25 results on '"Hornok, S"'
Search Results
2. Serological evidence for Babesia canis infection of horses and an endemic focus of B. caballi in Hungary
- Author
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Hornok, S., primary, Edelhofer, Renate, additional, Földvári, G., additional, Joachim, Anja, additional, and Farkas, R., additional
- Published
- 2007
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3. Babesia divergensbecoming extinct in cattle of Northeast Hungary: new data on the past and present situation
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Hornok, S., primary, Edelhofer, Renate, additional, Szotáczky, I., additional, and Hajtós, I., additional
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- 2006
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4. Study on the Course of Cryptosporidium baileyi Infection in Chickens Treated with interleukin-1 or Indomethacin
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Hornok, S., primary, Széll, Z., additional, Shibalova, Tatjana A., additional, and Varga, I., additional
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- 1999
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5. First molecular identification of 'Candidatus mycoplasma haemominutum' from a cat with fatal haemolytic anaemia in Hungary
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Regina Hofmann-Lehmann, E. Gönczi, Barbara Willi, Hans Lutz, Marina L. Meli, Sándor Hornok, Eva Ignits, University of Zurich, and Hornok, S
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Male ,Anemia, Hemolytic ,10253 Department of Small Animals ,3400 General Veterinary ,Cat Diseases ,Fatal Outcome ,Mycoplasma ,RNA, Ribosomal, 16S ,medicine ,Animals ,Mycoplasma Infections ,Leukocytosis ,Phylogeny ,Molecular identification ,Hungary ,630 Agriculture ,General Veterinary ,biology ,biology.organism_classification ,16S ribosomal RNA ,Pathogenicity ,Virology ,Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum ,Mycoplasma haemofelis ,10187 Department of Farm Animals ,Blood smear ,Cats ,570 Life sciences ,medicine.symptom ,Sudden onset - Abstract
Although haemobartonellosis was previously reported in Hungary, until now the diagnosis (based on morphological identification in blood smears) has only been suggestive of the occurrence of the large species, recently reclassified as Mycoplasma haemofelis . However, in July 2007 a cat was presented at a small animal clinic with severe haemolytic anaemia, icterus and haemoglobinuria. While biochemical parameters were within the reference range, the cat had leukocytosis and rapidly decreasing haematocrit values, and eventually died 7 days after the sudden onset of aggravating clinical signs. From blood samples of the cat ‘ Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ was identified by molecular methods, according to its 100% 16S rRNA gene sequence homology with two Swiss isolates and one isolate from the UK. The rapid termination of the disease and the high pathogenicity of the causative agent observed in this case are unusual, taking into account that PCR results were negative for immunosuppressive viruses. This is the first record of this feline haemoplasma species in Hungary.
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- 2009
6. Zoonotic ecotype-I of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in sympatric wildcat, pine marten and red squirrel - Short communication.
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Hornok S, Boldogh SA, Takács N, Sándor AD, and Tuska-Szalay B
- Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the causative agent of granulocytic anaplasmosis in humans, dogs, cats, horses and tick-borne fever in ruminants. In Europe, its main vector is the tick species Ixodes ricinus. In this study, spleen and liver samples, as well as ticks from 18 wild-living mammals (belonging to seven species) were analysed for the presence of A. phagocytophilum with molecular methods. The zoonotic ecotype-I of A. phagocytophilum was identified in a European wildcat (Felis silvestris) and its tick, a European pine marten (Martes martes) and a Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris). All PCR-positive samples were collected in 2019 and originated in the same geographic area. These results indicate that taxonomically diverse mammalian species can maintain the local enzootic cycle of the same genotype of A. phagocytophilum. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the zoonotic variant of A. phagocytophilum in the wildcat and in the European pine marten in a broad geographical context, as well as in the red squirrel in Hungary. Since all these host species are well known for their urban and peri-urban presence, the results of this study verify their role in the synanthropic enzootic cycle of granulocytic anaplasmosis and tick-borne fever.
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- 2022
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7. Dogs are final hosts of Sarcocystis morae (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae): First report of this species in Hungary and its region - Short communication.
