RESUMO
PURPOSE: Animal hoarding has been associated with unhealthy human, animal and environmental conditions that predispose such individuals to serious life-threatening risks such as arson, malnutrition, cruelty and zoonosis. The study aimed to evaluate the presence of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies among individuals with animal hoarding disorder in Curitiba, Brazil. METHODS: 65 residences with register of animal hoarder behavior were visited and 11 residences were included in the study, with a total of 19 individuals consenting participation. A short questionnaire was applied to gather information regarding hoarders and their dogs/cats, and serum samples were screened to detect antibodies (IgG) against antigens of Toxocara spp. RESULTS: Overall, 14/19 individuals (73.7%) presented anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies. In 8/11 (72.7%) households at least one person was seropositive. Seropositivity was higher among women (10/13; 76.9%) than men (4/6; 66.7%). A total of 442 dogs (14-30 dogs; average = 23.3 per household) and 31 cats (1-20 cats; average = 4.8 per household) were observed. To the authors' knowledge, this was the first study to survey occurrences of toxocariasis among animal hoarders. The high population densities of dogs observed during visits, in conjunction with absence of veterinary care and unsanitary conditions, may indicate that situations of high levels of animal infection and soil contamination were present. CONCLUSION: In summary, the seroprevalence observed in this study indicated that there was a high risk of Toxocara spp. infection among individuals with animal hoarding disorder. Provision of educational programs to reduce the risk of infection in this population is warranted.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Anti-Helmínticos , Doenças do Cão , Transtorno de Acumulação , Toxocara , Toxocaríase , Animais , Brasil/epidemiologia , Humanos , Cães , Toxocara/imunologia , Gatos , Feminino , Masculino , Toxocaríase/epidemiologia , Transtorno de Acumulação/epidemiologia , Estudos Soroepidemiológicos , Doenças do Cão/parasitologia , Doenças do Cão/epidemiologia , Anticorpos Anti-Helmínticos/sangue , Adulto , Doenças do Gato/parasitologia , Doenças do Gato/epidemiologia , Saúde Pública , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Adulto Jovem , Inquéritos e Questionários , AdolescenteRESUMO
Animal hoarding disorder (AHD) is classified as a psychiatric obsessive-compulsive condition characterized by animal accumulation and often accompanied by unsanitary conditions and animal cruelty. Although AHD may increase pathogen transmission and spread, particularly for zoonotic diseases, human and dog exposure in such cases has yet to be fully established. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess Brucella canis in 19 individuals with AHD (11 households) and their 264 dogs (21 households) in Curitiba, the eighth largest city in Brazil, with approximately 1.8 million habitants. Anti-B. canis antibodies were detected by the 2-mercaptoethanol microplate agglutination test (2ME-MAT) and by a commercial lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA), while molecular detection of previously positive seropositive samples was performed by conventional PCR. Although all the human samples were 2ME-MAT negative, 12/264 (4.5%, 95% Confidence Interval: 2.0-7.0%) dog samples were 2ME-MAT and LFIA positive, with 2ME-MAT titers ranging from 20 to 640. At least one dog in 4/21 (19.0%, 95% CI: 2.0-46.0%) households was seropositive. Despite the absence of seropositivity in individuals with AHD and the comparatively low seroprevalence in dogs, B. canis circulation and outbreaks should be considered in such human populations due to the high burden and recurrent character of B. canis exposure in high-density dog populations and the constant introduction of susceptible animals.
Assuntos
Brucella canis , Brucelose , Doenças do Cão , Transtorno de Acumulação , Animais , Cães , Humanos , Brucella canis/genética , Brucelose/diagnóstico , Brucelose/epidemiologia , Brucelose/veterinária , Doenças do Cão/diagnóstico , Doenças do Cão/epidemiologia , Saúde Única , Estudos SoroepidemiológicosRESUMO
The present study describes from the holistic One Health perspective a case report of dioctophimosis in a community dog (defined as stray dogs managed by the local community) residing in a park in the city of Curitiba-PR, considering the multispecies collectives directly affected by the dynamics of this dangerous zoonosis. The work underlines the importance of the community dog program of the Rede de Proteção Animal, demonstrating the health barrier function of these dogs. Despite being a cosmopolitan zoonosis, dioctophimosis is of particular importance in regions of the developing world, including Latin America, because of large populations of stray animals and social inequalities. Public policies focused on raising awareness among the general population about this parasitic disease and its risks and the restraint of actions that determine risks of infection for humans and companion animals are fundamental to a One Health approach to prevent this zoonosis.
