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Xiong L, Yang G. Description and molecular characterisation of Babesia ailuropodae n. sp., a new piroplasmid species infecting giant pandas. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:315. [PMID: 39033131 PMCID: PMC11265107 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06402-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Babesia spp. are protozoan parasites that infect the red blood cells of domesticated animals, wildlife and humans. A few cases of giant pandas (a flagship species in terms of wildlife conservation) infected with a putative novel Babesia sp. have been reported. However, comprehensive research on the morphological and molecular taxonomic classification of this novel Babesia sp. is still lacking. This study was designed to close this gap and formally describe this new Babesia sp. infecting giant pandas. METHODS Detailed morphological, molecular and phylogenetic analyses were conducted to characterise this Babesia sp. and to assess its systematic relationships with other Babesia spp. Blood samples from giant pandas infected with Babesia were subjected to microscopic examination. The 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA), cytochrome b (cytb) and mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of the new Babesia sp. were amplified, sequenced and assembled using DNA purified from blood samples taken from infected giant pandas. Based on the newly generated 18S rRNA, cytb and mitogenome sequences, phylogenetic trees were constructed. RESULTS Morphologically, the Babesia sp. from giant pandas exhibited various forms, including round to oval ring-shaped morphologies, resembling those found in other small canine Babesia spp. and displaying typical tetrads. Phylogenetic analyses with the 18S rRNA, cytb and mitogenome sequences revealed that the new Babesia sp. forms a monophyletic group, with a close phylogenetic relationship with the Babesia spp. that infect bears (Ursidae), raccoons (Procyonidae) and canids (Canidae). Notably, the mitogenome structure consisted of six ribosomal large subunit-coding genes (LSU1-6) and three protein-coding genes (cytb, cox3 and cox1) arranged linearly. CONCLUSIONS Based on coupled morphological and genetic analyses, we describe a novel species of the genus Babesia, namely, Babesia ailuropodae n. sp., which infects giant pandas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lang Xiong
- Sichuan Agricultural University, Sichuan, China
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Yu S, Xie J, Guo Q, Yan X, Wang Y, Leng T, Li L, Zhou J, Zhang W, Su X. Clostridium butyricum isolated from giant panda can attenuate dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1361945. [PMID: 38646621 PMCID: PMC11027743 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1361945] [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: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Probiotics are beneficial to the intestinal barrier, but few studies have investigated probiotics from giant pandas. This study aims to explore the preventive effects of giant panda-derived Clostridium butyricum on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Methods Clostridium butyricum was administered to mice 14 days before administering DSS treatment to induce enteritis. Results Clostridium butyricum B14 could more effectively prevent colitis in mice than C. butyricum B13. C. butyricum B14 protected the mouse colon by decreasing the histology index and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels, which improved intestinal inflammation-related symptoms. In addition, the treatment led to the regulation of the expression of Tifa, Igkv12-89, and Nr1d1, which in turn inhibited immune pathways. The expression of Muc4, Lama3, Cldn4, Cldn3, Ocln, Zo1, Zo2, and Snai is related the intestinal mucosal barrier. 16S sequencing shows that the C. butyricum B14 significantly increased the abundance of certain intestinal probiotics. Overall, C. butyricum B14 exerted a preventive effect on colitis in mice by inhibiting immune responses, enhancing the intestinal barrier and increasing the abundance of probiotic species. Thus, C. butyricum B14 administration helps regulate the balance of the intestinal microecology. It can suppress immune pathways and enhance barrier-protective proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuran Yu