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Tuska-Szalay B, Takács N, Kontschán J, Vizi Z, and Hornok S
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- Animals, Dogs, Hungary, Phylogeny, RNA, Ribosomal, 18S, Dog Diseases epidemiology, Sarcocystidae, Sarcocystis genetics, Sarcocystosis epidemiology, Sarcocystosis veterinary
- Abstract
In this study, faecal samples of four American Staffordshire terrier dogs (used for illegal fighting) were analysed by DNA extraction, molecular-phylogenetic and parasitological methods, in order to examine the occurrence of protozoan, apicomplexan parasites. In one sample, the DNA of Sarcocystis morae was shown to be present. This species was identified based on 100% identity with already reported sequences of S. morae from cervids in Lithuania and Spain. The result was also confirmed by phylogenetic analysis. The sporocysts of the canine S. morae isolate measured 14.95 × 9.75 μm on average. This is the first molecular evidence in support of the final host role of domestic dogs in the life cycle of S. morae. The most likely source of the infection was raw meat given to the examined dog to increase its physical achievement. In conclusion, under similar circumstances dogs may participate in the life cycle of S. morae in a 'natural way', shedding sporocysts/oocysts when used for hunting or taken to walks in forested areas.
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- 2021
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8. First broad-range molecular screening of tick-borne pathogens in Ixodes (Pholeoixodes) kaiseri, with special emphasis on piroplasms.
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Hornok S, Sándor AD, Földvári G, Ionică AM, Silaghi C, Takács N, Schötta AM, and Wijnveld M
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- Animals, Dogs parasitology, Female, Foxes parasitology, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Anaplasmataceae isolation & purification, Babesia isolation & purification, Borrelia isolation & purification, Ixodes microbiology, Ixodes parasitology, Rickettsia isolation & purification
- Abstract
Recently, the occurrence of Ixodes (Pholeoixodes) kaiseri has been reported for the first time in several European countries, but data on the molecular analysis of this hard tick species are still lacking. Therefore, in this study DNA extracts of 28 I. kaiseri (collected from dogs and red foxes in Germany, Hungary and Romania) were screened with reverse line blot hybridisation (RLB), PCR and sequencing for the presence of 43 tick-borne pathogens or other members of their families from the categories of Anaplasmataceae, piroplasms, rickettsiae and borreliae. Rickettsia helvetica DNA was detected in one I. kaiseri female (from a red fox, Romania), for the first time in this tick species. Six ticks (from red foxes, Romania) contained the DNA of Babesia vulpes, also for the first time in the case of I. kaiseri. Molecular evidence of R. helvetica and B. vulpes in engorged I. kaiseri does not prove that this tick species is a vector of the above two pathogens, because they might have been taken up by the ticks from the blood of foxes. In addition, one I. kaiseri female (from a dog, Hungary) harboured Babesia sp. badger type-B, identified for the first time in Hungary and Central Europe (i.e. it has been reported previously from Western Europe and China). The latter finding can be explained by either the susceptibility of dogs to Babesia sp. badger type-B, or by transstadial survival of this piroplasm in I. kaiseri.
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- 2020
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9. Sarcocystis rileyi emerging in Hungary: is rice breast disease underreported in the region?
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Szekeres S, Juhász A, Kondor M, Takács N, Sugár L, and Hornok S
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- Animals, Animals, Wild, Bird Diseases parasitology, Hungary, Sarcocystosis diagnosis, Sarcocystosis parasitology, Bird Diseases diagnosis, Ducks, Sarcocystis isolation & purification, Sarcocystosis veterinary
- Abstract
Reports of Sarcocystis rileyi -like protozoa ('rice breast disease') from anseriform birds had been rare in Europe until the last two decades, when S. rileyi was identified in northern Europe and the UK. However, despite the economic losses resulting from S. rileyi infection, no recent accounts are available on its presence (which can be suspected) in most parts of central, western, southern and eastern Europe. Between 2014 and 2019, twelve mallards ( Anas platyrhynchos ) were observed to have rice breast disease in Hungary, and the last one of these 12 cases allowed molecular identification of S. rileyi , as reported here. In addition, S. rileyi was molecularly identified in the faeces of one red fox ( Vulpes vulpes ). The hunting season for mallards in Hungary lasts from mid-August to January, which in Europe coincides with the wintering migration of anseriform birds towards the south. Based on this, as well as bird ringing data, it is reasonable to suppose that the first S. rileyi -infected mallards arrived in Hungary from the north. on the other hand, red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ), which are final hosts of S. rileyi , are ubiquitous in Hungary, and our molecular finding confirms an already established autochthonous life cycle of S. rileyi in the region. Taken together, this is the first evidence for the occurrence of S. rileyi in Hungary and its region.
