1
|
Bathige SDNK, Kim SH, Chen Y, Kalhari WAAH, Lee D, Jeon HB, Kim HJ, Park KI. Molecular and ultrastructural characterization of a novel cryptic species of the Mesomycetozoea clade isolated from Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum, on the west coast of Korea. J Invertebr Pathol 2024; 207:108202. [PMID: 39322011 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2024.108202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
In the present study, a cryptic species (IchX) was isolated from the hemolymph of the Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum, collected from the west coast region of South Korea. Following comprehensive molecular analysis, a partial sequence resembling the small subunit of the ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene was obtained, indicating that this species belonged to the class Mesomycetozoea, also known as Ichthyosporea. Detailed phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rRNA sequences placed IchX in a distinct clade within the order Dermocystida, class Mesomycetozoea, and showed that IchX is closely related to Ichthyosporea sp. Microscopic examination of in vitro cultured IchX cells revealed life-cycle stages of different sizes, from the endospore to sporangium through vegetative stages. An ameboid-like structure was observed in the early endospore stages as the characteristic feature of zoospores. Ultrastructural analyses using scanning electron microscopy revealed that all endospores and vegetative cell stages are spherical. Transmission electron microscopy revealed characteristic features, including a spindle pole body and membrane-decorated hyaline vesicles, consistent with those previously described in Mesomycetozoea. In addition, a prominent fibrillar structure was observed. Notably, the cell wall of mature IchX sporangia was digested with 2 M NaOH, while that of the endospores was resistant. This is the first report of a novel Mesomycetozoean from the Manila clams. Further taxonomic study of this organism and elucidation of its pathological characteristics are necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S D N K Bathige
- Department of Aquatic Life Medicine, College of Ocean Science and Technology, Kunsan National University, 558 Daehakro, Gunsan 54150, Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Fisheries Science in Offshore Wind Farm (RIFSO), Kunsan National University, 558 Daehakro, Gunsan 54150, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Hyeon Kim
- Department of Aquatic Life Medicine, College of Ocean Science and Technology, Kunsan National University, 558 Daehakro, Gunsan 54150, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Aquatic Life Medicine, College of Ocean Science and Technology, Kunsan National University, 558 Daehakro, Gunsan 54150, Republic of Korea
| | - W A A H Kalhari
- Department of Aquatic Life Medicine, College of Ocean Science and Technology, Kunsan National University, 558 Daehakro, Gunsan 54150, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghyun Lee
- Department of Aquatic Life Medicine, College of Ocean Science and Technology, Kunsan National University, 558 Daehakro, Gunsan 54150, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Bae Jeon
- Department of Aquatic Life Medicine, College of Ocean Science and Technology, Kunsan National University, 558 Daehakro, Gunsan 54150, Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Fisheries Science in Offshore Wind Farm (RIFSO), Kunsan National University, 558 Daehakro, Gunsan 54150, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyoun Joong Kim
- Department of Aquatic Life Medicine, College of Ocean Science and Technology, Kunsan National University, 558 Daehakro, Gunsan 54150, Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Fisheries Science in Offshore Wind Farm (RIFSO), Kunsan National University, 558 Daehakro, Gunsan 54150, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Il Park
- Department of Aquatic Life Medicine, College of Ocean Science and Technology, Kunsan National University, 558 Daehakro, Gunsan 54150, Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Fisheries Science in Offshore Wind Farm (RIFSO), Kunsan National University, 558 Daehakro, Gunsan 54150, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jones H, Fenton HMA, Elsmo EJ, Nemeth NM, Garrett KB, Cleveland CA, Yabsley MJ. Case report: Disseminated larval trematodiasis caused by Clinostomum marginatum in a green tree frog (Hyla cinerea). Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 52:101051. [PMID: 38880568 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101051] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Clinostomum spp. are common parasites of piscivorous birds. Metacercaria are typically observed in the muscles or just under the skin of fish and rarely amphibians. We describe an unusually severe case of Clinostomum marginatum infection in an adult female green tree frog (Hyla cinerea) from Georgia (USA). The frog was found in November 2015 with a high number (>250) of widely disseminated, raised, subcutaneous nodules. The frog died in December. At necropsy, it was emaciated, and the skin was covered in raised uniform, tan-green, subcutaneous, ∼2-3 mm diameter nodules. Each nodule contained 1-3 C. marginatum metacercariae. Microscopically, high numbers of trematodes were within subcutaneous tissues and in coelomic and oral cavities, lung, liver, kidney, ovary, orbit and calvarium. Small to large numbers of lymphocytes and melanomacrophages were in connective tissues and epidermis. A 732 bp region of COI was 98.8-99.8% similar to numerous sequences of C. marginatum and, phylogenetically it grouped with these C. marginatum sequences. The ITS-1 region was 100% similar to a C. marginatum sample from a great egret (Ardea alba) from Mississippi. This report represents a novel finding of severe trematodiasis in a free-ranging amphibian with C. marginatum infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Håkon Jones
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Wildlife Health Building, 589 D.W. Brooks Dr., University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Heather M A Fenton
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Wildlife Health Building, 589 D.W. Brooks Dr., University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Elsmo
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Wildlife Health Building, 589 D.W. Brooks Dr., University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Nicole M Nemeth
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Wildlife Health Building, 589 D.W. Brooks Dr., University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, United States
| | - Kayla B Garrett
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Wildlife Health Building, 589 D.W. Brooks Dr., University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Christopher A Cleveland
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Wildlife Health Building, 589 D.W. Brooks Dr., University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Center for Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Michael J Yabsley
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Wildlife Health Building, 589 D.W. Brooks Dr., University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Center for Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA; Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Crim MJ, Hart ML. Health Monitoring for Laboratory Salamanders. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2562:41-74. [PMID: 36272067 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2659-7_3] [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: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Laboratory animal health monitoring programs are necessary to protect animal health and welfare, the validity of experimental data, and human health against zoonotic infections. Health monitoring programs should be designed based on a risk assessment and knowledge about the biology and transmission of salamander pathogens. Both traditional and molecular diagnostic platforms are available for salamanders, and they provide complementary information. A comprehensive approach to health monitoring leverages the advantages of multiple platforms to provide a more complete picture of colony health and pathogen status. This chapter presents key considerations in the design and implementation of a colony health monitoring program for laboratory salamanders, including protocols for necropsy and sample collection.
Collapse
|
4
|
Kawahara G, Takayama Y, Sugiyama M, Ikadai H, Hashimoto O. Dermocystidinfection in Japanese fire-bellied newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster. J Vet Med Sci 2022; 84:1410-1416. [PMID: 36047163 PMCID: PMC9586028 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.22-0233] [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] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we report details of a new infectious disease in wild-caught Japanese fire-bellied
newts (Cynops pyrrhogaster), a Near Threatened species. Skin lesions
consisting of numerous masses were found in the animals near Lake Biwa, Shiga Prefecture,
Japan. The gross appearance of the skin lesions showed blister-, cyst-, and/or tumor-like
morphology. Various sizes of skin lesions were observed on their entire body surface.
