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Mirkov I, Tucovic D, Kulas J, Malesevic A, Kataranovski D, Kataranovski M, Popov Aleksandrov A. Physiological strategies in wild rodents: immune defenses of commensal rats. Integr Zool 2024; 19:350-370. [PMID: 37814602 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12766] [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] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
The importance of issues associated with urban/commensal rats and mice (property damage, management costs, and health risks) press upon research on these animals. While the demography of commensal rodents is mostly studied, the need for understanding factors influencing their natural morbidity/mortality is also stressed. In this respect, more attention is expected to be paid to immunity, the physiological mechanism of defense against host survival threats (pathogens, parasites, diseases). Commensal rats and mice carry numerous pathogens that evoke diverse immune responses. The state of immunity in commensal house mice is studied in great detail, owing to the use of laboratory strains in biomedical research. Because commensal rats are, compared to mice, carriers of more zoonotic agents, rats' immunity is studied mainly in that context. Some of these zoonotic agents cause chronic, asymptomatic infections, which justified studies of immunological mechanisms of pathogen tolerance versus clearance regulation in rats. Occurrence of some infections in specific tissues/organs pressed upon analysis of local/regional immune responses and/or immunopathology. A survey of immunological activity/responses in commensal rats is given in this review, with mention of existing data in commensal mice. It should throw some light on the factors relevant to their morbidity and lifespan, supplementing the knowledge of commensal rodent ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Mirkov
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dina Tucovic
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Kulas
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Anastasija Malesevic
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragan Kataranovski
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milena Kataranovski
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Popov Aleksandrov
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Eskew EA, Bird BH, Ghersi BM, Bangura J, Basinski AJ, Amara E, Bah MA, Kanu MC, Kanu OT, Lavalie EG, Lungay V, Robert W, Vandi MA, Fichet-Calvet E, Nuismer SL. Reservoir displacement by an invasive rodent reduces Lassa virus zoonotic spillover risk. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3589. [PMID: 38678025 PMCID: PMC11055883 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47991-1] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The black rat (Rattus rattus) is a globally invasive species that has been widely introduced across Africa. Within its invasive range in West Africa, R. rattus may compete with the native rodent Mastomys natalensis, the primary reservoir host of Lassa virus, a zoonotic pathogen that kills thousands annually. Here, we use rodent trapping data from Sierra Leone and Guinea to show that R. rattus presence reduces M. natalensis density within the human dwellings where Lassa virus exposure is most likely to occur. Further, we integrate infection data from M. natalensis to demonstrate that Lassa virus zoonotic spillover risk is lower at sites with R. rattus. While non-native species can have numerous negative effects on ecosystems, our results suggest that R. rattus invasion has the indirect benefit of decreasing zoonotic spillover of an endemic pathogen, with important implications for invasive species control across West Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan A Eskew
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA.
| | - Brian H Bird
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Bruno M Ghersi
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, USA
| | | | - Andrew J Basinski
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | | | - Mohamed A Bah
- Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Scott L Nuismer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA.
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Fa-ngoen C, Kaewmongkol G, Inthong N, Tanganuchitcharnchai A, Abdad MY, Siengsanan-Lamont J, Blacksell SD, Kaewmongkol S. Serological detection of Rickettsia spp. and evaluation of blood parameters in pet dogs and cats from Bangkok and neighboring provinces. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297373. [PMID: 38452006 PMCID: PMC10919667 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Rickettsiosis is caused by Orientia spp. and Rickettsia spp., arthropod-borne zoonotic intracellular bacteria. The close relationships between pet dogs, cats and owners increase the risk of rickettsial transmission, with limited studies on the seroprevalence in pets. This study investigated the prevalence of rickettsia exposure among dogs and cats in Bangkok and neighboring provinces. The samples from 367 dogs and 187 cats used in this study were leftover serum samples from routine laboratory testing stored at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. In-house Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests included IgG against the scrub typhus group (STG), typhus group (TG), and spotted fever group (SFG). The seroprevalence in pet dogs was 30.25% (111/367), including 21.53% for STG, 4.36% for TG, and 1.09% for SFG. Co-seroprevalence consisted of 2.72% for STG and TG, 0.27% for STG and SFG, and 0.27% for pangroup infection. The prevalence in cats was 62.56% (117/187), including 28.34% for STG, 4.28% for TG, and 6.42% for STG. Co-seroprevalence in cats consisted of STG and TG (4.28%), STG and SFG (5.35%), TG and SFG (3.21%), and three-group infection (10.69%). No significant difference in seroprevalence for the three serogroups was observed in any of the 64 districts sampled. The mean hematocrit level significantly decreased in seropositive dogs (P<0.05). Seropositive dogs and cats were detected in significantly greater numbers of anemia cases than nonanemia cases (P<0.05) (odds ratio: 7.93, 0.44, p = 0.00, p = 0.01). A significantly higher number of seropositive cats had decreased hemoglobin levels (P<0.05) (odds ratio: 3.63, p = 0.00). The seropositive samples significantly differed among older cats (P<0.05). These high exposures in pet dogs and cats could constitute important relationship dynamics between companion animals and rickettsial vectors. Significantly decreased hematocrit and hemoglobin levels indicated anemia in the exposed dogs and cats. The study findings will raise awareness of this neglected disease among pet owners and veterinary hospital personnel and aid in future public health preventative planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanon Fa-ngoen
- Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Gunn Kaewmongkol
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Natnaree Inthong
- Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ampai Tanganuchitcharnchai
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Mohammad Yazid Abdad
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jarunee Siengsanan-Lamont
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Stuart D. Blacksell
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Mendoza H, López-Pérez AM, Rubio AV, Barrón-Rodríguez JJ, Mazari-Hiriart M, Pontifes PA, Dirzo R, Suzán G. Association between anthropization and rodent reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens in Northwestern Mexico. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298976. [PMID: 38386681 PMCID: PMC10883555 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The world is facing a major pulse of ecological and social changes that may favor the risk of zoonotic outbreaks. Such risk facilitation may occur through the modification of the host's community diversity and structure, leading to an increase in pathogen reservoirs and the contact rate between these reservoirs and humans. Here, we examined whether anthropization alters the relative abundance and richness of zoonotic reservoir and non-reservoir rodents in three Socio-Ecological Systems. We hypothesized that anthropization increases the relative abundance and richness of rodent reservoirs while decreasing non-reservoir species. We first developed an Anthropization index based on 15 quantitative socio-ecological variables classified into five groups: 1) Vegetation type, 2) Urbanization degree, 3) Water quality, 4) Potential contaminant sources, and 5) Others. We then monitored rodent communities in three regions of Northwestern Mexico (Baja California, Chihuahua, and Sonora). A total of 683 rodents of 14 genera and 27 species were captured, nine of which have been identified as reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens (359 individuals, 53%). In all regions, we found that as anthropization increased, the relative abundance of reservoir rodents increased; in contrast, the relative abundance of non-reservoir rodents decreased. In Sonora, reservoir richness increased with increasing anthropization, while in Baja California and Chihuahua non-reservoir richness decreased as anthropization increased. We also found a significant positive relationship between the anthropization degree and the abundance of house mice (Mus musculus) and deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), the most abundant reservoir species in the study. These findings support the hypothesis that reservoir species of zoonotic pathogens increase their abundance in disturbed environments, which may increase the risk of pathogen exposure to humans, while anthropization creates an environmental filtering that promotes the local extinction of non-reservoir species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Mendoza
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades y Una Salud, Departamento de Etología, Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
- Laboratorio Nacional de Ciencias de la Sostenibilidad, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Andrés M. López-Pérez
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America
- Red de Biología y Conservación de Vertebrados, Instituto de Ecología A.C., Xalapa, México
| | - André V. Rubio
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas Animales, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Julio J. Barrón-Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades y Una Salud, Departamento de Etología, Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Marisa Mazari-Hiriart
- Laboratorio Nacional de Ciencias de la Sostenibilidad, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Paulina A. Pontifes
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades y Una Salud, Departamento de Etología, Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
- MIVEGEC Unit, IRD, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Rodolfo Dirzo
- Departments of Biology and Earth Systems Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Gerardo Suzán
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades y Una Salud, Departamento de Etología, Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
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Igbinosa IH, Akinnibosun O, Omoluwa S, Beshiru A, Aighewi IT. Traders' behavioural practices and hygienic status of vegetable and meat processing surfaces in open markets in Benin city, Nigeria. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38269547 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2024.2307355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the hygiene status, behavioral practices, and handling of cutting boards for meat and vegetable processing in selected open markets in Benin City. Utilizing a structured questionnaire and laboratory analysis for Escherichia coli and Aeromonas, the research found prevalent Escherichia coli in all samples, with varying concentrations of Aeromonas, more pronounced in vegetable processing areas. Analysis of the questionnaire revealed that 30% of traders leave cutting boards uncovered, 88% clean them before use (52% with water and detergent), and 12% dust boards before use. Furthermore, 80% of meat sellers store leftover meat in refrigerators, while 68% of vegetable sellers store leftovers in the open market. The findings underscore the importance of proper hygienic practices in handling cutting boards to mitigate food contamination risks, urging awareness among traders regarding effective cleaning and storage procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isoken H Igbinosa
- Department of Environmental Management & Toxicology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
| | - Olajide Akinnibosun
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Nigeria
| | - Segun Omoluwa
- Department of Environmental Management & Toxicology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
| | - Abeni Beshiru
- Department of Microbiology & Biotechnology, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Western Delta University, Oghara, Nigeria
| | - Isoken T Aighewi
- Department of Environmental Management & Toxicology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
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Zhang YH, Zhao L, Zhang MY, Cao RD, Hou GM, Teng HJ, Zhang JX. Fatty acid metabolism decreased while sexual selection increased in brown rats spreading south. iScience 2023; 26:107742. [PMID: 37731619 PMCID: PMC10507208 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107742] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
For mammals that originate in the cold north, adapting to warmer environments is crucial for southwards invasion. The brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) originated in Northeast China and has become a global pest. R. n. humiliatus (RNH) spread from the northeast, where R. n. caraco (RNC) lives, to North China and diverged to form a subspecies. Genomic analyses revealed that subspecies differentiation was promoted by temperature but impeded by gene flow and that genes related to fatty acid metabolism were under the strongest selection. Transcriptome analyses revealed downregulated hepatic genes related to fatty acid metabolism and upregulated those related to pheromones in RNH vs. RNC. Similar patterns were observed in relation to cold/warm acclimation. RNH preferred mates with stronger pheromone signals intra-populationally and more genetic divergence inter-populationally. We concluded that RNH experienced reduced fat utilization and increased pheromone-mediated sexual selection during its invasion from the cold north to warm south.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Hua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beichen West Road 1-5, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beichen West Road 1-5, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ming-Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beichen West Road 1-5, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Rui-Dong Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beichen West Road 1-5, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guan-Mei Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beichen West Road 1-5, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hua-Jing Teng
