1
|
Hernandez-Colina A, Seechurn N, Costa T, Lopez J, Baylis M, Hesson JC. Surveillance of Culex spp. vectors and zoonotic arboviruses at a zoo in the United Kingdom. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26477. [PMID: 38404807 PMCID: PMC10884501 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26477] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of several zoonotic mosquito-borne pathogens in Europe, including West Nile virus, Sindbis virus and Usutu virus, has emphasised the importance of consistent surveillance. Considerable fieldwork effort is usually needed to detect low-prevalence pathogens in mosquitoes and screening vertebrate hosts and reservoirs is rarely done simultaneously with mosquito sampling. Zoological gardens offer an opportunity for the surveillance of pathogens, mosquitoes, hosts, and reservoirs concurrently; thus, the aim of this study was undertaking integrated surveillance for mosquito-borne pathogens of wild birds and mosquitoes in Chester Zoo (Cheshire) in the United Kingdom. Mosquitoes were collected in September 2020 and tested for zoonotic bird-hosted arboviruses (i.e., West Nile virus, Usutu virus and Sindbis virus) using RT-qPCRs. Of the 3316 mosquitoes trapped, 98% were identified as Culex spp. The average minimum prevalence of the viruses found in the literature was used to calculate the sample size needed for detecting these viruses with 99% confidence. The testing of 2878 Culex females found no evidence of presence of the three viruses. Significant differences were found in mosquito abundance per sampling site and collection date; furthermore, important sources of immature and resting mosquitoes were found near aviaries. Eighteen wild birds belonging to 11 species were found dead in the zoo from May to December 2020 and were RT-qPCR tested for West Nile virus and Usutu virus; all samples resulted negative for viral infection. It is unlikely that these viruses were present in the zoo during the sampling period; however, since they circulate in Europe and Usutu virus has been isolated in the United Kingdom and may overwinter here, continued monitoring of mosquitoes and wild birds is recommended as virus introduction and dissemination are possible. This study highlights the importance of regular and integrated arboviral surveillance of zoonotic pathogens in zoos providing baseline information to that end.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Hernandez-Colina
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire, CH64 7TE, UK
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology/Zoonosis Science Centre, Uppsala University, Box 582, SE-751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nicola Seechurn
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire, CH64 7TE, UK
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK
| | - Taiana Costa
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire, CH64 7TE, UK
- The Veterinary Pathology Group, Horner Court, 637 Gloucester Road, Horfield, Bristol, BS7 0BJ, UK
| | - Javier Lopez
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK
| | - Matthew Baylis
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire, CH64 7TE, UK
- Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, University of Liverpool, UK
| | - Jenny C. Hesson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology/Zoonosis Science Centre, Uppsala University, Box 582, SE-751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
- Biologisk Myggkontroll, Nedre Dalälvens Utvecklings AB, Gysinge, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Seechurn N, Herdman MT, Hernandez-Colina A, Vaux AGC, Johnston C, Berrell M, Lopez J, Eckley L, Gonzalez-Olvera M, Gillespie L, Kelly PP, Baylis M, Medlock JM. Field-based assessments of the seasonality of Culex pipiens sensu lato in England: an important enzootic vector of Usutu and West Nile viruses. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:61. [PMID: 38342888 PMCID: PMC10859028 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06143-6] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Usutu virus (USUV), which is closely related to West Nile virus (WNV), sharing a similar ecology and transmission cycle, was first reported in the UK in the southeast of England in 2020. Both USUV and WNV are emerging zoonotic viruses hosted by wild birds. The 2020 finding of USUV in England raised awareness of this virus and highlighted the importance of understanding the seasonality of Culex pipiens sensu lato (Cx. pipiens s.l.), the main enzootic vector of these viruses. Zoos are prime locations for trapping mosquitoes because of their infrastructure, security, and range of vertebrate hosts and aquatic habitats. METHODS Three independent zoo-based case studies at four locations that cover the seasonality of Cx. pipiens s.l. in England were undertaken: (i) London Zoo (Zoological Society London [ZSL]) and surrounding areas, London; (ii) Chester Zoo (Cheshire); (ii) Twycross Zoo (Leicestershire); and (iv) Flamingo Land (zoo; North Yorkshire). Various adult mosquito traps were used to catch adult Cx. pipiens s.l. across seasons. RESULTS High yields of Cx. pipiens s.l./Culex torrentium were observed in Biogents-Mosquitaire and Center for Disease Control and Prevention Gravid traps in all studies where these traps were used. Mosquito counts varied between sites and between years. Observations of adult Cx. pipiens s.l./Cx. torrentium abundance and modelling studies demonstrated peak adult abundance between late July and early August, with active adult female Cx. pipiens s.l./Cx. torrentium populations between May and September. CONCLUSIONS The information collated in this study illustrates the value of multiple mosquito monitoring approaches in zoos to describe the seasonality of this UK vector across multiple sites in England and provides a framework that can be used for ongoing and future surveillance programmes and disease risk management strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Seechurn
