Unexpected Cytological Detection of Leishmania infantum within the Secretion of a Canine Mammary Carcinoma

K. Törner, H. Aupperle-Lellbach, E. Müller, T.J. Naucke, I. Schäfer

Animals 2024, 14(19), 2794

Simple Summary:  A dog imported from Greece to Germany presented a mass in the mammary gland. Cytology of the secretion was performed, and besides the malignant epithelial cells, amastigotes of Leishmania (L.). infantum were identified. Diagnoses of mammary carcinoma and canine leishmaniasis were confirmed by histopathology, PCR testing, and serology. The detection of L. infantum amastigotes in the mammary glands indicates a possible shedding by the milk and makes trans-mammary transmission to puppies theoretically possible as another route of L. infantum transmission apart from vectorial transmission by sand flies, blood transfusion, vertical transmission, and venereal transmission.

Abstract: Mammary tumors are one of the most common neoplasms in female dogs, and cytology represents a non-invasive diagnostic method. The protozoal pathogen Leishmania spp. was previously demonstrated in canine mammary glands. An eight-year-old, female-spayed Doberman was imported from Crete, Greece, three years before the first presentation. The dog was presented due to a mammary tumor two years after adoption. The clinical examination revealed fever and weight loss. Smears of the mammary secretion were investigated cytologically. Multiple atypical epithelial cells with moderate to marked criteria of malignancy were detected. Furthermore, amastigotes were visible intra- and extracellularly. The diagnosis of L. infantum infection was based on a positive PCR out of the cytological smear, and a positive serology. Mammary carcinoma and granulomatous inflammation with amastigotes were confirmed by histopathology. We aimed to provide a complete report of cytological, histopathological, hematological, and biochemistry findings in a dog with L. infantum in the mammary glands with focus on trans-mammary pathogen transmission as a potential alternative way of spreading Leishmania infections. Canine leishmaniasis should be a potential differential diagnosis in dogs with lesions and/or inflammation in the mammary glands and a history of presence in areas endemic for L. infantum, especially the Mediterranean in Europe.

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Molecular and Serological Detection of Vector-Borne Pathogens Responsible for Equine Piroplasmosis in Europe between 2008 and 2021

C.W. Axt, A. Springer, C. Strube, C. Jung, T.J. Naucke, E. Müller, I. Schäfer

Microorganisms 2024, 12(4), 816

Abstract: Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is caused by Theileria (T.) equi and/or Babesia (B.) caballi. The aim was to assess the percentage of positive test results for EP in horses in Europe and to identify risk factors for pathogen contact/infection. This study included results from PCR and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay testing requested by European veterinarians between 2008 and 2021. Binary bivariate logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors. A total of 4060 horses were included. PCR testing was positive in 9.7% (154/1589), serology for T. equi in 15.2% (393/2591) and for B. caballi in 6.8% (175/2578). The odds of positive serology increased by 6.8% (B. caballi, p = 0.008) and 9.5% (T. equi, p < 0.001) each year. Regionality had a statistically significant impact on PCR (Eastern p = 0.047/OR = 1.605; Southern p = 0.029/OR = 1.451; Central p = 0.007/OR = 0.617) and serological testing for T. equi (Southern p < 0.001/OR = 2.521; Central p < 0.001/OR = 0.537; Northern p = 0.003/OR = 0.462), as well as breeds on seroprevalence of B. caballi (heavy horses: p = 0.016/OR = 2.239) and T. equi (ponies: p = 0.007/OR = 0.340; warmbloods: p = 0.025/OR = 1.602). In conclusion, there was a significant geographical impact on the results of PCR and serology, consistent with known vector habitats. The rising numbers of horses tested serologically positive highlights the importance of surveillance.

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Feline leishmaniosis with focus on ocular manifestation: a case report

I. Schäfer, A. Schmidt, F. Gräßer, A. Schieszler, H. Aupperle-Lellbach, G. Loesenbeck, M. Gentil, E. Müller, T.J. Naucke

Parasites & Vectors volume 16 (161) 2023

Abstract

Background: In Europe, feline leishmaniosis is commonly caused by Leishmania infantum. There is little knowledge regarding pathogenesis, ocular manifestations and long-term follow-ups in cats with leishmaniosis.

Findings: A 6-year-old female, spayed European Shorthair cat was imported from Spain to Germany 2 years prior to its first clinical presentation. The cat showed lethargy, weight loss, ulcerative lesions on the front limbs and high-grade chronic uveitis. The diagnosis of L. infantum infection was based on the cytological finding of amastigotes in skin lesions, positive qPCR of EDTA-blood and positive PCR of a cyto-brush sample from the conjunctiva. Supportive findings included positive serology by IFAT, serum protein capillary electrophoresis with peaks in alpha2- and gamma-globulin sections and marked elevation of SAA. Enucleation had to be performed on day 288 on both eyes because of blindness, glaucoma and high-grade uveitis. Histologically, high numbers of Leishmania spp. amastigotes were found in histiocytes. IFAT and PCR were positive in the aqueous humor in both eyes, respectively. Feline leukemia virus antigen and feline immunodeficiency virus antibody testings were positive. Hematological and biochemical results revealed mild leukocytosis with lymphocytosis, monocytosis and eosinopenia as well as marked elevation of SAA and hyperglobulinemia. The cat was treated with allopurinol, responded well and was still alive at follow-up on day 288 after first presentation. However, enucleation was necessary because of refractory glaucoma and uveitis.

