Search

Background In Europe, ticks are responsible for the transmission of several pathogens of medical importance, including bacteria of the Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.) complex, the agents of Lyme borreliosis. In France, the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region is considered a hot spot for human tick-borne pathogen infections, with an estimated annual rate of 156 cases of Lyme borreliosis per 100,000 inhabitants. Although several studies have assessed the abundance of ticks in rural areas, little consideration has been given thus far to urban green spaces in France. Methods This study aimed to estimate tick abundance in three parks, two urban (U1, U2) and one peri-urban (PU), in and around the city of Lyon (France). A forest in a rural area was used as a control (C). Tick sampling campaigns were performed in each site in April, May, June, July, and October 2019 using the dragging method. One hundred transects of 10 m2 each were randomly chosen in each park in places frequented by humans. The sampling sessions were carried out under semi-controlled abiotic conditions. Ticks were stored in 70% ethanol and identified to species and developmental stage under a light microscope using morphological keys. Results A total of seven ticks (nymphs and adults) were collected in the two urban parks (six in U1 and one in U2), while 499 ticks were sampled in the peri-urban park. Of the 506 ticks collected, 504 were identified as Ixodes ricinus, one as Dermacentor marginatus, and one as Ixodes frontalis. In the peri-urban park, ticks were mainly collected under the forest cover and at forest edges. Tick density under forest cover was 7.1 times higher in the control site than in the peri-urban park throughout the survey period. Conclusions This study confirmed the presence of ticks in all of the parks surveyed, although their occurrence in the urban parks was very rare compared to the peri-urban park and the control site. These results should serve as a basis for the implementation of preventive measures. Graphical Abstract

Background Feline cytauxzoonosis is an emerging infection caused by tick-transmitted apicomplexan parasites of the genus Cytauxzoon. The association of clinical disease with Cytauxzoon infection appears to be limited to C. felis infections in the Americas. Sporadic infections of wild and domestic felids with Cytauxzoon sp. were recently described in European countries but clinical reports of the infection are rare and incomplete. This case report brings new interesting information on cytauxzoonosis expression in Europe. Case presentation A 9-years-old castrated European shorthair cat living in rural area of north-eastern France (Saint Sauveur, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region), without any travel history was presented for consultation due to hyperthermia, anorexia, depression and prolonged fever that didn’t respond to antibiotic therapy. The cat had outdoor access with a history of vagrancy and was adequately vaccinated (core vaccines and FeLV vaccine). During biological investigations, intraerythrocytic inclusions were observed on blood smear and were further investigated by PCR analysis and sequencing. Molecular analyses confirmed Cytauxzoon sp. infection. The cat was treated with a subcutaneous injection of imidocarb dipropionate (3.5 mg/kg). One week after treatment, the cat improved clinically, although parasitic inclusions within erythrocytes persisted, and only a mild lymphocytosis was found. Two weeks after treatment, the cat appeared in excellent health, appetite was normal and parasitemia was negative. However, one month after treatment the cat relapsed with hyperthermia, anorexia, and depression. Blood smears and PCR were once again positive. Subsequently, the cat received an additional dose of imidocarb dipropionate (3.5 mg/kg SC) and recovered rapidly without other clinical signs. Two weeks after the second imidocarb injection, the cat was hit by a car and died. Conclusion This case provides the first clinical description of infection by Cytauxzoon sp. in a domestic cat in France. These findings support the fact that cytauxzoonosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute febrile illness which does not respond to antibiotic in cats with outdoor access especially in areas where populations of wild felids are present.

The biosecurity in an academic veterinary hospital. Biosecurity refers to (1) both prevention and protection from infectious agents, including the risk of introduction of pathogens in laboratories, units of production, universities (bioexclusion) and the risk of external trasmission and future propagation (bioconfinement), (2) physical risks : radioactivity and (3) chemical risks : drugs, pesticides, toxins. These measures are permanent and apply to the whole university site for the protection of humans — owners of animal, employees of the veterinary campus, students —, animals — pets, horses, cattle,…— and the environment. A veterinary campus has to secure a high level of training of students and topics related for the biosecurity. International associations (EAEVE and AVMA) define several «day-one competencies» for the students, in particular for the zoonotic diseases and for the safety in the veterinary setting., La «biosécurité» se définit comme l’ensemble des mesures de prévention et de protection à l’encontre des agents infectieux : lutte contre l’introduction d’un pathogène dans un laboratoire, un établissement de soins vétérinaires,… (notion de bio-exclusion), contre le risque de transmission à l’extérieur et de propagation (notion de bioconfinement). La biosécurité concerne également les risques de nature physique (radiations) et chimique (médicaments, toxines,…). Ces mesures sont permanentes et s’appliquent sur l’ensemble du campus, d’abord pour la protection de l’homme (détenteur de l’animal, personnels et étudiants), ensuite de l’animal (animaux de compagnie, équidés et bétail), enfin du milieu extérieur. L’établissement doit également assurer un haut niveau de formation des étudiants, en particulier en matière de protection et de biosécurité conformément aux recommandations des associations internationales (EAEVE, AVMA)., Bourdoiseau Gilles. La biosécurité dans un Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire (CHUV). In: Bulletin de l'Académie Vétérinaire de France tome 170 n°2, 2017. pp. 99-103.

