1
|
Malone CJ, Oksanen A, Mukaratirwa S, Sharma R, Jenkins E. From wildlife to humans: The global distribution of Trichinella species and genotypes in wildlife and wildlife-associated human trichinellosis. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 24:100934. [PMID: 38651034 PMCID: PMC11033181 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100934] [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] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Zoonotic nematodes of the genus Trichinella are foodborne parasites that have a global distribution in wild carnivores and omnivores, with spillover and spillback into domestic livestock and people, with concomitant trade and health consequences. Historically, most human cases were linked to domestic pigs infected with Trichinella spiralis, but under current high biosecurity swine production in many countries, wildlife have become a more important source of human trichinellosis. The aim of this review is to update the global distribution of Trichinella species and genotypes reported in wildlife, as well as reported human outbreaks from the consumption of wildlife. Using several online databases and by "snowballing" references, hundreds of reports of Trichinella spp. in wildlife published between January 1991 and December 2023 provide an important update to the host and geographic range for each of the recognized 13 species/genotypes, grouped by continent. Surveillance effort was highest in Europe and North America, while Africa, Asia, Central and South America have had limited surveillance, in some instances with human cases serving as sentinels of transmission in a region. Dozens of human outbreaks are described, with wild boars (Sus scrofa) being the most frequently implicated wildlife species in human outbreaks globally. Bears are an important source of infection in North America, for wildlife tourism, and importation of bear meat has also been implicated in multicountry outbreaks. The largest study limitation was the dearth of molecular identification of larvae in both wildlife surveillance studies and human outbreaks, particulary in under-studied regions. We highlight the need for enhanced molecular epidemiological approaches to outbreaks of this important foodborne parasite, and emphasize the need for a One Health approach to manage Trichinella spp. which transmit among terrestrial and marine wildlife (including migratory birds), pigs, horses, and people, often across large geographic scales and borders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cody J. Malone
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Antti Oksanen
- Finnish Food Authority, (FINPAR), Elektroniikkatie 3, FI-90590, Oulu, Finland
| | - Samson Mukaratirwa
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Rajnish Sharma
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
- Centre for One Health, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Emily Jenkins
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Marin AM, Popovici DC, Marucci G, Cherchi S, Mederle N. First Identification of Trichinella pseudospiralis in a Golden Jackal ( Canis aureus) in Romania. Pathogens 2023; 13:32. [PMID: 38251339 PMCID: PMC10818659 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010032] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Trichinella spp. are etiological zoonotic agents that spread throughout the world and affect mammals, birds, and reptiles. Within this genus, Trichinella pseudospiralis is the only recognized non-encapsulated species known to infect mammals and birds. This species has been reported in the majority of European countries, and the real epidemiological scenario of this species remains to be defined because its detection in mammals is much lower than that of the capsulated species. The aim of this study was to examine the presence of Trichinella larvae isolated from the muscles of a jackal from the hunting fund of 36 Murfatlar, Constanta County, Romania. The muscle samples were examined by artificial digestion, and the larvae were identified at the species level by multiplex PCR. The presence of larvae belonging to T. pseudospiralis, a species more frequently reported in carnivorous birds, was observed. This study describes the first identification of T. pseudospiralis in a jackal. The results suggest that there is an urgent need to investigate which species of mammals and/or birds act as reservoirs for this zoonotic nematode in Romania.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Maria Marin
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences “King Michael I”, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (A.-M.M.); (N.M.)
