1
|
Deak G, Ionică AM, Péter Á, Sándor AD, Matei IA, D'Amico G, Liénard E, Gherman CM, Mihalca AD, Bouhsira E. Fleas of wild carnivores in Romania: diversity, distribution, and host-associations. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:148. [PMID: 38515160 PMCID: PMC10956227 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06235-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fleas are important hematophagous insects, infesting mammals and birds with a worldwide distribution. Fleas of medical importance have been reported from various carnivores worldwide, such as felids, canids, or mustelids. Romania hosts a wide carnivore diversity, but very little is known about flea species that parasitize these animals in Romania. This study aimed to provide a better understanding of the fleas' diversity and their distribution in a relatively large and diverse number of wild carnivore hosts from Romania. METHODS From 2013 to 2021, 282 carcasses of wild carnivores from different locations in Romania were collected and examined for the presence of ectoparasites. All collected fleas were morphologically identified using specific keys and descriptions. An analysis of the co-occurrence networks was performed. RESULTS A total of 11 flea species were identified: Pulex irritans (41.09%), Paraceras melis (20.11%), Ctenocephalides felis (7.33%), Ctenocephalides canis (7.83%), Monopsyllus sciurorum (11.11%), Chaetopsylla trichosa (21.96%), Chaetopsylla homoea (5.5%), Chaetopsylla tuberculaticeps (100%), Chaetopsylla rothschildi (13.33%), Chaetopsylla sp. (14.34%), Chaetopsylla globiceps (5.12%), Echidnophaga gallinacea (10%). The statistical analyses showed a significant difference between the infestation of Martes foina with females being more frequently infected than males (66% versus 33%). Paraceras melis infesting Meles meles had a significantly higher prevalence in female badgers than in males (× 2 = 7.7977, P < 0.01) and higher intensities of infestations in males than in females (t = 1.871, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This is the first large-scale study investigating the distribution and diversity of flea species infesting wild carnivores in Romania. Three flea species were identified for the first time in Romania (E. gallinacea, C. homoea, and C. tuberculaticeps).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgiana Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
| | - Áron Péter
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila David Sándor
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-UVMB Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ioana Adriana Matei
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Microbiology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gianluca D'Amico
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
| | | | - Călin Mircea Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
| | - Emilie Bouhsira
- InTheres, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lam DK, Frantz AC, Burke T, Geffen E, Sin SYW. Both selection and drift drive the spatial pattern of adaptive genetic variation in a wild mammal. Evolution 2023; 77:221-238. [PMID: 36626810 DOI: 10.1093/evolut/qpac014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) has been intensively studied for the relative effects of different evolutionary forces in recent decades. Pathogen-mediated balancing selection is generally thought to explain the high polymorphism observed in MHC genes, but it is still unclear to what extent MHC diversity is shaped by selection relative to neutral drift. In this study, we genotyped MHC class II DRB genes and 15 neutral microsatellite loci across 26 geographic populations of European badgers (Meles meles) covering most of their geographic range. By comparing variation of microsatellite and diversity of MHC at different levels, we demonstrate that both balancing selection and drift have shaped the evolution of MHC genes. When only MHC allelic identity was investigated, the spatial pattern of MHC variation was similar to that of microsatellites. By contrast, when functional aspects of the MHC diversity (e.g., immunological supertypes) were considered, balancing selection appears to decrease genetic structuring across populations. Our comprehensive sampling and analytical approach enable us to conclude that the likely mechanisms of selection are heterozygote advantage and/or rare-allele advantage. This study is a clear demonstration of how both balancing selection and genetic drift simultaneously affect the evolution of MHC genes in a widely distributed wild mammal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Derek Kong Lam
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alain C Frantz
- Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Terry Burke
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Eli Geffen
- School of Zoology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Simon Yung Wa Sin
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Koual R, Buysse M, Grillet J, Binetruy F, Ouass S, Sprong H, Duhayon M, Boulanger N, Jourdain F, Alafaci A, Verdon J, Verheyden H, Rispe C, Plantard O, Duron O. Phylogenetic evidence for a clade of tick-associated trypanosomes. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:3. [PMID: 36604731 PMCID: PMC9817367 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05622-y] [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: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trypanosomes are protozoan parasites of vertebrates that are of medical and veterinary concern. A variety of blood-feeding invertebrates have been identified as vectors, but the role of ticks in trypanosome transmission remains unclear. METHODS In this study, we undertook extensive molecular screening for the presence and genetic diversity of trypanosomes in field ticks. RESULTS Examination of 1089 specimens belonging to 28 tick species from Europe and South America led to the identification of two new trypanosome strains. The prevalence may be as high as 4% in tick species such as the castor bean tick Ixodes ricinus, but we found no evidence of transovarial transmission. Further phylogenetic analyses based on 18S rRNA, EF1-α, hsp60 and hsp85 gene sequences revealed that different tick species, originating from different continents, often harbour phylogenetically related trypanosome strains and species. Most tick-associated trypanosomes cluster in a monophyletic clade, the Trypanosoma pestanai clade, distinct from clades of trypanosomes associated with transmission by other blood-feeding invertebrates. CONCLUSIONS These observations suggest that ticks may be specific arthropod hosts for trypanosomes of the T. pestanai clade. Phylogenetic analyses provide further evidence that ticks may transmit these trypanosomes to a diversity of mammal species (including placental and marsupial species) on most continents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachid Koual
- grid.121334.60000 0001 2097 0141MIVEGEC, CNRS, IRD, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Marie Buysse
- grid.121334.60000 0001 2097 0141MIVEGEC, CNRS, IRD, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Justine Grillet
- grid.121334.60000 0001 2097 0141MIVEGEC, CNRS, IRD, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Florian Binetruy
- grid.121334.60000 0001 2097 0141MIVEGEC, CNRS, IRD, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Sofian Ouass