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Jian-Xu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents in Agriculture, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beichen West Road 1-5, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Petrosyan V, Dinets V, Osipov F, Dergunova N, Khlyap L. Range Dynamics of Striped Field Mouse ( Apodemus agrarius) in Northern Eurasia under Global Climate Change Based on Ensemble Species Distribution Models. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1034. [PMID: 37508463 PMCID: PMC10376031 DOI: 10.3390/biology12071034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius Pallas, 1771) is a widespread species in Northern Eurasia. It damages crops and carries zoonotic pathogens. Its current and future range expansion under climate change may negatively affect public health and the economy, warranting further research to understand the ecological and invasive characteristics of the species. In our study, we used seven algorithms (GLM, GAM, GBS, FDA, RF, ANN, and MaxEnt) to develop robust ensemble species distribution models (eSDMs) under current (1970-2000) and future climate conditions derived from global circulation models (GCMs) for 2021-2040, 2041-2060, 2061-2080, and 2081-2100. Simulation of climate change included high-, medium-, and low-sensitivity GCMs under four scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5). We analyzed the habitat suitability across GCMs and scenarios by constructing geographical ranges and calculating their centroids. The results showed that the range changes depended on both the sensitivity of GCMs and scenario. The main trends were range expansion to the northeast and partial loss of habitat in the steppe area. The striped field mouse may form a continuous range from Central Europe to East Asia, closing the range gap that has existed for 12 thousand years. We present 49 eSDMs for the current and future distribution of A. agrarius (for 2000-2100) with quantitative metrics (gain, loss, change) of the range dynamics under global climate change. The most important predictor variables determining eSDMs are mean annual temperature, mean diurnal range of temperatures, the highest temperature of the warmest month, annual precipitation, and precipitation in the coldest month. These findings could help limit the population of the striped field mouse and predict distribution of the species under global climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varos Petrosyan
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | - Vladimir Dinets
- Psychology Department, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Fedor Osipov
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | - Natalia Dergunova
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119071, Russia
| | - Lyudmila Khlyap
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119071, Russia
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Solórzano Álava L, Bedoya Pilozo C, Hernandez Alvarez H, Rojas Rivera L, Rodriguez Ortega M, Fraga Nodarse J, Pereira LDM, Simões RDO, Vilela RDV. In the Dawn of an Early Invasion: No Genetic Diversity of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in Ecuador? Pathogens 2023; 12:878. [PMID: 37513725 PMCID: PMC10384297 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070878] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis has been reported worldwide. However, some basic questions remain unanswered about A. cantonensis in Ecuador: (1) Was the invasion of A. cantonensis in Ecuador unique, or did it occur in different waves? (2) Was this invasion as recent as historical records suggest? (3) Did this invasion come from other regions of South America or elsewhere? To address these issues, we assessed the genetic diversity of MT-CO1 gene sequences from isolates obtained in 11 of Ecuador's 24 provinces. Our Bayesian inference phylogenetic tree recovered A. cantonensis as a well-supported monophyletic group. All 11 sequences from Ecuador were identical and identified as AC17a. The haplotype AC17a, found in Ecuador and the USA, formed a cluster with AC17b (USA), AC13 (Thailand), and AC12a-b (Cambodia). Notably, all the samples obtained in Ecuadorian provinces' different geographic and climatic regions had no genetic difference. Despite the lack of genetic information on A. cantonensis in Latin America, except in Brazil, our finding differs from previous studies by its absence of gene diversity in Ecuador. We concluded that the invasion of A. cantonensis in Ecuador may have occurred: (1) as a one-time event, (2) recently, and (3) from Asia via the USA. Further research should include samples from countries neighboring Ecuador to delve deeper into this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Solórzano Álava
- Hospital Luis Vernaza, Junta de Beneficencia de Guayaquil, Guayaquil 090101, Ecuador
| | - Cesar Bedoya Pilozo
- Hospital Luis Vernaza, Junta de Beneficencia de Guayaquil, Guayaquil 090101, Ecuador
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Raquel de Oliveira Simões
- Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica 23890-000, RJ, Brazil
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Petrosyan V, Osipov F, Feniova I, Dergunova N, Warshavsky A, Khlyap L, Dzialowski A. The TOP-100 most dangerous invasive alien species in Northern Eurasia: invasion trends and species distribution modelling. NEOBIOTA 2023. [DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.82.96282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Northern Eurasia is extensive and includes terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems that cover several natural zones and access to the seas of three oceans. As a result, it has been invaded by numerous invasive alien species (IAS) over large temporal and spatial scales. The purpose of this research was to assess invasion trends and construct species distribution models for the Russian TOP-100 most dangerous IAS. Environmentally suitable regions for IAS were established based on alien species attribute databases, datasets of 169,709 species occurrence records (SOR) and raster layers of environmental variables using species distribution modelling (MaxEnt). The objectives of this research were to (1) create databases of SOR for the TOP-100 IAS in Russia; 2) determine pathways, residence time, donor regions and trends of invasions; (3) determine the main types of spatial distributions of invasive species and their relation to residence time; and (4) distinguish regions with the highest richness of IAS that have a strong impact on the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of Russia. We found that although species invasions date back over 400 years, the number of naturalized IAS has increased non-linearly over the past 76 years. The TOP-100 list is mainly represented by unintentionally introduced species (62%) which are characterized by different introduction pathways. Species occurrence records revealed that 56 IAS are distributed locally, 26 are distributed regionally and 18 are widespread in Russia. Species with local, regional or widespread distributions were characterized by residence times of 55, 126 or 190 years, respectively. We found that IAS with local distribution can expand their range into suitable regions more extensively (expected increase by 32%) than widespread species (expected increase by only 7%). The procedure of identifying hot/cold spots locations based on SOR allowed us to identify the Russian regions with the highest richness of IAS. Our results and the integrated database that we created provide a framework for studying IAS over large temporal and spatial scales that can be used in the development of management plans for dangerous IAS.
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Mohd-Azami SNI, Loong SK, Khoo JJ, Husin NA, Lim FS, Mahfodz NH, Ishak SN, Mohd-Taib FS, Makepeace BL, AbuBakar S. Molecular Surveillance for Vector-Borne Bacteria in Rodents and Tree Shrews of Peninsular Malaysia Oil Palm Plantations. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8020074. [PMID: 36828490 PMCID: PMC9965954 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8020074] [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: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Many human clinical cases attributed to vector-borne pathogens are underreported in Malaysia, especially in rural localities where healthcare infrastructures are lacking. Here, 217 small mammals, consisting of rodents and tree shrews, were trapped in oil palm plantations in the Peninsular Malaysia states of Johor and Perak. Species identification was performed using morphological and DNA barcoding analyses, and 203 small mammals were included in the detection of selected vector-borne bacteria. The DNA extracted from the spleens was examined for Orientia tsutsugamushi, Borrelia spp., Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia spp. using established PCR assays. The small mammals collected in this study included Rattus tanezumi R3 mitotype (n = 113), Rattus argentiventer (n = 24), Rattus tiomanicus (n = 22), Rattus exulans (n = 17), Rattus tanezumi sensu stricto (n = 1) and Tupaia glis (n = 40). Orientia tsutsugamushi, Borrelia spp. and Bartonella phoceensis were detected in the small mammals with the respective detection rates of 12.3%, 5.9% and 4.9%. Rickettsia spp., however, was not detected. This study encountered the presence of both Lyme disease and relapsing fever-related borreliae in small mammals collected from the oil palm plantation study sites. All three microorganisms (Orientia tsutsugamushi, Borrelia spp. and Bartonella phoceensis) were detected in the R. tanezumi R3 mitotype, suggesting that the species is a competent host for multiple microorganisms. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the relationships between the ectoparasites, the small mammals and the respective pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siti Nurul Izzah Mohd-Azami
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), Higher Institution Centre of Excellence, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- Institute for Advanced Studies (IAS), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Shih Keng Loong
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), Higher Institution Centre of Excellence, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- Correspondence:
| | - Jing Jing Khoo
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK
| | - Nurul Aini Husin
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), Higher Institution Centre of Excellence, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- Institute for Advanced Studies (IAS), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Fang Shiang Lim
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), Higher Institution Centre of Excellence, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Nur Hidayana Mahfodz
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), Higher Institution Centre of Excellence, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Siti Nabilah Ishak
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia
- Kuantan Fisheries Biosecurity Centre, Department of Fisheries Malaysia, Kuantan 25100, Malaysia
| | - Farah Shafawati Mohd-Taib
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia
| | - Benjamin L. Makepeace
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK
| | - Sazaly AbuBakar
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC), Higher Institution Centre of Excellence, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
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11
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Zhang L, Peng Q, Gu XL, Su WQ, Cao XQ, Zhou CM, Qin XR, Han HJ, Yu XJ. Host specificity and genetic diversity of Bartonella in rodents and shrews from Eastern China. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:3906-3916. [PMID: 36355627 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Bartonella are vector-borne gram-negative facultative intracellular bacteria causing emerging infectious diseases worldwide, and two thirds of known Bartonella species are carried by rodents. We captured rodents, shrews and rodent ectoparasitic mites in rural areas of Qingdao City, Shandong Province, China from 2012 to 2021 and used the animal spleen tissues for the PCR amplification of Bartonella gltA and rpoB genes. PCR showed 9.4% (40/425) rodents, and 5.1% (12/235) shrews were positive for Bartonella. Seven Bartonella species including three novel species were identified in five rodent species and one shrew species, indicating the abundance and genetic diversity of Bartonella in rodents and shrews. The infection rate of each Bartonella species in the animal species was as below: novel Candidatus Bartonella crocidura in shrews Crocidura lasiura (5.1%, 12/235); novel Candidatus Bartonella cricetuli in hamsters Tscherskia triton (20%, 9/45); novel Candidatus Bartonella muris in striped field mice Apodemus agrarius (4.2%, 7/168) and house mice Mus musculus (1.5%, 2/135); Bartonella fuyuanensis in striped field mice (8.9%, 15/168) and house mice (0.7%, 1/135); Bartonella rattimassiliensis and Bartonella tribocorum in brown rats Rattus norvegicus (6.7%, 3/45 and 4.2%, 2/45, respectively); Bartonella queenslandensis in Chinese white-bellied rat Niviventer confucianus (12.5%, 1/8). These results suggest that Bartonella infected a variety of rodent and shrew species with high infection rate, but each Bartonella specie is restricted to infect only one or a few genetically closely related rodent species. In addition, Candidatus Bartonella cricetuli, Candidatus Bartonella muris and Bartonella coopersplainsensis were found in chigger Walchia micropelta (33.3%, 3/9), and B. fuyuanensis were found in chigger Leptotrombidium intermedium (4.1%, 1/24), indicating chiggers may be reservoirs of Bartonella. In conclusion, abundant genetic diversified Bartonella species are found to infect rodents, shrews and chiggers, but each Bartonella species has a strict rodent animal host specificity; and chigger mites may play a role in Bartonella transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qiuming Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiao-Lan Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wen-Qing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiao-Qian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chuan-Min Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiang-Rong Qin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hui-Ju Han
- School of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xue-Jie Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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12
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Salgado R, Barja I, Hernández MDC, Lucero B, Castro-Arellano I, Bonacic C, Rubio AV. Activity patterns and interactions of rodents in an assemblage composed by native species and the introduced black rat: implications for pathogen transmission. BMC ZOOL 2022; 7:48. [PMID: 36042784 PMCID: PMC9412813 DOI: 10.1186/s40850-022-00152-7] [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: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The degree of temporal overlap between sympatric wild hosts species and their behavioral interactions can be highly relevant to the transmission of pathogens. However, this topic has been scantly addressed. Furthermore, temporal overlap and interactions within an assemblage of wild rodents composed of native and introduced species have been rarely discussed worldwide. We assessed the nocturnal activity patterns and interactions between rodent taxa of an assemblage consisting of native species (Oligoryzomys longicaudatus, Abrothrix hirta, and Abrothrix olivaceus) and the introduced black rat (Rattus rattus) in a temperate forest from southern Chile. All rodent species in this study are known hosts for various zoonotic pathogens.
