Untersuchungen zum Parasitenbefall des Gamswildes in Deutschland - Helminthen des Gastrointestinaltraktes

Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wurden 223 Aufbrüche von erlegten Gämsen (43 Kitze; 76 Stücke der Jugendklasse: Böcke 1-2 Jahre, Geißen 1-3 Jahre; 85 Stücke der Mittelklasse: Böcke 3-7 Jahre, Geißen 4-9 Jahre; 19 Stücke der Altenklasse: Böcke ≥ 8 Jahre, Geißen ≥ 10 Jahre; 130 Böcke, 91 Geißen, 2 Stücke ohne Angabe des Geschlechts) parasitologisch untersucht. Dabei stammten 185 Tiere aus Bayern (Bayerische Alpen) und 38 aus Baden-Württemberg (Schwarzwald). Das Untersuchungsmaterial bestand aus den kompletten Magen-Darm-Kanälen (Pansen, Labmagen, Dünndarm, Dickdarm) der Gämsen und wurde in den Jahren 2004, 2005 und 2006 gesammelt. Die Untersuchung der Enddarmkotproben (n = 223) ergab folgende Ausscheidungsextensitäten von Entwicklungsstadien von Magen-Darm-Helminthen: Strongyliden-Eier, 74%; Nematodirus/Marshallagia-Eier, 22%; Trichuris-Eier, 10,8%; Moniezia-Eier, 9,4%; Capillaria-Eier, 6,3%. Die Labmägen waren zu 100%, Dünn- und Dickdärme zu 88% bzw. 79% mit Nematoden befallen; in den Pansen waren Parasiten nicht nachweisbar. Im Labmagen sind durchschnittlich (geometrisches Mittel) 588 Nematoden/Tier gezählt worden, in Dünn- und Dickdarm betrugen die Wurmbürden 36 bzw. 8 Exemplare/Gämse. Der individuelle Wurmbefall variierte zwischen 29 und 6932 Nematoden, wobei über die Hälfte der Gämsen mit weniger als 1000 Magen-Darm-Nematoden befallen waren. Durch die parasitologische Sektion wurden insgesamt 29 Nematodenarten im Magen-Darm-Kanal der Gämsen festgestellt. Mit Prävalenzen von ≥50% sind Ostertagia (O.) circumcincta, Marshallagia marshalli, O. trifurcata, Oesophagostomum venulosum, Grosspiculagia occidentalis, Haemonchus contortus, O. pinnata, Nematodirus (N.) filicollis, mit Befallsextensitäten von ≥20 bis <50% Trichostrongylus (T.) axei, Spiculopteragia böhmi, Capillaria bovis, Trichuris (T.) ovis, N. battus, Chabertia ovina, T. capricola, T. globulosa, T. vitrinus und mit einer Nachweishäufigkeit von <20% O. leptospicularis, Skrjabinagia kolchida, T. colubriformis, Rinadia mathevossiani, N. rupicaprae, N. europaeus, Cooperia (C.) oncophora, C. punctata, O. ostertagia, T. longispicularis, C. pectinata und N. helvetianus nachgewiesen worden. Darüber hinaus wurden vier Zestodenarten isoliert, davon drei im Dünndarm – Moniezia (M.) expansa (14,8%), Avitellina (A.) centripunctata (13%), M. benedeni (5,4%) – sowie bei 27 Stücken Cysticercus tenuicollis von Taenia hydatigena am Gekröse. Die Helminthenarten N. battus, N. europaeus, N. helvetianus, N. rupicaprae, C. oncophora, C. pectinata, C. punctata, T. longispicularis, T. globulosa, M. benedeni und A. centripunctata konnten erstmalig als Parasiten bei der Gämse in Deutschland nachgewiesen werden. Signifikante Unterschiede (p≤0,05) in der Gesamtnematodenbürde bestanden zwischen den Geschlechtern – Böcke waren stärker parasitiert als Geißen – und zwischen den Herkünften der Gämsen – Tiere aus Bayern wiesen eine höhere Wurmbürde als die aus Baden-Württemberg auf. Kitze waren signifikant (p≤0,05) geringergradig mit Dickdarmnematoden und Cysticercus tenuicollis infiziert als ältere Stücke, entgegengesetzt verhielt sich der Befall mit Dünndarmnematoden. Während Kitze signifikant (p≤0,05) höhere Moniezia-Wurmzahlen beherbergten als ältere Gämsen, waren A. centripunctata-Bandwürmer ausschließlich bei diesen nachweisbar. Die bei den selbst untersuchten Gämsen festgestellte Helminthenfauna des Magen-Darm-Kanals entsprach weitgehend der bei Gämsen in anderen Vorkommen im Alpenraum

Babesia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in questing ticks, ticks parasitizing rodents and the parasitized rodents - Analyzing the host-pathogen-vector interface in a metropolitan area