- grid.121334.60000 0001 2097 0141MIVEGEC, CNRS, IRD, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Hein Sprong
- grid.31147.300000 0001 2208 0118Laboratory for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology (Z&O), Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute of Public Health and Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Maxime Duhayon
- grid.121334.60000 0001 2097 0141ASTRE, CIRAD, INRAE, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Nathalie Boulanger
- grid.11843.3f0000 0001 2157 9291UR7290: VBP: Borrelia Group, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, University of Strasbourg and French National Reference Center for Borrelia, Strasbourg, France
| | - Frédéric Jourdain
- grid.121334.60000 0001 2097 0141MIVEGEC, CNRS, IRD, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Aurélien Alafaci
- grid.11166.310000 0001 2160 6368UMR CNRS 7267, EBI, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Julien Verdon
- grid.11166.310000 0001 2160 6368UMR CNRS 7267, EBI, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Hélène Verheyden
- grid.508721.9INRAE, CEFS, Université de Toulouse, Castanet Tolosan Cedex, France ,LTSER ZA PYRénées GARonne, Auzeville-Tolosane, France
| | - Claude Rispe
- grid.418682.10000 0001 2175 3974Oniris, INRAE, BIOEPAR, Nantes, France
| | - Olivier Plantard
- grid.418682.10000 0001 2175 3974Oniris, INRAE, BIOEPAR, Nantes, France
| | - Olivier Duron
- grid.121334.60000 0001 2097 0141MIVEGEC, CNRS, IRD, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sgroi G, Iatta R, Paolo Lia R, Latrofa MS, Samarelli R, Camarda A, Otranto D. Trypanosoma ( Megatrypanum) pestanai in Eurasian badgers ( Meles meles) and Ixodidae ticks, Italy. Parasitology 2021; 148:1516-1521. [PMID: 34218830 PMCID: PMC11010210 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021001190] [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: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosomes are haemoflagellate protozoa transmitted by blood-feeding arthropods causing infections in a wide range of mammals, including humans. Adult badgers (Meles meles, n = 2), displaying severe paralysis, ataxia and severe ectoparasite infestation, were rescued from a peri-urban area of Bari (southern Italy). Blood samples and ectoparasites were screened for Trypanosoma spp. by the combined PCR/sequencing approach, targeting a fragment of 18S rRNA gene. Smears of haemolymph, guts and salivary glands of the alive ticks were microscopically observed. No haematological alterations, except thrombocytopenia, were found. Trypomastigotes and epimastigotes were observed in the blood smears of both badgers and Trypanosoma pestanai was molecularly identified. Out of 33 ticks (i.e. n = 31 Ixodes canisuga, n = 2 Ixodes ricinus) and two fleas (Ctenocephalides felis), 11 specimens (n = 5 I. canisuga engorged nymphs, n = 4 engorged females and n = 2 I. ricinus engorged females) tested positive only for T. pestanai DNA. All smears from ticks were negative. The present study firstly revealed T. pestanai in Ixodidae and badgers from Italy, demonstrating the occurrence of the protozoan on the peninsula. Further studies are needed to clarify the occurrence of the only known vector of this parasite, Paraceras melis flea, as well as other putative arthropods involved in the transmission of T. pestanai.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Sgroi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010Valenzano, Italy
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010Valenzano, Italy
| | - Riccardo Paolo Lia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010Valenzano, Italy
| | | | - Rossella Samarelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010Valenzano, Italy
| | - Antonio Camarda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010Valenzano, Italy
- Osservatorio Faunistico Regionale della Puglia, 70020Bitetto, Italy
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010Valenzano, Italy
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kasozi KI, Zirintunda G, Ssempijja F, Buyinza B, Alzahrani KJ, Matama K, Nakimbugwe HN, Alkazmi L, Onanyang D, Bogere P, Ochieng JJ, Islam S, Matovu W, Nalumenya DP, Batiha GES, Osuwat LO, Abdelhamid M, Shen T, Omadang L, Welburn SC. Epidemiology of Trypanosomiasis in Wildlife-Implications for Humans at the Wildlife Interface in Africa. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:621699. [PMID: 34222391 PMCID: PMC8248802 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.621699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
While both human and animal trypanosomiasis continue to present as major human and animal public health constraints globally, detailed analyses of trypanosome wildlife reservoir hosts remain sparse. African animal trypanosomiasis (AAT) affects both livestock and wildlife carrying a significant risk of spillover and cross-transmission of species and strains between populations. Increased human activity together with pressure on land resources is increasing wildlife–livestock–human infections. Increasing proximity between human settlements and grazing lands to wildlife reserves and game parks only serves to exacerbate zoonotic risk. Communities living and maintaining livestock on the fringes of wildlife-rich ecosystems require to have in place methods of vector control for prevention of AAT transmission and for the treatment of their livestock. Major Trypanosoma spp. include Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, and Trypanosoma cruzi, pathogenic for humans, and Trypanosoma vivax, Trypanosoma congolense, Trypanosoma evansi, Trypanosoma brucei brucei, Trypanosoma dionisii, Trypanosoma thomasbancrofti, Trypanosma elephantis, Trypanosoma vegrandis, Trypanosoma copemani, Trypanosoma irwini, Trypanosoma copemani, Trypanosoma gilletti, Trypanosoma theileri, Trypanosoma godfreyi, Trypansoma simiae, and Trypanosoma (Megatrypanum) pestanai. Wildlife hosts for the trypansomatidae include subfamilies of Bovinae, Suidae, Pantherinae, Equidae, Alcephinae, Cercopithecinae, Crocodilinae, Pteropodidae, Peramelidae, Sigmodontidae, and Meliphagidae. Wildlife species are generally considered tolerant to trypanosome infection following centuries of coexistence of vectors and wildlife hosts. Tolerance is influenced by age, sex, species, and physiological condition and parasite challenge. Cyclic transmission through Glossina species occurs for T. congolense, T. simiae, T. vivax, T. brucei, and T. b. rhodesiense, T. b. gambiense, and within Reduviid bugs for T. cruzi. T. evansi is mechanically transmitted, and T. vixax is also commonly transmitted by biting flies including tsetse. Wildlife animal species serve as long-term reservoirs of infection, but the delicate acquired balance between trypanotolerance and trypanosome challenge can be disrupted by an increase in challenge and/or the introduction of new more virulent species into the ecosystem. There is a need to protect wildlife, animal, and human populations from the infectious consequences of encroachment to preserve and protect these populations. In this review, we explore the ecology and epidemiology of Trypanosoma spp. in wildlife.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keneth Iceland Kasozi
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.,School of Medicine, Kabale University, Kabale, Uganda
| | - Gerald Zirintunda
- Department of Animal Production and Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Busitema University Arapai Campus, Soroti, Uganda