- College of Life Science, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, China
- College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Mianyang Normal University, Mianyang, China
| | - Junjin Xie
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiang Guo
- College of Biodiversity Conservation, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
| | - Xia Yan
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuxiang Wang
- College of Life Science, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
| | - Tangjian Leng
- College of Life Science, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
| | - Lin Li
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, China
| | - Jielong Zhou
- College of Life Science, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
| | - Wenping Zhang
- College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Mianyang Normal University, Mianyang, China
| | - Xiaoyan Su
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, China
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Gao Y, Yu C, Liu G, Zhang M, Liu Z, Liu J, Jin Y. Comparison between Hematology and Serum Biochemistry of Qinling and Sichuan Giant Panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca qinlingensis and sichuanensis). Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3149. [PMID: 37835755 PMCID: PMC10571825 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193149] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Giant pandas are the flagship species in world conservation, and include two subspecies, Ailuropoda melanoleuca qinlingensis (A. m. qinlingensis) and Ailuropoda melanoleuca sichuanensis (A. m. sichuanensis). Hematology and serum biochemistry studies are crucial to protecting giant pandas. Even though research on hematology and serum biochemistry are well-established in A. m. sichuanensis, research in A. m. qinlingensis is scarce. The study aimed to (1) establish a baseline for hemogram and reference intervals (RIs) for hematological and serum biochemical parameters in A. m. qinlingensis, (2) assess the possible variations in these parameters of A. m. qinlingensis based on age, gender, and storage condition of blood samples, and (3) compare the parameters to those of A. m. sichuanensis. Blood samples (n = 42) were collected from healthy A. m. qinlingensis (n = 21) housed in Shaanxi (Louguantai) Rare Wildlife Rescue and Breeding Research Center, and hematological (n = 25) and serum biochemical parameters (n = 18) were analyzed in March and December of 2019. The results showed no significant abnormality in the blood smears of all individuals in this study, except for a few serrated red blood cells, platelet aggregations, and occasionally giant platelets. Between sub-adult and adult A. m. qinlingensis, there were significant differences in five hematological and one serum biochemical parameter (p < 0.05), whereas six serum biochemical parameters were present when α = 0.1 (p < 0.1). Gender influenced % NEU, % LYM, % EOS, LYM, EOS, GGT, and CHOL of A. m. qinlingensis. The majority of the hematological and serum biochemical parameters of A. m. qinlingensis were different from those of A. m. sichuanensis regarding age and gender. The anticoagulant whole blood samples of A. m. qinlingensis stored at 2-8 °C for 24 h and the serum samples stored at -18 °C for 48 h had little influence on the values of hematological and serum biochemical parameters. In conclusion, this study provided a baseline of hemogram and established RIs for hematological and serum biochemical parameters of A. m. qinlingensis. RIs of A. m. sichuanensis reported before were not completely fit for A. m. qinlingensis, and age, gender, or the storage condition of blood samples influenced some of the parameters of A. m. qinlingensis. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a hemogram baseline and RIs for hematological and serum biochemical parameters of A. m. qinlingensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Gao
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (Y.G.); (G.L.); (Z.L.)
| | - Chang Yu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (Y.G.); (G.L.); (Z.L.)
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (Y.G.); (G.L.); (Z.L.)
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (Y.G.); (G.L.); (Z.L.)
| | - Zichen Liu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (Y.G.); (G.L.); (Z.L.)
| | | | - Yipeng Jin
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (Y.G.); (G.L.); (Z.L.)
