1
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Fletcher LE, Martin LB, Downs CJ. Leukocyte Concentrations Are Isometric in Reptiles Unlike in Endotherms. Physiol Biochem Zool 2023; 96:405-417. [PMID: 38237194 DOI: 10.1086/727050] [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] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
AbstractHow do large and small reptiles defend against infections, given the consequences of body mass for physiology and disease transmission? Functionally equivalent mammalian and avian granulocytes increased disproportionately with body mass (i.e., scaled hypermetrically), such that large organisms had higher concentrations than expected by a prediction of proportional protection across sizes. However, as these scaling relationships were derived from endothermic animals, they do not necessarily inform the scaling of leukocyte concentration for ectothermic reptiles that have a different physiology and evolutionary history. Here, we asked whether and how lymphocyte and heterophil concentrations relate to body mass among more than 120 reptile species. We compared these relationships to those found in birds and mammals and to existing scaling frameworks (i.e., protecton, complexity, rate of metabolism, or safety factor hypotheses). Both lymphocyte and heterophil concentrations scaled almost isometrically among reptiles. In contrast, functionally equivalent granulocytes scaled hypermetrically and lymphocytes scaled isometrically in birds and mammals. Life history traits were also poor predictors of variation in reptilian heterophil and lymphocyte concentrations. Our results provide insight into differences in immune protection in birds and mammals relative to that in reptiles through a comparative lens. The shape of scaling relationships differs, which should be considered when modeling disease dynamics among these groups.
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2
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Dodge TO, Farquharson KA, Ford C, Cavanagh L, Schubert K, Schumer M, Belov K, Hogg CJ. Genomes of two Extinct-in-the-Wild reptiles from Christmas Island reveal distinct evolutionary histories and conservation insights. Mol Ecol Resour 2023. [PMID: 36872490 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Genomics can play important roles in biodiversity conservation, especially for Extinct-in-the-Wild species where genetic factors greatly influence risk of total extinction and probability of successful reintroductions. The Christmas Island blue-tailed skink (Cryptoblepharus egeriae) and Lister's gecko (Lepidodactylus listeri) are two endemic reptile species that went extinct in the wild shortly after the introduction of a predatory snake. After a decade of management, captive populations have expanded from 66 skinks and 43 geckos to several thousand individuals; however, little is known about patterns of genetic variation in these species. Here, we use PacBio HiFi long-read and Hi-C sequencing to generate highly contiguous reference genomes for both reptiles, including the XY chromosome pair in the skink. We then analyse patterns of genetic diversity to infer ancient demography and more recent histories of inbreeding. We observe high genome-wide heterozygosity in the skink (0.007 heterozygous sites per base-pair) and gecko (0.005), consistent with large historical population sizes. However, nearly 10% of the blue-tailed skink reference genome falls within long (>1 Mb) runs of homozygosity (ROH), resulting in homozygosity at all major histocompatibility complex (MHC) loci. In contrast, we detect a single ROH in Lister's gecko. We infer from the ROH lengths that related skinks may have established the captive populations. Despite a shared recent extinction in the wild, our results suggest important differences in these species' histories and implications for management. We show how reference genomes can contribute evolutionary and conservation insights, and we provide resources for future population-level and comparative genomic studies in reptiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristram O Dodge
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Australian-American Fulbright Commission, Deakin, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Katherine A Farquharson
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Claire Ford
- Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lisa Cavanagh
- Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Molly Schumer
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Katherine Belov
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Carolyn J Hogg
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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3
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Parrish K, Kirkland PD, Skerratt LF, Ariel E. Nidoviruses in Reptiles: A Review. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:733404. [PMID: 34621811 PMCID: PMC8490724 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.733404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Since their discovery in 2014, reptile nidoviruses (also known as serpentoviruses) have emerged as significant pathogens worldwide. They are known for causing severe and often fatal respiratory disease in various captive snake species, especially pythons. Related viruses have been detected in other reptiles with and without respiratory disease, including captive and wild populations of lizards, and wild populations of freshwater turtles. There are many opportunities to better understand the viral diversity, species susceptibility, and clinical presentation in different species in this relatively new field of research. In captive snake collections, reptile nidoviruses can spread quickly and be associated with high morbidity and mortality, yet the potential disease risk to wild reptile populations remains largely unknown, despite reptile species declining on a global scale. Experimental studies or investigations of disease outbreaks in wild reptile populations are scarce, leaving the available literature limited mostly to exploring findings of naturally infected animals in captivity. Further studies into the pathogenesis of different reptile nidoviruses in a variety of reptile species is required to explore the complexity of disease and routes of transmission. This review focuses on the biology of these viruses, hosts and geographic distribution, clinical signs and pathology, laboratory diagnosis and management of reptile nidovirus infections to better understand nidovirus infections in reptiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Parrish
