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Valderrábano Cano E, Penteriani V, Vega I, Delgado MDM, González-Bernardo E, Bombieri G, Zarzo-Arias A, Sánchez-Andrade Fernández R, Paz-Silva A. Influence of seasonality and biological activity on infection by helminths in Cantabrian bear. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 23:100916. [PMID: 38379728 PMCID: PMC10877405 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the variations of parasites in the feces of brown bears Ursus arctos inhabiting the Cantabrian Mountains (NW Spain). A total of 248 bear fecal samples were collected throughout one year, spanning from August 2018 to September 2019, at an approximate frequency of 20 samples per month. The results were analyzed in relation to both the season and the biological activity of the brown bears, i.e., hibernation, mating and hyperphagia. Among the examined samples, eggs of Dicrocoelium dendriticum (32.2%; 95% Confidence Interval: 26.4-38.1), Baylisascaris sp. (44.8%; 38.5-50.9), ancylostomatids (probably belonging to Uncinaria spp.) (16.5%; 11.9-21.1) and Trichuris sp. (1.2%; 0-2.6) were observed. Significant seasonal differences were noted for Baylisascaris and ancylostomatids (χ2 = 21.02, P = 0.001 and χ2 = 34.41, P = 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, the presence of helminth eggs was correlated with the activity phase of the brown bears. Dicrocoelium attained the highest prevalence during the mating phase, while Baylisascaris and ancylostomatids were more frequent during hyperphagia. Notably, the highest egg-output counts for Dicrocoelium and Baylisascaris sp. were recorded during the mating phase and hibernation, respectively, whereas ancylostomatids eggs peaked during hyperphagia. Additionally, variations in egg-output counts were significant for all helminths concerning the season, with the exception of Trichuris sp., and for Dicrocoelium and Baylisascaris sp. According to bear activity. It is concluded that infection by gastrointestinal helminths depends on the season and the biological activity of the bears from the Cantabrian Mountains, and their health status could result influenced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Valderrábano Cano
- COPAR Research Group (GI-2120-USC), Faculty of Veterinary, 27002, Lugo, Spain
- Marcelle Natureza Zoological Park, 27154, Outeiro de Rei, Lugo, Spain
| | - Vincenzo Penteriani
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, National Museum of Natural Sciences (MNCN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), C/José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Iris Vega
- COPAR Research Group (GI-2120-USC), Faculty of Veterinary, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - María del Mar Delgado
- Biodiversity Research Institute (IMIB, CSIC-UO-PA), Mieres Campus, 33600, Mieres, Spain
| | - Enrique González-Bernardo
- Department of Zoology, University of Granada, Av Fuente Nueva S/n, E-18071, Granada, Spain
- University of Oviedo, C/ San Francisco, 3, E-33003, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Giulia Bombieri
- MUSE – Science Museum, Research & Collections Department, Conservation Biology Unit, Trento, Italy
| | - Alejandra Zarzo-Arias
- Department of Biogeography and Global Change, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- University of Oviedo, C/ San Francisco, 3, E-33003, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | | | - Adolfo Paz-Silva
- COPAR Research Group (GI-2120-USC), Faculty of Veterinary, 27002, Lugo, Spain
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Esteban-Sánchez L, García-Rodríguez JJ, García-García J, Martínez-Nevado E, de la Riva-Fraga MA, Ponce-Gordo F. Wild Animals in Captivity: An Analysis of Parasite Biodiversity and Transmission among Animals at Two Zoological Institutions with Different Typologies. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:813. [PMID: 38473198 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
We have conducted a 10-year-long coprological study of the animals housed in two zoological institutions (ZooAquarium and Faunia, Madrid, Spain) to assess the parasite biodiversity, prevalence, and their relation with host class, diet, and enclosure type (soil type and level of isolation from wild fauna). A total of 4476 faecal samples from 132 mammal species and 951 samples from 86 avian species were examined. The results indicated that only 12.8% of avian species had parasites at least once during the study period, whereas 62.1% of mammal species tested positive. Predominantly, protists (Entamoeba, flagellates, and ciliates) and nematodes (mainly Trichuris) were identified in the findings. Carnivorous species were primarily infected by nematodes, while herbivorous and omnivorous species were mainly infected by protists. The number of infected herbivorous and omnivorous species was significantly greater than carnivorous species. Differences were observed based on soil type (artificial, natural, mixed) and isolation level (isolated/accessible), but these differences were not statistically significant. Several parasites (Entamoeba spp., Giardia spp., Balantidoides coli, Trichuris spp.) could potentially be transmitted between humans and some mammals and birds. Regular animal analyses and a personnel health program in the institutions would minimise transmission risks between zoo animals, wildlife, and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Esteban-Sánchez
