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Robinson S, Falinski K, Johnson D, VanWormer E, Shapiro K, Amlin A, Barbieri M. Evaluating the Risk Landscape of Hawaiian Monk Seal Exposure to Toxoplasma gondii. ECOHEALTH 2024:10.1007/s10393-024-01678-7. [PMID: 38850367 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-024-01678-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a disease of primary concern for Hawaiian monk seals (Neomonachus schauinslandi), due to its apparently acute lethality and especially heavy impacts on breeding female seals. The disease-causing parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, depends on cats to complete its life cycle; thus, in order to understand how this pathogen infects marine mammals, it is essential to understand aspects of the terrestrial ecosystem and land-to-sea transport. In this study, we constructed a three-tiered model to assess risk of Hawaiian monk seal exposure to T. gondii oocysts: (1) oocyst contamination as a function of cat population characteristics; (2) land-to-sea transport of oocysts as a function of island hydrology, and (3) seal exposure as a function of habitat and space use. We were able to generate risk maps highlighting watersheds contributing the most to oocyst contamination of Hawaiian monk seal habitat. Further, the model showed that free-roaming cats most associated with humans (pets or strays often supplementally fed by people) were able to achieve high densities leading to high levels of oocyst contamination and elevated risk of T. gondii exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kim Falinski
- UH, Water Resources Research Center, Honolulu, USA
| | | | | | | | - Angela Amlin
- NOAA, Pacific Islands Regional Office, Honolulu, USA
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Barratclough A, Ferguson SH, Lydersen C, Thomas PO, Kovacs KM. A Review of Circumpolar Arctic Marine Mammal Health-A Call to Action in a Time of Rapid Environmental Change. Pathogens 2023; 12:937. [PMID: 37513784 PMCID: PMC10385039 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The impacts of climate change on the health of marine mammals are increasingly being recognised. Given the rapid rate of environmental change in the Arctic, the potential ramifications on the health of marine mammals in this region are a particular concern. There are eleven endemic Arctic marine mammal species (AMMs) comprising three cetaceans, seven pinnipeds, and the polar bear (Ursus maritimus). All of these species are dependent on sea ice for survival, particularly those requiring ice for breeding. As air and water temperatures increase, additional species previously non-resident in Arctic waters are extending their ranges northward, leading to greater species overlaps and a concomitant increased risk of disease transmission. In this study, we review the literature documenting disease presence in Arctic marine mammals to understand the current causes of morbidity and mortality in these species and forecast future disease issues. Our review highlights potential pathogen occurrence in a changing Arctic environment, discussing surveillance methods for 35 specific pathogens, identifying risk factors associated with these diseases, as well as making recommendations for future monitoring for emerging pathogens. Several of the pathogens discussed have the potential to cause unusual mortality events in AMMs. Brucella, morbillivirus, influenza A virus, and Toxoplasma gondii are all of concern, particularly with the relative naivety of the immune systems of endemic Arctic species. There is a clear need for increased surveillance to understand baseline disease levels and address the gravity of the predicted impacts of climate change on marine mammal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Barratclough
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
| | - Steven H. Ferguson
- Arctic Aquatic Research Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada;
| | - Christian Lydersen
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway; (C.L.); (K.M.K.)
| | - Peter O. Thomas
- Marine Mammal Commission, 4340 East-West Highway, Room 700, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA;
| | - Kit M. Kovacs
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway; (C.L.); (K.M.K.)
