Martínez-Carrasco Pleite, Carlos

Person:
Martínez-Carrasco Pleite, Carlos

Name

Martínez-Carrasco Pleite, Carlos

publication.page.department

Universidad de Murcia. Departamento de Sanidad Animal

Full item page

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 10 of 59

Restricted
Occurrence and limited zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Balantioides coli infections in free-ranging and farmed wild ungulates in Spain
(Elsevier, 2023-04-27) Dashti, Alejandro; Köster, Pamela C.; Bailo, Begoña; Sánchez de las Matas, Ana; Habela, Miguel Ángel; Rivero-Juarez, Antonio; Vicente Ibáñez, Joaquín; Serrano, Emmanuel; Arnal, María C.; Fernández de Luco, Daniel; Morrondo, Patrocinio; Armenteros, José A.; Balseiro, Ana; Cardona, Guillermo A.; Martínez-Carrasco Pleite, Carlos; Ortiz, José Antonio; Carpio, Antonio José; Calero Bernal, Rafael; González-Barrio, David; Carmena, David; Sanidad Animal; Facultad de Veterinaria
Little information is currently available on the occurrence and molecular diversity of the enteric protozoan parasites Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Balantioides coli in wild ungulates and the role of these host species as potential sources of environmental contamination and consequent human infections. The presence of these three pathogens was investigated in eight wild ungulate species present in Spain (genera Ammotragus, Capra, Capreolus, Cervus, Dama, Ovis, Rupicapra, and Sus) by molecular methods. Faecal samples were retrospectively collected from free-ranging (n = 1058) and farmed (n = 324) wild ungulates from the five Spanish bioregions. Overall infection rates were 3.0% (42/1382; 95% CI: 2.1–3.9%) for Cryptosporidium spp., 5.4% (74/1382; 95% CI: 4.2–6.5%) for G. duodenalis, and 0.7% (9/1382; 95% CI: 0.3–1.2%) for B. coli. Cryptosporidium infection was detected in roe deer (7.5%), wild boar (7.0%) and red deer (1.5%), and G. duodenalis in southern chamois (12.9%), mouflon (10.0%), Iberian wild goat (9.0%), roe deer (7.5%), wild boar (5.6%), fallow deer (5.2%) and red deer (3.8%). Balantioides coli was only detected in wild boar (2.5%, 9/359). Sequence analyses revealed the presence of six distinct Cryptosporidium species: C. ryanae in red deer, roe deer, and wild boar; C. parvum in red deer and wild boar; C. ubiquitum in roe deer; C. scrofarum in wild boar; C. canis in roe deer; and C. suis in red deer. Zoonotic assemblages A and B were detected in wild boar and red deer, respectively. Ungulateadapted assemblage E was identified in mouflon, red deer, and southern chamois. Attempts to genotype samples positive for B. coli failed. Sporadic infections by canine- or swine-adapted species may be indicative of potential cross-species transmission, although spurious infections cannot be ruled out. Molecular evidence gathered is consistent with parasite mild infections and limited environmental contamination with (oo)cysts. Free-ranging wild ungulate species would not presumably play a significant role as source of human infections by these pathogens. Wild ruminants do not seem to be susceptible hosts for B. coli.
Open Access
Comparative performance of five recombinant and chimeric antigens in a time resolved fluorescence immunoassay for detection of Toxoplasma gondii infection in cats
(Elsevier, 2022-03-28) Huertas López, Ana; Contreras Rojo, Marinela; Sukhumavasi, Woraporn; Martínez Subiela, Silvia; Álvarez García, Gema; López Ureña, Nadia María; Cerón Madrigal, José Joaquín; Martínez-Carrasco Pleite, Carlos; Sanidad Animal; Facultades de la UMU::Facultad de Veterinaria
Felids are definitive hosts of Toxoplasma gondii, being the only hosts that can spread the infection through oocyst shedding in their feces. The elevated presence of this parasite in the domestic cat (Felis catus), and its close contact with humans, make it necessary to obtain reliable diagnostic methods to detect positive animals as a public health measure. For this reason, in this study, the diagnostic performance of five different recombinant antigen-based techniques was assessed to diagnose T. gondii infection in cat blood plasma samples. Specifically, four T. gondii recombinant antigens (GRA7, truncated GRA7, SAG2, and truncated SAG2) and a chimeric antigen (SAG1-GRA8) were used. A time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay (TRFIA) was developed for each antigen, and the results of each of these techniques were compared with those obtained by a commercial enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) and a modified agglutination test (MAT) as reference techniques. The TRFIA based on SAG1-GRA8 antigen showed better