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Zhelyazkova VL, Fischer NM, Puechmaille SJ. Bat white-nose disease fungus diversity in time and space. Biodivers Data J 2024; 12:e109848. [PMID: 38348182 PMCID: PMC10859861 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.12.e109848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
White-nose disease (WND), caused by the psychrophilic fungus Pseudogymnoascusdestructans, represents one of the greatest threats for North American hibernating bats. Research on molecular data has significantly advanced our knowledge of various aspects of the disease, yet more studies are needed regarding patterns of P.destructans genetic diversity distribution. In the present study, we investigate three sites within the native range of the fungus in detail: two natural hibernacula (karst caves) in Bulgaria, south-eastern Europe and one artificial hibernaculum (disused cellar) in Germany, northern Europe, where we conducted intensive surveys between 2014 and 2019. Using 18 microsatellite and two mating type markers, we describe how P.destructans genetic diversity is distributed between and within sites, the latter including differentiation across years and seasons of sampling; across sampling locations within the site; and between bats and hibernaculum walls. We found significant genetic differentiation between hibernacula, but we could not detect any significant differentiation within hibernacula, based on the variables examined. This indicates that most of the pathogen's movement occurs within sites. Genotypic richness of P.destructans varied between sites within the same order of magnitude, being approximately two times higher in the natural caves (Bulgaria) compared to the disused cellar (Germany). Within all sites, the pathogen's genotypic richness was higher in samples collected from hibernaculum walls than in samples collected from bats, which corresponds with the hypothesis that hibernacula walls represent the environmental reservoir of the fungus. Multiple pathogen genotypes were commonly isolated from a single bat (i.e. from the same swab sample) in all study sites, which might be important to consider when studying disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violeta L Zhelyazkova
- National Museum of Natural History, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, BulgariaNational Museum of Natural History, Bulgarian Academy of SciencesSofiaBulgaria
| | - Nicola M. Fischer
- ISEM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, FranceISEM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRDMontpellierFrance
- Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, GermanyZoological Institute and Museum, University of GreifswaldGreifswaldGermany
| | - Sebastien J Puechmaille
- ISEM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, FranceISEM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRDMontpellierFrance
- Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, GermanyZoological Institute and Museum, University of GreifswaldGreifswaldGermany
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, FranceInstitut Universitaire de FranceParisFrance
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2
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Carvalho JLVR, Lima JMS, Barbier E, Bernard E, Bezerra JDP, Souza-Motta CM. Ticket to ride: fungi from bat ectoparasites in a tropical cave and the description of two new species. Braz J Microbiol 2022; 53:2077-2091. [PMID: 36264483 PMCID: PMC9679077 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00841-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Bat flies are obligate ectoparasitic dipterans that are highly specialised to bats and have apomorphic characteristics, such as absent or reduced wings, and specialised legs and claws, which contribute to their survival. They are often associated with fungi and harbour a fungal diversity that is still poorly understood. Fungi were found in association with the bat flies in a cave of the Caatinga dry forest in Brazil. In total, 43% of the captured bat flies were associated with fungi. Seventy-six flies were collected. DNA sequence analyses of 39 isolates showed that the isolates belonged to 13 species within nine genera, with 38 isolates belonging to Ascomycota and one isolate to Basidiomycota, and Aspergillus was the most frequently isolated genus. Most of the genera found have also been isolated from bat bodies and other substrates/hosts in caves in different regions of the world. Based on morphological and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses, two new species of Ascomycota were described: Allophoma brasiliensis sp. nov. and Pyrenochaetopsis cecavii sp. nov.
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Affiliation(s)
- João L V R Carvalho
- Departamento de Micologia Prof. Chaves Batista, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Joenny M S Lima
- Departamento de Micologia Prof. Chaves Batista, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Eder Barbier
- Laboratório de Ciência Aplicada à Conservação da Biodiversidade, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Enrico Bernard
- Laboratório de Ciência Aplicada à Conservação da Biodiversidade, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Jadson D P Bezerra
- Laboratório de Micologia, Departamento de Biociências e Tecnologia, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
| | - Cristina M Souza-Motta
- Departamento de Micologia Prof. Chaves Batista, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil.
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Viral Hyperparasitism in Bat Ectoparasites: Implications for Pathogen Maintenance and Transmission. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10061230. [PMID: 35744747 PMCID: PMC9230612 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10061230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans continue to encroach on the habitats of wild animals, potentially bringing different species into contact that would not typically encounter each other under natural circumstances, and forcing them into stressful, suboptimal conditions. Stressors from unsustainable human land use changes are suspected to dramatically exacerbate the probability of zoonotic spillover of pathogens from their natural reservoir hosts to humans, both by increasing viral load (and shedding) and the interface between wildlife with livestock, pets and humans. Given their known role as reservoir hosts, bats continue to be investigated for their possible role as the origins of many viral outbreaks. However, the participation of bat-associated ectoparasites in the spread of potential pathogens requires further work to establish. Here, we conducted a comprehensive review of viruses, viral genes and other viral sequences obtained from bat ectoparasites from studies over the last four decades. This review summarizes research findings of the seven virus families in which these studies have been performed, including Paramyxoviridae, Reoviridae, Flaviviridae, Peribunyaviridae, Nairoviridae, Rhabdoviridae and Filoviridae. We highlight that bat ectoparasites, including dipterans and ticks, are often found to have medically important viruses and may have a role in the maintenance of these pathogens within bat populations.