| | - Fred Ssempijja
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Bridget Buyinza
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Khalid J Alzahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratories Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kevin Matama
- School of Pharmacy, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Helen N Nakimbugwe
- Department of Animal Production and Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Busitema University Arapai Campus, Soroti, Uganda.,Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Vocational Studies, Kyambogo University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Luay Alkazmi
- Biology Department, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - David Onanyang
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Paul Bogere
- Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Science, Muni University, Arua, Uganda
| | - Juma John Ochieng
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Saher Islam
- Department of Biotechnology, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Wycliff Matovu
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David Paul Nalumenya
- College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| | | | - Mahmoud Abdelhamid
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt
| | - Tianren Shen
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.,Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
| | - Leonard Omadang
- Department of Animal Production and Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Busitema University Arapai Campus, Soroti, Uganda
| | - Susan Christina Welburn
- Infection Medicine, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.,Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Magri A, Galuppi R, Fioravanti M. Autochthonous Trypanosoma spp. in European Mammals: A Brief Journey amongst the Neglected Trypanosomes. Pathogens 2021; 10:334. [PMID: 33805748 PMCID: PMC8000865 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Trypanosoma includes flagellated protozoa belonging to the family Trypanosomatidae (Euglenozoa, Kinetoplastida) that can infect humans and several animal species. The most studied species are those causing severe human pathology, such as Chagas disease in South and Central America, and the human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), or infections highly affecting animal health, such as nagana in Africa and surra with a wider geographical distribution. The presence of these Trypanosoma species in Europe has been thus far linked only to travel/immigration history of the human patients or introduction of infected animals. On the contrary, little is known about the epidemiological status of trypanosomes endemically infecting mammals in Europe, such as Trypanosomatheileri in ruminants and Trypanosomalewisi in rodents and other sporadically reported species. This brief review provides an updated collection of scientific data on the presence of autochthonous Trypanosoma spp. in mammals on the European territory, in order to support epidemiological and diagnostic studies on Trypanosomatid parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberta Galuppi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (A.M.); (M.F.)
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Salinas-Ramos VB, Mori E, Bosso L, Ancillotto L, Russo D. Zoonotic Risk: One More Good Reason Why Cats Should Be Kept Away from Bats. Pathogens 2021; 10:304. [PMID: 33807760 PMCID: PMC8002059 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Bats are often unfairly depicted as the direct culprit in the current COVID-19 pandemic, yet the real causes of this and other zoonotic spillover events should be sought in the human impact on the environment, including the spread of domestic animals. Here, we discuss bat predation by cats as a phenomenon bringing about zoonotic risks and illustrate cases of observed, suspected or hypothesized pathogen transmission from bats to cats, certainly or likely following predation episodes. In addition to well-known cases of bat rabies, we review other diseases that affect humans and might eventually reach them through cats that prey on bats. We also examine the potential transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the causal agent of COVID-19, from domestic cats to bats, which, although unlikely, might generate a novel wildlife reservoir in these mammals, and identify research and management directions to achieve more effective risk assessment, mitigation or prevention. Overall, not only does bat killing by cats represent a potentially serious threat to biodiversity conservation, but it also bears zoonotic implications that can no longer be neglected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria B. Salinas-Ramos
- Wildlife Research Unit, Dipartimento di Agraria, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy; (V.B.S.-R.); (L.A.)
| | - Emiliano Mori
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Ricerca sugli Ecosistemi Terrestri, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy;
| | - Luciano Bosso
- Wildlife Research Unit, Dipartimento di Agraria, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy; (V.B.S.-R.); (L.A.)
| | - Leonardo Ancillotto
- Wildlife Research Unit, Dipartimento di Agraria, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy; (V.B.S.-R.); (L.A.)
| | - Danilo Russo
- Wildlife Research Unit, Dipartimento di Agraria, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055 Portici, Italy; (V.B.S.-R.); (L.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Garcia HA, Rangel CJ, Ortíz PA, Calzadilla CO, Coronado RA, Silva AJ, Pérez AM, Lecuna JC, García ME, Aguirre AM, Teixeira MMG. Zoonotic Trypanosomes in Rats and Fleas of Venezuelan Slums. ECOHEALTH 2019; 16:523-533. [PMID: 31583491 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-019-01440-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Rattus spp. are reservoirs of many human zoonoses, but their role in domestic transmission cycles of human trypanosomiasis is underestimated. In this study, we report trypanosome-infected Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus in human dwellings in slums neighboring Maracay, a large city near Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. Blood samples of R. norvegicus and R. rattus examined by PCR and FFLB (fluorescent fragment length barcoding) revealed a prevalence of 6.3% / 31.1% for Trypanosoma lewisi (agent of rat- and flea-borne human emergent zoonosis), and 10.5% / 24.6% for Trypanosoma cruzi (agent of Chagas disease). Detection in flea guts of T. lewisi (76%) and, unexpectedly, T. cruzi (21.3%) highlighted the role of fleas as carriers and vectors of these trypanosomes. A high prevalence of rats infected with T. lewisi and T. cruzi and respective flea and triatomine vectors poses a serious risk of human trypanosomiasis in Venezuelan slums. Anthropogenic activities responsible for growing rat and triatomine populations within human dwellings drastically increased human exposure to trypanosomes. This scenario has allowed for the reemergence of Chagas disease as an urban zoonosis in Venezuela and can propitiate the emergence of atypical T. lewisi infection in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Herakles A Garcia
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas II - Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1374, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 05508-000, Brazil.
