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Stettler M, Lotz C, Probst A, Marreros N, Lundström-Stadelmann B, Frey CF, Keiser J, Hofer A, Hoby S. SAFETY AND PHARMACOKINETICS OF PRAZIQUANTEL IN EUROPEAN POND TURTLES ( EMYS ORBICULARIS). J Zoo Wildl Med 2024; 54:728-737. [PMID: 38251996 DOI: 10.1638/2023-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Spirorchiidosis, caused by blood flukes of the genus Spirorchis, is a disease of great concern for the critically endangered European pond turtle (EPT; Emys orbicularis) in Switzerland. The endogenous life cycle of the parasite often leads to systemic inflammatory reactions, thrombosis, and death. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the treatment of choice against adult Spirorchis spp. in green (Chelonia mydas) and in loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtles and is therefore considered for the treatment of EPT. This study aimed to establish a safe, easily applicable PZQ treatment for EPT, based on pharmacokinetics and tolerability. Three application methods were tested in a total of 12 adult EPT. Each turtle received a total of 75 mg/kg PZQ (three doses of 25 mg/kg in 3-h intervals [q3h × 3]) via IM (n = 3 turtles), SC (n = 3 turtles), or PO (n = 6 turtles) administration. Blood was collected 3, 6, 24, and 48 h after the first administration to determine the plasma concentration of PZQ using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Maximum measured R-PZQ concentrations (Cmax) were reached after 6 h. The mean Cmax of the total PZQ (sum of R- and S-PZQ) in the PO-treated EPT group was 1,929 ng/ml. Significantly higher concentrations were measured after IM and SC injection (mean Cmax of total PZQ = 12,715 ng/ml and 10,114 ng/ml, respectively). Transient side effects were evident after IM administration (local swelling and lameness), whereas no adverse drug effects were observed after PO and SC administration. Based on these results and the ease of administration to EPT, SC injection of PZQ at 25 mg/kg q3h times 3 serves as promising treatment application for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Stettler
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern 3012, Switzerland
| | - Christian Lotz
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil 4123, Switzerland
- the University of Basel, Basel 4001, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Probst
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil 4123, Switzerland
- the University of Basel, Basel 4001, Switzerland
| | - Nelson Marreros
- School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences HAFL, 3052 Zollikofen, Switzerland
| | - Britta Lundström-Stadelmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern 3012, Switzerland
- Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern 3012, Switzerland
| | - Caroline F Frey
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern 3012, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil 4123, Switzerland
- the University of Basel, Basel 4001, Switzerland
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Morick D, Bachmann VM, Shemesh E, Botero-Anug AM, Zemach-Shamir Z, Aizenberg Z, Davidovich N, Goldberg DW, Kan G, Ofri R, Tchernov D, Levy Y. Case report: Blindness associated with Learedius learedi trematode infection in a green sea turtle, Chelonia mydas, of the northern Red Sea. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1258522. [PMID: 37841474 PMCID: PMC10570618 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1258522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Spirorchiid blood flukes are widespread in sea turtles, causing disease and mortality in their populations, with high prevalence in several ocean basins. Besides being leading parasitic causes of sea turtle strandings in several parts of the world, these infectious agents can cause endocarditis, vasculitis, thrombosis, miliary egg granulomas, and aneurysms, which ultimately may compromise the survival of green sea turtles. More severe cases may also result in multifocal granulomatous meningitis or pneumonia, both of which can be fatal. Herein, we report the first case of severe trematode infection, Caused by Learedius learedi, in a green sea turtle in the northern Red Sea; this infection is associated with bilateral blindness. Necropsy revealed multiple granulomas with intralesional trematode eggs in the optic nerve, eyes, spleen, heart, and lungs. The parasite was identified as Learedius learedi through specific primers of the ribosomal genome and COI sequences obtained from GenBank. Altogether, these findings emphasize the importance of recognizing the systemic nature of this particular fluke infection to ultimately protect the lives of these marine animals and ensure the sustainability of these species in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny Morick
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering, Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Vanessa M. Bachmann
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Eli Shemesh
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Ziv Zemach-Shamir
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Zahi Aizenberg
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nadav Davidovich
