Imported and travelling dogs as carriers of canine vector-borne pathogens in Germany

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>With the import of pets and pets taken abroad, arthropod-borne diseases have increased in frequency in German veterinary practices. This is reflected by 4,681 dogs that have been either travelled to or relocated from endemic areas to Germany. The case history of these dogs and the laboratory findings have been compared with samples collected from 331 dogs living in an endemic area in Portugal. The various pathogens and the seroprevalences were examined to determine the occurrence of, and thus infection risk, for vector-borne pathogens in popular travel destinations.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>4,681 dogs were examined serological for <it>Leishmania infantum, Babesia canis </it>and <it>Ehrlichia canis</it>. Buffy coats were detected for <it>Hepatozoon canis </it>and blood samples were examined for microfilariae via the Knott's test. The samples were sent in from animal welfare organizations or private persons via veterinary clinics. Upon individual requests, dogs were additionally examined serological for <it>Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi </it>and <it>Rickettsia conorii</it>. Overall <it>B. canis </it>was the most prevalent pathogen detected by antibody titers (23.4%), followed by <it>L. infantum </it>(12.2%) and <it>E. canis </it>(10.1%). Microfilariae were detected in 7.7% and <it>H. canis </it>in 2.7% of the examined dogs. In 332/1862 dogs <it>A. phagocytophilum</it>, in 64/212 <it>B. burgdorferi </it>and in 20/58 <it>R. conorii </it>was detected. Of the 4,681 dogs, in total 4,226 were imported to Germany from endemic areas. Eighty seven dogs joined their owners for a vacation abroad. In comparison to the laboratory data from Germany, we examined 331 dogs from Portugal. The prevalence of antibodies/pathogens we detected was: 62.8% to <it>R. conorii</it>, 58% to <it>B. canis</it>, 30.5% to <it>A. phagocytophilum</it>, 24.8% to <it>E. canis</it>, 21.1% to <it>H. canis </it>(via PCR), 9.1% to <it>L. infantum </it>and 5.3% to microfilariae.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The examination of 4,681 dogs living in Germany showed pathogens like <it>L. infantum </it>that are non-endemic in Germany. Furthermore, the German data are similar in terms of multiple pathogen infection to the data recorded for dogs from Portugal. Based on these findings the importation of dogs from endemic predominantly Mediterranean regions to Germany as well as travelling with dogs to these regions carries a significant risk of acquiring an infection. Thus we would conclude that pet owners seek advice of the veterinarians prior to importing a dog from an endemic area or travel to such areas. In general, it might be advisable to have a European recording system for translocation of dogs.</p

First report of venereal and vertical transmission of canine leishmaniosis from naturally infected dogs in Germany

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is a zoonotic disease caused by <it>Leishmania (L.) infantum</it>. It is endemic to several tropical and subtropical countries but also to the Mediterranean region. It is transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies but occasional non-vector transmissions have been reported, including vertical and horizontal transmission.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>The authors report a case of CanL in a female boxer dog from Dusseldorf, Germany, that had never been in an endemic region. A serum sample from the bitch was tested positive for antibodies against <it>Leishmania </it>(IFAT 1:2,000, ELISA 72). The bitch had whelped three litters, and one puppy from the third litter was also found to be seropositive for <it>Leishmania </it>antibodies (IFAT 1:4,000, ELISA 78).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Up to now, despite intensive searching, the occurrence of sandflies could not be proved in the bitch's region of origin. Thus, vertical and horizontal transmission are to be discussed as possible ways of infection. This may be the first report of venereal and vertical transmission of <it>L. infantum </it>in naturally infected dogs in Germany.</p

Malaria transmission in non-endemic areas: case report, review of the literature and implications for public health management

In non-endemic areas, malaria is rare and locally acquired infections, particularly with Plasmodium falciparum, are exceptional events. The diagnosis is, therefore, likely to be delayed or missed in patients without a relevant travel history. This report describes a case of falciparum malaria in Berlin, Germany, in a patient who had not been to an endemic area for more than a decade. Potential routes of vector-related and direct transmission were evaluated, particularly with regard to a possible danger to the public. A review of the literature was conducted regarding possible routes of transmission and their probability assessed. Genotyping of parasite isolates of this and another patient with malaria admitted 16 days before revealed homology between the two strains. In a local entomological survey, anopheline vectors on the hospital grounds as well as in the residential area of both patients were found. Despite intensive investigations, the mode of transmission remained obscure. In this context, possible routes of vector-borne and direct occupational/accidental transmission in a major European city are reviewed and discussed, providing information and guidance in case other similar events occur elsewhere. Examples for investigations and measures to be taken in such a situation are provided. When local malaria transmission within a large non-immune population cannot be ruled out, genotyping of parasite isolates, local entomological surveys, preparedness for secondary cases, expert consultations in a multidisciplinary team and careful information management are essential. Malaria acquired in non-endemic areas remains an unlikely, but possible event for which awareness needs to be maintained

. FIRST MOLECULAR DETECTION OF LEISHMANIA INFANTUM IN SERGENTOMYIA MINUTA (DIPTERA, PSYCHODIDAE) IN ALENTEJO, SOUTHERN PORTUGAL

One Sergentomyia minuta female was positive for L. infantum infection and another for human blood as a meal source