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Tschritter CM, van Coeverden de Groot P, Branigan M, Dyck M, Sun Z, Jenkins E, Buhler K, Lougheed SC. The geographic distribution, and the biotic and abiotic predictors of select zoonotic pathogen detections in Canadian polar bears. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12027. [PMID: 38797747 PMCID: PMC11128453 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62800-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Increasing Arctic temperatures are facilitating the northward expansion of more southerly hosts, vectors, and pathogens, exposing naïve populations to pathogens not typical at northern latitudes. To understand such rapidly changing host-pathogen dynamics, we need sensitive and robust surveillance tools. Here, we use a novel multiplexed magnetic-capture and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) tool to assess a sentinel Arctic species, the polar bear (Ursus maritimus; n = 68), for the presence of five zoonotic pathogens (Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, Francisella tularensis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp.), and observe associations between pathogen presence and biotic and abiotic predictors. We made two novel detections: the first detection of a Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex member in Arctic wildlife and the first of E. rhusiopathiae in a polar bear. We found a prevalence of 37% for E. rhusiopathiae, 16% for F. tularensis, 29% for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, 18% for T. gondii, and 75% for Trichinella spp. We also identify associations with bear age (Trichinella spp.), harvest season (F. tularensis and MTBC), and human settlements (E. rhusiopathiae, F. tularensis, MTBC, and Trichinella spp.). We demonstrate that monitoring a sentinel species, the polar bear, could be a powerful tool in disease surveillance and highlight the need to better characterize pathogen distributions and diversity in the Arctic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marsha Branigan
- Department of Environment and Climate Change, Government of the Northwest Territories, Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Canada
| | - Markus Dyck
- Department of Environment, Government of Nunavut, Igloolik, NT, Canada
| | - Zhengxin Sun
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Emily Jenkins
- Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Kayla Buhler
- Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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Boyi JO, Sonne C, Dietz R, Rigét F, Siebert U, Lehnert K. Gene expression and trace elements in Greenlandic ringed seals (Pusa hispida). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 244:117839. [PMID: 38081340 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Marine top predators such as ringed seals biomagnify environmental contaminants; and with the increasing human activities in the Arctic, ringed seals are exposed to biologically significant concentrations of trace elements resulting in reproductive impairment, immunosuppression, and neurological damages. Little is known about the molecular effects of heavy metals on these vulnerable apex predators suffering from a rapidly changing Arctic with significant loss of sea-ice. In the present study, concentrations of cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) were measured in liver of sixteen Greenlandic ringed seals (nine adults and seven subadults) together with molecular biomarkers involved in bio-transformation, oxidative stress, endocrine disruption and immune activity in blood and blubber. The concentrations of trace elements increased in the following order: Hg > Se > Cd with levels of mercury and selenium being highest in adults. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPARα, estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1), thyroid hormone receptor alpha (TRα) and interleukin - 2 (IL-2) mRNA transcript levels were highest in blubber, while heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and interleukin - 10 (IL-10) were significantly higher in blood. There were no significant correlations between the concentrations of trace elements and mRNA transcript levels suggesting that stressors other than the trace elements investigated are responsible for the changes in gene expression levels. Since Hg seems to increase in Greenlandic ringed seals, there is a need to re-enforce health monitoring of this ringed seal population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Ometere Boyi
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Büsum, Germany.
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Frank Rigét
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Büsum, Germany.
| | - Kristina Lehnert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Büsum, Germany.