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Li MY, Kang YH, Sun WC, Hao ZP, Elsheikha HM, Cong W. Terrestrial runoff influences the transport and contamination levels of Toxoplasma gondii in marine organisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158168. [PMID: 35988599 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158168] [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: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
There is a growing concern regarding the potential adverse impact of Toxoplasma gondii contamination of the marine environment on marine wildlife and public health. Terrestrial runoff is a significant route for dissemination of T. gondii oocysts from land to sea. Yet, the influence of terrestrial runoff on T. gondii prevalence in marine animals in China is largely unknown. To address this concern, we examined the presence of T. gondii in marine oysters Crassostrea spp., rockfish Sebastes schlegelii (S. schlegelii), fat greenling fish Hexagrammos otakii (H. otakii), and Asian paddle crab Charybdis japonica (C. japonica) using a PCR assay targeting T. gondii B1 gene. A total of 1920 samples were randomly collected, in Jan-Dec 2020, from terrestrial runoff areas (TRA, TRB, and TRC) and non-terrestrial runoff area (Grape bay) in Weihai, China. T. gondii prevalence in TRB and TRC was 6.04 % and 5.83 %, respectively, which was higher than 2.29 % detected in the non-terrestrial runoff area. The highest prevalence was detected in Crassostrea spp., and a correlation was observed between T. gondii prevalence and weight of Crassostrea spp. The temperature, but not precipitation, significantly correlated with T. gondii prevalence. Understanding the fate of T. gondii delivered to oceans by terrestrial runoff is critical for predicting future disease risks for marine wildlife and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Yao Li
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong 264209, PR China
| | - Yuan-Huan Kang
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong 264209, PR China
| | - Wen-Chao Sun
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Water Environment and Marine Biological Resources Protection, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 32503, PR China
| | - Zhi-Peng Hao
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong 264209, PR China
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, United Kingdom.
| | - Wei Cong
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong 264209, PR China.
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de Barros RAM, Torrecilhas AC, Marciano MAM, Mazuz ML, Pereira-Chioccola VL, Fux B. Toxoplasmosis in Human and Animals Around the World. Diagnosis and Perspectives in the One Health Approach. Acta Trop 2022; 231:106432. [PMID: 35390311 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a unique health disease that significantly affects the health of humans, domestic animals, wildlife and is present in ecosystems, including water, soil and food. Toxoplasma gondii is one of the best-adapted parasites in the word. This parasite is able to persist for long periods in its hosts, in different geographic regions of the word. This review summarizes the current literature of these themes, focusing on: (1) toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic infection; (2) One health approach and toxoplasmosis; (3) human toxoplasmosis; (4) animal toxoplasmosis; (5) toxoplasmosis diagnosis, as immunological, parasitological and molecular diagnosis; (6) T. gondii outbreaks caused by infected meat, milk and dairy products, as well as, vegetables and water consume; (7) studies in experimental models; (8) genetic characterization of T. gondii strains; (9) extracellular vesicles and miRNA; and (10) future perspectives on T. gondii and toxoplasmosis. The vast prevalence of toxoplasmosis in both humans and animals and the dispersion and resistence of T. gondii parasites in environment highlight the importance of the one health approach in diagnostic and control of the disease. Here the different aspects of the one health approach are presented and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosangela Aparecida Müller de Barros
- Unidade de Medicina Tropical, Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil.; Programa em Doenças Infecciosas, Centro de Doenças Infecciosas, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil..
| | - Ana Claudia Torrecilhas
- Laboratório de Imunologia Celular e Bioquímica de Fungos e Protozoários, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Campus Diadema, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil..
| | | | - Monica Leszkowicz Mazuz
- Parasitology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Israeli Veterinary Service and Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Beit Dagan, 5025000, Israel..
| | | | - Blima Fux
- Unidade de Medicina Tropical, Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil.; Programa em Doenças Infecciosas, Centro de Doenças Infecciosas, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil..
