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Morphological and Molecular Identification of Emerged Lophomonas blattarum Infection in Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran: First Registry-Based Study. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:1510-1516. [PMID: 34115281 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00422-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the last decade, several cases of bronchopulmonary lophomoniasis (BPL) have been recorded. Little information is available about epidemiological aspects on Lophomonas infection among BPL patients. The present study was aimed to investigate the prevalence of Lophomonas spp. infection in patients who were referred to the Iranian National Registry Center for Lophomoniasis (INRCL), using morphological and molecular tests. SUBJECTS AND METHODS We examined patients enrolled in the INRCL from 2017 to 2019 at the Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, northern Iran. All bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and two nasal discharges of the patients were examined by both microscopic and small-subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) PCR methods. To confirm the species of Lophomonas, two positive samples were sequenced. RESULTS In this study, 321 specimens (including 319 BALF and 2 nasal discharges) were microscopically examined. Lophomonas spp. was found in 45(14%) (n = 44 BAL; n = 1 nasal discharge). The mean age of infected patients was 54.9 ± 17.1 years. The following morphological characteristics were observed in both fresh and Papanicolaou-stained smears to identify Lophomonas spp. All microscopically positive specimens were confirmed with genus-specific PCR technique. The obtained sequences were deposited in Gen Bank under the accession numbers (MN243135-36). The BLAST analysis of our two sequences with the only available sequence in the Gen Bank of the Thailand strain of L. blattarum, showed identity of 99-100% and 98.51%, respectively. CONCLUSION To the best of our knowledge, this is the first registry-based study regarding lophomoniasis worldwide. According to our study, the conventional PCR test is an available and reliable tool for confirming the Lophomonas parasite in clinical samples. Moreover, the results confirmed that L. blattarum is circulating at least in our region.
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Rich but random: parasite communities of snouted treefrog, Scinax fuscovarius (Anura: Hylidae), in Bodoquena Mountains, western Brazil. Parasitol Res 2021; 121:11-19. [PMID: 34820717 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07378-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Hosts represent discrete habitats that contain finite parasite communities, and individual hosts can be used as replicates in parasitism studies, such as investigations of the processes that mediate the formation of parasite communities. However, within a single host population, there may be singularities among individuals that affect parasite contact rates. Accordingly, the goals of the present study were to document the parasites associated with the small treefrog Scinax fuscovarius, to verify possible variation and co-occurrences in parasite infracommunities, and to assess the effects of host characteristics (size and sex) on infracommunity structure. Treefrog specimens (n = 75) were collected from the Bodoquena Mountains in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. After collection, the specimens were transported to the laboratory, and examined for parasitic. The parasites found were removed, fixed, and identified. Patterns in parasite infracommunity organization were analyzed using the checkerboard score index, which was calculated using a presence-absence matrix. The matrix was randomized under the null hypothesis that the infracommunities independently represent the component community. Forty-two (56%) of the individuals harbored at least one parasite, and a total of 500 metazoan parasites were recovered, with a particularly rich composite community of 18 taxa, including 13 nematodes, two trematodes, one cestode, one oligochaete, and one mite larvae. The parasite species were randomly distributed among the infracommunities, with no evidence of co-occurrence, segregation, or aggregation. However, both body size and sex influenced infection, with larger hosts harboring more parasites and parasites were more abundant in male specimens and more species rich in female specimens. These results suggest that the parasite infracommunities of S. fuscovarius are shaped by both random factors and individual host characteristics.
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Islam S, Rahman MK, Uddin MH, Rahman MM, Chowdhury MNU, Hassan MM, Magalhaes RS, Islam A. Prevalence and diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in free-ranging rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) in different land gradients of Bangladesh. Am J Primatol 2021; 84:e23345. [PMID: 34783056 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Rhesus macaques are considered an important reservoir of different gastrointestinal (GI) zoonotic parasites affecting livestock and humans. Loads of GI parasites in the free-ranging rhesus macaques living in close proximity to communities in Bangladesh are still unknown. To estimate the prevalence and diversity of zoonotic GI parasites in rhesus macaques of Bangladesh, a total of 182 freshly voided fecal samples were collected from macaques living in rural (N = 67), peri-urban (N = 57), urban (N = 28), and Safari park (N = 30) between October 2015 and December 2016. All samples were tested by direct smear, sedimentation, flotation, and the McMaster techniques. A total of fourteen different taxa of GI parasites were detected, revealing an overall prevalence of 54.4% (n = 99; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 46.9-61.8). The prevalence of GI parasites was found to be significantly correlated with the mean parasitic taxa per individual in a group (r = 0.90; p = 0.002). The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the overall prevalence of GI parasites in macaques was significantly higher in those inhabiting rural areas (62.69%; odds ratio [OR]: 7.22; p = 0.001) and in macaques with interactions with other animals (60.98%; OR: 5.49; p = 0.005). Our results also indicated that the prevalence of Strongyloides spp. and Balantidium coli infections varied significantly between land gradients. Our results also indicate that macaques frequently visit human settlements for food and are found interacting with domestic animals. In conclusion, the high prevalence of zoonotic GI parasite infection in rhesus macaques found in our study may pose a significant public health risk to communities, particularly in rural areas of Bangladesh. Health promotion to at-risk communities focusing on limiting contact with rhesus macaques is necessary to mitigate potential zoonotic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shariful Islam
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Dhaka, Bangladesh.,EcoHealth Alliance, New York, New York, USA
| | - Md Kaisar Rahman
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Dhaka, Bangladesh.,EcoHealth Alliance, New York, New York, USA
| | - Md Helal Uddin
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mustafizur Rahman
- Department of Bangladesh Forest, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad N U Chowdhury
- Department of Bangladesh Forest, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad M Hassan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Ricardo S Magalhaes
- School of Veterinary Science, UQ Spatial Epidemiology Laboratory, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Children's Environment Program, UQ Children's Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Ariful Islam
- EcoHealth Alliance, New York, New York, USA.,Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Science, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia
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Lopes S, Calegaro-Marques C, Klain V, Chaves ÓM, Bicca-Marques JC. Necropsies disclose a low helminth parasite diversity in periurban howler monkeys. Am J Primatol 2021; 84:e23346. [PMID: 34783067 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Primate-parasite interactions are often investigated via coprological studies given ethical and conservation restrictions of collecting primate hosts. Yet, these studies are inadequate to recover adult helminths for taxonomic identification and to accurately assess their prevalence, intensity, abundance, and site of infection. Fresh carcasses found in anthropogenic landscapes come as informative and reliable alternatives. In this study, we identified the helminths of brown howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba clamitans) and their sites of infection, and measured their prevalence, intensity, and abundance of infection. We necropsied 18 adult males, 11 adult females, and 7 juvenile males that died in conflicts with the anthropogenic environment (domestic dog attacks, n = 11; electrocutions and road-kills, n = 10 each; unknown, n = 5) in periurban landscapes of southern Brazil between 2013 and 2019. We found three nematodes (Trypanoxyuris minutus, Dipetalonema gracile, and Parabronema bonnei) and one cestode (Bertiella cf. studeri), a diversity estimated to account for a sampling completeness of 99%. Prevalence ranged from 3% for P. bonnei to 100% for T. minutus. Mean abundance ranged from 2 (D. gracile and B. cf. studeri) to 55,116 (T. minutus) and mean intensity of infection ranged from 4 (B. cf. studeri) to 55,116 (T. minutus). Trypanoxyuris minutus sex ratio was strongly male-biased. The intensity of infection with T. minutus was higher in juvenile males and adult females than in adult males. The low parasite diversity and the helminths' mode of transmission are compatible with howlers' arboreality and folivorous-frugivorous diet. The howlers were not infected with soil-transmitted helminth parasites of humans and domestic animals on the ground and probably did not eat invertebrates to complement the diet. Given the lack of evidence of howler health problems, we suggest that the causes of death of the necropsied howlers are the major threats to the long-term conservation of the species at the study periurban landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Lopes
- Departamento de Zoologia, Laboratório de Helmintologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Calegaro-Marques
- Departamento de Zoologia, Laboratório de Helmintologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Klain
- Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Laboratório de Primatologia, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Óscar M Chaves
- Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Laboratório de Primatologia, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.,Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Júlio César Bicca-Marques
- Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Laboratório de Primatologia, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Locke A, Arnocky S. Breast symmetry, but not size or volume, predicts salivary immunoglobulin-A (sIgA) in women. EVOL HUM BEHAV 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Morphological Peculiarities of Parasitic (Trichosomoides crassicauda) Infection in Rat Urinary Bladder. MACEDONIAN VETERINARY REVIEW 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/macvetrev-2021-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Trichosomoides crassicauda (T. crassicauda) is a parasite commonly localized in the urinary bladder (UB) of laboratory and wild rats. The presence of these helminths can influence the prediction of pathological changes in the UB. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to make a comprehensive study of the features of the morphological changes in the UB wall of white laboratory rats as a result of T. crassicauda infestation. The study was performed on male rats using histological (Hematoxyline-Eosin and Alcian Blue staining) and immunohistochemical (Ki-67, Hsp70, Hsp90α, CD3 and CD20) methods. T. crassicauda was detected in both urine and UB samples. Morphological changes were observed as disruption in urothelial cell stratification and insignificant proliferative and immune responses in the UB. Increased heat shock protein levels were observed which may suggest a natural body’s resistance to this parasite.
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Adalid R, Feliu C, Somoano A, Miñarro M, Ventura J, Torres J, Miquel J, Fuentes MV. Ecological Analysis of the Helminth Community of Microtus lusitanicus (Gerbe, 1879) (Rodentia) in Asturias (NW Spain). Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:3055. [PMID: 34827787 PMCID: PMC8614527 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Lusitanian pine vole, Microtus lusitanicus, an endemic fossorial rodent of the Iberian Peninsula, has a burrowing behaviour and prefers to live underground. It feeds on bark and roots causing severe damage to trees. In Asturias (NW Spain), where M. lusitanicus is considered a pest in several orchards, a faunistic-ecological study was carried out to describe the helminth community of this species and the main factors that could influence its helminth component species. For this purpose, our own collection of 710 voles from several orchards of various locations in Asturias was used. Eight helminth species, four cestodes and four nematodes, were found. Statistical non-parametric tests were used to analyse the effects of extrinsic and intrinsic factors on the diversity of the helminth community and species prevalence and abundance. The results show the influence of climate variables, the year and season of capture, as well as host age, on the diversity of the helminth community and the infection parameters of some helminth species, underlining the importance of their life cycles. In addition to shedding light on the helminth community of this rodent in Asturias, the results obtained could be used to improve the biological methods applied to fight the M. lusitanicus pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roser Adalid
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, sn, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (R.A.); (C.F.); (J.T.); (J.M.)
| | - Carles Feliu
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, sn, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (R.A.); (C.F.); (J.T.); (J.M.)
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal, 645, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aitor Somoano
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Ctra. AS-267, PK 19, 33300 Villaviciosa, Spain; (A.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Marcos Miñarro
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Ctra. AS-267, PK 19, 33300 Villaviciosa, Spain; (A.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Jacint Ventura
- Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Facultat de Biociències, Campus de Bellaterra, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain;
- Àrea de Recerca en Petits Mamífers, Museu de Ciències Naturals de Granollers “La Tela”, C/Palaudàries, 102, 08402 Granollers, Spain
| | - Jordi Torres
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, sn, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (R.A.); (C.F.); (J.T.); (J.M.)
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal, 645, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Miquel
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l’Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, sn, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (R.A.); (C.F.); (J.T.); (J.M.)
