Title (eng)
Emerging vector-borne pathogens and their vectors affecting dogs and other animals in Central Europe
Author
Assessor
Anastasia Diakou
Degree supervisor
Hans-Peter Fuehrer
Michael Leschnik
Anja Joachim
Description (eng)
PhD thesis - University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna - 2023
Abstract (eng)
The distribution of vectors and vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) is changing due to globalisation, climate change and habitat reduction, leading to the emergence of VBPs in new areas. A nematode affecting the eye is Thelazia callipaeda, which can now be considered endemic in Austria. It is transmitted by the fruit fly Phortica variegata, which we detected in Austria together with an unidentified Phortica sp. Dogs and numerous other mammals, including humans, can act as definitive hosts for T. callipaeda. Onchocerca lupi, a nematode forming nodules around the eye is known to be present in Greece and Portugal. It is usually found in dogs but can also be zoonotic. It is described here as the first autochthonous case in a dog from Austria. The vector is not known, but likely candidates are biting midges (Ceratopogonidae) or black flies (Simuliidae). Several species of both families are present in Austria. Nematodes affecting the cardiopulmonary system are Angiostrongylus vasorum and Dirofilaria immitis, and while the former seems to be established in Austria, the first case report in a cat is reported here for the latter. Dirofilaria repens is closely related, but forms skin nodules, and several autochthonous infections have been documented for this nematode. Both can be zoonotic and are transmitted by mosquitoes. The introduction of the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) might accelerate the spread in Austria in the future, as this mosquito feeds during daytime and on different hosts including dogs. In cattle, flies of the genus Musca transmit Parafilaria bovicola, the causative agent of summer bleeding. With a survey and subsequent molecular and phylogenetic analysis, we could confirm that this parasite is endemic to Austria, and we have detected four different haplotypes. Babesia canis are piroplasms of dogs and were previously only known in Austria as imported infections. The vector Dermacentor reticulatus is widespread in eastern Austria and by analysing clinical cases, we could demonstrate that B. canis can be considered endemic to Austria. Wildlife often plays a key role in the distribution and transmission of VBPs. In wildcats from Germany, we detected the protozoal parasites Hepatozoon silvestris, H. felis, and Cytauxzoon europaeus, as well as the bacteria Candidatus Mycoplasma haematominutum, and Bartonella spp. in spleen and blood. These pathogens can also induce clinical disease in domestic cats. With the emergence of VBPs of medical and veterinary importance in Austria and other Central European countries, future research in this area is mandatory and should focus on the VBPs, their vector(s), and mammalian host(s), including possible wildlife reservoirs.
Description (deu)
PhD Arbeit - Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien - 2023
Type (eng)
Language
[eng]
Persistent identifier
AC number
Number of pages
143
Date issued
2023
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- DetailsResource typeText (PDF)Formatapplication/pdfCreated16.01.2026 08:37:01 UTC
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