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Thiombiano NG, Boungou M, Chabi BAM, Oueda A, Werb O, Schaer J. First investigation of blood parasites of bats in Burkina Faso detects Hepatocystis parasites and infections with diverse Trypanosoma spp. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:3121-3129. [PMID: 37847392 PMCID: PMC10667148 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08002-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Bats are hosts to a large diversity of eukaryotic protozoan blood parasites that comprise species of Trypanosoma and different haemosporidian parasite taxa and bats have played an important role in the evolutionary history of both parasite groups. However, bats in several geographical areas have not been investigated, including in Burkina Faso, where no information about malaria parasites and trypanosomes of bats exists to date.In this study, we collected data on the prevalence and the phylogenetic relationships of protozoan blood parasites in nine different bat species in Burkina Faso. Hepatocystis parasites were detected in two species of epauletted fruit bats, and a relatively high diversity of trypanosome parasites was identified in five bat species. The phylogenetic analyses recovered the trypanosome parasites of the bat species Rhinolophus alcyone and Nycteris hispida as close relatives of T. livingstonei, the trypanosome infections in Scotophilus leucogaster as closely related to the species T. vespertilionis and the trypanosomes from Pipistrellus nanulus and Epomophorus gambianus might present the species T. dionisii. These findings of the first investigation in Burkina Faso present a first snapshot of the diversity of protozoan blood parasites in bats in this country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noel Gabiliga Thiombiano
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Ecologie Animales (LBEA), Unite de Formation Et de Recherche/Science de La Vie et de La Terre (UFR/SVT), University Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Magloire Boungou
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Ecologie Animales (LBEA), Unite de Formation Et de Recherche/Science de La Vie et de La Terre (UFR/SVT), University Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Bertrand Adéchègoun Mèschac Chabi
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Ecologie Animales (LBEA), Unite de Formation Et de Recherche/Science de La Vie et de La Terre (UFR/SVT), University Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Adama Oueda
- Laboratoire de Biologie et Ecologie Animales (LBEA), Unite de Formation Et de Recherche/Science de La Vie et de La Terre (UFR/SVT), University Joseph KI-ZERBO, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- Universite de Ouahigouya, Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso
| | - Oskar Werb
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Juliane Schaer
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany.
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Dhivahar J, Parthasarathy A, Krishnan K, Kovi BS, Pandian GN. Bat-associated microbes: Opportunities and perils, an overview. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22351. [PMID: 38125540 PMCID: PMC10730444 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential biotechnological uses of bat-associated bacteria are discussed briefly, indicating avenues for biotechnological applications of bat-associated microbes. The uniqueness of bats in terms of their lifestyle, genomes and molecular immunology may predispose bats to act as disease reservoirs. Molecular phylogenetic analysis has shown several instances of bats harbouring the ancestral lineages of bacterial (Bartonella), protozoal (Plasmodium, Trypanosoma cruzi) and viral (SARS-CoV2) pathogens infecting humans. Along with the transmission of viruses from bats, we also discuss the potential roles of bat-associated bacteria, fungi, and protozoan parasites in emerging diseases. Current evidence suggests that environmental changes and interactions between wildlife, livestock, and humans contribute to the spill-over of infectious agents from bats to other hosts. Domestic animals including livestock may act as intermediate amplifying hosts for bat-origin pathogens to transmit to humans. An increasing number of studies investigating bat pathogen diversity and infection dynamics have been published. However, whether or how these infectious agents are transmitted both within bat populations and to other hosts, including humans, often remains unknown. Metagenomic approaches are uncovering the dynamics and distribution of potential pathogens in bat microbiomes, which might improve the understanding of disease emergence and transmission. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on bat zoonoses of public health concern and flag the gaps in the knowledge to enable further research and allocation of resources for tackling future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Dhivahar
- Research Department of Zoology, St. Johns College, Palayamkottai, 627002, India
- Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Laboratory of Microbial Ecology, Loyola College, Chennai, 600034, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Laboratory of Virology, University of Madras, Chennai, 600025, India
| | - Anutthaman Parthasarathy
- Department of Chemistry and Biosciences, Richmond Building, University of Bradford, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD7 1DP, United Kingdom
| | - Kathiravan Krishnan
- Department of Biotechnology, Laboratory of Virology, University of Madras, Chennai, 600025, India
| | - Basavaraj S. Kovi
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Yoshida Ushinomiyacho, 69, Sakyo Ward, 606-8501, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ganesh N. Pandian
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Yoshida Ushinomiyacho, 69, Sakyo Ward, 606-8501, Kyoto, Japan
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Szentiványi T, Heintz AC, Markotter W, Wassef J, Christe P, Glaizot O. Vector-borne protozoan and bacterial pathogen occurrence and diversity in ectoparasites of the Egyptian Rousette bat. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 37:189-194. [PMID: 36625469 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Bats are known reservoir hosts for a wide variety of parasites and pathogens, including bacteria and protozoans. Some of these pathogens are vector-borne, and although their role is poorly studied, ectoparasites may contribute significantly to their transmission. The aim of this study was to molecularly detect the presence of vector-borne microorganisms in bat-associated ectoparasites to explore their diversity and distribution in these insects. We tested the presence of Bartonella spp., Polychromophilus spp., and Trypanosoma spp. in bat flies and bat fleas collected from 56 Egyptian Rousette bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus), using conventional PCR. We found a high prevalence of 43.9% (47/107) of Bartonella spp. in bat flies, but a low prevalence of 6.6% (4/61) in bat fleas. Polychromophilus and Trypanosoma DNA were absent in both bat flies and bat fleas. Furthermore, we found novel gltA Bartonella sequences, as well as genotypes that are highly similar to recently described and potentially zoonotic ones. Our results show high diversity of Bartonella in bat flies, however, their role in pathogen transmission is still unknown and should be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Szentiványi