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Xiong L, Chen L, Chen Y, Shen N, Hua R, Yang G. Evaluation of the immunoprotective effects of eight recombinant proteins from Baylisascaris schroederi in mice model. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:254. [PMID: 37501169 PMCID: PMC10375773 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05886-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Baylisascaris schroederi is the most common and harmful intestinal parasitic nematode of giant pandas, causing ascariasis. Although drug deworming is the main measure to control ascariasis in captive giant pandas, prolonged and repeated use of deworming drugs might induce resistance in nematodes and drug residues in giant pandas. Therefore, developing a safe and effective vaccine might provide a novel strategy to prevent ascariasis in captive giant pandas. METHODS Four highly expressed secretome genes encoding excretory and secretory proteins of B. schroederi, including transthyretin-like protein 46 (BsTLP), uncharacterized protein (BsUP), hypothetical protein 1 (BsHP1), and hypothetical protein 2 (BsHP2) and four functional genes [(encoding Galectin (BsGAL), glutathione S-transferase (BsGST), fatty acid-binding protein (BsFABP), and thioredoxin peroxidase (BsTPX)] were identified based on genome and transcriptome databases of B. schroederi and used to construct recombinant proteins via prokaryotic expression. Kunming mice were vaccinated subcutaneously twice with the recombinant proteins (50 μg/mouse) mixed with Quil A adjuvant with a 2-week interval and then orally challenged with 3000 infective eggs. The immunoprotective effects of the eight recombinant proteins on mice were assessed comprehensively using surface lesion histology scores of the mouse liver and lung, larval worm reduction, serum antibody levels (IgG, IgE, IgA, IgG1, and IgG2a), and cytokine production [interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10]. RESULTS Mice vaccinated with recombinant (r)BsUP (76.5%), rBsGAL (74.7%), and rBsHP2 (71.5%) showed a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in the larval worm rate compared with that in the adjuvant control. Besides, the surface lesions in the liver and lung of the vaccinated mice were alleviated. Serum levels of total IgG, IgE, IgA, IgG1, IgG2a, and cytokines, including IL-10, IL-5, and IFN-γ, were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than those in the control group. CONCLUSIONS The results showed that candidate three vaccines (rBsUP, rBsGAL, and rBsHP2) could provide effective protection against egg infection in mice associated with a mixed Th1/2-type immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lang Xiong
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanxin Chen
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Nengxing Shen
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ruiqi Hua
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Guangyou Yang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Gao JF, Zhang AH, Wei W, Jia B, Zhang J, Li B, Chen YY, Sun YY, Hou MR, Liu XW, Wang JW, Zhang XH, Wang CR. The complete mitochondrial genome of Ogmocotyle ailuri: gene content, composition and rearrangement and phylogenetic implications. Parasitology 2023; 150:661-671. [PMID: 37051880 PMCID: PMC10410389 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023000379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Trematodes of the genus Ogmocotyle are intestinal flukes that can infect a variety of definitive hosts, resulting in significant economic losses worldwide. However, there are few studies on molecular data of these trematodes. In this study, the mitochondrial (mt) genome of Ogmocotyle ailuri isolated from red panda (Ailurus fulgens) was determined and compared with those from Pronocephalata to investigate the mt genome content, genetic distance, gene rearrangements and phylogeny. The complete mt genome of O. ailuri is a typical closed circular molecule of 14 642 base pairs, comprising 12 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes and 2 non-coding regions. All genes are transcribed in the same direction. In addition, 23 intergenic spacers and 2 locations with gene overlaps were determined. Sequence identities and sliding window analysis indicated that cox1 is the most conserved gene among 12 PCGs in O. ailuri mt genome. The sequenced mt genomes of the 48 Plagiorchiida trematodes showed 5 types of gene arrangement based on all mt genome genes, with the gene arrangement of O. ailuri being type I. Phylogenetic analysis using concatenated amino acid sequences of 12 PCGs revealed that O. ailuri was closer to Ogmocotyle sikae than to Notocotylus intestinalis. These data enhance the Ogmocotyle mt genome database and provide molecular resources for further studies of Pronocephalata taxonomy, population genetics and systematics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Feng Gao
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs; Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases; College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Ai-Hui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs; Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases; College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs; Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases; College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Bin Jia
- Branch of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary of Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qiqihar, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Branch of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary of Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qiqihar, China
