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Timmis K, Hallsworth JE, McGenity TJ, Armstrong R, Colom MF, Karahan ZC, Chavarría M, Bernal P, Boyd ES, Ramos JL, Kaltenpoth M, Pruzzo C, Clarke G, López‐Garcia P, Yakimov MM, Perlmutter J, Greening C, Eloe‐Fadrosh E, Verstraete W, Nunes OC, Kotsyurbenko O, Nikel PI, Scavone P, Häggblom MM, Lavigne R, Le Roux F, Timmis JK, Parro V, Michán C, García JL, Casadevall A, Payne SM, Frey J, Koren O, Prosser JI, Lahti L, Lal R, Anand S, Sood U, Offre P, Bryce CC, Mswaka AY, Jores J, Kaçar B, Blank LM, Maaßen N, Pope PB, Banciu HL, Armitage J, Lee SY, Wang F, Makhalanyane TP, Gilbert JA, Wood TK, Vasiljevic B, Soberón M, Udaondo Z, Rojo F, Tamang JP, Giraud T, Ropars J, Ezeji T, Müller V, Danbara H, Averhoff B, Sessitsch A, Partida‐Martínez LP, Huang W, Molin S, Junier P, Amils R, Wu X, Ron E, Erten H, de Martinis ECP, Rapoport A, Öpik M, Pokatong WDR, Stairs C, Amoozegar MA, Serna JG. A concept for international societally relevant microbiology education and microbiology knowledge promulgation in society. Microb Biotechnol 2024; 17:e14456. [PMID: 38801001 PMCID: PMC11129164 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14456] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Microbes are all pervasive in their distribution and influence on the functioning and well-being of humans, life in general and the planet. Microbially-based technologies contribute hugely to the supply of important goods and services we depend upon, such as the provision of food, medicines and clean water. They also offer mechanisms and strategies to mitigate and solve a wide range of problems and crises facing humanity at all levels, including those encapsulated in the sustainable development goals (SDGs) formulated by the United Nations. For example, microbial technologies can contribute in multiple ways to decarbonisation and hence confronting global warming, provide sanitation and clean water to the billions of people lacking them, improve soil fertility and hence food production and develop vaccines and other medicines to reduce and in some cases eliminate deadly infections. They are the foundation of biotechnology, an increasingly important and growing business sector and source of employment, and the centre of the bioeconomy, Green Deal, etc. But, because microbes are largely invisible, they are not familiar to most people, so opportunities they offer to effectively prevent and solve problems are often missed by decision-makers, with the negative consequences this entrains. To correct this lack of vital knowledge, the International Microbiology Literacy Initiative-the IMiLI-is recruiting from the global microbiology community and making freely available, teaching resources for a curriculum in societally relevant microbiology that can be used at all levels of learning. Its goal is the development of a society that is literate in relevant microbiology and, as a consequence, able to take full advantage of the potential of microbes and minimise the consequences of their negative activities. In addition to teaching about microbes, almost every lesson discusses the influence they have on sustainability and the SDGs and their ability to solve pressing problems of societal inequalities. The curriculum thus teaches about sustainability, societal needs and global citizenship. The lessons also reveal the impacts microbes and their activities have on our daily lives at the personal, family, community, national and global levels and their relevance for decisions at all levels. And, because effective, evidence-based decisions require not only relevant information but also critical and systems thinking, the resources also teach about these key generic aspects of deliberation. The IMiLI teaching resources are learner-centric, not academic microbiology-centric and deal with the microbiology of everyday issues. These span topics as diverse as owning and caring for a companion animal, the vast range of everyday foods that are produced via microbial processes, impressive geological formations created by microbes, childhood illnesses and how they are managed and how to reduce waste and pollution. They also leverage the exceptional excitement of exploration and discovery that typifies much progress in microbiology to capture the interest, inspire and motivate educators and learners alike. The IMiLI is establishing Regional Centres to translate the teaching resources into regional languages and adapt them to regional cultures, and to promote their use and assist educators employing them. Two of these are now operational. The Regional Centres constitute the interface between resource creators and educators-learners. As such, they will collect and analyse feedback from the end-users and transmit this to the resource creators so that teaching materials can be improved and refined, and new resources added in response to demand: educators and learners will thereby be directly involved in evolution of the teaching resources. The interactions between educators-learners and resource creators mediated by the Regional Centres will establish dynamic and synergistic relationships-a global societally relevant microbiology education ecosystem-in which creators also become learners, teaching resources are optimised and all players/stakeholders are empowered and their motivation increased. The IMiLI concept thus embraces the principle of teaching societally relevant microbiology embedded in the wider context of societal, biosphere and planetary needs, inequalities, the range of crises that confront us and the need for improved decisioning, which should ultimately lead to better citizenship and a humanity that is more sustainable and resilient. ABSTRACT The biosphere of planet Earth is a microbial world: a vast reactor of countless microbially driven chemical transformations and energy transfers that push and pull many planetary geochemical processes, including the cycling of the elements of life, mitigate or amplify climate change (e.g., Nature Reviews Microbiology, 2019, 17, 569) and impact the well-being and activities of all organisms, including humans. Microbes are both our ancestors and creators of the planetary chemistry that allowed us to evolve (e.g., Life's engines: How microbes made earth habitable, 2023). To understand how the biosphere functions, how humans can influence its development and live more sustainably with the other organisms sharing it, we need to understand the microbes. In a recent editorial (Environmental Microbiology, 2019, 21, 1513), we advocated for improved microbiology literacy in society. Our concept of microbiology literacy is not based on knowledge of the academic subject of microbiology, with its multitude of component topics, plus the growing number of additional topics from other disciplines that become vitally important elements of current microbiology. Rather it is focused on microbial activities that impact us-individuals/communities/nations/the human world-and the biosphere and that are key to reaching informed decisions on a multitude of issues that regularly confront us, ranging from personal issues to crises of global importance. In other words, it is knowledge and understanding essential for adulthood and the transition to it, knowledge and understanding that must be acquired early in life in school. The 2019 Editorial marked the launch of the International Microbiology Literacy Initiative, the IMiLI. HERE, WE PRESENT: our concept of how microbiology literacy may be achieved and the rationale underpinning it; the type of teaching resources being created to realise the concept and the framing of microbial activities treated in these resources in the context of sustainability, societal needs and responsibilities and decision-making; and the key role of Regional Centres that will translate the teaching resources into local languages, adapt them according to local cultural needs, interface with regional educators and develop and serve as hubs of microbiology literacy education networks. The topics featuring in teaching resources are learner-centric and have been selected for their inherent relevance, interest and ability to excite and engage. Importantly, the resources coherently integrate and emphasise the overarching issues of sustainability, stewardship and critical thinking and the pervasive interdependencies of processes. More broadly, the concept emphasises how the multifarious applications of microbial activities can be leveraged to promote human/animal, plant, environmental and planetary health, improve social equity, alleviate humanitarian deficits and causes of conflicts among peoples and increase understanding between peoples (Microbial Biotechnology, 2023, 16(6), 1091-1111). Importantly, although the primary target of the freely available (CC BY-NC 4.0) IMiLI teaching resources is schoolchildren and their educators, they and the teaching philosophy are intended for all ages, abilities and cultural spectra of learners worldwide: in university education, lifelong learning, curiosity-driven, web-based knowledge acquisition and public outreach. The IMiLI teaching resources aim to promote development of a global microbiology education ecosystem that democratises microbiology knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Timmis
- Institute for MicrobiologyTechnical University of BraunschweigBraunschweigGermany
| | | | | | | | | | - Zeynep Ceren Karahan
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyAnkara University School of MedicineAnkaraTurkey
| | - Max Chavarría
- Escuela de Química, CIPRONAUniversidad de Costa Rica & Centro Nacional de Innovaciones Biotecnológicas (CENIBiot)San JoséCosta Rica
| | - Patricia Bernal
- Department of MicrobiologyUniversidad de SevillaSevillaSpain
| | - Eric S. Boyd
- Department of Microbiology and Cell BiologyMontana State UniversityBozemanMontanaUSA
| | - Juan Luis Ramos
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientificasEstación Experimental del ZaidínGranadaSpain
| | - Martin Kaltenpoth
- Department of Insect SymbiosisMax Planck Institute for Chemical EcologyJenaGermany
| | - Carla Pruzzo
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences (DISTAV)University of GenoaGenoaItaly
| | - Gerard Clarke
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science and APC Microbiome IrelandUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
| | | | - Michail M. Yakimov
- Institute of Polar SciencesItalian National Research Council (ISP‐CNR)MessinaItaly
| | | | - Chris Greening
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery InstituteMonash UniversityClaytonAustralia
| | - Emiley Eloe‐Fadrosh
- Metagenome Program, DOE Joint Genome InstituteLawrence Berkeley National LabBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Willy Verstraete
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET)Ghent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Olga C. Nunes
- LEPABE‐Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of EngineeringUniversity of PortoPortoPortugal
| | | | - Pablo Iván Nikel
- Systems Environmental Microbiology Group, The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for BiosustainabilityTechnical University of DenmarkLyngbyDenmark
| | - Paola Scavone
- Departamento de MicrobiologíaInstituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente EstableMontevideoUruguay
| | - Max M. Häggblom
- Department of Biochemistry and MicrobiologyRutgers UniversityNew BrunswickNew JerseyUSA
| | - Rob Lavigne
- Laboratory of Gene TechnologyKU LeuvenHeverleeBelgium
| | - Frédérique Le Roux
- Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et ImmunologieUniversité de MontréalMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - James K. Timmis
- Department of Political ScienceUniversity of FreiburgFreiburg im BreisgauGermany
| | - Victor Parro
- Centro de Astrobiología (CAB)CSICINTAMadridSpain
| | - Carmen Michán
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología MolecularUniversidad de CórdobaCórdobaSpain
| | - José Luis García
- Environmental Biotechnology LaboratoryCentro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CIB‐MS, CSIC)MadridSpain
| | - Arturo Casadevall
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and ImmunologyJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Shelley M. Payne
- Department of Molecular BiosciencesUniversity of Texas at AustinAustinTexasUSA
| | - Joachim Frey
- Vetsuisse FacultyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Omry Koren
- Azrieli Faculty of MedicineBar‐Ilan UniversitySafedIsrael
| | | | - Leo Lahti
- Department of ComputingUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Rup Lal
- Acharya Narendra Dev CollegeUniversity of DelhiNew DelhiDelhiIndia
| | - Shailly Anand
- Department of Zoology, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya CollegeUniversity of DelhiNew DelhiDelhiIndia
| | - Utkarsh Sood
- Department of Zoology, Kirori Mal CollegeUniversity of DelhiNew DelhiDelhiIndia
| | - Pierre Offre
- Department of Marine Microbiology and BiogeochemistryNIOZ–Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea ResearchDen BurgThe Netherlands
| | - Casey C. Bryce
- Cabot Institute for the EnvironmentUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | | | - Jörg Jores
- Institute of Veterinary BacteriologyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Betül Kaçar
- Department of BacteriologyUniversity of Wisconsin–MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | | | - Nicole Maaßen
- Institute of Applied MicrobiologyRWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Phillip B. Pope
- Faculty of BiosciencesNorwegian University of Life SciencesAsNorway
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food ScienceNMBUAsNorway
| | - Horia L. Banciu
- Department of Molecular Biology and BiotechnologyBabeș‐Bolyai UniversityCluj‐NapocaRomania
| | | | - Sang Yup Lee
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular EngineeringKAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)DaejeonSouth Korea
| | - Fengping Wang
- International Center for Deep Life Investigation (ICDLI)Shanghai JiaoTong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Thulani P. Makhalanyane
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and MicrobiologyUniversity of PretoriaHatfieldSouth Africa
| | - Jack A. Gilbert
- Department of Pediatrics and Scripps, Institution of OceanographyUC San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Thomas K. Wood
- Department of Chemical EngineeringPennsylvania State UniversityUniversity ParkPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Branka Vasiljevic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic EngineeringUniversity of BelgradeBelgradeSerbia
| | - Mario Soberón
- Instituto de BiotecnologíaUniversidad Nacional Autónoma de MéxicoMexico CityMexico
| | - Zulema Udaondo
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientificasEstación Experimental del ZaidínGranadaSpain
| | - Fernando Rojo
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Centro Nacional de BiotecnologíaCSICMadridSpain
| | | | - Tatiana Giraud
- Laboratoire Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution (ESE)Université Paris‐SaclayGif‐sur‐YvetteFrance
| | - Jeanne Ropars
- Laboratoire Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution (ESE)Université Paris‐SaclayGif‐sur‐YvetteFrance
| | - Thaddeus Ezeji
- Department of Animal SciencesThe Ohio State University & OARDCWoosterOhioUSA
| | - Volker Müller
- Molekulare Mikrobiologie & BioenergetikGoethe‐Universität FrankfurtFrankfurtGermany
| | - Hirofume Danbara
- Shibasaburo Kitasato Memorial MuseumKitasato UniversityMinato‐kuJapan
| | - Beate Averhoff
- Molekulare Mikrobiologie & BioenergetikGoethe‐Universität FrankfurtFrankfurtGermany
