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da Rosa G, Roman IJ, Gressler LT, Cargnelutti JF, Vogel FSF. Molecular identification of Sarcocystis neurona in tissues of wild boars ( Sus scrofa) in the border region between Brazil and Uruguay. J Parasit Dis 2024; 48:74-80. [PMID: 38440759 PMCID: PMC10908719 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-024-01647-5] [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: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Sarcocystis neurona, owing to its clinical importance in domestic animals, is currently one of the most studied agents, presenting a wide range of intermediate hosts that have not yet been described, mainly in wild fauna. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the detection and molecular detection of S. neurona by amplification of the 18S rRNA region in the tissues of wild boars killed by boar control program in border Brazil Uruguay. A total of 79 samples of DNA from wild boar tissues from the LADOPAR/UFSM sampling bank were used, with Nested-PCR reactions being performed for amplification of the 18S rRNA region and the expected final product of 290 bp. Subsequently, the positive samples were subjected to restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique with the restriction enzymes DdeI and HPAII. A second semi-Nested reaction was performed to obtain a larger sequence of nucleotides with amplification of the 18S region and the expected final product of 500 bp for S. neurona and Nested amplification ITS1 with product final of 367 pb. In 32 samples, it was possible to detect S. neurona both by nested Nested-PCR reaction and RFLP, and the presence of the agent was confirmed by sequencing, corresponding to 40.51% of the total tissues evaluated. This is the first report of the occurrence of this species of Sarcocystis in wild boars, and further studies evaluating the role of these animals as intermediate hosts, and in the epidemiology of this protozoan are necessary, as well as verifying the risk factors for infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilneia da Rosa
- Veterinary Medicine, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, University Federal of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul Brazil
| | - Isac Junior Roman
- Veterinary Medicine, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, University Federal of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul Brazil
| | - Letícia Trevisan Gressler
- Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology Laboratory, Farroupilha Federal Institute, Campus Frederico Westphalen, Frederico Westphalen, Rio Grande do Sul Brazil
| | - Juliana Felipetto Cargnelutti
- Bacteriology Laboratory, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, University Federal of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul Brazil
| | - Fernanda Silveira Flôres Vogel
- Veterinary Medicine, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, University Federal of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul Brazil
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Bush JC, Maggi RG, Breitschwerdt EB. Viability and Desiccation Resistance of Bartonella henselae in Biological and Non-Biological Fluids: Evidence for Pathogen Environmental Stability. Pathogens 2023; 12:950. [PMID: 37513797 PMCID: PMC10383451 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogen environmental stability is an often-neglected research priority for pathogens that are known to be vector-transmitted. Bartonella henselae, the etiologic agent of Cat Scratch Disease, has become a "pathogen of interest" in several serious human illnesses, which include neoplastic, cardiovascular, neurocognitive, and rheumatologic conditions. Survival in the flea gut and feces as well as the association with a biofilm in culture-negative endocarditis provides insight into this organism's ability to adjust to environmental extremes. The detection of B. henselae DNA in blood and tissues from marine mammals also raises questions about environmental stability and modes of pathogen transmission. We investigated the ability of B. henselae to survive in fluid matrices chosen to mimic potential environmental sources of infective materials. Feline whole blood, serum and urine, bovine milk, and physiologic saline inoculated with a laboratory strain of B. henselae San Antonio 2 were subsequently evaluated by culture and qPCR at specified time intervals. Bacterial viability was also assessed following desiccation and reconstitution of each inoculated fluid matrix. Bartonella henselae SA2 was cultured from feline urine up to 24 h after inoculation, and from blood, serum, cow's milk, and physiologic saline for up to 7 days after inoculation. Of potential medical importance, bacteria were cultured following air-desiccation of all fluid inoculates. The viability and stability of Bartonella within biological and non-biological fluids in the environment may represent a previously unrecognized source of infection for animals and human beings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice C Bush
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Ricardo G Maggi
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
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Barratclough A, Ferguson SH, Lydersen C, Thomas PO, Kovacs KM. A Review of Circumpolar Arctic Marine Mammal Health-A Call to Action in a Time of Rapid Environmental Change. Pathogens 2023; 12:937. [PMID: 37513784 PMCID: PMC10385039 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The impacts of climate change on the health of marine mammals are increasingly being recognised. Given the rapid rate of environmental change in the Arctic, the potential ramifications on the health of marine mammals in this region are a particular concern. There are eleven endemic Arctic marine mammal species (AMMs) comprising three cetaceans, seven pinnipeds, and the polar bear (Ursus maritimus). All of these species are dependent on sea ice for survival, particularly those requiring ice for breeding. As air and water temperatures increase, additional species previously non-resident in Arctic waters are extending their ranges northward, leading to greater species overlaps and a concomitant increased risk of disease transmission. In this study, we review the literature documenting disease presence in Arctic marine mammals to understand the current causes of morbidity and mortality in these species and forecast future disease issues. Our review highlights potential pathogen occurrence in a changing Arctic environment, discussing surveillance methods for 35 specific pathogens, identifying risk factors associated with these diseases, as well as making recommendations for future monitoring for emerging pathogens. Several of the pathogens discussed have the potential to cause unusual mortality events in AMMs. Brucella, morbillivirus, influenza A virus, and Toxoplasma gondii are all of concern, particularly with the relative naivety of the immune systems of endemic Arctic species. There is a clear need for increased surveillance to understand baseline disease levels and address the gravity of the predicted impacts of climate change on marine mammal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Barratclough
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
| | - Steven H. Ferguson
- Arctic Aquatic Research Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada;
| | - Christian Lydersen
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway; (C.L.); (K.M.K.)