Histologically, spherical basophilic cysts, including numerous spores, were observed in
the dermis layer. Ultrastructural analysis indicated the presence of main bodies of
flagellated zoospores within the spores. While 18s rRNA gene sequencing indicated that the
skin lesions were due to dermocystid infection. To our knowledge, this is the first report
of dermocystid infection in this amphibian in Japan. Further studies are needed to prevent
epidemics and to establish diagnostic and treatment methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Go Kawahara
- Nagahama Institute of Bio-Science and Technology
| | - Yuta Takayama
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University
| | - Makoto Sugiyama
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University
| | - Hiromi Ikadai
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University
| | - Osamu Hashimoto
- Nagahama Institute of Bio-Science and Technology.,Laboratory of Veterinary Toxicology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Manenti R, Mercurio S, Melotto A, Barzaghi B, Epis S, Tecilla M, Pennati R, Scarì GU, Ficetola GF. A New Disease Caused by an Unidentified Etiological Agent Affects European Salamanders. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12060696. [PMID: 35327092 PMCID: PMC8944795 DOI: 10.3390/ani12060696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
New pathologies are causing dramatic declines and extinctions of multiple amphibian species. In 2013, in one fire salamander population of Northern Italy, we found individuals with undescribed cysts at the throat level, a malady whose existence has not previously been reported in amphibians. With the aim of describing this novel disease, we performed repeated field surveys to assess the frequency of affected salamanders from 2014 to 2020, and integrated morphological, histological, and molecular analyses to identify the pathogen. The novel disease affected up to 22% of salamanders of the study population and started spreading to nearby populations. Cysts are formed by mucus surrounding protist-like cells about 30 µm long, characterized by numerous cilia/undulipodia. Morphological and genetic analyses did not yield a clear match with described organisms. The existence of this pathogen calls for the implementation of biosecurity protocols and more studies on the dynamics of transmission and the impact on wild populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raoul Manenti
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (B.B.); (R.P.); (G.F.F.)
- Correspondence: (R.M.); (S.M.); Tel.: +39-3490733107 (R.M.)
| | - Silvia Mercurio
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (B.B.); (R.P.); (G.F.F.)
- Correspondence: (R.M.); (S.M.); Tel.: +39-3490733107 (R.M.)
| | - Andrea Melotto
- Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa;
| | - Benedetta Barzaghi
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (B.B.); (R.P.); (G.F.F.)
| | - Sara Epis
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (S.E.); (M.T.); (G.U.S.)
| | - Marco Tecilla
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (S.E.); (M.T.); (G.U.S.)
| | - Roberta Pennati
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (B.B.); (R.P.); (G.F.F.)
| | - Giorgio Ulisse Scarì
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (S.E.); (M.T.); (G.U.S.)
| | - Gentile Francesco Ficetola
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (B.B.); (R.P.); (G.F.F.)
- Laboratoire d’Ecologie Alpine (LECA), University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, 38400 Grenoble, France
- Laboratoire d’Ecologie Alpine (LECA), University Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, 38400 Grenoble, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Urrutia A, Mitsi K, Foster R, Ross S, Carr M, Ward GM, van Aerle R, Marigomez I, Leger MM, Ruiz-Trillo I, Feist SW, Bass D. Txikispora philomaios n. sp., n. g., a Micro-Eukaryotic Pathogen of Amphipods, Reveals Parasitism and Hidden Diversity in Class Filasterea. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2021; 69:e12875. [PMID: 34726818 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study provides a morphological, ultrastructural, and phylogenetic characterization of a novel micro-eukaryotic parasite (2.3-2.6 µm) infecting amphipod genera Echinogammarus and Orchestia. Longitudinal studies across two years revealed that infection prevalence peaked in late April and May, reaching 64% in Echinogammarus sp. and 15% in Orchestia sp., but was seldom detected during the rest of the year. The parasite infected predominantly haemolymph, connective tissue, tegument, and gonad, although hepatopancreas and nervous tissue were affected in heavier infections, eliciting melanization and granuloma formation. Cell division occurred inside walled parasitic cysts, often within host haemocytes, resulting in haemolymph congestion. Small subunit (18S) rRNA gene phylogenies including related environmental sequences placed the novel parasite as a highly divergent lineage within Class Filasterea, which together with Choanoflagellatea represent the closest protistan relatives of Metazoa. We describe the new parasite as Txikispora philomaios n. sp. n. g., the first confirmed parasitic filasterean lineage, which otherwise comprises four free-living flagellates and a rarely observed endosymbiont of snails. Lineage-specific PCR probing of other hosts and surrounding environments only detected T. philomaios in the platyhelminth Procerodes sp. We expand the known diversity of Filasterea by targeted searches of metagenomic datasets, resulting in 13 previously unknown lineages from environmental samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ander Urrutia
- International Centre of Excellence for Aquatic Animal Health, Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth, DT4 8UB, UK.,Cell Biology in Environmental Toxicology Research Group, Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology), Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PiE), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Areatza Pasealekua z/g, Plentzia, 48620, Basque Country, Spain