- Virology Laboratory, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, New South Wales (NSW) Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, NSW, Australia.,College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter D Kirkland
- Virology Laboratory, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, New South Wales (NSW) Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, NSW, Australia.,College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Lee F Skerratt
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ellen Ariel
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
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4
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Zacho CM, Bager MA, Margaryan A, Gravlund P, Galatius A, Rasmussen AR, Allentoft ME. Uncovering the genomic and metagenomic research potential in old ethanol-preserved snakes. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256353. [PMID: 34424926 PMCID: PMC8382189 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural history museum collections worldwide represent a tremendous resource of information on past and present biodiversity. Fish, reptiles, amphibians and many invertebrate collections have often been preserved in ethanol for decades or centuries and our knowledge on the genomic and metagenomic research potential of such material is limited. Here, we use ancient DNA protocols, combined with shotgun sequencing to test the molecular preservation in liver, skin and bone tissue from five old (1842 to 1964) museum specimens of the common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis). When mapping reads to a T. sirtalis reference genome, we find that the DNA molecules are highly damaged with short average sequence lengths (38-64 bp) and high C-T deamination, ranging from 9% to 21% at the first position. Despite this, the samples displayed relatively high endogenous DNA content, ranging from 26% to 56%, revealing that genome-scale analyses are indeed possible from all specimens and tissues included here. Of the three tested types of tissue, bone shows marginally but significantly higher DNA quality in these metrics. Though at least one of the snakes had been exposed to formalin, neither the concentration nor the quality of the obtained DNA was affected. Lastly, we demonstrate that these specimens display a diverse and tissue-specific microbial genetic profile, thus offering authentic metagenomic data despite being submerged in ethanol for many years. Our results emphasize that historical museum collections continue to offer an invaluable source of information in the era of genomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claus M. Zacho
- Lundbeck Foundation GeoGenetics Centre, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martina A. Bager
- Section for EvoGenomics, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ashot Margaryan
- Section for EvoGenomics, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Anders Galatius
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Arne R. Rasmussen
- Institute of Conservation, Royal Danish Academy—Architecture, Design, Conservation, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten E. Allentoft
- Lundbeck Foundation GeoGenetics Centre, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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5
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Agius JE, Rose K, Emery JP, Phalen DN. Experimental infection of Asian house geckos with Enterococcus lacertideformus demonstrates multiple disease transmission routes and the in-vivo efficacy of antibiotics. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13858. [PMID: 34226601 PMCID: PMC8257746 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92999-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The disease caused by Enterococcus lacertideformus is multisystemic and ultimately fatal. Since its emergence, the bacterium has significantly impacted the captive breeding programs of the extinct in the wild Christmas Island Lister's gecko (Lepidodactylus listeri) and blue-tailed skink (Cryptoblepharus egeriae). The bacterium's pathogenicity, inability to grow in-vitro, and occurrence beyond the confines of Christmas Island necessitated the development of an experimental infection and treatment model. Asian house geckos (Hemidactylus frenatus) were challenged with a single dose of E. lacertideformus inoculum either by mouth, application to mucosal abrasion or skin laceration, subcutaneous injection, coelomic injection, or via co-housing with an infected gecko. Five healthy geckos acted as controls. Each transmission route resulted in disease in at least 40% (n = 2) geckos, expanding to 100% (n = 5) when E. lacertideformus was applied to skin laceration and mucosal abrasion groups. Incubation periods post-infection ranged between 54 and 102 days. To determine the efficacy of antibiotic treatment, infected geckos were divided into six groups (enrofloxacin 10 mg/kg, per os (PO), every 24 h (q24), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid 10 mg/kg, PO, q24, enrofloxacin 10 mg/kg combined with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid 10 mg/kg, PO, q24, rifampicin 15 mg/kg, PO, q24, clarithromycin 15 mg/kg, PO, q24, and untreated controls) for 21 days. Response to treatment was assessed by the change in lesion size, bacterial dissemination, and histological evidence of a host immune response. Irrespective of the antibiotic given, histology revealed that geckos inoculated by skin laceration were observed to have more extensive disease spread throughout the animal's body compared to other inoculation routes. The reduction in the average surface area of gross lesions was 83.6% for geckos treated with enrofloxacin, followed by the combination therapy amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and enrofloxacin (62.4%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (58.2%), rifampicin (45.5%), and clarithromycin (26.5%). Lesions in geckos untreated with antibiotics increased in size between 100 and 300%. In summary, enrofloxacin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid show promising properties for the treatment of E. lacertideformus infection in geckos. The Asian house gecko E. lacertideformus infection model therefore provides foundational findings for the development of effective therapeutic treatment protocols aimed at conserving the health of infected and at-risk reptiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Agius
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, J.L. Shute Building C01A, 425 Werombi Road, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia.