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Bouchard É, Sharma R, Hernández-Ortiz A, Buhler K, Al-Adhami B, Su C, Fenton H, G-Gouin G, Roth JD, Rodrigues CW, Pamak C, Simon A, Bachand N, Leighton P, Jenkins E. Are foxes (Vulpes spp.) good sentinel species for Toxoplasma gondii in northern Canada? Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:115. [PMID: 35365191 PMCID: PMC8972674 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05229-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In changing northern ecosystems, understanding the mechanisms of transmission of zoonotic pathogens, including the coccidian parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is essential to protect the health of vulnerable animals and humans. As high-level predators and scavengers, foxes represent a potentially sensitive indicator of the circulation of T. gondii in environments where humans co-exist. The objectives of our research were to compare serological and molecular assays to detect T. gondii, generate baseline data on T. gondii antibody and tissue prevalence in foxes in northern Canada, and compare regional seroprevalence in foxes with that in people from recently published surveys across northern Canada. Methods Fox carcasses (Vulpes vulpes/Vulpes lagopus, n = 749) were collected by local trappers from the eastern (Labrador and Québec) and western Canadian Arctic (northern Manitoba, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories) during the winters of 2015–2019. Antibodies in heart fluid were detected using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in hearts and brains using a magnetic capture DNA extraction and real-time PCR assay. Results Antibodies against T. gondii and DNA were detected in 36% and 27% of foxes, respectively. Detection of antibodies was higher in older (64%) compared to younger foxes (22%). More males (36%) than females (31%) were positive for antibodies to T. gondii. Tissue prevalence in foxes from western Nunavik (51%) was higher than in eastern Nunavik (19%). At the Canadian scale, T. gondii exposure was lower in western Inuit regions (13%) compared to eastern Inuit regions (39%), possibly because of regional differences in fox diet and/or environment. Exposure to T. gondii decreased at higher latitude and in foxes having moderate to little fat. Higher mean infection intensity was observed in Arctic foxes compared to red foxes. Fox and human seroprevalence showed similar trends across Inuit regions of Canada, but were less correlated in the eastern sub-Arctic, which may reflect regional differences in human dietary preferences. Conclusions Our study sheds new light on the current status of T. gondii in foxes in northern Canada and shows that foxes serve as a good sentinel species for environmental circulation and, in some regions, human exposure to this parasite in the Arctic. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05229-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Émilie Bouchard
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada. .,Research Group On Epidemiology of Zoonoses and Public Health (GREZOSP), Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada.
| | - Rajnish Sharma
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Adrián Hernández-Ortiz
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Kayla Buhler
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Batol Al-Adhami
- Centre for Food-Borne and Animal Parasitology, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Chunlei Su
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Heather Fenton
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | | | - James D Roth
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | - Carla Pamak
- Nunatsiavut Research Centre, Nain, NL, Canada
| | - Audrey Simon
- Research Group On Epidemiology of Zoonoses and Public Health (GREZOSP), Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Nicholas Bachand
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Patrick Leighton
- Research Group On Epidemiology of Zoonoses and Public Health (GREZOSP), Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Emily Jenkins
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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Pilfold NW, Richardson ES, Ellis J, Jenkins E, Scandrett WB, Hernández‐Ortiz A, Buhler K, McGeachy D, Al‐Adhami B, Konecsni K, Lobanov VA, Owen MA, Rideout B, Lunn NJ. Long-term increases in pathogen seroprevalence in polar bears (Ursus maritimus) influenced by climate change. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2021; 27:4481-4497. [PMID: 34292654 PMCID: PMC8457125 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The influence of climate change on wildlife disease dynamics is a burgeoning conservation and human health issue, but few long-term studies empirically link climate to pathogen prevalence. Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are vulnerable to the negative impacts of sea ice loss as a result of accelerated Arctic warming. While studies have associated changes in polar bear body condition, reproductive output, survival, and abundance to reductions in sea ice, no long-term studies have documented the impact of climate change on pathogen exposure. We examined 425 serum samples from 381 adult polar bears, collected in western Hudson Bay (WH), Canada, for antibodies to selected pathogens across three time periods: 1986-1989 (n = 157), 1995-1998 (n = 159) and 2015-2017 (n = 109). We ran serological assays for antibodies to seven pathogens: Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Trichinella spp., Francisella tularensis, Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine morbillivirus (CDV) and canine parvovirus (CPV). Seroprevalence of zoonotic parasites (T. gondii, Trichinella spp.) and bacterial pathogens (F. tularensis, B. bronchiseptica) increased significantly between 1986-1989 and 1995-1998, ranging from +6.2% to +20.8%, with T. gondii continuing to increase into 2015-2017 (+25.8% overall). Seroprevalence of viral pathogens (CDV, CPV) and N. caninum did not change with time. Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence was higher following wetter summers, while seroprevalences of Trichinella spp. and B. bronchiseptica were positively correlated with hotter summers. Seroprevalence of antibodies to F. tularensis increased following years polar bears spent more days on land, and polar bears previously captured in human settlements were more likely to be seropositive for Trichinella spp. As the Arctic has warmed due to climate change, zoonotic pathogen exposure in WH polar bears has increased, driven by numerous altered ecosystem pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas W. Pilfold
- Conservation Science and Wildlife HealthSan Diego Zoo Wildlife AllianceEscondidoCAUSA
| | - Evan S. Richardson
- Wildlife Research Division, Science and Technology BranchEnvironment and Climate Change CanadaWinnipegMBCanada
| | - John Ellis
- Department of Veterinary MicrobiologyUniversity of SaskatchewanSaskatoonSKCanada
| | - Emily Jenkins
- Department of Veterinary MicrobiologyUniversity of SaskatchewanSaskatoonSKCanada
| | - W. Brad Scandrett
- Centre for Food‐borne and Animal ParasitologyCanadian Food Inspection AgencySaskatoonSKCanada
| | | | - Kayla Buhler
- Department of Veterinary MicrobiologyUniversity of SaskatchewanSaskatoonSKCanada
| | - David McGeachy
- Wildlife Research Division, Science and Technology BranchEnvironment and Climate Change CanadaEdmontonABCanada
| | - Batol Al‐Adhami
- Centre for Food‐borne and Animal ParasitologyCanadian Food Inspection AgencySaskatoonSKCanada
| | - Kelly Konecsni
- Centre for Food‐borne and Animal ParasitologyCanadian Food Inspection AgencySaskatoonSKCanada
| | - Vladislav A. Lobanov
- Centre for Food‐borne and Animal ParasitologyCanadian Food Inspection AgencySaskatoonSKCanada
| | - Megan A. Owen
- Conservation Science and Wildlife HealthSan Diego Zoo Wildlife AllianceEscondidoCAUSA
| | - Bruce Rideout
- Conservation Science and Wildlife HealthSan Diego Zoo Wildlife AllianceEscondidoCAUSA
| | - Nicholas J. Lunn
- Wildlife Research Division, Science and Technology BranchEnvironment and Climate Change CanadaEdmontonABCanada
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Borkens Y. Toxoplasma gondii in Australian macropods ( Macropodidae) and its implication to meat consumption. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2021; 16:153-162. [PMID: 34567970 PMCID: PMC8449172 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide occurring apicomplexan parasite. Due to its high seroprevalence in livestock as well as in game animals, T. gondii is an important food-borne pathogen and can have significant health implications for humans as well as for pets. This article describes the prevalence of T. gondii in free-ranging macropods hunted for consumption. All hunted macropod species (commercial as well as non-commercial hunt) show a positive seroprevalence for T. gondii. This seroprevalence is influenced by various factors, such as sex or habitat. Furthermore, the parasite shows a high level of genetic variability in macropods. Genetically variable strains have already caused outbreaks of toxoplasmosis in the past (Canada and the US). These were attributed to undercooked game meat like venison. Despite this risk, neither Australia nor New Zealand currently have food safety checks against foodborne pathogens. These conditions scan pose a significant health risk to the population. Especially, since cases of toxoplasmosis have already been successfully traced back to insufficiently cooked kangaroo meat in the past. The kangaroo hunt is an important industry in Australia. 7 species of kangaroos and wallabies are hunted for commercial purpose (for human and pet consumption). Food security checks against foodborne pathogens (including T. gondii) are not a requirement of the Australia New Zealand Food Standard Code. The databases Medline, Web of Science, SCOPUS and Informit were used. 6 scientific publications were reviewed in this publication.