Results
We found a high nocturnal temporal overlap within the rodent assemblage. However, pairwise comparisons of temporal activity patterns indicated significant differences among all taxa. Rattus rattus showed aggressive behaviors against all native rodents more frequently than against their conspecifics. As for native rodents, agonistic behaviors were the most common interactions between individuals of the same taxon and between individuals of different taxa (O. longicaudatus vs Abrothrix spp.).
Conclusions
Our findings reveal several interactions among rodent taxa that may have implications for pathogens such as hantaviruses, Leptospira spp., and vector-borne pathogens. Furthermore, their transmission may be facilitated by the temporal overlap observed between rodent taxa.
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13
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Biological invasions facilitate zoonotic disease emergences. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1762. [PMID: 35365665 PMCID: PMC8975888 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29378-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Outbreaks of zoonotic diseases are accelerating at an unprecedented rate in the current era of globalization, with substantial impacts on the global economy, public health, and sustainability. Alien species invasions have been hypothesized to be important to zoonotic diseases by introducing both existing and novel pathogens to invaded ranges. However, few studies have evaluated the generality of alien species facilitating zoonoses across multiple host and parasite taxa worldwide. Here, we simultaneously quantify the role of 795 established alien hosts on the 10,473 zoonosis events across the globe since the 14th century. We observe an average of ~5.9 zoonoses per alien zoonotic host. After accounting for species-, disease-, and geographic-level sampling biases, spatial autocorrelation, and the lack of independence of zoonosis events, we find that the number of zoonosis events increase with the richness of alien zoonotic hosts, both across space and through time. We also detect positive associations between the number of zoonosis events per unit space and climate change, land-use change, biodiversity loss, human population density, and PubMed citations. These findings suggest that alien host introductions have likely contributed to zoonosis emergences throughout recent history and that minimizing future zoonotic host species introductions could have global health benefits. Alien species invasions are thought to be important to zoonotic diseases through the introduction of both existing and novel pathogens to invaded ranges. Using data from 795 established alien animals and 10,473 zoonosis events worldwide, this study examines the role of alien zoonotic hosts on zoonosis emergences after accounting for climate, propagule pressure, global change and sampling bias.
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14
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Ringani GV, Julius RS, Chimimba CT, Pirk CWW, Zengeya TA. Predicting the potential distribution of a previously undetected cryptic invasive synanthropic Asian house rat ( Rattus tanezumi) in South Africa. JOURNAL OF URBAN ECOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/jue/juac005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Three species of Rattus, Norway rat (R. norvergicus), black rat (R. rattus) and Asian house rat (R. tanezumi) are currently known to occur in South Africa. The latter two species are cryptic and form part of the Rattus rattus species complex. Historically, R. norvegicus has been reported to occur along the coast and in urban centres, R. rattus is widespread in most urban areas, except in the drier areas, while R. tanezumi was only recorded to occur in the country (and Africa) ca. 15 years ago, and its distribution remains unknown. The aim of this study was to predict the potential distribution of R. tanezumi in South Africa and assess how it overlaps with that of R. norvegicus and R. rattus using species distribution modelling. Rattus tanezumi was predicted to mainly occur in most inland urban areas and along the coast. The distribution of R. rattus was as expected, in contrast, the predicted range of R. norvegicus was not restricted to the coast but also included inland urban areas. All three species showed broad potential distributional ranges that overlapped extensively indicating that their establishment and spread may be influenced by similar factors such as proximity to urban areas and a wet and moderate climate. These results allow insights into assessing their risk of establishment and for formulating appropriate intervention strategies for their management and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- G V Ringani
- Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - R S Julius
- H3Africa Coordinating Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, South Africa
- Department of Zoology & Entomology, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology (CIB), University of Pretoria, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - C T Chimimba
- Department of Zoology & Entomology, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology (CIB), University of Pretoria, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
- Department of Zoology & Entomology, Mammal Research Institute (MRI), University of Pretoria, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - C W W Pirk
- Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
| | - T A Zengeya
- Department of Zoology & Entomology, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology (CIB), University of Pretoria, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
- Kirstenbosch Botanical Centre, South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), Claremont 7735, South Africa
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15
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Hancke D, Suárez OV. A review of the diversity of Cryptosporidium in Rattus norvegicus, R. rattus and Mus musculus: What we know and challenges for the future. Acta Trop 2022; 226:106244. [PMID: 34863707 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to review the diversity of Cryptosporidium species and genotypes infecting synantropic rodents. A total of 27 papers published between 1990 and 2020 assed the presence of Cryptosporidium in these rodents worldwide and described 17 different species and genotypes of Cryptosporidium. A great variation in the prevalence values were observed (0-63%). The most frequent species/genotypes were Rat genotype I and IV for R. norvegicus and Rat genotype II and III R. rattus, while C. tyzzeri was for M. musculus. Cryptosporidium parvum, the second most common species after C. hominis involved in human cryptosporidiosis cases, was the third most detected Cryptosporidium species in R, norvergicus (9.4% of the positive samples) and the 3 rodent species are common host for C. muris, also recognized as zoonotic. Besides, these synanthopic rodents can harbor Cryptosporidium species whose natural hosts are cattle, bovids, pigs, other rodent species, birds and a broad range of mammals. Considering the diversity described so far, it would have a great epidemiological impact to know how the variation of Cryptosporidium species composition along urban-rural gradients is like, including synanthropic rodents, wild and domestic animals and environmental samples, and to analyze the causal factors of such variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Hancke
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Roedores, Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1428EHA Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Avenida Intendente Cantilo s/n, Pabellón II, 4° PisoLaboratorio 104 (C1428EHA), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), UBA-CONICET, C1428EHA Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, PB II, 4to piso, Argentina.
| | - Olga Virginia Suárez
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Roedores, Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1428EHA Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Avenida Intendente Cantilo s/n, Pabellón II, 4° PisoLaboratorio 104 (C1428EHA), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), UBA-CONICET, C1428EHA Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, PB II, 4to piso, Argentina
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16
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Nguyen LKH, Koizumi N, Ung THT, Le TT, Hirayama K, Hasebe F, Hoang VMP, Khong MT, Le TQM, Miura K. Detection of Trypanosoma lewisi DNA from Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus in Hanoi, Vietnam. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2022; 22:159-161. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2021.0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Le Khanh Hang Nguyen
- Department of Virology, National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nobuo Koizumi
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Thi Hong Trang Ung
- Department of Virology, National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thi Thanh Le
- Department of Virology, National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Kazuhiro Hirayama
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Futoshi Hasebe
- Vietnam Research Station, Center for Infectious Disease Research in Asia and Africa, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Vu Mai Phuong Hoang
- Department of Virology, National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Minh Tuan Khong
- Department of Infectious Diseases Control, Hanoi Center for Disease Control, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thi Quynh Mai Le
- Department of Virology, National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Kozue Miura
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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17
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Thomson VA, Wiewel AS, Palmer R, Hamilton N, Algar D, Pink C, Mills H, Aplin KP, Clark G, Anderson A, Herrera MB, Myers S, Bertozzi T, Piper PJ, Suzuki H, Donnellan S. Genetic Insights Into the Introduction History of Black Rats Into the Eastern Indian Ocean. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.786510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Islands can be powerful demonstrations of how destructive invasive species can be on endemic faunas and insular ecologies. Oceanic islands in the eastern Indian Ocean have suffered dramatically from the impact of one of the world’s most destructive invasive species, the black rat, causing the loss of endemic terrestrial mammals and ongoing threats to ground-nesting birds. We use molecular genetic methods on both ancient and modern samples to establish the origins and minimum invasion frequencies of black rats on Christmas Island and the Cocos-Keeling Islands. We find that each island group had multiple incursions of black rats from diverse geographic and phylogenetic sources. Furthermore, contemporary black rat populations on these islands are highly admixed to the point of potentially obscuring their geographic sources. These hybridisation events between black rat taxa also pose potential dangers to human populations on the islands from novel disease risks. Threats of ongoing introductions from yet additional geographic sources is highlighted by genetic identifications of black rats found on ships, which provides insight into how recent ship-borne human smuggling activity to Christmas Island can negatively impact its endemic species.