- Museum of Zoology, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Centre for Ecological Research, Institute of Ecology and Botany, Vácrátót, Hungary
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Caroline Heintz
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Wanda Markotter
- Department of Medical Virology, Centre for Viral Zoonoses, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Jérôme Wassef
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Christe
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Glaizot
- Museum of Zoology, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Old Methods, New Insights: Reviewing Concepts on the Ecology of Trypanosomatids and Bodo sp. by Improving Conventional Diagnostic Tools. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12010071. [PMID: 36678419 PMCID: PMC9864408 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mixed infections by different Trypanosoma species or genotypes are a common and puzzling phenomenon. Therefore, it is critical to refine the diagnostic techniques and to understand to what extent these methods detect trypanosomes. We aimed to develop an accessible strategy to enhance the sensitivity of the hemoculture, as well as to understand the limitations of the hemoculture and the blood clot as a source of parasitic DNA. We investigated trypanosomatid infections in 472 bats by molecular characterization (18S rDNA gene) of the DNA obtained from the blood clot and, innovatively, from three hemoculture sample types: the amplified flagellates ("isolate"), the pellet of the culture harvested in its very initial growth stage ("first aliquot"), and the pellet of non-grown cultures with failure of amplification ("sediment"). We compared (a) the characterization of the flagellates obtained by first aliquots and isolates; and (b) the performance of the hemoculture and blood clot for trypanosomatid detection. We observed: (i) a putative new species of Bodo in Artibeus lituratus; (ii) the potential of Trypanosoma cruzi selection in the hemoculture; (iii) that the first aliquots and sediments overcome the selective pressure of the hemoculture; and (iv) that the blood clot technique performs better than the hemoculture. However, combining these methods enhances the detection of single and mixed infections.
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Molecular detection of Trypanosoma spp. and Hepatocystis parasite infections of bats in Northern Nigeria. Parasitology 2022; 149:1460-1467. [PMID: 35822266 PMCID: PMC10090768 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182022000890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Bats are mammalian hosts to a large diversity of eukaryotic protozoan blood parasites, including different genera of haemosporidians and diverse species of trypanosomes. Phylogenetic studies suggest that bats, particularly in Africa, have played an important role in the evolutionary histories of these parasite groups. However, our understanding of the diversity and distribution of chiropteran haemosporidians and trypanosomes in Africa remains tenuous. We investigated the prevalence and phylogenetic relationships of the blood parasites in different bat species in Northern Nigeria using molecular methods. A low prevalence of Hepatocystis parasites was detected in a potentially rare host species, the African straw-coloured fruit bat (Eidolon helvum) confirming yet another fruit bat species in the diverse range of African bat hosts. Trypanosome infections were identified in 3 different bat species. The trypanosomes of Mops cf. pumilus were recovered as a distinct lineage that is related to Trypanosoma erneyi, a species which is closely related to Trypanosoma dionisii and Trypanosoma cruzi. Nycteris cf. macrotis bats were infected with trypanosomes that are related to the distinct lineage of Trypanosoma cf. livingstonei parasites. Further, 2 different lineages of trypanosomes in E. helvum bats share highest nucleotide identities with Trypanosoma livingstonei and a group of Trypanosoma sp. parasites that are closely related to T. cf. livingstonei and T. livingstonei, respectively. The findings of this study confirm the notion that trypanosomes of African bats are phylogenetically diverse and that African bats might harbour a variety of yet undescribed trypanosome species.
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Ramanantsalama RV, Goodman SM, Dietrich M, Lebarbenchon C. Interaction between Old World fruit bats and humans: From large scale ecosystem services to zoonotic diseases. Acta Trop 2022; 231:106462. [PMID: 35421381 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106462] [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: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The Old World tropical and subtropical frugivorous bat genus Rousettus (Pteropodidae) contains species with broad distributions, as well as those occurring in restricted geographical areas, particularly islands. Herein we review the role of Rousettus as a keystone species from a global "One Health" approach and related to ecosystem functioning, zoonotic disease and public health. Rousettus are efficient at dispersing seeds and pollinating flowers; their role in forest regeneration is related to their ability to fly considerable distances during nightly foraging bouts and their relatively small body size, which allows them to access fruits in forested areas with closed vegetation. Rousettus are also reservoirs for various groups of pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa), which, by definition, are infectious agents causing disease. The study of day roosts of different species of Rousettus and the successful establishment of captive breeding colonies have provided important details related to the infection dynamics of their associated pathogens. Large-scale conversion of forested areas into agricultural landscapes has increased contact between humans and Rousettus, therefore augmenting the chances of infectious agent spillover. Many crucial scientific details are still lacking related to members of this genus, which have direct bearing on the prevention of emerging disease outbreaks, as well as the conservation of these bats. The public should be better informed on the capacity of fruit bats as keystone species for large scale forest regeneration and in spreading pathogens. Precise details on the transmission of zoonotic diseases of public health importance associated with Rousettus should be given high priority.
