Canine Infection Research Articles

Detection and characterization of potential virulence determinants in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and S. schleiferi strains isolated from canine otitis externa in Korea.

A recent increase in the occurrence of canine skin and soft tissue infections, including otitis externa and pyoderma, caused by antimicrobial-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and S. schleiferi has become a significant public and veterinary health issues. We investigated the virulence potentials associated with the occurrence of canine otitis externa in S. pseudintermedius and S. schleiferi. In this study, the prevalence of genes encoding leukocidins, exfoliative toxins, and staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) was investigated using previously characterized S. pseudintermedius (n = 26) and S. schleiferi (n = 19) isolates derived from canine otitis externa. Susceptibility to cathelicidins (K9CATH and PMAP-36) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was also examined in both staphylococcal species. A high prevalence of genes encoding leukocidins (lukS/F-I, lukS1/F1-S, and lukS2/F2-S), exfoliative toxins (siet, expB, and sset), and SEs was identified in both S. pseudintermedius and S. schleiferi isolates. Notably, S. pseudintermedius isolates possessed higher number of SE genes, especially newer SE genes, than S. schleiferi isolates harboring egc clusters. Although no significant differences in susceptibility to K9CATH and H2O2 were observed between the two isolate groups, S. pseudintermedius isolates exhibited enhanced resistance to PMAP-36 compared to S. schleiferi isolates. These findings suggest that high a prevalence of various toxin genes together with enhanced resistance to cathelicidins may contribute to the pathogenicity of S. pseudintermedius and S. schleiferi in canine cutaneous infections.

Ozone therapy: protocol for treating canine parvovirus infection.

Canine Parvovirus infection is a disease caused by Canine Parvovirus (CPV) that results in hemorrhagic gastroenteritis and secondary infections, mainly in puppies between six weeks and six months old that are not immunized. Since there is no specific treatment for the condition, supportive therapy based on antibiotics, antiemetics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is traditionally used. Ozone therapy is an economical treatment that has bactericidal, fungicidal, and antiviral properties, besides promoting oxygenation and tissue regeneration, as well as anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and was used as a complementary therapy in this study. Therefore, four mixed-breed dogs, aged between 2 and 3 months, with no previous immunization against CPV and testing positive for the virus in a rapid test were selected. The animals were randomly distributed into two groups, being 1: the control group (n=2) that received only supportive treatment; and 2: the experimental group (n=2), that in addition to conventional therapy received intravenously 500 mL of ozonized Ringer's Lactate solution. Before treatment and after 24 and 48 hours, the following clinical signs were evaluated: episodes of emesis and diarrhea, weight, hydration, blood glucose level, abdominal pain, and blood count. One control group animal died within the first hours of hospitalization. Both animals in the experimental group presented faster resolution of diarrheal episodes and shorter hospitalization time when compared to the surviving animal that received only supportive treatment. Although further studies are needed, ozone therapy showed promising results for the treatment of canine parvovirus.

Multilocus Microsatellite Analysis of the Molecular Epidemiology of Microsporum canis Isolated in Japan.

Microsporum canis, a major causative agent of zoonotic dermatophytosis, has become prevalent in Japan. Molecular epidemiological surveys using multilocus microsatellite typing (MLMT), a sensitive genotyping tool for fungi, have been conducted to reveal intraspecies polymorphisms of M. canis.The present study utilized MLMT optimized for Japanese strains of M. canis to analyze epidemic trends of fungal infection. Six individual loci were targeted; namely, MS1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7. Analysis of data from 1974 through 2022 identified 416 strains, which were sorted into 60 genotypes by MLMT.The major genotypes showed changes in dominance during this period-changes that may reflect historical increases and decreases in the numbers of patients infected with M. canis patients. The main origins of infection included animal breeders and pet stores, as well as stray cat communities. Forty-nine episodes of familial outbreaks and cohabitant animal infections were recorded, and genotypes responsible for each episode were determined. MLMT analysis is not only a robust tool to understand population structures, but likely the most suitable method for tracking M. canis infections.

