Seroprevalence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in pet rabbits in Mexico City

Main Article Content

Ethel Cortés-Pérez
Angela Rodríguez-Hernández
María Grisel Anaya-Santillán
María Guadalupe Sánchez-González
Ricardo Itzcóatl Maldonado-Reséndiz

Abstract

Encephalitozoon cuniculi is an obligate intracellular microorganism primarily found in rabbits, although it has also been reported in various species such as horses, rodents, dogs, monkeys, foxes, cats, goats, and pigs. Immunodeficient humans are also vulnerable to this infection. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of E. cuniculi in 89 companion rabbits in Mexico City using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results indicated a seroprevalence of 70 %. Clinically healthy rabbits constituted 92 % of the sample, of which 68 % were positive for antibodies against E. cuniculi. The findings align with global reports of high seroprevalence. Despite most infections being subclinical, a substantial portion of asymptomatic rabbits were seropositive, highlighting the need for early disease recognition to prevent its spread. This study is the first to describe the seroprevalence of E. cuniculi in Mexico and the common associated signs.

Keywords:
Pet rabbit health Cataract Paralysis Synechia Neurological signs Preventive screening

Article Details

Author Biography

Ricardo Itzcóatl Maldonado-Reséndiz, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Departamento de Etología, Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio. Ciudad de México, México.

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Programa Universitario de Bioética. Ciudad de México, México.

References

Doboşi AA, Bel LV, Paştiu AI, Pusta DL. A review of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus): Biology, clinical signs, diagnostic techniques, treatment, and prevention. Pathogens. 2022;11(12):1486. doi: 10.3390/pathogens11121486.

Malčeková B, Halánová M, Sulínová Z, Molnár L, Ravaszová P, Adam J, et al. Seroprevalence of antibodies to Encephalitozoon cuniculi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis in humans and animals. Research in Veterinary Science. 2010;89(3):358−361. doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2010.03.020.

Latney L, Bradley C, Wyre N. Encephalitozoon cuniculi in pet rabbits: diagnosis and optimal management. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports. 2014;5:169−180. doi: 10.2147/VMRR.S49842.

Van Gool T, Biderre C, Delbac F, Wentink-Bonnema E, Peek R, Vivares CP. Serodiagnostic studies in an immunocompetent individual infected with Encephalitozoon cuniculi. The Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2004;189(12):2243−2249. doi: 10.1086/421117.

Weber R, Deplazes P, Flepp M, Mathis A, Baumann R, Sauer B, et al. Cerebral microsporidiosis due to Encephalitozoon cuniculi in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus infection. The New England Journal of Medicine. 1997;336(7):474−478. doi: 10.1056/NEJM199702133360704

Enriquez FJ, Taren D, Cruz-López A, Muramoto M, Palting JD, Cruz P. Prevalence of intestinal encephalitozoonosis in Mexico. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 1998;26(5):1227−1229. doi: 10.1086/520278.

Chilón VJ. Seroprevalencia de Encephalitozoon cuniculi en conejos destinados como mascotas en la provincia de Lima. [Thesis dissertation]. Lima, Perú: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos; 2014.

Maestrini G, Ricci E, Cantile E, Mannella R, Mancianti F, Paci G, et al. Encephalitozoon cuniculi in rabbits: Serological screening and histopathological findings. Comparative Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. 2017;50:54−57. doi: 10.1016/j.cimid.2016.11.012

Shin JC, Kim DG, Kim SH, Kim S, Song KH. Seroprevalence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in pet rabbits in Korea. The Korean Journal of Parasitology. 2014;52(3):321−323. doi: 10.3347/kjp.2014.52.3.321.

Keeble EJ, Shaw DJ. Seroprevalence of antibodies to Encephalitozoon cuniculi in domestic rabbits in the United Kingdom. Veterinary Record. 2006;158(16):539−544. doi: 10.1136/vr.158.16.539.

García MC, Maldonado R. Prevalencia y hallazgos radiográficos en conejos, cuyos y chinchillas diagnosticados con maloclusión en el Hospital Veterinario de Especialidades en Fauna Silvestre y Etología Clínica de la UNAM, México. Revista de la Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia. 2020;67(1):17−32. doi: 10.15446/rfmvz.v67n1.87676.

United Kingdom Pet Food. Rabbit Size-O-Meter. 2024. https://www.ukpetfood.org/resource/rabbit-size-o-meter.html

Vargas R. Estadística II. Programa Administración Pública Territorial.1ª ed. Bogotá, Colombia: Escuela Superior de Administración Pública; 2008. p.43−46.

Hein J, Flock U, Sauter-Louis C, Hartmann K. Encephalitozoon cuniculi in rabbits in Germany: prevalence and sensitivity of antibody testing. Veterinary Record. 2014;174(14):350. doi: 10.1136/vr.102126.

Berger S, Cray C, Turner A, Reifur L, Montiani-Ferreira F. Seroprevalence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in pet rabbits in Brazil. Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine. 2015;24(4):435−440. doi: 10.1053/j.jepm.2015.08.010.

Dipineto L, Rinaldi L, Santaniello A, Sensale M, Cuomo A, Calabria M, et al. Serological survey for antibodies to Encephalitozoon cuniculi in pet rabbits in Italy. Zoonoses and Public Health. 2008;55(3):173−175. doi: 10.1111/j.1863-2378.2007.01097.x.

Giordano C, Weigt A, Vercelli A, Rondena M, Grilli G, Giudice C. Immunohistochemical identification of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in phacoclastic uveitis in four rabbits. Veterinary Ophtalmology. 2005;8(4):271−275. doi: 10.1111/j.1463-5224.2005.00394.x.