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Israeli Veterinary Services, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | | | - Gaston Kan
- Israeli National Nature and Parks Authority-Israel Sea Turtle Rescue Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ron Ofri
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering, Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaniv Levy
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Israeli National Nature and Parks Authority-Israel Sea Turtle Rescue Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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Corner RD, Cribb TH, Cutmore SC. Rich but morphologically problematic: an integrative approach to taxonomic resolution of the genus Neospirorchis (Trematoda: Schistosomatoidea). Int J Parasitol 2023; 53:363-380. [PMID: 37075879 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2023.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Neospirorchis Price, 1934 is a genus of blood flukes that infect the cardiovascular system, including vessels surrounding the nervous systems of marine turtles. Although the genus comprises just two named species, the available molecular data suggest substantial richness which has not yet been formally described. The lack of description of species of Neospirorchis is probably explained by their small, slender, elongate bodies, which allow them to infect numerous organs and vessels in their hosts, such as the heart and peripheral vessels of nervous system, endocrine organs, thymus, mesenteric vessels, and gastrointestinal submucosa. This morphology and site of infection means that collecting good quality, intact specimens is generally difficult, ultimately hampering the formal description of species. Here we supplement limited morphological samples with multi-locus genetic data to formally describe four new species of Neospirorchis infecting marine turtles from Queensland, Australia and Florida, USA; Neospirorchis goodmanorum n. sp. and Neospirorchis deburonae n. sp. are described from Chelonia mydas, Neospirorchis stacyi n. sp. is described from Caretta caretta, and Neospirorchis chapmanae n. sp. from Ch. mydas and Ca. caretta. The four new species are delineated from each other and the two known species based on the arrangement of the male and female reproductive organs, on the basis of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1), internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2), and 28S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) molecular data, site of infection, and host species. Molecular evidence for three further putative, presently undescribable, species is also reported. We propose that this integrated characterisation of species of Neospirorchis, based on careful consideration of host, molecular and key morphological data, offers a valuable solution to the slow rate of descriptions for this important genus. We provide the first known life cycle data for Neospirorchis in Australian waters, from Moreton Bay, Queensland; consistent with reports from the Atlantic, sporocysts were collected from a terebellid polychaete and genetically matched to an unnamed species of Neospirorchis infecting Ch. mydas from Queensland and Florida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard D Corner
- The University of Queensland, School of Biological Sciences, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia.
| | - Thomas H Cribb
- The University of Queensland, School of Biological Sciences, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Scott C Cutmore
- Queensland Museum, Biodiversity and Geosciences Program, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia
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Jerdy H, Barreto B, Werneck M, Hauser-Davis RA, Baldassin P, Gabriel P, de Moraes Souza AL, Aparecida da Silva M, Felix A, Rodrigues RR, Bianchi M, Barbosa C, Vieira GG, Ribeiro L, Petronetto B, Souza A, Silveira RL, Carvalho E. Serious lesions in Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) afflicted by fatal Spirorchiidiasis found stranded in south and southeastern Brazil. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 20:73-8. [PMID: 36691453 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Several diseases have been reported as affecting endangered wild sea turtle population worldwide, including spirorchiidiasis. This parasitic infection results in serious circulatory disorders in sea turtles, as well as tissue damage due to the presence of spirorchiids eggs. However, few reports of organs severely affected by tissue replacement caused by granulomatous inflammatory processes due to spirorchiidiasis in sea turtles are available. In this regard, this study describes massive lesions in 16 juvenile green turtles from southeastern Brazil presenting no other detectable diseases or injuries, associated to parasitic compression of air spaces, parasitic thyroid atrophy, parasitic encephalic compression and parasitic splenic lymphoid depletion. These rare injuries were categorized as extremely severe, affecting most spirorchiidiasis-infected organs. Spirorchiidiasis was, thus, noted herein as capable of causing a variety of lethal injuries to vital or extremely important organs in sea turtles. Spirorchiidiasis should, therefore, also be considered a potential cause of death in stranded green sea turtle monitoring efforts.