| | | | | | - Wei Huang
- Department of Engineering ScienceUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | | | - Pilar Junier
- Laboratory of MicrobiologyUniversity of NeuchâtelNeuchâtelSwitzerland
| | - Ricardo Amils
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo OchoaMadridSpain
| | - Xiao‐Lei Wu
- Department of Energy Resources EngineeringPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Eliora Ron
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer ResearchTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Huseyin Erten
- Department of Food EngineeringCukurova UniversityAdanaTurkey
| | | | - Alexander Rapoport
- Institute of Microbiology and BiotechnologyUniversity of LatviaRigaLatvia
| | - Maarja Öpik
- Department of BotanyUniversity of TartuTartuEstonia
| | | | | | | | - Jéssica Gil Serna
- Departamento de Genética, Fisiología y MicrobiologíaUniversidad Complutense de MadridMadridSpain
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Lanz-Mendoza H, Gálvez D, Contreras-Garduño J. The plasticity of immune memory in invertebrates. J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb246158. [PMID: 38449328 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246158] [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] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Whether specific immune protection after initial pathogen exposure (immune memory) occurs in invertebrates has long been uncertain. The absence of antibodies, B-cells and T-cells, and the short lifespans of invertebrates led to the hypothesis that immune memory does not occur in these organisms. However, research in the past two decades has supported the existence of immune memory in several invertebrate groups, including Ctenophora, Cnidaria, Nematoda, Mollusca and Arthropoda. Interestingly, some studies have demonstrated immune memory that is specific to the parasite strain. Nonetheless, other work does not provide support for immune memory in invertebrates or offers only partial support. Moreover, the expected biphasic immune response, a characteristic of adaptive immune memory in vertebrates, varies within and between invertebrate species. This variation may be attributed to the influence of biotic or abiotic factors, particularly parasites, on the outcome of immune memory. Despite its critical importance for survival, the role of phenotypic plasticity in immune memory has not been systematically examined in the past two decades. Additionally, the features of immune responses occurring in diverse environments have yet to be fully characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humberto Lanz-Mendoza
- Centro de Investigaciones sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, INSP, 62100 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Dumas Gálvez
- Coiba Scientific Station, City of Knowledge, Calle Gustavo Lara, Boulevard 145B, Clayton 0843-01853, Panama
- Programa Centroamericano de Maestría en Entomología, Universidad de Panamá, Estafeta universitaria, Avenida Simón Bolívar, 0824, Panama
- Sistema Nacional de Investigación, Edificio 205, Ciudad del Saber, 0816-02852, Panama
| | - Jorge Contreras-Garduño
- Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Unidad Morelia, UNAM, 58190 Morelia, Mexico
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
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Talavera A, Palmada-Flores M, Burriel-Carranza B, Valbuena-Ureña E, Mochales-Riaño G, Adams DC, Tejero-Cicuéndez H, Soler-Membrives A, Amat F, Guinart D, Carbonell F, Obon E, Marquès-Bonet T, Carranza S. Genomic insights into the Montseny brook newt ( Calotriton arnoldi), a Critically Endangered glacial relict. iScience 2024; 27:108665. [PMID: 38226169 PMCID: PMC10788218 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The Montseny brook newt (Calotriton arnoldi), considered the most endangered amphibian in Europe, is a relict salamandrid species endemic to a small massif located in northeastern Spain. Although conservation efforts should always be guided by genomic studies, those are yet scarce among urodeles, hampered by the extreme sizes of their genomes. Here, we present the third available genome assembly for the order Caudata, and the first genomic study of the species and its sister taxon, the Pyrenean brook newt (Calotriton asper), combining whole-genome and ddRADseq data. Our results reveal significant demographic oscillations which accurately mirrored Europe's climatic history. Although severe bottlenecks have led to depauperate genomic diversity and long runs of homozygosity along a gigantic genome, inbreeding might have been avoided by assortative mating strategies. Other life history traits, however, seem to have been less advantageous, and the lack of land dispersal has driven to exceptional levels of population fragmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Talavera
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Palmada-Flores
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bernat Burriel-Carranza
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Spain
- Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona, Pº Picasso s/n, Parc Ciutadella, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Dean C. Adams
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50010, USA
| | - Héctor Tejero-Cicuéndez
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Soler-Membrives
- Departament de Biologia Animal, de Biologia Vegetal i d'Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fèlix Amat
- Àrea d’Herpetologia, BiBIO, Museu de Granollers – Ciències Naturals. Palaudàries 102, Granollers, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Guinart
- Servei de Gestió de Parcs Naturals, Diputació de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Carbonell
- Centre de fauna salvatge de Torreferrussa (Forestal Catalana, SA), Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Spain
| | - Elena Obon
- Centre de fauna salvatge de Torreferrussa (Forestal Catalana, SA), Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Spain
| | - Tomàs Marquès-Bonet
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Spain
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Catalan Institution of Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Salvador Carranza
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Spain
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Cantini D, Choleris E, Kavaliers M. Neurobiology of Pathogen Avoidance and Mate Choice: Current and Future Directions. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:296. [PMID: 38254465 PMCID: PMC10812398 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Animals are under constant threat of parasitic infection. This has influenced the evolution of social behaviour and has strong implications for sexual selection and mate choice. Animals assess the infection status of conspecifics based on various sensory cues, with odours/chemical signals and the olfactory system playing a particularly important role. The detection of chemical cues and subsequent processing of the infection threat that they pose facilitates the expression of disgust, fear, anxiety, and adaptive avoidance behaviours. In this selective review, drawing primarily from rodent studies, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the detection and assessment of infection status and their relations to mate choice are briefly considered. Firstly, we offer a brief overview of the aspects of mate choice that are relevant to pathogen avoidance. Then, we specifically focus on the olfactory detection of and responses to conspecific cues of parasitic infection, followed by a brief overview of the neurobiological systems underlying the elicitation of disgust and the expression of avoidance of the pathogen threat. Throughout, we focus on current findings and provide suggestions for future directions and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dante Cantini
- Department of Psychology, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada;
| | - Elena Choleris
- Department of Psychology, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada;
| | - Martin Kavaliers
- Department of Psychology, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada;
- Department of Psychology, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
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Coupé S, Giantsis IA, Vázquez Luis M, Scarpa F, Foulquié M, Prévot J, Casu M, Lattos A, Michaelidis B, Sanna D, García‐March JR, Tena‐Medialdea J, Vicente N, Bunet R. The characterization of toll-like receptor repertoire in Pinna nobilis after mass mortality events suggests adaptive introgression. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10383. [PMID: 37546570 PMCID: PMC10401143 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The fan mussel Pinna nobilis is currently on the brink of extinction due to a multifactorial disease mainly caused to the highly pathogenic parasite Haplosporidium pinnae, meaning that the selection pressure outweighs the adaptive potential of the species. Hopefully, rare individuals have been observed somehow resistant to the parasite, stretching the need to identify the traits underlying this better fitness. Among the candidate to explore at first intention are fast-evolving immune genes, of which toll-like receptor (TLR). In this study, we examined the genetic diversity at 14 TLR loci across P. nobilis, Pinna rudis and P. nobilis × P. rudis hybrid genomes, collected at four physically distant regions, that were found to be either resistant or sensitive to the parasite H. pinnae. We report a high genetic diversity, mainly observed at cell surface TLRs compared with that of endosomal TLRs. However, the endosomal TLR-7 exhibited unexpected level of diversity and haplotype phylogeny. The lack of population structure, associated with a high genetic diversity and elevated dN/dS ratio, was interpreted as balancing selection, though both directional and purifying selection were detected. Interestingly, roughly 40% of the P. nobilis identified as resistant to H. pinnae were introgressed with P. rudis TLR. Specifically, they all carried a TLR-7 of P. rudis origin, whereas sensitive P. nobilis were not introgressed, at least at TLR loci. Small contributions of TLR-6 and TLR-4 single-nucleotide polymorphisms to the clustering of resistant and susceptible individuals could be detected, but their specific role in resistance remains highly speculative. This study provides new information on the diversity of TLR genes within the P. nobilis species after MME and additional insights into adaptation to H. pinnae that should contribute to the conservation of this Mediterranean endemic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Coupé
- Université de Toulon, Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IRD, MIOMarseilleFrance
| | | | - Maite Vázquez Luis
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO, CSIC), Centro Oceanográfico de BalearesPalma de MallorcaSpain
| | - Fabio Scarpa
- Department of Biomedical SciencesFabio Scarpa, Daria Sanna: University of SassariSassariItaly
| | - Mathieu Foulquié
- Université de Toulon, Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IRD, MIOMarseilleFrance
- Institut océanographique Paul RicardIle des Embiez, VarFrance
| | | | - Marco Casu
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of SassariSassariItaly
| | - Athanasios Lattos
- Faculty of Agricultural SciencesUniversity of Western MacedoniaKozaniGreece
| | - Basile Michaelidis
- Faculty of Agricultural SciencesUniversity of Western MacedoniaKozaniGreece
| | - Daria Sanna
- Department of Biomedical SciencesFabio Scarpa, Daria Sanna: University of SassariSassariItaly
| | - José Rafa García‐March
- IMEDMAR‐UCV, Institute of Environment and Marine Science ResearchUniversidad Católica de Valencia SVMCalpe, AlicanteSpain
| | - José Tena‐Medialdea
- IMEDMAR‐UCV, Institute of Environment and Marine Science ResearchUniversidad Católica de Valencia SVMCalpe, AlicanteSpain
| | - Nardo Vicente
- Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et Ecologie marine et continentale (IMBE), Aix‐Marseille Université, CNRS, IRD, Avignon UniversitéAvignonFrance
| | - Robert Bunet
- Institut océanographique Paul RicardIle des Embiez, VarFrance
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Kleebayoon A, Wiwanitkit V. Genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 in field isolates: Correspondence. PARASITES, HOSTS AND DISEASES 2023; 61:338-339. [PMID: 37648241 PMCID: PMC10471478 DOI: 10.3347/phd.23058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Viroj Wiwanitkit
- Adjunct professor, Chandigarh University, Punjab, India; Adjunct Professor, Joesph Ayobabalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji,
Nigeria
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Han Y, Hellgren O, Wu Q, Liu J, Jin T, Bensch S, Ding P. Seasonal variations of intensity of avian malaria infection in the Thousand Island Lake System, China. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:218. [PMID: 37403099 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05848-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migratory birds play an important part in the spread of parasites, with more or less impact on resident birds. Previous studies focus on the prevalence of parasites, but changes in infection intensity over time have rarely been studied. As infection intensity can be quantified by qPCR, we measured infection intensity during different seasons, which is important for our understanding of parasite transmission mechanisms. METHODS Wild birds were captured at the Thousand Island Lake with mist nets and tested for avian hemosporidiosis infections using nested PCR. Parasites were identified using the MalAvi database. Then, we used qPCR to quantify the infection intensity. We analyzed the monthly trends of intensity for all species and for different migratory status, parasite genera and sexes. RESULTS Of 1101 individuals, 407 were infected (37.0%) of which 95 were newly identified and mainly from the genus Leucocytozoon. The total intensity trend shows peaks at the start of summer, during the breeding season of hosts and during the over-winter season. Different parasite genera show different monthly trends. Plasmodium causes high prevalence and infection intensity of winter visitors. Female hosts show significant seasonal trends of infection intensity. CONCLUSIONS The seasonal changes of infection intensity is consistent with the prevalence. Peaks occur early and during the breeding season and then there is a downward trend. Spring relapses and avian immunity are possible reasons that could explain this phenomenon. In our study, winter visitors have a higher prevalence and infection intensity, but they rarely share parasites with resident birds. This shows that they were infected with Plasmodium during their departure or migration and rarely transmit the disease to resident birds. The different infection patterns of different parasite species may be due to vectors or other ecological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiao Han
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Olof Hellgren
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab, Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Qiang Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Juan Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tinghao Jin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Staffan Bensch
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab, Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ping Ding
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, China.
