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Hidalgo-Hermoso E, Celis S, Cabello J, Kemec I, Ortiz C, Lagos R, Verasay J, Moreira-Arce D, Vergara PM, Vera F, Esperón F. Molecular survey of selected viruses in Pudus ( Pudu puda) in Chile revealing first identification of caprine herpesvirus-2 (CpHV-2) in South American ungulates. Vet Q 2023; 43:1-7. [PMID: 36409461 PMCID: PMC9809401 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2022.2149879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral diseases jeopardize the health of wildlife in Chile. However, this country lacks health surveillance programs that allow for defining preventive measures to tackle such diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence and the genetic diversity of pestivirus, herpesvirus and adenovirus in pudus from Chile. Blood samples from wild (n=34) and captive (n=32) pudus were collected between 2011 and 2019 and analyzed through consensus PCR. All the samples were negative to pestivirus and adenovirus. Herpesvirus was confirmed in four captive, and one wild pudu. All four zoo animals share the same sequence for both polymerase and glycoprotein genes. Both sequences share a 100% identity with caprine herpesvirus-2, classifying them in the same cluster as the Macavirus group. In turn, novel sequences of the polymerase and glycoprotein B genes were obtained from the wild pudu. Our study reports the first evidence of CpHV-2 infection in Chile and South American ungulate populations. Further research will be necessary to assess the pathogenicity of CpHV-2 in this species. It is also urgently recommended that molecular, serological and pathological screening should be conducted in Chilean wild and captive pudus to understand the impact of the herpesvirus on their populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezequiel Hidalgo-Hermoso
- Fundacion Buin Zoo, Buin, Chile,CONTACT Ezequiel Hidalgo-Hermoso Fundacion Buin Zoo, Panamericana Sur Km 32, Buin, Chile
| | - Sebastián Celis
- Departamento de Veterinaria, Parque Zoológico Buin Zoo, Buin, Chile
| | - Javier Cabello
- Centro de conservación de la biodiversidad, Chiloé-Silvestre. Nal Bajo, Ancud, Chiloé, Chile
| | - Ignacio Kemec
- Departamento de Veterinaria, Parque Zoológico Buin Zoo, Buin, Chile
| | - Carolina Ortiz
- Departamento de Veterinaria, Parque Zoológico Buin Zoo, Buin, Chile
| | - Rocio Lagos
- Laboratorio Clínic, Hospital Veterinario SOS Buin Zoo, Buin, Chile
| | - Juan Verasay
- Fundacion Buin Zoo, Buin, Chile,Laboratorio Clínic, Hospital Veterinario SOS Buin Zoo, Buin, Chile
| | | | | | - Frank Vera
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad San Sebastian, Puerto Montt, Chile
| | - Fernando Esperón
- Veterinary Department, School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid, Spain
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2
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Segura-Göthlin S, Fernández A, Arbelo M, Andrada Borzollino MA, Felipe-Jiménez I, Colom-Rivero A, Fiorito C, Sierra E. Viral skin diseases in odontocete cetaceans: gross, histopathological, and molecular characterization of selected pathogens. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1188105. [PMID: 37745220 PMCID: PMC10514499 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1188105] [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: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Fifty-five skin lesions from 31 stranded cetaceans along the Canary coasts (2011-2021) were submitted to macroscopic, histological, and molecular analyses to confirm infection by cetacean poxvirus, herpesvirus and cetacean morbillivirus. They were macroscopically categorized into eight categories with respective subcategories according to their color, shape, size, and consistency. Cetacean poxvirus was detected in 54.54% of the skin lesions through real-time and conventional PCRs based on the DNA polymerase gene. Additionally, herpesvirus and morbillivirus were currently detected from 43.63 and 1.82% of the cutaneous lesions, respectively. Coinfection of poxvirus and herpesvirus was detected in nine of them (16.36%), which makes the present study the first to report coinfection by both pathogens in skin lesions in cetaceans. A plausible approach to histopathological characterization of poxvirus-and herpesvirus-positive skin lesions was established. Hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, ballooning degeneration, and intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in vacuolized keratinocytes through the stratum spinosum were common findings in poxvirus skin lesions. Alphaherpesvirus was associated with a prominent acanthotic epidermis, moderate necrosis, multifocal dyskeratosis, and irregular keratinocytes with both cellular and nuclei pleomorphism. The common histopathological findings of both pathogens were observed in coinfection lesions. However, those associated with herpesvirus were considerably more remarkable. Relationships between molecular and microscopic findings were observed for the lesions that showed tattoo-like and tortuous patterns. Further multidisciplinary diagnostic studies of infected skin lesions are needed to understand the epidemiology of these emerging infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Segura-Göthlin
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Manuel Arbelo
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Marisa Ana Andrada Borzollino
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Idaira Felipe-Jiménez
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Ana Colom-Rivero
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Carla Fiorito
- Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CESIMAR-CONICET), Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Eva Sierra
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Las Palmas, Spain
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3
