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Kobisk A, Kwiatkowski MA. Effects of anthropogenic light on anuran calling site. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 333:122005. [PMID: 37330191 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The natural environment can be negatively impacted by a variety of human activities, including the production of artificial light at night. Recent studies suggest that pollution from anthropogenic light alters animal behavior. Despite being highly nocturnal, little attention has been given to anurans and the effects artificial light at night has on their behavior. This study investigated whether artificial light influenced male call site selection in east Texas anurans. Ambient light levels were quantified at five sites that varied in urbanization and artificial light levels. Calling males were located and ambient light was then measured at the male's call location. Light levels at those call locations were compared to the general light environment as measured at random locations in the area. There was a consistent pattern where males at the brightest sites called from locations darker than the general light environment. However, male call locations at the brightest sites were generally brighter than those at the darker sites suggesting that, while male anurans avoid illuminated areas for calling, males in more urbanized populations may be unable to do so. As such, male anurans at sites with higher light pollution may experience a form of habitat loss where preferred darker habitat is not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Kobisk
- Department of Biology, Stephen F. Austin State University, P.O. Box 13003, Nacogdoches, TX, 75962, USA
| | - Matthew A Kwiatkowski
- Department of Biology, Stephen F. Austin State University, P.O. Box 13003, Nacogdoches, TX, 75962, USA.
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2
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Urrutia A, Mitsi K, Foster R, Ross S, Carr M, Ward GM, van Aerle R, Marigomez I, Leger MM, Ruiz-Trillo I, Feist SW, Bass D. Txikispora philomaios n. sp., n. g., a Micro-Eukaryotic Pathogen of Amphipods, Reveals Parasitism and Hidden Diversity in Class Filasterea. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2021; 69:e12875. [PMID: 34726818 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study provides a morphological, ultrastructural, and phylogenetic characterization of a novel micro-eukaryotic parasite (2.3-2.6 µm) infecting amphipod genera Echinogammarus and Orchestia. Longitudinal studies across two years revealed that infection prevalence peaked in late April and May, reaching 64% in Echinogammarus sp. and 15% in Orchestia sp., but was seldom detected during the rest of the year. The parasite infected predominantly haemolymph, connective tissue, tegument, and gonad, although hepatopancreas and nervous tissue were affected in heavier infections, eliciting melanization and granuloma formation. Cell division occurred inside walled parasitic cysts, often within host haemocytes, resulting in haemolymph congestion. Small subunit (18S) rRNA gene phylogenies including related environmental sequences placed the novel parasite as a highly divergent lineage within Class Filasterea, which together with Choanoflagellatea represent the closest protistan relatives of Metazoa. We describe the new parasite as Txikispora philomaios n. sp. n. g., the first confirmed parasitic filasterean lineage, which otherwise comprises four free-living flagellates and a rarely observed endosymbiont of snails. Lineage-specific PCR probing of other hosts and surrounding environments only detected T. philomaios in the platyhelminth Procerodes sp. We expand the known diversity of Filasterea by targeted searches of metagenomic datasets, resulting in 13 previously unknown lineages from environmental samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ander Urrutia
- International Centre of Excellence for Aquatic Animal Health, Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth, DT4 8UB, UK.,Cell Biology in Environmental Toxicology Research Group, Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology), Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PiE), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Areatza Pasealekua z/g, Plentzia, 48620, Basque Country, Spain
| | - Konstantina Mitsi
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, Barcelona, 08003, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Rachel Foster
- Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Stuart Ross
- International Centre of Excellence for Aquatic Animal Health, Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth, DT4 8UB, UK
| | - Martin Carr
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK
| | - Georgia M Ward
- Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Ronny van Aerle
- International Centre of Excellence for Aquatic Animal Health, Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth, DT4 8UB, UK
| | - Ionan Marigomez
- Cell Biology in Environmental Toxicology Research Group, Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology), Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PiE), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Areatza Pasealekua z/g, Plentzia, 48620, Basque Country, Spain
| | - Michelle M Leger