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Liguori BL, Stacy BA, Fischer PU, Fischer K, Archer LL, Childress AL, Shaver DJ, Kariyawasam S, Wellehan JFX. Identification of a novel Neorickettsia species in a Kemp's ridley sea turtle with granulomatous nephritis and development of a quantitative PCR assay. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:3673-3683. [PMID: 36215150 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
An adult male Kemp's ridley turtle was found dead on the coast of Kenedy County, Texas, in August 2019 with bilateral severe, diffuse granulomatous nephritis. Pan-bacterial 16S rRNA gene polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and amplicon sequencing of affected tissue indicated the presence of a Neorickettsia. Neorickettsia is a genus of obligate intracellular Alphaproteobacteria that are transmitted by digenean trematodes. For further characterization, primers were designed to amplify and sequence the groEL gene. Phylogenetic analysis found that the organism was distinct from other known species to a degree consistent with a novel species. Immunohistochemistry using an antibody directed against a Neorickettsia surface protein showed bacterial clusters within the renal granulomas. A species-specific quantitative PCR was designed and detected the organism within the liver and colon of the index case. A quantitative PCR survey of grossly normal kidneys opportunistically collected from additional stranded sea turtle kidneys detected this organism in five of 15 Kemp's ridley turtles, two of nine green turtles, and neither of two loggerhead turtles. Recognition of this novel organism in an endangered species is concerning; additional work is underway to further characterize the potential of this organism as a pathogen of sea turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany L Liguori
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida Comparative, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Brian A Stacy
- NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Peter U Fischer
- Infectious Disease Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Kerstin Fischer
- Infectious Disease Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Linda L Archer
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida Comparative, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - April L Childress
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida Comparative, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Donna J Shaver
- National Park Service, Padre Island National Seashore, Division of Sea Turtle Science and Recovery, Corpus Christi, Texas, USA
| | - Subhashinie Kariyawasam
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida Comparative, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - James F X Wellehan
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida Comparative, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Silva MADA, Medina RM, Leandro HJ, Ribeiro RB, Petronilha MBRG, Carvalho ECQDE, Silveira RL, Werneck MR, Shimoda E. Pathological changes by spirorchiid eggs in hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) stranded off brazilian coast. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2022; 94:e20201107. [PMID: 35830069 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202220201107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Eretmochelys imbricata (hawksbill turtle) is classified as a critically endangered species at world level; in Brazil, it is listed among the threatened species. Spirorchiids are parasites of the circulatory system of chelonians which may cause serious lesions in the various tissues of the host due to deposition of eggs in the bloodstream. In this context, the aim of the present study was to describe the pathology caused by spirorchiid eggs in E. imbricata from the Brazilian over a five year period. A total of 29 animals were analyzed, of which nine (31%) presented lesions associated to spirorchiids eggs. The lesions were: granulomatous enteritis in six (66.66%), granulomatous splenitis in five (55.55%), granulomatous hepatitis in three (33.33%), granulomatous pneumonia in three (33.33%), granulomatous pancreatitis in two (22.22%), and granulomatous adrenalitis in one specimen (11.11%). Concluded the main lesion in Eretmochelys imbricata was giant-cell granulomatous inflammatory reaction to the parasite's eggs. Animals exhibiting poor physical health were more susceptible to presenting such lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Aparecida DA Silva
- Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo/UFES, Departamento de Biologia, Programa de Pós garaduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Alto Universitário, sn, Guararema, 29500-000 Alegre, ES, Brazil
| | - Raphael M Medina