Canine leishmaniosis is an anthropozoonosis of increasing importance in which dogs are the main reservoir and source of parasites (Leishmania infantum Nicolle, 1908) for humans and for other dogs. Both diagnosis and treatment of the disease are difficult. The easy movement of dogs from endemic areas into safe areas is common. The involvement of species of wildlife has also been demonstrated Because of their experience and skills as frontier staff and therapists, in case of confirmation of leishmaniosis in a dog, veterinary surgeons can propose a specific treatment and should prescribe vaccination as well as the use of topical insecticide preparations which will have an impact on the incidence of human clinical cases.

Resume La leishmaniose canine a Leishmania infantum est une protozoose zoonotique d’importance croissante transmise essentiellement par un diptere Psychodide : le phlebotome, et pour laquelle le chien est le reservoir principal. Elle est a l’origine de nombreuses consultations chez les praticiens veterinaires exercant en zone d’endemie mais egalement en dehors de celle-ci, du fait de la circulation de chiens infectes asymptomatiques et des modalites non vectorielles de transmission du parasite. L’incidence annuelle de la leishmaniose humaine en Europe est de 410 a 620 cas cliniques confirmes, essentiellement chez des individus immunodeprimes. Chez le chien, la prevalence serologique est de l’ordre de 10% en zone d’endemie mais avec des variations geographiques importantes. Le diagnostic est difficile du fait du caractere proteiforme de cette maladie et du grand nombre des formes atypiques. Le laboratoire d’analyses assure un role essentiel dans le depistage des animaux infectes, la demarche diagnostique, l’aide a la decision therapeutique et le suivi de l’animal.

RESUME La leishmaniose canine est une anthropozoonose d’importance croissante dont le chien est le reservoir et la source principale de parasites (Leishmania infantumNicolle, 1908) pour l’homme et ses congeneres. Le diagnostic et le traitement restent difficiles. Le deplacement des animaux de zones infectees vers des zones saines est frequent et aise. L’implication d’especes animales sauvages est aussi demontree. De par ses competences de clinicien et de therapeute, le veterinaire peut concourir a un meilleur depistage du chien infecte / malade et surtout conseiller et prescrire une prophylaxie vaccinale et insecticide dont l’efficacite sera appreciee par son impact sur la leishmaniose viscerale humaine.

Resistance against pesticides : threats, prevention. Chemoresistance of parasites has been reported worldwide in multiple groups of species (fungi, protozoa, helminths and arthropods) in regard to several classes of drugs. Anthelmintics resistance of gastrointestinal nematodes of small ruminants is a major constraint on production and induces severe economic losses ; idem with cyathostominæ of horses and very limited choice of anthelminthic drugs, with coccidia in poultry breeding and ticks in cattle. Because of the high number of immunocompromised patients (HIV+, low-birth-weight neonates, patients with organ transplantation or chemotherapy), this chemoresistance has a very disquieting dimension for the public health (zoonotic arthropod-borne diseases). The veterinary practitionner has the responsability of the choice of the optimal drug and the prescription in the interest of the best animal productions and the public health, La résistance des parasites est de répartition mondiale, elle concerne de nombreux groupes de parasites (champignons, protozoaires, helminthes, arthropodes) et plusieurs familles d’antiparasitaires. La résistance des nématodes gastro-intestinaux aux anthelminthiques chez les petits ruminants est une contrainte majeure dans cet élevage et induit des pertes économiques importantes ; il en est de même pour celle des cyathostomes du cheval pour lequel le nombre d’anthelminthiques est limité, des coccidies aviaires ou des tiques des ruminants. À cause d’un nombre croissant de sujets en situation d’imumnodépression (HIV+, nouveau-nés prématurés, sujets greffés ou sous chimiothérapie), ce phénomène prend une dimension inquiétante de santé publique, par exemple avec les zoonoses vectorielles. Le praticien a la responsabilité du choix du traitement optimal et de la prescription dans l’intérêt des meilleures productions animales et de la protection de la santé publique., Bourdoiseau Gilles. La résistance aux antiparasitaires: risques, prévention. In: Bulletin de l'Académie Vétérinaire de France tome 168 n°4, 2015. pp. 297-302.

Canine leishmaniosis epidemiological update and applications. Canine leishmaniosis is a vector-borne disease caused by Leishmania infantum mainly transmitted by the bites of phlebotomine sandflies. The epidemiological role of domestic dogs (safe, asymptomatic, sick or vaccinated) is very important because it is the main source of parasites for the vector. But the proved or potential epidemiological role of wild animals (rabbit, hare,…) require more investigations for a best efficacy. The displacement or importation of infected dogs combined with the climatic modifications contribute to a significative incidence of canine and human clinical cases. Vaccination associated with topical insecticides should be recommanded for dogs living or travelling in endemic areas., La leishmaniose canine est une maladie vectorielle due à Leishmania infantum principalement transmis par la piqûre de phlébotomes. Le rôle épidémiologique du chien qu’il soit sain, malade, infecté asymptomatique ou vacciné est très important puisqu’il représente la source principale de parasites pour le vecteur. Mais le rôle épidémiologique d’espèces animales sauvages (lapin, lièvre,…) nécessite des investigations complémentaires pour une meilleure efficacité contre cette maladie. Le déplacement ou l’importation de chiens infectés associé aux modifications climatiques contribue à une incidence significative des cas cliniques humains et canins. La vaccination associée à l’utilisation de topiques insecticides doit être recommandée pour tout chien vivant ou se déplaçant en zones d’endémie., Bourdoiseau Gilles. La leishmaniose canine à Leishmania Infantum : actualités épidémiologiques – applications. In: Bulletin de l'Académie Vétérinaire de France tome 168 n°1, 2015. pp. 38-42.