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan José García-Rodríguez
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juncal García-García
- Veterinary Department, ZooAquarium de Madrid, Casa de Campo s/n, 28011 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Martínez-Nevado
- Veterinary Department, ZooAquarium de Madrid, Casa de Campo s/n, 28011 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Francisco Ponce-Gordo
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Costa H, Hartasánchez R, Santos AR, Camarão A, Cruz L, Nascimento M, Gomes L, Madeira de Carvalho LM. Preliminary findings on the gastrointestinal parasites of the brown bear (Ursus arctos) in the Cantabrian mountains, Spain. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 28:100681. [PMID: 35115125 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
No study is currently available on the parasitofauna of the population of brown bears (Ursus arctos) inhabiting the Cantabrian Mountains in Spain. The aim of the present study was to obtain novel information on diversity and prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in these individuals. During August 2016 and from May to July 2017, 14 fecal samples were collected from the western Cantabrian bear subpopulation, in the Somiedo Natural Park, in the Spanish province of Asturias. The prevalence of parasites detected was 71% and two genera were identified: Dicrocoelium sp. and Trichuris sp. Since the impact that pathogens such as endoparasites can have on the health of bears, together with other stressors, is still poorly understood, research efforts that include disease surveillance are critical to the successful protection of this emblematic species. Our preliminary findings require further investigations, with a wider sampling effort, and bring awareness for the need of carrying further studies on this area as a part of a proactive species management plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Costa
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Roberto Hartasánchez
- Fondo para la Protección de los Animales Salvajes, Tuñón, Santo Adriano, Asturias, Spain
| | - Ana Rita Santos
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - António Camarão
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Lígia Cruz
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mariana Nascimento
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Lídia Gomes
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luís M Madeira de Carvalho
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
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Molnár L, Königová A, Major P, Vasilková Z, Tomková M, Várady M. Seasonal Pattern of Prevalence and Excretion of Eggs of Baylisascaris transfuga in the Brown Bear ( Ursus arctos). Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10122428. [PMID: 33353114 PMCID: PMC7767011 DOI: 10.3390/ani10122428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The main goal of this study was to monitor the seasonal dynamics of faecal egg counts (FEC) expressed as eggs per gram (EPG) and intensity of excretion of the egg nematode Baylisascaris transfuga in the European brown bear over three years. The number of nematode eggs in the faecal samples began to rise in the spring and peaked in the autumn throughout the study period. Presence of nematode eggs in the samples was also observed in the winter season. Of the environmental factors, the seasonal dynamics and intensity of the infection were most influenced by temperature, while humidity and mean precipitation did not affect it. Increasing mean temperatures during the winter and short or no hibernation together with the presence of B. transfuga infection may negatively affect the health of infected bears. Due to the zoonotic potential of the parasite and the increased occurrence of bears in the vicinity of human dwellings, the dissemination of propagative stages may also pose a threat to human health. Abstract The seasonal dynamics of the prevalence, abundance, and mean intensity of egg excretion by the nematode parasite Baylisascaris transfuga in the European brown bear (Ursus arctos) were monitored relative to environmental factors (mean temperature, humidity, and temperature) over three years. The prevalence, abundance, and mean intensity of egg excretion tended to increase from spring to autumn throughout the monitoring period. The seasonal prevalence (84.2–90.6%), abundance (470.2–545.3 eggs per gramme (EPG) of faeces), mean intensity of excretion (558.3–602.1 EPG), and number of eggs (1150 EPG) were highest in autumn. The prevalence of eggs (up to 48.5%), abundance (37.8–60.6 EPG), and mean intensity of excretion (94.4–125.0 EPG) were high in winter, despite the period of hibernation. The seasonal dynamics of B. transfuga abundance in bears, the mean temperature between spring and autumn, and the seasonal trend of increase in intensity of egg excretion with temperature from winter to summer were interrelated. Abundance differed significantly between winter and autumn, spring and autumn, and summer and autumn (p < 0.0001) in all years and between spring and summer in 2016 (p < 0.005), 2017 (p < 0.05). B. transfuga abundance differed significantly between the seasons over the three years only in spring (p ≤ 0.0001).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ladislav Molnár
- Clinic for Birds and Exotic Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (L.M.); (P.M.)