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18
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Fitte B, Cavia R, Robles MDR, Dellarupe A, Unzaga JM, Navone GT. Predictors of parasite and pathogen infections in urban rodents of central Argentina. J Helminthol 2021; 95:e71. [PMID: 34879897 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x21000523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Urban rodents are associated with parasites and pathogens, which present health risks for humans, but information on factors related to parasite and pathogen infection in rodents in cities of Latin America is scarce. This study analyzes the hosts, host community structure and environmental characteristics of parasite and pathogen fauna present in the three species of urban rodents in an urban area of South America. Rodents were captured seasonally in seven different neighborhoods. Digestive tracts were dissected under stereoscopic microscopy and feces were processed using a sedimentation technique. Protozoa and bacteria were detected through polymerase chain reaction and indirect immunofluorescence techniques. In Rattus norvegicus, Rattus rattus and Mus musculus, ten helminths, three protozoa and two bacteria were found. Six were zoonotic: Toxoplasma gondii; Hymenolepis diminuta; Rodentolepis nana; Strobilocercus fasciolaris; Leptospira borgpetersenii; and Leptospira interrogans. The parasite and pathogen infections were influenced by the host species, the host community structure, the season, and the presence of streams in the neighborhood. Urban rodents may be the infection source of many zoonotic diseases and it is important to generate public policies for this problem. This study is one example of the situation of many cities of Latin America, where peripheral neighborhoods are growing dramatically.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Fitte
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores, CEPAVE (CCT La Plata CONICET UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - R Cavia
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), UBA-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Del Rosario Robles
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores, CEPAVE (CCT La Plata CONICET UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - A Dellarupe
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - J M Unzaga
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - G T Navone
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores, CEPAVE (CCT La Plata CONICET UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
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19
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Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Rickettsia spp. from Wild Small Mammals in Public Parks and Urban Areas of Bangkok Metropolitan, Thailand. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:tropicalmed6040199. [PMID: 34842856 PMCID: PMC8628900 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6040199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Rural areas usually show a higher prevalence of rickettsial infection than urban areas. However, information on the rickettsial infection status in urban settings (e.g., built-up areas and city parks) is still limited, particularly in the Bangkok metropolitan area. In this study, we performed a molecular rickettsial survey of spleen samples of small mammals caught in public parks and built-up areas of Bangkok. Out of 198 samples, the Rattus rattus complex was found to be most prevalent. The amplification of rickettsial gltA fragment gene (338 bp) by nested PCR assay revealed positive results in four samples, yielding a low prevalence of infection of 2.02%. DNA sequencing results confirmed that three samples were matched with Rickettsia typhi, and one was identified as R. felis. It is noteworthy that this is the first report of the occurrence of R. felis DNA in rodents in Southeast Asia.
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20
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Wu DL, Shih HC, Wang JK, Teng HJ, Kuo CC. Commensal Rodent Habitat Expansion Enhances Arthropod Disease Vectors on a Tropical Volcanic Island. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:736216. [PMID: 34692809 PMCID: PMC8531417 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.736216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
On volcanic islands, the release of animals from predators and competitors can lead to increased body size and population density as well as the expanded habitat use of introduced animals relative to their mainland counterparts. Such alterations might facilitate the spread of diseases on islands when these exotic animals also carry pathogenic agents; however, this has rarely been investigated. The commensal Asian house rat (Rattus tanezumi) is confined to human residential surroundings in mainland Taiwan but can be observed in the forests of nearby Orchid Island, which is a tropical volcanic island. Orchid Island is also a hot spot for scrub typhus, a lethal febrile disease transmitted by larval trombiculid mites (chiggers) that are infected primarily with the rickettsia Orientia tsutsugamushi (OT). We predicted an increase in chigger abundance when rodents (the primary host of chiggers) invade forests from human settlements since soils are largely absent in the latter habitat but necessary for the survival of nymphal and adult mites. A trimonthly rodent survey at 10 sites in three habitats (human residential, grassland, and forest) found only R. tanezumi and showed more R. tanezumi and chiggers in forests than in human residential sites. There was a positive association between rodent and chigger abundance, as well as between rodent body weight and chigger load. Lastly, >95% of chiggers were Leptotrombidium deliense and their OT infection rates were similar among all habitats. Our study demonstrated potentially elevated risks of scrub typhus when this commensal rat species is allowed to invade natural habitats on islands. Additionally, while the success of invasive species can be ascribed to their parasites being left behind, island invaders might instead obtain more parasites if the parasite requires only a single host (e.g., trombiculid mite), is a host generalist (e.g., L. deliense), and is transferred from unsuitable to suitable habitats (i.e., human settlements on the mainland to forests on an island).
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Affiliation(s)
- De-Lun Wu
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Han-Chun Shih
- Epidemic Intelligence Center, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Kai Wang
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hwa-Jen Teng
- Center for Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Chien Kuo
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
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21
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Chen Y, Hou G, Jing M, Teng H, Liu Q, Yang X, Wang Y, Qu J, Shi C, Lu L, Zhang J, Zhang Y. Genomic analysis unveils mechanisms of northward invasion and signatures of plateau adaptation in the Asian house rat. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:6596-6610. [PMID: 34564921 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The Asian house rat (AHR), Rattus tanezumi, has recently invaded the northern half of China. The AHR is a highly adaptive rat species that has also successfully conquered the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) and replaced the brown rat (BR), R. norvegicus, at the edge of the QTP. Here, we assembled a draft genome of the AHR and explored the mechanisms of its northward invasion and the genetic basis underlying plateau adaptation in this species. Population genomic analyses revealed that the northwardly invasive AHRs consisted of two independent and genetically distinct populations which might result from multiple independent primary invasion events. One invasive population exhibited reduced genetic diversity and distinct population structure compared with its source population, while the other displayed preserved genetic polymorphisms and little genetic differentiation from its source population. Genes involved in G-protein coupled receptors and carbohydrate metabolism may contribute to the local adaptation of northern AHRs. In particular, RTN4 was identified as a key gene for AHRs in the QTP that favours adaptation to high-altitude hypoxia. Coincidently, the physiological performance and transcriptome profiles of hypoxia-exposed rats both showed better hypoxia adaptation in AHRs than in BRs that failed to colonize the heart of the QTP, which may have facilitated the replacement of the BR population by the invading AHRs at the edge of the QTP. This study provides profound insights into the multiple origins of the northwardly invasive AHR and the great tolerance to hypoxia in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guanmei Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Meidong Jing
- School of Life Sciences, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Huajing Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Quansheng Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xingen Yang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Agriculture, Institute of Plant Protection, Shanxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Dongting Lake Station for Wetland Ecosystem Research, Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, China
| | - Jiapeng Qu
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qinghai, China
| | - Chengmin Shi
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Liang Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jianxu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yaohua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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22
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Burgess BT, Irvine RL, Howald GR, Russello MA. The Promise of Genetics and Genomics for Improving Invasive Mammal Management on Islands. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.704809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive species are major contributors to global biodiversity decline. Invasive mammalian species (IMS), in particular, have profound negative effects in island systems that contain disproportionally high levels of species richness and endemism. The eradication and control of IMS have become important conservation tools for managing species invasions on islands, yet these management operations are often subject to failure due to knowledge gaps surrounding species- and system-specific characteristics, including invasion pathways and contemporary migration patterns. Here, we synthesize the literature on ways in which genetic and genomic tools have effectively informed IMS management on islands, specifically associated with the development and modification of biosecurity protocols, and the design and implementation of eradication and control programs. In spite of their demonstrated utility, we then explore the challenges that are preventing genetics and genomics from being implemented more frequently in IMS management operations from both academic and non-academic perspectives, and suggest possible solutions for breaking down these barriers. Finally, we discuss the potential application of genome editing to the future management of invasive species on islands, including the current state of the field and why islands may be effective targets for this emerging technology.
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23
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Chen Y, Zhao L, Teng H, Shi C, Liu Q, Zhang J, Zhang Y. Population genomics reveal rapid genetic differentiation in a recently invasive population of Rattus norvegicus. Front Zool 2021; 18:6. [PMID: 33499890 PMCID: PMC7836188 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-021-00387-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Invasive species bring a serious effect on local biodiversity, ecosystems, and even human health and safety. Although the genetic signatures of historical range expansions have been explored in an array of species, the genetic consequences of contemporary range expansions have received little attention, especially in mammal species. In this study, we used whole-genome sequencing to explore the rapid genetic change and introduction history of a newly invasive brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) population which invaded Xinjiang Province, China in the late 1970s. Results Bayesian clustering analysis, principal components analysis, and phylogenetic analysis all showed clear genetic differentiation between newly introduced and native rat populations. Reduced genetic diversity and high linkage disequilibrium suggested a severe population bottleneck in this colonization event. Results of TreeMix analyses revealed that the introduced rats were derived from an adjacent population in geographic region (Northwest China). Demographic analysis indicated that a severe bottleneck occurred in XJ population after the split off from the source population, and the divergence of XJ population might have started before the invasion of XJ. Moreover, we detected 42 protein-coding genes with allele frequency shifts throughout the genome for XJ rats and they were mainly associated with lipid metabolism and immunity, which could be seen as a prelude to future selection analyses in the novel environment of XJ. Conclusions This study presents the first genomic evidence on genetic differentiation which developed rapidly, and deepens the understanding of invasion history and evolutionary processes of this newly introduced rat population. This would add to our understanding of how invasive species become established and aid strategies aimed at the management of this notorious pest that have spread around the world with humans. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12983-021-00387-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- The State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huajing Teng
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chengmin Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Quansheng Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianxu Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. .,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Yaohua Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. .,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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24
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Wu Z, Han Y, Liu B, Li H, Zhu G, Latinne A, Dong J, Sun L, Su H, Liu L, Du J, Zhou S, Chen M, Kritiyakan A, Jittapalapong S, Chaisiri K, Buchy P, Duong V, Yang J, Jiang J, Xu X, Zhou H, Yang F, Irwin DM, Morand S, Daszak P, Wang J, Jin Q. Decoding the RNA viromes in rodent lungs provides new insight into the origin and evolutionary patterns of rodent-borne pathogens in Mainland Southeast Asia. MICROBIOME 2021; 9:18. [PMID: 33478588 PMCID: PMC7818139 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-020-00965-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the largest group of mammalian species, which are also widely distributed all over the world, rodents are the natural reservoirs for many diverse zoonotic viruses. A comprehensive understanding of the core virome of diverse rodents should therefore assist in efforts to reduce the risk of future emergence or re-emergence of rodent-borne zoonotic pathogens. RESULTS This study aimed to describe the viral range that could be detected in the lungs of rodents from Mainland Southeast Asia. Lung samples were collected from 3284 rodents and insectivores of the orders Rodentia, Scandentia, and Eulipotyphla in eighteen provinces of Thailand, Lao PDR, and Cambodia throughout 2006-2018. Meta-transcriptomic analysis was used to outline the unique spectral characteristics of the mammalian viruses within these lungs and the ecological and genetic imprints of the novel viruses. Many mammalian- or arthropod-related viruses from distinct evolutionary lineages were reported for the first time in these species, and viruses related to known pathogens were characterized for their genomic and evolutionary characteristics, host species, and locations. CONCLUSIONS These results expand our understanding of the core viromes of rodents and insectivores from Mainland Southeast Asia and suggest that a high diversity of viruses remains to be found in rodent species of this area. These findings, combined with our previous virome data from China, increase our knowledge of the viral community in wildlife and arthropod vectors in emerging disease hotspots of East and Southeast Asia. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China.