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Sauvé CC, Hernández-Ortiz A, Jenkins E, Mavrot F, Schneider A, Kutz S, Saliki JT, Daoust PY. Exposure of the Gulf of St. Lawrence grey seal Halichoerus grypus population to potentially zoonotic infectious agents. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2020; 142:105-118. [PMID: 33269722 DOI: 10.3354/dao03536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The population of grey seals Halichoerus grypus in Canadian waters is currently used as a commercial source of meat for human consumption. As with domestic livestock, it is important to understand the occurrence in these seals of infectious agents that may be of public health significance and thus ensure appropriate measures are in place to avoid zoonotic transmission. This study examined the prevalence of antibodies against Brucella spp., Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, 6 serovars of Leptospira interrogans, and Toxoplasma gondii in 59 grey seals and determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) the presence of these potentially zoonotic agents in specific organs and tissues of seropositive animals. The presence of encysted Trichinella spp. larvae was also investigated by digestion of tongue, diaphragm and other muscle samples, but none were detected. Seroprevalence against Brucella spp. and E. rhusiopathiae was low (5 and 3%, respectively). All 59 seals tested had antibodies against L. interrogans, but no carrier of this bacterium was detected by PCR. Seroprevalence against T. gondii was 53%, and DNA of this protozoan was detected by PCR in 11/30 (37%) seropositive animals. Standard sanitary measures mandatory for commercialization of meat products for human consumption should greatly reduce the potential for exposure to these infectious agents. However, special consideration should be given to freezing seal meat for at least 3 d to ensure destruction of tissue cysts of T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline C Sauvé
- Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
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Dubey JP, Murata FHA, Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Kwok OCH, Grigg ME. Recent epidemiologic and clinical importance of Toxoplasma gondii infections in marine mammals: 2009-2020. Vet Parasitol 2020; 288:109296. [PMID: 33271425 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. T. gondii causes mortality in several species of marine mammals, including threatened Southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris) and endangered Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus schauinslandi). Marine mammals are now considered sentinels for environmental exposure to protozoan agents contaminating marine waters, including T. gondii oocysts. Marine mammals also serve as food for humans and can result in foodborne T. gondii infections in humans. The present review summarizes worldwide information on the prevalence of clinical and subclinical infections, epidemiology, and genetic diversity of T. gondii infecting marine mammals in the past decade. The role of genetic types of T. gondii and clinical disease is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitender P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA.
