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Silver LW, McLennan EA, Beaman J, da Silva KB, Timms P, Hogg CJ, Belov K. Using bioinformatics to investigate functional diversity: a case study of MHC diversity in koalas. Immunogenetics 2024; 76:381-395. [PMID: 39367971 PMCID: PMC11496358 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-024-01356-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 09/15/2024] [Indexed: 10/07/2024]
Abstract
Conservation genomics can greatly improve conservation outcomes of threatened populations, including those impacted by disease. Understanding diversity within immune gene families, including the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and toll-like receptors (TLR), is important due to the role they play in disease resilience and susceptibility. With recent advancements in sequencing technologies and bioinformatic tools, the cost of generating high-quality sequence data has significantly decreased and made it possible to investigate diversity across entire gene families in large numbers of individuals compared to investigating only a few genes or a few populations previously. Here, we use the koala as a case study for investigating functional diversity across populations. We utilised previous target enrichment data and 438 whole genomes to firstly, determine the level of sequencing depth required to investigate MHC diversity and, secondly, determine the current level of diversity in MHC genes in koala populations. We determined for low complexity, conserved genes such as TLR genes 10 × sequencing depth is sufficient to reliably genotype more than 90% of variants, whereas for complex genes such as the MHC greater than 20 × and preferably 30 × sequencing depth is required. We used whole genome data to identify 270 biallelic SNPs across 24 MHC genes as well as copy number variation (CNV) within class I and class II genes and conduct supertype analysis. Overall, we have provided a bioinformatic workflow for investigating variation in a complex immune gene family from whole genome sequencing data and determined current levels of diversity within koala MHC genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke W Silver
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Elspeth A McLennan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Julian Beaman
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5001, Australia
| | - Karen Burke da Silva
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5001, Australia
| | - Peter Timms
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, 4556, Australia
| | - Carolyn J Hogg
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Katherine Belov
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
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2
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Kayesh MEH, Hashem MA, Tsukiyama-Kohara K. Epidemiology, Transmission Mode, and Pathogenesis of Chlamydia pecorum Infection in Koalas ( Phascolarctos cinereus): An Overview. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2686. [PMID: 39335275 PMCID: PMC11440102 DOI: 10.3390/ani14182686] [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: 08/06/2024] [Revised: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Chlamydial infections pose a significant threat to koala populations. Chlamydia pecorum (C. pecorum) remains the major chlamydial species affecting koala health, both in the wild and in captivity, and chlamydial infections are considered important factors affecting the long-term survival of koalas. A clear understanding of chlamydial infections, including the epidemiology, transmission mode, pathogenesis, immune response, control, and prevention thereof, is essential for improving the management of chlamydial infections in koalas. In this study, we discuss the important advances made in our understanding of C. pecorum infection in koalas, focusing on the epidemiology of chlamydial infections, and the transmission, pathogenesis, immune response, and control strategies for chlamydial infection, with the aim of improving koala health and achieving effective conservation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Enamul Hoque Kayesh
- Department of Microbiology and Public Health, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Barishal 8210, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abul Hashem
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Kyoko Tsukiyama-Kohara
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
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3
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Gårdebäck A, Joäng M, Andersson M. Common Causes for Veterinary Visits among Australian Wildlife. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2662. [PMID: 39335252 PMCID: PMC11429054 DOI: 10.3390/ani14182662] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 09/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Human activities in Australia frequently harm wildlife in their natural environments. Veterinary hospitals play an important role in treating individual animals and safeguarding threatened species. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics of wildlife patients admitted to veterinary hospitals in Australia. Data from two wildlife hospitals situated in the southeast region of Australia was used to analyse the characteristics of wildlife patients. Avian species constitute the predominant category of wildlife patients admitted to these hospitals (54% and 60%, respectively). However, a large seasonal variation was observed for all types of animals. Traumatic injuries represent the foremost cause for admission for all types of animals; however, reptiles (62%) and birds (56%) were overrepresented in the category. Car collisions emerging as the most frequently encountered source of trauma. Moreover, the study reveals a notable mortality rate in admitted patients, approximately 50%, with an unfavourable prognosis for patients admitted due to trauma or disease. In conclusion, wildlife rehabilitation clearly presents a number of challenges. We recommend limiting rehabilitation patients, especially orphans and those not needing veterinary care, to focus resources on animals in real need. This could improve care quality, conserve resources, and enhance survival and release rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Gårdebäck
- Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 234, S-53223 Skara, Sweden
| | - Maja Joäng
- Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 234, S-53223 Skara, Sweden
| | - Maria Andersson
- Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 234, S-53223 Skara, Sweden
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4
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Phillips S, Hanger J, Grosmaire J, Mehdi A, Jelocnik M, Wong J, Timms P. Immunisation of koalas against Chlamydia pecorum results in significant protection against chlamydial disease and mortality. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:139. [PMID: 39107329 PMCID: PMC11303382 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00938-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
In 2022, the Australian Government listed the koala as endangered in several states due to habitat destruction, traffic strikes, dog attacks, and Chlamydia pecorum disease. This study evaluates a 10-year assessment of a Major Outer Membrane Protein-based vaccine's effectiveness against chlamydial disease in wild koalas from Southeast Queensland. Over a decade, 680 koalas were tracked, with five vaccine trials involving 165 koalas. While prior studies only offered up to two years of data, this study's extended period allowed a thorough evaluation of vaccine efficacy. Results showed that vaccinated koalas had significantly lower disease incidence, with a 64% reduction in chlamydial mortality. This vaccine demonstrated positive impacts on both male and female koalas, highlighting its crucial role in conserving the Australian koala population and mitigating the threats they face.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Phillips
