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Iurk VB, Ingles M, Correa GS, Silva CR, Staichak G, Pileggi SAV, Christo SW, Domit C, Pileggi M. The potential influence of microplastics on the microbiome and disease susceptibility in sea turtles. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174298. [PMID: 38944299 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) are particles with sizes of ≤5 mm formed when plastic materials break down. These contaminants are often found in marine environments, making it easy for sea turtles to ingest them and for their microbiome to be exposed. MPs can disrupt microbiome balance, leading to dysbiosis and making organisms more susceptible to diseases. Owing to the significance of these processes, it is crucial to dedicate research to studying the metabolic and genetic analysis of the gut microbiome in sea turtles. The objective of this study was to describe the effects of exposure to MPs on the gut microbiome of sea turtles, based on current knowledge. This review also aimed to explore the potential link between MP exposure and disease susceptibility in these animals. We show that the metabolites produced by the gut microbiome, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), polyamines, and polysaccharide A, can regulate the expression of host genes. Regulation occurs through various mechanisms, including histone acetylation, DNA methylation, and the modulation of cytokine gene expression. These processes are essential for preserving the integrity of the gut mucosa and enhancing the functionality of immune cells. Exposure to MPs disrupts the gut microbiome and alters gene expression, leading to immune system disturbances in sea turtles. This vulnerability makes turtles more susceptible to opportunistic microorganisms such as chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChAHV5), which is linked to the development of fibropapillomatosis (FP). Additionally, targeted dietary interventions or the use of live microorganisms such as probiotics can help restore microbial biodiversity and recover lost metabolic pathways. The goal of these interventions is to restore the functionality of the immune system in sea turtles undergoing rehabilitation at specialized centers. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in sea turtle health, sparking discussions and investigations that can potentially lead to promising treatments for these animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitória Bonfim Iurk
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação, Centro de Estudos do Mar, Universidade Federal do Paraná, PR 832555-000, Brazil; Laboratório de Microbiologia Ambiental, Departamento de Biologia Estrutural, Molecular e Genética, Setor de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, PR 84030-000, Brazil
| | - Mariana Ingles
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação, Centro de Estudos do Mar, Universidade Federal do Paraná, PR 832555-000, Brazil
| | - Giovana Sequinel Correa
- Laboratório de Virologia Aplicada, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, SC 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Caroline Rosa Silva
- Departamento de Biotecnologia, Genética e Biologia Celular, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, PR 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Staichak
- Instituto de Biociências da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso, MT 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Sônia Alvim Veiga Pileggi
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Ambiental, Departamento de Biologia Estrutural, Molecular e Genética, Setor de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, PR 84030-000, Brazil.
| | - Susete Wambier Christo
- Laboratório de Zoologia, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Setor de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, PR 84030-000, Brazil
| | - Camila Domit
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação, Centro de Estudos do Mar, Universidade Federal do Paraná, PR 832555-000, Brazil.
| | - Marcos Pileggi
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Ambiental, Departamento de Biologia Estrutural, Molecular e Genética, Setor de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, PR 84030-000, Brazil.
