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Canine Schistosomiasis in the West Coast: Heterobilharzia americana in Two Natural Intermediate Hosts Found in the Colorado River, California.

Authors :
Baniya, Anil
Goldy, Connor J.
Ardpairin, Jiranun
Achi, Perla
Chang, Yu Wei
Adrianza, Rose C.
Vitta, Apichat
Dillman, Adler R.
Source :
Pathogens; Mar2024, Vol. 13 Issue 3, p245, 16p
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

The emergence of infectious diseases presents a significant global health, economic, and security risk. Climate change can unexpectedly lead to the spread of pathogens, vectors, or hosts into new areas, contributing to the rise of infectious diseases. Surveillance plays a crucial role in monitoring disease trends and implementing control strategies. In this study, we document the first discovery of Heterobilharzia americana, a parasitic schistosome of mammals and its intermediate hosts Galba cubensis and Galba humilis along the banks of the Colorado River in California. We conducted multiple samplings of snails from various locations in the region with a previous history of canine schistosomiasis. Nucleotide sequencing of the multiple regions of the snails' and parasites' DNA revealed the coexistence of G. cubensis and G. humilis, both infected with H. americana. Phylogenetic analyses further validate the presence of H. americana in California, suggesting a wider distribution than previously reported. Our findings have implications for public health, veterinary medicine, and biodiversity conservation, contributing to developing effective control strategies to prevent the spread of this emerging infectious disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20760817
Volume :
13
Issue :
3
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Pathogens
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
176367794
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13030245