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Jon Hanger
- Endeavour Veterinary Ecology, Toorbul, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Ahmed Mehdi
- Queensland Cyber Infrastructure Foundation (QCIF), Facility for Advanced Bioinformatics, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Martina Jelocnik
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jessie Wong
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter Timms
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
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5
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Tarlinton R, Greenwood AD. Koala retrovirus and neoplasia: correlation and underlying mechanisms. Curr Opin Virol 2024; 67:101427. [PMID: 39047314 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2024.101427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The koala retrovirus, KoRV, is one of the few models for understanding the health consequences of retroviral colonization of the germline. Such colonization events transition exogenous infectious retroviruses to Mendelian traits or endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). KoRV is currently in a transitional state from exogenous retrovirus to ERV, which in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) has been associated with strongly elevated levels of neoplasia. In this review, we describe what is currently known about the associations and underlying mechanisms of KoRV-induced neoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Tarlinton
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Alex D Greenwood
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany; School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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6
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Johnston SD, Hulse L, Keeley T, Mucci A, Seddon J, Maynard S. The Utility of the Koala Scat: A Scoping Review. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:523. [PMID: 39056716 PMCID: PMC11273466 DOI: 10.3390/biology13070523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
The use of samples or scats to provide important ecological, genetic, disease and physiology details on free-range populations is gaining popularity as an alternative non-invasive methodology. Koala populations in SE Queensland and NSW have recently been listed as endangered and continue to face anthropomorphic and stochastic environmental impacts that could potentially lead to their extinction. This scoping review examines the current and potential utility of the koala scat to contribute data relevant to the assessment of koala conservation status and decision making. Although we demonstrate that there is great potential for this methodology in providing details for both individual wild animal and population biology (distribution, abundance, sex ratio, immigration/emigration, genetic diversity, evolutionary significant unit, disease epidemiology, nutrition, reproductive status and stress physiology), the calibre of this information is likely to be a function of the quality of the scat that is sampled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D. Johnston
- School of Environment, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia; (L.H.); (T.K.); (A.M.)
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia;
| | - Lyndal Hulse
- School of Environment, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia; (L.H.); (T.K.); (A.M.)
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia;
| | - Tamara Keeley
- School of Environment, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia; (L.H.); (T.K.); (A.M.)
| | - Albano Mucci
- School of Environment, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia; (L.H.); (T.K.); (A.M.)
| | - Jennifer Seddon
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia;
- Research Division, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
| | - Sam Maynard
- Saunders Havill Group, Bowen Hills 4006, Australia;
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7
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Jern P, Greenwood AD. Wildlife endogenous retroviruses: colonization, consequences, and cooption. Trends Genet 2024; 40:149-159. [PMID: 37985317 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2023.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are inherited genomic remains of past germline retroviral infections. Research on human ERVs has focused on medical implications of their dysregulation on various diseases. However, recent studies incorporating wildlife are yielding remarkable perspectives on long-term retrovirus-host interactions. These initial forays into broader taxonomic analysis, including sequencing of multiple individuals per species, show the incredible plasticity and variation of ERVs within and among wildlife species. This demonstrates that stochastic processes govern much of the vertebrate genome. In this review, we elaborate on discoveries pertaining to wildlife ERV origins and evolution, genome colonization, and consequences for host biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patric Jern
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Alex D Greenwood
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany; School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Unversität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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8
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Wright BR, Casteriano A, Muir YSS, Hulse L, Simpson SJ, Legione AR, Vaz PK, Devlin JM, Krockenberger MB, Higgins DP. Expanding the known distribution of phascolartid gammaherpesvirus 1 in koalas to populations across Queensland and New South Wales. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1223. [PMID: 38216613 PMCID: PMC10786818 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50496-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Koala populations across the east coast of Australia are under threat of extinction with little known about the presence or distribution of a potential pathogen, phascolartid gammaherpesvirus 1 (PhaHV-1) across these threatened populations. Co-infections with PhaHV-1 and Chlamydia pecorum may be common and there is currently a limited understanding of the impact of these co-infections on koala health. To address these knowledge gaps, archived clinical and field-collected koala samples were examined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction to determine the distribution of PhaHV-1 in previously untested populations across New South Wales and Queensland. We detected PhaHV-1 in all regions surveyed with differences in detection rate between clinical samples from rescued koalas (26%) and field-collected samples from free-living koalas (8%). This may reflect increased viral shedding in koalas that have been admitted into care. We have corroborated previous work indicating greater detection of PhaHV-1 with increasing age in koalas and an association between PhaHV-1 and C. pecorum detection. Our work highlights the need for continued surveillance of PhaHV-1 in koala populations to inform management interventions, and targeted research to understand the pathogenesis of PhaHV-1 and determine the impact of infection and co-infection with C. pecorum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda R Wright
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Andrea Casteriano
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Yasmine S S Muir
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Lyndal Hulse
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Sarah J Simpson