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Linhart P, Bandouchova H, Zukal J, Votýpka J, Baláž V, Heger T, Kalocsanyiova V, Kubickova A, Nemcova M, Sedlackova J, Seidlova V, Veitova L, Vlaschenko A, Divinova R, Pikula J. Blood Parasites and Health Status of Hibernating and Non-Hibernating Noctule Bats (Nyctalus noctula). Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10051028. [PMID: 35630470 PMCID: PMC9143927 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10051028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Co-existence of bats with a wide range of infectious agents relates to their co-evolutionary history and specific physiology. Here, we examined blood samples collected during hibernation and the post-hibernation period to assess the influence of trypanosomes and babesias on the health status of 50 Noctule bats (Nyctalus noctula) using nested PCR. The impact of blood parasites on health was assessed by analysis of haematology and blood chemistry parameters in 21 bats. Prevalence of trypanosomes (Trypanosoma dionisii and T. vespertilionis) and babesia (Babesia vesperuginis) was 44% and 8%, respectively. Analysis of blood parameters indicated impact of babesia on acid–base balance. Blood chemistry parameters showed a significant decrease in total dissolved carbon dioxide and bicarbonate, increased anion gap, and no change in blood pH, suggesting compensated metabolic acidosis. Adverse effects of babesia were only apparent in hibernating bats. Our results suggest differences in the pathogenicity of trypanosomes and babesia in bats. While trypanosomes in general had no significant impact on the health status, we observed alterations in the blood acid–base balance in Babesia-infected bats during hibernation. Despite being infected, Babesia-positive bats survived hibernation without showing any clinical signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Linhart
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.L.); (V.B.); (T.H.); (V.K.); (A.K.); (M.N.); (J.S.); (V.S.); (L.V.); (J.P.)
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Sciences, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Bandouchova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.L.); (V.B.); (T.H.); (V.K.); (A.K.); (M.N.); (J.S.); (V.S.); (L.V.); (J.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-541-562-653
| | - Jan Zukal
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 60365 Brno, Czech Republic;
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, 61137 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Jan Votýpka
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 12800 Prague, Czech Republic;
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtech Baláž
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.L.); (V.B.); (T.H.); (V.K.); (A.K.); (M.N.); (J.S.); (V.S.); (L.V.); (J.P.)
| | - Tomas Heger
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.L.); (V.B.); (T.H.); (V.K.); (A.K.); (M.N.); (J.S.); (V.S.); (L.V.); (J.P.)
| | - Vendula Kalocsanyiova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.L.); (V.B.); (T.H.); (V.K.); (A.K.); (M.N.); (J.S.); (V.S.); (L.V.); (J.P.)
| | - Aneta Kubickova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.L.); (V.B.); (T.H.); (V.K.); (A.K.); (M.N.); (J.S.); (V.S.); (L.V.); (J.P.)
| | - Monika Nemcova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.L.); (V.B.); (T.H.); (V.K.); (A.K.); (M.N.); (J.S.); (V.S.); (L.V.); (J.P.)
| | - Jana Sedlackova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.L.); (V.B.); (T.H.); (V.K.); (A.K.); (M.N.); (J.S.); (V.S.); (L.V.); (J.P.)
| | - Veronika Seidlova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.L.); (V.B.); (T.H.); (V.K.); (A.K.); (M.N.); (J.S.); (V.S.); (L.V.); (J.P.)
| | - Lucie Veitova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.L.); (V.B.); (T.H.); (V.K.); (A.K.); (M.N.); (J.S.); (V.S.); (L.V.); (J.P.)
| | - Anton Vlaschenko
- Bat Rehabilitation Center of Feldman Ecopark, Lisne, 62340 Kharkiv, Ukraine;
| | - Renata Divinova
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, 61137 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Jiri Pikula
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.L.); (V.B.); (T.H.); (V.K.); (A.K.); (M.N.); (J.S.); (V.S.); (L.V.); (J.P.)
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Tai YL, Lee YF, Kuo YM, Kuo YJ. Effects of host state and body condition on parasite infestation of bent-wing bats. Front Zool 2022; 19:12. [PMID: 35248083 PMCID: PMC8898463 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-022-00457-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ectoparasites inhabit the body surface or outgrowths of hosts and are usually detrimental to host health and wellbeing. Hosts, however, vary in quality and may lead ectoparasites to aggregate on preferred hosts, resulting in a heterogeneous distribution of parasite load among hosts.