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Barratclough A, Ferguson SH, Lydersen C, Thomas PO, Kovacs KM. A Review of Circumpolar Arctic Marine Mammal Health-A Call to Action in a Time of Rapid Environmental Change. Pathogens 2023; 12:937. [PMID: 37513784 PMCID: PMC10385039 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The impacts of climate change on the health of marine mammals are increasingly being recognised. Given the rapid rate of environmental change in the Arctic, the potential ramifications on the health of marine mammals in this region are a particular concern. There are eleven endemic Arctic marine mammal species (AMMs) comprising three cetaceans, seven pinnipeds, and the polar bear (Ursus maritimus). All of these species are dependent on sea ice for survival, particularly those requiring ice for breeding. As air and water temperatures increase, additional species previously non-resident in Arctic waters are extending their ranges northward, leading to greater species overlaps and a concomitant increased risk of disease transmission. In this study, we review the literature documenting disease presence in Arctic marine mammals to understand the current causes of morbidity and mortality in these species and forecast future disease issues. Our review highlights potential pathogen occurrence in a changing Arctic environment, discussing surveillance methods for 35 specific pathogens, identifying risk factors associated with these diseases, as well as making recommendations for future monitoring for emerging pathogens. Several of the pathogens discussed have the potential to cause unusual mortality events in AMMs. Brucella, morbillivirus, influenza A virus, and Toxoplasma gondii are all of concern, particularly with the relative naivety of the immune systems of endemic Arctic species. There is a clear need for increased surveillance to understand baseline disease levels and address the gravity of the predicted impacts of climate change on marine mammal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Barratclough
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
| | - Steven H. Ferguson
- Arctic Aquatic Research Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada;
| | - Christian Lydersen
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway; (C.L.); (K.M.K.)
| | - Peter O. Thomas
- Marine Mammal Commission, 4340 East-West Highway, Room 700, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA;
| | - Kit M. Kovacs
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway; (C.L.); (K.M.K.)
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Pathogen Exposure in White Whales ( Delphinapterus leucas) in Svalbard, Norway. Pathogens 2022; 12:pathogens12010058. [PMID: 36678406 PMCID: PMC9864568 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010058] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The Svalbard white whale (Delphinapterus leucas) population is one of the smallest in the world, making it particularly vulnerable to challenges such as climate change and pathogens. In this study, serum samples from live captured (2001−2016) white whales from this region were investigated for influenza A virus (IAV) antibodies (Abs) (n = 27) and RNA (n = 25); morbillivirus (MV) Abs (n = 3) and RNA (n = 25); Brucella spp. Abs; and Toxoplasma gondii Abs (n = 27). IAV Abs were found in a single adult male that was captured in Van Mijenfjorden in 2001, although no IAV RNA was detected. Brucella spp. Abs were found in 59% of the sample group (16/27). All MV and T. gondii results were negative. The results show that Svalbard white whales have been exposed to IAV and Brucella spp., although evidence of disease is lacking. However, dramatic changes in climate and marine ecosystems are taking place in the Arctic, so surveillance of health parameters, including pathogens, is critical for tracking changes in the status of this vulnerable population.
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Emelyanova A, Savolainen A, Oksanen A, Nieminen P, Loginova O, Abass K, Rautio A. Research on Selected Wildlife Infections in the Circumpolar Arctic-A Bibliometric Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11260. [PMID: 36141528 PMCID: PMC9517571 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
One Health, a multidisciplinary approach to public health, which integrates human, animal, and environmental studies, is prudent for circumpolar Arctic health research. The objective of our bibliometric review was to identify and compare research in select infectious diseases in Arctic wildlife species with importance to human health indexed in English language databases (PubMed, Scopus) and the Russian database eLibrary.ru. Included articles (in English and Russian languages) needed to meet the following criteria: (1) data comes from the Arctic, (2) articles report original research or surveillance reports, (3) articles were published between 1990 and 2018, and (4) research relates to naturally occurring infections. Of the included articles (total n = 352), most were from Russia (n = 131, 37%), Norway (n = 58, 16%), Canada (n = 39, 11%), and Alaska (n = 39, 11%). Frequently reported infectious agents among selected mammals were Trichinella spp. (n = 39), Brucella spp. (n = 25), rabies virus (n = 11), Echinococcus spp. (n = 10), and Francisella tularensis (n = 9). There were 25 articles on anthrax in eLibrary.ru, while there were none in the other two databases. We identified future directions where opportunities for further research, collaboration, systematic reviews, or monitoring programs are possible and needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Emelyanova