| | | | - Gianluca Marucci
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Simona Cherchi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Narcisa Mederle
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences “King Michael I”, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (A.-M.M.); (N.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Uakhit R, Mayer-Scholl A, Shin C, Smagulova A, Lider L, Leontyev S, Kiyan V. Genetic identification of Trichinella species found in wild carnivores from the territory of Kazakhstan. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1266561. [PMID: 37781287 PMCID: PMC10538997 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1266561] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Trichinellosis, also called trichinosis, is a foodborne parasitic disease caused by eating raw or undercooked meat from animals infected with Trichinella spp. larvae and affects both animals and humans. Although on the territory of Kazakhstan, the species characteristics and prevalence of this helminth were studied back in the 90s, the data have not been updated since then. Given the above, our study was aimed at identifying Trichinella spp. using parasitological and molecular genetics methods. In our work, we studied 160 samples of muscle tissue of wild animals living in the natural zones of steppes and semi-deserts. Of the animals examined, 32 were positive for Trichinella spp., including 1 lynx (Lynx lynx), 17 wolves (Canis lupus), 11 foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 1 jackal (Canis aureus) and 2 corsac foxes (Vulpes corsac). Helminths were extracted using the digestion method. DNA was extracted using a Gene Jet commercial kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific, United Kingdom). For species identification a multiplex PCR, amplification of ESV, ITS1, and ITS2 genes regions was performed. After that, uniplex PCR was performed on the 5S rDNA and ITS1 genes region for sequencing analysis. The resulting sequences were subsequently used to construct a phylogenetic tree and the studied samples were identified as Trichinella nativa and Trichinella britovi. Thus, we can conclude that there is a circulation of two species of Trichinella in Kazakhstan, highlighting that constant control and monitoring of wild animals are necessary to prevent transmission and protect the health of people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rabiga Uakhit
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical University, Astana, Kazakhstan
- Laboratory of Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, National Center for Biotechnology, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Anne Mayer-Scholl
- Department of Biological Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Chincher Shin
- Laboratory of Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, National Center for Biotechnology, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Ainura Smagulova
- Laboratory of Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, National Center for Biotechnology, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Lyudmila Lider
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical University, Astana, Kazakhstan
- Laboratory of Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, National Center for Biotechnology, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Sergey Leontyev
- Laboratory of Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, National Center for Biotechnology, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Vladimir Kiyan
- Laboratory of Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, National Center for Biotechnology, Astana, Kazakhstan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Emelyanova A, Savolainen A, Oksanen A, Nieminen P, Loginova O, Abass K, Rautio A. Research on Selected Wildlife Infections in the Circumpolar Arctic-A Bibliometric Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11260. [PMID: 36141528 PMCID: PMC9517571 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
One Health, a multidisciplinary approach to public health, which integrates human, animal, and environmental studies, is prudent for circumpolar Arctic health research. The objective of our bibliometric review was to identify and compare research in select infectious diseases in Arctic wildlife species with importance to human health indexed in English language databases (PubMed, Scopus) and the Russian database eLibrary.ru. Included articles (in English and Russian languages) needed to meet the following criteria: (1) data comes from the Arctic, (2) articles report original research or surveillance reports, (3) articles were published between 1990 and 2018, and (4) research relates to naturally occurring infections. Of the included articles (total n = 352), most were from Russia (n = 131, 37%), Norway (n = 58, 16%), Canada (n = 39, 11%), and Alaska (n = 39, 11%). Frequently reported infectious agents among selected mammals were Trichinella spp. (n = 39), Brucella spp. (n = 25), rabies virus (n = 11), Echinococcus spp. (n = 10), and Francisella tularensis (n = 9). There were 25 articles on anthrax in eLibrary.ru, while there were none in the other two databases. We identified future directions where opportunities for further research, collaboration, systematic reviews, or monitoring programs are possible and needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Emelyanova
- Thule Institute, University of Oulu & University of the Arctic, P.O. Box 7300, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland
- Arctic Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, FI-90590 Oulu, Finland
| | - Audrey Savolainen
- Arctic Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, FI-90590 Oulu, Finland
- Finnish Food Authority (FINPAR), Elektroniikkatie 3, FI-90590 Oulu, Finland
| | - Antti Oksanen
- Finnish Food Authority (FINPAR), Elektroniikkatie 3, FI-90590 Oulu, Finland
| | - Pentti Nieminen
- Medical Informatics and Data Analysis Research Group, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland
| | - Olga Loginova
- Laboratory of Parasite Systematics and Evolution, Center for Parasitology, A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninskii Prospect 33, 119071 Moscow, Russia
| | - Khaled Abass
- Arctic Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, FI-90590 Oulu, Finland
| | - Arja Rautio
- Thule Institute, University of Oulu & University of the Arctic, P.O. Box 7300, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland
- Arctic Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, FI-90590 Oulu, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Crisóstomo-Jorquera V, Landaeta-Aqueveque C. The genus Trichinella and its presence in wildlife worldwide: A review. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e1269-e1279. [PMID: 35398980 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The genus Trichinella has a worldwide distribution, infecting people, domestic animals, and wildlife. It includes 13 genotypes, which are geographically delimited; Trichinella is transmitted to people through the ingestion of undercooked meat. Historically, it has been associated with pigs, but most Trichinella species affect wildlife, and cases of trichinellosis due to the consumption of game meat have been emerging. Therefore, it is important to monitor the sources of transmission to domestic animals and humans. The objective of this work was to analyse reports of Trichinella spp. in wild/feral animals around the world to identify the needs of future research in the epidemiology of the sylvatic cycle. A search of studies published until 2021 was conducted using Web of Science and SciELO. In the Palearctic, the most commonly studied hosts were wild boars and red foxes, and hosts with the highest prevalence rates were polar bears and martens. In the Nearctic, red foxes and black bears were the most frequently studied hosts, and the highest prevalence was found for wolverines and brown bears. In the Neotropics, positive reports were only identified in two countries, with wild boars being the most commonly studied species, and armadillos featuring the highest prevalence. In the Afrotropics, Trichinella limits its presence to Sub-Saharan Africa, where lions are the most studied hosts, and spotted hyenas have the highest prevalence. In the Indo-Malaya and Australasia ecozones, information on wildlife is scarce; the Norwegian rat is the most frequently studied host, and the Tasmanian devil has the highest prevalence of infection. In the last decade, research on world wildlife has increased which is associated with more frequent trichinellosis outbreaks caused by the consumption of wild meat. The results suggest the need to increase research in developing countries, particularly where more diverse sources of meat are available for human consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanesa Crisóstomo-Jorquera
- Departamento de Patología y Medicina Preventiva, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Carlos Landaeta-Aqueveque
- Departamento de Patología y Medicina Preventiva, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Oksanen A, Kärssin A, Berg RP, Koch A, Jokelainen P, Sharma R, Jenkins E, Loginova O. Epidemiology of Trichinella in the Arctic and subarctic: A review. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2022; 28:e00167. [PMID: 35812081 PMCID: PMC9263860 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2022.e00167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The finding of Trichinella in the Arctic was foreseen because captive polar bears and arctic foxes had been found infected during the first decades of the 20th century. Human trichinellosis outbreaks were reported to have taken place in 1944 in Franz Josef Archipelago and 1947 in Greenland, and previous outbreaks in Greenland also appeared to have been trichinellosis. Now, it is known that Trichinella parasites thrive in the Arctic and subarctic and pose a risk for public health. We collated the available information, which show that infection prevalences are high in many animal host species, and that outbreaks of human trichinellosis have been described also recently. The species diversity of Trichinella in the Arctic and subarctic is relatively high, and the circulation is in non-domestic cycles with transmission by predation, scavenging and cannibalism. There are also sporadic reports on the synanthropic species Trichinella spiralis in arctic wild mammals with little known or assumed contact to potential synanthropic cycles. In this paper, we summarize the knowledge on epidemiology of Trichinella parasites in the circumpolar Arctic and subarctic regions, and discuss the challenges and solutions for their control. Trichinella infection is common in wild animals in the Arctic and subarctic regions. The high prevalence of Trichinella infection in some arctic marine mammal species suggests a marine cycle. Outbreaks of human trichinellosis have been described, and public health importance still remains obvious. In this review, we had access to the large amount of Trichinella literature published in the Russian language.