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro/UENF, Setor de Patologia Animal, Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, 28013-602 Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Hassan J Leandro
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro/UENF, Setor de Patologia Animal, Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, 28013-602 Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rachel B Ribeiro
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro/UENF, Setor de Patologia Animal, Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, 28013-602 Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Mariah B R G Petronilha
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro/UENF, Setor de Patologia Animal, Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, 28013-602 Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Eulógio Carlos Q DE Carvalho
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro/UENF, Setor de Patologia Animal, Avenida Alberto Lamego, 2000, Parque Califórnia, 28013-602 Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Renato Luiz Silveira
- , Centro de Ciências Médicas, Departamento de Morfologia, Rua Professor Hernani Mello, 101, Centro, 24210-130 Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Max R Werneck
- BW Consultoria Veterinária, Rua Sueli Brazil Flores, 88, Praia Seca, 28970-000 Araruama, RJ, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Shimoda
- Universidade Cândido Mendes, Rua Anita Peçanha, 100, Parque São Caetano. 28030-335 Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
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Domiciano IG, da Silva Gagliotti GFP, Domit C, Lorenzetti E, Bracarense APFRL. Bacterial and fungal pathogens in granulomatous lesions of Chelonia mydas in a significant foraging ground off southern Brazil. Vet Res Commun 2022; 46:859-870. [PMID: 35378659 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-022-09911-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The green sea turtle Chelonia mydas inhabit near-shore areas exposed to threatening anthropogenic activities. The granulomatous lesions in these animals may indicate infectious diseases that can be associated with environmental contamination and hazards to human health. This study aimed to characterize the granulomatous inflammation associated with bacterial and fungal infection in C. mydas off Paraná state. From September 2015 to February 2019, systematic monitoring was performed by the Santos Basin Beach Monitoring Project for sea turtles'carcasses recovery, necropsy, and cause of death diagnosis. The tissue samples were fixed in buffered formalin 10% for histochemical analysis and frozen for molecular analysis to fungi detection (Internal Transcribed Spacer region of the nuclear rDNA) and bacteria detection (16S ribosomal gene). From a total of 270 C. mydas, granulomatous lesions were observed in different organs of 63 (23.3%) individuals. The histological analysis indicated lesions in 94 organs, affecting most respiratory and digestive systems. Bacteria were identified in 25 animals, including an acid-fast bacteria detected in one animal, and fungi in 24 C. mydas. The fungi species included the genus Candida (Candida zeylanoides, n = 3), Yarrowia (Yarrowia lipolytica, n = 9; Yarrowia deformans, n = 5; and Yarrowia divulgata, n = 1), and Cladosporium anthropophilum (n = 1). No species of bacteria was identified by molecular testing. All fungi species identified are saprobic, some are important to food and medical industries, but are also pathogens of humans and other animals. Therefore, long-term monitoring of these pathogens and the C. mydas health may indicate changes in environmental quality, possible zoonotic diseases, and their effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabela Guarnier Domiciano
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445 Km 380, P.O. Box 10.011, Londrina, Paraná state, CEP 86.057-970, Brazil
| | - Gabrielle Fernanda Pereira da Silva Gagliotti
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445 Km 380, P.O. Box 10.011, Londrina, Paraná state, CEP 86.057-970, Brazil
| | - Camila Domit
- Laboratory of Ecology and Conservation, Paraná Federal University, Av. Beira-Mar, s/n - Pontal do Sul, CEP 83255-976, Pontal do Paraná, Paraná State, Brazil
| | - Elis Lorenzetti
- Laboratory of Animal Virology, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445 Km 380, P.O. Box 10011, Londrina, Paraná State, CEP 86.057-970, Brazil
- Post Graduate Program in Animal Health and Production, Pitágoras Unopar University, Av. Paris, 675, Londrina, Paraná State, CEP 86041-100, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Frederico Rodrigues Loureiro Bracarense
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445 Km 380, P.O. Box 10.011, Londrina, Paraná state, CEP 86.057-970, Brazil.