Results We set out to examine the effects of host individual state and body condition on the parasite load of multiple nycteribiid and streblid bat flies and Spinturnix wing mites on eastern bent-wing bats Miniopterus fuliginosus in a tropical forest in southern Taiwan. We detected a high parasite prevalence of 98.9% among the sampled bats, with nearly 75% of the bats harboring three or more species of parasites. The parasite abundance was higher in the wet season from mid spring to early fall, coinciding with the breeding period of female bats, than in the dry winter season. In both seasonal periods, the overall parasite abundance of adult females was higher than that of adult males. Among the bats, reproductive females, particularly lactating females, exhibited a higher body condition and were generally most infested. The Penicillidia jenynsii and Nycteribia parvula bat flies showed a consistent female-biased infection pattern. The N. allotopa and Ascodipteron speiserianum flies, however, showed a tendency towards bats of a moderate to higher body condition, particularly reproductive females and adult males. Conclusions We found an overall positive correlation between parasite abundance and reproductive state and body condition of the host and female-biased parasitism for M. fuliginosus bats. However, the effects of body condition and female-biased infestation appear to be parasite species specific, and suggest that the mobility, life history, and potential inter-species interactions of the parasites may all play important roles.
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6
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Richness of Cladosporium in a tropical bat cave with the description of two new species. Mycol Prog 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11557-021-01760-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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COUNTCOLORS, AN R PACKAGE FOR QUANTIFICATION OF THE FLUORESCENCE EMITTED BY PSEUDOGYMNOASCUS DESTRUCTANS LESIONS ON THE WING MEMBRANES OF HIBERNATING BATS. J Wildl Dis 2021; 56:759-767. [PMID: 32609601 DOI: 10.7589/2019-09-231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Pseudogymnoascus destructans colonizes the wing membrane of hibernating bats with the potential to form dense fungal hyphae aggregates within cupping erosions. These fungal cupping erosions emit a characteristic fluorescent orange-yellow color when the wing membrane is transilluminated with 385 nm ultraviolet (UV) light. The purpose of this study was to create and validate the R package, countcolors, for quantifying the distinct orange-yellow UV fluorescence in bat-wing membrane lesions caused by P. destructans. Validation of countcolors was completed by first quantifying the percent area of 20, 2.5 cm2 images. These generated images were of two known pixel colors ranging from 0% to 100% of the pixels. The countcolors package accurately measured the known proportion of a given color in each image. Next, 40, 2.5 cm2 sections of UV transilluminated photographs of little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) wings were given to a single evaluator. The area of fluorescence was both manually measured and calculated using image analysis software and quantified with countcolors. There was good agreement between the two methods (Pearson's correlation=0.915); however, the manual use of imaging software showed a consistent negative bias. Reproducibility of the analysis methods was tested by providing the same images to naive evaluators who previously never used the software; no significant difference (P=0.099) was found among evaluators. Using the R package countcolors takes less time than does manually measuring the fluorescence in image analysis software, and our results showed that countcolors can improve the accuracy when quantifying the area of P. destructans infection in bat wing-membranes.
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Dordio AM, Beck R, Nunes T, Pereira da Fonseca I, Gomes J. Molecular survey of vector-borne diseases in two groups of domestic dogs from Lisbon, Portugal. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:163. [PMID: 33736681 PMCID: PMC7977316 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04650-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) are caused by a wide range of pathogens transmitted by arthropods. They have been an issue of growing importance in recent years; however, there is limited information about the vector-borne pathogens circulating in Portugal. The aim of the present study was to detect canine vector-borne bacteria and protozoa of veterinary and zoonotic importance using molecular methods. METHODS One hundred and forty-two dogs from Lisbon, southern Portugal, were tested: 48 dogs from a veterinary hospital clinically suspected of vector-borne diseases and 94 apparently healthy dogs from shelters. Anaplasma spp./Ehrlichia spp., Babesia/Theileria spp., Hepatozoon spp., and Mycoplasma spp. infections were detected by PCR from blood samples and examined under light microscopy. Other information including clinical status and diagnostic test results were collected for each animal. RESULTS Infections were detected by PCR in 48 (33.80%) dogs. Single infections were found in 35 dogs (24.64%), and co-infections were found in 13 (9.15%) dogs. Twenty-nine (20.42%) dogs were positive for Hepatozoon spp., 15 (10.56%) for Mycoplasma spp., 11 (7.75%) for Anaplasma spp./Ehrlichia spp., and six (4.21%) for Babesia spp. DNA sequencing was used to identify Babesia vogeli (2.81%), Babesia canis (1.40%), Hepatozoon canis (20.42%), Mycoplasma haematoparvum (2.11%), Mycoplasma haemocanis (8.45%), Anaplasma platys (7.04%), and Ehrlichia canis (0.70%). CONCLUSIONS This is the first molecular identification of B. canis and M. haematoparvum in dogs from southern Portugal. This study highlights the importance of molecular methods to identify CVBD pathogens in endemic areas and helps to guide the clinical approach of veterinarians in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Mafalda Dordio
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Relja Beck
- Croatia Veterinary Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Telmo Nunes
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pereira da Fonseca
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jacinto Gomes
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Oeiras, Portugal
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Landscape Genetic Connectivity and Evidence for Recombination in the North American Population of the White-Nose Syndrome Pathogen, Pseudogymnoascus destructans. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7030182. [PMID: 33802538 PMCID: PMC8001231 DOI: 10.3390/jof7030182] [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: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
White-Nose Syndrome is an ongoing fungal epizootic caused by epidermal infections of the fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (P. destructans), affecting hibernating bat species in North America. Emerging early in 2006 in New York State, infections of P. destructans have spread to 38 US States and seven Canadian Provinces. Since then, clonal isolates of P. destructans have accumulated genotypic and phenotypic variations in North America. Using microsatellite and single nucleotide polymorphism markers, we investigated the population structure and genetic relationships among P. destructans isolates from diverse regions in North America to understand its pattern of spread, and to test hypotheses about factors that contribute to transmission. We found limited support for genetic isolation of P. destructans populations by geographic distance, and instead identified evidence for gene flow among geographic regions. Interestingly, allelic association tests revealed evidence for recombination in the North American P. destructans population. Our landscape genetic analyses revealed that the population structure of P. destructans in North America was significantly influenced by anthropogenic impacts on the landscape. Our results have important implications for understanding the mechanism(s) of P. destructans spread.