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Castro LR, Villalba-Viscaíno V, Oviedo Á, Zambrano E, Dávila A, Naranjo G, Oro-Genes BD, Combatt A, Prieto-Rodríguez J, Ortiz A, Villamizar N. Case report: Diagnosis and autogenous vaccine treatment of herpesvirus in a green turtle ( Chelonia mydas) in Santa Marta, Colombia. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1258209. [PMID: 38384952 PMCID: PMC10880012 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1258209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
This study reports the first case of fibropapillomatosis (FP) in the green turtle Chelonia mydas that has been successfully diagnosed and treated in Colombia. Worldwide, FP has reached epizootic proportions as it has been reported in marine turtles of tropical and subtropical waters, and in severe cases, it reduces the probability of survival. Treatment has been elusive as multiple surgical excisions are needed due to tumor recurrence. In this case, one green turtle with multiple tumors was diagnosed by histopathology and molecular detection of the chelonid herpesvirus 5 (ChHV5) by means of amplification and sequencing of the DNA polymerase (DNApol) gene. Two separate treatments that consisted of autogenous vaccines and surgical excisions were applied; the first one had a partial success as one out of the tumors treated reappeared after 3 months post-treatment. Treatment 2 consisted of an autogenous vaccine enriched with adjuvants and applied at increasing doses, after which, the tumor significatively decreased in size and was surgically removed. At the end of the 6 months follow-up period, no tumor recurrence was observed, and the turtle was in apparent optimal health conditions. These findings, although limited, suggest a possible treatment that might help to contain this epizootic problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyda R. Castro
- Centro de Genética y Biología Molecular. Grupo de Investigación Evolución, Sistemática y Ecología molecular, Universidad del Magdalena, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Vivian Villalba-Viscaíno
- Grupo de Investigación en Inmunología y Patología, Universidad del Magdalena, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Ángel Oviedo
- Centro de Genética y Biología Molecular. Grupo de Investigación Evolución, Sistemática y Ecología molecular, Universidad del Magdalena, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Edgar Zambrano
- Centro de Genética y Biología Molecular. Grupo de Investigación Evolución, Sistemática y Ecología molecular, Universidad del Magdalena, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | | | - Gualberto Naranjo
- Corporación Autónoma Regional del Magdalena (CORPAMAG), Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Blanca De Oro-Genes
- Grupo de Investigación en Inmunología y Patología, Universidad del Magdalena, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | | | | | - Arnaldo Ortiz
- Centro de Genética y Biología Molecular. Grupo de Investigación Evolución, Sistemática y Ecología molecular, Universidad del Magdalena, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Natalia Villamizar
- Centro de Genética y Biología Molecular. Grupo de Investigación Evolución, Sistemática y Ecología molecular, Universidad del Magdalena, Santa Marta, Colombia
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Moreira-González AR, Domit C, Rosa KMS, Mafra LL. Occurrence of potentially toxic microalgae and diarrhetic shellfish toxins in the digestive tracts of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) from southern Brazil. HARMFUL ALGAE 2023; 128:102498. [PMID: 37714579 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2023.102498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Algal toxins are involved in the mortality and/or illness of marine organisms via consumption of contaminated prey, or upon direct exposure to toxic cells. In this study, the presence of potentially toxic microalgal cells was investigated within the digestive tract contents of a threatened species of green turtle (Chelonia mydas). Additionally, lipophilic toxins were determined by LC-MS/MS in tissue samples (liver, stomach and/or intestine) of selected animals (n = 39 individuals) found dead-stranded in southern Brazil, from winter/2015 to autumn/2016. Thirteen potentially toxic species of microalgae (both benthic and planktonic), including seven dinoflagellates, six cyanobacteria and one diatom, were found in the digestive tract contents of green turtles. Among them, dinoflagellates belonging to the Dinophysis acuminata species complex were the most frequent (36%) and abundant (maximum average abundance of 566 cells g-1 in spring/2015). Moreover, 23% of the examined sea turtles exhibited detectable levels of the diarrhetic shellfish toxin okadaic acid (OA) in washed digestive tissues. Seven individuals accumulated OA in their intestines (max. 24.1 ng g-1) and two in the stomachs (max. 7.4 ng g-1). Toxin levels in the tissues were directly and significantly (r = 0.70, p < 0.025) associated with the cell abundance of OA-producing D. acuminata and Prorocentrum lima species complexes within the digestive contents of green turtles. Although OA concentrations were relatively low, possible chronic exposure might deteriorate general health conditions of exposed sea turtles, increasing the risk for diseases. Okadaic acid has been regarded as a tumor-promoting compound and an environmental co-factor in the incidence of fibropapillomatosis, a frequent disease in juvenile green turtles inhabiting this geographic region. Even though, only one green turtle containing OA in the digestive tissues (out of six examined) also presented fibropapillomatosis in this study. Notwithstanding, sea turtles are sentinels of ocean health. Monitoring the accumulation of algal toxins and their negative effects on these organisms contributes to conserving biodiversity and marine habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel R Moreira-González
- Centro de Estudos do Mar. Universidade Federal do Paraná. Cx. Postal 61. Pontal do Paraná. Paraná. 83255-976. Brazil; Centro de Estudios Ambientales de Cienfuegos (CEAC). Carretera a Castillo de Jagua. Km 1.5. AP. 5, Ciudad Nuclear 59350, Cienfuegos, Cuba
| | - Camila Domit
- Centro de Estudos do Mar. Universidade Federal do Paraná. Cx. Postal 61. Pontal do Paraná. Paraná. 83255-976. Brazil
| | - Kaianan M S Rosa
- Centro de Estudos do Mar. Universidade Federal do Paraná. Cx. Postal 61. Pontal do Paraná. Paraná. 83255-976. Brazil
| | - Luiz L Mafra
- Centro de Estudos do Mar. Universidade Federal do Paraná. Cx. Postal 61. Pontal do Paraná. Paraná. 83255-976. Brazil.