| | - Alžbeta Königová
- Institute of Parasitology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (Z.V.); (M.V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +421-55-6334455
| | - Peter Major
- Clinic for Birds and Exotic Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (L.M.); (P.M.)
| | - Zuzana Vasilková
- Institute of Parasitology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (Z.V.); (M.V.)
| | - Martina Tomková
- Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute, Ďumbierska 26, 041 17 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Marián Várady
- Institute of Parasitology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia; (Z.V.); (M.V.)
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First record of natural Baylisascaris transfuga (Ascaridoidea, Nematoda) infection in wild rodents. Parasitology 2019; 146:1714-1718. [PMID: 31452476 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182019001239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The intestinal parasitic nematode, Baylisascaris transfuga, was recorded in wild rodents for the first time. Representatives of four murid species (15 Myodes rufocanus, 10 M. rutilus, 3 M. glareolus and 27 Microtus oeconomus) were collected in the White Sea coastal habitats in the south of the Kola Peninsula, Russia in July 2015 and examined for parasites. Encapsulated nematode larvae were detected in the mesentery and the large intestine wall of one grey-sided vole (M. rufocanus) and one tundra vole (M. oeconomus). Based on morphology, the larvae were identified as belonging to the genus Baylisascaris Sprent 1968. The partial 18S rDNA sequence of the larvae from the voles was obtained and fully corresponded to the sequence of Baylisascaris transfuga in the NCBI GenBank. The ITS rDNA and CoxI mtDNA sequences these larvae were also similar to the respective B. transfuga sequences in GenBank. The presence of B. transfuga in wild rodents suggests that rodents can participate in the B. transfuga life cycle.
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Alexander U, Lim CW, Kim B, Hong EJ, Kim HC, Park BK. Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Toxocara tanuki (Nematoda: Ascaridae) from Korean Raccoon Dog, Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2018; 56:567-575. [PMID: 30630277 PMCID: PMC6327194 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2018.56.6.567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Present study was performed to describe the morphological and molecular characterization of Toxocara tanuki (Nematoda: Ascaridae) from Korean raccoon dog, Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis, naturally infected in the Republic of Korea (Korea). Juvenile and adult worms of T. tanuki were recovered in 5 out of 10 raccoon dogs examined and the larval worms were detected in 15 out of 20 muscle samples (75%). Small lateral alae were observed on the cranial end of the body in male and female adults and 2 long spicules (3.0–3.5 mm) were characteristically observed in the posterior end of males. In SEM observation, 18 pairs of proximal precloacal, a precloacal median, a postcloacal median and 5 pairs of postcloacal papillae were uniquely revealed in the posterior portion of males, but the proximal papillae were not shown in the lateral ends of females. Molecular analysis on the 18S rRNA partial DNA sequences was revealed the same finding in both samples, adult worms and muscle larvae, which are closely related to T. tanuki. In conclusion, it was confirmed for the first time that T. tanuki is indigenously distributed, the Korean raccoon dog is acted as the natural definitive host of this nematode in Korea and the morphological characteristics of T. tanuki were shown in specific structure for single postcloacal median papilla in male.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umanets Alexander
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, Iksan 54596, Korea
| | - Chae-Wong Lim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, Iksan 54596, Korea
| | - Bumseok Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, Iksan 54596, Korea
| | - Eui-Ju Hong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Hyeon-Cheol Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Bae-Keun Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
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Camp LE, Radke MR, Shihabi DM, Pagan C, Yang G, Nadler SA. Molecular phylogenetics and species-level systematics of Baylisascaris. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2018; 7:450-462. [PMID: 30568876 PMCID: PMC6275171 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 09/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nucleotide sequences representing nine genes and five presumptive genetic loci were used to infer phylogenetic relationships among seven Baylisascaris species, including one species with no previously available molecular data. These genes were used to test the species status of B. procyonis and B. columnaris using a coalescent approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on combined analysis of sequence data strongly supported monophyly of the genus and separated the species into two main clades. Clade 1 included B. procyonis, B. columnaris, and B. devosi, species hosted by musteloid carnivores. Clade 2 included B. transfuga and B. schroederi from ursids, B. ailuri, a species from the red panda (a musteloid), and B. tasmaniensis from a marsupial. Within clade 2, geographic isolates of B. transfuga, B. schroederi (from giant panda), and B. ailuri formed a strongly supported clade. In certain analyses (e.g., some single genes), B. tasmaniensis was sister to all other Baylisascaris species rather than sister to the species from ursids and red panda. Using one combination of priors corresponding to moderate population size and shallow genetic divergence, the