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Park DS, Hong WH, Kim JH, Yuen AHL, Giri SS, Lee SB, Jung WJ, Lee YM, Jo SJ, Hwang MH, Park JH, Park EJ, Park SC. Blood Fluke Infection (Spirorchidiasis) and Systemic Granulomatous Inflammation: A Case Study of Green Sea Turtles ( Chelonia mydas) on Jeju Island, South Korea. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1711. [PMID: 38891758 PMCID: PMC11171227 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the precarious state of marine turtles as a highly endangered species, our understanding of their diseases remains limited. This case report presents a detailed pathological investigation of spirorchiidiasis, a blood fluke infection that poses a substantial threat to marine turtles. This retrospective study examined three cases of spirorchiid-infected sea turtles, specifically, green sea turtles stranded on Jeju Island, South Korea. Premortem examination of the three spirorchiid-infected green sea turtles demonstrated nonspecific clinical symptoms; blood analysis revealed dehydration, malnutrition, and anemia. Computed tomography scans provided insights into severe pulmonary and extrapulmonary manifestations, including the mass present in the joint region. Post-mortem examinations consistently indicated severe lung lesions and systemic manifestations, with histopathological examination confirming the presence of spirorchiid ova across various organs. Despite the global prevalence of spirorchiidiasis in sea turtles, disease severity varies regionally. This report provides a detailed demonstration of the pathology of spirorchiidiasis in sea turtles from Northeast Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Sol Park
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; (D.S.P.); (W.H.H.); (A.H.L.Y.); (S.S.G.); (S.B.L.); (W.J.J.); (Y.M.L.); (S.J.J.); (M.H.H.); (J.H.P.); (E.J.P.)
| | - Won Hee Hong
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; (D.S.P.); (W.H.H.); (A.H.L.Y.); (S.S.G.); (S.B.L.); (W.J.J.); (Y.M.L.); (S.J.J.); (M.H.H.); (J.H.P.); (E.J.P.)
| | - Jae Hoon Kim
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea;
| | - Adams Hei Long Yuen
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; (D.S.P.); (W.H.H.); (A.H.L.Y.); (S.S.G.); (S.B.L.); (W.J.J.); (Y.M.L.); (S.J.J.); (M.H.H.); (J.H.P.); (E.J.P.)
- Radiotherapy and Oncology Centre, Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sib Sankar Giri
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; (D.S.P.); (W.H.H.); (A.H.L.Y.); (S.S.G.); (S.B.L.); (W.J.J.); (Y.M.L.); (S.J.J.); (M.H.H.); (J.H.P.); (E.J.P.)
| | - Sung Bin Lee
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; (D.S.P.); (W.H.H.); (A.H.L.Y.); (S.S.G.); (S.B.L.); (W.J.J.); (Y.M.L.); (S.J.J.); (M.H.H.); (J.H.P.); (E.J.P.)
| | - Won Joon Jung
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; (D.S.P.); (W.H.H.); (A.H.L.Y.); (S.S.G.); (S.B.L.); (W.J.J.); (Y.M.L.); (S.J.J.); (M.H.H.); (J.H.P.); (E.J.P.)
| | - Young Min Lee
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; (D.S.P.); (W.H.H.); (A.H.L.Y.); (S.S.G.); (S.B.L.); (W.J.J.); (Y.M.L.); (S.J.J.); (M.H.H.); (J.H.P.); (E.J.P.)
| | - Su Jin Jo
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; (D.S.P.); (W.H.H.); (A.H.L.Y.); (S.S.G.); (S.B.L.); (W.J.J.); (Y.M.L.); (S.J.J.); (M.H.H.); (J.H.P.); (E.J.P.)
| | - Mae Hyun Hwang
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; (D.S.P.); (W.H.H.); (A.H.L.Y.); (S.S.G.); (S.B.L.); (W.J.J.); (Y.M.L.); (S.J.J.); (M.H.H.); (J.H.P.); (E.J.P.)
| | - Jae Hong Park
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; (D.S.P.); (W.H.H.); (A.H.L.Y.); (S.S.G.); (S.B.L.); (W.J.J.); (Y.M.L.); (S.J.J.); (M.H.H.); (J.H.P.); (E.J.P.)
| | - Eun Jae Park
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; (D.S.P.); (W.H.H.); (A.H.L.Y.); (S.S.G.); (S.B.L.); (W.J.J.); (Y.M.L.); (S.J.J.); (M.H.H.); (J.H.P.); (E.J.P.)
| | - Se Chang Park
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea; (D.S.P.); (W.H.H.); (A.H.L.Y.); (S.S.G.); (S.B.L.); (W.J.J.); (Y.M.L.); (S.J.J.); (M.H.H.); (J.H.P.); (E.J.P.)