| | - Ben Li
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs; Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases; College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Ying-Yu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs; Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases; College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Yun-Yi Sun
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs; Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases; College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Mei-Ru Hou
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs; Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases; College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Xue-Wei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs; Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases; College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Jia-Wen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs; Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases; College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Xin-Hui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs; Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases; College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Chun-Ren Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bovine Disease Control in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural affairs; Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases; College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
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Fan X, Ma R, Yue C, Liu J, Yue B, Yang W, Li Y, Gu J, Ayala JE, Bunker DE, Yan X, Qi D, Su X, Li L, Zhang D, Zhang H, Yang Z, Hou R, Liu S. A snapshot of climate drivers and temporal variation of Ixodes ovatus abundance from a giant panda living in the wild. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 20:162-169. [PMID: 36890989 PMCID: PMC9986245 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.02.005] [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: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne diseases have negative impacts on the health of wild animals including endangered and vulnerable species. The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), a vulnerable and iconic flagship species, is threatened by tick infestation as well. Not only can ticks cause anemia and immunosuppression in the giant panda, but also bacterial and viral diseases. However, previous studies regarding tick infestation on giant pandas were limited in scope as case reports from sick or dead animals. In this study, an investigation focusing on the tick infestation of a reintroduced giant panda at the Daxiangling Reintroduction Base in Sichuan, China was conducted. Ticks were routinely collected and identified from the ears of the giant panda from March to September in 2021. A linear model was used to test the correlation between tick abundance and climate factors. All ticks were identified as Ixodes ovatus. Tick abundance was significantly different among months. Results from the linear model showed temperature positively correlated to tick abundance, while air pressure had a negative correlation with tick abundance. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first reported investigation of tick species and abundance on a healthy giant panda living in the natural environment, and provides important information for the conservation of giant pandas and other species sharing the same habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyang Fan
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, 1375 Panda Road, Chenghua District, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| | - Rui Ma
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, 1375 Panda Road, Chenghua District, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| | - Changjuan Yue
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, 1375 Panda Road, Chenghua District, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| | - Jiabin Liu
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, 1375 Panda Road, Chenghua District, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| | - Bisong Yue
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology on Endangered Wildlife, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, Sichuan, China
| | - Wanjing Yang
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, 1375 Panda Road, Chenghua District, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| | - Yunli Li
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, 1375 Panda Road, Chenghua District, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| | - Jiang Gu
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, 1375 Panda Road, Chenghua District, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| | - James E Ayala
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, 1375 Panda Road, Chenghua District, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| | - Daniel E Bunker
- Department of Biological Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA
| | - Xia Yan
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, 1375 Panda Road, Chenghua District, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| | - Dunwu Qi
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, 1375 Panda Road, Chenghua District, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| | - Xiaoyan Su
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, 1375 Panda Road, Chenghua District, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| | - Lin Li
