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Brown GP, Shine R, Rollins LA. A biological invasion modifies the dynamics of a host-parasite arms race. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20232403. [PMID: 38351807 PMCID: PMC10865005 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
By imposing novel selection pressures on both participants, biological invasions can modify evolutionary 'arms races' between hosts and parasites. A spatially replicated cross-infection experiment reveals strong spatial divergence in the ability of lungworms (Rhabdias pseudosphaerocephala) to infect invasive cane toads (Rhinella marina) in Australia. In areas colonized for longer than 20 years, toads are more resistant to infection by local strains of parasites than by allopatric strains. The situation reverses at the invasion front, where super-infective parasites have evolved. Invasion-induced shifts in genetic diversity and selective pressures may explain why hosts gain advantage over parasites in long-colonized areas, whereas parasites gain advantage at the invasion front.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory P. Brown
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney 2109, Australia
| | - Richard Shine
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney 2109, Australia
| | - Lee A. Rollins
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
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2
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Blanch-Lázaro B, Ribot RF, Berg ML, Alexandersen S, Bennett AT. Ability to detect antibodies to beak and feather disease virus in blood on filter paper decreases with duration of storage. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12642. [PMID: 35036139 PMCID: PMC8697771 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12642] [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: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) is a circovirus that infects captive and wild psittacine birds, and is of conservation concern. The haemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay is used to determine antibody titres against BFDV, and the use of dried blood spots (DBS) on filter paper stored at room temperature has been suggested to be an equally valid technique to the use of frozen serum. However, research on other pathogens has found variable results when investigating the longevity of antibodies stored on DBS at room temperature. Consequently, we aimed to test the temporal stability of antibodies to BFDV in DBS samples stored long-term at room temperature. A further goal was to add to the current knowledge of antibody response to naturally acquired BFDV infection in crimson rosellas (Platycercus elegans). Methods Blood was collected from wild P. elegans in Victoria, Australia, that had been live-trapped (n = 9) or necropsied (n = 11). BFDV virus load data were obtained from blood stored in ethanol by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR); antibody titres were obtained by HI assay from either DBS or serum samples, which had been collected concurrently. All HI assays were performed commercially by the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) in Charles Sturt University, Australia, who were blind to BFDV blood status. Results HI titres from DBS stored at room temperature declined significantly over time (~80 weeks). By contrast, frozen serum samples assayed after 80 weeks in storage all had high HI titres, only varying up to one dilution step from the initial HI titres obtained from DBS at 3–6 weeks after sampling. Weak HI titres from DBS samples all came back negative when the test was repeated only nine weeks later. Novel high HI titres were reported in P. elegans, and while most birds with high antibody titres had corresponding negative qPCR results, a single subadult presented with high HI titres and virus load simultaneously. Conclusion Detection of antibodies on filter paper stored at room temperature decreases over time, increasing the chances of false negatives in these samples, and in repeated testing of samples with weak HI titres. Consequently, serum should be the preferred sample type to use for seroepidemiological studies on BFDV in parrots and other bird species. When not possible, it may help to store DBS on filter paper at −20 °C or lower. However, prompt testing of DBS samples (e.g., <6 weeks in storage) is recommended pending further research on antibody temporal stability. We also show that P. elegans, especially adults, can produce high antibody titres against BFDV, which may help them resist infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berta Blanch-Lázaro
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Geelong Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Raoul F.H. Ribot
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mathew L. Berg
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Soren Alexandersen
- Geelong Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew T.D. Bennett
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
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3
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Current diagnostic approaches to detect two important betacoronaviruses: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Pathol Res Pract 2021; 225:153565. [PMID: 34333398 PMCID: PMC8305226 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2021.153565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are two common betacoronaviruses, which are still causing transmission among the human population worldwide. The major difference between the two coronaviruses is that MERS-CoV is now causing sporadic transmission worldwide, whereas SARS-CoV-2 is causing a pandemic outbreak globally. Currently, different guidelines and reports have highlighted several diagnostic methods and approaches which could be used to screen and confirm MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 infections. These methods include clinical evaluation, laboratory diagnosis (nucleic acid-based test, protein-based test, or viral culture), and radiological diagnosis. With the presence of these different diagnostic approaches, it could cause a dilemma to the clinicians and diagnostic laboratories in selecting the best diagnostic strategies to confirm MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 infections. Therefore, this review aims to provide an up-to-date comparison of the advantages and limitations of different diagnostic approaches in detecting MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 infections. This review could provide insights for clinicians and scientists in detecting MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 infections to help combat the transmission of these coronaviruses.
