1
|
Parvin S, Dey AR, Shohana NN, Anisuzzaman, Talukder MH, Alam MZ. Haemonchus contortus, an obligatory haematophagus worm infection in small ruminants: Population genetics and genetic diversity. Saudi J Biol Sci 2024; 31:104030. [PMID: 38854893 PMCID: PMC11157266 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2024.104030] [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: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Haemonchus contortus, a stomach worm, is prevalent in ruminants worldwide. They particularly hamper profitable small ruminant production. Here, we estimate the genetic variation of H. contortus collected from slaughtered goats and sheep from various geographic zones of Bangladesh using multiple genes. To perform this, adult parasites were isolated from the abomasum of slaughtered animals (sheep and goats). Among them, 79 male H. contortus were identified by microscopy. Following the extraction of DNA, ITS-2 and cox1 genes were amplified and subsequently considered for sequencing. After alignment and editing, sequences were analyzed to find out sequence variation, diversity pattern of genes, and population genetics of isolates. Among the sequence data, the analyses identified 19 genotypes of ITS-2 and 77 haplotypes of cox1 genes. The diversity of nucleotides was 0.0103 for ITS-2 and 0.029 for cox1 gene. The dendogram constructed by the genotype and haplotype sequences of H. contortus revealed that two populations were circulating in Bangladesh without any demarcation of host and geographic regions. Analysis of population genetics demonstrated a high flow of genes (89.2 %) within the population of the worm in Bangladesh. The Fst value showed very little amount of genetic difference among the worm populations of Bangladesh but marked genetic variation between different continents. The findings are expected to help explain the risks of anthelmintic resistance and the transmission pattern of the parasite, and also provide a control strategy against H. contortus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanaz Parvin
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
- Department of Para-Clinical Courses, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Gono Bishwabidyalay, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Anita Rani Dey
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Nusrat Nowrin Shohana
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Anisuzzaman
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Hasanuzzaman Talukder
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Zahangir Alam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Thorne JW, Redden R, Bowdridge SA, Becker GM, Khilji SF, Xie S, Bentley KL, Murdoch BM. Reducing fecal egg count through selective breeding alters dorper lamb response to Haemonchus contortus in an artificial challenge trial. Vet Parasitol 2024; 328:110177. [PMID: 38583271 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110177] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Infection by gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN), particularly Haemonchus contortus, can be detrimental to sheep health and performance. Genetic susceptibility to GIN varies between breeds, with those lacking high levels of natural resistance often requiring frequent anthelmintic treatment when facing parasitic challenge. Genetic technology can serve as a tool to decrease GIN susceptibility via selection for sheep with reduced fecal egg count (FEC) estimated breeding values (EBVs). However, the physiological changes that result from implementation of this strategy are not well described. Additionally, there is a need for comparison of animals from recent selective breeding against breeds with inherent GIN resistance. In this study we administered a challenge of H. contortus to Dorper x White Dorper (DWD; n = 92) lambs that have been genetically selected for either low (DWD-) or high (DWD+) FEC EBVs and Barbados Blackbelly x Mouflon (BBM; n = 19) lambs from a genetically resistant breed backgrounds. Lamb FEC, packed-cell volume (PCV) and serum IgG were measured at intermittent levels over 5 weeks. At day 21 and day 35, the selectively bred DWD- had a lower mean FEC compared to DWD+, but were higher than BBM. Reductions in both PCV and serum IgG from initial day 0 levels were observed in DWD lambs, but not in BBM. Furthermore, from a subset of lambs (n = 24) harvested at day 21, DWD- only tended (p = 0.056) to have lower mean worm counts than DWD+, with BBM having the lowest mean worm count. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified via RNA-sequencing of abomasal tissue at day 21 indicate a more pronounced Th2 immune response and more rapid worm expulsion occurred in iBBM than iDWD- and iDWD+ lambs. However, gene expression in DWD- suggests an association between reduced FEC EBV and gastric acid secretion and the ability to limit worm fecundity. Ultimately, selection of Dorper sheep for low FEC EBV can reduce susceptibility to GIN, but it will likely require multiple generations with this trait as a breeding priority before presenting a similar resistance level to Caribbean breeds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob W Thorne
- Department of Animal, Veterinary, and Food Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA; Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension, San Angelo, TX, USA
| | - Reid Redden
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension, San Angelo, TX, USA
| | - Scott A Bowdridge
- Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Gabrielle M Becker
- Department of Animal, Veterinary, and Food Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - Sarem F Khilji
- Department of Animal, Veterinary, and Food Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - Shangqian Xie
- Department of Animal, Veterinary, and Food Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - Kelsey L Bentley
- Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Brenda M Murdoch
- Department of Animal, Veterinary, and Food Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gravdal M, Woolsey ID, Robertson LJ, Höglund J, Chartier C, Stuen S. Occurrence of gastrointestinal nematodes in lambs in Norway, as assessed by copromicroscopy and droplet digital polymerase chain reaction. Acta Vet Scand 2024; 66:22. [PMID: 38796502 PMCID: PMC11127287 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-024-00743-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) have a major impact on sheep production, health, and welfare worldwide. Norway is no exception, but there are only a few studies on the prevalence of GINs in Norwegian sheep. The aim of this study was to investigate the current occurrence of the most important nematodes in sheep flocks in Norway. Faecal samples were collected from flocks in 2021/2022, mainly from three geographical regions in Norway, i.e., northern, eastern, and western. In each of 134 flocks included, individual samples from 10 lambs (autumn) were pooled. Third stage larvae (L3) were cultivated and harvested (Baermann method) from the pooled samples. The DNA was then extracted and further analysed using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). This enables assessment of the proportions of the three most important nematode species/genera, i.e., H. contortus, T. circumcincta, and Trichostrongylus. The fractional abundance/relative proportion of each species/genus was assessed by performing duplex assays with universal strongyle and species/genus-specific primers and probe sets. In addition, the occurrence of Nematodirus eggs was assessed by standard faecal egg counts (i.e., McMaster method). RESULTS Of the 134 flocks sampled, 24 were from the northern region, 31 from eastern, and 71 from western Norway. In addition, some flocks from central (n = 7), and southern (n = 1) Norway were included. Among the sampled flocks, T. circumcincta occurred most commonly (94%), followed by H. contortus (60%) and Trichostrongylus (55%), and Nematodirus (51%). In general, mixed infections were observed, with 38% and 18% of flocks infected with three or all four genera, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study indicate that GINs are widespread in Norway. Teladorsagia circumcincta seems to be present in most flocks based on this screening. Moreover, the results show that Nematodirus spp. infect lambs throughout the country, predominantly N. battus, and indicate that this nematode has become more abundant, which could lead to an increase in nematodirosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maiken Gravdal
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Svebastadveien 112, 4325, Sandnes, Norway.
| | - Ian David Woolsey
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Elizabeth Stephansens Vei 15, 1433, Ås, Norway
| | - Lucy Jane Robertson
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Elizabeth Stephansens Vei 15, 1433, Ås, Norway
| | - Johan Höglund
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7028, 75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Snorre Stuen
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Svebastadveien 112, 4325, Sandnes, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zahid O, Butler M, Hopker A, Freeman E, Costa Júnior LM, Chaudhry U, Sargison N. Nemabiome metabarcoding shows a high prevalence of Haemonchus contortus and predominance of Camelostrongylus mentulatus in alpaca herds in the northern UK. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:201. [PMID: 38698272 PMCID: PMC11065920 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08226-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) are a common threat faced by pastoral livestock. Since their major introduction to the UK in the early 1990s, South American camelids have been cograzed with sheep, horses, and other livestock, allowing exposure to a range of GIN species. However, there have been no molecular-based studies to investigate the GIN populations present in these camelids. In the current study, we sampled nine alpaca herds from northern England and southern Scotland and used high-throughput metabarcoded sequencing to describe their GIN species composition. A total of 71 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were identified representing eight known GIN species. Haemonchus contortus was the most prevalent species found in almost all herds in significant proportions. The identification of H. contortus in other livestock species is unusual in the northern UK, implying that alpacas may be suitable hosts and potential reservoirs for infection in other hosts. In addition, the camelid-adapted GIN species Camelostrongylus mentulatus was identified predominantly in herds with higher faecal egg counts. These findings highlight the value of applying advanced molecular methods, such as nemabiome metabarcoding to describe the dynamics of gastrointestinal nematode infections in novel situations. The results provide a strong base for further studies involving cograzing animals to confirm the potential role of alpacas in transmitting GIN species between hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Osama Zahid
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK.
| | - Meghan Butler
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
- Current Address: Galedin Veterinary, Kelso, TD5 7BH, UK
| | - Andy Hopker
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Emily Freeman
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Livio M Costa Júnior
- Pathology Department, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
| | - Umer Chaudhry
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
- School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, St. George's Grenada, West Indies, Grenada
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7AL, UK
| | - Neil Sargison
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Brown TL, Morgan ER. Helminth Prevalence in European Deer with a Focus on Abomasal Nematodes and the Influence of Livestock Pasture Contact: A Meta-Analysis. Pathogens 2024; 13:378. [PMID: 38787230 PMCID: PMC11123710 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13050378] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Deer are susceptible to infection with parasitic helminths, including species which are of increasing economic concern to the livestock industry due to anthelmintic drug resistance. This paper systematically collates helminth prevalence data from deer across Europe and explores patterns in relation to host and parasite species, as well as landscape factors. A livestock pasture contact index (LPCI) is developed to predict epidemiological overlap between deer and livestock, and hence to examine deer helminth fauna in the context of their surrounding environment. Fifty-eight studies comprising fallow (Dama dama), red (Cervus elaphus), roe (Capreolus capreolus) and sika (Cervus nippon) deer were identified. Deer populations in "likely" contact with livestock pasture had a higher mean prevalence of the abomasal nematodes Haemonchus contortus, Ostertagia ostertagi, Teladorsagia circumcincta and Trichostrongylus axei (p = 0.01), which are common in livestock and not primarily associated with deer. Roe deer populations had a higher prevalence of T. circumcincta (p = 0.02) and T. axei (p = 0.01) than fallow deer and a higher prevalence of H. contortus than both red (p = 0.01) and fallow deer (p = 0.02). Liver fluke and lungworm species were present sporadically at low prevalence, while the abomasal nematode Ashworthius sidemi occurred locally at high prevalence. Insights from this research suggest that deer helminth fauna is reflective of their surrounding environment, including the livestock species which inhabit areas of shared grazing. This is explored from an epidemiological perspective, and the prospect of helminth transmission between wild and domestic hosts is discussed, including drug-resistant strains, alongside the role of helminths as indicators relevant to the transmission of other pathogens at the wildlife-livestock interface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric R. Morgan
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Arcenillas-Hernández I, Ruiz de Ybáñez MR, Tizzani P, Pérez-Cutillas P, Martínez-Carrasco C. Influence of environmental factors on the occurrence of gastrointestinal and cardiopulmonary nematodes in the red fox in the semi-arid Mediterranean areas of the Iberian Peninsula. Res Vet Sci 2024; 171:105199. [PMID: 38458043 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105199] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Human-induced ecosystem fragmentation is one of the drivers causing wildlife migration from their natural habitats to urban areas, among other reasons. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the most abundant wild canid in the semi-arid Mediterranean areas of the Iberian Peninsula. Water scarcity may result in areas shared by synanthropic fox populations and domestic animals becoming hotspots for parasite transmission. This study describes the gastrointestinal and cardiopulmonary nematode species affecting fox populations in these semi-arid areas and the influence of environmental variables on parasite abundance. A total of 167 foxes collected from 2015 to 2021 in the Region of Murcia (SE Spain) were analysed. Parasite abundance and spatial distribution were evaluated using environmental variables and host characteristics with a Generalised Linear Model and the Moran index. Eleven species (seven from the gastrointestinal tract and four from the cardiopulmonary tract) were described. The influence of biotic and abiotic variables was studied for Angiostrongylus vasorum, Crenosoma vulpis, Uncinaria stenocephala, Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina. Temperature, humidity and areas of forest or agricultural land influenced the abundance of these parasites, providing optimal conditions for free-living stages of the direct life cycle nematodes and intermediate hosts. Absolute abundance distribution maps showed defined locations for C. vulpis, T. canis and T. leonina. The results for U. stenocephala, T. canis and T. leonina were particularly important as their higher abundance levels were found close to anthropized areas, which need to be carefully evaluated to prevent transmission of these nematodes between domestic and wild canids and human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Arcenillas-Hernández