| | - Peter O. Thomas
- Marine Mammal Commission, 4340 East-West Highway, Room 700, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA;
| | - Kit M. Kovacs
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway; (C.L.); (K.M.K.)
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Faria JF, Harris DJ. An unexpected tenant: contamination in a Physeter catodon (Physeteridae, Artiodactyla) genome indicates undescribed species of Sarcocystis Lankester, 1882 (Sarcocystidae, Eucoccidiorida) in the marine environment. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2022; 69. [PMID: 35145047 DOI: 10.14411/fp.2022.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Data mining animal of genomes has been used before to identify endoparasites, and may be a particularly useful tool to surpass some difficulties faced by studies in the marine environment. We detected a species of Sarcocystis Lankester, 1882, contamination in the sperm whale (Physeter catodon Linnaeus) reference genome available in the GenBank database. We identified and extracted multiple gene fragments and placed the sequences in a phylogenetic framework. Our results indicate that the sequences of Sarcocystis sp. found in the genome do not correspond to any currently described species, despite a few other similar sequences having been identified in fur seals (Pinnipedia) and another sperm whale. Including data from previous studies, we suggest there is enough evidence to support the occurrence of at least four species of Sarcocystis in marine mammals. We also demonstrate that the term "S. canis-like" has been used for samples not closely related to Sarcocystis canis Dubey et Speer, 1991.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquim Filipe Faria
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciencias, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairao, Vairao, Vila do Conde, Portugal
| | - David James Harris
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciencias, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO, Universidade do Porto, Campus de Vairao, Vairao, Vila do Conde, Portugal
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Investigating Associations Among Relatedness, Genetic Diversity, and Causes of Mortality In Southern Sea Otters (Enhydra lutris nereis). J Wildl Dis 2021; 58:63-75. [PMID: 34818404 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-21-00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) population recovery is influenced by a variety of factors, including predation, biotoxin exposure, infectious disease, oil spills, habitat degradation, and resource limitation. This population has also experienced a significant genetic bottleneck, resulting in low genetic diversity. We investigated how two metrics, familial relatedness and genetic diversity, are correlated with common causes of mortality in southern sea otters, including cardiomyopathy, acanthocephalan (Profilicollis spp.) peritonitis, systemic protozoal infection (Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis neurona), domoic acid intoxication, end-lactation syndrome, and shark bite. Microsatellite genetic markers were used to examine this association in 356 southern sea otters necropsied from 1998 to 2012. Significant associations with genetic diversity or familial relatedness (P<0.05) were observed for cardiomyopathy, acanthocephalan peritonitis, and sarcocystosis, and these associations varied by sex. Adult male cardiomyopathy cases (n=86) were more related than the null expectation (P<0.049). Conversely, female acanthocephalan peritonitis controls (n=110) were more related than the null expectation (P<0.004). Including genetic diversity as a predictor for fatal acanthocephalan peritonitis in the multivariate logistic model significantly improved model fit; lower genetic diversity was associated with reduced odds of sea otter death due to acanthocephalan peritonitis. Finally, male sarcocystosis controls (n=158) were more related than the null expectation (P<0.011). Including genetic diversity in the multivariate logistic model for fatal S. neurona infection improved model fit; lower genetic diversity was associated with increased odds of sea otter death due to S. neurona. Our study suggests that genetic diversity and familial relatedness, in conjunction with other factors such as age and sex, may influence outcome (survival or death) in relation to several common southern sea otter diseases. Our findings can inform policy for conservation management, such as potential reintroduction efforts, as part of species recovery.