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - M Trent Herdman
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
- UK Field Epidemiology Training Programme Field Service, South East and London, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Arturo Hernandez-Colina
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK
| | - Alexander G C Vaux
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Colin Johnston
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Morgan Berrell
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Javier Lopez
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK
| | - Lindsay Eckley
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK
| | - Merit Gonzalez-Olvera
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK
| | - Lisa Gillespie
- Twycross Zoo, East Midland Zoological Society, Burton Road, Atherstone, CV9 3PX, UK
| | - Paul Pearce Kelly
- Zoological Society of London, Outer Circle, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Matthew Baylis
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jolyon M Medlock
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Garrigós M, Veiga J, Garrido M, Marín C, Recuero J, Rosales MJ, Morales-Yuste M, Martínez-de la Puente J. Avian Plasmodium in invasive and native mosquitoes from southern Spain. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:40. [PMID: 38287455 PMCID: PMC10826103 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06133-8] [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: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergence of diseases of public health concern is enhanced by factors associated with global change, such as the introduction of invasive species. The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), considered a competent vector of different viruses and parasites, has been successfully introduced into Europe in recent decades. Molecular screening of parasites in mosquitoes (i.e. molecular xenomonitoring) is essential to understand the potential role of different native and invasive mosquito species in the local circulation of vector-borne parasites affecting both humans and wildlife. METHODS The presence of avian Plasmodium parasites was molecularly tested in mosquitoes trapped in five localities with different environmental characteristics in southern Spain from May to November 2022. The species analyzed included the native Culex pipiens and Culiseta longiareolata and the invasive Ae. albopictus. RESULTS Avian Plasmodium DNA was only found in Cx. pipiens with 31 positive out of 165 mosquito pools tested. None of the Ae. albopictus or Cs. longiareolata pools were positive for avian malaria parasites. Overall, eight Plasmodium lineages were identified, including a new lineage described here. No significant differences in parasite prevalence were found between localities or sampling sessions. CONCLUSIONS Unlike the invasive Ae. albopictus, Cx. pipiens plays a key role in the transmission of avian Plasmodium in southern Spain. However, due to the recent establishment of Ae. albopictus in the area, further research on the role of this species in the local transmission of vector-borne pathogens with different reservoirs is required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Garrigós
- Doñana Biological Station, EBD-CSIC, Seville, Spain.
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
| | - Jesús Veiga
- Doñana Biological Station, EBD-CSIC, Seville, Spain
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Mario Garrido
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Clotilde Marín
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Jesús Recuero
- Veterinary and Conservation Department, Bioparc Fuengirola, Malaga, Spain
| | | | | | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Doñana Biological Station, EBD-CSIC, Seville, Spain.
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pugliese N, Samarelli R, Lombardi R, Schiavone A, Crescenzo G, Circella E, Zizzadoro C, Lai O, Saleh MS, Prioletti M, Camarda A. A Safe and Effective Atovaquone-Proguanil Therapeutic Protocol for the Treatment of Avian Malaria by Plasmodium relictum in Snowy Owl ( Bubo scandiacus). Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3457. [PMID: 38003076 PMCID: PMC10668658 DOI: 10.3390/ani13223457] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Avian malaria is a re-emerging threat to avian species worldwide. It is sustained by several protozoan species belonging to the genus Plasmodium, mainly Plasmodium relictum. The even wider diffusion of the disease, probably because of the increase in the areas covered by their mosquito vectors, may pose new risks for avian species lacking natural resistance (especially those from artic or sub-artic environments) or those hosted in structures like zoos and wildlife rescue centers. With that premise, this study describes the efficacy and safety of a therapeutic protocol to treat avian malaria in three snowy owls (Bubo scandiacus) hosted in a wildlife rescue center in Apulia, south of Italy, and affected by avian malaria by P. relictum. The protocol consisted of administering 10/4 mg/kg atovaquone/proguanil per os once a day for three consecutive days, repeating this seven days later. Seven days after the end of the treatment, P. relictum was not detected in the birds' blood and no adverse effects were observed during the 60 days of monitoring after the end of the treatment. Therefore, a therapeutic regimen of 10/4 mg/kg/day may be considered safe and effective in a valuable and endangered species such as B. scandiacus.
