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EL-Shemy A, Mekky H, Bosila M, Elbayoumi K, Amer M, Elaish M. Investigation of aspergillosis outbreak in young ducklings: Unraveling the role of hatcheries in Aspergillus fumigatus transmission. J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10:763-772. [PMID: 38370888 PMCID: PMC10868690 DOI: 10.5455/javar.2023.j732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Aspergillosis is a disease that affects several species of birds and causes substantial losses in the poultry business. The purpose of the investigation was to identify the pathogen responsible for a respiratory outbreak among juvenile ducklings. Materials and Methods An epidemic of Aspergillosis infected a total of 800 Muscovy ducks that were being reared in El-Beheira Governorate. Tissue samples were obtained to isolate suspected fungi from diseased birds and the hatchery environment. In addition, identification and molecular characterization were performed on the obtained fungal isolates. Results Affected birds displayed acute respiratory manifestations such as difficulty breathing, gasping for air, nasal discharge, and a mortality rate of up to 28.1%. Postmortem examination revealed bronchitis, tracheitis, congested lungs, air sacculitis, severe multifocal granulomatous pneumonia, a congested, enlarged liver, and a congested kidney with nephritis. Mycological examination revealed seven Aspergillus (A.) spp. isolates from ducklings and six from hatcheries. Isolate colonial morphology and microscopical examination were as follows: A. fumigatus, A. niger, Syncephalastrum racemosum, and four untypable isolates. These isolates were further identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the internal transcribed spacers (ITSs) gene was detected. Four representative isolates were submitted for sequencing and further phylogenetic analysis. The source of duckling infection might be linked to the hatchery environment due to the observed similarity of isolates from both affected birds and the hatchery, as evidenced by phylogenetic analysis. Conclusion Our findings demonstrated the significance of appropriate hatchery control in preventing infection in young ducklings. Furthermore, the use of molecular identification techniques would be helpful for tracing the source of infection and rapid diagnosis of Aspergillus in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed EL-Shemy
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hoda Mekky
- Poultry Diseases Department, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Bosila
- Poultry Diseases Department, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Khaled Elbayoumi
- Poultry Diseases Department, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Amer
- Department of Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Elaish
- Department of Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
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2
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Melo AM, Poester VR, Trápaga MR, Stevens DA, Canabarro PL, Adornes AC, da Silva AP, Estima SC, Frere E, Sabino R, Xavier MO. Aspergillosis in free-ranging Magellanic penguins. Med Mycol 2023; 61:7034336. [PMID: 36764673 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myad008] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the mortality due to aspergillosis in free-ranging Magellanic penguins during their migration and the reproductive season. A total of 98 carcasses of penguins were collected along 370 km of coastline in Southern Brazil, between June 2017 and October 2019, and from reproductive colonies in Patagonian Argentina, in January 2019. All animals were necropsied, and only proven cases were computed. Aspergillosis was diagnosed in 2.5% of the penguins evaluated during their migration route. Our study, of the Southern coast of Brazil, is the first to demonstrate that aspergillosis is an important cause of mortality in free-ranging penguins. The implications of these findings in the One Health context are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aryse Martins Melo
- Microbiology and Parasitology Post-Graduate Program, Institute of Biology, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPEL), Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil.,Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Vanice Rodrigues Poester
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Mariana Rodrigues Trápaga
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - David A Stevens
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA, USA.,Div. of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Sérgio Curi Estima
- Center for Environmental Education and Monitoring (NEMA), Rio Grande - RS, Brazil
| | - Esteban Frere
- Centro De Investigaciones Puerto Deseado -Unidad Academica Caleta Olivia - (UNPA) Universidad Nacional De La Patagonia Austral, Puerto Deseado, Argentina
| | - Raquel Sabino
- Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal.,Institute of Environmental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Melissa Orzechowski Xavier
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
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3
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Seabirds Health and Conservation Medicine in Brazil. J Nat Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2022.126238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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4
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Lofgren LA, Lorch JM, Cramer RA, Blehert DS, Berlowski-Zier BM, Winzeler ME, Gutierrez-Perez C, Kordana NE, Stajich JE. Avian-associated Aspergillus fumigatus displays broad phylogenetic distribution, no evidence for host specificity, and multiple genotypes within epizootic events. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2022; 12:jkac075. [PMID: 35377435 PMCID: PMC9073692 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkac075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Birds are highly susceptible to aspergillosis, which can manifest as a primary infection in both domestic and wild birds. Aspergillosis in wild birds causes mortalities ranging in scale from single animals to large-scale epizootic events. However, pathogenicity factors associated with aspergillosis in wild birds have not been examined. Specifically, it is unknown whether wild bird-infecting strains are host-adapted (i.e. phylogenetically related). Similarly, it is unknown whether epizootics are driven by contact with clonal strains that possess unique pathogenic or virulence properties, or by distinct and equally pathogenic strains. Here, we use a diverse collection of Aspergillus fumigatus isolates taken from aspergillosis-associated avian carcasses, representing 24 bird species from a wide geographic range, and representing individual bird mortalities as well as epizootic events. These isolates were sequenced and analyzed along with 130 phylogenetically diverse human clinical isolates to investigate the genetic diversity and phylogenetic placement of avian-associated A. fumigatus, the geographic and host distribution of avian isolates, evidence for clonal outbreaks among wild birds, and the frequency of azole resistance in avian isolates. We found that avian isolates were phylogenetically diverse, with no clear distinction from human clinical isolates, and no sign of host or geographic specificity. Avian isolates from the same epizootic events were diverse and phylogenetically distant, suggesting that avian aspergillosis is not contagious among wild birds and that outbreaks are likely driven by environmental spore loads or host comorbidities. Finally, all avian isolates were susceptible to Voriconazole and none contained the canonical azole resistance gene variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotus A Lofgren
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
- Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Lorch
- U.S. Geological Survey-National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI 53711, USA
| | - Robert A Cramer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - David S Blehert
- U.S. Geological Survey-National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI 53711, USA
| | | | - Megan E Winzeler
- U.S. Geological Survey-National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI 53711, USA
| | - Cecilia Gutierrez-Perez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Nicole E Kordana
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Jason E Stajich
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
- Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
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5
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Hubálek Z. Pathogenic microorganisms associated with gulls and terns (Laridae). JOURNAL OF VERTEBRATE BIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.25225/jvb.21009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zdeněk Hubálek
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic; e-mail:
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Melo AM, Poester VR, Canabarro PL, Sampaio DA, Stevens DA, Veríssimo C, Sabino R, Xavier MO. Molecular epidemiology of aspergillosis in Magellanic penguins and susceptibility patterns of clinical isolates. Med Mycol 2021; 59:1076-1084. [PMID: 34320182 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myab040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus section Fumigati is reported in up to 99% of aspergillosis cases in penguins. So far, no data regarding molecular epidemiology and azole resistance are available for A. fumigatus isolates collected from Magellanic penguins. The aim of this work was to perform molecular identification of Aspergillus section Fumigati at species level, to genotype those isolates using microsatellite markers, to evaluate the in vitro susceptibility patterns of A. fumigatus sensu stricto, and to characterize the cyp51A gene in clinical A. fumigatus strains isolated from Magellanic penguins with proven aspergillosis. All 34 isolates included in the study were identified as A. fumigatus sensu stricto. Analyzing the genetic diversity of the isolates of A. fumigatus sensu stricto, we identified two possible outbreaks in the rehabilitation center and we also observed the maintenance of clonal strains through the years. One A. fumigatus sensu stricto isolate was resistant to posaconazole, but the mutations found in the cyp51A gene of this isolate have not been described as conferring phenotypic resistance, suggesting that other mechanisms of resistance could be involved in the resistance of this isolate. With this study we were able to understand the molecular diversity of Aspergillus fumigatus isolates collected from Magellanic penguins, to characterize them and to associate them with the described global population of Aspergillus fumigatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aryse Martins Melo
- Microbiology and Parasitology Post-Graduate Program, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.,National Institute of Health, Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Vanice Rodrigues Poester
- Health Sciences Post-Graduation Program, Medical College, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Paula Lima Canabarro
- Rehabilitation Center for Marine Animals, Federal University of Rio Grande (CRAM-FURG), Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Daniel Ataíde Sampaio
- Technology and Innovation Unit, Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - David A Stevens
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, California, USA.,California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, California, USA
| | - Cristina Veríssimo
- National Institute of Health, Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Raquel Sabino
- National Institute of Health, Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Melissa Orzechowski Xavier
- Microbiology and Parasitology Post-Graduate Program, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.,Health Sciences Post-Graduation Program, Medical College, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Arné P, Risco-Castillo V, Jouvion G, Le Barzic C, Guillot J. Aspergillosis in Wild Birds. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:241. [PMID: 33807065 PMCID: PMC8004873 DOI: 10.3390/jof7030241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitous fungi belonging to the genus Aspergillus are able to proliferate in a large number of environments on organic substrates. The spores of these opportunistic pathogens, when inhaled, can cause serious and often fatal infections in a wide variety of captive and free-roaming wild birds. The relative importance of innate immunity and the level of exposure in the development of the disease can vary considerably between avian species and epidemiological situations. Given the low efficacy of therapeutic treatments, it is essential that breeders or avian practitioners know the conditions that favor the emergence of Aspergillosis in order to put adequate preventive measures in place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Arné
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire de la Faune Sauvage (Chuv-FS), 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (V.R.-C.); (C.L.B.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Dynamic Research Group UPEC, EnvA, USC Anses, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (G.J.); (J.G.)