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, Barcelona, 08003, Catalonia, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Centre for Comparative Genomics and evolutionary Bioinformatics, Sir Charles Tupper Medical Building, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Iñaki Ruiz-Trillo
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, Barcelona, 08003, Catalonia, Spain.,Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, 08028, Catalonia, Spain.,ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, Barcelona, 08010, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Stephen W Feist
- International Centre of Excellence for Aquatic Animal Health, Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth, DT4 8UB, UK
| | - David Bass
- International Centre of Excellence for Aquatic Animal Health, Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth, DT4 8UB, UK.,Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, UK
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3
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Belasen AM, Riolo MA, Bletz MC, Lyra ML, Toledo LF, James TY. Geography, Host Genetics, and Cross-Domain Microbial Networks Structure the Skin Microbiota of Fragmented Brazilian Atlantic Forest Frog Populations. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:9293-9307. [PMID: 34306622 PMCID: PMC8293785 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The host-associated microbiome plays a significant role in health. However, the roles of factors such as host genetics and microbial interactions in determining microbiome diversity remain unclear. We examined these factors using amplicon-based sequencing of 175 Thoropa taophora frog skin swabs collected from a naturally fragmented landscape in southeastern Brazil. Specifically, we examined (1) the effects of geography and host genetics on microbiome diversity and structure; (2) the structure of microbial eukaryotic and bacterial co-occurrence networks; and (3) co-occurrence between microeukaryotes with bacterial OTUs known to affect growth of the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). While bacterial alpha diversity varied by both site type and host MHC IIB genotype, microeukaryotic alpha diversity varied only by site type. However, bacteria and microeukaryote composition showed variation according to both site type and host MHC IIB genotype. Our network analysis showed the highest connectivity when both eukaryotes and bacteria were included, implying that ecological interactions may occur among domains. Lastly, anti-Bd bacteria were not broadly negatively co-associated with the fungal microbiome and were positively associated with potential amphibian parasites. Our findings emphasize the importance of considering both domains in microbiome research and suggest that for effective probiotic strategies for amphibian disease management, considering potential interactions among all members of the microbiome is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anat M. Belasen
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Maria A. Riolo
- Center for Complex SystemsUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Molly C. Bletz
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Massachusetts BostonBostonMAUSA
| | - Mariana L. Lyra
- Instituto de BiociênciasUniversidade Estadual PaulistaRio ClaroBrazil
| | - L. Felipe Toledo
- Laboratório de História Natural de Anfíbios BrasileirosDepartamento de Biologia AnimalInstituto de BiologiaUniversidade Estadual de CampinasCampinasBrazil
| | - Timothy Y. James
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
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Sellyei B, Cech G, Varga Á, Molnár K, Székely C, Somogyi D, Nyeste K, Antal L. Infection of the Carpathian brook lamprey (Eudontomyzon danfordi Regan, 1911) with a dermocystid parasite in the Tisza River Basin, Hungary. JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2020; 43:1571-1577. [PMID: 32914485 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.13259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The Carpathian brook lamprey (Eudontomyzon danfordi Regan, 1911) is an endemic protected species of Cephalaspidomorphi in the Carpathian Basin. No parasites have become known from these jawless vertebrates to date. Here, the authors describe an infection from a single specimen manifesting in protuberant skin cysts 7-10 mm in diameter, scattered on the body surface. Similar dermal infection was observed in 25 of the 274 lampreys recorded in the population survey. Skin cysts filled with round spore-like structures of a dermocystid parasite were found. These particles measured 8-14 µm in diameter and had an about 0.5 µm thick wall, and containing mainly a granular mass and a relatively scarce plasma. No hyphae were recorded. Despite conspicuous morphological changes in the skin, no inflammatory reactions were found. The molecular analysis of 18S rDNA showed similarity to dermocystid species of several fish species but differed from them approximately by 2%. This is the first record of a dermocystid parasite infecting a jawless vertebrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boglárka Sellyei
- Centre for Agricultural Research, Institute for Veterinary Medical Research, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Cech
