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Robinson S, Falinski K, Johnson D, VanWormer E, Shapiro K, Amlin A, Barbieri M. Evaluating the Risk Landscape of Hawaiian Monk Seal Exposure to Toxoplasma gondii. ECOHEALTH 2024:10.1007/s10393-024-01678-7. [PMID: 38850367 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-024-01678-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a disease of primary concern for Hawaiian monk seals (Neomonachus schauinslandi), due to its apparently acute lethality and especially heavy impacts on breeding female seals. The disease-causing parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, depends on cats to complete its life cycle; thus, in order to understand how this pathogen infects marine mammals, it is essential to understand aspects of the terrestrial ecosystem and land-to-sea transport. In this study, we constructed a three-tiered model to assess risk of Hawaiian monk seal exposure to T. gondii oocysts: (1) oocyst contamination as a function of cat population characteristics; (2) land-to-sea transport of oocysts as a function of island hydrology, and (3) seal exposure as a function of habitat and space use. We were able to generate risk maps highlighting watersheds contributing the most to oocyst contamination of Hawaiian monk seal habitat. Further, the model showed that free-roaming cats most associated with humans (pets or strays often supplementally fed by people) were able to achieve high densities leading to high levels of oocyst contamination and elevated risk of T. gondii exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kim Falinski
- UH, Water Resources Research Center, Honolulu, USA
| | | | | | | | - Angela Amlin
- NOAA, Pacific Islands Regional Office, Honolulu, USA
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Augendre L, Costa D, Escotte-Binet S, Aubert D, Villena I, Dumètre A, La Carbona S. Surrogates of foodborne and waterborne protozoan parasites: A review. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2023; 33:e00212. [PMID: 38028241 PMCID: PMC10661733 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2023.e00212] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The protozoan parasites Cryptosporidium parvum, Cyclospora cayetanensis, and Toxoplasma gondii are major causes of waterborne and foodborne diseases worldwide. The assessment of their removal or inactivation during water treatment and food processing remains challenging, partly because research on these parasites is hindered by various economical, ethical, methodological, and biological constraints. To address public health concerns and gain new knowledge, researchers are increasingly seeking alternatives to the use of such pathogenic parasites. Over the past few decades, several non-pathogenic microorganisms and manufactured microparticles have been evaluated as potential surrogates of waterborne and foodborne protozoan parasites. Here, we review the surrogates that have been reported for C. parvum, C. cayetanensis, and T. gondii oocysts, and discuss their use and relevance to assess the transport, removal, and inactivation of these parasites in food and water matrices. Biological surrogates including non-human pathogenic Eimeria parasites, microorganisms found in water sources (anaerobic and aerobic spore-forming bacteria, algae), and non-biological surrogates (i.e. manufactured microparticles) have been identified. We emphasize that such surrogates have to be carefully selected and implemented depending on the parasite and the targeted application. Eimeria oocysts appear as promising surrogates to investigate in the future the pathogenic coccidian parasites C. cayetanensis and T. gondii that are the most challenging to work with.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure Augendre
- EA 7510 ESCAPE Epidemiosurveillance and Circulation of Parasites in the Environment, University of Reims Champagne Ardennes, Faculty of Medicine, SFR Cap Santé Fed 4231, 51 Rue Cognacq Jay, 51096 Reims Cedex, France
- ACTALIA Food Safety, 310 Rue Popielujko, 50000, Saint-Lô, France
| | - Damien Costa
- EA 7510 ESCAPE Epidemiosurveillance and Circulation of Parasites in the Environment, University of Rouen Normandie, University Hospital of Rouen, 22 Boulevard Gambetta, 76183 Rouen Cedex, France
| | - Sandie Escotte-Binet
- EA 7510 ESCAPE Epidemiosurveillance and Circulation of Parasites in the Environment, University of Reims Champagne Ardennes, Faculty of Medicine, SFR Cap Santé Fed 4231, 51 Rue Cognacq Jay, 51096 Reims Cedex, France
| | - Dominique Aubert
- EA 7510 ESCAPE Epidemiosurveillance and Circulation of Parasites in the Environment, University of Reims Champagne Ardennes, Faculty of Medicine, SFR Cap Santé Fed 4231, 51 Rue Cognacq Jay, 51096 Reims Cedex, France
| | - Isabelle Villena
- EA 7510 ESCAPE Epidemiosurveillance and Circulation of Parasites in the Environment, University of Reims Champagne Ardennes, Faculty of Medicine, SFR Cap Santé Fed 4231, 51 Rue Cognacq Jay, 51096 Reims Cedex, France
| | - Aurélien Dumètre
- Aix-Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, IHU Méditerranée Infection, UMR Vectors - Tropical and Mediterranean Infections, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
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Katz H, Schelotto F, Bakker D, Castro-Ramos M, Gutiérrez-Expósito D, Panzera Y, Pérez R, Franco-Trecu V, Hernández E, Menéndez C, Meny P. Survey of selected pathogens in free-ranging pinnipeds in Uruguay. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2022; 150:69-83. [PMID: 35833546 DOI: 10.3354/dao03676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Marine mammals, regarded as sentinels of aquatic ecosystem health, are exposed to different pathogens and parasites under natural conditions. We surveyed live South American fur seals Arctocephalus australis and South American sea lions Otaria flavescens in Uruguay for Leptospira spp., canine distemper virus (CDV), Mycobacterium spp., Toxoplasma gondii, and Neospora caninum. Samples were collected from 2007 to 2013. The seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. was 37.6% positive, 50.9% negative, and 11.5% suspect for A. australis (n = 61) while for O. flavescens (n = 12) it was 67% positive, 25% negative, and 8% suspect. CDV RNA was not detected in any of the analyzed samples. Most animals tested seropositive to tuberculosis antigens by WiZo ELISA (A. australis: 29/30; O. flavescens: 20/20); reactivity varied with a novel ELISA test (antigens MPB70, MPB83, ESAT6 and MPB59). Seroprevalence against N. caninum and T. gondii was 6.7 and 13.3% positive for O. flavescens and 0 and 2.2% positive for A. australis respectively. To evaluate possible sources of infection for pinnipeds, wild rats Rattus rattus and semi-feral cats Felis catus were also tested for Leptospira spp. and T. gondii respectively. Water samples tested for Leptospira revealed saprofitic L. bioflexa. Pathogenic Leptospira were detected in the kidneys of 2 rats, and cats tested positive for T. gondii (100%). These results represent a substantial contribution to the study of the health status of wild pinnipeds in Uruguay.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Katz
- Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República (UdelaR), 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
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Martins M, Urbani N, Flanagan C, Siebert U, Gross S, Dubey JP, Cardoso L, Lopes AP. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Pinnipeds under Human Care and in Wild Pinnipeds. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111415. [PMID: 34832571 PMCID: PMC8620079 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111415] [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: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infection has been reported in numerous species of marine mammals, some of them with fatal consequences. A serosurvey for T. gondii infection was conducted in pinnipeds from an oceanographic park in Portugal (n = 60); stranded pinnipeds on the Portuguese coast (n = 10); and pinnipeds captured in Lorenzensplate, Germany (n = 99). Sera from 169 pinnipeds were tested for the presence of antibodies to T. gondii by the modified agglutination test with a cut-off titre of 25. An overall seroprevalence of 8.9% (95% confidence interval: 5.1–14.2) was observed. Antibody titres of 25, 50, 100, 1600 and ≥3200 were found in five (33.3%), two (13.3%), five (33.3%), one (6.7%) and two (13.3%) animals, respectively. Pinnipeds under human care had a seroprevalence of 20.0% (12/60), in contrast to 2.8% (3/109) in wild pinnipeds (p < 0.001). General results suggest a low exposure of wild pinnipeds to T. gondii, while the seroprevalence found in pinnipeds under human care highlights the importance of carrying out further studies. This is the first serological survey of T. gondii in pinnipeds in Portugal and the first infection report in South African fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus).
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Martins
- Zoomarine Portugal, 8201-864 Guia, Portugal; (M.M.); (N.U.); (C.F.)
| | - Nuno Urbani
- Zoomarine Portugal, 8201-864 Guia, Portugal; (M.M.); (N.U.); (C.F.)
| | - Carla Flanagan
- Zoomarine Portugal, 8201-864 Guia, Portugal; (M.M.); (N.U.); (C.F.)
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 25761 Buesum, Germany; (U.S.); (S.G.)
| | - Stephanie Gross
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 25761 Buesum, Germany; (U.S.); (S.G.)
| | - Jitender P. Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA;
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences and Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
- Correspondence:
| | - Ana Patrícia Lopes
- Department of Veterinary Sciences and Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
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Cong W, Li MY, Zou Y, Ma JY, Wang B, Jiang ZY, Elsheikha HM. Prevalence, genotypes and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii contamination in marine bivalve shellfish in offshore waters in eastern China. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 213:112048. [PMID: 33610941 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We conducted a large-scale epidemiological investigation to detect the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in four marine bivalve shellfish species collected from six representative coastal regions of Weihai, eastern China. Between January 2018 and December 2018, 14,535 marine bivalve shellfish pooled into 2907 samples were randomly collected and examined for T. gondii DNA by a nested PCR assay targeting B1 gene. The results showed that 2.8% (82) of the 2907 pooled samples were tested positive for T. gondii DNA. Two T. gondii genotype (ToxoDB Genotype #9 and ToxoDB Genotype #1) were identified PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Factors that were found significantly associated with the presence of T. gondii DNA in marine bivalve shellfish included the source of samples (being wild) (odds ratio [OR], 3.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.00-5.84; p < 0.01), surface runoff near the sampling site (OR, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.47-4.72; p < 0.01), and presence of cats near the sampling site (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.02-3.07; p = 0.04). Moreover, the prevalence of T. gondii DNA in marine bivalve shellfish correlated with temperature (Pearson's correlation: R = 0.75, p = 0.0049) and precipitation (R = 0.87, p = 0.00021). These findings provide new insights into the presence of T. gondii DNA in marine bivalve shellfish and highlight the impact of human activity on marine pollution by such an important terrestrial pathogen pollutant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cong
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong, 264209, PR China
| | - Man-Yao Li
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong, 264209, PR China
| | - Yang Zou
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Street, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Jun-Yang Ma
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong, 264209, PR China
| | - Bo Wang
- School of Mathematics and Actuarial Science, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Zhao-Yang Jiang
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong, 264209, PR China.