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4
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Phillips KP, Cable J, Mohammed RS, Chmielewski S, Przesmycka KJ, van Oosterhout C, Radwan J. Functional immunogenetic variation, rather than local adaptation, predicts ectoparasite infection intensity in a model fish species. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:5588-5604. [PMID: 34415650 PMCID: PMC9292977 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Natural host populations differ in their susceptibility to infection by parasites, and these intrapopulation differences are still an incompletely understood component of host‐parasite dynamics. In this study, we used controlled infection experiments with wild‐caught guppies (Poecilia reticulata) and their ectoparasite Gyrodactylus turnbulli to investigate the roles of local adaptation and host genetic composition (immunogenetic and neutral) in explaining differences in susceptibility to infection. We found differences between our four study host populations that were consistent between two parasite source populations, with no indication of local adaptation by either host or parasite at two tested spatial scales. Greater values of host population genetic variability metrics broadly aligned with lower population mean infection intensity, with the best alignments associated with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) “supertypes”. Controlling for intrapopulation differences and potential inbreeding variance, we found a significant negative relationship between individual‐level functional MHC variability and infection: fish carrying more MHC supertypes experienced infections of lower severity, with limited evidence for supertype‐specific effects. We conclude that population‐level differences in host infection susceptibility probably reflect variation in parasite selective pressure and/or host evolutionary potential, underpinned by functional immunogenetic variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl P Phillips
- Evolutionary Biology Group, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland.,School of Biological Earth & Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Marine Institute, Newport, Co. Mayo, Ireland
| | - Joanne Cable
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Ryan S Mohammed
- Evolutionary Biology Group, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland.,Department of Life Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Sebastian Chmielewski
- Evolutionary Biology Group, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - Karolina J Przesmycka
- Evolutionary Biology Group, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - Cock van Oosterhout
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Jacek Radwan
- Evolutionary Biology Group, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
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5
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Towards a more healthy conservation paradigm: integrating disease and molecular ecology to aid biological conservation †. J Genet 2021. [PMID: 33622992 PMCID: PMC7371965 DOI: 10.1007/s12041-020-01225-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Parasites, and the diseases they cause, are important from an ecological and evolutionary perspective because they can negatively affect host fitness and can regulate host populations. Consequently, conservation biology has long recognized the vital role that parasites can play in the process of species endangerment and recovery. However, we are only beginning to understand how deeply parasites are embedded in ecological systems, and there is a growing recognition of the important ways in which parasites affect ecosystem structure and function. Thus, there is an urgent need to revisit how parasites are viewed from a conservation perspective and broaden the role that disease ecology plays in conservation-related research and outcomes. This review broadly focusses on the role that disease ecology can play in biological conservation. Our review specifically emphasizes on how the integration of tools and analytical approaches associated with both disease and molecular ecology can be leveraged to aid conservation biology. Our review first concentrates on disease-mediated extinctions and wildlife epidemics. We then focus on elucidating how host–parasite interactions has improved our understanding of the eco-evolutionary dynamics affecting hosts at the individual, population, community and ecosystem scales. We believe that the role of parasites as drivers and indicators of ecosystem health is especially an exciting area of research that has the potential to fundamentally alter our view of parasites and their role in biological conservation. The review concludes with a broad overview of the current and potential applications of modern genomic tools in disease ecology to aid biological conservation.