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Riana E, Arnuphapprasert A, Narapakdeesakul D, Ngamprasertwong T, Wangthongchaicharoen M, Soisook P, Bhodhibundit P, Kaewthamasorn M. Molecular detection of Trypanosoma (Trypanosomatidae) in bats from Thailand, with their phylogenetic relationships. Parasitology 2022; 149:654-666. [PMID: 35115070 PMCID: PMC11010503 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182022000117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The vast majority of trypanosome species is vector-borne parasites, with some of them being medically and veterinary important (such as Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma brucei) and capable of causing serious illness in vertebrate hosts. The discovery of trypanosomes in bats emphasizes the importance of bats as an important reservoir. Interestingly, there is a hypothesis that bats are ancestral hosts of T. cruzi. Trypanosome diversity has never been investigated in bats in Thailand, despite being in a biodiversity hot spot. To gain a better understanding of the diversity and evolutionary relationship of trypanosomes, polymerase chain reaction-based surveys were carried out from 2018 to 2020 in 17 sites. A total of 576 bats were captured, representing 23 species. A total of 38 (6.6%) positive samples was detected in ten bat species. Trypanosoma dionisii and Trypanosoma noyesi were identified from Myotis siligorensis and Megaderma spasma, respectively. The remaining 18S rRNA sequences of trypanosomes were related to other trypanosomes previously reported elsewhere. The sequences in the current study showed nucleotide identity as low as 90.74% compared to those of trypanosomes in the GenBank database, indicating the possibility of new species. All bat trypanosomes identified in the current study fall within the T. cruzi clade. The current study adds to evidence linking T. noyesi to a bat trypanosome and further supports the bat host origin of the T. cruzi clade. To the best of authors' knowledge, this is the first study on bat trypanosomes in Thailand and their phylogenetic relationships with global isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Riana
- Veterinary Parasitology Research Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- The International Graduate Program of Veterinary Science and Technology (VST), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Apinya Arnuphapprasert
- Veterinary Parasitology Research Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Veterinary Pathobiology Graduate Program, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Duriyang Narapakdeesakul
- Veterinary Parasitology Research Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Veterinary Pathobiology Graduate Program, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Pipat Soisook
- Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Natural History Museum, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
- Harrison Institute, Bowerwood House, No. 15, St Botolph's Road, Sevenoaks, KentTN13 3AQ, UK
| | - Phanaschakorn Bhodhibundit
- Sai Yok National Park, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Kanchanaburi, Thailand
| | - Morakot Kaewthamasorn
- Veterinary Parasitology Research Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Dario MA, Lisboa CV, Xavier SCDC, D’Andrea PS, Roque ALR, Jansen AM. Trypanosoma Species in Small Nonflying Mammals in an Area With a Single Previous Chagas Disease Case. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:812708. [PMID: 35223545 PMCID: PMC8873152 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.812708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosomatids are hemoflagellate parasites that even though they have been increasingly studied, many aspects of their biology and taxonomy remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the Trypanosoma sp. transmission cycle in nonflying small mammals in an area where a case of acute Chagas disease occurred in Mangaratiba municipality, Rio de Janeiro state. Three expeditions were conducted in the area: the first in 2012, soon after the human case, and two others in 2015. Sylvatic mammals were captured and submitted to blood collection for trypanosomatid parasitological and serological exams. Dogs from the surrounding areas where the sylvatic mammals were captured were also tested for T. cruzi infection. DNA samples were extracted from blood clots and positive hemocultures, submitted to polymerase chain reaction targeting SSU rDNA and gGAPDH genes, sequenced and phylogenetic analysed. Twenty-one wild mammals were captured in 2012, mainly rodents, and 17 mammals, mainly marsupials, were captured in the two expeditions conducted in 2015. Only four rodents demonstrated borderline serological T. cruzi test (IFAT), two in 2012 and two in 2015. Trypanosoma janseni was the main Trypanosoma species identified, and isolates were obtained solely from Didelphis aurita. In addition to biological differences, molecular differences are suggestive of genetic diversity in this flagellate species. Trypanosoma sp. DID was identified in blood clots from D. aurita in single and mixed infections with T. janseni. Concerning dogs, 12 presented mostly borderline serological titers for T. cruzi and no positive hemoculture. In blood clots from 11 dogs, T. cruzi DNA was detected and characterized as TcI (n = 9) or TcII (n = 2). Infections by Trypanosoma rangeli lineage E (n = 2) and, for the first time, Trypanosoma caninum, Trypanosoma dionisii, and Crithidia mellificae (n = 1 each) were also detected in dogs. We concluded that despite the low mammalian species richness and degraded environment, a high Trypanosoma species richness species was being transmitted with the predominance of T. janseni and not T. cruzi, as would be expected in a locality of an acute case of Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Augusta Dario
- Laboratory of Trypanosomatid Biology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Maria Augusta Dario,
| | - Cristiane Varella Lisboa
- Laboratory of Trypanosomatid Biology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Paulo Sérgio D’Andrea
- Laboratory of Biology and Parasitology of Wild Reservoir Mammals, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André Luiz Rodrigues Roque
- Laboratory of Trypanosomatid Biology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Jansen