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- 2019
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10. Description of a new bat-associated bug species of the Cimex lectularius group from Vietnam.
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Hornok S, Murányi D, Kontschán J, and Tan Tu V
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- Animals, Ectoparasitic Infestations parasitology, Female, Male, Vietnam, Bedbugs classification, Chiroptera, Ectoparasitic Infestations veterinary
- Abstract
Cimex lectularius, the common bedbug is an important, emerging pest of both veterinary and medical importance. Here a recently discovered, genetically distinct new species of the C. lectularius group is described morphologically, as Cimex pulveratus Hornok sp. nov.
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- 2018
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11. Analyses of separate and concatenated cox1 and 18S rRNA gene sequences indicate that the bat piroplasm Babesia vesperuginis is phylogenetically close to Cytauxzoon felis and the 'prototheilerid' Babesia conradae.
- Author
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Hornok S, Corduneanu A, Kontschán J, Bekő K, Szőke K, Görföl T, Gyuranecz M, and Sándor AD
- Subjects
- Animals, Babesia isolation & purification, RNA, Protozoan genetics, Babesia genetics, Babesiosis parasitology, Chiroptera parasitology, Electron Transport Complex IV genetics, Phylogeny, RNA, Ribosomal, 18S genetics
- Abstract
Babesia vesperuginis is the only piroplasm known to infect bats. Unlike most members of the genus Babesia, it is probably transmitted by a soft tick species (i.e. Argas vespertilionis). Recently, two studies have been conducted to clarify the phylogenetic status of this species, and both agreed on placing it into a basal position among Babesia sensu stricto (s.s.). However, several important groups of piroplasms were not included in the already reported phylogenetic trees of B. vesperuginis isolates. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to amplify an approx. 950-bp fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene of B. vesperuginis from A. vespertilionis specimens, and to compare its sequences with those from other piroplasmid groups in a broader phylogenetic context. Sequence comparisons focusing on either 18S rRNA or cox1 genes, as well as phylogenetic analyses involving separate and concatenated 18S rRNA and cox1 sequences indicate that B. vesperuginis is more closely related to the phylogenetic group of Theileriidae than to Babesia s.s. In particular, B. vesperuginis clustered closest to Cytauxzoon felis and the 'prototheilerid' B. conradae. The results of this study highlight that B. vesperuginis is a unique and taxonomically important species, which should be included in future studies aimed at resolving the comprehensive phylogeny of Piroplasmida.
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- 2018
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12. DNA of free-living bodonids (Euglenozoa: Kinetoplastea) in bat ectoparasites: potential relevance to the evolution of parasitic trypanosomatids.
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Szőke K, Sándor AD, Boldogh SA, Görföl T, Votýpka J, Takács N, Estók P, Kováts D, Corduneanu A, Molnár V, Kontschán J, and Hornok S
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- Animals, Cimicidae parasitology, Ectoparasitic Infestations parasitology, Phylogeography, Ticks parasitology, Biological Evolution, Chiroptera parasitology, DNA genetics, Ectoparasitic Infestations veterinary, Euglenozoa genetics, Trypanosomatina genetics
- Abstract
Kinetoplastids are flagellated protozoa, including principally free-living bodonids and exclusively parasitic trypanosomatids. In the most species-rich genus, Trypanosoma, more than thirty species were found to infect bats worldwide. Bat trypanosomes are also known to have played a significant role in the evolution of T. cruzi, a species with high veterinary medical significance. Although preliminary data attested the occurrence of bat trypanosomes in Hungary, these were never sought for with molecular methods. Therefore, amplification of an approx. 900-bp fragment of the 18S rRNA gene of kinetoplastids was attempted from 307 ixodid and 299 argasid ticks collected from bats, and from 207 cimicid bugs collected from or near bats in Hungary and Romania. Three samples, one per each bat ectoparasite group, were PCR positive. Sequencing revealed the presence of DNA from free-living bodonids (Bodo saltans and neobodonids), but no trypanosomes were detected. The most likely source of bodonid DNA detected here in engorged bat ectoparasites is the blood of their bat hosts. However, how bodonids were acquired by bats, can only be speculated. Bats are known to drink from freshwater bodies, i.e. the natural habitats of B. saltans and related species, allowing bats to ingest bodonids. Consequently, these results suggest that at least the DNA of bodonids might pass through the alimentary mucosa of bats into their circulation. The above findings highlight the importance of studying bats and other mammals for the occurrence of bodonids in their blood and excreta, with potential relevance to the evolution of free-living kinetoplastids towards parasitism.
