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Moorhead KA, Adamovicz LA, Allender MC. Development and analytical validation of a novel quantitative PCR assay for the detection of Trachemys herpesvirus 1. J Virol Methods 2024; 327:114941. [PMID: 38599248 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2024.114941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases are a threat that contributes to the decline of global chelonian species. Herpesviruses are among the most impactful pathogens described in chelonians and are frequently associated with a range of presentations across hosts with the potential for severe morbidity and mortality. Trachemys herpesvirus 1 (TrHV1) has been reported in red-eared and yellow-bellied sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans and Trachemys scripta scripta, respectively) but is largely understudied. Invasive red-eared sliders may serve as a reservoir for transmission to sympatric native species. This study aimed to develop a sensitive and specific quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay for the detection of TrHV1 DNA to aid in the characterization of the epidemiology of this virus in aquatic turtles. Two TaqMan-MGB FAM-dye labeled primer-probe sets were designed and evaluated using plasmid dilutions. The higher performing assay was specific for TrHV1 DNA and had a linear dynamic range of 1.0 × 107 to 1.0 × 101 copies per reaction with an R2 of 0.999, slope of -3.386, and efficiency of 97.39%. The limit of detection was 101 copies per reaction, and there was no loss of reaction efficiency in the presence of TrHV1-negative chelonian oral-cloacal DNA. Overall, the Trachemys herpesvirus 1 assay meets established criteria for acceptable qPCR assays and will be a valuable tool in characterizing the epidemiology of Trachemys herpesvirus 1 in chelonians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin A Moorhead
- Wildlife Epidemiology Lab, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA.
| | - Laura A Adamovicz
- Wildlife Epidemiology Lab, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA; Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Matthew C Allender
- Wildlife Epidemiology Lab, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA; Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA; Brookfield Zoo, Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield, IL 60513, USA
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2
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Castro LR, Villalba-Viscaíno V, Oviedo Á, Zambrano E, Dávila A, Naranjo G, Oro-Genes BD, Combatt A, Prieto-Rodríguez J, Ortiz A, Villamizar N. Case report: Diagnosis and autogenous vaccine treatment of herpesvirus in a green turtle ( Chelonia mydas) in Santa Marta, Colombia. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1258209. [PMID: 38384952 PMCID: PMC10880012 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1258209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
This study reports the first case of fibropapillomatosis (FP) in the green turtle Chelonia mydas that has been successfully diagnosed and treated in Colombia. Worldwide, FP has reached epizootic proportions as it has been reported in marine turtles of tropical and subtropical waters, and in severe cases, it reduces the probability of survival. Treatment has been elusive as multiple surgical excisions are needed due to tumor recurrence. In this case, one green turtle with multiple tumors was diagnosed by histopathology and molecular detection of the chelonid herpesvirus 5 (ChHV5) by means of amplification and sequencing of the DNA polymerase (DNApol) gene. Two separate treatments that consisted of autogenous vaccines and surgical excisions were applied; the first one had a partial success as one out of the tumors treated reappeared after 3 months post-treatment. Treatment 2 consisted of an autogenous vaccine enriched with adjuvants and applied at increasing doses, after which, the tumor significatively decreased in size and was surgically removed. At the end of the 6 months follow-up period, no tumor recurrence was observed, and the turtle was in apparent optimal health conditions. These findings, although limited, suggest a possible treatment that might help to contain this epizootic problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyda R. Castro
- Centro de Genética y Biología Molecular. Grupo de Investigación Evolución, Sistemática y Ecología molecular, Universidad del Magdalena, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Vivian Villalba-Viscaíno
- Grupo de Investigación en Inmunología y Patología, Universidad del Magdalena, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Ángel Oviedo
- Centro de Genética y Biología Molecular. Grupo de Investigación Evolución, Sistemática y Ecología molecular, Universidad del Magdalena, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Edgar Zambrano
- Centro de Genética y Biología Molecular. Grupo de Investigación Evolución, Sistemática y Ecología molecular, Universidad del Magdalena, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | | | - Gualberto Naranjo
- Corporación Autónoma Regional del Magdalena (CORPAMAG), Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Blanca De Oro-Genes
- Grupo de Investigación en Inmunología y Patología, Universidad del Magdalena, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | | | | | - Arnaldo Ortiz
- Centro de Genética y Biología Molecular. Grupo de Investigación Evolución, Sistemática y Ecología molecular, Universidad del Magdalena, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Natalia Villamizar
- Centro de Genética y Biología Molecular. Grupo de Investigación Evolución, Sistemática y Ecología molecular, Universidad del Magdalena, Santa Marta, Colombia
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3
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Okoh GR, Lockhart M, Grimsey J, Whitmore D, Ariel E, Butler J, Horwood PF. Development of subfamily-based consensus PCR assays for the detection of human and animal herpesviruses. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 42:741-746. [PMID: 37084118 PMCID: PMC10172264 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-023-04605-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Consensus PCR assays that can be used to sensitively detect several herpesvirus (HV) species across the different subfamilies were developed in this study. Primers containing degenerate bases were designed to amplify regions of the DNA polymerase (DPOL) gene of alpha- and gamma-HVs, and the glycoprotein B (gB) gene of beta-HVs in a singleplex, non-nested touchdown PCR format. The singleplex touchdown consensus PCR (STC-PCR) was used to amplify the DNA of eight human and 24 animal HVs. The assay was able to detect the lowest DNA dilution of 10-5 for alpha-HVs and 10-3 for beta- and gamma-HVs. In comparison, lowest detection limits of 10-5, 10-3, and 10-2 were obtained for alpha-, beta-, and gamma-HVs respectively when a nested PCR was used. The findings in this study suggest that the STC-PCR assays can be employed for the molecular surveys and clinical detection of novel and known HVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- God'spower Richard Okoh
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.