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Stettler M, Lotz C, Probst A, Marreros N, Lundström-Stadelmann B, Frey CF, Keiser J, Hofer A, Hoby S. SAFETY AND PHARMACOKINETICS OF PRAZIQUANTEL IN EUROPEAN POND TURTLES ( EMYS ORBICULARIS). J Zoo Wildl Med 2024; 54:728-737. [PMID: 38251996 DOI: 10.1638/2023-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Spirorchiidosis, caused by blood flukes of the genus Spirorchis, is a disease of great concern for the critically endangered European pond turtle (EPT; Emys orbicularis) in Switzerland. The endogenous life cycle of the parasite often leads to systemic inflammatory reactions, thrombosis, and death. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the treatment of choice against adult Spirorchis spp. in green (Chelonia mydas) and in loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtles and is therefore considered for the treatment of EPT. This study aimed to establish a safe, easily applicable PZQ treatment for EPT, based on pharmacokinetics and tolerability. Three application methods were tested in a total of 12 adult EPT. Each turtle received a total of 75 mg/kg PZQ (three doses of 25 mg/kg in 3-h intervals [q3h × 3]) via IM (n = 3 turtles), SC (n = 3 turtles), or PO (n = 6 turtles) administration. Blood was collected 3, 6, 24, and 48 h after the first administration to determine the plasma concentration of PZQ using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Maximum measured R-PZQ concentrations (Cmax) were reached after 6 h. The mean Cmax of the total PZQ (sum of R- and S-PZQ) in the PO-treated EPT group was 1,929 ng/ml. Significantly higher concentrations were measured after IM and SC injection (mean Cmax of total PZQ = 12,715 ng/ml and 10,114 ng/ml, respectively). Transient side effects were evident after IM administration (local swelling and lameness), whereas no adverse drug effects were observed after PO and SC administration. Based on these results and the ease of administration to EPT, SC injection of PZQ at 25 mg/kg q3h times 3 serves as promising treatment application for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Stettler
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern 3012, Switzerland
| | - Christian Lotz
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil 4123, Switzerland
- the University of Basel, Basel 4001, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Probst
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil 4123, Switzerland
- the University of Basel, Basel 4001, Switzerland
| | - Nelson Marreros
- School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences HAFL, 3052 Zollikofen, Switzerland
| | - Britta Lundström-Stadelmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern 3012, Switzerland
- Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern 3012, Switzerland
| | - Caroline F Frey
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern 3012, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil 4123, Switzerland
- the University of Basel, Basel 4001, Switzerland
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Morick D, Bachmann VM, Shemesh E, Botero-Anug AM, Zemach-Shamir Z, Aizenberg Z, Davidovich N, Goldberg DW, Kan G, Ofri R, Tchernov D, Levy Y. Case report: Blindness associated with Learedius learedi trematode infection in a green sea turtle, Chelonia mydas, of the northern Red Sea. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1258522. [PMID: 37841474 PMCID: PMC10570618 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1258522] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Spirorchiid blood flukes are widespread in sea turtles, causing disease and mortality in their populations, with high prevalence in several ocean basins. Besides being leading parasitic causes of sea turtle strandings in several parts of the world, these infectious agents can cause endocarditis, vasculitis, thrombosis, miliary egg granulomas, and aneurysms, which ultimately may compromise the survival of green sea turtles. More severe cases may also result in multifocal granulomatous meningitis or pneumonia, both of which can be fatal. Herein, we report the first case of severe trematode infection, Caused by Learedius learedi, in a green sea turtle in the northern Red Sea; this infection is associated with bilateral blindness. Necropsy revealed multiple granulomas with intralesional trematode eggs in the optic nerve, eyes, spleen, heart, and lungs. The parasite was identified as Learedius learedi through specific primers of the ribosomal genome and COI sequences obtained from GenBank. Altogether, these findings emphasize the importance of recognizing the systemic nature of this particular fluke infection to ultimately protect the lives of these marine animals and ensure the sustainability of these species in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny Morick
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering, Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Vanessa M. Bachmann
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Eli Shemesh
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Ziv Zemach-Shamir
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Zahi Aizenberg
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nadav Davidovich
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Israeli Veterinary Services, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | | | - Gaston Kan
- Israeli National Nature and Parks Authority-Israel Sea Turtle Rescue Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ron Ofri
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering, Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaniv Levy
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Israeli National Nature and Parks Authority-Israel Sea Turtle Rescue Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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Serious lesions in Green turtles ( Chelonia mydas) afflicted by fatal Spirorchiidiasis found stranded in south and southeastern Brazil. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 20:73-78. [PMID: 36691453 PMCID: PMC9860056 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.01.004] [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: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Several diseases have been reported as affecting endangered wild sea turtle population worldwide, including spirorchiidiasis. This parasitic infection results in serious circulatory disorders in sea turtles, as well as tissue damage due to the presence of spirorchiids eggs. However, few reports of organs severely affected by tissue replacement caused by granulomatous inflammatory processes due to spirorchiidiasis in sea turtles are available. In this regard, this study describes massive lesions in 16 juvenile green turtles from southeastern Brazil presenting no other detectable diseases or injuries, associated to parasitic compression of air spaces, parasitic thyroid atrophy, parasitic encephalic compression and parasitic splenic lymphoid depletion. These rare injuries were categorized as extremely severe, affecting most spirorchiidiasis-infected organs. Spirorchiidiasis was, thus, noted herein as capable of causing a variety of lethal injuries to vital or extremely important organs in sea turtles. Spirorchiidiasis should, therefore, also be considered a potential cause of death in stranded green sea turtle monitoring efforts.