No presente estudo, é descrito um relato de caso de dioctofimose em um cão comunitário (descrito como um cão em situação de rua mantido pela comunidade local) residente em um parque da cidade de Curitiba-PR, sob a perspectiva holística da Saúde Única, considerando os coletivos multiespécies que estão diretamente envolvidos e influenciados pela dinâmica desta perigosa zoonose. O trabalho aborda a importância do programa do cão comunitário da Rede de Proteção Animal, demonstrando claramente a função de barreira sanitária desses cães. Argumenta-se que apesar de ser uma zoonose praticamente cosmopolita, a dioctofimose tem importância significativa em regiões do mundo em desenvolvimento, incluindo a América Latina, devido às grandes populações de animais errantes e às desigualdades sociais comuns nesta porção do planeta. Políticas públicas que envolvam a sensibilização da população em geral sobre esta doença parasitária e seus riscos, bem como a coibição de ações que determinem riscos de infecção para humanos e animais de companhia são fundamentais para uma abordagem de Saúde Única com objetivo de prevenir esta zoonose.
RESUMO
Despite being an important public health issue, particularly due to rabies, dog bites and associated risk factors have rarely been assessed by health services from a One Health perspective. Accordingly, the present study aimed to assess dog biting and associated demographic and socioeconomic risk factors in Curitiba, the eighth-largest Brazilian city with approximately 1.87 million people, based on the post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) rabies reports between January/2010 and December/2015. The total of 45,392 PEP reports corresponded to an average annual incidence of 4.17/1000 habitants, mainly affecting white (79.9%, 4.38/1000 population), males (53.1%, 4.81/1000 population), and children aged 0-9 years (20.1%, 6.9/1000 population), with severe accidents associated with older victims (p < 0.001) and mainly caused by dogs known to the victims. An increase of USD 100.00 in the median neighborhood income was associated with a 4.9% (95% CI: 3.8-6.1; p < 0.001) reduction in dog bites. In summary, dog biting occurrence was associated with victims' low income, gender, race/color, and age; severe accidents were associated with elderly victims. As dog bites have been described as multifactorial events involving human, animal, and environmental factors, the characteristics presented herein should be used as a basis to define mitigation, control, and prevention strategies from a One Health perspective.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Individuals with hoarding disorder (HD) presented a persistent difficulty in detaching from objects and/or animals. Unhealthy conditions, frequently found in cases of animal HD (AHD), may favour environmental contamination and the spread of zoonotic pathogens. Despite that, only one study of zoonotic diseases in individuals with AHD and their companion animals has been conducted to date. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies in individuals with AHD and their dogs in a major city of Southern Brazil. METHODS: Blood samples were obtained from 264 dogs (21 households) and 19 individuals with AHD (11 households) and tested by microscopic agglutination test. RESULTS: All human samples were seronegative. Seropositivity was found in 16/264 (6.1%; CI 95% 3.3-9.6%) dogs from 11/21 (52.38%) households, with titres ranging from 100 up to 400, and Copenhageni (10/16; 62.5%) was the most frequent serovar. Surprisingly, seropositivity of hoarded dogs found herein was among the lowest reportedly observed in other dog populations of Brazil. Two epidemiological variables were significantly associated with seropositivity in dogs: the presence of cat hoarding (p = 0.004) and the report of flood occurrence in the household (p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: No individuals with AHD were seropositive, and besides the lower seroprevalence of dogs, they probably had contact with Leptospira spp. at some point in their life. Since dogs can be considered potential sentinels in leptospirosis, public health programs must become aware of the risk of leptospirosis cases in households of individuals with AHD and nearby communities.
