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Hunter-Barnett S, Viney M. Gut protozoa of wild rodents - a meta-analysis. Parasitology 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38714350 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182024000556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
Protozoa are well-known inhabitants of the mammalian gut and so of the gut microbiome. While there has been extensive study of a number of species of gut protozoa in laboratory animals, particularly rodents, the biology of the gut protozoa of wild rodents is much less well-known. Here we have systematically searched the published literature to describe the gut protozoa of wild rodents, in total finding records of 44 genera of protozoa infecting 228 rodent host species. We then undertook meta-analyses that estimated the overall prevalence of gut protozoa in wild rodents to be 24%, with significant variation in prevalence among some host species. We investigated how host traits may affect protozoa prevalence, finding that for some host lifestyles some protozoa differed in their prevalence. This synthesis of existing data on wild rodent gut protozoa provides a better understanding of the biology of these common gut inhabitants and suggests directions for their future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Hunter-Barnett
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Mark Viney
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
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2
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Tao J, Yan H, Chen S, Du J, Zhou S, Guo H, Lu L, Fang J, Jin X, Wang Z, Ying H, Han W, Dai F. Establishment and application of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification-lateral flow dipstick (LAMP-LFD) method for detecting Clostridium piliforme. Vet Med Sci 2024; 10:e1318. [PMID: 37922247 PMCID: PMC10949940 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clostridium piliforme (causative agent of Tyzzer disease) infects various animals, including primates, and hence a threat to animal and human health worldwide. At present, it is detected using traditional methods, such as path morphology, polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Therefore, it is necessary to develop convenient, efficient visual molecular biological methods for detecting C. piliforme. OBJECTIVES To establish a method with good specificity, high sensitivity and simple operation for the detection of C. piliforme. METHODS In this study, we designed internal and external primers based on the conserved 23S rRNA region of C. piliforme to develop a biotin-labelled diarrhoea-suffered loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) system for detecting of C. piliforme and assessed the specificity, sensitivity and repeatability of the LAMP system. RESULTS The LAMP system did not exhibit cross-reactivity with 24 other common pathogenic species, indicating that it had good specificity. The minimum concentration of sensitivity was 1 × 10-7 ng/μL. Mouse models (Meriones unguiculatus) of Tyzzer disease were established and a LAMP-lateral flow dipstick (LAMP-LFD) was developed for detecting C. piliforme. The detection rate of C. piliforme was 5.08% in clean-grade animals and 9.96% in specific-pathogen-free-grade animals from Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai. In addition, the detection rates of C. piliforme were 10.1%, 8.6% and 20%, in animals from Hangzhou, Wenzhou and Shaoxing, respectively. The detection rate of C. piliforme was higher in experimental animals used in schools than in those used in companies and research institutes. CONCLUSIONS The LAMP-LFD method established in this study can be used to detect C. piliforme in animals handled in laboratory facilities of universities, pharmaceutical enterprises and research and development institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhao Tao
- Center of Laboratory AnimalHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals and Safety ResearchHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouChina
| | - Huiqiong Yan
- Center of Laboratory AnimalHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals and Safety ResearchHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouChina
| | - Sisi Chen
- Center of Laboratory AnimalHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals and Safety ResearchHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouChina
| | - Jiangtao Du
- Center of Laboratory AnimalHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals and Safety ResearchHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouChina
| | - Shasang Zhou
- Center of Laboratory AnimalHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals and Safety ResearchHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouChina
| | - Honggang Guo
- Center of Laboratory AnimalHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals and Safety ResearchHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouChina
| | - Lingqun Lu
- Center of Laboratory AnimalHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouChina
| | - Jie Fang
- Center of Laboratory AnimalHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals and Safety ResearchHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouChina
| | - Xiaoyin Jin
- Center of Laboratory AnimalHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals and Safety ResearchHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouChina
| | - Zhiyuan Wang
- Center of Laboratory AnimalHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals and Safety ResearchHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouChina
| | - Huazhong Ying
- Center of Laboratory AnimalHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals and Safety ResearchHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouChina
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouChina
| | - Wei Han
- Center of Laboratory AnimalHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals and Safety ResearchHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouChina