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Schönbächler K, Olias P, Richard OK, Origgi FC, Dervas E, Hoby S, Basso W, Berenguer Veiga I. Fatal spirorchiidosis in European pond turtles ( Emys orbicularis) in Switzerland. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 17:144-151. [PMID: 35079570 PMCID: PMC8777241 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Infections with intravascular digenean trematodes of the Spirorchiidae family (spirorchiidoses) are of great conservation concern both in marine and freshwater turtles due to their pathogenic potential. Between 2014 and 2021, Spirorchis sp. infections associated with granulomatous inflammation and sudden death were detected in European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis) from three conservation breeding facilities in Switzerland. Blood fluke eggs associated with lesions were found in the intestine, spleen, testis, skeletal musculature, heart, kidneys, stomach, pancreas, liver, lung, and meninges from nine pond turtles submitted for necropsy and in the intestinal content from five of these animals. Two novel polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) targeting the 28S ribosomal RNA gene and the ITS2 region and subsequent sequencing revealed 100% nucleotide identity with a Spirorchis sp. previously isolated from an Escambia map turtle (Graptemys ernsti) in the USA. Our findings suggest a spill-over event secondary to direct or indirect contact with invasive North American turtle species in Switzerland. We describe the clinical, haematological, ultrasonographical, endoscopical, parasitological, pathological, and molecular findings associated with spirorchiid blood fluke infections of the Spirorchis genus in E. orbicularis, as well as the biosecurity measures that were developed to prevent the spread of this parasite among breeding and highly endangered free-ranging E. orbicularis populations in Switzerland.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philipp Olias
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Olivia K. Richard
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Francesco C. Origgi
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eva Dervas
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 268, 8057, Zurich, 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
| | - Inês Berenguer Veiga
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
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Corner RD, Cribb TH, Cutmore SC. Vermetid gastropods as key intermediate hosts for a lineage of marine turtle blood flukes (Digenea: Spirorchiidae), with evidence of transmission at a turtle rookery. Int J Parasitol 2021; 52:225-241. [PMID: 34742720 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Blood flukes of the family Spirorchiidae Stunkard, 1921 are significant pathogens of marine turtles, both in the wild and in captivity. Despite causing considerable disease and mortality, little is known about the life cycles of marine species, with just four reports globally. No complete life cycle has been elucidated for any named species of marine spirorchiid, but the group is reported to use vermetid and fissurellid gastropods, and terebelliform polychaetes as intermediate hosts. Here we report molecular evidence that nine related spirorchiid species infect vermetid gastropods as first intermediate hosts from four localities along the coast of Queensland, Australia. ITS2 rDNA and cox1 mtDNA sequence data generated from vermetid infections provides the first definitive identifications for the intermediate hosts for the four species of Hapalotrema Looss, 1899 and Learedius learedi Price, 1934. Additionally, we provide a new locality report for larval stages of Amphiorchis sp., and evidence of three additional unidentified spirorchiid species in Australian waters. Based on the wealth of infections from vermetids during this study, we conclude that the previous preliminary report of a fissurellid limpet as the intermediate host for L. learedi was likely mistaken. The nine species found infecting vermetids during this study form a strongly supported clade exclusive of species of the other two marine spirorchiid genera for which sequence data are available; Carettacola Manter & Larson, 1950 which falls sister to the vermetid-infecting clade + a small clade of freshwater spirorchiids, and Neospirorchis Price, 1934 which is distantly related to the vermetid-infecting clade. We provide further evidence that spirorchiid transmission can occur in closed system aquaria and show that spirorchiid transmission occurs at both an important turtle rookery (Heron Island, southern Great Barrier Reef, Australia) and foraging ground (Moreton Bay, Australia). We discuss the implications of our findings for the epidemiology of the disease, control in captivity, and the evolution of vermetid exploitation by the Spirorchiidae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard D Corner
- The University of Queensland, School of Biological Sciences, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Thomas H Cribb
- The University of Queensland, School of Biological Sciences, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Scott C Cutmore
- The University of Queensland, School of Biological Sciences, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
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Helminth Infection of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle Caretta caretta along the Coasts of Sicily and the North West Adriatic Sea. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11051408. [PMID: 34069158 PMCID: PMC8156711 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary We report new data on the presence of trematode and nematode parasites species in stranded specimens of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). These parasites can potentially cause severe damage to internal organs, endangering the lives of the animals. The results showed a greater presence of digeneans. Abstract We provide new data on the presence of helminth parasites in 64 individual loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta stranded along the coasts of Sicily and the northwest Adriatic Sea between June 2014 and August 2016. The necropsy examination revealed 31 individuals (48.4%) positive for endoparasites, showing a greater prevalence of trematodes than nematodes. In particular, seven species and a single genus of Trematoda (Hapalotrema) and a single species and genus of Nematoda (Kathlania) were identified. Among the Digenea flukes the species with the highest prevalence of infection were Rhytidodes gelatinosus (34.6%) and Hapalotrema sp. (33.3%), while among the Nematoda they were Kathlania sp. (33.3%) and Sulcascaris sulcata (33.3%). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied among the recovery sites of the stranded loggerhead sea turtles and prevalence of endoparasites was used to highlight any relationship between the parasites and the origin of the hosts. ANOVA showed significant differences (p < 0.001) among the data used.
