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Maia C

Exploring the utility of phylogenetic analysis of cytochrome oxidase gene subunit I as a complementary tool to classical taxonomical identification of phlebotomine sand fly species (Diptera, Psychodidae) from southern Europe

Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae) are known to be vectors of several pathogens such as Leishmania and Phlebovirus genera. The identification of phlebotomine sand fly species is currently based on morphological characters, and requires considerable taxonomic expertise and skilfulness, but may be complemented by DNA-based analyses for (i) accurate species identification and (ii) for estimating sand fly diversity.
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Transmission Potential of Antimony-Resistant Leishmania Field Isolates

We studied the development of antimony-resistant Leishmania infantum in natural vectors Lutzomyia longipalpis and Phlebotomus perniciosus to ascertain the risk of parasite transmission by sand flies.
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First Report of Thelazia Callipaeda in red foxes (Vulpes Vulpes) from Portugal

The first cases of infection with the eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Portugal are described. Worms were collected from 1 fox (7 worms) in the north and from 2 foxes (10 worms) in the central region of the country.
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Prevalence and correlates of antibodies to Neospora caninum in dogs in Portugal

Neosporosis, caused by Neospora caninum, is an important cause of abortion in cattle and of neurological disease in dogs. This study investigated the prevalence and correlates of antibodies to N. caninum in 441 dogs from the five regions of mainland Portugal. A commercial competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) was used and specific antibodies were detected in 35 (7.9%) dogs.
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Bacterial and protozoal agents of feline vector-borne diseases in domestic and stray cats from southern Portugal

Feline vector-borne diseases (FVBD) have emerged in recent years, showing a wider geographic distribution and increased global prevalence. In addition to their veterinary importance, domestic cats play a central role in the transmission cycles of some FVBD agents by acting as reservoirs and sentinels, a circumstance that requires a One Health approach. The aim of the present work was to molecularly detect feline vector-borne bacteria and protozoa with veterinary and zoonotic importance, and to assess associated risk factors in cats from southern Portugal.
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Molecular detection of bacterial and parasitic pathogens in hard ticks from Portugal

Ticks are important vector arthropods of human and animal pathogens. As information about agents of disease circulating in vectors in Portugal is limited, the aim of the present study was to detect bacteria and parasites with veterinary and zoonotic importance in ticks collected from dogs, cats, and field vegetation. A total of 925 ticks, comprising 888 (96.0%) adults, 8 (0.9%) nymphs, and 29 (3.1%) larvae, were collected in 4 geographic areas (districts) of Portugal.
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Theileria infection in domestic ruminants in northern Ethiopia

Piroplasmosis caused by different tick-borne hemoprotozoan parasites of the genera Theileria and Babesia is among the most economically important infections of domestic ruminants in sub-Saharan Africa. A survey for piroplasm infection was conducted in three locations in Northern Ethiopia. Of 525 domestic ruminants surveyed, 80% of the cattle, 94% of the sheep and 2% of the goats were positive for different Theileria spp. based on PCR of blood followed by DNA sequencing.
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