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Umhang G, Frantz AC, Ferté H, Fournier Chambrillon C, Gautrelet M, Gritti T, Thenon N, Le Loc'h G, Isère-Laoué E, Egal F, Caillot C, Lippert S, Heddergott M, Fournier P, Richomme C. Surveys on Baylisascaris procyonis in two of the three French wild raccoon populations. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 23:100928. [PMID: 38586580 PMCID: PMC10998084 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100928] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Human infection by Baylisascaris procyonis can result in larva migrans syndromes, which can cause severe neurological sequelae and fatal cases. The raccoon serves as the definitive host of the nematode, harboring adult worms in its intestine and excreting millions of eggs into the environment via its feces. Transmission to paratenic hosts (such as rodents, birds and rabbits) or to humans occurs by accidental ingestion of eggs. The occurrence of B. procyonis in wild raccoons has been reported in several Western European countries. In France, raccoons have currently established three separate and expanding populations as a result of at least three independent introductions. Until now the presence of B. procyonis in these French raccoon populations has not been investigated. Between 2011 and 2021, 300 raccoons were collected from both the south-western and north-eastern populations. The core parts of the south-western and north-eastern French raccoon populations were free of B. procyonis. However, three worms (molecularly confirmed) were detected in a young raccoon found at the edge of the north-eastern French raccoon population, close to the Belgian and Luxemburg borders. Population genetic structure analysis, genetic exclusion tests and factorial correspondence analysis all confirmed that the infected raccoon originated from the local genetic population, while the same three approaches showed that the worms were genetically distinct from the two nearest known populations in Germany and the Netherlands. The detection of an infected raccoon sampled east of the northeastern population raises strong questions about the routes of introduction of the roundworms. Further studies are required to test wild raccoons for the presence of B. procyonis in the area of the index case and further east towards the border with Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gérald Umhang
- ANSES Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, National Reference Laboratory for Echinococcus spp., Malzeville, France
| | | | - Hubert Ferté
- Université de Reims Champagne–Ardenne, Reims, France
| | | | - Manon Gautrelet
- Université de Reims Champagne–Ardenne, Reims, France
- GREGE, Villandraut, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Fabien Egal
- Association Départementale des Piégeurs Agréés de Gironde, Mongauzy, France
| | - Christophe Caillot
- ANSES Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, National Reference Laboratory for Echinococcus spp., Malzeville, France
| | | | | | | | - Céline Richomme
- ANSES Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, National Reference Laboratory for Echinococcus spp., Malzeville, France
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Heddergott M, Lippert S, Schliephake A, Gaede W, Schleimer A, Frantz AC. Spread of the Zoonotic Nematode Baylisascaris procyonis into a Naive Raccoon Population. ECOHEALTH 2023; 20:263-272. [PMID: 37971598 PMCID: PMC10757695 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-023-01655-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis), a gastrointestinal nematode of the raccoon (Procyon lotor), may cause a severe form of larva migrans in humans, which can lead to death or permanent neurological damage. Although roundworms were inadvertently introduced to Europe alongside their raccoon hosts, the parasite is not present in every raccoon population. It is important to understand the geographic distribution of B. procyonis, as early and rapid treatment can prevent severe pathologies in humans. We present evidence for the roundworm spreading into a naive raccoon population through natural dispersal of infected raccoons. We sampled 181 raccoons from Saxony-Anhalt, a German federal state containing contact zones of different raccoon populations, two of which were previously free of the parasite. We screened the raccoons for roundworms and used microsatellite-based assignment tests to determine the genetic origin of the raccoons and their parasites. We detected roundworms in 16 of 45 raccoons sampled in a previously roundworm-free area in the northern part of the state. The largest proportion of the genetic ancestry (≥ 0.5) of the 16 raccoon hosts was assigned to the previously naive raccoon population. Conversely, the genetic ancestry of almost all the roundworms was assigned to the nearest roundworm population in the southern part of the state. Infected raccoons have, therefore, spread to the north of the state, where they interbred with and infected local raccoons. It seems likely that the roundworms will continue to spread. Health authorities should consider continuous surveillance programmes of naive populations and raise public awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Heddergott
- Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle, 25 rue Muenster, L-2160, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Stéphanie Lippert
- Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle, 25 rue Muenster, L-2160, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Annette Schliephake
- Department for Veterinary Medicine, State Institute for Consumer Protection of Saxony-Anhalt, Haferbreiter Weg 132-135, 39576, Stendal, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Gaede
- Department for Veterinary Medicine, State Institute for Consumer Protection of Saxony-Anhalt, Haferbreiter Weg 132-135, 39576, Stendal, Germany
| | - Anna Schleimer
- Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle, 25 rue Muenster, L-2160, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- Fondation Faune Flore, 24 rue Muenster, L-2160, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Alain C Frantz
- Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle, 25 rue Muenster, L-2160, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
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Hill JE, Helton JL, Chipman RB, Gilbert AT, Beasley JC, Dharmarajan G, Rhodes OE. Spatial ecology of translocated raccoons. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10447. [PMID: 37369730 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37323-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are routinely translocated both legally and illegally to mitigate conflicts with humans, which has contributed to the spread of rabies virus across eastern North America. The movement behavior of translocated raccoons has important ramifications for disease transmission yet remains understudied and poorly quantified. To examine the spatial ecology of raccoons following experimental translocation, we performed reciprocal 16 km-distance translocations of 30 raccoons between habitats of high and low raccoon density (bottomland hardwood and upland pine, respectively) across the Savannah River Site (SRS) in Aiken, South Carolina, USA (2018-2019). Translocation influenced patterns of raccoon space use, with translocated animals exhibiting a 13-fold increase in 95% utilization distributions (UDs) post- compared to pre-translocation (mean 95% UD 35.8 ± 36.1 km2 vs 1.96 ± 1.17 km2). Raccoons originating from upland pine habitats consistently had greater space use and larger nightly movement distances post-translocation compared to raccoons moved from bottomland hardwood habitats, whereas these differences were generally not observed prior to translocation. Estimated home ranges of male raccoons were twice the area as estimated for female raccoons, on average, and this pattern was not affected by translocation. After a transient period lasting on average 36.5 days (SD = 30.0, range = 3.25-92.8), raccoons often resumed pre-experiment movement behavior, with 95% UD sizes not different from those prior to translocation (mean = 2.27 ± 1.63km2). Most animals established new home ranges after translocation, whereas three raccoons moved > 16 km from their release point back to the original capture location. Four animals crossed a 100-m wide river within the SRS post-translocation, but this behavior was not documented among collared raccoons prior to translocation. Large increases in space use combined with the crossing of geographic barriers such as rivers may lead to elevated contact rates with conspecifics, which can heighten disease transmission risks following translocation. These results provide additional insights regarding the potential impacts of raccoon translocation towards population level risks of rabies outbreaks and underscore the need to discourage mesocarnivore translocations to prevent further spread of wildlife rabies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob E Hill
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, PO Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA.