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Marancik DP, Perrault JR, Komoroske LM, Stoll JA, Kelley KN, Manire CA. Plasma proteomics of green turtles ( Chelonia mydas) reveals pathway shifts and potential biomarker candidates associated with health and disease. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 9:coab018. [PMID: 33959286 PMCID: PMC8084024 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coab018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Evaluating sea turtle health can be challenging due to an incomplete understanding of pathophysiologic responses in these species. Proteome characterization of clinical plasma samples can provide insights into disease progression and prospective biomarker targets. A TMT-10-plex-LC-MS/MS platform was used to characterize the plasma proteome of five, juvenile, green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and compare qualitative and quantitative protein changes during moribund and recovered states. The 10 plasma samples yielded a total of 670 unique proteins. Using ≥1.2-fold change in protein abundance as a benchmark for physiologic upregulation or downregulation, 233 (34.8%) were differentially regulated in at least one turtle between moribund and recovered states. Forty-six proteins (6.9%) were differentially regulated in all five turtles with two proteins (0.3%) demonstrating a statistically significant change. A principle component analysis showed protein abundance loosely clustered between moribund samples or recovered samples and for turtles that presented with trauma (n = 3) or as intestinal floaters (n = 2). Gene Ontology terms demonstrated that moribund samples were represented by a higher number of proteins associated with blood coagulation, adaptive immune responses and acute phase response, while recovered turtle samples included a relatively higher number of proteins associated with metabolic processes and response to nutrients. Abundance levels of 48 proteins (7.2%) in moribund samples significantly correlated with total protein, albumin and/or globulin levels quantified by biochemical analysis. Differentially regulated proteins identified with immunologic and physiologic functions are discussed for their possible role in the green turtle pathophysiologic response and for their potential use as diagnostic biomarkers. These findings enhance our ability to interpret sea turtle health and further progress conservation, research and rehabilitation programs for these ecologically important species.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P Marancik
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George’s University, True Blue, Grenada, West Indies
- Corresponding author: Tel: 473-444-4175.