- Dpto. de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - M R Ruiz de Ybáñez
- Dpto. de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - P Tizzani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini, 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Torino, Italy
| | - P Pérez-Cutillas
- Departamento de Geografía, Facultad de Letras, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de La Merced, 30001 Murcia, Spain
| | - C Martínez-Carrasco
- Dpto. de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Francis EK, Šlapeta J. The proof is in the poo-ding: Benefits of the longitudinal molecular surveillance of drug resistance demonstrated in a New South Wales cattle herd. Vet Parasitol 2024; 327:110145. [PMID: 38382382 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110145] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Our understanding of anthelmintic resistance in the gastrointestinal nematodes of Australian cattle relies exclusively on small-scale phenotypic reports utilising traditional faecal egg count reduction tests. This approach is not readily scalable to establish the national prevalence of resistance, nor is it conducive of routine longitudinal surveillance for the emergence of resistance in its early stages. This study introduces the benefits of applying mixed amplicon metabarcoding longitudinally for timely and cost-efficient molecular surveillance of multiple anthelmintic resistance mutations, as they emerge on farms. Using opportunistically collected faecal samples from a cattle herd in central west New South Wales (2019-2023), we detected the early emergence of Haemonchus spp. levamisole-resistant S168T shortly after levamisole introduction, while benzimidazole-resistant allele frequencies remained constant. Additionally, we observed the possible spill-over of resistant Haemonchus contortus from sheep, along with variations in faecal burdens and species diversity influenced by climate stochasticity and host immunity. This study emphasises the power of molecular diagnostics for farm-level anthelmintic resistance management, providing essential evidence to support its integration into routine surveillance programmes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Kate Francis
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; The University of Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jung H, Zarlenga D, Martin JC, Geldhof P, Hallsworth-Pepin K, Mitreva M. The identification of small molecule inhibitors with anthelmintic activities that target conserved proteins among ruminant gastrointestinal nematodes. mBio 2024; 15:e0009524. [PMID: 38358246 PMCID: PMC10936192 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00095-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections are a major concern for the ruminant industry worldwide and result in significant production losses. Naturally occurring polyparasitism and increasing drug resistance that potentiate disease outcomes are observed among the most prevalent GINs of veterinary importance. Within the five major taxonomic clades, clade Va represents a group of GINs that predominantly affect the abomasum or small intestine of ruminants. However, the development of effective broad-spectrum anthelmintics against ruminant clade Va GINs has been challenged by a lack of comprehensive druggable genome resources. Here, we first assembled draft genomes for three clade Va species (Cooperia oncophora, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, and Ostertagia ostertagi) and compared them with closely related ruminant GINs. Genome-wide phylogenetic reconstruction showed a relationship among ruminant GINs structured by taxonomic classification. Orthogroup (OG) inference and functional enrichment analyses identified 220 clade Va-specific and Va-conserved OGs, enriched for functions related to cell cycle and cellular senescence. Further transcriptomic analysis identified 61 taxonomically and functionally conserved clade Va OGs that may function as drug targets for new broad-spectrum anthelmintics. Chemogenomic screening identified 11 compounds targeting homologs of these OGs, thus having potential anthelmintic activity. In in vitro phenotypic assays, three kinase inhibitors (digitoxigenin, K-252a, and staurosporine) exhibited broad-spectrum anthelmintic activities against clade Va GINs by obstructing the motility of exsheathed L3 (xL3) or molting of xL3 to L4. These results demonstrate valuable applications of the new ruminant GIN genomes in gaining better insights into their life cycles and offer a contemporary approach to discovering the next generation of anthelmintics.IMPORTANCEGastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections in ruminants are caused by parasites that inhibit normal function in the digestive tract of cattle, sheep, and goats, thereby causing morbidity and mortality. Coinfection and increasing drug resistance to current therapeutic agents will continue to worsen disease outcomes and impose significant production losses on domestic livestock producers worldwide. In combination with ongoing therapeutic efforts, advancing the discovery of new drugs with novel modes of action is critical for better controlling GIN infections. The significance of this study is in assembling and characterizing new GIN genomes of Cooperia oncophora, Ostertagia ostertagi, and Trichostrongylus colubriformis for facilitating a multi-omics approach to identify novel, biologically conserved drug targets for five major GINs of veterinary importance. With this information, we were then able to demonstrate the potential of commercially available compounds as new anthelmintics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyeim Jung
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Dante Zarlenga
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - John C. Martin
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Peter Geldhof
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | | | - Makedonka Mitreva
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mohamed SAA, Dyab AK, Raya-Álvarez E, Abdel-Aziz FM, Osman F, Gareh A, Farag AMM, Salman D, El-Khadragy MF, Bravo-Barriga D, Agil A, Elmahallawy EK. Molecular identification of Haemonchus contortus in sheep from Upper Egypt. Front Vet Sci 2024; 10:1327424. [PMID: 38410120 PMCID: PMC10894989 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1327424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Haemonchus spp. are considered the most important strongylid nematodes with a worldwide distribution. The parasite's blood-sucking nature can lead to severe anemia in infected animals. Despite its widespread impact, there is a dearth of comprehensive data on morphological and molecular identification methods for Haemonchus spp. in sheep from Upper Egypt. To address this gap, our current study aimed to assess the prevalence of Haemonchus spp. in 400 sheep fecal samples. Methods We employed microscopic examination and molecular techniques, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 18S gene for precise identification. Additionally, the potential risk factors associated with the infection by the parasite in sheep were explored. Results The study pointed out that 33.00% (132 of 400) of the examined sheep were infected with Haemonchus spp. Sheep age and seasonal variability were found to be significant factors (p < 0.05) associated with the infection. Notably, sheep under 2 years old exhibited a higher risk, with an infection rate of 43.75% (84 out of 192), than their older counterparts. Furthermore, all reported infections were exclusively observed during the cold season, constituting 58.93% (132 out of 224) of cases. By contrast, no statistically significant association (p > 0.05) was found between the sex of the examined sheep and the occurrence of haemonchosis. Employing molecular methods, we isolated and identified the parasite through PCR analysis of cultured larvae, which were then subsequently confirmed as Haemonchus contortus via phylogenetic analysis. Discussion The study concluded that there was a relatively high occurrence of H. contortus among sheep from Upper Egypt. We recommend the implementation of stringent and effective control measures to combat the infection and safeguard livestock health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Abdel-Aal Mohamed
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Kamal Dyab
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Enrique Raya-Álvarez
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, Av. de la Investigación, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Fathy Osman
- Department of Parasitology, Animal Health Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center (ARC), Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Gareh
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt
| | - Alshimaa M M Farag
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Doaa Salman
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Manal F El-Khadragy
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Daniel Bravo-Barriga
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Salud Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes (ENZOEM), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ahmad Agil
- Department of Pharmacology, Biohealth Institute Granada (IBs Granada) and Neuroscience Institute, School of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Salud Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes (ENZOEM), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Meshgi B, Hanafi-Bojd AA, Fathi S, Modabbernia G, Meshgi K, Shadman M. Multi-scale habitat modeling framework for predicting the potential distribution of sheep gastrointestinal nematodes across Iran's three distinct climatic zones: a MaxEnt machine-learning algorithm. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2828. [PMID: 38310151 PMCID: PMC10838281 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53166-1] [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: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Ecological niche models (ENMs) serve as valuable tools in assessing the potential species distribution, identifying crucial habitat components for species associations, and facilitating conservation efforts. The current study aimed to investigate the gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) infection in sheep, predict and analyze their ecological niches and ranges, and identify the key bioclimatic variables influencing their distribution across three distinct climatic regions in Iran. In a cross-sectional study, a total of 2140 fecal samples were collected from semi-arid (n = 800), arid (n = 500), and humid-subtropical (n = 840) climates in East Azerbaijan, Kerman, and Guilan provinces, respectively. The flotation method was employed to assess stool samples, whereby the fecal egg count (the number of parasite eggs per gram [EPG]) was ascertained for each individual specimen. Employing a presence-only approach, the multi-scale maximum entropy (MaxEnt) method was used to model GINs' habitat suitability using 93 selected points/locations. The findings revealed that Guilan (34.2%) and East Azerbaijan (19.62%) exhibited the utmost proportion of Strongyle-type eggs. East Azerbaijan province also displayed the highest proportion of Marshallagia and Nematodirus, respectively (approximately 40% and 27%), followed by Guilan and Kerman provinces, while Kerman province had the highest proportion of Trichuris (approximately 15%). Ecological niche modeling revealed that the precipitation of the driest quarter (Bio17) exerted the most significant influence on Marshallagia, Nematodirus, Trichuris, and ُSُُُtrongyle-type eggs' presence in East Azerbaijan and Kerman provinces. For Guilan province, the most influential factor defining habitat suitability for Strongyle-type eggs, Marshallagia, and Nematodirus was increasing slope. Additionally, the distribution of Trichuris was most affected by the variable Bio2 in Guilan province. The study highlights the response of GINs to climate drivers in highly suitable regions, providing insights into ecologically favorable areas for GINs. In conclusion, this study provides a better understanding of GINs and the environmental factors influencing their transmission dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Behnam Meshgi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, P.O.Box 14155-6453, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ahmad Ali Hanafi-Bojd
- Department of Vector Biology and Control of Diseases, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Zoonoses Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeid Fathi
- Department of Parasite Vaccine Research and Production, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Galia Modabbernia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, P.O.Box 14155-6453, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kourosh Meshgi
- Graduated Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Shadman
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, P.O.Box 14155-6453, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Palkumbura PGAS, Mahakapuge TAN, Wijesundera RRMKK, Wijewardana V, Kangethe RT, Rajapakse RPVJ. Mucosal Immunity of Major Gastrointestinal Nematode Infections in Small Ruminants Can Be Harnessed to Develop New Prevention Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1409. [PMID: 38338687 PMCID: PMC10855138 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal parasitic nematode (GIN) infections are the cause of severe losses to farmers in countries where small ruminants such as sheep and goat are the mainstay of livestock holdings. There is a need to develop effective and easy-to-administer anti-parasite vaccines in areas where anthelmintic resistance is rapidly rising due to the inefficient use of drugs currently available. In this review, we describe the most prevalent and economically significant group of GIN infections that infect small ruminants and the immune responses that occur in the host during infection with an emphasis on mucosal immunity. Furthermore, we outline the different prevention strategies that exist with a focus on whole and purified native parasite antigens as vaccine candidates and their possible oral-nasal administration as a part of an integrated parasite control toolbox in areas where drug resistance is on the rise.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P. G. Ashani S. Palkumbura
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Kandy 20400, Sri Lanka
| | - Thilini A. N. Mahakapuge
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Kandy 20400, Sri Lanka
| | - R. R. M. K. Kavindra Wijesundera
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Kandy 20400, Sri Lanka
| | - Viskam Wijewardana
- Animal Production and Health Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, International Atomic Energy Agency, 2444 Seibersdorf, Austria
| | - Richard Thiga Kangethe
- Animal Production and Health Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, International Atomic Energy Agency, 2444 Seibersdorf, Austria
| | - R. P. V. Jayanthe Rajapakse
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Kandy 20400, Sri Lanka
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Dickinson ER, McFarland C, Toïgo C, Michael Scantlebury D, Stephens PA, Marks NJ, Morgan ER. Host movement dominates the predicted effects of climate change on parasite transmission between wild and domestic mountain ungulates. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:230469. [PMID: 38179074 PMCID: PMC10762430 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Climate change is shifting the transmission of parasites, which is determined by host density, ambient temperature and moisture. These shifts can lead to increased pressure from parasites, in wild and domestic animals, and can impact the effectiveness of parasite control strategies. Understanding the interactive effects of climate on host movement and parasite life histories will enable targeted parasite management, to ensure livestock productivity and avoid additional stress on wildlife populations. To assess complex outcomes under climate change, we applied a gastrointestinal nematode transmission model to a montane wildlife-livestock system, based on host movement and changes in abiotic factors due to elevation, comparing projected climate change scenarios with the historic climate. The wildlife host, Alpine ibex (Capra ibex ibex), undergoes seasonal elevational migration, and livestock are grazed during the summer for eight weeks. Total parasite infection pressure was more sensitive to host movement than to the direct effect of climatic conditions on parasite availability. Extended livestock grazing is predicted to increase parasite exposure for wildlife. These results demonstrate that movement of different host species should be considered when predicting the effects of climate change on parasite transmission, and can inform decisions to support wildlife and livestock health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor R. Dickinson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Christopher McFarland
