"The results can thus be interpreted to indicate that the environment in Estonia was widely contaminated with T. gondii oocysts, in particular in the northern part of the country."
Remes N, Kärssin A, Must K, Tagel M, Lassen B, Jokelainen P (2018) Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in free-ranging moose (Alces alces) hunted for human consumption in Estonia: Indicator host species for environmental Toxoplasma gondii oocyst contamination. Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports. 11:6-11
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405939017301752
Showing posts with label estonia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label estonia. Show all posts
Tuesday, 23 January 2018
Tuesday, 9 January 2018
New article: Vector-borne parasitic infections in dogs in the Baltic and Nordic countries: A questionnaire study to veterinarians on canine babesiosis and infections with Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens
Tiškina V, Jokelainen P. Vector-borne parasitic infections in dogs in the Baltic and Nordic countries: A questionnaire study to veterinarians on canine babesiosis and infections with Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens. Vet Parasitol. 2017 Sep 15;244:7-11. doi: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.07.012. Epub 2017 Jul 18.
https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0304-4017(17)30311-4
Tuesday, 19 December 2017
New article: Seroprevalence of Fasciola hepatica in cattle in Estonia
"Farms with at least one seropositive animal were found in 13 of the 15 counties."
"Animals from beef herds had higher odds of testing F. hepatica-positive."
Petersson J, Jokelainen P, Lassen B, Tagel M, Viltrop A, Novobilský A. (2017) Seroprevalence of Fasciola hepatica in cattle in Estonia. Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports 10, 90–94.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S240593901730031X
"Animals from beef herds had higher odds of testing F. hepatica-positive."
Petersson J, Jokelainen P, Lassen B, Tagel M, Viltrop A, Novobilský A. (2017) Seroprevalence of Fasciola hepatica in cattle in Estonia. Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports 10, 90–94.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S240593901730031X
Wednesday, 13 December 2017
New article: How does supplementary feeding affect endoparasite infection in wild boar?
"These results suggest that the effects of supplementary feeding on parasite prevalence in wild boar are mediated by the characteristics of parasite life cycles."
Oja R, Velström K, Moks E, Jokelainen P, Lassen B (2017) How does supplementary feeding affect endoparasite infection in wild boar? Parasitol Res. 116(8):2131-2137.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00436-017-5512-0
Oja R, Velström K, Moks E, Jokelainen P, Lassen B (2017) How does supplementary feeding affect endoparasite infection in wild boar? Parasitol Res. 116(8):2131-2137.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00436-017-5512-0
Wednesday, 12 October 2016
New article: Serological Evidence of Exposure to Globally Relevant Zoonotic Parasites in the Estonian Population
Monday, 22 August 2016
Monday, 15 August 2016
Monday, 8 August 2016
New article: First report of the zoonotic tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis in raccoon dogs in Estonia, and comparisons with other countries in Europe.
Monday, 1 August 2016
Tuesday, 1 March 2016
Monday, 25 January 2016
Thursday, 10 December 2015
New article: First report of highly pathogenic Echinococcus granulosus genotype G1 in dogs in a European urban environment
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis are tapeworm parasites of major medical and veterinary importance, causing cystic and alveolar echinococcosis, respectively. Both diseases are listed among the most severe parasitic diseases in humans, representing 2 of the 17 neglected diseases prioritised by the World Health Organisation. However, little is known about the role of urban animals in transmission of both parasite species.
FINDINGS:
A sensitive non-invasive genetic method was used to monitor E. granulosus and E. multilocularis infection among dog faecal samples collected from an urban area in Estonia in 2012-13. Out of 181 dog faecal samples analysed, 2.2% tested positive for E. granulosus, determined by sequencing as genotype G1. None of the samples tested positive for E. multilocularis.
CONCLUSIONS:
We report contamination of an urban environment with highly pathogenic E. granulosus G1 disseminated by dogs, and a potential risk to human health.
Full article:
Laurimaa L, Davison J, Süld K, Plumer L, Oja R, Moks E, Keis M, Hindrikson M, Kinkar L, Laurimäe T, Abner J, Remm J, Anijalg P, Saarma U. First report of highly pathogenic Echinococcus granulosus genotype G1 in dogs in a European urban environment. Parasit Vectors. 2015 Mar 26;8:182. doi: 10.1186/s13071-015-0796-3.