Collapse
|
7
|
Wolverines (Gulo gulo) in a changing landscape and warming climate: A decadal synthesis of global conservation ecology research. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
|
8
|
Reichard MV, Sanders TL, Prentiss NL, Cotey SR, Koch RW, Fairbanks WS, Interisano M, La Rosa G, Pozio E. Detection of Trichinella murrelli and Trichinella pseudospiralis in bobcats (Lynx rufus) from Oklahoma. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2021; 25:100609. [PMID: 34474802 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Trichinella spp. infect wild carnivores throughout the world. We determined the prevalence and mean infection intensity of Trichinella spp. in bobcats (Lynx rufus) from 41 counties in Oklahoma (USA). Tongues from 306 bobcats were examined using artificial tissue digestion. The prevalence (95% confidence interval) of Trichinella spp. was 5.9% (3.7%-9.2%) in which 18 of the 301 bobcats were infected. Bobcats infected with Trichinella spp. were detected in 10 of the 41 (24.4%; 13.7%-39.5%) counties sampled. Although variable, a statistically significant difference was not detected in the prevalence of Trichinella spp. among counties where bobcats were collected. The mean (standard deviation) and median (range) infection intensity of Trichinella sp. larvae were 30.9 (39.8) and 9.6 (0.6-119.9) larvae per gram of tissue examined. Genotyping results demonstrated that 17 bobcats were infected with T. murrelliand one bobcat was infected with T. pseudospiralis. This is the first report of T. pseudospiralis in bobcats and in Oklahoma. These data suggest the bobcat, as an obligate carnivore, is likely an important host in maintaining T. murrelli sylvatic cycles in Oklahoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mason V Reichard
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA.
| | - Tiana L Sanders
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Natasha L Prentiss
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Stacy R Cotey
- College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Michigan Tech University, Houghton, MI, USA
| | - Ryan W Koch
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - W Sue Fairbanks
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Division of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Maria Interisano
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Unit of Foodborne and Neglected Parasitic Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe La Rosa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Unit of Foodborne and Neglected Parasitic Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo Pozio
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Unit of Foodborne and Neglected Parasitic Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Keatts LO, Robards M, Olson SH, Hueffer K, Insley SJ, Joly DO, Kutz S, Lee DS, Chetkiewicz CLB, Lair S, Preston ND, Pruvot M, Ray JC, Reid D, Sleeman JM, Stimmelmayr R, Stephen C, Walzer C. Implications of Zoonoses From Hunting and Use of Wildlife in North American Arctic and Boreal Biomes: Pandemic Potential, Monitoring, and Mitigation. Front Public Health 2021; 9:627654. [PMID: 34026707 PMCID: PMC8131663 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.627654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has re-focused attention on mechanisms that lead to zoonotic disease spillover and spread. Commercial wildlife trade, and associated markets, are recognized mechanisms for zoonotic disease emergence, resulting in a growing global conversation around reducing human disease risks from spillover associated with hunting, trade, and consumption of wild animals. These discussions are especially relevant to people who rely on harvesting wildlife to meet nutritional, and cultural needs, including those in Arctic and boreal regions. Global policies around wildlife use and trade can impact food sovereignty and security, especially of Indigenous Peoples. We reviewed known zoonotic pathogens and current risks of transmission from wildlife (including fish) to humans in North American Arctic and boreal biomes, and evaluated the epidemic and pandemic potential of these zoonoses. We discuss future concerns, and consider monitoring and mitigation measures in these changing socio-ecological systems. While multiple zoonotic pathogens circulate in these systems, risks to humans are mostly limited to individual illness or local community outbreaks. These regions are relatively remote, subject to very cold temperatures, have relatively low wildlife, domestic animal, and pathogen diversity, and in many cases low density, including of humans. Hence, favorable conditions for emergence of novel diseases or major amplification of a spillover event are currently not present. The greatest risk to northern communities from pathogens of pandemic potential is via introduction with humans visiting from other areas. However, Arctic and boreal ecosystems are undergoing rapid changes through climate warming, habitat encroachment, and development; all of which can change host and pathogen relationships, thereby affecting the probability of the emergence of new (and re-emergence of old) zoonoses. Indigenous leadership and engagement in disease monitoring, prevention and response, is vital from the outset, and would increase the success of such efforts, as well as ensure the protection of Indigenous rights as outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Partnering with northern communities and including Indigenous Knowledge Systems would improve the timeliness, and likelihood, of detecting emerging zoonotic risks, and contextualize risk assessments to the unique human-wildlife relationships present in northern biomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy O. Keatts