- Laboratory of Trypanosomatid Biology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Sato H, Mafie E. "Visiting old, learn new": taxonomical overview of chiropteran trypanosomes from the morphology to the genes. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:805-822. [PMID: 35106654 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07423-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Bats (the order Chiroptera) account for more than 20% of all mammalian species in the world; remarkably, they are the only mammals capable of true and sustained flight using their wing-like forelimbs. Since the beginning of the twentieth century, various morphotypes (or genotypes in the last decade) of haemoflagellates in the genus Trypanosoma (Euglenozoa: Kinetoplastea: Trypanosomatidae) have been reported worldwide in the blood of bats. Of note, the latent nature of chiropteran trypanosome infection with low levels of parasitaemia, together with the apparent morphological variation of the bloodstream forms related to phenotypical plasticity and the morphological resemblance of different parasite species, has hampered the taxonomic classification of bat trypanosomes based on morphological criteria. This said, 50 years ago, Hoare (1972) provisionally divided bat trypanosomes into two major morphotypes: the megadermae group (corresponding to the subgenus Megatrypanum in the traditional taxonomic system; 8 species) and the vespertilionis group (similar to the subgenus Schizotrypanum; 5 species). Importantly, the biological and biochemical analyses of bat trypanosomes isolated by haemoculture, together with the molecular genetic characterisation using various gene markers, allowed the establishment of clear phylogenetic and taxonomic relationships of various isolates from different continents in the last two decades. Here, we review the historical taxonomic approaches used to define chiropteran trypanosomes, as well as the ones currently employed to shed light on the diversity and evolutional tracks of the globally distributed chiropteran trypanosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Sato
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi, 753-8515, Japan.
- Division of Pathogenic Microorganisms, Research Center for Thermotolerant Microbial Resources, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi, 753-8515, Japan.
| | - Eliakunda Mafie
- Department of Microbiology, Parasitology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
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Alves FM, Rangel DA, Vilar EM, Pavan MG, Moratelli R, Roque ALR, Jansen AM. Trypanosoma spp. Neobats: Insights about those poorly known trypanosomatids. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2021; 16:145-152. [PMID: 34567969 PMCID: PMC8449017 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Bats are infected with several trypanosomatid species; however, assessing the diversity of this interaction remains challenging since there are species apparently unable to grow in conventional culture media. Accordingly, the ecology and biology of the Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs) Trypanosoma spp. Neobats are unknown. Therefore, we performed the molecular characterization targeting the 18S small subunit rDNA from the blood clot of 280 bats of three Brazilian regions (Paraíba, Rio de Janeiro and Acre states), bypassing the selective pressure of hemoculture. From 68 (24%) positive blood clot samples, we obtained 49 satisfactory sequences. Of these successfully sequenced results, T. spp. Neobats (1, 3 and 4) represented 67%, with the most abundant T. sp. Neobat 4 (53%). Our results show: (1) high abundance and wide geographic range of T. sp. Neobat 4, restricted to Carollia bats; (2) high infection rate of T. sp. Neobat 4 in Carollia perspicillata populations (mean 26%); (3) infection with the monoxenous Crithidia mellificae; and (4) a new MOTU (T. sp. Neobat 5) in Artibeus cinereus, positioning in the Trypanosoma wauwau clade. These data corroborate the importance of bats as hosts of many Trypanosoma species and C. mellificae. They also show that the diversity of the T. wauwau clade is underestimated and warn about the high magnitude of trypanosomes we overpass with the hemoculture. Our findings combined with previous data show that T. spp. Neobats include host-specific and host-generalist species, probably playing different ecological roles: T. sp. Neobat 1 shows broad host range; T. spp. Neobat 3 and 4 are restricted to Artibeus and Carollia, respectively. Finally, T. Neobat 4 seems to be a well-succeeded parasite, especially within C. perspicillata metapopulations across a wide geographical distribution. This work is a step forward to understand the biology and life history of T. spp. Neobats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Moreira Alves
- Laboratory of Trypanosomatid Biology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Post-Graduate Program in Parasite Biology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Diana Azeredo Rangel
- Laboratory of Trypanosomatid Biology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Post-Graduate Program in Parasite Biology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Emmanuel Messias Vilar
- Laboratory of Mammals, Department of Systematics and Ecology, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Márcio Galvão Pavan
- Laboratory of Hematozoan-Transmitting Mosquitoes, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Moratelli
- Fiocruz Mata Atlântica, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André Luiz Rodrigues Roque
- Laboratory of Trypanosomatid Biology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Jansen
- Laboratory of Trypanosomatid Biology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Austen JM, Barbosa AD. Diversity and Epidemiology of Bat Trypanosomes: A One Health Perspective. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091148. [PMID: 34578180 PMCID: PMC8465530 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bats (order Chiroptera) have been increasingly recognised as important reservoir hosts for human and animal pathogens worldwide. In this context, molecular and microscopy-based investigations to date have revealed remarkably high diversity of Trypanosoma spp. harboured by bats, including species of recognised medical and veterinary importance such as Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma evansi (aetiological agents of Chagas disease and Surra, respectively). This review synthesises current knowledge on the diversity, taxonomy, evolution and epidemiology of bat trypanosomes based on both molecular studies and morphological records. In addition, we use a One Health approach to discuss the significance of bats as reservoirs (and putative vectors) of T. cruzi, with a focus on the complex associations between intra-specific genetic diversity and eco-epidemiology of T. cruzi in sylvatic and domestic ecosystems. This article also highlights current knowledge gaps on the biological implications of trypanosome co-infections in a single host, as well as the prevalence, vectors, life-cycle, host-range and clinical impact of most bat trypanosomes recorded to date. Continuous research efforts involving molecular surveillance of bat trypanosomes are required for improved disease prevention and control, mitigation of biosecurity risks and potential spill-over events, ultimately ensuring the health of humans, domestic animals and wildlife globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill M. Austen
- Centre for Biosecurity and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
- Correspondence: (J.M.A.); (A.D.B.)
