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Horák P, Bulantová J, Mikeš L. Other Schistosomatoidea and Diplostomoidea. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1454:107-155. [PMID: 39008265 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-60121-7_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
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 (schistosomiasis) affecting more than 200 million people in tropical and subtropical countries, and 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" sensu lato are pathogenic in fish, "Spirorchiidae" sensu lato in reptiles. All these flukes have two-host life cycles, with asexually reproducing larvae usually in mollusks 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, Czech Republic.
| | - Jana Bulantová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Libor Mikeš
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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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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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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Chatterji RM, Hipsley CA, Sherratt E, Hutchinson MN, Jones MEH. Ontogenetic allometry underlies trophic diversity in sea turtles (Chelonioidea). Evol Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10682-022-10162-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AbstractDespite only comprising seven species, extant sea turtles (Cheloniidae and Dermochelyidae) display great ecological diversity, with most species inhabiting a unique dietary niche as adults. This adult diversity is remarkable given that all species share the same dietary niche as juveniles. These ontogenetic shifts in diet, as well as a dramatic increase in body size, make sea turtles an excellent group to examine how morphological diversity arises by allometric processes and life habit specialisation. Using three-dimensional geometric morphometrics, we characterise ontogenetic allometry in the skulls of all seven species and evaluate variation in the context of phylogenetic history and diet. Among the sample, the olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) has a seemingly average sea turtle skull shape and generalised diet, whereas the green (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) show different extremes of snout shape associated with their modes of food gathering (grazing vs. grasping, respectively). Our ontogenetic findings corroborate previous suggestions that the skull of the leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) is paedomorphic, having similar skull proportions to hatchlings of other sea turtle species and retaining a hatchling-like diet of relatively soft bodied organisms. The flatback sea turtle (Natator depressus) shows a similar but less extreme pattern. By contrast, the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) shows a peramorphic signal associated with increased jaw muscle volumes that allow predation on hard shelled prey. The Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) has a peramorphic skull shape compared to its sister species the olive ridley, and a diet that includes harder prey items such as crabs. We suggest that diet may be a significant factor in driving skull shape differences among species. Although the small number of species limits statistical power, differences among skull shape, size, and diet are consistent with the hypothesis that shifts in allometric trajectory facilitated diversification in skull shape as observed in an increasing number of vertebrate groups.
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Marchiori E, Dotto G, Tessarin C, Santoro M, Affuso A, Tarricone L, Di Renzo L, Freggi D, Spoto V, Marcer F. A pilot study on molecular diagnosis of Hapalotrema mistroides (Digenea: Spirorchiidae) infection in blood samples of live loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:16. [PMID: 31937305 PMCID: PMC6961338 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-2232-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parasites of the family Spirorchiidae cause disease and mortality in marine and freshwater turtles; two species, Hapalotrema mistroides and Neospirorchis sp., are reported in the resident population of loggerhead turtles of the Mediterranean Sea, with the first being the most widespread. In vivo diagnosis of spirorchidiasis can represent a challenge in guaranteeing prompt control and treatment of the disease and is currently limited to copromicroscopy. The aim of this study was the development of a real time PCR assay with TaqMan probe for the detection of H. mistroides infection in the blood of live loggerhead turtles, Caretta caretta, hospitalized in rehabilitation centres. Its potential use for in vivo diagnosis is explored. RESULTS The developed real time PCR successfully detected H. mistroides DNA from both positive controls and experimental blood samples of live loggerhead sea turtles, showing good specificity, sensitivity and good reaction efficiency. Two out of three turtles which had demonstrated positivity at copromicroscopy also tested positive to this blood assay; DNA of H. mistroides was detected within the blood of one sea turtle, which tested negative for copromicroscopy. CONCLUSIONS This study describes a specific and rapid molecular assay to detect H. mistroides infection from live sea turtles and highlights for the first time the presence of DNA of this species in turtle blood samples. Since this assay is able to detect low amounts of the parasitic free DNA in blood samples, its application could be helpful for in vivo diagnosis of H. mistroides infection as well as for epidemiological purposes.
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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.
| | - Giorgia Dotto
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Cinzia Tessarin
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Mario Santoro
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Affuso
- Centro Ricerche Tartarughe Marine, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Nuova Macello 16, 80055, Portici, NA, Italy
| | - Luciano Tarricone
- Veterinary practitioner, Centro Recupero Il Benvenuto, S.S. 16 2287/C, 45038, Polesella, RO, Italy
| | - Ludovica Di Renzo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Abruzzo e Molise "G. Caporale", Via Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy.,Centro Recupero e Riabilitazione Tartarughe Marine "L. Cagnolaro" Centro Studi Cetacei Onlus, Via di Sotto, 65125, Pescara, Italy
| | - Daniela Freggi
- Centro Recupero Tartarughe Marine di Lampedusa, Lungomare L. Rizzo, 92010, Lampedusa, AG, Italy
| | - Vincenzoleo Spoto
- Centro Recupero Tartarughe Marine di Lampedusa, Lungomare L. Rizzo, 92010, Lampedusa, AG, 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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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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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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