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Venezuela.
| | - Carlos J Rangel
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Paola A Ortíz
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas II - Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1374, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Carlos O Calzadilla
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Raul A Coronado
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Arturo J Silva
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Arlett M Pérez
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Jesmil C Lecuna
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Maria E García
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Aixa M Aguirre
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Venezuela
| | - Marta M G Teixeira
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas II - Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1374, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 05508-000, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Roth JD, Dobson FS, Criscuolo F, Uhlrich P, Zahariev A, Bergouignan A, Viblanc VA. Subtle short-term physiological costs of an experimental augmentation of fleas in wild Columbian ground squirrels. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 222:jeb.203588. [PMID: 31138632 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.203588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Parasites affect many aspects of host physiology and behavior, and thus are generally thought to negatively impact host fitness. However, changes in form of short-term parasite effects on host physiological markers have generally been overlooked in favor of fitness measures. Here, we studied flea (Oropsylla idahoensis and Oropsylla opisocroistis tuberculata) parasitism on a natural population of Columbian ground squirrels (Urocitellus columbianus) in Sheep River Provincial Park, AB, Canada. Fleas were experimentally added to adult female U. columbianus at physiologically demanding times, including birth, lactation and weaning of their young. The body mass of adult females, as well as their oxidative stress and immunity were recorded multiple times over the active season under flea-augmented and control conditions. We also measured the prevalence of an internal parasite (Trypanosoma otospermophili). Doubly labeled water (DLW) was intra-peritoneally injected at peak lactation to examine energy expenditure. Effects of parasites on oxidative stress were only observed after offspring were weaned. There was no direct effect of experimentally heightened flea prevalence on energy use. A short-term 24 h mass loss (-17 g) was detected briefly after parasite addition, likely due to U. columbianus preferentially allocating time for grooming. Our parasite augmentation did not strongly affect hosts and suggested that short-term physiological effects were unlikely to culminate in long-term fitness consequences. Columbian ground squirrels appear to rapidly manage parasite costs, probably through grooming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D Roth
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - F Stephen Dobson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - François Criscuolo
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC, UMR 7178, 67037 Strasbourg CEDEX 2, France
| | - Pierre Uhlrich
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC, UMR 7178, 67037 Strasbourg CEDEX 2, France
| | - Alexandre Zahariev
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC, UMR 7178, 67037 Strasbourg CEDEX 2, France
| | - Audrey Bergouignan
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC, UMR 7178, 67037 Strasbourg CEDEX 2, France
| | - Vincent A Viblanc
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC, UMR 7178, 67037 Strasbourg CEDEX 2, France
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Whiteoak AM, Ideozu J, Alkathiry H, Tomlinson AJ, Delahay RJ, Cowen S, Mullineaux E, Gormley E, Birtles RJ, Lun ZR, Hide G. Investigation into the genetic diversity in toll-like receptors 2 and 4 in the European badger Meles meles. Res Vet Sci 2018; 119:228-231. [PMID: 30005397 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2018.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The Toll-like receptor (TLR) genes are a conserved family of genes central to the innate immune response to pathogen infection. They encode receptor proteins, recognise pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and trigger initial immune responses. In some host-pathogen systems, it is reported that genetic differences, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), associate with disease resistance or susceptibility. Little is known about TLR gene diversity in the European badger (Meles meles). We collected DNA from UK badgers, carried out PCR amplification of the badger TLR2 gene and exon 3 of TLR4 and determined DNA sequences for individual badgers for TLR2 (n = 61) and TLR4 exon 3 (n = 59). No polymorphism was observed in TLR4. Three TLR2 amino acid haplotype variants were found. Ninety five percent of badgers were homozygous for one common haplotype (H1), the remaining three badgers had genotypes H1/H3, H1/H2 and H2/H2. By broad comparison with other species, diversity in TLR genes in badgers seems low. This could be due to a relatively localised sampling or inherent low genetic diversity. Further studies are required to assess the generality of the low observed diversity and the relevance to the immunological status of badgers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Whiteoak
- Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre, School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, M5 4WT, UK
| | - Justin Ideozu
- Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre, School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, M5 4WT, UK
| | - Hadil Alkathiry
- Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre, School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, M5 4WT, UK
| | - Alexandra J Tomlinson
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodchester Park, Gloucestershire GL10 3UJ, UK
| | - Richard J Delahay
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodchester Park, Gloucestershire GL10 3UJ, UK
| | - Sara Cowen
- Secret World Wildlife Rescue, New Road, East Huntspill, Highbridge TA9 3PZ, UK
| | | | - Eamonn Gormley
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Science Centre, University College Dublin (UCD), Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Richard J Birtles
- Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre, School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, M5 4WT, UK
| | - Zhao-Rong Lun
- Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre, School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, M5 4WT, UK; State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases and Control of the Ministry of Education, Zhongshan Medical School, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, PR China; Biomedical Research Centre, School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, M5 4WT, UK
| | - Geoff Hide
- Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre, School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, M5 4WT, UK; Biomedical Research Centre, School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, M5 4WT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kelly S, Ivens A, Mott GA, O'Neill E, Emms D, Macleod O, Voorheis P, Tyler K, Clark M, Matthews J, Matthews K, Carrington M. An Alternative Strategy for Trypanosome Survival in the Mammalian Bloodstream Revealed through Genome and Transcriptome Analysis of the Ubiquitous Bovine Parasite Trypanosoma (Megatrypanum) theileri. Genome Biol Evol 2018; 9:2093-2109. [PMID: 28903536 PMCID: PMC5737535 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evx152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