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8
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Gebrezgiher GB, Makundi RH, Katakweba AAS, Belmain SR, Lyimo CM, Meheretu Y. Arthropod Ectoparasites of Two Rodent Species Occurring in Varied Elevations on Tanzania’s Second Highest Mountain. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12030394. [PMID: 36979086 PMCID: PMC10045264 DOI: 10.3390/biology12030394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Climate change causes organisms, including species that act as parasite reservoirs and vectors, to shift their distribution to higher altitudes, affecting wildlife infestation patterns. We studied how ectoparasite distributions varied with altitude using two rodent species, Montemys delectorum and Rhabdomys dilectus, at different elevations (1500–3500 m). The ectoparasites infesting the two rodent species were influenced by the host sex, species, and temperature. We expected host density to predict parasite infestation patterns, because hosts in higher densities should have more parasites due to increased contact between individuals. However, temperature, not host density, affected ectoparasite distribution. Since temperatures decrease with elevation, parasite prevalences and abundances were lower at higher elevations, highlighting that the cold conditions at higher elevations limit reproduction and development—this shows that higher elevation zones are ideal for conservation. The rodents and ectoparasite species described in this study have been reported as vectors of diseases of medical and veterinary importance, necessitating precautions. Moreover, Mount Meru is a refuge for a number of endemic and threatened species on the IUCN Red List. Thus, the parasitic infection can also be an additional risk to these critical species as well as biodiversity in general. Therefore, our study lays the groundwork for future wildlife disease surveillance and biodiversity conservation management actions. The study found a previously uncharacterized mite species in the Mesostigmata group that was previously known to be a parasite of honeybees. Further investigations may shed light into the role of this mite species on Mount Meru.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genet B. Gebrezgiher
- African Centre of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and Biosensor Technology Development, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3110, Tanzania
- Institute of Pest Management, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3110, Tanzania
- Department of Wildlife Management, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3073, Tanzania
- Department of Biology, Mekelle University, Mekelle P.O. Box 231, Ethiopia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.:+255-710-421-237
| | - Rhodes H. Makundi
- African Centre of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and Biosensor Technology Development, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3110, Tanzania
- Institute of Pest Management, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3110, Tanzania
| | - Abdul A. S. Katakweba
- African Centre of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and Biosensor Technology Development, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3110, Tanzania
- Institute of Pest Management, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3110, Tanzania
| | - Steven R. Belmain
- Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Chatham Maritime ME4 4TB, UK
| | - Charles M. Lyimo
- Department of Animal, Aquaculture and Range Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro P.O. Box 3004, Tanzania
| | - Yonas Meheretu
- Department of Biology, Mekelle University, Mekelle P.O. Box 231, Ethiopia
- Institute of Mountain Research and Development, Mekelle University, Mekelle P.O. Box 3102, Ethiopia
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 901 83 Umea, Sweden
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9
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Walsman J, Duffy MA, Cáceres CE, Hall SR. ‘Resistance is futile’: Weaker selection for resistance by abundant parasites increases prevalence and depresses host density. Am Nat 2023; 201:864-879. [DOI: 10.1086/724426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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10
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Molecular and Electronic Structures, Spectra, Electrochemistry and Anti‐bacterial Efficacy of Novel Heterocyclic Hydrazones of Phenanthrenequinone and Their Nickel(II) Complexes. ChemistrySelect 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202202151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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11
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Yu S, Li B, Guan T, Liu L, Wang H, Liu C, Zang C, Huang Y, Liang C. A Comparison of Three Types of “Vineyard Management” and Their Effects on the Structure of Plasmopara viticola Populations and Epidemic Dynamics of Grape Downy Mildew. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11162175. [PMID: 36015477 PMCID: PMC9415147 DOI: 10.3390/plants11162175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Grape downy mildew (GDM) is a destructive grapevine disease caused by Plasmopara viticola that occurs worldwide. In this study, we determined the characteristics of GDM epidemics and the grapevine canopy micro-climate in open-field, fungicide-spray, and rain-shelter plots during two constitutive years (2016 and 2017). It was found that rain shelter can significantly delay the disease occurrence by 28 and 21 days, reduce the epidemic phase by 28 and 21 days, and decrease the final disease index by 82% and 83%. Furthermore, it can block precipitation, reduce the relative humidity by 11% and 8%, and reduce the leaf wetness duration by 85% and 76% compared with open-field cultivation. A total of 3861, 783, and 1145 lesions were collected from the open-field, fungicide-managed, and rain-shelter plots, respectively, for analyses of the genetic diversity, population differentiation, and epidemic mode with seven microsatellite markers. In terms of genetic diversity, the Nei’s diversity index ranged from 0.569 to 0.680 and Shannon’s information index ranged from 0.958 to 1.226, showing high levels of diversity across populations. Similar to fungicide management, a rain shelter can significantly reduce the population’s genetic diversity. Low pairwise FST values (0.003–0.047) and high gene flow (Nm = 1.548–20.699) were observed among the three populations each year. In addition, most of the genetic variation occurred within populations. The epidemic mode of GDM in the open-field, fungicide-managed, and rain-shelter cultivation showed moderate, low, and high levels of clonality, respectively, in the case study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyi Yu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang 110161, China
| | - Baihong Li
- Institute of Plant Protection, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang 110161, China
| | - Tianshu Guan
- Institute of Plant Protection, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang 110161, China
| | - Li Liu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang 110161, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang 110161, China
| | - Changyuan Liu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang 110161, China
| | - Chaoqun Zang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang 110161, China
| | - Yuqian Huang
- Plant Protection College, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
- Correspondence: (Y.H.); (C.L.)
| | - Chunhao Liang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang 110161, China
- Correspondence: (Y.H.); (C.L.)
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12
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Schwensow NI, Heni AC, Schmid J, Montero BK, Brändel SD, Halczok TK, Mayer G, Fackelmann G, Wilhelm K, Schmid DW, Sommer S. Disentangling direct from indirect effects of habitat disturbance on multiple components of biodiversity. J Anim Ecol 2022; 91:2220-2234. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexander Christoph Heni
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Ulm University Ulm Germany
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Ancón Panama
| | - Julian Schmid
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Ulm University Ulm Germany
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Ancón Panama
| | - B. Karina Montero
- Animal Ecology and Conservation Hamburg University Hamburg Germany
- Biodiversity Research Institute, Campus of Mieres, Universidad de Oviedo Mieres Spain
| | - Stefan Dominik Brändel
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Ulm University Ulm Germany
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Ancón Panama
| | | | - Gerd Mayer
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Ulm University Ulm Germany
| | - Gloria Fackelmann
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Ulm University Ulm Germany
| | - Kerstin Wilhelm
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Ulm University Ulm Germany
| | - Dominik Werner Schmid
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Ulm University Ulm Germany
| | - Simone Sommer
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Ulm University Ulm Germany
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13
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A paradox of parasite resistance: disease-driven trophic cascades increase the cost of resistance, selecting for lower resistance with parasites than without them. Evol Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10682-022-10203-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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14
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Magid M, Wold JR, Moraga R, Cubrinovska I, Houston DM, Gartrell BD, Steeves TE. Leveraging an existing whole genome resequencing population dataset to characterize toll‐like receptor gene diversity in a threatened bird. Mol Ecol Resour 2022; 22:2810-2825. [PMID: 35635119 PMCID: PMC9543821 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Species recovery programs are increasingly using genomic data to measure neutral genetic diversity and calculate metrics like relatedness. While these measures can inform conservation management, determining the mechanisms underlying inbreeding depression requires information about functional genes associated with adaptive or maladaptive traits. Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are one family of functional genes, which play a crucial role in recognition of pathogens and activation of the immune system. Previously, these genes have been analysed using species‐specific primers and PCR. Here, we leverage an existing short‐read reference genome, whole‐genome resequencing population data set, and bioinformatic tools to characterize TLR gene diversity in captive and wild tchūriwat’/tūturuatu/shore plover (Thinornis novaeseelandiae), a threatened bird endemic to Aotearoa New Zealand. Our results show that TLR gene diversity in tchūriwat’/tūturuatu is low, and forms two distinct captive and wild genetic clusters. The bioinformatic approach presented here has broad applicability to other threatened species with existing genomic resources in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Magid
- University of Canterbury School of Biological Sciences Christchurch NZ
| | - Jana R. Wold
- University of Canterbury School of Biological Sciences Christchurch NZ
| | - Roger Moraga
- Tea Break Bioinformatics, Ltd Palmerston North NZ
| | - Ilina Cubrinovska
- University of Canterbury School of Biological Sciences Christchurch NZ
| | | | - Brett D. Gartrell
- Wildbase Massey University Institute of Veterinary, Animal, and Biomedical Sciences, Palmerston North, Manawatu NZ
| | - Tammy E. Steeves
- University of Canterbury School of Biological Sciences Christchurch NZ
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15
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Occhibove F, McKeown NJ, Risley C, Ironside JE. Eco-epidemiological screening of multi-host wild rodent communities in the UK reveals pathogen strains of zoonotic interest. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 17:278-287. [PMID: 35309039 PMCID: PMC8927908 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Wild rodent communities represent ideal systems to study pathogens and parasites shared among sympatric species. Such studies are useful in the investigation of eco-epidemiological dynamics, improving disease management strategies and reducing zoonotic risk. The aim of this study was to investigate pathogen and parasites shared among rodent species (multi-host community) in West Wales in an area where human/wildlife disease risk was not previously assessed. West Wales is predominantly rural, with human settlements located alongside to grazing areas and semi-natural landscapes, creating a critical human-livestock-wildlife interface. Ground-dwelling wild rodent communities in Wales were live-trapped and biological samples – faeces and ectoparasites – collected and screened for a suite of pathogens and parasites that differ in types of transmission and ecology. Faecal samples were examined to detect Herpesvirus, Escherichia coli, and Mycobacterium microti. Ticks and fleas were collected, identified to species based on morphology and genetic barcodes, and then screened for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, and Bartonella sp. All the pathogens and parasites screened pose a characteristic epidemiological challenge, such as variable level of generalism, unknown zoonotic potential, and lack of data. The results showed that the bank vole Myodes glareolus had the highest prevalence of all pathogens and parasites. Higher flea species diversity was detected than in previous studies, and at least two Bartonella species were found circulating, one of which has not previously been detected in the UK. These key findings offer new insights into the distribution of selected pathogen and parasites and subsequent zoonotic risk, and provide new baselines and perspectives for further eco-epidemiological research. Ixodes trianguliceps dominated tick species found on sampled rodent populations. A zoonotic Babesia microti strain was isolated in ticks parasitising UK rodents. High flea diversity varied seasonally, harbouring at least two Bartonella species. Candidatus Bartonella rudovakii was isolated for the first time in the UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Occhibove
- IBERS, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BB, UK
- Corresponding author. UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BB, UK.
