Claudio Genchi

..With slight modifications of the primers and probe, the protocol we have developed could be applied in studies of the human pathogen Brugia malayi and on the model filarial species Litomosoides sigmodontis...

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..The research needs for managing HW and CanL in previously uninfected areas are discussed...

..This hypothesis seems to be confirmed by the high percentage observed for I. ricinus (57.4%) and R. sanguineus (35.73%) out of 8,712 specimens collected from several different hosts and from the environment...

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..Heartworm-infected cats survived significantly longer than heartworm-negative cats affected by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, chronic renal failure, or neoplastic diseases...

..This mosquito species could spread from southern to northern European countries in the near future, changing the epidemiological patterns of dirofilariosis both in humans and animals...

..No heartworms were found in the animals in group 1 (treated with medicated tablets). Out of the 12 placebo-treated cats 1 was heartworm-free, whereas all the others were found to be infected with 1-3 adult heartworms...

..This study confirms the efficacy and safety of moxidectin in the prevention of adult heartworm infection in dogs...

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..repens. Furthermore, diagnosis is problematic and in-clinic serological tests, such as those for D. immitis, do not exist. Therefore, most infections go undiagnosed, allowing the infection to spread undetected...

..The importance of diet and potential alternative control measures (nematophagus fungi and natural compounds such as tannins) are illustrated...

..The study also provides the first risk assessment maps for Europe and suggests that if the actual climatic trend continues, filarial infection should spread into previously infection-free areas...

..Recently a non-Babesia divergens organism causing zoonotic infection has been found in Italy and Austria. Overall, the seroprevalence against both B. microti and B. divergens microrganisms in human ranges 1.5%-11.5% in Europe...

..The potential transmission period in the study area was found to be confined to summer months with a peak in July and August, as expected for a temperate region where summer season is the most favourable period for the parasite...

..001). In this experimental study, moxidectin SR injectable showed full efficacy (100%) lasting at least 6 months, and is able to prevent subcutaneous D. repens patent infection throughout the entire transmission season in Europe...

..Results indicate that the combination of these two drugs causes adult worm death. This could have important implications for control of human and animal filarial infections...

..Kidneys from mf+ dogs showed Wolbachia+ mf in glomerular capillaries. Results strongly suggest that Wolbachia associated with circulating mf may contribute to immune-mediated kidney disease in dogs with heartworm infection...

..Moreoever, 1406 faecal samples of red foxes were analyzed by CA-ELISAs commercial test kit. This paper provides an update of the epidemiological knowledge of this parasite in north Italy...

..As shown by our studies, Wolbachia could contribute to these inflammatory phenomena through its surface protein WSP, independently from its endotoxin component...

..bursa, R. sanguineus, R. turanicus). I. ricinus and R. sanguineus were the most abundant species. I. ricinus was recorded more frequently from ruminants particularly roe deer, while R. sanguineus was found to be associated with the dog...

..and Wuchereria spp.) and the sister group relationship of Dirofilaria spp. and Onchocerca spp. However, the placement of the Wolbachia-free filaria Acanthocheilonema viteae is ambiguous and dependent on the phylogenetic methods used...

..The possibility that tetracycline inhibition of embryo development in B. pahangi and D. immitis is determined by cytoplasmic incompatibility is discussed...

..Thus, there is no evidence for recent Wolbachia transmission between arthropods and nematodes. Endosymbiont 16S ribosomal DNA sequences from a subset of filarial species support these findings...

..The multiplex PCR assay represents an additional tool for epidemiological studies and routine disease assessment in areas co-endemic for the two Dirofilaria species...

..The complete groel gene was PCR-amplified, sequenced and cloned into an expression vector. The recombinant GroEL was purified by affinity chromatography by using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)...

..Prospects for antifilarial therapy using Wolbachia-targeted tetracycline treatments should thus take into account the possibility of Wolbachia rebound...

..Possible interactions between the bacterium and its host will be discussed...

..These findings suggest that, also in dogs as in humans the initial antibacterial response of PMNs could be elicited through engagement of TLR2...

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..In addition, different individuals of the same host species (Dirofilaria immitis and Wuchereria bancrofti) show identical wsp gene sequences...

..This article reviews the zoonotic aspects, effects of climate, and other global drivers on Dirofilaria infections in Europe and the possible implications on the transmission and control of these mosquito-borne nematodes...

..The PCR assay here developed and the analysis of the 5 S ribosomal spacer, can further improve both epidemiological and molecular analysis of these filarial species...

..Using molecular methods, we detected three different spotted fever group rickettsiae, including Rickettsia helvetica. Our results raise the possibility that bacteria other than R. conorii are involved in rickettsial diseases in Italy...

..This is the first record of A. matronensis in crows in Italy and in Corvus corone corone. Some hypotheses about the distribution of the parasites in crow populations are discussed...

..This scheme did not influence the albendazole SO efficacy against GI nematodes and might be used for the treatment of fasciolosis in dairy sheep farms...

..repens in humans in Europe. The chapter concludes with a discussion on emerging strategies in heartworm treatment and control, highlighting the potential role of tetracycline antibiotics in adulticidal therapy...

..Throughout the treatment, transitory hypersalivation and generic signs of annoyance were reported by owners in 6 cats (4.5%). All signs regressed spontaneously...

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..In conclusion, our data suggests that BMC of infected dogs have a particular modification of IL-10 and IFNgamma synthesis. These data could be the basis to design immunotherapeutic approaches...

..In the second patient the ultrasonographic features of tetrathyridial infection in a cat in which the parasite was observed as an incidental finding during ovariohysterectomy are described...

..Another case report describes persistent left cranial vena cava, which interfered with the surgical removal of heartworm via the left jugular vein...

..Northern continental Italy is now focally endemic for VL and a moderate risk for human disease does exist, although the intensity of transmission seems to be lower than in traditional settings of Mediterranean VL...

..The application of the bagging procedure increased the accuracy of the prediction made by a single classification tree, a well-known classification method for the analysis of epidemiological data...

..5%, 2.3%, 0.9%, 1.9%, respectively. These high mutation rates within genospecies suggest that the sequencing of haplotypes should continue if we are to fully understand and monitor the evolution and epidemiology of Borrelia...

..Nevertheless, both blood culture assays and serological tests for Bartonella infection should be performed for a complete evaluation of the health status of cats...

..Fertile cysts were detected only in the lungs of 4.5% of the total G1 lung cysts, of 9.4% of the total G3 lung cysts, and in the only G5 infected animal. This is the first report of Echinococcus ortleppi (genotype G5) in Italy...