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal, 645, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Màrius Vicent Fuentes
- Parasites and Health Research Group, Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Valencia, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
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Shutt-Phillips K, Pafčo B, Heistermann M, Kasim A, Petrželková KJ, Profousová-Pšenková I, Modrý D, Todd A, Fuh T, Dicky JF, Bopalanzognako JB, Setchell JM. Fecal glucocorticoids and gastrointestinal parasite infections in wild western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) involved in ecotourism. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 312:113859. [PMID: 34298054 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Wildlife ecotourism can offer a source of revenue which benefits local development and conservation simultaneously. However, habituation of wildlife for ecotourism can cause long-term elevation of glucocorticoid hormones, which may suppress immune function and increase an animal's vulnerability to disease. We have previously shown that western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) undergoing habituation in Dzanga-Sangha Protected Areas, Central African Republic, have higher fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGCM) levels than both habituated and unhabituated gorillas. Here, we tested the relationship between FGCM levels and strongylid infections in the same gorillas. If high FGCM levels suppress the immune system, we predicted that FGCM levels will be positively associated with strongylid egg counts and that gorillas undergoing habituation will have the highest strongylid egg counts, relative to both habituated and unhabituated gorillas. We collected fecal samples over 12 months in two habituated gorilla groups, one group undergoing habituation and completely unhabituated gorillas. We established FGCM levels and fecal egg counts of Necator/Oesophagostomum spp. and Mammomonogamus sp. Controlling for seasonal variation and age-sex category in strongylid infections we found no significant relationship between FGCMs and Nectator/Oesophagostomum spp. or Mammomonogamus sp. egg counts in a within group comparison in either a habituated group or a group undergoing habituation. However, across groups, egg counts of Nectator/Oesophagostomum spp. were lowest in unhabituated animals and highest in the group undergoing habituation, matching the differences in FGCM levels among these gorilla groups. Our findings partially support the hypothesis that elevated glucocorticoids reduce a host's ability to control the extent of parasitic infections, and show the importance of non-invasive monitoring of endocrine function and parasite infection in individuals exposed to human pressure including habituation process and ecotourism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Shutt-Phillips
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Durham, UK; UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Center, Cambridge, UK
| | - Barbora Pafčo
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Czech Republic.
| | | | - Adetayo Kasim
- Wolfson Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing, Durham University Queen's Campus University Boulevard, Thornaby, UK
| | - Klára J Petrželková
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic; Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Liberec Zoo, Liberec, Czech Republic.
| | | | - David Modrý
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Czech Republic; Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources/CINeZ, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Terence Fuh
- WWF-CAR, BP 1053 Bangui, Central African Republic
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Mensah BA, Myers-Hansen JL, Obeng Amoako E, Opoku M, Abuaku BK, Ghansah A. Prevalence and risk factors associated with asymptomatic malaria among school children: repeated cross-sectional surveys of school children in two ecological zones in Ghana. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1697. [PMID: 34535112 PMCID: PMC8447720 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11714-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Asymptomatic Plasmodium infections significantly drive malaria transmission and impact control and elimination strategies, but are largely uncharacterized. We investigated the prevalence and risk factors of asymptomatic malaria infections to inform malaria control strategies in Ghana. Method Five cross-sectional surveys were conducted at the end of the peak transmission season (August–September) on 4892 school children aged between 6 and 14 years in two distinct ecological settings in Ghana between 2013 and 2017. The study sites were Begoro (forest ecology) and Cape Coast (coastal ecology). The children were screened for malaria parasites by microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained thin and thick blood films. Hemoglobin levels were measured using the Hemocue HB analyzer. In addition, height was measured and the height-for-age z-scores estimated from the reference population defined by WHO to determine children who were stunted. Proportions of categorical and means of continuous variables were compared using Chi-square test and Student’s t-test respectively, and multivariable logistic regression was done to assess risk factors associated with asymptomatic infections. Results The overall prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in the school children was higher in Begoro compared to Cape Coast (27% (95% CI: 17, 24%) vs. 24% (95% CI: 17, 24%), p value = 0.04). The study recorded three species of Plasmodium (Plasmodia falciparum, malariae, and ovale) in both sites. Plasmodium falciparum was the predominant species, accounting for about 85% of infections in both study sites. The asymptomatic school children were more likely to be anaemic (OR = 2.01, p value< 0.001) and stunted in growth (OR = 1.46, p value< 0.001). Males carried more asymptomatic infection than females (OR = 1.18, p value = 0.015). School children aged 12–14 years had more asymptomatic infections than those aged 6–8 years (OR = 1.28, p value = 0.005). Conclusion There is a considerable burden of asymptomatic malaria in the two regions of Ghana, which is associated with males, older children, anaemia, and stunted growth in children, and may have implications for malaria control and elimination strategies in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- B A Mensah
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Health Sciences, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - J L Myers-Hansen
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Health Sciences, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.,Department of Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - E Obeng Amoako
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Health Sciences, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - M Opoku
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Health Sciences, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.,Department of Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - B K Abuaku
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Health Sciences, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - A Ghansah
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Health Sciences, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana. .,Department of Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
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de Araújo Albuquerque LP, da Silva AM, de Araújo Batista FM, de Souza Sene I, Costa DL, Costa CHN. Influence of sex hormones on the immune response to leishmaniasis. Parasite Immunol 2021; 43:e12874. [PMID: 34309860 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The differences in morbidity and mortality patterns and life expectancy between the sexes are well established in different infectious and parasitic conditions, such as in leishmaniases, in which biological, genetic, sexual and hormonal variations can modulate the immune response indicating greater infectivity, prevalence and clinical severity in men. In this regard, in seeking the understanding of factors related to protection and susceptibility to infection, this review aimed to discuss the influence of sex hormones on the immune response to leishmaniases. In the literature, sex hormone variations promote differences in the innate, humoral and cell-mediated immune response, leading to greater susceptibility, mortality and complications in males. Epidemiological estimates confirm these results, showing a predominance of the disease, in its different clinical forms, in men and suggesting that sexual variations influence immunomodulatory mechanisms since the prevalence of cases comprises the post-puberty and adulthood period. In this perspective, the action of sex hormones has been investigated in different clinical models, highlighting the potential of testosterone in immunosuppression, given its association with greater susceptibility and poor control of parasite load and the induction of cell apoptosis and attenuation of pro-inflammatory signalling pathways. Therefore, hormonal variations influence the immune response among males and females against leishmaniases, in which androgens may present immunosuppressive potential, while steroids present immunomodulatory characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanda Miranda da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology, Northeast Network of Biotechnology, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil.,Leishmaniasis Laboratory, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, Brazil
| | | | | | - Dorcas Lamounier Costa
- Maternal and Child Department, Federal University of Piauí and Intelligence Center in Emerging and Neglected Tropical Conditions (CIATEN, Teresina, Brazil
| | - Carlos Henrique Nery Costa
- Community Medicine Department, Federal University of Piauí and Intelligence Center in Emerging and Neglected Tropical Conditions (CIATEN, Teresina, Brazil
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Effects of Hormone Therapy and Flavonoids Capable on Reversal of Menopausal Immune Senescence. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13072363. [PMID: 34371873 PMCID: PMC8308838 DOI: 10.3390/nu13072363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Menopause, probably the most important natural change in a woman’s life and a major component of female senescence, is characterized, inter alia, by cessation of ovarian estrogen and progesterone production, resulting in a gradual deterioration of the female immune system. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is used in postmenopausal women to relieve some of the peri- and postmenopausal symptoms, while there is also evidence that the therapy may additionally partially reverse menopausal immune senescence. Flavonoids, and especially isoflavones, are widely used for the treatment of menopausal symptoms, although it is not at present clear whether they can reverse or alleviate other menopausal changes. HRT reverses the menopausal CD4/CD8 ratio and also limits the general peri- and postmenopausal inflammatory state. Moreover, the increased levels of interleukins (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8, as well as of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) are decreased after the initiation of HRT. However, some reports show no effect of HRT on IL-4, IL-10, and IL-12. It is thus evident that the molecular pathways connecting HRT and female immune senescence need to be clarified. Interestingly, recent studies have suggested that the anti-inflammatory properties of isoflavones possibly interact with inflammatory cytokines when applied in menopause treatments, thereby potentially reversing immune senescence. This narrative review presents the latest data on the effect of menopausal therapies, including administration of flavonoid-rich products, on age-associated immune senescence reversal with the aim of revealing possible directions for future research and treatment development.
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Gharpure R, Bliton J, Goodman A, Ali IKM, Yoder J, Cope JR. Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics of Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis Caused by Naegleria fowleri: A Global Review. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:e19-e27. [PMID: 32369575 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rapidly progressive and often fatal condition caused by the free-living ameba Naegleria fowleri. To estimate the global occurrence, characterize the epidemiology, and describe the clinical features of PAM, we report a series of PAM cases published in the international literature and reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). METHODS We performed a literature search of PAM case reports published through 2018. Additionally, we included cases reported through the CDC's Free-Living Ameba surveillance or diagnosed via CDC's Free-Living and Intestinal Amebas Laboratory. Cases were classified as confirmed, probable, or suspect on the basis of confirmatory testing, presentation, exposure, and disease course. RESULTS A total of 381 PAM cases were identified. Seven reported survivors were classified as confirmed. The most commonly reported exposure associated with PAM was swimming/diving, and the most common class of water source was lakes/ponds/reservoirs. Patients were predominantly male (75%), with a median age of 14 years. Confirmed and probable cases were similar in their survival, course of illness, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings. CONCLUSIONS PAM is a rare but deadly disease with worldwide occurrence. Improved clinician awareness, resulting in earlier diagnosis and treatment, may contribute to increased survival among PAM patients. The case definition of probable used in this study appears to capture cases of PAM, as evidenced by similarities in outcomes, clinical course, and CSF profile to confirmed cases. In the absence of confirmatory testing, clinicians could use this case definition to identify cases of PAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhika Gharpure
- Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Epidemic Intelligence Service Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - John Bliton
- Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Alexandra Goodman
- Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ibne Karim M Ali
- Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jonathan Yoder
- Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jennifer R Cope
- Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Sirima C, Bizet C, Hamou H, Červená B, Lemarcis T, Esteban A, Peeters M, Mpoudi Ngole E, Mombo IM, Liégeois F, Petrželková KJ, Boussinesq M, Locatelli S. Soil-transmitted helminth infections in free-ranging non-human primates from Cameroon and Gabon. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:354. [PMID: 34225777 PMCID: PMC8259424 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04855-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zoonotic diseases are a serious threat to both public health and animal conservation. Most non-human primates (NHP) are facing the threat of forest loss and fragmentation and are increasingly living in closer spatial proximity to humans. Humans are infected with soil-transmitted helminths (STH) at a high prevalence, and bidirectional infection with NHP has been observed. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, genetic diversity, distribution and presence of co-infections of STH in free-ranging gorillas, chimpanzees and other NHP species, and to determine the potential role of these NHP as reservoir hosts contributing to the environmental sustenance of zoonotic nematode infections in forested areas of Cameroon and Gabon. METHODS A total of 315 faecal samples from six species of NHPs were analysed. We performed PCR amplification, sequencing and maximum likelihood analysis of DNA fragments of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) nuclear ribosomal DNA to detect the presence and determine the genetic diversity of Oesophagostomum spp., Necator spp. and Trichuris spp., and of targeted DNA fragments of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) to detect the presence of Ascaris spp. RESULTS Necator spp. infections were most common in gorillas (35 of 65 individuals), but also present in chimpanzees (100 of 222 individuals) and in one of four samples from greater spot-nosed monkeys. These clustered with previously described type II and III Necator spp. Gorillas were also the most infected NHP with Oesophagostomum (51/65 individuals), followed by chimpanzees (157/222 individuals), mandrills (8/12 samples) and mangabeys (7/12 samples), with O. stephanostomum being the most prevalent species. Oesophagostomum bifurcum was detected in chimpanzees and a red-capped mangabey, and a non-classified Oesophagostomum species was detected in a mandrill and a red-capped mangabey. In addition, Ternidens deminutus was detected in samples from one chimpanzee and three greater spot-nosed monkeys. A significant relative overabundance of co-infections with Necator and Oesophagostomum was observed in chimpanzees and gorillas. Trichuris sp. was detected at low prevalence in a gorilla, a chimpanzee and a greater spot-nosed monkey. No Ascaris was observed in any of the samples analysed. CONCLUSIONS Our results on STH prevalence and genetic diversity in NHP from Cameroon and Gabon corroborate those obtained from other wild NHP populations in other African countries. Future research should focus on better identifying, at a molecular level, the species of Necator and Oesophagostomum infecting NHP and determining how human populations may be affected by increased proximity resulting from encroachment into sylvatic STH reservoir habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Sirima
- Institut de Recherche Pour Le Développement (IRD), UMI 233-TransVIHMI-INSERM U1175–University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - C. Bizet
- Institut de Recherche Pour Le Développement (IRD), UMI 233-TransVIHMI-INSERM U1175–University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - H. Hamou
- Institut de Recherche Pour Le Développement (IRD), UMI 233-TransVIHMI-INSERM U1175–University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - B. Červená
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - T. Lemarcis
- Institut de Recherche Pour Le Développement (IRD), UMI 233-TransVIHMI-INSERM U1175–University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - A. Esteban
- Institut de Recherche Pour Le Développement (IRD), UMI 233-TransVIHMI-INSERM U1175–University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - M. Peeters
- Institut de Recherche Pour Le Développement (IRD), UMI 233-TransVIHMI-INSERM U1175–University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - E. Mpoudi Ngole
- Projet Prévention du Sida Au Cameroun (PRESICA) and Virology Laboratory IMPM/IRD, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - I. M. Mombo
- Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherches Médicales de Franceville, BP 769, Franceville, Gabon
| | - F. Liégeois
- Present Address: Institut de Recherche Pour Le Développement (IRD), Maladies Infectieuses Et Vecteurs : Écologie, Génétique, Évolution et Contrôle (MIVEGEC), IRD 224-CNRS 5290–University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - K. J. Petrželková
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - M. Boussinesq
- Institut de Recherche Pour Le Développement (IRD), UMI 233-TransVIHMI-INSERM U1175–University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - S. Locatelli
- Institut de Recherche Pour Le Développement (IRD), UMI 233-TransVIHMI-INSERM U1175–University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Present Address: Institut de Recherche Pour Le Développement (IRD), Maladies Infectieuses Et Vecteurs : Écologie, Génétique, Évolution et Contrôle (MIVEGEC), IRD 224-CNRS 5290–University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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Wang J, Lan Y, He L, Tang R, Li Y, Huang Y, Liang S, Gao Z, Price M, Yue B, He M, Guo T, Fan Z. Sex-specific gene expression in the blood of four primates. Genomics 2021; 113:2605-2613. [PMID: 34116169 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2021.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Blood is an important non-reproductive tissue, but little is known about the sex-specific gene expressions in the blood. Therefore, we investigated sex-specific gene expression differences in the blood tissues of four primates, rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), Tibetan macaques (M. thibetana), yellow baboons (Papio cynocephalus), and humans. We identified seven sex-specific differentially expressed genes (SDEGs) in each non-human primate and 31 SDEGs in humans. The four primates had only one common SDEG, MAP7D2. In humans, immune-related SDEGs were identified as up-regulated, but also down-regulated in females. We also found that most of the X-Y gene pairs had similar expression levels between species, except pair EIF1AY/EIF1AX. The expression level of X-Y gene pairs of rhesus and Tibetan macaques showed no significant differential expression levels, while humans had six significant XY-biased and three XX-biased X-Y gene pairs. Our observed sex differences in blood should increase understanding of sex differences in primate blood tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Eco-Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, China
| | - Yue Lan
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Eco-Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, China
| | - Lewei He
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Eco-Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, China
| | - Ruixiang Tang
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology on Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuhui Li
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu 610052, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuan Huang
- Medical Laboratory Department of West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, Sichuan, China
| | - Shan Liang
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu 610052, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhan Gao
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu 610052, Sichuan, China
| | - Megan Price
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Eco-Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, China.