Objectives The aim of this study was to describe the clinical manifestations in cats of contact with caterpillars of the pine processionary moth. Methods Data were retrospectively obtained from the medical records (2004–2016) of cats that had been in contact with caterpillars of the pine processionary moth. Results Eleven cats were included in the study. The prevalence of lepidopterism was 0.13%. Tongue lesions and ptyalism were both present in 10/11 (91%) cats. Systemic signs consisted exclusively of vomiting and were encountered in 4/11 (36%) cats. The survival rate was 100%. Long-term follow-up data were available for 7/11 cats, and none of the cats showed impaired quality of life or definitive sequelae. Conclusions and relevance The clinical presentation of lepidopterism in cats appears to be similar to that in other animals; however, the clinical signs are less severe than those previously reported, mainly owing to the cautious behaviour of this species. Moreover, the prognosis is excellent, the length of hospitalisation is short (maximum 48 h) and our study showed the absence of any long-term disability after hospital discharge.

Contact with the caterpillars of the pine processionary moth (CPPM) Thaumetopoea pityocampa induces severe local allergic reactions. The purpose of this large-scale retrospective cohort-study was to describe the clinical manifestations and related risk factors of CPPM exposure. This cohort-study included 109 dogs between the years of 2000 and 2016. Tongue lesions ranging from oedema to severe necrosis were observed in 94/109 dogs (86%). The following systemic signs were observed in 60/109 dogs (55%): vomiting (52/109, 48%), dyspnoea (6/109, 5%), hypovolemia (4/109, 4%) and diarrhoea (2/109, 2%). Based on the time elapsed from CPPM contact to the first oral flushing, three groups were defined:2 h (group 1, 37/105, 35%), 2 h-6 h (group 2, 39/105, 37%) and6 h (group 3, 29/105, 28%). Tongue necrosis (TN) at admission was significantly more common in the dogs in group 3 than those in groups 1 and 2 (45% vs. 5% and 5% respectively, p = 0.0002). In addition, the development of TN during hospitalisation was significantly more common in the dogs in group 3 (65%) than in those in the other groups (21% in group 1, p = 0.02) and 31% in group 2, p = 0.001). The dogs in group 3 presented a 14.63-fold higher risk of TN at admission and a 3.78-fold higher risk of developing necrosis during hospitalisation compared with the other groups. The survival rate after exposure was 97%. Long-term follow-up data were available for 69/109 dogs (63%). Twenty-three dogs (37%) had persistent, definitive TN without major consequences on quality of life. Elapsed time between contact and first oral flushing appears to be a key determinant for the progression of necrotic lesions, and the best results were observed when flushing occurred within 6 h of contact. The prognosis of CPPM envenomation is excellent, with a short hospitalisation duration.

Particularities and limits of the vaccines in veterinary parasitology. In human beings and domestic animals, parasitic diseases — due to either fungi, protozoa, helminths or arthropods — are a very important challenge because they are associated with a very high mortality (malaria), or production loss and sometimes are a source of illness for humans. Unfortunately, the presently available chemotherapeutic arsenal is inadequate or ineffective because of the frequent emergence of chemoresistance. Several publications and reviews demonstrate the efficiency of vaccines against canine leishmaniosis and babesiosis, bovine ringworms, ovine toxoplasmosis and poultry coccidiosis of poultry and some tick infections of cattle ; but, despite many research publications, few vaccines have reached the commercial market. Medicine quickly need efficious strategies for the discovery of efficacious vaccines against major eventually zoonotic parasitic diseases., Chez l’homme et les animaux domestiques, les maladies parasitaires dues à des champignons, des protozoaires, des helminthes et des arthropodes constituent un défi majeur car elles sont à l’origine d’une mortalité parfois élevée (paludisme), de pertes économiques considérables et parfois sources de parasitoses zoonotiques. Malheureusement, la thérapeutique actuelle est parfois inadaptée ou inefficace à cause de l’émergence de la chimiorésistance. De nombreuses publications mettent en avant des vaccins efficaces contre la leishmaniose et une babésiose canine, une teigne bovine, la toxoplasmose ovine, les coccidioses aviaires et des tiques de bovins ; malheureusement en dépit de ces nombreuses publications, peu de vaccins parviennent à la commercialisation. La médecine humaine et vétérinaire a besoin aujourd’hui d’une stratégie de recherche efficace pour la mise au point de vaccins dirigés contre des parasitoses majeures et/ou zoonotiques., Bourdoiseau Gilles. Particularités et limites des vaccins en parasitologie vétérinaire. In: Bulletin de l'Académie Vétérinaire de France tome 170 n°1, 2017. pp. 37-42.

International audience

Leishmania infantum is the only species occurring in metropolitan France; located in the Mediterranean part of the country, it is responsible for a highly enzootic canine disease, while the human endemicity is low, with about 23 cases yearly reported to the National Reference Centre of Leishmaniases, mainly visceral forms. In French Guyana, five Leishmania species occur in the Amazonian forest, of which L. guyanensis is the predominant species, and L. braziliensis is responsible for the most critical forms. The most frequent clinical feature is cutaneous leishmaniasis, with a mean annual incidence reaching 2 p. 1000, with some inter-annual fluctuations. In Martinique Island, recent studies have confirmed the presence of an ancestral Leishmania species, responsible for small cutaneous lesions, of mild evolution; the life cycle of this species remains unknown. In Guadeloupe Island, a few autochthonous visceral leishmaniasis cases have been reported, needing a prospective study.