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Alistair R Legione
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, Asia Pacific Centre for Animal Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Paola K Vaz
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, Asia Pacific Centre for Animal Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Joanne M Devlin
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, Asia Pacific Centre for Animal Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Mark B Krockenberger
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Damien P Higgins
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
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9
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McDougall FK, Boardman WS, Speight N, Stephenson T, Funnell O, Smith I, Graham PL, Power ML. Carriage of antibiotic resistance genes to treatments for chlamydial disease in koalas ( Phascolarctos cinereus): A comparison of occurrence before and during catastrophic wildfires. One Health 2023; 17:100652. [PMID: 38024267 PMCID: PMC10665209 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing reports of diverse antibiotic resistance genes in wildlife species around the world symbolises the extent of this global One Health issue. The health of wildlife is threatened by antimicrobial resistance in situations where wildlife species develop disease and require antibiotics. Chlamydial disease is a key threat for koalas in Australia, with infected koalas frequently entering wildlife hospitals and requiring antibiotic therapy, typically with chloramphenicol or doxycycline. This study investigated the occurrence and diversity of target chloramphenicol and doxycycline resistance genes (cat and tet respectively) in koala urogenital and faecal microbiomes. DNA was extracted from 394 urogenital swabs and 91 faecal swabs collected from koalas in mainland Australia and on Kangaroo Island (KI) located 14 km off the mainland, before (n = 145) and during (n = 340) the 2019-2020 wildfires. PCR screening and DNA sequencing determined 9.9% of samples (95%CI: 7.5% to 12.9%) carried cat and/or tet genes, with the highest frequency in fire-affected KI koalas (16.8%) and the lowest in wild KI koalas sampled prior to fires (6.5%). The diversity of cat and tet was greater in fire-affected koalas (seven variants detected), compared to pre-fire koalas (two variants detected). Fire-affected koalas in care that received antibiotics had a significantly higher proportion (p < 0.05) of cat and/or tet genes (37.5%) compared to koalas that did not receive antibiotics (9.8%). Of the cat and/or tet positive mainland koalas, 50.0% were Chlamydia-positive by qPCR test. Chloramphenicol and doxycycline resistance genes in koala microbiomes may contribute to negative treatment outcomes for koalas receiving anti-chlamydial antibiotics. Thus a secondary outcome of wildfires is increased risk of acquisition of cat and tet genes in fire-affected koalas that enter care, potentially exacerbating the already significant threat of chlamydial disease on Australia's koalas. This study highlights the importance of considering impacts to wildlife health within the One Health approach to AMR and identifies a need for greater understanding of AMR ecology in wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona K. McDougall
- School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Wayne S.J. Boardman
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
| | - Natasha Speight
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
| | - Tamsyn Stephenson
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
| | - Oliver Funnell
- Zoos South Australia, Frome Rd, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Ian Smith
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
- Zoos South Australia, Frome Rd, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Petra L. Graham
- School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Michelle L. Power
- School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
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Akter L, Hashem MA, Rakib TM, Rashid MHO, Hossain KA, Akhter R, Utsunomiya M, Kitab B, Hifumi T, Miyoshi N, Maetani F, Tsukiyama-Kohara K. Investigation of koala retrovirus in captive koalas with pneumonia and comparative analysis of subtype distribution. Arch Virol 2023; 168:298. [PMID: 38010495 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-023-05928-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
This study focused on the involvement of koala retrovirus (KoRV) in pneumonia in koalas. Three deceased pneumonic koalas from a Japanese zoo were examined in this study. Hematological and histopathological findings were assessed, and KoRV proviral DNA loads in the blood and tissues were compared with those of eight other KoRV-infected koalas from different zoos. Demographic data and routine blood profiles were collected, and blood and tissue samples were analyzed to rule out concurrent infections in pneumonic koalas. KoRV subtyping and measurement of the KoRV proviral DNA load were performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers targeting the pol and env genes. The results showed that the koalas had histopathologically suppurative and fibrinous pneumonia. Chlamydiosis was not detected in any of the animals. PCR analysis revealed KoRV-A, -B, and -C infections in all koalas, except for animals K10-11, which lacked KoRV-B. Significant variations in the proviral DNA loads of these KoRV subtypes were observed in all tissues and disease groups. Most tissues showed reduced KoRV loads in koalas with pneumonia, except in the spleen, which had significantly higher loads of total KoRV (2.54 × 107/µg DNA) and KoRV-A (4.74 × 107/µg DNA), suggesting potential immunosuppression. This study revealed the intricate dynamics of KoRV in various tissues, indicating its potential role in koala pneumonia via immunosuppression and opportunistic infections. Analysis of the levels of KoRV proviral DNA in different tissues will shed light on viral replication and the resulting pathogenesis in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lipi Akter
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Center, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima, 8900065, Japan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abul Hashem
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Center, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima, 8900065, Japan
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Tofazzal Md Rakib
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Md Haroon Or Rashid
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Center, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima, 8900065, Japan
| | - Kazi Anowar Hossain
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Center, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima, 8900065, Japan
| | - Rupaly Akhter
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Center, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima, 8900065, Japan
| | - Masashi Utsunomiya
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Center, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima, 8900065, Japan
| | - Bouchra Kitab
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Center, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima, 8900065, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Hifumi
- Department of Histopathology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Noriaki Miyoshi
- Department of Histopathology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Fumie Maetani
- Hirakawa Zoological Park, Kagoshima, Japan
- Awaji Farm England Hill Zoo, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Kyoko Tsukiyama-Kohara
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Center, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima, 8900065, Japan.
