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Varzandi AR, Zanet S, Rubele E, Occhibove F, Vada R, Benatti F, Ferroglio E. Development of a qPCR Duplex Assay for simultaneous detection of Fascioloides magna and Galba truncatula in eDNA samples: Monitoring beyond boundaries. Sci Total Environ 2024; 916:170338. [PMID: 38266734 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Parasites constitute a significant economic burden and highly impact environmental, public, and animal health. The emergence of many parasitic diseases is environmentally mediated and they share the same biogeography with humans and both domestic and wild animals. American liver fluke, Fascioloides magna - a trematode parasite of domestic and wild ungulates - is an example of the anthropogenic introduction of an "invasive alien species" in Italy and Europe. Multiple introductions to Europe have led to the biogeographical expansion of the parasite across the Danube region mainly provided by the presence of suitable habitats for all hosts involved in the parasite's life cycle, human-assisted transport, and drastic environmental events such as flooding. In Italy, it was introduced and established in La Mandria Regional Park (LMRP) near Turin in 1865 along with imported wapitis (Cervus elaphus canadensis) from North America (Bassi, 1875), but with no reported expansion to the surrounding areas. LMRP isolated F. magna focus, poses an important threat of possible expansion since the enclosed area is vulnerable to occasional bidirectional passage of roe deer. Additionally, tributary rivers to the Po river system, traversing the enclosed area, could further bolster the possibility of such spread. In this study, we developed a duplex qPCR assay for F. magna and its principal intermediate host Galba truncatula optimized for testing eDNA samples to meet the needs for surveillance of the parasite. Moreover, we validated the developed assay in natura by testing samples derived from filtered water and sediments collected inside and outside LMRP's fenced-off area. Our findings for the first time demonstrate the presence of F. magna's eDNA outside the park's internal fenced-off area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Reza Varzandi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, TO, Italy.
| | - Stefania Zanet
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Elisa Rubele
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Flavia Occhibove
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Rachele Vada
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Francesco Benatti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Ezio Ferroglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
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Sosa-Cornejo I, Martín-Del-Campo R, González-Flores JA, González-Camacho ZB, Cabrera-Cuellar BA, Bielli A, Valdes-Flores JE, Olimón-Andalón V. Leucism: the prevalent congenital malformation in the olive ridley sea turtle of northwestern Mexico. Dis Aquat Organ 2022; 152:61-71. [PMID: 36394141 DOI: 10.3354/dao03705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Despite being the most abundant sea turtle in the world, the olive ridley turtle Lepidochelys olivacea is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN. There is evidence of congenital malformations in hatchlings, and the associated causes are multifactorial, with both genetic and environmental sources. Santuario Playa Ceuta (SPC) is a sanctuary for the olive ridley, located at the northernmost region of its nesting range in the Mexican Pacific. The objective of this study was to identify and quantify the prevalence and severity of congenital malformations in olive ridley embryos/hatchlings in SPC during the 2017 nesting season. We collected 62907 eggs from 643 relocated nests that were moved to a hatchery, of which 4242 eggs with obvious development did not hatch and were analyzed for this study. Hatching success was 53.9%, with 22.5% of nests (n = 145) and 0.54% of eggs (n = 344) showing embryos or hatchlings with malformations. The nest severity index was 2.4 (range: 1-10) malformed embryos or hatchlings per nest, and the organism severity index was 1.4 (range: 1-7) malformations per malformed embryo or hatchling. Leucism was the most prevalent malformation (34.4%; 170/494 total observed), with the craniofacial region showing the greatest diversity of malformations (17/35 types). Given the geographical position of SPC, extreme environmental conditions (e.g. cold, heat, and dryness) could be one of the main causes of teratogenesis in this species. However, more studies are needed regarding the presence of contaminants, genetic factors, health assessments of nesting females, and malformation rates of nests that remain in situ versus those that are relocated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingmar Sosa-Cornejo
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, Sinaloa 80040, Mexico
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Webb RJ, Roberts AA, Wylie S, Kosch T, Toledo LF, Merces M, Skerratt LF, Berger L. Non-detection of mycoviruses in amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) from Australia. Fungal Biol 2022; 126:75-81. [PMID: 34930560 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Mycoviruses may influence the pathogenicity of disease-causing fungi. Although mycoviruses have been found in some chytrid fungi, limited testing has not detected them in Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), the cause of the devastating amphibian disease, chytridiomycosis. Here we conducted a survey for mycovirus presence in 38 Bd isolates from Australia (n = 31), Brazil (n = 5) and South Korea (n = 2) with a combination of modern high-throughput sequencing and conventional dsRNA cellulose chromatography. Mycoviruses were not detected in any isolates. This result was unexpected, given the long evolutionary history of Bd, as well as the high prevalence of mycoviruses in related fungal species. Given our widespread sampling in Australia and the limited number of Bd introductions, we suggest that mycoviruses are uncommon or absent from Australian Bd. Testing more isolates from regions where Bd originated, as well as regions with high diversity or low fungal virulence may identify mycoviruses that could aid in disease control.