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, UK.
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Acosta ICL, Gennari SM, Llano HAB, Muñoz-Leal S, Soares RM. Molecular Characterization of New Haplotype of Genus Sarcocystis in Seabirds from Magdalena Island, Southern Chile. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020245. [PMID: 33498254 PMCID: PMC7909292 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Sarcocystidae is a family of apicomplexan protozoa highly prevalent in vertebrates. The definitive hosts of sarcocystids eliminate oocysts or sporocysts that infect intermediate hosts. After infection, mature tissue cysts (sarcocysts) develop in intermediate hosts, mostly in muscle and neurological tissues. Sarcocysts are infectious for definitive hosts, which acquire them through carnivorous or scavenging habits. Intermediate hosts and definitive hosts are the natural hosts of sarcocystids in which infections are usually mildly or not symptomatic. In 2017, muscular and neurological tissues of 22 birds from Magdalena Islands, southern coast of Chile, were screened for the presence of DNA of sarcocystids. DNA of organisms of the genus Sarcocystis was identified in two Chilean skuas (Stercorarius chilensis). The genetic makeup of the parasite detected in skuas was unprecedented and probably represent a new species in the genus. It is well known that Sarcocystis may cause severe infections in aberrant hosts, which are susceptible animals that do not behave as natural hosts for the parasite and have low resistance to the infection, thus more studies are needed to characterize this parasitosis in skuas and other hosts to understand the epidemiology of the infection and its impact on the health of marine fauna. Abstract Evidence of sarcocystid infection was investigated in samples of 16 penguins (Spheniscus. magellanicus), four Dominican gulls (Larus dominicanus) and two Chilean skuas (Stercorarius chilensis) found in Madalenas Islands, Chile, in 2017. Samples of skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle and brain from all birds were screened by a pan-sarcocystid nested-PCR targeting a short fragment of the gene encoding the small ribosomal unit (nPCR-18Sa). The only two positive samples by nPCR-18Sa, both from skuas, were tested by a nested-PCR directed to the internal transcribed spacer 1 (nPCR-ITS1), also a pan-sarcocystidae nested-PCR, and to a nested-PCR directed to the B1 gene (nPCR-B1), for the exclusive detection of Toxoplasma gondii. The two nPCR-18Sa-positive samples were nPCR-ITS1-positive and nPCR-B1-negative. The nPCR-ITS1 nucleotide sequences from the two skuas, which were identical to each other, were revealed closely related to homologous sequences of Sarcocystis halieti, species found in seabirds of northern hemisphere. Larger fragments of genes encoding 18S and partial sequences of genes coding for cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 were also analyzed, corroborating ITS1 data. The haplotypes found in the skuas are unprecedent and closely related to species that use birds as the definitive host. Further studies need to be carried out to detect, identify and isolate this parasite to understand the epidemiology of the infection and its impact on the health of marine fauna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor C. L. Acosta
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo CEP 05508-270, Brazil; (S.M.G.); (H.A.B.L.); (S.M.-L.); (R.M.S.)
- Correspondence: or
| | - Solange M. Gennari
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo CEP 05508-270, Brazil; (S.M.G.); (H.A.B.L.); (S.M.-L.); (R.M.S.)
- PhD Program in Medicine, Animal Welfare and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Santo Amaro, Rua Prof. Enéas de Siqueira Neto, 340, São Paulo CEP 04829-300, Brazil
| | - Horwald A. B. Llano
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo CEP 05508-270, Brazil; (S.M.G.); (H.A.B.L.); (S.M.-L.); (R.M.S.)
| | - Sebastián Muñoz-Leal
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo CEP 05508-270, Brazil; (S.M.G.); (H.A.B.L.); (S.M.-L.); (R.M.S.)
- Department of Pathology and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Concepción, Avenida Vicente Mendez, 595, Chillán CEP 3780000, Chile
| | - Rodrigo M. Soares
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo CEP 05508-270, Brazil; (S.M.G.); (H.A.B.L.); (S.M.-L.); (R.M.S.)
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Moratal S, Dea-Ayuela MA, Cardells J, Marco-Hirs NM, Puigcercós S, Lizana V, López-Ramon J. Potential Risk of Three Zoonotic Protozoa ( Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Toxoplasma gondii) Transmission from Fish Consumption. Foods 2020; 9:E1913. [PMID: 33371396 PMCID: PMC7767443 DOI: 10.3390/foods9121913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, worldwide fish consumption has increased notably worldwide. Despite the health benefits of fish consumption, it also can suppose a risk because of fishborne diseases, including parasitic infections. Global changes are leading to the emergence of parasites in new locations and to the appearance of new sources of transmission. That is the case of the zoonotic protozoa Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Toxoplasma gondii; all of them reach aquatic environments and have been found in shellfish. Similarly, these protozoa can be present in other aquatic animals, such as fish. The present review gives an overview on these three zoonotic protozoa in order to understand their potential presence in fish and to comprehensively revise all the evidences of fish as a new potential source of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Toxoplasma gondii transmission. All of them have been found in both marine and freshwater fishes. Until now, it has not been possible to demonstrate that fish are natural hosts for these protozoa; otherwise, they would merely act as mechanical transporters. Nevertheless, even if fish only accumulate and transport these protozoa, they could be a "new" source of infection for people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Moratal
- Servicio de Análisis, Investigación y Gestión de Animales Silvestres (SAIGAS), Veterinary Faculty, Universidad CEU-Cardenal Herrera, Tirant lo Blanc St 7, 46115 Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain; (S.M.); (J.C.); (N.M.M.-H.); (S.P.); (V.L.); (J.L.-R.)
| | - M. Auxiliadora Dea-Ayuela
- Farmacy Department, Universidad CEU-Cardenal Herrera, Santiago Ramón y Cajal St, 46115 Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jesús Cardells
- Servicio de Análisis, Investigación y Gestión de Animales Silvestres (SAIGAS), Veterinary Faculty, Universidad CEU-Cardenal Herrera, Tirant lo Blanc St 7, 46115 Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain; (S.M.); (J.C.); (N.M.M.-H.); (S.P.); (V.L.); (J.L.-R.)
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H), Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Travessera dels Turons, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Naima M. Marco-Hirs
- Servicio de Análisis, Investigación y Gestión de Animales Silvestres (SAIGAS), Veterinary Faculty, Universidad CEU-Cardenal Herrera, Tirant lo Blanc St 7, 46115 Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain; (S.M.); (J.C.); (N.M.M.-H.); (S.P.); (V.L.); (J.L.-R.)
| | - Silvia Puigcercós
- Servicio de Análisis, Investigación y Gestión de Animales Silvestres (SAIGAS), Veterinary Faculty, Universidad CEU-Cardenal Herrera, Tirant lo Blanc St 7, 46115 Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain; (S.M.); (J.C.); (N.M.M.-H.); (S.P.); (V.L.); (J.L.-R.)
| | - Víctor Lizana
- Servicio de Análisis, Investigación y Gestión de Animales Silvestres (SAIGAS), Veterinary Faculty, Universidad CEU-Cardenal Herrera, Tirant lo Blanc St 7, 46115 Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain; (S.M.); (J.C.); (N.M.M.-H.); (S.P.); (V.L.); (J.L.-R.)
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H), Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Travessera dels Turons, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi López-Ramon
- Servicio de Análisis, Investigación y Gestión de Animales Silvestres (SAIGAS), Veterinary Faculty, Universidad CEU-Cardenal Herrera, Tirant lo Blanc St 7, 46115 Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain; (S.M.); (J.C.); (N.M.M.-H.); (S.P.); (V.L.); (J.L.-R.)
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Yang Y, Yu SM, Chen K, Hide G, Lun ZR, Lai DH. Temperature is a key factor influencing the invasion and proliferation of Toxoplasma gondii in fish cells. Exp Parasitol 2020; 217:107966. [PMID: 32781094 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.107966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii has long been considered a ubiquitous parasite possessing the capacity of infecting virtually all warm-blooded animals globally. Occasionally, this parasite can also infect cold-blooded animals such as fish if their body temperature reaches 37 °C. However, we are currently lacking an understanding of key details such as the minimum temperature required for T. gondii invasion and proliferation in these cold-blooded animals and their cells. Here, we performed in vitro T. gondii infection experiments with rat embryo fibroblasts (REF cells), grouper (Epinephelus coioides) splenocytes (GS cells) and zebra fish (Danio rerio) hepatocytes (ZFL cells), at 27 °C, 30 °C, 32 °C, 35 °C and 37 °C, respectively. We found that T. gondii tachyzoites could penetrate REF, GS nd ZFL cells at 27 °C but clear inhibition of multiplication was observed. Intriguingly, the intracellular tachyzoites retained the ability to infect mice after 12 days of incubation in GS cells cultured at 27 °C as demonstrated by bioassay. At 30 °C, 32 °C and 35 °C, we observed that the mammalian cells (REF cells) and fish cells (GS and ZFL cells) could support T. gondii invasion and replication, which showed a temperature-dependent relationship in infection and proliferation rates. Our data demonstrated that the minimum temperature for T. gondii invasion and replication was 27 °C and 30 °C respectively, which indicated that temperature should be a key factor for T. gondii invasion and proliferation in host cells. This suggests that temperature-dependent infection determines the differences in the capability of T. gondii to infect cold- and warm-blooded vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Yang
- Center for Parasitic Organisms and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Economic Animals, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, PR China
| | - Shao-Meng Yu
- Center for Parasitic Organisms and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Economic Animals, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, PR China
| | - Ke Chen
- Center for Parasitic Organisms and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Economic Animals, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, PR China
| | - Geoff Hide
- Biomedical Research Centre and Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Salford, M5 4WT, UK
| | - Zhao-Rong Lun
- Center for Parasitic Organisms and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Economic Animals, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, PR China; Biomedical Research Centre and Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Salford, M5 4WT, UK.
| | - De-Hua Lai
- Center for Parasitic Organisms and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Economic Animals, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, PR China.