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease Pathogenomics, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China.
| | - Yelin Han
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Bo Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | | | | | - Alice Latinne
- EcoHealth Alliance, New York, NY, USA
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Viet Nam Country Program, Ha Noi, Vietnam
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Health Program, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Jie Dong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Lilin Sun
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Haoxiang Su
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Liguo Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jiang Du
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Siyu Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Mingxing Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Anamika Kritiyakan
- Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | | | - Veasna Duong
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur in Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Jian Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jinyong Jiang
- Yunnan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Pu'er, PR China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Yunnan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Pu'er, PR China
| | - Hongning Zhou
- Yunnan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Pu'er, PR China
| | - Fan Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - David M Irwin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Serge Morand
- Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Jianwei Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Qi Jin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China.
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25
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Muñoz-Pedreros A, Norambuena H, Gil C, Rau J. Selective consumption of rodents by the Variable hawk Geranoaetus polyosoma (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae) in the Atacama Desert, northern Chile. ZOOLOGIA 2020. [DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.37.e55615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Geranoaetus polyosoma (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) is a diurnal raptor widely distributed in South America. Although the trophic ecology of this bird has been more studied in the southern extreme of its range, little information is available on its dietary response to prey supply in desert environments. In the present study, we report on the trophic ecology of G. polyosoma in a sub-urban desert zone in northern Chile, with the following objectives: (1) to quantitatively describe its diet and (2) to determine its dietary selectivity in response to prey supply in the study area. The diet of G. polyosoma consisted mainly of rodents (97.2%). A greater preference (p < 0.05) was observed for the following large prey items (> 19.5 g): two native rodent species, Phyllotis xanthopygus (Waterhouse, 1837) and Eligmodontia puerulus (Philippi, 1896); and two introduced rodent species: Rattus rattus (Linnaeus, 1769) and R. norvegicus (Berkenhout, 1769).
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26
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Hancke D, Suárez OV. Co-occurrence of and risk factors for Cryptosporidium and Giardia in brown rats from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Zoonoses Public Health 2020; 67:903-912. [PMID: 33113252 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
A rodent survey was conducted in different landscape units of the city of Buenos Aires (Argentina) to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in Rattus norvegicus and to, ultimately, assess the biotic, environmental and meteorological factors that explain the variations of the likelihood of infection for both parasites in an urban environment. The results of this study revealed a ubiquitous presence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in R. norvegicus within an urban environment with the likelihood of infection depending on environmental and meteorological conditions for both parasites. The overall prevalence was greater for Cryptosporidium (p = 50.4%) than for Giardia (20.3%). The prevalence for both parasites separately was higher in parks compared to shantytowns and scrap metal yards. Generalized Linear Mixed Models revealed that the occurrence of these parasites separately, at an individual level, was positively related with rainfall variables and that the effect of temperature depended on the landscape unit. The similarities in the transmission modes, which are affected by common extrinsic factors, may facilitate the co-occurrence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in urban rats. Rattus norvegicus is recognized as a good model for epidemiological studies and the results of this work suggest that, from an epidemiological point of view, the probability of contact with infectious oocysts and cysts of these parasites can be modulated through environmental management and healthy behaviour towards risk factors. The information presented here will be useful to improve the understanding of the dynamics of zoonotic diseases within urban environments and to contribute to the decision-making of new and effective prophylactic measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Hancke
- Dto. de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), UBA-CONICET, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Olga Virginia Suárez
- Dto. de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), UBA-CONICET, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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27
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Late Quaternary Environmental and Human Impacts on the Mitochondrial DNA Diversity of Four Commensal Rodents in Myanmar. J MAMM EVOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10914-020-09519-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AbstractWe addressed the spatiotemporal characteristics of four commensal rodent species occurring in Myanmar in comparison with other areas of the Indo-Malayan region. We examined sequence variations of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (Cytb) in the Pacific rat (Rattus exulans), roof rat (Rattus rattus complex, RrC), lesser bandicoot rat (Bandicota bengalensis), and house mouse (Mus musculus) using the recently developed time-dependent evolutionary rates of mtDNA. The Cytb sequences of RrC from Myanmar were shown to belong to RrC Lineage II, and their level of genetic diversity was relatively high compared to those of the other three species. RrC was found to have experienced bottleneck and rapid expansion events at least twice in the late Pleistocene period in Myanmar and a nearby region. Accordingly, paleoclimatic environmental fluctuations were shown to be an important factor affecting rodents in the subtropics of the Indo-Malayan region. Our results show that human activities during the last 10,000 years of the Holocene period affected the population dynamics of the rodent species examined, including introducing them to Myanmar from neighboring countries. Further study of these four commensal rodents in other geographic areas of the Indo-Malayan region would allow us to better understand the factors that drove their evolution and their ecological trends.
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Salamandane C, Fonseca F, Afonso S, Lobo ML, Antunes F, Matos O. Handling of Fresh Vegetables: Knowledge, Hygienic Behavior of Vendors, Public Health in Maputo Markets, Mozambique. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E6302. [PMID: 32872524 PMCID: PMC7504209 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In developing countries, markets are the main supply of horticultural products to populations, but this can pose a public health challenge due to the risk of the fecal-oral transmission of gut pathogens. This transmission is strongly associated with inadequate public sanitation or low standards of personal and domestic hygiene, and their prevalence can cause gastrointestinal diseases, which are the third leading cause of death in Mozambique. This study aims at assessing the risk for public health of horticultural products supply chain, from the farmers-vendors to the consumers, in municipal markets in Maputo-City, Mozambique. Surveys (75) were conducted on vendors and an observational analysis was performed in the markets under study. The results showed that 62% of the vendors had access to water from boreholes or artisanal sources and the issue "access to water" was significantly different between markets (p = 0.004). Of the vendors who wash their products (53.3%), only 7.5% use tap-water for this purpose, with the difference in attitudes being statistically significant between vendors in the markets (p = 0.035). The majority (60.4%) said that vegetables and fruits can cause diseases due to pesticides and only 31.3% believe that the diseases may be related to poor hygiene. Despite the vendors' low knowledge of Good Hygiene Practices (GHP), we noticed that women have better practical assimilation of GHP when compared to men (p = 0.008). Although Maputo's markets are struggling to achieve quality hygiene standards in a reliable and sustainable manner, their resources are limited and significantly different (p = 0.044) from market to market, and this problem remains a concern for the public-health authorities of the city. In conclusion, the provision of adequate drinking water and sewage disposal systems, together with education for health of vendors, can reduce the risk of contamination of fresh food by the more common organisms causing diarrhea in children, including intestinal parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Salamandane
- Medical Parasitology Unit, Group of Opportunistic Protozoa/HIV and Other Protozoa, Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1700-001 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.S.); (M.L.L.)
- Nova School of Business and Economics, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Faculdade de Economia e Gestão, 1700-001 Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculdade de Ciências de Saúde (FCS), Universidade Lúrio, Nampula 4250, Mozambique
| | - Filipa Fonseca
- Nova School of Business and Economics, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Faculdade de Economia e Gestão, 1700-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sónia Afonso
- Parasitology Department of Veterinary Faculty, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo 3453, Mozambique;
| | - Maria Luisa Lobo
- Medical Parasitology Unit, Group of Opportunistic Protozoa/HIV and Other Protozoa, Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1700-001 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.S.); (M.L.L.)
| | - Francisco Antunes
- Environmental Health Institute, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, 1700-001 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Olga Matos
- Medical Parasitology Unit, Group of Opportunistic Protozoa/HIV and Other Protozoa, Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1700-001 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.S.); (M.L.L.)