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Broughton H, Govender D, Serrano E, Shikwambana P, Jolles A. Equal contributions of feline immunodeficiency virus and coinfections to morbidity in African lions. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2021; 16:83-94. [PMID: 34466379 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a pathogenic lentivirus related to human and simian immunodeficiency viruses that has been associated with AIDS-like pathologies in domestic and wild cats, as well as in hyenas. Despite known pathologies, progressive immunosuppression and ill health effects driven by these lentiviruses in association with other secondary infections remain understudied in free-ranging species. Here, the role of coinfections by gastrointestinal parasites and tick-borne hemoparasites for FIV disease progression was explored in 195 free-ranging African lions (Panthera leo) living in Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa. Using statistical methodology, we evaluated the effects of FIV on a range of health indicators to explore how direct and indirect effects of FIV and associated coinfections align to determine lion health outcomes. Findings show direct negative effects of FIV on host immunity and nutritional status, and exacerbation of aggressive behaviors, conditions which may increase exposure/susceptibility to other secondary infections. When taken together, the contribution of coinfecting parasites to morbidity in lions is of similar magnitude as direct effects of FIV infection alone, suggesting that the particular coinfection assemblage may play a role in mediating disease progression within natural lion populations. Immunosuppression by FIV increases richness and abundance of secondary parasites. Infection by gastrointestinal parasites drives severe malnourishment in FIV hosts. Hemoparasite infection contributed to liver pathology and clinical wasting. Contributions of secondary infections to morbidity equal the direct effects of FIV.
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Huaman JL, Pacioni C, Forsyth DM, Pople A, Hampton JO, Helbig KJ, Carvalho TG. Evaluation of haemoparasite and Sarcocystis infections in Australian wild deer. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2021; 15:262-269. [PMID: 34277336 PMCID: PMC8261462 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.06.006] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Wild animals are natural reservoir hosts for a variety of pathogens that can be transmitted to other wildlife, livestock, other domestic animals, and humans. Wild deer (family Cervidae) in Europe, Asia, and North and South America have been reported to be infected with gastrointestinal and vector-borne parasites. In Australia, wild deer populations have expanded considerably in recent years, yet there is little information regarding which pathogens are present and whether these pathogens pose biosecurity threats to humans, wildlife, livestock, or other domestic animals. To address this knowledge gap, PCR-based screening for five parasitic genera was conducted in blood samples (n = 243) sourced from chital deer (Axis axis), fallow deer (Dama dama), rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) sampled in eastern Australia. These blood samples were tested for the presence of DNA from Plasmodium spp., Trypanosoma spp., Babesia spp., Theileria spp. and Sarcocystis spp. Further, the presence of antibodies against Babesia bovis was investigated in serum samples (n = 105) by immunofluorescence. In this study, neither parasite DNA nor antibodies were detected for any of the five genera investigated. These results indicate that wild deer are not currently host reservoirs for Plasmodium, Trypanosoma, Babesia, Theileria or Sarcocystis parasites in eastern Australia. We conclude that in eastern Australia, wild deer do not currently play a significant role in the transmission of these parasites. This survey represents the first large-scale molecular study of its type in Australian wild deer and provides important baseline information about the parasitic infection status of these animals. The expanding populations of wild deer throughout Australia warrant similar surveys in other parts of the country and surveillance efforts to continually assess the level of threat wild deer could pose to humans, wildlife, livestock and other domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose L. Huaman
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Carlo Pacioni
- Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia
- Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - David M. Forsyth
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Orange, New South Wales, 2800, Australia
| | - Anthony Pople
- Invasive Plants & Animals Research, Biosecurity Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Ecosciences Precinct, Brisbane, Queensland, 4102, Australia
| | - Jordan O. Hampton
- Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
- Ecotone Wildlife, PO Box 76, Inverloch, Victoria, 3996, Australia
| | - Karla J. Helbig
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Teresa G. Carvalho
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3086, Australia