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, 1375 Panda Road, Chenghua District, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| | - Dongsheng Zhang
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, 1375 Panda Road, Chenghua District, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| | - Hongwen Zhang
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, 1375 Panda Road, Chenghua District, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| | - Zhisong Yang
- Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu, 610081, China
| | - Rong Hou
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, 1375 Panda Road, Chenghua District, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
| | - Songrui Liu
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, 1375 Panda Road, Chenghua District, Sichuan Province, 610081, China
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Lu Y, Deng L, Peng Z, Zhou M, Wang C, Han L, Huang S, Wei M, Wei R, Tian L, Li D, Hou Z. Investigation of the Efficacy of Pyrantel Pamoate, Mebendazole, Albendazole, and Ivermectin against Baylisascaris schroederi in Captive Giant Pandas. Animals (Basel) 2022; 13:ani13010142. [PMID: 36611749 PMCID: PMC9817530 DOI: 10.3390/ani13010142] [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: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Baylisascaris schroederi is one of the main health risks threatening both wild and captive giant pandas. The administration of anthelmintics is a common method to effectively control B. schroederi infection, but there is a notable risk of anthelmintic resistance (AR) after long-term, constant use of anthelmintics. Four anthelmintics-pyrantel pamoate (PYR), mebendazole (MBZ), albendazole (ABZ), and ivermectin (IVM)-were each administered separately at intervals of 2 months to 22 enrolled giant pandas. The fecal egg count reduction (FECR) proportions were calculated by both the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) Bayesian mathematical model and the arithmetic mean. AR was assessed based on the criteria recommended by the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (WAAVP). The estimated prevalence of B. schroederi infection was 34.1%. After treatment with PYR, MBZ, ABZ, and IVM, it was determined that MBZ, ABZ, and IVM were efficacious against B. schroederi, while nematodes were suspected to be resistant to PYR according to the fecal egg count reduction (FECR) proportions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxian Lu
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Linhua Deng
- China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, Dujiangyan 611843, China
| | - Zhiwei Peng
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Mengchao Zhou
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Chengdong Wang
- China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, Dujiangyan 611843, China
| | - Lei Han
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Shan Huang
- China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, Dujiangyan 611843, China
| | - Ming Wei
- China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, Dujiangyan 611843, China
| | - Rongping Wei
- China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, Dujiangyan 611843, China
| | - Lihong Tian
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Desheng Li
- China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, Dujiangyan 611843, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Zhijun Hou
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
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Liu J, Yu J, Yu X, Bi W, Yang H, Xue F, Zhang G, Zhang J, Yi D, Ma R, Zhou Y, Lan G, Gu J, Wu W, Li Z, Qi G. Complete Mitogenomes of Ticks Ixodes acutitarsus and Ixodes ovatus Parasitizing Giant Panda: Deep Insights into the Comparative Mitogenomic and Phylogenetic Relationship of Ixodidae Species. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:2049. [PMID: 36360286 PMCID: PMC9691169 DOI: 10.3390/genes13112049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Ticks rank second in the world as vectors of disease. Tick infestation is one of the factors threatening the health and survival of giant pandas. Here, we describe the mitogenomes of Ixodes acutitarsus and Ixodes ovatus parasitizing giant pandas, and perform comparative and phylogenetic genomic analyses on the newly sequenced and other available mitogenomes of hard ticks. All six newly determined mitogenomes contain a typical gene component and share an ancient Arthropoda gene arrangement pattern. Our study suggests that I. ovatus is a species complex with high genetic divergence, indicating that different clades of I. ovatus represent distinct species. Comparative mitogenomic analyses show that the average A + T content of Ixodidae mitogenomes is 78.08%, their GC-skews are strongly negative, while AT-skews fluctuate around 0. A large number of microsatellites are detected in Ixodidae mitogenomes, and the main microsatellite motifs are mononucleotide A and trinucleotide AAT. We summarize five gene arrangement types, and identify the trnY-COX1-trnS1-COX2-trnK-ATP8-ATP6-COX3-trnG fragment is the most conserved region, whereas the region near the control region is the rearrangement hotspot in Ixodidae mitogenomes. The phylogenetic trees based on 15 genes provide a very convincing relationship (Ixodes + (Robertsicus + ((Bothriocroton + Haemaphysalis) + (Amblyomma + (Dermacentor + (Rhipicentor + (Hyalomma + Rhipicephalus))))))) with very strong supports. Remarkably, Archaeocroton sphenodonti is embedded in the Haemaphysalis clade with strong supports, resulting in paraphyly of the Haemaphysalis genus, so in-depth morphological and molecular studies are essential to determine the taxonomic status of A. sphenodonti and its closely related species. Our results provide new insights into the molecular phylogeny and evolution of hard ticks, as well as basic data for population genetics assessment and efficient surveillance and control for the giant panda-infesting ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiabin Liu