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Felipe-Jiménez I, Fernández A, de Quirós YB, Arregui-Gil M, Puig-Lozano R, Arbelo M, Sierra E. Cerebral nasitremiasis in a Blainville's beaked whale (Mesoplodon densirostris) stranded in the Canary Islands. Res Vet Sci 2023; 158:56-64. [PMID: 36934640 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.03.009] [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: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Ten species within the genus Nasitrema (subfamily Nasitrematinae, family Brachycladiidae) have been reported infecting a wide variety of odontocetes worldwide, although there is still a lack of information about their presence in beaked whales (BWs). Nasitrema spp. are commonly described inhabiting the pterygoid sinus, the tympanic cavities, and the middle and inner ear; although aberrant migrations through the brain have been also reported. This trematode may cause different type of lesions, ranging from mild to severe saculitis, neuritis, otitis, and/or meningoencephalitis that may impede cetaceans to survive in the wild, resulting in incoordination, loss of equilibrium, and echolocation dysfunction ending in a stranding event. The presence of Nasitrema sp. was found in an adult female Blainville beaked whale stranded death in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, on November 2016. The most relevant gross finding was a severe chronic-active multifocal pyogranulomatous and necrotizing encephalitis. Histologically, multiple areas of necrosis, pyogranulomatous and eosinophilic inflammation, haemorrhages and occasional cholesterol crystals were found associated with parasitic structures compatible with an adult trematode and its eggs. Molecular analysis, based on a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) of the brain tissue sample detected 99% homology with a partial sequence of the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 3 (ND3) gene of Nasitrema delphini. In addition, liver, kidney, prescapular lymph node and brain samples were positive to herpesvirus (conventional nested PCR). Evidence of the presence of this parasite was not found in any of the 54 beaked whales (n = 54) stranded on the Canary Islands between 1999 and 2017, specifically 35 Cuvier's BWs and 19 specimens belonging to the Mesoplodon genus. To our knowledge, the current study represents the first description of a nasitremiasis in a member of the Ziphiidae family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idaira Felipe-Jiménez
- Division of Histology and Veterinary Pathology, Atlantic Cetacean Research Center, University Institute for Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, Arucas 35413, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Division of Histology and Veterinary Pathology, Atlantic Cetacean Research Center, University Institute for Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, Arucas 35413, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Division of Histology and Veterinary Pathology, Atlantic Cetacean Research Center, University Institute for Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, Arucas 35413, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Marina Arregui-Gil
- Division of Histology and Veterinary Pathology, Atlantic Cetacean Research Center, University Institute for Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, Arucas 35413, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Raquel Puig-Lozano
- Division of Histology and Veterinary Pathology, Atlantic Cetacean Research Center, University Institute for Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, Arucas 35413, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Manuel Arbelo
- Division of Histology and Veterinary Pathology, Atlantic Cetacean Research Center, University Institute for Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, Arucas 35413, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - Eva Sierra
- Division of Histology and Veterinary Pathology, Atlantic Cetacean Research Center, University Institute for Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, Arucas 35413, Canary Islands, Spain
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4
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Fernandez A, Jepson PD, Diaz-Delgado J, de Quiros YB, Sierra E, Mompeo B, Vela AI, Di Guardo G, Suarez-Santana C, de Los Monteros AE, Herraez P, Andrada M, Caballero MJ, Rivero M, Consoli F, Castro-Alonso A, Quesada-Canales O, Arbelo M. Budd-Chiari-like pathology in dolphins. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12635. [PMID: 35879404 PMCID: PMC9314369 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16947-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nearly two decades ago, pathologic examination results suggested that acoustic factors, such as mid-frequency active naval military sonar (MFAS) could be the cause of acute decompression-like sickness in stranded beaked whales. Acute systemic gas embolism in these whales was reported together with enigmatic cystic liver lesions (CLL), characterized by intrahepatic encapsulated gas-filled cysts, tentatively interpreted as “gas-bubble” lesions in various other cetacean species. Here we provide a pathologic reinterpretation of CLL in odontocetes. Among 1,200 cetaceans necropsied, CLL were only observed in four striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), with a low prevalence (2%, N = 179). Together, our data strongly suggest that CLL are the result of the combination of a pre-existing or concomitant hepatic vascular disorder superimposed and exacerbated by gas bubbles, and clearly differ from acute systemic gas embolism in stranded beaked whales that is linked to MFAS. Budd-Chiari-like syndrome in dolphins is hypothesized based on the present pathologic findings. Nonetheless, further researched is warranted to determine precise etiopathogenesis(es) and contributing factors for CLL in cetaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Fernandez
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain.