- Centre for Agricultural Research, Institute for Veterinary Medical Research, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ádám Varga
- Centre for Agricultural Research, Institute for Veterinary Medical Research, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kálmán Molnár
- Centre for Agricultural Research, Institute for Veterinary Medical Research, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csaba Székely
- Centre for Agricultural Research, Institute for Veterinary Medical Research, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dóra Somogyi
- Department of Hydrobiology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Pál Juhász-Nagy Doctoral School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Krisztián Nyeste
- Department of Hydrobiology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Pál Juhász-Nagy Doctoral School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - László Antal
- Department of Hydrobiology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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5
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Sirri R, Gustinelli A, Rubini S, Quaglio F, Fioravanti ML. Dermocystidium sp. (Mesomycetozoea: Dermocystidiaceae) primary ocular infection in a koi carp (Cyprinus carpio var. koi). JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2020; 43:515-517. [PMID: 32103529 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.13148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rubina Sirri
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Gustinelli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silva Rubini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Cassana, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesco Quaglio
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Fioravanti
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Characterization of Dermotheca sp. Infection in a midwestern state-endangered salamander ( Ambystoma platineum) and a co-occurring common species ( Ambystoma texanum). Parasitology 2020; 147:360-370. [PMID: 31840622 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182019001677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Ichthyosporean parasites (order Dermocystida) can cause morbidity and mortality in amphibians, but their ecology and epidemiology remain understudied. We investigated the prevalence, gross and histologic appearance, and molecular phylogeny of a novel dermocystid in the state-endangered silvery salamander (Ambystoma platineum) and the co-occurring, non-threatened small-mouthed salamander (Ambystoma texanum) from Illinois. Silvery salamanders (N = 610) were sampled at six ephemeral wetlands from 2016 to 2018. Beginning in 2017, 1-3 mm raised, white skin nodules were identified in 24 silvery salamanders and two small-mouthed salamanders from five wetlands (prevalence = 0-11.1%). Skin biopsy histology (N = 4) was consistent with dermocystid sporangia, and necropsies (N = 3) identified infrequent hepatic sporangia. Parasitic 18S rRNA sequences (N = 5) from both salamander species were identical, and phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship to Dermotheca viridescens. Dermocystids were not identified in museum specimens from the same wetlands (N = 125) dating back to 1973. This is the first report of Dermotheca sp. affecting caudates in the Midwestern United States. Future research is needed to determine the effects of this pathogen on individual and population health, and to assess whether this organism poses a threat to the conservation of ambystomatid salamanders.
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7
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Longitudinal study of Amphibiocystidium sp. infection in a natural population of the Italian stream frog (Rana italica). Parasitology 2019; 146:903-910. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182019000076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
AbstractMesomycetozoean-induced infections (order Dermocystida, genus Amphibiocystidium) in European and North American amphibians are causing alarm. To date, the pathogenicity of these parasites in field conditions has been poorly studied, and demographic consequences on amphibian populations have not been explored. In this study, an Amphibiocystidium sp. infection is reported in a natural population of the Italian stream frog (Rana italica) of Central Italy, over a 7-year period from 2008 to 2014. Light and electron microscope examinations, as well as partial 18S rDNA sequence analysis were used to characterize the parasite. Moreover, a capture-mark-recapture study was conducted to assess the frog demographics in response to infection. Negative effects of amphibiocystidiosis on individual survival and population fitness were absent throughout the sampling period, despite the high estimates of disease prevalence. This might have been due to resistance and/or tolerance strategies developed by the frogs in response to the persistence of Amphibiocystidium infection in this system. We hypothesized that in the examined R. italica population, amphibiocystidiosis is an ongoing endemic/epidemic infection. However, ecological and host-specific factors, interacting in a synergistic fashion, might be responsible for variations in the susceptibility to Amphibiocystidium infection of both conspecific populations and heterospecific individuals of R. italica.