International audience; Canine babesiosis (or piroplasmosis) is an emerging tick-borne disease caused by intraerythrocytic protozoa of the genera Babesia and Theileria. In dogs, infection by these parasites usually induces a haemolytic syndrome that can be fatal when complicated. Canine babesiosis prevalence is high in France, with Babesia canis thought to be the main etiological agent of the disease. This article presents the results of a multiregional prospective longitudinal survey on canine babesiosis conducted in France from October 2006 to December 2007. A total of 836 cases were reported by veterinarians using a multiple choice questionnaire and blood samples from 70 dogs were analyzed using PCR-RFLP to identify species responsible for canine babesiosis cases across the country. The main clinical signs reported were lethargy (98%), anorexia (98%) and hyperthermia≥39°C (80%) followed by pale mucous membranes (54%), modification of urine aspect (45%) and splenomegaly (33%). The dog population at risk was mainly represented by young dogs living in rural areas. Twenty-five out of the 70 blood samples (36%) tested by diagnostic PCR were found to contain Babesia/Theileria genus-specific DNA and all had profiles similar to that of Babesia canis genomic DNA after restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses. The survey results provide a reference for further molecular studies to assess the species and vectors involved in the transmission of the disease in France and across the Mediterranean basin.

Guttural pouch mycosis (GPM) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition in horses. GPM is caused by a fungal invasion into the mucosal lining of the guttural pouches and, frequently, the associated neurovascular structures. Although several species of fungi have been associated with this disease, Aspergillus spp. appear to be the most common isolated from the guttural pouches. However, it remains unclear which are the predisposing factors leading to the development of the infection. The objectives of the present study were to experimentally reproduce an infection by Aspergillus fumigatus and to follow the natural evolution of the mycosis. Eight guttural pouches from four horses were experimentally infected by endoscopy-guided intrapouch inoculation of A. fumigatus culture. Horses were monitored for clinical signs and development of fungal plaques through endoscopic examination. Mycotic lesions were observed in all the horses and a spontaneous regression was observed within 15-28 days. No development of clinical signs was noticed. In conclusion, we were able to induce the development of mycotic lesions and to observe a natural regression of these lesions without clinical signs.

Background: Canine babesiosis is an emerging or re-emerging disease caused by Babesia and Theileria protozoans, also called piroplasms, transmitted by Ixodid ticks. In Europe, four etiological agents have been identified to date, namely Babesia canis, B. vogeli, B. gibsoni and Theileria annae. France has a high prevalence of canine babesiosis and two tick species, Dermacentor reticulatus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus, are supposed to transmit B. canis and B. vogeli respectively. In southern France, where dog infections with B. vogeli were recently confirmed, no comprehensive study was performed to date on piroplasm species infecting dogs. Thus, a large scale survey involving veterinary clinics, kennels and tick collection from the environment was conducted from 2010 to 2012 in this area. Results: From 2010 to 2012, 140 dog blood samples and 667 ticks were collected. All blood and a subset of ticks were screened for the presence of piroplasms by PCR amplification of 18S rDNA. B. vogeli, B. canis and T. annae were detected in 13.6, 12.9 and 0.7 % dogs respectively. B. vogeli and B. canis were detected in 10.5 % and in 1.6 % R. sanguineus ticks including 1.3 % co-infections. B. canis was the only species detected in D. reticulatus ticks (9.7 %). B. canis infections were only recorded in the southwest of France whereas B. vogeli was mainly found in the southeast. Finally, a significantly higher prevalence of B. vogeli infection was found in Gard compared to Corsica and Drme regions, both in dogs (p < 0.002) and R. sanguineus ticks (p < 0.02) although R. sanguineus was the main ticks species removed from dogs in those three areas. Conclusions: The survey confirmed the circulation of both B. canis and B. vogeli in dogs in southern France with differences in distribution probably linked to the distribution of their respective vectors. It also showed differences in prevalence of B. vogeli infection in areas similar in terms of risk of dogs infestation with R. sanguineus. Further studies focusing on genetic and microbiota of R. sanguineus ticks should be conducted to explore other biological interactions that may explain the differences observed.

Protection against canine leishmaniasis was evaluated in dogs living in enzootic areas in the south of France, and vaccinated with a candidate vaccine, LiESP with the adjuvant MDP. A double-blind field study was carried out in a large number of dogs (n = 414) over two years. At the end of the study, infection rate was 0% in vaccinated dogs versus 5.14% in the placebo group. The candidate vaccine induced an effective and lasting immunity against canine leishmaniasis., La protection contre la leishmaniose canine est évaluée chez des chiens vivant en zone d’enzootie dans le sud de la France, vaccinés par un candidat LiESP adjuvé par MDP. Une étude de terrain randomisée en double aveugle est conduite dans une large population de chiens (n = 414), durant une période de deux années. À l’issue de l’étude, le taux d’infection est de 0 % chez les chiens vaccinés et de 5,14 % chez les chiens du groupe placebo. Le candidat vaccinal a induit une immunité efficace, durable contre la leishmaniose canine., Hugnet Christophe, Lemesre Jean-Loup, Papierok Gérard-Marie, Bourdoiseau Gilles. Résultats de la vaccination contre la leishmaniose canine (Leishmania infantum) en zone d'enzootie. In: Bulletin de l'Académie Vétérinaire de France tome 159 n°2, 2006. pp. 127-130.

