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Malone CJ, Oksanen A, Mukaratirwa S, Sharma R, Jenkins E. From wildlife to humans: The global distribution of Trichinella species and genotypes in wildlife and wildlife-associated human trichinellosis. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 24:100934. [PMID: 38651034 PMCID: PMC11033181 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100934] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Zoonotic nematodes of the genus Trichinella are foodborne parasites that have a global distribution in wild carnivores and omnivores, with spillover and spillback into domestic livestock and people, with concomitant trade and health consequences. Historically, most human cases were linked to domestic pigs infected with Trichinella spiralis, but under current high biosecurity swine production in many countries, wildlife have become a more important source of human trichinellosis. The aim of this review is to update the global distribution of Trichinella species and genotypes reported in wildlife, as well as reported human outbreaks from the consumption of wildlife. Using several online databases and by "snowballing" references, hundreds of reports of Trichinella spp. in wildlife published between January 1991 and December 2023 provide an important update to the host and geographic range for each of the recognized 13 species/genotypes, grouped by continent. Surveillance effort was highest in Europe and North America, while Africa, Asia, Central and South America have had limited surveillance, in some instances with human cases serving as sentinels of transmission in a region. Dozens of human outbreaks are described, with wild boars (Sus scrofa) being the most frequently implicated wildlife species in human outbreaks globally. Bears are an important source of infection in North America, for wildlife tourism, and importation of bear meat has also been implicated in multicountry outbreaks. The largest study limitation was the dearth of molecular identification of larvae in both wildlife surveillance studies and human outbreaks, particulary in under-studied regions. We highlight the need for enhanced molecular epidemiological approaches to outbreaks of this important foodborne parasite, and emphasize the need for a One Health approach to manage Trichinella spp. which transmit among terrestrial and marine wildlife (including migratory birds), pigs, horses, and people, often across large geographic scales and borders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody J. Malone
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Antti Oksanen
- Finnish Food Authority, (FINPAR), Elektroniikkatie 3, FI-90590, Oulu, Finland
| | - Samson Mukaratirwa
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Rajnish Sharma
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
- Centre for One Health, College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Emily Jenkins
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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La Grange LJ, Mukaratirwa S. Experimental infection of tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus) and African sharp tooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus) with Trichinella zimbabwensis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 87:e1-e5. [PMID: 33179950 PMCID: PMC7670010 DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v87i1.1876] [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: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Trichinella zimbabwensis naturally infects a variety of reptilian and wild mammalian hosts in South Africa. Attempts have been made to experimentally infect piranha fish with T. zimbabwensis and T. papuae without success. Tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus) and African sharp tooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus) are accomplished predators cohabiting with Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) and Nile monitor lizards (Varanus niloticus) in southern Africa and are natural hosts of T. zimbabwensis. To assess the infectivity of T. zimbabwensis to these two hosts, 24 African sharp tooth catfish (mean live weight 581.75 ± 249.71 g) randomly divided into 5 groups were experimentally infected with 1.0 ± 0.34 T. zimbabwensis larvae per gram (lpg) of fish. Forty-one tigerfish (mean live weight 298.6 ± 99.3 g) were randomly divided for three separate trials. An additional 7 tigerfish were assessed for the presence of natural infection as controls. Results showed no adult worms or larvae of T. zimbabwensis in the gastrointestinal tract and body cavities of catfish sacrificed at day 1, 2 and 7 post-infection (p.i.). Two tigerfish from one experimental group yielded 0.1 lpg and 0.02 lpg of muscle tissue at day 26 p.i. and 28 p.i., respectively. No adult worms or larvae were detected in the fish from the remaining groups sacrificed at day 7, 21, 28, 33 and 35 p.i. and from the control group. Results from this study suggest that tigerfish could sustain T. zimbabwensis under specific yet unknown circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis J La Grange
- Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, Chief Directorate Veterinary Services, Veterinary Public Health, Mbombela, South Africa; and, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Science and Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.