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- 2017
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13. Impact of a freeway on the dispersal of ticks and Ixodes ricinus-borne pathogens: forested resting areas may become Lyme disease hotspots.
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Hornok S, Mulvihill M, Szőke K, Gönczi E, Sulyok KM, Gyuranecz M, and Hofmann-Lehmann R
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- Anaplasma phagocytophilum isolation & purification, Animal Distribution, Animals, Borrelia burgdorferi isolation & purification, Deer microbiology, Deer physiology, Disease Reservoirs, Forests, Humans, Hungary, Lyme Disease epidemiology, Lyme Disease microbiology, Rickettsia classification, Rickettsia isolation & purification, Risk Factors, Transportation, Ixodes microbiology, Lyme Disease transmission
- Abstract
Man-made barriers are well known for their effects on ecosystems. Habitat fragmentation, for instance, is a recognised consequence of modern-day infrastructure. The aim of the present study was to investigate the diversity and abundance of tick species, as well as the risks of acquiring tick-borne infections in habitats adjacent to a freeway. Therefore, ixodid ticks were collected from the vegetation at two-week intervals (in the main tick season, from March to June) in eight habitats of different types (forest, grove, grassland) along both sides of a freeway. Ixodes ricinus females were molecularly screened for three species of tick-borne bacteria. In the study period, 887 ixodid ticks were collected. These included 704 I. ricinus (79.4%), 51 Dermacentor reticulatus (5.7%), 78 D. marginatus (8.8%), 35 Haemaphysalis inermis (3.9%) and 19 H. concinna (2.1%). There was no significant difference in the abundance of tick species between similar habitats separated by the freeway, except for the absence of Dermacentor spp. on one side. In I. ricinus females, the overall prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum was low, and (in part due to this low rate) did not show significant difference between the two sides of the freeway. Rickettsia helvetica had significantly different overall prevalence between two distant habitats along the same side of the freeway (12.3% vs. 31.4%), but not between habitats on the opposite sides. Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. showed significantly different overall prevalence between habitats both on the same and on the opposite sides of the freeway (8.6-35.9%), and the difference was higher if relevant habitats were also separated by the freeway. Importantly, the prevalence rate of the Lyme disease agent was highest in a forested resting area of the freeway, and was significantly inversely proportional to the prevalence of A. phagocytophilum (taking into account all evaluated habitats), apparently related to deer population density. Prevalence rates of these bacteria also differed significantly on single sampling occasions between: (1) closely situated habitats of different types; (2) distant and either similar or different habitat types; and (3) habitats on the opposite sides of the freeway. In conclusion, the findings of the present study show that a fenced freeway may contribute to differences in tick species diversity and tick-borne pathogen prevalence along its two sides, and this effect is most likely a consequence of its barrier role preventing deer movements.
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- 2017
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14. Seasonally biased or single-habitat sampling is not informative on the real prevalence of Dermacentor reticulatus-borne rickettsiae - A pilot study.
