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Lonardo L, Völter CJ, Hepach R, Lamm C, Huber L. Do dogs preferentially encode the identity of the target object or the location of others' actions? Anim Cogn 2024; 27:28. [PMID: 38553650 PMCID: PMC10980658 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-024-01870-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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The ability to make sense of and predict others' actions is foundational for many socio-cognitive abilities. Dogs (Canis familiaris) constitute interesting comparative models for the study of action perception due to their marked sensitivity to human actions. We tested companion dogs (N = 21) in two screen-based eye-tracking experiments, adopting a task previously used with human infants and apes, to assess which aspects of an agent's action dogs consider relevant to the agent's underlying intentions. An agent was shown repeatedly acting upon the same one of two objects, positioned in the same location. We then presented the objects in swapped locations and the agent approached the objects centrally (Experiment 1) or the old object in the new location or the new object in the old location (Experiment 2). Dogs' anticipatory fixations and looking times did not reflect an expectation that agents should have continued approaching the same object nor the same location as witnessed during the brief familiarization phase; this contrasts with some findings with infants and apes, but aligns with findings in younger infants before they have sufficient motor experience with the observed action. However, dogs' pupil dilation and latency to make an anticipatory fixation suggested that, if anything, dogs expected the agents to keep approaching the same location rather than the same object, and their looking times showed sensitivity to the animacy of the agents. We conclude that dogs, lacking motor experience with the observed actions of grasping or kicking performed by a human or inanimate agent, might interpret such actions as directed toward a specific location rather than a specific object. Future research will need to further probe the suitability of anticipatory looking as measure of dogs' socio-cognitive abilities given differences between the visual systems of dogs and primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucrezia Lonardo
- Comparative Cognition, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine of Vienna, Medical University of Vienna and University of Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, Vienna, 1210, Austria.
| | - Christoph J Völter
- Comparative Cognition, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine of Vienna, Medical University of Vienna and University of Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, Vienna, 1210, Austria
- Department of Comparative Cultural Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, 04103, Germany
| | - Robert Hepach
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Claus Lamm
- Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, 1010, Austria
| | - Ludwig Huber
- Comparative Cognition, Messerli Research Institute, University of Veterinary Medicine of Vienna, Medical University of Vienna and University of Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, Vienna, 1210, Austria
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2
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Varga E, Prause HC, Riepl M, Hochmayr N, Berk D, Attakpah E, Kiss E, Medić N, Del Favero G, Larsen TO, Hansen PJ, Marko D. Cytotoxicity of Prymnesium parvum extracts and prymnesin analogs on epithelial fish gill cells RTgill-W1 and the human colon cell line HCEC-1CT. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:999-1014. [PMID: 38212450 PMCID: PMC10861388 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03663-5] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Harmful algal blooms kill fish populations worldwide, as exemplified by the haptophyte microalga Prymnesium parvum. The suspected causative agents are prymnesins, categorized as A-, B-, and C-types based on backbone carbon atoms. Impacts of P. parvum extracts and purified prymnesins were tested on the epithelial rainbow trout fish gill cell line RTgill-W1 and on the human colon epithelial cells HCEC-1CT. Cytotoxic potencies ranked A > C > B-type with concentrations spanning from low (A- and C-type) to middle (B-type) nM ranges. Although RTgill-W1 cells were about twofold more sensitive than HCEC-1CT, the cytotoxicity of prymnesins is not limited to fish gills. Both cell lines responded rapidly to prymnesins; with EC50 values for B-types in RTgill-W1 cells of 110 ± 11 nM and 41.5 ± 0.6 nM after incubations times of 3 and 24 h. Results of fluorescence imaging and measured lytic effects suggest plasma membrane interactions. Postulating an osmotic imbalance as mechanisms of toxicity, incubations with prymnesins in media lacking either Cl-, Na+, or Ca2+ were performed. Cl- removal reduced morphometric rearrangements observed in RTgill-W1 and cytotoxicity in HCEC-1CT cells. Ca2+-free medium in RTgill-W1 cells exacerbated effects on the cell nuclei. Prymnesin composition of different P. parvum strains showed that analog composition within one type scarcely influenced the cytotoxic potential, while analog type potentially dictate potency. Overall, A-type prymnesins were the most potent ones in both cell lines followed by the C-types, and lastly B-types. Disturbance of Ca2+ and Cl- ionoregulation may be integral to prymnesin toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Varga
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Str. 38-40, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
- Unit Food Hygiene and Technology, Institute of Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Hélène-Christine Prause
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Str. 38-40, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Doctoral School in Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Str. 42, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Riepl
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Str. 38-40, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nadine Hochmayr
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Str. 38-40, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Deniz Berk
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Str. 38-40, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva Attakpah
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Str. 38-40, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Endre Kiss
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Str. 38-40, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Core Facility Multimodal Imaging, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Str. 38-42, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nikola Medić
- Marine Biological Section, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Strandpromenaden 5, 3000, Helsingør, Denmark
- Center for Bioresources, Division for Food and Production, Danish Technological Institute, Gregersensvej 8, 2630, Taastrup, Denmark
| | - Giorgia Del Favero
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Str. 38-40, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Core Facility Multimodal Imaging, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Str. 38-42, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Ostenfeld Larsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 221, 2800 Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Per Juel Hansen
- Marine Biological Section, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Strandpromenaden 5, 3000, Helsingør, Denmark
| | - Doris Marko
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Str. 38-40, 1090, Vienna, Austria
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3
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Redmer T, Schumann E, Peters K, Weidemeier ME, Nowak S, Schroeder HWS, Vidal A, Radbruch H, Lehmann A, Kreuzer-Redmer S, Jürchott K, Radke J. MET receptor serves as a promising target in melanoma brain metastases. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:44. [PMID: 38386085 PMCID: PMC10884227 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-024-02694-1] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The development of brain metastases hallmarks disease progression in 20-40% of melanoma patients and is a serious obstacle to therapy. Understanding the processes involved in the development and maintenance of melanoma brain metastases (MBM) is critical for the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies. Here, we generated transcriptome and methylome profiles of MBM showing high or low abundance of infiltrated Iba1high tumor-associated microglia and macrophages (TAMs). Our survey identified potential prognostic markers of favorable disease course and response to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICi) therapy, among them APBB1IP and the interferon-responsive gene ITGB7. In MBM with high ITGB7/APBB1IP levels, the accumulation of TAMs correlated significantly with the immune score. Signature-based deconvolution of MBM via single sample GSEA revealed enrichment of interferon-response and immune signatures and revealed inflammation, stress and MET receptor signaling. MET receptor phosphorylation/activation maybe elicited by inflammatory processes in brain metastatic melanoma cells via stroma cell-released HGF. We found phospho-METY1234/1235 in a subset of MBM and observed a marked response of brain metastasis-derived cell lines (BMCs) that lacked druggable BRAF mutations or developed resistance to BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) in vivo to MET inhibitors PHA-665752 and ARQ197 (tivantinib). In summary, the activation of MET receptor in brain colonizing melanoma cells by stromal cell-released HGF may promote tumor self-maintenance and expansion and might counteract ICi therapy. Therefore, therapeutic targeting of MET possibly serves as a promising strategy to control intracranial progressive disease and improve patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torben Redmer
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Institute of Pathology, Unit of Laboratory Animal Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Elisa Schumann
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, CCCC (Campus Mitte), Berlin, Germany
| | - Kristin Peters
- Institute of Pathology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Martin E Weidemeier
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Stephan Nowak
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Henry W S Schroeder
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Anna Vidal
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helena Radbruch
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annika Lehmann
- Institute of Pathology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanne Kreuzer-Redmer
- Nutrigenomics Unit, Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karsten Jürchott
- Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Josefine Radke
- Institute of Pathology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.