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouChina
| | - Fangwei Dai
- Center of Laboratory AnimalHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals and Safety ResearchHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouChina
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhouChina
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Ragot R, Lessard F, Bélanger A, Villemur R. Assessment of multiple fecal contamination sources in surface waters using environmental mitochondrial DNA metabarcoding. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 898:165237. [PMID: 37454834 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Waterborne diseases are transmitted to humans through the fecal contamination of water, where homeothermic species are the main reservoir. Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) are often used to determine the occurrence of fecal contamination. However, FIB cannot provide the source of fecal contamination. Furthermore, as fecal inputs and contamination could originate from multiple sources (e.g., human, livestock, wildlife), multiple source tracking markers are required to identify fecal sources. From a previous study, we developed a mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) metabarcoding approach to assess the presence of multiple homeotherms in four surface waters. Here, we have broadened our approach by sampling 86 surface water samples from the L'Assomption River and Ville-Marie watersheds (Province of Quebec, Canada). Fecal coliform levels were higher than the expected sanitary recommendations for recreational water (> 200 CFU/100 mL) in 73 % samples. The occurrence of mtDNA from human, livestock, domestic animals, wild mammals and wild birds was found in 40-88 % of the samples. Multivariate analyses showed significant covariations between homeothermic taxa and fecal coliforms, enterococci, β-D-glucuronidase, conductivity, the human-specific Bacteroidales Hf183 genetic marker, and the human population, in the watersheds of L'Assomption River (p = 0.001) and Ville-Marie (p = 0.015) (Province of Quebec, Canada). Through the application of Bayes Theorem, it was determined that fecal coliforms co-occurred with the detection of bovine, beaver, robin and chicken mtDNA in 100 % of cases in the L'Assomption River watershed, and human mtDNA co-occurred with fecal coliforms in 93 % and 76 % of cases in L'Assomption River watershed and Ville-Marie sub-catchment, respectively. This study suggests that fecal contamination could be the result of multiple species, among which some wild animals may contribute to fecal inputs in surface waters, resulting in potential risk to human health. This reinforces the necessity of using the mtDNA metabarcoding method to monitor multi-animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Ragot
- INRS Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, 531 Boulevard des Prairies, Laval, QC, Canada, H7V 1B7.
| | - Florence Lessard
- Fondation Rivières, 454 Avenue Laurier E, Montréal, QC, Canada, H2J 1E7.
| | - André Bélanger
- Fondation Rivières, 454 Avenue Laurier E, Montréal, QC, Canada, H2J 1E7.
| | - Richard Villemur
- INRS Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, 531 Boulevard des Prairies, Laval, QC, Canada, H7V 1B7.
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4
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Gacad JLJ, Tanabe-Hosoi S, Yurlova NI, Urabe M. The complete mitogenome of Echinoparyphium aconiatum (Digenea: Echinostomatidae) and a comparison with other digenean species. Parasitol Int 2023; 92:102682. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2022.102682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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5
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Echinococcus multilocularis and Other Taeniid Metacestodes of Muskrats in Luxembourg: Prevalence, Risk Factors, Parasite Reproduction, and Genetic Diversity. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121414. [PMID: 36558748 PMCID: PMC9781964 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121414] [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: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) are competent intermediate hosts for Echinococcus multilocularis, are frequently infected with this zoonotic cestode, and have even been proposed as a target species to monitor endemicity levels of this parasite. However, their contribution to maintaining the parasitic lifecycle is still unclear. To obtain data on infection frequency and reproductive potential, 280 muskrats from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg were examined for cestode larvae in the years 2013−2017. Based on morphological and molecular identification, Echinococcus multilocularis was found at a prevalence of 14.6%. Other metacestodes were Hydatigera kamiyai, with a prevalence of 45.7%, Taenia martis with 8.9%, Taenia polyacantha with 5.0%, and Versteria mustelae, which was found in 0.7% of all muskrats. More than 80% of E. multilocularis-infected muskrats contained fertile metacestodes with a mean number of >300,000 (and up to 1,609,816) protoscoleces, which is by far the highest reproductive potential known from any intermediate host species in Europe. Temporal analysis of E. multilocularis prevalence within the study period (and in comparison with earlier data) strongly indicates a robust increase in the studied area. Host age seemed to be an important risk factor for infection, as well as co-infections with Hydatigera kamiyai. A preference for the right medial lobe of the liver as the location of E. multilocularis metacestode was observed. Intraspecific genetic variation among 89 discrete E. multilocularis metacestodes was non-existent based on 300−1590 bp sections of cox1. This is a stark contrast to H. kamiyai, of which nine haplotypes were found on a short 318 bp section of cox1, resulting in genetic diversity in the small country of Luxembourg at a similar level than previously reported from large stretches of Europe and northern Asia.