| | | | - Claire Risley
- IBERS, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
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16
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Zhai D, Li B, Xiong F, Jiang W, Liu H, Luo C, Duan X, Chen D. Population Genetics Reveals Invasion Origin of Coilia brachygnathus in the Three Gorges Reservoir of the Yangtze River, China. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.783215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-indigenous fish invasions have posed a serious threat to global fish diversity and aquatic ecosystem security. Studying the invasion sources, pathways, and genetic mechanisms by means of population genetics is helpful in the management and control of non-indigenous fishes. In this study, we used mitochondrial Cyt b gene, D-Loop region and microsatellite markers to analyze the genetic diversity and population structure of 12 Coilia brachygnathus populations from the native and invaded regions of the Yangtze River Basin in order to explore the invasion sources, pathways, and genetic mechanisms of C. brachygnathus in the Three Gorges Reservoir. The results showed that the main invasion sources of C. brachygnathus in the Three Gorges Reservoir were the Poyanghu Lake, Dongtinghu Lake, Changhu Lake, and other populations in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. The invasion pathway may have involved moving upstream through the operation of ship locks. The genetic diversity of C. brachygnathus in the invasive populations was significantly smaller than in the native populations, indicating a founder effect. The low genetic diversity did not affect the successful invasion, confirming that genetic diversity and successful invasion do not always have a simple causal relationship. These results can provide basic data for the prevention and control of C. brachygnathus in the Three Gorges Reservoir and study case for understanding the mechanism of invasion genetics.
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17
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Smith D, O'Brien D, Hall J, Sergeant C, Brookes LM, Harrison XA, Garner TWJ, Jehle R. Challenging a host-pathogen paradigm: Susceptibility to chytridiomycosis is decoupled from genetic erosion. J Evol Biol 2022; 35:589-598. [PMID: 35167143 PMCID: PMC9306973 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The putatively positive association between host genetic diversity and the ability to defend against pathogens has long attracted the attention of evolutionary biologists. Chytridiomycosis, a disease caused by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), has emerged in recent decades as a cause of dramatic declines and extinctions across the amphibian clade. Bd susceptibility can vary widely across populations of the same species, but the relationship between standing genetic diversity and susceptibility has remained notably underexplored so far. Here, we focus on a putatively Bd‐naive system of two mainland and two island populations of the common toad (Bufo bufo) at the edge of the species’ range and use controlled infection experiments and dd‐RAD sequencing of >10 000 SNPs across 95 individuals to characterize the role of host population identity, genetic variation and individual body mass in mediating host response to the pathogen. We found strong genetic differentiation between populations and marked variation in their susceptibility to Bd. This variation was not, however, governed by isolation‐mediated genetic erosion, and individual heterozygosity was even found to be negatively correlated with survival. Individual survival during infection experiments was strongly positively related to body mass, which itself was unrelated to population of origin or heterozygosity. Our findings underscore the general importance of context‐dependency when assessing the role of host genetic variation for the ability of defence against pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donal Smith
- School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, M5 4WT, Salford, UK.,Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - David O'Brien
- Highland Amphibian and Reptile Project, Woodlands, Brae of Kinkell, Dingwall, IV7 8HZ, UK
| | - Jeanette Hall
- Highland Amphibian and Reptile Project, Woodlands, Brae of Kinkell, Dingwall, IV7 8HZ, UK
| | - Chris Sergeant
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Lola M Brookes
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK.,MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College School of Public Health, Floor 11, Sir Michael Uren Building, 80 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK.,Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Xavier A Harrison
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK.,Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Trenton W J Garner
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Robert Jehle
- School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, M5 4WT, Salford, UK
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18
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Ketz AC, Robinson SJ, Johnson CJ, Samuel MD. Pathogen‐mediated selection and management implications for white‐tailed deer exposed to chronic wasting disease. J Appl Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.14109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alison C. Ketz
- Wisconsin Cooperative Research Unit Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin Madison WI USA
| | - Stacie J. Robinson
- NOAA Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center Honolulu HI USA
| | - Chad J. Johnson
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology University of Wisconsin Madison WI USA
| | - Michael D. Samuel
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin Madison WI USA
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19
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Investigating Associations Among Relatedness, Genetic Diversity, and Causes of Mortality In Southern Sea Otters (Enhydra lutris nereis). J Wildl Dis 2021; 58:63-75. [PMID: 34818404 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-21-00019] [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: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) population recovery is influenced by a variety of factors, including predation, biotoxin exposure, infectious disease, oil spills, habitat degradation, and resource limitation. This population has also experienced a significant genetic bottleneck, resulting in low genetic diversity. We investigated how two metrics, familial relatedness and genetic diversity, are correlated with common causes of mortality in southern sea otters, including cardiomyopathy, acanthocephalan (Profilicollis spp.) peritonitis, systemic protozoal infection (Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis neurona), domoic acid intoxication, end-lactation syndrome, and shark bite. Microsatellite genetic markers were used to examine this association in 356 southern sea otters necropsied from 1998 to 2012. Significant associations with genetic diversity or familial relatedness (P<0.05) were observed for cardiomyopathy, acanthocephalan peritonitis, and sarcocystosis, and these associations varied by sex. Adult male cardiomyopathy cases (n=86) were more related than the null expectation (P<0.049). Conversely, female acanthocephalan peritonitis controls (n=110) were more related than the null expectation (P<0.004). Including genetic diversity as a predictor for fatal acanthocephalan peritonitis in the multivariate logistic model significantly improved model fit; lower genetic diversity was associated with reduced odds of sea otter death due to acanthocephalan peritonitis. Finally, male sarcocystosis controls (n=158) were more related than the null expectation (P<0.011). Including genetic diversity in the multivariate logistic model for fatal S. neurona infection improved model fit; lower genetic diversity was associated with increased odds of sea otter death due to S. neurona. Our study suggests that genetic diversity and familial relatedness, in conjunction with other factors such as age and sex, may influence outcome (survival or death) in relation to several common southern sea otter diseases. Our findings can inform policy for conservation management, such as potential reintroduction efforts, as part of species recovery.
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20
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Reyne M, Dicks K, McFarlane C, Aubry A, Emmerson M, Marnell F, Reid N, Helyar S. Population genetic structure of the Natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita) in Ireland: implications for conservation management. CONSERV GENET 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-021-01421-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AbstractMolecular methods can play a crucial role in species management and conservation. Despite the usefulness of genetic approaches, they are often not explicitly included as part of species recovery plans and conservation practises. The Natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita) is regionally Red-Listed as Endangered in Ireland. The species is declining and is now present at just seven sites within a highly restricted range. This study used 13 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers to analyse the population genetic diversity and structure. Genetic diversity was high with expected heterozygosity between 0.55 and 0.61 and allelic richness between 4.77 and 5.92. Effective population sizes were small (Ne < 100 individuals), but not abnormal for pond breeding amphibians. However, there was no evidence of historical or contemporary genetic bottlenecks or high levels of inbreeding. We identified a positive relationship between Ne and breeding pond surface area, suggesting that environmental factors are a key determinant of population size. Significant genetic structuring was detected throughout the species’ range, and we identified four genetic entities that should be considered in the species’ conservation strategies. Management should focus on preventing further population declines and future loss of genetic diversity overall and within genetic entities while maintaining adequate local effective population size through site-specific protection, human-mediated translocations and head-start programs. The apparent high levels of genetic variation give hope for the conservation of Ireland’s rarest amphibian if appropriately protected and managed.
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21
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Hurtado G, Mayer G, Mabry KE. Does urbanization ameliorate the effect of endoparasite infection in kangaroo rats? Ecol Evol 2021; 11:13390-13400. [PMID: 34646477 PMCID: PMC8495810 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Urban development can fragment and degrade remnant habitat. Such habitat alterations can have profound impacts on wildlife, including effects on population density, parasite infection status, parasite prevalence, and body condition. We investigated the influence of urbanization on populations of Merriam's kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami) and their parasites. We predicted that urban development would lead to reduced abundance, increased parasite prevalence in urban populations, increased probability of parasite infection for individual animals, and decreased body condition of kangaroo rats in urban versus wildland areas. We live trapped kangaroo rats at 5 urban and 5 wildland sites in and around Las Cruces, NM, USA from 2013 to 2015, collected fecal samples from 209 kangaroo rats, and detected endoparasites using fecal flotation and molecular barcoding. Seven parasite species were detected, although only two parasitic worms, Mastophorus dipodomis and Pterygodermatites dipodomis, occurred frequently enough to allow for statistical analysis. We found no effects of urbanization on population density or probability of parasite infection. However, wildland animals infected with P. dipodomis had lower body condition scores than infected animals in urban areas or uninfected animals in either habitat. Our results suggest that urban environments may buffer Merriam's kangaroo rats from the detrimental impacts to body condition that P. dipodomis infections can cause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gizelle Hurtado
- Department of BiologyNew Mexico State UniversityLas CrucesNMUSA
- Norris Natural History MuseumUniversity of California Santa CruzSanta CruzCAUSA
| | | | - Karen E. Mabry
- Department of BiologyNew Mexico State UniversityLas CrucesNMUSA
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22
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Phillips KP, Cable J, Mohammed RS, Chmielewski S, Przesmycka KJ, van Oosterhout C, Radwan J. Functional immunogenetic variation, rather than local adaptation, predicts ectoparasite infection intensity in a model fish species. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:5588-5604. [PMID: 34415650 PMCID: PMC9292977 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Natural host populations differ in their susceptibility to infection by parasites, and these intrapopulation differences are still an incompletely understood component of host‐parasite dynamics. In this study, we used controlled infection experiments with wild‐caught guppies (Poecilia reticulata) and their ectoparasite Gyrodactylus turnbulli to investigate the roles of local adaptation and host genetic composition (immunogenetic and neutral) in explaining differences in susceptibility to infection. We found differences between our four study host populations that were consistent between two parasite source populations, with no indication of local adaptation by either host or parasite at two tested spatial scales. Greater values of host population genetic variability metrics broadly aligned with lower population mean infection intensity, with the best alignments associated with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) “supertypes”. Controlling for intrapopulation differences and potential inbreeding variance, we found a significant negative relationship between individual‐level functional MHC variability and infection: fish carrying more MHC supertypes experienced infections of lower severity, with limited evidence for supertype‐specific effects. We conclude that population‐level differences in host infection susceptibility probably reflect variation in parasite selective pressure and/or host evolutionary potential, underpinned by functional immunogenetic variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl P Phillips
- Evolutionary Biology Group, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland.,School of Biological Earth & Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Marine Institute, Newport, Co. Mayo, Ireland
| | - Joanne Cable
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Ryan S Mohammed
- Evolutionary Biology Group, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland.,Department of Life Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Sebastian Chmielewski
- Evolutionary Biology Group, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - Karolina J Przesmycka
- Evolutionary Biology Group, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - Cock van Oosterhout
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Jacek Radwan
- Evolutionary Biology Group, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
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23
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Diaz-Martin Z, Karubian J. Forest cover at landscape scales increases male and female gametic diversity of palm seedlings. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:4353-4367. [PMID: 34216497 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Genetic diversity shapes the evolutionary potential of plant populations. For outcrossing plants, genetic diversity is influenced by effective population size and by dispersal, first of paternal gametes through pollen, and then of paternal and maternal gametes through seeds. Forest loss often reduces genetic diversity, but the degree to which it differentially impacts the paternal and maternal contributions to genetic diversity and the spatial scale at which these impacts are most pronounced are poorly understood. To address these questions, we genotyped 504 seedlings of the animal-dispersed palm Oenocarpus bataua collected from 29 widely distributed sites across Ecuador and decomposed the contribution of paternal and maternal gametes to overall genetic diversity. The amount of forest cover at a landscape scale (>10 km radius) had an equally significant positive association with both male and female gametic diversity. In addition, there was a significant positive association between forest cover and effective population size. Stronger fine-scale spatial genetic structure for female versus male gametes was observed at sites with low forest cover, but this did not scale up to differences in male versus female gametic diversity. These findings show that reductions in forest cover at spatial scales much larger than those typically evaluated in ecological studies lead to significant, and equivalent, decreases of diversity in both male and female gametes, and that this association between landscape level forest loss and genetic diversity may be driven directly by reductions in effective population size of O. bataua, rather than by indirect disruptions to local dispersal processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Diaz-Martin
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.,Foundation for the Conservation of the Tropical Andes (FCAT), Quito, Ecuador
| | - Jordan Karubian
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.,Foundation for the Conservation of the Tropical Andes (FCAT), Quito, Ecuador
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24
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Host genotype and genetic diversity shape the evolution of a novel bacterial infection. THE ISME JOURNAL 2021; 15:2146-2157. [PMID: 33603148 PMCID: PMC8245636 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-021-00911-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Pathogens continue to emerge from increased contact with novel host species. Whilst these hosts can represent distinct environments for pathogens, the impacts of host genetic background on how a pathogen evolves post-emergence are unclear. In a novel interaction, we experimentally evolved a pathogen (Staphylococcus aureus) in populations of wild nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans) to test whether host genotype and genetic diversity affect pathogen evolution. After ten rounds of selection, we found that pathogen virulence evolved to vary across host genotypes, with differences in host metal ion acquisition detected as a possible driver of increased host exploitation. Diverse host populations selected for the highest levels of pathogen virulence, but infectivity was constrained, unlike in host monocultures. We hypothesise that population heterogeneity might pool together individuals that contribute disproportionately to the spread of infection or to enhanced virulence. The genomes of evolved populations were sequenced, and it was revealed that pathogens selected in distantly-related host genotypes diverged more than those in closely-related host genotypes. S. aureus nevertheless maintained a broad host range. Our study provides unique empirical insight into the evolutionary dynamics that could occur in other novel infections of wildlife and humans.