| | - Michelle Lockhart
- CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - Joanne Grimsey
- CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - David Whitmore
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Ellen Ariel
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - Jeff Butler
- CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - Paul F Horwood
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.
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4
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Gainor K, Stewart KM, Picknell A, Russ M, Makela N, Watson K, Mancuso DM, Malik YS, Ghosh S. First Report on Detection and Complete Genomic Analysis of a Novel CRESS DNA Virus from Sea Turtles. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12040601. [PMID: 37111487 PMCID: PMC10142553 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12040601] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, only a handful of viruses have been identified in sea turtles. Although eukaryotic circular Rep (replication initiation protein)-encoding single-stranded DNA (CRESS DNA) viruses have been reported from a wide variety of terrestrial species, and some of these viruses have been associated with clinical conditions in certain animals, limited information is available on CRESS DNA viruses from marine life. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of CRESS DNA viruses in sea turtles. In the present study, two (samples T3 and T33) of the 34 cloacal samples from 31 sea turtles (found in ocean waters around the Caribbean Islands of St. Kitts and Nevis) tested positive for CRESS DNA viruses by a pan-rep nested PCR assay. The partial Rep sequence of T3 shared 75.78% of a deduced amino acid (aa) identity with that of a CRESS DNA virus (classified under family Circoviridae) from a mollusk. On the other hand, the complete genome (2428 bp) of T33 was determined by an inverse nested PCR assay. The genomic organization of T33 mirrored those of type II CRESS DNA viral genomes of cycloviruses, characterized by the putative "origin of replication" in the 5'-intergenic region, and the putative Capsid (Cap)- and Rep-encoding open reading frame on the virion-sense- and antisense-strand, respectively. The putative Rep (322 aa) of T33 retained the conserved "HUH endonuclease" and the "super 3 family helicase" domains and shared pairwise aa identities of ~57% with unclassified CRESS DNA viruses from benthic sediment and mollusks. Phylogenetically, the T33 Rep formed a distinct branch within an isolated cluster of unclassified CRESS DNA viruses. The putative Cap (370 aa) of T33 shared maximum pairwise aa identity of 30.51% with an unclassified CRESS DNA virus from a capybara. Except for a blood sample from T33 that tested negative for CRESS DNA viruses, other tissue samples were not available from the sea turtles. Therefore, we could not establish whether the T3 and T33 viral strains infected the sea turtles or were of dietary origin. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the detection of CRESS DNA viruses from sea turtles, adding yet another animal species to the rapidly expanding host range of these viruses. Complete genome analysis of T33 identified a novel, unclassified CRESS DNA virus, providing insights into the high genetic diversity between viruses within the phylum Cressdnaviricota. Considering that sea turtles are an at-risk species, extensive studies on virus discovery, surveillance, and pathogenesis in these marine animals are of the utmost importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Gainor
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Kimberly M Stewart
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
- St. Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network, Basseterre P.O. Box 2298, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Angela Picknell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
- St. Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network, Basseterre P.O. Box 2298, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Morgan Russ
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
- St. Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network, Basseterre P.O. Box 2298, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Noah Makela
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
- St. Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network, Basseterre P.O. Box 2298, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Kierra Watson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
- St. Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network, Basseterre P.O. Box 2298, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Diana M Mancuso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Yashpal Singh Malik
- College of Animal Biotechnology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University, Ludhiana 141012, India
| | - Souvik Ghosh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