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Abstract
The recent introduction of Pseudogymnoascus destructans (the fungal pathogen that causes white-nose syndrome in bats) from Eurasia to North America has resulted in the collapse of North American bat populations and restructured species communities. The long evolutionary history between P. destructans and bats in Eurasia makes understanding host life history essential to uncovering the ecology of P. destructans. In this Review, we combine information on pathogen and host biology to understand the patterns of P. destructans spread, seasonal transmission ecology, the pathogenesis of white-nose syndrome and the cross-scale impact from individual hosts to ecosystems. Collectively, this research highlights how early pathogen detection and quantification of host impacts has accelerated the understanding of this newly emerging infectious disease.
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Szentiványi T, Markotter W, Dietrich M, Clément L, Ançay L, Brun L, Genzoni E, Kearney T, Seamark E, Estók P, Christe P, Glaizot O. Host conservation through their parasites: molecular surveillance of vector-borne microorganisms in bats using ectoparasitic bat flies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 27:72. [PMID: 33306024 PMCID: PMC7731914 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2020069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Most vertebrates host a wide variety of haematophagous parasites, which may play an important role in the transmission of vector-borne microorganisms to hosts. Surveillance is usually performed by collecting blood and/or tissue samples from vertebrate hosts. There are multiple methods to obtain samples, which can be stored for decades if properly kept. However, blood sampling is considered an invasive method and may possibly be harmful to the sampled individual. In this study, we investigated the use of ectoparasites as a tool to acquire molecular information about the presence and diversity of infectious microorganism in host populations. We tested the presence of three distinct vector-borne microorganisms in both bat blood and bat flies: Bartonella bacteria, malaria-like Polychromophilus sp. (Apicomplexa), and Trypanosoma sp. (Kinetoplastea). We detected the presence of these microorganisms both in bats and in their bat flies, with the exception of Trypanosoma sp. in South African bat flies. Additionally, we found Bartonella sp. in bat flies from one population in Spain, suggesting its presence in the host population even if not detected in bats. Bartonella and Polychromophilus infection showed the highest prevalence in both bat and bat fly populations. Single, co- and triple infections were also frequently present in both. We highlight the use of haematophagous ectoparasites to study the presence of infectious microorganism in host blood and its use as an alternative, less invasive sampling method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Szentiványi
- Museum of Zoology, 1014 Lausanne, Switzerland - Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Wanda Markotter
- Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, 0001 Pretoria, South Africa - AfricanBats NPC, 0157 Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Muriel Dietrich
- UMR Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical, 97490 Sainte-Clotilde, Reunion Island, France
| | - Laura Clément
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laurie Ançay
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Loïc Brun
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eléonore Genzoni
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Teresa Kearney
- AfricanBats NPC, 0157 Pretoria, South Africa - Ditsong National Museum of Natural History, 0001 Pretoria, South Africa - Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, 0083 Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Peter Estók
- Department of Zoology, Eszterházy Károly University, 3300 Eger, Hungary
| | - Philippe Christe
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Glaizot
- Museum of Zoology, 1014 Lausanne, Switzerland - Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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12
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Bernard RF, Reichard JD, Coleman JTH, Blackwood JC, Verant ML, Segers JL, Lorch JM, White J, Moore MS, Russell AL, Katz RA, Lindner DL, Toomey RS, Turner GG, Frick WF, Vonhof MJ, Willis CKR, Grant EHC. Identifying research needs to inform white‐nose syndrome management decisions. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Riley F. Bernard
- Department of Ecosystem Science and ManagementPennsylvania State University University Park Pennsylvania USA
- United States Geological Survey Patuxent Wildlife Research CenterSO Conte Anadromous Fish Research Laboratory Turners Falls Massachusetts USA
| | | | | | - Julie C. Blackwood
- Department of Mathematics and StatisticsWilliams College Williamstown Massachusetts USA
| | - Michelle L. Verant
- Biological Resource DivisionWildlife Health Branch Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Jordi L. Segers
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative Charlottetown Prince Edward Island Canada
| | - Jeffery M. Lorch
- United States Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center Madison Wisconsin USA
| | - John White
- Bureau of Natural Heritage ConservationWisconsin Department of Natural Resources Madison Wisconsin USA
| | - Marianne S. Moore
- College of Integrative Science and ArtsArizona State University Mesa Arizona USA
| | - Amy L. Russell
- Department of BiologyGrand Valley State University Allendale Michigan USA
| | - Rachel A. Katz
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service Hadley Massachusetts USA
| | - Daniel L. Lindner
- United States Forest ServiceNorthern Research Station Madison Wisconsin USA
| | | | | | - Winifred F. Frick
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of California Santa Cruz California USA
- Bat Conservation International Austin Texas USA
| | - Maarten J. Vonhof
- Department of Biological SciencesWestern Michigan University Kalamazoo Michigan USA
- Institute of the Environment and SustainabilityWestern Michigan University Kalamazoo Michigan USA
| | | | - Evan H. C. Grant
- United States Geological Survey Patuxent Wildlife Research CenterSO Conte Anadromous Fish Research Laboratory Turners Falls Massachusetts USA
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13
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Abstract