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6
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Roth AM, Keiser CN, Williams JB, Gee JM. Prevalence and intensity of avian malaria in a quail hybrid zone. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:8123-8135. [PMID: 34188875 PMCID: PMC8216944 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hybrid zones have been described as natural laboratories by researchers who study speciation and the various mechanisms that may affect gene flow. The evolutionary consequences of hybridization depend not only on reproductive compatibility between sympatric species, but also on factors like vulnerability to each other's predators and parasites. We examined infection patterns of the blood parasite Haemoproteus lophortyx, a causative agent of avian malaria, at a site in the contact zone between California quail (Callipepla californica) and Gambel's quail (C. gambelii). Controlling for the potential influence of sex and year, we tested whether species identity predicted infection status and intensity. We found that infection prevalence was lower in California and hybrid quail compared with Gambel's quail. However, infected California and hybrid quail had higher infection intensities than Gambel's quail. California and hybrid quail exhibited no significant differences in prevalence or intensity of infection. These findings suggest that infection by H. lophortyx has the potential to influence species barrier dynamics in this system; however, more work is necessary to determine the exact evolutionary consequences of this blood parasite on hybridization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carl N. Keiser
- Department of BiologyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
| | - Judson B. Williams
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyPrinceton UniversityPrincetonNJUSA
- Present address:
Department of SurgeryDuke UniversityRaleighNCUSA
| | - Jennifer M. Gee
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyPrinceton UniversityPrincetonNJUSA
- Present address:
James San Jacinto Mountains ReserveUniversity of California – RiversideUniversity of California Natural Reserve SystemIdyllwildCAUSA
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7
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Common J, Walker-Sünderhauf D, van Houte S, Westra ER. Diversity in CRISPR-based immunity protects susceptible genotypes by restricting phage spread and evolution. J Evol Biol 2020; 33:1097-1108. [PMID: 32383796 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Diversity in host resistance often associates with reduced pathogen spread. This may result from ecological and evolutionary processes, likely with feedback between them. Theory and experiments on bacteria-phage interactions have shown that genetic diversity of the bacterial adaptive immune system can limit phage evolution to overcome resistance. Using the CRISPR-Cas bacterial immune system and lytic phage, we engineered a host-pathogen system where each bacterial host genotype could be infected by only one phage genotype. With this model system, we explored how CRISPR diversity impacts the spread of phage when they can overcome a resistance allele, how immune diversity affects the evolution of the phage to increase its host range and if there was feedback between these processes. We show that increasing CRISPR diversity benefits susceptible bacteria via a dilution effect, which limits the spread of the phage. We suggest that this ecological effect impacts the evolution of novel phage genotypes, which then feeds back into phage population dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Common
- ESI and CEC, Biosciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - David Walker-Sünderhauf
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, ESI, University of Exeter Medical School, Penryn, UK
| | | | - Edze R Westra
- ESI and CEC, Biosciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
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8
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Martens JM, Stokes HS, Berg ML, Walder K, Raidal SR, Magrath MJL, Bennett ATD. Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) prevalence, load and excretion in seven species of wild caught common Australian parrots. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235406. [PMID: 32609774 PMCID: PMC7329075 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogens pose a major risk to wild host populations, especially in the face of ongoing biodiversity declines. Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) can affect most if not all members of one of the largest and most threatened bird orders world-wide, the Psittaciformes. Signs of disease can be severe and mortality rates high. Its broad host range makes it a risk to threatened species in particular, because infection can occur via spill-over from abundant hosts. Despite these risks, surveillance of BFDV in locally abundant wild host species has been lacking. We used qPCR and haemagglutination assays to investigate BFDV prevalence, load and shedding in seven abundant host species in the wild in south-east Australia: Crimson Rosellas (Platycercus elegans), Eastern Rosellas (Platycercus eximius), Galahs (Eolophus roseicapillus), Sulphur-crested Cockatoos (Cacatua galerita), Blue-winged Parrots (Neophema chrysostoma), Rainbow Lorikeets (Trichoglossus moluccanus) and Red-rumped Parrots (Psephotus haematonotus). We found BFDV infection in clinically normal birds in six of the seven species sampled. We focused our analysis on the four most commonly caught species, namely Crimson Rosellas (BFDV prevalence in blood samples: 41.8%), Sulphur-crested Cockatoos (20.0%), Blue-winged Parrots (11.8%) and Galahs (8.8%). Species, but not sex, was a significant predictor for BFDV prevalence and load. 56.1% of BFDV positive individuals were excreting BFDV antigen into their feathers, indicative of active viral replication with shedding. Being BFDV positive in blood samples predicted shedding in Crimson Rosellas. Our study confirms that BFDV is endemic in our study region, and can inform targeted disease management by providing comparative data on interspecies variation in virus prevalence, load and shedding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanne M. Martens