Detection of Hepatozoon spp. in dogs in Shiraz, southern Iran and its effects on the hematological alterations.

Canine hepatozoonosis is a tick-transmitted apicomplexan infection caused by two species of Hepatozoon, H. canis, and H. americanum. The present research aimed at detection of Hepatozoon spp. in dogs and its effects on hematological alterations. Blood samples were taken from 108 dogs to assess Hepatozoon spp. Phylogenetic analysis was performed based on the 18S rDNA marker by PCR assay and Giemsa-stained blood smear examination. Of the 108 blood samples of dogs tested in the present study, eight (7.40%, 95% CI: 3.25-14.07%) were positive by the Hepatozoon-specific PCR assay. However, in the microscopic examination, only one sample (0.93%) was positive. All of the sequenced samples were H. canis. The Hepatozoon sequences obtained from PCR amplicons in the canine-positive cases exhibited 100% similarity to each other and 98.47-100% similarity to other relevant sequences in GenBank. These findings represent the first molecular evidence of H. canis in dog populations in South Iran. Furthermore, according to the hematological analysis, significantly higher average numbers of neutrophils and lymphocytes were found in the infected group compared to the non-infected dogs. In this study, no statistically significant connection (P<0.05) was observed between H. canis infection and the examined risk factors.

Seroprevalence and associated factors with Neospora caninum infection in sheep and goats slaughtered in the state of Paraíba, Brazil.

The objective was to describe the seroprevalence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in goats and sheep slaughtered in the state of Paraíba and to identify possible associated factors with the infections. Two hundred twenty-nine samples from goats and two hundred five from sheep were analyzed by Indirect Immunofluorescence Reaction (IFAT) using a cutoff point of 1:50. The presence of anti-N. caninum antibodies was identified in 28.4% (65/ 229; 95% Confidence Interval: 22.6-34.2) of the goat samples and in 12.7% (26/ 205; 95% CI: 8.2 - 17.2) of the sheep samples. Contact between goats and dogs (Odds ratio 4.81; CI 1.13 - 2.67; p = 0.041) and cattle (OR. 1.87; CI 1.13 - 2.67; p = 0.002) was identified as a risk factor for goats and contact between sheep and dogs (OR 2.32; CI 1.58 - 3.14; p = 0.026) and history of abortion (OR 1.94; CI 1.28 - 2.90; p = 0.001) was considered a risk factor for sheep. The study revealed a high seroprevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies in slaughtered goats and sheep in Paraíba. Risk factors such as contact with dogs/cattle and abortion history underscore the need for preventive measures to control infection and enhance animal health management.

Phlebotomine sand flies (Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) in an area of canine infection caused by Leishmania infantum in the state of Amapá, eastern Amazon.

In 2017, the Brazilian State of Amapá registered the first occurrence of visceral leishmaniosis (VL) in 17 dogs in the outskirts of the capital, Macapá. Given the lack of knowledge on phlebotomines in that area, this study aimed to survey the fauna of these Diptera. Sampling was performed using CDC light traps placed at ten sampling sites. The specimens captured were Evandromyia walkeri (n=237), Nyssomyia antunesi (n=65) and Bichromomyia flaviscutellata (n=6). The phlebotomine species composition resulted in low species diversity, and none of the main vectors of the etiological agent of VL were identified in the study area.

A Preliminary Study for Determination of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte, Monocyte to Lymphocyte and Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratios in Dogs with Canine Distemper Virus Infection