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8
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Belasen AM, Bletz MC, Leite DDS, Toledo LF, James TY. Long-Term Habitat Fragmentation Is Associated With Reduced MHC IIB Diversity and Increased Infections in Amphibian Hosts. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2018.00236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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9
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Bower DS, Brannelly LA, McDonald CA, Webb RJ, Greenspan SE, Vickers M, Gardner MG, Greenlees MJ. A review of the role of parasites in the ecology of reptiles and amphibians. AUSTRAL ECOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah S. Bower
- College of Science and Engineering; James Cook University; Townsville Queensland 4811 Australia
- School of Environmental and Rural Science; University of New England; Armidale New South Wales Australia
| | - Laura A. Brannelly
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
| | - Cait A. McDonald
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Cornell University; Ithaca New York USA
| | - Rebecca J. Webb
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences; James Cook University; Townsville Queensland Australia
| | - Sasha E. Greenspan
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of Alabama; Tuscaloosa Alabama USA
| | - Mathew Vickers
- College of Science and Engineering; James Cook University; Townsville Queensland 4811 Australia
| | - Michael G. Gardner
- College of Science and Engineering; Flinders University; Adelaide South Australia Australia
- Evolutionary Biology Unit; South Australian Museum; Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Matthew J. Greenlees
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales Australia
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10
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Fujimoto RY, Couto MVS, Sousa NC, Diniz DG, Diniz JAP, Madi RR, Martins ML, Eiras JC. Dermocystidium sp. infection in farmed hybrid fish Colossoma macropomum × Piaractus brachypomus in Brazil. JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2018; 41:565-568. [PMID: 29239008 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.12761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- R Y Fujimoto
- Embrapa Tabuleiros Costeiros, Aracaju, SE, Brazil
| | - M V S Couto
- Post-graduation in Animal Science, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - N C Sousa
- Post-graduation in Animal Science, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - D G Diniz
- Laboratory of Neurodegeneration and Infection, Institute of Biological Sciences, University Hospital João de Barros Barreto, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - J A P Diniz
- Department of Electronic Microscopy, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - R R Madi
- University Tiradentes, Institute of Technology and Research, Aracaju, SE, Brazil
| | - M L Martins
- AOHL -Aquatic Organisms Health Laboratory, Aquaculture Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - J C Eiras
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- CIIMAR, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Matosinhos, Portugal
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan P Pessier
- 1 Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.,2 Amphibian Disease Laboratory, Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, San Diego, CA, USA
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12
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Reynolds HT, Raudabaugh D, Lilje O, Allender M, Miller AN, Gleason FH. Chapter 27 Emerging Mycoses and Fungus-Like Diseases of Vertebrate Wildlife. Mycology 2017. [DOI: 10.1201/9781315119496-28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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13
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Resolving relationships at the animal-fungal divergence: A molecular phylogenetic study of the protist trichomycetes (Ichthyosporea, Eccrinida). Mol Phylogenet Evol 2017; 109:447-464. [PMID: 28219758 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2017.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Trichomycetes is a group of microorganisms that was considered a class of fungi comprising four orders of commensal, gut-dwelling endosymbionts obligately associated with arthropods. Since molecular phylogenies revealed two of those orders (Amoebidiales and Eccrinales="protist trichos") to be closely related to members of the protist class Ichthyosporea (=Mesomycetozoea), trichomycetes have been considered an ecological association of both early-diverging fungi and protists. Understanding of the taxonomy, evolution, and diversity of the protist trichos is lacking largely due to the difficulties inherent in species collection that have contributed to undersampling and understudy. The most recent classification divides the protist trichos between two families, Amoebidiidae and Eccrinidae (suborder Trichomycina, order Eccrinida). However, there is no comprehensive molecular phylogeny available for this group and major questions about the systematics of protist trichos remain unanswered. Therefore, we generated 18S and 28S rDNA sequences for 106 protist tricho samples and combined them with publicly available Eccrinida sequences for phylogenetic analyses. We also sequenced a conserved protein-coding gene (heat-shock 70 protein) to obtain a multigene data set. We conducted ancestral state reconstruction (ASR) and Bayesian tip-association significance test (BaTS) analyses by mapping six morphological and ecological characters onto the resulting phylogenetic trees. Our results demonstrate: (1) several ecological and morphological character states (habitat, host type, host stage at time of infestation, location within host, spore production, and growth form) are significantly correlated with the phylogeny, and (2) two additional protist tricho families should be incorporated into the taxonomy to reflect phylogenetic relationships. Our data suggest that an integrated strategy that combines morphological, ecological, and molecular characters is needed to further resolve and clarify the systematics of the Eccrinida.