Assuntos
Doenças do Cão , Transtorno de Acumulação , Colecionismo , Leptospira , Leptospirose , Animais , Brasil/epidemiologia , Doenças do Cão/epidemiologia , Cães , Transtorno de Acumulação/epidemiologia , Leptospirose/epidemiologia , Leptospirose/veterinária , Estudos SoroepidemiológicosRESUMO
Despite vulnerability and unsanitary conditions of animal hoarding may predispose environmental contamination and spread of vectors and pathogens, no study to date has focused on their impact on public health and zoonotic diseases. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and associated factors in individuals with animal hoarding disorder (AHD) and their dogs in Curitiba, Southern Brazil. Blood samples were obtained from 264 dogs (21 households) and 19 individuals with AHD (11 households). Their blood was tested by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Overall, anti-Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity was found in 21/264 dogs (7.95%; 95% CI: 4.69-11.22) with titers ranging from 16 to 4096, and in 7/19 individuals with AHD (36.84%; CI: 15.15-58.53) with titers ranging from 16 to 64. Serological analysis for anti-T. gondii antibodies were considered positive in at least one individual or dog in 9/11 (81.82%; 95% CI: 59.03-100.00) cases that were thoroughly assessed. Surprisingly, the seropositivity of individuals with AHD and their dogs was among the lowest reportedly observed in human and dog populations of Brazil. There was no significant association between positive owners and positive dogs or the presence of cats in the household. Regard epidemiological variables, a significant association was found between dog's seropositivity and the type of dog food. To the authors' knowledge, the present study represents the first investigation of T. gondii seroprevalence in individuals with hoarding disorder and their dogs. In conclusion, despite low sanitary conditions, anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies frequency in individuals with AHD and their dogs are lower than the general population likely due to low protozoan load in such isolated households.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Antiprotozoários/sangue , Doenças do Cão/epidemiologia , Transtorno de Acumulação/epidemiologia , Toxoplasma/imunologia , Toxoplasmose/epidemiologia , Ração Animal , Animais , Brasil/epidemiologia , Doenças do Cão/sangue , Doenças do Cão/imunologia , Cães , Geografia Médica , Colecionismo/sangue , Colecionismo/epidemiologia , Colecionismo/imunologia , Transtorno de Acumulação/sangue , Transtorno de Acumulação/imunologia , Humanos , Estudos Soroepidemiológicos , Análise Espacial , Toxoplasmose/sangue , Toxoplasmose/imunologiaRESUMO
Abstract Rickettsia spp. bacteria are responsible for tick-borne diseases worldwide, mostly maintained by rickettsial amplifiers capybaras in Brazilian endemic areas. The campus of the University of São Paulo, in southeastern Brazil, is an area endemic for Brazilian spotted fever (BSF), with high density of capybaras and Amblyomma spp., along with confirmed human cases. Besides capybaras, the university has also an in-campus high population of sheltered and free-roaming cats. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics associated with Rickettsia rickettsii, Rickettsia parkeri and Rickettsia felis exposure among cats in a BSF-endemic area. Out of 51 cats sampled, 23/35 shelter (65.7%) and 5/16 free-roaming (31.2%) were positive (titers ≥ 64) for at least one Rickettsia species. Ticks species were present in 3/16 free-roaming cats (18.8%), consisting of Amblyomma spp., nymphs of Amblyomma sculptum and adult Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. Despite sharing the capybaras environment, the seropositivity among the free-roaming and shelter cats was lower than owned cats in other endemic areas. Whether equally or less exposed to rickettsial infection, compared with owned cats in endemic areas, free-roaming and shelter cats may be used as environmental sentinels for human exposure to rickettsiae in such areas.
Resumo Espécies de Rickettsia têm sido responsáveis por doenças transmitidas por carrapatos no mundo, a maioria mantida por hospedeiros amplificadores, como as capivaras em áreas endêmicas no Brasil. A Universidade de São Paulo, em Piracicaba, no sudeste do Brasil, é uma área endêmica para a Febre Maculosa Brasileira (FMB), com alta densidade de capivaras e Amblyomma spp., e com casos humanos confirmados. Além de capivaras, a universidade também possui gatos em um abrigo e de vida livre. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência e as características associadas com exposição à Rickettsia rickettsii, Rickettsia parkeri e Rickettsia felis em gatos de área endêmica para a FMB. Dos 51 gatos amostrados, 23/35 (65,7%) do abrigo e 5/16 (31,2%) de vida livre foram positivos (títulos ≥ 64) para pelo menos uma Rickettsia spp. Carrapatos estiveram presentes em 3/16 (18,8%) gatos de vida livre, representados por Amblyomma spp., ninfas de Amblyomma sculptum e adultos de Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. Apesar de compartilharem o ambiente com capivaras, os gatos amostrados foram igualmente ou menos expostos à infecção riquetsial do que os gatos com proprietário em outras áreas endêmicas, podendo ser usados como sentinelas para exposição humana à riquétsias nessas áreas.