| | - Paul D Jepson
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain.,Institute of Zoology, London, UK
| | - Josue Diaz-Delgado
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Yara Bernaldo de Quiros
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Eva Sierra
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Blanca Mompeo
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain.,Human Medicine School, University Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | | | - Giovanni Di Guardo
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain.,Veterinary School, Teramo University, Teramo, Italy
| | - Cristian Suarez-Santana
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Antonio Espinosa de Los Monteros
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Pedro Herraez
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Marisa Andrada
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Maria Jose Caballero
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Miguel Rivero
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Francesco Consoli
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Ayoze Castro-Alonso
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain.,Canary Islands Oceanic Platform (Plocan), Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Oscar Quesada-Canales
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Manuel Arbelo
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, C/ Transmontaña s/n, Arucas, 35416, Las Palmas, Spain
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5
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Molecular Characterization of Herpesviral Encephalitis in Cetaceans: Correlation with Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Findings. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12091149. [PMID: 35565575 PMCID: PMC9105563 DOI: 10.3390/ani12091149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In this study we describe the molecular and pathological characteristics of alpha- and gamma-herpesvirus infection of the central nervous system of stranded cetaceans and correlate them with viral load, immunohistochemical findings and biological data such as age, sex, and the presence of co-infections. The viruses (alpha- and gamma-herpesvirus) were detected in twelve out of 103 analysed stranded cetaceans and were associated with a wide range of histopathological lesions, as previously described for these and other species. In five out the twelve animals, lesions were severe enough (malacia, neuronal necrosis and neuronophagia) to cause death. Intranuclear inclusions bodies were present in brain tissue samples from half of the HV-positive animals, indicating that the injury was due to an infective agent belonging to a group of filterable viruses. These results are in accordance with immunohistochemical findings, as all the brain tissue samples with INIBs were immunolabeled with Anti-HSV1. Males, juveniles, and calves were predominantly infected among the analysed cetaceans and a 41.6% (5/12) incidence of co-infections in the brain was detected, with three animals co-infected with Dolphin Morbillivirus (DMV). In this study, we present, to the best of our knowledge, the first histopathological evidence of superinfection between HV and DMV pathogens in brain tissue. Abstract Herpesviruses are causative agents of meningitis and encephalitis in cetaceans, which are among the main leading known natural causes of death in these species. Brain samples from 103 stranded cetaceans were retrospectively screened for the presence of herpesvirus DNA in the brain. Molecular detection of Cetacean Morbillivirus was performed in HV positive brain cases. Histopathologic evaluation of brain samples included the presence or absence of the following findings (n = 7): meningitis, perivascular cuffings, microgliosis, intranuclear inclusion bodies, malacia, neuronal necrosis and neurophagic nodules, and haemorrhages. Histological evidence of the involvement of other etiological agents led to complementary analysis. We detected the presence of alpha and gamma-HVs in 12 out of 103 (11.6%) brain samples from stranded cetaceans of five different species: one bottlenose dolphin, six striped dolphins, three Atlantic spotted dolphins, one Cuvier’s beaked whale, and one common dolphin. Pathogenic factors such as viral strain, age, sex, and the presence of co-infections were analysed and correlated with the brain histopathological findings in each case. Herpesvirus was more prevalent in males, juveniles, and calves and a 41.6% incidence of co-infections in the brain was detected in our study: three with Dolphin Morbillivirus, one with Staphilococcus aureus septicaemia and one with Brucella spp.
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Felipe-Jiménez I, Fernández A, Arbelo M, Segura-Göthlin S, Colom-Rivero A, Suárez-Santana CM, De La Fuente J, Sierra E. Molecular Diagnosis of Cetacean Morbillivirus in Beaked Whales Stranded in the Canary Islands (1999–2017). Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9030121. [PMID: 35324849 PMCID: PMC8950905 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9030121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A retrospective survey for detecting the cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) was carried out in beaked whales (BWs) stranded in the Canary Islands (1999–2017). CeMV is responsible for causing worldwide epizootic events with the highest mass die-offs in cetaceans, although the epidemic status of the Canarian Archipelago seems to be that of an endemic situation. A total of 319 tissue samples from 55 BWs (35 Cuvier’s BWs and 20 specimens belonging to the Mesoplodon genus) were subjected to the amplification of a fragment of the fusion protein (F) and/or phosphoprotein (P) genes of CeMV by means of one or more of three polymerase chain reactions (PCR). RNA integrity could not be demonstrated in samples from 11 animals. Positivity (dolphin morbillivirus strain (DMV)) was detected in the skin sample of only a subadult male Cuvier’s BW stranded in 2002, being the earliest confirmed occurrence of DMV in the Cuvier’s BW species. The obtained P gene sequence showed the closest relationship with other DMVs detected in a striped dolphin stranded in the Canary Islands in the same year. A phylogenetic analysis supports a previous hypothesis of a cross-species infection and the existence of the circulation of endemic DMV strains in the Atlantic Ocean similar to those later detected in the North-East Atlantic, the Mediterranean Sea and the South-West Pacific.