- Thule Institute, University of Oulu & University of the Arctic, P.O. Box 7300, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland
- Arctic Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, FI-90590 Oulu, Finland
| | - Audrey Savolainen
- Arctic Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, FI-90590 Oulu, Finland
- Finnish Food Authority (FINPAR), Elektroniikkatie 3, FI-90590 Oulu, Finland
| | - Antti Oksanen
- Finnish Food Authority (FINPAR), Elektroniikkatie 3, FI-90590 Oulu, Finland
| | - Pentti Nieminen
- Medical Informatics and Data Analysis Research Group, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland
| | - Olga Loginova
- Laboratory of Parasite Systematics and Evolution, Center for Parasitology, A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninskii Prospect 33, 119071 Moscow, Russia
| | - Khaled Abass
- Arctic Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, FI-90590 Oulu, Finland
| | - Arja Rautio
- Thule Institute, University of Oulu & University of the Arctic, P.O. Box 7300, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland
- Arctic Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, FI-90590 Oulu, Finland
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Borkens Y. Toxoplasma gondii in Australian macropods ( Macropodidae) and its implication to meat consumption. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2021; 16:153-162. [PMID: 34567970 PMCID: PMC8449172 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide occurring apicomplexan parasite. Due to its high seroprevalence in livestock as well as in game animals, T. gondii is an important food-borne pathogen and can have significant health implications for humans as well as for pets. This article describes the prevalence of T. gondii in free-ranging macropods hunted for consumption. All hunted macropod species (commercial as well as non-commercial hunt) show a positive seroprevalence for T. gondii. This seroprevalence is influenced by various factors, such as sex or habitat. Furthermore, the parasite shows a high level of genetic variability in macropods. Genetically variable strains have already caused outbreaks of toxoplasmosis in the past (Canada and the US). These were attributed to undercooked game meat like venison. Despite this risk, neither Australia nor New Zealand currently have food safety checks against foodborne pathogens. These conditions scan pose a significant health risk to the population. Especially, since cases of toxoplasmosis have already been successfully traced back to insufficiently cooked kangaroo meat in the past. The kangaroo hunt is an important industry in Australia. 7 species of kangaroos and wallabies are hunted for commercial purpose (for human and pet consumption). Food security checks against foodborne pathogens (including T. gondii) are not a requirement of the Australia New Zealand Food Standard Code. The databases Medline, Web of Science, SCOPUS and Informit were used. 6 scientific publications were reviewed in this publication.
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Nayeri T, Sarvi S, Daryani A. Toxoplasma gondii in mollusks and cold-blooded animals: a systematic review. Parasitology 2021; 148:895-903. [PMID: 33691818 PMCID: PMC11010209 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021000433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is known for its ability to infect warm-blooded vertebrates. Although T. gondii does not appear to parasitize cold-blooded animals, the occurrence of T. gondii infection in marine mammals raises concerns that cold-blooded animals (frogs, toad, turtles, crocodiles, snakes, and fish) and shellfish are potential sources of T. gondii. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to determine the prevalence of T. gondii in mollusks and cold-blooded animals worldwide. We searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to 1 August 2020 for eligible papers in the English language and identified 26 articles that reported the prevalence of T. gondii in mollusks and cold-blooded animals. These articles were subsequently reviewed and data extracted using a standard form. In total, 26 studies [involving 9 cross-sectional studies including 2988 samples of cold-blooded animals (129 positive cases for T. gondii) and 18 cross-sectional studies entailing 13 447 samples of shellfish (692 positive cases for T. gondii)] were included in this study. Although this study showed that shellfish and cold-blooded animals could be potential sources of T. gondii for humans and other hosts that feed on them, further investigations are recommended to determine the prevalence of T. gondii in shellfish and cold-blooded animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooran Nayeri
