Infected Dogs Research Articles

Molecular and serological detection of acute canine leptospirosis and associated predictive risk factors in and around Chennai, India.

Leptospirosis is a globally important re-emerging zoonotic disease affecting humans and many animal species including dogs. The present cross-sectional study aimed to diagnose acute leptospirosis among 210 suspected dogs using microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Further, epidemiological risk factors were analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis. Out of the 210 dogs, anti-leptospiral antibody was detected in 123 (58.57%; 95% CI: 51.6-65.3) dogs by MAT (cut-off titer- ≥1:100), among which 67 (54.47%; 95% CI: 45.3-63.4) were seropositive to more than one serogroup. The predominant serogroups were Australis and Autumnalis in the study region. Whereas, acute leptospirosis was established in 49 (23.33%, 95% CI: 17.9-29.8) dogs based on ≥ 1:800 titer in unvaccinated dogs and ≥ 1:1600 titer in vaccinated dogs. The predictive risk factors of acute canine leptospirosis were adult dogs (1-5 years) (p=0.001), north-east monsoon season (p=0.011), outdoor management (p=0.047), history of rodent exposure (p=0.001) and history of contact with wet soil or stagnant water (p=0.046). Among 49 acutely infected dogs, thirteen dogs were positive for urine PCR and one dog was positive for both urine as well as plasma PCR. Positive PCR amplicons were identified as Leptospira interrogans based on secY gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. This study enlightened about the occurrence of acute leptospirosis among suspected dogs with the above important predictive risk factors, which should be taken into consideration while history taking so that proper treatment strategies can be adopted for early recovery of the animal.

Gastrointestinal Helminth Infections in Dogs in Sheep and Goat Farms in Greece: Prevalence, Involvement of Wild Canid Predators and Use of Anthelmintics

The objectives of the present work were the investigation of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in dogs in small ruminant farms in Greece, the elucidation of potential predictors for these infections and the description of practices related to administration of anthelmintics to dogs. This study was carried out in 444 small ruminant farms in Greece. Faecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of the dogs in the farms. The samples were processed by means of conventional parasitological techniques, specifically, a combined sedimentation flotation technique. There were dogs in 92.8% of the farms, with a median number of four dogs per farm. The following variables were associated with the presence of dogs in the farms: the presence of wild mammal predators near the farms, the increased daily period of farmers’ presence at the farm, goats as the livestock species at the farm and the management system applied in the farm. Helminth eggs were detected in samples from 72.6% of the farms. The main helminth eggs detected were those of hookworms (Uncinaria/Ancylostoma) and Toxocara canis, in 68.6% and 51.3% of the farms, respectively. In our multivariable analyses, an association emerged between the presence of canid predators near a farm and the detection of these helminths in faecal samples: in 76% and 60% of the samples, respectively, versus in 58% and 39% of the samples from farms with no canid presence. Of farmers with dogs, 16.0% reported that they omitted the administration of anthelmintics to the animals. In multivariable analysis, the semi-extensive or extensive management system applied in the farm, the lower annual milk production per animal and the lack of collaboration with a veterinary practice were the significant predictors for the omission of anthelmintic administration to the farm dogs. There was also a clear association in the omission of anthelmintic administration to the dogs and to the livestock on the farm. The most frequently administered anthelmintic was praziquantel, which was used in 93.6% of the farms.

Comparative performance analysis of different microfilaria testing methods for Dirofilaria immitis in canine blood.