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Delazeri F, Ernetti JR, De Bastiani VIM, Lingnau R, Toledo LF, Lucas EM. Forest cover influences chytrid infections in populations of Boana curupi, a threatened treefrog of south Brazil. Dis Aquat Organ 2021; 144:133-142. [PMID: 33955851 DOI: 10.3354/dao03585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Complex interactions among hosts, pathogens, and the environment affect the vulnerability of amphibians to the emergence of infectious diseases such as chytridiomycosis, caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Boana curupi is a forest-dwelling amphibian endemic to the southern Atlantic Forest of South America, a severely fragmented region. Here, we evaluated whether abiotic factors (including air and water temperature, relative air humidity, and landscape) are correlated with chytrid infection intensity and prevalence in B. curupi. We found individuals infected with Bd in all populations sampled. Prevalence ranged from 25-86%, and the infection burden ranged from 1 to over 130000 zoospore genomic equivalents (g.e.) (mean ± SD: 4913 ± 18081 g.e.). The infection load differed among populations and was influenced by forest cover at scales of 100, 500, and 1000 m, with the highest infection rates recorded in areas with a higher proportion of forest cover. Our results suggest that the fungus is widely distributed in the populations of B. curupi in southern Brazil. Population and disease monitoring are necessary to better understand the relationships between host, pathogen, and environment, especially when, as in the case of B. curupi, threatened species are involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francieli Delazeri
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Comunitária da Região de Chapecó, Chapecó, Santa Catarina 89809-900, Brazil
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Moroni B, Valldeperes M, Serrano E, López-Olvera JR, Lavín S, Rossi L. Comment on: "The treatment of sarcoptic mange in wildlife: a systematic review". Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:471. [PMID: 32933573 PMCID: PMC7491160 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04347-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
This letter comments on the article “The treatment of sarcoptic mange in wildlife: a systematic review” published in Parasites & Vectors 2019, 12:99, and discusses the limitations in the use of endectocides for scabies control in free-ranging wildlife. The ecological impact and drug resistance to ivermectin are also discussed. In our view, scabies control in free-ranging wildlife should be based preferably on population management measures, and whether to apply individual treatments to free-ranging populations should be considered very carefully and avoided where not absolutely warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Moroni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Universitá di Torino, Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
| | - Marta Valldeperes
- Wildlife Ecology & Health group (WE&H), and Serveid'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Emmanuel Serrano
- Wildlife Ecology & Health group (WE&H), and Serveid'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Jorge Ramón López-Olvera
- Wildlife Ecology & Health group (WE&H), and Serveid'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Santiago Lavín
- Wildlife Ecology & Health group (WE&H), and Serveid'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Luca Rossi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Universitá di Torino, Grugliasco, Torino, Italy.
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Belsare AV, Gompper ME, Keller B, Sumners J, Hansen L, Millspaugh JJ. An agent-based framework for improving wildlife disease surveillance: A case study of chronic wasting disease in Missouri white-tailed deer. Ecol Modell 2020; 417. [PMID: 32189826 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2019.108919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological surveillance for important wildlife diseases often relies on samples obtained from hunter-harvested animals. A problem, however, is that although convenient and cost-effective, hunter-harvest samples are not representative of the population due to heterogeneities in disease distribution and biased sampling. We developed an agent-based modeling framework that i) simulates a deer population in a user-generated landscape, and ii) uses a snapshot of the in silico deer population to simulate disease prevalence and distribution, harvest effort and sampling as per user-specified parameters. This framework can incorporate real-world heterogeneities in disease distribution, hunter harvest and harvest-based sampling, and therefore can be useful in informing wildlife disease surveillance strategies, specifically to determine population-specific sample sizes necessary for prompt detection of disease. Application of this framework is illustrated using the example of chronic wasting disease (CWD) surveillance in Missouri's white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) population. We show how confidence in detecting CWD is grossly overestimated under the unrealistic, but standard, assumptions that sampling effort and disease are randomly and independently distributed. We then provide adjusted sample size recommendations based on more realistic assumptions. Wildlife agencies can use these open-access models to design their CWD surveillance. Furthermore, these models can be readily adapted to other regions and other wildlife disease systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew E Gompper