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Hornok S, Meli ML, Gönczi E, and Hofmann-Lehmann R
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- Animals, DNA, Bacterial genetics, Female, Hungary, Ovary microbiology, Pilot Projects, Rickettsia genetics, Time Factors, Zoonoses, Dermacentor microbiology, Rickettsia isolation & purification, Seasons
- Abstract
Dermacentor reticulatus is a tick species of high medical and veterinary importance, emerging in several parts of Europe. Up to now most studies focusing on zoonotic rickettsiae in D. reticulatus were based on ticks collected in a limited part of the questing period, and did not take into account the potential seasonal variations in the rate of infection with tick-borne rickettsiae. The aim of the present study was to investigate the latter phenomenon, i.e. to screen D. reticulatus adults, collected monthly in two urban habitats of Budapest, for the presence of three zoonotic Rickettsia spp. Altogether 852 D. reticulatus adults were collected, which showed significantly similar seasonal activity in the two evaluated habitats. Among the 413 molecularly analysed ticks, R. helvetica-infected D. reticulatus were only collected during autumn in habitat-1, in contrast to habitat-2. The overall prevalence of R. raoultii in D. reticulatus adults was significantly higher in habitat-1 than in habitat-2. In addition, the seasonal distribution of R. raoultii-infected ticks was different between the two habitats (in habitat-2 significantly more R. raoultii-infected ticks were collected in the autumn, in comparison with winter and spring). Rickettsia slovaca was not detected in any of the molecularly analysed ticks. The results clearly indicate that a single-time or seasonally biased collection of D. reticulatus adults and their subsequent molecular analysis may not be informative on the real prevalence of rickettsiae. This is because the availability/ activity of infected ticks shows significant seasonal fluctuations, both within and between habitats. Instead, for screening D. reticulatus-borne rickettsiae, it is important to collect monthly samples and then to assess seasonal prevalence and actual habitat-associated eco-epidemiological risks.
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- 2017
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15. First record of Ixodes ariadnae in Western Europe, Belgium--Short communication.
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Hornok S and Krawczyk A
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- Animal Distribution, Animals, Belgium epidemiology, Chiroptera, DNA genetics, Electron Transport Complex IV genetics, Electron Transport Complex IV metabolism, Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic physiology, Larva, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Tick Infestations epidemiology, Tick Infestations parasitology, Tick Infestations veterinary, Ixodes classification, Ixodes physiology
- Abstract
Fourteen long-legged ixodid ticks (6 nymphs and 8 larvae) were collected from Bechstein's bat (Myotis bechsteinii) in Rochefort, Belgium. All ticks were morphologically identified as Ixodes ariadnae, based on their long legs (Haller's organ longer than maximum diameter of tarsus I), broad palps and posteriorly reverse bell-shaped scutum with wavy surface. The DNA was extracted from these ticks, followed by PCR amplification of part of their cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. All obtained sequences were 100% identical with each other, and with the COI sequence of I. ariadnae reported previously from Hungary and Germany. Taking into account that the collection site in the present study is close to the French border of Belgium, and migration of Bechstein's bat is known between Belgium and France, it is reasonable to suppose that I. ariadnae also occurs in France. This is the first record of I. ariadnae in Western Europe, outside its formerly known geographical range (Central Europe).
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- 2016
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16. Molecular screening for Anaplasmataceae in ticks and tsetse flies from Ethiopia.
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Hornok S, Abichu G, Takács N, Gyuranecz M, Farkas R, Fernández De Mera IG, and De La Fuente J
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- Animals, Arachnid Vectors microbiology, Cattle, DNA, Bacterial chemistry, DNA, Bacterial genetics, Disease Vectors, Ethiopia, Tick Infestations parasitology, Tick Infestations veterinary, Anaplasmataceae isolation & purification, Cattle Diseases microbiology, Cattle Diseases parasitology, Ticks microbiology, Tsetse Flies microbiology
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Hard ticks and tsetse flies are regarded as the most important vectors of disease agents in Sub-Saharan Africa. With the aim of screening these blood-sucking arthropods for vector-borne pathogens belonging to the family Anaplasmataceae in South-Western Ethiopia, four species of tsetse flies (collected by traps) and seven species of ixodid ticks (removed from cattle) were molecularly analysed. DNA was extracted from 296 individual ticks and from 162 individuals or pools of tsetse flies. Besides known vector-pathogen associations, in Amblyomma cohaerens ticks sequences of Anaplasma marginale and A. phagocytophilum were detected, the latter for the first time in any ticks from cattle in Africa. In addition, part of the gltA gene of Ehrlichia ruminantium was successfully amplified from tsetse flies (Glossina pallidipes). First-time identification of sequences of the above pathogens in certain tick or tsetse fly species may serve as the basis of further epidemiological and transmission studies.
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- 2016
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17. First record of Ixodes ariadnae in Germany - Short communication.