| | - Karrie Rose
- Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, NSW, 2088, Australia
| | - Jon-Paul Emery
- Faculty of Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - David N Phalen
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, J.L. Shute Building C01A, 425 Werombi Road, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia.,Texas A&M School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Schubot Exotic Bird Health Center, College Station, Texas, 75189, USA
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6
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Agius JE, Phalen DN, Rose K, Eden JS. Genomic Insights Into the Pathogenicity of a Novel Biofilm-Forming Enterococcus sp. Bacteria ( Enterococcus lacertideformus) Identified in Reptiles. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:635208. [PMID: 33737921 PMCID: PMC7960928 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.635208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Whole genome analysis of a novel species of enterococci, Enterococcus lacertideformus, causing multi-systemic and invariably fatal disease in critically endangered Christmas Island reptiles was undertaken to determine the genetic elements and potential mechanisms conferring its pathogenic nature, biofilm-forming capabilities, immune recognition avoidance, and inability to grow in vitro. Comparative genomic analyses with related and clinically significant enterococci were further undertaken to infer the evolutionary history of the bacterium and identify genes both novel and absent. The genome had a G + C content of 35.1%, consisted of a circular chromosome, no plasmids, and was 2,419,934 bp in length (2,321 genes, 47 tRNAs, and 13 rRNAs). Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST), and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis of multiple E. lacertideformus samples revealed they were effectively indistinguishable from one another and highly clonal. E. lacertideformus was found to be located within the Enterococcus faecium species clade and was closely related to Enterococcus villorum F1129D based on 16S rDNA and MLST house-keeping gene analysis. Antimicrobial resistance (DfreE, EfrB, tetM, bcrRABD, and sat4) and virulence genes (Fss3 and ClpP), and genes conferring tolerance to metals and biocides (n = 9) were identified. The detection of relatively few genes encoding antimicrobial resistance and virulence indicates that this bacterium may have had no exposure to recently developed and clinically significant antibiotics. Genes potentially imparting beneficial functional properties were identified, including prophages, insertion elements, integrative conjugative elements, and genomic islands. Functional CRISPR-Cas arrays, and a defective prophage region were identified in the genome. The study also revealed many genomic loci unique to E. lacertideformus which contained genes enriched in cell wall/membrane/envelop biogenesis, and carbohydrate metabolism and transport functionality. This finding and the detection of putative enterococcal biofilm determinants (EfaAfs, srtC, and scm) may underpin the novel biofilm phenotype observed for this bacterium. Comparative analysis of E. lacertideformus with phylogenetically related and clinically significant enterococci (E. villorum F1129D, Enterococcus hirae R17, E. faecium AUS0085, and Enterococcus faecalis OG1RF) revealed an absence of genes (n = 54) in E. lacertideformus, that encode metabolic functionality, which potentially hinders nutrient acquisition and/or utilization by the bacterium and precludes growth in vitro. These data provide genetic insights into the previously determined phenotype and pathogenic nature of the bacterium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Esther Agius
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
| | - David Norton Phalen
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia.,Schubot Exotic Bird Health Center, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Karrie Rose
- Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, NSW, Australia
| | - John-Sebastian Eden
- Centre for Virus Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Medicine, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
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7
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Emery J, Mitchell NJ, Cogger H, Agius J, Andrew P, Arnall S, Detto T, Driscoll DA, Flakus S, Green P, Harlow P, McFadden M, Pink C, Retallick K, Rose K, Sleeth M, Tiernan B, Valentine LE, Woinarski JZ. The lost lizards of Christmas Island: A retrospective assessment of factors driving the collapse of a native reptile community. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jon‐Paul Emery
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Western Australia Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - Nicola J. Mitchell
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Western Australia Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - Harold Cogger
- John Evans Memorial Fellow, Australian Museum Research Institute Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Jessica Agius
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney Brownlow Hill New South Wales Australia
| | - Paul Andrew
- Taronga Conservation Society Australia Mosman New South Wales Australia
| | | | - Tanya Detto
- Christmas Island National Park Drumsite Territory of Christmas Island Australia
| | - Don A. Driscoll
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences Deakin University Geelong, Burwood Campus Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Samantha Flakus
- Christmas Island National Park Drumsite Territory of Christmas Island Australia
| | - Peter Green
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution La Trobe University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Peter Harlow
- Taronga Conservation Society Australia Mosman New South Wales Australia
| | - Michael McFadden
- Taronga Conservation Society Australia Mosman New South Wales Australia
| | - Caitlyn Pink
