Serological Survey for Antibodies to Encephalitozoon cuniculi in Pet Rabbits in Italy

Abstract

Pet rabbits (n = 125) from Southern Italy were submitted to a serological screening for Encephalitozoon cuniculi, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a carbon immunoassay (CIA). Seventy-eight examined rabbits showed clinical signs suggestive of encephalitozoonosis (head tilt, ataxia, paralysis, cataracts, uveitis, polyuria and polydipsia), whereas 47 were healthy rabbits. Antibodies anti-E. cuniculi were found in 84/125 (67.2%) sera analysed. The results of the chi-squared test showed that sex and health status had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on E. cuniculi seropositivity; however, rabbits older than 4 months had a seropositivity for E. cuniculi significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of rabbits aged up to 4 months. The results of the present survey reinforce the assumption that rabbit may be indicated as the main reservoir of E. cuniculi; therefore, routine screening examinations in pet rabbits are strongly advised considering the zoonotic potential of this parasite.

Prevalence of antibodies to Encephalitozoon cuniculi in European hares (Lepus europaeus)

“…In other European countries, antibodies to E. cuniculi were detected in 7.5% -85% of pet rabbits from Switzerland [3], 31.6% pet and 67.2% of farm rabbits from Italy [23,24], and in 52% of domestic rabbits from the United Kingdom [25]. The results of serological examinations may be variable due to many factors, such as the number of animals, gender, and their age, because the risk of infection increases with the age of the animals [23].…”

“…The results of serological examinations may be variable due to many factors, such as the number of animals, gender, and their age, because the risk of infection increases with the age of the animals [23]. In the case of hares and other wildlife, it is important whether they live in a rural or urban environment; it can also be affected by the climate and geographic location.…”

Detection and Genotype of <i>Encephalitozoon cuniculi</i> DNA from Urine and Feces of Pet Rabbits in Japan

“…Furthermore, the organism has also been detected in other mammalian hosts, including rodents, horses, carnivores, non-human primates and humans [2,16]. Encephalitozoon cuniculi infections in rabbits show worldwide prevalence, and the seroprevalence has been reported to be 7.0% in breeding colonies in the U.S.A. [9], 59.2% in pet rabbits in England [10], 67.2% in pet rabbits in Italy [5] and 15% in farmed rabbits in Egypt [1]. In Japan, occasional cases of the infections have been reported since the 1990s [6,12,13,17], and a high seroprevalence of E. cuniculi has been recently reported in pet rabbits [11].…”

Fungal Diseases

“…45 The most common clinical manifestation is neurological disease, with predominantly vestibular signs. 41,44,60 Onset is usually sudden. Head tilt, ataxia, paresis or paralysis, and head tremors are common.…”

“…Head tilt, ataxia, paresis or paralysis, and head tremors are common. 41,42,44 Behavioral changes, aggression, or cranial nerve defi cits are less commonly identifi ed. 45 Ocular and renal disease may also develop, along with, or independent of, neurological disease.…”