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Ferreira FB, de Macêdo-Júnior AG, Lopes CS, Silva MV, Ramos ELP, Júnior ÁF, Vitaliano SN, Santiago FM, Santos ALQ, Mineo JR, Mineo TWP. Serological evidence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in Melanosuchus niger (Spix, 1825) and Caimam crocodilus (Linnaeus, 1758). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2020; 12:42-45. [PMID: 32420024 PMCID: PMC7217805 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan with worldwide prevalence, known to affect a large variety of warm-blooded hosts. However, its ability to induce long-lasting infections in cold-blooded animals remains unclear. The most likely source of infection is through consumption of meat containing tissue cysts or by ingestion of food or water contaminated with oocysts. The current global climate change trend and the progressive degradation of natural habitats are prone to alter the distribution of ectotherm populations over a short period of time, which may favor contact between these animals and the protozoan. In association, alligator meat is considered a delicacy in many regions and its consumption has been previously related to a diversity of foodborne diseases. In that sense, we proposed in this study to search for specific antibodies against T. gondii in serum samples of two common species of alligators from the Brazilian fauna (Melanosuchus niger and Caimam crocodilus). We obtained the serum samples from 84 alligators from the Araguaia region, which were tested by agglutination assays that do not require species-specific secondary antibodies (Modified Agglutination Test – MAT; Indirect Hemagglutination Assay – IHA). From the 84 samples tested, eight (9.5%) were positive by MAT. From those, seven (87.5% of MAT+, 8.3% of the total) were also positive by IHA, reassuring a probable exposure of these animals to the parasite. Direct parasite detection in muscle fragments of one serologically reactive alligator did not yield positive results. Our results provide serological evidence that Brazilian alligators may be exposed to T. gondii and further studies should be performed to elucidate whether alligators are natural hosts of this ubiquitous protozoan parasite. Exposure to T. gondii was verified in sera of 84 Brazilian alligators. The serum samples were analyzed to 2 serological assays: MAT and HAI. 7 samples were found to be positive in bothserological tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia Batista Ferreira
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, CEP, 38400 902, Brazil
| | - Arlindo Gomes de Macêdo-Júnior
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, CEP, 38400 902, Brazil
| | - Carolina Salomão Lopes
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, CEP, 38400 902, Brazil
| | - Murilo Vieira Silva
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, CEP, 38400 902, Brazil
| | - Eliézer Lucas Pires Ramos
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, CEP, 38400 902, Brazil
| | - Álvaro Ferreira Júnior
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, CEP, 38400 902, Brazil
| | - Sérgio Netto Vitaliano
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny, University of São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Maria Santiago
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, CEP, 38400 902, Brazil
| | - André Luis Quagliatto Santos
- Laboratory for Education and Research on Wild Animals (LAPAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Mineo
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, CEP, 38400 902, Brazil
| | - Tiago Wilson Patriarca Mineo
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, CEP, 38400 902, Brazil
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La Grange LJ, Mukaratirwa S. Epidemiology and hypothetical transmission cycles of Trichinella infections in the Greater Kruger National Park of South Africa: an example of host-parasite interactions in an environment with minimal human interactions. Parasite 2020; 27:13. [PMID: 32163031 PMCID: PMC7067144 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2020010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Knowledge on the epidemiology, host range and transmission of Trichinella spp. infections in different ecological zones in southern Africa including areas of wildlife-human interface is limited. The majority of reports on Trichinella infections in sub-Saharan Africa were from wildlife resident in protected areas. Elucidation of the epidemiology of the infections and the prediction of hosts involved in the sylvatic cycles within specific ecological niches is critical. Of recent, there have been reports of Trichinella infections in several wildlife species within the Greater Kruger National Park (GKNP) of South Africa, which has prompted the revision and update of published hypothetical transmission cycles including the hypothetical options based previously on the biology and feeding behaviour of wildlife hosts confined to the GKNP. Using data gathered from surveillance studies and reports spanning the period 1964-2019, confirmed transmission cycles and revised hypothesized transmission cycles of three known Trichinella species (T. zimbabwensis, Trichinella T8 and T. nelsoni) are presented. These were formulated based on the epidemiological factors, feeding habits of hosts and prevalence data gathered from the GKNP. We presume that the formulated sylvatic cycles may be extrapolated to similar national parks and wildlife protected areas in sub-Saharan Africa where the same host and parasite species are known to occur. The anecdotal nature of some of the presented data confirms the need for more intense epidemiological surveillance in national parks and wildlife protected areas in the rest of sub-Saharan Africa to unravel the epidemiology of Trichinella infections in these unique and diverse protected landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis J. La Grange