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - Barbara Keller
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, St. Paul, MN 55155, USA
| | - Jason Sumners
- Missouri Department of Conservation, 3500 East Gans Road, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Lonnie Hansen
- School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Joshua J Millspaugh
- W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
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Bianco C, Baker KS, Pazzini L, Cafiso A, Suu-Ire RD, Cunningham AA, Wood JLN, Nuñez A. Demodicosis in a captive African straw-coloured fruit bat (Eidolon helvum). Exp Appl Acarol 2019; 78:547-554. [PMID: 31289968 PMCID: PMC7610979 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-019-00399-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Demodicosis is most frequently observed in the domestic dog (Canis familiaris), but it has rarely been reported in bats (Chiroptera). The overpopulation of Demodex spp. that causes dermatological changes is generally associated with a compromised immune system. We describe the gross and histological features of generalized demodicosis in an adult female African straw-coloured fruit bat (Eidolon helvum) drawn from a captive research colony. The histology of the lesions revealed comedones and follicular infundubular cysts harbouring numerous Demodex spp. mites, eliciting a minimal inflammatory response in the adjacent dermis. The histological examination of a full set of tissues did not reveal clear evidence of immunosuppression, although a clinical history of recent abortion and possible stressors due to captivity could be considered risk factors for the demodicosis. Attempts to determine the Demodex species using PCR on DNA extracted from the formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue failed. This is the first clinical and histological description of demodicosis in Eidolon helvum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Bianco
- Pathology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK.
- Pathology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Lasswade), Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, UK.
| | - Kate S Baker
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Biosciences Building, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Luca Pazzini
- La Vallonea Veterinary Laboratory, Via Sirtori 9, 20017, Passirana di Rho, Milano, MI, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cafiso
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Richard D Suu-Ire
- Wildlife Division, Forestry Commission, Box M239, Accra, Ghana
- Veterinary Services, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Box M161, Accra, Ghana
| | - Andrew A Cunningham
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - James L N Wood
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Alejandro Nuñez
- Pathology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA-Weybridge), Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK
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Eastwood JR, Peacock L, Hall ML, Roast M, Murphy SA, Gonçalves da Silva A, Peters A. Persistent low avian malaria in a tropical species despite high community prevalence. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2019; 8:88-93. [PMID: 30723669 PMCID: PMC6350384 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Malarial and other haemosporidian parasites are widespread; however, their temporal dynamics are ill-understood. Longitudinal sampling of a threatened riparian bird revealed a consistently very low prevalence over 13 years (∼5%) despite infections persisting and prevalence increasing with age. In contrast, three key species within this tropical community were highly infected (∼20–75% prevalence) and these differences were stable. Although we found novel lineages and phylogenetic structure at the local level, there was little geographic structuring within Australasia. This study suggests that malarial parasite susceptibility is determined by host factors and that species can maintain low levels despite high community prevalence. Malarial parasite prevalence varied between species (∼5–75%). Persistent and low prevalence over 12y in a riparian bird. Oldest age category had highest parasite prevalence. Parasites showed genetic structure at the local level but not within Australasia. Tropical species can maintain low malarial parasite levels despite high exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R. Eastwood
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, 25 Rainforest Walk, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
- Corresponding author.