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Rossi S, de Farias DSD, da Costa Bomfim A, Carreira RS, Grisi-Filho JHH, Massone CG, de Lima Silva FJ, Gavilan SA. Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in liver samples of green turtles Chelonia mydas stranded in the Potiguar Basin, northeastern Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 193:115264. [PMID: 37423081 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Sea turtles are affected by pollutants worldwide, and the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been detected in different types of samples and at high levels in some cases. The present study brings concentrations of 37 PAHs in liver samples of 17 green turtles Chelonia mydas stranded in northeastern Brazil [four with cutaneous tumors of fibropapillomatosis (FP), being classified as FP+]. Six PAHs were detected in 100% of the liver samples, and all alkylated PAHs were frequently quantified. High levels of phenanthrene (771.20 and 794.43 ng g-1 d.w.) and fluorene (1882.36 ng g-1 d.w.) were found in three females FP- (without FP cutaneous tumors). On the other hand, one green turtle FP+ had the higher level of naphthalene (531.70 ng g-1 d.w.), compound detected in 82.35 % of the samples. Our study brings additional baseline of organic pollutants in green turtles, improving knowledge on bioaccumulation of these compounds in sea turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silmara Rossi
- Projeto Cetáceos da Costa Branca - Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte (PCCB-UERN), Mossoró, RN, Brazil; Centro de Estudos e Monitoramento Ambiental (CEMAM), Areia Branca, RN, Brazil; Laboratório de Morfofisiologia de Vertebrados, Departamento de Morfologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, RN, Brazil.
| | - Daniel Solon Dias de Farias
- Projeto Cetáceos da Costa Branca - Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte (PCCB-UERN), Mossoró, RN, Brazil; Centro de Estudos e Monitoramento Ambiental (CEMAM), Areia Branca, RN, Brazil; Laboratório de Morfofisiologia de Vertebrados, Departamento de Morfologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Aline da Costa Bomfim
- Projeto Cetáceos da Costa Branca - Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte (PCCB-UERN), Mossoró, RN, Brazil; Centro de Estudos e Monitoramento Ambiental (CEMAM), Areia Branca, RN, Brazil; Laboratório de Morfofisiologia de Vertebrados, Departamento de Morfologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Renato S Carreira
- Laboratório de Estudos Marinhos e Ambientais (LabMAM), Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - José Henrique Hildebrand Grisi-Filho
- Laboratório de Epidemiologia e Biostatística (LEB), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos G Massone
- Laboratório de Estudos Marinhos e Ambientais (LabMAM), Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Flávio José de Lima Silva
- Projeto Cetáceos da Costa Branca - Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte (PCCB-UERN), Mossoró, RN, Brazil; Centro de Estudos e Monitoramento Ambiental (CEMAM), Areia Branca, RN, Brazil; Departamento de Turismo, Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte (UERN), Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Simone Almeida Gavilan
- Projeto Cetáceos da Costa Branca - Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte (PCCB-UERN), Mossoró, RN, Brazil; Centro de Estudos e Monitoramento Ambiental (CEMAM), Areia Branca, RN, Brazil; Laboratório de Morfofisiologia de Vertebrados, Departamento de Morfologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, RN, Brazil
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Zamana RR, Gattamorta MA, Cruz Ochoa PF, Navas-Suárez PE, Sacristán C, Rossi S, Grisi-Filho JHH, Silva IS, Matushima ER. High Occurrence of Chelonid Alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5) in Green Sea Turtles Chelonia mydas with and without Fibropapillomatosis in Feeding Areas of the São Paulo Coast, Brazil. JOURNAL OF AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2021; 33:252-263. [PMID: 34634147 DOI: 10.1002/aah.10142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5) has been consistently associated with fibropapillomatosis (FP), a neoplastic disease that affects sea turtles globally. The DNA of ChHV5 has been detected in cutaneous and noncutaneous tissues (e.g., lung) of green sea turtles Chelonia mydas with (FP+) and without (FP-) clinical signs of FP, indicating a persistent ChHV5 infection. Previously published and custom primer pairs were used to amplify the fragments of ChHV5 unique long (UL) partial genes (UL30 and UL18) through end-point PCR from cutaneous tumors (n = 31), nontumored skin (n = 49), and lungs (n = 26) from FP+ (n = 31) and FP- (n = 18) green sea turtles. The DNA of ChHV5 was detected in cutaneous tumors (80.6%, 25/31), nontumored skin (74.2%, 23/31 FP+; 27.8%, 5/18 FP-), and lung samples (91.7%, 11/12 FP+; 100%, 14/14 FP-). The high occurrence of ChHV5 observed in lung samples from FP- individuals was unexpected (14/14), providing the first evidence of ChHV5 DNA presence in lungs of individuals without FP. Our results also revealed high ChHV5 occurrence among the tested cohort (93.9%, 46/49) and suggested that a large proportion (83.4%, 15/18) of FP- green sea turtles had subclinical ChHV5 infections. Hence, our findings support the hypothesis that ChHV5 requires one or more possibly environmental or immune-related co-factors to induce FP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Ramblas Zamana
- Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Código Endereçamento Postal, 05508-010, São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Marco Aurélio Gattamorta
- Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Código Endereçamento Postal, 05508-010, São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil
- Instituto Federal de São Paulo, Campus Cubatão, Rua Maria Cristina 50, Casqueiro, Código Endereçamento Postal, 11533-160, Cubatão, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Pablo Felipe Cruz Ochoa
- Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Código Endereçamento Postal, 05508-010, São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil
- Bioparque Los Ocarros, Kilómetro 3 vía Restrepo, Villavicencio, Colombia
| | - Pedro Enrique Navas-Suárez
- Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Código Endereçamento Postal, 05508-010, São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Carlos Sacristán
- Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Código Endereçamento Postal, 05508-010, São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Silmara Rossi
- Laboratório de Morfofisiologia de Vertebrados, Departamento de Morfologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Campus Universitário Lagoa Nova, Código Endereçamento Postal, 59072-970, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil
| | - José Henrique Hildebrand Grisi-Filho
- Laboratório de Epidemiologia e Estatística, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Código Endereçamento Postal, 05508-010, São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Isabela Santos Silva
- Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Código Endereçamento Postal, 05508-010, São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Eliana Reiko Matushima
- Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Código Endereçamento Postal, 05508-010, São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil
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Whitmore L, Yetsko K, Farrell JA, Page-Karjian A, Daniel W, Shaver DJ, Frandsen HR, Walker JS, Crowder W, Bovery C, Rollinson Ramia D, Burkhalter B, Ryan E, Duffy DJ. Evolutionary Comparisons of Chelonid Alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5) Genomes from Fibropapillomatosis-Afflicted Green ( Chelonia mydas), Olive Ridley ( Lepidochelys olivacea) and Kemp's Ridley ( Lepidochelys kempii) Sea Turtles. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2489. [PMID: 34573455 PMCID: PMC8465875 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The spreading global sea turtle fibropapillomatosis (FP) epizootic is threatening some of Earth's ancient reptiles, adding to the plethora of threats faced by these keystone species. Understanding this neoplastic disease and its likely aetiological pathogen, chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5), is crucial to understand how the disease impacts sea turtle populations and species and the future trajectory of disease incidence. We generated 20 ChHV5 genomes, from three sea turtle species, to better understand the viral variant diversity and gene evolution of this oncogenic virus. We revealed previously underappreciated genetic diversity within this virus (with an average of 2035 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 1.54% of the ChHV5 genome) and identified genes under the strongest evolutionary pressure. Furthermore, we investigated the phylogeny of ChHV5 at both genome and gene level, confirming the propensity of the virus to be interspecific, with related variants able to infect multiple sea turtle species. Finally, we revealed unexpected intra-host diversity, with up to 0.15% of the viral genome varying between ChHV5 genomes isolated from different tumours concurrently arising within the same individual. These findings offer important insights into ChHV5 biology and provide genomic resources for this oncogenic virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam Whitmore
- Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Sea Turtle Hospital, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL 32080, USA; (K.Y.); (J.A.F.); (D.R.R.); (B.B.); (D.J.D.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland;
| | - Kelsey Yetsko
- Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Sea Turtle Hospital, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL 32080, USA; (K.Y.); (J.A.F.); (D.R.R.); (B.B.); (D.J.D.)
| | - Jessica A. Farrell
- Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Sea Turtle Hospital, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL 32080, USA; (K.Y.); (J.A.F.); (D.R.R.); (B.B.); (D.J.D.)
