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Dickinson ER, Nwafor-Okoli C, Checkley SL, Elkin B, Branigan M, Serrano E, Kutz SJ. Direct and indirect costs of parasitism preceding a population decline of an Arctic ungulate. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17133. [PMID: 39054352 PMCID: PMC11272786 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67904-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Parasites negatively affect the fitness of ungulate hosts directly, and in wild ungulates, these effects may be synzootic with other stressors, such as limited nutritional resources. In the Arctic, muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) occur in a highly seasonal environment and must rely on finite energetic resources for survival and productivity. We investigated the costs of gastrointestinal nematodes on the body condition and reproductive status of 141 muskoxen, on Banks Island, Canada, when the population was at a peak in numbers and density. Using a Partial Least Squares Path Modelling approach, we found that high adult nematode abundance was associated with lower body condition, and high parasite abundance was associated with female reproduction including the indirect effect through on body condition (n = 87). These findings suggest that individuals prioritize energetic reserves for reproduction over parasite defence. In fall 2003, a severe icing event that restricted access to forage was associated with high overwinter mortality of muskoxen and a population crash. Through direct and indirect costs of parasite infection on body condition and reproduction, the high abundance of parasites may have contributed to the effects of this extreme weather event. Understanding the mechanisms in which parasites impact fitness can help explain the ecological drivers of ungulate populations and predict the interactions between the environment and populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor R Dickinson
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 University Drive, NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Chinyere Nwafor-Okoli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 University Drive, NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Sylvia L Checkley
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 University Drive, NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Brett Elkin
- Environment and Natural Resources, Government of the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife, NT, X1A 1Y3, Canada
| | - Marsha Branigan
- Environment and Natural Resources, Government of the Northwest Territories, Inuvik, NT, X0E 0T0, Canada
| | - Emmanuel Serrano
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H), Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Susan J Kutz
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 University Drive, NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
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2
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Luginbühl C, Gross J, Wenker C, Hoby S, Basso W, Zanolari P. Reindeer Husbandry in Switzerland-Management, Feeding, and Endoparasite Infections. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13091444. [PMID: 37174481 PMCID: PMC10177455 DOI: 10.3390/ani13091444] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present work was to provide an overview of management and feeding practices, and the prevalence of endoparasite infections in captive Swiss reindeer. On two visits to eight farms or zoos, a standardized questionnaire was completed. A total of 67 reindeer were weighed, and fecal samples were collected. The primary management concerns voiced by owners/managers were feeding and successful breeding. All reindeer were fed roughage ad libitum and supplementary feed for reindeer or other browsers, with different compositions in each herd. Males over two years of age weighed from 60 kg up to 127.5 kg, whereas females had a body weight from 53.5 kg to 86.5 kg. The prevalence of gastrointestinal strongyles was 68.6% (46/67), with reindeer in zoos having a lower prevalence (36%; 9/25) than reindeer from private farms (88%; 37/42). Capillaria sp., Strongyloides sp., and Trichuris sp. were detected in lower prevalences (<24%) and were also more frequent in private farms. Intestinal protozoa, as well as fluke and tapeworms, were not detected in any herd. This study provides an overview on husbandry, feeding, and endoparasite prevalence in reindeer in Switzerland and should be of help for breeders and veterinarians dealing with this animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Luginbühl
- Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Josef Gross
- Veterinary Physiology, Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Stefan Hoby
- Berne Animal Park, Tierparkweg 1, 3005 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Walter Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Patrik Zanolari
- Clinic for Ruminants, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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3
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Bangoura B, Bhuiya MAI, Kilpatrick M. Eimeria infections in domestic and wild ruminants with reference to control options in domestic ruminants. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2207-2232. [PMID: 35680677 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07564-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Eimeria infections are commonly seen in a variety of mammalian hosts. This genus of unicellular sporozoan parasites causes significant disease (coccidiosis) in different livestock species leading to economic losses for agricultural producers. Especially the production of cattle, sheep, and goat is strongly dependent on efficient coccidiosis control. However, many other livestock hosts like, e.g., camelids, bison, rabbits, and guinea pigs may benefit from reduced parasite transmission and targeted control measures as well. Besides livestock, also wildlife and pet animals may be affected by Eimeria infections resulting in clinical or subclinical coccidiosis. Wildlife herd health is crucial to conservation efforts, and Eimeria species are a prevalent pathogen in multiple mammalian wildlife species. This review aims to highlight the epidemiology of mammalian Eimeria infections in both wild and domestic ruminants, including host specificity, transmission, survival of environmental oocysts, occurrence, and risk factors for infection. Understanding general drivers of Eimeria infection may support adequate livestock and wildlife management. Furthermore, control options for livestock with reference to management factors, drug application, and alternative approaches are discussed. The goal of Eimeria control should be to reduce pathogen transmission in different host species and to improve sustainable livestock production. Controlling Eimeria infections in livestock is important considering both their animal welfare impact and their high economic relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berit Bangoura
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 82070, USA.