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Jiaojiao Yu
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Xiang Yu
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Wenlei Bi
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Management Center of Daxiangling Nature Reserve in Yingjing County, Ya’an 625200, China
| | - Fei Xue
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Gexiang Zhang
- College of Computer Science and Cyber Security, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
| | - Jindong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Dejiao Yi
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Rui Ma
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Yanshan Zhou
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Guanwei Lan
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu 610081, China
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, China
| | - Jiang Gu
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Zusheng Li
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Guilan Qi
- Chengdu Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Chengdu 611130, China
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9
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Zeng Y, Xiong Y, Yang C, He N, He J, Luo W, Chen Y, Zeng X, Wu Z. Investigation of Parasitic Infection in Crocodile Lizards ( Shinisaurus crocodilurus) Using High-Throughput Sequencing. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12202726. [PMID: 36290112 PMCID: PMC9597849 DOI: 10.3390/ani12202726] [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: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The highly endangered crocodile lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus) continues to be impacted by disease, especially in captive breeding populations. In this paper, based on high-throughput sequencing, we investigated parasitic infections in captive and wild crocodile lizard populations in the Daguishan National Nature Reserve and Guangdong Luokeng Shinisaurus crocodilurus National Nature Reserve. The results show that the overall parasitic infection rate in crocodile lizards was 33.33% (23/69). Four parasite genera were detected, including Eimeria, Cryptosporidium, Nematopsis, and Acanthamoeba, with infection rates of 15.94% (11/69), 17.39% (12/69), 7.25% (5/69), and 4.35% (3/69), respectively. Significant differences in the infection rate were found between the different parasite species (χ2 = 8.54, p < 0.05, chi-squared test). The parasitic infection rates in the captive and wild populations were 39.29% (22/56) and 7.69% (1/13), respectively, which were significantly different (p < 0.05, Fisher’s exact test). However, no significant differences in the infection rates of the four parasite genera were found between the captive and wild populations (p > 0.05, Fisher’s exact test). The parasitic infection rates in Daguishan and Luokeng were 34.09% (15/44) and 32.00% (8/25), respectively, which were not significantly different (p > 0.05, Fisher’s exact test). However, significant differences in terms of species were found in the two reserves (p < 0.01, Fisher’s exact test). Only Cryptosporidium infection showed a significant difference between the two regions (p < 0.01, Fisher’s exact test). Our results suggest that captive crocodile lizards are more susceptible to parasitic diseases than wild crocodile lizards and that Cryptosporidium infection varies by geographical region. This study provides basic information about the parasites of endangered crocodile lizards, as well as a reference for disease control and conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongru Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Guangxi Normal University, Ministry of Education, Guilin 541004, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal Ecology, College of Life Science, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Yi Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Guangxi Normal University, Ministry of Education, Guilin 541004, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal Ecology, College of Life Science, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Chunsheng Yang
- Daguishan National Nature Reserve for Crocodile Lizards, Hezhou 542824, China
| | - Nan He
- Guangdong Luokeng Shinisaurus crocodilurus National Nature Reserve, Shaoguan 512100, China
| | - Jiasong He
- Daguishan National Nature Reserve for Crocodile Lizards, Hezhou 542824, China
| | - Wenxian Luo
- Daguishan National Nature Reserve for Crocodile Lizards, Hezhou 542824, China
| | - Yaohuan Chen
- Daguishan National Nature Reserve for Crocodile Lizards, Hezhou 542824, China
| | - Xiaochen Zeng
- Daguishan National Nature Reserve for Crocodile Lizards, Hezhou 542824, China
| | - Zhengjun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection, Guangxi Normal University, Ministry of Education, Guilin 541004, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal Ecology, College of Life Science, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin 541004, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-135-1783-6091
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10