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Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, Chief Directorate Veterinary Services, Veterinary Public Health Private Bag X11309 Mbombela 1200 South Africa
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University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Life Sciences, Westville Campus Durban 4000 South Africa
| | - Samson Mukaratirwa
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University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Life Sciences, Westville Campus Durban 4000 South Africa
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One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine P.O. Box 334 St Kitts Basseterre West Indies
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Segwagwe BE, Machete J, Ntwaetsile M, Mushonga B, Kandiwa E. No evidence of Trichinella spp. in domestic pig carcasses at a selected abattoir in southern Botswana. Trop Anim Health Prod 2018; 51:1273-1275. [PMID: 30105598 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-018-1684-6] [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: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Trichinellosis is a worldwide zoonosis with genotypes affecting different domestic and wild animals and is widely distributed throughout the world. Species and genotypes of this genus affecting different animals have been identified. Despite its occurrence in Sub-Saharan countries, the presence of trichinellosis in Botswana is yet to be confirmed. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Trichinella infection in domestic pigs slaughtered at an abattoir in Gaborone, Botswana. Of the 111 pig carcasses selected, 5 g of crus of the diaphragm was collected from each carcass, trimmed of all fat and fascia and then cut into 1- to 2-g samples. The muscle samples were pooled into 100-g muscle sample and then processed by the OIE prescribed digestion method. A stereomicroscope was used to examine each grid of the Petri dish for the presence of Trichinella larvae. No Trichinella larvae were found in any digested muscle samples. Future studies should target a wider pig population and other host animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basiamisi Ernest Segwagwe
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, P. Bag UB0074, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | - James Machete
- Department of Animal Science and Production, Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Private Bag 0027, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Mpho Ntwaetsile
- Department of Animal Science and Production, Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Private Bag 0027, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Borden Mushonga
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Namibia, P. Bag 13301, Pioneerspark, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Erick Kandiwa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Namibia, P. Bag 13301, Pioneerspark, Windhoek, Namibia
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Prevalence and molecular identification of Trichinella species isolated from wildlife originating from Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa. J Helminthol 2017; 93:50-56. [PMID: 29168444 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x17001079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Trichinella species are widely distributed on all continents with the exception of Antarctica, although the full spectrum of Trichinella species found in sub-Saharan African countries, and their hosts, has not been fully documented. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Trichinella in wildlife from the Greater Kruger National Park (GKNP) and adjacent areas located in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa, and to identify the species and/or genotypes of Trichinella larvae isolated from muscle tissues, using molecular techniques. A review of Trichinella spp. and their wildlife hosts reported during 1964-2011 was also conducted and the results were compared with our current study. Ninety samples representing 15 mammalian, two bird and three reptile species were screened for Trichinella infection during 2012-2016, using artificial digestion. Isolates detected were identified using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the internal transcriber spacers ITS1 and ITS2, and expansion segment V (ESV) regions of ribosomal DNA, followed by molecular analysis of the sequences. Twenty samples from seven wildlife species were positive for Trichinella spp. larvae, with an overall prevalence of 21.1% (20/90). The prevalence was higher in carnivores (18.9%, 18/90) than in omnivores (2.2%, 2/90). Analysis of sequences showed that eight of the isolates - two from spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta) (2/8), three from lion (Panthera leo) (3/13), one from leopard (Panthera pardus) (1/6), one from small spotted genet (Genetta genetta) (1/2) and one Nile monitor lizard (Varanus niloticus) (1/2) - conformed to Trichinella zimbabwensis. One isolate from a hyaena was grouped under the encapsulated species clade comprising T. nelsoni and genotype Trichinella T8 reported to be present in South Africa. This is the first report confirming natural infection by T. zimbabwensis in hyaena, leopard, genet and Nile monitor lizard, adding to the body of knowledge on the epidemiology of Trichinella infections in the Greater Kruger National Park of South Africa. Ten Trichinella-like larval isolates recovered after digestion from four wildlife species in this study (2012-2016) revealed inconclusive results due to DNA degradation resulting from poor storage or too few larvae for analysis, in comparison to 20 unidentified isolates from five wildlife species during the 1964-2011 period.
