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Muller A, Maggi R, Sepulveda-Garcia P, Mau A, Sauvé C, Conan A, Branford I, Bittencourt P, Breitschwerdt E. Sequence typing of Bartonella henselae in small Indian mongooses (Urva auropunctata). Sci Rep 2024; 14:18654. [PMID: 39134642 PMCID: PMC11319332 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69909-z] [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: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the sequence type (ST) of Bartonella henselae infecting small Indian mongooses from Saint Kitts via multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). This investigation used stored EDTA blood (n = 22) samples from mongooses previously identified as positive for B. henselae. Chocolate agar plates were enriched with Bartonella alpha-Proteobacteria growth medium (BAPGM) to culture and isolate Bartonella from the blood samples. To perform MLST, DNA was extracted and purified from isolates followed by amplification by conventional PCR (300-500 bp) for eight genes (16S rDNA, batR, gltA, groEL, ftsZ, nlpD, ribC, and rpoB). Bartonella henselae STs were deposited in the PubMLST repository. Out of 22 B. henselae-positive blood samples, isolates were obtained from 12 mongooses (54.5%; 12/22). Each mongoose was infected with one ST. The studied mongoose population was infected with sequence types ST2, ST3, ST8, and a novel ST represented by ST38. Bartonella henselae ST2, ST3 and ST8 infecting mongooses are known to circulate in humans and cats, with ST2 and ST8 associated with Cat Scratch Disease (bartonellosis) in humans. The results presented herein denote the circulation of B. henselae STs with zoonotic potential in mongooses with risk of B. henselae transmission to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananda Muller
- Biomedical Sciences Department, One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, West Farm, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
| | - Ricardo Maggi
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Paulina Sepulveda-Garcia
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Alex Mau
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Caroline Sauvé
- Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3190 Rue Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Anne Conan
- Biomedical Sciences Department, One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, West Farm, Saint Kitts and Nevis
- French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), Harare, Zimbabwe
- Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, Montpellier, France
| | - Ian Branford
- Research and Pathology Laboratory Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, West Farm, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Pedro Bittencourt
- Biomedical Sciences Department, One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, West Farm, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Edward Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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Watchorn DJ, Doherty TS, Wilson BA, Garkaklis MJ, Driscoll DA. How do invasive predators and their native prey respond to prescribed fire? Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11450. [PMID: 38783847 PMCID: PMC11112300 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Fire shapes animal communities by altering resource availability and species interactions, including between predators and prey. In Australia, there is particular concern that two highly damaging invasive predators, the feral cat (Felis catus) and European red fox (Vulpes vulpes), increase their activity in recently burnt areas and exert greater predation pressure on the native prey due to their increased exposure. We tested how prescribed fire occurrence and extent, along with fire history, vegetation, topography, and distance to anthropogenic features (towns and farms), affected the activity (detection frequency) of cats, foxes, and the native mammal community in south-eastern Australia. We used camera traps to quantify mammal activity before and after a prescribed burn and statistically tested how the fire interacted with these habitat variables to affect mammal activity. We found little evidence that the prescribed fire influenced the activity of cats and foxes and no evidence of an effect on kangaroo or small mammal (<800 g) activity. Medium-sized mammals (800-2000 g) were negatively associated with prescribed fire extent, suggesting that prescribed fire has a negative impact on these species in the short term. The lack of a clear activity increase from cats and foxes is likely a positive outcome from a fire management perspective. However, we highlight that their response is likely dependent upon factors like fire size, severity, and prey availability. Future experiments should incorporate GPS-trackers to record fine-scale movements of cats and foxes in temperate ecosystems immediately before and after prescribed fire to best inform management within protected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darcy J. Watchorn
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences (Burwood Campus)Deakin UniversityGeelongVictoriaAustralia
| | - Tim S. Doherty
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceDepartment of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsWoodvaleWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Barbara A. Wilson
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences (Burwood Campus)Deakin UniversityGeelongVictoriaAustralia
| | | | - Don A. Driscoll
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences (Burwood Campus)Deakin UniversityGeelongVictoriaAustralia