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Hornok S, Takács N, Szőke K, and Kunz B
- Abstract
A long-legged tick was collected from a hibernating greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis) in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Based on morphological characteristics as well as on partial COI and 16S rDNA gene sequences the tick was identified as an engorged female of Ixodes ariadnae. The greater mouseeared bat is a new host record for this tick species. Taking into account the geographical position of the collection site and the known migration distance of the greater mouse-eared bat, the present data suggest the autochthonous occurrence of I. ariadnae in Germany. This is the first record of I. ariadnae in Germany, and in any country other than Hungary, where this species has been recently discovered.
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- 2015
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18. Molecular evidence of Ehrlichia canis and Rickettsia massiliae in ixodid ticks of carnivores from South Hungary.
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Hornok S, Fuente J, Horváth G, Fernández de Mera IG, Wijnveld M, Tánczos B, Farkas R, and Jongejan F
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- Animals, Babesia, Hungary, Ixodes, Ehrlichia canis, Rickettsia
- Abstract
To monitor the emergence of thermophilic, Mediterranean ixodid tick species and tick-borne pathogens in southern Hungary, 348 ticks were collected from shepherd dogs, red foxes and golden jackals during the summer of 2011. Golden jackals shared tick species with both the dog and the red fox in the region. Dermacentor nymphs were collected exclusively from dogs, and the sequence identification of these ticks indicated that dogs are preferred hosts of both D. reticulatus and D. marginatus nymphs, unlike previously reported. Subadults of three ixodid species were selected for reverse line blot hybridisation (RLB) analysis to screen their vector potential for 40 pathogens/groups. Results were negative for Anaplasma, Babesia and Theileria spp. Investigation of D. marginatus nymphs revealed the presence of Ehrlichia canis, Rickettsia massiliae and Borrelia afzelii for the first time in this tick species. These findings broaden the range of those tick-borne agents, which are typically transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus, but may also have Dermacentor spp. as potential or alternative vectors. Ehrlichiacanis was also newly detected in Ixodes canisuga larvae from red foxes. In absence of transovarial transmission in ticks this implies that Eurasian red foxes may play a reservoir role in the epidemiology of canine ehrlichiosis.
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- 2013
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19. First molecular identification of Mycoplasma ovis and 'Candidatus M. haemoovis' from goat, with lack of haemoplasma PCR-positivity in lice.
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Hornok S, Hajtós I, Meli ML, Farkas I, Gönczi E, Meili T, and Hofmann-Lehmann R
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- Animals, Cat Diseases, DNA, Bacterial blood, Goats, Mycoplasma Infections, Polymerase Chain Reaction veterinary, Sheep, Mycoplasma, Phthiraptera
- Abstract
In order to investigate haemotropic Mycoplasma (formerly Eperythrozoon) infection of goats, blood samples and blood-sucking lice (Linognathus stenopsis) were collected in two goat herds. DNA was extracted from 20 blood samples and from 49 lice allocated to six pools according to host individuals. Haemoplasma infection was detected in four goats by real-time PCR. From the sample with the highest bacterial load the simultaneous presence of M. ovis and 'Candidatus M. haemoovis' was demonstrated by cloning and sequencing. Louse pools were haemoplasma negative, including those from bacteraemic animals. However, not only were Anaplasma inclusion bodies seen in blood smears from goats, but relevant PCR-positivity was also detected among lice. This is the first report of a molecular investigation on caprine haemoplasmas, including analysis of their bloodsucking lice. In summary, goats are susceptible to both molecularly characterised ovine haemoplasmas. On the other hand, goat sucking lice (L. stenopsis) do not appear to be potential vectors of these agents.
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- 2012
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20. Postmortem small babesia-like morphology of Babesia canis - short communication.
- Author
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Demeter Z, Palade EA, Balogh E, Jakab C, Farkas R, Tánczos B, and Hornok S
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- Animals, Babesia genetics, Babesiosis parasitology, Babesiosis pathology, Dog Diseases pathology, Dogs, Male, Spleen parasitology, Babesia classification, Babesia cytology, Babesiosis veterinary, Dog Diseases parasitology
- Abstract
Here we report a case of canine babesiosis with unusual morphology of the causative agent. A male, seven-week-old Labrador retriever puppy, exhibiting severe anaemia and haemoglobinuria, was presented at the Clinic of Internal Medicine in February 2011. The puppy was euthanised. The most relevant pathological changes were icterus, severe splenomegaly, generalised lymphadenopathy and haemoglobin nephrosis. Samples were collected from various organs for histology within one hour post mortem. Impression smears were also prepared from the spleen after overnight storage at 4 °C. Tissue sections and smears showed the presence of multiple, coccoid intraerythrocytic bodies that measured 1-2 μm and resembled small babesiae. No large piroplasms were seen. DNA was extracted from the spleen, and a conventional PCR was performed for the amplification of a 450-bp region of the 18S rRNA gene of piroplasms. The causative agent was identified as Babesia canis canis, with 99% sequence identity to other European isolates. Sequence identity to B. gibsoni was only 91%. This is the first account to verify that the morphology of the large canine piroplasm, B. canis, can be uniformly small babesia-like post mortem or following the storage of tissue samples.
