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Nossa DN, Nóbrega YC, Acosta ICL, Santos MRD, Menezes PQ, Heinemann MB, Souza Filho AF, Srbek-Araujo AC. Antibodies against Leptospira spp. in Free-living and Captive Broad-snouted Caiman (Caiman latirostris) and Free-living Yacare Caiman (Caiman yacare) in Brazil. J Wildl Dis 2024; 60:795-798. [PMID: 38717873 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-23-00185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
We evaluated antibodies against Leptospira spp. in both free-living and captive Caiman latirostris from Atlantic Forest, and free-living Caiman yacare from Pantanal, Brazil, by using a microscopic agglutination test. Overall seropositivity was 17%, with rates of 36% in captive C. latirostris (n=4/11) and 18% in free-living C. yacare (n=4/22).
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela N Nossa
- Projeto Caiman, Instituto Marcos Daniel, Rua Eugênio Pacheco de Queiroz, s/n, Jardim Camburi-Vitória, Espírito Santo, 29055-290, Brazil
- Centro Universitário FAESA, Av. Vitória, n 2220, Monte Belo-Vitória, Espírito Santo, 29053-360, Brazil
| | - Yhuri C Nóbrega
- Projeto Caiman, Instituto Marcos Daniel, Rua Eugênio Pacheco de Queiroz, s/n, Jardim Camburi-Vitória, Espírito Santo, 29055-290, Brazil
- Centro Universitário FAESA, Av. Vitória, n 2220, Monte Belo-Vitória, Espírito Santo, 29053-360, Brazil
| | - Igor C L Acosta
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, n 87, Cidade Universitária-São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-270, Brazil
- Programa de Monitoramento da Biodiversidade Aquática na Área Ambiental I, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rua Visconde de Paranaguá, n 102, Centro-Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, 96203-900, Brazil
- Instituto Albatroz, Rua Marechal Hermes, n 35, Boqueirão - Santos, São Paulo, 11025-040, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Renan D Santos
- Projeto Caiman, Instituto Marcos Daniel, Rua Eugênio Pacheco de Queiroz, s/n, Jardim Camburi-Vitória, Espírito Santo, 29055-290, Brazil
| | - Paulo Q Menezes
- Projeto Caiman, Instituto Marcos Daniel, Rua Eugênio Pacheco de Queiroz, s/n, Jardim Camburi-Vitória, Espírito Santo, 29055-290, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Av Fernando Ferrari, n 514, Goiabeiras-Vitória, Espírito Santo, 29075-910, Brazil
| | - Marcos B Heinemann
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, n 87, Cidade Universitária-São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Antônio Francisco Souza Filho
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, n 87, Cidade Universitária-São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Srbek-Araujo
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação de Biodiversidade, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Vila Velha, Av. Comissário José Dantas de Melo, n 21, Boa Vista-Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, 29102-920, Brazil
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Sánchez-Soto MF, Gaona O, Vigueras-Galván AL, Suzán G, Falcón LI, Vázquez-Domínguez E. Prevalence and transmission of the most relevant zoonotic and vector-borne pathogens in the Yucatan peninsula: A review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012286. [PMID: 38959260 PMCID: PMC11251636 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Habitat modification and land use changes impact ecological interactions and alter the relationships between humans and nature. Mexico has experienced significant landscape modifications at the local and regional scales, with negative effects on forest cover and biological biodiversity, especially in the Yucatan peninsula in southeastern Mexico. Given the close relationship between landscape modification and the transmission of zoonotic and vector-borne diseases, it is essential to develop criteria for identifying priority zoonoses in the south of the country. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We reviewed 165 published studies on zoonotic and vector-borne diseases in the region (2015-2024). We identified the most frequent vectors, reservoirs, and hosts, the most prevalent infections, and the factors associated with transmission risk and the anthropogenic landscape modification in urban, rural, ecotone, and sylvatic habitats. The most relevant pathogens of zoonotic risk included Trypanosoma cruzi, arboviruses, Leishmania, Rickettsia, Leptospira, and Toxoplasma gondii. Trypanosoma cruzi was the vector-borne agent with the largest number of infected vertebrate species across habitats, while Leishmania and arboviruses were the ones that affected the greatest number of people. Dogs, cats, backyard animals, and their hematophagous ectoparasites are the most likely species maintaining the transmission cycles in human settlements, while rodents, opossums, bats, and other synanthropic animals facilitate connection and transmission cycles between forested habitats with human-modified landscapes. Pathogens displayed