| | - Justin R Perrault
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center, 14200 US Highway One, Juno Beach, FL 33408, USA
| | - Lisa M Komoroske
- College of Natural Resources, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 230 Stockbridge Road, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Jamie A Stoll
- College of Natural Resources, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 230 Stockbridge Road, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Kristina N Kelley
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George’s University, True Blue, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Charles A Manire
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center, 14200 US Highway One, Juno Beach, FL 33408, USA
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Epidemiology of blood flukes (Digenea: Spirorchiidae) in sea turtles from Tyrrhenian and Adriatic Seas, off Italy. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:52. [PMID: 32033615 PMCID: PMC7006393 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-3922-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Spirorchiidae is a family of blood flukes parasitizing turtles. Spirorchiids may cause a wide range of inflammatory reactions in the vascular system of their host being frequently implicated with stranding and death of sea turtles worldwide. Recent studies revealed the presence of two spirorchiid species in the Mediterranean basin. Our study presents comparative epidemiological data of spirorchiid infections in loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) stranded during an eight-year period from Adriatic and Tyrrhenian Seas, and the first report of Neospirorchis Neogen-11 in a green turtle (Chelonia mydas). Methods We screened a total of 319 carcasses of loggerhead turtles stranded from January 2011 to December 2018 along the Tyrrhenian coast (n = 111) and the north-western Adriatic coast (n = 208) of Italy using traditional (copromicroscopy and histopathology) and molecular assays. Three green turtles from the Tyrrhenian coast were also included in the study. Results A total of 56 (17.5%) loggerhead turtles and one green turtle (33.3%) were found to be infected with spirorchiid flukes. Amplification, sequencing of the ITS2 region of the ribosomal RNA gene cluster and BLAST analysis confirmed the presence of Hapalotrema mistroides and Neospirorchis Neogen-11 in 51 (16.0%) and 24 (7.5%) loggerhead turtles, respectively, and Neospirorchis Neogen-11 in an infected green turtle. Differences in prevalence of infection between the two sampling areas were found. Conclusions The risk of spirorchiid infection in the Tyrrhenian Sea is lower than in the Adriatic Sea and in general the risk of infection in the Mediterranean is lower than in other geographical locations. Differences in the prevalence of infection between the two sampling areas were related to the differences of regional habitats supporting different abundance of spirorchiid intermediate hosts. A systematic monitoring to evaluate the progress of the infection is recommended, as well as studies on the occurrence and distribution of spirorchiid species from other Mediterranean areas.![]()
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Lima SR, Barbosa JMDS, Saracchini PGV, Padilha FGF, Leite JDS, Ferreira AMR. Gastric lesions in free-living sea turtles: An underestimated disease that reflects the health of the ecosystem. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 697:133970. [PMID: 31476501 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.133970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Free-living marine turtles are constantly exposed to aggression factors and the gastrointestinal tract is one of the main gateways of entry. The objective of this study was to identify, and describe the anatomopathological alterations in the stomach of free-living marine turtles found dead on the beaches of the Microrregião dos Lagos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Twenty-two sea turtles were necropsied, and stomach fragments were collected, fixed, and processed routinely. The presence of gastritis, parasitism, and adaptative morphological alteration of the cells were evaluated in a microscopic analysis. Descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact test were performed. Of the samples, 59.1% had stomach hyperemia. Microscopically, gastritis was found in 86.4% of cases, parasitism in 72.7%, and adaptive morphological alteration in 59.1%. There was an association between the presence of cellular adaptive morphological alteration and chronic inflammation. This the first report to describe the adaptive morphological changes observed in the stomach cells. The chronicity of the lesions was due to continuous aggressions to the tissue, with parasitism, garbage ingestion, and environmental pollutants as possible causes. The results obtained in this study demonstrate that the chronicity of the stomach lesions is due to continuous aggressions to this tissue, and the irritating factors have environmental origin, such as parasites, garbage, and toxic pollutants, including heavy metals, which are ingested by free-living sea turtles. This article demonstrates that stomach injuries in free-living marine turtles are frequent, severe, and possibly underdiagnosed; these lesions reflect the diseased ecosystem in which those animals live.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samara Rosolem Lima
- Programa de Pós graduação em Medicina Veterinária (área de Clínica e Reprodução Animal), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ 24230-340, Brazil.
| | - João Marcos da Silva Barbosa
- Programa de Pós graduação em Medicina Veterinária (área de Clínica e Reprodução Animal), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ 24230-340, Brazil
| | - Paula Gabrielle Veiga Saracchini
- Programa de Pós graduação em Medicina Veterinária (área de Clínica e Reprodução Animal), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ 24230-340, Brazil
| | - Felipe Gomes Ferreira Padilha
- Programa de Pós graduação em Medicina Veterinária (área de Clínica e Reprodução Animal), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ 24230-340, Brazil
| | - Juliana da Silva Leite
- Programa de Pós graduação em Medicina Veterinária (área de Clínica e Reprodução Animal), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ 24230-340, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia e Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ 24230-340, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Reis Ferreira
- Programa de Pós graduação em Medicina Veterinária (área de Clínica e Reprodução Animal), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ 24230-340, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia e Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ 24230-340, Brazil.
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11
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Pronocephaloid cercariae (Platyhelminthes: Trematoda) from gastropods of the Queensland coast, Australia. J Helminthol 2019; 94:e105. [PMID: 31735179 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x19000981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The superfamily Pronocephaloidea Looss, 1899 comprises digeneans occurring in the gut and respiratory organs of fishes, turtles, marine iguanas, birds and mammals. Although many life cycles are known for species of the Notocotylidae Lühe, 1909 maturing in birds and mammals, relatively few are known for the remaining pronocephaloid lineages. We report the cercariae of five pronocephaloid species from marine gastropods of the Queensland coast, Australia. From Lizard Island, northern Great Barrier Reef, we report three cercariae, two from Rhinoclavis vertagus (Cerithiidae) and one from Nassarius coronatus (Nassariidae). From Moreton Bay, southern Queensland, an additional two cercariae are reported from two genotypes of the gastropod worm shell Thylacodes sp. (Vermetidae). Phylogenetic analysis using 28S rRNA gene sequences shows all five species are nested within the Pronocephaloidea, but not matching or particularly close to any previously sequenced taxon. In combination, phylogenetic and ecological evidence suggests that most of these species will prove to be pronocephalids parasitic in marine turtles. The Vermetidae is a new host family for the Pronocephaloidea.