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11
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Swaffield MJ, Liberts M, Gillett AK, Moses PA. Refractory otitis media and otitis externa in a koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) treated with total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy. Aust Vet J 2023; 101:440-444. [PMID: 37580173 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13281] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report fully describing the surgical and medical management of otitis media and otitis externa in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) treated by total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy. CASE REPORT An adult male koala captured as part of a monitoring project in South East Queensland was diagnosed with chlamydial cystitis. Purulent discharge from the right ear was also observed; diagnostic imaging was consistent with otitis media and otitis externa. Yokenella regensburgei was repeatedly cultured from the site. Clinical signs resolved with topical antibiotic therapy; however, recrudesced following cessation of antibiotics. A total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy was performed, followed by an extended period of systemic antibiotic therapy. Mild facial nerve paresis was observed for 4 weeks postoperatively and resolved spontaneously. The koala remained clinically healthy for the 6 months it was monitored following release. CONCLUSION Total ear canal ablation combined with lateral bulla osteotomy appears to be an appropriate surgical intervention for otitis media combined with otitis externa refractory to medical management in the koala. Transient postoperative facial nerve paresis is a possible complication, as documented in other species. To the authors' knowledge this is the first case of Yokenella regensburgei infection outside of humans and American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis); the clinical significance of this pathogen in the koala remains unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - A K Gillett
- Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, Beerwah, Queensland, Australia
| | - P A Moses
- Veterinary Specialist Services, Jindalee, Queensland, Australia
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12
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Lane MR, Lowe A, Vukcevic J, Clark RG, Madani G, Higgins DP, Silver L, Belov K, Hogg CJ, Marsh KJ. Health Assessments of Koalas after Wildfire: A Temporal Comparison of Rehabilitated and Non-Rescued Resident Individuals. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2863. [PMID: 37760263 PMCID: PMC10525633 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182863] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Many koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) required rehabilitation after the 2019/20 Australian megafires. Little is known about how the post-release health of rehabilitated koalas compares to non-rescued resident koalas. We evaluated health parameters in rehabilitated koalas and resident koalas in burnt and unburnt habitat in southern New South Wales, Australia. Health checks were undertaken within six weeks of fire (rehabilitated group), 5-9 months post-fire and 12-16 months post-fire. Body condition improved significantly over time in rehabilitated koalas, with similar condition between all groups at 12-16 months. Rehabilitated koalas therefore gained body condition at similar rates to koalas who remained and survived in the wild. The prevalence of Chlamydia pecorum was also similar between groups and timepoints, suggesting wildfire and rehabilitation did not exacerbate disease in this population. While there was some variation in measured serum biochemistry and haematology parameters between groups and timepoints, most were within normal reference ranges. Our findings show that koalas were generally healthy at the time of release and when recaptured nine months later. Landscapes in the Monaro region exhibiting a mosaic of burn severity can support koalas, and rehabilitated koala health is not compromised by returning them to burnt habitats 4-6 months post-fire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murraya R. Lane
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia;
| | - Arianne Lowe
- Stromlo Veterinary Services, P.O. Box 3963, Weston, ACT 2611, Australia;
| | | | - Robert G. Clark
- Research School of Finance, Actuarial Studies and Statistics, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia;
| | - George Madani
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;
| | - Damien P. Higgins
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Luke Silver
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (L.S.); (K.B.); (C.J.H.)
| | - Katherine Belov
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (L.S.); (K.B.); (C.J.H.)
| | - Carolyn J. Hogg
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (L.S.); (K.B.); (C.J.H.)