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Annie Page-Karjian
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, FL 34946, USA;
| | - Whitney Daniel
- South Carolina Aquarium, 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, SC 29401, USA;
| | - Donna J. Shaver
- Division of Sea Turtle Science and Recovery, Padre Island National Seashore, Corpus Christi, TX 78480, USA; (D.J.S.); (H.R.F.); (J.S.W.)
| | - Hilary R. Frandsen
- Division of Sea Turtle Science and Recovery, Padre Island National Seashore, Corpus Christi, TX 78480, USA; (D.J.S.); (H.R.F.); (J.S.W.)
| | - Jennifer Shelby Walker
- Division of Sea Turtle Science and Recovery, Padre Island National Seashore, Corpus Christi, TX 78480, USA; (D.J.S.); (H.R.F.); (J.S.W.)
| | - Whitney Crowder
- Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton, FL 33432, USA; (W.C.); (C.B.)
| | - Caitlin Bovery
- Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Boca Raton, FL 33432, USA; (W.C.); (C.B.)
| | - Devon Rollinson Ramia
- Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Sea Turtle Hospital, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL 32080, USA; (K.Y.); (J.A.F.); (D.R.R.); (B.B.); (D.J.D.)
| | - Brooke Burkhalter
- Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Sea Turtle Hospital, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL 32080, USA; (K.Y.); (J.A.F.); (D.R.R.); (B.B.); (D.J.D.)
| | - Elizabeth Ryan
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland;
| | - David J. Duffy
- Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Sea Turtle Hospital, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL 32080, USA; (K.Y.); (J.A.F.); (D.R.R.); (B.B.); (D.J.D.)
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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7
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Nunes TY, Broadhurst MK, Domit C. Selectivity of marine-debris ingestion by juvenile green turtles (Chelonia mydas) at a South American World Heritage Listed area. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 169:112574. [PMID: 34119959 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Beaches in southern Brazil have substantial marine debris and strandings of dead juvenile green turtles (Chelonia mydas). This study investigates associations by quantifying marine debris (1) ingested among new (<40 cm curved carapace length; CCL) and older (≥40 cm CCL) juvenile C. mydas recruits; (2) concentrations on beach transects; and then (3) selective ingestion by C. mydas. Among 40 C. mydas (2014-2015), 93% had ingested debris, with smaller individuals having proportionally more. Sheet-like and hard plastics were the most frequently ingested, and commonly concentrated on beach transects. Estuarine beach transects had more debris than those facing the ocean. Selectivity analyses revealed all C. mydas avoided white miscellaneous debris and straws, while smaller conspecifics selected clear sheet-like plastics and avoided coloured ones. The results reiterate a need for long-term reforms to regional waste disposal and short-term initiatives encouraging social awareness to avoid key plastics and reduce ingestion by C. mydas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tawane Y Nunes
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação, Centro de Estudos do Mar, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Av. Beira Mar s/n, 83255-000, Pontal do Sul, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Matt K Broadhurst
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação, Centro de Estudos do Mar, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Av. Beira Mar s/n, 83255-000, Pontal do Sul, Paraná, Brazil; NSW Department of Primary Industries, Fisheries Conservation Technology Unit, National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, 2 Bay Drive, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia; Marine and Estuarine Ecology Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Camila Domit
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação, Centro de Estudos do Mar, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Av. Beira Mar s/n, 83255-000, Pontal do Sul, Paraná, Brazil.