| | - Bisong Yue
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology on Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, Sichuan, China.
| | - Miao He
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu 610052, Sichuan, China.
| | - Tao Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Zhenxin Fan
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Eco-Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, China.
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Bourgoin G, Portanier E, Poirel MT, Itty C, Duhayer J, Benabed S, Cockenpot A, Callait-Cardinal MP, Garel M. Reproductive females and young mouflon ( Ovis gmelini musimon × Ovis sp.) in poor body condition are the main spreaders of gastrointestinal parasites. Parasitology 2021; 148:809-818. [PMID: 33593470 PMCID: PMC11010168 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021000329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Several individual, environmental and parasitic factors can influence the impacts of parasites on host's fitness and on host's ability to transmit these parasites to new hosts. Identifying these factors and the individuals who play a greater role in parasite transmission is of main concern for the development of parasite control strategies. In the present study, we aimed to describe the diversity of gastrointestinal parasites and to identify the individual factors influencing the faecal spreading of parasites in a free-ranging population of Mediterranean mouflon. From the analysis of 433 faecal samples, we found Eimeria spp. and gastrointestinal strongyles (GIS) were the most common parasites (>94%). The faecal oocyst counts of Eimeria spp. were the highest during the first years of life. It was 1.6 times higher in females than in males and 2.5 times higher in individuals in poor than in good body condition. Similarly, the faecal egg count of GIS was higher in females and decreased with age, but only in males. Finally, reproductive females had GIS faecal egg count values 2.6 times higher than non-reproductive females. Management strategies of parasites should thus primarily focus on reproductive females and young individuals in poor body condition as they represent the main contamination source of the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Bourgoin
- Laboratoire de parasitologie vétérinaire, Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup – Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, 1 avenue Bourgelat, BP 83, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5558, F-69622Villeurbanne, France
| | - Elodie Portanier
- Laboratoire de parasitologie vétérinaire, Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup – Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, 1 avenue Bourgelat, BP 83, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5558, F-69622Villeurbanne, France
| | - Marie-Thérèse Poirel
- Laboratoire de parasitologie vétérinaire, Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup – Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, 1 avenue Bourgelat, BP 83, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5558, F-69622Villeurbanne, France
| | - Christian Itty
- Office Français de la Biodiversité, Unité Ongulés Sauvages, 5 allée de Bethléem, Z.I. Mayencin, F-38610Gières, France
| | - Jeanne Duhayer
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5558, F-69622Villeurbanne, France
| | - Slimania Benabed
- Laboratoire de parasitologie vétérinaire, Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup – Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, 1 avenue Bourgelat, BP 83, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5558, F-69622Villeurbanne, France
| | - Anne Cockenpot
- Laboratoire de parasitologie vétérinaire, Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup – Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, 1 avenue Bourgelat, BP 83, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Callait-Cardinal
- Laboratoire de parasitologie vétérinaire, Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup – Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, 1 avenue Bourgelat, BP 83, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5558, F-69622Villeurbanne, France
| | - Mathieu Garel
- Office Français de la Biodiversité, Unité Ongulés Sauvages, 5 allée de Bethléem, Z.I. Mayencin, F-38610Gières, France
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Kiene F, Andriatsitohaina B, Ramsay MS, Rakotondravony R, Strube C, Radespiel U. Habitat fragmentation and vegetation structure impact gastrointestinal parasites of small mammalian hosts in Madagascar. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:6766-6788. [PMID: 34141255 PMCID: PMC8207415 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Deleterious effects of habitat loss and fragmentation on biodiversity have been demonstrated in numerous taxa. Although parasites represent a large part of worldwide biodiversity, they are mostly neglected in this context. We investigated the effects of various anthropogenic environmental changes on gastrointestinal parasite infections in four small mammal hosts inhabiting two landscapes of fragmented dry forest in northwestern Madagascar. Coproscopical examinations were performed on 1,418 fecal samples from 903 individuals of two mouse lemur species, Microcebus murinus (n = 199) and M. ravelobensis (n = 421), and two rodent species, the native Eliurus myoxinus (n = 102) and the invasive Rattus rattus (n = 181). Overall, sixteen parasite morphotypes were detected and significant prevalence differences between host species regarding the most common five parasites may be explained by parasite-host specificity or host behavior, diet, and socioecology. Ten host- and habitat-related ecological variables were evaluated by generalized linear mixed modeling for significant impacts on the prevalence of the most abundant gastrointestinal parasites and on gastrointestinal parasite species richness (GPSR). Forest maturation affected homoxenous parasites (direct life cycle) by increasing Lemuricola, but decreasing Enterobiinae gen. sp. prevalence, while habitat fragmentation and vegetation clearance negatively affected the prevalence of parasites with heterogenic environment (i.e., Strongyloides spp.) or heteroxenous (indirect cycle with intermediate host) cycles, and consequently reduced GPSR. Forest edges and forest degradation likely change abiotic conditions which may reduce habitat suitability for soil-transmitted helminths or required intermediate hosts. The fragility of complex parasite life cycles suggests understudied and potentially severe effects of decreasing habitat quality by fragmentation and degradation on hidden ecological networks that involve parasites. Since parasites can provide indispensable ecological services and ensure stability of ecosystems by modulating animal population dynamics and nutrient pathways, our study underlines the importance of habitat quality and integrity as key aspects of conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Kiene
- Institute of ZoologyUniversity of Veterinary Medicine HannoverHanoverGermany
- Centre for Infection MedicineInstitute for ParasitologyUniversity of Veterinary Medicine HannoverHanoverGermany
| | - Bertrand Andriatsitohaina
- Institute of ZoologyUniversity of Veterinary Medicine HannoverHanoverGermany
- Ecole Doctorale Ecosystèmes Naturels (EDEN)University of MahajangaMahajangaMadagascar
| | - Malcolm S. Ramsay
- Institute of ZoologyUniversity of Veterinary Medicine HannoverHanoverGermany
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Romule Rakotondravony
- Ecole Doctorale Ecosystèmes Naturels (EDEN)University of MahajangaMahajangaMadagascar
- Faculté des Sciences, de Technologies et de l’EnvironnementUniversity of MahajangaMahajangaMadagascar
| | - Christina Strube
- Centre for Infection MedicineInstitute for ParasitologyUniversity of Veterinary Medicine HannoverHanoverGermany
| | - Ute Radespiel
- Institute of ZoologyUniversity of Veterinary Medicine HannoverHanoverGermany
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Nebel C, Amar A, Hegemann A, Isaksson C, Sumasgutner P. Parental morph combination does not influence innate immune function in nestlings of a colour-polymorphic African raptor. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11053. [PMID: 34040034 PMCID: PMC8155141 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90291-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Conditions experienced during early life can have long-term individual consequences by influencing dispersal, survival, recruitment and productivity. Resource allocation during development can have strong carry-over effects onto these key parameters and is directly determined by the quality of parental care. In the black sparrowhawk (Accipiter melanoleucus), a colour-polymorphic raptor, parental morphs influence nestling somatic growth and survival, with pairs consisting of different colour morphs ('mixed-morph pairs') producing offspring with lower body mass indices, but higher local apparent survival rates. Resource allocation theory could explain this relationship, with nestlings of mixed-morph pairs trading off a more effective innate immune system against somatic growth. We quantified several innate immune parameters of nestlings (hemagglutination, hemolysis, bacteria-killing capacity and haptoglobin concentration) and triggered an immune response by injecting lipopolysaccharides. Although we found that nestlings with lower body mass index had higher local survival rates, we found no support for the proposed hypothesis: neither baseline immune function nor the induced immune response of nestlings was associated with parental morph combination. Our results suggest that these immune parameters are unlikely to be involved in providing a selective advantage for the different colour morphs' offspring, and thus innate immunity does not appear to be traded off against a greater allocation of resources to somatic growth. Alternative hypotheses explaining the mechanism of a low nestling body mass index leading to subsequent higher local survival could be related to the post-fledgling dependency period or differences in dispersal patterns for the offspring from different morph combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Nebel
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
| | - Arjun Amar
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Arne Hegemann
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Petra Sumasgutner
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Konrad Lorenz Research Centre (KLF), Core Facility for Behaviour and Cognition, Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Sarabian C, Belais R, MacIntosh AJJ. Avoidance of Contaminated Food Correlates With Low Protozoan Infection in Bonobos. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.651159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intense selection pressure from parasites on free-living animals has resulted in behavioral adaptations that help potential hosts avoid sources of infection. In primates, such “behavioral immunity” is expressed in different contexts and may vary according to the ecology of the host, the nature of the infectious agent, and the individual itself. In this study, we investigated whether avoidance of contaminated food was associated with reduced parasite infection in sanctuary-housed bonobos. To do this, we used bonobos’ responses to soil- and fecally-contaminated food in behavioral experiments, and then compared the results with an estimate of protozoan infection across individuals. We found that avoidance of contaminated food correlated negatively with Balantioides coli infection, a potentially pathogenic protozoan transmitted through the fecal-oral route. The association between avoidance responses and parasitism were most evident in experiments in which subjects were offered a choice of food items falling along a gradient of fecal contamination. In the case of experiments with more limited options and a high degree of contamination, most subjects were averse to the presented food item and this may have mitigated any relationship between feeding decisions and infection. In experiments with low perceived levels of contamination, most subjects consumed previously contaminated food items, which may also have obscured such a relationship. The behavioral immunity observed may be a consequence of the direct effects of parasites (infection), reflecting the first scale of a landscape of disgust: individual responses. Indirect effects of parasites, such as modulation of feeding decisions and reduced social interactions—and their potential trade-offs with physiological immunity—are also discussed in light of individual fitness and primate evolution. This study builds on previous work by showing that avoidance behaviors may be effective in limiting exposure to a wide diversity of oro-fecally transmitted parasites.