different prevalences between the landscapes, T. cruzi, arbovirus, and Leptospira infections were the most prevalent in urban and rural settlements, whereas Leishmania and Rickettsia had similar prevalence across habitats, likely due to the diversity and abundance of the infected vectors involved. The prevalence of T. gondii and Leptospira spp. may reflect poor hygiene conditions. Additionally, results suggest that prevalence of zoonotic and vector-borne diseases is higher in deforested areas and agricultural aggregates, and in sites with precarious health and infrastructure services. CONCLUSIONS Some hosts, vectors, and transmission trends of zoonotic and vector-borne diseases in the YP are well known but others remain poorly recognized. It is imperative to reinforce practices aimed at increasing the knowledge, monitoring, prevention, and control of these diseases at the regional level. We also emphasize the need to perform studies on a larger spatio-temporal scale under the socio-ecosystem perspective, to better elucidate the interactions between pathogens, hosts, vectors, environment, and sociocultural and economic aspects in this and many other tropical regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ma. Fernanda Sánchez-Soto
- Laboratorio de Ecología Bacteriana, Instituto de Ecología, Unidad Mérida, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Yucatán, México
| | - Osiris Gaona
- Laboratorio de Ecología Bacteriana, Instituto de Ecología, Unidad Mérida, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Yucatán, México
| | - Ana Laura Vigueras-Galván
- Laboratorio de Virología, Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
- International Joint Laboratory Ecosystem, biological diversity, habitat modifications, and risk of emerging pathogens and diseases in Mexico (ELDORADO), UNAM-IRD, Mérida, México
| | - Gerardo Suzán
- International Joint Laboratory Ecosystem, biological diversity, habitat modifications, and risk of emerging pathogens and diseases in Mexico (ELDORADO), UNAM-IRD, Mérida, México
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades y Una Salud, Departamento de Etología, Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Luisa I. Falcón
- Laboratorio de Ecología Bacteriana, Instituto de Ecología, Unidad Mérida, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Yucatán, México
| | - Ella Vázquez-Domínguez
- Laboratorio de Genética y Ecología, Departamento de Ecología de la Biodiversidad, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
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Mateus-Vargas RH, Arias-Pérez V, Sandoval-Hernández I, Hammerl JA, Barquero-Calvo E. American crocodiles ( Crocodylus acutus: Reptilia: Crocodilidae) visiting the facilities of a freshwater aquaculture of the Northern Pacific region, Costa Rica, carry tetracycline-resistant Escherichia coli. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1374677. [PMID: 38645643 PMCID: PMC11027564 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1374677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Apex predators are exposed to antimicrobial compounds and resistant microbes, which accumulate at different trophic levels of the related ecosystems. The study aimed to characterize the presence and the antimicrobial resistance patterns of fecal Escherichia coli isolated from cloacal swab samples obtained from wild-living American crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) (n = 53). Sampling was conducted within the distinctive context of a freshwater-intensive aquaculture farm in Costa Rica, where incoming crocodiles are temporarily held in captivity before release. Phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were determined in all isolates, while resistant isolates were subjected to whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics analyses. In total, 24 samples contained tetracycline-resistant E. coli (45.3%). Isolates carried either tet(A), tet(B), or tet(C) genes. Furthermore, genes conferring resistance to ß-lactams, aminoglycosides, fosfomycin, sulfonamides, phenicol, quinolones, trimethoprim, and colistin were detected in single isolates, with seven of them carrying these genes on plasmids. Genome sequencing further revealed that sequence types, prevalence of antibiotic resistance carriage, and antibiotic resistance profiles differed between the individuals liberated within the next 24 h after their capture in the ponds and those liberated from enclosures after longer abodes. The overall presence of tetracycline-resistant E. coli, coupled with potential interactions with various anthropogenic factors before arriving at the facilities, hinders clear conclusions on the sources of antimicrobial resistance for the studied individuals. These aspects hold significant implications for both the aquaculture farm's biosecurity and the planning of environmental monitoring programs using such specimens. Considering human-crocodile conflicts from the One Health perspective, the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance underscores the importance of systematical surveillance of antibiotic resistance development in American crocodiles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jens Andre Hammerl