There are hundreds of Trypanosoma species that live in the blood and tissue spaces of their vertebrate hosts. The vast majority of these do not have the ornate system of antigenic variation that has evolved in the small number of African trypanosome species, but can still maintain long-term infections in the face of the vertebrate adaptive immune system. Trypanosoma theileri is a typical example, has a restricted host range of cattle and other Bovinae, and is only occasionally reported to cause patent disease although no systematic survey of the effect of infection on agricultural productivity has been performed. Here, a detailed genome sequence and a transcriptome analysis of gene expression in bloodstream form T. theileri have been performed. Analysis of the genome sequence and expression showed that T. theileri has a typical kinetoplastid genome structure and allowed a prediction that it is capable of meiotic exchange, gene silencing via RNA interference and, potentially, density-dependent growth control. In particular, the transcriptome analysis has allowed a comparison of two distinct trypanosome cell surfaces, T. brucei and T. theileri, that have each evolved to enable the maintenance of a long-term extracellular infection in cattle. The T. theileri cell surface can be modeled to contain a mixture of proteins encoded by four novel large and divergent gene families and by members of a major surface protease gene family. This surface composition is distinct from the uniform variant surface glycoprotein coat on African trypanosomes providing an insight into a second mechanism used by trypanosome species that proliferate in an extracellular milieu in vertebrate hosts to avoid the adaptive immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven Kelly
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alasdair Ivens
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution and Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - G Adam Mott
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution and Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ellis O'Neill
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - David Emms
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Olivia Macleod
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Voorheis
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kevin Tyler
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Clark
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline Matthews
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Keith Matthews
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution and Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Carrington
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Restrepo CM, Llanes A, Lleonart R. Use of AFLP for the study of eukaryotic pathogens affecting humans. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2017; 63:360-369. [PMID: 28935612 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) is a genotyping technique based on PCR amplification of specific restriction fragments from a particular genome. The methodology has been extensively used in plant biology to solve a variety of scientific questions, including taxonomy, molecular epidemiology, systematics, population genetics, among many others. The AFLP share advantages and disadvantages with other types of molecular markers, being particularly useful in organisms with no previous DNA sequence knowledge. In eukaryotic pathogens, the technique has not been extensively used, although it has the potential to solve many important issues as it allows the simultaneous examination of hundreds or even thousands of polymorphic sites in the genome of the organism. Here we describe the main applications published on the use of AFLP in eukaryotic pathogens, with emphasis in species of the groups fungi, protozoa and helminths, and discuss the role of this methodology in the context of new techniques derived from the advances of the next generation sequencing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos M Restrepo
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology of Diseases, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Edificio 219, Ciudad del Saber, Apartado 0843-01103, Ciudad de Panamá, Panama.; Department of Biotechnology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, India..
| | - Alejandro Llanes
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology of Diseases, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Edificio 219, Ciudad del Saber, Apartado 0843-01103, Ciudad de Panamá, Panama.; Department of Biotechnology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, India
| | - Ricardo Lleonart
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology of Diseases, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT AIP), Edificio 219, Ciudad del Saber, Apartado 0843-01103, Ciudad de Panamá, Panama..
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Diagnosis and genetic analysis of the worldwide distributed Rattus-borne Trypanosoma (Herpetosoma) lewisi and its allied species in blood and fleas of rodents. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2017; 63:380-390. [PMID: 28882517 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma (Herpetosoma) lewisi is a cosmopolitan parasite of rodents strongly linked to the human dispersal of Rattus spp. from Asia to the rest of the world. This species is highly phylogenetically related to trypanosomes from other rodents (T. lewisi-like), and sporadically infects other mammals. T. lewisi may opportunistically infect humans, and has been considered an emergent rat-borne zoonosis associated to poverty. We developed the THeCATL-PCR based on Cathepsin L (CATL) sequences to specifically detect T. (Herpetosoma) spp., and assess their genetic diversity. This method exhibited high sensitivity using blood samples, and is the first molecular method employed to search for T. lewisi in its flea vectors. THeCATL-PCR surveys using simple DNA preparation from blood preserved in ethanol or filter paper detected T. lewisi in Rattus spp. from human dwellings in South America (Brazil and Venezuela), East Africa (Mozambique), and Southeast Asia (Thailand, Cambodia and Lao PDR). In addition, native rodents captured in anthropogenic and nearby human settlements in natural habitats harbored T. (Herpetosoma) spp. PCR-amplified CATL gene fragments (253bp) distinguish T. lewisi and T. lewisi-like from other trypanosomes, and allow for assessment of genetic diversity and relationships among T. (Herpetosoma) spp. Our molecular surveys corroborated worldwide high prevalence of T. lewisi, incriminating Mastomys natalensis as an important carrier of this species in Africa, and supported its spillover from invader Rattus spp. to native rodents in Brazil and Mozambique. THeCATL-PCR provided new insights on the accurate diagnosis and genetic repertoire of T. (Herpetosoma) spp. in rodent and non-rodent hosts, revealing a novel species of this subgenus in an African gerbil. Phylogenetic analysis based on CATL sequences from T. (Herpetosoma) spp. and other trypanosomes (amplified using pan-trypanosome primers) uncovered rodents harboring, beyond mammal trypanosomes of different subgenera, some species that clustered in the lizard-snake clade of trypanosomes.