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Tobolka M, Zielińska Z, Fusani L, Huber N, Maggini I, Pola G, Marasco V. Controlled expression of avian pre-migratory fattening influences indices of innate immunity. Biol Open 2024; 13:bio060018. [PMID: 38252117 PMCID: PMC10836650 DOI: 10.1242/bio.060018] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
While immunity is frequently dampened when birds engage in strenuous migratory flights, whether and how immunity changes during the rapid accumulation of energy stores in preparation for migration remains largely unknown. Here we induced pre-migratory fattening through controlled changes of daylight in common quails (Coturnix coturnix) and regularly assessed changes in three markers of constitutive innate immunity (leukocyte coping capacity or LCC, hemagglutination and hemolysis titres) and measures of body composition (lean and fat mass). All the three markers showed similar changes over the pre-migratory fattening process. LCC responses, hemagglutination titres, and hemolysis titres, were on average higher in the mid-fattening phase compared to the peak-fattening phase, when values were similar to those observed prior the start of pre-migratory fattening. At mid-fattening, we found that the birds that showed a larger accumulation of fat mass (as % of body mass) had lower LCC peak responses and hemolysis titres. Reversibly, at mid-fattening, we also found that the birds that kept a higher proportion of lean mass (as % of body mass) had the highest LCC peaks. Our results indicate that migratory birds undergo changes in immune indices (over 8 weeks) as they accumulate energy stores for migration and propose that this could be due to competing or trade-off processes between metabolic remodelling and innate immune system function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Tobolka
- Department of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71c, 60-625 Poznan, Poland
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1a, 1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Zuzanna Zielińska
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1a, 1160 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Research Institute for Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1a, 1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Leonida Fusani
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1a, 1160 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Biology, University Biology Building, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Nikolaus Huber
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ivan Maggini
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1a, 1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gianni Pola
- Istituto Sperimentale Zootecnico per la Sicilia, via Roccazzo 85, 90135 Palermo, Italia
| | - Valeria Marasco
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1a, 1160 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Research Institute for Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1a, 1160 Vienna, Austria
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5
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Reichl J, Prossegger C, Eichholzer B, Plauder P, Unterköfler MS, Bakran-Lebl K, Indra A, Fuehrer HP. A citizen science report-Tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus) in allotment gardens in Graz, Styria, Austria. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:79. [PMID: 38158426 PMCID: PMC10756886 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08106-9] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Aedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito, is an invasive species not native to Europe. Due to its ability to transmit pathogens, such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses, Ae. albopictus is considered a major health threat. In Austria, it was first reported in 2012 in the Western province of Tyrol and was documented in the metropolitan area of Vienna in 2020, demonstrating its ability to colonize urban areas. In July 2021, a garden owner from Graz, Styria, Austria, contacted experts because of the possible presence of tiger mosquitoes in an allotment garden complex. Accordingly, citizen scientists collected adult mosquitoes and set up ovitraps. Adults and eggs were sent to the laboratory for morphological examination and molecular DNA barcoding within the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene. In total, 217 eggs of Ae. albopictus were found at the allotment garden as well as at a second location in the city of Graz. In addition, 14 adult Ae. albopictus specimens, of which 7 were molecularly identified as an identical haplotype, were collected at the allotment garden. With its mild climate and numerous parks and gardens, Graz provides the perfect environment for reproduction of tropical/subtropical alien Aedes mosquitoes. The presence of eggs and adult specimens in the current study period indicates that Ae. albopictus is already breeding in Graz. However, monitoring efforts need to be continued to determine whether stable populations of Ae. albopictus can survive there.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Reichl
- Institute for Medical Microbiology & Hygiene, AGES - Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety Ltd., Währinger Straße 25A, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christina Prossegger
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Pamina Plauder
- Heimgartenverein Schönau, Kasernstraße 60, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Maria Sophia Unterköfler
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Bakran-Lebl
- Institute for Medical Microbiology & Hygiene, AGES - Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety Ltd., Währinger Straße 25A, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Indra
- Institute for Medical Microbiology & Hygiene, AGES - Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety Ltd., Währinger Straße 25A, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
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Ruf T, Vetter SG, Painer-Gigler J, Stalder G, Bieber C. Thermoregulation in the wild boar (Sus scrofa). J Comp Physiol B 2023; 193:689-697. [PMID: 37742299 PMCID: PMC10613136 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-023-01512-6] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
The wild boar (Sus scrofa) originates from warm islands but now inhabits large areas of the world, with Antarctica as the only continent not inhabited by this species. One might be tempted to think that its wide distribution results from increasing environmental temperatures. However, any effect of temperature is only indirect: Abundant availability of critical food resources can fully compensate the negative effects of cold winters on population growth. Here, we asked if temperature as a habitat factor is unimportant compared with other habitat indices, simply because wild boars are excellent thermoregulators. We found that the thermoneutral zone in summer was approximately 6-24 °C. In winter, the thermoneutral zone was lowered to 0-7 °C. The estimated increase in the heart rate and energy expenditure in the cold was less than 30% per 10 °C temperature decline. This relatively small increase of energy expenditure during cold exposure places the wild boar in the realm of arctic animals, such as the polar bear, whereas tropical mammals raise their energy expenditure several fold. The response of wild boars to high Ta was weak across all seasons. In the heat, wild boars avoid close contact to conspecifics and particularly use wallowing in mud or other wet substrates to cool and prevent hyperthermia. Wild boars also rely on daily cycles, especially of rhythms in subcutaneous temperature that enables them to cheaply build large core-shell gradients, which serve to lower heat loss. We argue it is predominantly this ability which allowed wild boars to inhabit most climatically diverse areas in the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ruf
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstrasse 1, 1160, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Sebastian G Vetter
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstrasse 1, 1160, Vienna, Austria
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johanna Painer-Gigler
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstrasse 1, 1160, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gabrielle Stalder
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstrasse 1, 1160, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Bieber
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstrasse 1, 1160, Vienna, Austria
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7
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Pohlin F, Frei C, Meyer LCR, Roch FF, Quijada NM, Conrady B, Neubauer V, Hofmeyr M, Cooper D, Stalder G, Wetzels SU. Capture and transport of white rhinoceroses ( Ceratotherium simum) cause shifts in their fecal microbiota composition towards dysbiosis. Conserv Physiol 2023; 11:coad089. [PMID: 38026796 PMCID: PMC10673814 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coad089] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Translocations of Rhinocerotidae are commonly performed for conservation purposes but expose the animals to a variety of stressors (e.g. prolonged fasting, confinement, novel environment, etc.). Stress may change the composition of gut microbiota, which can impact animal health and welfare. White rhinoceroses in particular can develop anorexia, diarrhea and enterocolitis after translocation. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of age, sex and translocation on the rhinoceros' fecal bacterial microbiota composition. fecal samples were collected from rhinoceroses at capture (n = 16) and after a >30-hour road transport (n = 7). DNA was isolated from these samples and submitted for 16S rRNA V3-V4 phylotyping. Alpha diversity indices of the rhinoceros' fecal microbiota composition of different age, sex and before and after transport were compared using non-parametric statistical tests and beta diversity indices using Permutational Multivariate Analysis Of Variance (PERMANOVA). Resulting P-values were alpha-corrected (Padj.). Alpha and beta diversity did not differ between rhinoceroses of different age and sex. However, there was a significant difference in beta diversity between fecal samples collected from adult animals at capture and after transport. The most abundant bacterial phyla in samples collected at capture were Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes (85.76%), represented by Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae and Prevotellaceae families. The phyla Proteobacteria (Padj. = 0.009) and Actinobacteria (Padj. = 0.012), amongst others, increased in relative abundance from capture to after transport encompassing potentially pathogenic bacterial families such as Enterobacteriaceae (Padj. = 0.018) and Pseudomonadaceae (Padj. = 0.022). Important commensals such as Spirochaetes (Padj. = 0.009), Fibrobacteres (Padj. = 0.018) and Lachnospiraceae (Padj. = 0.021) decreased in relative abundance. These results indicate that the stressors associated with capture and transport cause an imbalanced fecal microbiota composition in white rhinoceroses that may lead to potentially infectious intestinal disorders. This imbalance may result from recrudescence of normally innocuous pathogens, increased shedding of pathogens or increased vulnerability to new pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Pohlin