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Carole Toïgo
- Office Français de la Biodiversité, 5 allée de Bethléem, ZI Mayencin 38610, Gières, France
| | - D. Michael Scantlebury
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Philip A. Stephens
- Conservation Ecology Group, Department of Biosciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Nikki J. Marks
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Eric R. Morgan
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Moerman TM, Albon SD, Coulson SJ, Loe LE. Climate change effects on terrestrial parasitic nematodes: Where are the knowledge gaps? J Helminthol 2023; 97:e94. [PMID: 38047417 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x23000652] [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] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is expected to affect parasitic nematodes and hence possibly parasite-host dynamics and may have far-reaching consequences for animal health, livestock production, and ecosystem functioning. However, there has been no recent overview of current knowledge to identify how studies could contribute to a better understanding of terrestrial parasitic nematodes under changing climates. Here we screened almost 1,400 papers to review 57 experimental studies on the effects of temperature and moisture on hatching, development, survival, and behaviour of the free-living stages of terrestrial parasitic nematodes with a direct life cycle in birds and terrestrial mammals. Two major knowledge gaps are apparent. First, research should study the temperature dependency curves for hatching, development, and survival under various moisture treatments to test the interactive effect of temperature and moisture. Second, we specifically advocate for more studies that investigate how temperature, and its interaction with moisture, affect both vertical and horizontal movement of parasitic nematodes to understand infection risks. Overall, we advocate for more field experiments that test environmental effects on life-history traits and behaviour of parasitic nematodes in their free-living stages under natural and realistic circumstances. We also encourage studies to expand the range of used hosts and parasitic nematodes because 66% of results described in the available studies use sheep and cattle as hosts and 32% involve just three nematode species. This new comprehension brings attention to understudied abiotic impacts on terrestrial parasitic nematodes and will have broader implications for livestock management, wildlife conservation, and ecosystem functioning in a rapidly warming climate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T M Moerman
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NO-1432 Ås, Norway
- The University Centre in Svalbard, P.O. Box 156, NO-9171 Longyearbyen, Norway
| | - S D Albon
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, AberdeenAB15 8QH, Scotland
| | - S J Coulson
- The University Centre in Svalbard, P.O. Box 156, NO-9171 Longyearbyen, Norway
| | - L E Loe
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NO-1432 Ås, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mannan MA, Chowdhury S, Hossain MA, Kabir MHB. Genetic variability of Haemonchus contortus isolates in small ruminants from slaughterhouses in Bangladesh. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:3101-3107. [PMID: 37855972 PMCID: PMC10667388 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08000-4] [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: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Haemonchus contortus is a blood-sucking gastrointestinal nematode that infects all ruminants and causes significant economic losses in production. Characterizing the genetic variability of H. contortus populations is crucial for understanding patterns of disease transmission and developing effective control strategies against haemonchosis. This study aimed to identify the genetic variability of H. contortus isolates in small ruminants from slaughterhouses in Bangladesh. During January to December 2015, 400 abomasa samples were collected and 186 were found to be positive for Haemonchus. A 321-bp fragment of the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2) of nuclear ribosomal DNA and an 800-bp fragment of the mitochondrial nicotinamide dehydrogenase subunit-4 gene (nad4) were amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and directly sequenced. The results showed 10 genotypes (ITS-2) and 45 haplotypes (nad4) among the 186 worms. The sequences were 98.5 to 100% identical to reference sequences from the GenBank database. ITS-2 sequence analysis revealed four nucleotide substitutions at positions 30, 41, 42, and 216. There was one transition (C/T) at position 42 and three transversions (C/A at position 30, G/C at position 41, and T/A at position 216). The nad4 gene sequences showed 15 substitutions, all of which were transitions. The pairwise distance of ITS-2 between H. contortus populations ranged from 0.005 to 1.477. The nucleotide diversity (μ) among the populations was 0.009524 using ITS-2 and 0.00394 using nad4. This study indicated low genetic deviation among H. contortus populations in Bangladesh.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Abdul Mannan
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, 1207, Bangladesh
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Khulshi, Chittagong, 4225, Bangladesh
| | - Sharmin Chowdhury
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Khulshi, Chittagong, 4225, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Alamgir Hossain
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Khulshi, Chittagong, 4225, Bangladesh
| | - Md Hazzaz Bin Kabir
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, 1207, Bangladesh.
- Laboratory of Sustainable Animal Environment, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 232-3 Yomogida, Naruko-onsen, Osaki, Tohoku, Miyagi, 989-6711, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sautier M, Chiron P. Challenges and opportunities for reducing anthelmintic use in ruminant livestock systems: Insights from a sheep farmer survey in France. Prev Vet Med 2023; 221:106078. [PMID: 38039933 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.106078] [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: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Today's level of anthelmintic use in livestock production is a major threat to both the livestock industry and the environment. In this context, the research community is looking for ways to equip farmers with preventive and treatment strategies that can decrease livestock-industry dependence on anthelmintics. Production practices for a sustainable control of parasites have been advocated for almost forty years, but farmers' uptake of these practices has been too slow to address the issues at stake. In this paper, we examine the rationales behind the under-adoption of sustainable worm control practices in grassland-based livestock systems. This research builds on 25 semi-structured interviews with dairy sheep farmers in southwestern France. The interview material was analysed via qualitative discourse analysis. We highlight farmers' social representations and rationales underpinning adoption or non-adoption of the 'low anthelmintics use' strategy. We identify six profiles for nematode control according to the way each farmer included treatment and coprology in their on-farm practice. We identify that the low-use strategy has low adoption potential due to its low perceived relative advantage; low perceived trialability; unclear compatibility with previous experiences, needs, and values; and higher complexity than the status quo option. We show that holistic, pro-environmental, and collaborative attitudes are associated with adoption of the low-use strategy. We then discuss ways to improve uptake, such as increased communication, trainings, and farm visits involving farmers, extension agents and veterinarians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marion Sautier
- GenPhySE, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, F-31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France.
| | - Pierre Chiron
- GenPhySE, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, F-31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Evans MJ, Corripio-Miyar Y, Hayward A, Kenyon F, McNeilly TN, Nussey DH. Antagonism between co-infecting gastrointestinal nematodes: A meta-analysis of experimental infections in Sheep. Vet Parasitol 2023; 323:110053. [PMID: 37879240 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.110053] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) have enormous global impacts in humans, wildlife and grazing livestock. Within grazing livestock, sheep are of particular global importance and the economics and sustainability of sheep production are greatly constrained by GIN infections. Natural infections are composed of co-infections with multiple species, and while some past work suggests species can interact negatively with one another within the same host, there is wide variation in reported patterns. Here, we undertook a systematic literature search and meta-analysis of experimental GIN co-infections of sheep to determine whether these experimental studies support the hypothesis of antagonistic interactions between different co-infecting GIN, and test whether aspects of parasite biology or experimental design influence the observed effects. A systematic search of the literature yielded 4848 studies, within which, we identified 19 experimental sheep studies comparing post-mortem worm counts across two co-infecting GIN species. Meta-analysis of 67 effects obtained from these studies provides strong evidence for interactions between GIN species. There was wide variation in the strength and direction of these interactions, but the global effect was significantly antagonistic. On average, there was a decrease in the number of worms of one species when a co-infecting species was also present, relative to a mono-infection with that species alone. This effect was dependent on the infectious dose and was rapidly lost after anthelmintic treatment, suggesting that live worms are required for the effect to occur. Individual parasite species varied in the extent to which they both exerted, and were subject to, these interspecies interactions, and these differences are more complex than simply co-localisation within the gastrointestinal tract. Antagonistic interactions between co-infecting GIN may feedback into their epidemiology as well as potentially affecting the clinical impacts of infection. Furthermore, the consequences of these interactions may be heightened when clinical interventions affect only one species within the co-infecting network. Whilst it was not possible to identify the causes of variation between GIN species in the impact of co-infection, these findings point to new avenues for epidemiological, clinical and mechanistic research on GIN co-infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M J Evans
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, UK; Department for Disease Control, Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, UK; Institute for Ecology and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Y Corripio-Miyar
- Department for Disease Control, Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, UK
| | - A Hayward
- Department for Disease Control, Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, UK
| | - F Kenyon
- Department for Disease Control, Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, UK
| | - T N McNeilly
- Department for Disease Control, Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, UK
| | - D H Nussey
- Institute for Ecology and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Magdálek J, Škorpíková L, McFarland C, Vadlejch J. An alien parasite in a changing world - Ashworthius sidemi has lost its traditional seasonal dynamics. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1279073. [PMID: 38026660 PMCID: PMC10646533 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1279073] [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: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A non-native nematode Ashworthius sidemi has emerged in captive fallow deer in Central and Eastern Europe over the last decade. Although this parasite has been spreading in the wild outside it's native distributional range and colonising local European host species since the middle of the last century, limited information has been published on the seasonality of A. sidemi and its susceptibility to anthelmintics. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a study to investigate seasonal dynamics of the non-native parasite in the current Central European climate conditions. We collected freshly voided faecal pellets at four-week intervals from February 2018 to February 2020 at a fallow deer reserve with a known history of A. sidemi presence. The faecal pellets obtained were pooled after each site visit (n = 25) and coprocultured to obtain the third stage larvae of trichostrongylid nematodes at monthly intervals. Total genomic DNA was extracted from the recovered larvae. Using real-time multiplex PCR, A. sidemi DNA was detected in 17 out of 25 larval samples (68% prevalence). During the monitoring period, the annual administration of ivermectin based premix (Cermix) took place in January 2018, 2019, and 2020, and additionally a mixture of rafoxanide and mebendazole (Rafendazol) was administered once in spring 2019. The probability of parasite presence was significantly influenced by the time since the drug administration (p = 0.048) and the mean temperature at the location (p = 0.013). Larval samples negative for A. sidemi were always identified shortly after the drug administration. However, rapid pasture contamination by the parasite eggs from two to three months after Cermix administration and within one month after Rafendazol administration suggest only a short-lived efficacy of both administered drugs. The abundance of A. sidemi DNA was positively affected by mean temperature (p = 0.044) and remained relatively stable throughout the monitoring period, with the highest peak in August 2018 and 2019. Pasture contamination with A. sidemi eggs occurred almost all year round, with the exception of the beginning of 2018, 2019, and 2020. These findings indicate adaptation of a non-native parasite to the current climatic conditions of the Czech Republic resulted in negligible seasonal patterns of parasite egg shedding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Magdálek
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Lucie Škorpíková
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Christopher McFarland
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Jaroslav Vadlejch