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Pathological and phylogenetic characterization ofAmphibiothecumsp. infection in an isolated amphibian (Lissotriton helveticus) population on the island of Rum (Scotland). Parasitology 2016; 144:484-496. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182016001943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYOutbreaks of cutaneous infectious disease in amphibians are increasingly being attributed to an overlooked group of fungal-like pathogens, the Dermocystids. During the last 10 years on the Isle of Rum, Scotland, palmate newts (Lissotriton helveticus) have been reportedly afflicted by unusual skin lesions. Here we present pathological and molecular findings confirming that the pathogen associated with these lesions is a novel organism of the order Dermocystida, and represents the first formally reported, and potentially lethal, case of amphibian Dermocystid infection in the UK. Whilst the gross pathology and the parasite cyst morphology were synonymous to those described in a study from infectedL. helveticusin France, we observed a more extreme clinical outcome on Rum involving severe subcutaneous oedema. Phylogenetic topologies supported synonymy between Dermocystid sequences from Rum and France and as well as their distinction fromAmphibiocystidiumspp. Phylogenetic analysis also suggested that the amphibian-infecting Dermocystids are not monophyletic. We conclude that theL. helveticus-infecting pathogen represents a single, novel species;Amphibiothecum meredithae.
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15
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Blazer VS, Hitt NP, Snyder CD, Snook EL, Adams CR. Dermocystidium sp. Infection in Blue Ridge Sculpin Captured in Maryland. JOURNAL OF AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2016; 28:143-149. [PMID: 27455037 DOI: 10.1080/08997659.2016.1159622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Raised pale cysts were observed on Blue Ridge Sculpin Cottus caeruleomentum during stream fish community surveys in Catoctin Mountain Park, Maryland. When examined histologically, preserved sculpin exhibited multiple cysts containing spherical endospores with a refractile central body characteristic of Dermocystidium spp. Cysts were not observed on the gills or internally. The portion of the watershed in which affected sculpin were observed contained lower than expected numbers of sculpin, raising concerns about the population effects of this infection. A nearby stream lacked sculpin even though they are common in this region, further suggesting the possibility of regional effects. This is the first report of a Dermocystidium infecting any fish species in the eastern United States. Received October 16, 2015; accepted February 14, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki S Blazer
- a U.S. Geological Survey, Leetown Science Center , National Fish Health Research Laboratory , 11649 Leetown Road, Kearneysville , West Virginia 25430 , USA
| | - Nathaniel P Hitt
- b U.S. Geological Survey , Leetown Science Center, Aquatic Ecology Branch , 11649 Leetown Road, Kearneysville , West Virginia 25430 , USA
| | - Craig D Snyder
- b U.S. Geological Survey , Leetown Science Center, Aquatic Ecology Branch , 11649 Leetown Road, Kearneysville , West Virginia 25430 , USA
| | - Erin L Snook
- b U.S. Geological Survey , Leetown Science Center, Aquatic Ecology Branch , 11649 Leetown Road, Kearneysville , West Virginia 25430 , USA
| | - Cynthia R Adams
- a U.S. Geological Survey, Leetown Science Center , National Fish Health Research Laboratory , 11649 Leetown Road, Kearneysville , West Virginia 25430 , USA
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16