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Xin S, Su R, Jiang N, Zhang L, Yang Y. Low Prevalence of Antibodies Against Toxoplasma gondii in Chinese Populations. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:302. [PMID: 32656100 PMCID: PMC7324674 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii has been found to infect almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans. In this study, a total of 3,275 human serum samples were collected from hospitals in five provinces of China. About 5.13% (168/3,275) (95% CI, 4.42–5.94) of the serum samples tested positive for T. gondii IgG antibody by a modified agglutination test (MAT) (cut-off: 1:20). Significant associations were detected between geographic location (OR = 1.763), age (OR = 3.072), infertility in women (OR = 2.4409) and T. gondii infection in humans (p < 0.05). To minimize infection, citizens need to be informed about the best practices for toxoplasmosis prevention, including eating well-cooked meat, drinking boiled water, washing vegetables and fruits, and being careful during contact with cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilin Xin
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ruijing Su
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yurong Yang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
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Toxoplasma gondii Oocyst Infectivity Assessed Using a Sporocyst-Based Cell Culture Assay Combined with Quantitative PCR for Environmental Applications. Appl Environ Microbiol 2019; 85:AEM.01189-19. [PMID: 31399406 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01189-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous foodborne protozoan that can infect humans at low dose and displays different prevalences among countries in the world. Ingestion of food or water contaminated with small amounts of T. gondii oocysts may result in human infection. However, there are no regulations for monitoring oocysts in food, mainly because of a lack of standardized methods to detect them. The objectives of this study were (i) to develop a reliable method, applicable in biomonitoring, for the rapid detection of infectious oocysts by cell culture of their sporocysts combined with quantitative PCR (sporocyst-CC-qPCR) and (ii) to adapt this method to blue and zebra mussels experimentally contaminated by oocysts with the objective to use these organisms as sentinels of aquatic environments. Combining mechanical treatment and bead beating leads to the release of 84% ± 14% of free sporocysts. The sporocyst-CC-qPCR detected fewer than ten infectious oocysts in water within 4 days (1 day of contact and 3 days of cell culture) compared to detection after 4 weeks by mouse bioassay. For both mussel matrices, oocysts were prepurified using a 30% Percoll gradient and treated with sodium hypochlorite before cell culture of their sporocysts. This assay was able to detect as few as ten infective oocysts. This sporocyst-based CC-qPCR appears to be a good alternative to mouse bioassay for monitoring infectious T. gondii oocysts directly in water and also using biological sentinel mussel species. This method offers a new perspective to assess the environmental risk for human health associated with this parasite.IMPORTANCE The ubiquitous protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is the subject of renewed interest due to the spread of oocysts in water and food causing endemic and epidemic outbreaks of toxoplasmosis in humans and animals worldwide. Displaying a sensitivity close to animal models, cell culture represents a real alternative to assess the infectivity of oocysts in water and in biological sentinel mussels. This method opens interesting perspectives for evaluating human exposure to infectious T. gondii oocysts in the environment, where oocyst amounts are considered to be very small.
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Marquis ND, Bishop TJ, Record NR, Countway PD, Fernández Robledo JA. Molecular Epizootiology of Toxoplasma gondii and Cryptosporidium parvum in the Eastern Oyster ( Crassostrea virginica) from Maine (USA). Pathogens 2019; 8:E125. [PMID: 31412532 PMCID: PMC6789735 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8030125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Shellfish are known as a potential source of Toxoplasma gondii (responsible for toxoplasmosis), and Cryptosporidium parvum, which is one of the major causes of gastroenteritis in the world. Here we performed a comprehensive qPCR-based monthly survey for T. gondii and C. parvum during 2016 and 2017 in oysters (Crassostrea virginica) (n = 1440) from all six sites along the coast of Maine (USA). Pooled samples (mantle, gills, and rectum) from individual oysters were used for DNA extraction and qPCR. Our study resulted in detections of qPCR positives oysters for T. gondii and C. parvum at each of the six sites sampled (in 31% and 10% of total oysters, respectively). The prevalence of T. gondii was low in 2016, and in September 2017 several sites peaked in prevalence with 100% of the samples testing positive. The prevalence of C. parvum was very low except in one estuarine location (Jack's Point) in June 2016 (58%), and in October of 2016, when both prevalence and density of C. parvum at most of the sampling sites were among the highest values detected. Statistical analysis of environmental data did not identify clear drivers of retention, but there were some notable statistically significant patterns including current direction and nitrate along with the T. gondii prevalence. The major C. parvum retention event (in October 2016) corresponded with the month of highest dissolved oxygen measurements as well as a shift in the current direction revealed by nearby instrumentation. This study may guide future research to locate any contributing parasite reservoirs and evaluate the potential risk to human consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Theodore J Bishop
- Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, Boothbay, ME 04544, USA
- Southern Maine Community College, South Portland, ME 04106, USA
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Marino AMF, Giunta RP, Salvaggio A, Castello A, Alfonzetti T, Barbagallo A, Aparo A, Scalzo F, Reale S, Buffolano W, Percipalle M. Toxoplasma gondii in edible fishes captured in the Mediterranean basin. Zoonoses Public Health 2019; 66:826-834. [PMID: 31278858 PMCID: PMC6852154 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The issue of whether market fish can be involved in the transmission of Toxoplasma gondii in the marine environment is highly debated since toxoplasmosis has been diagnosed frequently in cetaceans stranded along the Mediterranean coastlines in recent times. To support the hypothesis that fishes can harbour and effectively transmit the parasite to top-of-the-food-chain marine organisms and to human consumers of fishery products, a total of 1,293 fishes from 17 species obtained from wholesale and local fish markets were examined for T. gondii DNA. Real-time PCR was performed in samples obtained by separately pooling intestines, gills and skin/muscles collected from each fish species. Thirty-two out of 147 pooled samples from 12 different fish species were found contaminated with T. gondii DNA that was detected in 16 samples of skin/muscle and in 11 samples of both intestine and gills. Quantitative analysis of amplified DNA performed by both real-time PCR and digital PCR (dPCR) confirmed that positive fish samples were contaminated with Toxoplasma genomic DNA to an extent of 6.10 × 10-2 to 2.77 × 104 copies/ml (quantitative PCR) and of 1 to 5.7 × 104 copies/ml (dPCR). Fishes are not considered competent biological hosts for T. gondii; nonetheless, they can be contaminated with T. gondii oocysts flowing via freshwater run-offs (untreated sewage discharges, soil flooding) into the marine environment, thus acting as mechanical carriers. Although the detection of viable and infective T. gondii oocysts was not the objective of this investigation, the results here reported suggest that fish species sold for human consumption can be accidentally involved in the transmission route of the parasite in the marine environment and that the risk of foodborne transmission of toxoplasmosis to fish consumers should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Fausta Marino
- National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Catania, Italy
| | - Renato Paolo Giunta
- National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Salvaggio
- National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Catania, Italy
| | - Annamaria Castello
- National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Catania, Italy
| | - Tiziana Alfonzetti
- National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Barbagallo
- National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandra Aparo
- National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Catania, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Scalzo
- National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Catania, Italy
| | - Stefano Reale
- National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Percipalle
- National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Catania, Italy
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Acosta ICL, Souza-Filho AF, Muñoz-Leal S, Soares HS, Heinemann MB, Moreno L, González-Acuña D, Gennari SM. Evaluation of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii and Leptospira spp. in Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) on Magdalena Island, Chile. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2019; 16:100282. [PMID: 31027597 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis has been reported in many avian species, but little information is available from wild penguin populations. Leptospira can infects domestic and wild animals. Spheniscus magellanicus belong to the order Sphenisciformes, family Spheniscidae, and are colonial birds. These seabirds live in temperate waters along the Atlantic shores of South America, and their total population has been estimated to be 1,300,000 breeding pairs. Magdalena Island (Chile) hosts an important breeding colony but, over recent decades, a marked decline in the number of birds has been seen. The objective of this study was to determine occurrences of antibodies against T. gondii and Leptospira spp. in penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) on Magdalena Island, from where no previous data on these agents were available. Serum samples were collected from 132 penguins on Magdalena Island. Antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii were detected using the modified agglutination test (Titer ≥20), and anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies were detected using the microscopic agglutination test (Titer ≥100). T. gondii antibodies were detected in 57 (43.18%) of the 132 serum samples, with titers that ranged from 20 to 320. None of the penguins in this study was reactive to anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies. This is the first report of T. gondii seropositivity in free-living Magellanic penguins in Chile.