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Beltrame MO, Moviglia GS, De Tommaso D, Quintana S. Gastrointestinal parasites of domestic sheep from Patagonia throughout historical times: A paleoparasitological approach. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 44:100915. [PMID: 37652634 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100915] [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: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Sheep husbandry in Patagonia, Argentina, started at the beginning of the 20th century from European settlers. Sanitary management is minimal, which has serious implications for the sheep health. Sheep can be infested by diverse parasites, with well over 150 species of internal and external parasites reported worldwide. Gastrointestinal parasitism is one of the most common and important infections in sheep concerning the health status, and is the cause of significant morbidity and mortality, which generates considerable production losses. The present work is the first paleoparasitological study of sheep coprolites from Patagonia throughout historical times. Fifty-seven coprolites from the 'Cueva Peligro' archaeological site (Patagonia, Argentina) were analyzed using the Lutz spontaneous sedimentation technique and the modified Faust flotation technique. Ancient DNA (aDNA) study was carried out in order to identify the zoological origin of coprolites. The results obtained from Cytb analysis confirmed the identity of the host as Ovis aries (domestic sheep). A total of 39 coprolites examined were positive for parasites by at least one of the studied methods. Thirty eight samples were positive by spontaneous sedimentation and 10 samples were positive by the modified Faust technique. The parasitic fauna found was Trichuris sp. (Trichinellida: Trichuridae), Nematodirus sp., Nematodirus spathiger (Strongylida, Trichostrongyloidea), two unidentified Strongylida-type egg morphotypes, Fasciola hepatica (Trematoda: Digenea) and coccidia oocysts of Eimeria spp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae). The modified Faust technique provided satisfactory results in terms of sensitivity for the detection of Eimeria spp. The use of this methodology as a routine procedure enables the processing of ancient samples, in order to increase recoveries. These results show the importance of integrating different diagnostic approaches in order to optimize parasitic findings. The recorded parasite diversity appears to have not changed over the last 120 years. The study displayed the presence of different parasitic species which suggests potential exposure to parasitic diseases through the historical times, both for sheep and for other domestic and wild mammals from Patagonia. Also, suggests the presence of fasciolosis, a zoonotic disease that implies a potential risk for Patagonian populations in the past.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Ornela Beltrame
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción, Sanidad y Ambiente (IIPROSAM), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Gloria Sofía Moviglia
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción, Sanidad y Ambiente (IIPROSAM), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Daniela De Tommaso
- Grupo de Investigación en Gestión, Desarrollo Territorial y Ambiente (GesDTA), Facultad Regional Chubut, Universidad Tecnológica Nacional (FRCh-UTN)
| | - Silvina Quintana
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción, Sanidad y Ambiente (IIPROSAM), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Junker K, Horak IG, Boomker J, Krasnov BR. Nestedness and beta diversity of gastrointestinal helminth communities in common warthogs, Phacochoerus africanus (Suidae), at 2 localities in South Africa. Parasitology 2023; 150:911-921. [PMID: 37553973 PMCID: PMC10577656 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023000719] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have investigated the ecological interactions between wild species of Suidae and their parasites, leaving our knowledge concerning this host–parasite system fragmented. In the present study, we applied network studies to analyse community nestedness in helminth assemblages of common warthogs, Phacochoerus africanus (Gmelin) (Suidae). Helminth data were compiled from 95 warthogs, including young and adult males and females, from 2 different conservation areas in Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces, South Africa, collected monthly over a period of 1 year each. The aim was to study the effect of host sex, age and season of sampling on the structure of helminth infracommunities harboured by the warthogs and to search for non-random structural patterns in the warthog–helminth interaction networks. Furthermore, we investigated the influence of a warthog's age, sex and season of sampling on beta diversity and dark diversity of their helminth infracommunities. Lastly, we asked whether the effects of host sex, age and sampling season on helminth communities differed between the 2 localities. We found that helminth communities of warthogs were nested and host–parasite interactions were influenced by all 3 factors as well as combinations thereof. However, the resulting patterns differed at the 2 localities, indicating that local environmental processes are important drivers of community structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Junker
- National Collection of Animal Helminths, Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors Programme, ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Private Bag X05, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Ivan G. Horak
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Joop Boomker
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Boris R. Krasnov
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Swiss Institute for Dryland Environmental and Energy Research, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, 8499000 Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Wolmuth‐Gordon HS, Brown MJF. Transmission of a bumblebee parasite is robust despite parasite exposure to extreme temperatures. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10379. [PMID: 37502302 PMCID: PMC10368942 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
All organisms are exposed to fluctuating environmental conditions, such as temperature. How individuals respond to temperature affects their interactions with one another. Changes to the interaction between parasites and their hosts can have a large effect on disease dynamics. The gut parasite, Crithidia bombi, can be highly prevalent in the bumblebee, Bombus terrestris, and is an established epidemiological model. The parasite is transmitted between bumblebees via flowers, exposing it to a range of environmental temperatures prior to infection. We investigated whether incubation duration and temperature exposure, prior to infection, affects parasite infectivity. Prior to inoculation in B. terrestris, C. bombi was incubated at 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50°C for either 10 or 60 min. These times were chosen to reflect the length of time that the parasite remains infective when outside the host and the rate of floral visitation in bumblebees. Prevalence and infection intensity were measured in bees 1 week later. Incubation duration and the interaction between incubation temperature and duration affected the prevalence of C. bombi at 50°C, resulting in no infections after 60 min. Below 50°C, C. bombi prevalence was not affected by incubation temperature or duration. Extreme temperatures induced morphological changes in C. bombi cells; however, infection intensity was not affected by incubation duration or temperature. These results highlight that this parasite is robust to a wide range of temperatures. The parasite was not infective after being exposed to 50°C for 60 min, such temperatures likely exceed the flight abilities of bumblebees, and thus the potential for transmission. This study shows the importance of understanding the effects of environmental conditions on both hosts and parasites, which is needed to predict transmission under different environmental conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark J. F. Brown
- School of Life Sciences and the EnvironmentRoyal Holloway University of LondonEghamUK
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Herskind C, Petersen HH, Pertoldi C, Østergaard SK, Kołodziej-Sobocińska M, Sobociński W, Tokarska M, Hammer Jensen T. Effect of Translocation on Host Diet and Parasite Egg Burden: A Study of the European Bison ( Bison bonasus). BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12050680. [PMID: 37237495 DOI: 10.3390/biology12050680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
For the purpose of nature management and species conservation, European bison (Bison bonasus) are being increasingly reintroduced into nature reserves across Europe. The aim of this study was to investigate European bison's adaptability to new areas through the study of their parasite-EPG (eggs per gram feces) and dietary diversity during twelve months after translocation. We compared the parasite-EPG from introduced European bison in Lille Vildmose, Denmark, with the parasite-EPG from populations from Bornholm, Denmark, and Białowieża Forest, Poland. From March 2021 to February 2022, fecal samples were collected from three populations. Samples from Lille Vildmose were examined through flotation, sedimentation, the Baermann technique, and nanopore sequencing. Fecal samples from Bornholm and Białowieża were examined through flotation and sedimentation. Nanopore sequencing of DNA from 63 European bison's fecal samples collected during March-September in Lille Vildmose identified 8 species of nematodes within the digestive tract of the European bison, with Haemonchus contortus being the most frequently observed. In Lille Vildmose, a significantly higher excretion of nematode-EPG was observed during the summer period than in the spring, autumn, and winter. In addition, monthly differences in the excretion of nematode eggs were found, with this being significantly higher in June than in the months during autumn and winter (October-February). Significant differences in the nematode-EPG were only found between the excretion of nematode eggs in Białowieża Forest when compared to that of Lille Vildmose, with significantly higher excretion in Lille Vildmose (October-November). The results indicate that the development rates for nematodes may be affected by changes in temperature, with increasing temperatures speeding up their development time. Independent of this study design, wildlife vets together with the gamekeepers managing the herd found it necessary to treat the herd with antiparasitics for practical and animal welfare reasons in relation to translocation. Furthermore, 79 plant taxa were identified in the diet of the European bison. The broadest diet was observed in March suggesting that the European bison quickly adapted to their new habitat. The results suggest a seasonal shift in their diet, with this being most apparent from March to April.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christinna Herskind
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Heidi Huus Petersen
- Centre for Diagnostic, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Cino Pertoldi
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | | | | | - Wojciech Sobociński
- Institute of Biology, University of Białystok, Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245 Białystok, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Tokarska
- Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Stoczek 1, 17-230 Białowieża, Poland
| | - Trine Hammer Jensen
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
- Aalborg Zoo, Mølleparkvej 63, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Płoneczka-Janeczko K, Szalińska W, Otop I, Piekarska J, Rypuła K. Weather parameters as a predictive tool potentially allowing for better monitoring of dairy cattle against gastrointestinal parasites hazard. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5944. [PMID: 37045884 PMCID: PMC10097711 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32890-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
In animal production, yield is critically related to animal health status. To ensure high productivity, innovative control strategies for herd and parasites monitoring are required. Gastrointestinal parasites have a strong influence on changing feed intake or nutrient use, limiting animal productivity. Serological control has been proposed, given that parasite development is largely dependent on environmental temperature and humidity. However, breeders and field veterinarians lack readily accessible climate characteristics that provide information to determine whether and when herds require laboratory examination. To help reduce the testing costs incurred by farmers, we investigated whether selected meteorological data could serve as conclusive predictors to increase the precision of herd selection for serological monitoring. Our results indicate that the selection of herds by farmers for testing can be guided by regular checking of meteorological data, especially various temperature and humidity indicators. In general, ranges of 24-28 °C, as well as - 0.5 to 7.5 °C for the monthly maximum and minimum temperature, respectively, and relative humidity (68-79%) and vapour pressure (10-15 hPa) correspond to a high antiparasitic response of the herd, expressed as the optical density ratio. It is recommended to introduce coproscopic and/or serological tests if the observed weather pattern (covering the prepatent period of parasite development) ranges within the estimated values.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Płoneczka-Janeczko
- Department of Epizootiology with Clinic for Birds and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Grunwaldzki Square 45, 50-366, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Wiwiana Szalińska
- Research and Development Centre, Institute of Meteorology and Water Management - National Research Institute, Podleśna 61, 01-673, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Irena Otop
- Research and Development Centre, Institute of Meteorology and Water Management - National Research Institute, Podleśna 61, 01-673, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jolanta Piekarska
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinic of Diseases of Horses, Dogs and Cats, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Grunwaldzki Square 47, 50-366, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Rypuła
- Department of Epizootiology with Clinic for Birds and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Grunwaldzki Square 45, 50-366, Wrocław, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Bricarello PA, Longo C, da Rocha RA, Hötzel MJ. Understanding Animal-Plant-Parasite Interactions to Improve the Management of Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Grazing Ruminants. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12040531. [PMID: 37111417 PMCID: PMC10145647 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12040531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Grazing systems have great potential to promote animal welfare by allowing animals to express natural behaviours, but they also present risks to the animals. Diseases caused by gastrointestinal nematodes are some of the most important causes of poor ruminant health and welfare in grazing systems and cause important economic losses. Reduced growth, health, reproduction and fitness, and negative affective states that indicate suffering are some of the negative effects on welfare in animals infected by gastrointestinal nematode parasitism. Conventional forms of control are based on anthelmintics, but their growing inefficiency due to resistance to many drugs, their potential for contamination of soil and products, and negative public opinion indicate an urgency to seek alternatives. We can learn to deal with these challenges by observing biological aspects of the parasite and the host’s behaviour to develop managements that have a multidimensional view that vary in time and space. Improving animal welfare in the context of the parasitic challenge in grazing systems should be seen as a priority to ensure the sustainability of livestock production. Among the measures to control gastrointestinal nematodes and increase animal welfare in grazing systems are the management and decontamination of pastures, offering multispecies pastures, and grazing strategies such as co-grazing with other species that have different grazing behaviours, rotational grazing with short grazing periods, and improved nutrition. Genetic selection to improve herd or flock parasite resistance to gastrointestinal nematode infection may also be incorporated into a holistic control plan, aiming at a substantial reduction in the use of anthelmintics and endectocides to make grazing systems more sustainable.