discrimination between seropositive and seronegative cats (p < 0.001), as well as a better area under the curve (0.95), sensitivity (93.6%), and specificity (89.5%) values for the optimal cut-off, versus the other TRFIAs. In addition, SAG1-GRA8 TRFIA showed substantial agreement (kappa value =0.78) and a oderate significant correlation (Spearman’s correlation: r = 0.62, p < 0.001) compared with the reference techniques. On the other hand, since plasma samples were obtained from 101 cats in Bangkok city and four of them were Neospora caninum seropositive by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFAT), this is the first time that anti-N. caninum antibodies are detected in cats in Thailand. In conclusion, our study highlights that the TRFIA with TgSAG1-GRA8 antigen is an accurate and recommended diagnostic technique for detecting anti-T. gondii antibodies in cats.
Open Access
Comparing scavenging in marine and terrestrial ecosystems: a case study with fish and gull carcasses in a small Mediterranean island
(Elsevier, 2022-01-20) Redondo Gómez, Daniel; Quaggiotto, Maria Martina; Bailey, David Mark; Eguía, Sergio; Morales Reyes, Zebensui; López Pastor, Beatriz de las N.; Martín Vega, Daniel; Martínez-Carrasco Pleite, Carlos; Sebastián González, Esther; Sanchéz Zapata, José Antonio; Moleón, Marcos; Sanidad Animal; Facultades de la UMU::Facultad de Veterinaria
Restricted
First epidemiological data on Spirocerca vulpis in the red fox: a parasite of clustered geographical distribution
(Elsevier, 2019-10-19) Sanchis-Monsonís, Gloria; Fanelli, Angela; Tizzani, Paolo; Martínez-Carrasco Pleite, Carlos; Sanidad Animal; Facultad de Veterinaria
This is the first study describing the epidemiology of Spirocerca vulpis after its description as a new species in 2018. During the period 2006–2013, a total of 286 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from the Valencian Community (southeast Spain) were necropsied. Based on data collected, S. vulpis prevalence and intensity were calculated, as well as the spatial distribution of this nematode. Influence of host (sex and age) and environmental factors on S. vulpis occurrence was evaluated. MAXENT software was used to model and predict the parasite distribution. Continuous and discrete prediction maps were built using ArcMap 10.6. The prevalence of S. vulpis was 22% (63/286; 95% CI: 17.4–27.3), and the median intensity was 5 (IQR 11) nematode specimens. No significant difference in term of intensity was found between males and females; regarding the host age, S. vulpis was found only in adult foxes, with the exception of one juvenile individual. The distribution of S. vulpis in foxes was skewed to the left, highlighting that parasite infection affects few individuals within a population, with parasitized animals being responsible to maintain the infection at the population level. The majority of parasitized foxes had a parasite burden lower than eight parasites/individual. S. vulpis distribution in Valencian Community presents sharply defined areas in which there are optimal environmental conditions for maintaining the life cycle of this parasite. Climatic variables and altitude are the main factors influencing the parasite presence. Our results indicate that S. vulpis has epidemiological characteristics similar to those of S. lupi and, therefore, based on the phylogenetic proximity of both nematode species, it is likely that coprophagous beetle species might play a key epidemiological role in the maintenance of this newly described Spirocerca species. Moreover, it is currently unknown if S. vulpis can infect the dog and other wild canid species apart from the red fox and, if so, what are the pathogenic effects on these host species. Therefore, it is necessary to continue investigating the epidemiology of this parasite in order to know the range of appropriate host species. This information will enable to know if S. vulpis endemic areas should be considered as health risk points for dogs, especially for the most exposed, such as those living in rural areas, and hunting dogs.
Restricted
Dermatophytosis caused by Microsporum canis in Estern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus)
(Springer, 2007-02-22) Tizzani, Paolo; Gallo, Maria Grazia; Peano, Andrea; Molinar Mir, Annarita; Martínez-Carrasco Pleite, Carlos; Meneguz, Piergiuseppe; Sanidad Animal; Facultades de la UMU::Facultad de Veterinaria
Eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus, fam. Leporidae) has previously been shown to be a potential healthy carrier of dermatophyte fungi both geophilic (Microsporum gypseum, M. cookei, Trichophyton ajelloi, T. terrestre) and zoophilic (M. canis, T. mentagrophytes). In this communication, the first case, to the best of our knowledge, of a symptomatic dermatophyte infection in S. floridanus is described.