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Affiliation(s)
- I C L Acosta
- Dept. of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, SP, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-270, Brazil
| | - A F Souza-Filho
- Dept. of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, SP, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-270, Brazil
| | - S Muñoz-Leal
- Dept. of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, SP, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-270, Brazil
| | - H S Soares
- Dept. of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, SP, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-270, Brazil
| | - M B Heinemann
- Dept. of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, SP, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-270, Brazil
| | - L Moreno
- Dept. of Zoology, Faculty of Natural and Oceanography Sciences, University of Concepción, Barrio Universitario S/N, Concepción, Chile
| | - D González-Acuña
- Dept. of Zoology, Faculty of Natural and Oceanography Sciences, University of Concepción, Barrio Universitario S/N, Concepción, Chile
| | - S M Gennari
- Dept. of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, SP, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-270, Brazil; Master's Program in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Welfare, University of Santo Amaro, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Scotter SE, Tryland M, Nymo IH, Hanssen L, Harju M, Lydersen C, Kovacs KM, Klein J, Fisk AT, Routti H. Contaminants in Atlantic walruses in Svalbard part 1: Relationships between exposure, diet and pathogen prevalence. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 244:9-18. [PMID: 30317087 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated relationships between organohalogen compound (OHC) exposure, feeding habits, and pathogen exposure in a recovering population of Atlantic walruses (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) from the Svalbard Archipelago, Norway. Various samples were collected from 39 free-living, apparently healthy, adult male walruses immobilised at three sampling locations during the summers of 2014 and 2015. Concentrations of lipophilic compounds (polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides and polybrominated diphenyl ethers) were analysed in blubber samples, and concentrations of perfluoroalkylated substances (PFASs) were determined in plasma samples. Stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen were measured in seven tissue types and surveys for three infectious pathogens were conducted. Despite an overall decline in lipophilic compound concentrations since this population was last studied (2006), the contaminant pattern was similar, including extremely large inter-individual variation. Stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen showed that the variation in OHC concentrations could not be explained by some walruses consuming higher trophic level diets, since all animals were found to feed at a similar trophic level. Antibodies against the bacteria Brucella spp. and the parasite Toxoplasma gondii were detected in 26% and 15% of the walruses, respectively. Given the absence of seal-predation, T. gondii exposure likely took place via the consumption of contaminated bivalves. The source of exposure to Brucella spp. in walruses is still unknown. Parapoxvirus DNA was detected in a single individual, representing the first documented evidence of parapoxvirus in wild walruses. Antibody prevalence was not related to contaminant exposure. Despite this, dynamic relationships between diet composition, contaminant bioaccumulation and pathogen exposure warrant continuing attention given the likelihood of climate change induced habitat and food web changes, and consequently OHC exposure, for Svalbard walruses in the coming decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie E Scotter
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, N-9019, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Morten Tryland
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, N-9019, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Ingebjørg H Nymo
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, N-9019, Tromsø, Norway; Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Stakkevollveien 23, N-9010, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Linda Hanssen
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), Fram Centre, N-9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Mikael Harju
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), Fram Centre, N-9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Kit M Kovacs
- Norwegian Polar Institute, FRAM Centre, N-9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jörn Klein
- University College of Southeast Norway (USN), Post Box 235, N-3603, Kongsberg, Norway
| | - Aaron T Fisk
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, FRAM Centre, N-9296, Tromsø, Norway.
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15
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Acosta ICL, Soares RM, Mayorga LFSP, Alves BF, Soares HS, Gennari SM. Occurrence of tissue cyst forming coccidia in Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) rescued on the coast of Brazil. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0209007. [PMID: 30562391 PMCID: PMC6298673 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The main motivation for this study was to determine the occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii, a cosmopolitan widespread zoonotic parasite distribution that can infect a wide variety of mammals and birds, in Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) in Brazil. In recent decades there has been a significant increase in the number of penguins originating from Argentinian and Chilean Patagonia, where these birds are born, that arrive on the Brazilian coast, where many of them are stranded and rescued. Tissue samples were collected from 330 individuals surveyed from 2012–2015 at the Institute for Marine Animal Research and Rehabilitation (IPRAM) located in Cariacica, state of Espirito Santo, Brazil. Serum were collected from 145 animals surveyed in 2015 for the detection of anti-T. gondii antibodies using the Modified Agglutination Test (MAT ≥20) and 18 birds were positive, with titers of 20 (7 birds), 40 (9 birds) and 80 (2 birds). Mouse bioassay for the isolation of T. gondii was performed using tissues from 54 penguins that were also surveyed in 2015, but no isolates were obtained. DNA from tissue samples of 330 individuals was PCR amplified and sequenced to detect tissue cyst forming coccidians by using pan sarcocystids-directed primers (based on 18S rDNA). These samples were from animals surveyed in 2015 and from frozen stocked tissues from animals surveyed in the years 2012 and 2013. The positives were PCR amplified and sequenced with genus Sarcocystis-specific primers (based on internal transcribed spacer 1, RNA polymerase beta subunit coding gene, and cytochrome B coding gene) and with Sarcocystis falcatula/Sarcocystis neurona- specific primers (based on surface antigens SAG2, SAG3 and SAG4). Sixteen (3.0%) of pectoral muscle samples were positive by all the seven molecular markers and all the samples were identical to each other. Organisms close related to Sarcocystis falcatula were confirmed in all cases. This is the first report on molecular detection of infection by S. falcatula-related organisms and the first report of seropositivity for T. gondii in free-living Magellanic penguins in Brazil. Felids and didephid opossums are definitive hosts of T. gondii and S. falcatula, respectively. Where the penguins acquire the infective forms of the parasites shed by the terrestrial mammals remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Cunha Lima Acosta
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo–USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Rodrigo Martins Soares
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo–USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | | | - Bruna Farias Alves
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo–USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Herbert Sousa Soares
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo–USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Solange Maria Gennari
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo–USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Mestrado em Medicina e Bem estar animal, Universidade Santo Amaro, Av. Prof. Eneas de Siqueira Neto, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Koutsoumanis K, Allende A, Alvarez-Ordóñez A, Bolton D, Bover-Cid S, Chemaly M, Davies R, De Cesare A, Herman L, Hilbert F, Lindqvist R, Nauta M, Peixe L, Ru G, Simmons M, Skandamis P, Suffredini E, Cacciò S, Chalmers R, Deplazes P, Devleesschauwer B, Innes E, Romig T, van der Giessen J, Hempen M, Van der Stede Y, Robertson L. Public health risks associated with food-borne parasites. EFSA J 2018; 16:e05495. [PMID: 32625781 PMCID: PMC7009631 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2018.5495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites are important food‐borne pathogens. Their complex lifecycles, varied transmission routes, and prolonged periods between infection and symptoms mean that the public health burden and relative importance of different transmission routes are often difficult to assess. Furthermore, there are challenges in detection and diagnostics, and variations in reporting. A Europe‐focused ranking exercise, using multicriteria decision analysis, identified potentially food‐borne parasites of importance, and that are currently not routinely controlled in food. These are Cryptosporidium spp., Toxoplasma gondii and Echinococcus spp. Infection with these parasites in humans and animals, or their occurrence in food, is not notifiable in all Member States. This Opinion reviews current methods for detection, identification and tracing of these parasites in relevant foods, reviews literature on food‐borne pathways, examines information on their occurrence and persistence in foods, and investigates possible control measures along the food chain. The differences between these three parasites are substantial, but for all there is a paucity of well‐established, standardised, validated methods that can be applied across the range of relevant foods. Furthermore, the prolonged period between infection and clinical symptoms (from several days for Cryptosporidium to years for Echinococcus spp.) means that source attribution studies are very difficult. Nevertheless, our knowledge of the domestic animal lifecycle (involving dogs and livestock) for Echinoccocus granulosus means that this parasite is controllable. For Echinococcus multilocularis, for which the lifecycle involves wildlife (foxes and rodents), control would be expensive and complicated, but could be achieved in targeted areas with sufficient commitment and resources. Quantitative risk assessments have been described for Toxoplasma in meat. However, for T. gondii and Cryptosporidium as faecal contaminants, development of validated detection methods, including survival/infectivity assays and consensus molecular typing protocols, are required for the development of quantitative risk assessments and efficient control measures.
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Shapiro K, Silver M, Byrne BA, Berardi T, Aguilar B, Melli A, Smith WA. Fecal indicator bacteria and zoonotic pathogens in marine snow and California mussels (Mytilus californianus). FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2018; 94:5078863. [DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiy172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Shapiro
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis,One Shields Ave, CA 95616, USA
- One Health Institute, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Mary Silver
- Ocean Sciences Department, Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California, 1156 High St., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Barbara A Byrne
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis,One Shields Ave, CA 95616, USA
| | - Terra Berardi
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis,One Shields Ave, CA 95616, USA
| | - Beatriz Aguilar
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis,One Shields Ave, CA 95616, USA
| | - Ann Melli
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis,One Shields Ave, CA 95616, USA
| | - Woutrina A Smith
- One Health Institute, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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18
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Bigal E, Morick D, Scheinin AP, Salant H, Berkowitz A, King R, Levy Y, Melero M, Sánchez-Vizcaíno JM, Goffman O, Hadar N, Roditi-Elasar M, Tchernov D. Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in three common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus); A first description from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Vet Parasitol 2018; 258:74-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/09/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Hernroth BE, Baden SP. Alteration of host-pathogen interactions in the wake of climate change - Increasing risk for shellfish associated infections? ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 161:425-438. [PMID: 29202413 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 11/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The potential for climate-related spread of infectious diseases through marine systems has been highlighted in several reports. With this review we want to draw attention to less recognized mechanisms behind vector-borne transmission pathways to humans. We have focused on how the immune systems of edible marine shellfish, the blue mussels and Norway lobsters, are affected by climate related environmental stressors. Future ocean acidification (OA) and warming due to climate change constitute a gradually increasing persistent stress with negative trade-off for many organisms. In addition, the stress of recurrent hypoxia, inducing high levels of bioavailable manganese (Mn) is likely to increase in line with climate change. We summarized that OA, hypoxia and elevated levels of Mn did have an overall negative effect on immunity, in some cases also with synergistic effects. On the other hand, moderate increase in temperature seems to have a stimulating effect on antimicrobial activity and may in a future warming scenario counteract the negative effects. However, rising sea surface temperature and climate events causing high land run-off promote the abundance of naturally occurring pathogenic Vibrio and will in addition, bring enteric pathogens which are circulating in society into coastal waters. Moreover, the observed impairments of the immune defense enhance the persistence and occurrence of pathogens in shellfish. This may increase the risk for direct transmission of pathogens to consumers. It is thus essential that in the wake of climate change, sanitary control of coastal waters and seafood must recognize and adapt to the expected alteration of host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bodil E Hernroth
- The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Kristineberg 566, SE-451 78 Fiskebäckskil, Sweden; Dept. of Natural Science, Kristianstad University, SE-291 88 Kristianstad, Sweden.