| | - James L Helton
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, PO Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 E Green St, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Richard B Chipman
- National Rabies Management Program, USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services, Concord, NH, 03301, USA
| | - Amy T Gilbert
- National Wildlife Research Center, USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services, 4101 Laporte Ave, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, USA
| | - James C Beasley
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, PO Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 E Green St, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Guha Dharmarajan
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, PO Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
| | - Olin E Rhodes
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, PO Drawer E, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, 140 E Green St, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
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Santa MA, Umhang G, Klein C, Grant DM, Ruckstuhl KE, Musiani M, Gilleard JS, Massolo A. It's a small world for parasites: evidence supporting the North American invasion of European Echinococcus multilocularis. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20230128. [PMID: 36883278 PMCID: PMC9993045 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.0128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Echinococcus multilocularis (Em), the causative agent of human alveolar echinococcosis (AE), is present in the Holarctic region, and several genetic variants deem to have differential infectivity and pathogenicity. An unprecedented outbreak of human AE cases in Western Canada infected with a European-like strain circulating in wild hosts warranted assessment of whether this strain was derived from a recent invasion or was endemic but undetected. Using nuclear and mitochondrial markers, we investigated the genetic diversity of Em in wild coyotes and red foxes from Western Canada, compared the genetic variants identified to global isolates and assessed their spatial distribution to infer possible invasion dynamics. Genetic variants from Western Canada were closely related to the original European clade, with lesser genetic diversity than that expected for a long-established strain and spatial genetic discontinuities within the study area, supporting the hypothesis of a relatively recent invasion with various founder events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A. Santa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gerald Umhang
- Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, National Reference Laboratory for Echinococcus spp., Wildlife Surveillance and Eco-epidemiology Unit, ANSES, Technopôle Agricole et Vétérinaire, Malzéville, France
| | - Claudia Klein
- Department of Clinical and Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Bundesforschungsinstitut für Tiergesundheit, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Neustadt, Germany
| | - Danielle M. Grant
- Department of Clinical and Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- NORCE Climate, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kathreen E. Ruckstuhl
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Marco Musiani
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Italy
| | - John S. Gilleard
- Department of Comparative Biology & Experimental Medicine, Host-Parasite Interactions (HPI) program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Alessandro Massolo
- Ethology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- UMR CNRS 6249 Chrono-environnement, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Frantz AC, Lippert S, Heddergott M. Microsatellite profiling of hosts from parasite-extracted DNA illustrated with raccoons (Procyon lotor) and their Baylisascaris procyonis roundworms. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:76. [PMID: 36841791 PMCID: PMC9960475 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05703-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Important information on movement pathways and introduction routes of invasive parasites can be obtained by comparing the genetic makeup of an invader with its spatial genetic structure in other distribution areas. Sometimes, the population genetic structure of the host might be more informative than that of the parasite itself, and it is important to collect tissue samples of both host and parasite. However, host tissue samples are frequently not available for analysis. We aimed to test whether it is possible to generate reliable microsatellite profiles of host individuals by amplifying DNA extracted from a nematode parasite, using the raccoon (Procyon lotor) and the raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis) as a test case. METHODS Between 2020 and 2021, we collected tissue as well as a single roundworm each from 12 raccoons from central Germany. Both the raccoon and the roundworm DNA extracts were genotyped using 17 raccoon-specific microsatellite loci. For each roundworm DNA extract, we performed at least eight amplification reactions per microsatellite locus. RESULTS We extracted amplifiable raccoon DNA from all 12 roundworms. We obtained at least two amplification products for 186 of the 204 possible genotypes. Altogether 1077 of the 1106 genotypes (97.4%) matched the host-DNA derived reference genotypes and thus did not contain genotyping errors. Nine of the 12 roundworm-derived genetic profiles matched the reference profiles from the raccoon hosts, with one additional genetic profile containing genotyping errors at a single locus. The remaining two genetic profiles were deemed unsuitable for downstream analysis because of genotyping errors and/or a high proportion of missing data. CONCLUSIONS We showed that reliable microsatellite-based genetic profiles of host individuals can be obtained by amplifying DNA extracted from a parasitic nematode. Specifically, the approach can be applied to reconstruct invasion pathways of roundworms when samples of the raccoon hosts are lacking. Further research should assess whether this method can be replicated in smaller species of parasitic nematodes and other phyla of parasites more generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain C. Frantz
- grid.507500.7Musée National d’Histoire Naturelle, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Stéphanie Lippert
- grid.507500.7Musée National d’Histoire Naturelle, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Mike Heddergott
- grid.507500.7Musée National d’Histoire Naturelle, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
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Microsatellites and mitochondrial evidence of multiple introductions of the invasive raccoon Procyon lotor in France. Biol Invasions 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-023-03018-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
AbstractRaccoons (Procyon lotor) are worldwide invaders, due to deliberate or accidental releases, and their impacts exceed hundred of billions of Euros in Europe only. In France, raccoons have currently established three separate, expanding populations. Identifying the current spatial genetic structure, dispersal events and phylogeography of these populations is needed to infer the invasion history and identify management units. We used wild and captive individuals sampled in France and Belgium to characterize the genetic diversity and current population genetic structure of French raccoon populations and identify potential genetic connectivity with the Belgium population using both mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite loci. Results confirm that French populations are the result of at least three independent introductions. While the three populations display low genetic diversity and sign of recent bottleneck, they are still expanding, suggesting that in addition to their ecological plasticity, the remaining genetic diversity is sufficient to successfully adapt to their new environment and allow a quick colonization. Particular attention must be given to the North-Eastern population, which shows genetic admixture with the Belgium population, as admixed individuals may exhibit hybrid vigor facilitating their expansion. The comparison of captive and wild individuals did not allow to identify a potential captive origin of the wild populations. The current regulation in France allowing captivity in zoos without enforcement to tighten the biosecurity of detention facilities might dampen any management measure as few introduced founders might be enough to create new populations.