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Monteiro J, Duarte M, Amadou K, Barbosa C, El Bar N, Madeira FM, Regalla A, Duarte A, Tavares L, Patrício AR. Fibropapillomatosis and the Chelonid Alphaherpesvirus 5 in Green Turtles from West Africa. ECOHEALTH 2021; 18:229-240. [PMID: 34241724 PMCID: PMC8463353 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-021-01526-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is a tumorigenic panzootic disease of sea turtles, most common in green turtles (Chelonia mydas). FP is linked to the chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChAHV5) and to degraded habitats and, though benign, large tumours can hinder vital functions, causing death. We analyse 108 green turtles, captured in 2018 and 2019, at key foraging grounds in Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania, West Africa, for the presence of FP, and use real-time PCR to detect ChAHV5 DNA, in 76 individuals. The prevalence of FP was moderate; 33% in Guinea-Bissau (n = 36) and 28% in Mauritania (n = 72), and most turtles were mildly affected, possibly due to low human impact at study locations. Juveniles had higher FP prevalence (35%, n = 82) compared to subadults (5%, n = 21), probably because individuals acquire resistance over time. ChAHV5 DNA was detected in 83% (n = 24) of the tumour biopsies, consistent with its role as aetiological agent of FP and in 26% (n = 27) of the 'normal' skin (not showing lesions) from FP turtles. Notably, 45% of the asymptomatic turtles were positive for ChAHV5, supporting multifactorial disease expression. We report the first baselines of FP and ChAHV5 prevalence for West Africa green turtles, essential to assess evolution of disease and future impacts of anthropogenic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Monteiro
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Margarida Duarte
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária (INIAV), 1500-310, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Kidé Amadou
- Observatoire, Parc National du Banc d'Arguin, Chami, Mauritania
| | - Castro Barbosa
- Instituto da Biodiversidade e das Áreas Protegidas, Av. Dom Settimio Arturro Ferrazzetta, CP 70, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Nahi El Bar
- Observatoire, Parc National du Banc d'Arguin, Chami, Mauritania
| | - Fernando M Madeira
- cE3c Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Campo Grande 016, I749-016, Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Aissa Regalla
- Instituto da Biodiversidade e das Áreas Protegidas, Av. Dom Settimio Arturro Ferrazzetta, CP 70, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Ana Duarte
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luís Tavares
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Patrício
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ISPA - Instituto Universitário, Rua Jardim do Tabaco 34, 1149-041, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, TR10 9EZ, UK.
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Farrell JA, Yetsko K, Whitmore L, Whilde J, Eastman CB, Ramia DR, Thomas R, Linser P, Creer S, Burkhalter B, Schnitzler C, Duffy DJ. Environmental DNA monitoring of oncogenic viral shedding and genomic profiling of sea turtle fibropapillomatosis reveals unusual viral dynamics. Commun Biol 2021; 4:565. [PMID: 33980988 PMCID: PMC8115626 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02085-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogen-induced cancers account for 15% of human tumors and are a growing concern for endangered wildlife. Fibropapillomatosis is an expanding virally and environmentally co-induced sea turtle tumor epizootic. Chelonid herpesvirus 5 (ChHV5) is implicated as a causative virus, but its transmission method and specific role in oncogenesis and progression is unclear. We applied environmental (e)DNA-based viral monitoring to assess viral shedding as a direct means of transmission, and the relationship between tumor burden, surgical resection and ChHV5 shedding. To elucidate the abundance and transcriptional status of ChHV5 across early, established, regrowth and internal tumors we conducted genomics and transcriptomics. We determined that ChHV5 is shed into the water column, representing a likely transmission route, and revealed novel temporal shedding dynamics and tumor burden correlations. ChHV5 was more abundant in the water column than in marine leeches. We also revealed that ChHV5 is latent in fibropapillomatosis, including early stage, regrowth and internal tumors; higher viral transcription is not indicative of poor patient outcome, and high ChHV5 loads predominantly arise from latent virus. These results expand our knowledge of the cellular and shedding dynamics of ChHV5 and can provide insights into temporal transmission dynamics and viral oncogenesis not readily investigable in tumors of terrestrial species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Farrell
- The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Sea Turtle Hospital, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kelsey Yetsko
- The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Sea Turtle Hospital, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL, USA
| | - Liam Whitmore
- The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Sea Turtle Hospital, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Jenny Whilde
- The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Sea Turtle Hospital, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL, USA
| | - Catherine B Eastman
- The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Sea Turtle Hospital, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL, USA
| | - Devon Rollinson Ramia
- The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Sea Turtle Hospital, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL, USA
| | - Rachel Thomas
- The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Sea Turtle Hospital, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL, USA
| | - Paul Linser
- The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Sea Turtle Hospital, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL, USA
| | - Simon Creer
- Molecular Ecology and Fisheries Genetics Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, UK
| | - Brooke Burkhalter
- The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Sea Turtle Hospital, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL, USA
| | - Christine Schnitzler
- The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Sea Turtle Hospital, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - David J Duffy
- The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Sea Turtle Hospital, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL, USA.