| | - Amanda D. Barbosa
- Centre for Biosecurity and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
- CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasilia 70040-020, DF, Brazil
- Correspondence: (J.M.A.); (A.D.B.)
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12
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Historical Spatial Distribution of Zoonotic Diseases in Domestic, Synanthropic, and Wild Animals in the Mexican Territory of the Yucatan Peninsula. J Trop Med 2021; 2021:8699455. [PMID: 34413891 PMCID: PMC8369176 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8699455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Mexican territory of the Yucatan Peninsula has a tropical climate and harbors a wide variety of domestic, synanthropic, and wild animals, as well as disease vectors. To determine the distribution of recorded zoonotic diseases in the Yucatan Peninsula, scientific publications referring to these diseases in animals and containing geographic coordinates of disease occurrence, were studied. The epidemiological bulletins of the national government were also consulted to obtain information on zoonotic diseases reported in humans in the territory. The territory harbors a wide variety of tropical zoonotic pathogens, including Trypanosoma cruzi, Leptospira interrogans, Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania mexicana, Dirofilaria immitis, and Rickettsia felis. A variety of domestic, synanthropic, and wild animals act as hosts or reservoirs in the transmission cycle of the zoonotic diseases in the Yucatan Peninsula, and some spillover into human populations has also been recorded. There are still zoonotic diseases that have rarely or never been reported in humans, but it is not clear whether this is because these diseases in humans are not common, there is a lack of viable transmission cycle or there is a lack of appropriate diagnosis. It is necessary to continue monitoring vectors, animal hosts, and humans to identify risk factors for zoonotic diseases in the Yucatan Peninsula.
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13
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Borges AR, Engstler M, Wolf M. 18S rRNA gene sequence-structure phylogeny of the Trypanosomatida (Kinetoplastea, Euglenozoa) with special reference to Trypanosoma. Eur J Protistol 2021; 81:125824. [PMID: 34352687 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2021.125824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Parasites of the order Trypanosomatida are known due to their medical relevance. Despite the progress made in the past decades on understanding the evolution of this group of organisms, there are still many open questions that require robust phylogenetic markers to increase the resolution of trees. Using two known 18S rRNA gene template structures (from Trypanosoma cruzi Chagas, 1909 and Trypanosoma brucei Plimmer and Bradford, 1899), individual 18S rRNA gene secondary structures were predicted by homology modeling. Sequences and their secondary structures, automatically encoded by a 12-letter alphabet (each nucleotide with its three structural states, paired left, paired right, unpaired), were simultaneously aligned. Sequence-structure trees were generated by neighbor joining and/or maximum likelihood. The reconstructed trees allowed us to discuss not only the big picture of trypanosomatid phylogeny but also a comprehensive sampling of trypanosomes evaluated in the context of trypanosomatid diversity. The robust support (bootstrap > 75) for well-known clades and critical branches suggests that the simultaneous use of 18S rRNA sequence and secondary structure data can reconstruct robust phylogenetic trees and can be used by the trypanosomatid research community for future analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa R Borges
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Markus Engstler
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Wolf
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany.
