Vector-borne nematode diseases in pets and humans in the Mediterranean Basin: An update.

Djamel Tahir,Philippe Parola,Bernard Davoust

doi:10.14202/vetworld.2019.1630-1643

Djamel Tahir, Philippe Parola + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2019.1630-1643

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Abstract

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in humans and animals. The scale of VBDs is increasing worldwide, including in the Mediterranean Basin, a region exposed to climate changes. Indeed, weather conditions may influence the abundance and distribution of vectors. The vector-borne nematode diseases of dogs and cats, such as dirofilariosis, onchocercosis, thelaziosis, Cercopithifilaria, and Acanthocheilonema infections, are some of these vectorized diseases, several of which are zoonoses. They are all caused by parasitic nematodes transmitted by arthropods, including mosquitoes (Dirofilaria spp.), black flies (Onchocerca lupi), drosophilids (Thelazia callipaeda), ticks (Acanthocheilonema dracunculoides and Cercopithifilaria bainae), and fleas and lice (Acanthocheilonema reconditum). The control and prevention of these infections and diseases require a multidisciplinary approach based on strengthening collaboration between the different actors in the fields of health, research, sociology, economics, governments and citizens, to improve human, animal, and ecosystem health. This is the concept of “one health.” The review aimed to provide a general update on the spatial and temporal distribution of vector-borne nematodes diseases affecting companion animals and humans, as well as the vectors involved in the Mediterranean area. Simultaneously, certain epidemiological parameters, diagnosis, treatment, and control of these diseases based on the “one health” concept will also be discussed.

Highlights

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites transmitted from one infected and infectious vertebrate host to another through the bite of bloodsucking arthropods during blood meals
Serological tests based on D. immitis antigen detection are used in front line testing in cases of heartworm disease in dogs [25], but this method is not recommended in cats because of the low number of adult worms in the cardiorespiratory system, making it difficult to detect low concentrations of circulating antigens [57]
Through this review on vector-borne nematode diseases (VBNDs) of companion animals and humans in the Mediterranean region, it is clear that dirofilariosis due to both D. immitis and D. repens species is the most important VBND due to two reasons: (i) many animal and human cases have been reported in recent years in historically endemic countries (Italy, France, Portugal, and Spain) and in non-traditionally endemic areas (Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco) and (ii) the invasion of the Mediterranean region with tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus), a species that has been proven to be a competent vector for D. immitis and D. repens

Summary

Introduction

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites transmitted from one infected and infectious vertebrate host to another through the bite of bloodsucking arthropods (ticks, fleas, lice, mosquitoes, sand flies, etc.) during blood meals. In several regions of world (including Southern Europe), thelaziosis represents an emerging VBND in which the nematode Thelazia callipaeda (known as “oriental eye worm”) has been reported as a causal agent for animal (dogs, cats, and foxes) and human ocular thelaziosis [3].

Results

Conclusion