Assuntos
Animais , Masculino , Feminino , Gatos , Rickettsia/isolamento & purificação , Infecções por Rickettsia/veterinária , Carrapatos/microbiologia , Doenças do Gato/microbiologia , Rickettsia/classificação , Infecções por Rickettsia/diagnóstico , Infecções por Rickettsia/microbiologia , Infecções por Rickettsia/epidemiologia , Brasil , Febre Maculosa das Montanhas Rochosas/transmissão , Doenças do Gato/diagnóstico , Doenças do Gato/epidemiologiaRESUMO
Rickettsia spp. bacteria are responsible for tick-borne diseases worldwide, mostly maintained by rickettsial amplifiers capybaras in Brazilian endemic areas. The campus of the University of São Paulo, in southeastern Brazil, is an area endemic for Brazilian spotted fever (BSF), with high density of capybaras and Amblyomma spp., along with confirmed human cases. Besides capybaras, the university has also an in-campus high population of sheltered and free-roaming cats. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics associated with Rickettsia rickettsii, Rickettsia parkeri and Rickettsia felis exposure among cats in a BSF-endemic area. Out of 51 cats sampled, 23/35 shelter (65.7%) and 5/16 free-roaming (31.2%) were positive (titers ≥ 64) for at least one Rickettsia species. Ticks species were present in 3/16 free-roaming cats (18.8%), consisting of Amblyomma spp., nymphs of Amblyomma sculptum and adult Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. Despite sharing the capybaras environment, the seropositivity among the free-roaming and shelter cats was lower than owned cats in other endemic areas. Whether equally or less exposed to rickettsial infection, compared with owned cats in endemic areas, free-roaming and shelter cats may be used as environmental sentinels for human exposure to rickettsiae in such areas.
Assuntos
Doenças do Gato/microbiologia , Infecções por Rickettsia/veterinária , Rickettsia/isolamento & purificação , Carrapatos/microbiologia , Animais , Brasil/epidemiologia , Doenças do Gato/diagnóstico , Doenças do Gato/epidemiologia , Gatos , Feminino , Masculino , Rickettsia/classificação , Infecções por Rickettsia/diagnóstico , Infecções por Rickettsia/epidemiologia , Infecções por Rickettsia/microbiologia , Febre Maculosa das Montanhas Rochosas/transmissãoRESUMO
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii has been extensively studied in wild boars worldwide due to the emerging risk for human infection through meat consumption. However, this is the first study that reports toxoplasmosis seroprevalence in wild boars, wild boar hunters and their hunting dogs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in the complex wild boars, hunting dogs and hunters, and to determine the risk factors associated with seropositivity in southern and central-western Brazil. Overall, anti-T. gondii seropositivity was observed in 15/71 (21.1%) wild boars by modified agglutination test (MAT); and 49/157 (31.2%) hunting dogs and 15/49 (32.7%) hunters by indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in Brazilian wild boars was within the national and international range, posting wild boars as potential environmental sentinels for T. gondii presence. In addition, the findings have comparatively shown that wild boars have been less exposed to infection than hunting dogs or hunters in both Brazilian regions. Seropositivity for T. gondii was statistically higher in 12/14 (85.7%) captured wild boars when compared to 5/57 (7.0%) free-range wild boars (p = 0.000001). Similarly, captured wild boars from anthropized areas were more likely to be seropositive than of natural regions (p = 0.000255). When in multiple regression model, dogs with the habit of wild boar hunting had significant more chance to be positive (adjusted-OR 4.62 CI 95% 1.16-18.42). Despite potential as sentinels of environmental toxoplasmosis, seroprevalence in wild boars alone may provide a biased basis for public health concerns; thus, hunters and hunting dogs should be always be included in such studies. Although hunters should be aware of potential T. gondii infection, wild boars from natural and agricultural areas may present lower protozoa load when compared to wild boars from anthropized areas, likely by the higher presence of domestic cats as definitive hosts.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Antiprotozoários/sangue , Cães/parasitologia , Suínos/parasitologia , Toxoplasma/imunologia , Animais , Brasil/epidemiologia , Cães/sangue , Geografia , Humanos , Modelos Logísticos , Fatores de Risco , Estudos Soroepidemiológicos , Suínos/sangueRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis is considered a neglected zoonosis associated with infrastructure problems and low socioeconomic status, particularly slums. Since the disease is mainly transmitted in urban settings by rat urine, this risk factor may be important predictor tool for prompt control and effective prevention at the local level in urban endemic areas. Accordingly, the present study aimed to propose an early spatial predictor tool for human leptospirosis in urban settings, to test the methodology of molecular methods for assessing Leptospira spp. in trapped rats, and report associated environmental data. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Official city records and previous study were used to select risk factors for human leptospirosis in an endemic neighborhood of Curitiba, Brazil. Neighborhood census sectors were divided in high- and low-risk areas using 12 selected factors: flood area, water supply, water course, green coverage, afforestation, sewage network, open sewage, open garbage, garbage collection, dumpster, pavement, and rodent complaints. In addition, rats were captured in pre-determined sites from January through March 2017, euthanized, and individual kidneys samples sent for molecular diagnosis. Human cases were obtained from official city records. In total, 95/112 (84.8%) census sectors were classified as low-risk to human leptospirosis. No significant statistical differences were found in human case frequencies between high and low-risk areas. Kidney samples from 17/25 (68.0%) trapped rats were positive for Leptospira spp. The main risk factors associated with rodent presence included inadequate water supply (p = 0.04), sanitary sewage (p = 0.04), unpaved streets (p = 0.04), and complaint of rodents (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This study offers a new approach to score leptospirosis transmission risk, and to compare small areas and their heterogeneity in the same census sector of endemic areas. Environmental risk factors for Leptospira spp. transmission within the neighborhood were mainly due to differences in infrastructure and basic services. To the author's knowledge, this is the first study using Leptospira spp. in rats as predictor for human disease in an urban setting of a major city. Although the number of rats trapped was low, this methodology may be used as basis for early and effective interventions, focused on high risk areas for leptospirosis prior to human cases, and potentially reducing morbidity and mortality in low-income areas of urban settings.
Assuntos
Leptospira/genética , Leptospirose , Patologia Molecular , Áreas de Pobreza , Zoonoses , Animais , Brasil , Cidades , Humanos , Leptospirose/diagnóstico , Leptospirose/epidemiologia , Leptospirose/genética , Ratos , Fatores de Risco , Zoonoses/diagnóstico , Zoonoses/epidemiologia , Zoonoses/genéticaRESUMO
Rickettsia spp. bacteria are responsible for tick-borne diseases worldwide, mostly maintained by rickettsial amplifiers capybaras in Brazilian endemic areas. The campus of the University of São Paulo, in southeastern Brazil, is an area endemic for Brazilian spotted fever (BSF), with high density of capybaras and Amblyomma spp., along with confirmed human cases. Besides capybaras, the university has also an in-campus high population of sheltered and free-roaming cats. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics associated with Rickettsia rickettsii, Rickettsia parkeri and Rickettsia felis exposure among cats in a BSF-endemic area. Out of 51 cats sampled, 23/35 shelter (65.7%) and 5/16 free-roaming (31.2%) were positive (titers 64) for at least one Rickettsia species. Ticks species were present in 3/16 free-roaming cats (18.8%), consisting of Amblyomma spp., nymphs of Amblyomma sculptum and adult Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. Despite sharing the capybaras environment, the seropositivity among the free-roaming and shelter cats was lower than owned cats in other endemic areas. Whether equally or less exposed to rickettsial infection, compared with owned cats in endemic areas, free-roaming and shelter cats may be used as environmental sentinels for human exposure to rickettsiae in such areas.(AU)
Espécies de Rickettsia têm sido responsáveis por doenças transmitidas por carrapatos no mundo, a maioria mantida por hospedeiros amplificadores, como as capivaras em áreas endêmicas no Brasil. A Universidade de São Paulo, em Piracicaba, no sudeste do Brasil, é uma área endêmica para a Febre Maculosa Brasileira (FMB), com alta densidade de capivaras e Amblyomma spp., e com casos humanos confirmados. Além de capivaras, a universidade também possui gatos em um abrigo e de vida livre. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência e as características associadas com exposição à Rickettsia rickettsii, Rickettsia parkeri e Rickettsia felis em gatos de área endêmica para a FMB. Dos 51 gatos amostrados, 23/35 (65,7%) do abrigo e 5/16 (31,2%) de vida livre foram positivos (títulos 64) para pelo menos uma Rickettsia spp. Carrapatos estiveram presentes em 3/16 (18,8%) gatos de vida livre, representados por Amblyomma spp., ninfas de Amblyomma sculptum e adultos de Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. Apesar de compartilharem o ambiente com capivaras, os gatos amostrados foram igualmente ou menos expostos à infecção riquetsial do que os gatos com proprietário em outras áreas endêmicas, podendo ser usados como sentinelas para exposição humana à riquétsias nessas áreas.(AU)