Collapse
|
24
|
Warburton EM, Budischak SA, Jolles AE, Ezenwa VO. Within-host and external environments differentially shape β-diversity across parasite life stages. J Anim Ecol 2023; 92:665-676. [PMID: 36567629 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13877] [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: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Uncovering drivers of community assembly is a key aspect of learning how biological communities function. Drivers of community similarity can be especially useful in this task as they affect assemblage-level changes that lead to differences in species diversity between habitats. Concepts of β-diversity originally developed for use in free-living communities have been widely applied to parasite communities to gain insight into how infection risk changes with local conditions by comparing parasite communities across abiotic and biotic gradients. Factors shaping β-diversity in communities of immature parasites, such as larvae, are largely unknown. This is a key knowledge gap as larvae are frequently the infective life-stage and understanding variation in these larval communities is thus key for disease prevention. Our goal was to uncover links between β-diversity of parasite communities at different life stages; therefore, we used gastrointestinal nematodes infecting African buffalo in Kruger National Park, South Africa, to investigate within-host and extra-host drivers of adult and larval parasite community similarity. We employed a cross-sectional approach using PERMANOVA that examined each worm community at a single time point to assess independent drivers of β-diversity in larvae and adults as well as a longitudinal approach with path analysis where adult and larval communities from the same host were compared to better link drivers of β-diversity between these two life stages. Using the cross-sectional approach, we generally found that intrinsic, within-host traits had significant effects on β-diversity of adult nematode communities, while extrinsic, extra-host variables had significant effects on β-diversity of larval nematode communities. However, the longitudinal approach provided evidence that intrinsic, within-host factors affected the larval community indirectly via the adult community. Our results provide key data for the comparison of community-level processes where adult and immature stages inhabit vastly different habitats (i.e. within-host vs. abiotic environment). In the context of parasitism, this helps elucidate host infection risk via larval stages and the drivers that shape persistence of adult parasite assemblages, both of which are useful for predicting and preventing infectious disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Warburton
- Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Sarah A Budischak
- W.M. Keck Department of Science, Claremont McKenna College, Claremont, California, USA
| | - Anna E Jolles
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Vanessa O Ezenwa
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Hassan SU, Chua EG, Paz EA, Tay CY, Greeff JC, Palmer DG, Dudchenko O, Aiden EL, Martin GB, Kaur P. Chromosome-length genome assembly of Teladorsagia circumcincta - a globally important helminth parasite in livestock. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:74. [PMID: 36792983 PMCID: PMC9933375 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09172-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal (GIT) helminthiasis is a global problem that affects livestock health, especially in small ruminants. One of the major helminth parasites of sheep and goats, Teladorsagia circumcincta, infects the abomasum and causes production losses, reductions in weight gain, diarrhoea and, in some cases, death in young animals. Control strategies have relied heavily on the use of anthelmintic medication but, unfortunately, T. circumcincta has developed resistance, as have many helminths. Vaccination offers a sustainable and practical solution, but there is no commercially available vaccine to prevent Teladorsagiosis. The discovery of new strategies for controlling T. circumcincta, such as novel vaccine targets and drug candidates, would be greatly accelerated by the availability of better quality, chromosome-length, genome assembly because it would allow the identification of key genetic determinants of the pathophysiology of infection and host-parasite interaction. The available draft genome assembly of T. circumcincta (GCA_002352805.1) is highly fragmented and thus impedes large-scale investigations of population and functional genomics. RESULTS We have constructed a high-quality reference genome, with chromosome-length scaffolds, by purging alternative haplotypes from the existing draft genome assembly and scaffolding the result using chromosome conformation, capture-based, in situ Hi-C technique. The improved (Hi-C) assembly resulted in six chromosome-length scaffolds with length ranging from 66.6 Mbp to 49.6 Mbp, 35% fewer sequences and reduction in size. Substantial improvements were also achieved in both the values for N50 (57.1 Mbp) and L50 (5 Mbp). A higher and comparable level of genome and proteome completeness was achieved for Hi-C assembly on BUSCO parameters. The Hi-C assembly had a greater synteny and number of orthologs with a closely related nematode, Haemonchus contortus. CONCLUSION This improved genomic resource is suitable as a foundation for the identification of potential targets for vaccine and drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shamshad Ul Hassan
- grid.1012.20000 0004 1936 7910UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, 6009 Crawley, WA Australia ,grid.1012.20000 0004 1936 7910Helicobacter Research Laboratory, The Marshall Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA Australia
| | - Eng Guan Chua
- grid.1012.20000 0004 1936 7910Helicobacter Research Laboratory, The Marshall Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA Australia
| | - Erwin A. Paz
- grid.1012.20000 0004 1936 7910UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, 6009 Crawley, WA Australia ,grid.1012.20000 0004 1936 7910Helicobacter Research Laboratory, The Marshall Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA Australia
| | - Chin Yen Tay
- grid.1012.20000 0004 1936 7910Helicobacter Research Laboratory, The Marshall Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA Australia
| | - Johan C. Greeff
- grid.493004.aDepartment of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia 3 Baron Hay Court, South Perth, 6151 WA Australia
| | - Dieter G. Palmer
- grid.493004.aDepartment of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia 3 Baron Hay Court, South Perth, 6151 WA Australia
| | - Olga Dudchenko
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XThe Center for Genome Architecture, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, 77030 Houston, TX USA ,grid.21940.3e0000 0004 1936 8278Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, 77005 Houston, TX USA
| | - Erez Lieberman Aiden
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XThe Center for Genome Architecture, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, 77030 Houston, TX USA ,grid.21940.3e0000 0004 1936 8278Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, 77005 Houston, TX USA ,Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech, Pudong China ,grid.66859.340000 0004 0546 1623Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Graeme B. Martin
- grid.1012.20000 0004 1936 7910UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, 6009 Crawley, WA Australia
| | - Parwinder Kaur
- UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, 6009, Crawley, WA, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Jouffroy S, Bordes L, Grisez C, Sutra JF, Cazajous T, Lafon J, Dumont N, Chastel M, Vial-Novella C, Achard D, Karembe H, Devaux M, Abbadie M, Delmas C, Lespine A, Jacquiet P. First report of eprinomectin-resistant isolates of Haemonchus contortus in 5 dairy sheep farms from the Pyrénées Atlantiques département in France. Parasitology 2023; 150:1-9. [PMID: 36661208 PMCID: PMC10090475 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023000069] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Infection of sheep by gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in pastoral systems such as those found in the South Western area of France, the Pyrénées Atlantiques, is one of the main reasons for economic loss and degradation of their welfare. In the present study, the efficacy of eprinomectin (EPN) was monitored on farms from this area following suspicion of lack of anthelmintic efficacy. Suspicions were raised by veterinarians, based on clinical signs ranging from milk and body condition loss, to anaemia, and mortality. Resistance was evaluated according to the World Association for the Advancement for Veterinary Parasitology (WAAVP) guidelines using fecal egg count reduction tests reinforced by individual analysis of drug concentration in the serum of all treated ewes by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). EPN was administered by subcutaneous (SC) and topical (T) route according to manufacturer's requirements, as well as by the oral route (O) with the topical solution according to off-labelled practices in the field. For the first time in France, the presence of resistant isolates of Haemonchus contortus to EPN was observed in 5 dairy sheep farms. The HPLC dosages showed exposure of worms to concentrations compatible with anthelmintic activity for animals treated by the SC and O routes. By contrast, they showed under exposure to the drug of most individuals treated by the T route. EPN is the only null milk withdrawal anthelmintic molecule currently available. The presence of resistant isolates of the pathogenic H. contortus to EPN in this important dairy region requires an urgent change in grazing, and sometimes production, systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S. Jouffroy
- INTHERES, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, 31027 Toulouse Cedex 3, France
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, 31027 Toulouse Cedex 3, France
- CEVA Santé Animale, 33500 Libourne, France
| | - L. Bordes
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, 31027 Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - C. Grisez
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, 31027 Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - J. F. Sutra
- INTHERES, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, 31027 Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - T. Cazajous
- Selarl Vétérinaire du Piémont, 64800 Mirepeix, France
| | - J. Lafon
- Clinique Vétérinaire du Haut Béarn, 64400 Oloron Ste Marie, France
| | - N. Dumont
- Vétérinaires Garazi, 64220 St Jean le Vieux, France
| | - M. Chastel
- Clinique du Saison, 64470 Tardets-Sorholus, France
| | | | - D. Achard
- CEVA Santé Animale, 33500 Libourne, France
| | - H. Karembe
- CEVA Santé Animale, 33500 Libourne, France
| | - M. Devaux
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, 31027 Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - M. Abbadie
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, 31027 Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - C. Delmas
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, 31027 Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - A. Lespine
- INTHERES, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, 31027 Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - P. Jacquiet
- IHAP, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, 31027 Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Arisman BC, Burke JM, Morgan JLM, Lewis RM. Clustering climate and management practices to define environmental challenges affecting gastrointestinal parasitism in Katahdin sheep. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:6971739. [PMID: 36610800 PMCID: PMC9904178 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad002] [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: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) negatively affect the performance and well-being of sheep. Due to anthelmintic resistance, GIN are difficult to control leading producers to choose breeds that can exhibit resistance to parasitism. An example is Katahdin sheep. Katahdins are raised in various climates and management systems in the United States. These environmental factors can be combined to form eco-management groupings or clusters. We hypothesized that GIN challenge varies predictably based on the characteristics of these environmental clusters. Forty Katahdin producers from across the United States were surveyed for management information, with body weights (BW), fecal egg counts (FEC), and FAMACHA scores (FAM) available from 17 of the 40 flocks. The performance data included 3,426 lambs evaluated around 90 d of age. Management and climate data were combined into clusters using multiple correspondence and principal component (PC) analysis. Performance data were aligned with their corresponding cluster. Depending on the trait, eco-management cluster, birth-rearing type, sex, and, as a covariate, dam age, were fitted as systematic effects with ANOVA. Clusters also were formed based on climate or management data alone. When compared with fitting the eco-management clusters, they defined less variation in each of the traits based on Akaike and Bayesian information criterion, and adjusted r2 values. To further examine variation defined by eco-management clusters, residuals from an ANOVA model excluding eco-management cluster were retained, and their correlation with PC loadings calculated. All PC loadings were included as potential independent variables and tested for significance using backward stepwise regression. The PC loadings with a correlation |≥0.49| explained significant variation in each trait and were included in the final models chosen; adjusted r2 values for BW, FEC, and FAM were 0.90, 0.81, and 0.97, respectively. When analyzing GIN challenge, eco-management clusters corresponding with hotter temperatures and greater rainfall, and with pasture-born lambs, suffered greater parasitism. Conversely, the eco-management clusters with lambs turned out to pasture at older ages benefited from reduced parasitism. Through the formation of eco-management clusters, an environmental variable can be defined to study interactions of genotypes to their environment, providing a potentially useful tool for identifying parasite-resistant sheep.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian C Arisman
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, P.O. Box 830908, 68588, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Joan M Burke
- USDA, ARS, Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center, 6883 South State Highway 23, 72927, Booneville, AR, USA
| | - James L M Morgan
- Round Mountain Consulting, 18235 Wildlife Road, 72701, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Alborzi AR, Mehdizadeh A, Hamidinejat H, Tabandeh M, Borujeni MP. Morphometric and phylogenetic study of Haemonchus isolates in small ruminants from mountainous (Lorestan) and plain (Khuzestan) regions of Iran. Small Rumin Res 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2023.106913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
|
29
|
Burden of anemia and intestinal parasites in farmers and family members and owned livestock in two geographic locations in Senegal before and during the rainy seasons. One Health 2022; 15:100415. [DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2022.100415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
|
30
|
Long-term temporal trends in gastrointestinal parasite infection in wild Soay sheep. Parasitology 2022; 149:1749-1759. [PMID: 36052517 PMCID: PMC10090761 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182022001263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Monitoring the prevalence and abundance of parasites over time is important for addressing their potential impact on host life histories, immunological profiles and their influence as a selective force. Only long-term ecological studies have the potential to shed light on both the temporal trends in infection prevalence and abundance and the drivers of such trends, because of their ability to dissect drivers that may be confounded over shorter time scales. Despite this, only a relatively small number of such studies exist. Here, we analysed changes in the prevalence and abundance of gastrointestinal parasites in the wild Soay sheep population of St. Kilda across 31 years. The host population density (PD) has increased across the study, and PD is known to increase parasite transmission, but we found that PD and year explained temporal variation in parasite prevalence and abundance independently. Prevalence of both strongyle nematodes and coccidian microparasites increased during the study, and this effect varied between lambs, yearlings and adults. Meanwhile, abundance of strongyles was more strongly linked to host PD than to temporal (yearly) dynamics, while abundance of coccidia showed a strong temporal trend without any influence of PD. Strikingly, coccidian abundance increased 3-fold across the course of the study in lambs, while increases in yearlings and adults were negligible. Our decades-long, intensive, individual-based study will enable the role of environmental change and selection pressures in driving these dynamics to be determined, potentially providing unparalleled insight into the drivers of temporal variation in parasite dynamics in the wild.
Collapse
|
31
|
Beaumelle C, Redman E, Verheyden H, Jacquiet P, Bégoc N, Veyssière F, Benabed S, Cargnelutti B, Lourtet B, Poirel MT, de Rijke J, Yannic G, Gilleard JS, Bourgoin G. Generalist nematodes dominate the nemabiome of roe deer in sympatry with sheep at a regional level. Int J Parasitol 2022; 52:751-761. [PMID: 36183847 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2022.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The growth of livestock farming and the recent expansion of wild ungulate populations in Europe favor opportunities for direct and/or indirect cross-transmission of pathogens. Comparatively few studies have investigated the epidemiology of gastro-intestinal nematode parasites, an ubiquitous and important community of parasites of ungulates, at the wildlife/livestock interface. In this study, we aimed to assess the influence of livestock proximity on the gastrointestinal nematode community of roe deer in a rural landscape located in southern France. Using ITS-2 rDNA nemabiome metabarcoding on fecal larvae, we analysed the gastrointestinal nematode communities of roe deer and sheep. In addition, we investigated Haemonchus contortus nad4 mtDNA diversity to specifically test parasite circulation among domestic and wild host populations. The dominant gastrointestinal nematode species found in both the roe deer and sheep were generalist species commonly found in small ruminant livestock (e.g. H. contortus), whereas the more specialised wild cervid nematode species (e.g. Ostertagia leptospicularis) were only present at low frequencies. This is in marked contrast with previous studies that found the nemabiomes of wild cervid populations to be dominated by cervid specialist nematode species. In addition, the lack of genetic structure of the nad4 mtDNA of H. contortus populations between host species suggests circulation of gastrointestinal nematodes between roe deer and sheep. The risk of contact with livestock only has a small influence on the nemabiome of roe deer, suggesting the parasite population of roe deer has been displaced by generalist livestock parasites due to many decades of sheep farming, not only for deer grazing close to pastures, but also at a larger regional scale. We also observed some seasonal variation in the nemabiome composition of roe deer. Overall, our results demonstrate significant exchange of gastrointestinal nematodes between domestic and wild ungulates, with generalist species spilling over from domestic ungulates dominating wild cervid parasite communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camille Beaumelle
- Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive UMR 5558, F-69100 Villeurbanne, France; Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France; Université Grenoble Alpes, Université Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LECA, 38000 Grenoble, France.