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Madelaire CB, Zena LA, Dillon D, Silva DP, Hunt KE, Loren Buck C, Bícego KC, Gomes FR. Who rules over immunology? Sseasonal variation in body temperature,, steroid hormones, and immune variables in a tegu lizard. Integr Comp Biol 2021; 61:1867-1880. [PMID: 34022037 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icab093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple factors can influence the immune response of ectothermic vertebrates, including body temperature, gonadal steroids, and seasonality, in ways that are thought to reflect trade-offs between energetic investment in immunity vs. reproduction. Hibernating tegu lizards (Salvator merianae) are a unique model to investigate how immunocompetence might be influenced by different factors during their annual cycle. We assessed immunological measures (plasma bacterial killing ability, total and differential leukocyte count), plasma hormone levels (testosterone in males, estradiol and progesterone in females, and corticosterone in both sexes), body temperature, and body condition from adult tegus during each stage of their annual cycle: reproduction, post-reproduction/preparation for hibernation, and hibernation. Our hypothesis that immune traits present higher values during the reproductive phase, and a sharp decrease during hibernation, was partially supported. Immune variables did not change between life history stages, except for total number of leukocytes, which was higher at the beginning of the reproductive season (September) in both males and females. Average body temperature of the week prior to sampling was positively correlated with number of eosinophils, basophils, monocytes and azurophils, corroborating other studies showing that when animals maintain a high Tb, there is an increase in immune activity. Surprisingly, no clear relationship between immune traits and gonadal steroids or corticosterone levels was observed, even when including life history stage in the model. When gonadal hormones peaked in males and females, heterophil:lymphocyte ratio (which often elevates during physiological stress) also increased. Additionally, we did not observe any trade-off between reproduction and immunity traits, sex differences in immune traits or a correlation between body condition and immune response. Our results suggest that variation in patterns of immune response and correlations with body condition and hormone secretion across the year can depend upon the specific hormone and immune trait, and that experienced Tb is an important variable determining immune response in ectotherms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla B Madelaire
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, 1899 S San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001, USA.,Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, Trav. 14 da Rua do Matão, 321, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Lucas A Zena
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, 1899 S San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001, USA.,Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, Trav. 14 da Rua do Matão, 321, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil.,Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, College of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Danielle Dillon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, 1899 S San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001, USA
| | - Diego P Silva
- Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation & George Mason University, 1500 Remount Rd, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
| | - Kathleen E Hunt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, 1899 S San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001, USA
| | - C Loren Buck
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, 1899 S San Francisco St, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001, USA
| | - Kênia C Bícego
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, College of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Fernando R Gomes
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, Trav. 14 da Rua do Matão, 321, São Paulo, SP, 05508-090, Brazil
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Kasimanickam RK, Kasimanickam VR. Association of gastrointestinal parasite burden, serum cytokines and hormones concentrations, and pregnancy in Angus-cross beef cows. Vet Parasitol 2021; 295:109464. [PMID: 34051524 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to elucidate the relationships among gastrointestinal (GI) parasite load, serum cytokines (Th 1 - Interleukin (IL) 2, Interferon (IFN) γ and Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α; Th 2- IL4, IL6, and IL10) levels, hormones (progesterone, cortisol, 8-epi-prostaglandin F2 alpha (isoprostane), prolactin, substance-p, and prostaglandin F metabolites) concentrations, and pregnancy in beef cattle. Angus-cross beef cows (n = 700; age, 3-8 y) were blocked by age and body condition score (BCS, 1-9), and were randomly assigned to treatment (n = 350, TRT, 50 mg of eprinomectin/50 kg BW, im) or control (n = 350, CON, no treatment) on Day -30. Cows were synchronized using Controlled Internal Drug Release insert (CIDR) + CO-Synch protocol and artificially inseminated at a fixed time on Day 0 (66 h after CIDR removal). Fecal samples were collected to determine fecal egg count per gram (FEG, McMaster method) on Days -30, -23, -16, -7, 7, 0, 16 and 23, and blood samples were collected on Days -7, 0, 7, 16 and 23. Serum cytokines were determined on Days -7, 0, 7, 16 and 23, and circulating hormones were measured on Day 16. BCS were recorded on Day 16 following artificial insemination (AI), and pregnancy status was diagnosed on Day 30 and 60. Pregnancy/AI varied among treatment groups on Day 30 [TRT, 62.0% (217/350); CON, 54.9% (192/350) (P = 0.05)] and Day 60 [TRT, 60.9% (213/350); CON, 51.7% (181/350) (P < 0.05)]. Pregnancy loss between 30 and 60 days for TRT and CON groups were 1.8% (4/217) and 5.7% (11/192), respectively (P < 0.05). The BCS on Day 16 did not differ among treatment groups (P> 0.1). Four groups of 40 cows were selected based on their pregnancy status and treatment: pregnant, TRT; non-pregnant, TRT; pregnant, CON; and non-pregnant, CON to compare the mean FEG, cytokines, and hormones levels. The FEG and cytokine concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by treatment, pregnancy status, day, treatment by pregnancy status, and treatment by day. Day 16 hormone concentrations were considerably influenced by treatment, pregnancy status, and treatment by pregnancy. Although FEG on Day -30 did not differ among the groups (P> 0.1), it was lower in treated, pregnant cows compared with cows in other three groups from Day -23 onwards (P < 0.05). Overall and pairwise comparisons showed that serum concentrations of Type 1 cytokines, IL2, IFNγ, and TNFα were lower (P < 0.05) from gestational Day 7 onwards in treated, pregnant cows compared with cows in other three groups. In contrast, serum concentrations of Type 2 cytokines, IL4, IL6 and IL10 were greater (P < 0.05) from gestational Day 7 onwards in treated, pregnant cows compared with cows in other groups. Serum concentrations of progesterone was greater and other hormones were lower for pregnant cows in TRT group compared to cows in other groups on gestational Day 16. In conclusion, GI parasite load was reduced; Th 1 cytokines levels were decreased; Th 2 cytokines concentrations were increased; progesterone level was increased; and cortisol, substance-P, prolactin, isoprostane, and PGFM were decreased in pregnant, TRT cows. These changes also resulted in an increase in P/AI. It is plausible that direct and bidirectional host-parasite interactions mediated by cytokines and hormones may have promoted maternal tolerance of an immunologically diverse conceptus and the establishment of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramanathan K Kasimanickam
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.
| | - Vanmathy R Kasimanickam
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA; AARVEE Animal Biotech LLC, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA.
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Schnabolk G, Obert E, Banda NK, Rohrer B. Systemic Inflammation by Collagen-Induced Arthritis Affects the Progression of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Differently in Two Mouse Models of the Disease. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:11. [PMID: 33289791 PMCID: PMC7726584 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.14.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) shares similar risk factors and inflammatory responses with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Previously, we identified increased risk for dry AMD among patients with RA compared to control subjects, using retrospective data analysis. In this current study, we investigate the role of systemic inflammation triggered in a murine model of arthritis on choroidal neovascularization and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degeneration mouse models. Methods Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was induced in C57BL/6J mice prior to laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV; wet AMD model) or sodium iodate-induced retinal degeneration (NaIO3; dry AMD model). CNV lesion size and retinal thickness were quantified by optical coherence photography (OCT), visual function was analyzed using optokinetic response and electroretinography, RPE morphology was examined by immunohistochemistry, and inflammatory gene expression was analyzed by quantitative PCR. Results CIA mice demonstrated decreased spatial acuity and contrast sensitivity, whereas no difference was observed in the RPE-generated c-wave. CNV lesion size was decreased in CIA mice. NaIO3 decreased c-wave amplitude, as well as retinal thickness, which was augmented by CIA. NaIO3 treatment resulted in loss of normal RPE hexagonal shape, which was further aggravated by CIA. Increased Cxcl9 expression was observed in the presence of CIA and CIA combined with AMD. Disease severity differences were observed between sexes. Conclusions Our data suggest systemic inflammation by CIA results in increased pathology in a dry AMD model, whereas it reduces lesions in a wet AMD model. These findings highlight the need for additional investigation into the role of secondary inflammation and sex-based differences on AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloriane Schnabolk
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
| | - Elisabeth Obert
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
| | - Nirmal K Banda
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Bärbel Rohrer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States.,Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Division of Research, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
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Xu S, Zhang S, Hu X, Zhang B, Yang S, Hu X, Liu S, Hu D, Bai J. Temporal and spatial dynamics of gastrointestinal parasite infection in Père David's deer. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11335. [PMID: 33996283 PMCID: PMC8106392 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus) population was established from only a small number of individuals. Their genetic diversity is therefore relatively low and transmissible (parasitic) diseases affecting them merit further attention. Parasitic infections can affect the health, survival, and population development of the host. However, few reports have been published on the gastrointestinal parasites of Père David's deer. The aims of this study were: (1) to identify the intestinal parasites groups in Père David's deer; (2) to determine their prevalence and burden and clarify the effects of different seasons and regions on various indicators of Père David's deer intestinal parasites; (3) to evaluate the effects of the Père David's deer reproductive period on these parasites; (4) to reveal the regularity of the parasites in space and time. Methods In total, 1,345 Père David's deer faecal samples from four regions during four seasons were tested using the flotation (saturated sodium nitrate solution) to identify parasites of different genus or group, and the McMaster technique to count the number of eggs or oocysts. Results Four groups of gastrointestinal parasites were found, of which strongyles were dominant; their prevalence and burden were significantly higher than other groups. Significant temporal and spatial effects on gastrointestinal parasitic infection were found. Parasite diversity, prevalence, parasite burden, and aggregation were the highest in summer. Among the four regions, parasite diversity, prevalence, and burden were the highest in the Dongting Lake area. In addition, parasite diversity and burden during the reproductive period of Père David's deer was significantly higher than during the post-reproductive period. Conclusions The summer season and the reproductive period of Père David's deer had great potential for parasite transmission, and there is a high risk of parasite outbreaks in the Dongting Lake area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanghua Xu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Shumiao Zhang
- Department of Research, Beijing Milu Ecological Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolong Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Baofeng Zhang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuang Yang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Hu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Captive Wildlife Technologies, Beijing Zoo, Beijing, China
| | - Shuqiang Liu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Defu Hu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiade Bai
- Department of Research, Beijing Milu Ecological Research Center, Beijing, China
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Ganci M, Butt H, Tyrrell J, Suleyman E, Ball M. The effect of Blastocystis sp. and Dientamoeba fragilis on psychological symptom severity in a sample of clinically diverse males and females. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01700-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AbstractHealth outcomes associated with Blastocystis sp. and Dientamoeba fragilis are disparate and controversial, ranging from health benefits, to years of asymptomatic carriage, through to severe illness. Evidence that Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis are commensal members of the gut microbiota is growing. Despite this, little to no research exists investigating the potential effect of these protozoa on psychological symptom expression. As such, the aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to be the first to investigate the effect of protozoan carriage on severity of Depressive, Neurocognitive, Stress and Anxiety, and Sleep and Fatigue symptoms, and whether this effect changes as a function of sex. The prevalence of D. fragilis was significantly higher in females compared to males, however there were no sex differences in prevalence for Blastocystis sp. (data used in the current study contained ST1, ST3, and Blastocystis ST unspecified) or co-carriage of the two. Females reported significantly more severe symptoms across all four psychological domains compared to males. There was no significant interaction between sex and Blastocystis sp. carriage on psychological symptom severity, and no significant main effect of Blastocystis sp. on symptom severity compared to those who tested negative for protozoa. When investigating the sexes separately, there was no effect of protozoan carriage on psychological symptom expression in either males or females. These findings add weight to the argument that Blastocystis sp. and D. fragilis are not necessarily pathogenic and are likely to be part of a diverse gut (which is typically associated with better health outcomes). Further research is required given that protozoan members of the gut microbiota have been largely ignored in brain-gut-microbiota axis research.
