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Xiong L, Yang G. Description and molecular characterisation of Babesia ailuropodae n. sp., a new piroplasmid species infecting giant pandas. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:315. [PMID: 39033131 PMCID: PMC11265107 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06402-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Babesia spp. are protozoan parasites that infect the red blood cells of domesticated animals, wildlife and humans. A few cases of giant pandas (a flagship species in terms of wildlife conservation) infected with a putative novel Babesia sp. have been reported. However, comprehensive research on the morphological and molecular taxonomic classification of this novel Babesia sp. is still lacking. This study was designed to close this gap and formally describe this new Babesia sp. infecting giant pandas. METHODS Detailed morphological, molecular and phylogenetic analyses were conducted to characterise this Babesia sp. and to assess its systematic relationships with other Babesia spp. Blood samples from giant pandas infected with Babesia were subjected to microscopic examination. The 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA), cytochrome b (cytb) and mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of the new Babesia sp. were amplified, sequenced and assembled using DNA purified from blood samples taken from infected giant pandas. Based on the newly generated 18S rRNA, cytb and mitogenome sequences, phylogenetic trees were constructed. RESULTS Morphologically, the Babesia sp. from giant pandas exhibited various forms, including round to oval ring-shaped morphologies, resembling those found in other small canine Babesia spp. and displaying typical tetrads. Phylogenetic analyses with the 18S rRNA, cytb and mitogenome sequences revealed that the new Babesia sp. forms a monophyletic group, with a close phylogenetic relationship with the Babesia spp. that infect bears (Ursidae), raccoons (Procyonidae) and canids (Canidae). Notably, the mitogenome structure consisted of six ribosomal large subunit-coding genes (LSU1-6) and three protein-coding genes (cytb, cox3 and cox1) arranged linearly. CONCLUSIONS Based on coupled morphological and genetic analyses, we describe a novel species of the genus Babesia, namely, Babesia ailuropodae n. sp., which infects giant pandas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lang Xiong
- Sichuan Agricultural University, Sichuan, China
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Yu S, Xie J, Guo Q, Yan X, Wang Y, Leng T, Li L, Zhou J, Zhang W, Su X. Clostridium butyricum isolated from giant panda can attenuate dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1361945. [PMID: 38646621 PMCID: PMC11027743 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1361945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Probiotics are beneficial to the intestinal barrier, but few studies have investigated probiotics from giant pandas. This study aims to explore the preventive effects of giant panda-derived Clostridium butyricum on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Methods Clostridium butyricum was administered to mice 14 days before administering DSS treatment to induce enteritis. Results Clostridium butyricum B14 could more effectively prevent colitis in mice than C. butyricum B13. C. butyricum B14 protected the mouse colon by decreasing the histology index and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels, which improved intestinal inflammation-related symptoms. In addition, the treatment led to the regulation of the expression of Tifa, Igkv12-89, and Nr1d1, which in turn inhibited immune pathways. The expression of Muc4, Lama3, Cldn4, Cldn3, Ocln, Zo1, Zo2, and Snai is related the intestinal mucosal barrier. 16S sequencing shows that the C. butyricum B14 significantly increased the abundance of certain intestinal probiotics. Overall, C. butyricum B14 exerted a preventive effect on colitis in mice by inhibiting immune responses, enhancing the intestinal barrier and increasing the abundance of probiotic species. Thus, C. butyricum B14 administration helps regulate the balance of the intestinal microecology. It can suppress immune pathways and enhance barrier-protective proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuran Yu
- College of Life Science, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, China
- College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Mianyang Normal University, Mianyang, China
| | - Junjin Xie
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiang Guo
- College of Biodiversity Conservation, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
| | - Xia Yan
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuxiang Wang
- College of Life Science, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
| | - Tangjian Leng
- College of Life Science, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
| | - Lin Li
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, China
| | - Jielong Zhou
- College of Life Science, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
| | - Wenping Zhang
- College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Mianyang Normal University, Mianyang, China
| | - Xiaoyan Su
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, China
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Xiong L, Chen Y, Chen L, Hua R, Shen N, Yang G. Enhanced protective immunity against Baylisascaris schroederi infection in mice through a multi-antigen cocktail vaccine approach. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:20. [PMID: 38072876 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08016-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Baylisascaris schroederi is among the most severe intestinal nematodes affecting giant pandas. Developing effective and secure vaccines can be used as a novel strategy for controlling repeated roundworm infection and addressing drug resistance. In our previous study, three recombinant antigens (rBsHP2, rBsGAL, and rBsUP) exhibited promising effects against B. schroederi infection in the mice model. This study extends the findings by formulating four-form cocktail vaccines (GAL+UP, HP2+UP, GAL+HP2, and GAL+HP2+UP) using three B. schroederi recombinant antigens to improve protection in mice further. Additionally, the protective differences after immunizing mice with different doses of cocktail antigens (150 μg, 100 μg, and 50 μg) were analyzed. Administration of rBs(GAL+UP), rBs(HP2+UP), rBs(GAL+HP2), and rBs(GAL+HP2+UP) significantly reduced liver and lung lesions, along with a decrease in L3 larvae by 83.7%, 82.1%, 76.4%, and 75.1%, respectively. These vaccines induced a Th1/Th2 mixed immunity, evidenced by elevated serum antibody levels (IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, IgE, and IgA) and splenocyte cytokines [interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-5, and IL-10]. Furthermore, varying cocktail vaccine dosages did not significantly affect protection. The results confirm that a 50 μg rBs(GAL+UP) dosage holds promise as a better candidate vaccine combination against B. schroederi infection, providing a basis for developing the B. schroederi vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lang Xiong
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanxin Chen
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Sichuan, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Sichuan, China
| | - Ruiqi Hua
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Sichuan, China
| | - Nengxing Shen
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Sichuan, China
| | - Guangyou Yang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Sichuan, China.