- Department Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elías Barquero-Calvo
- Programa de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica
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Bradley EA, Lockaby G. Leptospirosis and the Environment: A Review and Future Directions. Pathogens 2023; 12:1167. [PMID: 37764975 PMCID: PMC10538202 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of global importance with significant morbidity and mortality. However, the disease is frequently overlooked and underdiagnosed, leading to uncertainty of the true scale and severity of the disease. A neglected tropical disease, leptospirosis disproportionately impacts disadvantaged socioeconomic communities most vulnerable to outbreaks of zoonotic disease, due to contact with infectious animals and contaminated soils and waters. With growing evidence that Leptospira survives, persists, and reproduces in the environment, this paper reviews the current understanding of the pathogen in the environment and highlights the unknowns that are most important for future study. Through a systematic Boolean review of the literature, our study finds that detailed field-based study of Leptospira prevalence, survival, and transmission in natural waters and soils is lacking from the current literature. This review identified a strong need for assessment of physical characteristics and biogeochemical processes that support long-term viability of Leptospira in the environment followed by epidemiological assessment of the transmission and movement of the same strains of Leptospira in the present wildlife and livestock as the first steps in improving our understanding of the environmental stage of the leptospirosis transmission cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Bradley
- College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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5
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Fonseca MS, Deegan KR, Tomé LM, Mendonça MA, Sokolonski AR, Gondim LQ, Azevedo V, Meyer R, Tasic L, Góes-Neto A, Portela RW. First description of Candida haemulonii infecting a snake Boa constrictor: Molecular, pathological and antifungal sensitivity characteristics. Microb Pathog 2023; 180:106164. [PMID: 37211264 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Candida haemulonii is an emergent infectious pathogen that affects human presenting comorbidities and/or immunodepression. Little is known about other possible hosts. For the first time, this fungus was found causing a cutaneous infection in a snake, Boa constrictor, characterized by scale opacity and several ulcerative lesions. This C. haemulonii was isolated, identified using molecular techniques and a phylogenetic study, and had its growth totally inhibited by all the drugs tested; however, no fungicide effect was seen for fluconazole and itraconazole. The B. constrictor clinical signals subsided after a treatment using a biogenic silver nanoparticle-based ointment. These findings, along with the B. constrictor presence near human habitats, warn for the necessity of wildlife health monitoring for emergent and opportunistic diseases in peri-urban environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maísa Santos Fonseca
- Laboratório de Imunologia e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia State, 40110-100, Brazil
| | - Kathleen Ramos Deegan
- Ambulatório de Animais Silvestres e Exóticos, Escola de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia State, 40170-1004, Brazil
| | - Luis Marcelo Tomé
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Computacional de Fungos, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Marcos Antonio Mendonça
- Laboratório de Imunologia e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia State, 40110-100, Brazil
| | - Ana Rita Sokolonski
- Laboratório de Imunologia e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia State, 40110-100, Brazil
| | - Leane Queiroz Gondim
- Ambulatório de Animais Silvestres e Exóticos, Escola de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia State, 40170-1004, Brazil
| | - Vasco Azevedo
- Laboratório de Genética Celular e Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Roberto Meyer
- Laboratório de Imunologia e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia State, 40110-100, Brazil
| | - Ljubica Tasic
- Laboratório de Química Biológica, Departamento de Química Orgânica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo State, 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Aristóteles Góes-Neto
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Computacional de Fungos, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Wagner Portela
- Laboratório de Imunologia e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia State, 40110-100, Brazil.