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Radonjić M, Subotić S, Višnjić-Jeftić Ž, Mrdak D, Ćirović D. Assessment of macro-, trace- and toxic elements in Small Indian mongoose, Herpestes auropunctatus (Hodgson, 1836), from Montenegro: potential use for biomonitoring. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:60514-60523. [PMID: 37036654 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26885-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of 28 elements in the liver, kidney, muscle, and heart of a small Indian mongoose from Montenegro. Element concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Significant differences in elemental concentrations between analyzed tissues were observed for Ag, Al, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, P, S, Se, and Zn. The concentrations of Ag, Fe, Mo, and S were significantly different between all analyzed tissues. Muscle tissue is characterised by higher concentrations of some macroelements (K, Mg, S) and liver tissue by higher concentrations of some trace elements (Fe, Mn, Mo, and Zn). Cardiac tissue could be the target organ for bioaccumulation of Ag and Se. The molar ratio Se:Hg was higher than 1 in all studied tissues. There were few significant differences between element concentrations in mongooses from three analyzed (Airport, Saline, Inland) groups. Significantly higher concentrations of Ag and Se were found in liver tissue of Inland mongooses compared to animals from Airport and Saline. There were few significant differences (Zn in liver and muscle, Fe in muscle) in element concentrations between females and males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Radonjić
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Department of Biology, University of Montenegro, Džordža Vašingtona Bb, 81000, Podgorica, Montenegro
| | - Srđan Subotić
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 16, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Željka Višnjić-Jeftić
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, Kneza Višeslava 1, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danilo Mrdak
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Department of Biology, University of Montenegro, Džordža Vašingtona Bb, 81000, Podgorica, Montenegro
| | - Duško Ćirović
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 16, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
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Genetic relationships among populations of the small Indian mongoose (Urva auropunctata) introduced in Japan. MAMMAL RES 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-023-00672-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
The small Indian mongoose, Urva auropunctata, is one of the most notorious invasive species in the world. In Japan, the mongoose was introduced to Amami, Kyushu (Kiire region), and Okinawa Islands. Currently, an eradication program for the Amami population is proving successful. To prevent reinvasion and conserve biodiversity, it would be advantageous to investigate the origin and dispersal history of introduced mongoose populations in Japan. We determined the mitochondrial genome of a mongoose from the Okinawa population and confirmed that the systematic status of the mongoose is Urva auropunctata. We also found two haplotypes of cytochrome b in the Amami population, one of which is common among the Okinawa, Amami, and Kiire populations. Based on our microsatellite analysis, the three populations were genetically different from each other. Furthermore, with a low pairwise FST value, the Kiire population was closer to the Okinawa than the Amami population. Our results suggest that the Okinawa population could be the source of the Amami and Kiire populations. These results align with historical records of mongoose in Japan and clarify its genetic status. Our results should aid the prediction of the pathway through which a new invasion will likely occur.
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Premachandra T, Cauret CMS, Conradie W, Measey J, Evans BJ. Population genomics and subgenome evolution of the allotetraploid frog Xenopus laevis in southern Africa. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2022; 13:6916838. [PMID: 36524354 PMCID: PMC9911082 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkac325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Allotetraploid genomes have two distinct genomic components called subgenomes that are derived from separate diploid ancestral species. Many genomic characteristics such as gene function, expression, recombination, and transposable element mobility may differ significantly between subgenomes. To explore the possibility that subgenome population structure and gene flow may differ as well, we examined genetic variation in an allotetraploid frog-the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis)-over the dynamic and varied habitat of its native range in southern Africa. Using reduced representation genome sequences from 91 samples from 12 localities, we found no strong evidence that population structure and gene flow differed substantially by subgenome. We then compared patterns of population structure in the nuclear genome to the mitochondrial genome using Sanger sequences from 455 samples from 183 localities. Our results provide further resolution to the geographic distribution of mitochondrial and nuclear diversity in this species and illustrate that population structure in both genomes corresponds roughly with variation in seasonal rainfall and with the topography of southern Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tharindu Premachandra
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Life Sciences Building Room 328, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S4K1, Canada
| | - Caroline M S Cauret
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Life Sciences Building Room 328, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S4K1, Canada,Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Werner Conradie
- Port Elizabeth Museum (Bayworld), P.O. Box 13147, Humewood, Gqeberha 6013, South Africa,Department of Conservation Management, Natural Resource Science and Management Cluster, Faculty of Science, Nelson Mandela University, George Campus, George 6019, South Africa
| | - John Measey
- Corresponding author: Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa.