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Roesel K, Nöckler K, Baumann MPO, Fries R, Dione MM, Clausen PH, Grace D. First Report of the Occurrence of Trichinella-Specific Antibodies in Domestic Pigs in Central and Eastern Uganda. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0166258. [PMID: 27870858 PMCID: PMC5117603 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research on trichinellosis in Africa focused on isolating Trichinella from wildlife while the role of domestic pigs has remained highly under-researched. Pig keeping in Uganda is historically recent, and evidence on zoonotic pig diseases, including infection with Trichinella species, is scarce. A cross-sectional survey on Trichinella seroprevalence in pigs was conducted in three districts in Central and Eastern Uganda from April 2013 to January 2015. Serum from a random sample of 1125 pigs from 22 villages in Eastern and Central Uganda was examined to detect immunoglobulin G (IgG) against any Trichinella spp. using a commercially available ELISA based on excretory-secretory antigen. ELISA positive samples were confirmed using Western Blot based on somatic antigen of Trichinella spiralis as recommended in previous validation studies. Diaphragm pillar muscle samples (at least 5 g each) of 499 pigs from areas with high ELISA positivity were examined using the artificial digestion method. Overall, 78 of all 1125 animals (6.9%, 95% CI: 5.6-8.6%) tested positive for antibodies against Trichinella spp. in the ELISA at significantly higher levels in Kamuli district compared to Masaka and Mukono districts. Thirty-one percent of the ELISA positive samples were confirmed IgG positive by the Western Blot leading to an overall seroprevalence of 2.1% (95% CI: 1.4-3.2%). The large proportion of ELISA positive samples that could not be confirmed using Western blot may be the result of cross-reactivity with other gastrointestinal helminth infections or unknown host-specific immune response mechanisms in local pig breeds in Uganda. Attempts to isolate muscle larvae for species determination using the artificial digestion method were unsuccessful. Due to the large number of muscle samples examined we are confident that even if pigs are infected, the larval burden in pork is too low to pose a major risk to consumers of developing trichinellosis. This was the first large systematic field investigation of Trichinella infection in domestic pigs in Uganda and its results imply that further studies are needed to identify the Trichinella species involved, and to identify potential sources of infection for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Roesel
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Food safety and zoonoses program, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- * E-mail:
| | - Karsten Nöckler
- Department Biological Safety, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maximilian P. O. Baumann
- FAO Reference Centre for Veterinary Public Health, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Reinhard Fries
- Institute for Meat Hygiene, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michel M. Dione
- Animal science for sustainable productivity program, International Livestock Research Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Peter-Henning Clausen
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Delia Grace
- Food safety and zoonoses program, International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
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Onkoba NW, Chimbari MJ, Mukaratirwa S. Malaria endemicity and co-infection with tissue-dwelling parasites in Sub-Saharan Africa: a review. Infect Dis Poverty 2015; 4:35. [PMID: 26377900 PMCID: PMC4571070 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-015-0070-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms and outcomes of host-parasite interactions during malaria co-infections with gastrointestinal helminths are reasonably understood. In contrast, very little is known about such mechanisms in cases of malaria co-infections with tissue-dwelling parasites. This is lack of knowledge is exacerbated by misdiagnosis, lack of pathognomonic clinical signs and the chronic nature of tissue-dwelling helminthic infections. A good understanding of the implications of tissue-dwelling parasitic co-infections with malaria will contribute towards the improvement of the control and management of such co-infections in endemic areas. This review summarises and discusses current information available and gaps in research on malaria co-infection with gastro-intestinal helminths and tissue-dwelling parasites with emphasis on helminthic infections, in terms of the effects of migrating larval stages and intra and extracellular localisations of protozoan parasites and helminths in organs, tissues, and vascular and lymphatic circulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nyamongo W Onkoba
- College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard Campus, Durban, South Africa.
- Departmet of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Institute of Primate Research, Karen, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Moses J Chimbari
- College of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard Campus, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Samson Mukaratirwa
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa.
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La Grange LJ, Reininghaus B, Mukaratirwa S. First report of a mixed infection of Trichinella nelsoni and Trichinella T8 in a leopard (Panthera pardus) from the Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 81:e1-e3. [PMID: 25686214 DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v81i1.836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Revised: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
At least three Trichinella species, namely Trichinella nelsoni, Trichinella britovi and Trichinella zimbabwensis, and one genotype (Trichinella T8), have been isolated from sylvatic carnivores on the African continent. With the exception of T. britovi, the other species are known to circulate in wildlife of the Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa, and KNP neighbouring game reserves (collectively known as the greater KNP area). Lions (Panthera leo) and spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) appear to be the most important reservoirs of T. nelsoni and Trichinella T8 in the KNP and surrounding areas. Interspecies predation between lions and hyenas has been implicated as a primary mode of maintaining the life cycles of these two Trichinella species. This is the first report of a mixed natural infection of T. nelsoni and Trichinella T8 in a leopard (Panthera pardus) from South Africa. Trichinella muscle larvae were identified to species level by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Probable sources of infection, based on the known dietary preference and prey species' range of leopards, are also discussed. The described occurrence of Trichinella species in a leopard from the greater KNP area raises the question of possible sources of infection for this predator species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis J La Grange
- Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, Mpumalanga, South Africa; School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, South Africa.