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Peter N, Dörge DD, Cunze S, Schantz AV, Skaljic A, Rueckert S, Klimpel S. Raccoons contraband - The metazoan parasite fauna of free-ranging raccoons in central Europe. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 20:79-88. [PMID: 36688078 PMCID: PMC9852791 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.01.003] [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: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The invasive raccoon (Procyon lotor) is an abundant carnivore and considered as an important potential vector of infectious diseases and parasites in Europe. Raccoons show a broad, opportunistic, omnivorous food spectrum. Food supply and habitat quality in urban areas are very attractive for the generalist raccoon. This inevitably leads to increased interaction with humans, domestic animals and livestock, making the raccoon a potentially suitable zoonosis vector. In its autochthonous range, especially in the Eastern and Midwestern United States, the raccoon has been studied very intensively since the beginning of the 20th century. Whereas, basic field biology and parasitology studies in Germany and Europe are lacking and have only been conducted sporadically, regionally and on small sample sizes. In the presented study 234 raccoons from central Germany were comprehensively examined for their metazoan parasite fauna. The present study shows for the first time an extremely diverse parasite fauna in raccoons outside their native range and proves their essential role as intermediate hosts and hosts for ecto- and endoparasites. A total of 23 different parasite species were identified, five of which are human pathogens, 14 of which are new for the parasite fauna of raccoons in Europe. The human pathogenic raccoon roundworm Baylisascaris procyonis is the most common parasite species in this study, with a prevalence of up to 95%. The digenetic trematode Plagiorchis muris, another human pathogenic parasite species, was detected for the first time in raccoons. The ongoing spread of invasive carnivores and the associated spread and transmission of their parasites and other pathogens increases the potential health risk of wild and farmed animals as well as humans. An increase in parasitic diseases in humans (e.g. raccoon roundworm) is to be expected, especially in urban areas, where raccoons are becoming more and more abundant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Peter
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, Frankfurt, Main, D-60438, Germany
| | - Dorian D. Dörge
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, Frankfurt, Main, D-60438, Germany
| | - Sarah Cunze
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, Frankfurt, Main, D-60438, Germany
| | - Anna V. Schantz
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, Frankfurt, Main, D-60438, Germany
| | - Ajdin Skaljic
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, Frankfurt, Main, D-60438, Germany
| | - Sonja Rueckert
- School of Applied Sciences and Center for Conservation and Restoration Science, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Sighthill Court, Edinburgh, EH11 1HX, UK
| | - Sven Klimpel
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, Frankfurt, Main, D-60438, Germany,Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Senckenberganlage 25, Frankfurt, Main, D-60325, Germany,LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, D-60325, Frankfurt, Main, Germany,Corresponding author. Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, Frankfurt, Main, D-60439, Germany.