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Schönbächler K, Olias P, Richard OK, Origgi FC, Dervas E, Hoby S, Basso W, Berenguer Veiga I. Fatal spirorchiidosis in European pond turtles ( Emys orbicularis) in Switzerland. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 17:144-151. [PMID: 35079570 PMCID: PMC8777241 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Infections with intravascular digenean trematodes of the Spirorchiidae family (spirorchiidoses) are of great conservation concern both in marine and freshwater turtles due to their pathogenic potential. Between 2014 and 2021, Spirorchis sp. infections associated with granulomatous inflammation and sudden death were detected in European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis) from three conservation breeding facilities in Switzerland. Blood fluke eggs associated with lesions were found in the intestine, spleen, testis, skeletal musculature, heart, kidneys, stomach, pancreas, liver, lung, and meninges from nine pond turtles submitted for necropsy and in the intestinal content from five of these animals. Two novel polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) targeting the 28S ribosomal RNA gene and the ITS2 region and subsequent sequencing revealed 100% nucleotide identity with a Spirorchis sp. previously isolated from an Escambia map turtle (Graptemys ernsti) in the USA. Our findings suggest a spill-over event secondary to direct or indirect contact with invasive North American turtle species in Switzerland. We describe the clinical, haematological, ultrasonographical, endoscopical, parasitological, pathological, and molecular findings associated with spirorchiid blood fluke infections of the Spirorchis genus in E. orbicularis, as well as the biosecurity measures that were developed to prevent the spread of this parasite among breeding and highly endangered free-ranging E. orbicularis populations in Switzerland.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philipp Olias
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Olivia K. Richard
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Francesco C. Origgi
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eva Dervas
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 268, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Hoby
- Berne Animal Park, Tierparkweg 1, 3005, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Walter Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Inês Berenguer Veiga
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
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Corner RD, Cribb TH, Cutmore SC. Vermetid gastropods as key intermediate hosts for a lineage of marine turtle blood flukes (Digenea: Spirorchiidae), with evidence of transmission at a turtle rookery. Int J Parasitol 2021; 52:225-241. [PMID: 34742720 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Blood flukes of the family Spirorchiidae Stunkard, 1921 are significant pathogens of marine turtles, both in the wild and in captivity. Despite causing considerable disease and mortality, little is known about the life cycles of marine species, with just four reports globally. No complete life cycle has been elucidated for any named species of marine spirorchiid, but the group is reported to use vermetid and fissurellid gastropods, and terebelliform polychaetes as intermediate hosts. Here we report molecular evidence that nine related spirorchiid species infect vermetid gastropods as first intermediate hosts from four localities along the coast of Queensland, Australia. ITS2 rDNA and cox1 mtDNA sequence data generated from vermetid infections provides the first definitive identifications for the intermediate hosts for the four species of Hapalotrema Looss, 1899 and Learedius learedi Price, 1934. Additionally, we provide a new locality report for larval stages of Amphiorchis sp., and evidence of three additional unidentified spirorchiid species in Australian waters. Based on the wealth of infections from vermetids during this study, we conclude that the previous preliminary report of a fissurellid limpet as the intermediate host for L. learedi was likely mistaken. The nine species found infecting vermetids during this study form a strongly supported clade exclusive of species of the other two marine spirorchiid genera for which sequence data are available; Carettacola Manter & Larson, 1950 which falls sister to the vermetid-infecting clade + a small clade of freshwater spirorchiids, and Neospirorchis Price, 1934 which is distantly related to the vermetid-infecting clade. We provide further evidence that spirorchiid transmission can occur in closed system aquaria and show that spirorchiid transmission occurs at both an important turtle rookery (Heron Island, southern Great Barrier Reef, Australia) and foraging ground (Moreton Bay, Australia). We discuss the implications of our findings for the epidemiology of the disease, control in captivity, and the evolution of vermetid exploitation by the Spirorchiidae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard D Corner
- The University of Queensland, School of Biological Sciences, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Thomas H Cribb
- The University of Queensland, School of Biological Sciences, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Scott C Cutmore