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Cheng LE, Locksley RM. Allergic inflammation--innately homeostatic. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2014; 7:a016352. [PMID: 25414367 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a016352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Allergic inflammation is associated closely with parasite infection but also asthma and other common allergic diseases. Despite the engagement of similar immunologic pathways, parasitized individuals often show no outward manifestations of allergic disease. In this perspective, we present the thesis that allergic inflammatory responses play a primary role in regulating circadian and environmental inputs involved with tissue homeostasis and metabolic needs. Parasites feed into these pathways and thus engage allergic inflammation to sustain aspects of the parasitic life cycle. In response to parasite infection, an adaptive and regulated immune response is layered on the host effector response, but in the setting of allergy, the effector response remains unregulated, thus leading to the cardinal features of disease. Further understanding of the homeostatic pressures driving allergic inflammation holds promise to further our understanding of human health and the treatment of these common afflictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence E Cheng
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
| | - Richard M Locksley
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143 Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
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La Grange LJ, Mukaratirwa S. Distribution patterns and predilection muscles of Trichinella zimbabwensis larvae in experimentally infected Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus Laurenti). Onderstepoort J Vet Res 2014; 81:e1-e7. [PMID: 24833069 DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v81i1.652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Revised: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
No controlled studies have been conducted to determine the predilection muscles of Trichinella zimbabwensis larvae in Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) or the influence of infection intensity on the distribution of the larvae in crocodiles. The distribution of larvae in muscles of naturally infected Nile crocodiles and experimentally infected caimans (Caiman crocodilus) and varans (Varanus exanthematicus) have been reported in literature. To determine the distribution patterns of T. zimbabwensis larvae and predilection muscles, 15 crocodiles were randomly divided into three cohorts of five animals each, representing high infection (642 larvae/kg of bodyweight average), medium infection (414 larvae/kg of bodyweight average) and low infection (134 larvae/kg of bodyweight average) cohorts. In the high infection cohort, high percentages of larvae were observed in the triceps muscles (26%) and hind limb muscles (13%). In the medium infection cohort, high percentages of larvae were found in the triceps muscles (50%), sternomastoid (18%) and hind limb muscles (13%). In the low infection cohort, larvae were mainly found in the intercostal muscles (36%), longissimus complex (27%), forelimb muscles (20%) and hind limb muscles (10%). Predilection muscles in the high and medium infection cohorts were similar to those reported in naturally infected crocodiles despite changes in infection intensity. The high infection cohort had significantly higher numbers of larvae in the sternomastoid, triceps, intercostal, longissimus complex, external tibial flexor, longissimus caudalis and caudal femoral muscles (p < 0.05) compared with the medium infection cohort. In comparison with the low infection cohort, the high infection cohort harboured significantly higher numbers of larvae in all muscles (p < 0.05) except for the tongue. The high infection cohort harboured significantly higher numbers of larvae (p < 0.05) in the sternomastoid, triceps, intercostal, longissimus complex, external tibial flexor, longissimus caudalis and caudal femoral muscles compared with naturally infected crocodiles. Results from this study show that, in Nile crocodiles, larvae of T. zimbabwensis appear first to invade predilection muscles closest to their release site in the small intestine before occupying those muscles situated further away. The recommendation for the use of masseter, pterygoid and intercostal muscles as sampling sites for the detection of T. zimbabwensis in crocodiles is in contrast to the results from this study, where the fore- and hind limb muscles had the highest number of larvae. This study also supports the use of biopsy sampling from the dorso-lateral regions of the tail for surveillance purposes in both wild and commercial crocodile populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis J La Grange
- Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Administration, South Africa and School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
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Marcili A, da Costa AP, Soares HS, Acosta ICL, de Lima JTR, Minervino AHH, Gennari SM. First Report of Trypanosoma sp. in Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus): Morphological and Phylogenetic Relationships. ISRN PARASITOLOGY 2013; 2013:328794. [PMID: 27335853 PMCID: PMC4890949 DOI: 10.5402/2013/328794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Accepted: 07/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