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Goodrich I, McKee C, Kosoy M. Longitudinal Study of Bacterial Infectious Agents in a Community of Small Mammals in New Mexico. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 20:496-508. [PMID: 32159462 PMCID: PMC9536245 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Vector-borne bacterial diseases represent a substantial public health burden and rodents have been recognized as important reservoir hosts for many zoonotic pathogens. This study investigates bacterial pathogens in a small mammal community of the southwestern United States of America. Methods: A total of 473 samples from 13 wild rodent and 1 lagomorph species were tested for pathogens of public health significance: Bartonella, Brucella, Yersinia, Borrelia, Rickettsia spp., and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Results: Three animals were positive for Yersinia pestis, and one Sylvilagus audubonii had a novel Borrelia sp. of the relapsing fever group. No Brucella, Rickettsia, or A. phagocytophilum infections were detected. Bartonella prevalence ranged between 0% and 87.5% by animal species, with 74.3% in the predominant Neotoma micropus and 78% in the second most abundant N. albigula. The mean duration of Bartonella bacteremia in mark-recaptured N. micropus and N. albigula was 4.4 months, ranging from <1 to 18 months, and differed among Bartonella genogroups. Phylogenetic analysis of the Bartonella citrate synthase gene (gltA) revealed 9 genogroups and 13 subgroups. Seven genogroups clustered with known or previously reported Bartonella species and strains while two were distant enough to represent new Bartonella species. We report, for the first time, the detection of Bartonella alsatica in North America in Sylvilagus audubonii and expand the known host range of Bartonella washoensis to include Otospermophilus variegatus. Interpretation and Conclusion: This work broadens our knowledge of the hosts and geographic range of bacterial pathogens that could guide future surveillance efforts and improves our understanding of the dynamics of Bartonella infection in wild small mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Goodrich
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Clifton McKee
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Michael Kosoy
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado
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30
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Species and genetic diversity of Bandicota (Murinae, Rodentia) from Myanmar based on mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences. MAMMAL RES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-020-00491-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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31
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Su Q, Chen Y, Wang B, Huang C, Han S, Yuan G, Zhang Q, He H. Epidemiology and genetic diversity of zoonotic pathogens in urban rats (Rattus spp.) from a subtropical city, Guangzhou, southern China. Zoonoses Public Health 2020; 67:534-545. [PMID: 32452163 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Commensal rats (Rattus spp.), which are globally distributed, harbour many pathogens responsible for significant human diseases. Despite this, we have a poor understanding of the epidemiology and genetic diversity of some recently neglected zoonotic pathogens, such as Leptospira spp., Bartonella spp. and hepatitis E virus (HEV), which constitute a major public health threat. Thus, we surveyed the occurrences, co-infection and genetic diversity of these pathogens in 129 urban rats from China. For Rattus tanezumi, the prevalences of Leptospira spp., Bartonella spp. and HEV infection were 6.67%, 0% and 46.67%, respectively. The prevalences of Leptospira spp., Bartonella spp. and HEV infection were 57.89%, 9.65% and 57.89% for Rattus norvegicus respectively. Leptospira spp. and HEV infections were more likely to occur in mature R. norvegicus. Phylogenetic analyses showed that pathogenic Leptospira interrogans and Leptospira borgpetersenii might exist. We also found that Bartonella spp. showed high similarity to Bartonella elizabethae, Bartonella rochalimae and Bartonella tribocorum, which are implicated in human disease. Dual and triple infections were both detected. Moreover, dual infections with Leptospira spp. and HEV represented the most frequent co-infection, and there was a significantly positive association between them. High genetic diversity was observed in genes segments from Leptospira, Bartonella and HEV. Our results first discover the occurrence of multiple co-infections and genetic diversity of Leptospira, Bartonella and HEV in commensal rats from China. Altogether, the present study provides an insight into evaluating the risk of rat-borne zoonoses in urban China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Su
- National Research Center for Wildlife-Borne Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Chen
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Wang
- National Research Center for Wildlife-Borne Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chengmei Huang
- National Research Center for Wildlife-Borne Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuyi Han
- National Research Center for Wildlife-Borne Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guohui Yuan
- National Research Center for Wildlife-Borne Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qingxun Zhang
- National Research Center for Wildlife-Borne Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongxuan He
- National Research Center for Wildlife-Borne Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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32
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Alonso R, Ruiz M, Lovera R, Montes De Oca D, Cavia R, Sánchez J. Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) ectoparasites in livestock production systems from central Argentina: Influencing factors on parasitism. Acta Trop 2020; 203:105299. [PMID: 31837978 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Haematophagous ectoparasites are worldwide vectors of many zoonotic bacterial diseases, both emerging and re-emerging, whose incidences are rising. Livestock development alters different environmental characteristics such as the microclimate of a site, changing the availability, density and susceptibility of the hosts to pathogens and vectors, indirectly influencing the spread and persistence of a disease within an ecosystem. The Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus), the most abundant vertebrate pest species found on livestock farms from Argentina, is a reservoir for several important zoonotic bacteria and may harbor ectoparasite species, which act as their vectors. Even though the Norway rat is widely known for its role as an ectoparasite host, the ecological characteristics of their ectoparasite communities and the related factors with parasitism on livestock farms have never been described. In the present study, we describe the ectoparasite community in Norway rats from central Argentina livestock farms, while also depicting the influencing factors on both ectoparasite occurrence and abundance. Ectoparasites were collected from rats captured in 20 sites from Buenos Aires province, between the winter of 2016 and the summer of 2018. A total of 1441 ectoparasite individuals were collected from 159 Norway rat individuals [Total ectoparasite prevalence = 69.2%; Mean ectoparasite specimen abundance (± CI) = 9.06 ± 2.32 ectoparasite individuals per rat; Mean ectoparasite specimen intensity (±CI) = 13.10 ± 3.08 ectoparasite individuals per infested rat found]. Ectoparasite assemblage consisted of four cosmopolitan species, recognized for their sanitary relevance: mites (Laelapidae: Laelaps nuttalli and Laelaps echidninus), lice (Polyplacidae: Polyplax spinulosa) and fleas (Pulicidae: Xenopsylla cheopis). We observed higher Norway rat abundance in sites related to higher ectoparasite occurrence and abundance frequencies on the rats. Additionally, ectoparasites were more abundant on rats in warm seasons and on male individuals, over female rats. Moreover, the geographical location of the studied sites influenced the ectoparasite assemblage structure observed on the rats. This study broadens the knowledge on the role of Norway rats as zoonotic ectoparasites hosts and analyzes the drivers influencing ectoparasite occurrence and abundance on the most populated region of Argentina, which is also the region with the most intensive livestock farming. Therefore, this survey may assist in evaluating potential risks for humans and generate effective sanitary control strategies for ectoparasite-borne infectious diseases.
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Modlinska K, Pisula W. The Norway rat, from an obnoxious pest to a laboratory pet. eLife 2020; 9:50651. [PMID: 31948542 PMCID: PMC6968928 DOI: 10.7554/elife.50651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The laboratory rat was the first mammal domesticated for research purposes. It is descended from wild Norway rats, Rattus norvegicus, which despite their name likely originated in Asia. Exceptionally adaptable, these rodents now inhabit almost all environments on Earth, especially near human settlements where they are often seen as pests. The laboratory rat thrives in captivity, and its domestication has produced many inbred and outbred lines that are used for different purposes, including medical trials and behavioral studies. Differences between wild Norway rats and their laboratory counterparts were first noted in the early 20th century and led some researchers to later question its value as a model organism. While these views are probably unjustified, the advanced domestication of the laboratory rat does suggest that resuming studies of wild rats could benefit the wider research community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Modlinska
- Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Wojciech Pisula
- Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warszawa, Poland
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Native and Invasive Small Mammals in Urban Habitats along the Commercial Axis Connecting Benin and Niger, West Africa. DIVERSITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/d11120238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Based on compiled small mammal trapping data collected over 12 years from Benin and Niger (3701 individual records from 66 sampling sites), located in mainland Africa, we here describe the small mammal community assemblage in urban habitats along the commercial axis connecting the two countries, from the seaport of Cotonou to the Sahelian hinterland, with a particular focus on invasive species. In doing so, we document extant species distributions, which highlight the risks of continuing the range expansion of three synanthropic invasive rodent species, namely black rats (Rattus rattus), brown rats (R. norvegicus), and house mice (Mus musculus). Using various diversity estimates and community ecology approaches, we detect a latitudinal gradient of species richness that significantly decreased Northward. We show that shrews (Crocidura) represent a very important component of micro-mammal fauna in West African towns and villages, especially at lower latitudes. We also demonstrate that invasive and native synanthropic rodents do not distribute randomly in West Africa, which suggests that invasive species dynamics and history differ markedly, and that they involve gradual, as well as human-mediated, long distance dispersal. Patterns of segregation are also observed between native Mastomys natalensis and invasive rats R. rattus and R. norvegicus, suggesting potential native-to-invasive species turn over. Consequences of such processes, especially in terms of public health, are discussed.
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Garcia HA, Rangel CJ, Ortíz PA, Calzadilla CO, Coronado RA, Silva AJ, Pérez AM, Lecuna JC, García ME, Aguirre AM, Teixeira MMG. Zoonotic Trypanosomes in Rats and Fleas of Venezuelan Slums. ECOHEALTH 2019; 16:523-533. [PMID: 31583491 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-019-01440-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Rattus spp. are reservoirs of many human zoonoses, but their role in domestic transmission cycles of human trypanosomiasis is underestimated. In this study, we report trypanosome-infected Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus in human dwellings in slums neighboring Maracay, a large city near Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. Blood samples of R. norvegicus and R. rattus examined by PCR and FFLB (fluorescent fragment length barcoding) revealed a prevalence of 6.3% / 31.1% for Trypanosoma lewisi (agent of rat- and flea-borne human emergent zoonosis), and 10.5% / 24.6% for Trypanosoma cruzi (agent of Chagas disease). Detection in flea guts of T. lewisi (76%) and, unexpectedly, T. cruzi (21.3%) highlighted the role of fleas as carriers and vectors of these trypanosomes. A high prevalence of rats infected with T. lewisi and T. cruzi and respective flea and triatomine vectors poses a serious risk of human trypanosomiasis in Venezuelan slums. Anthropogenic activities responsible for growing rat and triatomine populations within human dwellings drastically increased human exposure to trypanosomes. This scenario has allowed for the reemergence of Chagas disease as an urban zoonosis in Venezuela and can propitiate the emergence of atypical T. lewisi infection in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herakles A Garcia
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas II - Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1374, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 05508-000, Brazil.
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Venezuela.