Microfilaria (MF) testing is an essential part of canine heartworm diagnostics, and it is recommended by the American Heartworm Society that a MF test be performed in tandem with antigen testing on every dog, every year, regardless of prevention status or history. There are a variety of methods that can be used to detect MF in canine whole blood; however, these methods widely vary in their sensitivities as well as practical factors, including time investment and cost. Additionally, some MF tests offer the advantage of being quantitative or allowing for morphological or molecular species identification, while other tests should only be used qualitatively. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative performance of MF tests, including the 20μL count, wet mount, 9μL and 40μL hematocrit tubes, thin smear, thick smear, modified Knott test (MKT), and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Qualitatively, there was little difference in the performance of the 20μL count, wet mount, MKT, and PCR. The MKT and PCR are the optimal MF tests, as these perform most reliably for detecting positives even when the MF per milliliter is relatively low, and in most cases, these two methods also allow for species-level confirmation of the identity. However, PCR tends to be a very costly test, and both PCR and MKT require a greater degree of expertise and time investment to perform than other tests. Even the lowest performance tests, including the thin smear and hematocrit tube methods, can reliably detect MF at very high burdens; although, caution should be advised when using low reliability methods, since there is a greater likelihood of failing to identify MF-positive dogs. Microfilaria (MF) testing is an essential part of heartworm diagnosis and screening in dogs, and test selection should balance practical factors such as cost and time investment with the patient's risk of infection based on prevention status and history, clinical signs, and antigen testing results. This approach to MF testing will help minimize cost while avoiding failure to detect MF in infected dogs, especially when MF burden is low.

Does Every Strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Attack the Same? Results of a Study of the Prevalence of Virulence Factors of Strains Obtained from Different Animal Species in Northeastern Poland

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a pathogen that causes infections in animals and humans, with veterinary implications including ear infections in dogs, respiratory diseases in cats, and mastitis in ruminants. In humans, it causes severe hospital-acquired infections, particularly in immunosuppressed patients. This study aimed to identify and assess the prevalence of specific virulence factors in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates. Methods: We analyzed 98 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from various animal samples (dogs, cats, ruminants, fowl) from northeastern Poland in 2019–2022 for virulence-related genes (toxA, exoU, exoT, exoS, lasB, plcN, plcH, pldA, aprA, gacA, algD, pelA, endA, and oprF) by PCR and assessed biofilm formation at 48 and 72 h. Genomic diversity was assessed by ERIC-PCR. Results: The obtained results showed that all strains harbored the pelA gene (100%), while the lowest prevalence was found for pldA (24%) and exoU (36%). Regardless of the animal species, strong biofilm forming ability was prevalent among the strains after both 48 h (75%) and 72 h (74%). We obtained as many as 87 different genotyping profiles, where the dominant one was profile ERIC-48, observed in four strains. Conclusions: No correlation was found between presence or absence of determined genes and the nature of infection. Similarly, no correlation was found between biofilm-forming genes and biofilm strength. The high genetic diversity indicates challenges for effective prevention, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and research.

Progress Toward Global Dracunculiasis (Guinea Worm Disease) Eradication, January 2023-June 2024.

The effort to eradicate Dracunculus medinensis, the etiologic agent of dracunculiasis, or Guinea worm disease, began at CDC in 1980. In 1986, with an estimated 3.5 million global cases in 20 African and Asian countries, the World Health Assembly called for dracunculiasis elimination. The Guinea Worm Eradication Program (GWEP) was established to help countries with endemic dracunculiasis reach this goal. GWEP is led by The Carter Center and supported by partners, including the countries with endemic disease, CDC, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization. Since 2012, infections in dogs, cats, and baboons have posed a new challenge for GWEP, as have ongoing civil unrest and insecurity in some areas. As of June 2024, dracunculiasis remained endemic in five countries (Angola, Chad, Ethiopia, Mali, and South Sudan). Fourteen human cases and 886 animal infections occurred, including 407 dogs in Chad and 248 dogs in Cameroon, reported in 2023, and three human cases and 297 animal infections reported during January-June 2024. Animal infections, primarily in dogs in Cameroon and Chad, and impeded access due to civil unrest and insecurity in Mali, threaten the near-term possibility of global eradication. Nevertheless, countries appear poised to reach zero cases.

Updating the epidemiology of canine leishmaniosis in the United Kingdom through the use of electronic health data.