Open Access
Influence of environmental factors on the occurrence of gastrointestinal and cardiopulmonary nematodes in the red fox in the semi-arid Mediterranean areas of the Iberian Peninsula.
(Elsevier, 2024-03-01) Ruiz de Ybáñez Carnero, María del Rocío; Tizzani, P.; Pérez Cutillas, Pedro; Martínez-Carrasco Pleite, Carlos; Arcenillas Hernández, Irene; Sanidad Animal; Facultad de Veterinaria
Open Access
Blastocystis in free-ranging wild ruminant species across the Iberian Peninsula
(BioMed Central, 2025-07-09) Figueiredo, Ana M.; Dashti, Alejandro; Maloney, Jenny G.; Molokin, Aleksey; George, Nadja S.; Köster, Pamela C.; Bailo, Begoña; Sánchez de las Matas, Ana; Habela, Miguel Ángel; Rivero Juarez, Antonio; Vicente, Joaquín; Serrano, Emmanuel; Arnal, María C.; Fernández de Luco, Daniel; Morrondo, Patrocinio; Armenteros, José A.; Balseiro, Ana; Cardona, Guillermo A.; Martínez-Carrasco Pleite, Carlos; Torres, Rita T.; Fonseca, Carlos; Mysterud, Atle; Carvalho, João; Calero-Bernal, Rafael; González Barrio, David; Santín, Mónica; Carmena, David; Sanidad Animal; Facultades de la UMU::Facultad de Veterinaria
The growing wild ungulate populations across Europe represents an increasingly important source for the spread of zoonotic pathogens. Blastocystis is a common intestinal protist observed in humans and animals worldwide. Studies on Blastocystis occurrence and subtype (ST) diversity in free-ranging wild ruminants are lacking globally, and more data are needed to understand the epidemiological scenario in wild European ruminants. We collected 833 faecal samples from free-ranging wild angulates across Spain (n = 699) and Portugal (n = 134) between 1998 and 2021. Using conventional PCR and nextgeneration amplicon sequencing, Blastocystis was found in 13.8% (115/833; 95% CI: 11.5–16.3) of the wild ruminants analysed. Its occurrence was significantly higher in Portugal (38.1%, 51/134; 95% CI 29.8–46.8) than in Spain (9.2%, 64/699; 95% CI: 7.1–11.5). Fifteen Blastocystis STs, fourteen previously recognised (ST2, ST5, ST10, ST13, ST14, ST21, ST23–ST26, ST30, and ST42–ST44), and one novel (named ST49), were detected among the surveyed wild ruminant populations. Novel ST49 was described using Oxford Nanopore sequencing to produce full-length reference sequences of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. A greater ST diversity was observed in Spanish samples. Mixed infections were found in 58.3% (67/115) of the total Blastocystis-positive samples. Our results have enhanced the knowledge regarding Blastocystis occurrence and ST diversity and host preference present in wild ruminants from the Iberian Peninsula, which will assist in clarifying the relationships between the sylvatic and domestic cycles of this protist and may ultimately provide tools to help manage future public health epidemiological scenarios.
Open Access
New insights into the clinico-histopathological and molecular features of Pelecitus (Filarioidea: Onchocercidae) from a raptor bird
(Springer, 2018-07-13) Muñoz García, Claudia Irais; López-Díaz, Osvaldo; Osorio-Sarabia, David; Martínez-Hernández, Fernando; Villalobos, Guiehdani; Isaak-Delgado, Ana B.; Rendón-Franco, Emilio; Carreño-Cervantes, Angélica; Contreras-Patiño, Daniel R.; Berriatua, Eduardo; Martínez-Carrasco Pleite, Carlos; Sanidad Animal; Facultad de Veterinaria
Some Onchocercidae nematodes such as Pelecitus are parasites of medical and veterinary importance. The adult stage of Pelecitus has been reported infecting birds, and the microfilaria has been associated to human blindness. However, in some of these cases, the nematode was incompletely identified at the species level due to the scarcity of morphological taxonomic keys and, also, to the lack of molecular diagnostic analysis. Here, we report a new Pelecitus species in a crested caracara (Caracara cheriway) producing a severe tenosynovitis and microfilarial dermatitis. It is also the first record of Pelecitus in an American bird of prey. Clinical and histopathological features are described, contributing towards our understanding of the pathogenesis of Pelecitus and the health and conservation of wild bird populations. Our study also provides new information on the molecular diagnosis of this parasite and highlights the potential role of wild birds as Pelecitus reservoirs, and health risk for humans and wildlife.
Open Access