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Habig B, Chowdhury S, Monfort SL, Brown JL, Swedell L, Foerster S. Predictors of helminth parasite infection in female chacma baboons ( Papio ursinus). Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2021; 14:308-320. [PMID: 33898232 PMCID: PMC8056146 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Helminth parasite infection can impose major consequences on host fitness. Several factors, including individual characteristics of hosts, environmental conditions, and patterns of coinfection, are thought to drive variation in parasite risk. Here, we report on four key drivers of parasite infection-phase of reproduction, steroid hormone profiles, rainfall, and patterns of coinfection-in a population of wild female chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) in South Africa. We collected data on reproductive state and hormone profiles over a 3-year span, and quantified helminth parasite burdens in 2955 fecal samples from 24 female baboons. On a host level, we found that baboons are sensitive to parasite infection during the costliest phases of the reproductive cycle: pregnant females harbored higher intensities of Protospirura eggs than cycling and lactating females; lactating and cycling females had a higher probability of Oesophagostomum infection than pregnant females; and cycling females exhibited lower Trichuris egg counts than pregnant and lactating females. Steroid hormones were associated with both immunoenhancing and immunosuppressive properties: females with high glucocorticoid concentrations exhibited high intensities of Trichuris eggs but were at low risk of Oesophagostomum infection; females with high estrogen and progestagen concentrations exhibited high helminth parasite richness; and females with high progestagen concentrations were at high risk of Oesophagostomum infection but exhibited low Protospirura egg counts. We observed an interaction between host reproductive state and progestagen concentrations in infection intensity of Protospirura: pregnant females exhibited higher intensities and non-pregnant females exhibited lower intensities of Protospirura eggs with increasing progestagen concentrations. At a population level, rainfall patterns were dominant drivers of parasite risk. Lastly, helminth parasites exhibited positive covariance, suggesting that infection probability increases if a host already harbors one or more parasite taxa. Together, our results provide a holistic perspective of factors that shape variation in parasite risk in a wild population of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bobby Habig
- Department of Biology, Queens College, City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd. Flushing, NY, 11367, USA
| | - Shahrina Chowdhury
- Department of Anthropology, Brooklyn College, City University of New York, 2900 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11210, USA
- Anthropology Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York NY, 10016, USA
- New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, Anthropology Program, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Steven L. Monfort
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
| | - Janine L. Brown
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
| | - Larissa Swedell
- Anthropology Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York NY, 10016, USA
- New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, Anthropology Program, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Department of Anthropology, Queens College, City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd. Flushing, NY, 11367, USA
- Department of Archaeology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Steffen Foerster
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
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Erazo D, Pedersen AB, Gallagher K, Fenton A. Who acquires infection from whom? Estimating herpesvirus transmission rates between wild rodent host groups. Epidemics 2021; 35:100451. [PMID: 33761448 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2021.100451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, few studies of parasite epidemiology have investigated 'who acquires infection from whom' in wildlife populations. Nonetheless, identifying routes of disease transmission within a population, and determining the key groups of individuals that drive parasite transmission and maintenance, are fundamental to understanding disease dynamics. Gammaherpesviruses are a widespread group of DNA viruses that infect many vertebrate species, and murine gammaherpesviruses (i.e. MuHV-4) are a standard lab model for studying human herpesviruses, for which much about the pathology and immune response elicited to infection is well understood. However, despite this extensive research effort, primarily in the lab, the transmission route of murine gammaherpesviruses within their natural host populations is not well understood. Here, we aimed to understand wood mouse herpesvirus (WMHV) transmission, by fitting a series of population dynamic models to field data on wood mice naturally infected with WMHV and then estimating transmission parameters within and between demographic groups of the host population. Different models accounted for different combinations of host sex (male/female), age (subadult/adult) and transmission functions (density/frequency-dependent). We found that a density-dependent transmission model incorporating explicit sex groups fitted the data better than all other proposed models. Male-to-male transmission was the highest among all possible combinations of between- and within-sex transmission classes, suggesting that male behaviour is a key factor driving WMHV transmission. Our models also suggest that transmission between sexes, although important, wasn't symmetrical, with infected males playing a significant role in infecting naïve females but not vice versa. Overall this work shows the power of coupling population dynamic models with long-term field data to elucidate otherwise unobservable transmission processes in wild disease systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Erazo
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary, and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK.
| | - Amy B Pedersen
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology & Centre for Infection, Immunity and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Kayleigh Gallagher
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary, and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Andy Fenton
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary, and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK
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A Five-Year Trend of Intestinal Parasite Prevalence among Students Attending Clinic at University of Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia. J Parasitol Res 2021; 2021:8897935. [PMID: 33688430 PMCID: PMC7920724 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8897935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intestinal parasitic infections are the cause of the highest worldwide infectious disease and the major public health problems in developing countries. Among the cases, children and younger age are at high risk and the major victims. The aim of this study was to assess the five-year trend of intestinal parasite prevalence among University of Gondar students. Method A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the trend of intestinal parasite prevalence among students at the University of Gondar. The data was collected from students who have studied at the University of Gondar from 2014 to 2018 and who visited the student's clinic and had recorded results of stool sample diagnosis on the laboratory logbook. Stool specimens were examined using direct saline wet mount methods. The data was analyzed by using SPSS version 20 software, and P value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Moreover, chi-square was used to assess the association of different variables. Result During the study period, a total of 6244 stool samples were requested for intestinal parasite diagnosis and it was found that 2850 specimens were positive for intestinal parasites, representing an overall prevalence of 45.6% with a fluctuating trend. Ten different parasites were reported with Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (20.3%) and Giardia lamblia (8.2%), the most frequently detected intestinal parasites. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was higher in males (35.4%) than females (10.2%) (P = 0.02). Conclusions Intestinal parasitic infection was highly prevalent, and there were fluctuations in the prevalence of intestinal parasites from 2014 to 2018. Environmental sanitation improvement and health education schemes at the University of Gondar can be considered quite indispensable for the prevention and control of parasitic infections in the area.
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Studies on the population biology of helminth parasites of fish species from the Caspian Sea drainage basin. J Helminthol 2021; 95:e12. [PMID: 33658086 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x2100002x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The northern section of the Caspian Sea and lower reaches of the Zhaiyk (Ural) River is an important fishery for Kazakhstan. In the present study, a total of 1597 individuals of ten fish species were analysed. The fish were caught over three years, from 2018 to 2020. For each species studied - Abramis brama, Alosa saposchnikowii, Atherina boyeri caspia, Carassius gibelio, Chelon auratus, Cyprinus carpio, Leuciscus aspius, Rutilus caspius, Sander marinus and Sander volgensis - between 100 and 200 individuals were examined. A series of generalized linear models (GLMs) were used to examine the association between individual parasite intensity of infection and the Fulton index, age, year the fish was captured, where the fish was captured (northern Caspian or Zhaiyk River) and sex. For each GLM, the best-fitting probability distribution was used -either Poisson, zero-inflated Poisson, negative binomial or zero-inflated negative binomial. For some fish/parasite species, an increased Fulton index was associated with higher intensities of parasite infection, whilst, for others, the Fulton index decreased with the intensity of parasite infection. This was also true of age-related intensity of infection, with some parasites having an increased intensity of infection with age whilst others had a decreased intensity of infection with age. There was also some evidence of variation in intensity of parasite infection between different years when the fish were caught. For some species of fish that are endemic to both the fresh waters of the Zhaiyk River and the low-saline waters of the northern Caspian, there were variations in intensity of parasite infection between the two environments. The best-fitting probability distribution also gave some information about the dynamics of infection. No fish species had a Poisson distribution of parasites, which is consistent with an entirely random infection process, with all fish being potentially exposed. For some parasites, the distribution was a zero-inflated Poisson, which is consistent with either the fish being exposed to parasite infection or not; and, if exposed, infection was a random process. Other parasites had a negative binomial distribution, consistent with the entire fish population being exposed, but the infection process was clumped or there were variations in the susceptibility of infection between fish. Finally, some of the parasites had a zero-inflated negative binomial distribution, which can be interpreted as part of the fish population not being exposed and the remainder of the population being exposed to a clumped or aggregated infection process and/or a variation in individual susceptibility to infection.
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Blersch R, Bonnell TR, Barrett L, Henzi SP. Seasonal effects in gastrointestinal parasite prevalence, richness and intensity in vervet monkeys living in a semi‐arid environment. J Zool (1987) 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Blersch
- Department of Psychology University of Lethbridge LethbridgeAB Canada
- Applied Behavioral Ecology and Ecosystems Research Unit The University of South Africa Florida South Africa
| | - T. R. Bonnell
- Department of Psychology University of Lethbridge LethbridgeAB Canada
| | - L. Barrett
- Department of Psychology University of Lethbridge LethbridgeAB Canada
- Applied Behavioral Ecology and Ecosystems Research Unit The University of South Africa Florida South Africa
| | - S. P. Henzi
- Department of Psychology University of Lethbridge LethbridgeAB Canada
- Applied Behavioral Ecology and Ecosystems Research Unit The University of South Africa Florida South Africa
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Non-Invasive Molecular Survey of Sarcoptic Mange in Wildlife: Diagnostic Performance in Wolf Faecal Samples Evaluated by Multi-Event Capture-Recapture Models. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020243. [PMID: 33672583 PMCID: PMC7924033 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcoptic mange is globally enzootic, and non-invasive methods with high diagnostic specificity for its surveillance in wildlife are lacking. We describe the molecular detection of Sarcoptes scabiei in non-invasively collected faecal samples, targeting the 16S rDNA gene. We applied this method to 843 Iberian wolf Canis lupus signatus faecal samples collected in north-western Portugal (2006-2018). We further integrated this with serological data (61 samples from wolf and 20 from red fox Vulpes vulpes, 1997-2019) in multi-event capture-recapture models. The mean predicted prevalence by the molecular analysis of wolf faecal samples from 2006-2018 was 7.2% (CI95 5.0-9.4%; range: 2.6-11.7%), highest in 2009. The mean predicted seroprevalence in wolves was 24.5% (CI95 18.5-30.6%; range: 13.0-55.0%), peaking in 2006-2009. Multi-event capture-recapture models estimated 100% diagnostic specificity and moderate diagnostic sensitivity (30.0%, CI95 14.0-53.0%) for the molecular method. Mange-infected individually identified wolves showed a tendency for higher mortality versus uninfected wolves (ΔMortality 0.150, CI95 -0.165-0.458). Long-term serology data highlights the endemicity of sarcoptic mange in wild canids but uncovers multi-year epidemics. This study developed and evaluated a novel method for surveying sarcoptic mange in wildlife populations by the molecular detection of S. scabiei in faecal samples, which stands out for its high specificity and non-invasive character.