Dogs infected with Leishmania infantum have been increasingly reported in the UK mostly related to imported/travelled dogs. Up-to-date epidemiologic data are essential for a better control of this zoonotic disease in such emerging areas. This study aimed for the first time, to estimate the percentage and temporal variation of dog and cat samples testing positive for L. infantum infection at commercial diagnostic laboratories, and to describe the travel history of positive dogs and cats positive to leishmaniosis in a network of UK veterinary practices. Leishmania infantum serology and PCR data were collected by the Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network (SAVSNET) from five UK national veterinary diagnostic laboratories between 2010 and 2022 and were analysed. In addition, electronic health records (EHRs) were collected from 251 veterinary practices across the UK between March 2014 and September 2022. Text mining tools were used to identify cases compatible with clinical leishmaniosis as recorded in the clinical narratives; these were subsequently manually validated. Data from a total of 25,327 diagnostic samples (25,201 from dogs and 126 from cats) were analysed including 20,517 sera tested by either quantitative ELISA or IFAT, and 4,810 by PCR. Leishmania infantum antibodies were detected in 39.7% of tested dog samples and 1.07% of cat samples. In dogs, seropositivity increased from 2013 to 2022. Leishmania DNA was only detected by PCR in samples from dogs (11.8%). A total of 368 dogs with canine leishmaniosis (CanL) were identified from clinical narratives. Of these, 189 had either visited, or were rescued/imported from, Spain, Greece, Cyprus and other southern European countries. Among factors associated with CanL in the UK canine population, dogs between 3-6 years of age were 4.71 times more likely to have CanL than those two years or younger. In addition, there was an increased risk of having recorded CanL clinical cases from 2017 to 2022, compared to 2014. Southeast of England was the UK region that accounted for the highest number of CanL cases (34.51%). This study provides recent trends in Leishmania infection in dogs in the UK, identifies risk factors and countries likely associated with imported cases, and provides important insights to help plan and monitor national intervention strategies.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of rabies virus detected in rabid dogs in Cameroon, 2010–2021

Rabies is a viral zoonosis that causes an estimated 60,000 human deaths each year, mainly in Africa and Asia. The etiological agent of rabies, the Rabies Lyssavirus or Rabies Virus (RABV) has been characterized in dog populations in Cameroon, in previous studies. However, the dynamics of RABV maintenance and propagation in dogs are still to be documented in Cameroon. This study thus, aimed at investigating the spatial and temporal dynamics of RABV variants in Cameroon. Long genomic sequences of about 4893 nucleotides, encompassing the N, P, M and G genes as well as part of the G-L intergenic region (Ψ), were determined from 56 RABV strains recovered from dog populations in Cameroon from 2010 to 2021. Temporal and spatial dynamics of RABV circulation in Cameroon were investigated by Bayesian analyses with the BEAST 1.10.4 package from extended RABV genomic sequences data combined with their collection dates and the geographical coordinates of their sampling areas. This revealed a genetic evolution rate of 3.14 × 10−4 substitutions/site/year among Africa-1a and Africa-2 clades of RABV from Cameroon. The most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of the studied strains of the Africa-1a lineage was estimated to have emerged between 1880 and 1906 (95 % HPD; mean 1894), while that of the strains of the Africa-2 clade had a slightly later estimated origin between 1907 and 1928 (95 % HPD, mean 1918). Overall, phylogeographic analyses suggested RABV spread in Cameroon between sub-national regions. Our data provides substantial support to previous findings from similar epidemiological settings, indicating human mediated movements of infected dogs between distant cities may be a key factor in the maintenance of the enzootic cycle of rabies among dogs in Cameroon.

Detection and isolation of Leishmania infantum from natural infected dog in Türkiye

Some clinical signs such as cachexia, alopecia, exfoliative dermatitis, hair loss, and swollen lymph nodes were observed in a one-year-old crossbred male dog living in a rural area of Kirikkale province, Türkiye, was presented to the veterinary clinic by its owner. Anaemia, leucopenia, hyperglobulinemia, and bilirubinemia were detected. Seropositivity was detected using Leishmania IgG/IgM Rapid Test. The amastigote forms of the parasite were observed in the lymph node aspirates. Viable promastigotes were observed in the samples obtained from the Novy-MacNeal-Nicolle medium (NNN) tubes. The parasite DNA was extracted from the promastigotes produced in the NNN medium using a DNA extraction kit according to the manufacturer's instructions. The specific bands indicating the gene regions of L. infantum (350 bp and 730 bp for HSP20 and HSP70, respectively) were observed. Additionally, BLASTn analysis revealed 100 % similarity with GenBank-deposited L. infantum sequences. The sequences were submitted to GenBank (Accession numbers: OR806945 and OR806946). According to the author's knowledge, it is the first dog isolate deposited in the collection of the Microbiology Reference Laboratories and Biological Products Department, General Directorate of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Ankara, Türkiye. The isolate (TR_L. infantum CanL-1_damla) has been preserved by cryopreservation at −150 °C for further studies.