| | - Md Ashraful Islam Bhuiya
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 82070, USA
| | - Michelle Kilpatrick
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 82070, USA
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4
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Berg RPKD, Stensvold CR, Jokelainen P, Grønlund AK, Nielsen HV, Kutz S, Kapel CMO. Zoonotic pathogens in wild muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) and domestic sheep (Ovis aries) from Greenland. Vet Med Sci 2021; 7:2290-2302. [PMID: 34390537 PMCID: PMC8604140 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.599] [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] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of zoonotic pathogens Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., Toxoplasma gondii and Erysipelothrix in muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) and sheep (Ovis aries) from Greenland. In 2017 and 2018, faecal samples were collected from wild muskoxen from three distinct populations (Zackenberg, Kangerlussuaq, and Ivittuut) and from domestic sheep from southwest Greenland. Blood samples were collected from muskoxen from Kangerlussuaq and Ivittuut and from sheep. Faecal samples were tested for specific DNA of G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp., and blood samples were tested for antibodies against T. gondii and Erysipelothrix. The estimated prevalence of G. duodenalis was 0% (0/58), 17% (7/41) and 0% (0/55) in muskoxen from Zackenberg, Kangerlussuaq and Ivittuut, respectively, and 37% (16/43) in sheep. The estimated prevalence of Cryptosporidium was 0% (0/58), 2% (1/41), 7% (4/55) in muskoxen from Zackenberg, Kangerlussuaq, Ivittuut, respectively, and 2% (1/43) in sheep. Neither Giardia nor Cryptosporidium were detected in winter samples (0/78). Of the positive samples, Giardia from one muskox sample only was successfully typed as G. duodenalis assemblage A, and Cryptosporidium from two muskoxen was successfully typed as C. parvum, subtype IIdA20G1e. The estimated T. gondii seroprevalence was 2% (1/44) and 0% (0/8) in muskoxen from Kangerlussuaq and Ivittuut, respectively, and 1% (1/155) in sheep. The estimated Erysipelothrix seroprevalence was 2% (1/45) and 13% (1/8) in muskoxen from Kangerlussuaq and Ivittuut, respectively, and 7% (10/150) in sheep. The results of this study add to the scarce knowledge on zoonotic pathogens in the Arctic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca P K D Berg
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Birds and Mammals, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Nuuk, Greenland
| | - C Rune Stensvold
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna K Grønlund
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik V Nielsen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susan Kutz
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Christian M O Kapel
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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5
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Thomas A, Enemark HL, Poulsen PM, Pedersen ML. First case of community acquired giardiasis in Nuuk, Greenland. Int J Circumpolar Health 2021; 80:1954363. [PMID: 34328057 PMCID: PMC8330710 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2021.1954363] [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] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a case of community acquired giardiasis, in Nuuk, Greenland. Likely source of infection being consumption of untreated water from a local reservoir, alternatively through contact with sewage. Giardia is widespread worldwide but has not commonly been considered a cause of gastrointestinal distress in patients in Greenland, without relevant travel history. This may be due to under diagnosis, or historically low prevalence of Giardia in the region. Climate change with increasing temperatures, growing tourism and pet travel may influence the presence of Giardia in the region. This case highlights the need to include giardiasis as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with suspected infectious gastroenteritis in Greenland.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heidi L Enemark
- The Veterinary and Food Authority, Ministry of Fisheries and Hunting, Nuuk, Greenland
| | | | - Michael Lynge Pedersen
- Greenland Center for Health Research, Institute of Nursing and Health Science, University of Greenland, Nuuk, Greenland
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6
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Handeland K, Davidson RK, Viljugrein H, Mossing A, Meisingset EL, Heum M, Strand O, Isaksen K. Elaphostrongylus and Dictyocaulus infections in Norwegian wild reindeer and red deer populations in relation to summer pasture altitude and climate. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2019; 10:188-195. [PMID: 31667081 PMCID: PMC6812011 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Nematodes of the genera Elaphostrongylus and Dictyocaulus are associated with disease in semi-domesticated tundra reindeer and farmed red deer whereas less knowledge exists in the wild. Their first stage larvae (L1) develop to the infective third stage (L3) in the environment; Elaphostrongylus spp. within intermediate gastropod hosts and Dictyocaulus spp. as free-living larvae. Larval development of Elaphostrongylus is highly temperature dependent with a developmental minimum of 9-10 °C. Larval development of Dictyocaulus spp. may occur at low temperatures (5 °C) but the larvae are sensitive to desiccation. We examined the prevalence and intensity of Elaphostrongylus spp. and Dictyocaulus spp. infections in six wild reindeer and two wild red deer populations in relation to altitude, temperature and rainfall in their respective main summer pasture area over the 5 summers prior to sampling. The parasitological examination was based upon morphological identification of L1 in the faeces of hunted animals. Altitude was calculated from animal position data and temperature and precipitation by means of a nationwide gridded data set. Temperature decreased with increasing altitude, from 13.3 °C for the lowest located red deer population (300 m) to 6.1 °C for the highest located reindeer population (1400 m). No significant relationship between altitude and rainfall was identified. Elaphostrongylus spp. infection decreased in prevalence with increasing altitude, being identified in 89% of investigated samples from the lowest located population and in 3% of samples from the highest. The prevalence of Dictyocaulus spp. infection varied between 28 and 80% and no relationship with altitude was found. The intensity of Elaphostrongylus spp. infection was low in reindeer and moderate in red deer whereas the intensity of Dictyocaulus spp. infection was moderate in both species. Our results indicated that the climatic conditions in all areas studied were suitable for Dictyocaulus spp., whereas summer temperature was a restrictive factor for Elaphostrongylus sp. in reindeer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Erling L Meisingset
- Department of Forestry and Forestry Resources, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Tingvoll, Norway
| | | | - Olav Strand
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Trondheim, Norway
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7
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Andersen-Ranberg EU, Barnes CJ, Rasmussen L, Salgado-Flores A, Grøndahl C, Mosbacher JB, Hansen AJ, Sundset MA, Schmidt NM, Sonne C. A Comparative Study on the Faecal Bacterial Community and Potential Zoonotic Bacteria of Muskoxen ( Ovibos moschatus) in Northeast Greenland, Northwest Greenland and Norway. Microorganisms 2018; 6:E76. [PMID: 30044373 PMCID: PMC6164070 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms6030076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) are ruminants adapted to a high-fibre diet. There is increasing interest in the role that gut microbes play in the digestion and utilization of these specialized diets but only limited data available on the gut microbiome of high-Arctic animals. In this study, we metabarcoded the 16S rRNA region of faecal samples from muskoxen of Northeast Greenland, Northwest Greenland and Norway, and quantified the effects of physiological and temporal factors on bacterial composition. We found significant effects of body mass, year of sampling and location on the gut bacterial communities of North East Greenland muskoxen. These effects were however dwarfed by the effects of location, emphasizing the importance of the local ecology on the gut bacterial community. Habitat alterations and rising temperatures may therefore have a considerable impact on muskoxen health and reproductive success. Moreover, muskoxen are hunted and consumed in Greenland, Canada and Alaska; therefore, this study also screened for potential zoonoses of food safety interest. A total of 13 potentially zoonotic genera were identified, including the genera Erysipelothrix and Yersinia implicated in recent mass die-offs of the muskoxen themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie U Andersen-Ranberg
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Science and Technology, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Christopher J Barnes
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, 1350 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Linett Rasmussen
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, 1350 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Alejandro Salgado-Flores
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Carsten Grøndahl
- Copenhagen Zoo, Centre for Zoo and Wild Animal Health, DK-2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Jesper B Mosbacher
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Science and Technology, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Anders J Hansen
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, 1350 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | - Niels Martin Schmidt
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Science and Technology, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Faculty of Science and Technology, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
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8
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Molecular taxonomy and subgeneric classification of tapeworms of the genus Moniezia Blanchard, 1891 (Cestoda, Anoplocephalidae) in northern cervids (Alces and Rangifer). Parasitol Int 2018; 67:218-224. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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9