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25
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Pérez-González J, Carranza J, Martínez R, Benítez-Medina JM. Host Genetic Diversity and Infectious Diseases. Focus on Wild Boar, Red Deer and Tuberculosis. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:1630. [PMID: 34072907 PMCID: PMC8229303 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Host genetic diversity tends to limit disease spread in nature and buffers populations against epidemics. Genetic diversity in wildlife is expected to receive increasing attention in contexts related to disease transmission and human health. Ungulates such as wild boar (Sus scrofa) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) are important zoonotic hosts that can be precursors to disease emergence and spread in humans. Tuberculosis is a zoonotic disease with relevant consequences and can present high prevalence in wild boar and red deer populations. Here, we review studies on the genetic diversity of ungulates and determine to what extent these studies consider its importance on the spread of disease. This assessment also focused on wild boar, red deer, and tuberculosis. We found a disconnection between studies treating genetic diversity and those dealing with infectious diseases. Contrarily, genetic diversity studies in ungulates are mainly concerned with conservation. Despite the existing disconnection between studies on genetic diversity and studies on disease emergence and spread, the knowledge gathered in each discipline can be applied to the other. The bidirectional applications are illustrated in wild boar and red deer populations from Spain, where TB is an important threat for wildlife, livestock, and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Pérez-González
- Biology and Ethology Unit, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
| | - Juan Carranza
- Wildlife Research Unit (UIRCP), University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain;
| | - Remigio Martínez
- Infectious Pathology Unit, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (R.M.); (J.M.B.-M.)
| | - José Manuel Benítez-Medina
- Infectious Pathology Unit, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (R.M.); (J.M.B.-M.)
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26
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Revathi Venkateswaran V, Roth O, Gokhale CS. Consequences of combining sex-specific traits. Evolution 2021; 75:1274-1287. [PMID: 33759452 DOI: 10.1111/evo.14204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Males and females follow distinct life-history strategies that have co-evolved with several sex-specific traits. Higher investment into parental investment (PI) demands an increased lifespan. Thus, resource allocation toward an efficient immune system is mandatory. In contrast, resources allocated toward secondary sexual signals (ornamentation) may negatively correlate with investment into immunity and ultimately result in a shorter lifespan. Previous studies have addressed how resource allocation toward single sex-specific traits impacts lifetime reproductive success (LRS). However, the trade-offs between diverse sex-specific characteristics and their impact on LRS remain largely unassessed impeding our understanding of life-history evolution. We have designed a theoretical framework (informed by experimental data and evolutionary genetics) that explores the effects of multiple sex-specific traits and assessed how they influence LRS. From the individual sex-specific traits, we inferred the consequences at the population level by evaluating adult sex ratios (ASR). Our theory implies that sex-specific resource allocation toward the assessed traits resulted in a biased ASR. Our model focuses on the impact of PI, ornamentation, and immunity as causal to biased ASR. The framework developed herein can be employed to understand the combined impact of diverse sex-specific traits on the LRS and the eventual population dynamics of particular model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vandana Revathi Venkateswaran
- Department of Evolutionary Theory, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, August Thienemann Str. 2, Plön, 24306, Germany
| | - Olivia Roth
- GEOMAR - Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research, Düsternbrookerweg 20, Kiel, D-24105, Germany
| | - Chaitanya S Gokhale
- Department of Evolutionary Theory, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, August Thienemann Str. 2, Plön, 24306, Germany
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27
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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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28
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Granados-Martínez S, Zumbado-Ulate H, Searle CL, Oliveira BF, García-Rodríguez A. Niche Contraction of an Endangered Frog Driven by the Amphibian Chytrid Fungus. ECOHEALTH 2021; 18:134-144. [PMID: 34184170 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-021-01525-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Introduced pathogens can alter the geographic distribution of susceptible host species. For example, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is a fungal pathogen that has been linked to the global decline and extinction of numerous amphibian species during the last four decades. A growing number of studies have described the distribution of Bd and susceptible hosts across the globe; however, knowledge on how Bd may shape the climatic niche of susceptible species is still missing. We estimated the effect of Bd on the geographic distribution and niche dynamics of the critically endangered lowland robber frog (Craugastor ranoides) in Costa Rica. We found a reduction of 98% in the geographic range of this species by 1995, following the epizootic outbreaks of Bd that affected Costa Rica in the 1980 and early 1990s. We also quantified niche contraction and found that the species is currently restricted to dry and warm environments that have been considered unsuitable for Bd. Our results contribute to the understanding of how emerging pathogens shape the climatic niches and geographic distribution of susceptible species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofía Granados-Martínez
- Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, Montes de Oca, San Pedro, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica.
- Facultad de Microbiología, Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, 11501, Costa Rica.
| | - Héctor Zumbado-Ulate
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Catherine L Searle
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Brunno F Oliveira
- Environmental Science and Policy Department, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, 59078-900, Brazil
| | - Adrián García-Rodríguez
- Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, Montes de Oca, San Pedro, San José, 11501-2060, Costa Rica
- Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, 59078-900, Brazil
- Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, México
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29
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Perrin A, Khimoun A, Faivre B, Ollivier A, de Pracontal N, Théron F, Loubon M, Leblond G, Duron O, Garnier S. Habitat fragmentation differentially shapes neutral and immune gene variation in a tropical bird species. Heredity (Edinb) 2021; 126:148-162. [PMID: 32934360 PMCID: PMC7853120 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-020-00366-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Habitat fragmentation is a major cause of biodiversity loss, responsible for an alteration of intraspecific patterns of neutral genetic diversity and structure. Although neutral genetic variation can be informative for demographic inferences, it may be a poor predictor of adaptive genetic diversity and thus of the consequences of habitat fragmentation on selective evolutionary processes. In this context, we contrasted patterns of genetic diversity and structure of neutral loci (microsatellites) and immune genes (i.e., toll-like receptors) in an understorey bird species, the wedge-billed woodcreeper Glyphorynchus spirurus. The objectives were (1) to investigate forest fragmentation effects on population genetic diversity, (2) to disentangle the relative role of demography (genetic drift and migration) and selection, and (3) to assess whether immunogenetic patterns could be associated with variation of ectoparasite (i.e., ticks) pressures. Our results revealed an erosion of neutral genetic diversity and a substantial genetic differentiation among fragmented populations, resulting from a decrease in landscape connectivity and leading to the divergence of distinct genetic pools at a small spatial scale. Patterns of genetic diversity observed for TLR4 and TLR5 were concordant with neutral genetic patterns, whereas those observed for TLR3 and TLR21 were discordant. This result underlines that the dominant evolutionary force shaping immunogenetic diversity (genetic drift vs. selection) may be different depending on loci considered. Finally, tick prevalence was higher in fragmented environments. We discussed the hypothesis that pathogen selective pressures may contribute to maintain adaptive genetic diversity despite the negative demographic effect of habitat fragmentation on neutral genetic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Perrin
- Biogéosciences, UMR 6282 CNRS, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 6 Boulevard Gabriel, 21000, Dijon, France.