| | - Konstantina Mitsi
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, Barcelona, 08003, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Rachel Foster
- Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Stuart Ross
- International Centre of Excellence for Aquatic Animal Health, Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth, DT4 8UB, UK
| | - Martin Carr
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK
| | - Georgia M Ward
- Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Ronny van Aerle
- International Centre of Excellence for Aquatic Animal Health, Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth, DT4 8UB, UK
| | - Ionan Marigomez
- Cell Biology in Environmental Toxicology Research Group, Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology (Faculty of Science and Technology), Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PiE), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Areatza Pasealekua z/g, Plentzia, 48620, Basque Country, Spain
| | - Michelle M Leger
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, Barcelona, 08003, Catalonia, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Centre for Comparative Genomics and evolutionary Bioinformatics, Sir Charles Tupper Medical Building, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Iñaki Ruiz-Trillo
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37-49, Barcelona, 08003, Catalonia, Spain.,Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, 08028, Catalonia, Spain.,ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, Barcelona, 08010, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Stephen W Feist
- International Centre of Excellence for Aquatic Animal Health, Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth, DT4 8UB, UK
| | - David Bass
- International Centre of Excellence for Aquatic Animal Health, Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Barrack Road, Weymouth, DT4 8UB, UK.,Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fagotti A, Rossi R, Paracucchi R, Lucentini L, Simoncelli F, Di Rosa I. Developmental stages of Amphibiocystidium sp., a parasite from the Italian stream frog (Rana italica). ZOOLOGY 2020; 141:125813. [PMID: 32623097 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2020.125813] [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: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Amphibian parasites of the genus Amphibiocystidium are members of the class Ichthyosporea (=Mesomycetozoea), within the order Dermocystida. Most of the species in the Dermocystida fail to grow in ordinary culture media, so their life cycle has only been partially constructed by studies in host tissues. However, to date, there have been few reports on the life cycle of Amphibiocystidium parasites with respect to the developmental life stages of both Dermocystidium and Rhinosporidium parasites. In this study, we provide light and electron microscopic findings of developmental phenotypes of Amphibiocystidium sp., a parasite previously characterized in the Italian stream frog (Rana italica), which has caused an ongoing infection in a natural population of Central Italy. These phenotypes exhibited distinct morphological characteristics that were similar to A. ranae from the skin of R. temporaria, but showed histochemical properties particularly comparable with those of maturing phenotypes of Rhinosporidium seeberi, and compatible with fungal-like parasites. Therefore, for Amphibiocystidium sp. phenotypes, we suggest adopting the terminology used for maturing stages of R. seeberi, such as juvenile sporangia, early mature sporangia and mature sporangia. The characterization of these developmental stages will be useful to increase the understanding of the life cycle of parasites of the genus Amphibiocystidium and of the interactions with their amphibian hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Fagotti
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Roberta Rossi
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Romina Paracucchi
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Livia Lucentini
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Francesca Simoncelli
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| | - Ines Di Rosa
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via Elce di Sotto 8, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Characterization of Dermotheca sp. Infection in a midwestern state-endangered salamander ( Ambystoma platineum) and a co-occurring common species ( Ambystoma texanum). Parasitology 2020; 147:360-370. [PMID: 31840622 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182019001677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Ichthyosporean parasites (order Dermocystida) can cause morbidity and mortality in amphibians, but their ecology and epidemiology remain understudied. We investigated the prevalence, gross and histologic appearance, and molecular phylogeny of a novel dermocystid in the state-endangered silvery salamander (Ambystoma platineum) and the co-occurring, non-threatened small-mouthed salamander (Ambystoma texanum) from Illinois. Silvery salamanders (N = 610) were sampled at six ephemeral wetlands from 2016 to 2018. Beginning in 2017, 1-3 mm raised, white skin nodules were identified in 24 silvery salamanders and two small-mouthed salamanders from five wetlands (prevalence = 0-11.1%). Skin biopsy histology (N = 4) was consistent with dermocystid sporangia, and necropsies (N = 3) identified infrequent hepatic sporangia. Parasitic 18S rRNA sequences (N = 5) from both salamander species were identical, and phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship to Dermotheca viridescens. Dermocystids were not identified in museum specimens from the same wetlands (N = 125) dating back to 1973. This is the first report of Dermotheca sp. affecting caudates in the Midwestern United States. Future research is needed to determine the effects of this pathogen on individual and population health, and to assess whether this organism poses a threat to the conservation of ambystomatid salamanders.