| | - Elizabeth Redman
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Host-Parasite Interactions Program (HPI) University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Hélène Verheyden
- Université de Toulouse, INRAE, Comportement et Ecologie de la Faune Sauvage, F-31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France; LTSER ZA PYRénées GARonne, F-31326 Auzeville-Tolosane, France
| | - Philippe Jacquiet
- Université de Toulouse, UMT Pilotage de la Santé des Ruminants, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, France
| | - Noémie Bégoc
- Université de Toulouse, UMT Pilotage de la Santé des Ruminants, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, France
| | - Florence Veyssière
- Université de Toulouse, UMT Pilotage de la Santé des Ruminants, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, France
| | - Slimania Benabed
- Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive UMR 5558, F-69100 Villeurbanne, France; Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Bruno Cargnelutti
- Université de Toulouse, INRAE, Comportement et Ecologie de la Faune Sauvage, F-31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France; LTSER ZA PYRénées GARonne, F-31326 Auzeville-Tolosane, France
| | - Bruno Lourtet
- Université de Toulouse, INRAE, Comportement et Ecologie de la Faune Sauvage, F-31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France; LTSER ZA PYRénées GARonne, F-31326 Auzeville-Tolosane, France
| | - Marie-Thérèse Poirel
- Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive UMR 5558, F-69100 Villeurbanne, France; Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Jill de Rijke
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Host-Parasite Interactions Program (HPI) University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Glenn Yannic
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Université Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LECA, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - John S Gilleard
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Host-Parasite Interactions Program (HPI) University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Gilles Bourgoin
- Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive UMR 5558, F-69100 Villeurbanne, France; Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Starkloff NC, Civitello DJ. Cascading impacts of host seasonal adaptation on parasitism. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:942-949. [PMID: 36088213 PMCID: PMC9588794 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The persistence of parasite populations through harsh seasonal bouts is often critical to circannual disease outbreaks. Parasites have a diverse repertoire of phenotypes for persistence, ranging from transitioning to a different life stage better suited to within-host dormancy to utilizing weather-hardy structures external to hosts. While these adaptive traits allow parasite species to survive through harsh seasons, it is often at survival rates that threaten population persistence. We argue that these periods of parasite (and vector) population busts could be ideal targets for disease intervention. As climate change portends abbreviated host dormancy and extended transmission periods in many host-parasite systems, it is essential to identify novel pathways to shore up current disease-intervention strategies.
Collapse
|
33
|
García-Hernández C, Rojo-Rubio R, Gives PMD, González-Cortazar M, Zamilpa A, Mondragón-Ancelmo J, Villa-Mancera A, Olivares-Pérez J, Tapia-Maruri D, Olmedo-Juárez A. In vitro and in vivo anthelmintic properties of Caesalpinia coriaria fruits against Haemonchus contortus. Exp Parasitol 2022; 242:108401. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
34
|
Lillis PE, Kennedy IP, Carolan JC, Griffin CT. Low-temperature exposure has immediate and lasting effects on the stress tolerance, chemotaxis and proteome of entomopathogenic nematodes. Parasitology 2022; 150:1-14. [PMID: 36328953 PMCID: PMC10090647 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182022001445] [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: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Temperature is one of the most important factors affecting soil organisms, including the infective stages of parasites and entomopathogenic nematodes, which are important biological control agents. We investigated the response of 2 species of entomopathogenic nematodes to different storage regimes: cold (9°C), culture temperature (20°C) and temperature swapped from 9 to 20°C. For Steinernema carpocapsae, cold storage had profound effects on chemotaxis, stress tolerance and protein expression that were retained in temperature-swapped individuals. These effects included reversal of chemotactic response for 3 (prenol, methyl salicylate and hexanol) of the 4 chemicals tested, and enhanced tolerance to freezing (−10°C) and desiccation (75% RH). Label-free quantitative proteomics showed that cold storage induced widespread changes in S. carpocapsae, including an increase in heat-shock proteins and late embryogenesis abundant proteins. For Heterorhabditis megidis, cold storage had a less dramatic effect on chemotaxis (as previously shown for proteomic expression) and changes were not maintained on return to 20°C. Thus, cold temperature exposure has significant effects on entomopathogenic nematodes, but the nature of the change depends on the species. Steinernema carpocapsae, in particular, displays significant plasticity, and its behaviour and stress tolerance may be manipulated by brief exposure to low temperatures, with implications for its use as a biological control agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter E. Lillis
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland
| | - Ian P. Kennedy
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland
| | - James C. Carolan
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland
| | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Halvarsson P, Baltrušis P, Kjellander P, Höglund J. Parasitic strongyle nemabiome communities in wild ruminants in Sweden. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:341. [PMID: 36167594 PMCID: PMC9516825 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05449-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Wildlife hosts may serve as reservoirs for strongyles, which can be transmitted to domestic livestock. Therefore, studies evaluating nemabiome compositions in wildlife ruminants are of great use in assessing the possibility of transmission of important nematode pathogens to domestic sheep in Sweden. Methods First, fecal samples were collected from roe deer (n = 125), fallow deer (n = 106), red deer (n = 18) and mouflon (n = 13) in south central Sweden during the hunting season in 2019. Second, after fecal examination samples were cultured and the larvae were harvested, followed by DNA extractions. Third, all samples were barcoded and processed for sequence analysis on the PacBio platform. Finally, bioinformatic sequence analysis was conducted with DADA2, while species diversity and richness, as well as interactions between the different hosts, were calculated and analyzed in R. Results Nematode ITS2 sequences were found in 225 of 262 (86%) samples. In total, 31 taxa were identified, among which 26 (86%) to the species level. These were found in different combinations, among which 24 (77%) occurred in roe deer, 19 (61%) in fallow deer, 20 (65%) in red deer and 10 (32%) in mouflon. Five of the species found are known to be associated with livestock (Chabertia ovina, Haemonchus contortus, Oesophagostomum venulosum, Teladorsagia circumcincta and Trichostrongylus axei). However, in the present study the relative abundance and prevalence of most of these species were low. The most striking exception was T. axei, which was relatively abundant in all wildlife hosts. Mostly a wide range of wildlife specific nematodes such as Ostertagia leptospicularis and Spiculopteragia spp. were identified including the invasive nematode Spiculopteragia houdemeri, which was found for the first time in red deer, fallow deer, and mouflon in Sweden. The difference in the number of shared species between mouflon and all cervids (n = 6) was less than among all three cervids (n = 8). Conclusion In this study, we investigated the community structure of parasitic intestinal nematodes in four wildlife hosts, and we found that the majority of the parasite species identified were wildlife specific. We also found a new, potentially invasive species not reported before. After comparing the nemabiome of the wildlife hosts in this study with a previous study in sheep from the same geographical region, we conclude that the horizontal transmission potential appears to be relatively low. Still, cross-infections of nematodes between game and sheep cannot be completely ignored. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Halvarsson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 7036, 750 05, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Paulius Baltrušis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 7036, 750 05, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Petter Kjellander
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Grimsö Wildlife Research Station, 739 93, Riddarhyttan, Sweden
| | - Johan Höglund
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 7036, 750 05, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Foca JM, Boyce MS. Bison and elk spatiotemporal interactions in Elk Island National Park. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2022.937203] [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
Elk Island National Park (EINP) is a fenced park in the Beaver Hills UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of central Alberta where aspen parkland is being conserved. This area maintains high densities of native ungulates including elk (Cervus elaphus), bison (Bison bison bison, B. bison athabascae), moose (Alces alces), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), and mule deer (O. hemionus). Our objective was to evaluate spatiotemporal overlap and interspecific interactions between bison and elk in EINP using camera traps. Bison and elk have overlapping habitat use and diet and are the primary focus of ungulate management in EINP. We examined distributions of both species in relation to season, landscape characteristics, anthropogenic features, and heterospecifics using generalized linear models (GLMs). We then examined seasonal daily activity patterns of bison and elk and calculated the degree of overlap. The spatial analysis revealed that bison counts were positively associated with higher proportions of open habitats across seasons and in areas farther from water in summer and fall but had no associations with distance to water during winter. Bison removal year (years during which bison removals were conducted by Parks Canada) was a significant predictor variable for bison counts in winter when the bison roundup takes place. Elk avoided areas with high linear feature density across seasons. During fall and winter, we observed higher elk counts associated with bison presence. Temporal activity patterns revealed that elk were crepuscular in all three seasons, but bison activity patterns varied with diurnal activity being more common in the summer, crepuscular activity in winter, and intermediate activity patterns during fall. Coefficients of overlap between elk and bison were high in all three seasons with the greatest difference in daily activity patterns in summer and the highest overlap in winter when both species showed strong crepuscular activity. Despite the fenced perimeter in EINP resulting in high ungulate densities, limited dispersal, and low predation, our data show patterns of habitat use and interactions between bison and elk that were similar to those in other systems. Spatiotemporal partitioning does not appear necessary for coexistence of bison and elk in the aspen parkland.
Collapse
|
37
|
Junker K, Boomker J, Horak IG, Krasnov BR. Impact of host sex and age on the diversity of endoparasites and structure of individual-based host-parasite networks in nyalas (Tragelaphus angasii Angas) from three game reserves in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:3249-3267. [PMID: 36071296 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07653-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, numerous studies have examined the effect of host sex and age on the structure of parasite communities in several host taxa under various environmental conditions and in different geographic regions. However, the influence of such factors on the structure of host-parasite networks has received less attention, and remarkably few studies have been carried out on large terrestrial mammals. In this study, we investigated the effects of host age and sex on the parasite infra- and component communities of nyalas (Tragelaphus angasii) and on the structure of individual-based nyala-endoparasite networks. We also aimed to evaluate to what extent these effects vary spatially and if they are mediated by conservation management. Based on a data set of internal macroparasites of 74 nyalas from three game reserves in KwaZulu-Natal province, we found that host age strongly influenced parasite community structure as well as the structure of parasite-nyala networks, whereas host sex played a minor role. However, the effects of both host sex and age were mediated by environmental conditions and thus led to different patterns at the three localities. Our findings highlight that host-parasite communities from different localities should not be pooled when conducting host-parasite network and community studies as this may bias results and mask patterns that are typical for a given locality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Junker
- National Collection of Animal Helminths, Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors Programme, ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Private Bag X05, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa.
| | - Joop Boomker
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Ivan G Horak
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa
| | - Boris R Krasnov
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Swiss Institute for Dryland Environmental and Energy Research, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer Campus, 8499000, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
McFarland C, Rose Vineer H, Chesney L, Henry N, Brown C, Airs P, Nicholson C, Scollan N, Lively F, Kyriazakis I, Morgan ER. Tracking gastrointestinal nematode risk on cattle farms through pasture contamination mapping. Int J Parasitol 2022; 52:691-703. [PMID: 36113619 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) parasites in grazing cattle are a major cause of production loss and their control is increasingly difficult due to anthelmintic resistance and climate change. Rotational grazing can support control and decrease reliance on chemical intervention, but is often complex due to the need to track grazing periods and infection levels, and the effect of weather on larval availability. In this paper, a simulation model was developed to predict the availability of infective larvae of the bovine GIN, Ostertagia ostertagi, at the level of individual pastures. The model was applied within a complex rotational grazing system and successfully reproduced observed variation in larval density between fields and over time. Four groups of cattle in their second grazing season (n = 44) were followed throughout the temperate grazing season with regular assessment of GIN faecal egg counts, which were dominated by O. ostertagi, animal weight and recording of field rotations. Each group of cattle was rotationally grazed on six group-specific fields throughout the 2019 grazing season. Maps and calendars were produced to illustrate the change in pasture infectivity (density of L3 on herbage) across the 24 separate grazing fields. Simulations predicted differences in pasture contamination levels in relation to the timing of grazing and the return period. A proportion of L3 was predicted to persist on herbage over winter, declining to similar intensities across fields before the start of the following grazing season, irrespective of contamination levels in the previous year. Model predictions showed good agreement with pasture larval counts. The model also simulated differences in seasonal pasture infectivity under rotational grazing in systems that differed in temperature and rainfall profiles. Further application could support individual farm decisions on evasive grazing and refugia management, and improved regional evaluation of optimal grazing strategies for parasite control. The integration of weather and livestock movement is inherent to the model, and facilitates consideration of climate change adaptation through improved disease control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher McFarland
- Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Biological Sciences, 19, Chlorine Gardens, BT9 5DL, UK.