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Haddaway NR, Watson MJ. On the benefits of systematic reviews for wildlife parasitology. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2016; 5:184-91. [PMID: 27617203 PMCID: PMC5005428 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2016.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Revised: 05/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are widely accepted as the best means to synthesise quantitative or qualitative scientific evidence. Many scientific fields have embraced these more rigorous review techniques as a means to bring together large and complex bodies of literature and their data. Unfortunately, due to perceived difficulties and unfamiliarity with processes, other fields are not using these options to review their literature. One way to provide guidance for a specific field is to examine critically recent reviews and meta-analyses and to explain the advantages and disadvantages of the various review techniques. In this paper, we examine review papers in the emerging field of wildlife parasitology and compare five different literature review types-configurative narrative review, aggregative scoping review, aggregative literature review, aggregative meta-analysis, and aggregative systematic review. We found that most literature reviews did not adequately explain the methodology used to find the literature under review. We also found that most literature reviews were not comprehensive nor did they critically appraise the literature under review. Such a lack severely reduces the reliability of the reviews. We encourage all authors to consider using systematic reviews in the future, and for authors and peer-reviewers to be aware of the limitations of non-systematic reviews.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal R. Haddaway
- MISTRA EviEM, Stockholm Environment Institute, Box 24218, 104 51 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maggie J. Watson
- Institute for Land Water and Society, Charles Sturt University, Albury, NSW 2640, Australia
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17
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Federici E, Rossi R, Fidati L, Paracucchi R, Scargetta S, Montalbani E, Franzetti A, La Porta G, Fagotti A, Simonceli F, Cenci G, Di Rosa I. Characterization of the Skin Microbiota in Italian Stream Frogs (Rana italica) Infected and Uninfected by a Cutaneous Parasitic Disease. Microbes Environ 2015; 30:262-9. [PMID: 26370166 PMCID: PMC4567565 DOI: 10.1264/jsme2.me15041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In human and wildlife populations, the natural microbiota plays an important role in health maintenance and the prevention of emerging infectious diseases. In amphibians, infectious diseases have been closely associated with population decline and extinction worldwide. Skin symbiont communities have been suggested as one of the factors driving the different susceptibilities of amphibians to diseases. The activity of the skin microbiota of amphibians against fungal pathogens, such as Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, has been examined extensively, whereas its protective role towards the cutaneous infectious diseases caused by Amphibiocystidium parasites has not yet been elucidated in detail. In the present study, we investigated, for the first time, the cutaneous microbiota of the Italian stream frog (Rana italica) and characterized the microbial assemblages of frogs uninfected and infected by Amphibiocystidium using the Illumina next-generation sequencing of 16S rRNA gene fragments. A total of 629 different OTUs belonging to 16 different phyla were detected. Bacterial populations shared by all individuals represented only one fifth of all OTUs and were dominated by a small number of OTUs. Statistical analyses based on Bray-Curtis distances showed that uninfected and infected specimens had distinct cutaneous bacterial community structures. Phylotypes belonging to the genera Janthinobacterium, Pseudomonas, and Flavobacterium were more abundant, and sometimes almost exclusively present, in uninfected than in infected specimens. These bacterial populations, known to exhibit antifungal activity in amphibians, may also play a role in protection against cutaneous infectious diseases caused by Amphibiocystidium parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ermanno Federici
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia
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18
