Person:
Collantes Fernández, Esther

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First Name
Esther
Last Name
Collantes Fernández
Affiliation
Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Faculty / Institute
Veterinaria
Department
Sanidad Animal
Area
Sanidad Animal
Identifiers
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Search Results

Now showing 1 - 10 of 25
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    Biochemical and molecular characterization of Campylobacter fetus isolates from bulls subjected to bovine genital campylobacteriosis diagnosis in Spain
    (BMC Veterinary Research, 2024) Pena-Fernández, Nerea; Kortabarria, Nekane; Hurtado, Ana; Ocejo, Medelin; Fort, Marcelo; Pérez-Cobo, Iratxe; Collantes Fernández, Esther; Aduriz, Gorka
    Bovine genital campylobacteriosis (BGC) is caused by Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv) including its biovar intermedius (Cfvi). This sexually transmitted disease induces early reproductive failure causing considerable economic losses in the cattle industry. Using a collection of well-characterized isolates (n=13), C. fetus feld isolates (n=64) and saprophytic isolates resembling Campylobacter (n=75) obtained from smegma samples of breeding bulls, this study evaluated the concordance of the most used phenotypic (H2S production in cysteine medium and 1% glycine tolerance) and molecular (PCR) methods for the diagnosis of BGC and assessed possible cross-reactions in the molecular diagnostic methods. Characterization at the subspecies level (fetus vs. venerealis) of C. fetus isolated from bull preputial samples using phenotypic and molecular (PCR targeting nahE and ISCfe1) methods showed moderate concordance (κ=0.462; CI: 0.256–0.669). No cross-reactions were observed with other saprophytic microaerophilic species or with other Campylobacter species that can be present in preputial samples. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of discrepant isolates showed 100% agreement with PCR identifcation. For the diferentiation of Cfv biovars, comparison of the H2S test (at 72 h and 5 days of incubation) and a PCR targeting the L-cysteine transporter genes showed higher concord‑ ance when H2S production was assessed after 5 days (72 h; κ=0.553, 0.329–0.778 CI vs. 5 days; κ=0.881, 0.631–1 CI), evidencing the efcacy of a longer incubation time. This study confrmed the limitations of biochemical tests to correctly identify C. fetus subspecies and biovars. However, in the case of biovars, when extended incubation times for the H2S test (5 days) were used, phenotypic identifcation results were signifcantly improved, although PCR-based methods produced more accurate results. Perfect agreement of WGS with the PCR results and absence of cross-reactions with non-C. fetus saprophytic bacteria from the smegma demonstrated the usefulness of these methods. Nevertheless, the identifcation of new C. fetus subspecies-specifc genes would help to improve BGC diagnosis.
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    NcGRA7 and NcROP40 Play a Role in the Virulence of Neospora caninum in a Pregnant Mouse Model
    (Pathogens, 2022) Rico San Román, Laura; Amieva, Rafael; Regidor Cerrillo, Javier; García Sánchez, Marta Eulalia; Collantes Fernández, Esther; Pastor Fernández, Iván; Saeij, Jeroen P. J.; Ortega Mora, Luis Miguel; Horcajo Iglesias, María Del Pilar
    The intraspecific variability among Neospora caninum isolates in their in vitro behaviour and in vivo virulence has been widely studied. In particular, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses have shown a higher expression/abundance of specific genes/proteins in high-virulence isolates. Consequently, the dense granule protein NcGRA7 and the rhoptry protein NcROP40 were proposed as potential virulence factors. The objective of this study was to characterize the role of these proteins using CRISPR/Cas9 knockout (KO) parasites in a well-established pregnant BALB/c mouse model of N. caninum infection at midgestation. The deletion of NcGRA7 and NcROP40 was associated with a reduction of virulence, as infected dams displayed milder clinical signs, lower parasite burdens in the brain, and reduced mortality rates compared to those infected with the wild-type parasite (Nc-Spain7). Specifically, those infected with the NcGRA7 KO parasites displayed significantly milder clinical signs and a lower brain parasite burden. The median survival time of the pups from dams infected with the two KO parasites was significantly increased, but differences in neonatal mortality rates were not detected. Overall, the present study indicates that the disruption of NcGRA7 considerably impairs virulence in mice, while the impact of NcROP40 deletion was more modest. Further research is needed to understand the role of these virulence factors during N. caninum infection.