Background: The aims of this study were to evaluate the host-tick-pathogen interface of Babesia spp. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in restored areas in both questing and host-attached Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus and their small mammalian hosts. Methods: Questing ticks were collected from 5 sites within the city of Leipzig, Germany, in 2009. Small mammals were trapped at 3 of the 5 sites during 2010 and 2011. DNA extracts of questing and host-attached I. ricinus and D. reticulatus and of several tissue types of small mammals (the majority bank voles and yellow-necked mice), were investigated by PCR followed by sequencing for the occurrence of DNA of Babesia spp. and by real-time PCR for A. phagocytophilum. A selected number of samples positive for A. phagocytophilum were further investigated for variants of the partial 16S rRNA gene. Co-infection with Rickettsia spp. in the questing ticks was additionally investigated. Results: 4.1% of questing I. ricinus ticks, but no D. reticulatus, were positive for Babesia sp. and 8.7% of I. ricinus for A. phagocytophilum. Sequencing revealed B. microti, B. capreoli and Babesia spp. EU1 in Leipzig and sequence analysis of the partial 16S RNA gene of A. phagocytophilum revealed variants either rarely reported in human cases or associated with cervid hosts. The statistical analysis revealed significantly less ticks infected with A. phagocytophilum in a city park in Leipzig as compared to the other sampling sites. A. phagocytophilum-DNA was detected in 2 bank voles, DNA of B. microti in 1 striped field-mouse and of Babesia sp. EU1 in the skin tissue of a mole. Co-infections were detected. Conclusion: Our results show the involvement of small mammals in the natural endemic cycles of tick-borne pathogens. A more thorough understanding of the interactions of ticks, pathogens and hosts is the essential basis for effective preventive control measures

Survey of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum, haemotropic mycoplasmas and other arthropod-borne pathogens in cats from Albania

BACKGROUND: Albania is a country on the western part of the Balkan Peninsula. The Mediterranean climate is favourable for the stable development of many arthropod species, which are incriminated as vectors for various agents. Recently, several papers have reported on epidemiological aspects of parasitic diseases including vector-borne disease agents of dogs with zoonotic characteristics in Albania. However, data on the epidemiology of feline parasitic and bacterial agents in Albania is scarce. METHODS: Serum and EDTA-blood samples collected from 146 domestic cats from Tirana during 2008 through 2010 were examined for exposure to Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Leishmania infantum, and Anaplasma spp. with IFAT, for infection with L. infantum, A. phagocytophilum, Bartonella spp. and haemotropic mycoplasmas with conventional PCR and real-time PCR and for Dirofilaria immitis with antigen ELISA. Additionally blood smear microscopy was carried out for detection of blood-borne pathogens. RESULTS: Antibodies to T. gondii (titre ≥1:100) were demonstrated in 91 cats (62.3%). Antibodies to N. caninum (titre ≥1:100), L. infantum (titre ≥1:64) and Anaplasma spp. (titre ≥1:100) were found in the serum of 15 (10.3%), 1 (0.7%) or 3 (2.1%) cats, respectively. DNA of haemotropic mycoplasmas was detected in the blood of 45 cats (30.8%), namely Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (21.9%), Mycoplasma haemofelis (10.3%), and Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis (5.5%), with ten cats harbouring co-infections of two mycoplasmas each; blood from one cat was PCR positive for Bartonella henselae. No DNA of Leishmania spp. and A. phagocytophilum or circulating D. immitis antigen was detected in any cat sample. The overall prevalence of haemotropic mycoplasmas was significantly higher in male compared to female cats (40.6% vs. 24.1%, p = 0.0444); and age was associated positively with the prevalence of antibodies to T. gondii (p = 0.0008) and the percentage of haemotropic mycoplasma infection (p = 0.0454). CONCLUSIONS: With the broad screening panel including direct and indirect methods applied in the present study, a wide spectrum of exposure to or infection with parasitic or bacterial agents was detected

Host–pathogen associations revealed by genotyping of European strains of Anaplasma phagocytophilum to describe natural endemic cycles