A Novel Immunochromatographic Test Strip Using Lanthanide-Labeled Fluorescent Nanoparticles for the Serological Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in Dogs and Cats

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an important zoonotic pathogen which induces both acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. Timely diagnosis of T. gondii is crucial for effective disease management. Here, we present a pioneering approach using europium (III)-chelated nanoparticles (EuNPs) in a rapid lateral flow immunochromatographic test strip (ICTS) for detecting T. gondii antibodies in serum samples. By conjugating EuNPs with Staphylococcus aureus protein A, we efficiently captured T. gondii-specific antibodies, which bound to T. gondii antigens on the test line (T-line), generating a distinct fluorescent signal. Employing this novel method, we conducted an extensive epidemiological investigation of T. gondii infections among dogs and cats in Shanghai, China. This innovative ICTS allows for rapid results within 25 min, which include a qualitative result through naked-eye observation under an ultraviolet lamp and a quantitative one derived using a strip reader. With a detection limit of 1:6400 for dog positive serum and no cross-reactivity with other canine and feline pathogens, the EuNPs-ICTS demonstrated excellent consistency with standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results for dogs (κ = 0.91) and cats (κ = 0.92). In addition, 20.38% of 996 dog serum samples and 14.18% of 416 cat serum samples revealed T. gondii antibodies, highlighting the efficacy of this approach. Our study presents a rapid, sensitive, specific, and reproducible EuNPs-ICTS, serving as a promising tool for on-the-spot diagnosis of T. gondii infections in dogs and cats.

Assessing the impact of a potential canine vaccine for the control of Chagas disease: a mathematical modeling study

IntroductionChagas disease, a zoonotic infection transmitted by triatomine bugs, poses serious public health risks in endemic areas. As dogs are important reservoirs in the disease’s spread, developing a canine vaccine could be transformative for controlling disease transmission to dogs and humans.MethodsWe developed a compartmental Susceptible-Infected model to simulate the transmission dynamics of Trypanosoma cruzi, considering interactions among dogs, humans, cats, rodents, and triatomine vectors. We used the model to assess the direct and indirect impacts of two vaccine mechanisms—all-or-nothing and leaky—on disease incidence across different host populations. The sensitivity of the model’s outcomes to changes in input parameters was analyzed using univariate sensitivity analysis.ResultsOur model showed that with a 90% vaccine efficacy, an all-or-nothing vaccine could reduce the cumulative incidence of T. cruzi in dogs by 91.3% over five years. The 60% and 30% vaccine efficacies would result in reductions of 63.47% and 33%, respectively, over 5 years. Similarly, the leaky vaccine achieved a 92.62% reduction in dog infections over 5 years with 90% efficacy. The indirect effects on human T. cruzi infection were notable; the all-or-nothing vaccine reduced human disease incidence by 14.37% at 90% efficacy, while the leaky vaccine achieved a 32.15% reduction over 5 years. Both vaccine mechanisms may substantially reduce T. cruzi incidence among dogs, and generate indirect benefit to other hosts, such as humans, by reducing their infection risk. The indirect benefits of vaccination were heavily influenced by the proportion of triatomine bugs blood meals taken from dogs.DiscussionThe study highlights the potential of targeted canine vaccination in controlling Chagas disease transmission and burden in endemic countries. It provides additional evidence for pursuing the development of a canine vaccine as a valuable tool for Chagas disease elimination.