- The University of Queensland, School of Biological Sciences, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
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Fitzpatrick DM, Tetnowski MA, Rosser TG, Pinckney RD, Marancik DP, Butler BP. GENETIC AND MORPHOLOGIC CHARACTERIZATION OF DIASCHISTORCHIS PANDUS (DIGENEA: PRONOCEPHALIDAE) TREMATODES EXTRACTED FROM HAWKSBILL TURTLES, ERETMOCHELYS IMBRICATA (TESTUDINES: CHELONIIDAE), IN GRENADA, WEST INDIES. J Parasitol 2021; 107:267-274. [PMID: 33784742 DOI: 10.1645/20-54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata is a critically endangered species with a worldwide distribution. Limited information is available about the naturally occurring intestinal parasites of this species and what impact these parasites may have on the health of the hawksbill turtle. Diaschistorchis pandus was identified postmortem in 5 hawksbill turtles from Grenada, West Indies, using morphologic characterization. Sanger sequencing was performed for conserved ribosomal regions (5.8S, ITS2, 28S) and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (COI). Phylogenetic analysis of the 28S rRNA gene sequence data shows D. pandus clustering with other trematodes in the family Pronocephalidae, corroborating morphological classification. No genetic sequences have been previously reported for this trematode species, which has limited the collection of objective epidemiological data about this parasite of marine turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Fitzpatrick
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, P.O. Box 7, True Blue Campus, True Blue, St. George Parish, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Monica A Tetnowski
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, P.O. Box 7, True Blue Campus, True Blue, St. George Parish, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Thomas G Rosser
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, P.O. Box 6100, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762
| | - Rhonda D Pinckney
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, P.O. Box 7, True Blue Campus, True Blue, St. George Parish, Grenada, West Indies
| | - David P Marancik
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, P.O. Box 7, True Blue Campus, True Blue, St. George Parish, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Brian P Butler
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, P.O. Box 7, True Blue Campus, True Blue, St. George Parish, Grenada, West Indies
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Gentile A, Amato T, Gustinelli A, Fioravanti ML, Gambino D, Randazzo V, Caracappa G, Vicari D, Arculeo M. Helminth Infection of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle Caretta caretta along the Coasts of Sicily and the North West Adriatic Sea. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:1408. [PMID: 34069158 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary We report new data on the presence of trematode and nematode parasites species in stranded specimens of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). These parasites can potentially cause severe damage to internal organs, endangering the lives of the animals. The results showed a greater presence of digeneans. Abstract We provide new data on the presence of helminth parasites in 64 individual loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta stranded along the coasts of Sicily and the northwest Adriatic Sea between June 2014 and August 2016. The necropsy examination revealed 31 individuals (48.4%) positive for endoparasites, showing a greater prevalence of trematodes than nematodes. In particular, seven species and a single genus of Trematoda (Hapalotrema) and a single species and genus of Nematoda (Kathlania) were identified. Among the Digenea flukes the species with the highest prevalence of infection were Rhytidodes gelatinosus (34.6%) and Hapalotrema sp. (33.3%), while among the Nematoda they were Kathlania sp. (33.3%) and Sulcascaris sulcata (33.3%). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied among the recovery sites of the stranded loggerhead sea turtles and prevalence of endoparasites was used to highlight any relationship between the parasites and the origin of the hosts. ANOVA showed significant differences (p < 0.001) among the data used.
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12
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Cammarata CA, Dronen NO. Two New Species of Telorchis (Digenea: Telorchiidae) from a Green Turtle, Chelonia Mydas (Cheloniidae), from the Upper Texas Coast with a Key to North American Species of Telorchis. J Parasitol 2021; 106:755-771. [PMID: 33326587 DOI: 10.1645/20-27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Sea turtles are difficult to sample because of their protected status; however, museum collections and sea turtle stranding networks provide unique opportunities for parasitological research. Four gastrointestinal tracts from stranded, endangered green turtles, Chelonia mydas, were collected between 1993 and 1995 from the upper Texas coast and opportunistically sampled for parasite fauna. Two new species of Telorchis, a common freshwater amphibian and reptilian intestinal parasite genus, were found and described. Telorchis marinus n. sp. differs from Telorchis mydas n. sp. by its short body length, lack of pharyngeal glands, long esophagus relative to total body length, short