| | - Susanne P Baden
- Dept. of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Kristineberg 566, SE-451 78 Fiskebäckskil, Sweden
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20
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Wyrosdick HM, Gerhold R, Su C, Mignucci-Giannoni AA, Bonde RK, Chapman A, Rivera-Pérez CI, Martinez J, Miller DL. Investigating seagrass in Toxoplasma gondii transmission in Florida (Trichechus manatus latirostris) and Antillean (T. m. manatus) manatees. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2017; 127:65-69. [PMID: 29256429 DOI: 10.3354/dao03181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a feline protozoan reported to cause morbidity and mortality in manatees and other marine mammals. Given the herbivorous nature of manatees, ingestion of oocysts from contaminated water or seagrass is presumed to be their primary mode of infection. The objectives of this study were to investigate oocyst contamination of seagrass beds in Puerto Rico and determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii in Antillean (Trichechus manatus manatus) and Florida (T. m. latirostris) manatees. Sera or plasma from Antillean (n = 5) and Florida (n = 351) manatees were tested for T. gondii antibodies using the modified agglutination test. No T. gondii DNA was detected via PCR in seagrass samples (n = 33) collected from Puerto Rico. Seroprevalence was 0%, suggesting a lower prevalence of T. gondii in these manatee populations than previously reported. This was the first study to investigate the potential oocyst contamination of the manatee diet, and similar studies are important for understanding the epidemiology of T. gondii in herbivorous marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi M Wyrosdick
- University of Tennessee, Center for Wildlife Health, Department of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
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21
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van de Velde N, Devleesschauwer B, Leopold M, Begeman L, IJsseldijk L, Hiemstra S, IJzer J, Brownlow A, Davison N, Haelters J, Jauniaux T, Siebert U, Dorny P, De Craeye S. Toxoplasma gondii in stranded marine mammals from the North Sea and Eastern Atlantic Ocean: Findings and diagnostic difficulties. Vet Parasitol 2016; 230:25-32. [PMID: 27884438 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/22/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The occurrence of the zoonotic protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii in marine mammals remains a poorly understood phenomenon. In this study, samples from 589 marine mammal species and 34 European otters (Lutra lutra), stranded on the coasts of Scotland, Belgium, France, The Netherlands and Germany, were tested for the presence of T. gondii. Brain samples were analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of parasite DNA. Blood and muscle fluid samples were tested for specific antibodies using a modified agglutination test (MAT), a commercial multi-species enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and an immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Out of 193 animals tested by PCR, only two harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) cerebrum samples, obtained from animals stranded on the Dutch coast, tested positive. The serological results showed a wide variation depending on the test used. Using a cut-off value of 1/40 dilution in MAT, 141 out of 292 animals (41%) were positive. Using IFA, 30 out of 244 tested samples (12%) were positive at a 1/50 dilution. The commercial ELISA yielded 7% positives with a cut-off of the sample-to-positive (S/P) ratio≥50; and 12% when the cut-off was set at S/P ratio≥20. The high number of positives in MAT may be an overestimation due to the high degree of haemolysis of the samples and/or the presence of lipids. The ELISA results could be an underestimation due to the use of a multispecies conjugate. Our results confirm the presence of T. gondii in marine mammals in The Netherlands and show exposure to the parasite in both the North Sea and the Eastern Atlantic Ocean. We also highlight the limitations of the tests used to diagnose T. gondii in stranded marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert van de Velde
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Brecht Devleesschauwer
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium; Department of Public Health and Surveillance, Scientific Institute of Public Health (WIV-ISP), Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Mardik Leopold
- Wageningen IMARES - Institute for Marine Resources and Ecosystem Studies, Den Helder, The Netherlands
| | - Lineke Begeman
- Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lonneke IJsseldijk
- Utrecht University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dept. Pathobiology, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoukje Hiemstra
- Utrecht University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dept. Pathobiology, The Netherlands
| | - Jooske IJzer
- Utrecht University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dept. Pathobiology, The Netherlands
| | - Andrew Brownlow
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, SAC Consulting. Veterinary Services, Drummondhill, Inverness, IV2 4JZ Scotland, UK
| | - Nicholas Davison
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, SAC Consulting. Veterinary Services, Drummondhill, Inverness, IV2 4JZ Scotland, UK
| | - Jan Haelters
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS), Ostend, Belgium
| | - Thierry Jauniaux
- Department of Morphology and Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Büsum, Germany
| | - Pierre Dorny
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Stéphane De Craeye
- National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, Department of Communicable and Infectious Diseases, Scientific Institute of Public Health (WIV-ISP), Brussels, Belgium
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22
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Gondim LFP, Wolf A, Vrhovec MG, Pantchev N, Bauer C, Langenmayer MC, Bohne W, Teifke JP, Dubey JP, Conraths FJ, Schares G. Characterization of an IgG monoclonal antibody targeted to both tissue cyst and sporocyst walls of Toxoplasma gondii. Exp Parasitol 2016; 163:46-56. [PMID: 26836446 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2016.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infects animals habiting terrestrial and aquatic environments. Its oocysts and tissue cysts are important for the horizontal transmission of this parasite. The oocyst and tissue cyst walls are crucial for the ability of the parasite to persist in the environment or in animal tissues, respectively. However, the composition of these walls is not well understood. We report the generation of monoclonal antibodies directed against wall components using mice immunized with oocyst antigens of T. gondii. One monoclonal antibody (mAb) G1/19 reacted solely with T. gondii sporozoites. The respective antigen had a relative molecular weight (Mr) of 30 kDa. MAb G1/19 failed to react with sporozoites of any other coccidian parasite species tested (Hammondia hammondi, Hammondia heydorni, Cystoisospora felis, Eimeria bovis, Sarcocystis sp.). Another mAb, designated K8/15-15, recognized antigens in sporocyst walls of the parasite and in the walls of in vivo or in vitro produced tissue cysts, as demonstrated by immunofluorescence and immunoblot assays. Antigens of 80 to a high molecular weight protein of about 350 kDa Mr were recognized by this antibody using antigen extracts from sporocysts, and from in vitro or in vivo generated tissue cysts of the parasite. Tissue cyst and sporocyst walls of H. hammondi and H. heydorni, and tissue cysts of Neospora caninum were also recognized by mAb K8/15-15. Sporocyst walls of C. felis also reacted to this mAb. The cyst walls of Sarcocystis sp. and Besnoitia besnoiti were not recognized by mAb K8/15-15. Reactivity by a single mAb against T. gondii antigens in tissue cysts and sporocysts had not been reported previously. MAb K8/15-15 may be a practical tool for the identification of both cysts and sporocysts of the parasite, and may also be potentially employed in proteomic studies on the identification of new components of the cyst and sporocyst walls of T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís F P Gondim
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; Universidade Federal da Bahia, Escola de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Departamento de Anatomia, Patologia e Clínicas, Av. Adhemar de Barros 500, 40170-110, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Alexander Wolf
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | | | | | - Christian Bauer
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Martin C Langenmayer
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany; Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Bohne
- Department of Microbiology, University of Gottingen, Kreuzbergring 57, D-37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jens P Teifke
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Department of Experimental Animal Facilities and Biorisk Management, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Jitender P Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Franz J Conraths
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Gereon Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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23
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Kerambrun E, Palos Ladeiro M, Bigot-Clivot A, Dedourge-Geffard O, Dupuis E, Villena I, Aubert D, Geffard A. Zebra mussel as a new tool to show evidence of freshwater contamination by waterborne Toxoplasma gondii. J Appl Microbiol 2016; 120:498-508. [DOI: 10.1111/jam.12999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Revised: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- E. Kerambrun
- Unité Stress Environnementaux et Biosurveillance des milieux aquatiques; UMR-I 02 (SEBIO); Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne; Reims France
| | - M. Palos Ladeiro
- Unité Stress Environnementaux et Biosurveillance des milieux aquatiques; UMR-I 02 (SEBIO); Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne; Reims France
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie; EA 3800 SFR CAP-Santé FED 4231; Hôpital Maison Blanche; Reims France
| | - A. Bigot-Clivot
- Unité Stress Environnementaux et Biosurveillance des milieux aquatiques; UMR-I 02 (SEBIO); Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne; Reims France
| | - O. Dedourge-Geffard
- Unité Stress Environnementaux et Biosurveillance des milieux aquatiques; UMR-I 02 (SEBIO); Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne; Reims France
| | - E. Dupuis
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie; EA 3800 SFR CAP-Santé FED 4231; Hôpital Maison Blanche; Reims France
| | - I. Villena
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie; EA 3800 SFR CAP-Santé FED 4231; Hôpital Maison Blanche; Reims France
| | - D. Aubert
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie; EA 3800 SFR CAP-Santé FED 4231; Hôpital Maison Blanche; Reims France
| | - A. Geffard
- Unité Stress Environnementaux et Biosurveillance des milieux aquatiques; UMR-I 02 (SEBIO); Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne; Reims France
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24
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Abstract
AbstractToxoplasma gondiiis a protozoa that causes toxoplasmosis in people and other animals. It is considered one of the most common parasitic infections in the world due to its impressive range of hosts, widespread environmental contamination and the diverse means by which animals can be infected. Despite its ubiquity and numerous ongoing research efforts into both its basic biology and clinical management, many aspects of diagnosis and management of this disease are poorly understood. The range of diagnostic options that is available for veterinary diagnostic investigators are notably more limited than those available to medical diagnosticians, making accurate interpretation of each test result critical. The current review joins other reviews on the parasite with a particular emphasis on the history and continued development of diagnostic tests that are useful for veterinary diagnostic investigations. An understanding of the strengths and shortcomings of current diagnostic techniques will assist veterinary and public health officials in formulating effective treatment and control strategies in diverse animal populations.