| | - Fernando H A Murata
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - Camila K Cerqueira-Cézar
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - Oliver C H Kwok
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - Michael E Grigg
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20895, USA
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10
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Shapiro K, Bahia-Oliveira L, Dixon B, Dumètre A, de Wit LA, VanWormer E, Villena I. Environmental transmission of Toxoplasma gondii: Oocysts in water, soil and food. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2019; 15:e00049. [PMID: 32095620 PMCID: PMC7033973 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2019.e00049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic protozoan parasite that can cause morbidity and mortality in humans, domestic animals, and terrestrial and aquatic wildlife. The environmentally robust oocyst stage of T. gondii is fundamentally critical to the parasite's success, both in terms of its worldwide distribution as well as the extensive range of infected intermediate hosts. Despite the limited definitive host species (domestic and wild felids), infections have been reported on every continent, and in terrestrial as well as aquatic environments. The remarkable resistance of the oocyst wall enables dissemination of T. gondii through watersheds and ecosystems, and long-term persistence in diverse foods such as shellfish and fresh produce. Here, we review the key attributes of oocyst biophysical properties that confer their ability to disseminate and survive in the environment, as well as the epidemiological dynamics of oocyst sources including domestic and wild felids. This manuscript further provides a comprehensive review of the pathways by which T. gondii oocysts can infect animals and people through the environment, including in contaminated foods, water or soil. We conclude by identifying critical control points for reducing risk of exposure to oocysts as well as opportunities for future synergies and new directions for research aimed at reducing the burden of oocyst-borne toxoplasmosis in humans, domestic animals, and wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Shapiro
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, One Shields Ave, 4206 VM3A, University of California, Davis, CA 95616-5270, USA
| | - Lillian Bahia-Oliveira
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, RJ, Brazil
| | - Brent Dixon
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, A.L. 2204E, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Aurélien Dumètre
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD 257, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Luz A. de Wit
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, 130 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95050, USA
| | - Elizabeth VanWormer
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, VBS 111, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Isabelle Villena
- EA 7510, UFR Medicine, University Reims Champagne-Ardenne, National Reference Center on Toxoplasmosis, Hospital Maison Blanche, Reims, France
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Sinnott D, Torres KM, Wolfe B, Garabed R, Marsh AE. Detection of Hammondia heydorni DNA in feces collected in and around an Ohio Wildlife Conservation Center. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2017; 6:31-34. [PMID: 28529982 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to identify DNA attributed to Hammondia heydorni oocysts in the feces of wild canids in and around an Ohio wildlife conservation center. Two hundred and eighty-five wild canid fecal samples were analyzed using PCR with melting curve analysis to detect coccidian DNA. Coccidia-positive samples were further subjected to H. heydorni-specific and N. caninum-specific PCR assays. Samples positive by the H. heydorni-specific assay were additionally analyzed with a PCR assay to distinguish H. heydorni from Hammondia triffittae. Coccidian DNA was detected in 51 of the 285 (17.9%) wildlife samples. H. heydorni DNA was detected in three of the coccidia-positive wildlife samples (1.1%) and N. caninum was detected in none. Determining the presence of H. heydorni in wild canids will contribute to a greater understanding of the role these hosts play in the ecology of this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Sinnott
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, 1900 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - K Moreno Torres
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, 1900 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - B Wolfe
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, 1900 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.,Morris Animal Foundation, 720 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 174A Denver, CO 80246, USA
| | - R Garabed
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, 1900 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - A E Marsh
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, 1900 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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12
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Impact of environmental factors on the emergence, transmission and distribution of Toxoplasma gondii. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:137. [PMID: 26965989 PMCID: PMC4785633 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1432-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan that poses a great threat to human health and economic well-being worldwide. The effects of environmental factors such as changing climate and human activities on the ecology of this protozoan are being discovered. Accumulated evidence shows that changes of these environmental factors can exert influence on the occurrence, transmission and distribution of T. gondii. This article reviews studies from different geographical regions with varying climates, social cultures and animal welfare standards. It aims to illustrate how these environmental factors work, highlighting their importance in influencing the ecology of T. gondii, as well as providing clues which may contribute to preventing transmission of this important zoonotic pathogen.