multispecies coalescent analysis of B. procyonis and B. columnaris yielded moderate support (posterior probability 0.91) for these taxa as separate species. However, other prior combinations yielded weak or no support for delimiting these taxa as separate species. Similarly, tree topologies constrained to represent reciprocal monophyly of B. columnaris and B. procyonis individuals (topologies consistent with separate species) were significantly worse in some cases, but not others, depending on the dataset analyzed. An expanded analysis of SNPs and other genetic markers that were previously suggested to distinguish between individuals of B. procyonis and B. columnaris was made by characterization of additional individual nematodes. The results suggest that many of these SNPs do not represent fixed differences between nematodes derived from raccoon and skunk hosts. A phylogenetic hypothesis for Baylisascaris species was produced using nine genes. Genetic data was generated for two new species- B. devosi and B. tasmaniensis. Baylisascaris devosi and B. tasmaniensis were part of a monophyletic Baylisascaris. B. procyonis (raccoon) and B. columnaris (skunk) could not be reliably distinguished. Established SNPs may not be diagnostic for Baylisascaris from raccoons and skunks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E. Camp
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Corresponding author.
| | - Marc R. Radke
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Danny M. Shihabi
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Christopher Pagan
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Guangyou Yang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Steven A. Nadler
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Štrkolcová G, Goldová M, Šnábel V, Špakulová M, Orosová T, Halán M, Mojžišová J. A frequent roundworm Baylisascaris transfuga in overpopulated brown bears (Ursus arctos) in Slovakia: a problem worthy of attention. Acta Parasitol 2018; 63:167-174. [PMID: 29351071 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2018-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The genus Baylisascaris (order Ascaridida) includes numerous relatively host-specific nematodes, which are common in intestines of wild mammals. Some of them may have impact on veterinary and public health, as their larvae have the potential to cause visceral, ocular, and/or neural larva migrans in a wide range of mammals, birds, and humans. Baylisascaris transfuga is a parasite occurring in a range of bear species throughout the world. We present the current data on B. transfuga occurrence in brown bears from a relatively restricted territory of the Poľana Protected Landscape Area in Central Slovakia, obtained by traditional methods (faecal examination, morphology). Species affiliation was confirmed by employing molecular markers generating nuclear 28S and mitochondrial cox1 sequences in adult worms. Based on 17 examined samples (15 excrements and two intestines of young bear females), the occurrence of B. transfuga in the surveyed area was assessed as 52.9%. Both bear females were infected with adult and juvenile worms. Due to the high density of bears in the locality, the high infection rate with ascarids, and the huge number of eggs produced by the parasites, it is apparent that the respective environment, including the inhabited areas, might be markedly contaminated by Baylisascaris eggs. The ability of B. transfuga to serve as a zoonotic agent has not been unambiguously proved; however, this attribute should be considered and subjected to further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Štrkolcová
- Department of Epizootiology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Mária Goldová
- Department of Epizootiology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Viliam Šnábel
- Institute of Parasitology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Marta Špakulová
- Institute of Parasitology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Tatiana Orosová
- Department of Epizootiology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Miloš Halán
- Department of Epizootiology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Jana Mojžišová
- Department of Epizootiology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovak Republic
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A modified method for molecular identification of Baylisascaris transfuga in European brown bears (Ursus arctos). Parasitol Res 2017; 116:3447-3452. [PMID: 29080105 PMCID: PMC5691110 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5660-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Baylisascaris transfuga is a roundworm that has been reported worldwide in most bear species. In mammals and possibly humans, the larvae of B. transfuga can migrate in the tissues of aberrant hosts with larva migrans syndrome. The current study was performed to identify B. transfuga in faecal samples from free-ranging brown bears in the Tatra Mountains National Park in southern Poland. A commercial kit was used to extract genomic DNA directly from faecal samples. Additionally, a Chelex resin-based technique was successfully implemented to prepare a PCR template from eggs retrieved by flotation. Based on the flotation results of 32 collected faecal samples, the prevalence of B. transfuga was 15.6%. The parasite was confirmed in samples found to be positive during the initial flotation by a molecular assay using DNA isolated directly from faeces. The retrieved eggs were confirmed as B. transfuga after their DNA was extracted using the Chelex protocol. Based on PCR amplification and sequencing of a 413-bp segment of cytochrome c oxidase 1 (COI), the obtained sequence was 100% identical to the COI segment of B. transfuga after a BLAST comparison to the GenBank™ database. The current study includes the first molecular confirmation of B. transfuga in brown bears in the western part of the Carpathians. We show that direct extraction of parasite DNA from bear faeces is efficient for molecular assays. As an alternative, we present the effectiveness of a Chelex-based technique for fast and convenient DNA isolation from the difficult-to-disrupt eggs of B. transfuga for PCR. Molecular tests of parasite DNA extracted directly from faecal material have limits of detection related to the amount of eggs in the samples. Thus, using classical flotation to obtain eggs for PCR may increase the credibility of the results, particularly in cases with a low number of excreted eggs. The Chelex resin protocol has potential for application in studies of intestinal parasites in wildlife for which conventional flotation is routinely used for microscopy.