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- 2011
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21. First molecular identification of 'Candidatus mycoplasma haemominutum' from a cat with fatal haemolytic anaemia in Hungary.
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Hornok S, Meli ML, Gönczi E, Ignits E, Willi B, Lutz H, and Hofmann-Lehmann R
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- Anemia, Hemolytic epidemiology, Anemia, Hemolytic microbiology, Animals, Cat Diseases epidemiology, Cats, Fatal Outcome, Hungary epidemiology, Male, Mycoplasma genetics, Mycoplasma Infections epidemiology, Mycoplasma Infections microbiology, Phylogeny, RNA, Ribosomal, 16S genetics, Anemia, Hemolytic veterinary, Cat Diseases microbiology, Mycoplasma classification, Mycoplasma Infections veterinary
- Abstract
Although haemobartonellosis was previously reported in Hungary, until now the diagnosis (based on morphological identification in blood smears) has only been suggestive of the occurrence of the large species, recently reclassified as Mycoplasma haemofelis. However, in July 2007 a cat was presented at a small animal clinic with severe haemolytic anaemia, icterus and haemoglobinuria. While biochemical parameters were within the reference range, the cat had leukocytosis and rapidly decreasing haematocrit values, and eventually died 7 days after the sudden onset of aggravating clinical signs. From blood samples of the cat 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' was identified by molecular methods, according to its 100% 16S rRNA gene sequence homology with two Swiss isolates and one isolate from the UK. The rapid termination of the disease and the high pathogenicity of the causative agent observed in this case are unusual, taking into account that PCR results were negative for immunosuppressive viruses. This is the first record of this feline haemoplasma species in Hungary.
- Published
- 2008
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22. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infection of cats in Hungary.
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Hornok S, Edelhofer R, Joachim A, Farkas R, Berta K, Répási A, and Lakatos B
- Subjects
- Age Distribution, Animals, Cat Diseases parasitology, Cats, Coccidiosis blood, Coccidiosis epidemiology, Female, Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect, Hungary epidemiology, Male, Seroepidemiologic Studies, Toxoplasmosis, Animal blood, Cat Diseases epidemiology, Coccidiosis veterinary, Neospora isolation & purification, Toxoplasma isolation & purification, Toxoplasmosis, Animal epidemiology
- Abstract
Blood samples were collected from 330 cats in Hungary in order to evaluate their seroconversion to Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum using the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). The overall prevalence of toxoplasmosis was 47.6%, the prevalence being 22.4% among urban, 50% among suburban and 61.3% among rural animals. Significantly more cats had high IFAT titres (1:640 to 1:5120) in the countryside. Female cats were more frequently infected with T. gondii than males (53.3% vs. 39.3%), and seropositivity increased with the age of animals. The prevalence (0.6%) and titre (1:40) of antibodies to N. caninum was low. Sixty-two cats were also screened for seroconversion to feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) virus. Higher titres to T. gondii were more frequently detected among FIP-positive cats, but this difference was non-significant due to the small number of cats with concurrent infection.