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Helena S. Stokes
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mathew L. Berg
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ken Walder
- Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shane R. Raidal
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia
| | | | - Andy T. D. Bennett
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
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9
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Martens JM, Stokes HS, Berg ML, Walder K, Raidal SR, Magrath MJL, Bennett ATD. A non-invasive method to assess environmental contamination with avian pathogens: beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) detection in nest boxes. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9211. [PMID: 32566393 PMCID: PMC7293853 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Indirect transmission of pathogens can pose major risks to wildlife, yet the presence and persistence of wildlife pathogens in the environment has been little studied. Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) is of global conservation concern: it can infect all members of the Psittaciformes, one of the most threatened bird orders, with infection often being lethal. Indirect transmission of BFDV through contaminated nest hollows has been proposed as a major infection source. However, data on whether and for how long nest sites in the wild remain contaminated have been absent. We determined the BFDV status of birds (parents and nestlings) for 82 nests of Crimson Rosellas, Platycercus elegans and Eastern Rosellas, Platycercus eximius. In 11 of these nests (13.4%, 95% confidence interval 6.9-22.7), we found an infected parent or nestling. Using nest swabs, we then compared BFDV presence at three points in time (before, during and after breeding) in three groups of nest boxes. These were nest boxes occupied by infected birds, and two control groups (nest boxes occupied by uninfected birds, and unoccupied nest boxes). Detection of BFDV on nest swabs was strongly associated with the infection status of parents in each nest box and with the timing of breeding. During breeding, boxes occupied by BFDV-positive birds were significantly more likely to have BFDV-positive nest swabs than boxes occupied by BFDV-negative birds; nest swabs tested BFDV-positive in 80% (28.4-99.5) of nests with parental antigen excretion, 66.7% (9.4-99.2) of nests occupied by parents with BFDV-positive cloacal swabs and 66.7% (22.3-95.7) of nests occupied by parents with BFDV-positive blood. 0% (0-52.2) of nests with BFDV-positive nestlings had BFDV-positive nest swabs. Across all boxes occupied by BFDV-positive birds (parents or nestlings), no nest swabs were BFDV-positive before breeding, 36.4% (95% CI 10.9-69.2) were positive during breeding and 9.1% (0.2-41.3) remained positive after breeding. BFDV was present on nest swabs for up to 3.7 months. Our study provides novel insights into the potential role of nest cavities and other fomites in indirect transmission of BFDV, and possibly other pathogens, and offers a non-invasive method for surveillance of pathogens in wild bird populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanne M Martens
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helena S Stokes
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mathew L Berg
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ken Walder
- Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shane R Raidal
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael J L Magrath
- Wildlife Conservation and Science, Zoos Victoria, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew T D Bennett
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
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10
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Martens JM, Stokes HS, Berg ML, Walder K, Bennett ATD. Seasonal fluctuation of beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) infection in wild Crimson Rosellas (Platycercus elegans). Sci Rep 2020; 10:7894. [PMID: 32398741 PMCID: PMC7217931 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64631-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding patterns of pathogen emergence can help identify mechanisms involved in transmission dynamics. Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) poses a major threat world-wide to wild and captive parrots. Yet data from wild birds on seasonal fluctuations in prevalence and infection intensity, and thereby the potential high-risk times for virus transmission, have been lacking. We screened wild Crimson Rosellas (Platycercus elegans) for BFDV in blood and cloacal swabs. Prevalence in blood samples and cloacal swabs, as well as viral load varied with Julian date and in blood, were highest after the breeding season. Breeding birds had lower viral load and lower BFDV prevalence in blood than non-breeding birds (10.1% prevalence in breeding vs. 43.2% in non-breeding birds). BFDV prevalence was much higher in younger (<3 years) than older (≥3 years) birds for both blood samples (42.9% vs. 4.5%) and cloacal swabs (56.4% vs. 12.3%). BFDV status in blood and cloacal samples was not correlated within individuals. We show that, at least in P. elegans, BFDV infection seems to occur year-round, with seasonal changes in prevalence and load found in our samples. Our analyses suggest that the seasonal changes were associated primarily with the breeding season. We also discuss age and sex as important predictors of BFDV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanne M Martens
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3216, Australia.