Collapse
|
9
|
Longitudinal study of Amphibiocystidium sp. infection in a natural population of the Italian stream frog (Rana italica). Parasitology 2019; 146:903-910. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182019000076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
AbstractMesomycetozoean-induced infections (order Dermocystida, genus Amphibiocystidium) in European and North American amphibians are causing alarm. To date, the pathogenicity of these parasites in field conditions has been poorly studied, and demographic consequences on amphibian populations have not been explored. In this study, an Amphibiocystidium sp. infection is reported in a natural population of the Italian stream frog (Rana italica) of Central Italy, over a 7-year period from 2008 to 2014. Light and electron microscope examinations, as well as partial 18S rDNA sequence analysis were used to characterize the parasite. Moreover, a capture-mark-recapture study was conducted to assess the frog demographics in response to infection. Negative effects of amphibiocystidiosis on individual survival and population fitness were absent throughout the sampling period, despite the high estimates of disease prevalence. This might have been due to resistance and/or tolerance strategies developed by the frogs in response to the persistence of Amphibiocystidium infection in this system. We hypothesized that in the examined R. italica population, amphibiocystidiosis is an ongoing endemic/epidemic infection. However, ecological and host-specific factors, interacting in a synergistic fashion, might be responsible for variations in the susceptibility to Amphibiocystidium infection of both conspecific populations and heterospecific individuals of R. italica.
Collapse
|
10
|
Pathological and phylogenetic characterization ofAmphibiothecumsp. infection in an isolated amphibian (Lissotriton helveticus) population on the island of Rum (Scotland). Parasitology 2016; 144:484-496. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182016001943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYOutbreaks of cutaneous infectious disease in amphibians are increasingly being attributed to an overlooked group of fungal-like pathogens, the Dermocystids. During the last 10 years on the Isle of Rum, Scotland, palmate newts (Lissotriton helveticus) have been reportedly afflicted by unusual skin lesions. Here we present pathological and molecular findings confirming that the pathogen associated with these lesions is a novel organism of the order Dermocystida, and represents the first formally reported, and potentially lethal, case of amphibian Dermocystid infection in the UK. Whilst the gross pathology and the parasite cyst morphology were synonymous to those described in a study from infectedL. helveticusin France, we observed a more extreme clinical outcome on Rum involving severe subcutaneous oedema. Phylogenetic topologies supported synonymy between Dermocystid sequences from Rum and France and as well as their distinction fromAmphibiocystidiumspp. Phylogenetic analysis also suggested that the amphibian-infecting Dermocystids are not monophyletic. We conclude that theL. helveticus-infecting pathogen represents a single, novel species;Amphibiothecum meredithae.