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13
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ESTIMATINGTOXOPLASMA GONDIIEXPOSURE IN ARCTIC FOXES (VULPES LAGOPUS) WHILE NAVIGATING THE IMPERFECT WORLD OF WILDLIFE SEROLOGY. J Wildl Dis 2016; 52:47-56. [DOI: 10.7589/2015-03-075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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14
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Collender PA, Cooke OC, Bryant LD, Kjeldsen TR, Remais JV. Estimating the microbiological risks associated with inland flood events: Bridging theory and models of pathogen transport. CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2016; 46:1787-1833. [PMID: 28757789 PMCID: PMC5533301 DOI: 10.1080/10643389.2016.1269578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Flooding is known to facilitate infectious disease transmission, yet quantitative research on microbiological risks associated with floods has been limited. Pathogen fate and transport models provide a framework to examine interactions between landscape characteristics, hydrology, and waterborne disease risks, but have not been widely developed for flood conditions. We critically examine capabilities of current hydrological models to represent unusual flow paths, non-uniform flow depths, and unsteady flow velocities that accompany flooding. We investigate the theoretical linkages between hydrodynamic processes and spatio-temporally variable suspension and deposition of pathogens from soils and sediments; pathogen dispersion in flow; and concentrations of constituents influencing pathogen transport and persistence. Identifying gaps in knowledge and modeling practice, we propose a research agenda to strengthen microbial fate and transport modeling applied to inland floods: 1) development of models incorporating pathogen discharges from flooded sources (e.g., latrines), effects of transported constituents on pathogen persistence, and supply-limited pathogen transport; 2) studies assessing parameter identifiability and comparing model performance under varying degrees of process representation, in a range of settings; 3) development of remotely sensed datasets to support modeling of vulnerable, data-poor regions; and 4) collaboration between modelers and field-based researchers to expand the collection of useful data in situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip A Collender
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Olivia C Cooke
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, University of Bath, Bath, UK BA2 7AY
| | - Lee D Bryant
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, University of Bath, Bath, UK BA2 7AY
| | - Thomas R Kjeldsen
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, University of Bath, Bath, UK BA2 7AY
| | - Justin V Remais
- Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720
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15
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ESTIMATINGTOXOPLASMA GONDIIEXPOSURE IN ARCTIC FOXES WHILE NAVIGATING THE IMPERFECT WORLD OF WILDLIFE SEROLOGY. J Wildl Dis 2015. [DOI: 10.7589/2015-03-075r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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16
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Elmore S, Samelius G, Fernando C, Alisauskas R, Jenkins E. Evidence for Toxoplasma gondii in migratory vs. nonmigratory herbivores in a terrestrial arctic ecosystem. CAN J ZOOL 2015. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2015-0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
It is currently unclear how Toxoplasma gondii (Nicolle and Manceaux, 1908) persists in arctic tundra ecosystems in the absence of felid definitive hosts. To investigate potential transmission routes of T. gondii in a terrestrial arctic food web, we collected samples from two migratory herbivores, Ross’s Geese (Chen rossi (Cassin, 1861)) and Lesser Snow Geese (Chen caerulescens (L., 1758)), and from two resident herbivores, Nearctic brown lemmings (Lemmus trimucronatus (Richardson, 1825)) and collared lemmings (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus (Traill, 1823)), trapped at Karrak Lake, Nunavut, Canada. Antibodies were detected in 76 of 234 (32.4%) serum samples from Ross’s Geese and 66 of 233 (28.3%) serum samples from Lesser Snow Geese. We did not detect T. gondii antibodies in filter-paper eluate tested from thoracic fluid samples collected from 84 lemmings. We did not detect T. gondii DNA in brain tissue from these lemmings. Although a small sample size, our findings suggest that lemmings in this terrestrial arctic ecosystem are not exposed to, or infected with, the parasite. This suggests that oocysts are not introduced into the terrestrial arctic ecosystem at Karrak Lake via freshwater runoff from temperate regions. This study demonstrated that live adult arctic-nesting geese are exposed to T. gondii and therefore migratory herbivorous hosts are potential sources of T. gondii infection for predators in terrestrial arctic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- S.A. Elmore
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - G. Samelius
- Snow Leopard Trust, 4649 Sunnyside Avenue North, Suite 325, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
| | - C. Fernando
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - R.T. Alisauskas
- Environment Canada, Prairie and Northern Wildlife Research Centre, 115 Perimeter Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X4, Canada
| | - E.J. Jenkins
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
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17