| | - Helena S Stokes
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - Mathew L Berg
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - Ken Walder
- Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, School of Medicine, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - Andrew T D Bennett
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3216, Australia
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11
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Hund AK, Hubbard JK, Albrecht T, Vortman Y, Munclinger P, Krausová S, Tomášek O, Safran RJ. Divergent sexual signals reflect costs of local parasites. Evolution 2020; 74:2404-2418. [PMID: 32385910 DOI: 10.1111/evo.13994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Many closely related populations are distinguished by variation in sexual signals and this variation is hypothesized to play an important role in reproductive isolation and speciation. Within populations, there is considerable evidence that sexual signals provide information about the incidence and severity of parasite infections, but it remains unclear if variation in parasite communities across space could play a role in initiating or maintaining sexual trait divergence. To test for variation in parasite-associated selection, we compared three barn swallow subspecies with divergent sexual signals. We found that parasite community structure and host tolerance to ecologically similar parasites varied between subspecies. Across subspecies we also found that different parasites were costly in terms of male survival and reproductive success. For each subspecies, the preferred sexual signal(s) were associated with the most costly local parasite(s), indicating that divergent signals are providing relevant information to females about local parasite communities. Across subspecies, the same traits were often associated with different parasites, indicating that parasite-sexual signal links are quite flexible and may evolve relatively quickly. This study provides evidence for (1) variation in parasite communities and (2) different parasite-sexual signal links among three closely related subspecies with divergent sexual signal traits, suggesting that parasites may play an important role in initiating and/or maintaining the divergence of sexual signals among these closely related, yet geographically isolated populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda K Hund
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, 80309.,Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55108
| | - Joanna K Hubbard
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, 80309.,Department of Biology, Truman State University, Kirksville, Missouri, 63501
| | - Tomáš Albrecht
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, 60365, Czech Republic.,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, 128 44, Czech Republic
| | - Yoni Vortman
- Department of Animal Sciences, Tel Hai Academic College, Upper Galilee, 1220800, Israel
| | - Pavel Munclinger
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, 128 44, Czech Republic
| | - Simona Krausová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, 128 44, Czech Republic
| | - Oldřich Tomášek
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, 60365, Czech Republic
| | - Rebecca J Safran
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, 80309
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12
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Vidotti MS, Matias FI, Alves FC, Pérez-Rodríguez P, Beltran GA, Burgueño J, Crossa J, Fritsche-Neto R. Maize responsiveness to Azospirillum brasilense: Insights into genetic control, heterosis and genomic prediction. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217571. [PMID: 31173600 PMCID: PMC6555527 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have shown differences in the abilities of maize genotypes to facilitate or impede Azospirillum brasilense colonization and to receive benefits from this association. Hence, our aim was to study the genetic control, heterosis effect and the prediction accuracy of the shoot and root traits of maize in response to A. brasilense. For that, we evaluated 118 hybrids under two contrasting scenarios: i) N stress (control) and ii) N stress plus A. brasilense inoculation. The diallel analyses were performed using mixed model equations, and the genomic prediction models accounted for the general and specific combining ability (GCA and SCA, respectively) and the presence or not of G×E effects. In addition, the genomic models were fitted considering parametric (G-BLUP) and semi-parametric (RKHS) kernels. The genotypes showed significant inoculation effect for five root traits, and the GCA and SCA were significant for both. The GCA in the inoculated treatment presented a greater magnitude than the control, whereas the opposite was observed for SCA. Heterosis was weakly influenced by the inoculation, and the heterozygosity and N status in the plant can have a role in the benefits that can be obtained from this Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB). Prediction accuracies for N stress plus A. brasilense ranged from 0.42 to 0.78, depending on the scenario and trait, and were higher, in most cases, than the non-inoculated treatment. Finally, our findings provide an understanding of the quantitative variation of maize responsiveness to A. brasilense and important insights to be applied in maize breeding aiming the development of superior hybrids for this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Suzane Vidotti
- Genetics Department, “Luiz de Queiroz” College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Filipe Inácio Matias
- Genetics Department, “Luiz de Queiroz” College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Filipe Couto Alves
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | | | - Gregório Alvarado Beltran
- Biometrics and Statistics Unit, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Texcoco, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Juan Burgueño
- Biometrics and Statistics Unit, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Texcoco, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - José Crossa
- Biometrics and Statistics Unit, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Texcoco, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Roberto Fritsche-Neto
- Genetics Department, “Luiz de Queiroz” College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
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13
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Martin LB, Addison B, Bean AGD, Buchanan KL, Crino OL, Eastwood JR, Flies AS, Hamede R, Hill GE, Klaassen M, Koch RE, Martens JM, Napolitano C, Narayan EJ, Peacock L, Peel AJ, Peters A, Raven N, Risely A, Roast MJ, Rollins LA, Ruiz-Aravena M, Selechnik D, Stokes HS, Ujvari B, Grogan LF. Extreme Competence: Keystone Hosts of Infections. Trends Ecol Evol 2019; 34:303-314. [PMID: 30704782 PMCID: PMC7114649 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2018.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Individual hosts differ extensively in their competence for parasites, but traditional research has discounted this variation, partly because modeling such heterogeneity is difficult. This discounting has diminished as tools have improved and recognition has grown that some hosts, the extremely competent, can have exceptional impacts on disease dynamics. Most prominent among these hosts are the superspreaders, but other forms of extreme competence (EC) exist and others await discovery; each with potentially strong but distinct implications for disease emergence and spread. Here, we propose a framework for the study and discovery of EC, suitable for different host-parasite systems, which we hope enhances our understanding of how parasites circulate and evolve in host communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn B Martin
- Global and Planetary Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, USA.