Collapse
|
11
|
Federici E, Rossi R, Fidati L, Paracucchi R, Scargetta S, Montalbani E, Franzetti A, La Porta G, Fagotti A, Simonceli F, Cenci G, Di Rosa I. Characterization of the Skin Microbiota in Italian Stream Frogs (Rana italica) Infected and Uninfected by a Cutaneous Parasitic Disease. Microbes Environ 2015; 30:262-9. [PMID: 26370166 PMCID: PMC4567565 DOI: 10.1264/jsme2.me15041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In human and wildlife populations, the natural microbiota plays an important role in health maintenance and the prevention of emerging infectious diseases. In amphibians, infectious diseases have been closely associated with population decline and extinction worldwide. Skin symbiont communities have been suggested as one of the factors driving the different susceptibilities of amphibians to diseases. The activity of the skin microbiota of amphibians against fungal pathogens, such as Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, has been examined extensively, whereas its protective role towards the cutaneous infectious diseases caused by Amphibiocystidium parasites has not yet been elucidated in detail. In the present study, we investigated, for the first time, the cutaneous microbiota of the Italian stream frog (Rana italica) and characterized the microbial assemblages of frogs uninfected and infected by Amphibiocystidium using the Illumina next-generation sequencing of 16S rRNA gene fragments. A total of 629 different OTUs belonging to 16 different phyla were detected. Bacterial populations shared by all individuals represented only one fifth of all OTUs and were dominated by a small number of OTUs. Statistical analyses based on Bray-Curtis distances showed that uninfected and infected specimens had distinct cutaneous bacterial community structures. Phylotypes belonging to the genera Janthinobacterium, Pseudomonas, and Flavobacterium were more abundant, and sometimes almost exclusively present, in uninfected than in infected specimens. These bacterial populations, known to exhibit antifungal activity in amphibians, may also play a role in protection against cutaneous infectious diseases caused by Amphibiocystidium parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ermanno Federici
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Krynak KL, Burke DJ, Benard MF. Larval Environment Alters Amphibian Immune Defenses Differentially across Life Stages and Populations. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0130383. [PMID: 26107644 PMCID: PMC4479591 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent global declines, extirpations and extinctions of wildlife caused by newly emergent diseases highlight the need to improve our knowledge of common environmental factors that affect the strength of immune defense traits. To achieve this goal, we examined the influence of acidification and shading of the larval environment on amphibian skin-associated innate immune defense traits, pre and post-metamorphosis, across two populations of American Bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana), a species known for its wide-ranging environmental tolerance and introduced global distribution. We assessed treatment effects on 1) skin-associated microbial communities and 2) post-metamorphic antimicrobial peptide (AMP) production and 3) AMP bioactivity against the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). While habitat acidification did not affect survival, time to metamorphosis or juvenile mass, we found that a change in average pH from 7 to 6 caused a significant shift in the larval skin microbial community, an effect which disappeared after metamorphosis. Additionally, we found shifts in skin-associated microbial communities across life stages suggesting they are affected by the physiological or ecological changes associated with amphibian metamorphosis. Moreover, we found that post-metamorphic AMP production and bioactivity were significantly affected by the interactions between pH and shade treatments and interactive effects differed across populations. In contrast, there were no significant interactions between treatments on post-metamorphic microbial community structure suggesting that variation in AMPs did not affect microbial community structure within our study. Our findings indicate that commonly encountered variation in the larval environment (i.e. pond pH and degree of shading) can have both immediate and long-term effects on the amphibian innate immune defense traits. Our work suggests that the susceptibility of amphibians to emerging diseases could be related to variability in the larval environment and calls for research into the relative influence of potentially less benign anthropogenic environmental changes on innate immune defense traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L. Krynak
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - David J. Burke
- Research Department, The Holden Arboretum, Kirtland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Michael F. Benard
- Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
De Lisle SP, Rowe L. Parasitism and the expression of sexual dimorphism. Ecol Evol 2015; 5:961-7. [PMID: 25750721 PMCID: PMC4338977 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Revised: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although a negative covariance between parasite load and sexually selected trait expression is a requirement of few sexual selection models, such a covariance may be a general result of life-history allocation trade-offs. If both allocation to sexually selected traits and to somatic maintenance (immunocompetence) are condition dependent, then in populations where individuals vary in condition, a positive covariance between trait expression and immunocompetence, and thus a negative covariance between trait and parasite load, is expected. We test the prediction that parasite load is generally related to the expression of sexual dimorphism across two breeding seasons in a wild salamander population and show that males have higher trematode parasite loads for their body size than females and that a key sexually selected trait covaries negatively with parasite load in males. We found evidence of a weaker negative relationship between the analogous female trait and parasite infection. These results underscore that parasite infection may covary with expression of sexually selected traits, both within and among species, regardless of the model of sexual selection, and also suggest that the evolution of condition dependence in males may affect the evolution of female trait expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen P De Lisle