The efficacy of a novel avermectin, selamectin (Stronghold ® , Pfizer), was evaluated against naturally acquired aural infestations of Otodectes cynotis . Selamectin was administered topically in a single spot to the skin of each animal’s back at the base of the neck in front of the scapulae at a minimum dosage of 6 mg kg −1 . Thirty cats of a cattery of 120 animals with an endemic infestation were treated on days 0 and 30. Including untreated control cats was therefore not possible because of animal welfare consideration. Clinical examination and visualization of mites by otoscopic examination of the external ear canal and microscopic examination of aural debris/exudate were performed twice weekly from days 0 to 30. On day 0 (and day 28 if the ears canals were erythematous), a swab was taken from each canal and sent to bacteriology and mycology units for detection and identification of bacteria ( Staphylococcus mainly) and yeast ( Malassezia pachydermatis only). Selamectin was safe, parasites were killed before day 3 and eliminated before day 17. Selamectin was 100% effective against natural aural infestations, even if erythema (26–33% of cats) and scratch reflex (23–40% of cats) persisted for 2 weeks after the cats tested negative for mites.

In France, the veterinary curriculum remained practically unchanged for two centuries. Up until 1995, veterinary students spent one year preparing for the competitive examination giving them access to one of the veterinary schools. After that, students had to do four years in a veterinary school to get a degree in veterinary medicine, which in turn allowed them to present a thesis. Since 1995, the curriculum is divided into three cycles : the first cycle includes the preparation year and the first year at a veterinary school (examination A), or two years in a science university program leading to a degree called DEUG (examination B) or a DUT or BTS (examination C) ; the second cycle includes three years in a veterinary school ; the third cycle includes either a short internship, a veterinary specialization, or a PhD. Although the current curriculum offers a number of improvements and advantages over the previous one, it does not meet all the current professional and European requirements., Durant deux siècles, le cursus des études vétérinaires en France n’a pratiquement pas changé : jusqu’en 1995, après l’obtention du baccalauréat, l’étudiant passait une année en classe préparatoire pour le concours d’entrée aux Écoles Nationales Vétérinaires (ENV). Au sein d’une École, l’étudiant passait 4 années au terme desquelles il recevait le diplôme de vétérinaire et était autorisé à soutenir une thèse d’exercice. Depuis 1995, le cursus est divisé en trois cycles : un premier cycle regroupant l’année préparatoire et la première année d’école (concours A) ou deux années en faculté des sciences (DEUG concours B ou DUT ou BTS : concours C) ; un deuxième cycle de trois années au sein d’une ENV ; un troisième cycle soit professionnel court, soit de spécialisation, soit de la voie doctorale. Le cursus actuel présente un certain nombre de progrès et d’avantages par rapport au cursus précédent, sans pour autant satisfaire toutes les exigences actuelles professionnelles et européennes., Bourdoiseau Gilles. Cursus actuel des études vétérinaires françaises. In: Bulletin de l'Académie Vétérinaire de France tome 156 n°3, 2003. pp. 67-70.

Canine leishmaniosis is a common disease in the Mediterranean area, but sporadic cases in dogs having travelled through endemic regions are also reported. The disease's evolution is usually chronic and symptoms are either non-specific (fever, weight loss, lethargy, enlarged lymph nodes), dermatological, renal or ocular. The purpose of this article is to review the literature and to describe our own experience of certain atypical forms of canine leishmaniosis. These include specific skin lesions, monoclonal gammopathy, renal failure (without any other signs), chronic colitis, haemostatic problems and disorders of the cardiovascular, respiratory and musculo-skeletal systems.

Peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations and specific IgG1 and IgG2 antibody levels were studied in 14 dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum using flow cytometry and ELISA. Six dogs (Group 1) were asymptomatic, and received no treatment. Samples from this group were collected from D0 to D180. The other eight dogs (Group 2) showed clinical symptoms, and were treated with Glucantime ® (from D0 to D40), with samples being collected from D0 to D90. Twenty-two healthy dogs were used as a control group (Group 3). The results demonstrated changes in the lymphocyte subsets, as well as a decrease in humoral and cellular immunity, in the infected dogs. Analysis of the B-cell populations of Groups 1 and 2 showed a striking reduction in the number of CD21+ cells. There was also a reduction in the CD5+, CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell populations. Drug therapy was found to partly restore the lost immunity, essentially the cell-mediated immunity. Both IgG1- and IgG2- specific antibodies were detected in sera from the fourteen infected dogs, but the IgG2 subclass appeared to be predominant. A significant decrease in the level of IgG2 antibodies was observed in treated and untreated dogs.

The human-animal bond has been a fundamental feature of mankind's history for millennia. The first, and strongest of these, man's relationship with the dog, is believed to pre-date even agriculture, going back as far as 30,000 years. It remains at least as powerful today. Fed by the changing nature of the interactions between people and their dogs worldwide and the increasing tendency towards close domesticity, the health of dogs has never played a more important role in family life. Thanks to developments in scientific understanding and diagnostic techniques, as well as changing priorities of pet owners, veterinarians are now able, and indeed expected, to play a fundamental role in the prevention and treatment of canine disease, including canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs). The CVBDs represent a varied and complex group of diseases, including anaplasmosis, babesiosis, bartonellosis, borreliosis, dirofilariosis, ehrlichiosis, leishmaniosis, rickettsiosis and thelaziosis, with new syndromes being uncovered every year. Many of these diseases can cause serious, even life-threatening clinical conditions in dogs, with a number having zoonotic potential, affecting the human population. Today, CVBDs pose a growing global threat as they continue their spread far from their traditional geographical and temporal restraints as a result of changes in both climatic conditions and pet dog travel patterns, exposing new populations to previously unknown infectious agents and posing unprecedented challenges to veterinarians. In response to this growing threat, the CVBD World Forum, a multidisciplinary group of experts in CVBDs from around the world which meets on an annual basis, gathered in Nice (France) in 2011 to share the latest research on CVBDs and discuss the best approaches to managing these diseases around the world. As a result of these discussions, we, the members of the CVBD Forum have developed the following recommendations to veterinarians for the management of CVBDs.