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstrasse 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria
- Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Research, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Soutpan Road, 0110 Onderstepoort, South Africa
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Soutpan Road, 0110 Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Carolin Frei
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstrasse 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria
- Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Research, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Soutpan Road, 0110 Onderstepoort, South Africa
- Unit for Food Microbiology, Institute for Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, Department for Farm Animal and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Leith C R Meyer
- Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Research, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Soutpan Road, 0110 Onderstepoort, South Africa
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Soutpan Road, 0110 Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Franz-Ferdinand Roch
- Unit for Food Microbiology, Institute for Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, Department for Farm Animal and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Narciso M Quijada
- Unit for Food Microbiology, Institute for Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, Department for Farm Animal and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Microbiology and Genetics, Institute for Agribiotechnology Research (CIALE), University of Salamanca, Parque Científico de Villamayor, Calle Río Duero 12, 37185 Villamayor (Salamanca), Spain
| | - Beate Conrady
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 15, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
- Complexity Science Hub Vienna, Josefstädterstr. 38, 1080 Vienna, Austria
| | - Viktoria Neubauer
- Unit for Food Microbiology, Institute for Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, Department for Farm Animal and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
- FFoQSI - Austrian Competence Centre for Feed and Food Quality, Safety and Innovation, Technopark 1D, 3430 Tulln, Austria
| | - Markus Hofmeyr
- Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Research, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Soutpan Road, 0110 Onderstepoort, South Africa
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Soutpan Road, 0110 Onderstepoort, South Africa
- Great Plains Conservation and Rhinos Without Borders, Boseja, Maun, Botswana
- Rhino Recovery Fund/Wildlife Conservation Network and Oak Foundation, 1 Kingsway, London WC2B 6AN, United Kingdom
| | - Dave Cooper
- Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Cascades 3202, South Africa
| | - Gabrielle Stalder
- Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstrasse 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefanie U Wetzels
- Unit for Food Microbiology, Institute for Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, Department for Farm Animal and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
- FFoQSI - Austrian Competence Centre for Feed and Food Quality, Safety and Innovation, Technopark 1D, 3430 Tulln, Austria
- Tierarztpraxis Brugger, Kitzsteinhornstraße 43, 5700 Zell am See, Austria
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8
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Bak KH, Paulsen P. Changes in Flavor and Volatile Composition of Meat and Meat Products Observed after Exposure to Atmospheric Pressure Cold Plasma (ACP). Foods 2023; 12:3295. [PMID: 37685227 PMCID: PMC10486556 DOI: 10.3390/foods12173295] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies on the atmospheric pressure cold plasma (ACP) exposure of meat and meat products mainly determine microbial inactivation, lipid oxidation, and meat color. Some studies include sensory evaluation, but only a few determine the changes in volatile composition due to ACP treatment. The results of sensory evaluation are inconclusive and range from "improvement" to "off-odor". This could be due to differences in the food matrix, especially in processed foods, or different experimental settings, including inadvertent effects such as sample heating. The few studies analyzing volatile composition report changes in alcohols, esters, aldehydes, and other compounds, but not necessarily changes that are novel for meat and meat products. Most studies do not actually measure the formation of reactive species, although this is needed to determine the exact reactions taking place in the meat during ACP treatment. This is a prerequisite for an adjustment of the plasma conditions to achieve antimicrobial effects without compromising sensory quality. Likewise, such knowledge is necessary to clarify if ACP-exposed meat and products thereof require regulatory approval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrine H. Bak
- Institute of Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
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Buchacher T, Digruber A, Kranzler M, Del Favero G, Ehling-Schulz M. Bacillus cereus extracellular vesicles act as shuttles for biologically active multicomponent enterotoxins. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:112. [PMID: 37189133 PMCID: PMC10184354 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01132-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from Gram-positive bacteria have gained considerable importance as a novel transport system of virulence factors in host-pathogen interactions. Bacillus cereus is a Gram-positive human pathogen, causing gastrointestinal toxemia as well as local and systemic infections. The pathogenicity of enteropathogenic B. cereus has been linked to a collection of virulence factors and exotoxins. Nevertheless, the exact mechanism of virulence factor secretion and delivery to target cells is poorly understood. RESULTS Here, we investigate the production and characterization of enterotoxin-associated EVs from the enteropathogenic B. cereus strain NVH0075-95 by using a proteomics approach and studied their interaction with human host cells in vitro. For the first time, comprehensive analyses of B. cereus EV proteins revealed virulence-associated factors, such as sphingomyelinase, phospholipase C, and the three-component enterotoxin Nhe. The detection of Nhe subunits was confirmed by immunoblotting, showing that the low abundant subunit NheC was exclusively detected in EVs as compared to vesicle-free supernatant. Cholesterol-dependent fusion and predominantly dynamin-mediated endocytosis of B. cereus EVs with the plasma membrane of intestinal epithelial Caco2 cells represent entry routes for delivery of Nhe components to host cells, which was assessed by confocal microscopy and finally led to delayed cytotoxicity. Furthermore, we could show that B. cereus EVs elicit an inflammatory response in human monocytes and contribute to erythrocyte lysis via a cooperative interaction of enterotoxin Nhe and sphingomyelinase. CONCLUSION Our results provide insights into the interaction of EVs from B. cereus with human host cells and add a new layer of complexity to our understanding of multicomponent enterotoxin assembly, offering new opportunities to decipher molecular processes involved in disease development. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Buchacher
- Functional Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Astrid Digruber
- Functional Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Kranzler
- Functional Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Giorgia Del Favero
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Core Facility Multimodal Imaging, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Monika Ehling-Schulz
- Functional Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
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Dengler F, Hammon HM, Liermann W, Görs S, Bachmann L, Helm C, Ulrich R, Delling C. Cryptosporidium parvumcompetes with the intestinal epithelial cells for glucose and impairs systemic glucose supply in neonatal calves. Vet Res 2023; 54:40. [PMID: 37138353 PMCID: PMC10156424 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-023-01172-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is one of the main causes of diarrhea in children and young livestock. The interaction of the parasite with the intestinal host cells has not been characterized thoroughly yet but may be affected by the nutritional demand of the parasite. Hence, we aimed to investigate the impact of C. parvum infection on glucose metabolism in neonatal calves. Therefore, N = 5 neonatal calves were infected with C. parvum on the first day of life, whereas a control group was not (N = 5). The calves were monitored clinically for one week, and glucose absorption, turnover and oxidation were assessed using stable isotope labelled glucose. The transepithelial transport of glucose was measured using the Ussing chamber technique. Glucose transporters were quantified on gene and protein expression level using RT-qPCR and Western blot in the jejunum epithelium and brush border membrane preparations. Plasma glucose concentration and oral glucose absorption were decreased despite an increased electrogenic phlorizin sensitive transepithelial transport of glucose in infected calves. No difference in the gene or protein abundance of glucose transporters, but an enrichment of glucose transporter 2 in the brush border was observed in the infected calves. Furthermore, the mRNA for enzymes of the glycolysis pathway was increased indicating enhanced glucose oxidation in the infected gut. In summary, C. parvum infection modulates intestinal epithelial glucose absorption and metabolism. We assume that the metabolic competition of the parasite for glucose causes the host cells to upregulate their uptake mechanisms and metabolic machinery to compensate for the energy losses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Dengler
- Institute of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Biophysics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, Vienna, Austria.