| | - Lee Peacock
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, 25 Rainforest Walk, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Michelle L. Hall
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
- Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Vogelwarte Radolfzell, Schlossallee 2, D-78315, Radolfzell, Germany
| | - Michael Roast
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, 25 Rainforest Walk, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Stephen A. Murphy
- Adaptive NRM, Malanda, Queensland, 4885, Australia
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northern Territory, 0909, Australia
| | - Anders Gonçalves da Silva
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anne Peters
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, 25 Rainforest Walk, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
- Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Vogelwarte Radolfzell, Schlossallee 2, D-78315, Radolfzell, Germany
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Sweetapple P, Nugent G. Estimating disease survey intensity and wildlife population size from the density of survey devices: Leg-hold traps and the brushtail possum. Prev Vet Med 2018; 159:220-226. [PMID: 30314786 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2018.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Wildlife disease surveillance requires accurate information on the proportion of managed populations sampled or their population density, parameters that are typically expensive to measure. However, these parameters can be estimated using spatially explicit modelling of capture probabilities, based on the distribution and deployment times of capture devices, given accurate information on the relationships between these variables. This approach is used in New Zealand's surveillance programme aimed at confirming areas free of bovine tuberculosis (bTB1) in brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula). However, there is uncertainty about the accuracy of the underpinning parameters characterizing possum trappability (g), given the distance between where a trap is placed and the possum home range centre. Sampling intensity (SI: the percentage of the population sampled during a population survey) and sigma (σ; 95% home range radius/2.45) were measured, using leg-hold traps deployed under a set protocol to standardize survey effort, at four sites containing previously radio- and GPS-collared individuals. Those data were used to derive an estimate of the nightly probability of capture of possums in a trap set at their home range centre (g0). Those estimates were compared to the standard assumptions currently used as defaults in the day-to-day approach used by bTB managers. Home-range size (and therefore σ) varied widely between sites (range 3.6-49.4 ha), probably largely in response to differences in possum density. Field measured SI also varied widely between sites, and was closely positively correlated with home range size (R2 = 0.967; P = 0.017); wide-ranging possums were more trappable than sedentary ones. We found that g0 was inversely related to σ, but the magnitude of increases in g0 with declining σ appeared to be insufficient to compensate for the fewer places at which each possum could be trapped when those home ranges were small. SI was, therefore, not constant across sites where a standard survey effort was applied. The assumed relationship between g0 and σ in the current spatial model may, therefore, need reassessment. The management implication of these result is that the sampling effort required to attain a target sampling intensity is dependant on the target animal density, and for bTB management of possums in New Zealand, is under-estimated by the current default parameters in a model of freedom-from-disease for higher density possum populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Sweetapple
- Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, PO Box 69040, Lincoln, 7640, New Zealand.
| | - Graham Nugent
- Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, PO Box 69040, Lincoln, 7640, New Zealand.
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Abstract
The result of pathogen exposures may depend upon trade-offs in energetic demands for immune responses against host growth and survival. Environmental conditions may influence these trade-offs by affecting host size, or trade-offs may change across seasons, altering impacts of pathogens. We exposed northern leopard frog Lithobates pipiens tadpoles to different larval environments (low leaf litter, high density of conspecifics, atrazine, caged fish, or controls) that influenced size at metamorphosis. Subsequently, we exposed metamorphs to Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), a fungal pathogen, just after metamorphosis and/or prior to overwintering 12 wk later. Bd exposure dramatically reduced survival during overwintering, with the strongest effects when hosts were exposed at both time points. Larval environments resulted in differences in host size. Those exposed to caged fish were 2.5 times larger than the smallest (those exposed to high density of conspecifics), but larval environment did not influence Bd effects on growth and survival. The largest frogs exposed to caged fish had greater survival through overwintering, but in the absence of Bd. We built stage-structured models to evaluate if overwinter mortality from Bd is capable of having effects on host populations. Our models suggest that Bd exposure after metamorphosis or before overwintering can reduce population growth rates. Our study demonstrates that hosts suffer little effects of Bd exposures following metamorphosis and that small body size did not hamper growth and survival. Instead, we provide evidence that winter mortality from Bd exposure is capable of reducing population sizes, providing a plausible mechanism for amphibian declines in temperate regions.