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Echeverry DM, Henríquez A, Oyarzún-Ruiz P, Silva-de la Fuente MC, Ortega R, Sandoval D, Landaeta-Aqueveque C. First record of Trichinella in Leopardus guigna (Carnivora, Felidae) and Galictis cuja (Carnivora, Mustelidae): new hosts in Chile. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11601. [PMID: 34178469 PMCID: PMC8199920 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Trichinellosis is a zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution. It is caused by several species of nematodes in the genus Trichinella. Trichinella spp. are transmitted through predation or carrion consumption and occur in domestic and sylvatic cycles. In humans trichinellosis occurs due to the consumption of raw or undercooked, infected meat and is mainly associated with the household slaughter of pigs or the consumption of game animals without veterinary inspection, a cultural practice that is difficult to resolve. Therefore, knowledge of this parasite's reservoir is relevant for better implementing public health strategies. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of Trichinella sp. in several carnivore and omnivore vertebrates in central-southern Chile. Methods We collected muscle tissue from a total of 53 animals from 15 species and were digested to detect Trichinella larvae which were further identified to species level using molecular techniques. Results We detected Trichinella larvae in Leopardus guigna (Felidae) and Galictis cuja (Mustelidae). We identified the larvae collected from L. guigna as Trichinella spiralis, but we were unable to molecularly characterize the larvae from G. cuja. This is the first record of Trichinella in a native mustelid of South America and the first record of T. spiralis in L. guigna. This study identified two novel hosts; however, further work is needed to identify the role that these and other hosts play in the cycle of Trichinella in Chile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Maritza Echeverry
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Región de Biobío/Ñuble, Chile
| | - AnaLía Henríquez
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad San Sebastián, Concepción, Biobío, Chile
| | - Pablo Oyarzún-Ruiz
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Región de Biobío/Ñuble, Chile
| | | | - Rene Ortega
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Región de Biobío/Ñuble, Chile
| | - Daniel Sandoval
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Región de Biobío/Ñuble, Chile
| | - Carlos Landaeta-Aqueveque
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Región de Biobío/Ñuble, Chile
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Echeverry DM, Santodomingo AMS, Thomas RS, González-Ugás J, Oyarzún-Ruiz P, Fuente MCSDL, Landaeta-Aqueveque C. Trichinella spiralis in a cougar (Puma concolor) hunted by poachers in Chile. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 30:e002821. [PMID: 34037188 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612021033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Trichinellosis is a zoonosis caused by nematodes of the Trichinella genus, of which 10 species have been described. Species identification when larvae is found is only possible using molecular tools. Meat from pigs and game animals not subjected to veterinary inspection are the main sources of human infections. The hunting of native carnivores is prohibited in Chile due to conservation issues and the fact that those animals favor pest control. The illegal hunting of a cougar (Puma concolor) occurred in September 2020. Herein, the molecular identification of Trichinella larvae, by analyzing nuclear (expansion segment V) and mitochondrial (cytochrome C oxidase subunit I) sequences are described. Both the amplification of the expansion segment V region and the phylogenetic analysis of a segment of a fragment of the cytochrome c-oxidase subunit I sequence confirmed that the larvae belonged to T. spiralis. The case described herein represents the first evidence of illegal hunting of a protected mammal infected with Trichinella in Chile, highlighting the 'One Health' perspective to face this disease in the rural-sylvatic interphase.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Richard Said Thomas
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Ñuble, Chile
| | - Jorge González-Ugás
- Unidad de Zoonosis y Control de Vectores de Interés Sanitario, Secretaría Regional Ministerial de Salud Ñuble, Chile
| | - Pablo Oyarzún-Ruiz
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Ñuble, Chile
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Hirzmann J, Ebmer D, Sánchez-Contreras GJ, Rubio-García A, Magdowski G, Gärtner U, Taubert A, Hermosilla C. The seal louse (Echinophthirius horridus) in the Dutch Wadden Sea: investigation of vector-borne pathogens. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:96. [PMID: 33546761 PMCID: PMC7863525 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04586-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Belonging to the anopluran family Echinophthiriidae, Echinophthirius horridus, the seal louse, has been reported to parasitise a broad range of representatives of phocid seals. So far, only a few studies have focused on the vector function of echinophthiriid lice, and knowledge about their role in pathogen transmission is still scarce. The current study aims to investigate the possible vector role of E. horridus parasitising seals in the Dutch Wadden Sea. METHODS E. horridus seal lice were collected from 54 harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) and one grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) during their rehabilitation period at the Sealcentre Pieterburen, The Netherlands. DNA was extracted from pooled seal lice of individual seals for molecular detection of the seal heartworm Acanthocheilonema spirocauda, the rickettsial intracellular bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and the cell wall-less bacteria Mycoplasma spp. using PCR assays. RESULTS Seal lice from 35% of the harbour seals (19/54) and from the grey seal proved positive for A. spirocauda. The seal heartworm was molecularly characterised and phylogenetically analysed (rDNA, cox1). A nested PCR was developed for the cox1 gene to detect A. spirocauda stages in seal lice. A. phagocytophilum and a Mycoplasma species previously identified from a patient with disseminated 'seal finger' mycoplasmosis were detected for the first time, to our knowledge, in seal lice. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the potential vector role of seal lice in the transmission of A. spirocauda and reveal new insights into the spectrum of pathogens occurring in seal lice. Studies on vector competence of E. horridus, especially for bacterial pathogens, are essentially needed in the future as these pathogens might have detrimental effects on the health of seal populations. Furthermore, studies on the vector role of different echinophthiriid species infecting a wide range of pinniped hosts should be conducted to extend the knowledge of vector-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Hirzmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Schubertstr. 81, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - David Ebmer
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Schubertstr. 81, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Ana Rubio-García
- Sealcentre Pieterburen, Hoofdstraat 94a, 9968 AG, Pieterburen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerd Magdowski
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Aulweg 123, 35385, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Gärtner
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Aulweg 123, 35385, Giessen, Germany
| | - Anja Taubert
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Schubertstr. 81, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Carlos Hermosilla
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Schubertstr. 81, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
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Bourque J, Desforges JP, Levin M, Atwood TC, Sonne C, Dietz R, Jensen TH, Curry E, McKinney MA. Climate-associated drivers of plasma cytokines and contaminant concentrations in Beaufort Sea polar bears (Ursus maritimus). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 745:140978. [PMID: 32738684 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Assessing polar bear (Ursus maritimus) immune function in relation to environmental stressors, including habitat change, nutritional stress, pathogen prevalence, and pollution, has been identified as critical for improved understanding of the species' health. The objectives of this study were two-fold: 1) to assess the role of climate-associated factors (habitat use, body condition) in explaining the plasma concentrations of contaminants in southern Beaufort Sea (SB) polar bears, and 2) to investigate how climate-associated factors, contaminant concentrations, and pathogen sero-prevalence influence the plasma concentrations of immune-signaling proteins called cytokines. A commercially available multiplex canine cytokine panel was validated for the quantification of five pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in polar bear plasma: tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-8, IL-10, and interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10). This panel was then used to measure cytokine concentrations in 49 SB polar bears sampled in the springs of 2013 and 2014. Mean ∑PCBs (plasma), ∑OCs (plasma), and THg (hair) were 13.01 ± 1.52 ng g-1 w.w. (range: 0.17-52.63), 19.46 ± 1.17 ng g-1 w.w. (range: 6.63-45.82), and 0.49 μg g-1 d.w. (range: 0.99-15.18), respectively. Top models explaining variation in concentrations of plasma PCBs, plasma OC pesticides, and hair THg in SB polar bears included body mass index and/or habitat use (onshore versus offshore), with higher contaminant concentrations in leaner and/or offshore bears. Plasma cytokine concentrations were influenced most strongly by plasma PCBs and age, with little to no influence found for plasma OCs or hair THg concentrations, habitat use, or pathogen sero-prevalence. The lack of association between cytokines and these latter variables is likely due to a temporal disconnect between measured endpoints. The change of polar bear habitat use, feeding ecology, and body condition with ongoing climate warming is affecting exposure to contaminants and pathogens, with potential adverse consequences on a well-balanced immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Bourque
- Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Center, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment and Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre Desforges
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada
| | - Milton Levin
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Todd C Atwood
- US Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Trine H Jensen
- Aalborg Zoo/Aalborg University, Mølleparkvej 63, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Erin Curry
- Center for Conservation & Research of Endangered Wildlife, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Melissa A McKinney
- Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Center, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment and Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA; Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada.
