Posts

Parasite makes mice fearless by hijacking immune cells

/in , , , , , , /by

Image: Pixabay

The Toxoplasma parasite is an unusually devious operator. When it infects mice, it alters their behaviour so they become fearless enough to seek out cats and get eaten. But exactly how it did this was a mystery.

Now it appears that the parasite hijacks its victim’s immune system, causing it to produce a chemical normally found in the brain. The discovery suggests that the brain and immune system might have evolved using similar processes to control their behaviour, including electrical and chemical signals now known mainly in nerves.

Toxoplasma gondii spends part of its life in a cat’s gut, then spreads to mice via cat droppings. It invades their brains and causes them to behave fearlessly towards cats – quickly returning the parasite to a cat’s gut and completing its life cycle.

The parasite can use other animals as a host, and can spread to humans via infected, uncooked meat as well as cat droppings. Acute infection can harm a fetus, so pregnant women are told to avoid cat litter boxes. A quarter of people have a lifelong Toxoplasma infection and may suffer psychological effects, including increased recklessness.

Antonio Barragan of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, has now discovered that the parasite’s mind-bending abilities could be a side effect of the way it hijacks the immune system. Invaders like Toxoplasma normally get engulfed by white blood cells called dendritic cells (DCs), a process that helps other immune cells learn to recognise them.
 

Cell hijack

Toxoplasma, however, hijacks DCs. It not only lives and multiplies inside them, it makes them “hypermobile”, crawling more actively through tissue and migrating faster around the body than usual. “The DCs are vehicles that transport the parasite around the body,” says Barragan.

Barragan’s team has found that the parasite does this by turning on a set of genes within DCs for producing and secreting a chemical called GABA. This was a surprise as GABA is a neurotransmitter, carrying signals in the brain from one nerve cell to another. The researchers found that DCs, like a few other non-neural cells, carry receptors for GABA.

The GABA that DCs make stimulates their own receptors, causing the voltage across the cell membrane to change, just as it would in a nerve cell membrane. This somehow makes the DCs more mobile and able to spread the parasite: drugs that block GABA stopped the cells becoming hypermobile and this led to fewer parasites in the brain.

The fact that immune cells respond to a neurotransmitter raises the possibility that mechanisms thought to be unique in nerves may also operate in many other types of cell.

Intriguingly, says Barragan, as a neurotransmitter in the brain, GABA reduces fear and anxiety. A brain invaded by parasite-infested DCs churning out GABA may well become inappropriately fearless. Alternatively, the parasite might be able to invade brain cells too and turn on their GABA genes.

“It’s hard to say which came first,” says Barragan, the parasite’s ability to hijack the brain, or the immune system. Either way, it is GABA that gets the parasite where it wants to go: down a cat’s throat.

Journal reference: PLoS Pathogens, doi.org/jxk

Source: New Scientist

Intestinal Parasite (Coccidia) in Cats

/in , , , , /by

 

Image: Pixabay

Coccidiosis in Cats

Coccidiosis is a parasitic type of infection, caused by the Coccidia parasite. It most commonly causes watery, mucus based diarrhea in animals. If it is not treated, over time it can cause damage to the lining of a cat’s intestinal tract. With appropriate and prompt treatment, the prognosis is good.

Symptoms and Types
The primary symptom of a coccidial infection is watery, mucous-like diarrhea. Bloody diarrhea and an inability to control defecation will become apparent as the infection progresses, and your cat may become weak and feverish, with related vomiting and weight loss. Dehydration is a serious concern, due to the diarrhea and vomiting, and can quickly lead to serious organ complications. The nervous system may also be affected, with tremors and confusion presenting.

Types of Coccidium that infect cats:

  • Isospora felis; Isospora rivolta
  • Sarcocystis
  • Toxoplasma gondii (note that this coccidial infection has zoonotic properties)
  • Hepatozoon – transmitted by ingestion of the ‘brown dog tick’

Causes
Being in an environment with other infected animals is the most common cause of this infection. It is typically spread through fecal matter, but some types may also spread through the ingestion of intermediate hosts, such as rats, mice and birds. Still, it is most commonly contracted from a parent cat to her litter due to the proximity of feces and the tendency of kittens to eat unfamilair items and explore. The coccidiosis infection is of particular danger for kittens, since their immune systems are still underdeveloped.

Diagnosis
A fecal examination is the most common method of diagnosis for this infection. The coccidium parasite will be readily visible under microscopic examination.

Treatment and Care
Treatment is generally outpatient. A sulfa based medication to kill the parasite will be prescribed, and is generally highly effective and fast working. Your cat will need to be rehydrated as a result of the diarrhea. If your cat is debilitated as a result of severe infection, your veterinarian may suggest observation in a medical setting. A follow up fecal examination within 1-2 weeks of the initial treatment will be needed to ensure that the parasite is no longer present in the body.

Living and Management
You will need to administer the full course of prescribed medication as directed and monitor your cat for progress. If there is a decline in its health, you will need to return to your veterinarian to ensure that there is not a more serious underlying health issue that needs treatment. Keep in mind that hygeine is also an issue. Wearing disposable gloves and disposing of feces properly is critically important.