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Quantifying Spirorchiid Eggs in Splenic Histological Samples from Green Turtles. Helminthologia 2019; 56:269-272. [PMID: 31662700 PMCID: PMC6799573 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2019-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study proposes a new methodology for the quantification of parasite eggs in animal tissue. Quantification of parasites are important to understand epidemiology of spirorchiid infections in sea turtles, however different methodologies for quantifying Spirorchiidae eggs in turtle tissues have been used. The most representative way to quantify Spirorchiidae burdens in tissues is counting eggs / g of tissue, however, this method is very laborious. As an alternative, we propose quantifying number of Spirorchiidae eggs/ area of tissue on a microscope slide. We compared this method to number of eggs / slide, a common metric of egg burden in turtle tissues. Both methods correlated well with eggs / g with eggs/mm2 of tissue having better correlation.
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13
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Pace A, Rinaldi L, Ianniello D, Borrelli L, Cringoli G, Fioretti A, Hochscheid S, Dipineto L. Gastrointestinal investigation of parasites and Enterobacteriaceae in loggerhead sea turtles from Italian coasts. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:370. [PMID: 31653209 PMCID: PMC6815054 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-2113-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Caretta caretta is the most abundant sea turtle species in the Mediterranean, and studies on this species have vastly expanded during recent years, including those investigating gut bacterial and parasitic communities. Members of these communities have been reported with variable prevalence and pathogenicity, mainly depending on their host and environment (e.g. lifespan, distribution, habitat, diet, health status and stressors). Indeed, many species commonly inhabiting the sea turtle gastrointestinal tract exhibit an opportunistic behaviour. This study aimed to provide baseline data on enterobacterial and parasitic composition, through bacteriological culture-based methods and the FLOTAC parasitological technique, in cloacal and faecal samples of 30 live Caretta caretta, examined upon their arrival at the Marine Turtle Research Centre (Portici, Italy). Results Enterobacteriaceae were isolated in 18/23 cloacal samples (78.3%), with Citrobacter and Morganella as the most common genera, followed by Proteus, Enterobacter, Providencia, and Hafnia. Parasitic elements were detected in 11/30 faecal samples (36.7%), with Enodiotrema, Rhytidodes, and Eimeria as most common genera, followed by Pachypsolus and Cymatocarpus. Additionally, Angiodyctium is reported for the first time in this host. The majority (47.8%) of sea turtles hosted exclusively Enterobacteriaceae, whereas 30.4% hosted both parasites and Enterobacteriaceae; the remaining 21.8% hosted neither of the agents. Conclusions Bacteria and parasites evaluated in the present study are common in Mediterranean loggerhead sea turtles, with slight differences between the western and eastern basin. Although naturally present in the gastrointestinal system of free-living sea turtles, their relationship with these hosts might range from mutualism to parasitism. Indeed, members of the gut community might express their pathogenic potential in immune-compromised animals, such as those in rehabilitation facilities. Therefore, it is advisable to include in the standard work-up of rescued sea turtles a screening procedure for such opportunistic agents, in order to better evaluate the animal’s health status and achieve timely intervention with appropriate treatment, thus improving rehabilitation. Furthermore, data collected from free-living sea turtles represent a starting point for investigating wild populations. However, further studies are needed to clarify the differences between sea turtle’s normal gut microbiome and pathobiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Pace
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University Federico II, via Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy. .,Marine Turtle Research Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, via Nuova Macello 16, 80055, Portici, Na, Italy.