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Cline EE, Gehring TM, Etter DR. Evaluating unoccupied aerial vehicles for estimating relative abundance of muskrats. WILDLIFE SOC B 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1306] [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]
Affiliation(s)
- Ellisif E. Cline
- Department of Biology, Institute for Great Lakes Research Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant MI 48859 USA
| | - Thomas M. Gehring
- Department of Biology, Institute for Great Lakes Research Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant MI 48859 USA
| | - Dwayne R. Etter
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources 4166 Legacy Parkway Lansing MI 48911 USA
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Niedringhaus KD, Ganoe LS, Lovallo M, Walter WD, Yabsley MJ, Brown JD. Fatal infection with Versteria sp. in a muskrat, with implications for human health. J Vet Diagn Invest 2021; 34:314-318. [PMID: 34933615 DOI: 10.1177/10406387211064270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Taeniidae tapeworms are a family of helminths that have a similar life cycle, with intermediate hosts developing characteristic cysts in visceral organs. We describe here a case in Pennsylvania, USA, of fatal Versteria infection in a muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus), which, to our knowledge, has not been reported to develop disease associated with infection. Postmortem examination revealed widespread tissue loss and replacement by solid-bodied cestode larvae with minimal adjacent inflammation in many visceral organs, most severe in the lungs, liver, and brain. Key morphologic features via histology included cephalic structures and short rostellar hooklets, which are characteristic for the genus. Genetic characterization confirmed the cestode as being an undescribed lineage of Versteria that has been implicated as the cause of severe morbidity and mortality in humans and nonhuman primates in North America. Considering the zoonotic significance of this pathogen, our report expands on the limited literature regarding disease caused by Versteria and emphasizes the need to identify the causative tapeworm more accurately, especially in rodent intermediate hosts given that previous reports do not have molecular confirmation of species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin D Niedringhaus
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Laken S Ganoe
- Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.,The University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
| | - Matthew Lovallo
- College of the Environmental and Life Sciences, Department of Natural Resources Science, Pennsylvania Game Commission, Bureau of Wildlife Management, Harrisburg, PA, USA
| | - W David Walter
- U.S. Geological Survey, Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Michael J Yabsley
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Justin D Brown
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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Ganoe LS, Brown JD, Lovallo MJ, Yabsley MJ, Garrett KB, Thompson AT, Poppenga RH, Ruder MG, Walter WD. Surveillance for diseases, pathogens, and toxicants of muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) in Pennsylvania and surrounding regions. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260987. [PMID: 34882733 PMCID: PMC8659318 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Using diagnostic data and contemporary sampling efforts, we conducted surveillance for a diversity of pathogens, toxicants, and diseases of muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus). Between 1977 and 2019, 26 diagnostic cases were examined from Kansas and throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, USA. We identified multiple causes of mortality in muskrats, but trauma (8/26), Tyzzer's disease (5/6), and cysticercosis (5/26) were the most common. We also conducted necropsies, during November 2018-January 2019 Pennsylvania muskrat trapping season, on 380 trapper-harvested muskrat carcasses after the pelt was removed. Tissue samples and exudate were tested for presence of or exposure to a suite of pathogens and contaminants. Gastrointestinal tracts were examined for helminths. Intestinal helminths were present in 39.2% of necropsied muskrats, with Hymenolepis spp. (62%) and echinostome spp. (44%) being the most common Molecular testing identified a low prevalence of infection with Clostridium piliforme in the feces and Sarcocystis spp. in the heart. We detected a low seroprevalence to Toxoplasma gondii (1/380). No muskrats were positive for Francisella tularensis or Babesia spp. Cysticercosis was detected in 20% (5/26) of diagnostic cases and 15% (57/380) of our trapper-harvested muskrats. Toxic concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, lead, or mercury were not detected in tested liver samples. Copper, molybdenum, and zinc concentrations were detected at acceptable levels comparative to previous studies. Parasite intensity and abundance were typical of historic reports; however, younger muskrats had higher intensity of infection than older muskrats which is contradictory to what has been previously reported. A diversity of pathogens and contaminants have been reported from muskrats, but the associated disease impacts are poorly understood. Our data are consistent with historic reports and highlight the wide range of parasites, pathogens and contaminants harbored by muskrats in Pennsylvania. The data collected are a critical component in assessing overall muskrat health and serve as a basis for understanding the impacts of disease on recent muskrat population declines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laken S. Ganoe
- Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Justin D. Brown
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Matthew J. Lovallo
- Bureau of Wildlife Management, Pennsylvania Game Commission, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Michael J. Yabsley
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Kayla B. Garrett
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Alec T. Thompson
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Robert H. Poppenga
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Mark G. Ruder