| | - Karen J. Marsh
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia;
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13
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Wright BR, Jelocnik M, Casteriano A, Muir YSS, Legione AR, Vaz PK, Devlin JM, Higgins DP. Development of diagnostic and point of care assays for a gammaherpesvirus infecting koalas. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286407. [PMID: 37262062 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent listing of koala populations as endangered across much of their range has highlighted the need for better management interventions. Disease is a key threat to koala populations but currently there is no information across the threatened populations on the distribution or impact of a gammaherpesvirus, phascolarctid gammaherpesvirus 1 (PhaHV-1). PhaHV-1 is known to infect koalas in southern populations which are, at present, not threatened. Current testing for PhaHV-1 involves lengthy laboratory techniques that do not permit quantification of viral load. In order to better understand distribution, prevalence and impacts of PhaHV-1 infections across koala populations, diagnostic and rapid point of care tests are required. We have developed two novel assays, a qPCR assay and an isothermal assay, that will enable researchers, clinicians and wildlife managers to reliably and rapidly test for PhaHV-1 in koalas. The ability to rapidly diagnose and quantify viral load will aid quarantine practices, inform translocation management and guide research into the clinical significance and impacts of PhaHV-1 infection in koalas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda R Wright
- Koala Health Hub, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Martina Jelocnik
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of The Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrea Casteriano
- Koala Health Hub, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yasmine S S Muir
- Koala Health Hub, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alistair R Legione
- Asia Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paola K Vaz
- Asia Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joanne M Devlin
- Asia Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Damien P Higgins
- Koala Health Hub, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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14
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Peel E, Silver L, Brandies P, Zhu Y, Cheng Y, Hogg CJ, Belov K. Best genome sequencing strategies for annotation of complex immune gene families in wildlife. Gigascience 2022; 11:giac100. [PMID: 36310247 PMCID: PMC9618407 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giac100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The biodiversity crisis and increasing impact of wildlife disease on animal and human health provides impetus for studying immune genes in wildlife. Despite the recent boom in genomes for wildlife species, immune genes are poorly annotated in nonmodel species owing to their high level of polymorphism and complex genomic organisation. Our research over the past decade and a half on Tasmanian devils and koalas highlights the importance of genomics and accurate immune annotations to investigate disease in wildlife. Given this, we have increasingly been asked the minimum levels of genome quality required to effectively annotate immune genes in order to study immunogenetic diversity. Here we set out to answer this question by manually annotating immune genes in 5 marsupial genomes and 1 monotreme genome to determine the impact of sequencing data type, assembly quality, and automated annotation on accurate immune annotation. RESULTS Genome quality is directly linked to our ability to annotate complex immune gene families, with long reads and scaffolding technologies required to reassemble immune gene clusters and elucidate evolution, organisation, and true gene content of the immune repertoire. Draft-quality genomes generated from short reads with HiC or 10× Chromium linked reads were unable to achieve this. Despite mammalian BUSCOv5 scores of up to 94.1% amongst the 6 genomes, automated annotation pipelines incorrectly annotated up to 59% of manually annotated immune genes regardless of assembly quality or method of automated annotation. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that long reads and scaffolding technologies, alongside manual annotation, are required to accurately study the immune gene repertoire of wildlife species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Peel
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Luke Silver
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Parice Brandies
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Ying Zhu
- Sichuan Provincial Academy of Natural Resource Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610000, China
| | - Yuanyuan Cheng
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Carolyn J Hogg
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Katherine Belov
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia
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15
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Kasimov V, Dong Y, Shao R, Brunton A, Anstey SI, Hall C, Chalmers G, Conroy G, Booth R, Timms P, Jelocnik M. Emerging and well-characterized chlamydial infections detected in a wide range of wild Australian birds. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e3154-e3170. [PMID: 35041298 PMCID: PMC9786873 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Birds can act as successful long-distance vectors and reservoirs for numerous zoonotic bacterial, parasitic and viral pathogens, which can be a concern given the interconnectedness of animal, human and environmental health. Examples of such avian pathogens are members of the genus Chlamydia. Presently, there is a lack of research investigating chlamydial infections in Australian wild and captive birds and the subsequent risks to humans and other animals. In our current study, we investigated the prevalence and genetic diversity of chlamydial organisms infecting wild birds from Queensland and the rate of co-infections with beak and feather disease virus (BFDV). We screened 1114 samples collected from 564 different birds from 16 orders admitted to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital from May 2019 to February 2021 for Chlamydia and BFDV. Utilizing species-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays, we revealed an overall Chlamydiaceae prevalence of 29.26% (165/564; 95% confidence interval (CI) 25.65-33.14), including 3.19% (18/564; 95% CI 2.03-4.99%) prevalence of the zoonotic Chlamydia psittaci. Chlamydiaceae co-infection with BFDV was detected in 9.75% (55/564; 95% CI 7.57-12.48%) of the birds. Molecular characterization of the chlamydial 16S rRNA and ompA genes identified C. psittaci, in addition to novel and other genetically diverse Chlamydia species: avian Chlamydia abortus, Ca. Chlamydia ibidis and Chlamydia pneumoniae, all detected for the first time in Australia within a novel avian host range (crows, figbirds, herons, kookaburras, lapwings and shearwaters). This study shows that C. psittaci and other emerging Chlamydia species are prevalent in a wider range of avian hosts than previously anticipated, potentially increasing the risk of spill-over to Australian wildlife, livestock and humans. Going forward, we need to further characterize C. psittaci and other emerging Chlamydia species to determine their exact genetic identity, potential reservoirs, and factors influencing infection spill-over.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasilli Kasimov
- School of ScienceTechnology and EngineeringUniversity of the Sunshine CoastSippy DownsAustralia,Genecology Research CentreUniversity of the Sunshine CoastSippy DownsAustralia
| | - Yalun Dong
- School of ScienceTechnology and EngineeringUniversity of the Sunshine CoastSippy DownsAustralia,Genecology Research CentreUniversity of the Sunshine CoastSippy DownsAustralia
| | - Renfu Shao
- School of ScienceTechnology and EngineeringUniversity of the Sunshine CoastSippy DownsAustralia,Genecology Research CentreUniversity of the Sunshine CoastSippy DownsAustralia
| | - Aaron Brunton
- School of ScienceTechnology and EngineeringUniversity of the Sunshine CoastSippy DownsAustralia,Genecology Research CentreUniversity of the Sunshine CoastSippy DownsAustralia
| | - Susan I. Anstey
- School of ScienceTechnology and EngineeringUniversity of the Sunshine CoastSippy DownsAustralia,Genecology Research CentreUniversity of the Sunshine CoastSippy DownsAustralia
| | - Clancy Hall
- School of ScienceTechnology and EngineeringUniversity of the Sunshine CoastSippy DownsAustralia
| | - Gareth Chalmers
- School of ScienceTechnology and EngineeringUniversity of the Sunshine CoastSippy DownsAustralia
| | - Gabriel Conroy
- School of ScienceTechnology and EngineeringUniversity of the Sunshine CoastSippy DownsAustralia,Genecology Research CentreUniversity of the Sunshine CoastSippy DownsAustralia
| | | | - Peter Timms
- Genecology Research CentreUniversity of the Sunshine CoastSippy DownsAustralia
| | - Martina Jelocnik
- Genecology Research CentreUniversity of the Sunshine CoastSippy DownsAustralia
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16
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Kayesh MEH, Hashem MA, Maetani F, Goto A, Nagata N, Kasori A, Imanishi T, Tsukiyama-Kohara K. Molecular Insights into Innate Immune Response in Captive Koala Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Co-Infected with Multiple Koala Retrovirus Subtypes. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11080911. [PMID: 36015032 PMCID: PMC9414840 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11080911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Koala retrovirus (KoRV) exists in both endogenous and exogenous forms and has appeared as a major threat to koala health and conservation. Currently, there are twelve identified KoRV subtypes: an endogenous subtype (KoRV-A) and eleven exogenous subtypes (KoRV-B to -I, KoRV-K, -L, and -M). However, information about subtype-related immune responses in koalas against multiple KoRV infections is limited. In this study, we investigated KoRV-subtype (A, B, C, D, and F)-related immunophenotypic changes, including CD4, CD8b, IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-10 mRNA expression, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from captive koalas (n = 37) infected with multiple KoRV subtypes (KoRV-A to F) reared in seven Japanese zoos. Based on KoRV subtype infection profiles, no significant difference in CD4 and CD8b mRNA expression was observed in the study populations. Based on the different KoRV subtype infections, we found that the IFN-γ mRNA expression in koala PMBCs differs insignificantly (p = 0.0534). In addition, IL-6 and IL-10 mRNA expression also did not vary significantly in koala PBMCs based on KoRV subtype differences. We also investigated the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) response, including TLR2–10, and TLR13 mRNA in koala PBMCs infected with multiple KoRV subtypes. Significant differential expression of TLR5, 7, 9, 10, and 13 mRNA was observed in the PBMCs from koalas infected with different KoRV subtypes. Therefore, based on the findings of this study, it is assumed that co-infection of multiple KoRV subtypes might modify the host innate immune response, including IFN-γ and TLRs responses. However, to have a more clear understanding regarding the effect of multiple KoRV subtypes on host cytokines and TLR response and pathogenesis, further large-scale studies including the koalas negative for KoRV and koalas infected with other KoRV subtypes (KoRV-A to -I, KoRV-K, -L and -M) are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Enamul Hoque Kayesh
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
- Department of Microbiology and Public Health, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Barishal 8210, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abul Hashem
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | | | - Atsushi Goto
- Awaji Farm Park England Hill Zoo, Minamiawaji 665-0443, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Kyoko Tsukiyama-Kohara
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-99-285-3589
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17