BACKGROUND:
Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis are tapeworm parasites of major medical and veterinary importance, causing cystic and alveolar echinococcosis, respectively. Both diseases are listed among the most severe parasitic diseases in humans, representing 2 of the 17 neglected diseases prioritised by the World Health Organisation. However, little is known about the role of urban animals in transmission of both parasite species.
FINDINGS:
A sensitive non-invasive genetic method was used to monitor E. granulosus and E. multilocularis infection among dog faecal samples collected from an urban area in Estonia in 2012-13. Out of 181 dog faecal samples analysed, 2.2% tested positive for E. granulosus, determined by sequencing as genotype G1. None of the samples tested positive for E. multilocularis.
CONCLUSIONS:
We report contamination of an urban environment with highly pathogenic E. granulosus G1 disseminated by dogs, and a potential risk to human health.
Full article:
Laurimaa L, Davison J, Süld K, Plumer L, Oja R, Moks E, Keis M, Hindrikson M, Kinkar L, Laurimäe T, Abner J, Remm J, Anijalg P, Saarma U. First report of highly pathogenic Echinococcus granulosus genotype G1 in dogs in a European urban environment. Parasit Vectors. 2015 Mar 26;8:182. doi: 10.1186/s13071-015-0796-3.
Friday, 27 November 2015
New article: Echinococcus infections in the Baltic region
Abstract
In the Baltic countries, the two zoonotic diseases, alveolar echinococcosis (AE) caused by Echinococcus multilocularis, and cystic echinococcosis (CE) caused by Echinococcus granulosus, are of increasing public health concern. Observations from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania indicate that the distribution of both parasites is wider in the Baltics than previously expected. In this paper, we review and discuss the available data, regarding both parasitoses in animals and humans, from the Baltic countries and selected adjacent regions. The data are not easily comparable but reveal a worrisome situation as the number of human AE and CE cases is increasing. Despite improvements in diagnostics and treatment, AE has a high morbidity and mortality in the Baltic region. For the control of both zoonoses, monitoring transmission patterns and timely diagnosis in humans as well as the development of local control programs present major challenges.
Full article:
Marcinkutė A, Šarkūnas M, Moks E, Saarma U, Jokelainen P, Bagrade G, Laivacuma S, Strupas K, Sokolovas V, Deplazes P. Echinococcus infections in the Baltic region. Vet Parasitol. 2015 Jul 31. pii: S0304-4017(15)00372-6. doi: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.07.032.
In the Baltic countries, the two zoonotic diseases, alveolar echinococcosis (AE) caused by Echinococcus multilocularis, and cystic echinococcosis (CE) caused by Echinococcus granulosus, are of increasing public health concern. Observations from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania indicate that the distribution of both parasites is wider in the Baltics than previously expected. In this paper, we review and discuss the available data, regarding both parasitoses in animals and humans, from the Baltic countries and selected adjacent regions. The data are not easily comparable but reveal a worrisome situation as the number of human AE and CE cases is increasing. Despite improvements in diagnostics and treatment, AE has a high morbidity and mortality in the Baltic region. For the control of both zoonoses, monitoring transmission patterns and timely diagnosis in humans as well as the development of local control programs present major challenges.
Full article:
Marcinkutė A, Šarkūnas M, Moks E, Saarma U, Jokelainen P, Bagrade G, Laivacuma S, Strupas K, Sokolovas V, Deplazes P. Echinococcus infections in the Baltic region. Vet Parasitol. 2015 Jul 31. pii: S0304-4017(15)00372-6. doi: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.07.032.