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7
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Segura-Göthlin S, Fernández A, Arbelo M, Felipe-Jiménez I, Colom-Rivero A, Almunia J, Sierra E. The Validation of a Non-Invasive Skin Sampling Device for Detecting Cetacean Poxvirus. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11102814. [PMID: 34679836 PMCID: PMC8532937 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The current growing social awareness of animal welfare has led to the development of welfare indicators, which are effective tools for assessing each of the integrated aspects of this multidisciplinary issue. Hence, skin diseases have been suggested as potential general health indicators for use in cetaceans. Particularly cetacean poxvirus causes distinguishable hyperpigmented “ring” or “tattoo” lesions that affect cetaceans both in the wild and in managed facilities. However, most studies have analyzed these characteristic lesions through visual appraisal, while only a few have implemented diagnostic methods to corroborate the presence of the virus. To this end, skin biopsies are usually the sampling method selected, although they are considered to be an intrusive procedure. In this study, we analyzed sloughed skin sampled with cytology cell samplers (CCSs) in 12 tattoo-like lesions from two free-ranging cetaceans stranded in the Canary Islands. We employed two different DNA extraction methods and compared the effectiveness of the device with that of biopsies. All the lesions resulted positive for cetacean poxvirus, obtaining reliable data from the use of this device. Thus, CCS is considered to be a promising non-invasive tool for further assessing skin diseases in cetaceans, particularly those under human care, without affecting their welfare. Abstract Poxvirus-like lesions are widely used as a potential health indicator in cetaceans, although for this application, corroboration of Poxvirus skin disease is imperative. Aiming to address skin biopsies intrusiveness, a preliminary investigation of a non-invasive skin sampling procedure to molecularly detect CePV-1 in 12 tattoo-like-lesions from two free-ranging stranded cetaceans in the Canary Islands was performed. Skin lesions were brushed with cytology cell samplers (CCSs) and placed into 1.5 mL microcentrifuge tubes with 1 mL of RNAlaterTM Stabilization Solution. For factual comparisons, DNA extractions from sloughed skin obtained with CCS and biopsies from the same lesions were accomplished with DNA Tissue Kit STM (QuickGene, Kurabo, Japan). Moreover, a second DNA extraction from sloughed skin with DNeasyTM Blood and Tissue Kit (Qiagen, Inc., Valencia, CA, USA) was performed to ascertain kit suitability for CCS. Molecular detection of CePV-1 was performed through a real-time PCR. As a result, a 91.7% and 83.3% rates of positivity were obtained with biopsies and CCS through Quickgene, respectively, compared to the rate of 100% using CCS with Qiagen. Accordingly, CCS is a reliable non-invasive sampling device to obtain sufficient genetic material to be analyzed for CePV-1 in tattoo-skin-lesions as well as for other purposes in cetaceans under human care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Segura-Göthlin
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, s/n, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain; (S.S.-G.); (M.A.); (I.F.-J.); (A.C.-R.); (E.S.)
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, s/n, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain; (S.S.-G.); (M.A.); (I.F.-J.); (A.C.-R.); (E.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-928-451-095
| | - Manuel Arbelo
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, s/n, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain; (S.S.-G.); (M.A.); (I.F.-J.); (A.C.-R.); (E.S.)
| | - Idaira Felipe-Jiménez
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, s/n, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain; (S.S.-G.); (M.A.); (I.F.-J.); (A.C.-R.); (E.S.)
| | - Ana Colom-Rivero
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, s/n, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain; (S.S.-G.); (M.A.); (I.F.-J.); (A.C.-R.); (E.S.)
| | - Javier Almunia
- Loro Parque Foundation, Avda. Loro Parque, s/n, 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Spain;
| | - Eva Sierra
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, s/n, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain; (S.S.-G.); (M.A.); (I.F.-J.); (A.C.-R.); (E.S.)
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8
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Contribution to Herpesvirus Surveillance in Beaked Whales Stranded in the Canary Islands. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11071923. [PMID: 34203458 PMCID: PMC8300104 DOI: 10.3390/ani11071923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Herpesviruses (HVs) are a large family of DNA viruses infecting animals (including insects and mollusks) and humans. Cetaceans can be also infected by HVs presenting different range of lesions, from dermatitis to meningoencephalitis, or being asymptomatic. Several studies have addressed the question of HVs in cetaceans, although no previous systematic survey of HV in beaked whales (BWs) (Ziphiidae family) has been previously performed. The family Ziphiidae, which includes 22 species in 6 genera, is one of the most widespread families of cetaceans, with a strict oceanic habitat pattern. Beaked whales, Cuvier’s BW in particular, are one of the deepest diving whales and are of particular interest because of a notable relationship between military operations employing mid-frequency sonar and the mass stranding of BWs in different geographic areas, including the Canary Islands. In this study, we analyzed 55 BWs (294 samples) stranded in the Canary Islands from 1990 to 2017 by molecular methods (conventional nested polymerase chain reaction). Our results showed that 8 BWs were infected by HVs, although only three animals displayed lesions indicative of active viral replication. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that HV-BW sequences are species-specific, although more studies are needed to better address this question. Abstract Herpesviruses (HVs) (Alpha- and Gammaherpesvirinae subfamilies) have been detected in several species of cetaceans with different pathological implications. However, available information on their presence in beaked whales (BWs) is still scarce. In this study, a total of 55 BWs (35 Ziphius cavirostris and 20 animals belonging to the Mesoplodon genus) were analyzed. Samples (n = 294) were obtained from BWs stranded along the coasts of the Canary Islands (1990–2017). Molecular detection of HV was performed by means of a conventional nested PCR based on the DNA polymerase gene. Herpesvirus was detected in 14.45% (8/55) of the analyzed BWs, including 2 positive animals from a previous survey. A percentage positivity of 8.57% was found within the Cuvier’s BW group, while the percentage of positivity rose to 25% within the Mesoplodon genus group (three M. densirostris, one M. europaeus, and one M. bidens). All the obtained sequences from this study belonged to the Alphaherpesvirinae subfamily, from which three are considered novel sequences, all of them within the Mesoplodon genus group. In addition, to our knowledge, this is the first description of HV infection in Gervais’ and Sowerby’s BWs. Three out of eight HV-positive BWs displayed histopathological lesions indicative of active viral replication.