It is aimed to compare the pretreatment Neutrophil/Lymphocyte (NEU/LYM), Monocyte/Lymphocyte (MONO/LYM), and Platelet/Lymphocyte (PLT/LYM) ratios with whole blood count (WBC) of dogs naturally infected Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) with healthy individuals within this preliminary study. For this purpose, retrospectively, 22 owned, 3-12 (6.2) months old dogs diagnosed with CDV infection found to be positive with rapid test kits based up on the records of Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, constituted the study group. On the other hand, eight owned, 2-10 (8.2) months old, and healthy dogs enrolled in the control group. In the comparison of pre-treatment NEU/LYM, MONO/LYM, PLT/LYM, and WBC parameters between the groups, we found only a statistical difference (P 0.05) between median LYM, EOS, NEU%, LYM%, EOS%, BAS%, MCH, MCHC, RDWCV, PLT with NEU/LYM, MONO/LYM, PLT/LYM ratios. The median NEU/LYM, MONO/LYM, and PLT/LYM levels in the CDV positive group were 31.9, 2.33, and 391.2, respectively, while the same values of the control group were determined as 6.39, 0.37 and 187.7, respectively. The optimized cut-off points of NEU/LYM, MONO/LYM, and PLT/LYM values in estimating CDV patients were also determined as NEU/LYM =7.6, MONO/LYM=0.61 and PLT/LYM=0.852, respectively. In conclusion, this preliminary study suggests that NEU/LYM, MONO/LYM, and PLT/LYM values may be inexpensive, objective, and non-invasive new marker candidates for clinicians to support the diagnosis of CDV infected dogs in suspicious circumstances.

CPV Tahmininde Makine Öğrenme Yöntemlerinin Performanslarının Değerlendirilmesi: Farklı Bölgeler ve Parametreler ile Büyük Veri Uygulaması

Scopa: In the project, machine learning methods that can interpret health data have been applied specifically to Canine parvovirus infection. While CPV can be diagnosed based on clinical findings, it needs to be supported by laboratory findings to distinguish it from other infections. Correct diagnosis is vital to distinguish CPV from other infections with bloody diarrhoea, which can result in death in puppies. For this reason, by analysing the virus together with other data that may be affected by the virus, the methods of making the most accurate decision were compared and evaluated. Purpose: In this study, it was aimed to interpret CPV, which is considered to be one of the most important infectious agents of dogs, popularly known as mad-head disease, using K-NearestNeighbour (KNN), RandomForest (RF), Logistic Regression and NaiveBayes classification algorithms in terms of different parameters. When the total accuracy values were examined, the accuracy rates decreased in logistic regression and RF methods when the insignificant variable was removed in the model. Result: RF method made the best predictions when Platelets, Platelet (PLT) variable was in the model.In cases where we do not want to remove this variable from the model, it can give us very efficient results. KNN method gives better results when the number of variables decreases. Especially when the data size increases, it has been observed that the machine learning method gives more efficient results with better performance. Keywords: Big Data, Data Mining, Big Data in Health, Prediction Algorithms, Canine parvovirus (CPV)

Autochthonous infection with Ehrlichia Canis and Hepatozoon Canis in dogs from Serbia.

The epidemiological status concerning many canine tick-borne diseases (TBDs) in Serbia is still insufficiently known. Our study aimed to investigate the presence of tick-borne pathogens of the family Anaplasmataceae and Hepatozoon spp., as a cause of illnesses accompanied by clinical signs that can occur in dogs with anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis and hepatozoonosis. Dogs are included in the study based on the presence of a minimum of three clinical and/or pathological findings that could be associated with anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis and hepatozoonosis. During the study (April-October 2018), 11 dogs met the conditions to be included in the survey. Identification of the causative agent in the blood of diseased dogs was performed by conventional PCR followed by sequencing. The presence of the pathogens was confirmed in three animals (3/11, 27.3%). The presence of Ehrlichia canis was confirmed in 3-month-old female Rottweiler puppy, an 8-year old Miniature Schnauzer female was positive for Hepatozoon canis infection, while 4-year-old mixed breed male dog was co-infected with both mentioned pathogens. These are the first cases of autochthonous infection with E. canis and H. canis in dogs from Serbia confirmed by molecular methods. The results of our study indicate the importance of molecular methods to establish a reliable diagnosis of TBDs. Also, the confirmed presence of causative agents of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis and hepatozoonosis in Serbia appeals to veterinary practitioners that it is necessary to exclude the presence of those diseases in suspicious dogs.