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Verma A, Brandt L, Runser S, Gruszynski K, Gallatin K, Morgan J, Barnhart H, Duke C, Brovarney S, Geer A, Willems E, Strobel R, Bryant C, Pawlowski E, Thaker A. Detection of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in herpetofauna in Central Appalachia. Zoonoses Public Health 2022; 69:325-332. [PMID: 35124897 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a water borne zoonotic disease of global significance that is caused by pathogenic species of the genus Leptospira. Pathogenic leptospires live in the kidneys of reservoir or infected animals and are shed in their urine contaminating water, soil, etc. Rodents are considered the primary reservoir of leptospirosis, but little is known about the role of herpetofauna (non-avian reptiles and amphibians) in the epidemiology of the disease. To address this, various species of amphibians and reptiles in the Cumberland Gap Region of the Central Appalachia were screened for the presence of Leptospira spp. Kidneys harvested from of a total of 116 amphibians and reptiles belonging to seven species of snakes, seven species of salamanders, seven species of frogs/toads, seven species of turtles and one species of lizards were tested using a highly specific TaqMan based qPCR that targets lipl32 gene of pathogenic Leptospira spp. Overall, 15 of the tested 116 amphibians and reptiles were positive (12.9%; 95% CI: 7.4%-20.4%). Of the 101 amphibians, 11 were positive (10.9%; 95% CI: 5.6%-18.7%), and 4 of the 15 reptiles tested positive (26.7%; 95% CI: 7.8%-55.1%). The amplified gene fragments of lipl32 from qPCR positive kidneys were sequenced and found to be identical with known pathogenic Leptospira spp. These results suggest that although the proportion of reptiles and amphibians transmitting pathogenic Leptospira spp. within the environment may be low as compared to rodents, they pose a risk to other susceptible hosts that share their habitats and may have role in maintaining a baseline infection in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Verma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee, USA
- Center for Infectious, Zoonotic and Vector-borne diseases, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee, USA
| | - LaRoy Brandt
- School of Mathematics and Science, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee, USA
- Cumberland Mountain Research Center, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee, USA
| | - Samantha Runser
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee, USA
| | - Karen Gruszynski
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee, USA
- Center for Animal and Human Health in Appalachia, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kenneth Gallatin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee, USA
| | - Joey Morgan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee, USA
| | - Hanna Barnhart
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee, USA
| | - Conner Duke
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee, USA
| | - Scott Brovarney
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee, USA
| | - Allison Geer
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee, USA
| | - Emily Willems
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee, USA
| | - Raeshelle Strobel
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee, USA
| | - Christian Bryant
- School of Mathematics and Science, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee, USA
| | - Emma Pawlowski
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ashana Thaker
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee, USA
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Quantifying Circulating IgY Antibody Responses against Select Opportunistic Bacterial Pathogens and Correlations with Body Condition Factors in Wild American Alligators, Alligator mississippiensis. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11020269. [PMID: 35205135 PMCID: PMC8869730 DOI: 10.3390/biology11020269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) was purified from American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, serum and used to develop a monoclonal antibody (mAb AMY-9) specific for the heavy chains of IgY. This antibody tool was then used to develop an ELISA for quantifying serum antibody responses against whole bacterial pathogens in alligators sampled in Florida, USA and South Carolina, USA. Antibody responses against some of the bacteria were very robust and varied by location and year, and in general these antibody responses correlated well with body condition factors, such as body-mass-indices (BMI). A novel mAb is now available to the scientific community interested in disease ecology of alligators. Abstract Little is known about the disease ecology of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis), and especially how they respond immunologically to emerging infectious diseases and zoonotic pathogens. In this study, we examined serum samples collected from wild alligators in Florida (2010–2011) and South Carolina (2011–2012, 2014–2017) for antibody responses to multiple bacteria. Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) was purified from serum to generate a mouse monoclonal antibody (mAb AMY-9) specific to the IgY heavy chain. An indirect ELISA was then developed for quantifying antibody responses against whole cell Escherichia coli,Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus, Mycobacterium fortuitum, Erysipelothrix rhusiopthiae, and Streptococcus agalactiae. In Florida samples the primary differences in antibody levels were between January–March and late spring through summer and early fall (May-October), most likely reflecting seasonal influences in immune responses. Of note, differences over the months in antibody responses were confined to M. fortuitum, E. rhusiopthiae, V. vulnificus, and E. coli. Robust antibody responses in SC samples were observed in 2011, 2014, and 2015 against each bacterium except E. coli. All antibody responses were low in 2016 and 2017. Some of the highest antibody responses were against V. parahaemolyticus, M. fortuitum, and E. rhusiopthiae. One SC alligator estimated to be 70+ years old exhibited the highest measured antibody response against V. parahaemolyticus and M. fortuitum. By combining data from both sites, we show a clear correlation between body-mass-indices (BMI) and antibody titers in all six of the bacteria examined. Our study provides a critical antibody reagent and a proof-of-concept approach for studying the disease ecology of alligators in both the wild and in captivity.