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Sapp SG, Gupta P, Martin MK, Murray MH, Niedringhaus KD, Pfaff MA, Yabsley MJ. Beyond the raccoon roundworm: The natural history of non-raccoon Baylisascaris species in the New World. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2017; 6:85-99. [PMID: 28529879 PMCID: PMC5429227 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A total of 10 species of Baylisascaris, a genus of ascaridoid nematodes, occur worldwide and 6 of them occur in the New World. Most of the Baylisascaris species have a similar life cycle with carnivorous mammals or marsupials serving as definitive hosts and a smaller prey host serving as paratenic (or intermediate) hosts. However, one species in rodents is unique in that it only has one host. Considerable research has been conducted on B. procyonis, the raccoon roundworm, as it is a well-known cause of severe to fatal neurologic disease in humans and many wildlife species. However, other Baylisascaris species could cause larva migrans but research on them is limited in comparison. In addition to concerns related to the potential impacts of larva migrans on potential paratenic hosts, there are many questions about the geographic ranges, definitive and paratenic host diversity, and general ecology of these non-raccoon Baylisascaris species. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the current knowledge of New World Baylisascaris species, including B. columnaris of skunks, B. transfuga and B. venezuelensis of bears, B. laevis of sciurids, B. devosi of gulonids, B. melis of badgers, and B. potosis of kinkajou. Discussed are what is known regarding the morphology, host range, geographic distribution, ecoepidemiology, infection dynamics in definitive and paratenic hosts, treatment, and control of these under-studied species. Also, we discuss the currently used molecular tools used to investigate this group of parasites. Because of morphologic similarities among larval stages of sympatric Baylisascaris species, these molecular tools should provide critical insight into these poorly-understood areas, especially paratenic and definitive host diversity and the possible risk these parasites pose to the health to the former group. This, paired with traditional experimental infections, morphological analysis, and field surveys will lead to a greater understanding of this interesting and important nematode genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah G.H. Sapp
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Pooja Gupta
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Melissa K. Martin
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Maureen H. Murray
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Kevin D. Niedringhaus
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Madeleine A. Pfaff
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Michael J. Yabsley
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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11
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Borka-Vitális L, Domokos C, Földvári G, Majoros G. Endoparasites of brown bears in Eastern Transylvania, Romania. URSUS 2017. [DOI: 10.2192/ursu-d-16-00015.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Csaba Domokos
- “Milvus Group” Bird and Nature Protection Association, Crinului 22, 540343 Tîrgu Mureş, Romania
| | - Gábor Földvári
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, 1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Majoros
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, 1078 Budapest, Hungary
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12
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Bugmyrin SV, Tirronen KF, Panchenko DV, Kopatz A, Hagen SB, Eiken HG, Kuznetsova AS. Helminths of brown bears (Ursus arctos) in the Kola Peninsula. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:1755-1760. [PMID: 28484854 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5456-4] [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: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
We present data on the species composition of helminths in brown bears (Ursus arctos) from the Murmansk Region, Russia. The absence of any information about helminths of brown bear in the region necessitated the conduct of these studies. Samples were collected in 2014 and 2015 in the southern part of the Kola Peninsula from the White Sea coastal habitats. Annually, in the study area, 1-3 bears are legally hunted and biological samples for examination are very difficult to obtain. Therefore, we used fecal samples. We studied 93 feces and identified parasite eggs identified in 43 of them by morphometric criteria. The surveys revealed eggs of the following helminths: Dicrocoelium sp., Diphyllobothrium sp., Anoplocephalidae, Capillariidae, Baylisascaris sp., Strongylida 1, and Strongylida 2. These results represent the first reconnaissance stage, which allowed characterizing the taxonomic diversity and prevalence of parasites of brown bears of the Kola Peninsula.