Tuesday, 24 November 2015
New article: Anthelmintic resistance of intestinal nematodes to ivermectin and pyrantel in Estonian horses
Thursday, 5 November 2015
New article: Seroprevalence of and Risk Factors for Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Cats in Estonia
Abstract
In Estonia, northeastern Europe, Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in humans has not declined, in contrast to many other countries. The reasons for this are unknown. Domestic cats are important hosts in the epidemiology of the parasite, but information on local feline T. gondii infections has been lacking. An epidemiological cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of T. gondii and the risk factors associated with seropositivity in cats in Estonia. Surplus from blood samples that had been collected for unrelated diagnostic purposes from 306 pet cats and 184 shelter cats were analyzed for anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G antibodies by using a direct agglutination test. Two questionnaires were designed to reveal relevant risk factors for seropositivity. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii in cats in Estonia was 60.8%. Older age, outdoor access, hunting, living outside the city in the countryside, and not being a purebred cat were among the risk factors associated with seropositivity. T. gondii is highly prevalent in domestic cats in Estonia. This suggests that the environment has been contaminated with T. gondii. Seropositivity indicates previous oocyst shedding, and most of the cats had outdoor access. The increase in T. gondii seroprevalence with age indicates acquired infections, and most of the risk factors were lifestyle-related. Cat owners could diminish the risk of T. gondii infection and also limit the spread of the parasite by not allowing their cats to roam free.
Full article:
Must K, Lassen B, Jokelainen P. Seroprevalence of and Risk Factors for Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Cats in Estonia. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. 2015 Oct;15(10):597-601. doi: 10.1089/vbz.2015.1809. Epub 2015 Sep 22.
.
In Estonia, northeastern Europe, Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in humans has not declined, in contrast to many other countries. The reasons for this are unknown. Domestic cats are important hosts in the epidemiology of the parasite, but information on local feline T. gondii infections has been lacking. An epidemiological cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of T. gondii and the risk factors associated with seropositivity in cats in Estonia. Surplus from blood samples that had been collected for unrelated diagnostic purposes from 306 pet cats and 184 shelter cats were analyzed for anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G antibodies by using a direct agglutination test. Two questionnaires were designed to reveal relevant risk factors for seropositivity. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii in cats in Estonia was 60.8%. Older age, outdoor access, hunting, living outside the city in the countryside, and not being a purebred cat were among the risk factors associated with seropositivity. T. gondii is highly prevalent in domestic cats in Estonia. This suggests that the environment has been contaminated with T. gondii. Seropositivity indicates previous oocyst shedding, and most of the cats had outdoor access. The increase in T. gondii seroprevalence with age indicates acquired infections, and most of the risk factors were lifestyle-related. Cat owners could diminish the risk of T. gondii infection and also limit the spread of the parasite by not allowing their cats to roam free.
Full article:
Must K, Lassen B, Jokelainen P. Seroprevalence of and Risk Factors for Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Cats in Estonia. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. 2015 Oct;15(10):597-601. doi: 10.1089/vbz.2015.1809. Epub 2015 Sep 22.
.
Saturday, 26 September 2015
New article: "Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in free-ranging wild boars hunted for human consumption in Estonia"
Abstract from Acta Vet Scand. 2015 Aug 4;57
"Background
Although the prevalence of human Toxoplasma gondii infections is high in Estonia, no information is available on the prevalence of infections in the local animal populations. Wild boars are a good indicator species for estimating the prevalence and spread of T. gondii and were thus investigated in this nationwide cross-sectional study. Volunteer hunters sampled cardiac or skeletal muscle of 471 wild boars legally hunted for human consumption in Estonia during the hunting season of 2012–2013. Serosanguineous meat juice samples were obtained from thawed tissue samples, diluted 1:40, and screened for specific anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies with a commercial direct agglutination test.
Results
Almost one-quarter (113; 24%) of the wild boars examined were seropositive for T. gondii. The seroprevalence did not differ significantly between age groups or sexes. The seroprevalence was lowest in Viljandimaa, which is located in the southern part of Estonia. In other counties, the infection was evenly prevalent.
Conclusions
In Estonia, wild boars are commonly exposed to T. gondii, which is endemic and widespread. The consumption of raw or undercooked meat of Estonian wild boars may pose an infection risk to humans and other hosts."
Full article available here:
Jokelainen P, Velström K, Lassen B. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in free-ranging wild boars hunted for human consumption in Estonia. Acta Vet Scand. 2015 Aug 4;57:42. doi: 10.1186/s13028-015-0133-z.