| | - Carlos J Rangel
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Paola A Ortíz
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas II - Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1374, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Carlos O Calzadilla
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Raul A Coronado
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Arturo J Silva
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Arlett M Pérez
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Jesmil C Lecuna
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Maria E García
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Aixa M Aguirre
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Marta M G Teixeira
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas II - Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1374, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 05508-000, Brazil
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Jäkel T, Promkerd P, Sitthirath R, Guedant P, Khoprasert Y. Biocontrol of rats in an urban environment in Southeast Asia using Sarcocystis singaporensis. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2019; 75:2148-2157. [PMID: 30637908 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Upon request of the local administration a control campaign targeting commensal rats (Rattus rattus, R. exulans) was conducted in 30 sub-districts (villages) of the World Heritage town Luang Prabang, Northern Laos, using rat bait containing lethal quantities of the parasitic protist Sarcocystis singaporensis. The associated investigations assessed the short-term control efficacy, willingness of residents to co-operate (community approach), and temporal and spatial changes of the urban rat population in response to treatment. RESULTS Biological rodent control significantly reduced rodent activity (percentage of positive tracking patches) in the town, from a mean of 25.3% (±12.8% SD) before (January-February) down to 8.0% (±4.4%) after (June) treatment. Reduction of rodent activity relative to three untreated villages was 83%. Similarly, residents observed significantly fewer rats on their properties after the campaign (mean percentage of households (HHs) per village with sightings), whereby reduction of sightings amounted to 57%. There was significant correlation between residents' observation rates and rodent activity. Among 94 rats trapped before and after treatment each, proportions of adult R. exulans and juvenile R. rattus were higher after rodent control, suggesting that a considerable part of the adult house rat population had been removed. Furthermore, a 5% post-campaign incidence of infection suggested that few rats had survived bait uptake. CONCLUSION S. singaporensis may be used successfully as tactical biocontrol agent for culling of rats in urban environments. We propose additional components of a long-term rodent management strategy for the town, without which the impact of culling campaigns would be limited. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Jäkel
- German International Cooperation (GIZ), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Prasartthong Promkerd
- Department of Agriculture, Plant Protection Research and Development Office, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rasmy Sitthirath
- Department of World Heritage Conservation, La Maison du Patrimone, Luang Prabang, Laos
| | - Pierre Guedant
- Department of World Heritage Conservation, La Maison du Patrimone, Luang Prabang, Laos
| | - Yuvaluk Khoprasert
- Department of Agriculture, Plant Protection Research and Development Office, Bangkok, Thailand
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Morand S, Blasdell K, Bordes F, Buchy P, Carcy B, Chaisiri K, Chaval Y, Claude J, Cosson JF, Desquesnes M, Jittapalapong S, Jiyipong T, Karnchanabanthoen A, Pornpan P, Rolain JM, Tran A. Changing landscapes of Southeast Asia and rodent-borne diseases: decreased diversity but increased transmission risks. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2019; 29:e01886. [PMID: 30986339 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The reduction in biodiversity from land use change due to urbanization and agricultural intensification appears to be linked to major epidemiological changes in many human diseases. Increasing disease risks and the emergence of novel pathogens result from increased contact among wildlife, domesticated animals, and humans. We investigated the relationship between human alteration of the environment and the occurrence of generalist and synanthropic rodent species in relation to the diversity and prevalence of rodent-borne pathogens in Southeast Asia, a hotspot of threatened and endangered species, and a foci of emerging infectious diseases. We used data from an extensive pathogen survey of rodents from seven sites in mainland Southeast Asia in conjunction with past and present land cover analyses. At low spatial resolutions, we found that rodent-borne pathogen richness is negatively associated with increasing urbanization, characterized by increased habitat fragmentation, agriculture cover and deforestation. However, at a finer spatial resolution, we found that some major pathogens are favored by environmental characteristics associated with human alteration including irrigation, habitat fragmentation, and increased agricultural land cover. In addition, synanthropic rodents, many of which are important pathogen reservoirs, were associated with fragmented and human-dominated landscapes, which may ultimately enhance the opportunities for zoonotic transmission and human infection by some pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge Morand
- CNRS - CIRAD, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchavithi Road, Ratchathevi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Kim Blasdell
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity Business Unit, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, 5 Portarlington Road, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - Frédéric Bordes
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution, UMR CNRS-IRD-UM2, Université de Montpellier, 35095, Montpellier Cedex, France
| | - Philippe Buchy
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur in Cambodia, 5 Monivong Boulevard, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- GlaxoSmithKline Vaccines, Gateway West, 150 Beach Road, Singapore City, 189720, Singapore
| | - Bernard Carcy
- LBCM/EA4558 VAP, UFR Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Kittipong Chaisiri
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchavithi Road, Ratchathevi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Yannick Chaval
- Comportement et Ecologie de la Faune Sauvage, INRA, Chemin de Borde Rouge, Auzeville, 31326, Castanet-Tolosan Cedex, France
| | - Julien Claude
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution, UMR CNRS-IRD-UM2, Université de Montpellier, 35095, Montpellier Cedex, France
| | - Jean-François Cosson
- BIPAR-INRA Biologie Moléculaire et Immunologie Parasitaires et Fongiques, ENVA Maisons Alfort, 7 Avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94704, Maisons-Alfort Cedex, France
| | - Marc Desquesnes
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
- CIRAD-Bios, UMR17 InterTryp, Montpellier, F-34000, France
| | | | - Tawisa Jiyipong
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
- URMITE CNRS INSERM IRD, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Aix-Marseille Université, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille Cedex 5, France
| | - Anamika Karnchanabanthoen
- LBCM/EA4558 VAP, UFR Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pumhom Pornpan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center for Agricultural Biotechnology, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Jean-Marc Rolain
- URMITE CNRS INSERM IRD, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Aix-Marseille Université, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille Cedex 5, France
| | - Annelise Tran
- CIRAD, UMR TETIS, F-34093, Montpellier, France
- CIRAD, UMR ASTRE, Montpellier, France
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Červená B, Modrý D, Fecková B, Hrazdilová K, Foronda P, Alonso AM, Lee R, Walker J, Niebuhr CN, Malik R, Šlapeta J. Low diversity of Angiostrongylus cantonensis complete mitochondrial DNA sequences from Australia, Hawaii, French Polynesia and the Canary Islands revealed using whole genome next-generation sequencing. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:241. [PMID: 31097040 PMCID: PMC6524341 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3491-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rats (Rattus spp.) invaded most of the world as stowaways including some that carried the rat lungworm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the cause of eosinophilic meningoencephalitis in humans and other warm-blooded animals. A high genetic diversity of A. cantonensis based on short mitochondrial DNA regions is reported from Southeast Asia. However, the identity of invasive A. cantonensis is known for only a minority of countries. The affordability of next-generation sequencing for characterisation of A. cantonensis genomes should enable new insights into rat lung worm invasion and parasite identification in experimental studies. Methods Genomic DNA from morphologically verified A. cantonensis (two laboratory-maintained strains and two field isolates) was sequenced using low coverage whole genome sequencing. The complete mitochondrial genome was assembled and compared to published A. cantonensis and Angiostrongylus malaysiensis sequences. To determine if the commonly sequenced partial cox1 can unequivocally identify A. cantonensis genetic lineages, the diversity of cox1 was re-evaluated in the context of the publicly available cox1 sequences and the entire mitochondrial genomes. Published experimental studies available in Web of Science were systematically reviewed to reveal published identities of A. cantonensis used in experimental studies. Results New A. cantonensis mitochondrial genomes from Sydney (Australia), Hawaii (USA), Canary Islands (Spain) and Fatu Hiva (French Polynesia), were assembled from next-generation sequencing data. Comparison of A. cantonensis mitochondrial genomes from outside of Southeast Asia showed low genetic diversity (0.02–1.03%) within a single lineage of A. cantonensis. Both cox1 and cox2 were considered the preferred markers for A. cantonensis haplotype identification. Systematic review revealed that unequivocal A. cantonensis identification of strains used in experimental studies is hindered by absence of their genetic and geographical identity. Conclusions Low coverage whole genome sequencing provides data enabling standardised identification of A. cantonensis laboratory strains and field isolates. The phenotype of invasive A. cantonensis, such as the capacity to establish in new territories, has a strong genetic component, as the A. cantonensis found outside of the original endemic area are genetically uniform. It is imperative that the genotype of A. cantonensis strains maintained in laboratories and used in experimental studies is unequivocally characterised. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3491-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Červená
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.,Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého třída 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic.,Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 603 65, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého třída 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic.,Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 1160/31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Fecková
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého třída 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kristýna Hrazdilová
- CEITEC VFU, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého třída 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pilar Foronda
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, C/Astrofisico F Sanchez, s/n, Tenerife, 38203, La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain.,Department Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38203, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Aron Martin Alonso
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, C/Astrofisico F Sanchez, s/n, Tenerife, 38203, La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Rogan Lee
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - John Walker
- Marie Bashir Institute for infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Chris N Niebuhr
- USDA-APHIS-WS, National Wildlife Research Center, Hawaii Field Station, PO Box 10880, Hilo, HI, 96721, USA.,Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research, PO Box 69040, Lincoln, 7608, New Zealand
| | - Richard Malik
- Centre for Veterinary Education, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
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Abass K, Owusu AFS, Gyasi RM. Market vegetable hygiene practices and health risk perceptions of vegetable sellers in urban Ghana. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2019; 29:221-236. [PMID: 30317859 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2018.1535057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The paper examines the hygiene practices and health risk perception of vegetable sellers in urban Ghana. Based on a qualitative in-depth study of vegetable sellers drawn from five purposively sampled markets in Kumasi Metropolis, the study found that the vegetable sellers have generally low risk perception. Consequently, the vegetable handling practices by these market women remain largely unsafe presenting potential health risks to consumers. Regular monitoring by relevant agencies and sustained public education are therefore key for reducing market contamination which is critical for maintaining a healthy population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kabila Abass
- Department of Geography and Rural Development, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Alfred Foster Senior Owusu
- Department of Geography and Rural Development, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Razak M Gyasi
- Department of Sociology and Social Policy, Lingnan University, Tuen Mun, Hong Kong
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Kosoy M, Bai Y. Bartonella Bacteria in Urban Rats: A Movement From the Jungles of Southeast Asia to Metropoles Around the Globe. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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Zeng L, Ming C, Li Y, Su LY, Su YH, Otecko NO, Dalecky A, Donnellan S, Aplin K, Liu XH, Song Y, Zhang ZB, Esmailizadeh A, Sohrabi SS, Nanaei HA, Liu HQ, Wang MS, Ag Atteynine S, Rocamora G, Brescia F, Morand S, Irwin DM, Peng MS, Yao YG, Li HP, Wu DD, Zhang YP. Out of Southern East Asia of the Brown Rat Revealed by Large-Scale Genome Sequencing. Mol Biol Evol 2019; 35:149-158. [PMID: 29087519 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msx276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The geographic origin and migration of the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) remain subjects of considerable debate. In this study, we sequenced whole genomes of 110 wild brown rats with a diverse world-wide representation. We reveal that brown rats migrated out of southern East Asia, rather than northern Asia as formerly suggested, into the Middle East and then to Europe and Africa, thousands of years ago. Comparison of genomes from different geographical populations reveals that many genes involved in the immune system experienced positive selection in the wild brown rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Chen Ming
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resource in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Ling-Yan Su
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, China
| | - Yan-Hua Su
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Newton O Otecko
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Ambroise Dalecky
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (Ird), CBGP (UMR INRA/IRD/Cirad/Montpellier SupAgro), Montferrier sur Lez cedex, France.,Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (Ird), LPED (UMR AMU/IRD), Marseille, France
| | - Stephen Donnellan
- University of Adelaide and the South Australian Museum, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ken Aplin
- Division of Mammals, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC
| | - Xiao-Hui Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Song
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Bin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management on Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ali Esmailizadeh
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Saeed S Sohrabi
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - He-Qun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Ming-Shan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Solimane Ag Atteynine
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (Ird), IMBE (UMR AMU/CNRS/IRD/UAPV), Bamako, Mali.,Faculté des Sciences et Techniques (FST), Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | - Gérard Rocamora
- Island Biodiversity & Conservation Center, University of Seychelles, Mahé, Seychelles
| | - Fabrice Brescia
- Diversité Biologique et Fonctionnelle des Ecosystèmes, Institut Agronomique néo-Calédonien, Port Laguerre, Paita, New Caledonia
| | - Serge Morand
- CNRS-CIRAD, Centre d'Infectiologie Christophe Mérieux du Laos, Vientiane, Lao PDR
| | - David M Irwin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ming-Sheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Yong-Gang Yao
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, China
| | - Hai-Peng Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong-Dong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Ya-Ping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resource in Yunnan, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
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Strand TM, Lundkvist Å. Rat-borne diseases at the horizon. A systematic review on infectious agents carried by rats in Europe 1995-2016. Infect Ecol Epidemiol 2019; 9:1553461. [PMID: 30834071 PMCID: PMC6394330 DOI: 10.1080/20008686.2018.1553461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate the spectrum of rat-borne pathogens circulating in Europe a systematic review spanning across 55 European countries during the years 1995-2016 was performed. The study surveyed viruses, bacteria, macroparasites and unicellular eukaryotes (protozoa). Fifty-three different infectious agents, all with zoonotic potential, were reported to be carried by commensal rats; 48 by the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) and 20 by the black rat (R. rattus). There was a tendency for rural areas to harbour more rat-borne microbes than urban areas regarding the brown rat, but the opposite could be observed for the black rat. The study clearly indicated that an improved surveillance on wild rats is needed in Europe, and further indicated the pathogens and geographical areas where the major focus is required. For example, six zoonotic microbes seemed to be clearly more geographically widespread in Europe than others; virulent or resistant E. coli, pathogenic Leptospira spp., Hymenolepis diminuta, H. nana, Capillaria hepatica and Toxoplasma gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Maria Strand
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Åke Lundkvist
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Abstract
The laboratory rat, Rattus norvegicus, has been used in biomedical research for more than 150 years, and in many cases remains the model of choice for studies of physiology, behavior, and complex human disease. This book provides detailed information on a number of methodologies that can be used in rat. This chapter gives an introduction to rat as a species and as a biomedical model, providing historical information, a brief introduction to the current state of rat research, and a perspective on the future of rat as a model for human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Smith
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rat Genome Database, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
| | - Elizabeth R Bolton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rat Genome Database, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Melinda R Dwinell
- Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Department of Physiology, Rat Genome Database, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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Hancke D, Suárez OV. Factors Affecting Helminth Abundances in Synanthropic Rodents of an Urban Environment. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.2174/1874421401806010087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Current levels of urbanization cause changes in the ecology of hosts, the pathogens, or both, promoting the proliferation of zoonotic diseases. Rodents are a good biological model for the development of pathogen transmission models because it presence is often related to a none-adequate environmental management.