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Shameer TT, Backer SJ, Nandhini S, Raman S, Mujawar AN, Yogesh J, Kaushal KK, Reddy SR, Nazia A, Sanil R. How do the sympatric forest mongooses coexist in the Western Ghats landscape? Insights from spatio-temporal approach. COMMUNITY ECOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42974-022-00101-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Lanner J, Dubos N, Geslin B, Leroy B, Hernández-Castellano C, Dubaić JB, Bortolotti L, Calafat JD, Ćetković A, Flaminio S, Le Féon V, Margalef-Marrase J, Orr M, Pachinger B, Ruzzier E, Smagghe G, Tuerlings T, Vereecken NJ, Meimberg H. On the road: Anthropogenic factors drive the invasion risk of a wild solitary bee species. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 827:154246. [PMID: 35245544 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Complex biotic networks of invaders and their new environments pose immense challenges for researchers aiming to predict current and future occupancy of introduced species. This might be especially true for invasive bees, as they enter novel trophic interactions. Little attention has been paid to solitary, invasive wild bees, despite their increasing recognition as a potential global threat to biodiversity. Here, we present the first comprehensive species distribution modelling approach targeting the invasive bee Megachile sculpturalis, which is currently undergoing parallel range expansion in North America and Europe. While the species has largely colonised the most highly suitable areas of North America over the past decades, its invasion of Europe seems to be in its early stages. We showed that its current distribution is largely explained by anthropogenic factors, suggesting that its spread is facilitated by road and maritime traffic, largely beyond its intrinsic dispersal ability. Our results suggest that M. sculpturalis is likely to be negatively affected by future climate change in North America, while in Europe the potential suitable areas at-risk of invasion remain equally large. Based on our study, we emphasise the role of expert knowledge for evaluation of ecologically meaningful variables implemented and interpreted for species distribution modelling. We strongly recommend that the monitoring of this and other invasive pollinator species should be prioritised in areas identified as at-risk, alongside development of effective management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Lanner
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Research; Institute of Integrative Conservation Research, Gregor Mendel Str., 33, 1080 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Nicolas Dubos
- Territoire Environnement Teledetection Information Spatiale (TETIS), University of Montpellier, INRAE, Montpellier, France
| | - Benoît Geslin
- IMBE, Aix Marseille Université, Avignon Université, CNRS, IRD, Marseille, France
| | - Boris Leroy
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Lab. Biologie des Organismes et des Ecosystèmes Aquatiques, Dept. Adaptation du Vivant, France
| | | | - Jovana Bila Dubaić
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Laura Bortolotti
- CREA - Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, Via di Saliceto 80, Bologna, Italy
| | - Joan Diaz Calafat
- Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 230 53 Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Aleksandar Ćetković
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Simone Flaminio
- CREA - Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, Via di Saliceto 80, Bologna, Italy
| | - Violette Le Féon
- Observatoire des Abeilles, 68 rue du Onze Novembre, 59148 Flines-lez-Raches, France
| | - Jordi Margalef-Marrase
- Centre de Recerca Ecològica i Aplicacions Forestals (CREAF), Cerdanyola del Vallès 08193, Spain
| | - Michael Orr
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bärbel Pachinger
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Research; Institute of Integrative Conservation Research, Gregor Mendel Str., 33, 1080 Vienna, Austria
| | - Enrico Ruzzier
- World Biodiversity Association Onlus c/o Museo Civico di Storia Naturale, Lungadige Porta Vittoria 9, Verona, Italy; Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, viale dell' Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plant and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tina Tuerlings
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plant and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nicolas J Vereecken
- Agroecology Lab, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Boulevard du Triomphe CP 264/02, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Harald Meimberg