| | - Hannah Rose Vineer
- Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Cheshire CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Lauren Chesney
- Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Biological Sciences, 19, Chlorine Gardens, BT9 5DL, UK; Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Hillsborough, Co. Down, Northern Ireland BT16 6DR, UK
| | - Nicole Henry
- Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Biological Sciences, 19, Chlorine Gardens, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Claire Brown
- Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Biological Sciences, 19, Chlorine Gardens, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Paul Airs
- Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Biological Sciences, 19, Chlorine Gardens, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Christine Nicholson
- Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Hillsborough, Co. Down, Northern Ireland BT16 6DR, UK
| | - Nigel Scollan
- Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Biological Sciences, 19, Chlorine Gardens, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Francis Lively
- Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Hillsborough, Co. Down, Northern Ireland BT16 6DR, UK
| | - Ilias Kyriazakis
- Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Biological Sciences, 19, Chlorine Gardens, BT9 5DL, UK; Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Hillsborough, Co. Down, Northern Ireland BT16 6DR, UK
| | - Eric R Morgan
- Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Biological Sciences, 19, Chlorine Gardens, BT9 5DL, UK
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Abbas I, Hildreth MB. Trichostrongyle infections in domestic ruminants from Egypt: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 34:100761. [PMID: 36041796 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Trichostrongylid nematodes can cause serious loss in the livestock economy; nevertheless, infections with these ubiquitous nematodes in animals from developing countries are largely neglected. The present paper provides a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the status of trichostrongyle infections in domestic ruminants from Egypt. Out of 626 collected publications, 118 were defined suitable for inclusion in this review and represented trichostrongyle infections in 5 ruminant species (sheep, goats, cattle, buffaloes and camels) from Egypt. Published surveys have mostly focused on sheep, which had the highest (44.8%) pooled prevalence of trichostrongyle infections based on 95% confidence interval (35.9-53.6%) with no significant variations among sheep in different Egyptian regions. Goats had lower infection prevalence (31.2%, 21.5-40.8%) in comparison to sheep, and no significant regional differences were also found. The management and marketing practices likely account for the wide distribution of infection among small ruminants across Egypt. Variable trichostrongyle infection rates were estimated for camels (38.8%, 28.9-48.7%), cattle (27.4%, 14.4-40.3%) and buffaloes (12.2%, 8.0-16.4%). The prevalence of infection was significantly high during winter (52.1%, 32.2-72.1%), which provide favorable conditions for development and survival of larvae on pastures. The most common trichostrongyle identified in infected animals was Haemonchus contortus. The parasite was detected in 38.8% (29.9-47.6%) of infected sheep, 35.3% (24.8-45.7%) of infected goats and in 40.6% (18.6-62.5%) of infected camels. Clinical infections have been reported in a limited number of studies. Analysis of fecal egg counts (FECs) revealed that more than half (52.7%, 30.4-75.0%) of the tested sheep had low counts (<500 eggs per gram EPG), whereas only a few sheep (6.1%, 3.5-8.7%) had high counts >2000 EPG, implying that subclinical infections are common; however, the clinical infections cannot be completely ruled out. Anthelmintic resistance does not appear to be serious in trichostrongyle populations infecting ruminants from Egypt; nonetheless there have been a few cases of albendazole resistance in trichostrongyles infecting sheep. This paper contributes to a better understanding of the epidemiology and economic implications of trichostrongyle infections in ruminants from Egypt, which is crucial for establishing effective control strategies against these ubiquitous nematodes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Abbas
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
| | - Michael B Hildreth
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, South Dakota State University, Brookings 57007, SD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Hamilton KM, Waghorn TS, de Waal T, Keane OM, Green P, Leathwick DM. In vitro evaluation of fitness parameters for isolates of Teladorsagia circumcincta resistant and susceptible to multiple anthelmintic classes. Vet Parasitol 2022; 310:109791. [PMID: 36049292 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2022.109791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Anthelmintic resistance (AR) is an ever increasing problem for the sheep industry. Several studies worldwide have investigated reversing the trend of increasing AR and documented evidence for reversion toward susceptibility has been found. The hypothesis that resistance mutations compromise parasite fitness was drawn from this evidence. The aim of this study was to assess whether there were measurable differences in the fitness of Teladorsagia circumcincta isolates depending on their AR status. Four isolates were selected for the trial based on their known resistance status; D and M were multi-drug resistant, and T and W were susceptible to the benzimidazole, levamisole, and macrocyclic lactone anthelmintic classes. A secondary aim was to develop a series of in vitro bioassays for assessing fitness characteristics of parasites. The in vitro assays included; the cold stress test measured the number of third stage larvae (L3) developing from eggs stored at 4 °C for different lengths of time. Larval aging measured the locomotory activity of L3 after storage at 30 °C for different lengths of time. The exsheathment assay measured the exsheathment percentage of L3. Larval Length used length as a proxy for fecundity. The egg hatch assay evaluated egg hatch rate in water at room temperature. All isolates exhibited a decrease in the number of L3 recovered after storage of eggs at 4 °C (p < 0.001). Storage of L3 at 30 °C significantly influenced the ability of L3 to migrate through a 20 µm sieve (p < 0.001), however, there were no differences between isolates (p > 0.05). Exsheathment rate was higher for isolate D in comparison to isolates M and W, and for isolate T compared to isolate W. Isolate W was significantly longer than all other isolates (p < 0.05), whilst isolate M was significantly longer than isolate D (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found between isolates in egg hatch (p > 0.05). Overall, the results do not support differences in fitness associated with anthelmintic resistance status, even though differences were seen between the isolates for some assays. This suggests there is considerable variation in fitness parameters between isolates, making it difficult to determine whether resistance genotypes come with lower fitness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyra M Hamilton
- Animal & Bioscience Department, Teagasc, Athenry, Co. Galway, Ireland; AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Tania S Waghorn
- AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Theo de Waal
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Orla M Keane
- Animal & Bioscience Department, Teagasc, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath, Ireland
| | - Peter Green
- AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Dave M Leathwick
- AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Faria LEM, Ferreira OBADS, Machado AL, Costa JN, Perinotto WMDS. Monitoring environmental conditions on the speed of development and larval migration of gastrointestinal nematodes in Urochloa decumbens in northeastern Brazil. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 31:100732. [PMID: 35569915 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100732] [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: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The study aimed to evaluate the speed of development of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) eggs to infective larvae (L3) and its migration under effect of meteorological variables: temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, solar radiation to Urochloa (=Brachiaria) decumbens grass pasture during rainy season, from June to September 2019, and dry season, October to March 2020, in Recôncavo baiano region of Bahia state, Brazil. Monthly, fecal samples obtained from goats with recurrent GIN infection were deposited in six plots of one square meter. In +7, +14 and + 21-days post-deposition, lower and upper strata grass (0-15 and > 15 cm, respectively) and remaining feces were collected and submitted to Baermann's technique modified to perform larval count and identification. Meteorological data were obtained from a local weather station database. The log-transformed larval count results were analyzed regarding the collection day effect, stratum effect, comparing the means by Tukey's test (p < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis and correlation of meteorological variables with larval counts was performed. In the rainy season, the largest proportion of recovered L3 was concentrated in +7-days post-deposition in the months of June and July, both in the remaining feces and herbage samples, while in August development took place more slowly, after +14-days post-deposition. During the dry season, L3 development only occurred after the first collection in January and February. Lower strata had higher proportion of recovery than in upper strata. Negative correlation was found for solar radiation. Greater rainfall in the rainy season compared to dry season was a favorable condition for high contamination of grass samples. However, reduced vertical migration to upper strata may have been influenced by low temperatures during the rainy season. Regarding the genera present in the fecal samples used in the experiment were found Haemonchus sp., Trichostrongylus sp. and Oesophagostomum sp. Thus, it is possible to conclude that in the region of the study, during the rainy season, there is a rapid larval development and the L3 are able to migrate more effectively to the grass. On the other hand, in the dry season, larval development tends to be slower, with less migration to the grass. Solar radiation can be useful for predicting months with the highest risk of infection. Therefore, prophylactic measures should be employed in goat herds during the rainy season whilst natural reduced pasture contamination in the dry season may favor animal maintenance for a longer time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Eduardo Meira Faria
- Curso de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Ambientais e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, Cruz das Almas CEP 44380-000, BA, Brazil
| | | | - Alessandro Lima Machado
- Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Ambientais e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, Cruz das Almas CEP 44380-000, BA, Brazil.
| | - Joselito Nunes Costa
- Curso de Pós-graduação em Defesa Agropecuária, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Ambientais e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, Cruz das Almas CEP 44380-000, BA, Brazil.
| | - Wendell Marcelo de Souza Perinotto
- Curso de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Ambientais e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, Cruz das Almas CEP 44380-000, BA, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Exploration of machine learning models to predict the environmental and remote sensing risk factors of haemonchosis in sheep flocks of Rajasthan, India. Acta Trop 2022; 233:106542. [PMID: 35643184 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Globally haemonchosis in sheep is a known devastating disease imposing considerable economic loss. Understanding the environmental risk factors and their role is essentially required to manage the disease successfully. In this study, 14 years' disease data was analysed to predict the risk factors responsible for the occurrence of the disease. Season-wise analysis revealed high incidence during monsoon and post-monsoon and least in winter and summer seasons. The linear discriminant analysis (LDA) revealed the significant environmental and remote sensing risk factors contributing to haemonchosis incidence as enhanced vegetation index, leaf area index, potential evapotranspiration and specific humidity. Further, significant ecological and environmental risk factors identified using LDA were subjected to the climate-disease modelling and risk maps were generated. Basic reproduction number (R0) was estimated and was ranged from 0.76 to 2.08 for >1000 egg per gram of faeces (EPG) in four districts whereas R0 values of 1.09-1.69 for >2000 EPG in three districts indicating the severity of the infection. The random forest and adaptive boosting models emerged out as best fitted models for both the EPG groups. The results of the study will help to focus on high-risk areas of haemonchosis in sheep to implement the available control strategies and better animal production globally.
Collapse
|
43
|
A Review: Haemonchus contortus Infection in Pasture-Based Sheep Production Systems, with a Focus on the Pathogenesis of Anaemia and Changes in Haematological Parameters. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12101238. [PMID: 35625083 PMCID: PMC9137471 DOI: 10.3390/ani12101238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Infection with Haemonchus contortus parasites (haemonchosis) is an important cause of anaemia in sheep. Haemonchosis is a global problem, although sheep that are kept in warm, high rainfall environments are at the greatest risk of infection due to the favourable conditions for H. contortus survival. Following ingestion, the parasites develop in the abomasum of sheep. Various factors such as age, breed, health, nutritional status, and larval challenge influence the severity of clinical disease. Hyperacute, acute, and chronic haemonchosis are reviewed, focusing on the pathophysiology of haemonchosis, associated clinical signs, and haematological and biochemical findings. Abstract Haemonchosis is an important cause of anaemia in sheep worldwide, particularly those that are kept in pasture-based systems in warm, high rainfall environments. Potential outcomes vary based on the severity of infection and the sheep’s immune response, however, in some sheep infection can lead to death. The consequences of Haemonchus contortus infection mean that it has been well-studied in a range of different farming systems. However, to our knowledge, there has not been a recent review focused on the pathophysiology of anaemia caused by haemonchosis. Thus, this review provides an in-depth discussion of the literature related to the pathophysiology of haemonchosis and associated clinical signs for hyperacute, acute, and chronic haemonchosis. Additionally, haematological and biochemical findings are presented, and various diagnostic methods are assessed.