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    Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cats with diarrhea from denselyhoused origins
    (Veterinary Parasitology, 2016) Arranz-Solís, David; Pedraza-Díaz, Susana; Miró Corrales, Guadalupe; Rojo-Montejo, Silvia; Hernández, Leticia; Ortega Mora, Luis Miguel; Collantes Fernández, Esther
    Tritrichomonas foetus is a protozoan parasite that has been recently identified as a causative agent of chronic diarrhea in domestic cats. Transmission of infection occurs by the fecal-oral route through direct contact among animals. Consequently, feline trichomonosis (FT) is more likely to be present in multi-cat environments. The objective of this work was to study the presence of T. foetus and some associated risk factors in cats from densely housed origins and with a reported history of chronic diarrhea. Animals enrolled in this study were family cats (n = 15) acquired from pet shops, shelters or breeding centers and cattery cats belonging to one breeding center (n = 28) and two cat shelters (A and B, n = 25 each). In the catteries, a follow-up analysis for a period of up to 2 months was also performed to determine the parasite shedding pattern in feces and the incidence of infection. Fecal samples were analyzed using in vitro culture and a PCR technique. T. foetus was detected in a total of 38.7% (36/93) of the cats with chronic diarrhea. Parasite infection was similarly detected in family cats and cattery animals (40% versus 38.4%). In the catteries, the parasite was detected in 50%, 44% and 20% of the animals from the breeding center and shelters A and B, respectively. The follow-up analysis showed that 58.3% of infected cats intermittently shed trophozoites in their feces, with an incidence of 23.1%. Investigation of potential risk factors showed that cats ≤1 year old were more likely to be infected than older cats (57.1% versus 27.3%; P < 0.05). No significant differences were found when sex and breed factors were studied. These results confirm the importance of FT as a cause of chronic diarrhea in cats and highlight the relevance of close contact conditions for T. foetus transmission.
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    Project number: 290
    Parasitología Interactiva
    (2016) Gómez Bautista, Mercedes; Ortega Mora, Luis Miguel; Álvarez García, Gema; Ferré Pérez, Ignacio; Moreno Gonzalez, Javier; Gutierrez Expósito, Daniel; Arranz-Solís, David; Pastor Fernández, Iván; Rojo Montejo, Silvia; Sánchez Sánchez, Roberto; García Lunar, Paula; Jiménez Meléndez, Alejandro; Jimenez Pelayo, Laura; García Sánchez, Marta; Diezma Díaz, Carlos; Horcajo Iglesias, María Del Pilar; Regidor Cerrillo, Javier; Pérez Villalobos, Natividad; Collantes Fernández, Esther
    Desarrollo de una guía interactiva donde se muestran los ciclos biológicos,imágenes y dibujos de los estadios evolutivos de los principales géneros y especies de parásitos protozoos relevantes en al ámbito veterinario.
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    Prevalence of intestinal parasite infections in stray and farm dogs from Spain
    (Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária, 2020) Javier Regidor-Cerrillo; Arranz-Solís, David; Moreno Gonzalo, Javier; Pedraza-Díaz, Susana; Gómez Bautista, Mercedes; Ortega Mora, Luis Miguel; Collantes Fernández, Esther
    Dogs play a potential role as reservoirs for zoonotic parasites, being especially problematic uncontrolled dog populations such as stray and farm dogs with access to populated areas. In order to investigate the prevalence of canine intestinal parasites in at-risk dog populations, we tested a total of 233 faecal samples shed by stray and dairy farm dogs from northern Spain. Telemann method was used to detect the presence of eggs and (oo)cysts of common dog intestinal parasites and Cryptosporidium was detected by PCR. One hundred and forty eight out of 233 samples (63.5%) were positive for at least one intestinal parasite, being Ancylostomidae (35.6%; 83/233) and Trichuris (35.2%; 82/233) the parasites most frequently identified. Cryptosporidium DNA was not detected in any of the faecal samples analysed. The overall prevalence was significantly higher in stray dogs than in farm dogs (72.5% vs 58.8%). Specifically, stray dogs had a significantly higher prevalence of Ancylostomatidae, Toxocara, Toxascaris and Taenidae. These dog populations are an important source of environmental contamination with intestinal parasite forms, which could be of significance to animal and human health.