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Seixas F, Travassos P, Coutinho T, Lopes AP, Latrofa MS, Pires MDA, Cardoso L, Otranto D. The eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda in Portugal: Current status of infection in pets and wild mammals and case report in a beech marten (Martes foina). Vet Parasitol 2018; 252:163-166. [PMID: 29559141 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ocular thelaziosis is caused by nematodes of the genus Thelazia (Spirurida, Thelaziidae), which inhabit the surface of the eyes and associated tissues. Thelazia callipaeda affects a range of mammal species, including humans, and in the last two decades has been reported in multiple European countries, being classified as an emergent vector-borne pathogen. In Portugal T. callipaeda is endemic in north-eastern areas, where it has been reported in domestic dogs, cats, red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and wild European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). We report, for the first time, T. callipaeda in a beech marten (Martes foina) from Portugal and highlight the presence of haplotype 1 as the only one found in Europe, irrespective of the host species and geographical area of provenience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Seixas
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Histology and Pathology, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal; Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Paulo Travassos
- Laboratory of Applied Ecology (LEA), Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), School of Life and Environment Sciences, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Teresa Coutinho
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Parasitology, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Patrícia Lopes
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal; Department of Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Parasitology, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | | | - Maria Dos Anjos Pires
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Histology and Pathology, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal; Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal; Department of Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Parasitology, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
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Clark NJ, Olsson-Pons S, Ishtiaq F, Clegg SM. Specialist enemies, generalist weapons and the potential spread of exotic pathogens: malaria parasites in a highly invasive bird. Int J Parasitol 2015; 45:891-9. [PMID: 26433143 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2015.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Revised: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pathogens can influence the success of invaders. The Enemy Release Hypothesis predicts invaders encounter reduced pathogen abundance and diversity, while the Novel Weapons Hypothesis predicts invaders carry novel pathogens that spill over to competitors. We tested these hypotheses using avian malaria (haemosporidian) infections in the invasive myna (Acridotheres tristis), which was introduced to southeastern Australia from India and was secondarily expanded to the eastern Australian coast. Mynas and native Australian birds were screened in the secondary introduction range for haemosporidians (Plasmodium and Haemoproteus spp.) and results were combined with published data from the myna's primary introduction and native ranges. We compared malaria prevalence and diversity across myna populations to test for Enemy Release and used phylogeographic analyses to test for exotic strains acting as Novel Weapons. Introduced mynas carried significantly lower parasite diversity than native mynas and significantly lower Haemoproteus prevalence than native Australian birds. Despite commonly infecting native species that directly co-occur with mynas, Haemoproteus spp. were only recorded in introduced mynas in the primary introduction range and were apparently lost during secondary expansion. In contrast, Plasmodium infections were common in all ranges and prevalence was significantly higher in both introduced and native mynas than in native Australian birds. Introduced mynas carried several exotic Plasmodium lineages that were shared with native mynas, some of which also infected native Australian birds and two of which are highly invasive in other bioregions. Our results suggest that introduced mynas may benefit through escape from Haemoproteus spp. while acting as important reservoirs for Plasmodium spp., some of which are known exotic lineages.
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Synek P, Popelková A, Koubínová D, Šťastný K, Langrová I, Votýpka J, Munclinger P. Haemosporidian infections in the Tengmalm's Owl (Aegolius funereus) and potential insect vectors of their transmission. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:291-8. [PMID: 26365667 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4745-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Sedentary bird species are suitable model hosts for identifying potential vectors of avian blood parasites. We studied haemosporidian infections in the Tengmalm's Owl (Aegolius funereus) in the Ore Mountains of the Czech Republic using molecular detection methods. Sex of owl nestlings was scored using molecular sexing based on fragment analysis of PCR-amplified CHD1 introns. Observed infection prevalences in nestlings and adult owls were 51 and 86 %, respectively. Five parasite lineages were detected. Most of the infections comprised the Leucocytozoon AEFUN02 and STOCC06 lineages that probably refer to distinct Leucocytozoon species. Other lineages were detected only sporadically. Mixed infections were found in 49 % of samples. The main factor affecting the probability of infection was host age. No effect of individual sex on infection probability was evidenced. The youngest infected nestling was 12 days old. High parasite prevalence in the Tengmalm's Owl nestlings suggests that insect vectors must enter nest boxes to transmit parasites before fledging. Hence, we placed sticky insect traps into modified nest boxes, collected potential insect vectors, and examined them for the presence of haemosporidian parasites using molecular detection. We trapped 201 insects which were determined as biting midges from the Culicoides genus and two black fly species, Simulium (Nevermannia) vernum and Simulium (Eusimulium) angustipes. Six haemosporidian lineages were detected in the potential insect vectors, among which the Leucocytozoon lineage BT2 was common to the Tengmalm's Owl and the trapped insects. However, we have not detected the most frequently encountered Tengmalm's Owl Leucocytozoon lineages AEFUN02 and STOCC06 in insects.