Bats are presumed primary hosts of trypanosomes of the subgenus Schizotrypanum, including the human pathogen Trypanosoma cruzi. As such, research on bat trypanosomes has been focused on South America, where Chagas disease is a serious issue. While the majority of European studies have been performed in the United Kingdom, there is virtually no data available for Eastern and Central parts of Europe. To address this, the present study aims to identify and assess the prevalence and pathogenicity of trypanosomes in bats sampled in the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, and Poland. Blood collected from 381 adult bats of eight species was tested for presence of trypanosomes using nested polymerase chain reactions. To assess possible impacts of trypanosome parasites on the health status of their hosts, haematological and biochemical analyses were performed for 56 greater mouse-eared bats (Myotis myotis) emerging from hibernacula and 36 females of the same species from summer colonies. The overall prevalence of the two trypanosome species detected (T. dionisii and T. vespertilionis) was 27%, with a significantly higher prevalence in the Czech Republic compared to the other countries studied. Significant differences in bat trypanosome prevalence in different European countries appear to be connected with presence or absence of possible vectors in summer roosts. No impact of trypanosomes on haematology and blood chemistry parameters was detected in Trypanosoma-positive greater mouse-eared bats. Though T. dionisii infection in bats appears asymptomatic, long-term health consequences still need to be studied in greater detail.
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14
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Can Ectoparasites Be Implicated in the Spread of Pseudogymnoascus destructans? J Wildl Dis 2019; 55:704-706. [PMID: 30628854 DOI: 10.7589/2017-12-297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Real-time PCR detected Pseudogymnoascus destructans associated with ectoparasites collected from three mist-netted free-flying bats (two gray bats, Myotis grisescens; one Indiana bat, Myotis sodalis) in late August to early September 2016 from Kentucky, US, a state impacted by white-nose syndrome. Presence of viable conidia could implicate ectoparasites as possible vectors of white-nose syndrome.
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15
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Holz PH, Lumsden LF, Hufschmid J. Ectoparasites are unlikely to be a primary cause of population declines of bent-winged bats in south-eastern Australia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2018; 7:423-428. [PMID: 30425921 PMCID: PMC6224332 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
While bats carry a diverse range of ectoparasites, little research has been conducted on the effects these organisms may have on bat populations. The southern bent-winged bat (Miniopterus orianae bassanii) is a critically endangered subspecies endemic to south-eastern Australia, whose numbers have declined over the past 50 years for unknown reasons. As part of a larger study to investigate the potential role of disease in these declines, southern bent-winged bats from four locations were captured and examined for the presence of bat flies, mites, ticks and the nematode Riouxgolvania beveridgei (previously associated with skin nodules in bent-winged bats). Results were compared with those obtained from the more common eastern bent-winged bat (Miniopterus orianae oceanensis), sampling animals from three different locations. All four types of parasite were found on both subspecies. There was no correlation between the presence of ectoparasites, body weight or any signs of disease. However, prevalence of tick and R. beveridgei infections were greater in Victorian southern bent-winged bats than South Australian southern bent-winged bats and eastern bent-winged bats, possibly indicative of some type of chronic stress impacting the immune system of this subspecies. Ectoparasites not associated with ill health in bent-winged bats. Greater prevalence of ticks and R. beveridgei infections on Victorian southern bent-winged bats. Bat flies and mites more common in summer. Ticks more common in spring. R. beveridgei more common in winter and spring. Mites more common on juvenile bats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter H Holz
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia
| | - Linda F Lumsden
- Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, 123 Brown Street, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia
| | - Jasmin Hufschmid
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia
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16
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Phenotypic Divergence along Geographic Gradients Reveals Potential for Rapid Adaptation of the White-Nose Syndrome Pathogen, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, in North America. Appl Environ Microbiol 2018; 84:AEM.00863-18. [PMID: 29915107 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00863-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
White-nose syndrome (WNS) is an ongoing epizootic affecting multiple species of North American bats, caused by epidermal infections of the psychrophilic filamentous fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans Since its introduction from Europe, WNS has spread rapidly across eastern North America and resulted in high mortality rates in bats. At present, the mechanisms behind its spread and the extent of its adaptation to different geographic and ecological niches remain unknown. The objective of this study was to examine the geographic patterns of phenotypic variation and the potential evidence for adaptation among strains representing broad geographic locations in eastern North America. The morphological features of these strains were evaluated on artificial medium, and the viability of asexual arthroconidia of representative strains was investigated after storage at high (23°C), moderate (14°C), and low (4°C) temperatures at different lengths of time. Our analyses identified evidence for a geographic pattern of colony morphology changes among the clonal descendants of the fungus, with trait values correlated with increased distance from the epicenter of WNS. Our genomic comparisons of three representative isolates revealed novel genetic polymorphisms and suggested potential candidate mutations that might be related to some of the phenotypic changes. These results show that even though this pathogen arrived in North America only recently and reproduces asexually, there has been substantial evolution and phenotypic diversification during its rapid clonal expansion.IMPORTANCE The causal agent of white-nose syndrome in bats is Pseudogymnoascus destructans, a filamentous fungus recently introduced from its native range in Europe. Infections caused by P. destructans have progressed across the eastern parts of Canada and the United States over the last 10 years. It is not clear how the disease is spread, as the pathogen is unable to grow above 23°C and ambient temperature can act as a barrier when hosts disperse. Here, we explore the patterns of phenotypic diversity and the germination of the fungal asexual spores, arthroconidia, from strains across a sizeable area of the epizootic range. Our analyses revealed evidence of adaptation along geographic gradients during its expansion. The results have implications for understanding the diversification of P. destructans and the limits of WNS spread in North America. Given the rapidly expanding distribution of WNS, a detailed understanding of the genetic bases for phenotypic variations in growth, reproduction, and dispersal of P. destructans is urgently needed to help control this disease.