- Christmas Island National Park Drumsite Territory of Christmas Island Australia
| | - Kent Retallick
- Christmas Island National Park Drumsite Territory of Christmas Island Australia
| | - Karrie Rose
- Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, Taronga Conservation Society Australia Mosman New South Wales Australia
| | | | - Brendan Tiernan
- Christmas Island National Park Drumsite Territory of Christmas Island Australia
| | - Leonie E. Valentine
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Western Australia Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - John Z. Woinarski
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina Northwest Territories Australia
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8
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Siddle MR, Hanak E, Parker DL, Desprez I. Cholecystectomy for the treatment of enterococcal cholecystitis and cholelithiasis in an inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps): A case report. J Exot Pet Med 2020. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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9
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Agius JE, Kimble B, Govendir M, Rose K, Pollard CL, Phalen DN. Pharmacokinetic profile of enrofloxacin and its metabolite ciprofloxacin in Asian house geckos ( Hemidactylus frenatus) after single-dose oral administration of enrofloxacin. Vet Anim Sci 2020; 9:100116. [PMID: 32734117 PMCID: PMC7386737 DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2020.100116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin and its active metabolite ciprofloxacin were determined following oral administration in 21 Asian house geckos (Hemidactylus frenatus) at a dose of 10 mg/kg. Changes in enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin plasma concentrations were quantified at regular intervals over 72 h (1, 2, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h). Samples were analysed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the enrofloxacin pharmacokinetic data underwent a two-compartment analysis. Due to the limited ciprofloxacin plasma concentrations above the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ), the ciprofloxacin data underwent non-compartment analysis and the half-life was determined by the Lineweaver-Burke plot and analysis. The enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin mean half-lives (t ½) were 0.95 h (α) / 24.36 h (β), and 11.06 h respectively, area under the curve (AUC0-24h) were 60.56 and 3.14 µg/mL*h, respectively, maximum concentrations (C max) were 12.31 and 0.24 µg/mL, respectively, and time required to reach the C max (T max) were 1 and 2 h respectively. Enrofloxacin was minimally converted to the active metabolite ciprofloxacin, with ciprofloxacin concentrations contributing only 4.91% of the total fluoroquinolone concentrations (AUC0-24h). Based on the pharmacokinetic indices when using susceptibility breakpoints when determined at mammalian body temperature it is predicted that single oral administration of enrofloxacin (10 mg/kg) would result in plasma concentrations effective against susceptible bacterial species inhibited by an enrofloxacin MIC ≤ 0.5 µg/mL in vitro, but additional studies will be required to determine its efficacy in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Agius
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Werombi Road, Camden, New South Wales 2570, Australia
| | - Benjamin Kimble
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Werombi Road, Camden, New South Wales 2570, Australia
| | - Merran Govendir
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Werombi Road, Camden, New South Wales 2570, Australia
| | - Karrie Rose
- Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, New South Wales 2088, Australia.,College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, James Cook Drive, Townsville, Queensland 4814, Australia
| | - Charley-Lea Pollard
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Werombi Road, Camden, New South Wales 2570, Australia
| | - David N Phalen
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Werombi Road, Camden, New South Wales 2570, Australia.,Schubot Exotic Bird Health Center, Texas A&M School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College Station, Texas 75189, United States
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10
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Agius JE, Phalen DN, Rose K, Eden JS. New insights into Sauropsid Papillomaviridae evolution and epizootiology: discovery of two novel papillomaviruses in native and invasive Island geckos. Virus Evol 2019; 5:vez051. [PMID: 31798966 PMCID: PMC6874027 DOI: 10.1093/ve/vez051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Papillomaviruses cause persistent infections in skin and mucosal membranes and, in at least one species, are also be able to infect a tissue of mesenchymal origin. Infections may either be subclinical or induce proliferative lesions. Of the known papillomaviruses, the majority that have been characterized are from humans and other mammals. Currently, only fifteen complete bird and reptile papillomavirus genomes have been described, and they have been found in birds (n = 11), turtles (n = 2), and snakes (n = 2). Using next-generation sequencing technologies and virus-specific PCR, we have identified two novel papillomavirus genomes, Hemidactylus frenatus Papillomavirus 1 and 2 (HfrePV1, HfrePV2), in the widely distributed and highly invasive Asian house gecko (H.frenatus) and mute gecko (Gehyra mutilata) on Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands. HfrePV1 was also detected in critically endangered Lister’s geckos (Lepidodactylus listeri) in their captive breeding colony on Christmas Island. Tissue-containing virus included epidermis, oral mucosa, and liver (HfrePV1) and epidermis, liver, and colon (HfrePV2). Concurrent infections were found in both H.frenatus and G.mutilata. Invasive mourning geckos (Lepidodactylus lugubris) (n = 4), Sri Lankan house geckos (Hemidactylus parvimaculatus) (n = 3), flat-tailed house geckos (Hemidactylus platyurus) (n = 4) from the Cocos Islands, and blue-tailed skinks (Cryptoblepharus egeriae) (n = 10) from Christmas Island were also screened but were not found to be infected. The novel HfrePV1 and HfrePV2 genomes were 7,378 bp and 7,380 bp in length, respectively, and each contained the early (E1, E2, and E7), and late (L1 and L2) open-reading frames. Phylogenetic analysis of the concatenated E1, E2, and L1 proteins from both papillomaviruses revealed that they clustered with, but were basal to, the Sauropsida clade containing bird and reptile viruses. This study sheds light on the evolution of papillomaviruses and the distribution of pathogens in a highly invasive species impacting endangered populations of geckos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Agius