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14
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Kasozi KI, Zirintunda G, Ssempijja F, Buyinza B, Alzahrani KJ, Matama K, Nakimbugwe HN, Alkazmi L, Onanyang D, Bogere P, Ochieng JJ, Islam S, Matovu W, Nalumenya DP, Batiha GES, Osuwat LO, Abdelhamid M, Shen T, Omadang L, Welburn SC. Epidemiology of Trypanosomiasis in Wildlife-Implications for Humans at the Wildlife Interface in Africa. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:621699. [PMID: 34222391 PMCID: PMC8248802 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.621699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
While both human and animal trypanosomiasis continue to present as major human and animal public health constraints globally, detailed analyses of trypanosome wildlife reservoir hosts remain sparse. African animal trypanosomiasis (AAT) affects both livestock and wildlife carrying a significant risk of spillover and cross-transmission of species and strains between populations. Increased human activity together with pressure on land resources is increasing wildlife–livestock–human infections. Increasing proximity between human settlements and grazing lands to wildlife reserves and game parks only serves to exacerbate zoonotic risk. Communities living and maintaining livestock on the fringes of wildlife-rich ecosystems require to have in place methods of vector control for prevention of AAT transmission and for the treatment of their livestock. Major Trypanosoma spp. include Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, and Trypanosoma cruzi, pathogenic for humans, and Trypanosoma vivax, Trypanosoma congolense, Trypanosoma evansi, Trypanosoma brucei brucei, Trypanosoma dionisii, Trypanosoma thomasbancrofti, Trypanosma elephantis, Trypanosoma vegrandis, Trypanosoma copemani, Trypanosoma irwini, Trypanosoma copemani, Trypanosoma gilletti, Trypanosoma theileri, Trypanosoma godfreyi, Trypansoma simiae, and Trypanosoma (Megatrypanum) pestanai. Wildlife hosts for the trypansomatidae include subfamilies of Bovinae, Suidae, Pantherinae, Equidae, Alcephinae, Cercopithecinae, Crocodilinae, Pteropodidae, Peramelidae, Sigmodontidae, and Meliphagidae. Wildlife species are generally considered tolerant to trypanosome infection following centuries of coexistence of vectors and wildlife hosts. Tolerance is influenced by age, sex, species, and physiological condition and parasite challenge. Cyclic transmission through Glossina species occurs for T. congolense, T. simiae, T. vivax, T. brucei, and T. b. rhodesiense, T. b. gambiense, and within Reduviid bugs for T. cruzi. T. evansi is mechanically transmitted, and T. vixax is also commonly transmitted by biting flies including tsetse. Wildlife animal species serve as long-term reservoirs of infection, but the delicate acquired balance between trypanotolerance and trypanosome challenge can be disrupted by an increase in challenge and/or the introduction of new more virulent species into the ecosystem. There is a need to protect wildlife, animal, and human populations from the infectious consequences of encroachment to preserve and protect these populations. In this review, we explore the ecology and epidemiology of Trypanosoma spp. in wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keneth Iceland Kasozi
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.,School of Medicine, Kabale University, Kabale, Uganda
| | - Gerald Zirintunda
- Department of Animal Production and Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Busitema University Arapai Campus, Soroti, Uganda
| | - Fred Ssempijja
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Bridget Buyinza
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Khalid J Alzahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratories Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kevin Matama
- School of Pharmacy, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Helen N Nakimbugwe
- Department of Animal Production and Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Busitema University Arapai Campus, Soroti, Uganda.,Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Vocational Studies, Kyambogo University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Luay Alkazmi
- Biology Department, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - David Onanyang
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Paul Bogere
- Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Science, Muni University, Arua, Uganda
| | - Juma John Ochieng
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Saher Islam
- Department of Biotechnology, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Wycliff Matovu
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David Paul Nalumenya
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| | | | - Mahmoud Abdelhamid
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt
| | - Tianren Shen
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.,Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
| | - Leonard Omadang
- Department of Animal Production and Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Busitema University Arapai Campus, Soroti, Uganda
| | - Susan Christina Welburn
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.,Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
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15
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Pretorius C, Smit NJ, Schaeffner BC, Cook CA. The neglected diversity: Description and molecular characterisation of Trypanosoma haploblephari Yeld and Smit, 2006 from endemic catsharks (Scyliorhinidae) in South Africa, the first trypanosome sequence data from sharks globally. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2021; 15:143-152. [PMID: 34026484 PMCID: PMC8121996 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
With over 200 species of sharks reported from South African waters, the potential of discovering new blood parasites is very high. Unfortunately, this remains a poorly explored area of research, particularly in this biogeographical region. To date, only a single trypanosome species, Trypanosoma haploblephari Yeld and Smit, 2006, has been described from elasmobranchs off the coast of South Africa infecting the catsharks Haploblepharus pictus (Müller & Henle) and Haploblepharus edwardsii (Schinz). With only a single trypanosome species described and absence of molecular information, a study was conducted to provide further morphological and molecular information on T. haploblephari, a species considered not to demonstrate any pleomorphism. Thin blood smears were prepared, and blood was collected in molecular-grade ethanol from the caudal vein of two shark species, H. pictus and Poroderma pantherinum (Müller & Henle). Trypanosomes were morphologically described and molecularly characterised based on analysis of fragments of the 18S ribosomal gene. The presence of T. haploblephari in H. pictus was confirmed using the original description based on morphology, type host and locality, which allowed for the molecular characterisation of the species. In addition, this species was found parasitising P. pantherinum, its morphology considerably different in this host species as compared to that in the species of Haploblepharus, demonstrating that T. haploblephari may show extreme pleomorphism. This paper provides both morphological and molecular data for both morphotypes of T. haploblephari, with molecular comparisons to the only two other elasmobranch species of trypanosome for which sequence data is available. To elucidate the relationship of trypanosomes from aquatic hosts in general, more efforts need to be placed on elasmobranchs, as current phylogenetic studies are predominantly focused on trypanosomes infecting freshwater fishes. First molecular characterization of trypanosomes in endemic sharks in South Africa. Illustration of extreme morphological plasticity in trypanosomes. Phylogenetic analysis of marine and freshwater fish trypanosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantelle Pretorius
