Browsing by Author "Rocha, Filipa Alexandra Mota"
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- Preliminary Study on Seroprevalence of the Microsporidian Parasite Encephalitozoon Cuninuli in Domestic Rabbits of Porto District, PortugalPublication . Rocha, Filipa Alexandra Mota; Gibson, Joana Isabel Figueira FerrolhoEncephalitozoon cuniculi is an obligate, intracellular microsporidian parasite commonly found in pet rabbits. This parasite is primarily transmitted through the ingestion of E. cuniculi spores shed in the urine, which is the most significant route of transmission, although transplacental transmission can also occur. Encephalitozoonosis is endemic in the pet rabbit population worldwide and is an important cause of neurologic disease in this species. This disease usually causes chronic infections that can persist asymptomatically for years. Nevertheless, because this parasite has a predilection for the kidneys and brain, it can cause neurologic signs that often include torticollis, nystagmus, ataxia, head tilt, or rolling. Other neurologic signs may include seizures, urinary incontinence, a stiff rear gait, and posterior paresis. This disease is zoonotic, and it is important to inform immunosuppressed individuals of the possibility of becoming infected. There are some laboratorial tests that can confirm the presence of E. cuniculi, such as serology or PCR in urine or blood samples, although the latter often results in false negatives depending on the stages of the infection. In terms of serology, this is the most important diagnostic tool for E. cuniculi infection in living animals, and there are several methods for detecting antibodies against E. cuniculi, such as ELISA. The objective of this study was to determine the presence of E. cuniculi in the serum of rabbits, using convenience sampling during routine appointments and from hospitalized rabbits. The second stage included the evaluation of serum seropositivity through presence of specific anti-E. cuniculi antibodies (IgG and IgM) by ELISA. Serological testing was performed using an indirect ELISA method. A total of 22 plasma samples were collected from domestic rabbits, although no information was available regarding their clinical history or geographic origin. Of the analyzed samples 13 (59%) were seropositive for E. cuniculi. This result is consistent with findings from studies conducted in other countries, suggesting that the prevalence of E. cuniculi among the tested samples in the Porto district could be relatively high. Finally, this study will contribute towards our knowledge of encephalitozoonosis seropositivity amongst domestic rabbits medically assisted in the Porto district. Determining the seroprevalence of this infection in domestic rabbits may provide valuable insights into the importance of early diagnosis, contribute to increased survival rates, and aid in preventing transmission to co-habitant rabbits and immunocompromised humans.