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Turgeon G, Kutz SJ, Lejeune M, St-Laurent MH, Pelletier F. Parasite prevalence, infection intensity and richness in an endangered population, the Atlantic-Gaspésie caribou. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2018; 7:90-94. [PMID: 29487799 PMCID: PMC5814373 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The Atlantic-Gaspésie caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) population is a small isolated relict herd considered endangered according to the Canadian Species at Risk Act (SARA). This population has low recruitment and survival rates but the potential role of parasites on individual fitness is unknown. In this context, we explored the parasite status of this population with the aim of 1) assessing the occurrence and intensity of parasite infections and the spatial, temporal and individual variations, 2) quantifying parasite richness and investigating factors such as sex and host body condition that may be associated with this variable and 3) evaluating the effects of parasite infections on survival in the Atlantic-Gaspésie caribou population. We examined fecal samples from 32 animals captured in 2013–2014 for eggs, oocysts and larvae of parasites and detected 7 parasite species: dorsal-spined larvae protostrongylids, presumably Parelaphostrongylus andersoni based on PCR identification of a subset, Nematodirus odocoilei and other unidentified Strongyles, Trichuris sp., Capillaria sp., Moniezia sp. and Eimeria sp. For each caribou, mean parasite species richness was 1.8 ± 1.1 (SD). Sex, body condition, year and capture location did not explain parasite prevalence, intensity of infection or richness except for intensity of infection of Capillaria sp. that was positively influenced by body condition. Parasites did not influence survival although mortality was higher for males than for females. We suggest that the relatively low and common gastrointestinal and protostrongylid parasite infections will not be a short-term threat leading to extinction. Fecal pellets from Gaspésie-Atlantic caribou population were examined for parasites. We identified 7 parasite species and mean species richness reached 1.8/caribou. Parelaphostrongylus andersoni was identified using PCR identification. Capillaria sp. were found yet are rare in other wild caribou in Canada. Despite a male-biased mortality, parasite infection did not affect caribou survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geneviève Turgeon
- Canada Research Chair in Evolutionary Demography and Conservation, Département de Biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre for Northern Studies, 2500 Boul. de l'Université, Sherbrooke, Qc, J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Susan J Kutz
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, and Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Alberta Regional Centre, 3280 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Manigandan Lejeune
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, 240 Farrier Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, United States
| | - Martin-Hugues St-Laurent
- Université du Québec à Rimouski, Département de Biologie, Chimie et Géographie, Centre for Northern Studies, Centre for Forest Research, 300 Allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, Québec, G5L 3A1 Canada
| | - Fanie Pelletier
- Canada Research Chair in Evolutionary Demography and Conservation, Département de Biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Centre for Northern Studies, 2500 Boul. de l'Université, Sherbrooke, Qc, J1K 2R1, Canada
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10
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Kafle P, Sullivan J, Verocai GG, Kutz SJ. Experimental Life-Cycle of Varestrongylus eleguneniensis (Nematoda: Protostrongylidae) in a Captive Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) and a Muskox (Ovibos moschatus moschatus). J Parasitol 2017; 103:584-587. [PMID: 28590168 DOI: 10.1645/17-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The life-cycle of a recently described protostrongylid lungworm, Varestrongylus eleguneniensis, which infects caribou, muskoxen, and moose from Arctic and boreal regions of North America, was completed experimentally for the first time. A native North American slug species, Deroceras laeve, was infected with the first-stage larvae (L1) isolated from the feces of wild muskoxen to generate third-stage larvae (L3). These were administered to a captive reindeer calf (250 L3) and an adult captive muskox (380 L3). The prepatent periods for the reindeer and muskox were 56 and 72 days, respectively. Patency lasted for only 19 days in the reindeer, and fecal larval counts were very low (0.09-1.53 larvae per gram of feces). Patency in the muskox was at least 210 days, and likely over 653 days, and the fecal larval counts were higher (0.06-17.8 larvae per gram of feces). This work provides the first experimental completion of the life-cycle of V. eleguneniensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Kafle
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary (UCVM). 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada. Correspondence should be sent to S. J. Kutz at:
| | - J Sullivan
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary (UCVM). 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada. Correspondence should be sent to S. J. Kutz at:
| | - G G Verocai
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary (UCVM). 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada. Correspondence should be sent to S. J. Kutz at:
| | - S J Kutz
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary (UCVM). 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada. Correspondence should be sent to S. J. Kutz at:
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11
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Figueredo AJ, Cabeza de Baca T, Fernandes HBF, Black CJ, Peñaherrera M, Hertler S, García RA, Meisenberg G, Woodley of Menie MA. A Sequential Canonical Cascade Model of Social Biogeography: Plants, Parasites, and People. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s40806-016-0073-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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12
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Thompson R, Ash A. Molecular epidemiology of Giardia and Cryptosporidium infections. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2016; 40:315-323. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2015.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2015] [Revised: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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13
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Heyworth MF. Giardia duodenalis genetic assemblages and hosts. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 23:13. [PMID: 26984116 PMCID: PMC4794627 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2016013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Techniques for sub-classifying morphologically identical Giardia duodenalis trophozoites have included comparisons of the electrophoretic mobility of enzymes and of chromosomes, and sequencing of genes encoding β-giardin, triose phosphate isomerase, the small subunit of ribosomal RNA and glutamate dehydrogenase. To date, G. duodenalis organisms have been sub-classified into eight genetic assemblages (designated A–H). Genotyping of G. duodenalis organisms isolated from various hosts has shown that assemblages A and B infect the largest range of host species, and appear to be the main (or possibly only) G. duodenalis assemblages that undeniably infect human subjects. In at least some cases of assemblage A or B infection in wild mammals, there is suggestive evidence that the infection had resulted from environmental contamination by G. duodenalis cysts of human origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin F Heyworth
- Research Service (151), Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, University and Woodland Avenues, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA - Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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14
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Ytrehus B, Davidson RK, Isaksen K. Single Causative Factor for Severe Pneumonia Epizootics in Muskoxen? ECOHEALTH 2015; 12:395-397. [PMID: 25963342 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-015-1033-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bjørnar Ytrehus
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), P.O. box 5685 Sluppen, 7485, Trondheim, Norway.
| | | | - Ketil Isaksen
- Division for Model and Climate Analysis, Research and Development Department, The Norwegian Meteorological Institute, Oslo, Norway
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First report of zoonotic Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia intestinalis and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in golden takins (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi). INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2015; 34:394-401. [PMID: 26190449 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2015.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Genetic study of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia intestinalis and Enterocytozoon bieneusi at species/assemblage/genotype/subtype level facilitates understanding their mechanical transmissions and underpins their control. A total of 191 fresh faecal samples were collected from golden takins in China and examined using multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Cryptosporidium spp. was detected in 15 faecal samples (7.9%), including Cryptosporidium parvum (2/15) and Cryptosporidium andersoni (13/15). MLST tool identified C. andersoni subtypes (A1, A4, A4, A1) and (A4, A4, A4, A1), and C. parvum gp60 gene subtype IId A19G1. The prevalence of G. intestinalis infection was 8.9% (17/191) and assemblage analysis identified 14 assemblage E and three assemblage B. Intra-variations were observed at triose phosphate isomerase (tpi), beta giardin (bg) and glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) loci within the assemblage E, showing seven, three and three new subtypes in respective locus. Ten and one multilocus genotypes (MLGs) were present in assemblages E and B, respectively. E. bieneusi infection was positive in 14.7% (28/191) of the examined specimens, with three genotypes known (BEB6, D and I) and four novel internal transcribed spacer (ITS) genotypes (TEB1-TEB4). The present study revealed, for the first time, the presence of zoonotic C. parvum IId A19G1, G. intestinalis assemblage B and E. bieneusi genotype D and four novel genotypes in golden takins in China. These findings expand the host range of three zoonotic pathogens and have important implications for controlling cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis and microsporidiosis in humans and animals.