- Wildlife Conservation Society Health Program, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Martin Robards
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Arctic Beringia Program, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Sarah H. Olson
- Wildlife Conservation Society Health Program, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Karsten Hueffer
- Department of Veterinary Medicine & Arctic and Northern Studies Program, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Stephen J. Insley
- Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | - Susan Kutz
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - David S. Lee
- Department of Wildlife and Environment, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Stéphane Lair
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Mathieu Pruvot
- Wildlife Conservation Society Health Program, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Justina C. Ray
- Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Donald Reid
- Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jonathan M. Sleeman
- United States Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Raphaela Stimmelmayr
- North Slope Department of Wildlife Management, Utqiagvik, AK, United States
- Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, United States
| | - Craig Stephen
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Chris Walzer
- Wildlife Conservation Society Health Program, Bronx, NY, United States
- Conservation Medicine Unit, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Owsiacki R, Buhler KJ, Sharma R, Branigan M, Fenton H, Tomaselli M, Kafle P, Lobanov VA, Bouchard É, Jenkins E. Trichinella nativa and Trichinella T6 in arctic foxes ( Vulpes lagopus) from northern Canada. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2020; 13:269-274. [PMID: 33312858 PMCID: PMC7720016 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic zoonotic nematodes of the genus Trichinella circulate in wildlife and domestic hosts worldwide through the ingestion of infected meat. Due to their role as scavengers and predators in terrestrial and marine arctic ecosystems, Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) are ideal sentinels for the detection of Trichinella spp. In this study, we determined the prevalence, larval intensity, and species of Trichinella from 91 trapped Arctic foxes collected around the northern Canadian communities of Sachs Harbour (Ikaahuk) on Banks Island (n = 23), and Ulukhaktok and Cambridge Bay (Ikaluktutiak) on Victoria Island (n = 68). Using pepsin-HCl digestion, larvae of Trichinella spp. were recovered from the left forelimb muscle (flexor carpi ulnaris) in 19 of the 91 foxes (21% prevalence, 95% CI: 14–30%). For the first time in Arctic foxes in Canada, Trichinella species were identified using multiplex PCR that was followed up with PCR-RFLP to distinguish between T. nativa and T. chanchalensis. All infected foxes harbored T. nativa, and one fox was co-infected with Trichinella T6; the latter is a new host record. Age of the fox was significantly associated with Trichinella spp. infection and the odds of being infected were three times higher in foxes ≥2 years of age (p = 0.026), indicating cumulative exposure with age. While Arctic foxes are seldom harvested for human consumption, they serve as sentinel hosts of Trichinella spp., confirming the presence of the parasite in wildlife in the region. Arctic foxes can serve as sentinel species for food-borne parasites like Trichinella. This study is the first to identify Trichinella T6 in Canadian Arctic foxes. The prevalence of Trichinella spp. in Arctic foxes was higher than previously reported. Adult foxes were three times more likely to be infected with Trichinella spp. than young foxes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robin Owsiacki
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Kayla J Buhler
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Rajnish Sharma
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Marsha Branigan
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Government of the Northwest Territories, P.O. Box 2749, Shell Lake, Inuvik, NT, X0E 0T0, Canada
| | - Heather Fenton
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Government of the Northwest Territories, P.O. Box 2749, Shell Lake, Inuvik, NT, X0E 0T0, Canada.,Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Box 334, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Matilde Tomaselli
- Polar Knowledge Canada, Canadian High Arctic Research Station, Cambridge Bay, NU, X0B 0C0, Canada
| | - Pratap Kafle
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Vladislav A Lobanov
- Centre for Food-borne and Animal Parasitology, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 116 Veterinary Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 2R3, Canada
| | - Émilie Bouchard
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Emily Jenkins