Collapse
|
14
|
Dyachenko V, Steinmann M, Bangoura B, Selzer M, Munderloh U, Daugschies A, Barutzki D. Co-infection of Trypanosoma pestanai and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in a dog from Germany. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2017; 9:110-114. [PMID: 31014832 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Infections with arthropod-borne pathogens are an increasing threat world-wide that requires heightened vigilance from veterinary and medical practitioners, especially when they involve new or unusual organisms. A dog was presented to a local veterinary clinic in Germany with malaise, pale mucous membranes and stiff joints. Clinical assessment revealed pyrexia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. On suspicion of a tick-borne infection, blood samples were examined for clinical and biochemical parameters and subjected to a Anaplasma phagocytophilum-, Borrelia spp.- and Ehrlichia canis-specific real-time PCR. Additionally, a sample of the pre-therapeutic buffy coat was co-cultured with the Ixodes scapularis cell-line ISE6 for 20days. Only the PCR specific for A. phagocytophilum DNA yielded a positive result, and furthermore, Anaplasma morulae were visible in granulocytes and tick cells. After co-culturing, extracellular trypomastigote and epimastigote stages of Trypanosoma sp. with an average length of 29.7μm were observed, featuring a pointed posterior end. Sequence analysis of a 2080bp fragment of the 18S rRNA gene showed 99% identity to the 18S rRNA gene of Trypanosoma pestanai, previously described from a European badger (Meles meles) in France. The dog's condition improved rapidly in response to doxycycline treatment for three weeks. The clinical status normalized and clinical blood parameters were found to be within the reference ranges. To our knowledge this is the first description of T. pestanai infection in a dog, the first detection of T. pestanai in Germany and the first documented co-infection with these two pathogens. Co-infections with unusual opportunistic vector-borne pathogens should be considered, if acute canine granulocytic anaplasmosis is evident.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Dyachenko
- Veterinary Laboratory Freiburg, BioTech Park, Engesserstr. 4b, 79108 Freiburg i. Br., Germany.
| | - M Steinmann
- Veterinary Clinic Selzer, Ippendorfer Allee 14d, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - B Bangoura
- Institute of Parasitology, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 35, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - M Selzer
- Veterinary Clinic Selzer, Ippendorfer Allee 14d, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - U Munderloh
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, 219 Hodson Hall, 1980 Folwell Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - A Daugschies
- Institute of Parasitology, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 35, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - D Barutzki
- Veterinary Laboratory Freiburg, BioTech Park, Engesserstr. 4b, 79108 Freiburg i. Br., Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lin RH, Lai DH, Zheng LL, Wu J, Lukeš J, Hide G, Lun ZR. Analysis of the mitochondrial maxicircle of Trypanosoma lewisi, a neglected human pathogen. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:665. [PMID: 26715306 PMCID: PMC4696184 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1281-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [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: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The haemoflagellate Trypanosoma lewisi is a kinetoplastid parasite which, as it has been recently reported to cause human disease, deserves increased attention. Characteristic features of all kinetoplastid flagellates are a uniquely structured mitochondrial DNA or kinetoplast, comprised of a network of catenated DNA circles, and RNA editing of mitochondrial transcripts. The aim of this study was to describe the kinetoplast DNA of T. lewisi. METHODS/RESULTS In this study, purified kinetoplast DNA from T. lewisi was sequenced using high-throughput sequencing in combination with sequencing of PCR amplicons. This allowed the assembly of the T. lewisi kinetoplast maxicircle DNA, which is a homologue of the mitochondrial genome in other eukaryotes. The assembly of 23,745 bp comprises the non-coding and coding regions. Comparative analysis of the maxicircle sequence of T. lewisi with Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma rangeli, Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania tarentolae revealed that it shares 78%, 77%, 74% and 66% sequence identity with these parasites, respectively. The high GC content in at least 9 maxicircle genes of T. lewisi (ATPase6; NADH dehydrogenase subunits ND3, ND7, ND8 and ND9; G-rich regions GR3 and GR4; cytochrome oxidase subunit COIII and ribosomal protein RPS12) implies that their products may be extensively edited. A detailed analysis of the non-coding region revealed that it contains numerous repeat motifs and palindromes. CONCLUSIONS We have sequenced and comprehensively annotated the kinetoplast maxicircle of T. lewisi. Our analysis reveals that T. lewisi is closely related to T. cruzi and T. brucei, and may share similar RNA editing patterns with them rather than with L. tarentolae. These findings provide novel insight into the biological features of this emerging human pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruo-Hong Lin
- Center for Parasitic Organisms, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases and Control of the Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, The People's Republic of China.
| | - De-Hua Lai
- Center for Parasitic Organisms, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases and Control of the Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, The People's Republic of China.
| | - Ling-Ling Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, The People's Republic of China.
| | - Jie Wu
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, The People's Republic of China.
| | - Julius Lukeš
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences and Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic.
- Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Geoff Hide
- Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre and Biomedical Research Centre, School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Salford, UK.
| | - Zhao-Rong Lun
- Center for Parasitic Organisms, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases and Control of the Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, The People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, The People's Republic of China.
- Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre and Biomedical Research Centre, School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Salford, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ideozu EJ, Whiteoak AM, Tomlinson AJ, Robertson A, Delahay RJ, Hide G. High prevalence of trypanosomes in European badgers detected using ITS-PCR. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:480. [PMID: 26396074 PMCID: PMC4580359 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1088-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wildlife can be important sources and reservoirs for pathogens. Trypanosome infections are common in many mammalian species, and are pathogenic in some. Molecular detection tools were used to measure trypanosome prevalence in a well-studied population of wild European badgers (Meles meles). FINDINGS A nested ITS-PCR system, that targeted the ribosomal RNA gene locus, has been widely used to detect pathogenic human and animal trypanosomes in domestic animals in Africa and some wildlife hosts. Samples from a long-term DEFRA funded capture-mark-recapture study of wild badgers at Woodchester Park (Gloucestershire, SW England) were investigated for trypanosome prevalence. A total of 82 badger blood samples were examined by nested ITS-PCR. Twenty-nine of the samples were found to be positive for trypanosomes giving a prevalence of 35.4% (25.9% - 46.2%; 95% CI). Infection was not found to be linked to badger condition, sex or age. Analysis of DNA sequence data showed the badgers to be infected with Trypanosoma (Megatrypanum) pestanai and phylogenetic analysis showed the Woodchester badger trypanosomes and T. pestanai to cluster in the Megatrypanum clade. CONCLUSIONS The results show that the ITS Nested PCR is an effective tool for diagnosing trypanosome infection in badgers and suggests that it could be widely used in wildlife species with unknown trypanosomes or mixed infections. The relatively high prevalence observed in these badgers raises the possibility that a significant proportion of UK badgers are naturally infected with trypanosomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eze J Ideozu
- Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre, School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Salford, M5 4WT, UK.
| | - Andrew M Whiteoak
- Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre, School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Salford, M5 4WT, UK.
| | - Alexandra J Tomlinson
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodchester Park, Gloucestershire, GL10 3UJ, UK.
| | - Andrew Robertson
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodchester Park, Gloucestershire, GL10 3UJ, UK.