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Chang L, Wang XL, Yu C, Liu CH, Zhang Q, Wu Y, Jia R, Ma Q, Pan G, Tong D, Wang X. Chronic kidney disease in a giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca): a case report. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:131. [PMID: 37612662 PMCID: PMC10464369 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03663-8] [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: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in captive wildlife species. However, CKD has been rarely documented in giant pandas. CASE PRESENTATION The following report describes a case of an eight-year-old female giant panda showing clinical signs of epistaxis, bloody diarrhea, polyuria, azotemia and anemia. The animal died despite of supportive treatments. Necropsy was performed. Grossly, both kidneys were shrunken and scarred with pallor. Subcutis edema and petechia on the epicardium of the heart were observed. The tissue samples were made into paraffin sections and stained by H.E and special staining including Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS), von Kossa, Masson's trichrome, Phosphotungstic acid-hematoxylin (PTAH), and Congo red. Histopathology examination revealed severe chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis with marked interstitial fibrosis, glomerulosclerosis, tubular atrophy and calcification in kidneys, and acute necrotizing hemorrhagic myocarditis with calcification in heart. Other lesions included intestinal hemorrhage, hepatic fatty degeneration and necrosis with hemosiderin, and splenic hemosiderin. CONCLUSIONS In summary, chronic kidney disease was finally diagnosed based on the association of clinical, gross, and histopathological findings. Heart failure secondary to CKD is the leading cause of death in this giant panda. The potential cause of CKD in this animal is possibly due to long term and uncontrolled hypertension. Blood pressure monitoring is essential in establishing the diagnosis and management of hypertension in giant panda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Chang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Xiangyang L Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Chenfei Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Chen-Hsuan Liu
- Graduate Institute of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Qinling Giant Panda Research Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Yaping Wu
- Qinling Giant Panda Research Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Ruoyi Jia
- Qinling Giant Panda Research Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Qingyi Ma
- Qinling Giant Panda Research Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Guanglin Pan
- Qinling Giant Panda Research Center, Xi'an, China.
| | - Dewen Tong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China.
| | - Xinglong Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China.
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Xiong L, Chen L, Chen Y, Shen N, Hua R, Yang G. Evaluation of the immunoprotective effects of eight recombinant proteins from Baylisascaris schroederi in mice model. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:254. [PMID: 37501169 PMCID: PMC10375773 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05886-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Baylisascaris schroederi is the most common and harmful intestinal parasitic nematode of giant pandas, causing ascariasis. Although drug deworming is the main measure to control ascariasis in captive giant pandas, prolonged and repeated use of deworming drugs might induce resistance in nematodes and drug residues in giant pandas. Therefore, developing a safe and effective vaccine might provide a novel strategy to prevent ascariasis in captive giant pandas. METHODS Four highly expressed secretome genes encoding excretory and secretory proteins of B. schroederi, including transthyretin-like protein 46 (BsTLP), uncharacterized protein (BsUP), hypothetical protein 1 (BsHP1), and hypothetical protein 2 (BsHP2) and four functional genes [(encoding Galectin (BsGAL), glutathione S-transferase (BsGST), fatty acid-binding protein (BsFABP), and thioredoxin peroxidase (BsTPX)] were identified based on genome and transcriptome databases of B. schroederi and used to construct recombinant proteins via prokaryotic expression. Kunming mice were vaccinated subcutaneously twice with the recombinant proteins (50 μg/mouse) mixed with Quil A adjuvant with a 2-week interval and then orally challenged with 3000 infective eggs. The immunoprotective effects of the eight recombinant proteins on mice were assessed comprehensively using surface lesion histology scores of the mouse liver and lung, larval worm reduction, serum antibody levels (IgG, IgE, IgA, IgG1, and IgG2a), and cytokine production [interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10]. RESULTS Mice vaccinated with recombinant (r)BsUP (76.5%), rBsGAL (74.7%), and rBsHP2 (71.5%) showed a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in the larval worm rate compared with that in the adjuvant control. Besides, the surface lesions in the liver and lung of the vaccinated mice were alleviated. Serum levels of total IgG, IgE, IgA, IgG1, IgG2a, and cytokines, including IL-10, IL-5, and IFN-γ, were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than those in the control group. CONCLUSIONS The results showed that candidate three vaccines (rBsUP, rBsGAL, and rBsHP2) could provide effective protection against egg infection in mice associated with a mixed Th1/2-type immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lang Xiong