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Elste J, Chan A, Patil C, Tripathi V, Shadrack DM, Jaishankar D, Hawkey A, Mungerson MS, Shukla D, Tiwari V. Archaic connectivity between the sulfated heparan sulfate and the herpesviruses - An evolutionary potential for cross-species interactions. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:1030-1040. [PMID: 36733705 PMCID: PMC9880898 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The structural diversity of metazoic heparan sulfate (HS) composed of unique sulfated domains is remarkably preserved among various vertebrates and invertebrate species. Interestingly the sulfated moieties of HS have been known as the key determinants generating extraordinary ligand binding sites in the HS chain to regulate multiple biological functions and homeostasis. One such ligand for 3-O sulfation in the HS chain is a glycoprotein D (gD) from an ancient herpesvirus, herpes simplex virus (HSV). This interaction between gD and 3-O sulfated HS leads to virus-cell fusion to promote HSV entry. It is quite astonishing that HSV-1, which infects two-thirds of the world population, is also capable of causing severe diseases in primates and non-primates including primitive zebrafish. Supporting evidence that HSV may cross the species barrier comes from the fact that an enzymatic modification in HS encoded by 3-O sulfotransferase-3 (3-OST-3) from a vertebrate zoonotic species enhances HSV-1 infectivity. The latter phenomenon suggests the possible role of sulfated-HS as an entry receptor during reverse zoonosis, especially during an event when humans encounter domesticated animals in proximity. In this mini-review, we explore the possibility that structural diversity in HS may have played a substantial role in species-specific adaptability for herpesviruses in general including their potential role in promoting cross-species transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Elste
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
| | - Angelica Chan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
| | - Chandrashekhar Patil
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Vinisha Tripathi
- Mountain Vista High School, 10585 Mountain Vista Ridge, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126, USA
| | - Daniel M. Shadrack
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, St John's University of Tanzania, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Dinesh Jaishankar
- Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Andrew Hawkey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
| | - Michelle Swanson Mungerson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
| | - Deepak Shukla
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Vaibhav Tiwari
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA,Corresponding author.
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6
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Affuso A, Di Palma C, Meomartino L, Pace A, Montagnaro S, Russo V, Mennonna G, Micieli F, Maffucci F, Hochscheid S, Lamagna F, D’Aquino I, Lamagna B. Symblepharon, Ankyloblepharon, and Salt Gland Dysfunction in a Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta). Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9060281. [PMID: 35737333 PMCID: PMC9229700 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9060281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Adhesions involving the bulbar and the palpebral conjunctiva (Symblepharon) may interfere with tear drainage, cause chronic conjunctivitis, and reduce ocular motility. This condition may be associated with adhesion of the edges of the upper and lower eyelids (ankyloblepharon). The present case describes bilateral symblepharon, ankyloblepharon and salt gland dysfunction in a juvenile Caretta caretta. The loggerhead presented both eyelids swollen, ulcerated, and not separable when rescued. Eye examination was not possible, but ultrasonography showed right bulbar integrity, while the left eye was smaller, with a thicker cornea that had lost its normal doubled lined structure. Surgical dissection of the fibrous adhesions between the palpebral and bulbar conjunctiva, cornea, and third eyelid was performed, and large dacryoliths were removed. The microscopic findings were consistent with chronic keratoconjunctivitis. Ultrastructurally, no virus-like particles were observed. In addition, tissue samples were negative for herpesvirus by qualitative PCR. The eyelids of both eyes and the corneal epithelium of the right eye healed; moreover, the vision was restored in the right eye. There were no recurrences after 12 months of follow-up, and the turtle was released 16 months after the end of treatments on the southern Tyrrhenian coast in the western Mediterranean Sea. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of symblepharon with ankyloblepharon and salt gland dysfunction in Caretta caretta turtle. Ocular ultrasonography was helpful in the preliminary diagnostic work-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Affuso
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Department of Marine Animal Conservation and Public Engagement, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80055 Portici, Italy; (A.A.); (A.P.); (F.M.); (S.H.)
| | - Cristina Di Palma
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80137 Naples, Italy; (S.M.); (V.R.); (F.M.); (F.L.); (I.D.); b (B.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-2536025; Fax: +39-081-2536021
| | - Leonardo Meomartino
- Interdepartmental Radiology Centre, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80137 Naples, Italy; (L.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Antonino Pace
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Department of Marine Animal Conservation and Public Engagement, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80055 Portici, Italy; (A.A.); (A.P.); (F.M.); (S.H.)