Prevention
The best prevention is to keep infected animals apart. Preemptive testing of the feces from your cat while it is pregnant, or after it has given birth, to be sure that it is not infected will help to protect newborns from infection.

New owners may wish to have their kitten’s feces tested to ensure that the coccidia parasite is not present, since this is a common issue. If you have a kitten that is infected, alert the breeder or owner to the problem so that treatment can be prescribed for their remaining animals.

Source: www.petmd.com

5 ways to care for pets during water restrictions

/in /by
5 ways to care for pets

Image: Pixabay

As a result, restrictions have been placed to ensure households are conserving as much water as possible and families need to devise plans to stay within water allocations, while accommodating their essential needs, and those of their pets.

Local pet food manufacturer Montego Pet Nutrition shares five tips on how you can take care of your furry friends, while saving water.

Cut down on bath time

Cutting down on baths and visits to the groomer can be made easier by using doggie dry shampoo between washes. Pet wipes can also be life-savers for ear cleaning, potty-training puppies and bearded breeds – to clean between facial folds and help prevent infection. Daily brushing also helps remove grime and oil build-up on the coat and skin.

Keep drinking water in the shade or indoors

To avoid evaporation, keep outside drinking water in deep bowls and in a shady spot. Another handy tip is to keep indoor bowls in areas that are not breezy, so dust and debris don’t get in. This limits having to change your pets water a few times a day.

Early morning or evening walks

Walk your dog’s early in the morning or around sunset, when the air is cooler and the sun less harsh. The same applies to playtime – certain breeds tend to over-exert themselves to please their owners and ultimately work up a thirst.

Interchange between wet food and dry food

If you usually feed your pet only dry food think about alternating between wet and dry foods. Wet food can contain up to 80 percent more moisture than dry food, which can do a lot to keep your pet hydrated.

Be safe when capturing water

If you are catching rain water, grey water and water from your air-conditioning for use in your household, always ensure you keep pets away from the catchment containers. Stagnant water can be a breeding ground for parasite and water from your air-conditioner contains a plethora of unhealthy chemicals which could result in sick fur babies.

Whilst saving water is critical during these challenging times, it is equally important to make sure that your pets always has enough water to keep him/her healthy and happy. Pet owners need to provide clean, clear water daily that is easily accessible to pets.

Source: iol

Understanding Canine Babesia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

/in , , , , , , , /by

Canine

Understanding Canine Babesia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

As dog owners, our furry friends’ health is always a top concern. One important condition to be aware of is canine babesia. This post aims to shed light on what babesia is, its causes, symptoms to watch out for, and available treatment options.

What is Canine Babesia?

Canine babesia, also known as babesiosis, is a tick-borne disease caused by various species of the Babesia parasite. These parasites invade and multiply within a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anaemia and other health complications.

Causes of Canine Babesia:

The primary mode of transmission is through the bite of infected ticks. These ticks are commonly found in grassy or wooded areas, allowing them to easily latch onto dogs during outdoor activities.

Symptoms of Canine Babesia:

Symptoms of babesia can vary depending on the species of the parasite and the severity of the infection. Some common symptoms include:

  1. Lethargy and weakness
  2. Loss of appetite
  3. Weight loss
  4. Pale gums and mucous membranes
  5. Yellowing of the eyes and gums (jaundice)
  6. Fever
  7. Enlarged lymph nodes
  8. Dark urine
  9. Irregular breathing

It is important to note that some dogs may show no visible symptoms while still carrying the parasite. Regular check-ups and preventive measures are crucial to ensure early detection and treatment.

Canine

Treatment for Canine Babesia:

When it comes to treating babesia, a multi-faceted approach is often necessary. The specific treatment plan may vary depending on the severity of the infection and the dog’s overall health. Tests (Haematocrit and an in-saline agglutination test) are done to determine whether a dog needs hospitalisation. Dogs are then treated with the appropriate drugs

Often, dogs with Babesia require supportive care to manage the associated symptoms. This can include fluid therapy to treat dehydration and anaemia, as well as medications to alleviate fever and pain.

Preventing future tick infestations is essential in managing and preventing babesia. Regular use of tick preventatives such as topical treatments or oral medications can significantly reduce the risk of tick bites. Products like Bravecto, Nexguard or Simparica can be used. They are also available at our vet shop.

In severe cases of babesia, where the dog’s red blood cell count is dangerously low, a blood transfusion may be necessary to stabilize their condition.

Prevention is Key:

Preventing babesia is easier than treating it. Here are some preventive measures you can take:

  1. Regular Tick Checks: Inspect your dog thoroughly after outdoor activities, paying close attention to hidden areas like ears, between toes, and under the tail.
  2. Tick Control Products: Use vet-approved tick prevention products, such as collars, sprays, or spot-on treatments, to keep ticks at bay.
  3. Maintain a Clean Environment: Keep your dog’s living area clean.
Canine babesia, caused by tick-borne parasites, can pose a serious threat to our beloved pets. The cost of hospitalisation and treatment of dogs with Babesia is expensive. Your dog’s life is also at risk as they can become very ill and even die from physiological complications when parasite burdens are high. It is far more effective to keep up to date with tick and flea control and follow preventative measures to have a happy healthy dog

Source: Cape of Good Hope SPCA