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17
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Bandouchova H, Bartonička T, Berkova H, Brichta J, Kokurewicz T, Kovacova V, Linhart P, Piacek V, Pikula J, Zahradníková A, Zukal J. Alterations in the health of hibernating bats under pathogen pressure. Sci Rep 2018; 8:6067. [PMID: 29666436 PMCID: PMC5904171 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-24461-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In underground hibernacula temperate northern hemisphere bats are exposed to Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the fungal agent of white-nose syndrome. While pathological and epidemiological data suggest that Palearctic bats tolerate this infection, we lack knowledge about bat health under pathogen pressure. Here we report blood profiles, along with body mass index (BMI), infection intensity and hibernation temperature, in greater mouse-eared bats (Myotis myotis). We sampled three European hibernacula that differ in geomorphology and microclimatic conditions. Skin lesion counts differed between contralateral wings of a bat, suggesting variable exposure to the fungus. Analysis of blood parameters suggests a threshold of ca. 300 skin lesions on both wings, combined with poor hibernation conditions, may distinguish healthy bats from those with homeostatic disruption. Physiological effects manifested as mild metabolic acidosis, decreased glucose and peripheral blood eosinophilia which were strongly locality-dependent. Hibernating bats displaying blood homeostasis disruption had 2 °C lower body surface temperatures. A shallow BMI loss slope with increasing pathogen load suggested a high degree of infection tolerance. European greater mouse-eared bats generally survive P. destructans invasion, despite some health deterioration at higher infection intensities (dependant on hibernation conditions). Conservation measures should minimise additional stressors to conserve constrained body reserves of bats during hibernation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Bandouchova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Bartonička
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Berkova
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Brichta
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomasz Kokurewicz
- Institute of Biology, Department of Vertebrate Ecology and Palaeontology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Veronika Kovacova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Linhart
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Piacek
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Pikula
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic. .,CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Alexandra Zahradníková
- Department of Muscle Cell Research, Institute of Molecular Physiology and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jan Zukal
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
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18
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Zahradníková A, Kovacova V, Martínková N, Orlova MV, Orlov OL, Piacek V, Zukal J, Pikula J. Historic and geographic surveillance of Pseudogymnoascus destructans possible from collections of bat parasites. Transbound Emerg Dis 2017; 65:303-308. [PMID: 29181887 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Specimens archived in wet collections represent valuable material for scientific research. Here, we show that bat fly (Diptera, Nycteribiidae) samples contain DNA of Pseudogymnoascus destructans, a fungus pathogenic to bats. Using dual-probe quantitative PCR, we detected P. destructans DNA on bat flies collected in the Samara, Sverdlovsk and Irkutsk regions of Russia between 2005 and 2017. Fungal load was significantly lower on bat flies from wet collections than on freshly collected mites in the Czech Republic. The bat pathogen was present in the Samara region (European part of Russia) in 2005, that is, a year before recognition of white-nose syndrome in North America. As Samara and Irkutsk regions were identified as new positive locations of P. destructans, our data expand the known geographic distribution of P. destructans. We conclude that ethanol-stored ectoparasites can be used to identify the presence of pathogens in historic bat populations and understudied geographical regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Zahradníková
- Department of Muscle Cell Research, Centre of Biosciences, Institute of Molecular Physiology and Genetics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - V Kovacova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - N Martínková
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.,Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - M V Orlova
- International Complex Research Laboratory for Study of Climate Change, Land Use and Biodiversity, Tyumen State University, Tyumen, Russia.,Laboratory of Biodiversity Monitoring, National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - O L Orlov
- International Complex Research Laboratory for Study of Climate Change, Land Use and Biodiversity, Tyumen State University, Tyumen, Russia.,Department of Biochemistry, Ural State Medical University, Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - V Piacek
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - J Zukal
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - J Pikula
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.,CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
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19
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Pikula J, Amelon SK, Bandouchova H, Bartonička T, Berkova H, Brichta J, Hooper S, Kokurewicz T, Kolarik M, Köllner B, Kovacova V, Linhart P, Piacek V, Turner GG, Zukal J, Martínková N. White-nose syndrome pathology grading in Nearctic and Palearctic bats. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180435. [PMID: 28767673 PMCID: PMC5540284 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