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Batley KC, Sandoval-Castillo J, Kemper CM, Zanardo N, Tomo I, Beheregaray LB, Möller LM. Whole genomes reveal multiple candidate genes and pathways involved in the immune response of dolphins to a highly infectious virus. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:6434-6448. [PMID: 33675577 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Wildlife species are challenged by various infectious diseases that act as important demographic drivers of populations and have become a great conservation concern particularly under growing environmental changes. The new era of whole genome sequencing provides new opportunities and avenues to explore the role of genetic variants in the plasticity of immune responses, particularly in non-model systems. Cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) has emerged as a major viral threat to cetacean populations worldwide, contributing to the death of thousands of individuals of multiple dolphin and whale species. To understand the genomic basis of immune responses to CeMV, we generated and analysed whole genomes of 53 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) exposed to Australia's largest known CeMV-related mortality event that killed at least 50 dolphins from three different species. The genomic data set consisted of 10,168,981 SNPs anchored onto 23 chromosome-length scaffolds and 77 short scaffolds. Whole genome analysis indicated that levels of inbreeding in the dolphin population did not influence the outcome of an individual. Allele frequency estimates between survivors and nonsurvivors of the outbreak revealed 15,769 candidate SNPs, of which 689 were annotated to 295 protein coding genes. These included 50 genes with functions related to innate and adaptive immune responses, and cytokine signalling pathways and genes thought to be involved in immune responses to other morbilliviruses. Our study characterised genomic regions and pathways that may contribute to CeMV immune responses in dolphins. This represents a stride towards clarifying the complex interactions of the cetacean immune system and emphasises the value of whole genome data sets in understanding genetic elements that are essential for species conservation, including disease susceptibility and adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley C Batley
- Molecular Ecology Laboratory, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour, and Evolution Laboratory, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jonathan Sandoval-Castillo
- Molecular Ecology Laboratory, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Nikki Zanardo
- Molecular Ecology Laboratory, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour, and Evolution Laboratory, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ikuko Tomo
- South Australian Museum, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Luciano B Beheregaray
- Molecular Ecology Laboratory, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Luciana M Möller
- Molecular Ecology Laboratory, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour, and Evolution Laboratory, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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10
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Sierra E, Fernández A, Felipe-Jiménez I, Zucca D, Díaz-Delgado J, Puig-Lozano R, Câmara N, Consoli F, Díaz-Santana P, Suárez-Santana C, Arbelo M. Histopathological Differential Diagnosis of Meningoencephalitis in Cetaceans: Morbillivirus, Herpesvirus, Toxoplasma gondii, Brucella sp., and Nasitrema sp. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:650. [PMID: 33195505 PMCID: PMC7554640 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious and inflammatory processes are among the most common causes of central nervous system involvement in stranded cetaceans. Meningitis and encephalitis are among the leading known natural causes of death in stranded cetaceans and may be caused by a wide range of pathogens. This study describes histopathological findings in post-mortem brain tissue specimens from stranded cetaceans associated with five relevant infectious agents: viruses [Cetacean Morbillivirus (CeMV) and Herpesvirus (HV); n = 29], bacteria (Brucella sp.; n = 7), protozoa (Toxoplasma gondii; n = 6), and helminths (Nasitrema sp.; n = 1). Aetiological diagnosis was established by molecular methods. Histopathologic evaluations of brain samples were performed in all the cases, and additional histochemical and/or immunohistochemical stains were carried out accordingly. Compared with those produced by other types of pathogens in our study, the characteristic features of viral meningoencephalitis (CeMV and HV) included the most severe and frequent presence of malacia, intranuclear, and/or intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies, neuronal necrosis and associated neuronophagia, syncytia and hemorrhages, predominantly in the cerebrum. The characteristic features of Brucella sp. meningoencephalitis included the most severe and frequent presence of meningitis, perivascular cuffing, cerebellitis, myelitis, polyradiculoneuritis, choroiditis, ventriculitis, vasculitis, and fibrinoid necrosis of vessels. The characteristic features of T. gondii meningoencephalitis included lymphocytic and granulomatous encephalitis, tissue cysts, microgliosis, and oedema. In the case of Nasitrema sp. infection, lesions are all that we describe since just one animal was available. The results of this study are expected to contribute, to a large extent, to a better understanding of brain-pathogen-associated lesions in cetaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Sierra
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Idaira Felipe-Jiménez
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Daniele Zucca
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Josué Díaz-Delgado
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.,Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Raquel Puig-Lozano
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Nakita Câmara
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Francesco Consoli
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.,Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
| | - Pablo Díaz-Santana
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Cristian Suárez-Santana
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Manuel Arbelo
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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11