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25
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Herder V, van de Velde N, Højer Kristensen J, van Elk C, Peters M, Kilwinski J, Schares G, Siebert U, Wohlsein P. Fatal Disseminated Toxoplasma gondii Infection in a Captive Harbour Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). J Comp Pathol 2015; 153:357-62. [PMID: 26381675 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2015.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Revised: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A 7-year-old female harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), born and held in captivity, suffered from reduced consciousness, imprecise and circling swimming movements and long phases of immobility over a period of 3 weeks. The animal died during treatment in a Danish open sea facility. Pathological examination revealed multifocal pyogranulomatous to necrotizing meningoencephalomyelitis, ganglioneuritis, plexus chorioiditis, myocarditis, hepatitis and adrenalitis with few intralesional protozoal tachyzoites and bradyzoites within cysts. Immunohistochemistry was positive for Toxoplasma gondii antigen within the lesions. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the presence of T. gondii-specific genome fragments was confirmed. A multilocus PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis using nine unlinked marker regions (nSAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1 and Apico) resulted in the identification of T. gondii type II (variant Apico Type I), which is the T. gondii genotype dominating in Germany. This is the first description of disseminated fatal toxoplasmosis in a captive harbour porpoise that lived in an open sea basin. Surface water contaminated with toxoplasma oocysts is regarded as the most likely source of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Herder
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - N van de Velde
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstr. 6, Büsum, Germany
| | | | - C van Elk
- Dolfinarium Harderwijk, Strandboulevard Oost 1, Harderwijk, The Netherlands
| | - M Peters
- Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt Westfalen, Zur Taubeneiche 10-12, Arnsberg, Germany
| | - J Kilwinski
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - G Schares
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - U Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstr. 6, Büsum, Germany
| | - P Wohlsein
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, Hannover, Germany.
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26
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Palos Ladeiro M, Bigot-Clivot A, Aubert D, Villena I, Geffard A. Assessment of Toxoplasma gondii levels in zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) by real-time PCR: an organotropism study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 22:13693-13701. [PMID: 25772876 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-4296-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Water quality is a public health concern that calls for relevant biomonitoring programs. Molecular tools such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are progressively becoming more sensitive and more specific than conventional techniques to detect pathogens in environmental samples such as water and organisms. The zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) has already been demonstrated to accumulate and concentrate various human waterborne pathogens. In this study, first, a spiking experiment to evaluate detection levels of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in zebra mussel organs using real-time PCR was conducted. Overall, lower DNA levels in the hemolymph, digestive gland, and remaining tissues (gonad and foot) were detected compared to mantle, muscle, and gills. Second, an in vivo experiment with 1000 T. gondii oocysts per mussel and per day for 21 consecutive days, followed by 14 days of depuration time in protozoa-free water was performed. T. gondii DNA was detected in all organs, but greatest concentrations were observed in hemolymph and mantle tissues compared to the others organs at the end of the depuration period. These results suggest that (i) the zebra mussel is a potential new tool for measuring T. gondii concentrations and (ii) real-time PCR is a suitable method for pathogen detection in complex matrices such as tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Palos Ladeiro
- Unité Stress Environnementaux et BIOsurveillance des milieux aquatiques, UMR-I 02 (SEBIO), Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France
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27
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Krusor C, Smith WA, Tinker MT, Silver M, Conrad PA, Shapiro K. Concentration and retention ofToxoplasma gondiioocysts by marine snails demonstrate a novel mechanism for transmission of terrestrial zoonotic pathogens in coastal ecosystems. Environ Microbiol 2015; 17:4527-37. [DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.12927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Revised: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Colin Krusor
- Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology; School of Veterinary Medicine; University of California; Davis CA USA
| | | | - M. Tim Tinker
- Western Ecological Research Center; United States Geological Survey; Santa Cruz CA USA
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; University of California; Santa Cruz CA USA
| | - Mary Silver
- Ocean Sciences; University of California; Santa Cruz CA USA
| | - Patricia A. Conrad
- Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology; School of Veterinary Medicine; University of California; Davis CA USA
- One Health Institute; University of California; Davis CA USA
| | - Karen Shapiro
- Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology; School of Veterinary Medicine; University of California; Davis CA USA
- One Health Institute; University of California; Davis CA USA
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28
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Barbosa L, Johnson CK, Lambourn DM, Gibson AK, Haman KH, Huggins JL, Sweeny AR, Sundar N, Raverty SA, Grigg ME. A novel Sarcocystis neurona genotype XIII is associated with severe encephalitis in an unexpectedly broad range of marine mammals from the northeastern Pacific Ocean. Int J Parasitol 2015; 45:595-603. [PMID: 25997588 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2015.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Revised: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Sarcocystis neurona is an important cause of protozoal encephalitis among marine mammals in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. To characterise the genetic type of S. neurona in this region, samples from 227 stranded marine mammals, most with clinical or pathological evidence of protozoal disease, were tested for the presence of coccidian parasites using a nested PCR assay. The frequency of S. neurona infection was 60% (136/227) among pinnipeds and cetaceans, including seven marine mammal species not previously known to be susceptible to infection by this parasite. Eight S. neurona fetal infections identified this coccidian parasite as capable of being transmitted transplacentally. Thirty-seven S. neurona-positive samples were multilocus sequence genotyped using three genetic markers: SnSAG1-5-6, SnSAG3 and SnSAG4. A novel genotype, referred to as Type XIII within the S. neurona population genetic structure, has emerged recently in the northeastern Pacific Ocean and is significantly associated with an increased severity of protozoal encephalitis and mortality among multiple stranded marine mammal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Barbosa
- Wildlife Health Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, NIAID, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Christine K Johnson
- Wildlife Health Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | | | - Amanda K Gibson
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, NIAID, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Katherine H Haman
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, NIAID, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; University of British Columbia, Department of Zoology, Fisheries Centre, Marine Mammal Research Unit, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | | | - Amy R Sweeny
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, NIAID, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Natarajan Sundar
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, NIAID, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Stephen A Raverty
- University of British Columbia, Department of Zoology, Fisheries Centre, Marine Mammal Research Unit, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada; Animal Health Center, Ministry of Agriculture, Abbotsford, British Columbia V3G 2M3, Canada
| | - Michael E Grigg
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Health, NIAID, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; University of British Columbia, Department of Zoology, Fisheries Centre, Marine Mammal Research Unit, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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29
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EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY OFTOXOPLASMA GONDIIIN FREE-RANGING CALIFORNIA SEA LIONS (ZALOPHUS CALIFORNIANUS). J Wildl Dis 2015; 51:362-73. [DOI: 10.7589/2014-08-205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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30
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Shapiro K, Krusor C, Mazzillo FFM, Conrad PA, Largier JL, Mazet JAK, Silver MW. Aquatic polymers can drive pathogen transmission in coastal ecosystems. Proc Biol Sci 2014; 281:20141287. [PMID: 25297861 PMCID: PMC4213613 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2014.1287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Gelatinous polymers including extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) are fundamental to biophysical processes in aquatic habitats, including mediating aggregation processes and functioning as the matrix of biofilms. Yet insight into the impact of these sticky molecules on the environmental transmission of pathogens in the ocean is limited. We used the zoonotic parasite Toxoplasma gondii as a model to evaluate polymer-mediated mechanisms that promote transmission of terrestrially derived pathogens to marine fauna and humans. We show that transparent exopolymer particles, a particulate form of EPS, enhance T. gondii association with marine aggregates, material consumed by organisms otherwise unable to access micrometre-sized particles. Adhesion to EPS biofilms on macroalgae also captures T. gondii from the water, enabling uptake of pathogens by invertebrates that feed on kelp surfaces. We demonstrate the acquisition, concentration and retention of T. gondii by kelp-grazing snails, which can transmit T. gondii to threatened California sea otters. Results highlight novel mechanisms whereby aquatic polymers facilitate incorporation of pathogens into food webs via association with particle aggregates and biofilms. Identifying the critical role of invisible polymers in transmission of pathogens in the ocean represents a fundamental advance in understanding and mitigating the health impacts of coastal habitat pollution with contaminated runoff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Shapiro
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Colin Krusor
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | | | - Patricia A Conrad
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - John L Largier
- Bodega Marine Laboratory and Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Jonna A K Mazet
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Mary W Silver
- Department of Ocean Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
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31
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Mazzillo FFM, Shapiro K, Silver MW. A new pathogen transmission mechanism in the ocean: the case of sea otter exposure to the land-parasite Toxoplasma gondii. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82477. [PMID: 24386100 PMCID: PMC3867372 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a land-derived parasite that infects humans and marine mammals. Infections are a significant cause of mortality for endangered southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis), but the transmission mechanism is poorly understood. Otter exposure to T. gondii has been linked to the consumption of marine turban snails in kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) forests. It is unknown how turban snails acquire oocysts, as snails scrape food particles attached to surfaces, whereas T. gondii oocysts enter kelp beds as suspended particles via runoff. We hypothesized that waterborne T. gondii oocysts attach to kelp surfaces when encountering exopolymer substances (EPS) forming the sticky matrix of biofilms on kelp, and thus become available to snails. Results of a dietary composition analysis of field-collected snails and of kelp biofilm indicate that snails graze the dense kelp-biofilm assemblage composed of pennate diatoms and bacteria inserted within the EPS gel-like matrix. To test whether oocysts attach to kelp blades via EPS, we designed a laboratory experiment simulating the kelp forest canopy in tanks spiked with T. gondii surrogate microspheres and controlled for EPS and transparent exopolymer particles (TEP - the particulate form of EPS). On average, 19% and 31% of surrogates were detected attached to kelp surfaces covered with EPS in unfiltered and filtered seawater treatments, respectively. The presence of TEP in the seawater did not increase surrogate attachment. These findings support a novel transport mechanism of T. gondii oocysts: as oocysts enter the kelp forest canopy, a portion adheres to the sticky kelp biofilms. Snails grazing this biofilm encounter oocysts as 'bycatch' and thereby deliver the parasite to sea otters that prey upon snails. This novel mechanism can have health implications beyond T. gondii and otters, as a similar route of pathogen transmission may be implicated with other waterborne pathogens to marine wildlife and humans consuming biofilm-feeding invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda F. M. Mazzillo
- Department of Ocean Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
| | - Karen Shapiro
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Mary W. Silver
- Department of Ocean Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
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32
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Simon A, Poulin MB, Rousseau AN, Ogden NH. Fate and transport of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in seasonally snow covered watersheds: a conceptual framework from a melting snowpack to the Canadian arctic coasts. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 10:994-1005. [PMID: 23478399 PMCID: PMC3709299 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph10030994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2013] [Revised: 02/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic protozoan that causes serious illness in humans and infects animals worldwide, including the Canadian Arctic. Indeed, high prevalence of infection amongst Inuit has been recorded, possibly due to consumption of raw infected seal meat. Here we explore the hypothesis that T. gondii oocysts contaminate the coastal marine environment via surface runoff from across the boreal watershed, particularly during the snowmelt period. We propose a conceptual framework of the different processes governing the fate and transport of T. gondii oocysts from the melting snowpack to the Canadian arctic coast via the freshwater runoff. This framework identifies the feasibility of a transmission pathway of oocysts from contaminated soil to the marine environment, but also the complexity and multiplicity of mechanisms involved. In addition, the framework identifies knowledge gaps for guiding future studies on T. gondii oocysts. Furthermore, this work could be used as a tool to investigate the possible estuarine contamination by other faeces-borne pathogens transported via the spring freshet in seasonally snow covered watersheds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Simon
- Groupe de Recherche en Épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3200 Sicotte, CP 5000, Saint-Hyacinthe, J2S 7C6, Québec, Canada; E-Mails: (M.B.P.); (N.H.O.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +1-450-773-8521 (ext. 0082); Fax: +1-450-778-8129
| | - Michel Bigras Poulin
- Groupe de Recherche en Épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3200 Sicotte, CP 5000, Saint-Hyacinthe, J2S 7C6, Québec, Canada; E-Mails: (M.B.P.); (N.H.O.)