Background The zoonotic intracellular alpha-proteobacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a tick-transmitted pathogen. The associations between vertebrate reservoirs and vectors are described as wide-ranging, and it was previously shown that the pathogenicity of A. phagocytophilum differs depending on the combination of pathogen variant and infected host species. This leads to the question of whether there are variations in particular gene loci associated with different virulence. Therefore, this study aims at clarifying existing host-variant combinations and detecting possible reservoir hosts. To understand these interactions, a complex toolset for molecular epidemiology, phylogeny and network theory was applied. Methods Sequences of up to four gene loci (msp4, msp2, groEL and 16S rRNA) were evaluated for different isolates from variable host species, including, for example, dogs, cattle and deer. Variant typing was conducted for each gene locus individually, and combinations of different gene loci were analysed to gain more detailed information about the genetic plasticity of A. phagocytophilum. Results were displayed as minimum spanning nets and correlation nets. Results The highest diversity of variants for all gene loci was observed in roe deer. In cattle, a reduced number of variants for 16S rRNA [only 16S-20(W) and 16S-22(Y)] but multiple variants of msp4 and groEL were found. For dogs, two msp4 variants [m4-20 and m4-2(B/C)] were found to be linked to different variants of the other three gene loci, creating two main combinations of gene loci variants. Cattle are placed centrally in the minimum spanning net analyses, indicating a crucial role in the transmission cycles by possibly bridging the vector-wildlife cycle to infections of humans and domestic animals. The minimum spanning nets confirmed previously described epidemiological cycles of the bacterium in Europe, showing separation of variants originating from wildlife animals only and a set of variants shared by wild and domestic animals. Conclusions In this comprehensive study of 1280 sequences, we found a high number of gene variants only occurring in specific hosts. Additionally, different hosts show unique but also shared variant combinations. The use of our four gene loci expand the knowledge of host–pathogen interactions and may be a starting point to predict future spread and infection risks of A. phagocytophilum in Europe

Arthropod-borne infections in travelled dogs in Europe

Pet animal movement is ever increasing within the European Union and in that context canine vectorborne infections gained a considerable importance. Information on these infections in travelled dogs is nevertheless limited. A first prospective study on vector-borne infections was conducted in 106 dogs travelling from Germany to countries in South and South-East Europe. The dogs were screened prior to and consecutively up to three times after travel by haematological (Giemsa-stained buffy coat smears, Knott’s-Test), molecular biological (PCR) as well as serological (IFAT, DiroChek®-ELISA) methods for arthropod-borne infections. Seven animals were seropositive for antibodies against Babesia canis sspp., Leishmania spp. and/or Ehrlichia canis prior to travel to Italy, Spain, France, Croatia, Greece, or Hungary. In the consecutive screening after return there was no increase in the number of seropositive dogs. None was positive in direct methods. The mean duration of the stay was 17 days and 51% of the dogs were prophylactically treated with ectoparasiticidal formulations. Preliminary data from this study on canine vector-borne infections indicate a low risk for infection during a limited single stay in endemic countries

Arthropod-borne infections in travelled dogs in Europe

Pet animal movement is ever increasing within the European Union and in that context canine vectorborne infections gained a considerable importance. Information on these infections in travelled dogs is nevertheless limited. A first prospective study on vector-borne infections was conducted in 106 dogs travelling from Germany to countries in South and South-East Europe. The dogs were screened prior to and consecutively up to three times after travel by haematological (Giemsa-stained buffy coat smears, Knott’s-Test), molecular biological (PCR) as well as serological (IFAT, DiroChek®-ELISA) methods for arthropod-borne infections. Seven animals were seropositive for antibodies against Babesia canis sspp., Leishmania spp. and/or Ehrlichia canis prior to travel to Italy, Spain, France, Croatia, Greece, or Hungary. In the consecutive screening after return there was no increase in the number of seropositive dogs. None was positive in direct methods. The mean duration of the stay was 17 days and 51% of the dogs were prophylactically treated with ectoparasiticidal formulations. Preliminary data from this study on canine vector-borne infections indicate a low risk for infection during a limited single stay in endemic countries

Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia Species of Sympatric Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus), Fallow Deer (Dama dama), Sika Deer (Cervus nippon) and Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) in Germany

(1) Background: Wild cervids play an important role in transmission cycles of tick-borne pathogens; however, investigations of tick-borne pathogens in sika deer in Germany are lacking. (2) Methods: Spleen tissue of 74 sympatric wild cervids (30 roe deer, 7 fallow deer, 22 sika deer, 15 red deer) and of 27 red deer from a farm from southeastern Germany were analyzed by molecular methods for the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia species. (3) Results: Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia DNA was demonstrated in 90.5% and 47.3% of the 74 combined wild cervids and 14.8% and 18.5% of the farmed deer, respectively. Twelve 16S rRNA variants of A. phagocytophilum were delineated. While the infection rate for A. phagocytophilum among the four cervid species was similar (71.4% to 100%), it varied significantly for Babesia between roe deer (73.3%), fallow deer (14.3%), sika deer (27.3%) and red deer (40.0%). Deer &le;2 years of age tested significantly more often positive than the older deer for both A. phagocytophilum and Babesia species. (4) Conclusions: This study confirms the widespread occurrence of A. phagocytophilum and Babesia species in wild cervids and farmed red deer in Germany and documents the co-occurrence of the two tick-borne pathogens in free-ranging sika deer

Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae in Ticks, Germany

To explore increased risk for human Rickettsia spp. infection in Germany, we investigated recreational areas and renatured brown coal surface-mining sites (also used for recreation) for the presence of spotted fever group rickettsiae in ticks. R. raoultii (56.7%), R. slovaca (13.3%), and R. helvetica (>13.4%) were detected in the respective tick species