| | - BriAnne Addison
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Andrew G D Bean
- CSIRO Health & Biosecurity at the Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Katherine L Buchanan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Ondi L Crino
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Justin R Eastwood
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Andrew S Flies
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7008, Australia
| | - Rodrigo Hamede
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
| | - Geoffrey E Hill
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Marcel Klaassen
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Rebecca E Koch
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Johanne M Martens
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
| | | | - Edward J Narayan
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Lee Peacock
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Alison J Peel
- Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Anne Peters
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Nynke Raven
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Alice Risely
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Michael J Roast
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Lee A Rollins
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Manuel Ruiz-Aravena
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
| | - Dan Selechnik
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences (SOLES), University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Helena S Stokes
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Beata Ujvari
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Laura F Grogan
- Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
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14
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Parasites and Host Species Barriers in Animal Hybrid Zones. Trends Ecol Evol 2018; 34:19-30. [PMID: 30348471 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2018.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Species barriers are tested in hybrid zones when gene flow occurs between hybridizing species. Hybridization can erode species barriers, lead to the introgression of adaptive traits, or remain stable through time. Outcomes in hybrid zones are influenced by divergence between the hybridizing taxa, behavior, ecology, and geography. Parasites and pathogens play a major role in host fitness and appear to have varied impacts on species barriers in hybrid zones. We comprehensively reviewed the literature on parasitism in animal hybrid zones and present an evolutionary framework within which to consider parasite-hybrid interactions. Parasites most frequently show potential to contribute to species barrier breakdown in hybrid zones, but also frequently show potential to facilitate the maintenance of species barriers. Incorporating eco-immunology, parasite community theory, and spatiotemporal approaches will be important as genomic tools allow researchers to examine parasites and hybrid zones at greater resolution and in a diversity of natural habitats.
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15
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Townsend AK, Taff CC, Wheeler SS, Weis AM, Hinton MG, Jones ML, Logsdon RM, Reisen WK, Freund D, Sehgal RNM, Saberi M, Suh YH, Hurd J, Boyce WM. Low heterozygosity is associated with vector‐borne disease in crows. Ecosphere 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Conor C. Taff
- Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology Ithaca New York 14850 USA
| | - Sarah S. Wheeler
- Sacramento‐Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District Elk Grove California 95624 USA
| | - Allison M. Weis
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction School of Veterinary Medicine 100K Pathogen Genome Project University of California Davis California 95616 USA
| | - Mitch G. Hinton
- Animal Behavior Graduate Group University of California Davis California 95616 USA
| | - Melissa L. Jones
- Avian Sciences Graduate Group University of California Davis California 95616 USA
| | - Ryane M. Logsdon
- Animal Behavior Graduate Group University of California Davis California 95616 USA
| | - William K. Reisen
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology School of Veterinary Medicine University of California Davis California 95616 USA
| | - David Freund
- Department of Biology San Francisco State University San Francisco California 94132 USA
| | - Ravinder N. M. Sehgal
- Department of Biology San Francisco State University San Francisco California 94132 USA
| | - Mojan Saberi
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology University of California Davis California 95616 USA
| | - Young Ha Suh
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Cornell University Ithaca New York 14853 USA
| | - Jacqueline Hurd
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology University of California Davis California 95616 USA
| | - Walter M. Boyce
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology School of Veterinary Medicine University of California Davis California 95616 USA
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16
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Larson ER, Eastwood JR, Micallef S, Wehbe J, Bennett ATD, Berg ML. Nest microclimate predicts bill growth in the Adelaide rosella (Aves: Psittaculidae). Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/bly058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eliza R Larson
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Justin R Eastwood
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah Micallef
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jacinta Wehbe
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew T D Bennett
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mathew L Berg
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
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