Staphylococcus felis C4 exhibits invitro antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in a novel canine skin explant model.

Canine superficial pyoderma is a common bacterial skin infection of dogs, generally caused by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. The C4 strain of Staphylococcus felis was recently discovered to have strong antimicrobial activity against S. pseudintermedius in mice. We aimed to evaluate invitro if this antimicrobial activity was maintained using a novel canine skin explant model. Punch biopsies (8 mm) of skin from recently euthanised dogs were collected and placed into six-well plates on top of an agarose pedestal. Histological examination of the skin explants showed an intact dermal-epidermal organisation and a stratum corneum that was successfully colonised by S. pseudintermedius after topical application. The number of colony forming units of S. pseudintermedius showed a 2 log increase after 24 h colonisation, indicating that the explant supported bacterial growth. By contrast, co-treatment with S. felis C4 live bacteria and its sterile protein product significantly reduced the growth of a methicillin-susceptible (ST540, p = 0.0357) and a methicillin-resistant (MR) strain (ST71, p = 0.0143) of S. pseudintermedius. No detectable bacteria were recovered from or visualised on skin 24 h posttreatment with the S. felis C4 sterile protein product. Using a novel canine explant model, we demonstrate that the S. felis C4 strain inhibits the growth of S. pseudintermedius and that it is a promising candidate for a new probiotic therapy to treat cutaneous infections caused by S. pseudintermedius, including MR strains.

Oxidative stress markers in canine parvovirus infection

Parvovirus infections are among the deadly viral diseases in dogs and sick puppies. Young dogs are more prone to the virus. Antioxidants are important components of the defense system which prevent cell damage by neutralizing reactive oxygen species. Malondialdehyde is a reliable and commonly used marker of oxidative stress. The present study was performed to determine the role of oxidative stress markers in canine parvovirus disease. Thirty Cane Corso male dogs with an average age of 3-6 months were enrolled in this study out of which 10 animals were spontaneously infected with the parvovirus and the other 10 were healthy. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde were measured by colorimetric methods whereas the enzymatic activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) was measured. Catalase was measured by means of rapid spectrophotometry and chromography was used for obtaining the concentrations of vitamin D and vitamin E. The increase in malondialdehyde in infected dogs demonstrates that oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of the parvovirus. The significant elevation in TAC, and lack of important changes in superoxide dismutase and catalase are indicative of a good response by the antioxidant system against oxidative stress induced by the parvovirus. In conclusion, oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of parvovirus. Thus, strengthening the antioxidant system can be effective in the prevention and treatment of canine parvovirus infection.

Amphimeriasis in Ecuador-Prevalence, Knowledge, and Socio-Cultural Practices Among Indigenous Chachi and Montubios Populations: A Mixed-Methods Cross-Sectional Study.

Amphimerus, a liver fluke, is the causative agent of amphimeriasis, a foodborne disease acquired thought the consumption of infected raw or undercooked river fish-a practice embedded in traditional culinary customs. Amphimeriasis represents a significant public health issue and has been endemic in Ecuador since 2011, particularly among the Chachi Amerindians and Montubios populations residing in tropical ecoregions. By employing a mixed-methods research design, we conducted a community-based, cross-sectional study. A survey comprising of 63 questions on KAP was administrated in person to community members, health personnel, and academic staff in the two populations. Additionally, 67 semi-structured interviews were performed. Microscopy was achieved on 273 human and 80 dog fecal samples to detect Amphimerus eggs. A total of 86 questionnaires (54 Chachi) and 67 interviews (44 Chachi), out of 300 residents, were completed. Among the respondents, 31.4% were aware of Amphimerus, locally referred to as "liver worm". Although 79.1% reported not consuming raw fish, most admitted eating raw fish with lime juice and salt, a preparation known as "curtido", and 59.3% reported consuming smoked fish. Here, 86.1% of participants considered "liver worm" a serious disease, and 55.8% recognized raw or marinated fish as a potential transmission route. The Chachi showed a preference for smoked fish, whereas the Montubios favoured "curtido". The prevalence of Amphimerus infection was 23% in humans and 16.2% in dogs. Differences in KAP were observed between infected and non-infected individuals. Local health and academic personnel demonstrated insufficient knowledge about amphimeriasis. Some religious individuals refrained from participating, stating that they were "with God". Despite the high prevalence of Amphimerus infection in both humans and dogs, knowledge about the parasite, the disease, and its transmission routes remains limited. Health education initiatives should be designed to modify the population's KAP. It is crucial for national and local health authorities, as well as religious leaders, to be informed and actively involved in the prevention and control of amphimeriasis.