While white-nose syndrome (WNS) has decimated hibernating bat populations in the Nearctic, species from the Palearctic appear to cope better with the fungal skin infection causing WNS. This has encouraged multiple hypotheses on the mechanisms leading to differential survival of species exposed to the same pathogen. To facilitate intercontinental comparisons, we proposed a novel pathogenesis-based grading scheme consistent with WNS diagnosis histopathology criteria. UV light-guided collection was used to obtain single biopsies from Nearctic and Palearctic bat wing membranes non-lethally. The proposed scheme scores eleven grades associated with WNS on histopathology. Given weights reflective of grade severity, the sum of findings from an individual results in weighted cumulative WNS pathology score. The probability of finding fungal skin colonisation and single, multiple or confluent cupping erosions increased with increase in Pseudogymnoascus destructans load. Increasing fungal load mimicked progression of skin infection from epidermal surface colonisation to deep dermal invasion. Similarly, the number of UV-fluorescent lesions increased with increasing weighted cumulative WNS pathology score, demonstrating congruence between WNS-associated tissue damage and extent of UV fluorescence. In a case report, we demonstrated that UV-fluorescence disappears within two weeks of euthermy. Change in fluorescence was coupled with a reduction in weighted cumulative WNS pathology score, whereby both methods lost diagnostic utility. While weighted cumulative WNS pathology scores were greater in the Nearctic than Palearctic, values for Nearctic bats were within the range of those for Palearctic species. Accumulation of wing damage probably influences mortality in affected bats, as demonstrated by a fatal case of Myotis daubentonii with natural WNS infection and healing in Myotis myotis. The proposed semi-quantitative pathology score provided good agreement between experienced raters, showing it to be a powerful and widely applicable tool for defining WNS severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiri Pikula
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- CEITEC—Central European Institute of Technology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- * E-mail:
| | - Sybill K. Amelon
- United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Northern Research Station, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Hana Bandouchova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Bartonička
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Berkova
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Brichta
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sarah Hooper
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Tomasz Kokurewicz
- Institute of Biology, Department of Vertebrate Ecology and Palaeontology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Miroslav Kolarik
- Laboratory of Fungal Genetics and Metabolism, Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Bernd Köllner
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Veronika Kovacova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Linhart
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Piacek
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Gregory G. Turner
- Pennsylvania Game Commission, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jan Zukal
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Natália Martínková
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
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20
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Kokurewicz T, Ogórek R, Pusz W, Matkowski K. Bats Increase the Number of Cultivable Airborne Fungi in the "Nietoperek" Bat Reserve in Western Poland. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2016; 72:36-48. [PMID: 27084554 PMCID: PMC4902831 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-016-0763-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The "Nietoperek" bat reserve located in Western Poland is one of the largest bat hibernation sites in the European Union with nearly 38,000 bats from 12 species. Nietoperek is part of a built underground fortification system from WWII. The aims of the study were (1) to determine the fungal species composition and changes during hibernation season in relation to bat number and microclimatic conditions and (2) evaluate the potential threat of fungi for bat assemblages and humans visiting the complex. Airborne fungi were collected in the beginning, middle and end of hibernation period (9 November 2013 and 17 January and 15 March 2014) in 12 study sites, one outside and 11 inside the complex. Ambient temperature (T a) and relative humidity (RH) were measured by the use of data loggers, and species composition of bats was recorded from the study sites. The collision method (Air Ideal 3P) sampler was used to detect 34 species of airborne fungi including Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd). The density of airborne fungi isolated from the outdoor air samples varied from 102 to 242 CFU/1 m(3) of air and from 12 to 1198 CFU in the underground air samples. There was a positive relationship between number of bats and the concentration of fungi. The concentration of airborne fungi increased with the increase of bats number. Analysis of other possible ways of spore transport to the underground indicated that the number of bats was the primary factor determining the number of fungal spores in that hibernation site. Microclimatic conditions where Pd was found (median 8.7 °C, min-max 6.1-9.9 °C and 100 %, min-max 77.5-100.0 %) were preferred by hibernating Myotis myotis and Myotis daubentonii; therefore, these species are most probably especially prone to infection by this fungi species. The spores of fungi found in the underground can be pathogenic for humans and animals, especially for immunocompromised persons, even though their concentrations did not exceed limits and norms established as dangerous for human health. In addition, we showed for the first time that the air in bats hibernation sites can be a reservoir of Pd. Therefore, further study in other underground environments and wintering bats is necessary to find out more about the potential threat of airborne fungi to bats and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Kokurewicz
- Department of Vertebrate Ecology and Paleontology, Institute of Biology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska 5b, 51-631, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Rafał Ogórek
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, 51-148, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Wojciech Pusz
- Department of Plant Protection, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, pl. Grunwaldzki 24a, 50-363, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Matkowski