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 7, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Harald M Hammon
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Nutritional Physiology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Wendy Liermann
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Nutritional Physiology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Solvig Görs
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Nutritional Physiology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Lisa Bachmann
- Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Institute of Nutritional Physiology, Wilhelm-Stahl-Allee 2, Dummerstorf, Germany
- Faculty of Agriculture and Food Science, University of Applied Science Neubrandenburg, Brodaer Strasse 2, Neubrandenburg, Germany
| | - Christiane Helm
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 33-37, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Reiner Ulrich
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 33-37, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Cora Delling
- Institute of Parasitology, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 35, Leipzig, Germany
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Kofler J, Hoefler M, Hartinger T, Castillo-Lopez E, Huber J, Tichy A, Reisinger N, Zebeli Q. Effects of High Concentrate-Induced Subacute Ruminal Acidosis Severity on Claw Health in First-Lactation Holstein Cows. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13081418. [PMID: 37106981 PMCID: PMC10135006 DOI: 10.3390/ani13081418] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of diet-induced subacute rumen acidosis (SARA) severity during transition and the early lactation period on claw health in 24 first-lactation Holstein heifers. All heifers were fed a 30% concentrate (in dry matter) close-up ration three weeks before calving, then switched to a high-concentrate ration (60% dry matter), which was fed until the 70th day in milk (DIM) to induce SARA. Thereafter, all cows were fed the same post-SARA ration with around 36% concentrate in dry matter. Hoof trimming was performed before calving (visit 1), at 70 (visit 2) and at 160 DIM (visit 3). All claw lesions were recorded, and a Cow Claw Score (CCS) was calculated for each cow. Locomotion scores (LCS 1-5) were assessed at two-week intervals. Intraruminal sensors for continuous pH measurements were used to determine SARA (pH below 5.8 for more than 330 min in 24 h). The cluster analysis grouped the cows retrospectively into light (≤11%; n = 9), moderate (>11-<30%; n = 7), and severe (>30%; n = 8) SARA groups, based on the percentage of days individual cows experienced SARA. Statistically significant differences were found between SARA groups light and severe in terms of lameness incidence (p = 0.023), but not for LCS and claw lesion prevalence. Further, the analysis of maximum likelihood estimates revealed that for each day experiencing SARA, the likelihood of becoming lame increased by 2.52% (p = 0.0257). A significant increase in white line lesion prevalence was observed between visits 2 and 3 in the severe SARA group. The mean CCS in severe SARA group cows were higher at each visit compared to cows in the other two groups, but without statistical significance. Overall, this is the first study indicating that first-lactation cows fed a similar high-concentrate diet but with a higher severity of SARA tended to have poorer claw health, albeit with only partial statistical evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johann Kofler
- Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University Clinic for Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Hoefler
- Department of Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University Clinic for Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Hartinger
- Christian-Doppler-Laboratory for Innovative Gut Health Concepts in Livestock (CDL-LiveGUT), Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ezequias Castillo-Lopez
- Christian-Doppler-Laboratory for Innovative Gut Health Concepts in Livestock (CDL-LiveGUT), Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johann Huber
- Teaching Farm, VetFarm Kremesberg, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 2563 Pottenstein, Austria
| | - Alexander Tichy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Platform for Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Qendrim Zebeli
- Christian-Doppler-Laboratory for Innovative Gut Health Concepts in Livestock (CDL-LiveGUT), Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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Rubel F, Zaenker S, Weigand A, Weber D, Chitimia-Dobler L, Kahl O. Atlas of ticks (Acari: Argasidae, Ixodidae) in Germany: 1st data update. Exp Appl Acarol 2023; 89:251-274. [PMID: 36928533 PMCID: PMC10020077 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00784-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The first data update of the atlas of ticks in Germany published in 2021 is presented here. This atlas provides maps based on georeferenced tick locations of 21 species endemic in Germany as well as three tick species that are regularly imported to Germany. The data update includes the following numbers of newly georeferenced tick locations: 17 Argas reflexus, 79 Carios vespertilionis, 2 Dermacentor marginatus, 43 Dermacentor reticulatus, 4 Haemaphysalis concinna, 3 Haemaphysalis punctata, 3 Hyalomma rufipes, 3 Ixodes apronophorus, 9 Ixodes arboricola, 1 Ixodes ariadnae, 30 Ixodes canisuga, 3 Ixodes frontalis, 80 Ixodes hexagonus, 3 Ixodes lividus, 497 Ixodes ricinus/inopinatus, 1 Ixodes rugicollis, 17 Ixodes trianguliceps, 14 Ixodes vespertilionis, and 45 Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. Old and new tick findings were mapped, such as the northernmost occurrence of D. marginatus in Germany observed in 2021, but also the historical records from the first descriptions of I. apronophorus and I. arboricola, which were georeferenced here for the first time. The digital dataset of tick locations available for Germany is supplemented by 854 new tick locations. These records increase the number of tick species mapped in the federal states Bavaria, Brandenburg and Mecklenburg Western Pomerania by five each, those in Berlin and Schleswig-Holstein by four each, those in Hamburg by three, those in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Bremen, Lower Saxony, Northrhine-Westphalia, Rhineland Palatinate and Thuringia by two each, and those in Hesse, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt by one each. Thus, the first data update of the tick atlas in Germany and the underlying digital dataset significantly improve our knowledge of the distribution of these tick species and helps to investigate the effects of climate change and habitat changes on them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Rubel
- Unit for Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Stefan Zaenker
- Hesse Federation for Cave and Karst Research, Fulda, Germany
| | - Alexander Weigand
- National Museum of Natural History Luxembourg, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
- Fondation Faune-Flore, Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
| | - Dieter Weber
- National Museum of Natural History Luxembourg, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
- Fondation Faune-Flore, Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
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Lichtmannsperger K, Harl J, Roehl SR, Schoiswohl J, Eibl C, Wittek T, Hinney B, Wiedermann S, Joachim A. Enterocytozoon bieneusi in fecal samples from calves and cows in Austria. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:333-340. [PMID: 36394671 PMCID: PMC9669533 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07733-y] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi is an obligate intracellular pathogen that infects livestock, companion animals, and wildlife and has the potential to cause severe diarrhea especially in immunocompromised humans. In the underlying study, fecal samples from 177 calves with diarrhea and 174 adult cows originating from 70 and 18 farms, respectively, in Austria were examined for the presence of E. bieneusi by polymerase chain reaction targeting the Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS1) region. All positive samples were further sequenced for genotype determination. Overall, sixteen of the 351 (4.6%) samples were positive for E. bieneusi, two of the 174 samples from cows (1.2%) and 14 of the 177 samples from calves (7.9%). In total, four genotypes, J (n = 2), I (n = 12), BEB4 (n = 3), and BEB8 (n = 1), were identified. The uncorrected p-distance between the four ITS1 lineages (344 bp) ranges from 0.3% to 2.9%. The lineages differ by 1 bp (I and J), 2 bp (J and BEB4), and 3 bp (I and BEB4), respectively, and BEB8 differs by 7 to 10 bp from the latter three lineages. Two of the E. bieneusi-positive calves showed an infection with two different genotypes. E. bieneusi occurred significantly more often in calves > 3 weeks (8/59) than in calves ≤ 3 weeks (6/118), respectively (p = 0.049). Calves with a known history of antimicrobial treatment (50 of 177 calves) shed E. bieneusi significantly more often than untreated calves (p = 0.012). There was no statistically significant difference in E. bieneusi shedding in calves with or without a medical history of antiparasitic treatment (p = 0.881). Calves showing a co-infection with Eimeria spp. shed E. bieneusi significantly more often than uninfected calves (p = 0.003). To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. bieneusi in cattle in Austria. Cattle should be considered as a reservoir for human infection since potentially zoonotic E. bieneusi genotypes were detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Lichtmannsperger
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University Clinic for Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Josef Harl
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarah Rosa Roehl
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University Clinic for Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Schoiswohl
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University Clinic for Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Cassandra Eibl
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University Clinic for Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Wittek
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University Clinic for Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Hinney
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandra Wiedermann
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Wrage B. Caring animals and care ethics. Biol Philos 2022; 37:18. [PMID: 35637869 PMCID: PMC9135829 DOI: 10.1007/s10539-022-09857-y] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Are there nonhuman animals who behave morally? In this paper I answer this question in the affirmative by applying the framework of care ethics to the animal morality debate. According to care ethics, empathic care is the wellspring of morality in humans. While there have been several suggestive analyses of nonhuman animals as empathic, much of the literature within the animal morality debate has marginalized analyses from the perspective of care ethics. In this paper I examine care ethics to extract its core commitments to what is required for moral care: emotional motivation that enables the intentional meeting of another's needs, and forward-looking responsibility in particular relationships. What is not required, I argue, are metarepresentational capacities or the ability to scrutinize one's reasons for action, and thus being retrospectively accountable. This minimal account of moral care is illustrated by moral practices of parental care seen in many nonhuman animal species. In response to the worry that parental care in nonhuman animals lacks all evaluation and is therefore nonmoral I point to cultural differences in human parenting and to normativity in nonhuman animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birte Wrage