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    Influence of the gestational stage on the clinical course, lesional development and parasite distribution in experimental ovine neosporosis
    (Veterinary Research, 2015) Arranz-Solís, David; Benavides, Julio; Regidor-Cerrillo, Javier; Fuertes, Miguel; Ferré Pérez, Ignacio; Ferreras, Maria Del Carmen; Collantes Fernández, Esther; Hemphill, Andrew; Pérez, Valentín; Ortega Mora, Luis Miguel
    Neospora caninum is considered one of the main causes of abortion in cattle, yet recent studies have also emphasised its relevance as an abortifacient in small ruminants. In order to gain deeper insight into the pathogenesis of ovine neosporosis, pregnant ewes were intravenously inoculated with 106 tachyzoites of the Nc-Spain7 isolate at days 40, 90 or 120 of gestation. Infection during the first term resulted in the death of all foetuses between days 19 and 21 post-infection, showing mainly necrotic lesions in foetal liver and the highest parasite DNA detection and burden in both placenta and foetal viscera. After infection at day 90, foetal death was also detected in all ewes, although later (34–48 days post-infection). In this group, lesions were mainly inflammatory. Foetal livers showed the lowest frequency of lesions, as well as the lowest parasite detection and burden. All ewes infected at day 120 delivered viable lambs, although 3 out of 9 showed weakness and recumbency. Neospora DNA was detected in all lambs but one, and parasite burden was similar to that observed in day 90 group. Lesions in this group showed more conspicuous infiltration of inflammatory cells and higher frequency in foetal brain and muscle when compared to both previous groups. These results highlight the crucial role that the stage of gestation plays on the course of ovine neosporosis, similar to that reported in bovine neosporosis, and open the doors to consider sheep as a valid model for exogenous transplacental transmission for ruminant neosporosis.
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    Prevalence of Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis, Associated Risk Factors and Spatial Distribution in Spanish Beef Cattle Based on Veterinary Laboratory Database Records
    (Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2021) Nerea Pena-Fernández; David Cano-Terriza; Ignacio García-Bocanegra; Horcajo Iglesias, María Del Pilar; Vázquez Arbáizar, María Patricia; Darío Cleofé-Resta; Pérez Arroyo, Bárbara; Ortega Mora, Luis Miguel; Collantes Fernández, Esther
    Bovine genital campylobacteriosis (BGC) is a sexually transmitted disease that causes early reproductive failure in natural breeding cattle that are managed extensively. The aim of this study was to assess the BGC prevalence in Spain from 2011 to 2019 using data collected cross-sectionally from the diagnostic reports issued by the SALUVET veterinary diagnostic laboratory from a total of 5,182 breeding bulls from 1,950 herds managed under "dehesa" systems (large herds within fenced pastures and all-year breeding season) or mountain systems (smaller herds with seasonal breeding management and grazing in communal mountain pastures). Infection was detected by PCR in 7.7 and 12.2% of the bulls and herds tested, respectively. The "dehesa" herd management system (OR = 2.078, P = < 0.001, 95% CI = 1.55-1.77), bovine trichomonosis status of the herd (OR = 1.606, P = 0.004, 95% CI = 1.15-2.22), and bulls ≥3 years old (OR = 1.392, P = 0.04, 95% CI = 1.01-1.92) were identified as risk factors associated with Campylobacter fetus venerealis infection. We also studied the high-risk areas for circulation of the infection in extensive beef cattle herds in Spain, showing four significant clusters in "dehesa" areas in the south-western provinces of the country and a fifth cluster located in a mountain area in northern Spain. The results obtained in the present study indicate that BGC is endemic and widely distributed in Spanish beef herds. Specifically, "dehesa" herds are at greater risk for introduction of Cfv based on relatively high local prevalence of the infection and the use of specific management practices.