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12
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Dubey JP, Murata FHA, Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Kwok OCH, Grigg ME. Recent epidemiologic and clinical importance of Toxoplasma gondii infections in marine mammals: 2009-2020. Vet Parasitol 2020; 288:109296. [PMID: 33271425 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. T. gondii causes mortality in several species of marine mammals, including threatened Southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris) and endangered Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus schauinslandi). Marine mammals are now considered sentinels for environmental exposure to protozoan agents contaminating marine waters, including T. gondii oocysts. Marine mammals also serve as food for humans and can result in foodborne T. gondii infections in humans. The present review summarizes worldwide information on the prevalence of clinical and subclinical infections, epidemiology, and genetic diversity of T. gondii infecting marine mammals in the past decade. The role of genetic types of T. gondii and clinical disease is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitender P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA.
| | - Fernando H A Murata
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - Camila K Cerqueira-Cézar
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - Oliver C H Kwok
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - Michael E Grigg
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20895, USA
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13
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Reiling SJ, Measures L, Feng S, Boone R, Merks H, Dixon BR. Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis sp. and Neospora caninum-like parasites in seals from northern and eastern Canada: potential risk to consumers. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2019; 17:e00067. [PMID: 32095635 PMCID: PMC7033983 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2019.e00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic parasites of seals that are harvested for food may pose a health risk when seal meat or organ tissues of infected animals are eaten raw or undercooked. In this study, 124 tissue samples from 81 seals, comprising four species, were collected from northern and eastern Canada. Tissues from 23 ringed seals (Pusa hispida), 8 hooded seals (Cystophora cristata), 21 harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus), and 29 grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) were tested for parasites of the Sarcocystidae family including Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis spp., and Neospora spp. using nested PCR followed by Sanger sequencing. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was present in 26% of ringed seals, 63% of hooded seals, 57% of harp seals, and 31% of grey seals. Sarcocystis sp. DNA was found in 9% of ringed seals, 13% of hooded seals, 14% of harp seals, and 4% of grey seals, while N. caninum-like DNA was present in 26% of ringed seals. While it is unclear how pinnipeds may become infected with these protozoans, horizontal transmission is most likely. However, one harp seal pup (4 days old) was PCR-positive for T. gondii, suggesting vertical transmission may also occur. Phylogenetic analysis of the 18S gene region indicates that Sarcocystis sp. in these seals belongs to a unique genotype. Furthermore, this study represents a new host report for T. gondii in harp seals, a new host and geographic report for N. caninum-like parasites in ringed seals, and four new hosts and geographic reports for Sarcocystis sp. These results demonstrate that parasites of the Sarcocystidae family are prevalent in northern and eastern Canadian seals. While the zoonotic potential of Sarcocystis sp. and the N. caninum-like parasite are unclear, consumption of raw or undercooked seal meat or organ tissues pose a risk of T. gondii infection to consumers. Tissues from ringed, hooded, harp and grey seals in Canada were PCR-positive for Toxoplasma, Sarcocystis and Neospora. Raw or undercooked seal meat may pose a risk for zoonotic transmission of T. gondii to consumers. The risk for zoonotic transmission of Sarcocystis sp. and the Neospora caninum-like parasite is unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J. Reiling
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Lena Measures
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Maurice Lamontagne Institute, Mont-Joli, QC, G5H 3Z4, Canada
| | - Sandy Feng
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Ryan Boone
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Harriet Merks
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Brent R. Dixon
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
- Corresponding author. Address: 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, A.L. 2204E, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada.