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Charruau P. The Mastofauna of Banco Chinchorro Atoll, Mexico. CARIBB J SCI 2021. [DOI: 10.18475/cjos.v51i2.a8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Charruau
- Centro del Cambio Global y la Sustentabilidad A.C., Villahermosa, Tabasco, México
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Leptospira interrogans in wild Boa constrictor snakes from Northeast Brazil peri‑urban rainforest fragments. Acta Trop 2020; 209:105572. [PMID: 32504590 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Leptospirosis, a disease that occurs worldwide, especially in tropical regions, is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira and affects mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. Boa constrictor snakes are commonly found in Atlantic rainforest fragments in peri‑urban areas, which indicates a greater possibility of the contact of these animals with humans residing there. Therefore, the aim of this work was to detect Leptospira spp infection through molecular assays in wild B. constrictor snakes rescued in peri‑urban areas and verify seroreactivity, by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), as well as the most common serogroups. Among the 46 samples tested, 7 (15.21%) were positive according to PCR and confirmed as Leptospira interrogans through secY gene sequencing. In MAT, 37 (80.43%) of the 46 samples were classified as reactive. Panama was the serogroup with the highest occurrence. The results showed the presence of Leptospira spp DNA in asymptomatic snakes rescued in rainforest fragments located in peri‑urban areas and support further investigations on the influence of these animals in the epidemiology of leptospirosis in tropical peri‑urban areas.
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10
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SEROLOGIC SURVEY OF LEPTOSPIRA SPP. IN CAPTIVE ANIMALS FROM VERACRUZ, MEXICO. J Zoo Wildl Med 2020; 51:222-227. [PMID: 32212567 DOI: 10.1638/2018-0120] [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] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is the most common zoonotic disease worldwide and is considered endemic in countries with tropical climates. It is caused by 10 species of the Leptospira genus and by more than 275 serovars which can affect a wide range of vertebrates. In the Americas, 122 species of four classes of vertebrates have been reported to be infected or exposed to many Leptospira species. Many of these reports are from zoos and rehabilitation centers. Mexico has one single study that reported antibody titers against Leptospira in zoo animals. The purpose of this research was to identify the degree of exposure of some captive mammals and reptiles in Veracruz, a Mexican state with endemic leptospirosis, through microagglutination using 14 live strains of five Leptospira species. Sera samples were collected from 55 animals of 11 species from two classes (Mammalia and Reptilia), four orders (Primates, Artiodactyla, Carnivora, Crocodilia), and nine genera. The more prevalent serovars were Icterohaemorrhagiae and Tarassovi and the highest titers were reactive to the serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae with a value of 1: 51,200.
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11
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Putz EJ, Nally JE. Investigating the Immunological and Biological Equilibrium of Reservoir Hosts and Pathogenic Leptospira: Balancing the Solution to an Acute Problem? Front Microbiol 2020; 11:2005. [PMID: 32922382 PMCID: PMC7456838 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.02005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a devastating zoonotic disease affecting people and animals across the globe. Pathogenic leptospires are excreted in urine of reservoir hosts which directly or indirectly leads to continued disease transmission, via contact with mucous membranes or a breach of the skin barrier of another host. Human fatalities approach 60,000 deaths per annum; though most vertebrates are susceptible to leptospirosis, complex interactions between host species and serovars of Leptospira can yield disease phenotypes that vary from asymptomatic shedding in reservoir hosts, to multi-organ failure in incidental hosts. Clinical symptoms of acute leptospirosis reflect the diverse range of pathogenic species and serovars that cause infection, the level of exposure, and the relationship of the pathogen with the given host. However, in all cases, pathogenic Leptospira are excreted into the environment via urine from reservoir hosts which are uniformly recognized as asymptomatic carriers. Therefore, the reservoir host serves as the cornerstone of persistent disease transmission. Although bacterin vaccines can be used to abate renal carriage and excretion in domestic animal species, there is an urgent need to advance our understanding of immune-mediated host–pathogen interactions that facilitate persistent asymptomatic carriage. This review summarizes the current understanding of host–pathogen interactions in the reservoir host and prioritizes research to unravel mechanisms that allow for colonization but not destruction of the host. This information is required to understand, and ultimately control, the transmission of pathogenic Leptospira.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie J Putz
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Jarlath E Nally
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Ames, IA, United States