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Krusor C, Smith WA, Tinker MT, Silver M, Conrad PA, Shapiro K. Concentration and retention ofToxoplasma gondiioocysts by marine snails demonstrate a novel mechanism for transmission of terrestrial zoonotic pathogens in coastal ecosystems. Environ Microbiol 2015; 17:4527-37. [DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.12927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Revised: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Colin Krusor
- Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology; School of Veterinary Medicine; University of California; Davis CA USA
| | | | - M. Tim Tinker
- Western Ecological Research Center; United States Geological Survey; Santa Cruz CA USA
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; University of California; Santa Cruz CA USA
| | - Mary Silver
- Ocean Sciences; University of California; Santa Cruz CA USA
| | - Patricia A. Conrad
- Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology; School of Veterinary Medicine; University of California; Davis CA USA
- One Health Institute; University of California; Davis CA USA
| | - Karen Shapiro
- Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology; School of Veterinary Medicine; University of California; Davis CA USA
- One Health Institute; University of California; Davis CA USA
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18
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Jenkins EJ, Simon A, Bachand N, Stephen C. Wildlife parasites in a One Health world. Trends Parasitol 2015; 31:174-80. [PMID: 25662272 PMCID: PMC7106350 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2015.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Revised: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
One Health emphasizes the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health. Wildlife parasites are ubiquitous; how do we decide which are One Health issues? We propose questions to help to prioritize wildlife parasites in a One Health context. We suggest principles for taking action on wildlife parasites with One Health significance.
One Health has gained a remarkable profile in the animal and public health communities, in part owing to the pressing issues of emerging infectious diseases of wildlife origin. Wildlife parasitology can offer insights into One Health, and likewise One Health can provide justification to study and act on wildlife parasites. But how do we decide which wildlife parasites are One Health issues? We explore toxoplasmosis in wildlife in the Canadian Arctic as an example of a parasite that poses a risk to human health, and that also has potential to adversely affect wildlife populations of conservation concern and importance for food security and cultural well-being. This One Health framework can help communities, researchers, and policymakers prioritize issues for action in a resource-limited world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Jenkins
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, 52 Campus Drive, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon S7H 5B4, SK, Canada.
| | - Audrey Simon
- Groupe de Recherche en Épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3200 Sicotte, CP 5000, Saint-Hyacinthe J2S 7C6, QC, Canada
| | - Nicholas Bachand
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, 52 Campus Drive, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon S7H 5B4, SK, Canada
| | - Craig Stephen
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, 52 Campus Drive, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon S7H 5B4, SK, Canada
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19
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Blanchet MA, Godfroid J, Breines EM, Heide-Jørgensen MP, Nielsen NH, Hasselmeier I, Iversen M, Jensen SK, Åsbakk K. West Greenland harbour porpoises assayed for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii: false positives with the direct agglutination method. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2014; 108:181-186. [PMID: 24695231 DOI: 10.3354/dao02715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
We assayed blood/tissue fluid samples from 20 harbour porpoises Phocoena phocoena from western Greenland coastal waters for antibodies against the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii by the direct agglutination test (DAT). Nine individuals (45%) were interpreted to be seropositive at 1:40 dilution and 4 (20%) were seropositive up to 1:160. Samples from these individuals were assayed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and tissue samples of the DAT-positive animals were tested by a nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR). Results from both methods were negative, suggesting the absence of infection in the tested animals. After chloroform clean-up, all were negative when re-assayed by DAT. We concluded that infection with T. gondii was absent in all 20 animals, despite the initially positive DAT results, and that the false positives resulted from non-specific adherence to tachyzoites in the DAT assay which could be removed by the chloroform clean-up method. Our results suggest that detecting antibodies against T. gondii using the DAT or the modified agglutination technique, particularly on samples from Arctic marine animals which often are rich in lipids, may lead to false positive results. For such samples, the use of ELISA or PCR on available tissue samples may be advocated as confirmatory tests in order to avoid false positives and overestimating seroprevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Anne Blanchet
- Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Section of Arctic Veterinary Medicine, Stakkevollveien 23, 9010 Tromsø, Norway
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