Collapse
|
44
|
Brown TL, Airs PM, Porter S, Caplat P, Morgan ER. Understanding the role of wild ruminants in anthelmintic resistance in livestock. Biol Lett 2022; 18:20220057. [PMID: 35506237 PMCID: PMC9065971 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2022.0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Wild ruminants are susceptible to infection from generalist helminth species, which can also infect domestic ruminants. A better understanding is required of the conditions under which wild ruminants can act as a source of helminths (including anthelmintic-resistant genotypes) for domestic ruminants, and vice versa, with the added possibility that wildlife could act as refugia for drug-susceptible genotypes and hence buffer the spread and development of resistance. Helminth infections cause significant productivity losses in domestic ruminants and a growing resistance to all classes of anthelmintic drug escalates concerns around helminth infection in the livestock industry. Previous research demonstrates that drug-resistant strains of the pathogenic nematode Haemonchus contortus can be transmitted between wild and domestic ruminants, and that gastro-intestinal nematode infections are more intense in wild ruminants within areas of high livestock density. In this article, the factors likely to influence the role of wild ruminants in helminth infections and anthelmintic resistance in livestock are considered, including host population movement across heterogeneous landscapes, and the effects of climate and environment on parasite dynamics. Methods of predicting and validating suspected drivers of helminth transmission in this context are considered based on advances in predictive modelling and molecular tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tony L Brown
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.,Veterinary Sciences Division, Agri-food and Biosciences Institute, Belfast, UK
| | - Paul M Airs
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Siobhán Porter
- Veterinary Sciences Division, Agri-food and Biosciences Institute, Belfast, UK
| | - Paul Caplat
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.,Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Eric R Morgan
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.,Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Magdálek J, Bourgoin G, Vadlejch J. Non-native Nematode Ashworthius sidemi Currently Dominates the Abomasal Parasite Community of Cervid Hosts in the Czech Republic. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:862092. [PMID: 35573405 PMCID: PMC9096835 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.862092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ashworthius sidemi is an abomasal nematode typical for Asiatic cervids such as sambar (Rusa unicolor) or sika deer (Cervus nippon). This non-native parasite was introduced into Europe via sika deer in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The current dynamic spread of this parasite amongst autochthonous wild cervids occurs independently of human activities, and A. sidemi has a negative impact on the health of wild ruminants and may pose a threat to the conservation of endangered wild ungulates and to livestock. This invasive parasite has been previously detected in the Czech Republic, but more accurate information on A. sidemi is required. Only limited information is generally available on the factors influencing the spread of abomasal nematodes in wild ruminants, so more information is necessary for planning effective strategies of parasite control. We therefore conducted a survey on the abomasal nematodes in cervids in both game reserves and hunting grounds across the Czech Republic, taking into account the hosts (species, age, sex) and environmental factors (monthly average temperature). The abomasa of 104 animals belonging to five cervid species originating from various locations of the country were collected. Data on host (species, sex, and age group) and the monthly average temperature in the region were obtained for each animal. The parasitological analyses indicated that 92% of the abomasa were infected by nematodes. Ashworthius sidemi was the most prevalent (72%) and abundant (80% of the total recovered individuals) nematode species and was detected in all cervid species except white-tailed deer. The intensity of A. sidemi was highest in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and fallow deer (Dama dama), but A. sidemi abundance did not depend substantially on the host or environmental factors. In contrast, the abundance of nematodes from the subfamily Ostertagiinae was influenced by the host species and temperature. Parasitic load was significantly higher in roe deer and during the warmer periods of the survey. We also detected another non-native nematode species, Spiculopteragia houdemeri. The results of our study suggest that the non-native nematode A. sidemi is now widespread amongst cervid hosts in the Czech Republic, probably due to the high sensitivity of autochthonous cervids to A. sidemi infections as well as adaptation of this parasite to the current climatic conditions of this country.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Magdálek
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Gilles Bourgoin
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup – Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, Marcy l'Etoile, France
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, CNRS, UMR 5558, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Jaroslav Vadlejch
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Jaroslav Vadlejch
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Serial passage in resistant sheep drives the infectivity and fitness of Teladorsagia circumcincta in susceptible lambs: Experimental evidence. Parasitol Int 2022; 89:102586. [PMID: 35452798 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2022.102586] [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: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) of small ruminants have adapted their life history strategies to thrive in diverse and fluctuating environments. Environments which alter their expression of life traits may also drive changes in the infection or transmission dynamics, particularly if transferred to a foreign setting. This study aimed to explore how repeated exposure to a resistant sheep host environment would alter the life history traits and infection dynamics of Teladorsagia circumcincta when consequently infected in susceptible lambs. Following just three generations of passage in resistant sheep, T. circumcincta significantly increased their infectivity and fitness in susceptible lambs compared to a control population. This is the first evidence to indicate the resistant host environment can drive such rapid changes in the expression of GIN life traits, with potentially undesirable epidemiological outcomes.
Collapse
|
47
|
Petrželková K, Samaš P, Romportl D, Uwamahoro C, Červená B, Pafčo B, Prokopová T, Cameira R, Granjon A, Shapiro A, Bahizi M, Nziza J, Noheri J, Syaluha E, Eckardt W, Ndagijimana F, Šlapeta J, Modrý D, Gilardi K, Muvunyi R, Uwingeli P, Mudakikwa A, Mapilanga J, Kalonji A, Hickey J, Cranfield M. Ecological drivers of helminth infection patterns in the Virunga Massif mountain gorilla population. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 17:174-184. [PMID: 35145846 PMCID: PMC8802862 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The Virunga Massif mountain gorilla population has been periodically monitored since the early 1970s, with gradually increasing effort. The population declined drastically in the 1970s, but the numbers stabilized in the 1980s. Since then, the population has been steadily increasing within their limited habitat fragment that is surrounded by a dense human population. We examined fecal samples collected during the Virunga 2015-2016 surveys in monitored and unmonitored gorilla groups and quantified strongylid and tapeworm infections using egg counts per gram to determine environmental and host factors that shape these helminth infections. We showed that higher strongylid infections were present in gorilla groups with smaller size of the 500-m buffered minimum-convex polygon (MCP) of detected nest sites per gorilla group, but in higher gorilla densities and inhabiting vegetation types occurring at higher elevations with higher precipitation and lower temperatures. On the contrary, the impact of monitoring (habituation) was minor, detected in tapeworms and only when in the interaction with environmental variables and MCP area. Our results suggest that the Virunga mountain gorilla population may be partially regulated by strongylid nematodes at higher gorilla densities. New health challenges are probably emerging among mountain gorillas because of the success of conservation efforts, as manifested by significant increases in gorilla numbers in recent decades, but few possibilities for the population expansion due to limited amounts of habitat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K.J. Petrželková
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Liberec Zoo, Liberec, Czech Republic
| | - P. Samaš
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - D. Romportl
- Department of Physical Geography and Geoecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - B. Červená
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - B. Pafčo
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - T. Prokopová
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - R. Cameira
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - A.C. Granjon
- Department of Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - A. Shapiro
- Here + There Mapping Solutions, Berlin, Germany
| | - M. Bahizi
- Gorilla Doctors (MGVP, Inc.), Davis, CA, USA
| | - J. Nziza
- Gorilla Doctors (MGVP, Inc.), Davis, CA, USA
| | - J.B. Noheri
- Gorilla Doctors (MGVP, Inc.), Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - W. Eckardt
- Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Musanze, Rwanda
| | | | - J. Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - D. Modrý
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Veterinary Sciences/CINeZ, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - K. Gilardi
- Gorilla Doctors (MGVP, Inc.), Davis, CA, USA
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - R. Muvunyi
- Rwanda Development Board, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | | | - J. Mapilanga
- Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature, Kinshasa, Congo
| | - A. Kalonji
- Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature, Parc National de Kahuzi Biega, Bukavu, Congo
| | - J.R. Hickey
- International Gorilla Conservation Programme, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Gyeltshen T, Kahn LP, Laurenson YC. Ecology of the free-living stages of Trichostrongylid parasites of sheep. Vet Parasitol 2022; 303:109683. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2022.109683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
49
|
Effects of lambing season on nematode faecal egg output in ewes. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2021; 26:100633. [PMID: 34879944 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100633] [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: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we assessed the occurrence of a periparturient rise (PPR) in winter and spring lambing ewes in Sweden and where nematode egg excretion patterns were investigated mainly for diagnostic purposes. Gastrointestinal nematodes and Haemonchus contortus presence were monitored in parallel in all animals in each experimental group on four farms in samples that were collected mainly when the animals were stabled. Faecal examinations of the same animals were conducted on four sampling occasions between January and June 2018 Each group consisted of 12 crossbreed ewes of similar genotype. One group's peak lambing was in January or February (early), and the other in March or early May (late). The first (S1) and third samples (S3) were from approximately one to two weeks before parturition in the early (winter lambing) and late (spring lambing) group respectively, whereas the second (S2) and fourth samples (S4) were collected approximately three to five weeks post-parturition in the same groups. During the course of the study, there was a significant rise in faecal egg counts (FEC) in both groups on all farms. On three farms with a substantial amount of Haemonchus, we observed a difference in the egg excretion patterns between the two groups of ewes as revealed by a significant interaction between the sampling point and lambing period. Also, when samples corresponding to each other in relation to the number of weeks that had elapsed post-parturition (three to five weeks post-parturition, S2 for early and S4 for late) were compared, FEC were significantly lower in the early group lambing in winter than the late group lambing in spring. This indicates that besides lambing, the rise in nematode egg count is also influenced by other factors unrelated to the lambing period, such as the increased daylight in spring. Due to study limitations, we cannot provide a more detailed explanation for this, but only state that the rise appeared to be more closely linked to season than physiology as measured by day relative to parturition. Still, our results suggests that when turned out, winter lambing ewes contribute to pasture contamination to a lesser extent than those lambing in spring. These results will be used in stipulating evidence-based advice to farmers in their flock management to reduce use of anthelmintics, and at the same time efficiently produce prime lambs.
Collapse
|
50
|
Beaumelle C, Redman EM, de Rijke J, Wit J, Benabed S, Debias F, Duhayer J, Pardonnet S, Poirel MT, Capron G, Chabot S, Rey B, Yannic G, Gilleard JS, Bourgoin G. Metabarcoding in two isolated populations of wild roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) reveals variation in gastrointestinal nematode community composition between regions and among age classes. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:594. [PMID: 34863264 PMCID: PMC8642965 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05087-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Gastrointestinal nematodes are ubiquitous for both domestic and wild ungulates and have varying consequences for health and fitness. They exist as complex communities of multiple co-infecting species, and we have a limited understanding of how these communities vary in different hosts, regions and circumstances or of how this affects their impacts. Methods We have undertaken ITS2 rDNA nemabiome metabarcoding with next-generation sequencing on populations of nematode larvae isolated from 149 fecal samples of roe deer of different sex and age classes in the two isolated populations of Chizé and Trois Fontaines in France not co-grazing with any domestic ungulate species. Results We identified 100 amplified sequence variants (ASVs) that were assigned to 14 gastrointestinal nematode taxa overall at either genus (29%) or species (71%) level. These taxa were dominated by parasites classically found in cervids—e.g. Ostertagia leptospicularis, Spiculopteragia spp. Higher parasite species diversity was present in the Trois Fontaines population than in the Chizé population including the presence of species more typically seen in domestic livestock (Haemonchus contortus, Bunostomum sp., Cooperia punctata, Teladorsagia circumcincta). No differences in parasite species diversity or community composition were seen in the samples collected from three zones of differing habitat quality within the Chizé study area. Young roe deer hosted the highest diversity of gastrointestinal nematodes, with more pronounced effects of age apparent in Trois Fontaines. The effect of host age differed between gastrointestinal nematode species, e.g. there was little effect on O. leptospicularis but a large effect on Trichostrongylus spp. No effect of host sex was detected in either site. Conclusions The presence of some livestock parasite species in the Trois Fontaines roe deer population was unexpected given the isolation of this population away from grazing domestic livestock since decades. Overall, our results illustrate the influence of host traits and the local environment on roe deer nemabiome and demonstrate the power of the nemabiome metabarcoding approach to elucidate the composition of gastrointestinal nematode communities in wildlife. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-05087-5.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camille Beaumelle
- Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Université de Lyon, 69100, Villeurbanne, France. .,Université Grenoble Alpes, Université Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LECA, 38000, Grenoble, France.
| | - Elizabeth M Redman
- Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Host-Parasites Interactions Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jill de Rijke
- Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Host-Parasites Interactions Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Janneke Wit
- Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Host-Parasites Interactions Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Slimania Benabed
- Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Université de Lyon, 69100, Villeurbanne, France.,VetAgro Sup, Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, Université de Lyon, 69280, Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - François Debias
- Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Université de Lyon, 69100, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Jeanne Duhayer
- Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Université de Lyon, 69100, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Sylvia Pardonnet
- Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Université de Lyon, 69100, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Marie-Thérèse Poirel
- Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Université de Lyon, 69100, Villeurbanne, France.,VetAgro Sup, Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, Université de Lyon, 69280, Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Gilles Capron
- Office Français de la Biodiversité, 75008, Paris, France
| | | | - Benjamin Rey
- Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Université de Lyon, 69100, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Glenn Yannic
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Université Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LECA, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - John S Gilleard
- Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Host-Parasites Interactions Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Gilles Bourgoin
- Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Université de Lyon, 69100, Villeurbanne, France.,VetAgro Sup, Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, Université de Lyon, 69280, Marcy l'Etoile, France
| |
Collapse
|