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, Potchefstroom Campus, North-West University, 11 Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Nico J Smit
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, Potchefstroom Campus, North-West University, 11 Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Bjoern C Schaeffner
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, Potchefstroom Campus, North-West University, 11 Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.,South African Shark Conservancy, Old Harbour, 22 Marine Drive, Hermanus, 7200, South Africa
| | - Courtney A Cook
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, Potchefstroom Campus, North-West University, 11 Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
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16
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McKee CD, Bai Y, Webb CT, Kosoy MY. Bats are key hosts in the radiation of mammal-associated Bartonella bacteria. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021; 89:104719. [PMID: 33444855 PMCID: PMC10915969 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Bats are notorious reservoirs of several zoonotic diseases and may be uniquely tolerant of infection among mammals. Broad sampling has revealed the importance of bats in the diversification and spread of viruses and eukaryotes to other animal hosts. Vector-borne bacteria of the genus Bartonella are prevalent and diverse in mammals globally and recent surveys have revealed numerous Bartonella lineages in bats. We assembled a sequence database of Bartonella strains, consisting of nine genetic loci from 209 previously characterized Bartonella lineages and 121 new cultured isolates from bats, and used these data to perform a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the Bartonella genus. This analysis included estimation of divergence dates using a molecular clock and ancestral reconstruction of host associations and geography. We estimate that Bartonella began infecting mammals 62 million years ago near the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary. Additionally, the radiation of particular Bartonella clades correlate strongly to the timing of diversification and biogeography of mammalian hosts. Bats were inferred to be the ancestral hosts of all mammal-associated Bartonella and appear to be responsible for the early geographic expansion of the genus. We conclude that bats have had a deep influence on the evolutionary radiation of Bartonella bacteria and their spread to other mammalian orders. These results support a 'bat seeding' hypothesis that could explain similar evolutionary patterns in other mammalian parasite taxa. Application of such phylogenetic tools as we have used to other taxa may reveal the general importance of bats in the ancient diversification of mammalian parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clifton D McKee
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, 1021 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; Department of Biology, Colorado State University, 1878 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Ying Bai
- Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Colleen T Webb
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, 1021 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; Department of Biology, Colorado State University, 1878 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Michael Y Kosoy
- KB One Health, LLC, 3244 Reedgrass Court, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
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17
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Kostygov AY, Karnkowska A, Votýpka J, Tashyreva D, Maciszewski K, Yurchenko V, Lukeš J. Euglenozoa: taxonomy, diversity and ecology, symbioses and viruses. Open Biol 2021; 11:200407. [PMID: 33715388 PMCID: PMC8061765 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Euglenozoa is a species-rich group of protists, which have extremely diverse lifestyles and a range of features that distinguish them from other eukaryotes. They are composed of free-living and parasitic kinetoplastids, mostly free-living diplonemids, heterotrophic and photosynthetic euglenids, as well as deep-sea symbiontids. Although they form a well-supported monophyletic group, these morphologically rather distinct groups are almost never treated together in a comparative manner, as attempted here. We present an updated taxonomy, complemented by photos of representative species, with notes on diversity, distribution and biology of euglenozoans. For kinetoplastids, we propose a significantly modified taxonomy that reflects the latest findings. Finally, we summarize what is known about viruses infecting euglenozoans, as well as their relationships with ecto- and endosymbiotic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Y Kostygov
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic.,Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, St Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna Karnkowska
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jan Votýpka
- Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Daria Tashyreva
- Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic
| | - Kacper Maciszewski
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Vyacheslav Yurchenko
- Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic.,Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Julius Lukeš
- Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic.,Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic
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18
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Goodrich I, McKee C, Kosoy M. Trypanosoma (Herpetosoma) diversity in rodents and lagomorphs of New Mexico with a focus on epizootological aspects of infection in Southern Plains woodrats (Neotoma micropus). PLoS One 2020; 15:e0244803. [PMID: 33382847 PMCID: PMC7775056 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Protozoan parasites of the genus Trypanosoma infect a broad diversity of vertebrates and several species cause significant illness in humans. However, understanding of the phylogenetic diversity, host associations, and infection dynamics of Trypanosoma species in naturally infected animals is incomplete. This study investigated the presence of Trypanosoma spp. in wild rodents and lagomorphs in northern New Mexico, United States, as well as phylogenetic relationships among these parasites. A total of 458 samples from 13 rodent and one lagomorph species collected between November 2002 and July 2004 were tested by nested PCR targeting the 18S ribosomal RNA gene (18S rRNA). Trypanosoma DNA was detected in 25.1% of all samples, with the highest rates of 50% in Sylvilagus audubonii, 33.1% in Neotoma micropus, and 32% in Peromyscus leucopus. Phylogenetic analysis of Trypanosoma sequences revealed five haplotypes within the subgenus Herpetosoma (T. lewisi clade). Focused analysis on the large number of samples from N. micropus showed that Trypanosoma infection varied by age class and that the same Trypanosoma haplotype could be detected in recaptured individuals over multiple months. This is the first report of Trypanosoma infections in Dipodomys ordii and Otospermophilus variegatus, and the first detection of a haplotype phylogenetically related to T. nabiasi in North America in S. audubonii. This study lends important new insight into the diversity of Trypanosoma species, their geographic ranges and host associations, and the dynamics of infection in natural populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Goodrich