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanxin Chen
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Nengxing Shen
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ruiqi Hua
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Guangyou Yang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Lu Y, Deng L, Peng Z, Zhou M, Wang C, Han L, Huang S, Wei M, Wei R, Tian L, Li D, Hou Z. Investigation of the Efficacy of Pyrantel Pamoate, Mebendazole, Albendazole, and Ivermectin against Baylisascaris schroederi in Captive Giant Pandas. Animals (Basel) 2022; 13:ani13010142. [PMID: 36611749 PMCID: PMC9817530 DOI: 10.3390/ani13010142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Baylisascaris schroederi is one of the main health risks threatening both wild and captive giant pandas. The administration of anthelmintics is a common method to effectively control B. schroederi infection, but there is a notable risk of anthelmintic resistance (AR) after long-term, constant use of anthelmintics. Four anthelmintics-pyrantel pamoate (PYR), mebendazole (MBZ), albendazole (ABZ), and ivermectin (IVM)-were each administered separately at intervals of 2 months to 22 enrolled giant pandas. The fecal egg count reduction (FECR) proportions were calculated by both the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) Bayesian mathematical model and the arithmetic mean. AR was assessed based on the criteria recommended by the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (WAAVP). The estimated prevalence of B. schroederi infection was 34.1%. After treatment with PYR, MBZ, ABZ, and IVM, it was determined that MBZ, ABZ, and IVM were efficacious against B. schroederi, while nematodes were suspected to be resistant to PYR according to the fecal egg count reduction (FECR) proportions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxian Lu
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Linhua Deng
- China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, Dujiangyan 611843, China
| | - Zhiwei Peng
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Mengchao Zhou
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Chengdong Wang
- China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, Dujiangyan 611843, China
| | - Lei Han
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Shan Huang
- China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, Dujiangyan 611843, China
| | - Ming Wei
- China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, Dujiangyan 611843, China
| | - Rongping Wei
- China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, Dujiangyan 611843, China
| | - Lihong Tian
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Desheng Li
- China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda, Dujiangyan 611843, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Zhijun Hou
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
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A novel cysteine protease inhibitor in Baylisascaris schroederi migratory larvae regulates inflammasome activation through the TLR4-ROS-NLRP3 pathway. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:334. [PMID: 36151570 PMCID: PMC9508711 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05466-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) are the obligate host of the parasitic roundworm Baylisascaris schroederi. The infection of giant pandas with B. schroederi is very common. At present, little is known about the mechanism of immune interaction between B. schroederi and the host. As an important component of innate immunity, the NOD-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays an important role in host immune response and the occurrence and development of infectious diseases. Methods We analyzed the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) by the recombinant B. schroederi migratory larvae cysteine protease inhibitor rBsCPI-1, knowing from a previous study that the CPI-1 is highly expressed in B. schroederi migratory larvae. We first determined the effects of rBsCPI-1 and excretory–secretory products of B. schroederi migratory larvae on cell proliferation using the CCK-8 and LDH release assays. We then analyzed NLRP3 inflammasome activation, pyroptosis and pro-inflammatory cytokine release by quantitative-PCR, western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The signaling pathway of rBsCPI-1 to activate NLRP3 inflammasomes was analyzed in activation and inhibition experiments. Finally, the effects of rBsCPI-1 on inflammasome activation in mice immunized with rBsCPI-1 were analyzed. Results The activation and inhibition experiments revealed that rBsCPI-1 induced inflammasome activation through the TLR4–ROS–NLRP3 signaling pathway, with reactive oxygen species (ROS) not only functioning as an activator of the NLRP3 inflammasome, but also an activation product of the NLRP3 inflammasome. rBsCPI-1 promoted the activation and assembly of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which further converted the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 into mature active forms. At the same time, caspase-1 cleaved gasdermin D to trigger cell pyroptosis. The results of animal immunization experiments further confirmed that rBsCPI-1 could induce the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Conclusions rBsCPI-1 activates the inflammasome through the TLR4–ROS–NLRP3 signaling pathway and further induces the pyroptosis of MDMs and release of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-18, thus promoting the occurrence and development of the inflammatory response in the host. Graphical abstract ![]()
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