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Groch KR, Taniwaki SA, Favero CM, Brandão PE, Díaz-Delgado J, Fernández A, Catão-Dias JL, Sierra E. A novel real-time PCR to detect Cetacean morbillivirus in Atlantic cetaceans. J Virol Methods 2020; 285:113964. [PMID: 32889003 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2020.113964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV, family Paramyxoviridae) is a re-emergent pathogen associated with severe epizootic outbreaks causing high mortality among cetaceans worldwide. Recently, CeMV caused an unusual mortality event of Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) in Brazil. Partial sequence of the viral phosphoprotein (P) gene showed that the Guiana dolphin morbillivirus (GDMV) might represent a new lineage of CeMV. This study aimed to develop a molecular technique to detect the most common CeMV strains known to circulate in the Atlantic Ocean: GDMV, Dolphin morbillivirus (DMV) and Pilot-whale morbillivirus (PWMV). A sensible real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) method based on intercalating dye, targeting the P gene was described. This assay successfully detected GDMV, PWMV and DMV from field samples. Its performance was compared to a RT-qPCR method that specifically detects GDMV. Both assays had high sensibility and excellent intra- and inter-assay reproducibility. A total of 109 field samples from 32 Guiana dolphins were screened for CeMV by conventional RT-PCR in parallel with the RT-qPCR assay. The detection rate increased from 32% to 60% by use of the novel RT-qPCR. The RT-qPCR assay described herein allows rapid and sensitive detection of Atlantic CeMV strains, and is potentially suitable for screening of CeMV globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kátia R Groch
- Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Sueli Akemi Taniwaki
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular Aplicada e Sorologia, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Cíntia Maria Favero
- Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Paulo Eduardo Brandão
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular Aplicada e Sorologia, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Josué Díaz-Delgado
- Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, 483 Agronomy Rd., College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, Institute for Animal Health, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arucas, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - José Luiz Catão-Dias
- Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Eva Sierra
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, Institute for Animal Health, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arucas, Canary Islands, Spain
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Batley KC, Sandoval‐Castillo J, Kemper CM, Attard CRM, Zanardo N, Tomo I, Beheregaray LB, Möller LM. Genome-wide association study of an unusual dolphin mortality event reveals candidate genes for susceptibility and resistance to cetacean morbillivirus. Evol Appl 2019; 12:718-732. [PMID: 30976305 PMCID: PMC6439501 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Revised: 11/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases are significant demographic and evolutionary drivers of populations, but studies about the genetic basis of disease resistance and susceptibility are scarce in wildlife populations. Cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) is a highly contagious disease that is increasing in both geographic distribution and incidence, causing unusual mortality events (UME) and killing tens of thousands of individuals across multiple cetacean species worldwide since the late 1980s. The largest CeMV outbreak in the Southern Hemisphere reported to date occurred in Australia in 2013, where it was a major factor in a UME, killing mainly young Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus). Using cases (nonsurvivors) and controls (putative survivors) from the most affected population, we carried out a genome-wide association study to identify candidate genes for resistance and susceptibility to CeMV. The genomic data set consisted of 278,147,988 sequence reads and 35,493 high-quality SNPs genotyped across 38 individuals. Association analyses found highly significant differences in allele and genotype frequencies among cases and controls at 65 SNPs, and Random Forests conservatively identified eight as candidates. Annotation of these SNPs identified five candidate genes (MAPK8, FBXW11, INADL, ANK3 and ACOX3) with functions associated with stress, pain and immune responses. Our findings provide the first insights into the genetic basis of host defence to this highly contagious disease, enabling the development of an applied evolutionary framework to monitor CeMV resistance across cetacean species. Biomarkers could now be established to assess potential risk factors associated with these genes in other CeMV-affected cetacean populations and species. These results could also possibly aid in the advancement of vaccines against morbilliviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley C. Batley
- Molecular Ecology Laboratory, College of Science and EngineeringFlinders UniversityAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour, and Evolution Laboratory, College of Science and EngineeringFlinders UniversityAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Jonathan Sandoval‐Castillo
- Molecular Ecology Laboratory, College of Science and EngineeringFlinders UniversityAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | | | - Catherine R. M. Attard
- Molecular Ecology Laboratory, College of Science and EngineeringFlinders UniversityAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour, and Evolution Laboratory, College of Science and EngineeringFlinders UniversityAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Nikki Zanardo
- Molecular Ecology Laboratory, College of Science and EngineeringFlinders UniversityAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour, and Evolution Laboratory, College of Science and EngineeringFlinders UniversityAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Ikuko Tomo
- South Australian MuseumAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Luciano B. Beheregaray
- Molecular Ecology Laboratory, College of Science and EngineeringFlinders UniversityAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Luciana M. Möller