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University Federico II, via Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Davide Ianniello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University Federico II, via Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Borrelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University Federico II, via Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy.,Task Force on Microbiome Studies, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University Federico II, via Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fioretti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University Federico II, via Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Sandra Hochscheid
- Marine Turtle Research Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, via Nuova Macello 16, 80055, Portici, Na, Italy
| | - Ludovico Dipineto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University Federico II, via Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy.,Task Force on Microbiome Studies, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Chapman PA, Cribb TH, Flint M, Traub RJ, Blair D, Kyaw-Tanner MT, Mills PC. Spirorchiidiasis in marine turtles: the current state of knowledge. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2019; 133:217-245. [PMID: 31187736 DOI: 10.3354/dao03348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Blood flukes of the family Spirorchiidae are important disease agents in marine turtles. The family is near cosmopolitan in distribution. Twenty-nine marine species across 10 genera are currently recognized, but taxonomic problems remain and it is likely that more species will be discovered. Spirorchiids infect the circulatory system, where they and their eggs cause a range of inflammatory lesions. Infection is sometimes implicated in the death of the turtle. In some regions, prevalence in stranded turtles is close to 100%. Knowledge of life cycles, important for control and epidemiological studies, has proven elusive until recently, when the first intermediate host identifications were made. Recent molecular studies of eggs and adult worms indicate that a considerable level of intrageneric and intraspecific diversity exists. The characterization of this diversity is likely to be of importance in exploring parasite taxonomy and ecology, unravelling life cycles, identifying the differential pathogenicity of genotypes and species, and developing antemortem diagnostic tools, all of which are major priorities for future spirorchiid research. Diagnosis to date has been reliant on copromicroscopy or necropsy, which both have significant limitations. The current lack of reliable antemortem diagnostic options is a roadblock to determining the true prevalence and epidemiology of spirorchiidiasis and the development of effective treatment regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe A Chapman
- Veterinary-Marine Animal Research, Teaching and Investigation, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland 4343, Australia
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15
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Horák P, Bulantová J, Mikeš L. Schistosomatoidea and Diplostomoidea. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1154:217-254. [PMID: 31297764 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-18616-6_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Trematodes of the order Diplostomida are well known as serious pathogens of man, and both farm and wild animals; members of the genus Schistosoma (Schistosomatidae) are responsible for human schistosomosis affecting more than 200 million people in tropical and subtropical countries, infections of mammals and birds by animal schistosomes are of great veterinary importance. The order Diplostomida is also rich in species parasitizing other major taxa of vertebrates. The Aporocotylidae are pathogenic in fish, Spirorchiidae in reptiles. All these flukes have two-host life cycles, with asexually reproducing larvae usually in molluscs and occasionally in annelids, and adults usually live in the blood vessels of their vertebrate hosts. Pathology is frequently associated with inflammatory reactions to eggs trapped in various tissues/organs. On the other hand, the representatives of Diplostomidae and Strigeidae have three- or four-host life cycles in which vertebrates often serve not only as definitive, but also as intermediate or paratenic hosts. Pathology is usually associated with migration of metacercariae and mesocercariae within the host tissues. The impact of these trematode infections on both farm and wild animals may be significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Horák
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague 2, Czechia.
| | - Jana Bulantová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague 2, Czechia
| | - Libor Mikeš
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague 2, Czechia
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16
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Marchiori E, Cassini R, Ricci I, Marcer F. Qualitative and quantitative methods for estimating Spirorchiidiasis burden in sea turtles. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2018; 7:409-414. [PMID: 30416958 PMCID: PMC6216042 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Infection by blood flukes Hapalotrema mistroides and Neospirorchis sp. (Digenea: Spirorchiidae) has been recently reported in Caretta caretta (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Mediterranean Sea. Observations of post mortem lesions are generally used to assess disease severity, and few attempts have been made to standardize the evaluation of the parasitic burden from tissue egg counts. Faeces and spleen homogenates of 105 loggerheads from the northwestern Adriatic Sea were submitted to a sedimentation-flotation technique for the research of spirorchiid eggs; molecular techniques were used for unequivocal identification. Egg quantification for positive faeces and spleen samples was achieved using a modified McMaster method. Spleen samples were also submitted to quantification through the only method cited in the literature for similar purposes, which involves preventive chemical digestion. Correlations between splenic counts obtained from the two different methods and between faecal and splenic egg burdens were calculated using Spearman's rho test. Concordance between studies on eggs in faeces and spleen tissue was also calculated. Eggs of H. mistroides and Neogen-11 were found in spleen and faecal samples. Strong correlations were found between splenic egg burdens calculated from the two methods for H. mistroides, demonstrating that the modified McMaster method can be used for quantification. A multiplying factor must be used before drawing comparisons, as egg burdens are higher in value when measured after chemical digestion. High concordance was obtained from a qualitative examination of faeces and spleen tissue of H. mistroides, showing that copromicroscopic examination can be used for in vivo diagnosis. As weak correlations were found between faecal and splenic egg counts, faecal burden cannot be regarded as indicative of disease severity. For Neogen-11, low concordance was found between faeces and spleen tissue, likely reflecting lower levels of egg embolization in organs. A method for quantifying splenic spirorchiid egg burden in sea turtles is proposed. The new method reliably esteems tissue egg burden, and has easy implementation. Fecal eggs output is also quantified and compared to splenic egg burden. Fecal egg output does not realistically esteem disease severity. Eggs of the different genera show different degree of embolization in the spleen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Marchiori