and straight cirrus sac, short ventral sucker to ovary length relative to total body length, and an ovary located in the anterior one-third of body; it differs from its congeners in the number of ovary lengths between the ventral sucker and ovary, the number of ventral sucker lengths the cirrus sac extends beyond the posterior margin of the ventral sucker, and the vitelline field extent. Telorchis mydas differs from its congeners in the number of ovary lengths between the ventral sucker and ovary, the number of ventral sucker lengths the cirrus sac extends beyond the posterior margin of the ventral sucker, and the combination of having its ovary position near the midbody and a long, sinuous cirrus sac that is 35-44% of the total body length. Given the taxonomic complexities within Telorchis, a revised key to North American species is provided using morphological characteristics to assist future researchers in delineating true species and appropriate synonymies with molecular explorations. We reject the majority of synonymies in the genus until molecular data are available; we accept the synonymies of Telorchis necturi as Telorchis stunkardi and Telorchis gutturosi as Telorchis chelopi. Both Telorchis linstowi and Telorchis stossichi should be considered as species inquirenda. This is the first confirmed report of Telorchis from a marine host and the first report on parasites of cheloniid sea turtles in Texas, and this study adds to the ever-growing evidence that collections are essential to understanding biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlayna A Cammarata
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University, 2258 TAMU, College Station, Texas 77843-2258
| | - Norman O Dronen
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University, 2258 TAMU, College Station, Texas 77843-2258
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13
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March DT, Marshall K, Swan G, Gerlach T, Smith H, Blyde D, Ariel E, Christidis L, Kelaher BP. The use of echocardiography as a health assessment tool in green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas). Aust Vet J 2020; 99:46-54. [PMID: 33227826 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
There are limited techniques available to assess the health of sea turtles as physical examination has little correlation to clinical findings, and blood reference intervals are broad and provide limited prognostic significance. Advances in the portability of ultrasound machines allow echocardiography to be increasingly used in the health assessments of wild animals. This study performed blood analysis and echocardiograms on 11 green sea turtles upon admission to a rehabilitation clinic and six animals before release. Significant differences were seen between groups, with admission animals having significantly smaller diameters of the cavum arteriosum at systole and diastole, smaller E-waves and an increased fractional shortening. Pre-release animals displayed significant increases in the maximum blood velocities of both the pulmonary artery and the left aorta. Significant negative correlations were seen between fractional shortening and uric acid and between the velocity time integral of the pulmonary artery and urea. The pulmonary artery velocity time integral was also significantly correlated to the E wave. Furthermore, there was asynchrony between the cavum arteriosum and the cavum pulmonale and the detection of a parasitic granuloma in the ventricular outflow tract of one animal. Overall, the results suggest that cardiac function in stranded green sea turtles is significantly impaired and that echocardiography has applications in the health assessments of green sea turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- D T March
- National Marine Science Centre, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia.,Dolphin Marine Rescue, Veterinary Department, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
| | - K Marshall
- Dolphin Marine Rescue, Veterinary Department, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
| | - G Swan
- Mid North Coast Cardiac Services, Medical Imaging Department, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
| | - T Gerlach
- Veterinary Specialty Centre, Cardiology Department, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - H Smith
- Massey University, College of Sciences, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - D Blyde
- Veterinary Department, Sea World, Sea World Drive, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - E Ariel
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - L Christidis
- National Marine Science Centre, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
| | - B P Kelaher
- National Marine Science Centre, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