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of TorontoToronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Locke Rowe
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of TorontoToronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Gleason FH, Chambouvet A, Sullivan BK, Lilje O, Rowley JJ. Multiple zoosporic parasites pose a significant threat to amphibian populations. FUNGAL ECOL 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funeco.2014.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
15
|
|
16
|
Glockling SL, Marshall WL, Gleason FH. Phylogenetic interpretations and ecological potentials of the Mesomycetozoea (Ichthyosporea). FUNGAL ECOL 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funeco.2013.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
17
|
Abstract
This review summarizes the most recent updates on emerging infectious diseases of amphibia. A brief summary of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis history, epidemiology, pathogenesis, life cycle, diagnosis, treatment, and biosecurity is provided. Ambystoma tigrinum virus, common midwife toad virus, frog virus 3, Rana grylio virus, Rana catesbeiana ranavirus, Mahaffey Road virus, Rana esculenta virus, Bohle iridovirus, and tiger frog virus ranaviruses are extensively reviewed. Emerging bacterial pathogens are discussed, including Flavobacter sp, Aeromonas sp, Citrobacter freundii, Chlamydophila sp, Mycobacterium liflandii, Elizabethkingia meningoseptica, and Ochrobactrum anthropi. Rhabdias sp, Ribeiroia sp, and Spirometra erinacei are among several of the parasitic infections overviewed in this article.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- La'Toya V Latney
- Exotic Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Pennsylvania Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Raffel TR, Michel PJ, Sites EW, Rohr JR. What drives chytrid infections in newt populations? Associations with substrate, temperature, and shade. ECOHEALTH 2010; 7:526-536. [PMID: 21125308 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-010-0358-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2010] [Revised: 11/01/2010] [Accepted: 11/09/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The pathogenic chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is considered responsible for the population declines and extinctions of hundreds of amphibian species worldwide. The panzootic was likely triggered by human-assisted spread, but once the pathogen becomes established in a given region, its distribution is probably determined by local drivers. To assess the relative importance of potential drivers of infection in red-spotted newts (Notophthalmus viridescens), we measured Bd levels in 16 populations throughout central Pennsylvania. Infected individuals were detected in all but four populations, indicating that Bd is widespread in this region. We quantified local factors hypothesized to influence Bd, and found that infection levels were best predicted by the proportion of the pond substrate consisting of leaf litter or vegetation, along with a significant effect of water temperature. Bd infection in amphibians is temperature-dependent, and one possible explanation of the apparent substrate effect is that tree cover and vegetation provide shade, reducing the availability of shallow, warm-water patches in which newts might reduce or clear Bd infections. Alternatively, leaf litter and emergent vegetation might increase Bd infection more directly, perhaps by providing substrates for environmental growth of the fungus. We also observed a curvilinear relationship between Bd load and snout-vent length (a proxy for age), hinting that newts might develop acquired resistance to Bd infection. Though correlational, these results add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that environmental temperature is an important driver of Bd infection dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Raffel
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, SCA 110, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Dermocystid infection and associated skin lesions in free-living palmate newts (Lissotriton helveticus) from Southern France. Parasitol Int 2010; 59:344-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2010.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2009] [Revised: 04/27/2010] [Accepted: 04/28/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
20
|
Klaphake E. Bacterial and parasitic diseases of amphibians. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2009; 12:597-608, Table of Contents. [PMID: 19732711 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2009.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Whether in private practice or in a zoologic setting, veterinarians of the exotic animal persuasion are asked to work on amphibians. Veterinarians are able to evaluate amphibians thoroughly for medical issues, with infectious diseases at the forefront. Until quite recently, many infectious diseases were unknown or even misdiagnosed as being caused by opportunistic secondary organisms. Although Batrachochytrium dendrobates and viral diseases are in the forefront of research for amphibians, parasitic and bacterial diseases often present secondarily and, occasionally, even as the primary cause. Full diagnostic workups, when possible, can be critical in determining all the factors involved in morbidity and mortality issues in amphibians.
Collapse
|