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Bauso J, Simoncini MS, Chiani Y, Schmeling MF, Larriera A, Vanasco NB, Piña CI. Presence of Leptospira spp. in Caiman latirostris (Crocodylia, Alligatoridae) populations in Santa Fe, Argentina. Heliyon 2020; 6:e03837. [PMID: 32420469 PMCID: PMC7218011 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by pathogenic spirochetes of the genus Leptospira, transmitted by wild and domestic animals. Rodents play a fundamental role in the transmission cycle of this zoonosis but the function of reptiles is unknown. For example, crocodilians could play an important role in the transmission of this disease by living in ideal environments (bodies of shallow water and high temperatures) for the colonization of this bacterium. However, few studies have documented the presence of zoonotic diseases in caiman populations. Our objective was to assess the prevalence of antibodies to leptospira and the presence of Leptospira spp. in wild and captive Caiman latirostris. Blood samples were taken from 45 individuals (20 wild and 25 captive). Before extraction, we cleaned each caiman's neck in order to prevent contamination of samples. We determined the presence of antibodies in serum by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect DNA of the bacteria. We excluded 9 of the 45 samples analyzed by MAT because 5 had lipemic serum and 4 were contaminated (colonized by other organisms). Of the 36 caimans studied by microscopic agglutination test (MAT), 56% (20/36) were considered reactive (titers ≥50). In 74% (14/19) of captive samples and 35% (6/17) of wild samples, antibodies to leptospira were detected by MAT. The serogroup with highest occurrence was Pyrogenes (85%, n = 17/20), presenting coagglutinations with Icterohaemorrhagiae (25%, n = 5/20). One sample from a captive animal was positive for PCR, and we could not isolate leptospires because of agar contamination. Of the 45 blood agar media, 17.8% were contaminated and the rest were negative. This work determined the presence of Leptospira spp. in one caiman and a high prevalence of antibodies in captive caiman relative to wild individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jazmín Bauso
- CICYTTP (CONICET- Prov. de Entre Ríos-UAdER), FCyT, España 149, CP 3105, Diamante, Entre Ríos, Argentina
- Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, UNL, Ciudad Universitaria, Paraje El Pozo, CP 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Proyecto Yacaré-Laboratorio de Zoología Aplicada: Anexo Vertebrados (FHUC-UNL/MASPyMA), Av. Aristobulo de Valle 8700, CP 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Melina S. Simoncini
- CICYTTP (CONICET- Prov. de Entre Ríos-UAdER), FCyT, España 149, CP 3105, Diamante, Entre Ríos, Argentina
- Proyecto Yacaré-Laboratorio de Zoología Aplicada: Anexo Vertebrados (FHUC-UNL/MASPyMA), Av. Aristobulo de Valle 8700, CP 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Yosena Chiani
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias (INER) “Dr. Emilio Coni”, Av. Blas Parera 8260, CP 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - María F. Schmeling
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias (INER) “Dr. Emilio Coni”, Av. Blas Parera 8260, CP 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Alejandro Larriera
- Proyecto Yacaré-Laboratorio de Zoología Aplicada: Anexo Vertebrados (FHUC-UNL/MASPyMA), Av. Aristobulo de Valle 8700, CP 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias, UNL, Ciudad Universitaria, Paraje El Pozo, CP 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Norma B. Vanasco
- Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, UNL, Ciudad Universitaria, Paraje El Pozo, CP 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias (INER) “Dr. Emilio Coni”, Av. Blas Parera 8260, CP 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Carlos I. Piña
- CICYTTP (CONICET- Prov. de Entre Ríos-UAdER), FCyT, España 149, CP 3105, Diamante, Entre Ríos, Argentina
- Proyecto Yacaré-Laboratorio de Zoología Aplicada: Anexo Vertebrados (FHUC-UNL/MASPyMA), Av. Aristobulo de Valle 8700, CP 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
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Johnson JG, Watson MK. Diseases of the Reptile Renal System. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2020; 23:115-129. [PMID: 31759443 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2019.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Renal disease accounts for a considerable amount of morbidity and mortality in reptiles, in part owing to inadequate husbandry practices, such as inappropriate temperature, humidity, and access to water. Inappropriate husbandry practices may lead to subclinical dehydration that can specifically impact the renal system, which relies on vascular perfusion to function. This article aims to highlight urinary pathophysiology and summarize infectious and noninfectious causes of renal disease in reptiles as a guide for differential diagnoses to consider during clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- James G Johnson
- Department of Animal Health, Saint Louis Zoo, One Government Drive, St Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Veterinary Preventative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Megan K Watson
- Department of Animal Health, Zoo New England, 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston, MA 02121, USA