- Unit of Ethics and Human-Animal Studies, Messerli Research Institute, Vetmeduni Vienna, Uni Vienna, MedUni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Penagos-Tabares F, Khiaosa-Ard R, Schmidt M, Pacífico C, Faas J, Jenkins T, Nagl V, Sulyok M, Labuda R, Zebeli Q. Fungal species and mycotoxins in mouldy spots of grass and maize silages in Austria. Mycotoxin Res 2022; 38:117-136. [PMID: 35347677 PMCID: PMC9038934 DOI: 10.1007/s12550-022-00453-3] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Fungi and mycotoxins in silage can have detrimental consequences for both cattle and human health. This pilot study identified, via the routinary direct plating method, the dominant cultivable fungi in mouldy grass silages (GS) (n = 19) and maize silages (MS) (n = 28) from Austria. The profiles of regulated, modified, and emerging mycotoxins together with other fungal metabolites were analysed via LC-(ESI)MS/MS. Penicillium roqueforti, Saccharomyces spp., Geotrichum candidum, Aspergillus fumigatus and Monascus ruber were the most frequent fungal organisms identified. Other species including Mucor circinelloides, Fusarium spp. and Paecilomyces niveus were detected at lower frequencies. The presence of complex mixtures of toxic and potentially toxic compounds was evidenced by high levels and occurrences (≥ 50%) of Penicillium-produced compounds such as mycophenolic acid (MPA), roquefortines (ROCs), andrastins (ANDs) and marcfortine A. Mouldy silages contained toxins commonly produced by genus Fusarium (e.g. zearalenone (ZEN) and trichothecenes), Alternaria (like tenuazonic acid (TeA) and alternariol (AHO)) and Aspergillus (such as sterigmatocystin (STC)). Compared to those in GS, mouldy spots in MS presented significantly higher fungal counts and more diverse toxin profiles, in addition to superior levels of Fusarium spp., Penicillium spp. and total fungal metabolites. Generally, no correlation between mould counts and corresponding metabolites was detected, except for the counts of P. roqueforti, which were positively correlated with Penicillium spp. metabolites in mouldy MS. This study represents a first assessment of the fungal diversity in mouldy silage in Austria and highlights its potential role as a substantial contributor to contamination with complex mycotoxin mixtures in cattle diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Penagos-Tabares
- Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ratchaneewan Khiaosa-Ard
- Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Marlene Schmidt
- Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Cátia Pacífico
- Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Faas
- BIOMIN Research Center, Technopark 1, 3430, Tulln a.d. Donau, Austria
| | - Timothy Jenkins
- BIOMIN Research Center, Technopark 1, 3430, Tulln a.d. Donau, Austria
| | - Veronika Nagl
- BIOMIN Research Center, Technopark 1, 3430, Tulln a.d. Donau, Austria
| | - Michael Sulyok
- Department IFA-Tulln, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Konrad Lorenzstrasse 20, 3430, Tulln, Austria
| | - Roman Labuda
- Institute of Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
- Research Platform Bioactive Microbial Metabolites (BiMM), 3430, Tulln a.d. Donau, Austria
| | - Qendrim Zebeli
- Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, Christian-Doppler-Laboratory for Innovative Gut Health Concepts in Livestock (CDL-LiveGUT), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
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Rubel F, Brugger K. Maps of ticks (Acari: Argasidae, Ixodidae) for Austria and South Tyrol, Italy. Exp Appl Acarol 2022; 86:211-233. [PMID: 35050437 PMCID: PMC8858313 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-022-00688-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
A first compilation of georeferenced tick locations in Austria and South Tyrol, Italy, is presented here. This allows the tick fauna to be examined in the various climatic regions of the European Alps. The dataset comprises 424 tick locations of Austria and 48 tick locations of South Tyrol, which were digitized from literature and visualized in the form of geographical maps. The tick fauna of Austria includes two species of Argasidae in the genera Argas and Carios and 15 species of Ixodidae in the genera Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis, and Ixodes, altogether 17 tick species. In addition, two species of Ixodidae in the genera Hyalomma (each spring imported by migratory birds) and Rhipicephalus (occasionally imported by dogs returning from abroad with their owners) are included in the tick atlas. Of these, the georeferenced locations of 18 tick species are depicted in maps. The occurrence of the one remaining tick species, Ixodes inopinatus, is given at the level of the federal states. The first Austrian distribution map of the long-legged bat tick Ixodes vespertilionis, which was reported from 21 caves, deserves special mention. The most common and widespread tick species is Ixodes ricinus, with records in all nine federal states of Austria, followed by Ixodes canisuga, Ixodes hexagonus, and I. vespertilionis in six federal states each. Haemaphysalis concinna and Dermacentor reticulatus are only endemic in the eastern plains, while Dermacentor marginatus only occurs in the west, in the Tyrolean Alpine valleys. Eight tick species were reported from South Tyrol, Italy. There, the most frequently flagged tick from the vegetation is also I. ricinus, while D. marginatus and Haemaphysalis punctata are often collected from sheep. The locations are shown together with those from North and East Tyrol on a separate Tyrol map. The tick atlas in Austria and South Tyrol as well as the underlying digital dataset in the supplement contribute to the closing of data gaps in global distribution maps of ticks and improve the data basis for new species distribution models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Rubel
- University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Brugger
- University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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Rahmatelahi H, El-Matbouli M, Menanteau-Ledouble S. Delivering the pain: an overview of the type III secretion system with special consideration for aquatic pathogens. Vet Res 2021; 52:146. [PMID: 34924019 PMCID: PMC8684695 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-021-01015-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Gram-negative bacteria are known to subvert eukaryotic cell physiological mechanisms using a wide array of virulence factors, among which the type three-secretion system (T3SS) is often one of the most important. The T3SS constitutes a needle-like apparatus that the bacterium uses to inject a diverse set of effector proteins directly into the cytoplasm of the host cells where they can hamper the host cellular machinery for a variety of purposes. While the structure of the T3SS is somewhat conserved and well described, effector proteins are much more diverse and specific for each pathogen. The T3SS can remodel the cytoskeleton integrity to promote intracellular invasion, as well as silence specific eukaryotic cell signals, notably to hinder or elude the immune response and cause apoptosis. This is also the case in aquatic bacterial pathogens where the T3SS can often play a central role in the establishment of disease, although it remains understudied in several species of important fish pathogens, notably in Yersinia ruckeri. In the present review, we summarise what is known of the T3SS, with a special focus on aquatic pathogens and suggest some possible avenues for research including the potential to target the T3SS for the development of new anti-virulence drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadis Rahmatelahi
- Clinical Division of Fish Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mansour El-Matbouli
- Clinical Division of Fish Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simon Menanteau-Ledouble
- Clinical Division of Fish Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220, Aalborg Ø, Denmark.
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18
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Wiedermann S, Harl J, Fuehrer HP, Mayr S, Schmid J, Hinney B, Rehbein S. DNA barcoding of rumen flukes (Paramphistomidae) from bovines in Germany and Austria. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:4061-4066. [PMID: 34661730 PMCID: PMC8599249 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07344-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Rumen flukes have received growing veterinary attention in western and central Europe during the past two decades because of an increase in prevalence of infection in cattle and sheep, including cases of severe clinical disease. Historically, rumen fluke infections in Europe were assumed to be caused mainly by Paramphistomum cervi (or species, which were later considered to be synonymous with P. cervi), but more recently molecular studies demonstrated Calicophoron daubneyi to be the predominating species. For the present investigation, adult rumen flukes isolated from 23 cattle originating from ten farms in Germany (Saxony [1], Baden-Württemberg [4], Bavaria [5]) and one farm in Austria (Tyrol) were analyzed to establish partial sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and the complete sequence of the nuclear internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2). Flukes of five animals (dairy cows from three farms in Bavaria) were determined as P. leydeni, and flukes of 18 animals (dairy cows or cattle from cow-calf operations from eight farms in Saxony [1], Baden-Württemberg [4], Bavaria [2], and Tyrol [1]) were identified as C. daubneyi. Based on the molecular analysis of adult rumen flukes collected from cattle, the results of this investigation confirm the common occurrence of C. daubneyi in Germany and reveal the first definitive findings of P. leydeni in Germany and C. daubneyi in Austria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Wiedermann
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Josef Harl
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandra Mayr
- Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, Kathrinenhof Research Center, Walchenseestr. 8-12, 83101, Rohrdorf, Germany
| | - Juliane Schmid
- Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, Kathrinenhof Research Center, Walchenseestr. 8-12, 83101, Rohrdorf, Germany
| | - Barbara Hinney
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Steffen Rehbein
- Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, Kathrinenhof Research Center, Walchenseestr. 8-12, 83101, Rohrdorf, Germany
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19