Vicarious excretion of contrast medium to small intestine in a dog with Toxocara canis infection

A male mixed-breed dog of unknown age was presented with a history of bloody diarrhea and cachexia. Toxocara canis in vomitus was identified by a parasitologist. Hematology revealed low hematocrit, eosinophilia, and low albumin. Computed tomography (CT) revealed an enlarged pulmonary artery with an irregular wall, micronodules in the lung, and vicarious excretion of contrast medium to small intestine. CT scan was helpful for identifying lung lesions and the central organs of larval migration and also show vicarious excretion of contrast medium to the small intestine in T. canis infection.

Assessment of the circulation of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs from northern Portugal through combined analysis of antigens, DNA and parasite forms in blood

Dirofilariasis is a vector-borne disease frequent in many countries. Not only infected dogs, but also cats and wild canids (including wolves and foxes), represent important sources of infection for mosquitoes, which are the pathogen vectors. The disease is endemic in Mediterranean countries with increasing incidence in Italy, France, Greece and Spain, but limited epidemiological data is available from Portugal regarding its distribution and impact. Aiming to clarify this, canine whole blood samples (n = 244) from the north of Portugal were tested for Dirofilaria spp. antigens by use of a commercial rapid immunomigration test. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the modified Knott test were also used to assess the presence of microfilariae. Results were also compared to assess the performance of each test used. Of the 244 animals tested, 118 (48.4%) were positive for Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) in the serological adult worm rapid antigen detection test, and 36 (14.8%) had circulating microfilariae, identified as D. immitis. A combined positivity of 51.6% (126/244) was found. Results indicate that the risk of exposure to D. immitis in dogs is high in this region of Portugal, and that prophylaxis against the parasite is advisable to decrease the occurrence of canine infection and disease. The present study highlights the diagnostic value of serological and molecular tests in determining the prevalence of D. immitis.

Differential miRNA expression profiles in the bone marrow of Beagle dogs at different stages of Toxocara canis infection

BackgroundToxocara canis is distributed worldwide, posing a serious threat to both human and dog health; however, the pathogenesis of T. canis infection in dogs remains unclear. In this study, the changes in microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in the bone marrow of Beagle dogs were investigated by RNA-seq and bioinformatics analysis.ResultsThirty-nine differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were identified in this study. Among these, four DEmiRNAs were identified at 24 h post-infection (hpi) and all were up-regulated; eight DEmiRNAs were identified with two up-regulated miRNAs and six down-regulated miRNAs at 96 hpi; 27 DEmiRNAs were identified with 13 up-regulated miRNAs and 14 down-regulated miRNAs at 36 days post-infection (dpi). Among these DEmiRNAs, cfa-miR-193b participates in the immune response by regulating the target gene cd22 at 24 hpi. The novel_328 could participate in the inflammatory and immune responses through regulating the target genes tgfb1 and tespa1, enhancing the immune response of the host and inhibiting the infection of T. canis at 96 hpi. In addition, cfa-miR-331 and novel_129 were associated with immune response and self-protection mechanisms at 36 dpi. 20 pathways were significantly enriched by KEGG pathway analysis, most of which were related to inflammatory response, immune response and cell differentiation, such as Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), ECM-receptor interaction and Focal adhesion.ConclusionsThese findings suggested that miRNAs of Beagle dog bone marrow play important roles in the pathogenesis of T. canis infection in dogs and provided useful resources to better understand the interaction between T. canis and the hosts.