Objective:
The main goal of this paper was to study the changes in the abundance of helminth populations in synanthropic rodents of an urban landscape.
Methods:
A total of 92 R. norvegicus and 65 M. musculus were captured in the City of Buenos Aires (Argentina) and were screened for parasites. The variations in helminth abundances were studied at host population scale to determine the factors, such as the type of environment, meteorological conditions and demographic parameters of the hosts, which have an effect on helminth infection rates.
Results:
Parasites with intermediate hosts or free living larval stages in their life cycle were the most affected. It was found how rodents’ use of the habitats in the different urban environments has an effect on the helminth infection levels. Besides, the importance of season on helminth abundance was determined, suggesting that climatic conditions are crucial for parasite survival and transmission.
Conclusion:
This information is relevant because it not only allows us to deepen the ecological dynamics of parasites in urban rodents, but also shows that environmental conditions are determinants for the persistence of helminth populations in a city.
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Khoo JJ, Ishak SN, Lim FS, Mohd-Taib FS, Khor CS, Loong SK, AbuBakar S. Detection of a Borrelia sp. From Ixodes granulatus Ticks Collected From Rodents in Malaysia. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 55:1642-1647. [PMID: 30137379 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The Borrelia genus consists of spirochete bacteria known to cause Lyme disease (LD) and relapsing fever in humans. Borrelia pathogens are commonly transmitted via arthropod vectors such as ticks, mites, or lice. Here, we report the molecular screening of LD group Borrelia sp. from ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) collected from rodents trapped in recreational forests and a semiurban residential area in the Selangor state in Malaysia. Of 156 adult ticks surveyed, 72 ticks were determined as positive for Borrelia sp. by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All Borrelia PCR-positive ticks belonged to the Ixodes granulatus Supino species. Borrelia sp. was not detected in other tick species examined, including Dermacentor sp. and Amblyomma sp. ticks. Thirteen Borrelia PCR-positive tick samples were selected for further sequence analyses. Phylogenetic analyses of partial flaB gene sequences revealed that the Borrelia sp. were closely related to the LD group borreliae, Borrelia yangtzensis; a novel Borrelia genospecies reported in East Asian countries including Japan, Taiwan, and China. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Borrelia sp. related to Borrelia yangtzensis detected in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. The zoonotic potential of the Borrelia sp. reported here merits further investigation, as it may explain the previously reported serological evidence for borrelial infections in Malaysia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Jing Khoo
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Siti Nabilah Ishak
- School of Environmental Science and Natural Resources, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Fang Shiang Lim
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Farah Shafawati Mohd-Taib
- School of Environmental Science and Natural Resources, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chee Sieng Khor
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shih Keng Loong
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sazaly AbuBakar
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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46
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Calodium hepaticum (Nematoda: Capillariidae) in wild rodent populations from Argentina. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:2921-2926. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5983-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Allan KJ, Halliday JEB, Moseley M, Carter RW, Ahmed A, Goris MGA, Hartskeerl RA, Keyyu J, Kibona T, Maro VP, Maze MJ, Mmbaga BT, Tarimo R, Crump JA, Cleaveland S. Assessment of animal hosts of pathogenic Leptospira in northern Tanzania. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006444. [PMID: 29879104 PMCID: PMC5991636 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease that affects more than one million people worldwide each year. Human infection is acquired through direct or indirect contact with the urine of an infected animal. A wide range of animals including rodents and livestock may shed Leptospira bacteria and act as a source of infection for people. In the Kilimanjaro Region of northern Tanzania, leptospirosis is an important cause of acute febrile illness, yet relatively little is known about animal hosts of Leptospira infection in this area. The roles of rodents and ruminant livestock in the epidemiology of leptospirosis were evaluated through two linked studies. A cross-sectional study of peri-domestic rodents performed in two districts with a high reported incidence of human leptospirosis found no evidence of Leptospira infection among rodent species trapped in and around randomly selected households. In contrast, pathogenic Leptospira infection was detected in 7.08% cattle (n = 452 [5.1-9.8%]), 1.20% goats (n = 167 [0.3-4.3%]) and 1.12% sheep (n = 89 [0.1-60.0%]) sampled in local slaughterhouses. Four Leptospira genotypes were detected in livestock. Two distinct clades of L. borgpetersenii were identified in cattle as well as a clade of novel secY sequences that showed only 95% identity to known Leptospira sequences. Identical L. kirschneri sequences were obtained from qPCR-positive kidney samples from cattle, sheep and goats. These results indicate that ruminant livestock are important hosts of Leptospira in northern Tanzania. Infected livestock may act as a source of Leptospira infection for people. Additional work is needed to understand the role of livestock in the maintenance and transmission of Leptospira infection in this region and to examine linkages between human and livestock infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn J. Allan
- The Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jo E. B. Halliday
- The Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Moseley
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan W. Carter
- The Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmed Ahmed
- WHO/FAO/OIE Collaborating Leptospirosis Reference Laboratory, Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marga G. A. Goris
- WHO/FAO/OIE Collaborating Leptospirosis Reference Laboratory, Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rudy A. Hartskeerl
- WHO/FAO/OIE Collaborating Leptospirosis Reference Laboratory, Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Julius Keyyu
- Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Tito Kibona
- Nelson Mandela African Institution for Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Venance P. Maro
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Michael J. Maze
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Centre for International Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Blandina T. Mmbaga
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Rigobert Tarimo
- Nelson Mandela African Institution for Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - John A. Crump
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
- Centre for International Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Sarah Cleaveland
- The Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Nelson Mandela African Institution for Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
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48
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Molecular characterization of cosmopolitan and potentially co-invasive helminths of commensal, murid rodents in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:1729-1736. [PMID: 29623437 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5852-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Concurrent studies of helminth parasites of introduced and native rodent species are few and miss the opportunity to identify potential co-invasive parasite species. This study employed molecular tools to infer the phylogeny and elucidate the origin of potentially co-invasive parasites of commensal, murid rodents by assessing introduced Rattus norvegicus, Rattus rattus, Rattus tanezumi, and native Mastomys coucha in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Genotypes of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis recovered from R. norvegicus are nearly identical to those recovered from elsewhere in the world. The pinworms, Aspiculurus tetraptera, recovered from introduced R. tanezumi and R. rattus, Syphacia muris recovered from R. tanezumi, and Syphacia obvelata recovered from indigenous M. coucha have affiliations to those recovered of laboratory rodents from the USA and China. Syphacia obvelata was previously only known as a commensal endoparasite of laboratory rodents, and the S. muris genotype recovered from R. tanezumi in this study shows an affiliation to a genotype recovered from the same host species in Indonesia which is part of the native range. The study emphasizes the need for surveillance of potential co-invasive species and contributes in documenting genetic diversity of endoparasites of well-known hosts.
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49
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Summa M, Henttonen H, Maunula L. Human noroviruses in the faeces of wild birds and rodents-new potential transmission routes. Zoonoses Public Health 2018. [PMID: 29532636 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Human noroviruses (HuNoVs) are one of the leading global causes of diarrhoeal diseases and are transmitted mainly from person to person but also through contaminated food, water and fomites. The possible zoonotic nature of NoVs has occasionally been discussed, although the viruses are generally considered to be host-species-specific. We investigated whether wild birds and rodents could serve as carriers of HuNoVs, thereby transmitting the virus to humans directly or indirectly by contaminating foods. All samples, 115 avian and 100 rat faeces collected in springs 2009-2013 from dump sites, and 85 faeces from yellow-necked mice trapped in late autumn 2008 and 2009 after the rodents entered human settlements due to the first night frosts, were screened for HuNoV using real-time reverse transcription PCR. HuNoVs were detected in 31 (27%) faecal samples of wild birds, in two (2%) faecal samples of rats and in no samples of mice. Most (25) of the positive bird samples and both rat samples contained genogroup II, and six positive bird samples contained genogroup I HuNoV. The avian species shedding faeces containing HuNoVs were identified as gulls and crows using DNA barcoding. Our results show that wildlife, birds and rats in particular, is capable of spreading HuNoVs in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Summa
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - H Henttonen
- Natural Resources Institute Finland, Helsinki, Finland
| | - L Maunula
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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50
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Dental Shape Variation and Phylogenetic Signal in the Rattini Tribe Species of Mainland Southeast Asia. J MAMM EVOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10914-017-9423-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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