Efficacy of Sustained-Release Formulation of Moxidectin (Guardian SR) in Preventing Heartworm Infection over 18 Months in Dogs Living in a Hyperendemic Area.

This study investigates the efficacy of a sustained-release (SR) moxidectin microsphere formulation in preventing canine heartworm infection over 18 months in Canary Hound dogs, a hunting breed common in the Canary Islands, which is a hyperendemic region. These dogs typically do not receive preventive treatments and act as reservoirs for the disease. This field study was conducted across 11 hunting kennels with 109 dogs living outdoors, none of whom were receiving heartworm prophylaxis, with Dirofilaria immitis prevalence ranging from 11.1% to 57.1% (average 36.7%). Among these, 20 clinically healthy, heartworm-negative dogs were randomly selected to receive a single subcutaneous injection of moxidectin SR (0.17 mg/kg body weight). Antigen and Knott's tests were performed at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. All dogs completed the study without adverse reactions and remained heartworm-negative throughout. By the end of the study, kennel heartworm prevalence ranged from 14.3% to 46.7% (average 35.4%). A single subcutaneous dose of moxidectin SR at the recommended dosage may prevent patent heartworm infection in dogs for up to 18 months in hyperendemic regions. Further studies are required to confirm these findings. Extending the efficacy period of moxidectin could improve owner compliance, particularly among those with lower animal health awareness.

Pathological and Fungal Isolation study of dog skin disease in Iraq Governorates

Dogs are susceptible to several types of infectious diseases can be worrisome for their owner because some of them are fatal if not treated soon enough. Fungal infection can be contracted through different parts of body furthermore many of them are zoonotic infection among human and dogs the signs of any disease typical depend on location of infection either local or system infection. Local infection usually involves skin surface that look like wound the objective of this study was to briefly about the most common pathogenic fungal infection in dogs by describing information about the causative agent, clinical signs and grossly appearance with histopathological change skin examination current study were done on 200 dogs collected in Iraq governorates (Baghdad, Erbil, Anbar, Sulaymaniyah) during a period 6 months (January – June) 2023. 200 examined dogs with different age, breed and sex ( k9, ornamental and stray dogs ) were observed fungal isolation and pathological examination with clinical signs by using diagnostic tools for skin biopsies (biopsy punch) from suspected infected skin dogs. Results showed pathogenic fungi after collected on fungal culture for detection pathogenic fungal (Dermatophyte Test Agar) D.T.M Agar Base. Fungal isolation constitutes the following pathogenic fungi (100 infected samples from 200 suspected samples). 60% Aspergillus niger, 30% Trichophyton Verrucosum, 10% Alternaria spp. Clinical signs and grossly lesion showed complete skin ulcer, allopecia, odema, abscessation while microscopic appearance revealed skin ulcer, hyperkeratosis, folliculitis, necrosis, apoptosis, pyogranuloma and granulation tissue with septate hyphae in skin dermis and epidermis which infected with Aspergillus niger.

Intra-abdominal nocardiosis and scedosporiosis in a dog: case report and literature review.