Molecular characterization of Ehrlichia canis and Babesia vogeli reveals multiple genogroups associated with clinical traits in dogs from urban areas of Colombia

Ehrlichia canis and Babesia vogeli are vector-borne pathogens that infect blood cells and produce the diseases Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (CME) and Babesiosis in dogs. Considering the lack of studies on these pathogens in Colombia, this study aims to determine the molecular prevalence and genetic characterization of E. canis and Babesia spp., in dogs from the Metropolitan Area of Bucaramanga (MAB), Santander, a region with one of the greatest pet densities in Colombia. One hundred eighty-five dogs were surveyed and analyzed through molecular, clinical, and hematological approaches. The molecular detection of E. canis and Babesia spp., was performed by conventional PCR targeting the dsb and 18S rRNA genes, respectively. To identify genogroups, E. canis positive samples underwent a hemi-nested PCR of the trp36 gene, and the PCR products were subsequently sequenced. Molecular analyses showed a prevalence of 13% (24/185; CI 95%, 8.1 – 18.0%) and 1.09% (2/185; CI 95,% -0.43 – 2.6%) for E. canis and B. vogeli respectively, as well as the presence of the genogroups US (USA), BR (Brazil), and CR (Costa Rica), in 62.5, 16.6, and 16.6% of E. canis positive samples, respectively. Values of hematocrit, hemoglobin, platelets, erythrocytes, white blood cell (WBC) count, lymphocytes, and eosinophils showed significant differences between animals infected with the different genogroups of E. canis (p< 0.05). In contrast, hematocrit values, hemoglobin, platelets, red blood cells, and creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (CK-MB) were lower in B. vogeli positive animals. Statistical analysis indicated that E. canis infection was associated with specific socioeconomic sectors as well as with some household features (p< 0.05). In conclusion, our results present evidence of the circulation of multiple genogroups of E. canis in the MAB, which is associated with different geographical origins and clinical traits. Epidemiological analyses suggest a need to increase molecular surveillance and prevention campaigns especially in lower socioeconomic sectors.

1043 INTEGRATED DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT IN EOSINOPHILIC MYOCARDITIS, THE IMPORTANCE OF TEAM AGAINST RARE CONDITIONS

Abstract Eosinophilic myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the heart, even if rare, it could be a life-threatening condition, characterized by eosinophils infiltration of the myocardial tissue. First report of this type of endocarditis was reported by Löffler in 1935 and was described as an eosinophilic filling of endocardial cells with consequent myocardial fibrosis. Etiologically, viral infections are the prominent cause of myocarditis, especially the Coxsackie-B virus, drugs such as sumatriptan and canine Toxoplasma infections have been associated with eosinophilic myocarditis. Eosinophilia indeed (increase in eosinophils count in blood sample) has a similar etiology to eosinophilic myocarditis. However, as known from the literature, the relationship between myocardial damage and eosinophilia can have multiple etiologies, from hypersensitivity to autoimmune diseases but also malignancies. Clinically, its signs and symptoms present a wide spectrum of manifestations such as chest pain, dyspnea, rhythm disturbances, until sudden cardiac death. Diagnostic gold standard is endomyocardial biopsy, but cardiac magnetic resonance is a valid option in such scenarios following Lewis Lake criteria and suggestive laboratory results. We present the case of a 78-year-old lady, affected by arterial hypertension and dyslipidemia. Among her main comorbidities she complained late-onset asthma and hypothyroidism. The patient went to the emergency department of our hospital for onset of dyspnea associated with chest pain. An echocardiogram showed a dilated and diffusely hypokinetic left ventricle, severely reduced systolic function (EF 30%) and atrial fibrillation with high ventricular response. The patient presented with acute pulmonary edema and oliguria, for which non-invasive ventilation, diuretics therapy and inotropic therapy were needed. Invasive coronary angiography was negative, excluding any kind of coronary syndrome. HS-troponin peak detected was very high (73.170 ng/L). CMR was performed that showed images indicative of myocarditis (as shown in the picture A and B) with typical distribution of late gadolinium enhancement and reduced left ventricular function: The finding of hypereosinophilia was highly suspicious, so the endomyocardial biopsy performed confirmed the histotype of eosinophilic myocarditis. Hypereosinophilic myeloproliferative syndrome was ruled out after genetic testing. Therefore, a final diagnosis of eosinophilic granulomatosis with ANCA-negative polyangiotis with predominantly hematologic (peripheral hypereosinophilia), cardiac (multifocal myocarditis with inflammatory infiltrate with predominantly eosinophilic component), pulmonary (late-onset asthma) and peripheral neurologic (sciatic mononeuropathy) involvement was made. The patient underwent corticosteroid therapy, to which mepolizumab and cyclophosphamide were added. This case enlightens the rarity of this pathology, enhancing the appropriate indication of CMR in complex settings. We also remark the importance of close team collaboration with rheumatologists and CMR-expert radiologists for the resolution of the case and its proper therapeutic management.