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Virome of Giant Panda-Infesting Ticks Reveals Novel Bunyaviruses and Other Viruses That Are Genetically Close to Those from Giant Pandas. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0203422. [PMID: 35916407 PMCID: PMC9430136 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02034-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick infestations have been reported as one of the factors threatening the health of giant pandas, but studies of viral pathogens carried by ticks feeding on the blood of giant pandas are limited. To assess whether blood-sucking ticks of giant pandas can carry viral pathogens and if so, whether the viruses in ticks are associated with those previously detected in giant panda hosts, we determined the viromes of ticks detached from giant pandas in a field stocking area in Sichuan Province, southwest China. Using viral metagenomics we identified 32 viral species in ticks, half of which (including anellovirus [n = 9], circovirus [n = 3], and gemycircularvirus [n = 4]) showed homology to viruses carried by giant pandas and their associated host species (such as red pandas and mosquitoes) in the same living domain. Remarkably, several viruses in this study phylogenetically assigned as bunyavirus, hepe-like virus, and circovirus were detected with relatively high abundance, but whether these newly identified tick-associated viruses can replicate in ticks and then transmit to host animals during a blood meal will require further investigation. These findings further expand our understanding of the role of giant panda-infesting ticks in the local ecosystem, especially related to viral acquisition and transmission, and lay a foundation to assess the risk for giant panda exposure to tick-borne viruses. IMPORTANCE Ticks rank only second to mosquitoes as blood-feeding arthropods, capable of spreading pathogens (including viruses, bacteria, and parasites) to hosts during a blood meal. To better understand the relationship between viruses carried by ticks and viruses that have been reported in giant pandas, it is necessary to analyze the viromes of giant panda-parasitic blood-sucking ticks. This study collected 421 ticks on the body surface of giant pandas in Sichuan Province, China. We characterized the extensive genetic diversity of viruses harbored by these ticks and reported frequent communication of viruses between giant pandas and their ticks. While most of the virome discovered here are nonpathogenic viruses from giant pandas and potentially tick-specific viruses, we revealed some possible tick-borne viruses, represented by novel bunyaviruses. This research contributes to the literature because currently there are few studies on the virome of giant panda-infesting ticks.
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11
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Zhou Y, Duan L, Zeng Y, Niu L, Pu Y, Jacobs JP, Chang C, Wang J, Khalique A, Pan K, Fang J, Jing B, Zeng D, Ni X. The Panda-Derived Lactobacillus plantarum G201683 Alleviates the Inflammatory Response in DSS-Induced Panda Microbiota-Associated Mice. Front Immunol 2021; 12:747045. [PMID: 34956180 PMCID: PMC8692892 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.747045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal diseases are one of the main causes of captive giant panda death. Their special dietary habits and gastrointestinal tract structure often lead to intestinal epithelium damage and secondary intestinal infection. The captive giant panda is predisposed to suffer from microbiota dysbiosis due to long-term artificial feeding and antibiotic misuse. However, there are few reported probiotics to treat giant panda enteritis and the associated dysbiosis. This study aims to elucidate the mechanism by which Lactobacillus plantarum G201683 (L. plantarum G83), a promising panda-derived probiotic, exerts a protective effect on intestinal inflammation in the dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS) induced panda microbiota-associated (DPMA) mouse model. The DPMA mouse was generated by antibiotic treatment and 5% DSS drinking water administration to assess the effect of L. plantarum G83 on intestinal inflammation and microbiota in vivo. Our results demonstrated the successful generation of a DPMA mouse model with Enterobacteriaceae enrichment, consistent with the giant panda intestinal microbiota. L. plantarum G83 decreased clinical and histological severity of intestinal inflammation, enhanced intestinal tight junction protein expression (ZO-1, Occludin) and alleviated inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-) in the colon of DPMA mice. The administration of L. plantarum G83 altered the microbiota composition by decreasing pathogen associated taxa such as E. coli and increasing abundance of beneficial bacteria including Bifidobacterium spp. These changes in microbiota composition were associated with an increased concentration of short chain fatty acids (SCFA), reduced NF-κB signaling, and an altered balance of T helper cell subsets. Our findings support L. plantarum G83 as a promising probiotic to treat intestinal inflammation in the giant panda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhou
- Animal Microecology Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Duan
- Central Station of Animal Feed Affairs of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Zeng
- Animal Microecology Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lili Niu
- Chengdu Wildlife Institute, Chengdu Zoo, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Pu
- Chengdu Wildlife Institute, Chengdu Zoo, Chengdu, China