- Molecular Ecology Laboratory, College of Science and EngineeringFlinders UniversityAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour, and Evolution Laboratory, College of Science and EngineeringFlinders UniversityAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
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Cerezo A, Quesada-Canales O, Sierra E, Díaz-Delgado J, Fernández A, Henningson J, Arbelo M. Pyogranulomatous obliterative laryngotracheitis by Rhizopus arrhizus (syn. R. oryzae) in a free-ranging Atlantic spotted dolphin Stenella frontalis. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2018; 130:153-158. [PMID: 30198490 DOI: 10.3354/dao03268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We report the gross and microscopic findings and molecular identification of fungal hyphate infection in a juvenile female Atlantic spotted dolphin Stenella frontalis found dead off Arguineguin, Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain). On necropsy examination, the animal had a large cranial intrathoracic mass and multiple variably-sized nodules throughout the larynx and trachea that obliterated the lumen. Microscopically, the masses were composed of abundant pyogranulomatous inflammation with numerous fungal hyphae. These were pauciseptate (coenocytic) and had non-parallel walls, non-dichotomous irregular to right angle branching, and bulbous dilations. PCR analysis from these inflammatory foci yielded Rhizopus arrhizus (syn. R. oryzae). This fungal pathogen is often ascribed to opportunistic infections in immunosuppressed humans and animals. In the present case, a potential cause for immunosuppression was not identified; PCR analysis for cetacean morbillivirus was negative. Herein, we report the first confirmed case of R. arrhizus infection in a free-living Atlantic cetacean. These findings add to the body of knowledge on fungal disease in cetaceans in general and, in particular, in odontocetes, where respiratory involvement is common.
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Affiliation(s)
- Argiñe Cerezo
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, 1800 Denison Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
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14
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Sierra E, Fernández A, Zucca D, Câmara N, Felipe-Jiménez I, Suárez-Santana C, de Quirós YB, Díaz-Delgado J, Arbelo M. Morbillivirus infection in Risso's dolphin Grampus griseus: a phylogenetic and pathological study of cases from the Canary Islands. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2018; 129:165-174. [PMID: 30154276 DOI: 10.3354/dao03248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The earliest evidence of cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) infection dates from 1982, when the dolphin morbillivirus strain (DMV) was identified in bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus stranded in the mid-Atlantic region. Since then, CeMV has been detected globally in at least 26 species of mysticetes and odontocetes, causing widespread mortality and a wide range of pathological effects. In the Canary Islands, DMV and pilot whale morbillivirus have been detected in cetacean species, including short-finned pilot whales Globicephala macrorhynchus and bottlenose dolphins. Risso's dolphins Grampus griseus have been reported year-round in waters of the Canary Islands and are considered a resident species. No information is currently available on CeMV prevalence in this species in this ocean region. We searched for evidence of CeMV infection in 12 Risso's dolphins stranded in the Canary Islands from 2003 to 2015 by means of histopathology, PCR and immunohistochemistry. PCR revealed 2 CeMV-positive animals (16.6%). Phylogenetic analysis showed that the strains from the 2 positive specimens were phylogenetically quite distant, proving that more than 1 strain infects the Risso's dolphin population in this region. We also determined that the strain detected in one of the specimens mainly circulated in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean from 2007 to 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Sierra
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain
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Sacristán C, Catão-Dias JL, Ewbank AC, Ferreira-Machado E, Neves E, Santos-Neto EB, Azevedo A, Laison-Brito J, De Castilho PV, Daura-Jorge FG, Simões-Lopes PC, Carballo M, García-Párraga D, Sánchez-Vizcaíno JM, Esperón F. Novel and highly sensitive SYBR® Green real-time pcr for poxvirus detection in odontocete cetaceans. J Virol Methods 2018; 259:45-49. [PMID: 29890240 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Poxviruses are emerging pathogens in cetaceans, temporarily named 'Cetaceanpoxvirus' (CePV, family Poxviridae), classified into two main lineages: CePV-1 in odontocetes and CePV-2 in mysticetes. Only a few studies performed the molecular detection of CePVs, based on DNA-polymerase gene and/or DNA-topoisomerase I gene amplification. Herein we describe a new real-time PCR assay based on SYBR® Green and a new primer set to detect a 150 bp fragment of CePV DNA-polymerase gene, also effective for conventional PCR detection. The novel real-time PCR was able to detect 5 up to 5 × 106 copies per reaction of a cloned positive control. Both novel PCR methods were 1000 to 100,000-fold more sensitive than those previously described in the literature. Samples of characteristic poxvirus skin lesions ('tattoo') from one Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus), two striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) and two Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) were all positive to both our novel real time- and conventional PCR methods, even though three of these animals (a Risso's dolphin, a striped dolphin, and a Guiana dolphin) were previously negative to the conventional PCRs previously available. To our knowledge, this is the first real-time PCR detection method for Cetaceanpoxvirus, a much more sensitive tool for the detection of CePV-1 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Sacristán
- Departamento de Patologia, Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens - LAPCOM, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Professor Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, 05508-270, Brazil; Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (INIA-CISA), Ctra Algete el Casar s/n, Valdeolmos, Madrid, 28130, Spain.