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - W. David Walter
- U.S. Geological Survey, Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Schuster RK, Specht P, Rieger S. On the Helminth Fauna of the Muskrat ( Ondatra zibethicus (Linnaeus, 1766)) in the Barnim District of Brandenburg State/Germany. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2444. [PMID: 34438901 PMCID: PMC8388652 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The muskrat is a neozoon species that has occupied many countries of continental North Europe after its introduction from north America as fur animals. Due to its burrowing activity it damages river and canal banks and structures of flood control. For this reason, the eradication of this alien species is recommended. Muskrats are also of parasitological interest since they can act as suitable intermediate hosts for Echinococcus multilocularis. On the other hand, little is known on the other helminths that infect muskrats. A total of 130 muskrats of different age groups trapped in different habitats in the Barnim district of the Brandenburg state by a professional hunter were examined for parasites and seven trematodes (Echinostoma sp., Notocotylus noyeri, Plagiorchis elegans, Plagiorchis arvicolae, Psilosostoma simillimum, P. spiculigerum, Opisthorchis felineus and four larval cestode species (Hydatigera taeniaeformis, Taenia martis, Taenia polyacantha, Taenia crassiceps) were detected. Larval stages of E. multilocularis were not found. O. felineus was found for the first time in muskrats in Germany. All the named parasites were present in Europe prior to the introduction of muskrats. With a prevalence of 48.9%, Strobilocercus fasciolaris, the larval stage of the cat tapeworm, H. taeniaeformis, was the most frequent parasite found in adult muskrats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolf K. Schuster
- Central Veterinary Research Institute, Dubai P.O. Box 597, United Arab Emirates
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Free University of Berlin, Robert von Ostertag Str. 7, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Specht
- Department of Forestry and Environment, University of Applied Sciences Eberswalde, Alfred-Möller-Str. 1, 16225 Eberswalde, Germany; (P.S.); (S.R.)
| | - Siegfried Rieger
- Department of Forestry and Environment, University of Applied Sciences Eberswalde, Alfred-Möller-Str. 1, 16225 Eberswalde, Germany; (P.S.); (S.R.)
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10
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Pantoja C, Faltýnková A, O'Dwyer K, Jouet D, Skírnisson K, Kudlai O. Diversity of echinostomes (Digenea: Echinostomatidae) in their snail hosts at high latitudes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:59. [PMID: 34319230 PMCID: PMC8336728 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2021054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
The biodiversity of freshwater ecosystems globally still leaves much to be discovered, not least in the trematode parasite fauna they support. Echinostome trematode parasites have complex, multiple-host life-cycles, often involving migratory bird definitive hosts, thus leading to widespread distributions. Here, we examined the echinostome diversity in freshwater ecosystems at high latitude locations in Iceland, Finland, Ireland and Alaska (USA). We report 14 echinostome species identified morphologically and molecularly from analyses of nad1 and 28S rDNA sequence data. We found echinostomes parasitising snails of 11 species from the families Lymnaeidae, Planorbidae, Physidae and Valvatidae. The number of echinostome species in different hosts did not vary greatly and ranged from one to three species. Of these 14 trematode species, we discovered four species (Echinoparyphium sp. 1, Echinoparyphium sp. 2, Neopetasiger sp. 5, and Echinostomatidae gen. sp.) as novel in Europe; we provide descriptions for the newly recorded species and those not previously associated with DNA sequences. Two species from Iceland (Neopetasiger islandicus and Echinoparyphium sp. 2) were recorded in both Iceland and North America. All species found in Ireland are new records for this country. Via an integrative taxonomic approach taken, both morphological and molecular data are provided for comparison with future studies to elucidate many of the unknown parasite life cycles and transmission routes. Our reports of species distributions spanning Europe and North America highlight the need for parasite biodiversity assessments across large geographical areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Pantoja
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic - Institute of Ecology, Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Anna Faltýnková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Katie O'Dwyer
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, H91 T8NW Galway, Ireland
| | - Damien Jouet
- BioSpecT EA7506, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51 rue Cognacq-Jay, 51096 Reims Cedex, France
| | - Karl Skírnisson
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institute for Experimental Pathology, Keldur, University of Iceland, IS-112 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Olena Kudlai
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic - Institute of Ecology, Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania
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11