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80
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Tong TK, Baker JS, Henriquez FL, Shi Q, Zhang H, Kong Z, Nie J. A Combined Approach for Health Assessment in Adolescent Endurance Runners. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9020163. [PMID: 33546247 PMCID: PMC7913343 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9020163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been shown that prolonged exhaustive exercise, such as half-marathon running, could lead to transient post-exercise elevation of cardiac troponins, increase in oxidative stress, and mild decline in renal function in adolescent athletes. With increases in sports participation involving young people, there has been much interest in pre and post health evaluations following exercise. Evaluations can be used to identify pre-existing health confounders and to examine any detrimental responses that may occur post exercise. Study purpose & Methods: The purpose of this study was to evaluate pre and post exercise measures of cardiac function, serum albumin, systemic immunoglobulin (Serum IgA and IgG), cortisol and testosterone in adolescent (age: 16.2 ± 0.6) male endurance runners performing in 21-km maximal run. RESULTS Results revealed that cortisol, IgA and IgG levels significantly decreased 2, 4, and 24 h post exercise compared to pre-exercise levels (p < 0.05). Testosterone levels reduced 4 h post exercise (p < 0.05) but were restored to baseline values following 24 h. There were no changes recorded for albumin levels post exercise (p > 0.05). ECG assessments did not show any abnormalities at the T wave axis, ST segments and Q wave pre or post exercise. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this study suggest that a single bout of prolonged maximum running is not likely to induce abnormal electrical activity in the heart, but does decrease serum immunoglobulin, and homeostasis of anabolic and catabolic hormones in trained adolescent endurance runners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas K. Tong
- Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong 999077, China; (T.K.T.); (J.S.B.)
| | - Julien S. Baker
- Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong 999077, China; (T.K.T.); (J.S.B.)
| | - Fiona L. Henriquez
- Institute of Biomedical and Environmental Health, School of Science and Sport, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK;
| | - Qingde Shi
- School of Health Sciences and Sports, Macao Polytechnic Institute, Rua de Luis Gonzaga Gomes, Macao 999078, China;
| | - Haifeng Zhang
- College of Physical Education, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China;
| | - Zhaowei Kong
- Faculty of Education, University of Macau, Macao 999078, China;
| | - Jinlei Nie
- School of Health Sciences and Sports, Macao Polytechnic Institute, Rua de Luis Gonzaga Gomes, Macao 999078, China;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +853-8559-6832; Fax: +853-2851-8538
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81
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Association between social factors and gastrointestinal parasite product excretion in a group of non-cooperatively breeding carrion crows. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-021-02967-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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82
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Fagir DM, Bennett NC, Ueckermann EA, Howard A, Hart DW. Ectoparasitic community of the Mahali mole-rat, Cryptomys hottentotus mahali: potential host for vectors of medical importance in South Africa. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:24. [PMID: 33407807 PMCID: PMC7788776 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04537-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The endemic rodent family of Bathyergidae in Africa, particularly South Africa, are understudied as reservoirs of diseases of significant medical importance. Considering the diversity and wide distribution of African mole-rats in South Africa, many of these bathyergids could act as carriers of zoonoses. Methods The present study assessed the ectoparasite community of the Mahali mole-rat (Cryptomys hottentotus mahali). We aimed to identify possible parasitic arthropods that may infest this mole-rat species and explore host preference, contributions of seasonality, host sex and body mass as well as social class and colony size on ectoparasite assemblage prevalence and abundance. Results A limited number of ectoparasite species were found on C. h. mahali belonging to two significant taxa: mites (Acari) and fleas, with mites being the most prevalent and abundant. We recorded the presence of X. philoxera, a flea well known as the principal reservoir of plague in the southern African region on the Mahali mole-rats. Only three mite species were collected: Androlaelaps scapularis, Androlaelaps capensis and Laelaps liberiensis. Seasonal peaks in prevalence and abundance of X. philoxera and A. scapularis were observed during summer. Xenopsylla philoxera abundance and A. scapularis loads significantly increased on reproductive mole-rat individuals in comparison to non-reproductive individuals. Conclusion Despite the wide distribution of the subterranean African mole-rats, studies investigating their parasitic fauna remain limited and scarce. This dearth in knowledge raises the concern regarding their potential role as an endemic reservoir for zoonotic diseases. Consequently, additional sampling of their ectoparasitic community throughout their distributional range and research addressing their role as a reservoir for zoonotic diseases in southern Africa are urgently needed.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina M Fagir
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028, South Africa.
| | - Nigel C Bennett
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028, South Africa
| | - Eddie A Ueckermann
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, Potchefstroom Campus, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Alexandra Howard
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028, South Africa
| | - Daniel W Hart
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028, South Africa
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83
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Prosberg MV, Kringel H, Kapel JS, Kapel BS, Fredensborg BL, Petersen AM, Hansen LH, Nielsen DS, Kapel HS, Jacobsen KR, Mikkelsen LF, Kapel CMO. Pre-clinical evaluation of the effect of co-medication with antibiotics and oral steroids in Göttingen Minipigs on the biological activity of the probiotic medicinal product TSO (Trichuris suis ova). Parasitol Res 2021; 120:743-746. [PMID: 33409625 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-07004-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The probiotic medicinal product TSO (Trichuris suis ova) is administered to patients with active ulcerative colitis in an ongoing clinical phase IIb trial where the typical co-medications are steroids (prednisolone or budesonide) and antibiotics (e.g., phenoxymethylpenicillin). The present pre-clinical study evaluates the effects of these co-medications on the biological activity of TSO in Göttingen Minipigs. This translationally relevant pre-clinical model allows administration of TSO with and without oral steroids or antibiotics in a manner similar to the administration to patients, followed by quantification of the biological activity of TSO. The biological activity of TSO was not affected by oral steroids but was reduced by oral antibiotics. Fecal calprotectin, the common marker of intestinal inflammation in patients with UC, did not differ between groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- M V Prosberg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Kettegaard Allé 30, 2650, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - H Kringel
- ParaTech A/S, Dr. Neergaards Vej 3, 2970, Hoersholm, Denmark.
| | - J S Kapel
- ParaTech A/S, Dr. Neergaards Vej 3, 2970, Hoersholm, Denmark
| | - B S Kapel
- ParaTech A/S, Dr. Neergaards Vej 3, 2970, Hoersholm, Denmark
| | - B L Fredensborg
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A M Petersen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Kettegaard Allé 30, 2650, Hvidovre, Denmark.,Department of Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Kettegaard Allé 30, 2650, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - L H Hansen
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - D S Nielsen
- Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - H S Kapel
- ParaTech A/S, Dr. Neergaards Vej 3, 2970, Hoersholm, Denmark
| | - K R Jacobsen
- Ellegaard Göttingen Minipigs A/S, Soroe Landevej 302, 4261, Dalmose, Denmark
| | - L F Mikkelsen
- Ellegaard Göttingen Minipigs A/S, Soroe Landevej 302, 4261, Dalmose, Denmark
| | - C M O Kapel
- ParaTech A/S, Dr. Neergaards Vej 3, 2970, Hoersholm, Denmark.,Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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84
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Paniccia JE, Weckstein TN, Lebonville CL, Lysle DT. Female rats express heroin-induced and -conditioned suppression of peripheral nitric oxide production in response to endotoxin challenge. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 91:315-323. [PMID: 33039661 PMCID: PMC7749831 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioids and opioid-conditioned stimuli (CS) negatively alter host immunity, impairing the response to pathogens during opioid use and following drug cessation. Using male rats, our laboratory has determined that heroin or heroin-CS exposure preceding a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge markedly suppresses normal induction of peripheral pro-inflammatory biomarkers. Presently, it is unknown if these heroin-induced and -conditioned effects extend to the female immune response. To begin this venture, the current study tested the direct effects of heroin and heroin-CS on LPS-induced peripheral nitric oxide (NO) production in female rats. We focused investigations on peripheral NO as it is a critical pro-inflammatory molecule necessary for pathogen resistance. In Experiment 1, male and female Lewis rats were administered 0 (Saline), 1, or 3 mg/kg heroin subcutaneously (s.c). Sixty minutes later, animals were injected with LPS (1 mg/kg, s.c.). Spleen and plasma samples were collected 6 h later to examine NO production through inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression and nitrate/nitrite concentration, respectively. In Experiment 2, female Lewis rats underwent five, 60-minute context conditioning sessions with heroin (1 mg/kg, s.c.) or saline. On test day, CS-exposed and control (home cage) animals were injected with LPS (1 mg/kg, s.c.). Tissue was collected 6 h later to examine splenic iNOS expression and plasma nitrate/nitrite concentration. Both heroin administration alone and exposure to heroin-CS suppressed LPS-induced indices of NO production in spleen and plasma. Our results are the first to indicate that, similar to males, female rats express heroin-induced and -conditioned immunomodulation to a LPS challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline E Paniccia
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Taylor N Weckstein
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Christina L Lebonville
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Donald T Lysle
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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85
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Abstract
Inuit in Alaska, Canada, and Russia have a long-term tradition in hunting bowhead whales that reaches back several thousands of years. Central to Inuit culture, hunted bowhead whales have undergone rigorous health evaluation by hunters and communities through various iterative processes guided by traditional customary practices. These traditional customary practices are similar to western meat hygiene designed to provide a thorough health assessment of the catch and by default, a public health judgment on food safety. With the establishment of the bowhead whale harvest monitoring program in Utqiaġvik in 1972, led by the North Slope Borough leadership and Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission (AEWC), collaborative research on the health of bowhead whales between the AEWC, Village Whaling Captains Association, Whaling Captain’s Wives Association, research scientists, and veterinarians have continued to build on the in-depth Inuit knowledge of the bowhead whale. This chapter synthesizes the historic and current knowledge about health and disease conditions of the bowhead whale. The information provided is a coproduction of knowledge reflecting perspectives of Inuit indigenous and local knowledge, veterinary medicine, and biology.
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86
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Mascarenhas CS, Silva RZ, Müller G. Helminth’s assemblage of Trachemys dorbigni (Testudines: Emydidae) in southern Brazil: implications of anthropogenic environments and host’s genders. IHERINGIA. SERIE ZOOLOGIA 2021. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4766e2021011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The assemblage of helminths of Trachemys dorbigni was analyzed according two environments (rural and urban) and according to host’s gender. Thus, the helminths found were: Spiroxys contortus (Rudolphi, 1819), Falcaustra affinis (Leidy, 1856), Camallanus emydidius Mascarenhas & Müller, 2017, Dioctophyme renale (Goeze, 1782) (larvae), Eustrongylides sp. (larvae) (Nematoda), Telorchis corti (Stunkard, 1915), Telorchis achavali Mañé-Garzón & Holcman-Spector, 1973, Telorchis spp. (Digenea), Polystomoides rohdei Mañé-Garzón & Holcman-Spector,1968 and Neopolystoma sp. (Monogenoidea). Parasitological indices suggests that S. contortus, F. affinis, C. emydidius, T. corti and P. rohdei are species common in helminth assemblage of T. dorbigni in southern Brazil. Infection by Dioctophyme renale is typical of the urban area and suggest relation with eutrophication process and feedback of parasitic cycle in the freshwater urban environment. Parasitological indices of Neopolystoma sp. and T. achavali suggest to be occasional infections; whereas infection by Eustrongylides sp. could be considered accidental. About Telorchiidae, there was no co-occurrence of the species of this group for the examined hosts. In relation to host’s gender, it was observed that infections by S. contortus, F. affinis, C. emydidius and T. corti had higher rates in females, showing a more intimate association with the females of T. dorbigni. The results suggest that human impact on the environment could affect the infrapopulacional dynamics of parasite species influencing the presence and rates of infection of helminths or exacerbating heterogeneities related to host’s gender.