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80137 Naples, Italy; (S.M.); (V.R.); (F.M.); (F.L.); (I.D.); b (B.L.)
| | - Serena Montagnaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80137 Naples, Italy; (S.M.); (V.R.); (F.M.); (F.L.); (I.D.); b (B.L.)
| | - Valeria Russo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80137 Naples, Italy; (S.M.); (V.R.); (F.M.); (F.L.); (I.D.); b (B.L.)
| | - Giuseppina Mennonna
- Interdepartmental Radiology Centre, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80137 Naples, Italy; (L.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Fabiana Micieli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80137 Naples, Italy; (S.M.); (V.R.); (F.M.); (F.L.); (I.D.); b (B.L.)
| | - Fulvio Maffucci
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Department of Marine Animal Conservation and Public Engagement, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80055 Portici, Italy; (A.A.); (A.P.); (F.M.); (S.H.)
| | - Sandra Hochscheid
- Marine Turtle Research Group, Department of Marine Animal Conservation and Public Engagement, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80055 Portici, Italy; (A.A.); (A.P.); (F.M.); (S.H.)
| | - Francesco Lamagna
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80137 Naples, Italy; (S.M.); (V.R.); (F.M.); (F.L.); (I.D.); b (B.L.)
| | - Ilaria D’Aquino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80137 Naples, Italy; (S.M.); (V.R.); (F.M.); (F.L.); (I.D.); b (B.L.)
| | - Barbara Lamagna
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80137 Naples, Italy; (S.M.); (V.R.); (F.M.); (F.L.); (I.D.); b (B.L.)
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Winter JM, Wellehan JFX, Apakupakul K, Palmer J, Brenn-White M, Standorf K, Berry KH, Childress AL, Koplos P, Garner MM, Deem SL. A novel herpesvirus detected in 3 species of chelonians. J Vet Diagn Invest 2022; 34:594-601. [PMID: 35459421 PMCID: PMC9266504 DOI: 10.1177/10406387221092048] [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: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Herpesviruses are found in free-living and captive chelonian populations, often in association with morbidity and mortality. To date, all known chelonian herpesviruses fall within the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae. We detected a novel herpesvirus in 3 species of chelonians: a captive leopard tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis) in western TX, USA; a steppe tortoise (Testudo [Agrionemys] horsfieldii) found near Fort Irwin, CA, USA; and 2 free-living, three-toed box turtles (Terrapene mexicana triunguis) found in Forest Park, St. Louis, MO. The leopard tortoise was coinfected with the tortoise intranuclear coccidian and had clinical signs of upper respiratory tract disease. The steppe tortoise had mucopurulent nasal discharge and lethargy. One of the three-toed box turtles had no clinical signs; the other was found dead with signs of trauma after being observed with blepharedema, tympanic membrane swelling, cervical edema, and other clinical signs several weeks prior to death. Generally, the branching order of the turtle herpesviruses mirrors the divergence patterns of their hosts, consistent with codivergence. Based on phylogenetic analysis, this novel herpesvirus clusters with a clade of viruses that infect emydid hosts and is likely of box turtle origin. Therefore, we suggest the name terrapene alphaherpesvirus 3 (TerAHV3) for the novel virus. This virus also has the ability to host-jump to tortoises, and previously documented herpesviral morbidity tends to be more common in aberrant hosts. The relationship between clinical signs and infection with TerAHV3 in these animals is unclear, and further investigation is merited.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Winter
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - James F X Wellehan
- Zoological Medicine Service, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Jamie Palmer
- Institute for Conservation Medicine, Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Maris Brenn-White
- Institute for Conservation Medicine, Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Kristin H Berry
- Western Ecological Research Center, United States Geological Survey, Reno, NV, USA
| | - April L Childress
- Zoological Medicine Service, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Peter Koplos
- El Paso Veterinary Specialty Center, El Paso, TX, USA
| | | | - Sharon L Deem
- Institute for Conservation Medicine, Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis, MO, USA
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8
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Enhancing Chelonian Health Assessments by Determining Agreement in Pathogen Detection between Sampling Sites Using Quantitative PCR. J Wildl Dis 2022; 58:399-403. [PMID: 35100412 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-21-00096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Pathogen surveillance is common in chelonians and multiple anatomical sampling sites are used for pathogen detection, but agreement between these sites has not been assessed. The objective of this study was to assess agreement between three sampling sites, oral swab (OS), cloacal swab (CS), and combined oral/cloacal swab (OCS), for detecting three pathogens in eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina). Box turtles (n=88) were assayed for Terrapene adenovirus 1 (TerADV1), Terrapene herpesvirus 1 (TerHV1), and Mycoplasmopsis sp. using quantitative PCR. Agreement between pathogen status based on sampling site was assessed using the Cohen kappa. Agreement was highest for Mycoplasmopsis sp. between OCS and OS (k=0.941), whereas moderate and minimal agreement were noted between OCS and CS (k=0.64) and OS and CS (k=0.538). For TerADV1, agreement was weak between OCS and OS (k=0.559), minimal between OS and CS (k=0.283), and absent between OCS and CS (k=0.204). TerHV1 agreement was moderate between OCS and OS (k=0.783) and absent between OCS and CS (k=0.106) and OS and CS (k=0.052). All pathogens were most frequently detected in OCS samples and DNA concentrations differed between sampling sites (P<0.0001). If testing multiple samples is not possible, OCS sampling improves the detection of these three pathogens over OS and CS alone.
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