A 2-y-old, intact female, mixed-breed dog was presented to the veterinary hospital with abdominal distension, anemia, and lethargy following a chronic history of nonspecific gastrointestinal signs. CBC and serum biochemistry revealed moderate nonregenerative anemia with neutrophilia, hypoalbuminemia, hyperglobulinemia, hypoglycemia, decreased urea and creatinine, and hypercholesterolemia. Abdominal radiographs and ultrasound revealed a large heterogeneous mesenteric mass and ascites. Abdominocentesis confirmed septic peritonitis with filamentous bacteria. Fine-needle aspiration of the mass yielded pyogranulomatous inflammation and hyphae. An exploratory laparotomy revealed a large cranial abdominal mass with granulomas present throughout the abdominal cavity. Due to the poor prognosis and disseminated disease, the owner elected euthanasia. Postmortem and histologic examinations detected intralesional mycetomas and bacterial colonies within the mesenteric masses. 16S ribosomal RNA gene PCR and sequencing using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections identified Nocardia yamanashiensis, Nocardioides cavernae, and Nocardioides zeicaulis. Fungal culture, PCR, and sequencing confirmed Scedosporium apiospermum. Our report highlights the importance of molecular methods in conjunction with culture and histologic findings for diagnosing coinfections caused by infrequent etiologic agents. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive literature review of Scedosporium apiospermum infections in dogs.

Preliminary field evaluation of indirect ELISA test using the recombinant antigen rLicNTPDase-2 for serodiagnosis of canine leishmaniasis in Colombia

Leishmaniasis is a significant public health concern, with dogs as the primary reservoir in urban scenarios and facilitating transmission. Diagnosing infected dogs is a crucial step for public health interventions, and the development of new diagnostic platforms can significantly enhance efforts in various regions worldwide. Given the limited availability of diagnostic methods in Colombia, this study evaluates the effectiveness of an Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) based on the recombinant protein rLicNTPDase-2 to detect Leishmania in infected dogs. Serum samples were collected from dogs in both endemic and non-endemic areas and classified as natural standards based on prior parasitological diagnoses. The results revealed 24 true positives (TP) and 9 true negatives (TN). Subsequently, the test was then validated with samples from symptomatic and asymptomatic animals, alongside the standards, yielding a specificity of 96 %, a sensitivity of 81 %, efficiency of 90.6 %, a positive predictive value of 92.8 %, and a negative predictive value of 89.6 %. The positive likelihood ratio (RV+) was 20, while the negative likelihood ratio (RV-) was 0.19, indicating high relevance and a robust clinical utility. The area under the curve (AUC) was 1.00, suggesting that the test has excellent discriminatory ability, significantly deviating from the reference diagonal. This is further supported by the significant difference(p < 0.0001) between TN and TP results determined by Fisher's exact test. Involving 163 animals showed 47 % positive and 46 % negative results with a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the mean optical density (OD) values between positive and negative samples. These findings indicate that the ELISA test effectively differentiates between positive and negative samples based on OD values. This study suggests that ELISA based on the recombinant antigen rLicNTPDase-2 could serve as a viable alternative for the serodiagnosis of leishmaniasis in canines in Colombia.

Saurian-associated Leishmania tarentolae in dogs: Infectivity and immunogenicity evaluation in the canine model.

In canine leishmaniosis endemic areas, Leishmania infantum may occur in sympatry with the non-pathogenic Leishmania tarentolae, which is associated to reptiles. The potential infectivity of L. tarentolae for mammals raises questions about the interactions between the two Leishmania species, and the potential cross-immune protection in dogs. This study aimed to assess the outcome of experimental L. tarentolae infection in dogs, determining: i) the anti-L. tarentolae antibody production, ii) the duration of the immunity and cytokine expression, and iii) the possible pathogenic effect in the canine host. Twelve purpose-bred beagle dogs were randomly allocated to three groups (intravenous inoculation, G1; intradermal inoculation, G2; negative control, G3). G1 and G2 dogs were inoculated twice (day 0, day 28) with 108 promastigotes of L. tarentolae strain (RTAR/IT/21/RI-325) isolated from a Tarentola mauritanica gecko. The animals were followed until day 206. Blood, serum, conjunctival swabs and lymph node aspirate samples were collected monthly and bone marrow, liver and spleen biopsies on day 91. Hematological and biochemical parameters were assessed monthly, as well as serology (IFAT and ELISA) and molecular identification of L. tarentolae. Mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained to assess the cytokine expression through in vitro stimulation or (re-) infection. Data from this study demonstrated that DNA from L. tarentolae is detectable up to 3 months post-infection, with seroconversion after day 28. Moreover, the non-pathogenic nature of L. tarentolae was confirmed, with a neutral Th1/Th2 polarization, and a possible shift to Th1 phenotype after derived macrophages (re-) infection, as demonstrated by the expression of IFN-gamma. Therefore, L. tarentolae demonstrated a great potential as a surrogate pathogen and/or immune-prophylaxis/immune-therapy against Leishmania infections in dogs and humans.