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Hashem MA, Kayesh MEH, Maetani F, Goto A, Nagata N, Kasori A, Imanishi T, Tsukiyama-Kohara K. Subtype distribution and expression of the koala retrovirus in the Japanese zoo koala population. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 102:105297. [PMID: 35533919 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the proviral copies and RNA expression in koala retrovirus (KoRV)-infected koalas. To ascertain any variation in viral load by institution, age, sex, or body condition score, we quantified KoRV proviral DNA and RNA loads in captive koalas (n = 37) reared in Japanese zoos. All koalas were positive for KoRV genes (pol, LTRs, and env of KoRV-A) in genomic DNA (gDNA), and 91.89% were positive for the pol gene in RNA. In contrast, the distribution rates of KoRV-B, KoRV-C, KoRV-D, and KoRV-F env genes in gDNA were 94.59%, 27.03%, 67.57%, and 54.05%, respectively. A wide inter-individual variation and/or a significant inter-institutional difference in proviral DNA (p < 0.0001) and RNA (p < 0.001) amounts (copies/103 koala β-actin copies) were observed in Awaji Farm England Hill Zoo koalas, which were obtained from southern koala populations, suggesting exogenous incorporation of KoRV in these koalas. Significant (p < 0.05) age differences were noted in KoRV RNA load (p < 0.05) and median total RNA load (p < 0.001), with loads higher in younger koalas (joeys and juveniles). Thus, the current study provides the distribution of KoRV subtypes in Japanese zoo koala populations and identifies several additional risk factors (sex, age, and body condition) associated with KoRV expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Abul Hashem
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan; Department of Animal Hygiene, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan; Department of Health Chattogram City Corporation, Chattogram 4000, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Enamul Hoque Kayesh
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan; Department of Microbiology and Public Health, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Babuganj, Barishal 8210, Bangladesh
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Kyoko Tsukiyama-Kohara
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan; Department of Animal Hygiene, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan.
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18
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Schilling AK, Mazzamuto MV, Romeo C. A Review of Non-Invasive Sampling in Wildlife Disease and Health Research: What's New? Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:1719. [PMID: 35804619 PMCID: PMC9265025 DOI: 10.3390/ani12131719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decades, wildlife diseases and the health status of animal populations have gained increasing attention from the scientific community as part of a One Health framework. Furthermore, the need for non-invasive sampling methods with a minimal impact on wildlife has become paramount in complying with modern ethical standards and regulations, and to collect high-quality and unbiased data. We analysed the publication trends on non-invasive sampling in wildlife health and disease research and offer a comprehensive review on the different samples that can be collected non-invasively. We retrieved 272 articles spanning from 1998 to 2021, with a rapid increase in number from 2010. Thirty-nine percent of the papers were focussed on diseases, 58% on other health-related topics, and 3% on both. Stress and other physiological parameters were the most addressed research topics, followed by viruses, helminths, and bacterial infections. Terrestrial mammals accounted for 75% of all publications, and faeces were the most widely used sample. Our review of the sampling materials and collection methods highlights that, although the use of some types of samples for specific applications is now consolidated, others are perhaps still underutilised and new technologies may offer future opportunities for an even wider use of non-invasively collected samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Katarina Schilling
- Previously Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK;
| | - Maria Vittoria Mazzamuto
- Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University Ave., Laramie, WY 82072, USA;
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Via J.H. Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Claudia Romeo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), Via Bianchi 9, 25124 Brescia, Italy
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19
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Silver LW, Cheng Y, Quigley BL, Robbins A, Timms P, Hogg CJ, Belov K. A targeted approach to investigating immune genes of an iconic Australian marsupial. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:3286-3303. [PMID: 35510793 PMCID: PMC9325493 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Disease is a contributing factor to the decline of wildlife populations across the globe. Koalas, iconic yet declining Australian marsupials, are predominantly impacted by two pathogens, Chlamydia and koala retrovirus. Chlamydia is an obligate intracellular bacterium and one of the most widespread sexually transmitted infections in humans worldwide. In koalas, Chlamydia infections can present as asymptomatic or can cause a range of ocular and urogenital disease signs, such as conjunctivitis, cystitis and infertility. In this study, we looked at differences in response to Chlamydia in two northern populations of koalas using a targeted gene sequencing of 1209 immune genes in addition to genome‐wide reduced representation data. We identified two MHC Class I genes associated with Chlamydia disease progression as well as 25 single nucleotide polymorphisms across 17 genes that were associated with resolution of Chlamydia infection. These genes are involved in the innate immune response (TLR5) and defence (TLR5, IFNγ, SERPINE1, STAT2 and STX4). This study deepens our understanding of the role that genetics plays in disease progression in koalas and leads into future work that will use whole genome resequencing of a larger sample set to investigate in greater detail regions identified in this study. Elucidation of the role of host genetics in disease progression and resolution in koalas will directly contribute to better design of Chlamydia vaccines and management of koala populations which have recently been listed as “endangered.”