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Maceda-Veiga A, Figuerola J, Martínez-Silvestre A, Viscor G, Ferrari N, Pacheco M. Inside the Redbox: applications of haematology in wildlife monitoring and ecosystem health assessment. Sci Total Environ 2015; 514:322-332. [PMID: 25668285 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Revised: 01/31/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Blood analyses have great potential in studies of ecology, ecotoxicology and veterinary science in wild vertebrates based on advances in human and domestic animal medicine. The major caveat for field researchers, however, is that the 'rules' for human or domestic animal haematology do not always apply to wildlife. The present overview shows the strengths and limitations of blood analyses in wild vertebrates, and proposes a standardisation of pre-analytical procedures plus some suggestions for a more systematic examination of blood smears to increase the diagnostic value of blood data. By discussing the common problems that field researchers face with blood variables, we also aim to highlight common ground enabling new researchers in the field to accurately collect blood samples and interpret and place their haematological findings into the overall picture of an ecological or eco-toxicological study. Besides showing the practicality and ecological relevance of simple blood variables, this study illustrates the suitability of blood samples for the application of cutting-edge analytical procedures for expanding the current repertoire of diagnostic tools in wildlife monitoring and ecosystem health assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Maceda-Veiga
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK; Institute of Research in Biodiversity (IRBio), Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, ES-08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana-CSIC, ES-41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - Ginés Viscor
- Department of Animal Physiology (Biology), Universitat de Barcelona, ES-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nicola Ferrari
- Department of Veterinary Sciences and Public Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, IT-16 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Mário Pacheco
- Department of Biology, Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies-CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Singh BB, Gajadhar AA. Role of India's wildlife in the emergence and re-emergence of zoonotic pathogens, risk factors and public health implications. Acta Trop 2014; 138:67-77. [PMID: 24983511 PMCID: PMC7094111 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2014.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2014] [Revised: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Evolving land use practices have led to an increase in interactions at the human/wildlife interface. The presence and poor knowledge of zoonotic pathogens in India's wildlife and the occurrence of enormous human populations interfacing with, and critically linked to, forest ecosystems warrant attention. Factors such as diverse migratory bird populations, climate change, expanding human population and shrinking wildlife habitats play a significant role in the emergence and re-emergence of zoonotic pathogens from India's wildlife. The introduction of a novel Kyasanur forest disease virus (family flaviviridae) into human populations in 1957 and subsequent occurrence of seasonal outbreaks illustrate the key role that India's wild animals play in the emergence and reemergence of zoonotic pathogens. Other high priority zoonotic diseases of wildlife origin which could affect both livestock and humans include influenza, Nipah, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, plague, leptospirosis, anthrax and leishmaniasis. Continuous monitoring of India's extensively diverse and dispersed wildlife is challenging, but their use as indicators should facilitate efficient and rapid disease-outbreak response across the region and occasionally the globe. Defining and prioritizing research on zoonotic pathogens in wildlife are essential, particularly in a multidisciplinary one-world one-health approach which includes human and veterinary medical studies at the wildlife-livestock-human interfaces. This review indicates that wild animals play an important role in the emergence and re-emergence of zoonotic pathogens and provides brief summaries of the zoonotic diseases that have occurred in wild animals in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- B B Singh
- School of Public Health and Zoonosis, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.
| | - A A Gajadhar
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Centre for Foodborne and Animal Parasitology, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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18
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Fung H, Calzada J, Saldaña A, Santamaria A, Pineda V, Gonzalez K, Chaves L, Garner B, Gottdenker N. Domestic dog health worsens with socio-economic deprivation of their home communities. Acta Trop 2014; 135:67-74. [PMID: 24681221 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2014.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Revised: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Dogs play an important role in infectious disease transmission as reservoir hosts of many zoonotic and wildlife pathogens. Nevertheless, unlike wildlife species involved in the life cycle of pathogens, whose health status might be a direct reflection of their fitness and competitive abilities, dog health condition could be sensitive to socio-economic factors impacting the well-being of their owners. Here, we compare several dog health indicators in three rural communities of Panama with different degrees of socio-economic deprivation. From a total of 78 individuals, we collected blood and fecal samples, and assessed their body condition. With the blood samples, we performed routine hematologic evaluation (complete blood counts) and measured cytokine levels (Interferon-γ and Interleukin-10) through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. With the fecal samples we diagnosed helminthiases. Dogs were also serologically tested for exposure to Trypanosoma cruzi and canine distemper virus, and molecular tests were done to assess T. cruzi infection status. We found significant differences between dog health measurements, pathogen prevalence, parasite richness, and economic status of the human communities where the dogs lived. We found dogs that were less healthy, more likely to be infected with zoonotic pathogens, and more likely to be seropositive to canine distemper virus in the communities with lower economic status. This study concludes that isolated communities of lower economic status in Panama may have less healthy dogs that could become major reservoirs in the transmission of diseases to humans and sympatric wildlife.
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