Ectoparasites of dogs (Canis familiaris) from northeastern Nigeria: an epidemiological study.

Ectoparasites of dogs represent an important group of parasites. They often suck blood, cause pruritis, and could serve as vectors of many pathogens of veterinary and public health importance. In northeastern Nigeria, there is a lack of data regarding ectoparasites of dogs. Therefore, this study was undertaken to explore the external parasites of dogs and the associated epidemiological risk factors. A total of 1041 dogs (mean age = 8.5 ± 2.1months) from residential house visit (54.9%) and those attending veterinary clinic (45.1%) were sampled in northeastern Nigeria. Multivariate logistic regression analysis assessed epidemiological risk factors associated with canine ectoparasitic infections. Of the 1041 dogs screened, 92.5% (963/1047) harbored one or more ectoparasites. Rhipicephalus sanguineus (52.4%), Linognathus setosus (7.8%), Ctenocephalides canis (2.3%), and Otodectes cynotis canis (1.4%) were the significantly encountered tick, lice, fleas, and mite species, respectively. Being female dog (OR = 1.8; p = 0.01), cross (OR = 2.2; p = 0.029), and exotic breeds (OR = 2.4; p = 0.02), < 7months (OR = 3.1; p = 0.04) and 7-12months (OR = 2.1; p = 0.01) aged dogs as well as rainy season (OR = 1.9; p = 0.02) were strong predictors for tick infestation. Similarly, cross (OR = 7.2; p = 0.001) and local breeds (OR = 2.8; p = 0.0001), dogs aged > 12months (OR = 2.5; p = 0.03), and dogs used for hunting (OR = 3.2; p = 0.01) and as security guards (OR = 3.8; p = 0.01) were strongly associated with lice infestation. Results from this study revealed a high prevalence of external parasites parasitizing majority of the sampled dogs. Some of these parasites may serve as vectors of zoonotic pathogens posing public health risks.

Toxocariasis in children with digestive system diseases

Toxocariasis is common among children and causes digestive diseases. The aim of the work was to study the development of toxocariasis in children with digestive diseases. The serum levels of specific IgG to Toxocara canis and Ascaris, levels of IL-4 and TNF-α were determined in 63 children. In addition, tests for parasites and a retrospective survey in order to assess sanitation and hygiene practices were conducted. All children were divided into two groups: group I includes 19 (30.2%) patients seropositive for toxocariasis, and group II – 44 (69.8%) children without any parasites. The level of IL-4 was higher in group I (18.0 ± 6.4 pg/ml) than in group II (7.2 ± 2.0 pg/ml) (P &lt; 0.001. While the level of TNF-α did not differ significantly between groups I (4.5 ± 2.1 pg/ml) and II (3.6 ± 1.1 pg/ml) (P &gt; 0.05). A higher incidence of Toxocara was observed among rural residents (78.9%). Children with toxocariasis more often had soil-pica (42.1%), played with dogs (100%), and did not wash their hands (84.2%) compared to the group of uninfected children. It was noted that hygienic habits and place of living contribute to Toxocara canis infection. IL-4 levels were considerably higher in group I than in group II that can be accounted for the host immune response activation, at the same time, the levels of TNF-α did not differ. Children without toxocariasis had also increased levels of IL-4, which may be related to past helminthic infection. Keywords: children., digestive diseases, interleukin-4, toxocariasis, tumor necrosis factor - α

Exploiting the Macrophage Production of IL-12 in Improvement of Vaccine Development against Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum Infections.