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Ercan D, Andreou D, Sana S, Öntaş C, Baba E, Top N, Karakuş U, Tarkan AS, Gozlan RE. Evidence of threat to European economy and biodiversity following the introduction of an alien pathogen on the fungal-animal boundary. Emerg Microbes Infect 2015; 4:e52. [PMID: 26954992 PMCID: PMC5176086 DOI: 10.1038/emi.2015.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Revised: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Recent years have seen a global and rapid resurgence of fungal diseases with direct impact on biodiversity and local extinctions of amphibian, coral, or bat populations. Despite similar evidence of population extinction in European fish populations and the associated risk of food aquaculture due to the emerging rosette agent Sphaerothecum destruens, an emerging infectious eukaryotic intracellular pathogen on the fungal-animal boundary, our understanding of current threats remained limited. Long-term monitoring of population decline for the 8-year post-introduction of the fungal pathogen was coupled with seasonal molecular analyses of the 18S rDNA and histological work of native fish species organs. A phylogenetic relationship between the existing EU and US strains using the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer sequences was also carried out. Here, we provide evidence that this emerging parasite has now been introduced via Pseudorasbora parva to sea bass farms, an industry that represents over 400 M€ annually in a Mediterranean region that is already economically vulnerable. We also provide for the first time evidence linking S. destruens to disease and severe declines in International Union for Conservation of Nature threatened European endemic freshwater fishes (i.e. 80% to 90 % mortalities). Our findings are thus of major economic and conservation importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didem Ercan
- Faculty of Fisheries, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, 48000, Kötekli, Muğla, Turkey
| | - Demetra Andreou
- Faculty of Technology and Science, Bournemouth University, Fern Barrow, Poole, Dorset, BH12 5BB, UK
| | - Salma Sana
- Faculty of Technology and Science, Bournemouth University, Fern Barrow, Poole, Dorset, BH12 5BB, UK
| | - Canan Öntaş
- Faculty of Fisheries, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, 48000, Kötekli, Muğla, Turkey
| | - Esin Baba
- Faculty of Fisheries, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, 48000, Kötekli, Muğla, Turkey
| | - Nildeniz Top
- Faculty of Fisheries, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, 48000, Kötekli, Muğla, Turkey
| | - Uğur Karakuş
- Faculty of Fisheries, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, 48000, Kötekli, Muğla, Turkey
| | - Ali Serhan Tarkan
- Faculty of Fisheries, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, 48000, Kötekli, Muğla, Turkey
| | - Rodolphe Elie Gozlan
- Faculty of Technology and Science, Bournemouth University, Fern Barrow, Poole, Dorset, BH12 5BB, UK
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement UMR 207 IRD, CNRS 7208-MNHN-UPMC, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 75005 Paris Cedex, France
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19
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The alternate role of direct and environmental transmission in fungal infectious disease in wildlife: threats for biodiversity conservation. Sci Rep 2015; 5:10368. [PMID: 25992836 PMCID: PMC4438611 DOI: 10.1038/srep10368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging fungal pathogens have substantial consequences for infected hosts, as revealed by the global decline of amphibian species from the chytrid fungus. According to the “curse of the Pharaoh” hypothesis, free-living infectious stages typical of fungal pathogens lengthen the timespan of transmission. Free-living infectious stages whose lifespan exceeds the infection time of their hosts are not constrained by virulence, enabling them to persist at high levels and continue transmitting to further sensitive hosts. Using the only Mesomycetozoea fungal species that can be cultured, Sphaerothecum destruens, we obtained tractable data on infectivity and pathogen life cycle for the first time. Here, based on the outcomes of a set of infectious trials and combined with an epidemiological model, we show a high level of dependence on direct transmission in crowded, confined environments and establish that incubation rate and length of infection dictate the epidemic dynamics of fungal disease. The spread of Mesomycetozoea in the wild raise ecological concerns for a range of susceptible species including birds, amphibians and mammals. Our results shed light on the risks associated with farming conditions and highlight the additional risk posed by invasive species that are highly abundant and can act as infectious reservoir hosts.