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14
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Sonne C, Dietz R, Hansson SV, Søndergaard J, Desforges JP, Alstrup AKO. Japans commercial whaling is a threat to public health. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 680:10-12. [PMID: 31085441 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Japans' decision to withdraw from the International Whaling Commission and reinstate commercial hunting on minke, sei and Bryde's whales has recently been discussed in several journals. Here we discuss mercury exposure to the public eating baleen whales, toothed whales and tuna in relation to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) tolerable weekly intake (TWI).
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sonne
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Rune Dietz
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Sophia V Hansson
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Jens Søndergaard
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Jean-Pierre Desforges
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Aage K O Alstrup
- Aarhus University, Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, Nørrebrogade 44, 10C, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
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15
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Sonne C, Vorkamp K, Galatius A, Kyhn L, Teilmann J, Bossi R, Søndergaard J, Eulaers I, Desforges JP, Siebert U, Dietz R. Human exposure to PFOS and mercury through meat from baltic harbour seals (Phoca vitulina). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 175:376-383. [PMID: 31153106 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.05.026] [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: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The overall aim of the present study was to assess human exposure to environmental contaminants from consumption of harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) meat in the southwestern Baltic Sea. For this purpose, muscle tissue from harbour seals (n = 27) was sampled from Danish locations in the period 2005-2015 and analysed for concentrations of total mercury (Hg), organochlorine contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides as well as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) with particular focus on perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Hg, ∑PCB, PFOS and PFOA concentrations in the muscle tissue ranged between 0.27 and 4.76 μg g-1 wet weight (ww; mean: 1.38 μg g-1 ww, n = 27), 12.2-137 ng g-1 ww (mean: 47.5 ng g-1 ww, n = 10), 6.95-33.6 ng g-1 ww (mean: 15.8 ng g-1 ww, n = 10) and 0.16-0.55 ng g-1 ww (mean: 0.28 ng g-1 ww, n = 10), respectively. We compared the concentrations with literature-derived human tolerable weekly intake (TWI) values for mercury (1.3 μg kg-1 week-1), ∑PCB (2.1 μg kg-1 week-1), PFOS (0.013 μg kg-1 week-1) and PFOA (0.006 μg kg-1 week-1). The comparisons showed that the weekly consumption of harbour seal meat by children (weighing 30 kg), women (weighing 60 kg) and men (weighing 80 kg) should not exceed 28, 57 and 76 g (for Hg), 1.3, 2.7 and 3.5 kg (for ∑PCB), 25, 50 and 67 g (for PFOS) and 640, 1290 and 1720 g (for PFOA). In conclusion, Hg and PFOS are the contaminants of most importance in seal meat from this area with respect to existing tolerable intake rates and risks of adverse human health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sonne
- (a)Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; (b)Aarhus University, Arctic Research Center (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Katrin Vorkamp
- (b)Aarhus University, Arctic Research Center (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark; Aarhus University, Department of Environmental Science, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Anders Galatius
- (a)Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Line Kyhn
- (a)Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Jonas Teilmann
- (a)Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Rossana Bossi
- (b)Aarhus University, Arctic Research Center (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark; Aarhus University, Department of Environmental Science, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Jens Søndergaard
- (a)Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; (b)Aarhus University, Arctic Research Center (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Igor Eulaers
- (a)Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; (b)Aarhus University, Arctic Research Center (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Jean-Pierre Desforges
- (a)Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; (b)Aarhus University, Arctic Research Center (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Ursula Siebert
- (a)Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstr. 6, DE-25761, Büsum, Germany.
| | - Rune Dietz
- (a)Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; (b)Aarhus University, Arctic Research Center (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark.