International audience; Babesiosis is an emerging tick-borne disease of animals and humans caused by intraerythrocytic protozoa of the genera Babesia and Theileria. In France canine babesiosis has a high prevalence with Babesia canis thought to be the main aetiological agent of the disease. Babesia vogeli has already been reported to occur in Europe and in other countries around the Mediterranean Sea. The tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus, the main known vector of B. vogeli, occurs in southern France. However, only one case of a B. vogeli infected dog has been reported to date in France. To gain further insight into the prevalence of Babesia and Theileria infections in dogs and ticks of the R. sanguineus complex, a study was conducted in a veterinary practice in the south of France from January to September 2010. Twelve bloods from dogs and 36 R. sanguineus ticks were analyzed using PCR and sequencing. For the analysis of ticks, a new primer was designed to specifically amplify the B. vogeli 18S rRNA gene. Four dogs (33.3%) and 8 ticks (22.2%) were found to be infected with B. vogeli. This approach has thus revealed for the first time a cluster of cases of canine babesiosis caused by B. vogeli in France and highlights the need to systematically screen for pathogens potentially responsible for canine babesiosis at the species level using suitable molecular tools.

Background Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is a zoonotic disease caused by Leishmania infantum, a Trypanosomatid protozoan transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies. Leishmaniasis is endemic in southern France, but the influences of environmental and climatic factors on its maintenance and emergence remain poorly understood. From a retrospective database, including all the studies reporting prevalence or incidence of CanL in France between 1965 and 2007, we performed a spatial analysis in order to i) map the reported cases in France, and ii) produce an environment-based map of the areas at risk for CanL. We performed a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) followed by a Hierarchical Ascendant Classification (HAC) to assess if the locations of CanL could be grouped according to environmental variables related to climate, forest cover, and human and dog densities. For each group, the potential distribution of CanL in France was mapped using a species niche modelling approach (Maxent model). Results Results revealed the existence of two spatial groups of CanL cases. The first group is located in the Cévennes region (southern Massif Central), at altitudes of 200-1000 m above sea level, characterized by relatively low winter temperatures (1.9°C average), 1042 mm average annual rainfall and much forest cover. The second group is located on the Mediterranean coastal plain, characterized by higher temperatures, lower rainfall and less forest cover. These two groups may correspond to the environments favoured by the two sandfly vectors in France, Phlebotomus ariasi and Phlebotomus perniciosus respectively. Our niche modelling of these two eco-epidemiological patterns was based on environmental variables and led to the first risk map for CanL in France. Conclusion Results show how an ecological approach can help to improve our understanding of the spatial distribution of CanL in France.

Cell-mediated and humoral immunity were explored in LiESAp-MDP vaccinated protected dogs versus susceptible placebo dogs 2 months and 8 months post-vaccination. As previously described, a strong and long-lasting cell-mediated immunity, critical for protection against Leishmania infantum was exclusively revealed in vaccinated dogs as confirmed by a positive response to the intradermal inoculation of leishmanin and by a significant higher anti-leishmanial activity of canine monocytes-derived macrophages. Moreover, our results support the view that cooperation of humoral antibody with cell-mediated immunity might be important in developing protective immunity in LiESAp-MDP vaccinated dogs. Anti-LiESAp serum samples were found functionally active in vitro, promoting (i) early killing of pretreated promastigotes and amastigotes, (ii) strong inhibitory effect on the in vitro growth of both parasitic developmental stages of L. infantum and (iii) most importantly, a significant inhibition of pretreated promastigotes in vitro infectivity in canine macrophages. However, anti-LiESAp antibody response was not implicated in the promastigotes-amastigotes differentiation process. In these experiments, we have added additional support to the concept that antibodies to Leishmania may be important in developing protective immunity.

A survey of helminth parasites was carried out on 198 dogs living in almost complete liberty in villages in the northeast of Gabon. Faeces and blood samples were collected and analysed. Dirofilariaimmitis antigen was detected in 13.6 % of dogs using the SNAP 3Dx® test, a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Faecal examination revealed that 91.4 % of dogs were infected by intestinal helminths. Ascarids were found in 58.5 % of the samples. Trichuris vulpis was observed in 49.5 % of cases, and Uncinaria spp. and Ancylostoma spp. in 34.8 %, Spirocerca lupi in 25.3 % and Capillaria spp. in 10.6 %. Cestode embryophores were found in 8.6 % of the samples.