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Kau S, Mansfeld MD, Šoba A, Zwick T, Staszyk C. The facultative human oral pathogen Prevotella histicola in equine cheek tooth apical/ periapical infection: a case report. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:343. [PMID: 34717609 PMCID: PMC8556951 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-03048-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prevotella histicola is a facultative oral pathogen that under certain conditions causes pathologies such as caries and periodontitis in humans. Prevotella spp. also colonize the oral cavity of horses and can cause disease, but P. histicola has not yet been identified. CASE PRESENTATION A 12-year-old Tinker mare was referred to the clinic for persistent, malodorous purulent nasal discharge and quidding. Conservative antibiotic (penicillin), antiphlogistic (meloxicam), and mucolytic (dembrexine-hydrochloride) treatment prior to referral was unsuccessful and symptoms worsened. Oral examination, radiography, sino-/ rhinoscopy, and standing computed tomography revealed severe apical/ periapical infection of the upper cheek tooth 209 with accompanying unilateral sinonasal inflammation and conchal necrosis. The tooth exhibited extensive subocclusal mesial infundibular cemental hypoplasia and caries, and an occlusal fissure fracture. After mechanical debridement and thermoplastic resin filling of the spacious subocclusal carious infundibular lesion, the tooth was extracted intraorally. The sinusitis and conchal necrosis were treated transendoscopically. Selective bacteriological swab cultures of affected tooth roots and subsequent matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry showed an infection with the obligate anaerobic, Gram-negative bacterium P. histicola. Surgical intervention and adapted antibiotic therapy led to normal healing without complications. CONCLUSIONS This study provides the first documented case of dental infection in a horse caused by P. histicola at once indicating necessity of more sufficient microbiological diagnostics and targeted antibiotic treatment in equine dental practice. This finding is also conducive to understand species-specific Prevotella diversity and cross-species distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvio Kau
- Institute of Morphology, Working Group Anatomy, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | | | | | - Timo Zwick
- Department of Equine Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery, Veterinary Clinic Gessertshausen, Gessertshausen, Germany
| | - Carsten Staszyk
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Sommer J, Bobal M, Bromberger B, Mester PJ, Rossmanith P. A new long-term sampling approach to viruses on surfaces. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17545. [PMID: 34475462 PMCID: PMC8413268 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96873-9] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of virus disease outbreaks and its prevention is of growing public concern but our understanding of virus transmission routes is limited by adequate sampling strategies. While conventional swabbing methods provide merely a microbial snapshot, an ideal sampling strategy would allow reliable collection of viral genomic data over longer time periods. This study has evaluated a new, paper-based sticker approach for collection of reliable viral genomic data over longer time periods up to 14 days and after implementation of different hygiene measures. In contrast to swabbing methods, which sample viral load present on a surface at a given time, the paper-based stickers are attached to the surface area of interest and collect viruses that would have otherwise been transferred onto that surface. The major advantage of one-side adhesive stickers is that they are permanently attachable to a variety of surfaces. Initial results demonstrate that stickers permit stable recovery characteristics, even at low virus titers. Stickers also allow reliable virus detection after implementation of routine hygiene measures and over longer periods up to 14 days. Overall, results for this new sticker approach for virus genomic data collection are encouraging, but further studies are required to confirm anticipated benefits over a range of virus types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Sommer
- Unit of Food Microbiology, Institute of Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health Department for Farm Animals and Public Health in Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Martin Bobal
- Unit of Food Microbiology, Institute of Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health Department for Farm Animals and Public Health in Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
- Vetfarm and Clinical Unit of Herd Health Management for Ruminants, Department for Farm Animals and Public Health in Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Kremesberg 14, 2563, Pottenstein, Austria
| | - Birgit Bromberger
- Unit of Food Microbiology, Institute of Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health Department for Farm Animals and Public Health in Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Patrick-Julian Mester
- Unit of Food Microbiology, Institute of Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health Department for Farm Animals and Public Health in Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Rossmanith
- Unit of Food Microbiology, Institute of Food Safety, Food Technology and Veterinary Public Health Department for Farm Animals and Public Health in Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
- Joint BioEnergy Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, USA
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21
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Radloff J, Latic N, Pfeiffenberger U, Schüler C, Tangermann S, Kenner L, Erben RG. A phosphate and calcium-enriched diet promotes progression of 5/6-nephrectomy-induced chronic kidney disease in C57BL/6 mice. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14868. [PMID: 34290280 PMCID: PMC8295299 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94264-8] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
C57BL/6 mice are known to be rather resistant to the induction of experimental chronic kidney disease (CKD) by 5/6-nephrectomy (5/6-Nx). Here, we sought to characterize the development of CKD and its cardiac and skeletal sequelae during the first three months after 5/6-Nx in C57BL/6 mice fed a calcium- and phosphate enriched diet (CPD) with a balanced calcium/phosphate ratio. 5/6-NX mice on CPD showed increased renal fibrosis and a more pronounced decrease in glomerular filtration rate when compared to 5/6-Nx mice on normal diet (ND). Interestingly, despite comparable levels of serum calcium, phosphate, and parathyroid hormone (PTH), circulating intact fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) was 5 times higher in 5/6-Nx mice on CPD, relative to 5/6-Nx mice on ND. A time course experiment revealed that 5/6-Nx mice on CPD developed progressive renal functional decline, renal fibrosis, cortical bone loss, impaired bone mineralization as well as hypertension, but not left ventricular hypertrophy. Collectively, our data show that the resistance of C57BL/6 mice to 5/6-Nx can be partially overcome by feeding the CPD, and that the CPD induces a profound, PTH-independent increase in FGF23 in 5/6-Nx mice, making it an interesting tool to assess the pathophysiological significance of FGF23 in CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Radloff
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - N Latic
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - U Pfeiffenberger
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - C Schüler
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - S Tangermann
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - L Kenner
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - R G Erben
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
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22
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Bagó F, Hoelzl F, Knauer F, Kübber-Heiss A, Smith S. Rapid and Reliable Detection of Echinococcus multilocularis from Faeces Using Droplet Digital PCR. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:553-559. [PMID: 33346906 PMCID: PMC8166707 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-020-00325-9] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Alveolar echinococcosis is a severe helminthic disease in humans caused by larvae of the fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis. Austria is considered an endemic area with hotspots having up to 45% prevalence (Bagó et al. in Proceedings of the Zoo and Wildlife Health Conference 2019, Berlin, p. 91, 2019). At our facility, we have registered a notifiable increase of animals submitted for the diagnosis of E. multilocularis since 2016. Therefore, we investigated high throughput diagnostic methods to provide rapid and reliable results in comparison with our current method. Methods We have developed and compared a novel method of detection using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) combined with previous target specific extraction according to Maas et al. (Vet Parasitol 230:20–24, 2016), with our current macroscopic method “Shaking in a Vessel Technique” (SVT) by Duscher et al. (Parasitol Res 95(1):40–42, 2005). We investigated 77 wild canids (72 red foxes, 5 golden jackals) using both methods. The data were analyzed using a non-Bayesian approach, applying bootstrapping to create confidentiality intervals. Results Sensitivity for droplet digital PCR was 90.51% with the 95% credibility interval ranging from 82.50 to 96.92%, whereas mean sensitivity for SVT was 92.04% with a 95% credibility interval ranging from 84.75% to 98.36%. Additionally, a non-linear regression similar to R2 could be pointed out between the counted worms and the results gathered from ddPCR. Conclusion Magnetic capture extraction followed by ddPCR shows strong potential as a high throughput method for diagnosing E. multilocularis prevalence in diverse canid populations as well as infection intensities of individual animals, giving valuable epidemiological insights of the distribution amongst wild canids as an alternative to conventional qPCR or macroscopic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Bagó
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department for Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Vetmeduni Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Franz Hoelzl
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, Department for Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Vetmeduni Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160, Vienna, Austria
| | - Felix Knauer
- Conservation Medicine Unit, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department for Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Vetmeduni Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Kübber-Heiss
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department for Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Vetmeduni Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160, Vienna, Austria
| | - Steve Smith
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, Department for Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Vetmeduni Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160, Vienna, Austria
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Rubel F, Brugger K, Chitimia-Dobler L, Dautel H, Meyer-Kayser E, Kahl O. Atlas of ticks (Acari: Argasidae, Ixodidae) in Germany. Exp Appl Acarol 2021; 84:183-214. [PMID: 33939100 PMCID: PMC8102463 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-021-00619-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