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Lanszki Z, Lanszki J, Tóth GE, Cserkész T, Csorba G, Görföl T, Csathó AI, Jakab F, Kemenesi G. Detection and sequence analysis of Canine morbillivirus in multiple species of the Mustelidae family. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:450. [PMID: 36564834 PMCID: PMC9789673 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03551-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canine morbillivirus (canine distemper virus, CDV) is a member of the Paramyxoviridae family. Canine distemper is a serious viral disease that affects many mammalian species, including members of the Mustelidae family. These animals have an elusive nature, which makes related virological studies extremely challenging. There is a significant knowledge gap about the evolution of their viruses and about the possible effects of these viruses to the population dynamics of the host animals. Spleen and lung tissue samples of 170 road-killed mustelids belonging to six species were collected between 1997 and 2022 throughout Hungary and tested for CDV with real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS Three species were positive for viral RNA, 2 out of 64 Steppe polecats (Mustela eversmanii), 1 out of 36 European polecats (Mustela putorius) and 2 out of 36 stone martens (Martes foina); all 18 pine martens (Martes martes), 10 least weasels (Mustela nivalis) and 6 stoats (Mustela erminea) tested negative. The complete CDV genome was sequenced in five samples using pan-genotype CDV-specific, amplicon-based Nanopore sequencing. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, all five viral sequences were grouped to the Europe/South America 1 lineage and the distribution of one sequence among trees indicated recombination of the Hemagglutinin gene. We verified the recombination with SimPlot analysis. CONCLUSIONS This paper provides the first CDV genome sequences from Steppe polecats and additional complete genomes from European polecats and stone martens. The infected specimens of various species originated from distinct parts of the country over a long time, indicating a wide circulation of CDV among mustelids throughout Hungary. Considering the high virulence of CDV and the presence of the virus in these animals, we highlight the importance of conservation efforts for wild mustelids. In addition, we emphasize the importance of full genomic data acquisition and analysis to better understand the evolution of the virus. Since CDV is prone to recombination, specific genomic segment analyses may provide less representative evolutionary traits than using complete genome sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsófia Lanszki
- grid.9679.10000 0001 0663 9479National Laboratory of Virology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary ,grid.9679.10000 0001 0663 9479Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - József Lanszki
- grid.418201.e0000 0004 0484 1763Balaton Limnological Research Institute, 8237 Tihany, Hungary ,grid.129553.90000 0001 1015 7851Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 7400 Kaposvár, Hungary
| | - Gábor Endre Tóth
- grid.9679.10000 0001 0663 9479National Laboratory of Virology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary ,grid.9679.10000 0001 0663 9479Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tamás Cserkész
- grid.424755.50000 0001 1498 9209Department of Zoology, Hungarian Natural History Museum, 1088 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Csorba
- grid.424755.50000 0001 1498 9209Department of Zoology, Hungarian Natural History Museum, 1088 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Görföl
- grid.9679.10000 0001 0663 9479National Laboratory of Virology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | | | - Ferenc Jakab
- grid.9679.10000 0001 0663 9479National Laboratory of Virology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary ,grid.9679.10000 0001 0663 9479Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gábor Kemenesi
- grid.9679.10000 0001 0663 9479National Laboratory of Virology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary ,grid.9679.10000 0001 0663 9479Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
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9
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Sanjuán CG, Aguirre JI, Villaverde S, Banda E, Hernandez SM, Yabsley MJ. Surveillance for gastrointestinal, subcutaneous, and ectoparasites of invasive North American raccoons (Procyon lotor) in central Spain. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 36:100793. [PMID: 36436902 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The American raccoon (Procyon lotor) is an invasive meso-carnivore which has been introduced and established in many European countries. Although the presence of the raccoon in the Iberian Peninsula was confirmed around 20 years ago, there are few data on pathogens of these animals in this region. For this work, 72 American raccoons from two subpopulations in the central region of the Iberian Peninsula were examined for selected parasites. Ectoparasite species richness (both fleas and ticks) increased during the sampling season and was highest in the Henares subpopulation and on males. Similarly, ectoparasite abundance increased during the sampling season and was highest in Henares and on adult raccoons. Four species of ticks were detected including Rhipicephalus