Vaccination against visceral leishmaniasis has received limited attention compared with cutaneous leishmaniasis, although the need for an effective vaccine against visceral leishmaniasis is pressing. Dogs constitute the major reservoir of Leishmania infantum/chagasi responsible for human visceral leishmaniasis. We have recently demonstrated that the combination of naturally excreted/secreted antigens, easily purified from culture supernatant of Leishmania infantum promastigotes (LiESAp) as vaccine antigen in formulation with muramyl dipeptide (MDP) as adjuvant, conferred 100% protection to dogs experimentally infected with L. infantum by inducing in vaccinees a significant, stable and long-lasting Th1-type cell response [Lemesre JL, Holzmuller P, Cavaleyra M, Bras Goncalves R, Hottin G, Papierok G. Protection against experimental visceral leishmaniasis infection in dogs immunised with purified excreted secreted antigens of L. infantum promastigotes. Vaccine 2005; 23:2825-2840; Holzmuller P, Cavaleyra M, Moreaux J, Kovacic R, Vincendeau P, Papierok G, Lemesre JL. Lymphocytes of dogs immunised with purified excreted secreted antigens of L. infantum co-incubated with Leishmania-infected macrophages produce IFNgamma resulting in nitric oxide-mediated amastigote apoptosis. Vet. Immunol. Immunopathol. 2005, 106:247-257]. In this report, protection against visceral leishmaniasis is investigated in naturally exposed dogs of endemic areas of the South of France vaccinated with LiESAp/MDP vaccine. A double-blind randomised efficacy field trial was developed on a large-scale dog population composed of vaccinees (n = 205) and placebo-treated animals (n = 209), which were prospectively studied for a 2-year period. Of the initial 414 enrolled dogs, 340 (175 controls and 165 vaccinees) were analysed for clinical, serological and parasitological studies at 24 months post-vaccination, after two sand fly seasons. Strong seroconversion disclosed by an L. infantum indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) associated with suspicious clinical symptoms, considered an indication that the animals had an established progressive infection, was only observed in the placebo group. The seropositive and/or symptomatic dogs were selected for further examination for possible Leishmania infection by culturing parasites from bone-marrow aspirate. The presence of leishmanial infection was also evaluated by means of the PCR analysis of bone marrow samples in all enrolled dogs prior to vaccination and in all evaluated animals (175 controls and 165 vaccinees) at 24 months post-vaccination. After two transmission cycles completed, the Leishmania infection rate was 0.61% (1/165) in vaccinated dogs and 6.86% (12/175) in the placebo group. The efficacy of the vaccine was calculated to be 92% (P = 0.002). A clear difference between the dogs that received vaccine and those that received placebo was also established by the results of their immune status. Increased anti-LiESAp IgG2 reactivity and significant enhanced NO-mediated anti-leishmanial activity of canine macrophages in response to higher IFN-gamma production by T cells were almost exclusively revealed in vaccinees. The LiESAp-MDP vaccine induced a significant, long-lasting and strong protective effect against canine visceral leishmaniasis in the field.

A parasitological study was carried out on 198 dogs living almost completely free in villages in the north-east of Gabon. Faeces samples were collected and analysed. The prevalence of digestive parasitism measured by microscopic coproscopy (flotation method) reached 91% (181/198). The vast majority of parasites thus isolated were ascarids (59% of samples), but they also included Ancylostoma (35%), Trichuris (49%) and Spirocerca (25%). Some embryophores of cestodes were found in 17 samples (9%)., Une étude parasitologique a été menée chez 198 chiens vivant en liberté quasi complète dans des villages du Nord-Est du Gabon. Des échantillons de fèces ont été prélevés et analysés. Une prévalence du parasitisme digestif de 91 % (181/198) a été mise en évidence par coproscopie microscopique (méthode d’enrichissement par flottation). La prévalence, par parasite, est de 59 % pour les ascarides, de 49 % pour les trichures, de 35 % pour les ankylostomes, de 25 % pour les spirocerques, de 11 % pour les capillaries et de 10 % pour les coccidies. Des embryophores de cestodes ont été retrouvés dans 17 échantillons (9 %)., Normand Thomas, Bourry Olivier, Dang Hoan, Leroy Éric Maurice, Bourdoiseau Gilles, Davoust Bernard. Enquête sur le parasitisme digestif des chiens dans une zone rurale du Gabon. In: Bulletin de l'Académie Vétérinaire de France tome 159 n°1, 2006. pp. 59-65.