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
- Molecular Ecology and Fisheries Genetics Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, UK.
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10
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Yetsko K, Farrell JA, Blackburn NB, Whitmore L, Stammnitz MR, Whilde J, Eastman CB, Ramia DR, Thomas R, Krstic A, Linser P, Creer S, Carvalho G, Devlin MA, Nahvi N, Leandro AC, deMaar TW, Burkhalter B, Murchison EP, Schnitzler C, Duffy DJ. Molecular characterization of a marine turtle tumor epizootic, profiling external, internal and postsurgical regrowth tumors. Commun Biol 2021; 4:152. [PMID: 33526843 PMCID: PMC7851172 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01656-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Sea turtle populations are under threat from an epizootic tumor disease (animal epidemic) known as fibropapillomatosis. Fibropapillomatosis continues to spread geographically, with prevalence of the disease also growing at many longer-affected sites globally. However, we do not yet understand the precise environmental, mutational and viral events driving fibropapillomatosis tumor formation and progression.Here we perform transcriptomic and immunohistochemical profiling of five fibropapillomatosis tumor types: external new, established and postsurgical regrowth tumors, and internal lung and kidney tumors. We reveal that internal tumors are molecularly distinct from the more common external tumors. However, they have a small number of conserved potentially therapeutically targetable molecular vulnerabilities in common, such as the MAPK, Wnt, TGFβ and TNF oncogenic signaling pathways. These conserved oncogenic drivers recapitulate remarkably well the core pan-cancer drivers responsible for human cancers. Fibropapillomatosis has been considered benign, but metastatic-related transcriptional signatures are strongly activated in kidney and established external tumors. Tumors in turtles with poor outcomes (died/euthanized) have genes associated with apoptosis and immune function suppressed, with these genes providing putative predictive biomarkers.Together, these results offer an improved understanding of fibropapillomatosis tumorigenesis and provide insights into the origins, inter-tumor relationships, and therapeutic treatment for this wildlife epizootic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Yetsko
- The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Sea Turtle Hospital, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL, 32080, USA
| | - Jessica A Farrell
- The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Sea Turtle Hospital, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL, 32080, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Nicholas B Blackburn
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX, USA
- South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX, USA
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Liam Whitmore
- The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Sea Turtle Hospital, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL, 32080, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Maximilian R Stammnitz
- Transmissible Cancer Group, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Jenny Whilde
- The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Sea Turtle Hospital, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL, 32080, USA
| | - Catherine B Eastman
- The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Sea Turtle Hospital, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL, 32080, USA
| | - Devon Rollinson Ramia
- The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Sea Turtle Hospital, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL, 32080, USA
| | - Rachel Thomas
- The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Sea Turtle Hospital, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL, 32080, USA
| | - Aleksandar Krstic
- Systems Biology Ireland & Precision Oncology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, 4, Ireland
| | - Paul Linser
- The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Sea Turtle Hospital, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL, 32080, USA
| | - Simon Creer
- Molecular Ecology and Fisheries Genetics Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Gary Carvalho
- Molecular Ecology and Fisheries Genetics Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2UW, UK
| | | | - Nina Nahvi
- Sea Turtle Inc., South Padre Island, TX, USA
| | - Ana Cristina Leandro
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX, USA
- South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX, USA
| | | | - Brooke Burkhalter
- The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Sea Turtle Hospital, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL, 32080, USA
| | - Elizabeth P Murchison
- Transmissible Cancer Group, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Christine Schnitzler
- The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Sea Turtle Hospital, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL, 32080, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - David J Duffy
- The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Sea Turtle Hospital, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL, 32080, USA.
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
- Systems Biology Ireland & Precision Oncology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, 4, Ireland.
- Molecular Ecology and Fisheries Genetics Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2UW, UK.
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