In Crocodylidae family three trypanosomes species were described, T. grayi in African crocodilian and T. cecili and Trypanosoma sp. in Caimans species from Brazil. T. grayi was transmitted by tsetse flies and the vector of Brazilian caimans trypanosomes is unknown. We characterized first Brazilian trypanosome isolated in spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus) from Mato Grosso State in Brazil. Morphological findings in epimastigotes forms from axenic culture showed high similarity with Trypanosoma sp. described in Caiman yacare from Brazilian Pantanal. Phylogenetic studies performed with SSU rDNA and gGAPDH (glyceraldehydes-3-phosphato dehydrogenase glycosomal) clustering in T. grayi Clade and together to genotype Cay 01 from Trypanosoma unnamed species isolated in C. yacare. This is the first isolate of Trypanosoma sp. from C. crocodilus and the phylogenetic position with isolates in C. yacare from Pantanal region and demonstrates the low host specificity of cayman trypanosomes in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arlei Marcili
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, 05508-270 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Andrea P da Costa
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, 05508-270 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Herbert S Soares
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, 05508-270 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Igor C L Acosta
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, 05508-270 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Julia T R de Lima
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, 05508-270 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Antonio H H Minervino
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, 05508-270 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Solange M Gennari
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, 05508-270 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Development of an ELISA to detect the humoral immune response to Trichinella zimbabwensis in Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus). Vet Parasitol 2013; 194:189-92. [PMID: 23433644 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.01.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Crocodiles are known reservoir hosts of Trichinella papuae and Trichinella zimbabwensis, two zoonotic parasites that also infect mammals. Since commercial crocodile farming represents a key source of income in several countries, it is important to monitor this nematode infection in both farmed crocodiles and in breeding stocks which are frequently introduced from the wild. For this purpose, an indirect ELISA was developed to detect the anti-Trichinella immune response in crocodile sera. New Zealand rabbits were immunized with pooled sera from non-infected farmed crocodiles in the presence of Freund's complete adjuvant. The anti-crocodile serum was then conjugated with horseradish peroxidase. Serum samples from four Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) experimentally infected with T. zimbabwensis and from four uninfected crocodiles were used to set up the ELISA. The larval burden per gram of muscle tissue was determined by muscle biopsy. The test was performed on serum samples from an additional 15 experimentally infected crocodiles as well as eight wild Nile crocodiles. Among the 19 experimentally infected crocodiles, seroconversion was observed in 11 animals. The highest antibody response was observed six weeks post infection (p.i.), but in most of these animals, antibodies were not detectable after six weeks p.i. even though live larvae were present in the muscles up to six months p.i.
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Magwedere K, Hemberger MY, Hoffman LC, Dziva F. Zoonoses: a potential obstacle to the growing wildlife industry of Namibia. Infect Ecol Epidemiol 2012; 2:18365. [PMID: 23077724 PMCID: PMC3474136 DOI: 10.3402/iee.v2i0.18365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2012] [Revised: 08/27/2012] [Accepted: 09/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Zoonoses, which account for approximately 75% of emerging human infectious diseases worldwide, pose a re-emerging threat to public health. With an ever-increasing interrelationship between humans, livestock and wildlife species, the threat to human health will rise to unprecedented levels. Wildlife species contribute to the majority of emerging diseases; therefore, there is an urgent need to define control systems of zoonoses of wildlife origin but very little information exists. In this review, we examine prevalent zoonotic infections reported in Namibia between 1990 and 2009 and assess their potential impact on the growing wildlife industry. A wide spectrum of zoonotic diseases was confirmed in both livestock and wildlife species, with rabies and anthrax cases being over-represented and also showing the widest species distribution. Whilst vaccination and ante-mortem inspection against these diseases may curb infected livestock species from entering the human food chain, such practices are difficult to implement in free-ranging wildlife species. In this context, there is a need to improve existing control measures and/or develop novel and better interventional strategies to reduce the threat of this re-emerging global problem. This review provides the basis for initiating a multidisciplinary evidence-based approach to control zoonoses in countries with thriving wildlife and game farming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kudakwashe Magwedere
- Department of Animal Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa ; Division of Veterinary Public Health, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Mariental, Namibia
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