme at 600–700-bp fragments, while Alexandria and Assuit large-sized cysts amplicons were not digested by this enzyme. The fourth enzyme, DraI, cut the PCR product of Alexandria large-sized cysts into two fragments (420–780 bp), while Assuit large-sized amplicon was not cut. It could be concluded that there was a far distance between the two local isolates (small and large sized), but there were no differences between the large-sized isolates.     

Ultrasonographic screening for cystic echinococcosis in sheep in Tunisia

Sheep from the areas of Fondouk-Jeddid, Bir Mchergua and El Fahs, located in the Northeast of Tunisia, were examined by ultrasonography between 2001 and 2004 in order to assess their infection with Echinococcus granulosus, the agent of hydatid disease, and to evaluate this method as an efficient aire for hydatid cysts. A total of 1039 sheep, aged between 1 and 14 years was examined. The highest prevalence was found in sheep aged more than 8 years. The least infected animals were aged between 1 and 2 years. All hydatid cysts detected by ultrasound were located in the liver. In all age-groups, the dead cysts were more numerous than viable cysts. Eighteen positive sheep were autopsied and a comparison between ultrasound and autopsy results was performed. The results showed a prevalence of about 40% for the three areas. Ultrasonography allowed the cysts, deep or superficial to localize in the central or left part in relation to the caudal vena cava of the animals. Consequently, all the cysts were not detected with this technique. This work shows that ultrasonography confirms the importance of ovine hydatid cyst in Tunisia and that its use as a mass screening approach for cystic echinococcosis in sheep could be helpful for the monitoring of this disease in a hydatid control program without great stress for the animals.     

Genetic survey of cystic echinococcosis in farm animals in Oman

Tropical Animal Health and Production - Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) is the causative agent of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in animals and humans with a worldwide distribution affecting...