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Affiliation(s)
- S V Bugmyrin
- Institute of Biology of Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IB KarRC RAS), Petrozavodsk, Russia.
| | - K F Tirronen
- Institute of Biology of Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IB KarRC RAS), Petrozavodsk, Russia.
| | - D V Panchenko
- Institute of Biology of Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IB KarRC RAS), Petrozavodsk, Russia
| | - A Kopatz
- Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Svanhovd, Svanvik, Norway
| | - S B Hagen
- Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Svanhovd, Svanvik, Norway
| | - H G Eiken
- Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Svanhovd, Svanvik, Norway
| | - A S Kuznetsova
- Institute of Biology of Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IB KarRC RAS), Petrozavodsk, Russia
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13
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Molecular Diagnosis ofBaylisascaris schroederiInfections in Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) Feces Using PCR. J Wildl Dis 2013; 49:1052-5. [DOI: 10.7589/2012-07-175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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14
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Wang N, Li DS, Zhou X, Xie Y, Liang YN, Wang CD, Yu H, Chen SJ, Yan YB, Gu XB, Wang SX, Peng XR, Yang GY. A sensitive and specific PCR assay for the detection of Baylisascaris schroederi eggs in giant panda feces. Parasitol Int 2013; 62:435-6. [PMID: 23688803 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2013.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2012] [Revised: 05/03/2013] [Accepted: 05/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Baylisascaris schroederi is one of the most common intestinal nematodes in giant pandas. It can cause severe baylisascariasis which is highly infectious in its natural hosts. A rapid and reliable diagnosis of parasite infections is crucial to protect giant pandas, as well as for environmental monitoring and disease surveillance. Here, we established a specific PCR assay for B. schroederi detection which was targeting a 331-bp long fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (COII) gene. Fifty fresh fecal samples collected from captive giant pandas were tested by the established PCR assay and the traditional flotation technique. DNA extracted from a single B. schroederi egg could be successfully amplified, while no cross-reactivity was found with DNA from Ancylostoma caninum eggs. The detection rate of the PCR assay was 68%, which was higher than that of the traditional egg flotation (46%). Our findings demonstrated that the PCR assay is sensitive and specific for the detection and identification of B. schroederi eggs. Therefore, it could become a useful tool for the investigation of B. schroederi infections in giant pandas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Wang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
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15
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Abstract
The nematode genus Baylisascaris (order Ascaridida, superfamily Ascaridoidea) contains nine relatively host-specific, parasite species of carnivores, omnivores, herbivores, carnivorous marsupials or rodents. They have a facultative heteroxenous life cycle, at least under experimental conditions. Eggs passed in faeces embryonate in the environment and the second-stage larva infective for both definitive and intermediate hosts develops. In intermediate hosts larvae migrate extensively through tissues, where they grow and moult to the third-stage, causing extensive damage. All Baylisascaris spp. are considered a potential cause of visceral, ocular and/or neural larval migrans in mammals including humans and in birds. This paper summarises our current knowledge on the prevalence, biology, pathogenicity and zoonotic significance of three Baylisascaris species: B. transfuga, B. schroederi and B. procyonis which have as definitive hosts bears, giant pandas and raccoons (occasionally dogs), respectively.
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