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Rudi Cassini
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Irene Ricci
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III Da Varano, 62032, Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Federica Marcer
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
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17
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de Buron I, Colon BL, Siegel SV, Oberstaller J, Rivero A, Kyle DE. First evidence of polychaete intermediate hosts for Neospirorchis spp. marine turtle blood flukes (Trematoda: Spirorchiidae). Int J Parasitol 2018; 48:1097-1106. [PMID: 30367866 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Life cycles of spirorchiids that infect the vascular system of turtles are poorly understood. Few life cycles of these blood flukes have been elucidated and all intermediate hosts reported are gastropods (Mollusca), regardless of whether the definitive host is a freshwater or a marine turtle. During a recent survey of blood fluke larvae in polychaetes on the coast of South Carolina, USA, spirorchiid-like cercariae were found to infect the polychaetes Amphitrite ornata (Terebellidae) and Enoplobranchus sanguineus (Polycirridae). Cercariae were large, furcate, with a ventral acetabulum, but no eyespots were observed. Partial sequences of D1-D2 domains of the large ribosomal subunit, the internal transcribed spacer 2, and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 genes allowed the identification of sporocysts and cercariae as belonging to two unidentified Neospirorchis species reported from the green turtle, Chelonia mydas, in Florida: Neospirorchis sp. (Neogen 13) in A. ornata and Neospirorchis sp. (Neogen 14) in E. sanguineus. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that infection of annelids by blood flukes evolved separately in aporocotylids and spirorchiids. Our results support the contention that the Spirorchiidae is not a valid family and suggest that Neospirorchis is a monophyletic clade within the paraphyletic Spirorchiidae. Since specificity of spirorchiids for their intermediate hosts is broader than it was thus far assumed, surveys of annelids in turtle habitats are necessary to further our understanding of the life history of these pathogenic parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaure de Buron
- Department of Biology, College of Charleston, 205 Ft Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Beatrice L Colon
- Center for Tropical & Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Coverdell Room 370B, 500 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 3270 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Sasha V Siegel
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 3270 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Jenna Oberstaller
- Center for Global Health Infectious Diseases Research, University of South Florida, 3270 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Andrea Rivero
- Center for Global Health Infectious Diseases Research, University of South Florida, 3270 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Dennis E Kyle
- Center for Tropical & Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Coverdell Room 370B, 500 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Center for Global Health Infectious Diseases Research, University of South Florida, 3270 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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18
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Marchiori E, Negrisolo E, Cassini R, Garofalo L, Poppi L, Tessarin C, Marcer F. Cardiovascular flukes (Trematoda: Spirorchiidae) in Caretta caretta Linnaeus, 1758 from the Mediterranean Sea. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:467. [PMID: 29017541 PMCID: PMC5633879 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2396-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The northern Adriatic Sea represents one of the most important neritic foraging grounds for the loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta L. in the Mediterranean Sea. Four genera of blood flukes with variable prevalence and pathogenic impact have been reported worldwide in this species. Hapalotrema Looss, 1899 and Amphiorchis Price, 1934 are the only two genera reported in Mediterranean waters; however, updated data describing spirorchiidiasis in the central and eastern Mediterranean and infection prevalence are still lacking. This work aimed to investigate the presence and pathology of spirorchiidiasis in C. caretta in the Mediterranean Sea. METHODS One hundred sixty-eight animals stranded along the northwestern Adriatic coast between 2009 and 2015 were submitted to necropsy and subsequent analyses for the detection of adult flukes, detection of eggs in the faeces and spleen and histopathology. Molecular analyses were carried out on hosts (mitochondrial D-loop) and parasites (28S gene and ITS2 spacer) to trace the turtle origins and identify the fluke phylogenetic relationships. RESULTS Spirorchiidiasis was detected in 16.7% of the animals. Hapalotrema mistroides (Monticelli, 1899) and Neospirorchis sp. were found in twenty-six and ten cases, respectively. Adult flukes were found in six cases, while eggs were detectable through copromicroscopic examination for all infected turtles, and the results for the detection of eggs in the spleen agreed with the copromicroscopic analysis. Only mild lesions were observed. Eggs of types 1 and 3 were grossly visible in the gastrointestinal mucosa, vasculitis was rarely observed in the heart and great vessels, and multifocal granulomas were widespread in the tissues. Molecular identification unambiguously assigned the spirorchiid samples to H. mistroides and Neospirorchis sp. Genetic characterization of loggerhead mtDNA pointed to a Mediterranean origin of the turtle hosts. CONCLUSION This survey provides new data on the spread of spirorchiidiasis in the Mediterranean loggerhead sea turtle population and reports for the first time the presence of Neospirorchis spp. in this basin. The infections did not have a causal effect on the death nor a strong impact on the general health status of the animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Marchiori
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università, Legnaro, Italy.
| | - Enrico Negrisolo
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Rudi Cassini
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Luisa Garofalo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Centro di Referenza Nazionale per la Medicina Forense Veterinaria, Rieti, Italy
| | - Lisa Poppi
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Cinzia Tessarin
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Federica Marcer
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università, Legnaro, Italy
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