Does forest structure influence the abundance of predators and habitat competitors of the endangered Pyrenean capercaillie?
(MDPI, 2025-07-01) Moreno, Adrian; Navarro, Inmaculada; Chamizo, Rubén; Martínez-Carrasco Pleite, Carlos; Sánchez García, Carlos; Sanidad Animal; Facultades de la UMU::Facultad de Veterinaria
The Pyrenean capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus aquitanicus) is a forest obligate grouse that has experienced a marked population decline in recent decades owing to the lack of optimal habitats. However, the effect of forest structure on potential predators and habitat competitors has not been well-studied. We conducted a camera-trapping study at three conservation areas in Huesca province (northeastern Spain), which were classified as ‘optimal’, ‘favorable’, and ‘unfavorable’ based on habitat suitability for the capercaillie. This study was conducted for 3417 days at a total of 130 camera locations in autumn–winter and spring–summer, capturing 8757 valid photos. In total, 36 different species were recorded. The most frequently detected species were Southern chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica; 32.6%), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus; 18%), wild boar (Sus scrofa; 9.6%), red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris; 6.1%), mustelids (5.6%), and red fox (Vulpes vulpes; 4.8%). Capercaillies were photographed in the optimal and favorable habitat areas. Nest predators, such as mustelids and red fox, were more frequently detected in the favorable area during autumn–winter and in the optimal area in spring–summer, while corvids were more frequently detected in the unfavorable habitat area during both periods. No clear pattern was found for wild boar (nest predator and habitat competitor) or cervids (competitors). As capercaillie coexist with a wide range of predators and competitors, and habitat structure may not always explain species relative abundance, factors such as disturbance and food resources should be also taken into account when aiming to develop targeted management for the benefit of the capercaillie.
Open Access
Generating wildlife density data across Europe in the framework of the European Observatory of Wildlife (EOW)
(Wiley, 2024-10-30) Martínez-Carrasco Pleite, Carlos; ENETWILD-consortium "et.al."; Sanidad Animal; Facultad de Veterinaria
The European Observatory of Wildlife EOW, as part of the ENETWILD project, represents a collaborative network that has been operating since 2021 to develop and implement standardized protocols to obtain harmonized data on distribution and density of target mammal species. In so doing, the EOW aims at contributing to improving the quality of data that are available for wildlife management and risk assessment on a European scale. This report describes the activities carried out during the 2023 EOW campaign, which was joined by a total of 30 organizations who committed to collect data in 44 sites across 22 different countries. We present data on the distribution and density of three species – wild boar (Sus scrofa), European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), and red fox (Vulpes vulpes) – obtained by implementing a camera trapping protocol and by fitting the random encounter model (REM) for density estimation. Camera-trap images were processed using the Agouti platform and some of its tools specifically designed for the management of camera trapping projects. This includes the use of photogrammetry to obtain parameters for the REM directly from the sequences of images. A total of 24 EOW sites were monitored in past years as well, providing multiannual density estimates and population trends and highlighting an improvement in the precision of the estimates, related to the improved study design and protocol implementation. We also describe the activities of the 2024 campaign, carried out as part of ENETWILD 2.0, where big efforts were made to expand the network, focusing on sites at risk of African Swine Fever, with wild boar/pig interactions and containing wetlands, as potential hubs for Avian Influenza. This effort resulted in the engagement of 40 participants monitoring 64 study sites (27 countries), including 28 study sites located either in infected areas or <100km from the ASF frontline, and 25 sites with wetland habitats. Furthermore, in at least 20 sites pig farming is practised either intensively, extensively or as backyard farming. Finally, synergies were established with other international initiatives related to wildlife monitoring and disease prevention, with the aim of sharing experiences and sustaining a transnational data collection and harmonization.