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, UK.
| | - Richard J Delahay
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodchester Park, Gloucestershire, GL10 3UJ, UK.
| | - Geoff Hide
- Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre, School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Salford, M5 4WT, UK.
- Biomedical Research Centre, School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Salford, M5 4WT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Noonan MJ, Markham A, Newman C, Trigoni N, Buesching CD, Ellwood SA, Macdonald DW. A new Magneto‐Inductive tracking technique to uncover subterranean activity: what do animals do underground? Methods Ecol Evol 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.12348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Noonan
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit Department of Zoology University of Oxford The Recanati‐Kaplan Centre Tubney House Abingdon Road, Tubney Abingdon Oxfordshire OX13 5QL UK
| | - Andrew Markham
- Department of Computer Science University of Oxford Wolfson Building Parks Road Oxford Oxfordshire OX1 3QD UK
| | - Chris Newman
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit Department of Zoology University of Oxford The Recanati‐Kaplan Centre Tubney House Abingdon Road, Tubney Abingdon Oxfordshire OX13 5QL UK
| | - Niki Trigoni
- Department of Computer Science University of Oxford Wolfson Building Parks Road Oxford Oxfordshire OX1 3QD UK
| | - Christina D. Buesching
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit Department of Zoology University of Oxford The Recanati‐Kaplan Centre Tubney House Abingdon Road, Tubney Abingdon Oxfordshire OX13 5QL UK
| | - Stephen A. Ellwood
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit Department of Zoology University of Oxford The Recanati‐Kaplan Centre Tubney House Abingdon Road, Tubney Abingdon Oxfordshire OX13 5QL UK
| | - David W. Macdonald
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit Department of Zoology University of Oxford The Recanati‐Kaplan Centre Tubney House Abingdon Road, Tubney Abingdon Oxfordshire OX13 5QL UK
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sin YW, Annavi G, Dugdale HL, Newman C, Burke T, MacDonald DW. Pathogen burden, co-infection and major histocompatibility complex variability in the European badger (Meles meles). Mol Ecol 2014; 23:5072-88. [PMID: 25211523 DOI: 10.1111/mec.12917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2013] [Revised: 09/07/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yung Wa Sin
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit; Department of Zoology; Recanati-Kaplan Centre; University of Oxford; Tubney House, Abingdon Road Tubney Abingdon Oxfordshire OX13 5QL UK
- NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility; Department of Animal and Plant Sciences; University of Sheffield; Sheffield S10 2TN UK
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology; Museum of Comparative Zoology; Harvard University; 26 Oxford Street Cambridge MA 02138 USA
| | - Geetha Annavi
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit; Department of Zoology; Recanati-Kaplan Centre; University of Oxford; Tubney House, Abingdon Road Tubney Abingdon Oxfordshire OX13 5QL UK
- NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility; Department of Animal and Plant Sciences; University of Sheffield; Sheffield S10 2TN UK
- Faculty of Science; Department of Biology; University of Putra Malaysia; UPM 43400 Serdang Selangor Malaysia
| | - Hannah L. Dugdale
- NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility; Department of Animal and Plant Sciences; University of Sheffield; Sheffield S10 2TN UK
- Behavioural Ecology and Self-Organization; University of Groningen; PO Box 11103 9700 CC Groningen the Netherlands
- Theoretical Biology; University of Groningen; PO Box 11103 9700 CC Groningen the Netherlands
| | - Chris Newman
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit; Department of Zoology; Recanati-Kaplan Centre; University of Oxford; Tubney House, Abingdon Road Tubney Abingdon Oxfordshire OX13 5QL UK
| | - Terry Burke
- NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility; Department of Animal and Plant Sciences; University of Sheffield; Sheffield S10 2TN UK
| | - David W. MacDonald
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit; Department of Zoology; Recanati-Kaplan Centre; University of Oxford; Tubney House, Abingdon Road Tubney Abingdon Oxfordshire OX13 5QL UK
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Host specificity of the badger's flea (Paraceras melis) and first detection on a bat host. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:3909-12. [PMID: 25216783 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-4136-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Defining the whole spectrum of potential hosts of a parasite has large epidemiological and evolutionary implications in biology. Specialized parasites might be able to occasionally exploit a range of different host species, increasing the individual survival and the chances of successful dispersal. For long time Paraceras melis has been considered a specific flea of European badger Meles meles. Anyway, it has occasionally been reported on different hosts. In this work, we summarize the host spectrum of P. melis from literature and we report its first detection on a bat host. Ten species were identified as occasional hosts, man included, and the plasticity of this flea in host exploitation is noteworthy because of possible increase of pathogens transmission to humans and domestic species.
