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Hepatozoon spp.: pathological and partial 18S rRNA sequence analysis from three Brazilian dogs
Giane R Paludo1, Horacio Friedmann, Arlete Dell'Porto
1Faculdade de Agrononomia e Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Brasília, CP04508, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
Parasitology Research
|July 1, 2005
Summary
Brazilian dogs with persistent hepatozoonosis showed muscle damage similar to Hepatozoon americanum. Genetic analysis revealed a close similarity to a Japanese Hepatozoon species, suggesting a need for further research on canine hepatozoonosis diversity.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
- Canine Pathology
Background:
- Canine hepatozoonosis is a tick-borne parasitic disease affecting dogs.
- Persistent parasitemia and muscle pathology are key clinical signs.
- Distinguishing between different Hepatozoon species is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular and histopathological characteristics of hepatozoonosis in three Brazilian dogs.
- To compare the findings with known Hepatozoon species, particularly Hepatozoon americanum.
- To determine the genetic relatedness of the Brazilian isolates to other Hepatozoon species.
Main Methods:
- Confirmation of canine hepatozoonosis through detection of gametocytes in blood smears.
- Histopathological examination of skeletal muscle biopsies to assess tissue damage.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification and sequencing of partial 18S rRNA genes.
Main Results:
- Histopathology revealed muscle degeneration and atrophy, without the characteristic cystic structures of H. americanum.
- Partial 18S rRNA gene sequences from Brazilian isolates showed >99% similarity to Hepatozoon sp. Fukuoka from Japan.
- The findings suggest a distinct Hepatozoon species or strain circulating in Brazil.
Conclusions:
- The Brazilian canine hepatozoonosis cases exhibit unique histopathological features.
- Molecular data indicate a close phylogenetic relationship to Japanese Hepatozoon sp. Fukuoka.
- Further studies involving more clinical cases and genetic markers are necessary to elucidate the diversity of canid Hepatozoon species.