An updated and increased compilation of georeferenced tick locations in Germany is presented here. This data collection extends the dataset published some years ago by another 1448 new tick locations, 900 locations of which were digitized from literature and 548 locations are published here for the first time. This means that a total of 3492 georeferenced tick locations is now available for Germany. The tick fauna of Germany includes two species of Argasidae in the genera Argas and Carios and 19 species of Ixodidae in the genera Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis, and Ixodes, altogether 21 tick species. In addition, three species of Ixodidae in the genera Hyalomma (each spring imported by migratory birds) and Rhipicephalus (occasionally imported by dogs returning from abroad with their owners) are included in the tick atlas. Of these, the georeferenced locations of 23 tick species are depicted in maps. The occurrence of the one remaining tick species, the recently described Ixodes inopinatus, is given at the level of the federal states. The most common and widespread tick species is Ixodes ricinus, with records in all 16 federal states. With the exception of Hamburg, Dermacentor reticulatus was also found in all federal states. The occurrence of the ixodid ticks Ixodes canisuga, Ixodes frontalis, Ixodes hexagonus and I. inopinatus were documented in at least 11 federal states each. The two mentioned argasid tick species were also documented in numerous federal states, the pigeon tick Argas reflexus in 11 and the bat tick Carios vespertilionis in seven federal states. The atlas of ticks in Germany and the underlying digital dataset in the supplement can be used to improve global tick maps or to study the effects of climate change and habitat alteration on the distribution of tick species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Rubel
- Unit for Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Katharina Brugger
- Unit for Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Wien, Austria
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Pacífico C, Stauder A, Reisinger N, Schwartz-Zimmermann HE, Zebeli Q. Distinct serum metabolomic signatures of multiparous and primiparous dairy cows switched from a moderate to high-grain diet during early lactation. Metabolomics 2020; 16:96. [PMID: 32909121 PMCID: PMC7481167 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-020-01712-z] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Feeding of high-grain diets is common in cows during early lactation, but increases the odds of metabolic derailments, which can likely be detected as undesirable shifts in the serum metabolome signature. OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to identify the metabolic signatures of the serum metabolome of early lactation dairy cows switched from a moderate to a high-grain diet. METHODS Targeted ESI-LC-MS/MS-based metabolomics was used to characterize metabolic alterations in the serum of early lactation multiparous (MP, n = 16) and primiparous (PP, n = 8) Simmental cows, according to parity and feeding phase. Data were analysed using different data mining approaches. RESULTS Carnitine, acetylcarnitine, propionoylcarnitine, amino acid related compounds cis-4-hydroxyproline, trans-4-hydroxyproline, proline betaine, lysophosphatidylcholine PC a C16:1 and phosphatidylcholine PC ae C36:0 were identified as the key metabolites distinguishing MP from PP cows. A different serum metabolite composition during moderate and high-grain diet was also evident. Notably, cows fed high grain diet had higher serum concentrations of primary bile acids and triglycerides, but lower levels of conjugated bile acids and carboxylic acids during the first week in grain. Amino acids valine, cystine and taurine together with lysophosphatidylcholine PC a C26:0 and several phosphatidylcholines were classified as important features for cluster separation. CONCLUSIONS Our study greatly expands earlier observations on dietary effects on serum metabolome composition of cows. The altered metabolomic fingerprints clearly distinguishable by diet and cow parity hold potential to be used as early diagnostic tools for cows experiencing grain-induced metabolic disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Pacífico
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Gut Health Concepts of Livestock, Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - A Stauder
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Gut Health Concepts of Livestock, Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - N Reisinger
- BIOMIN Research Center, BIOMIN Holding GmbH, Tulln, Austria
| | - H E Schwartz-Zimmermann
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Gut Health Concepts of Livestock, Institute of Bioanalytics and Agro-Metabolomics, Department of Agrobiotechnology (IFA-Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Q Zebeli
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Gut Health Concepts of Livestock, Institute of Animal Nutrition and Functional Plant Compounds, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
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Rubel F, Brugger K, Belova OA, Kholodilov IS, Didyk YM, Kurzrock L, García-Pérez AL, Kahl O. Vectors of disease at the northern distribution limit of the genus Dermacentor in Eurasia: D. reticulatus and D. silvarum. Exp Appl Acarol 2020; 82:95-123. [PMID: 32815071 PMCID: PMC7471206 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-020-00533-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The two ixodid tick species Dermacentor reticulatus (Fabricius) and Dermacentor silvarum Olenev occur at the northern distribution limit of the genus Dermacentor in Eurasia, within the belt of [Formula: see text] latitude. Whilst the distribution area of D. reticulatus extends from the Atlantic coast of Portugal to Western Siberia, that of D. silvarum extends from Western Siberia to the Pacific coast. In Western Siberia, the distribution areas of the two Dermacentor species overlap. Although the two tick species are important vectors of disease, detailed information concerning the entire distribution area, climate adaptation, and proven vector competence is still missing. A dataset was compiled, resulting in 2188 georeferenced D. reticulatus and 522 D. silvarum locations. Up-to-date maps depicting the geographical distribution and climate adaptation of the two Dermacentor species are presented. To investigate the climate adaptation of the two tick species, the georeferenced locations were superimposed on a high-resolution map of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification. The frequency distribution of D. reticulatus under different climates shows two major peaks related to the following climates: warm temperate with precipitation all year round (57%) and boreal with precipitation all year round (40%). The frequency distribution of D. silvarum shows also two major peaks related to boreal climates with precipitation all year round (30%) and boreal winter dry climates (60%). Dermacentor silvarum seems to be rather flexible concerning summer temperatures, which can range from cool to hot. In climates with cool summers D. reticulatus does not occur, it prefers warm and to a lesser extent hot summers. Lists are given in this paper for cases of proven vector competence for various agents of both Dermacentor species. For the first time, the entire distribution areas of D. reticulatus and D. silvarum were mapped using georeferenced data. Their climate adaptations were quantified by Köppen profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Rubel
- Unit for Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Katharina Brugger
- Unit for Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oxana A Belova
- Chumakov Institute of Poliomyelitis and Viral Encephalitides, FSBSI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS", Moscow, Russia
| | - Ivan S Kholodilov
- Chumakov Institute of Poliomyelitis and Viral Encephalitides, FSBSI "Chumakov FSC R&D IBP RAS", Moscow, Russia
| | - Yuliya M Didyk
- Institute of Zoology SAS, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology NAS of Ukraine, Kiev, Ukraine
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Sonnberger K, Duscher GG, Fuehrer HP, Leschnik M. Current trends in canine dirofilariosis in Austria-do we face a pre-endemic status? Parasitol Res 2020; 119:1001-1009. [PMID: 32056024 PMCID: PMC7075843 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06576-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A retrospective study based on cases of canine dirofilariosis presented to the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna or diagnosed by private practitioners throughout Austria, from 1998 to 2018 was conducted to investigate the long-term development and current state of canine dirofilarial infections in Austria. Included in this study were 146 dogs which were tested positive for D. immitis and/or D. repens. The most commonly used diagnostic methods and the probable geographical origins of the infections were evaluated and the treatment protocols applied were compared with each other and with the literature. The results show that most infections were found due to screening for common travel infections using antigen-ELISA or PCR-testing, or by the incidental finding of microfilariae. Remarkably, only 24.3% of all cases presented showed clinical signs indicating canine dirofilariosis. Regarding the origin and travel history of the dogs, thirteen different countries could be identified. The three treatment protocols used showed a similar outcome after 8 months of treatment and minor side effects, which is consistent with the literature. An alarming increase in reported infections with both D. immitis and D. repens in Austria was noted since 2014. The number of documented cases had almost tripled by 2018, raising severe concerns about the threat of it becoming endemic in Austria. Therefore, the existing recommendations in current guidelines regarding canine dirofilariosis should be widely publicised and more strictly enforced. Prophylactic measures for dogs travelling abroad and diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for dogs imported from endemic countries should be obligatorily established throughout Europe, to reduce the risk of further spread of canine filarial infections to non-endemic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Sonnberger
- Tierklinik Sattledt Traunkeis Vet Clinic OG, Kirchdorfer Staße 7, 4642 Sattledt, Austria
| | - Georg G. Duscher
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Leschnik
- Internal Medicine Small Animals Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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Zittra C, Schoener ER, Wagner R, Heddergott M, Duscher GG, Fuehrer HP. Unnoticed arrival of two dipteran species in Austria: the synanthropic moth fly Clogmia albipunctata (Williston, 1893) and the parasitic bird louse fly Ornithoica turdi (Olivier in Latreille, 1811). Parasitol Res 2020; 119:737-740. [PMID: 31834491 PMCID: PMC6985048 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06563-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In the framework of a mosquito-monitoring program conducted from 2014 to 2018, non-culicid dipteran bycatch was identified to species-level with a focus on Diptera of medical and veterinary importance as part of a biodiversity initiative and barcoding project ("Austrian Barcode of Life"). Two species hitherto not known from Austria, the regularly sampled synanthropic moth fly Clogmia albipunctata (Psychodidae) and a single specimen of the louse fly Ornithoica turdi (Hippoboscidae), were collected in Vienna and Lower Austria. We confirmed identification results using a barcoding approach and provide the first reference sequence for O. turdi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Zittra
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Limnology and Bio-Oceanography, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ellen R Schoener
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rüdiger Wagner
- Universität Kassel FB 10, Zoologie, Heinrich-Plett-Straße 40, 34132, Kassel, Germany
| | - Mike Heddergott
- Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle, 25 rue Münster, 2160, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Georg G Duscher
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
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Abstract