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Sadowski C, Bowman J. Historical surveys reveal a long-term decline in muskrat populations. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:7557-7568. [PMID: 34188834 PMCID: PMC8216904 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) is an iconic species in Canada, valued for both its fur and its integral role in wetland ecosystems, and widely regarded for its perseverance. However, the resilience of this semiaquatic mammal seems to be in question now as increasing evidence points to widespread population declines. Recent analyses of harvest data across North America suggest a reduction in their numbers, but this has not been widely corroborated by population surveys. In this study we replicated historic muskrat house count surveys at two large Great Lakes coastal wetlands and present confirmation that declines in muskrat harvest correspond to actual declines in muskrat abundance. At the Point Pelee National Park marsh and the Matchedash Bay-Gray Marsh wetland we found that mean muskrat house counts declined by 93% and 91% respectively between historic surveys 40-50 yrs ago and contemporary surveys over the past 7 yrs. The factors responsible for these dramatic declines remain unclear but there may be a relationship with changes in the habitat quality of these wetlands that have occurred over the same time frame. Not only is the loss of muskrats an issue for the resulting loss of the wetland ecosystem services they provide, but it may be an indication of broader marsh ecosystem degradation. As such, a scarcity of muskrats should be considered a red flag for the state of biodiversity in our wetlands. Continued surveys and ongoing research are needed to shed more light on the current status of muskrat populations and their marsh habitats across their native range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Sadowski
- Wildlife Research and Monitoring SectionOntario Ministry of Natural Resources and ForestryPeterboroughCanada
| | - Jeff Bowman
- Wildlife Research and Monitoring SectionOntario Ministry of Natural Resources and ForestryPeterboroughCanada
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12
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McDevitt B, McLaughlin MC, Blotevogel J, Borch T, Warner NR. Oil & gas produced water retention ponds as potential passive treatment for radium removal and beneficial reuse. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2021; 23:501-518. [PMID: 33877214 DOI: 10.1039/d0em00413h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Oil and gas (O&G) extraction generates large volumes of produced water (PW) in regions that are often water-stressed. In Wyoming, generators are permitted under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program to discharge O&G PW for beneficial use. In one Wyoming study region, downstream of the NPDES facilities exist naturally occurring wetlands referred to herein as produced water retention ponds (PWRPs). Previously, it was found that dissolved radium (Ra) and organic contaminants are removed within 30 km of the discharges and higher-resolution sampling was required to understand contaminant attenuation mechanisms. In this study, we sampled three NPDES discharge facilities, five PWRPs, and a reference background wetland not impacted by O&G PW disposal. Water samples, grab sediments, sediment cores and vegetation were collected. No inorganic PW constituents were abated through the PWRP series but Ra was shown to accumulate within PWRP grab sediments, upwards of 2721 Bq kg-1, compared to downstream sites. Ra mineral association with depth in the sediment profile is likely controlled by the S cycle under varying microbial communities and redox conditions. Under anoxic conditions, common in wetlands, Ra was available as an exchangeable ion, similar to Ca, Ba and Sr, and S was mostly water-soluble. 226Ra concentration ratios in vegetation samples, normalizing vegetation Ra to sediment Ra, indicated that ratios were highest in sediments containing less exchangeable 226Ra. Sequential leaching data paired with redox potentials suggest that oxic conditions are necessary to contain Ra in recalcitrant sediment minerals and prevent mobility and bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie McDevitt
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 212 Sackett Building, University Park, PA 16801, USA.
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Piotrowski PK, Tasker TL, Geeza TJ, McDevitt B, Gillikin DP, Warner NR, Dorman FL. Forensic tracers of exposure to produced water in freshwater mussels: a preliminary assessment of Ba, Sr, and cyclic hydrocarbons. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15416. [PMID: 32963276 PMCID: PMC7508860 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72014-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing is often criticized due in part to the potential degradation of ground and surface water quality by high-salinity produced water generated during well stimulation and production. This preliminary study evaluated the response of the freshwater mussel, Elliptio complanata, after exposure to produced water. A limited number of adult mussels were grown over an 8-week period in tanks dosed with produced water collected from a hydraulically fractured well. The fatty tissue and carbonate shells were assessed for accumulation of both inorganic and organic pollutants. Ba, Sr, and cyclic hydrocarbons indicated the potential to accumulate in the soft tissue of freshwater mussels following exposure to diluted oil and gas produced water. Exposed mussels showed accumulation of Ba in the soft tissue several hundred times above background water concentrations and increased concentrations of Sr. Cyclic hydrocarbons were detected in dosed mussels and principle component analysis of gas chromatograph time-of-flight mass spectrometer results could be a novel tool to help identify areas where aquatic organisms are impacted by oil and gas produced water, but larger studies with greater replication are necessary to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina K Piotrowski
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Travis L Tasker
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 212 Sackett Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.,Environmental Engineering, Saint Francis University, Loretto, PA, USA
| | - Thomas J Geeza
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 212 Sackett Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.,EES-14, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87544, USA
| | - Bonnie McDevitt
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 212 Sackett Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - David P Gillikin
- Department of Geology, Union College, 807 Union St, Schenectady, NY, 12308, USA
| | - Nathaniel R Warner
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 212 Sackett Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Frank L Dorman
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, 107 Althouse Lab, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
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