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Werombi Road, Camden, New South Wales 2570, Australia
| | - David N Phalen
- Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Werombi Road, Camden, New South Wales 2570, Australia
| | - Karrie Rose
- Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Bradleys Head Road, Mosman, New South Wales 2088, Australia.,College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, James Cook Drive, Townsville, Queensland 4814, Australia
| | - John-Sebastian Eden
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney School of Medicine, University of Sydney, Missenden Road, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia.,The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Centre for Virus Research, Hawkesbury Rd, Westmead, New South Wales 2145, Australia
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11
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Foster CN, O'Loughlin LS, Sato CF, Westgate MJ, Barton PS, Pierson JC, Balmer JM, Catt G, Chapman J, Detto T, Hawcroft A, Jones G, Kavanagh RP, McKay M, Marshall D, Moseby KE, Perry M, Robinson D, Seddon JA, Tuft K, Lindenmayer DB. How practitioners integrate decision triggers with existing metrics in conservation monitoring. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2019; 230:94-101. [PMID: 30273788 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.09.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Decision triggers are defined thresholds in the status of monitored variables that indicate when to undertake management, and avoid undesirable ecosystem change. Decision triggers are frequently recommended to conservation practitioners as a tool to facilitate evidence-based management practices, but there has been limited attention paid to how practitioners are integrating decision triggers into existing monitoring programs. We sought to understand whether conservation practitioners' use of decision triggers was influenced by the type of variables in their monitoring programs. We investigated this question using a practitioner-focused workshop involving a structured discussion and review of eight monitoring programs. Among our case studies, direct measures of biodiversity (e.g. native species) were more commonly monitored, but less likely to be linked to decision triggers (10% with triggers) than measures being used as surrogates (54% with triggers) for program objectives. This was because decision triggers were associated with management of threatening processes, which were often monitored as a surrogate for a biodiversity asset of interest. By contrast, direct measures of biodiversity were more commonly associated with informal decision processes that led to activities such as management reviews or external consultation. Workshop participants were in favor of including more formalized decision triggers in their programs, but were limited by incomplete ecological knowledge, lack of appropriately skilled staff, funding constraints, and/or uncertainty regarding intervention effectiveness. We recommend that practitioners consider including decision triggers for discussion activities (such as external consultation) in their programs as more than just early warning points for future interventions, particularly for direct measures. Decision triggers for discussions should be recognized as a critical feature of monitoring programs where information and operational limitations inhibit the use of decision triggers for interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire N Foster
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia.
| | - Luke S O'Loughlin
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia.
| | - Chloe F Sato
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Martin J Westgate
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Philip S Barton
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Jennifer C Pierson
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia; Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, ACT Government, Tharwa, Australia
| | - Jayne M Balmer
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - Gareth Catt
- Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa, PO Box 504, Newman, WA, 6753, Australia
| | - Jane Chapman
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, WA, 6151, Australia
| | - Tanya Detto
- Christmas Island National Park, Christmas Island, 6798, Australia
| | | | - Glenys Jones
- School of Land and Food - Geography & Spatial Science, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7001, Australia
| | - Rodney P Kavanagh
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy, GPO Box 4301, Sydney, NSW, 2001, Australia
| | | | | | - Katherine E Moseby
- Arid Recovery, Olympic Dam South Australia, Australia; School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | | | - Doug Robinson
- Trust For Nature, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia; Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Julian A Seddon
- ACT Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate, GPO Box 158, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | | | - David B Lindenmayer
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
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