pusillus (71%), followed by R. sanguineus sensu lato (24%), Ixodes ventalloi (3%), and Dermacentor marginatus (1.4%). Four species of fleas were detected including Pulex irritans (44%), Ctenocephalides felis (3%), C. canis (1.4%), and Paraceras melis (1.4%) infestations. A subset of raccoons (n = 56) was examined for intestinal parasites; low prevalence and diversity were found including Strongyloides procyonis (4%), Dilepis sp. (5%), Plagiorchis sp. (2%), and Moniliformis moniliformis (2%). Importantly, Baylisascaris procyonis was not found. Finally, no subcutaneous nematodes (i.e., Dracunculus and Dirofilaria spp.) were found in the 56 raccoons examined. The results of this work show that the invasive North American raccoons currently are infected with few endoparasites but are commonly infested with native ectoparasites, several of which can transmit pathogens relevant for public and veterinary health. However, the geographically distinct populations of raccoons in Spain have different introduction histories, thus additional surveillance for parasites is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos García Sanjuán
- Departamento de Biodiversidad, Ecología y Evolución, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
| | - José I Aguirre
- Departamento de Biodiversidad, Ecología y Evolución, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Villaverde
- Centro de Recuperación de Animales Silvestres de la Comunidad de Madrid (CRAS), Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Banda
- Departamento de Biodiversidad, Ecología y Evolución, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonia M Hernandez
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, United States of America; Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, United States of America
| | - Michael J Yabsley
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, United States of America; Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, United States of America; Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, United States of America.
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Heddergott M, Müller F, Steinbach P, Jeschke D, Stubbe M, Frantz AC, Stubbe A, Ansorge H, Osten-Sacken N. First detection and low prevalence of Pearsonema spp. in wild raccoons (Procyon lotor) from central Europa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY: PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2022; 19:243-247. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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11
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Maestrini M, Berrilli F, Di Rosso A, Coppola F, Guadano Procesi I, Mariacher A, Felicioli A, Perrucci S. Zoonotic Giardia duodenalis Genotypes and Other Gastrointestinal Parasites in a Badger Population Living in an Anthropized Area of Central Italy. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11080906. [PMID: 36015027 PMCID: PMC9416481 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11080906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Eurasian badger (Meles meles) is widespread in Italy and occupies different habitats. The occurrence and species of gastrointestinal parasites were evaluated in a free-ranging badger population living in a highly anthropic area in central Italy. A total of 43 fecal samples were examined using the flotation test, the Mini-FLOTAC and Baermann techniques, and a rapid immunoassay for the detection of Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. fecal antigens. Molecular investigations were also performed that aimed at identifying Giardia genotypes. Overall, 37/43 samples (86%) were found positive. Specifically, 48.8% (21 samples) were positive for G.duodenalis, 23.2% (10/43) for Cryptosporidium spp., and 7% (3/43) for coccidian oocysts. Strongyloides sp. nematode larvae were detected in 3/43 samples (7%). Ascarid (1/43, 2.3%), capillariid (1/43, 2.3%), and strongyle-type eggs (76.7%, 33/43) were also identified. Among the 11 readable sequences of samples that were positive for G. duodenalis by end-point PCR (18/21), the zoonotic assemblage A sub-assemblage AII and mixed assemblage A and B were identified. This is the first report of zoonotic G. duodenalis genotypes in the Eurasian badger. Moreover, most of identified parasites have zoonotic potential and/or potential impact on the population health of wild badgers and other wild and domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Maestrini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge n. 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Federica Berrilli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Di Rosso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge n. 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Coppola
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge n. 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Isabel Guadano Procesi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
- PhD Program in Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Mariacher
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, 58100 Grosseto, Italy
| | - Antonio Felicioli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge n. 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefania Perrucci
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge n. 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-050-2216949
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