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Kafle P, Lejeune M, Verocai GG, Hoberg EP, Kutz SJ. Morphological and morphometric differentiation of dorsal-spined first stage larvae of lungworms (Nematoda: Protostrongylidae) infecting muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) in the central Canadian Arctic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2015; 4:283-90. [PMID: 26155463 PMCID: PMC4487832 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2015.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Umingmakstrongylus pallikuukensis and Varestrongylus eleguneniensis are the two most common protostrongylid nematodes infecting muskoxen in the North American Arctic and Subarctic. First stage larvae (L1) of these lungworms have considerable morphological similarity that makes their differential diagnosis very difficult. Using light microscopy, we studied in detail the L1 of these two species and identified the key differences in morphological and morphometric attributes. Thirty L1 of each species from naturally infected muskox were heat-killed and then assessed for morphological and morphometric features that could be used for species-level differentiation. Key differentiating features include: length and morphology of the tail extension, curvature of the body, ventral post-anal transverse cuticular striations, and total body length. A laboratory guide for differentiation of L1 based on these species-specific characters was prepared and used by an experienced observer to identify an additional 35 L1 extracted from a different set of fecal samples from free-ranging muskoxen with mixed infections. The identities of these L1 were confirmed by sequence analysis of the ITS-2 region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA. Accuracy of morphological identification was 100 percent, reflecting the reliability of the proposed guide for differentiation. Using the guide, three minimally trained lab assistants each fixed and accurately identified 10 of 10 randomly selected L1. Ability to morphologically differentiate these facilitates the monitoring of overlapping range expansion of both parasites in the Canadian Arctic. Studies enabling species-level parasite identification are also critical for defining biodiversity, detecting mixed infections, and understanding host–parasite interactions. Morphological identification is a simple, reliable and cost-effective alternative to labor and equipment intensive molecular methods and can easily be performed in low resource settings. Morphological differentiation of larval protostrongylid nematodes is challenging. We developed a guide for identification of first-stage larvae of muskox lungworms. Morphological observations were verified with sequencing results from PCR. We achieved 100% accuracy of the protocol. This is a rapid and effective alternative to currently employed molecular methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratap Kafle
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Manigandan Lejeune
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative - Alberta Node, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Guilherme G Verocai
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Eric P Hoberg
- U.S. National Parasite Collection, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, USDA, ARS, BARC East 1180, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Susan J Kutz
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada ; Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative - Alberta Node, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
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Verocai GG, Kutz SJ, Simard M, Hoberg EP. Varestrongylus eleguneniensis sp. n. (Nematoda: Protostrongylidae): a widespread, multi-host lungworm of wild North American ungulates, with an emended diagnosis for the genus and explorations of biogeography. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:556. [PMID: 25518883 PMCID: PMC4307739 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-014-0556-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 11/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A putative new species of Varestrongylus has been recently recognized in wild North American ungulates based on the ITS-2 sequences of larvae isolated from feces during a wide geographic survey. No taxonomic description was provided, as adult specimens were not examined. METHODS Lungworm specimens were collected in the terminal bronchioles of muskoxen from Quebec, and a woodland caribou from central Alberta, Canada. The L3 stage was recovered from experimentally infected slugs (Deroceras spp.). Description of specimens was based on comparative morphology and integrated approaches. Molecular identity was determined by PCR and sequencing of the ITS-2 region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA, and compared to other protostrongylids. RESULTS Varestrongylus eleguneniensis sp. n. is established for a recently discovered protostrongylid nematode found in caribou (Rangifer tarandus), muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) and moose (Alces americanus); hosts that collectively occupy an extensive geographic range across northern North America. Adults of Varestrongylus eleguneniensis are distinguished from congeners by a combination of characters in males (distally bifurcate gubernaculum, relatively short equal spicules not split distally, a strongly elongate and bifurcate dorsal ray, and an undivided copulatory bursa) and females (reduced provagina with hood-like fold extending ventrally across prominent genital protuberance). Third-stage larvae resemble those found among other species in the genus. The genus Varestrongylus is emended to account for the structure of the dorsal ray characteristic of V. eleguneniensis, V. alpenae, V. alces and V. longispiculatus. CONCLUSIONS Herein we describe and name V. eleguneniensis, a pulmonary protostrongylid with Rangifer tarandus as a primary definitive host, and which secondarily infects muskoxen and moose in areas of sympatry. Biogeographic history for V. eleguneniensis and V. alpenae, the only two endemic species of Varestrongylus known from North America, appears consistent with independent events of geographic expansion with cervid hosts from Eurasia into North America during the late Pliocene and Quaternary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme G Verocai
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4Z6, Canada.
| | - Susan J Kutz
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4Z6, Canada.
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative - Alberta Node, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada.
| | - Manon Simard
- Nunavik Research Centre, Makivik Corporation, Kuujjuaq, Quebec, J0M 1C0, Canada.
- Current address: 936 rue des Prairies, apt 213, Québec, G1K 8T2, Canada.
| | - Eric P Hoberg
- United States National Parasite Collection, US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, BARC East No. 1180, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, Maryland, 20705, USA.
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