Estonian newspaper Maaleht 26 September 2015:
Veerand Eesti metssigadest on toksoplasmaga kokku puutunud
"Background
Although the prevalence of human Toxoplasma gondii infections is high in Estonia, no information is available on the prevalence of infections in the local animal populations. Wild boars are a good indicator species for estimating the prevalence and spread of T. gondii and were thus investigated in this nationwide cross-sectional study. Volunteer hunters sampled cardiac or skeletal muscle of 471 wild boars legally hunted for human consumption in Estonia during the hunting season of 2012–2013. Serosanguineous meat juice samples were obtained from thawed tissue samples, diluted 1:40, and screened for specific anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies with a commercial direct agglutination test.
Results
Almost one-quarter (113; 24%) of the wild boars examined were seropositive for T. gondii. The seroprevalence did not differ significantly between age groups or sexes. The seroprevalence was lowest in Viljandimaa, which is located in the southern part of Estonia. In other counties, the infection was evenly prevalent.
Conclusions
In Estonia, wild boars are commonly exposed to T. gondii, which is endemic and widespread. The consumption of raw or undercooked meat of Estonian wild boars may pose an infection risk to humans and other hosts."
Full article available here:
Jokelainen P, Velström K, Lassen B. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in free-ranging wild boars hunted for human consumption in Estonia. Acta Vet Scand. 2015 Aug 4;57:42. doi: 10.1186/s13028-015-0133-z.
Veerand Eesti metssigadest on toksoplasmaga kokku puutunud
Friday, 1 August 2014
Cryptosporidiosis appears to be an occupational disease in Estonia
A new case study has just been published that challenge the mysterious absence of reported cases in Estonia of the diarrhoea causing disease cryptosporidiosis.
The article provide evidence that the infections from cattle to humans may be a specific subtype of Cryptosporidium parvum - so far reported found mainly in humans and animals in Eastern European countries.
The full article is available for download by following this link:
Lassen, Brian; Ståhl, Marie; Heidi, L. Enemark (2014). Cryptosporidiosis – an occupational risk and a disregarded disease in Estonia. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica, 56(36), 1 - 3.
The article provide evidence that the infections from cattle to humans may be a specific subtype of Cryptosporidium parvum - so far reported found mainly in humans and animals in Eastern European countries.
The full article is available for download by following this link:
Lassen, Brian; Ståhl, Marie; Heidi, L. Enemark (2014). Cryptosporidiosis – an occupational risk and a disregarded disease in Estonia. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica, 56(36), 1 - 3.
Friday, 30 May 2014
Defense of a graduation thesis on Toxoplasma gondii
Upcoming defense in parasitology
Kärt Must
Toxoplasma gondii Seroprevalence in Cats in Estonia
Graduation thesis in veterinary medicine
Link to study summary
Location and time:
Estonian University of Life Sciences
Kreutzwaldi 62, room A201
Tartu
Estonia
Date: June 5th 2014
Time: 9:00
Supervisors: Pikka Jokelainen and Brian Lassen
Opponent: Marika Masso, University of Tartu
Kärt Must
Toxoplasma gondii Seroprevalence in Cats in Estonia
Graduation thesis in veterinary medicine
Link to study summary
Location and time:
Estonian University of Life Sciences
Kreutzwaldi 62, room A201
Tartu
Estonia
Date: June 5th 2014
Time: 9:00
Supervisors: Pikka Jokelainen and Brian Lassen
Opponent: Marika Masso, University of Tartu
Wednesday, 16 October 2013
A popular science paper on Toxoplasma gondii has been published in the magazine Lemmik!
Pikka Jokelainen, Marilin Janson, Kärt Must. Toksoplasmadega nakatumist
saab ennetada. Lemmik, oktoober 2013 (23): 43-46. Price:
1.95€.
Link to article online
Link to article online
Monday, 14 October 2013
Emerging parasitic zoonoses in Estonia, and why the Northern Big Brother should be concerned
On Thursday, October 17th, Brian Lassen will hold a seminar at Evira Headquarters, Mustialankatu 3, Viikki, in Kalevi lecture hall, at 15.00-16.00, about EMERGING PARASITIC ZOONOSES IN ESTONIA, AND WHY THE NORTHERN BIG BROTHER SHOULD BE CONCERNED.
The talk will be on emerging, re-emerging and endemic parasitic zoonoses in Estonia, some of them well-known also in Finland, some with evident potential to spread into Finland.
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