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Parasites of an Arctic scavenger; the wolverine ( Gulo gulo). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2020; 13:178-185. [PMID: 33134077 PMCID: PMC7591336 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Parasites are fundamental components within all ecosystems, shaping interaction webs, host population dynamics and behaviour. Despite this, baseline data is lacking to understand the parasite ecology of many Arctic species, including the wolverine (Gulogulo), a top Arctic predator and scavenger. Here, we combined traditional count methods (i.e. adult helminth recovery, where taxonomy was confirmed by molecular identification) with 18S rRNA high-throughput sequencing to document the wolverine parasite community. Further, we investigated whether the abundance of parasites detected using traditional methods were associated with host metadata, latitude, and longitude (ranging from the northern limit of the boreal forest to the low Arctic and Arctic tundra in Nunavut, Canada). Adult parasites in intestinal contents were identified as Baylisascaris devosi in 72% (n = 39) of wolverines and Taenia spp. in 22% (n = 12), of which specimens from 2 wolverines were identified as T. twitchelli based on COX1 sequence. 18S rRNA high-throughput sequencing on DNA extracted from faeces detected additional parasites, including a pseudophyllid cestode (Diplogonoporus spp. or Diphyllobothrium spp.), two metastrongyloid lungworms (Angiostrongylus spp. or Aelurostrongylus spp., and Crenosoma spp.), an ascarid nematode (Ascaris spp. or Toxocara spp.), a Trichinella spp. nematode, and the protozoan Sarcocystis spp., though each at a prevalence less than 13% (n = 7). The abundance of B. devosi significantly decreased with latitude (slope = -0.68; R2 = 0.17; P = 0.004), suggesting a northerly limit in distribution. We describe B. devosi and T. twitchelli in Canadian wolverines for the first time since 1978, and extend the recorded geographic distribution of these parasites ca 2000 km to the East and into the tundra ecosystem. Our findings illustrate the value of molecular methods in support of traditional methods, encouraging additional work to improve the advancement of molecular screening for parasites. Combining traditional and molecular methods better captures parasite diversity. B. devosi and Taenia spp. distribution extends ca 2000 km East and into the tundra. The abundance of B. devosi in wolverines significantly decreases with latitude. B. devosi and Taenia spp. abundance is not associated with wolverine host metadata.
Collapse
|
12
|
Sharma R, Thompson PC, Hoberg EP, Brad Scandrett W, Konecsni K, Harms NJ, Kukka PM, Jung TS, Elkin B, Mulders R, Larter NC, Branigan M, Pongracz J, Wagner B, Kafle P, Lobanov VA, Rosenthal BM, Jenkins EJ. Hiding in plain sight: discovery and phylogeography of a cryptic species of Trichinella (Nematoda: Trichinellidae) in wolverine (Gulo gulo). Int J Parasitol 2020; 50:277-287. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
13
|
La Grange LJ, Mukaratirwa S. Epidemiology and hypothetical transmission cycles of Trichinella infections in the Greater Kruger National Park of South Africa: an example of host-parasite interactions in an environment with minimal human interactions. Parasite 2020; 27:13. [PMID: 32163031 PMCID: PMC7067144 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2020010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Knowledge on the epidemiology, host range and transmission of Trichinella spp. infections in different ecological zones in southern Africa including areas of wildlife-human interface is limited. The majority of reports on Trichinella infections in sub-Saharan Africa were from wildlife resident in protected areas. Elucidation of the epidemiology of the infections and the prediction of hosts involved in the sylvatic cycles within specific ecological niches is critical. Of recent, there have been reports of Trichinella infections in several wildlife species within the Greater Kruger National Park (GKNP) of South Africa, which has prompted the revision and update of published hypothetical transmission cycles including the hypothetical options based previously on the biology and feeding behaviour of wildlife hosts confined to the GKNP. Using data gathered from surveillance studies and reports spanning the period 1964-2019, confirmed transmission cycles and revised hypothesized transmission cycles of three known Trichinella species (T. zimbabwensis, Trichinella T8 and T. nelsoni) are presented. These were formulated based on the epidemiological factors, feeding habits of hosts and prevalence data gathered from the GKNP. We presume that the formulated sylvatic cycles may be extrapolated to similar national parks and wildlife protected areas in sub-Saharan Africa where the same host and parasite species are known to occur. The anecdotal nature of some of the presented data confirms the need for more intense epidemiological surveillance in national parks and wildlife protected areas in the rest of sub-Saharan Africa to unravel the epidemiology of Trichinella infections in these unique and diverse protected landscapes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louis J. La Grange
-
Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, Chief Directorate Veterinary Services, Veterinary Public Health Private Bag X11309 Mbombela 1200 South Africa
-
University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Life Sciences, Westville Campus Durban 4000 South Africa
| | - Samson Mukaratirwa
-
University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Life Sciences, Westville Campus Durban 4000 South Africa
-
One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine P.O. Box 334 St Kitts Basseterre West Indies
| |
Collapse
|