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Research; Institute of Integrative Conservation Research, Gregor Mendel Str., 33, 1080 Vienna, Austria
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Stobo‐Wilson AM, Murphy BP, Legge SM, Caceres‐Escobar H, Chapple DG, Crawford HM, Dawson SJ, Dickman CR, Doherty TS, Fleming PA, Garnett ST, Gentle M, Newsome TM, Palmer R, Rees MW, Ritchie EG, Speed J, Stuart J, Suarez‐Castro AF, Thompson E, Tulloch A, Turpin JM, Woinarski JC. Counting the bodies: Estimating the numbers and spatial variation of Australian reptiles, birds and mammals killed by two invasive mesopredators. DIVERS DISTRIB 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alyson M. Stobo‐Wilson
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina Northern Territory Australia
- CSIRO Land and Water Winnellie Northern Territory Australia
| | - Brett P. Murphy
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina Northern Territory Australia
| | - Sarah M. Legge
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina Northern Territory Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Research School of Biological Sciences University of Queensland St. Lucia Queensland Australia
- Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - Hernan Caceres‐Escobar
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Research School of Biological Sciences University of Queensland St. Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - David G. Chapple
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Heather M. Crawford
- Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and Sustainability Harry Butler Institute Murdoch University Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - Stuart J. Dawson
- Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and Sustainability Harry Butler Institute Murdoch University Perth Western Australia Australia
- Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Invasive Species and Environment Biosecurity South Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - Chris R. Dickman
- Desert Ecology Research Group School of Life and Environmental Sciences A08 University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Tim S. Doherty
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Patricia A. Fleming
- Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and Sustainability Harry Butler Institute Murdoch University Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - Stephen T. Garnett
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina Northern Territory Australia
| | - Matthew Gentle
- Pest Animal Research Centre Invasive Plants and Animals Biosecurity Queensland Toowoomba Queensland Australia
- School of Agriculture and Environmental Science University of Southern Queensland Toowoomba Queensland Australia
| | - Thomas M. Newsome
- Global Ecology Lab School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Russell Palmer
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Bentley Western Australia Australia
| | - Matthew W. Rees
- Quantitative & Applied Ecology Group School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Euan G. Ritchie
- Centre for Integrative Ecology School of Life and Environmental Sciences Deakin University Burwood Victoria Australia
| | - James Speed
- Pest Animal Research Centre Invasive Plants and Animals Biosecurity Queensland Toowoomba Queensland Australia
| | - John‐Michael Stuart
- Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and Sustainability Harry Butler Institute Murdoch University Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - Andrés F. Suarez‐Castro
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Research School of Biological Sciences University of Queensland St. Lucia Queensland Australia
- Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Biológicos Alexander von Humboldt Bogota D.C. Colombia
| | - Eilysh Thompson
- Centre for Integrative Ecology School of Life and Environmental Sciences Deakin University Burwood Victoria Australia
| | - Ayesha Tulloch
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Jeff M. Turpin
- School of Environmental and Rural Science University of New England Armidale New South Wales Australia
| | - John C.Z. Woinarski
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina Northern Territory Australia
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