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20
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Kiryu Y, Landsberg JH. Neurotropic mesomycetozoean-like infection in larvae of the southern toad Anaxyrus terrestris in Florida, USA. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2015; 113:157-162. [PMID: 25751858 DOI: 10.3354/dao02836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
As part of a state-wide multispecies survey of amphibian diseases, sampling was conducted at Archbold Biological Station, Venus, Florida, USA, on 15 April 2011. Gross examination of southern toad (Anaxyrus terrestris) larvae was unremarkable, but infections by a mesomycetozoean-like organism were observed in longitudinally sectioned routine haematoxylin and eosin-stained histologic slides. In 100% of the sectioned specimens examined (n = 5), a high density of the organism, representing several developmental stages, was found in the central nervous system, mainly in the spinal cord, brain, retina and optic nerve. No host inflammatory responses were found to be associated with the parasitic infection. Free, mature schizonts were occasionally found in the gill chamber and, more commonly, in the dorsal roof area. No organisms were found in other organs examined histologically, i.e. liver, kidney, heart, alimentary tract, exocrine pancreas and skeletal muscles. Presumptive mesomycetozoean ichthyophonids in anurans are usually reported to be pathogenic, especially affecting skeletal muscle tissue and causing death. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a similar organism infecting primarily the central nervous system in an amphibian.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasunari Kiryu
- Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701, USA
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21
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Ichthyophonus sp. (Ichthyophonae, Ichthyophonida) infection in a South American amphibian, the hylid frog Hypsiboas pulchellus. J Wildl Dis 2015; 51:530-3. [PMID: 25588011 DOI: 10.7589/2014-06-149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We report infection by Ichthyophonus sp. in a South American amphibian, the hylid frog Hypsiboas pulchellus in Uruguay. This frog had a large subcutaneous mass over the urostyle and dorsal musculature comprised of parasitic cysts with mild granulomatous inflammation but otherwise appeared healthy.
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22
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Gleason FH, Chambouvet A, Sullivan BK, Lilje O, Rowley JJ. Multiple zoosporic parasites pose a significant threat to amphibian populations. FUNGAL ECOL 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funeco.2014.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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23
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Gozlan RE, Marshall WL, Lilje O, Jessop CN, Gleason FH, Andreou D. Current ecological understanding of fungal-like pathogens of fish: what lies beneath? Front Microbiol 2014. [PMID: 24600442 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2014.00062/bibtex] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite increasingly sophisticated microbiological techniques, and long after the first discovery of microbes, basic knowledge is still lacking to fully appreciate the ecological importance of microbial parasites in fish. This is likely due to the nature of their habitats as many species of fish suffer from living beneath turbid water away from easy recording. However, fishes represent key ecosystem services for millions of people around the world and the absence of a functional ecological understanding of viruses, prokaryotes, and small eukaryotes in the maintenance of fish populations and of their diversity represents an inherent barrier to aquatic conservation and food security. Among recent emerging infectious diseases responsible for severe population declines in plant and animal taxa, fungal and fungal-like microbes have emerged as significant contributors. Here, we review the current knowledge gaps of fungal and fungal-like parasites and pathogens in fish and put them into an ecological perspective with direct implications for the monitoring of fungal fish pathogens in the wild, their phylogeography as well as their associated ecological impact on fish populations. With increasing fish movement around the world for farming, releases into the wild for sport fishing and human-driven habitat changes, it is expected, along with improved environmental monitoring of fungal and fungal-like infections, that the full extent of the impact of these pathogens on wild fish populations will soon emerge as a major threat to freshwater biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolphe E Gozlan
- Unité Mixte de Recherche Biologie des Organismes et Écosystèmes Aquatiques (IRD 207, CNRS 7208, MNHN, UPMC), Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle Paris Cedex, France ; Centre for Conservation Ecology and Environmental Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, Bournemouth University Poole, Dorset, UK
| | - Wyth L Marshall
- BC Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences Campbell River, BC, Canada
| | - Osu Lilje
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Casey N Jessop
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Frank H Gleason
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Demetra Andreou
- Centre for Conservation Ecology and Environmental Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, Bournemouth University Poole, Dorset, UK
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