Collapse
|
5
|
González-Olvera M, Hernandez-Colina A, Chantrey J, Allen S, Lopez J, Baylis M. A non-invasive feather-based methodology for the detection of blood parasites (Haemosporida). Sci Rep 2023; 13:16712. [PMID: 37794079 PMCID: PMC10550939 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43932-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood parasite (haemosporidian) infections are conventionally detected using blood samples; this implies capturing and handling birds to obtain them, which induces stress and causes pain. Feathers have blood vessels, and some blood could be preserved in the feather's shaft after moulting. We used feather DNA for detecting haemosporidians by PCR testing in diverse scenarios. First, haemosporidian DNA was detected in feathers from carcasses of infected birds, proving the feasibility of the approach. Storage temperature affected DNA recovery, with maximum retrieval and haemosporidian detection at the lowest temperature (- 20 °C). All feather types from infected birds kept at optimal conditions yielded haemosporidian DNA. Parasite detection by PCR was correlated with DNA yield, which was significantly higher in heavier birds, flight feathers, and more feathers per pool. Lastly, haemosporidians were detected employing feathers moulted from wild and captive birds to estimate infection prevalence. We show for the first time that using blood from feather shafts for haemosporidian detection can be an advantageous and less invasive alternative to blood sampling if feathers are optimally preserved. This method could contribute to uncovering haemosporidian infections in endangered and elusive birds, and it might facilitate routine screening in captive birds, thereby improving infection detection, prevention, and control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Merit González-Olvera
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Ic2 Liverpool Science Park, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L3 5RF, UK
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK
| | - Arturo Hernandez-Colina
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Ic2 Liverpool Science Park, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L3 5RF, UK.
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK.
| | - Julian Chantrey
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Ic2 Liverpool Science Park, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L3 5RF, UK
| | - Simon Allen
- Gower Bird Hospital, Sandy Lane, Pennard, Swansea, SA3 2EW, UK
| | - Javier Lopez
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK
| | - Matthew Baylis
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Ic2 Liverpool Science Park, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L3 5RF, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gulliver E, Hunter S, Howe L, Castillo-Alcala F. The Pathology of Fatal Avian Malaria Due to Plasmodium elongatum (GRW6) and Plasmodium matutinum (LINN1) Infection in New Zealand Kiwi ( Apteryx spp.). Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233376. [PMID: 36496898 PMCID: PMC9740581 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233376] [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: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Avian malaria caused by Plasmodium species is a known cause of mortality in avifauna worldwide, however reports within New Zealand kiwi (Apteryx spp.) are scant. Postmortem reports from kiwi were obtained from the Massey University/Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa School of Veterinary Science Pathology Register from August 2010-August 2020. Gross lesions were described from postmortem reports, and archived H.E.-stained slides used for histological assessment. Nested PCR testing was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples to assess the presence of Plasmodium spp. and Toxoplasma gondii DNA and cases with a PCR-positive result were sequenced to determine the lineage involved. Of 1005 postmortem reports, 23 cases of confirmed or suspected avian malaria were included in this study. The most consistent gross lesions included splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and interstitial pneumonia with oedema. Histological lesions were characterised by severe interstitial pneumonia, pulmonary oedema, interstitial myocarditis, hepatic sinusoidal congestion and hypercellularity, and splenic macrophage hyperplasia and hyperaemia/congestion with numerous haemosiderophages. Cytoplasmic meronts were consistently found within endothelial cells of a variety of tissues, and within tissue macrophages of the liver, lung and spleen. A diagnosis of avian malaria was confirmed via PCR testing in 13 cases, with sequencing revealing P. matutinum (LINN1) and P. elongatum (GRW6) as the species involved. This is the largest case series describing the pathology of avian malaria as a cause of mortality in endemic New Zealand avifauna.
Collapse
|