Canine pathogens transmitted by blood-sucking arthropods are of significant importance for veterinary and, in some cases, human health. However, they are still underestimated and rarely investigated in many parts of the Mediterranean region, mostly due to financial reasons. Therefore, in the present paper, we investigated the occurrence of blood-associated pathogens affecting dogs in Crete, Greece. For this purpose, blood samples from 103 shelter dogs were screened for the pathogens by PCR and serological tests. Overall, samples from 43 dogs scored positive for at least one pathogen (41.8%). In particular, antibodies to Leishmania infantum were detected in 26 dogs (25.2%), and 15 and 11 animals were positive for Hepatozoon canis (14.6%) and Mycoplasma haemocanis (10.7%) by PCR, respectively. Co-infections were recorded in nine animals. Clinical signs indicative of infection (alterations of skin or coat or reduced body condition) were detected in 10 animals, four of which were infected with one pathogen, three with two pathogens. Based on the results obtained, dogs from Crete appear to be frequently exposed to several blood-borne pathogens, including agents of zoonotic concern. Given that some of the pathogens were reported for the first time in this area, results presented in our study should improve the awareness of the local veterinarians and of dog rescue organisations in order to reduce disease burden on stray and owned dogs and to control the spread of canine vector-borne diseases from Greece to non-endemic areas by travelling or exported infected dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Hofmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Niki Pouliou
- Animal Medical Center, Kýprou 61, 722 00 Ierapetra, Greece
| | - Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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Scharnböck B, Roch FF, Richter V, Funke C, Firth CL, Obritzhauser W, Baumgartner W, Käsbohrer A, Pinior B. A meta-analysis of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) prevalences in the global cattle population. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14420. [PMID: 30258185 PMCID: PMC6158279 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32831-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A random effect meta-analysis was performed to estimate the worldwide pooled bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) prevalences of persistently infected (PI), viraemic (VI) and antibody-positive (AB) animals and herds. The meta-analysis covered 325 studies in 73 countries that determined the presence or absence of BVDV infections in cattle from 1961 to 2016. In total, 6.5 million animals and 310,548 herds were tested for BVDV infections in the global cattle population. The worldwide pooled PI prevalences at animal level ranged from low (≤0.8% Europe, North America, Australia), medium (>0.8% to 1.6% East Asia) to high (>1.6% West Asia). The PI and AB prevalences in Europe decreased over time, while BVDV prevalence increased in North America. The highest mean pooled PI prevalences at animal level were identified in countries that had failed to implement any BVDV control and/or eradication programmes (including vaccination). Our analysis emphasizes the need for more standardised epidemiological studies to support decision-makers implementing animal health policies for non-globally-regulated animal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Scharnböck
- Institute for Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Franz-Ferdinand Roch
- Institute for Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika Richter
- Institute for Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carsten Funke
- Institute for Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Justus-Liebig-University, Frankfurter Straße 96, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Clair L Firth
- Institute for Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Obritzhauser
- Institute for Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Baumgartner
- University Clinic for Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Annemarie Käsbohrer
- Institute for Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Biological Safety, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Diedersdorfer Weg 1, 12277, Berlin, Germany
| | - Beate Pinior
- Institute for Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
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30
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Duscher T, Hodžić A, Glawischnig W, Duscher GG. The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) and the raccoon (Procyon lotor)-their role and impact of maintaining and transmitting zoonotic diseases in Austria, Central Europe. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:1411-1416. [PMID: 28229221 PMCID: PMC5360840 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5405-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The neozoan species raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) and raccoon (Procyon lotor) are widespread in Europe and potential vectors of many diseases that can threaten human and domestic animal health. Facing a further spread of these species, it is important to know about (i) pathogens imported and/or (ii) pathogens acquired in the new habitat. Thus, we investigated the parasite fauna of wild raccoon dogs and raccoons from Austria, at the edge of their new distribution range. The eight examined raccoons were nearly free of pathogens including Baylisascaris procyonis, and thus assumed to have a low epidemiological impact, so far. Out of ten raccoon dog specimens, we found one from western Austria to be infected with Echinococcus multilocularis and another three from the eastern wetland regions to harbour adults of Alaria alata. Furthermore, we detected Babesia cf. microti in five of eight raccoon dogs all over Austria but none of our samples were tested positive for Trichinella spp. Nevertheless, the raccoon dog seems to be a relevant host, at least for the zoonotic pathogens E. multilocularis and A. alata, and we suggest to further monitor the raccoon dogs parasite fauna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Duscher
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Glawischnig
- Institute for Veterinary Disease Control, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Georg G Duscher
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210, Vienna, Austria.
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Fuchs-Telka S, Fister S, Mester PJ, Wagner M, Rossmanith P. Hydrophobic ionic liquids for quantitative bacterial cell lysis with subsequent DNA quantification. Anal Bioanal Chem 2017; 409:1503-1511. [PMID: 28004172 PMCID: PMC5333376 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-016-0112-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Revised: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
DNA is one of the most frequently analyzed molecules in the life sciences. In this article we describe a simple and fast protocol for quantitative DNA isolation from bacteria based on hydrophobic ionic liquid supported cell lysis at elevated temperatures (120-150 °C) for subsequent PCR-based analysis. From a set of five hydrophobic ionic liquids, 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide was identified as the most suitable for quantitative cell lysis and DNA extraction because of limited quantitative PCR inhibition by the aqueous eluate as well as no detectable DNA uptake. The newly developed method was able to efficiently lyse Gram-negative bacterial cells, whereas Gram-positive cells were protected by their thick cell wall. The performance of the final protocol resulted in quantitative DNA extraction efficiencies for Gram-negative bacteria similar to those obtained with a commercial kit, whereas the number of handling steps, and especially the time required, was dramatically reduced. Graphical Abstract After careful evaluation of five hydrophobic ionic liquids, 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([BMPyr + ][Ntf 2- ]) was identified as the most suitable ionic liquid for quantitative cell lysis and DNA extraction. When used for Gram-negative bacteria, the protocol presented is simple and very fast and achieves DNA extraction efficiencies similar to those obtained with a commercial kit. ddH 2 O double-distilled water, qPCR quantitative PCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Fuchs-Telka
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Monitoring of Microbial Contaminants, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Fister
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Monitoring of Microbial Contaminants, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Patrick-Julian Mester
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Monitoring of Microbial Contaminants, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Wagner
- Institute for Milk Hygiene, Milk Technology, and Food Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Rossmanith
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Monitoring of Microbial Contaminants, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
- Institute for Milk Hygiene, Milk Technology, and Food Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
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32
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Chopra-Dewasthaly R, Korb M, Brunthaler R, Ertl R. Comprehensive RNA-Seq Profiling to Evaluate the Sheep Mammary Gland Transcriptome in Response to Experimental Mycoplasma agalactiae Infection. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170015. [PMID: 28081235 PMCID: PMC5231372 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma agalactiae is a worldwide serious pathogen of small ruminants that usually spreads through the mammary route causing acute to subacute mastitis progressing to chronic persistent disease that is hard to eradicate. Knowledge of mechanisms of its pathogenesis and persistence in the mammary gland are still insufficient, especially the host-pathogen interplay that enables it to reside in a chronic subclinical state. This study reports transcriptome profiling of mammary tissue from udders of sheep experimentally infected with M. agalactiae type strain PG2 in comparison with uninfected control animals using Illumina RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq). Several differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were observed in the infected udders and RT-qPCR analyses of selected DEGs showed their expression profiles to be in agreement with results from RNA-Seq. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed majority of the DEGs to be associated with mycoplasma defense responses that are directly or indirectly involved in host innate and adaptive immune responses. Similar RNA-Seq analyses were also performed with spleen cells of the same sheep to know the specific systemic transcriptome responses. Spleen cells exhibited a comparatively lower number of DEGs suggesting a less prominent host response in this organ. To our knowledge this is the first study that describes host transcriptomics of M. agalactiae infection and the related immune-inflammatory responses. The data provides useful information to further dissect the molecular genetic mechanisms underlying mycoplasma mastitis, which is a prerequisite for designing effective intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohini Chopra-Dewasthaly
- Division of Clinical Microbiology and Infection Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1,Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail:
| | - Melanie Korb
- VetCore Facility for Research, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1,Vienna, Austria
| | - René Brunthaler
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1, Vienna, Austria
| | - Reinhard Ertl
- VetCore Facility for Research, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinaerplatz 1,Vienna, Austria
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