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87
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Dudek BM, Henderson MT, Hudon SF, Hayden EJ, Heath JA. Haematophagous ectoparasites lower survival of and have detrimental physiological effects on golden eagle nestlings. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 9:coab060. [PMID: 34386238 PMCID: PMC8354271 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coab060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Haematophagous ectoparasites can directly affect the health of young animals by depleting blood volume and reducing energetic resources available for growth and development. Less is known about the effects of ectoparasitism on stress physiology (i.e. glucocorticoid hormones) or animal behaviour. Mexican chicken bugs (Haematosiphon inodorus; Hemiptera: Cimicidae) are blood-sucking ectoparasites that live in nesting material or nest substrate and feed on nestling birds. Over the past 50 years, the range of H. inodorus has expanded, suggesting that new hosts or populations may be vulnerable. We studied the physiological and behavioural effects of H. inodorus on golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) nestlings in southwestern Idaho. We estimated the level of H. inodorus infestation at each nest and measured nestling mass, haematocrit, corticosterone concentrations, telomere lengths and recorded early fledging and mortality events. At nests with the highest levels of infestation, nestlings had significantly lower mass and haematocrit. In addition, highly parasitized nestlings had corticosterone concentrations twice as high on average (42.9 ng/ml) than non-parasitized nestlings (20.2 ng/ml). Telomeres of highly parasitized female nestlings significantly shortened as eagles aged, but we found no effect of parasitism on the telomeres of male nestlings. Finally, in nests with higher infestation levels, eagle nestlings were 20 times more likely to die, often because they left the nest before they could fly. These results suggest that H. inodorus may limit local golden eagle populations by decreasing productivity. For eagles that survived infestation, chronically elevated glucocorticoids and shortened telomeres may adversely affect cognitive function or survival in this otherwise long-lived species. Emerging threats from ectoparasites should be an important management consideration for protected species, like golden eagles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin M Dudek
- Department of Biological Sciences and Raptor Research Center, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725, USA
- Corresponding author: Department of Biological Sciences and Raptor Research Center, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725, USA. Tel: (860) 248-0004.
| | - Michael T Henderson
- Department of Biological Sciences and Raptor Research Center, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725, USA
- The Peregrine Fund, Boise, ID 83709, USA
| | - Stephanie F Hudon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Biomolecular Sciences Graduate Program, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725, USA
| | - Eric J Hayden
- Department of Biological Sciences, Biomolecular Sciences Graduate Program, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725, USA
| | - Julie A Heath
- Department of Biological Sciences and Raptor Research Center, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725, USA
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88
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Muriel J, Vida C, Gil D, Pérez-Rodríguez L. Ontogeny of leukocyte profiles in a wild altricial passerine. J Comp Physiol B 2020; 191:195-206. [PMID: 33196859 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-020-01323-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ecophysiological studies have highlighted the relevance of the avian immune system in individual fitness prospects in the wild. However, studies on the ontogeny of avian immunity are scarce. We analyse age-related changes in the cellular constitutive immunity throughout nestling development, as well as its relationship with sex and brood size. We found that cellular constitutive immunity could be affected by age, sex, brood size, or daily rhythm. Early-stage nestlings relied more on cells of the innate immunity rather than on cells linked to the adaptive immune system. Cellular immunity may not be fully mature in fledglings, as reflected by differences in phagocytic cell counts with regard to adults. Beyond the age-dependent effects, agranulocyte cell counts were affected by sibling competition while granulocyte cell counts showed a daily rhythm. We also show that the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio was negatively related to body weight when nestlings become more independent. Our study contributes knowledge to the fields of developmental immunology and ecological immunology based on essential components of the cellular immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Muriel
- Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología, IPE (CSIC), Avda. Nuestra Señora de la Victoria 16, 22700, Jaca, Spain.
| | - Carmen Vida
- Department of Biology Systems, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alcalá, C/19, Av. de Madrid, Km 33,600, 28871, Alcalá de Henares,, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego Gil
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lorenzo Pérez-Rodríguez
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
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89
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Briggs J, Teyssier N, Nankabirwa JI, Rek J, Jagannathan P, Arinaitwe E, Bousema T, Drakeley C, Murray M, Crawford E, Hathaway N, Staedke SG, Smith D, Rosenthal PJ, Kamya M, Dorsey G, Rodriguez-Barraquer I, Greenhouse B. Sex-based differences in clearance of chronic Plasmodium falciparum infection. eLife 2020; 9:59872. [PMID: 33107430 PMCID: PMC7591246 DOI: 10.7554/elife.59872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple studies have reported a male bias in incidence and/or prevalence of malaria infection in males compared to females. To test the hypothesis that sex-based differences in host-parasite interactions affect the epidemiology of malaria, we intensively followed Plasmodium falciparum infections in a cohort in a malaria endemic area of eastern Uganda and estimated both force of infection (FOI) and rate of clearance using amplicon deep-sequencing. We found no evidence of differences in behavioral risk factors, incidence of malaria, or FOI by sex. In contrast, females cleared asymptomatic infections at a faster rate than males (hazard ratio [HR]=1.82, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.75 by clone and HR = 2.07, 95% CI 1.24 to 3.47 by infection event) in multivariate models adjusted for age, timing of infection onset, and parasite density. These findings implicate biological sex-based differences as an important factor in the host response to this globally important pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Briggs
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Noam Teyssier
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Joaniter I Nankabirwa
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda.,Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John Rek
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Emmanuel Arinaitwe
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda.,Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Teun Bousema
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Drakeley
- Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Margaret Murray
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, United States
| | | | - Nicholas Hathaway
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, United States
| | - Sarah G Staedke
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Smith
- Institute for Health Metrics & Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | - Phillip J Rosenthal
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Moses Kamya
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda.,Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Grant Dorsey
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | | | - Bryan Greenhouse
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
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90
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Female Salamanders Experience Higher Parasitism Compared to Males: A Cost of Female Reproduction? J HERPETOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1670/19-072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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91
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Sex- and Age-Specific Effects are Superimposed on Seasonal Variation in Mite Parasitism in Eastern Fence Lizards (Sceloporus undulatus). J HERPETOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1670/18-167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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92
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López-Pérez JE, Meylan PA, Goessling JM. Sex-based trade-offs in the innate and acquired immune systems of Sternotherus minor. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2020; 333:820-828. [PMID: 33075211 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Longevity patterns in most vertebrates suggest that females benefit most from maintenance investment. A reversed longevity pattern in loggerhead musk turtles (Sternotherus minor) allowed us to test trade-offs between maintenance and survivorship. We tested the hypothesis that the sex with greater longevity has greater maintenance than the sex with shorter longevity. We also compared the following parameters between sexes: Bactericidal ability (BA) and heterophil:lymphocyte ratios (HLR). Baseline blood samples were collected from turtles in the field; a subset of turtles was returned to a laboratory for experiments of acquired immune responses to sheep red blood cells (SRBC). We found no support for the original hypothesis of reversal in sex-dependent immune trade-offs (difference between sex SRBC titers: p = .102; interaction between treatment and sex: p = .177; difference between treatments: p < .001; effect of sex on BA: p = .830; effect of sex on HLR: p = .717). However, we did find support for sex-dependent differences in immunity in the relationship between HLR and body condition (BCI) (effect of BCI on HLR: p = .015). In field conditions, we found that males with higher body condition indices express stressed phenotypes more than males with lower body condition indices (p = .002). However, females expressed similar stress loads across all body conditions (p = .900). Testosterone concentrations were assayed in free-living turtles and were not related to any of the immune parameters. Our results suggest that the immune systems play an important role in balancing sex-specific responses to different selective pressures in S. minor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge E López-Pérez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eckerd College, Saint Petersburg, Florida, USA.,Current affiliation: Southeastern Louisiana University, Louisiana, USA
| | - Peter A Meylan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eckerd College, Saint Petersburg, Florida, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Goessling
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eckerd College, Saint Petersburg, Florida, USA
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93
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Parasites of an Arctic scavenger; the wolverine ( Gulo gulo). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2020; 13:178-185. [PMID: 33134077 PMCID: PMC7591336 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Parasites are fundamental components within all ecosystems, shaping interaction webs, host population dynamics and behaviour. Despite this, baseline data is lacking to understand the parasite ecology of many Arctic species, including the wolverine (Gulogulo), a top Arctic predator and scavenger. Here, we combined traditional count methods (i.e. adult helminth recovery, where taxonomy was confirmed by molecular identification) with 18S rRNA high-throughput sequencing to document the wolverine parasite community. Further, we investigated whether the abundance of parasites detected using traditional methods were associated with host metadata, latitude, and longitude (ranging from the northern limit of the boreal forest to the low Arctic and Arctic tundra in Nunavut, Canada). Adult parasites in intestinal contents were identified as Baylisascaris devosi in 72% (n = 39) of wolverines and Taenia spp. in 22% (n = 12), of which specimens from 2 wolverines were identified as T. twitchelli based on COX1 sequence. 18S rRNA high-throughput sequencing on DNA extracted from faeces detected additional parasites, including a pseudophyllid cestode (Diplogonoporus spp. or Diphyllobothrium spp.), two metastrongyloid lungworms (Angiostrongylus spp. or Aelurostrongylus spp., and Crenosoma spp.), an ascarid nematode (Ascaris spp. or Toxocara spp.), a Trichinella spp. nematode, and the protozoan Sarcocystis spp., though each at a prevalence less than 13% (n = 7). The abundance of B. devosi significantly decreased with latitude (slope = -0.68; R2 = 0.17; P = 0.004), suggesting a northerly limit in distribution. We describe B. devosi and T. twitchelli in Canadian wolverines for the first time since 1978, and extend the recorded geographic distribution of these parasites ca 2000 km to the East and into the tundra ecosystem. Our findings illustrate the value of molecular methods in support of traditional methods, encouraging additional work to improve the advancement of molecular screening for parasites. Combining traditional and molecular methods better captures parasite diversity. B. devosi and Taenia spp. distribution extends ca 2000 km East and into the tundra. The abundance of B. devosi in wolverines significantly decreases with latitude. B. devosi and Taenia spp. abundance is not associated with wolverine host metadata.