| | - Alain N. Rousseau
- Institut National de Recherche Scientifique, Centre Eau Terre Environnement, 490, rue de la Couronne, Québec, G1K 9A9, Québec, Canada; E-Mail:
| | - Nicholas H. Ogden
- Groupe de Recherche en Épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3200 Sicotte, CP 5000, Saint-Hyacinthe, J2S 7C6, Québec, Canada; E-Mails: (M.B.P.); (N.H.O.)
- Zoonoses Division, Centre for Foodborne, Environmental and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Public Health Agency of Canada, 3200 rue Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, J2S 7C6, Québec, Canada
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Palos Ladeiro M, Bigot A, Aubert D, Hohweyer J, Favennec L, Villena I, Geffard A. Protozoa interaction with aquatic invertebrate: interest for watercourses biomonitoring. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 20:778-789. [PMID: 23001759 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-012-1189-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2012] [Accepted: 09/06/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium parvum, and Giardia duodenalis are human waterborne protozoa. These worldwide parasites had been detected in various watercourses as recreational, surface, drinking, river, and seawater. As of today, water protozoa detection was based on large water filtration and on sample concentration. Another tool like aquatic invertebrate parasitism could be used for sanitary and environmental biomonitoring. In fact, organisms like filter feeders could already filtrate and concentrate protozoa directly in their tissues in proportion to ambient concentration. So molluscan shellfish can be used as a bioindicator of protozoa contamination level in a site since they were sedentary. Nevertheless, only a few researches had focused on nonspecific parasitism like protozoa infection on aquatic invertebrates. Objectives of this review are twofold: Firstly, an overview of protozoa in worldwide water was presented. Secondly, current knowledge of protozoa parasitism on aquatic invertebrates was detailed and the lack of data of their biological impact was pointed out.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Palos Ladeiro
- Unité Interactions Animal-Environnement, EA 4689, UFR Sciences Exactes et Naturelles, Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, Campus du Moulin de la Housse, 51100, Reims, France
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References. Parasitology 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/9781119968986.refs] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Scientific Opinion on the minimum hygiene criteria to be applied to clean seawater and on the public health risks and hygiene criteria for bottled seawater intended for domestic use. EFSA J 2012. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2012.2613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Nardoni S, Angelici MC, Mugnaini L, Mancianti F. Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in Myocastor coypus in a protected Italian wetland. Parasit Vectors 2011; 4:240. [PMID: 22196032 PMCID: PMC3262763 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-4-240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2011] [Accepted: 12/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is the causative agent for a major zoonosis with cosmopolitan distribution. Water has been implicated in outbreaks of toxoplasmosis in recent years. Coypus (Myocastor coypus), commonly nutria, are large semi-aquatic invasive rodents, naturalized throughout European countries, including most wetlands of Central Italy. The habitat of these animals is both terrestrial and aquatic, making them a species highly exposed to the parasite. Findings The occurrence of the infection was evaluated using a modified agglutination test (MAT) in 74 adult coypus from a naturalized population living in a wetland of Central Italy. Nested PCR (n-PCR) assay was carried out on some of them. Positive T. gondii MAT results were found in 44 animals (59·4%), 30 males (68·2%) and 14 females (31·8%). Antibody titers were ranging from 20 to 40960, while 12 out of 23 (52·2%), examined animals, 8 males (66·7%) and 4 females (33·3%), resulted positive to n-PCR. All n-PCR positive animals were seropositive, showing antibody titers ranging from 640 to 40960. Conclusions Our results indicate that examined animals are heavily parasitized with Toxoplasma. This suggests that coypus could be a reservoir of this parasite, because they can be eaten both by scavenger animals and by humans, and that these animals would play a role in maintaining the cycle of T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Nardoni
- Dipartimento di Patologia Animale, Profilassi ed Igiene degli Alimenti, viale delle Piagge 2, 56100 Pisa, Italy.
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Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in free-living Amazon River dolphins (Inia geoffrensis) from central Amazon, Brazil. Vet Parasitol 2011; 183:171-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2011] [Revised: 06/02/2011] [Accepted: 06/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Putignani L, Mancinelli L, Del Chierico F, Menichella D, Adlerstein D, Angelici MC, Marangi M, Berrilli F, Caffara M, di Regalbono DAF, Giangaspero A. Investigation of Toxoplasma gondii presence in farmed shellfish by nested-PCR and real-time PCR fluorescent amplicon generation assay (FLAG). Exp Parasitol 2010; 127:409-17. [PMID: 20920501 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2010.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2010] [Revised: 09/20/2010] [Accepted: 09/21/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the presence of Toxoplasma gondii in edible farmed shellfish, 1734 shellfish specimens i.e., 109 Crassostrea gigas (6 pools), 660 Mytilus galloprovincialis (22 pools), 804 Tapes decussatus (28 pools) and 161 Tapes philippinarum (6 pools), were collected from the Varano Lagoon (Apulia, Italy). Shellfish from 62 pools were subjected to two molecular techniques: a nested-PCR assay, and a fluorescent amplicon generation (FLAG) real-time PCR assay, both based on the multi-copy B1 target, were performed. One pooled sample of gills from C. gigas and one pooled sample of haemolymphs from T. decussatus were assessed as positive for T. gondii DNA by both techniques. The results demonstrated the presence of T. gondii in edible farmed C. gigas and T. decussatus and indicate that there may be a considerable health threat involved in eating contaminated raw shellfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Putignani
- Unità di Microbiologia, Bambino Gesù, Ospedale Pediatrico e Istituto di Ricerca, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165 Roma, Italy
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Miller MA, Conrad PA, Harris M, Hatfield B, Langlois G, Jessup DA, Magargal SL, Packham AE, Toy-Choutka S, Melli AC, Murray MA, Gulland FM, Grigg ME. A protozoal-associated epizootic impacting marine wildlife: mass-mortality of southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) due to Sarcocystis neurona infection. Vet Parasitol 2010; 172:183-94. [PMID: 20615616 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2009] [Revised: 05/20/2010] [Accepted: 05/21/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
During April 2004, 40 sick and dead southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) were recovered over 18km of coastline near Morro Bay, California. This event represented the single largest monthly spike in mortality ever recorded during 30 years of southern sea otter stranding data collection. Because of the point-source nature of the event and clinical signs consistent with severe, acute neurological disease, exposure to a chemical or marine toxin was initially considered. However, detailed postmortem examinations revealed lesions consistent with an infectious etiology, and further investigation confirmed the protozoan parasite Sarcocystis neurona as the underlying cause. Tissues from 94% of examined otters were PCR-positive for S. neurona, based on DNA amplification and sequencing at the ITS-1 locus, and 100% of tested animals (n=14) had elevated IgM and IgG titers to S. neurona. Evidence to support the point-source character of this event include the striking spatial and temporal clustering of cases and detection of high concentrations of anti-S. neurona IgM in serum of stranded animals. Concurrent exposure to the marine biotoxin domoic acid may have enhanced susceptibility of affected otters to S. neurona and exacerbated the neurological signs exhibited by stranded animals. Other factors that may have contributed to the severity of this epizootic include a large rainstorm that preceded the event and an abundance of razor clams near local beaches, attracting numerous otters close to shore within the affected area. This is the first report of a localized epizootic in marine wildlife caused by apicomplexan protozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Miller
- Marine Wildlife Veterinary Care and Research Center, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA.