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Gainor K, Becker AAMJ, Malik YS, Ghosh S. First Report on Detection and Molecular Characterization of Adenoviruses in the Small Indian Mongoose ( Urva auropunctata). Viruses 2021; 13:v13112194. [PMID: 34835000 PMCID: PMC8622525 DOI: 10.3390/v13112194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Using a broad-range nested PCR assay targeting the DNA-dependent DNA polymerase (pol) gene, we detected adenoviruses in 17 (20.48%) out of 83 fecal samples from small Indian mongooses (Urva auropunctata) on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts. All 17 PCR amplicons were sequenced for the partial pol gene (~300 bp, hereafter referred to as Mon sequences). Fourteen of the 17 Mon sequences shared maximum homology (98.3-99.6% and 97-98.9% nucleotide (nt) and deduced amino acid (aa) sequence identities, respectively) with that of bovine adenovirus-6 (species Bovine atadenovirus E). Mongoose-associated adenovirus Mon-39 was most closely related (absolute nt and deduced aa identities) to an atadenovirus from a tropical screech owl. Mon-66 shared maximum nt and deduced aa identities of 69% and 71.4% with those of atadenoviruses from a spur-thighed tortoise and a brown anole lizard, respectively. Phylogenetically, Mon-39 and Mon-66 clustered within clades that were predominated by atadenoviruses from reptiles, indicating a reptilian origin of these viruses. Only a single mongoose-associated adenovirus, Mon-34, was related to the genus Mastadenovirus. However, phylogenetically, Mon-34 formed an isolated branch, distinct from other mastadenoviruses. Since the fecal samples were collected from apparently healthy mongooses, we could not determine whether the mongoose-associated adenoviruses infected the host. On the other hand, the phylogenetic clustering patterns of the mongoose-associated atadenoviruses pointed more towards a dietary origin of these viruses. Although the present study was based on partial pol sequences (~90 aa), sequence identities and phylogenetic analysis suggested that Mon-34, Mon-39, and Mon-66 might represent novel adenoviruses. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the detection and molecular characterization of adenoviruses from the mongoose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Gainor
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, 00265 Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, West Indies; (K.G.); (A.A.M.J.B.)
| | - Anne A. M. J. Becker
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, 00265 Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, West Indies; (K.G.); (A.A.M.J.B.)
| | - Yashpal S. Malik
- College of Animal Biotechnology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University, 141004 Ludhiana, India;
| | - Souvik Ghosh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, 00265 Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, West Indies; (K.G.); (A.A.M.J.B.)
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +1-(869)-4654161 (ext. 401-1202)
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Detection and Complete Genome Analysis of Circoviruses and Cycloviruses in the Small Indian Mongoose ( Urva auropunctata): Identification of Novel Species. Viruses 2021; 13:v13091700. [PMID: 34578282 PMCID: PMC8471302 DOI: 10.3390/v13091700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fecal samples from 76 of 83 apparently healthy small Indian mongooses (Urva auropunctata) were PCR positive with circovirus/cyclovirus pan-rep (replicase gene) primers. In this case, 30 samples yielded high quality partial rep sequences (~400 bp), of which 26 sequences shared maximum homology with cycloviruses from an arthropod, bats, humans or a sheep. Three sequences exhibited maximum identities with a bat circovirus, whilst a single sequence could not be assigned to either genus. Using inverse nested PCRs, the complete genomes of mongoose associated circoviruses (Mon-1, -29 and -66) and cycloviruses (Mon-20, -24, -32, -58, -60 and -62) were determined. Mon-1, -20, -24, -29, -32 and -66 shared <80% maximum genome-wide pairwise nucleotide sequence identities with circoviruses/cycloviruses from other animals/sources, and were assigned to novel circovirus, or cyclovirus species. Mon-58, -60 and -62 shared maximum pairwise identities of 79.90–80.20% with human and bat cycloviruses, which were borderline to the cut-off identity value for assigning novel cycloviral species. Despite high genetic diversity, the mongoose associated circoviruses/cycloviruses retained the various features that are conserved among members of the family Circoviridae, such as presence of the putative origin of replication (ori) in the 5′-intergenic region, conserved motifs in the putative replication-associated protein and an arginine rich region in the amino terminus of the putative capsid protein. Since only fecal samples were tested, and mongooses are polyphagous predators, we could not determine whether the mongoose associated circoviruses/cycloviruses were of dietary origin, or actually infected the host. To our knowledge, this is the first report on detection and complete genome analysis of circoviruses/cycloviruses in the small Indian mongoose, warranting further studies in other species of mongooses.