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O'Byrne AM, Lambourn DM, Rejmanek D, Haman K, O'Byrne M, VanWormer E, Shapiro K. Sarcocystis neurona Transmission from Opossums to Marine Mammals in the Pacific Northwest. ECOHEALTH 2021; 18:84-94. [PMID: 34213686 PMCID: PMC8367900 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-021-01536-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Increasing reports of marine mammal deaths have been attributed to the parasite Sarcocystis neurona. Infected opossums, the only known definitive hosts, shed S. neurona sporocysts in their feces. Sporocysts can contaminate the marine environment via overland runoff, and subsequent ingestion by marine mammals can lead to fatal encephalitis. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of S. neurona in opossums from coastal areas of Washington State (USA) and to compare genetic markers between S. neurona in opossums and marine mammals. Thirty-two road-kill opossums and tissue samples from 30 stranded marine mammals meeting inclusion criteria were included in analyses. Three opossums (9.4%) and twelve marine mammals (40%) were confirmed positive for S. neurona via DNA amplification at the ITS1 locus. Genetic identity at microsatellites (sn3, sn7, sn9) and the snSAG3 gene of S. neurona was demonstrated among one harbor porpoise and two opossums. Watershed mapping further demonstrated plausible sporocyst transport pathways from one of these opossums to the location where an infected harbor porpoise carcass was recovered. Our results provide the first reported link between S. neurona genotypes on land and sea in the Pacific Northwest, and further demonstrate how terrestrial pathogen pollution can impact the health of marine wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice M O'Byrne
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 W6F6, Ireland
| | - Dyanna M Lambourn
- Wildlife Program, WA Department of Fish and Wildlife, 1111 Washington Street SE, Olympia, WA, 98501, USA
| | - Daniel Rejmanek
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Katherine Haman
- Wildlife Program, WA Department of Fish and Wildlife, 1111 Washington Street SE, Olympia, WA, 98501, USA
| | - Michael O'Byrne
- University of Göttingen, Wilhelmsplatz 1, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Elizabeth VanWormer
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Karen Shapiro
- Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, 4206 VM3A, Davis, CA, 95616-5270, USA.
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Bamac OE, Rogers KH, Arranz-Solís D, Saeij JPJ, Lewis S, Duerr R, Skoglund J, Peronne L, Mete A. Protozoal encephalitis associated with Sarcocystis calchasi and S. falcatula during an epizootic involving Brandt's cormorants ( Phalacrocorax penicillatus) in coastal Southern California, USA. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2020; 12:185-191. [PMID: 32617260 PMCID: PMC7322481 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Between March and May 2019, wildlife rehabilitation centers along coastal southern California admitted increased numbers of Brandt's cormorants (Phalacrocorax penicillatus) with neurological disease including head tilt, nystagmus, torticollis, tremors, paresis, paralysis, and ataxia. Seven cormorants from Los Angeles County and one cormorant from Orange County were submitted for postmortem examination. Gross findings included thin to fair body condition, generalized congestion/hyperemia, nematode parasites in the ventriculus, and diarrhea in the seven birds from Los Angeles County while the one bird from Orange County had icterus. Histologic examination revealed sarcocysts in the adductor muscles and meningoencephalitis characterized by coalescing infiltrations of macrophages, lymphocytes and plasma cells with severe perivascular cuffing and gliosis in all eight cormorants. Rare to few numbers of schizonts were seen in the cerebrum of the seven cormorants from Los Angeles County whereas the cormorant from Orange County had numerous schizonts in various stages of development in the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem. All eight birds were positive for the generic Sarcocystis spp. 28S PCR. The seven cormorants from Los Angeles County tested positive for the S. calchasi-specific ITS1 and confirmed by sequencing, while the analysis of the 28S sequence in the cormorant from Orange County showed a 100% homology to S. falcatula. This bird also was positive by immunohistochemistry for Sarcocystis spp. using a polyclonal antibody that detects S. falcatula and S. neurona. This report demonstrates for the first time that seabirds such as Brandt's cormorants may be intermediate or dead-end hosts for S. calchasi and/or S. falcatula, and that S. calchasi can cause epizootic infection in a seabird. Neurological disease in Brandt's cormorants along southern California coast. Brandt's cormorants with protozoal encephalitis assocated with Sarcocystis spp. Brandt's cormorants may be intermediate hosts for S. calchasi and S. falcatula. Transmission of terrestrial protozoal pathogens to seabirds. Lifecycles of S. calchasi and S. falcatula in marine environment needs research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozge Erdogan Bamac
- Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology, Alkent Mah. 2000, Yigitturk Cad, A-2 Blok Buyukcekmece, 34500, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Krysta H Rogers
- Wildlife Investigations Laboratory, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, 1701 Nimbus Road Suite D, Rancho Cordova, CA, 95670, USA
| | - David Arranz-Solís
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Jeroen P J Saeij
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Stephany Lewis
- California Wildlife Center, 26026 Piuma Road, Calabasas, CA, 91302, USA
| | - Rebecca Duerr
- International Bird Rescue, 3601 S Gaffey Street, San Pedro, CA, 90731, USA
| | - Julie Skoglund
- International Bird Rescue, 3601 S Gaffey Street, San Pedro, CA, 90731, USA
| | - Lisa Peronne
- Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center, 21900 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA, 92646, USA
| | - Aslı Mete
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, University of California, Davis, 620 West Health Sciences Dr., Davis, CA, 95616, USA
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