| | - Jonathan P. Jacobs
- The Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Candace Chang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jie Wang
- Animal Microecology Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Abdul Khalique
- Animal Microecology Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kangcheng Pan
- Animal Microecology Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Fang
- Animal Microecology Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Jing
- Animal Microecology Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dong Zeng
- Animal Microecology Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xueqin Ni
- Animal Microecology Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
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12
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Zhao Y, Chen YP, Ma QY. Seasonal variation and positive matrix factorization result reveal the sources of giant pandas' exposure to POPs. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 219:112363. [PMID: 34087735 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutant (POPs) contamination was analyzed in samples collected from wild and captive giant pandas to characterize seasonal variation in concentrations of POPs and possible sources. POP concentrations in bamboo and fecal samples collected from captive pandas showed significant fluctuations compared with those collected from wild pandas in each season. The highest polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and organochlorine pesticide (OCP) concentrations were 1380 pg g-1 dw and 3140 pg g-1 dw, respectively, which were observed in captive bamboo samples in the summer. PCBs varied seasonally, whereas OCPs did not show apparent seasonal variation. Based on the seasonal variability, component analysis, and the positive matrix factorization results, we determined that the secondary volatilization of POPs during periods of high temperatures was the leading cause of the exposure of pandas to pollutants (45%), and atmospheric transport played a crucial role in the secondary distribution of pollutants in panda food. The other two sources of pollution were historical residues transmitted over long distances to protected areas (28%), as well as UP-POPs and new inputs from agricultural activities (27%). The concentrations of pollutants in bamboo shoots were significantly lower than those in bamboo. Therefore, bamboo shoots should be incorporated into the diet of captive pandas in the spring to reduce their exposure to pollutants. The absorption capacity of pollutants associated with the consumption of bamboo shoots was significantly lower than that associated with the consumption of bamboo. The diet of young captive pandas in the summer should also be managed with caution given their slightly stronger ability to absorb pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology, Institute of Earth Environment, CAS, Xi'an 710061, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yi-Ping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Loess and Quaternary Geology, Institute of Earth Environment, CAS, Xi'an 710061, China.
| | - Qing-Yi Ma
- Shaanxi Wild Animal Research Center, Zhouzhi, Xi'an 710402, China
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13
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Qin Z, Liu S, Bai M, Geng Y, Miller DL, Zhao R, Hou R, Huang W, Zhang D, Su X. First report of fatal baylisascariasis-induced acute pancreatitis in a giant panda. Parasitol Int 2021; 84:102380. [PMID: 33984514 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
A wild adult male giant panda that was rescued from a nature reserve in Sichuan Province, China, has died. The panda had been in poor physical condition: it was wheezing and had increased serum amylase. A pathological examination was performed in order to determine the cause of death. Gross examination revealed 1380 mL of yellowish fluid in the abdominal cavity, 356 nematodes in the digestive tract and one filling the pancreatic duct, contractions and variably-sized dark purple areas in the spleen, a collapsed right lung and consolidation of the left lung. Acute pancreatitis was confirmed histopathologically via edema, focal necrosis and hemorrhage with inflammatory cell infiltration. Other major histopathological changes included serous-hemorrhagic pneumonia, lymphocytic necrosis and depletion in the spleen, and degeneration and necrosis of renal tubular epithelial cells. The nematodes were identified as Baylisascaris schroederi via molecular assays. In conclusion, the cause of death of the giant panda was determined to be multiple organ dysfunction syndrome caused by baylisascariasis-induced acute pancreatitis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of fatal baylisascariasis-induced acute pancreatitis in the giant panda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyang Qin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
| | - Songrui Liu
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Minghuan Bai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Geng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China.
| | - D L Miller
- Center for Wildlife Health, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Ruoxuan Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, Sichuan, China
| | - Rong Hou
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenjun Huang
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dongsheng Zhang
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Su
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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