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Massie GN, Ware MW, Villegas EN, Black MW. Uptake and transmission of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts by migratory, filter-feeding fish. Vet Parasitol 2010; 169:296-303. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2009] [Revised: 12/18/2009] [Accepted: 01/03/2010] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Esmerini PO, Gennari SM, Pena HFJ. Analysis of marine bivalve shellfish from the fish market in Santos city, São Paulo state, Brazil, for Toxoplasma gondii. Vet Parasitol 2010; 170:8-13. [PMID: 20197214 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2009] [Revised: 01/18/2010] [Accepted: 01/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine if Toxoplasma gondii are present in oysters (Crassostrea rhizophorae) and mussels (Mytella guyanensis) under natural conditions using a bioassay in mice and molecular detection methods. We first compared two standard protocols for DNA extraction, phenol-chloroform (PC) and guanidine-thiocyanate (GT), for both molluscs. A total of 300 oysters and 300 mussels were then acquired from the fish market in Santos city, São Paulo state, Brazil, between March and August of 2008 and divided into 60 groups of 5 oysters and 20 groups of 15 mussels. To isolate the parasite, five mice were orally inoculated with sieved tissue homogenates from each group of oysters or mussels. For molecular detection of T. gondii, DNA from mussels was extracted using the PC method and DNA from oysters was extracted using the GT method. A nested-PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) based on the amplification of a 155 bp fragment from the B1 gene of T. gondii was then performed. Eleven PCR-RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) markers, SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, CS3 and Apico, were used to genotype positive samples. There was no isolation of the parasite by bioassay in mice. T. gondii was not detected in any of the groups of mussels by nested-PCR. DNA of T. gondii was apparently detected by nested-PCR in 2 groups of oysters (3.3%). Genotyping of these two positive samples was not successful. The results suggest that oysters of the species C. rhizophorae, the most common species from the coast of São Paulo, can filter and retain T. gondii oocysts from the marine environment. Ingestion of raw oysters as a potential transmission source of T. gondii to humans and marine mammals should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia O Esmerini
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, CEP 05508-900, São Paulo, Brazil
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Lindsay DS, Dubey JP. Long-term survival of Toxoplasma gondii sporulated oocysts in seawater. J Parasitol 2010; 95:1019-20. [PMID: 20050010 DOI: 10.1645/ge-1919.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is now recognized as an important pathogen in costal marine mammals. Oocysts from cat feces are believed to be washed into seawater and serve as a source of infection via transport hosts. Experimentally, it has been demonstrated that T. gondii oocysts can sporulate in seawater and remain infectious for mice for up to 6 mo. The present study examined the long-term survival of T. gondii in seawater (15 ppt NaCl) kept at 4 C or at room temperature. Oocysts kept at 4 C for 24 mo were orally infectious for mice, while those kept at room temperature for 24 mo were not.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Lindsay
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathology, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, 1410 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA.
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Messier V, Lévesque B, Proulx JF, Rochette L, Libman MD, Ward BJ, Serhir B, Couillard M, Ogden NH, Dewailly É, Hubert B, Déry S, Barthe C, Murphy D, Dixon B. Seroprevalence ofToxoplasma gondiiAmong Nunavik Inuit (Canada). Zoonoses Public Health 2009; 56:188-97. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1863-2378.2008.01177.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Dubey JP, Mergl J, Gehring E, Sundar N, Velmurugan GV, Kwok OCH, Grigg ME, Su C, Martineau D. Toxoplasmosis in captive dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and walrus (Odobenus rosmarus). J Parasitol 2009; 95:82-5. [PMID: 19245284 DOI: 10.1645/ge-1764.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2008] [Accepted: 07/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infection in marine mammals is intriguing and indicative of contamination of the ocean environment and coastal waters with oocysts. Toxoplasma gondii infection was detected in captive marine mammals at a sea aquarium in Canada. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in all 7 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) tested. Two of these dolphins, as well as a walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) at the facility, died. Encephalitis and T. gondii tissue cysts were identified in histological sections of the brain of 1 dolphin (dolphin no. 1). Another dolphin (dolphin no. 2) had mild focal encephalitis without visible organisms, but viable T. gondii was isolated by bioassay in mice and cats from its brain and skeletal muscle; this strain was designated TgDoCA1. The PCR-RFLP typing using 11 markers (B1, SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, and Apico) identified a Type II strain. The DNA sequencing of B1 and SAG1 alleles amplified from TgDoCA1 and directly from the brains of dolphin no. 1 and the walrus showed archetypal alleles consistent with infection by a Type II strain. No unique polymorphisms were detected. This is apparently the first report of isolation of T. gondii from a marine mammal in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350, USA.
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Winiecka-Krusnell J, Dellacasa-Lindberg I, Dubey J, Barragan A. Toxoplasma gondii: Uptake and survival of oocysts in free-living amoebae. Exp Parasitol 2009; 121:124-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2008.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2007] [Revised: 07/23/2008] [Accepted: 09/30/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Surface properties of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts and surrogate microspheres. Appl Environ Microbiol 2008; 75:1185-91. [PMID: 19060174 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02109-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The physical properties that govern the waterborne transmission of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts from land to sea were evaluated and compared to the properties of carboxylated microspheres, which could serve as surrogates for T. gondii oocysts in transport and water treatment studies. The electrophoretic mobilities of T. gondii oocysts, lightly carboxylated Dragon Green microspheres, and heavily carboxylated Glacial Blue microspheres were determined in ultrapure water, artificial freshwater with and without dissolved organic carbon, artificial estuarine water, and artificial seawater. The surface wettabilities of oocysts and microspheres were determined using a water contact angle approach. Toxoplasma gondii oocysts and microspheres were negatively charged in freshwater solutions, but their charges were neutralized in estuarine water and seawater. Oocysts, Glacial Blue microspheres, and unwashed Dragon Green microspheres had low contact angles, indicating that they were hydrophilic; however, once washed, Dragon Green microspheres became markedly hydrophobic. The hydrophilic nature and negative charge of T. gondii oocysts in freshwater could facilitate widespread contamination of waterways. The loss of charge observed in saline waters may lead to flocculation and subsequent accumulation of T. gondii oocysts in locations where freshwater and marine water mix, indicating a high risk of exposure for humans and wildlife in estuarine habitats with this zoonotic pathogen. While microspheres did not have surface properties identical to those of T. gondii, similar properties shared between each microsphere type and oocysts suggest that their joint application in transport and fate studies could provide a range of transport potentials in which oocysts are likely to behave.
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Dubey JP, Fair PA, Sundar N, Velmurugan G, Kwok OCH, McFee WE, Majumdar D, Su C. Isolation of Toxoplasma gondii from bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). J Parasitol 2008; 94:821-3. [PMID: 18576793 DOI: 10.1645/ge-1444.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2007] [Accepted: 11/05/2007] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infection in marine mammals is intriguing and indicative of contamination of the ocean environment and coastal waters with oocysts. In previous serological surveys, >90% of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the coasts of Florida, South Carolina, and California had antibodies to T. gondii by the modified agglutination test (MAT). In the present study, attempts were made to isolate T. gondii from dead T. truncatus. During 2005, 2006, and 2007, serum or blood clot, and tissues (brain, heart, skeletal muscle) of 52 T. truncatus stranded on the coasts of South Carolina were tested for T. gondii. Antibodies to T. gondii (MAT 1:25 or higher) were found in 26 (53%) of 49 dolphins; serum was not available from 3 animals. Tissues (heart, muscle, and sometimes brain) of 32 dolphins (26 seropositive, 3 seronegative, and 3 without accompanying sera) were bioassayed for T. gondii in mice, or cats, or both. Tissues of the recipient mice were examined for T. gondii stages. Feces of recipient cats were examined for shedding of T. gondii oocysts, but none excreted oocysts. Toxoplasma gondii was isolated from hearts of the 3 dolphins (2 with MAT titers of 1:200, and 1 without accompanied serum) by bioassay in mice. Genotyping of these 3 T. gondii isolates (designated TgDoUs1-3) with the use of 10 PCR-RFLP markers (SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, and Apico) revealed 2 genotypes. Two of the 3 isolates have Type II alleles at all loci and belong to the clonal Type II lineage. One isolate has a unique genotype. This is the first report of isolation of viable T. gondii from T. truncatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Deseases Laboratory, Animal and Natural Resources Institute, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, USA.
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Surveillance and monitoring of Toxoplasma in humans, food and animals - Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Biological Hazards. EFSA J 2007. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2007.583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Abstract
Waterborne trematode and protozoan infections inflict considerable morbidity on healthy, i.e., immunocompetent people, and may cause life-threatening diseases among immunocompromised and immunosuppressed populations. These infections are common, easily transmissible, and maintain a worldwide distribution, although waterborne trematode infections remain predominantly confined to the developing countries. Waterborne transmission of trematodes is enhanced by cultural practices of eating raw or inadequately cooked food, socio-economical factors, and wide zoonotic and sylvatic reservoirs of these helminths. Waterborne protozoan infections remain common in both developed and developing countries (although better statistics exist for developed countries), and their transmission is facilitated via contacts with recreational and surface waters, or via consumption of contaminated drinking water. The transmissive stages of human protozoan parasites are small, shed in large numbers in feces of infected people or animals, resistant to environmental stressors while in the environment, and few are (e.g., Cryptosporidium oocysts) able to resist standard disinfection applied to drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaddeus K Graczyk
- Division of Environmental Health Engineering, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Thomas NJ, Dubey JP, Lindsay DS, Cole RA, Meteyer CU. Protozoal meningoencephalitis in sea otters (Enhydra lutris): a histopathological and immunohistochemical study of naturally occurring cases. J Comp Pathol 2007; 137:102-21. [PMID: 17692867 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2007.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2006] [Accepted: 05/04/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Protozoal meningoencephalitis is considered to be an important cause of mortality in the California sea otter (Enhydra lutris). Thirty nine of 344 (11.3%) California (CA) and Washington state (WA) sea otters examined from 1985 to 2004 had histopathological evidence of significant protozoal meningoencephalitis. The aetiological agents and histopathological changes associated with these protozoal infections are described. The morphology of the actively multiplicative life stages of the organisms (tachyzoites for Toxoplasma gondii and merozoites for Sarcocystis neurona) and immunohistochemical labelling were used to identify infection with S. neurona (n=22, 56.4%), T. gondii (n=5, 12.8%) or dual infection with both organisms (n=12, 30.8%). Active S. neurona was present in all dual infections, while most had only the latent form of T. gondii. In S. neurona meningoencephalitis, multifocal to diffuse gliosis was widespread in grey matter and consistently present in the molecular layer of the cerebellum. In T. gondii meningoencephalitis, discrete foci of gliosis and malacia were more widely separated, sometimes incorporated pigment-laden macrophages and mineral, and were found predominantly in the cerebral cortex. Quiescent tissue cysts of T. gondii were considered to be incidental and not a cause of clinical disease and mortality. Protozoal meningoencephalitis was diagnosed more frequently in the expanding population of WA sea otters (10 of 31, 32.3%) than in the declining CA population (29 of 313, 9.3%). Among sea otters with protozoal meningoencephalitis, those that had displayed neurological signs prior to death had active S. neurona encephalitis, supporting the conclusion that S. neurona is the most significant protozoal pathogen in the central nervous system of sea otters.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Thomas
- Department of the Interior, US Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, USA.
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