As most methods currently available to treat and control canine leishmaniasis have a limited efficacy, researchers are testing immunotherapeutic methods with great interest. Excreted– secreted antigens (ES Ag) of promastigotes of Leishmania infantum cultured in a defined medium were selected. Three Leishmania– infected dogs received two intradermal injections of 25 mg of ES Ag, at 3 weeks interval. This treatment was the first ever in one of the dogs, whereas the other two had previously received a standard treatment with Glucantime ® and Zyloric ® . Marked clinical improvement was noted as of Day 15 after the first injection, as well as an intense leishmanicide activity in collected monocytes, and a significant decrease of antibody titres. No clinical relapse was recorded over two years later., La plupart des méthodes disponibles aujourd’hui de traitement et de contrôle de la leishmaniose canine sont d’une efficacité limitée, aussi le développement de méthodes immunothérapeutiques est-il d’un grand intérêt. Des antigènes d’excrétion-sécrétion (Ag ES) de promastigotes de Leishmania infantum cultivés en milieu défini sont retenus. Trois chiens leishmaniens en reçoivent 25 μg, 2 fois à 3 semaines d’intervalle, par la voie intra-dermique : un chien est traité pour la première fois selon ce protocole, les 2 autres avaient été traités antérieurement selon un protocole classique à base de glucantime et de zyloric. Une nette amélioration clinique est observée dès J15 après la première injection, ainsi qu’une forte activité leishmanicide des monocytes récoltés et une diminution significative des titres en anticorps. Aucune rechute clinique n’est enregistrée plus de 2 ans plus tard., Bourdoiseau Gilles, Hugnet Christophe, Papierok Gérard-Marie, Lemesre Jean-Loup. La leishmaniose canine à Leishmania infantum: essais d'immunothérapie. In: Bulletin de l'Académie Vétérinaire de France tome 157 n°1, 2004. pp. 63-67.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term clinical outcome for dogs with leishmaniasis that were treated with 3 different protocols: combined treatment with antimony and allopurinol, antimony alone, or allopurinol alone. Ninety-six dogs included in this study were determined to have leishmaniasis on the basis of (1) clinical features, (2) identification of the parasite in smears of lymph node, bone marrow aspirates, or skin biopsies, and (3) specific immunofluorescent assay. Three groups of dogs were defined: 45 dogs (group 1) were treated with antimony (100 mg/kg s.c. q24h) given concurrently for 1 month with allopurinol (15 mg/kg p.o. q12h), and then allopurinol alone for 8 months at the same dosage; 40 dogs (group 2) were treated with antimony alone according to the manufacturer's instructions (200 mg/kg s.c. q24h at 2-day intervals for 3-6 months); and 11 dogs (group 3) were treated with allopurinol alone (15 mg/kg p.o. q12h for 1-20 months). Information concerning signalment, history, physical examination findings, serologic testing and number of dogs becoming seronegative, outcome for each treated dog (clinical cure versus failure), and long-term survival were recorded. The numbers of the clinical cures versus failures were significantly different among the 3 groups (chi2 = 17.77, P.001), between groups 1 and 2 (chi2 = 8.02, P.01), between groups 2 and 3 (chi2 = 11.00, P.01), and between groups 1 and 3 (chi2 = 16.52, P.001). No significant difference between groups 1 and 2 was noted in the type of failure (relapse or death), serologic test results, and number of survival years (chi2 = 2.79, P.05). The results of the present study indicate that antimony in combination with allopurinol produces better results than antimony alone or allopurinol alone for the treatment of the canine leishmaniasis. With combination treatment, duration of treatment with antimony is shorter and long-term administration of allopurinol is well tolerated.

Canine leishmaniasis is a protozoal infection caused by Leishmania infantum which multiplies through the process of binary fission in macrophages of the skin and the reticulolymphoid organs (lymph nodes, bone marrow, etc.). The disease is transmitted to humans and animals by bloodsucking sandflies. Outside of America, 2 canine leishmaniasis is endemic in several countries around the Mediterranean basin, with an average prevalence 7 of from 20% to 40%; the growing international displacement of humans and their pets and the viral (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: AIDS) and iatrogenic factors of immunodepression 1 have helped to increase the frequency and the distribution of the zoonosis. Clinical signs of the illness are numerous and varied: 6 generalized lymphadenopathy, cachexia, exfoliative dermatitis with scaling, hyperkeratosis, alopecia, and ulcers. The disease is extremely polymorphic, so observation of the organism in appropriate tissue samples and demonstration of serum anti-Leishmania antibodies are necessary to confirm the diagnosis. The differential diagnosis includes several immunologic skin diseases (pemphigus foliaceus, systemic lupus) and other scaling dermatoses of the dog (zinc-responsive dermatoses, necrolytic migratory erythema, etc.); hence, the veterinarian often performs a skin or lymph node biopsy. Unfortunately, skin biopsy results vary considerably: typical features 4,7 are inflammatory infiltrate of macrophages and lymphocytes, granulomatous perifolliculitis, and perivascular and diffuse dermatitis. Parasitic organisms are frequently not easily recognized and the examination of the hematoxylin and eosin (HE) sections is sometimes inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to evaluate two immunohistochemical techniques for the demonstration of Leishmania in skin and lymph node biopsies. Material consisted of formalin-fixed biopsies from 26 dogs examined in the Dermatology Department of the Veterinary School of Lyon (4 dogs) and the surgeries of veterinarians located in an area where leishmaniasis is endemic (22 dogs). The diagnosis of leishmaniasis was confirmed by serologic immunofluorescent assay. a Thirty-four skin biopsies were obtained from selected areas of the bodies of 26 dogs in apparently healthy (11 biopsies) or visibly abnormal areas (23 biopsies). Fifteen lymph nodes were obtained from 9 dogs that were euthanatized for medical reasons. All the samples were fixed in 10% neutral formalin and then embedded in paraffin using routine procedures. One section from each sample was stained with standard HE staining to identify the parasites in the infected cells, since it is a common pathological technique that is able to define subtle cellular differences if there are pathologic changes.

Peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations were studied in 42 Leishmania infantum -infected dogs using flow cytometry. Twenty-two healthy dogs were used as a control group. Analysis of the B-cell populations showed a reduction in the number of CD21 + cells in all the infected dogs. On the other hand, the disease was found to be associated with a striking decrease in the number of CD21 + cells and of T-lymphocyte CD4 + cells in comparison with asymptomatic dogs and with healthy dogs. This study suggests that the dysimmunity which is observed with leishmaniasis may be linked to a reduced number of T-lymphocyte CD4 + cells.

Langerhans cells are epidermal dendritic cells which take up antigens and transport them to paracortical areas in regional draining lymph nodes, where they induce T-lymphocyte activation. According to Moll1, LC’s play a key role in the capture, transport and presentation of leishmania to T cells, and in the initiation of the specific immune response in the mouse version of leishmaniasis. In order to establish a canine model of this disease, we first examined the ability of canine LC’s to migrate to regional lymph nodes in response to cutaneous stimulation.

National audience