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11
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Sato T, Jogahara T. Development and characterization of microsatellite markers in the small Indian mongoose (Urva auropunctata). Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:7029-7034. [PMID: 34431036 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06655-9] [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] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The small Indian mongoose (Urva auropunctata) is one of the world's worst invasive alien species and eradication programs are ongoing worldwide. The development of individual and sex identification markers will improve their management. METHODS AND RESULTS We searched for novel mongoose microsatellite markers using genome-wide screening and identified 115,265 tetra-nucleotide repeat loci. Of 96 loci tested, 17 were genotyped in 28 mongooses from the Okinawa population. The genetic diversity analysis showed that the average expected and observed heterozygosity and number of alleles were 0.55, 0.56, and 2.94, respectively. Of 17 loci, one deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and six loci pairs were likely linked to each other. However, we succeed in identifying all individuals using all of the microsatellite loci. The novel sex identification markers worked successfully in a test using sex known samples. CONCLUSION Our novel microsatellite and sex identification markers should be useful in studies of individual identification and population genetics of the mongoose.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Takamichi Jogahara
- Faculty of Law, Economics and Management, Okinawa University, Naha, 902-8521, Japan.
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Renault D, Manfrini E, Leroy B, Diagne C, Ballesteros-Mejia L, Angulo E, Courchamp F. Biological invasions in France: Alarming costs and even more alarming knowledge gaps. NEOBIOTA 2021. [DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.67.59134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The ever-increasing number of introduced species profoundly threatens global biodiversity. While the ecological and evolutionary consequences of invasive alien species are receiving increasing attention, their economic impacts have largely remained understudied, especially in France. Here, we aimed at providing a general overview of the monetary losses (damages caused by) and expenditures (management of) associated with invasive alien species in France. This country has a long history of alien species presence, partly due to its long-standing global trade activities, highly developed tourism, and presence of overseas territories in different regions of the globe, resulting in a conservative minimum of 2,750 introduced and invasive alien species. By synthesizing for the first time the monetary losses and expenditures incurred by invasive alien species in Metropolitan France and French overseas territories, we obtained 1,583 cost records for 98 invasive alien species. We found that they caused a conservative total amount ranging between US$ 1,280 million and 11,535 million in costs over the period 1993–2018. We extrapolated costs for species invading France, for which costs were reported in other countries but not in France, which yielded an additional cost ranging from US$ 151 to 3,030 millions. Damage costs were nearly eight times higher than management expenditure. Insects, and in particular the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus and the yellow fever mosquito Ae. aegypti, totalled very high economic costs, followed by non-graminoid terrestrial flowering and aquatic plants (Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Ludwigia sp. and Lagarosiphon major). Over 90% of alien species currently recorded in France had no costs reported in the literature, resulting in high biases in taxonomic, regional and activity sector coverages. To conclude, we report alarming costs and even more alarming knowledge gaps. Our results should raise awareness of the importance of biosecurity and biosurveillance in France, and beyond, as well as the crucial need for better reporting and documentation of cost data.
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Browne AS, Cranford HM, Morgan CN, Ellison JA, Berentsen A, Wiese N, Medley A, Rossow J, Jankelunas L, McKinley AS, Lombard CD, Angeli NF, Kelley T, Valiulus J, Bradford B, Burke-France VJ, Harrison CJ, Guendel I, Taylor M, Blanchard GL, Doty JB, Worthington DJ, Horner D, Garcia KR, Roth J, Ellis BR, Bisgard KM, Wallace R, Ellis EM. Determination of freedom-from-rabies for small Indian mongoose populations in the United States Virgin Islands, 2019-2020. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009536. [PMID: 34264951 PMCID: PMC8282080 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Mongooses, a nonnative species, are a known reservoir of rabies virus in the Caribbean region. A cross-sectional study of mongooses at 41 field sites on the US Virgin Islands of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas captured 312 mongooses (32% capture rate). We determined the absence of rabies virus by antigen testing and rabies virus exposure by antibody testing in mongoose populations on all three islands. USVI is the first Caribbean state to determine freedom-from-rabies for its mongoose populations with a scientifically-led robust cross-sectional study. Ongoing surveillance activities will determine if other domestic and wildlife populations in USVI are rabies-free. Mongooses in the Caribbean region are known to carry rabies and infect and kill humans with the deadly virus. While many countries in the Caribbean region assume they are rabies-free, there is a lack of scientifically based surveillance. We prospectively designed a statistically valid study to determine that mongoose populations in the US Virgin Islands are rabies-free and pose no risk of transmission to human or animal populations. We are pursuing further surveillance efforts to establish rabies freedom in all wildlife and domestic animal population in the US Virgin Islands.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Springer Browne