Evaluation of urinary podocin and nephrin as markers of podocyturia in dogs with leishmaniosis

BackgroundRenal disease is the main cause of death in canine leishmaniosis. Detection of an active glomerular injury is important to identify early renal damage and to prevent the development of chronic kidney disease. Podocyturia can indicate renal injury, and podocyte-associated molecules such as podocin and nephrin can be used to identify podocyturia. The purpose of the study was to evaluate urinary podocin and nephrin concentrations in dogs with leishmaniosis as markers of podocyturia.MethodsA total of 35 healthy dogs and 37 dogs with leishmaniosis were enrolled in the study. Dogs with leishmaniosis were classified according to the staging of the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS). Urinary podocin and nephrin concentrations were measured in all dogs with a validated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test and normalized to creatinine (uPoC and uNeC, respectively). The demographic, clinical, and laboratory data from both groups were analyzed and compared. Subsequently, the laboratory results were analyzed and compared according to IRIS staging in dogs in IRIS stage I and dogs in IRIS stage II + III + IV. The Pearson’s correlation test evaluated the relationship between urinary markers of podocyturia.ResultsCompared with healthy dogs, lower urinary podocin [median values (IQR): 15.10 (11.75–17.87) ng/ml versus 8.63 (7.08–13.56) ng/ml; P < 0.01] and nephrin [median values (IQR): 3.2 (3.62–5.43) ng/ml versus 2.67 (2.06–3.44) ng/ml; P < 0.01] were found in infected sick dogs. No significant differences were observed in the uPoC and uNeC between the two groups. Urinary nephrin and podocin concentrations were higher in healthy dogs and in dogs in IRIS stage I (both P < 0.05) compared with dogs in IRIS stages II + III + IV. No significant differences were found for uPoC and uNeC between healthy dogs and dogs with leishmaniosis in different IRIS clinical stages.ConclusionsDogs with leishmaniosis had a low concentration of podocin and nephrin in more advanced IRIS clinical stages, when kidney disease was more severe compared with healthy dogs and dogs in IRIS stage I with mild disease. Urinary nephrin was detectable for the first time in healthy non-infected dogs.Graphical

Canine vector-borne infections of working dogs of the Sri Lanka Air Force, and free roaming, and privately owned dogs

Canine vector-borne infections (CVBIs) are a global health problem. The military working dogs of Sri Lanka die at an early age, and CVBIs have been a leading speculated cause. We examined CVBIs in the working dogs of the Sri Lanka air force (SLAF) and free-roaming dogs (FRDs) and privately owned dogs (PODs) country-wide. Giemsa-stained smears were prepared and conventional PCR-positive DNA was subjected to sequencing and phylogeny. Of the 668 dogs sampled, 212 (31.7%) had one or more CVBIs. The prevalence of infections among the FRDs (40.0%) was significantly higher than SLAF working dogs (30.0%; χ2 = 10.5216; p = 0.0012) and PODs (26.2%; χ2 = 5.3414, p = 0.0208) but not between SLAF dogs and PODs (χ2 = 1.7655, p = 0.1838). Many infected dogs were asymptomatic (57.4%), which was higher among the FRDs. Seven infectious agents were identified: Babesia gibsoni, B. canis, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, Leishmania sp., Hepatozoon canis, and filaria worms. The most common infection was B. gibsoni (13.8%), followed by E. canis (9.9%). Three tick species: Rhipicephalus linneai, Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides and Haemophysalis bispinosa were found infesting the dogs. The SLAF dogs were thoroughly quarantined upon arrival, but the infection prevalence was similar to PODs.