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Paz LN, Hamond C, Dias CS, Curvelo VP, Medeiros MA, Oriá AP, Pinna MH. Detection of Leptospira spp. in Captive Broad-Snouted Caiman (Caiman latirostris). ECOHEALTH 2019; 16:694-700. [PMID: 31701314 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-019-01452-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Leptospira sp. is an important waterborne zoonotic bacterium, known to cause infection in animals and humans worldwide. The role of reptiles in the transmission of this microorganism is poorly understood and historically neglected. This study aimed to investigate the presence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies and leptospiral DNA in captive Caiman latirostris (broad-snouted caiman). Of the 23 reptiles studied by microscopic agglutination test (MAT), 22/23 (95.65%) were considered reactive (titers ≥ 100) and 1/23 (4.35%) non-reactive (titer < 100). The serogroup with highest occurrence was Grippotyphosa (68.18%, n = 15/22) followed by serogroup Djasiman (18.18%, n = 4/22). Specific amplification of Leptospira spp. gene lipL32 was observed in six (26.09%, n = 6/23) blood samples. Five of six samples, previously detected as pathogenic leptospira by PCR, were amplified and sequenced. All the samples corresponded to the pathogenic species Leptospira interrogans (presented 100% of identity) using the PCR targeting to secY gene. We demonstrated high detection of DNA of L. interrogans in crocodilians, and the authors suggest that further research is needed to elucidate the impact of Leptospira spp. infection in health broad-snouted caimans as well as the pathophysiology of leptospirosis in crocodilians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Nogueira Paz
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Camila Hamond
- Plataforma de Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, INIA La Estanzuela, Ruta 50, Km. 11, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Carla Silva Dias
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | | | - Marco Alberto Medeiros
- Laboratory of Recombinant Technology, Bio-Manguinhos, Brazilian Ministry of Health, FIOCRUZ, Av. Brazil, 4365, Rio de Janeiro, 21045-900, Brazil
| | - Arianne Pontes Oriá
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Melissa Hanzen Pinna
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil.
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Rockwell KE, Thompson D, Maddox C, Mitchell MA. Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) as a reservoir for Leptospira spp. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210688. [PMID: 31170263 PMCID: PMC6553713 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospira spp. are re-emerging zoonotic pathogens. Previous research has found that Blanding’s turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) experimentally infected with Leptospira interrogans shed leptospires in their urine, suggesting that they could play a role in transmitting pathogen within an aquatic ecosystem. This study investigated whether a population of wild Blanding’s turtles known to be exposed to Leptospira spp. actively shed the pathogen under natural conditions. Blood samples were collected for serologic testing and to assess the health of the turtles. Free catch urine was collected for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. All turtles were seropositive for Leptospira spp. and 73.5% (25/34) of the urine samples were PCR positive. All animals appeared clinically healthy and showed no apparent signs of disease. This study confirms that wild Blanding’s turtles can actively shed Leptospira spp. in their urine and suggests that they may play a role in the epidemiology of this disease in habitats in which they reside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly E. Rockwell
- University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Dan Thompson
- DuPage County Forest Preserve, Glen Ellyn, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Carol Maddox
- University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathobiology, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Mark A. Mitchell
- University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Ebani VV. Domestic reptiles as source of zoonotic bacteria: A mini review. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2017; 10:723-728. [PMID: 28942820 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtm.2017.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Captive reptiles, always more often present in domestic environment as pets, may harbor and excrete a large variety of zoonotic pathogens. Among them, Salmonella is the most well-known agent, whereas there are very scant data about infections by mycobacteria, chlamydiae and leptospirae in cold-blooded animals. However, the investigations that found antibody reactions and/or the bacteria in samples collected from free-ranging and captive reptiles show that herpetofauna may be involved in the epidemiology of these infections. The present review reports the updated knowledge about salmonellosis, mycobacteriosis, chlamydiosis and leptospirosis in reptiles and underlines the risk of infection to which people, mainly children, are exposed.
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Fornazari F. Are Reptiles Reservoirs of Leptospirosis? A Brief Discussion Based on Serological Studies. ECOHEALTH 2017; 14:203-204. [PMID: 28500422 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-017-1243-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Fornazari
- Departamento de Higiene Veterinária e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Prof. Dr. Walter Maurício Correa Street, Botucatu, São Paulo State, 18618-681, Brazil.
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