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- US Virgin Islands Department of Health, Christiansted, US Virgin Islands, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Hannah M. Cranford
- US Virgin Islands Department of Health, Christiansted, US Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Clint N. Morgan
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - James A. Ellison
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Are Berentsen
- National Wildlife Research Center, APHIS Wildlife Services, United States Department of Agriculture, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Nicholas Wiese
- Laboratory Leadership Service, Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Alexandra Medley
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - John Rossow
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Leanne Jankelunas
- Epidemiology Elective Program, Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Alan S. McKinley
- Carribbean District, APHIS Wildlife Services, United States Department of Agriculture, Auburn, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Claudia D. Lombard
- Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Fredericksted, US Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Nicole F. Angeli
- US Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Fredericksted, US Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Thomas Kelley
- National Park Service, St. John, US Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Valiulus
- St. Croix Environmental Association, Christiansted, US Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Bethany Bradford
- US Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture, Kingshill, US Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Valicia J. Burke-France
- US Virgin Islands Department of Health, Christiansted, US Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Cosme J. Harrison
- US Virgin Islands Department of Health, Christiansted, US Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Irene Guendel
- US Virgin Islands Department of Health, Christiansted, US Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Marissa Taylor
- US Virgin Islands Department of Health, Christiansted, US Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Gerard L. Blanchard
- Carribbean District, APHIS Wildlife Services, United States Department of Agriculture, Auburn, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey B. Doty
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | | | - David Horner
- National Park Service, St. John, US Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Keith R. Garcia
- Carribbean District, APHIS Wildlife Services, United States Department of Agriculture, Auburn, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Joseph Roth
- US Virgin Islands Department of Health, Christiansted, US Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Brett R. Ellis
- US Virgin Islands Department of Health, Christiansted, US Virgin Islands, United States of America
| | - Kristine M. Bisgard
- Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Ryan Wallace
- Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Esther M. Ellis
- US Virgin Islands Department of Health, Christiansted, US Virgin Islands, United States of America
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Molecular Survey and Genetic Diversity of Bartonella spp. in Small Indian Mongooses ( Urva auropunctata) and Their Fleas on Saint Kitts, West Indies. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9071350. [PMID: 34206636 PMCID: PMC8306750 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to molecularly survey and evaluate the genetic diversity of Bartonella spp. in mongooses and their fleas from St. Kitts. Spleen (n = 54), blood (n = 71), and pooled flea samples, all identified as Ctenocephalides felis (n = 53), were submitted to TaqMan real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) targeting Bartonella-nuoG fragment (84 bp). Positive samples underwent further conventional PCR assays targeting five loci (gltA, rpoB, fstZ, nuoG, and ITS), subsequent sequencing, and phylogenetic and haplotype analyses. The overall occurrence of Bartonella spp. in mongooses and fleas was 51.2% (64/125 [95% CI (42.1–60.2%)]) and 62.3% (33/53) [95% CI (47.9–75.2%)]), respectively. From samples sequenced across the five loci, 50.8% (33/65) were identified as Bartonella henselae, 26.2% (17/65) were 96.74–99.01% similar by BLAST analysis to an unidentified Bartonella sp. previously reported in Japanese badgers (Meles anakuma), and 23.1% (15/65) were co-infected with both species. Nucleotide polymorphism analysis showed low diversity amongst haplotypes but did concur with phylogenetic analysis, placing the unidentified species in a separate clade from B. henselae by multiple mutational events. Our data confirms that mongooses and Ctenocephalides felis fleas collected from them are not only potential reservoirs for B. henselae but also a novel Bartonella sp. which we propose be called ‘Candidatus Bartonella kittensis’.