- Published
- 2008
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
23. Babesia divergens becoming extinct in cattle of Northeast Hungary: new data on the past and present situation.
- Author
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Hornok S, Edelhofer R, Szotáczky I, and Hajtós I
- Subjects
- Animals, Babesiosis epidemiology, Cattle, Cattle Diseases etiology, Cattle Diseases prevention & control, Climate, Hungary epidemiology, Prevalence, Seasons, Babesia isolation & purification, Babesiosis veterinary, Cattle Diseases epidemiology, Tick Control trends
- Abstract
Previously unpublished data from 1958 to 1967 attest the occurrence of Babesia divergens in cattle in several endemic foci of Northeast Hungary. During that period the number of clinical cases showed fluctuation with intervals of 4-5 years and monophasic seasonality (peaking in June). In order to assess the current status of bovine babesiosis in that region, blood samples were collected from 654 cattle on 44 farms of 36 settlements in or near the endemic area during 2005, and serum levels of IgG antibodies to B. divergens were measured by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Only 2 samples (0.3%) showed positivity. In one village clinical babesiosis was observed over the past few years. Animals brought into the endemic area during the spring developed haemoglobinuria in the summer of the same year, but those introduced during the summer or autumn showed clinical signs only after two years. Sampled animals born and raised locally had neither haemoglobinuria nor seroconversion. Reduction in the number of cases during the past decades may have been influenced by the availability of hosts (i.e. decrease of cattle breeding) and the activity of vectors associated with climate-related changes (e.g. increase of annual sunlight hours in the endemic area). This is the first report on the prevalence of antibodies to B. divergens in cattle in Hungary.
- Published
- 2006
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
24. Seroprevalence of neosporosis in beef and dairy cattle breeds in Northeast Hungary.
- Author
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Hornok S, Edelhofer R, and Hajtós I
- Subjects
- Animals, Cattle, Cattle Diseases blood, Cattle Diseases etiology, Coccidiosis epidemiology, Dairying, Female, Hungary epidemiology, Male, Meat, Prevalence, Seroepidemiologic Studies, Cattle Diseases epidemiology, Coccidiosis veterinary, Neospora isolation & purification
- Abstract
In order to assess the seroprevalence of bovine neosporosis with indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), blood samples were collected randomly from 1063 beef and dairy cattle belonging to 12 different breeds in Northeast Hungary. Antibodies to Neospora caninum were detected in 27 (2.5%) of the animals, kept on 19 of the 42 settlements included in this survey. Since samples were collected on 50 farms, herd prevalence amounted to 38%. The percentage of cattle with seroconversion increased with age, suggesting a postnatal source of infection. The highest rate of positivity was detected in Aberdeen Angus (3.3%) and Holstein-Friesian cows (3.2%), and the lowest in Limousine (0.9%), but no breed predisposition was statistically substantiated. Neosporosis was more prevalent in dairy (3.4%) than in beef (1.9%) cattle, although the difference was not significant. Only three out of the seropositive cows, all of them Holstein-Friesians, had a history of abortion.
- Published
- 2006
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
25. Attempts to analyse Anguillicola crassus infection and the humoral host response in eels (Anguilla anguilla) of Lake Balaton, Hungary.
- Author
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Békési L, Hornok S, and Székely C
- Subjects
- Air Sacs parasitology, Animals, Antibodies, Helminth analysis, Antigens, Helminth analysis, Antigens, Helminth immunology, Dracunculoidea growth & development, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay veterinary, Fish Diseases parasitology, Fish Diseases pathology, Fresh Water, Hungary, Respiratory Tract Infections parasitology, Respiratory Tract Infections pathology, Respiratory Tract Infections veterinary, Seasons, Spirurida Infections immunology, Spirurida Infections pathology, Air Sacs pathology, Anguilla parasitology, Antibodies, Helminth biosynthesis, Dracunculoidea immunology, Fish Diseases immunology, Spirurida Infections veterinary
- Abstract
Since the introduction of Anguillicola crassus into Europe, anguillicolosis has been a considerable problem in several countries. From 1991, periodical eel mortality occurred in Lake Balaton, Hungary. However, eels with a worm burden of 20 to 50 parasites did not show severe swimbladder lesions, which observation cast doubts on the primary aetiological role of the parasite in the eel kill. In order to study the pathology of the infection, from the spring of 1996 until October of the same year, 51 eels were collected from two regions of Lake Balaton and examined for swimbladder changes. To detect humoral antibodies, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed, using cuticular-oesophageal worm antigen. The results of the test show the applicability of the method. However, no direct correlation was found between antibody levels or the intensity of infection and the swimbladder lesions. The low level of specific antibodies and the increasing severity of swimbladder changes in the autumn suggest that parasite-induced immunity is insufficient to prevent reinfection.
- Published
- 1997
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