| | - Aurélie Khimoun
- Biogéosciences, UMR 6282 CNRS, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 6 Boulevard Gabriel, 21000, Dijon, France
| | - Bruno Faivre
- Biogéosciences, UMR 6282 CNRS, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 6 Boulevard Gabriel, 21000, Dijon, France
| | - Anthony Ollivier
- Biogéosciences, UMR 6282 CNRS, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 6 Boulevard Gabriel, 21000, Dijon, France
| | - Nyls de Pracontal
- Groupe d'Etude et de Protection des Oiseaux en Guyane, 431 route d'Attila Cabassou, 97354, Rémire-Montjoly, France
| | - Franck Théron
- Groupe d'Etude et de Protection des Oiseaux en Guyane, 431 route d'Attila Cabassou, 97354, Rémire-Montjoly, France
| | - Maxime Loubon
- Groupe d'Etude et de Protection des Oiseaux en Guyane, 431 route d'Attila Cabassou, 97354, Rémire-Montjoly, France
| | - Gilles Leblond
- SARL BIOS, Route de Davidon, Duzer, 97115, Sainte-Rose, France
| | - Olivier Duron
- Maladies Infectieuses et Vecteurs: Ecologie, Génétique, Evolution et Contrôle (MIVEGEC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut pour la Recherche et le Développement (IRD), Université de Montpellier (UM), Montpellier, France
| | - Stéphane Garnier
- Biogéosciences, UMR 6282 CNRS, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 6 Boulevard Gabriel, 21000, Dijon, France
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30
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Sagonas K, Meyer BS, Kaufmann J, Lenz TL, Häsler R, Eizaguirre C. Experimental Parasite Infection Causes Genome-Wide Changes in DNA Methylation. Mol Biol Evol 2020; 37:2287-2299. [PMID: 32227215 PMCID: PMC7531312 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msaa084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites are arguably among the strongest drivers of natural selection, constraining hosts to evolve resistance and tolerance mechanisms. Although, the genetic basis of adaptation to parasite infection has been widely studied, little is known about how epigenetic changes contribute to parasite resistance and eventually, adaptation. Here, we investigated the role of host DNA methylation modifications to respond to parasite infections. In a controlled infection experiment, we used the three-spined stickleback fish, a model species for host-parasite studies, and their nematode parasite Camallanus lacustris. We showed that the levels of DNA methylation are higher in infected fish. Results furthermore suggest correlations between DNA methylation and shifts in key fitness and immune traits between infected and control fish, including respiratory burst and functional trans-generational traits such as the concentration of motile sperm. We revealed that genes associated with metabolic, developmental, and regulatory processes (cell death and apoptosis) were differentially methylated between infected and control fish. Interestingly, genes such as the neuropeptide FF receptor 2 and the integrin alpha 1 as well as molecular pathways including the Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation were hypermethylated in infected fish, suggesting parasite-mediated repression mechanisms of immune responses. Altogether, we demonstrate that parasite infection contributes to genome-wide DNA methylation modifications. Our study brings novel insights into the evolution of vertebrate immunity and suggests that epigenetic mechanisms are complementary to genetic responses against parasite-mediated selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kostas Sagonas
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Britta S Meyer
- Evolutionary Ecology of Marine Fishes, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Kiel, Germany
| | - Joshka Kaufmann
- School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Republic of Ireland
- Department for Evolutionary Ecology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Tobias L Lenz
- Research Group for Evolutionary Immunogenomics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Robert Häsler
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Christophe Eizaguirre
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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31
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Abstract
We focus on the relationship between the COVID-19 threat and variety-seeking. Increased perceived threat of COVID-19 increases the number of different options selected in multiple choices. Increased perceived threat of COVID-19 increases the number of risky activities selected. The type of decision moderates the impact of the perceived threat on variety-seeking.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced our daily and social lives as well as our consumption patterns. This paper focuses on the relationship between the COVID-19 threat and variety-seeking. Based on several theories, including reactance theory and terror management theory, we predict that the perceived threat of COVID-19 will increase the tendency to choose more and different options in multiple choice settings. Firstly, two empirical studies demonstrate that variety-seeking in food and stationery choices is enhanced as people's perceived threat from the disease increases. Study 3 further suggests the boundary conditions of the above pattern in that the type of decision (i.e., multiple option selections across different brands vs. within the same brand) will moderate the impact of the perceived threat on varietyseeking. Specifically, when the decision involved choice across different brands, participants showed higher variety-seeking under high (vs. low) perceived threat. However, the opposite pattern was true when the decision involved choice within the same brand. This research offers a deeper understanding of how variety-seeking can be changed by the perceived threat of COVID-19.
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32
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Zamora-Mejías D, Herrera-Mares A, Ojeda M, Medellin RA. Ornithodoros dyeri (Parasitiformes: Ixodida: Argasidae) parasitizing Leptonycteris yerbabuenae (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in Mexico. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101514. [PMID: 32993934 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101514] [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: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Parasites are a selective force that shape communities and ecosystems. Hosts represent a food source, habitat, and a way to disperse. In recent years, investigations dealing with bats and their role as hosts to numerous parasitic organisms, including metazoan ectoparasites and endoparasites have increased, and soft ticks (Parasitiformes: Ixodida: Argasidae) are among the best known. In Mexico, 16 species of soft ticks associated with bats have been reported up to now, but there are no specific records of soft ticks parasitizing Leptonycteris yerbabuenae in the country. Herein, we record for the first time the presence of Ornithodoros dyeri parasitizing L. yerbabuenae and report an extension of its geographic distribution. The same tick species was also recorded from the California leaf-nosed bat (Macrotus californicus). Data on prevalence, mean intensity, mean abundance, tick identification, and possible scenarios of life cycle associations for O. dyeri and one of its hosts, L. yerbabuenae, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Zamora-Mejías
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tercer Circuito Exterior S/N, CP 04510, México, D. F., Mexico; Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ap. Postal 70-275 04510, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico.
| | - Angel Herrera-Mares
- Laboratorio de Acarología, Departamento de Biología Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior s/n, Coyoacán, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Margarita Ojeda
- Laboratorio de Ecología y Sistemática de Microartrópodos, Departamento de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior s/n, Coyoacán, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Rodrigo A Medellin
- Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ap. Postal 70-275 04510, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico
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Mavrot F, Orsel K, Hutchins W, Adams LG, Beckmen K, Blake JE, Checkley SL, Davison T, Di Francesco J, Elkin B, Leclerc LM, Schneider A, Tomaselli M, Kutz SJ. Novel insights into serodiagnosis and epidemiology of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, a newly recognized pathogen in muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus). PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231724. [PMID: 32315366 PMCID: PMC7173868 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Muskoxen are a key species of Arctic ecosystems and are important for food security and socio-economic well-being of many Indigenous communities in the Arctic and Subarctic. Between 2009 and 2014, the bacterium Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was isolated for the first time in this species in association with multiple mortality events in Canada and Alaska, raising questions regarding the spatiotemporal occurrence of the pathogen and its potential impact on muskox populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS We adapted a commercial porcine E. rhusiopathiae enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to test 958 blood samples that were collected from muskoxen from seven regions in Alaska and the Canadian Arctic between 1976 and 2017. The cut-off between negative and positive results was established using mixture-distribution analysis, a data-driven approach. Based on 818 samples for which a serological status could be determined and with complete information, we calculated trends in sample seroprevalences in population time-series and compared them with population trends in the investigated regions. RESULTS Overall, 219/818 (27.8%, 95% Confidence Interval: 24.7-31.0) samples were classified as positive for exposure to E. rhusiopathiae. There were large variations between years and regions. Seropositive animals were found among the earliest serum samples tested; 1976 in Alaska and 1991 in Canada. In Alaskan muskoxen, sample seroprevalence increased after 2000 and, in two regions, peak seroprevalences occurred simultaneously with population declines. In one of these regions, concurrent unusual mortalities were observed and E. rhusiopathiae was isolated from muskox carcasses. In Canada, there was an increase in sample seroprevalence in two muskox populations following known mortality events that had been attributed to E. rhusiopathiae. CONCLUSION Our results indicate widespread exposure of muskoxen to E. rhusiopathiae in western Canada and Alaska. Although not new to the Arctic, we documented an increased exposure to the pathogen in several regions concurrent with population declines. Understanding causes for the apparent increased occurrence of this pathogen and its association with large scale mortality events for muskoxen is critical to evaluate the implications for wildlife and wildlife-dependent human populations in the Arctic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Mavrot
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Karin Orsel
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Wendy Hutchins
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Layne G. Adams
- US Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Sitca, Alaska, United States of America
| | - Kimberlee Beckmen
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Juneau, Alaska, United States of America
| | - John E. Blake
- University of Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States of America
| | - Sylvia L. Checkley
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tracy Davison
- Government of the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
| | | | - Brett Elkin
- Government of the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
| | | | - Angela Schneider
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Matilde Tomaselli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Canadian High Arctic Research Station, Polar Knowledge Canada, Ottawa, Nunavut, Canada
| | - Susan J. Kutz
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Solak HM, Yanchukov A, Çolak F, Matur F, Sözen M, Ayanoğlu İC, Winternitz JC. Altitudinal Effects on Innate Immune Response of a Subterranean Rodent. Zoolog Sci 2020; 37:31-41. [PMID: 32068372 DOI: 10.2108/zs190067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Immune defense is costly to maintain and deploy, and the optimal investment into immune defense depends on risk of infection. Altitude is a natural environmental factor that is predicted to affect parasite abundance, with lower parasite abundance predicted at higher altitudes due to stronger environmental stressors, which reduce parasite transmission. Using high and low altitude populations of the Turkish blind mole-rat (TBMR) Nannospalax xanthodon, we tested for effects of altitude on constitutive innate immune defense. Field studies were performed with 32 wild animals in 2017 and 2018 from two low- and one high-altitude localities in the Central Taurus Mountains, at respective altitudes of 1010 m, 1115 m, and 2900 m above sea level. We first compared innate standing immune defense as measured by the bacteria-killing ability of blood serum. We then measured corticosterone stress hormone levels, as stressful conditions may affect immune response. Finally, we compared prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasites of field-captured TBMR. We found that the bacteria-killing ability of serum is greater in the mole-rat samples from high altitude. There was no significant difference in stress (corticosterone) levels between altitude categories. Coccidian prevalence and abundance were significantly higher in 2017 than 2018 samples, but there was no significant difference in prevalence, abundance, or intensity between altitudes, or between sexes. Small sample sizes may have reduced power to detect true differences; nevertheless, this study provides support that greater standing innate immunity in high altitude animals may reflect greater investment into constitutive defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halil Mert Solak
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Bülent Ecevit University, Farabi Campus, 67100, İncivez, Zonguldak, Turkey
| | - Alexey Yanchukov
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Bülent Ecevit University, Farabi Campus, 67100, İncivez, Zonguldak, Turkey
| | - Faruk Çolak
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Bülent Ecevit University, Farabi Campus, 67100, İncivez, Zonguldak, Turkey
| | - Ferhat Matur
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Dokuz Eylül University, Tınaztepe Campus, 35390, Buca, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Sözen
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Bülent Ecevit University, Farabi Campus, 67100, İncivez, Zonguldak, Turkey
| | - İhsan Cihan Ayanoğlu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Science, Middle East Technical University, 06800 Çankaya, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Jamie C Winternitz
- Department of Animal Behavior, Bielefeld University, Morgenbreede 45, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany,
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Redondo MA, Stenlid J, Oliva J. Genetic Variation Explains Changes in Susceptibility in a Naïve Host Against an Invasive Forest Pathogen: The Case of Alder and the Phytophthora alni Complex. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2020; 110:517-525. [PMID: 31552784 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-07-19-0272-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Predicting whether naïve tree populations have the potential to adapt to exotic pathogens is necessary owing to the increasing rate of invasions. Adaptation may occur as a result of natural selection when heritable variation in terms of susceptibility exists in the naïve population. We searched for signs of selection on black alder (Alnus glutinosa) stands growing on riverbanks invaded by two pathogens differing in aggressiveness, namely, Phytophthora uniformis (PU) and Phytophthora × alni (PA). We compared the survival and heritability measures from 72 families originating from six invaded and uninvaded (naïve) sites by performing in vitro inoculations. The results from the inoculations were used to assess the relative contribution of host genetic variation on natural selection. We found putative signs of natural selection on alder exerted by PU but not by PA. For PU, we found a higher survival in families originating from invaded sites compared with uninvaded sites. The narrow sense heritability of susceptibility to PU of uninvaded populations was significantly higher than to PA. Simulated data supported the role of heritable genetic variation on natural selection and discarded a high aggressiveness of PA decreasing the transmission rate as an alternative hypothesis for a slow natural selection. Our findings expand on previous attempts of using heritability as a predictor for the likelihood of natural adaptation of naïve tree populations to invasive pathogens. Measures of genetic variation can be useful for risk assessment purposes or when managing Phytophthora invasions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Redondo
- Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jan Stenlid
- Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jonàs Oliva
- Department of Crop and Forest Sciences, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Joint Research Unit Agrotecnio, Forest Sciences and Technology Centre of Catalonia, Lleida, Spain
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Gao K, Muijderman D, Nichols S, Heckel DG, Wang P, Zalucki MP, Groot AT. Parasite-host specificity: A cross-infection study of the parasite Ophryocystis elektroscirrha. J Invertebr Pathol 2020; 170:107328. [PMID: 31952966 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2020.107328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Many parasites are constrained to only one or a few hosts, showing host specificity. It remains unclear why some parasites are specialists and other parasites are generalists. The parasite Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE) is a neogregarine protozoan thought to be restricted to monarch butterflies, Danaus plexippus (Nymphaliae) and D. gilippus. Recently, we found OE-like spores in other Lepidoptera, specifically in three noctuid moths: Helicoverpa armigera, H. assulta and H. punctigera, as well as another nymphalid, Parthenos sylvia. To our knowledge, this is the first report of OE-like parasite infections in species other than the genus Danaus. In sequencing 558 bp of 18S rRNA, we found the genetic similarity between OE from D. plexippus and OE-like parasite from the moths H. armigera and H. punctigera to be 95.2%. When we conducted cross-species infection experiments, we could not infect the moths with OE from D. plexippus, but OE-like parasite from H. armigera did infect D. plexippus and a closely related moth species Heliothis virescens. Interestingly, we did not find the OE-like parasite in the H. armigera population from Spain. Inter-population infection experiments with H. armigera demonstrated a higher sensitivity to OE-like infection in the population from Spain compared to the populations from Australia and China. These results suggest geographic variation in OE-like susceptibility and coevolution between parasite and host. Our findings give important new insights into the prevalence and host specificity of OE and OE-like parasites, and provide opportunities to study parasite transmission over spatial and temporal scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Gao
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Daphne Muijderman
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sarah Nichols
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - David G Heckel
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Department of Entomology, Jena, Germany
| | - Peng Wang
- School of Biological Science, The University of Queensland, 4072 Brisbane, Australia
| | - Myron P Zalucki
- School of Biological Science, The University of Queensland, 4072 Brisbane, Australia
| | - Astrid T Groot
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Department of Entomology, Jena, Germany
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Gleason FH, Allerstorfer M, Lilje O. Newly emerging diseases of marine turtles, especially sea turtle egg fusariosis (SEFT), caused by species in the Fusarium solani complex (FSSC). Mycology 2020; 11:184-194. [PMID: 33062381 PMCID: PMC7534349 DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2019.1710303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Sea turtles are presently considered severely endangered species that are historically threatened by many environmental factors. Recently, additional threats to sea turtles from two pathogenic species of fungi in the Fusarium solani species complex (F. falciforme and F. keratoplasticum) have been identified. These species infect marine turtle eggs, causing sea turtle egg fusariosis, and kill their embryos, with recent reports of hatch-failure in seven globally distributed species of endangered sea turtles (Caretta caretta, Chelonia mydas, Dermochelys coriaceae, Eretmochelys imbricata, Lepidochelys olivacea, Lepidochelys kempi and Natator depressus). Mycelia and spores of pathogenic species of Fusarium are produced in disturbed terrestrial soils and are transported to the ocean in coastal run off. We propose that these fungi grow on floating particles of plant tissues (leaves and wood), animal tissues, silt and plastics, which are carried by wind and currents and the turtles themselves to the beaches where the turtles lay their eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank H Gleason
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Monika Allerstorfer
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Osu Lilje
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Dinda S, Sultana T, Sultana S, Patra SC, Mitra AK, Roy S, Pramanik K, Ganguly S. Ruthenocycles of benzothiazolyl and pyridyl hydrazones with ancillary PAHs: synthesis, structure, electrochemistry and antimicrobial activity. NEW J CHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.1039/d0nj01447h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The antimicrobial activity of ruthenocycles of pyridyl and benzothiazolyl hydrazones has been investigated. The study established that such activity is comparatively higher for the complex containing benzothiazolyl hydrazone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumitra Dinda
- Department of Chemistry
- St. Xavier's College (Autonomous)
- Kolkata – 700016
- India
| | - Tamanna Sultana
- Department of Microbiology
- St. Xavier's College (Autonomous)
- Kolkata – 700016
- India
| | - Suhana Sultana
- Department of Microbiology
- St. Xavier's College (Autonomous)
- Kolkata – 700016
- India
| | | | - Arup Kumar Mitra
- Department of Microbiology
- St. Xavier's College (Autonomous)
- Kolkata – 700016
- India
| | - Subhadip Roy
- Department of Chemistry
- The ICFAI University Tripura
- India
| | | | - Sanjib Ganguly
- Department of Chemistry
- St. Xavier's College (Autonomous)
- Kolkata – 700016
- India
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Preliminary Assessment of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Two Wild Groups of Endangered Moor Macaques (Macaca maura) from Sulawesi. INT J PRIMATOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10764-019-00114-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Orlansky S, Ben-Ami F. Genetic resistance and specificity in sister taxa of Daphnia: insights from the range of host susceptibilities. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:545. [PMID: 31747976 PMCID: PMC6864995 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3795-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Host genetic diversity can affect various aspects of host-parasite interactions, including individual-level effects on parasite infectivity, production of transmission stages and virulence, as well as population-level effects that reduce disease spread and prevalence, and buffer against widespread epidemics. However, a key aspect of this diversity, the genetic variation in host susceptibility, has often been neglected in interpreting empirical data and in theoretical studies. Daphnia similis naturally coexists with its competitor Daphnia magna and is more resistant to the endoparasitic microsporidium Hamiltosporidium tvaerminnensis, as suggested by a previous survey of waterbodies, which detected this parasite in D. magna, but not in D. similis. However, under laboratory conditions D. similis was sometimes found to be susceptible. We therefore asked if there is genetic variation for disease trait expression, and if the genetic variation in disease traits in D. similis is different from that of D. magna. METHODS We exposed ten clones of D. similis and ten clones of D. magna to three isolates of H. tvaerminnensis, and measured infection rates, parasite-induced host mortality and parasite spore production. RESULTS The two Daphnia species differ in the range and variation of their susceptibilities. The parasite produced on average two-fold more spores when growing in D. magna clones than in D. similis clones. CONCLUSIONS We confirm that D. similis is indeed much more resistant than D. magna and suggest that this could create a dilution effect in habitats where both species coexist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigal Orlansky
- School of Zoology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Frida Ben-Ami
- School of Zoology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Mondal D, Dutta S, Chakrabarty U, Mallik A, Mandal N. Development and characterization of white spot disease linked microsatellite DNA markers in Penaeus monodon, and their application to determine the population diversity, cluster and structure. J Invertebr Pathol 2019; 168:107275. [PMID: 31715182 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2019.107275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Pathogens that are introduced suddenly to natural populations can potentially cause quick changes to the genetics and diversity of the host. In the past three decades, white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) has caused damaging epizootics in Penaeus monodon populations. In this study, we developed WSSV resistance- or susceptibility-linked microsatellite DNA markers, and their effectiveness was validated experimentally. WSSV-resistant marker linked retroelements and genes that may have an important role in WSSV-resistance phenomena were partially identified. Allelic data of 1,694 samples from nine distinct geographic locations in India were revealed that populations from Digha and Kochi were highly dispersed, and also showed higher genetic diversity, higher population diversity, and lower prevalence of disease resistance. A very high level of gene flow was observed within all populations and a very high level of genetic variation was present within populations. Two genetically admixture population clusters were estimated in nature. WSSV-resistance has a significant link with genetic diversity, population cluster and population diversity. Microsatellite marker analysis characterized genetic divergence, diversity and structure among wild populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debabrata Mondal
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, P-1/12 CIT Scheme VII-M, Kolkata 700054, West Bengal, India
| | - Sourav Dutta
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, P-1/12 CIT Scheme VII-M, Kolkata 700054, West Bengal, India
| | - Usri Chakrabarty
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, P-1/12 CIT Scheme VII-M, Kolkata 700054, West Bengal, India
| | - Ajoy Mallik
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, P-1/12 CIT Scheme VII-M, Kolkata 700054, West Bengal, India; Department of Zoology, Dinabandhu Mahavidyalaya, Bongaon, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India
| | - Nripendranath Mandal
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, P-1/12 CIT Scheme VII-M, Kolkata 700054, West Bengal, India.
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Pisano SRR, Zimmermann F, Rossi L, Capt S, Akdesir E, Bürki R, Kunz F, Origgi FC, Ryser-Degiorgis MP. Spatiotemporal spread of sarcoptic mange in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in Switzerland over more than 60 years: lessons learnt from comparative analysis of multiple surveillance tools. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:521. [PMID: 31690337 PMCID: PMC6833187 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3762-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sarcoptic mange is a contagious skin disease of wild and domestic mammals caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Reports of sarcoptic mange in wildlife increased worldwide in the second half of the 20th century, especially since the 1990s. The aim of this study was to provide new insights into the epidemiology of mange by (i) documenting the emergence of sarcoptic mange in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in the last decades in Switzerland; and (ii) describing its spatiotemporal spread combining data obtained through different surveillance methods. METHODS Retrospective analysis of archived material together with prospective data collection delivered a large dataset from the 19th century to 2018. Methods included: (i) a review of historical literature; (ii) screening of necropsy reports from general health surveillance (1958-2018); (iii) screening of data on mange (1968-1992) collected during the sylvatic rabies eradication campaign; (iv) a questionnaire survey (<1980-2017) and (v) evaluation of camera-trap bycatch data (2005-2018). RESULTS Sarcoptic mange in red foxes was reported as early as 1835 in Switzerland. The first case diagnosed in the framework of the general health surveillance was in 1959. Prior to 1980, sarcoptic mange occurred in non-adjacent surveillance districts scattered all over the country. During the period of the rabies epidemic (1970s-early 1990s), the percentage of foxes tested for rabies with sarcoptic mange significantly decreased in subregions with rabies, whereas it remained high in the few rabies-free subregions. Sarcoptic mange re-emerged in the mid-1990s and continuously spread during the 2000-2010s, to finally extend to the whole country in 2017. The yearly prevalence of mange in foxes estimated by camera-trapping ranged from 0.1-12%. CONCLUSIONS Sarcoptic mange has likely been endemic in Switzerland as well as in other European countries at least since the mid-19th century. The rabies epidemics seem to have influenced the pattern of spread of mange in several locations, revealing an interesting example of disease interaction in free-ranging wildlife populations. The combination of multiple surveillance tools to study the long-term dynamics of sarcoptic mange in red foxes in Switzerland proved to be a successful strategy, which underlined the usefulness of questionnaire surveys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Roberto Rolando Pisano
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health (FIWI), Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, PO Box, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fridolin Zimmermann
- KORA – Carnivore Ecology and Wildlife Management, Thunstrasse 31, 3074 Muri, Switzerland
| | - Luca Rossi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Simon Capt
- Info Fauna, Swiss Centre for the Cartography of the Fauna, Bellevaux 51, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Ezgi Akdesir
- Swiss Rabies Centre, Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, PO Box, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Roland Bürki
- KORA – Carnivore Ecology and Wildlife Management, Thunstrasse 31, 3074 Muri, Switzerland
| | - Florin Kunz
- KORA – Carnivore Ecology and Wildlife Management, Thunstrasse 31, 3074 Muri, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Carlo Origgi
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health (FIWI), Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, PO Box, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marie-Pierre Ryser-Degiorgis
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health (FIWI), Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, PO Box, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