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94
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Mackey E, Thelen KM, Bali V, Fardisi M, Trowbridge M, Jordan CL, Moeser AJ. Perinatal androgens organize sex differences in mast cells and attenuate anaphylaxis severity into adulthood. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:23751-23761. [PMID: 32917815 PMCID: PMC7519313 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1915075117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mast cell (MC)-associated diseases, including allergy/anaphylaxis and neuroinflammatory pain disorders, exhibit a sex bias, with females at increase risk. While much attention has been directed toward adult sex hormones as drivers of sex differences, that female sex bias in MC-associated diseases is evident in prepubertal children, suggesting early-life origins of sex differences which have yet to be explored. Utilizing rodent models of MC-mediated anaphylaxis, our data here reveal that, 1) compared with females, males exhibit significantly reduced severity of MC-mediated anaphylactic responses that emerge prior to puberty and persist into adulthood, 2) reduced severity of MC-mediated anaphylaxis in males is linked with the naturally high level of perinatal androgens and can be recapitulated in females by perinatal exposure to testosterone proprionate, 3) perinatal androgen exposure guides bone marrow MC progenitors toward a masculinized tissue MC phenotype characterized by decreased concentration of prestored MC granule mediators (e.g., histamine, serotonin, and proteases) and reduced mediator release upon degranulation, and 4) engraftment of MC-deficient Kit W-sh/W-sh mice with adult male, female, or perinatally androgenized female MCs results in MC-mediated anaphylaxis response that reflects the MC sex and not host sex. Together, these data present evidence that sex differences in MC phenotype and resulting disease severity are established in early life by perinatal androgens. Thus, factors affecting levels of perinatal androgens could have a significant impact on MC development and MC-associated disease risk across the life span.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Mackey
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27603
| | - Kyan M Thelen
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Vedrana Bali
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Mahsa Fardisi
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Madalyn Trowbridge
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Cynthia L Jordan
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
- Psychology Department, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Adam J Moeser
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824;
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
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95
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Zamora-Mejías D, Morales-Malacara JB, Rodríguez-Herrera B, Ojeda M, Medellín RA. Does latitudinal migration represent an advantage in the decrease of ectoparasitic loads in Leptonycteris yerbabuenae (Chiroptera)? J Mammal 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyaa075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Latitudinal migration increases fitness of migrants by allowing them to exploit favorable conditions in nonadjacent geographic regions. Other consequences also may follow, such as interactions with parasites. Migrants may have lower parasite prevalence and abundance than resident individuals because of their ability to abandon infested areas or due to mortality of highly infested hosts. To further understand whether variation in ectoparasite loads is influenced by migration, we investigated whether prevalence and abundance of two species of obligate ectoparasites, the wing mite Periglischrus paracaligus (Mesostigmata: Spinturnicidae) and the bat fly Nycterophilia coxata (Diptera: Streblidae, Nycterophiliinae), of the lesser long-nosed bat, Leptonycteris yerbabuenae, varied between migratory and resident populations throughout their range in Mexico. We examined the presence or absence of migratory behavior, as well as sex and reproductive status of the host because ectoparasitism differentially affects the sexes. Our results showed that the prevalence of both ectoparasites did not vary between migrant and resident females or males, but abundance of the wing mite P. paracaligus was lower in migrant females compared with resident females, with an important influence from the reproductive status of the host. A partial negative relationship between ectoparasite loads and latitudinal migration therefore was demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Zamora-Mejías
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México D.F., México
- Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, México
| | - Juan B Morales-Malacara
- Unidad Multidisciplinaria de Docencia e Investigación, Facultad de Ciencias, Campus Juriquilla, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, México
| | | | - Margarita Ojeda
- Laboratorio de Ecología y Sistemática de Microartrópodos, Departamento de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Rodrigo A Medellín
- Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, México
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96
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Rehberger K, Wernicke von Siebenthal E, Bailey C, Bregy P, Fasel M, Herzog EL, Neumann S, Schmidt-Posthaus H, Segner H. Long-term exposure to low 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) concentrations disrupts both the reproductive and the immune system of juvenile rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 142:105836. [PMID: 32563011 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Estrogenic endocrine disrupting compounds (EEDCs), such as ethinylestradiol (EE2), are well studied for their impact on the reproductive system of fish. EEDCs may also impact the immune system and, as a consequence, the disease susceptibility of fish. It is currently not yet known whether the low concentrations of EEDCs that are able to disrupt the reproductive system of trout are effective in disrupting the immune system and the fish host resistance towards pathogens, too, or whether such immunodisruptive effects would occur only at higher EEDC concentrations. Therefore, in the present study we compare the effect thresholds of low 17α-ethinylestradiol concentrations (1.5 and 5.5 EE2 ng/L) on the reproductive system, the immune system, the energy expenditures and the resistance of juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) against the parasite Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae - the etiological agent of proliferative kidney disease (PKD) of salmonids. The parasite infection was conducted without injection and under low pathogen exposure concentrations. The disease development was followed over 130 days post infection - in the presence or absence of EE2 exposure. The results show that the long-term EE2 exposure affected, at both concentrations, reproductive parameters like the mRNA levels of hepatic vitellogenin and estrogen receptors. At the same concentrations, EE2 exposure modulated the immune parameters: mRNA levels of several immune genes were altered and the parasite intensity as well as the disease severity (histopathology) were significantly reduced in EE2-exposed fish compared to infected control fish. The combination of EE2 exposure and parasite infection was energetically costly, as indicated by the decreased values of the swim tunnel respirometry. Although further substantiation is needed, our findings suggest that EE2 exerts endocrine disruptive and immunomodulating activities at comparable effect thresholds, since reproductive and immune parameters were affected by the same, low EE2 concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Rehberger
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | | | - Christyn Bailey
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Bregy
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Melanie Fasel
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Elio L Herzog
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Neumann
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Heike Schmidt-Posthaus
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Helmut Segner
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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97
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Behringer V, Preis A, Wu DF, Crockford C, Leendertz FH, Wittig RM, Deschner T. Urinary Cortisol Increases During a Respiratory Outbreak in Wild Chimpanzees. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:485. [PMID: 32974394 PMCID: PMC7472655 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract: In mammals, the excretion of cortisol can provide energy toward restoring homeostasis and is a major component of the stress response. However, chronically elevated cortisol levels also have suppressive effects on immune function. As mounting an immune response is energetically costly, sick individuals may conserve energy by exhibiting certain sickness behaviors, such as declining activity levels. Due to the complex interplay between immune function and sickness behaviors, endocrinological correlates have received growing attention in the medical community, but so far, this subject was investigated rarely. Furthermore, given the complexities of studying illnesses and immunity in natural settings, correlates of sickness behaviors have yet to be studied in non-human primates in the wild. Methods: We measured urinary cortisol levels using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry in a group of wild habituated chimpanzees in Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire, before, during, and after a respiratory disease outbreak (main causative pathogen: human respiratory syncytial virus A, with coinfections of Streptococcus pneumoniae). Changes in cortisol levels were then related to urinary neopterin levels, a biomarker of immune system activation. Results: Urinary cortisol levels were found to be more than 10-fold higher during the outbreak in comparison with levels before and after the outbreak period. Increasing cortisol levels were also associated with increasing neopterin levels. Interestingly, rather atypical patterns in a diurnal decline of cortisol levels were found during infection periods, such that levels remained raised throughout the day. Conclusion: In conclusion, cortisol increase was related to cellular immune response. Our results suggest that cortisol is a mediator of infectious disease pathogenicity through its impact on the immune system and that wild chimpanzees may be facing energetic stress when sick. By monitoring immune challenges in wild-living animals, our study demonstrates that immune defenses have costs and that these costs are context-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Behringer
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.,Endocrinology Laboratory, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Anna Preis
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Doris F Wu
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.,Epidemiology of Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Catherine Crockford
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.,Taï Chimpanzee Project, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Fabian H Leendertz
- Epidemiology of Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Roman M Wittig
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.,Taï Chimpanzee Project, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Tobias Deschner
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
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98
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Sondo P, Derra K, Rouamba T, Nakanabo Diallo S, Taconet P, Kazienga A, Ilboudo H, Tahita MC, Valéa I, Sorgho H, Lefèvre T, Tinto H. Determinants of Plasmodium falciparum multiplicity of infection and genetic diversity in Burkina Faso. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:427. [PMID: 32819420 PMCID: PMC7441709 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04302-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Investigating malaria transmission dynamics is essential to inform policy decision making. Whether multiplicity of infection (MOI) dynamic from individual infections could be a reliable malaria metric in high transmission settings with marked variation in seasons of malaria transmission has been poorly assessed. This study aimed at investigating factors driving Plasmodium falciparum MOI and genetic diversity in a hyperendemic area of Burkina Faso. METHODS Blood samples collected from a pharmacovigilance trial were used for polymerase chain reaction genotyping of the merozoite surface proteins 1 and 2. MOI was defined as the number of distinct parasite genotypes co-existing within a particular infection. Monthly rainfall data were obtained from satellite data of the Global Precipitation Measurement Database while monthly malaria incidence aggregated data were extracted from District Health Information Software 2 medical data of the Center-West health regional direction. RESULTS In the study area, infected people harboured an average of 2.732 (± 0.056) different parasite genotypes. A significant correlation between the monthly MOI and the monthly malaria incidence was observed, suggesting that MOI could be a good predictor of transmission intensity. A strong effect of season on MOI was observed, with infected patients harbouring higher number of parasite genotypes during the rainy season as compared to the dry season. There was a negative relationship between MOI and host age. In addition, MOI decreased with increasing parasite densities, suggesting that there was a within-host competition among co-infecting genetically distinct P. falciparum variants. Each allelic family of the msp1 and msp2 genes was present all year round with no significant monthly fluctuation. CONCLUSIONS In high malaria endemic settings with marked variation in seasons of malaria transmission, MOI represents an appropriate malaria metric which provides useful information about the longitudinal changes in malaria transmission in a given area. Besides transmission season, patient age and parasite density are important factors to consider for better understanding of variations in MOI. All allelic families of msp1 and msp2 genes were found in both dry and rainy season. The approach offers the opportunity of translating genotyping data into relevant epidemiological information for malaria control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Sondo
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (IRSS-URCN), Nanoro, Burkina Faso.
| | - Karim Derra
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (IRSS-URCN), Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Toussaint Rouamba
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (IRSS-URCN), Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Seydou Nakanabo Diallo
- Institut National de Santé Publique/Centre Muraz de Bobo-Dioulasso, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Paul Taconet
- Centre de Recherche en Écologie et Évolution de la Santé (CREES), Montpellier, France
| | - Adama Kazienga
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (IRSS-URCN), Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Hamidou Ilboudo
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (IRSS-URCN), Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Marc Christian Tahita
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (IRSS-URCN), Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Innocent Valéa
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (IRSS-URCN), Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Hermann Sorgho
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (IRSS-URCN), Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Thierry Lefèvre
- Centre de Recherche en Écologie et Évolution de la Santé (CREES), Montpellier, France.,Laboratoire Mixte International sur les Vecteurs (LAMIVECT), Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.,Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Centre National pour la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Maladies Infectieuses et Vecteurs: Ecologie, Génétique, Evolution et Contrôle (MIVEGEC), Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Halidou Tinto
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (IRSS-URCN), Nanoro, Burkina Faso
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99
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Hodges-Simeon CR, Grail GPO, Albert G, Landry N, Ortiz TL, Carré JM, McHale TS, Arnocky SA. Testosterone, cortisol, and secretory immunoglobulin-A within a single day and across two sequential days among trans- and cis-gender men. Steroids 2020; 160:108640. [PMID: 32298661 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2020.108640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research on the association between testosterone (T) and immunity has produced conflicting results. OBJECTIVES We address two potential reasons for these empirical inconsistencies in the present research. First, the association between T and immunity may depend on which branch of the immune system is considered. Here, we examine secretory IgA (sIgA), a measure of mucosal immunity functionally related to respiratory infection risk. Second, the association between T and immunity may depend on a third regulatory variable. Therefore, we examine the interaction between T and cortisol (CORT) as well as their independent and combined effects on mucosal immunity. To do this, we explore intra-individual associations between sIgA, CORT, and T within a single day (i.e., morning vs. evening) and across 2 sequential mornings. We target two samples of men: (1) cisgender (i.e., born and identifying as men), and (2) transgender (i.e., born female but identifying as men) undergoing T therapy for gender realignment. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred and forty-eight adult men (transgender n = 29) provided saliva samples at three time points: (1) upon waking, (2) before sleep on the same day, and (3) upon waking the following day. Samples were assayed in duplicate for sIgA, T and CORT. RESULTS For cisgender men, sIgA, T, and CORT exhibited clear circadian rhythms and were significantly related within and between samples. For transgender men, evidence for circadian change was found for sIgA and CORT, but not T. Further, sIgA was associated with CORT, but not T. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS This study provides the first evidence that salivary T and sIgA concentrations are associated within a single day and across sequential days for cisgender men. Differences between cis- and transgender men suggest that this may only be true for T levels driven by endogenous production; however, future studies should employ a larger sample size.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Graham P O Grail
- Department of Anthropology, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Forensic Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, D.C., United States
| | - Graham Albert
- Department of Anthropology, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Nicholas Landry
- Department of Psychology, Nipissing University, North Bay, Ontario, Canada
| | - Triana L Ortiz
- Department of Psychology, Nipissing University, North Bay, Ontario, Canada
| | - Justin M Carré
- Department of Psychology, Nipissing University, North Bay, Ontario, Canada
| | - Timothy S McHale
- Department of Anthropology, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Anthropology and Museum Studies, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA, United States
| | - Steven A Arnocky
- Department of Psychology, Nipissing University, North Bay, Ontario, Canada
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100
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Laghzaoui EM, Abbad A, El Mouden EH. Host-parasite association of Placobdella costata (Glossiphoniidae: Hirudinea) and Mauremys leprosa (Geoemydidae: Testudinoidea) in aquatic ecosystems of Morocco. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:3459-3467. [PMID: 32677002 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06809-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758) was considered as a specific host of Placobdella costata (Fr. Mûller, 1846). However, since the parasite was recorded from outside the distribution area of its host, some authors suggested a possible relationship with other hosts. Although two accidental associations were found with another turtle, Mauremys leprosa (Schweigger, 1812), the obtained data remain insufficient to better understand this discovered host-parasite ecological system. In this context, the present study was carried out to evaluate the relationship between the Mediterranean pond turtle, M. leprosa, and the freshwater rhynchobdellid leech, P. costata (Hirudinida: Glossiphoniidae), in aquatic ecosystems of Morocco. During the period from April to June 2018, we found leeches attached to turtles in five out of 30 populations sampled with a prevalence of infection significantly higher in adult than that in juvenile turtles. Moreover, the males are the most infested with 51% of the total, followed by females (33.3%) and juveniles (15.7%). The obtained results indicated that 51 turtles were infested by 139 leeches with a mean intensity of infestation of 4.17 ± 0.47 leeches/turtle (up to 10 leeches/turtle). It was higher in males than that in females in almost all sites. The posterior limbs are the most preferred attachment site, and the body condition of turtles was not affected by the intensity of infestation but it is rather a function of altitude. Our findings proved that M. leprosa-P. costata association is more than accidental and that M. leprosa is rather the main host of P. costata in aquatic ecosystems of Morocco.
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Affiliation(s)
- El-Mustapha Laghzaoui
- Laboratory of Water, Biodiversity and Climatic Change, Faculty of Sciences, Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Abdelaziz Abbad
- Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnologies, Agrosciences and Environment, Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - El Hassan El Mouden
- Laboratory of Water, Biodiversity and Climatic Change, Faculty of Sciences, Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco.
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