| | - Veronica Risco-Castillo
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire de la Faune Sauvage (Chuv-FS), 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (V.R.-C.); (C.L.B.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Dynamic Research Group UPEC, EnvA, USC Anses, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (G.J.); (J.G.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Biopôle Alfort, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Grégory Jouvion
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Dynamic Research Group UPEC, EnvA, USC Anses, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (G.J.); (J.G.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Biopôle Alfort, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Cécile Le Barzic
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vétérinaire de la Faune Sauvage (Chuv-FS), 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (V.R.-C.); (C.L.B.)
| | - Jacques Guillot
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Dynamic Research Group UPEC, EnvA, USC Anses, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (G.J.); (J.G.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Biopôle Alfort, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
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8
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Aspergillosis, Avian Species and the One Health Perspective: The Possible Importance of Birds in Azole Resistance. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8122037. [PMID: 33352774 PMCID: PMC7767009 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8122037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The One Health context considers health based on three pillars: humans, animals, and environment. This approach is a strong ally in the surveillance of infectious diseases and in the development of prevention strategies. Aspergillus spp. are fungi that fit substantially in this context, in view of their ubiquity, as well as their importance as plant pathogens, and potentially fatal pathogens for, particularly, humans and avian species. In addition, the emergence of azole resistance, mainly in Aspergillus fumigatus sensu stricto, and the proven role of fungicides widely used on crops, reinforces the need for a multidisciplinary approach to this problem. Avian species are involved in short and long distance travel between different types of landscapes, such as agricultural fields, natural environments and urban environments. Thus, birds can play an important role in the dispersion of Aspergillus, and of special concern, azole-resistant strains. In addition, some bird species are particularly susceptible to aspergillosis. Therefore, avian aspergillosis could be considered as an environmental health indicator. In this review, aspergillosis in humans and birds will be discussed, with focus on the presence of Aspergillus in the environment. We will relate these issues with the emergence of azole resistance on Aspergillus. These topics will be therefore considered and reviewed from the “One Health” perspective.
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Nururrozi A, Yanuartono Y, Widyarini S, Ramandani D, Indarjulianto S. Clinical and pathological features of aspergillosis due to Aspergillus fumigatus in broilers. Vet World 2020; 13:2787-2792. [PMID: 33487999 PMCID: PMC7811560 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.2787-2792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous pathogen causing aspergillosis in poultry. This research aimed to evaluate the clinical and pathological features of aspergillosis infection in broilers. MATERIALS AND METHODS A. fumigatus infection was induced experimentally by intra-air sac inoculation of a 1.7×108 spore suspension into broilers. Infected and non-infected birds were closely observed for the development of clinical signs of infection twice daily. Pathological samples were collected 5, 14, and 30 days post-infection (dpi) and examined by hematoxylin-eosin staining. RESULTS A total of 160 birds were included in this study. Clinical signs emerged at 3 dpi and became consistent at 5 dpi. A considerable decrease in severity and number of birds showing infection symptoms followed. The clinical signs of aspergillosis included anorexia (n=40; 50%), lethargy (n=32; 40%), dyspnea (n=38; 48%), and gasping (n=29; 36%). Macroscopic changes in the air sacs at 3 dpi included the development of minor lesions showing cloudiness, slight membrane thickening, and local exudates. Histopathological examination of the air sacs collected at 3 dpi indicated local inflammation surrounded by hyphae and spores. At 5 dpi, infected birds developed nodules, necrosis, and parenchymal consolidation of the lungs. Pulmonary changes, such as bronchopneumonia, spores, septate hyphae, and mild granulomatous inflammation, were also observed. At 14 dpi, multiple caseous nodules and plaques were found in the air sacs; plaque and necrosis in large areas of the lungs and severe multifocal granulomatous inflammation were noted. CONCLUSION The clinical symptoms of aspergillosis emerged at 3 dpi and gradually decreased beginning at 7 dpi. Similar pathological changes were observed in the air sacs and lungs. The results of this work provide additional information on the pathogenesis of aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfarisa Nururrozi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Yanuartono Yanuartono
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Sitarina Widyarini
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Dhasia Ramandani
- Department of Bioresource and Veterinary Technology, Vocational College, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Soedarmanto Indarjulianto
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
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