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James S, Jennings G, Kwon YM, Stammnitz M, Fraik A, Storfer A, Comte S, Pemberton D, Fox S, Brown B, Pye R, Woods G, Lyons B, Hohenlohe PA, McCallum H, Siddle H, Thomas F, Ujvari B, Murchison EP, Jones M, Hamede R. Tracing the rise of malignant cell lines: Distribution, epidemiology and evolutionary interactions of two transmissible cancers in Tasmanian devils. Evol Appl 2019; 12:1772-1780. [PMID: 31548856 PMCID: PMC6752152 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases are rising globally and understanding host-pathogen interactions during the initial stages of disease emergence is essential for assessing potential evolutionary dynamics and designing novel management strategies. Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) are endangered due to a transmissible cancer-devil facial tumour disease (DFTD)-that since its emergence in the 1990s, has affected most populations throughout Tasmania. Recent studies suggest that devils are adapting to the DFTD epidemic and that disease-induced extinction is unlikely. However, in 2014, a second and independently evolved transmissible cancer-devil facial tumour 2 (DFT2)-was discovered at the d'Entrecasteaux peninsula, in south-east Tasmania, suggesting that the species is prone to transmissible cancers. To date, there is little information about the distribution, epidemiology and effects of DFT2 and its interaction with DFTD. Here, we use data from monitoring surveys and roadkills found within and adjacent to the d'Entrecasteaux peninsula to determine the distribution of both cancers and to compare their epidemiological patterns. Since 2012, a total of 51 DFTD tumours have been confirmed among 26 individuals inside the peninsula and its surroundings, while 40 DFT2 tumours have been confirmed among 23 individuals, and two individuals co-infected with both tumours. All devils with DFT2 were found within the d'Entrecasteaux peninsula, suggesting that this new transmissible cancer is geographically confined to this area. We found significant differences in tumour bodily location in DFTD and DFT2, with non-facial tumours more commonly found in DFT2. There was a significant sex bias in DFT2, with most cases reported in males, suggesting that since DFT2 originated from a male host, females might be less susceptible to this cancer. We discuss the implications of our results for understanding the epidemiological and evolutionary interactions of these two contemporary transmissible cancers and evaluating the effectiveness of potential management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha James
- School of Natural SciencesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Geordie Jennings
- School of Natural SciencesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Young Mi Kwon
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | | | - Alexandra Fraik
- School of Biological SciencesWashington State UniversityPullmanWashingtonUSA
| | - Andrew Storfer
- School of Biological SciencesWashington State UniversityPullmanWashingtonUSA
| | - Sebastien Comte
- School of Natural SciencesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - David Pemberton
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and the Environment (DPIPWE)HobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Samantha Fox
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and the Environment (DPIPWE)HobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Bill Brown
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and the Environment (DPIPWE)HobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Ruth Pye
- Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Gregory Woods
- Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Bruce Lyons
- Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Paul A. Hohenlohe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary StudiesUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdahoUSA
| | - Hamish McCallum
- School of Environment and ScienceGriffith UniversityNathanQueenslandAustralia
| | - Hannah Siddle
- Centre for Biological SciencesUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Frédéric Thomas
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Research on CancerMontpellierFrance
| | - Beata Ujvari
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental SciencesDeakin UniversityDeakinVictoriaAustralia
| | | | - Menna Jones
- School of Natural SciencesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Rodrigo Hamede
- School of Natural SciencesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
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45
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Russell RE, Tripp DW, Rocke TE. Differential plague susceptibility in species and populations of prairie dogs. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:11962-11971. [PMID: 31695901 PMCID: PMC6822031 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Laboratory trials conducted over the past decade at U.S. Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center indicate that wild populations of prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) display different degrees of susceptibility to experimental challenge with fully virulent Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague. We evaluated patterns in prairie dog susceptibility to plague to determine whether the historical occurrence of plague at location of capture was related to survival times of prairie dogs challenged with Y. pestis. We found that black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) from South Dakota (captured prior to the detection of plague in the state), Gunnison's prairie dogs (Cynomys gunnisoni) from Colorado, and Utah prairie dogs (Cynomys parvidens) from Utah were most susceptible to plague. Though the susceptibility of black-tailed prairie dogs in South Dakota compared with western locations supports our hypothesis regarding historical exposure, both Colorado and Utah prairie dogs have a long history of exposure to plague. It is possible that for these populations, genetic isolation/bottle necks have made them more susceptible to plague outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin E. Russell
- National Wildlife Health CenterU.S. Geological SurveyMadisonWIUSA
| | - Daniel W. Tripp
- Wildlife Health ProgramColorado Parks and WildlifeFort CollinsCOUSA
| | - Tonie E. Rocke
- National Wildlife Health CenterU.S. Geological SurveyMadisonWIUSA
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46
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Child MF, Selier SAJ, Radloff FGT, Taylor WA, Hoffmann M, Nel L, Power RJ, Birss C, Okes NC, Peel MJ, Mallon D, Davies-Mostert H. A framework to measure the wildness of managed large vertebrate populations. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2019; 33:1106-1119. [PMID: 30767306 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
As landscapes continue to fall under human influence through habitat loss and fragmentation, fencing is increasingly being used to mitigate anthropogenic threats and enhance the commercial value of wildlife. Subsequent intensification of management potentially erodes wildness by disembodying populations from landscape-level processes, thereby disconnecting species from natural selection. Tools are needed to measure the degree to which populations of large vertebrate species in formally protected and privately owned wildlife areas are self-sustaining and free to adapt. We devised a framework to measure such wildness based on 6 attributes relating to the evolutionary and ecological dynamics of vertebrates (space, disease and parasite resistance, exposure to predation, exposure to limitations and fluctuations of food and water supply, and reproduction). For each attribute, we set empirical, species-specific thresholds between 5 wildness states based on quantifiable management interventions. We analysed data from 205 private wildlife properties with management objectives spanning ecotourism to consumptive utilization to test the framework on 6 herbivore species representing a range of conservation statuses and commercial values. Wildness scores among species differed significantly, and the proportion of populations identified as wild ranged from 12% to 84%, which indicates the tool detected site-scale differences both among populations of different species and populations of the same species under different management regimes. By quantifying wildness, this framework provides practitioners with standardized measurement units that link biodiversity with the sustainable use of wildlife. Applications include informing species management plans at local scales; standardizing the inclusion of managed populations in red-list assessments; and providing a platform for certification and regulation of wildlife-based economies. Applying this framework may help embed wildness as a normative value in policy and mitigate the shifting baseline of what it means to truly conserve a species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew F Child
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20 Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
- Endangered Wildlife Trust, Private Bag X11, Johannesburg, 1609, South Africa
- Biodiversity Information and Policy Advice, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Rhodes Drive, Cape Town, 7735, South Africa
| | - S A Jeanetta Selier
- Biodiversity Information and Policy Advice, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Rhodes Drive, Cape Town, 7735, South Africa
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Frans G T Radloff
- Department of Conservation and Marine Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, P.O. Box 652, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - W Andrew Taylor
- Endangered Wildlife Trust, Private Bag X11, Johannesburg, 1609, South Africa
| | - Michael Hoffmann
- Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, U.K
| | - Lizanne Nel
- South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association, 7 Mountain Drive, Pretoria, 2876, South Africa
| | - R John Power
- Directorate: Biodiversity Management, North West Provincial Government, Mmabatho, 2750, South Africa
| | - Coral Birss
- CapeNature, Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve, Jonkershoek Drive, Private Bag X 5014, Stellenbosch, 7599, South Africa
| | - Nicola C Okes
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa
| | - Michael J Peel
- Rangeland Ecology Group, Agricultural Research Council, P.O. Box 7063, Nelspruit, 1200, South Africa
| | - David Mallon
- Division of Biology and Conservation Ecology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester St, Manchester, M1 5GD, U.K
| | - Harriet Davies-Mostert
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20 Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
- Endangered Wildlife Trust, Private Bag X11, Johannesburg, 1609, South Africa
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47
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Ekroth AKE, Rafaluk-Mohr C, King KC. Host genetic diversity limits parasite success beyond agricultural systems: a meta-analysis. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 286:20191811. [PMID: 31551053 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.1811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There is evidence that human activities are reducing the population genetic diversity of species worldwide. Given the prediction that parasites better exploit genetically homogeneous host populations, many species could be vulnerable to disease outbreaks. While agricultural studies have shown the devastating effects of infectious disease in crop monocultures, the widespread nature of this diversity-disease relationship remains unclear in natural systems. Here, we provide broad support that high population genetic diversity can protect against infectious disease by conducting a meta-analysis of 23 studies, with a total of 67 effect sizes. We found that parasite functional group (micro- or macroparasite) affects the presence of the effect and study setting (field or laboratory-based environment) influences the magnitude. Our study also suggests that host genetic diversity is overall a robust defence against infection regardless of host reproduction, parasite host range, parasite diversity, virulence and the method by which parasite success was recorded. Combined, these results highlight the importance of monitoring declines of host population genetic diversity as shifts in parasite distributions could have devastating effects on at-risk populations in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kayla C King
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK
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48
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Kleindorfer S, Custance G, Peters KJ, Sulloway FJ. Introduced parasite changes host phenotype, mating signal and hybridization risk: Philornis downsi effects on Darwin's finch song. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 286:20190461. [PMID: 31185871 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.0461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduced parasites that alter their host's mating signal can change the evolutionary trajectory of a species through sexual selection. Darwin's Camarhynchus finches are threatened by the introduced fly Philornis downsi that is thought to have accidentally arrived on the Galapagos Islands during the 1960s. The P. downsi larvae feed on the blood and tissue of developing finches, causing on average approximately 55% in-nest mortality and enlarged naris size in survivors. Here we test if enlarged naris size is associated with song characteristics and vocal deviation in the small tree finch ( Camarhynchus parvulus), the critically endangered medium tree finch ( C. pauper) and the recently observed hybrid tree finch group ( Camarhynchus hybrids). Male C. parvulus and C. pauper with enlarged naris size produced song with lower maximum frequency and greater vocal deviation, but there was no significant association in hybrids. Less vocal deviation predicted faster pairing success in both parental species. Finally, C. pauper males with normal naris size produced species-specific song, but male C. pauper with enlarged naris size had song that was indistinguishable from other tree finches. When parasites disrupt host mating signal, they may also facilitate hybridization. Here we show how parasite-induced naris enlargement affects vocal quality, resulting in blurred species mating signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Kleindorfer
- 1 College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University , Adelaide 5001 , Australia.,2 Konrad Lorenz Research Station and Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Georgina Custance
- 1 College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University , Adelaide 5001 , Australia
| | - Katharina J Peters
- 1 College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University , Adelaide 5001 , Australia
| | - Frank J Sulloway
- 3 Department of Psychology, University of California , 2121 Berkeley Way, Room 3302, 4125 Tolman Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720 , USA
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49
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Ujvari B, Klaassen M, Raven N, Russell T, Vittecoq M, Hamede R, Thomas F, Madsen T. Genetic diversity, inbreeding and cancer. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 285:rspb.2017.2589. [PMID: 29563261 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.2589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic diversity is essential for adaptive capacities, providing organisms with the potential of successfully responding to intrinsic and extrinsic challenges. Although a clear reciprocal link between genetic diversity and resistance to parasites and pathogens has been established across taxa, the impact of loss of genetic diversity by inbreeding on the emergence and progression of non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, has been overlooked. Here we provide an overview of such associations and show that low genetic diversity and inbreeding associate with an increased risk of cancer in both humans and animals. Cancer being a multifaceted disease, loss of genetic diversity can directly (via accumulation of oncogenic homozygous mutations) and indirectly (via increased susceptibility to oncogenic pathogens) impact abnormal cell emergence and escape of immune surveillance. The observed link between reduced genetic diversity and cancer in wildlife may further imperil the long-term survival of numerous endangered species, highlighting the need to consider the impact of cancer in conservation biology. Finally, the somewhat incongruent data originating from human studies suggest that the association between genetic diversity and cancer development is multifactorial and may be tumour specific. Further studies are therefore crucial in order to elucidate the underpinnings of the interactions between genetic diversity, inbreeding and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Ujvari
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Marcel Klaassen
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Nynke Raven
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Tracey Russell
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Marion Vittecoq
- Institut de Recherche de la Tour du Valat, le Sambuc, 13200 Arles, France
| | - Rodrigo Hamede
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Frédéric Thomas
- CREEC/MIVEGEC, UMR IRD/CNRS/UM 5290, 911 Avenue Agropolis, BP 64501, 34394 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Thomas Madsen
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia .,School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
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50
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An ectomycorrhizal symbiosis differently affects host susceptibility to two congeneric fungal pathogens. FUNGAL ECOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funeco.2018.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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