| | - José Luiz Catão-Dias
- Departamento de Patologia, Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens - LAPCOM, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Professor Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, 05508-270, Brazil.
| | - Ana Carolina Ewbank
- Departamento de Patologia, Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens - LAPCOM, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Professor Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, 05508-270, Brazil.
| | - Eduardo Ferreira-Machado
- Departamento de Patologia, Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens - LAPCOM, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Professor Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, 05508-270, Brazil.
| | - Elena Neves
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (INIA-CISA), Ctra Algete el Casar s/n, Valdeolmos, Madrid, 28130, Spain.
| | - Elitieri Batista Santos-Neto
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores "Profa Izabel M. G. do N. Gurgel" (MAQUA), Faculdade De Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Alexandre Azevedo
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores "Profa Izabel M. G. do N. Gurgel" (MAQUA), Faculdade De Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - José Laison-Brito
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores "Profa Izabel M. G. do N. Gurgel" (MAQUA), Faculdade De Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Pedro Volkmer De Castilho
- Departamento de Engenharia de Pesca, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Bairro Progresso 88, Laguna, 790-000, Brazil.
| | - Fábio Gonçalves Daura-Jorge
- Departamento de Ecologia e Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, s/n. Trindade 88040-970, Florianópolis, Brazil.
| | - Paulo César Simões-Lopes
- Departamento de Ecologia e Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, s/n. Trindade 88040-970, Florianópolis, Brazil.
| | - Matilde Carballo
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (INIA-CISA), Ctra Algete el Casar s/n, Valdeolmos, Madrid, 28130, Spain.
| | - Daniel García-Párraga
- Veterinary Services, Fundación Oceanogràfic, Ciudad de Las Artes y las Ciencias, C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 1B 46013, Valencia, Spain.
| | - José Manuel Sánchez-Vizcaíno
- VISAVET Center and Animal Health Department, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
| | - Fernando Esperón
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (INIA-CISA), Ctra Algete el Casar s/n, Valdeolmos, Madrid, 28130, Spain.
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Detection of morbillivirus infection by RT-PCR RFLP analysis in cetaceans and carnivores. J Virol Methods 2017; 247:22-27. [PMID: 28528278 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2017.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Morbillivirus genus comprises several members related to specific hosts, such as canine distemper virus (CDV) and cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) in which the dolphin morbillivirus (DMV) is included. Both CDV and DMV are able to cause serious outbreak associated with high morbidity and mortality representing an important conservation threat for terrestrial and aquatic mammalian species. This paper describes a new RT-PCR RFLP technique based on a RT-PCR with degenerate primers targeting a 287 bp fragment located on the conserved N terminus of the morbillivirus NP gene, followed by MseI RFLP, in order both to confirm the detection of the virus and to distinguish DMV from CDV. Both carnivores and cetaceans tissues (brain, lung and lymph node) presenting evidence of morbillivirus infection (MI) were analyzed. RT-PCR positive samples were typed by RFLP analysis and then sequenced to confirm the RFLP results. This method was applied during the last morbillivirus cetacean die-off occurred in the Mediterranean basin in 2013, when there was the urgent need of a rapid and economic method to investigate among causes of death on stranded cetaceans. This new technique has proved to be a valuable, reliable, simple and relatively inexpensive diagnostic tool easily applicable also in limited-resource laboratories.
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17
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Elvira Partida L, Fernández M, Gutiérrez J, Esnal A, Benavides J, Pérez V, de la Torre A, Álvarez M, Esperón F. Detection of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus 2 as the Cause of Abortion Outbreaks on Commercial Sheep Flocks. Transbound Emerg Dis 2016; 64:19-26. [DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - M. Fernández
- Animal Health Department; Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-ULE); University of León; León Spain
| | | | - A. Esnal
- Analitica Veterinaria; Vizcaya Spain
| | - J. Benavides
- Animal Health Department; Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-ULE); University of León; León Spain
| | - V. Pérez
- Animal Health Department; Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-ULE); University of León; León Spain
| | - A. de la Torre
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (INIA-CISA); Valdeolmos Madrid Spain
| | - M. Álvarez
- Animal Health Department; University of León; León Spain
| | - F. Esperón
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (INIA-CISA); Valdeolmos Madrid Spain
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18
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Centelleghe C, Beffagna G, Zanetti R, Zappulli V, Di Guardo G, Mazzariol S. Molecular analysis of dolphin morbillivirus: A new sensitive detection method based on nested RT-PCR. J Virol Methods 2016; 235:85-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2016.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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