Toxoplasmosis and neosporosis are major protozoan diseases of global distribution. Toxoplasma gondii is the cause of toxoplasmosis, which affects almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans, while Neospora caninum induces neosporosis in many animal species, especially cattle. The current defective situation with control measures is hindering all efforts to overcome the health hazards and economic losses of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis. Adequate understanding of host-parasite interactions and host strategies to combat such infections can be exploited in establishing potent control measures, including vaccine development. Macrophages are the first defense line of innate immunity, which is responsible for the successful elimination of T.gondii or N. caninum. This action is exerted via the immunoregulatory interleukin-12 (IL-12), which orchestrates the production of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) from various immune cells. Cellular immune response and IFN-γ production is the hallmark for successful vaccine candidates against both T. gondii and N. caninum. However, the discovery of potential vaccine candidates is a highly laborious, time-consuming and expensive procedure. In this review, we will try to exploit previous knowledge and our research experience to establish an efficient immunological approach for exploring potential vaccine candidates against T. gondii and N. caninum. Our previous studies on vaccine development against both T. gondii and N. caninum revealed a strong association between the successful and potential vaccine antigens and their ability to promote the macrophage secretion of IL-12 using a murine model. This phenomenon was emphasized using different recombinant antigens, parasites, and experimental approaches. Upon these data and research trials, IL-12 production from murine macrophages can be used as an initial predictor for judgment of vaccine efficacy before further evaluation in time-consuming and laborious in vivo experiments. However, more studies and research are required to conceptualize this immunological approach.

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

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. 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. 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.

Ein Update zur Leishmaniose des Hundes: Diagnostik, Therapie und Monitoring

Canine infections with Leishmania (L.) infantum are gaining significance in Germany due to rising numbers of dogs imported from endemic countries, frequent travel and changing of climatic conditions in Central Europe. Dogs without any clinical signs suspicious for vector-borne infections imported from other countries to Germany should be tested immediately after import and 6 months later. In dogs with clinical signs suspicious for leishmaniosis, direct and indirect detection methods of the pathogen as well as hematology, biochemistry, serum protein electrophoresis and C-reactive protein are recommended. For treatment and monitoring of canine leishmaniosis, the LeishVet-guidelines are highly recommended. Different therapeutic options include first-line, second-line, and third-line drugs. For dose adjustments of allopurinol, the "step plan" should be taken in consideration. Due to climatic changes, habitats of sandflies as transmitting vectors of leishmaniosis are expanding. Next to vectorial transmission mating, transplacental infections, bite wounds, and blood transfusions were described in canine leishmaniosis. Additionally, L. infantum is a zoonotic vector-borne infectious pathogen, which is important regarding the "One-health"-aspect.

Detection of Canine Parvovirus Type 2 by Designing Multiple Methods and Genetic Characterization in Iran.

Canine parvovirus infection is the most highly infectious in dogs younger than six months. Our study aimed to design and optimize an In-house PCR Assay for Rapid Detection of parvovirus type 2 and compares it with REAL-TIME PCR and LAMP Assay and phylogenetic analysis. The virulence gene selected for the categories was vp2 for CPV-2. PCR products were cloned in pTZ57R/T plasmid for preparation of positive control. Determination of the specificity of primers was done with the negative control virus genomes, and the limit of detection was determined for the Homemade PCR, REAL-TIME PCR, LAMP, and to perform a phylogenetic study using partial vp2 gene sequences. Added analysis of PCR products using agarose gel electrophoresis for the vp2 gene showed 485bp, and GAPDH 900 bp bands, respective amplification using negative control genomes as template was negative. The least detectable copy number for the vp2 gene in a 25 µl PCR reaction equals 19 copies by homemade PCR, LAMP, and REAL-TIME PCR 25 and 21 copies, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis for the five field sequences formed three distinct clusters. The in-house PCR has advantages such as high specificity, sensitivity, and the ability to detect major CPV-2 pathogens. This assay may replace the previous laboratory methods and work as an essential supplement to the more time-consuming assays. Phylogenetic analysis is necessary for epidemiological studies to control and prevent disease.