Publications by authors named "M L Gonzalvez"
Introduction: Intestinal microeukaryote parasites are major contributors to the burden of diarrhoea in humans and domestic animals, but their epidemiology in wildlife is not fully understood. We investigated the frequency, genetic diversity and zoonotic potential of protists of animal and public health significance in free-ranging grey wolf (Canis lupus) populations in south-western Europe.
Methods: Individually formed faecal samples collected from necropsied wolves or scat trails in Italy (n = 47), Portugal (n = 43) and Spain (n = 225) during the period 2011-2023 were retrospectively analysed using molecular (PCR and Sanger sequencing) methods.
Leishmaniosis, caused by phlebotomine sand fly-borne Leishmania spp., is a multi-host and zoonotic disease in tropical, subtropical and temperate climates, worldwide. Leishmania infantum is the only endemic pathogenic species in Europe, and exposure to this protozoan has previously been reported in a wide range of wild mammals, including felids.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBagaza virus (BAGV; Orthoflavivirus bagazaense) is an emerging vector-borne flavivirus affecting avian species with severe implications for animal health, and whose zoonotic potential has also been suggested. The aim of the present study was to monitor the epidemic outbreak of BAGV in wild birds from Spain in 2021. BAGV cases were confirmed in game bird species, including red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) and common pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) from 24 hunting areas.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- * A study conducted from 2007 to 2021 in Spain found that 28.3% of 258 tested NHPs had antibodies indicating exposure to Leptospira spp., with the highest seropositivity observed in Hominidae species and certain wildlife centers.
- * This research represents the largest survey of Leptospira spp. in European NHPs, identifying exposure in nine species for the first time and underscoring the importance of monitoring these animals in captivity for conservation and health reasons.
Article Synopsis
- Recent cases of Leishmania infantum infection in non-human primates (NHPs) in Spain have led to severe health issues, particularly in endangered orangutans.
- A study analyzed serum and hair samples from 252 NHPs across 15 centers in Spain to assess exposure to the parasite, revealing a 4% antibody presence and significant kDNA detection in hair samples (62.8%).
- The research identifies body size and age (≥5 years) as main risk factors for infection, marking the first extensive survey of L. infantum in European NHPs and highlighting hair sampling as a non-invasive detection method.