New paradigms in the prevention of canine vector-borne diseases.

The prevention of canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) is pivotal for the health and welfare of dogs as well as for reducing their zoonotic risk to humans. Scientific knowledge gained in recent years contributed to the development of new strategies for the control of these diseases in different social and cultural contexts. Here, we discuss recent advances in the prevention of vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) affecting dogs with a focus on those of zoonotic relevance.

Candida auris from the Egyptian cobra: Role of snakes as potential reservoirs.

Candida auris represents one of the most urgent threats to public health, although its ecology remains largely unknown. Because amphibians and reptiles may present favorable conditions for C. auris colonization, cloacal and blood samples (n = 68), from several snake species, were cultured and molecularly screened for C. auris using molecular amplification of glycosylphosphatidylinositol protein-encoding genes and ribosomal internal transcribed spacer sequencing. Candida auris was isolated from the cloacal swab of one Egyptian cobra (Naja haje legionis) and molecularly identified in its cloaca and blood. The isolation of C. auris from wild animals is herein reported for the first time, thus suggesting the role that these animals could play as reservoirs of this emerging pathogen. The occurrence of C. auris in blood requires further investigation, although the presence of cationic antimicrobial peptides in the plasma of reptiles could play a role in reducing the vitality of the fungus.

Candida auris represents one of the most urgent threats to public health. In this study, we reported for the first time the isolation of C. auris from snake thus suggesting the role of these animals as reservoirs of this emerging pathogen.

Haemonchus contortus Parasitism in Intensively Managed Cross-Limousin Beef Calves: Effects on Feed Conversion and Carcass Characteristics and Potential Associations with Climatic Conditions.

The objectives of the study were: (a) to study the effect of Haemonchus spp. on the growth performance characteristics of fattening calves, (b) to assess any potential effects on carcass characteristics and (c) to investigate the potential role of climatic conditions in the process of the infection. The study was conducted for 201 days in an intensively managed cross-Limousin herd. The animals were divided into two equal groups: those receiving anthelmintic treatment (AT) and the untreated (C) controls. The same nutritional regime was applied to both groups and the feed consumption was calculated daily. Standard parasitological examinations were performed at weekly intervals. At slaughter, carcasses were weighed and assessed for conformation and fat cover classes. Climatic variables were obtained for the location of the farm and a temperature-humidity index was calculated. Before anthelmintic treatment with ivermectin, there was no difference in parasitic burdens between the two groups: 544 (AT) vs. 554 (C) epg, whilst after it, counts were 0 and 450-700 epg, respectively, with over 96% of larvae identified as Haemonchus spp. and, later, confirmed as Haemonchus contortus. It was concluded that treated animals had a higher average total bodyweight gain, higher feed conversion ratio and carcass yield of superior quality than controls. There was a difference between the two groups in the pattern of reduction of dry matter intake as the temperature-humidity index increased.

Illegal Wildlife Trade: A Gateway to Zoonotic Infectious Diseases.

The illegal wildlife trade (IWT) is a criminal practice bringing several ecological and public health consequences, such as the spreading of zoonotic pathogens and/or the introduction of exotic species of animals into new geographical areas. Here, we discuss potential risks of IWT on the spreading and emergence of zoonotic pathogens.

Zoonotic Parasites of Reptiles: A Crawling Threat.

Reptiles are reservoirs of a wide range of pathogens, including many protozoa, helminths, pentastomids, and arthropod parasitic species, some of which may be of public health concern. In this review we discuss the zoonotic risks associated with human-reptile interactions. Increased urbanization and introduction of exotic species of reptile may act as drivers for the transmission of zoonotic parasites through the environment. In addition, being a part of human diet, reptiles can be a source of life-threatening parasitoses, such as pentastomiasis or sparganosis. Finally, reptiles kept as pets may represent a risk to owners given the possibility of parasites transmitted by direct contact or fecal contamination. Awareness of reptile-borne zoonotic parasitoses is important to advocate control, prevention, and surveillance of these neglected diseases.

Ticks and associated pathogens in camels (Camelus dromedarius) from Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Camel production in Saudi Arabia is severely affected by various diseases and by inadequate veterinary services. Ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) affect the health and wellbeing of camels consequently diminishing their productivity and performances. In addition, camels may act as hosts for TBPs (e.g. Anaplasma phagocytophilum) causing diseases in humans. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of ixodid ticks and molecularly investigate the associated pathogens in camels from Saudi Arabia. METHODS: Blood and tick samples were collected from camels (n = 170) in Riyad Province of Saudi Arabia. Ticks were morphologically identified, and blood of camels were molecularly screened for apicomplexan (i.e. Babesia spp., Theileria spp., Hepatozoon spp.) and rickettsial parasites (i.e. Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp.). RESULTS: Of the 170 camels examined, 116 (68.2%; 95% CI: 60.9-75.1%) were infested by ticks with a mean intensity of 2.53 (95% CI: 2.4-2.6). In total of 296 ticks collected, Hyalomma dromedarii was the most prevalent (76.4%), followed by Hyalomma impeltatum (23.3%) and Hyalomma excavatum (0.3%). Of the tested animals, 13 (7.6%; 95% CI: 4.3-12.8%) scored positive to at least one TBP, with Anaplasma platys (5.3%; 95% CI: 2.7-9.9%) being the most prevalent species, followed by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma sp., Ehrlichia canis and Hepatozoon canis (0.6% each; 95% CI: 0.04-3.4%). None of the camels were found to be co-infected with more than one pathogen. All samples tested negative for Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. CONCLUSIONS: The present study reveals the occurrence of different tick species and TBPs in camels from Saudi Arabia. Importantly, these camels may carry A. phagocytophilum and A. platys, representing a potential risk to humans.