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    Modeling the Ruminant Placenta-Pathogen Interactions in Apicomplexan Parasites: Current and Future Perspectives
    (Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2021) Jiménez-Pelayo, Laura; Pastor Fernández, Iván; Collantes Fernández, Esther; Ortega Mora, Luis Miguel; Horcajo Iglesias, María Del Pilar
    Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii are one of the main concerns of the livestock sector as they cause important economic losses in ruminants due to the reproductive failure. It is well-known that the interaction of these parasites with the placenta determines the course of infection, leading to fetal death or parasite transmission to the offspring. However, to advance the development of effective vaccines and treatments, there are still important gaps on knowledge on the placental host-parasite interactions that need to be addressed. Ruminant animal models are still an indispensable tool for providing a global view of the pathogenesis, lesions, and immune responses, but their utilization embraces important economic and ethics restrictions. Alternative in vitro systems based on caruncular and trophoblast cells, the key cellular components of placentomes, have emerged in the last years, but their use can only offer a partial view of the processes triggered after infection as they cannot mimic the complex placental architecture and neglect the activity of resident immune cells. These drawbacks could be solved using placental explants, broadly employed in human medicine, and able to preserve its cellular architecture and function. Despite the availability of such materials is constrained by their short shelf-life, the development of adequate cryopreservation protocols could expand their use for research purposes. Herein, we review and discuss existing (and potential) in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo ruminant placental models that have proven useful to unravel the pathogenic mechanisms and the host immune responses responsible for fetal death (or protection) caused by neosporosis and toxoplasmosis.
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    Project number: 25
    Parasit`Xpert, un blog de Parasitología Veterinaria
    (2023) Ferré Pérez, Ignacio; Ortega Mora, Luis Miguel; Álvarez García, Gema; Collantes Fernández, Esther; Horcajo Iglesias, María Del Pilar; Calero Bernal, Rafael; Pastor Fernández, Iván; Arranz-Solís, David; Sánchez Sánchez, Roberto; Regidor Cerrillo, Javier; Hecker, Yanina Paola
    Parasit’Xpert es un blog sobre enfermedades parasitarias de los rumiantes domésticos para el veterinario (https://parasitxpert.es/). Su objetivo es ser un punto de encuentro y referencia para los profesionales del sector y estudiantes de veterinaria que quieran conocer y profundizar en el campo de las enfermedades parasitarias. La plataforma se inició en enero de 2021 y se estructura en diversas secciones prácticas: parásito del mes, ¿sabías qué?, diagnóstico, control, zoonosis y avances. El grupo SALUVET y la empresa de transferencia del conocimiento universitario SALUVET-Innova han puesto en marcha la web Parasit’xpert junto a la empresa farmacéutica Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health España. El objetivo general del presente proyecto de innovación docente fue desarrollar el blog Parasit’Xpert (https://parasitxpert.es/) ya en activo e implementar un plan de difusión promocional para incrementar el número de usuarios, especialmente en países hispanohablantes.
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    Project number: 262
    Parasitología interactiva: Protozoos y afines
    (2018) Collantes Fernández, Esther; Gómez Bautista, Mercedes; Ortega Mora, Luis Miguel; Álvarez García, Gema; Ferré Pérez, Ignacio; García Lunar, Paula; Sánchez Sánchez, Roberto; Jiménez Meléndez, Alejandro; García Sánchez, Marta; Jiménez Pelayo, Laura; Diezma Díaz, Carlos; Regidor Cerrillo, Javier; Moreno González, Javier; Horcajo Iglesias, María Del Pilar
    Desarrollo de una guía interactiva donde se muestran los ciclos biológicos, imágenes y dibujos de los estadios evolutivos de los principales géneros y especies de parásitos protozoos relevantes en al ámbito veterinario.