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Santoro M, Marchiori E, Cassini R, Drigo M, Iaccarino D, Di Nocera F, Degli Uberti B, De Luca G, D'Amore M, Centelleghe C, Pietrobelli M, Marcer F. Epidemiology of blood flukes (Digenea: Spirorchiidae) in sea turtles from Tyrrhenian and Adriatic Seas, off Italy. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:52. [PMID: 32033615 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-3922-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Spirorchiidae is a family of blood flukes parasitizing turtles. Spirorchiids may cause a wide range of inflammatory reactions in the vascular system of their host being frequently implicated with stranding and death of sea turtles worldwide. Recent studies revealed the presence of two spirorchiid species in the Mediterranean basin. Our study presents comparative epidemiological data of spirorchiid infections in loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) stranded during an eight-year period from Adriatic and Tyrrhenian Seas, and the first report of Neospirorchis Neogen-11 in a green turtle (Chelonia mydas). Methods We screened a total of 319 carcasses of loggerhead turtles stranded from January 2011 to December 2018 along the Tyrrhenian coast (n = 111) and the north-western Adriatic coast (n = 208) of Italy using traditional (copromicroscopy and histopathology) and molecular assays. Three green turtles from the Tyrrhenian coast were also included in the study. Results A total of 56 (17.5%) loggerhead turtles and one green turtle (33.3%) were found to be infected with spirorchiid flukes. Amplification, sequencing of the ITS2 region of the ribosomal RNA gene cluster and BLAST analysis confirmed the presence of Hapalotrema mistroides and Neospirorchis Neogen-11 in 51 (16.0%) and 24 (7.5%) loggerhead turtles, respectively, and Neospirorchis Neogen-11 in an infected green turtle. Differences in prevalence of infection between the two sampling areas were found. Conclusions The risk of spirorchiid infection in the Tyrrhenian Sea is lower than in the Adriatic Sea and in general the risk of infection in the Mediterranean is lower than in other geographical locations. Differences in the prevalence of infection between the two sampling areas were related to the differences of regional habitats supporting different abundance of spirorchiid intermediate hosts. A systematic monitoring to evaluate the progress of the infection is recommended, as well as studies on the occurrence and distribution of spirorchiid species from other Mediterranean areas.![]()
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15
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Marchiori E, Dotto G, Tessarin C, Santoro M, Affuso A, Tarricone L, Di Renzo L, Freggi D, Spoto V, Marcer F. A pilot study on molecular diagnosis of Hapalotrema mistroides (Digenea: Spirorchiidae) infection in blood samples of live loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:16. [PMID: 31937305 PMCID: PMC6961338 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-2232-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parasites of the family Spirorchiidae cause disease and mortality in marine and freshwater turtles; two species, Hapalotrema mistroides and Neospirorchis sp., are reported in the resident population of loggerhead turtles of the Mediterranean Sea, with the first being the most widespread. In vivo diagnosis of spirorchidiasis can represent a challenge in guaranteeing prompt control and treatment of the disease and is currently limited to copromicroscopy. The aim of this study was the development of a real time PCR assay with TaqMan probe for the detection of H. mistroides infection in the blood of live loggerhead turtles, Caretta caretta, hospitalized in rehabilitation centres. Its potential use for in vivo diagnosis is explored. RESULTS The developed real time PCR successfully detected H. mistroides DNA from both positive controls and experimental blood samples of live loggerhead sea turtles, showing good specificity, sensitivity and good reaction efficiency. Two out of three turtles which had demonstrated positivity at copromicroscopy also tested positive to this blood assay; DNA of H. mistroides was detected within the blood of one sea turtle, which tested negative for copromicroscopy. CONCLUSIONS This study describes a specific and rapid molecular assay to detect H. mistroides infection from live sea turtles and highlights for the first time the presence of DNA of this species in turtle blood samples. Since this assay is able to detect low amounts of the parasitic free DNA in blood samples, its application could be helpful for in vivo diagnosis of H. mistroides infection as well as for epidemiological purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Marchiori
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy.
| | - Giorgia Dotto
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Cinzia Tessarin
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Mario Santoro
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Affuso
- Centro Ricerche Tartarughe Marine, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Nuova Macello 16, 80055, Portici, NA, Italy
| | - Luciano Tarricone
- Veterinary practitioner, Centro Recupero Il Benvenuto, S.S. 16 2287/C, 45038, Polesella, RO, Italy
| | - Ludovica Di Renzo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale", Via Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy.,Centro Recupero e Riabilitazione Tartarughe Marine "L. Cagnolaro" Centro Studi Cetacei Onlus, Via di Sotto, 65125, Pescara, Italy
| | - Daniela Freggi
- Centro Recupero Tartarughe Marine di Lampedusa, Lungomare L. Rizzo, 92010, Lampedusa, AG, Italy
| | - Vincenzoleo Spoto
- Centro Recupero Tartarughe Marine di Lampedusa, Lungomare L. Rizzo, 92010, Lampedusa, AG, Italy
| | - Federica Marcer
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
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