- Department of Plant Protection, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, pl. Grunwaldzki 24a, 50-363, Wrocław, Poland
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21
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Obame-Nkoghe J, Rahola N, Bourgarel M, Yangari P, Prugnolle F, Maganga GD, Leroy EM, Fontenille D, Ayala D, Paupy C. Bat flies (Diptera: Nycteribiidae and Streblidae) infesting cave-dwelling bats in Gabon: diversity, dynamics and potential role in Polychromophilus melanipherus transmission. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:333. [PMID: 27286888 PMCID: PMC4902993 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1625-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence of haemosporidian infections in bats and bat flies has motivated a growing interest in characterizing their transmission cycles. In Gabon (Central Africa), many caves house massive colonies of bats that are known hosts of Polychromophilus Dionisi parasites, presumably transmitted by blood-sucking bat flies. However, the role of bat flies in bat malaria transmission remains under-documented. Methods An entomological survey was carried out in four caves in Gabon to investigate bat fly diversity, infestation rates and host preferences and to determine their role in Polychromophilus parasite transmission. Bat flies were sampled for 2–4 consecutive nights each month from February to April 2011 (Faucon and Zadie caves) and from May 2012 to April 2013 (Kessipoughou and Djibilong caves). Bat flies isolated from the fur of each captured bat were morphologically identified and screened for infection by haemosporidian parasites using primers targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Results Among the 1,154 bats captured and identified as Miniopterus inflatus Thomas (n = 354), Hipposideros caffer Sundevall complex (n = 285), Hipposideros gigas Wagner (n = 317), Rousettus aegyptiacus Geoffroy (n = 157, and Coleura afra Peters (n = 41), 439 (38.0 %) were infested by bat flies. The 1,063 bat flies recovered from bats belonged to five taxa: Nycteribia schmidlii scotti Falcoz, Eucampsipoda africana Theodor, Penicillidia fulvida Bigot, Brachytarsina allaudi Falcoz and Raymondia huberi Frauenfeld group. The mean infestation rate varied significantly according to the bat species (ANOVA, F(4,75) = 13.15, P < 0.001) and a strong association effect between bat fly species and host bat species was observed. Polychromophilus melanipherus Dionisi was mainly detected in N. s. scotti and P. fulvida and less frequently in E. africana, R. huberi group and B. allaudi bat flies. These results suggest that N. s. scotti and P. fulvida could potentially be involved in P. melanipherus transmission among cave-dwelling bats. Sequence analysis revealed eight haplotypes of P. melanipherus. Conclusions This work represents the first documented record of the cave-dwelling bat fly fauna in Gabon and significantly contributes to our understanding of bat fly host-feeding behavior and their respective roles in Polychromophilus transmission. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1625-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judicaël Obame-Nkoghe
- Laboratoire MIVEGEC, UMR 224-5290 CNRS-IRD-UM, IRD Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon
| | - Nil Rahola
- Laboratoire MIVEGEC, UMR 224-5290 CNRS-IRD-UM, IRD Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon
| | - Mathieu Bourgarel
- Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon.,Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (CIRAD), UPR AGIRS, F-34398, Montpellier, France
| | - Patrick Yangari
- Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon
| | - Franck Prugnolle
- Laboratoire MIVEGEC, UMR 224-5290 CNRS-IRD-UM, IRD Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon
| | - Gael Darren Maganga
- Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon
| | - Eric-Maurice Leroy
- Laboratoire MIVEGEC, UMR 224-5290 CNRS-IRD-UM, IRD Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon
| | - Didier Fontenille
- Laboratoire MIVEGEC, UMR 224-5290 CNRS-IRD-UM, IRD Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Diego Ayala
- Laboratoire MIVEGEC, UMR 224-5290 CNRS-IRD-UM, IRD Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon
| | - Christophe Paupy
- Laboratoire MIVEGEC, UMR 224-5290 CNRS-IRD-UM, IRD Montpellier, Montpellier, France. .,Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon.
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22
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Ectomycota Associated with Arthropods from Bat Hibernacula in Eastern Canada, with Particular Reference to Pseudogymnoasucs destructans. INSECTS 2016; 7:insects7020016. [PMID: 27110827 PMCID: PMC4931428 DOI: 10.3390/insects7020016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Revised: 03/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The introduction of Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) to North America, agent of white-nose syndrome in hibernating bats, has increased interest in fungi from underground habitats. While bats are assumed to be the main vector transmitting Pd cave-to-cave, the role of other fauna is unexplored. We documented the fungi associated with over-wintering arthropods in Pd-positive hibernacula, including sites where bats had been recently extirpated or near-extirpated, to determine if arthropods carried Pd, and to compare fungal assemblages on arthropods to bats. We isolated 87 fungal taxa in 64 genera from arthropods. Viable Pd was cultured from 15.3% of arthropods, most frequently from harvestmen (Nelima elegans). Fungal assemblages on arthropods were similar to those on bats. The different fungal assemblages documented among arthropods may be due to divergent patterns of movement, aggregation, feeding, or other factors. While it is unlikely that arthropods play a major role in the transmission dynamics of Pd, we demonstrate that arthropods may carry viable Pd spores and therefore have the potential to transport Pd, either naturally or anthropogenically, within or among hibernacula. This underlines the need for those entering hibernacula to observe decontamination procedures and for such procedures to evolve as our understanding of potential mechanisms of Pd dispersal improve.
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