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16
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Sonne C, Andersen-Ranberg E, Rajala EL, Agerholm JS, Bonefeld-Jørgensen E, Desforges JP, Eulaers I, Jenssen BM, Koch A, Rosing-Asvid A, Siebert U, Tryland M, Mulvad G, Härkönen T, Acquarone M, Nordøy ES, Dietz R, Magnusson U. Seroprevalence for Brucella spp. in Baltic ringed seals ( Phoca hispida ) and East Greenland harp ( Pagophilus groenlandicus ) and hooded ( Cystophora cristata ) seals. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2018; 198:14-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Prevalence of antibodies against Brucella spp. in West Greenland polar bears (Ursus maritimus) and East Greenland muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus). Polar Biol 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-018-2307-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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18
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Sonne C, Letcher RJ, Jenssen BM, Desforges JP, Eulaers I, Andersen-Ranberg E, Gustavson K, Styrishave B, Dietz R. A veterinary perspective on One Health in the Arctic. Acta Vet Scand 2017; 59:84. [PMID: 29246165 PMCID: PMC5732494 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-017-0353-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to long-range transported industrial chemicals, climate change and diseases is posing a risk to the overall health and populations of Arctic wildlife. Since local communities are relying on the same marine food web as marine mammals in the Arctic, it requires a One Health approach to understand the holistic ecosystem health including that of humans. Here we collect and identify gaps in the current knowledge of health in the Arctic and present the veterinary perspective of One Health and ecosystem dynamics. The review shows that exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is having multiple organ-system effects across taxa, including impacts on neuroendocrine disruption, immune suppression and decreased bone density among others. Furthermore, the warming Arctic climate is suspected to influence abiotic and biotic long-range transport and exposure pathways of contaminants to the Arctic resulting in increases in POP exposure of both wildlife and human populations. Exposure to vector-borne diseases and zoonoses may increase as well through range expansion and introduction of invasive species. It will be important in the future to investigate the effects of these multiple stressors on wildlife and local people to better predict the individual-level health risks. It is within this framework that One Health approaches offer promising opportunities to survey and pinpoint environmental changes that have effects on wildlife and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Robert James Letcher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3 Canada
| | - Bjørn Munro Jenssen
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Arctic Technology, The University Centre in Svalbard, PO Box 156, 9171 Longyearbyen, Norway
| | - Jean-Pierre Desforges
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Igor Eulaers
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Emilie Andersen-Ranberg
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Kim Gustavson
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Bjarne Styrishave
- Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
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Cong W, Zhang NZ, Hou JL, Wang XC, Ma JG, Zhu XQ, Chen GJ. First detection and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in market-sold oysters in China. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2017; 54:276-278. [PMID: 28710018 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in the water might be filtered through the gills of shellfish in the process of feeding, and can be concentrated in the digestive glands. Consumers might become infected through ingestion of the shellfish unless they are discharged or inactivated by the shellfish. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of T. gondii in market-sold oysters in China under natural conditions using a molecular approach. A total of 998 oysters were collected from markets in four cities (Weihai, Qingdao, Yantai and Rizhao) of Shandong province, eastern China. Of these, 26 samples (2.61%) were tested positive by nested PCR amplification of T. gondii B1 gene. Only one of the 26 positive samples was typed completely, and was identified as ToxoDB Genotype #9. This is first report of T. gondii in market-sold oysters in China, suggesting that oysters have the ability to filter and retain T. gondii oocysts in their tissues, which represents a risk to public health because oysters are frequently ingested in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cong
- College of Marine Science, Shandong University at Weihai, Weihai, Shandong Province 264209, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China
| | - Nian-Zhang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China
| | - Jun-Ling Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China
| | - Xin-Chen Wang
- College of Marine Science, Shandong University at Weihai, Weihai, Shandong Province 264209, PR China
| | - Jian-Gang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province 225009, PR China
| | - Guan-Jun Chen
- College of Marine Science, Shandong University at Weihai, Weihai, Shandong Province 264209, PR China.
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