Conclusion: For the first time, ocular evidence of Leishmania IgG antibodies was demonstrated in the aqueous humor of both eyes in cats. There is limited knowledge about the pathogenesis, treatment options and outcomes in cats infected with L. infantum. This case report supports the hypothesis that immunosuppression increases the risk of clinical signs of leishmaniasis in cats. Alpha2- and gamma-globulin peaks in serum protein capillary electrophoresis are supportive criteria for the diagnosis of L. infantum infection. SAA is valuable for monitoring. Regarding ophthalmology, uveitis and glaucoma may have a poor prognosis.

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

I. Schäfer, E. Müller, T.J. Naucke
Tierarztl. Prax. Ausg. K Kleintiere Heimtiere 2022; 50(06): 431-445

Zusammenfassung: Aufgrund von steigenden Importzahlen von Hunden aus dem Ausland, zunehmendem Reiseverkehr sowie den Veränderungen klimatischer Bedingungen in Europa gewinnen Infektionen mit Leishmania (L.) infantum bei Hunden in Deutschland zunehmend an Bedeutung. Daher sollten auch Hunde aus dem Ausland, die keine klinischen Symptome zeigen, direkt nach Import sowie erneut 6 Monate später auf vektorübertragene Infektionserreger getestet werden. Bei Hunden mit klinischer Symptomatik, die hinweisend auf eine Leishmaniose sind, werden direkte und indirekte Nachweisverfahren sowie eine hämatologische und biochemische Untersuchung unter Einbezug von Serumeiweißelektrophorese sowie Bestimmung des C-reaktiven Proteins empfohlen. Als Leitfaden für die Therapie sowie das Monitoring stehen die LeishVet-Guidelines zur Verfügung. Es stehen leishmanizide und leishmaniostatische Wirkstoffe zur Verfügung, die in first-line, second-line und third-line unterschieden werden. Zur Anpassung der Allopurinol-Dosierung wird der Stufenplan empfohlen. Aufgrund der Veränderung der klimatischen Bedingungen kommt es zu einer Ausbreitung der Habitate von Sandmücken, die als Vektoren der Leishmaniose bekannt sind. Als weitere Infektionsquellen sind Deckakte, transplazentare Infektionen, Bisswunden und Bluttransfusionen beschrieben. Leishmania infantum hat zoonotisches Potential und ist daher auch in Hinblick auf den „One-Health“-Gedanken bedeutend.  

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Vector-borne and other pathogens of potential relevance disseminated by relocated cats

R.G. Maggi, V. Halls, F. Krämer, M. Lappin, M.G. Pennisi, A.S. Peregrine, X. Roura, B. Schunack, V. Scorza, S. Tasker, G. Baneth, P. Bourdeau, D.D. Bowman, E.B. Breitschwerdt, G. Capelli, L. Cardoso, F. Dantas-Torres, G. Dobler, L. Ferrer, L. Gradoni, P. Irwin, F. Jongejan, V.A.J. Kempf, B. Kohn, S. Little, M. Madder, C. Maia, M. Marcondes, G. Miró, T. Naucke, G. Oliva, D. Otranto, B.L. Penzhorn, M. Pfeffer, Á. Sainz, S. Shin, L. Solano-Gallego, R.K. Straubinger, R. Traub, I. Wright

Parasites & Vectors 15(1) (2022)

Abstract: Large populations of unowned cats constitute an animal welfare, ecological, societal and public health issue world‑wide. Their relocation and homing are currently carried out in many parts of the world with the intention of relievingsuffering and social problems, while contributing to ethical and humane population control in these cat populations. An understanding of an individual cat’s lifestyle and disease status by veterinary team professionals and those work‑ing with cat charities can help to prevent severe cat stress and the spread of feline pathogens, especially vector‑borne pathogens, which can be overlooked in cats. In this article, we discuss the issue of relocation and homing of unownedcats from a global perspective. We also review zoonotic and non‑zoonotic infectious agents of cats and give a list ofpractical recommendations for veterinary team professionals dealing with homing cats. Finally, we present a consen‑sus statement consolidated at the 15th Symposium of the Companion Vector‑Borne Diseases (CVBD) World Forum in2020, ultimately to help veterinary team professionals understand the problem and the role they have in helping toprevent and manage vector‑borne and other pathogens in relocated cats.

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