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Clifton McKee
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Michael Kosoy
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
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19
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Szentiványi T, Markotter W, Dietrich M, Clément L, Ançay L, Brun L, Genzoni E, Kearney T, Seamark E, Estók P, Christe P, Glaizot O. Host conservation through their parasites: molecular surveillance of vector-borne microorganisms in bats using ectoparasitic bat flies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 27:72. [PMID: 33306024 PMCID: PMC7731914 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2020069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Most vertebrates host a wide variety of haematophagous parasites, which may play an important role in the transmission of vector-borne microorganisms to hosts. Surveillance is usually performed by collecting blood and/or tissue samples from vertebrate hosts. There are multiple methods to obtain samples, which can be stored for decades if properly kept. However, blood sampling is considered an invasive method and may possibly be harmful to the sampled individual. In this study, we investigated the use of ectoparasites as a tool to acquire molecular information about the presence and diversity of infectious microorganism in host populations. We tested the presence of three distinct vector-borne microorganisms in both bat blood and bat flies: Bartonella bacteria, malaria-like Polychromophilus sp. (Apicomplexa), and Trypanosoma sp. (Kinetoplastea). We detected the presence of these microorganisms both in bats and in their bat flies, with the exception of Trypanosoma sp. in South African bat flies. Additionally, we found Bartonella sp. in bat flies from one population in Spain, suggesting its presence in the host population even if not detected in bats. Bartonella and Polychromophilus infection showed the highest prevalence in both bat and bat fly populations. Single, co- and triple infections were also frequently present in both. We highlight the use of haematophagous ectoparasites to study the presence of infectious microorganism in host blood and its use as an alternative, less invasive sampling method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Szentiványi
- Museum of Zoology, 1014 Lausanne, Switzerland - Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Wanda Markotter
- Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, 0001 Pretoria, South Africa - AfricanBats NPC, 0157 Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Muriel Dietrich
- UMR Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical, 97490 Sainte-Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Laura Clément
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laurie Ançay
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Loïc Brun
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eléonore Genzoni
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Teresa Kearney
- AfricanBats NPC, 0157 Pretoria, South Africa - Ditsong National Museum of Natural History, 0001 Pretoria, South Africa - Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, 0083 Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Peter Estók
- Department of Zoology, Eszterházy Károly University, 3300 Eger, Hungary
| | - Philippe Christe
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Glaizot
- Museum of Zoology, 1014 Lausanne, Switzerland - Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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20
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Egan SL, Ruiz-Aravena M, Austen JM, Barton X, Comte S, Hamilton DG, Hamede RK, Ryan UM, Irwin PJ, Jones ME, Oskam CL. Blood Parasites in Endangered Wildlife-Trypanosomes Discovered During a Survey of Haemoprotozoa from the Tasmanian Devil. Pathogens 2020; 9:E873. [PMID: 33114071 PMCID: PMC7690708 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9110873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of emerging infectious diseases is increasingly recognised as a major threat to wildlife. Wild populations of the endangered Tasmanian devil, Sarcophilus harrisii, are experiencing devastating losses from a novel transmissible cancer, devil facial tumour disease (DFTD); however, despite the rapid decline of this species, there is currently no information on the presence of haemoprotozoan parasites. In the present study, 95 Tasmanian devil blood samples were collected from four populations in Tasmania, Australia, which underwent molecular screening to detect four major groups of haemoprotozoa: (i) trypanosomes, (ii) piroplasms, (iii) Hepatozoon, and (iv) haemosporidia. Sequence results revealed Trypanosoma infections in 32/95 individuals. Trypanosoma copemani was identified in 10 Tasmanian devils from three sites and a second Trypanosoma sp. was identified in 22 individuals that were grouped within the poorly described T. cyclops clade. A single blood sample was positive for Babesia sp., which most closely matched Babesia lohae. No other blood protozoan parasite DNA was detected. This study provides the first insight into haemoprotozoa from the Tasmanian devil and the first identification of Trypanosoma and Babesia in this carnivorous marsupial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhon L. Egan
- Centre for Biosecurity and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (J.M.A.); (X.B.); (P.J.I.); (C.L.O.)
| | - Manuel Ruiz-Aravena
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA;
| | - Jill M. Austen
- Centre for Biosecurity and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (J.M.A.); (X.B.); (P.J.I.); (C.L.O.)
| | - Xavier Barton
- Centre for Biosecurity and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (J.M.A.); (X.B.); (P.J.I.); (C.L.O.)
| | - Sebastien Comte
- School of Natural Sciences, College of Sciences and Engineering, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia; (S.C.); (D.G.H.); (R.K.H.); (M.E.J.)
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia
| | - David G. Hamilton
- School of Natural Sciences, College of Sciences and Engineering, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia; (S.C.); (D.G.H.); (R.K.H.); (M.E.J.)
| | - Rodrigo K. Hamede
- School of Natural Sciences, College of Sciences and Engineering, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia; (S.C.); (D.G.H.); (R.K.H.); (M.E.J.)
- CANECEV, Centre de Recherches Ecologiques et Evolutives sur le Cancer (CREEC), 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Una M. Ryan
- Health Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Peter J. Irwin
- Centre for Biosecurity and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (J.M.A.); (X.B.); (P.J.I.); (C.L.O.)
| | - Menna E. Jones
- School of Natural Sciences, College of Sciences and Engineering, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia; (S.C.); (D.G.H.); (R.K.H.); (M.E.J.)
| | - Charlotte L. Oskam
- Centre for Biosecurity and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (J.M.A.); (X.B.); (P.J.I.); (C.L.O.)
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