Collapse
|
20
|
Lukeš J, Skalický T, Týč J, Votýpka J, Yurchenko V. Evolution of parasitism in kinetoplastid flagellates. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2014; 195:115-22. [PMID: 24893339 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2014.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Revised: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Kinetoplastid protists offer a unique opportunity for studying the evolution of parasitism. While all their close relatives are either photo- or phagotrophic, a number of kinetoplastid species are facultative or obligatory parasites, supporting a hypothesis that parasitism has emerged within this group of flagellates. In this review we discuss origin and evolution of parasitism in bodonids and trypanosomatids and specific adaptations allowing these protozoa to co-exist with their hosts. We also explore the limits of biodiversity of monoxenous (one host) trypanosomatids and some features distinguishing them from their dixenous (two hosts) relatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julius Lukeš
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic.
| | - Tomáš Skalický
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Týč
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice (Budweis), Czech Republic
| | - Jan Votýpka
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Czech Republic; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Sciences, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vyacheslav Yurchenko
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Czech Republic; Life Science Research Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Diversity of trypanosomatids (Kinetoplastea: Trypanosomatidae) parasitizing fleas (Insecta: Siphonaptera) and description of a new genus Blechomonas gen. n. Protist 2013; 164:763-81. [PMID: 24113136 DOI: 10.1016/j.protis.2013.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Revised: 08/28/2013] [Accepted: 08/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
To further investigate the diversity of Trypanosomatidae we have examined the species present within the flea (Siphonaptera) population in the Czech Republic. Out of 1549 fleas, 239 were found to be infected by trypanosomatids. Axenic cultures were established from 90 infected specimens and 29 of them were further characterized. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of the SL RNA, gGAPDH, and SSU rRNA genes revealed a striking diversity within this group and analyzed isolates were classified into 16 Typing units (TUs) of which 15 typified new species. In addition to one Trypanosoma species, two TUs grouped within the sub-family Leishmaniinae, two clustered together with Herpetomonas, wheras 11 TUs formed a novel clade branching off between Trypanosoma spp. and remaining trypanosomatids. We propose to recognize this clade as a new genus Blechomonas and a new subfamily Blechomonadinae, and provide molecular and morphological description of 11 TUs representing this genus. Our finding of such an ancient host-specific group sheds new light at the origin of Trypanosomatidae and the roots of dixenous parasitism. The strict host restriction of Blechomonas to Siphonaptera with adult fleas' dependence on blood meal may reflect passing of parasites from larvae through pupae to adults and implies potential transmission to the warm-blooded vertebrates.
Collapse
|
22
|
Maslov DA, Votýpka J, Yurchenko V, Lukeš J. Diversity and phylogeny of insect trypanosomatids: all that is hidden shall be revealed. Trends Parasitol 2012; 29:43-52. [PMID: 23246083 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2012.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Revised: 11/06/2012] [Accepted: 11/08/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Monoxenous trypanosomatids, which are usually regarded as benign dwellers of the insect alimentary tract, represent a relatively obscure group within the family Trypanosomatidae. This field of study has long been in disarray with the genus level taxonomy of this group remaining artificial, species criteria elusive, host specificity and occurrence poorly known, and their diversity mostly unexplored. The time has arrived to remedy this situation: a phylogenetic approach has been applied to taxa recognition and description, and a culture-independent (PCR-based) approach for detection and identification of organisms in nature has made it feasible to study the diversity of the group. Although more than 100 typing units have been discovered recently, these appear to represent a small segment of trypanosomatid biodiversity, which still remains to be uncovered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dmitri A Maslov
- Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Sin YW, Dugdale HL, Newman C, Macdonald DW, Burke T. Evolution of MHC class I genes in the European badger (Meles meles). Ecol Evol 2012; 2:1644-62. [PMID: 22957169 PMCID: PMC3434948 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2012] [Accepted: 04/27/2012] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays a central role in the adaptive immune system and provides a good model with which to understand the evolutionary processes underlying functional genes. Trans-species polymorphism and orthology are both commonly found in MHC genes; however, mammalian MHC class I genes tend to cluster by species. Concerted evolution has the potential to homogenize different loci, whereas birth-and-death evolution can lead to the loss of orthologs; both processes result in monophyletic groups within species. Studies investigating the evolution of MHC class I genes have been biased toward a few particular taxa and model species. We present the first study of MHC class I genes in a species from the superfamily Musteloidea. The European badger (Meles meles) exhibits moderate variation in MHC class I sequences when compared to other carnivores. We identified seven putatively functional sequences and nine pseudogenes from genomic (gDNA) and complementary (cDNA) DNA, signifying at least two functional class I loci. We found evidence for separate evolutionary histories of the α1 and α2/α3 domains. In the α1 domain, several sequences from different species were more closely related to each other than to sequences from the same species, resembling orthology or trans-species polymorphism. Balancing selection and probable recombination maintain genetic diversity in the α1 domain, evidenced by the detection of positive selection and a recombination event. By comparison, two recombination breakpoints indicate that the α2/α3 domains have most likely undergone concerted evolution, where recombination has homogenized the α2/α3 domains between genes, leading to species-specific clusters of sequences. Our findings highlight the importance of analyzing MHC domains separately.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yung Wa Sin
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Recanati-Kaplan CentreTubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX13 5QL, United Kingdom
- NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of SheffieldWestern Bank, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah L Dugdale
- NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of SheffieldWestern Bank, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2TN, United Kingdom
- Behavioural Ecology and Self-Organization, University of GroningenP.O. Box 11103, 9700 CC Groningen, The Netherlands
- Theoretical Biology, University of GroningenP.O. Box 11103, 9700 CC Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Chris Newman
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Recanati-Kaplan CentreTubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX13 5QL, United Kingdom
| | - David W Macdonald
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Recanati-Kaplan CentreTubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX13 5QL, United Kingdom
| | - Terry Burke
- NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of SheffieldWestern Bank, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S10 2TN, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Sin YW, Dugdale HL, Newman C, Macdonald DW, Burke T. MHC class II genes in the European badger (Meles meles): characterization, patterns of variation, and transcription analysis. Immunogenetics 2011; 64:313-27. [DOI: 10.1007/s00251-011-0578-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2011] [Accepted: 09/28/2011] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
|