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Dispersal history of a globally introduced carnivore, the small Indian mongoose Urva auropunctata, with an emphasis on the Caribbean region. Biol Invasions 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-021-02523-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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16
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Fang K, Philpot K, Chi X, Ketzis J, Du A, Yao C. Small Indian Mongooses ( Herpestes auropunctatus) Serve As Reservoirs of Bartonella henselae and Rickettsia felis Vectored by Ctenocephalides felis. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:422-431. [PMID: 33646062 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Small Indian mongooses (SIMs, Herpestes auropunctatus) have invasively inhabited over 60 islands worldwide. They have been confirmed as a reservoir of rabies, leptospirosis, and salmonellosis; however, their role in the epidemiology of other zoonoses is little known. On St. Kitts, as well as other islands, SIMs harbor Ctenocephalides felis, which can vector several zoonotic diseases. In this study, SIMs were examined for fleas, and the collected fleas analyzed by PCR and DNA sequencing for Bartonella henselae, Rickettsia felis, Yersinia pestis, and Dipylidium caninum. Of the 87 SIMs, 75 (86.2%) harbored C. felis. C. felis recovered from nine (10.3%), one (1.1%), and one (1.1%) of the SIMs was positive for B. henselae, R. felis, and D. caninum, respectively. These data indicate that SIMs serve as an additional reservoir of B. henselae and R. felis, which should be taken into consideration in control and prevention of these rapidly emerging zoonoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Fang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, West Indies
| | - Kaitlyn Philpot
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, West Indies
| | - Xinyu Chi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, West Indies
| | - Jennifer Ketzis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, West Indies
| | - Aifang Du
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chaoqun Yao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, West Indies
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17
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Becker AAMJ, Hill KC, Butaye P. Unraveling the Gut Microbiome of the Invasive Small Indian Mongoose ( Urva auropunctata) in the Caribbean. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9030465. [PMID: 33668312 PMCID: PMC7996244 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030465] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Small Indian mongooses (Urva auropunctata) are among the most pervasive predators to disrupt the native ecology on Caribbean islands and are strongly entrenched in their areas of introduction. Few studies, however, have considered the microbial ecology of such biological invasions. In this study, we investigated the gut microbiota of invasive small Indian mongooses in terms of taxonomic diversity and functional potential. To this end, we collected fecal samples from 60 free-roaming mongooses trapped in different vegetation zones on the island Saint Kitts. The core gut microbiome, assessed by 16S rRNA amplicon gene sequencing on the Ion S5TM XL platform, reflects a carnivore-like signature with a dominant abundance of Firmicutes (54.96%), followed by Proteobacteria (13.98%) and Fusobacteria (12.39%), and a relatively minor contribution of Actinobacteria (10.4%) and Bacteroidetes (6.40%). Mongooses trapped at coastal sites exhibited a higher relative abundance of Fusobacterium spp. whereas those trapped in scrubland areas were enriched in Bacteroidetes, but there was no site-specific difference in predicted metabolic properties. Between males and females, beta-diversity was not significantly different and no sex-specific strategies for energy production were observed. However, the relative abundance of Gammaproteobacteria, and more specifically, Enterobacteriaceae, was significantly higher in males. This first description of the microbial profile of small Indian mongooses provides new insights into their bioecology and can serve as a springboard to further elucidating this invasive predator’s impact throughout the Caribbean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne A. M. J. Becker
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (K.H.); (P.B.)
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Correspondence:
| | - KC Hill
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (K.H.); (P.B.)
| | - Patrick Butaye
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (K.H.); (P.B.)
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology, and Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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Louppe V, Herrel A, Pisanu B, Grouard S, Veron G. Assessing occupancy and activity of two invasive carnivores in two Caribbean islands: implications for insular ecosystems. J Zool (1987) 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- V. Louppe
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB) Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS Sorbonne Université EPHE Université des Antilles Paris France
| | - A. Herrel
- Mécanismes Adaptatifs et Evolution (MECADEV) Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS Paris France
| | - B. Pisanu
- UMS Patrimoine Naturel Office Français pour la Biodiversité Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS Paris France
| | - S. Grouard
- Archéozoologie, Archéobotanique Sociétés, Pratiques, Environnement (AASPE) Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle – CNRS Paris France
| | - G. Veron
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB) Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS Sorbonne Université EPHE Université des Antilles Paris France
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