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke W Silver
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Yuanyuan Cheng
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Bonnie L Quigley
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4556, Australia.,Provectus Algae Pty Ltd, 5 Bartlett Road, Noosaville, Queensland, 4566, Australia
| | - Amy Robbins
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4556, Australia.,Endeavour Veterinary Ecology Pty Ltd, 1695 Pumicestone Road, Toorbul, Queensland, 4510, Australia
| | - Peter Timms
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4556, Australia
| | - Carolyn J Hogg
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Katherine Belov
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
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20
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White RT, Legione AR, Taylor-Brown A, Fernandez CM, Higgins DP, Timms P, Jelocnik M. Completing the Genome Sequence of Chlamydia pecorum Strains MC/MarsBar and DBDeUG: New Insights into This Enigmatic Koala ( Phascolarctos cinereus) Pathogen. Pathogens 2021; 10:1543. [PMID: 34959498 PMCID: PMC8703710 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10121543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia pecorum, an obligate intracellular pathogen, causes significant morbidity and mortality in livestock and the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). A variety of C. pecorum gene-centric molecular studies have revealed important observations about infection dynamics and genetic diversity in both koala and livestock hosts. In contrast to a variety of C. pecorum molecular studies, to date, only four complete and 16 draft genomes have been published. Of those, only five draft genomes are from koalas. Here, using whole-genome sequencing and a comparative genomics approach, we describe the first two complete C. pecorum genomes collected from diseased koalas. A de novo assembly of DBDeUG_2018 and MC/MarsBar_2018 resolved the chromosomes and chlamydial plasmids each as single, circular contigs. Robust phylogenomic analyses indicate biogeographical separation between strains from northern and southern koala populations, and between strains infecting koala and livestock hosts. Comparative genomics between koala strains identified new, unique, and shared loci that accumulate single-nucleotide polymorphisms and separate between northern and southern, and within northern koala strains. Furthermore, we predicted novel type III secretion system effectors. This investigation constitutes a comprehensive genome-wide comparison between C. pecorum from koalas and provides improvements to annotations of a C. pecorum reference genome. These findings lay the foundations for identifying and understanding host specificity and adaptation behind chlamydial infections affecting koalas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhys T. White
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Sunshine Coast, QLD 4557, Australia; (R.T.W.); (A.T.-B.); (P.T.)
| | - Alistair R. Legione
- Asia Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Alyce Taylor-Brown
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Sunshine Coast, QLD 4557, Australia; (R.T.W.); (A.T.-B.); (P.T.)
- Parasites and Microbes Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Cristina M. Fernandez
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (C.M.F.); (D.P.H.)
| | - Damien P. Higgins
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (C.M.F.); (D.P.H.)
| | - Peter Timms
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Sunshine Coast, QLD 4557, Australia; (R.T.W.); (A.T.-B.); (P.T.)
| | - Martina Jelocnik
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Sunshine Coast, QLD 4557, Australia; (R.T.W.); (A.T.-B.); (P.T.)
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21
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Phillips S, Timms P, Jelocnik M. Is Chlamydia to Blame for Koala Reproductive Cysts? Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091140. [PMID: 34578173 PMCID: PMC8467779 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A significant threat to koala populations is infection from Chlamydia, which results in disease and death. Wild koalas with Chlamydia infections are admitted to wildlife hospitals and treated with antibiotics; however, up to 50% of koalas that present to wildlife hospitals do not survive. A major contributor to high mortality is the development of reproductive cysts, resulting in female infertility and euthanasia. However, the diagnosis of reproductive disease is limited to ultrasound with no further investigations. This communication highlights reports of histological and microbiological findings, the accuracy of ultrasound to necropsy reports and other possible causes for reproductive cyst development previously reported in other hosts. Our conclusions identify a significant knowledge gap in the aetiology of koala reproductive cysts and highlight the urgent need for future investigations.
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Kayesh MEH, Hashem MA, Tsukiyama-Kohara K. Toll-Like Receptor and Cytokine Responses to Infection with Endogenous and Exogenous Koala Retrovirus, and Vaccination as a Control Strategy. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2021; 43:52-64. [PMID: 33946297 PMCID: PMC8928999 DOI: 10.3390/cimb43010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Koala populations are currently declining and under threat from koala retrovirus (KoRV) infection both in the wild and in captivity. KoRV is assumed to cause immunosuppression and neoplastic diseases, favoring chlamydiosis in koalas. Currently, 10 KoRV subtypes have been identified, including an endogenous subtype (KoRV-A) and nine exogenous subtypes (KoRV-B to KoRV-J). The host’s immune response acts as a safeguard against pathogens. Therefore, a proper understanding of the immune response mechanisms against infection is of great importance for the host’s survival, as well as for the development of therapeutic and prophylactic interventions. A vaccine is an important protective as well as being a therapeutic tool against infectious disease, and several studies have shown promise for the development of an effective vaccine against KoRV. Moreover, CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing has opened a new window for gene therapy, and it appears to be a potential therapeutic tool in many viral infections, which could also be investigated for the treatment of KoRV infection. Here, we discuss the recent advances made in the understanding of the immune response in KoRV infection, as well as the progress towards vaccine development against KoRV infection in koalas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Enamul Hoque Kayesh
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; (M.E.H.K.); (M.A.H.)
- Department of Microbiology and Public Health, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Barishal 8210, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abul Hashem
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; (M.E.H.K.); (M.A.H.)
- Department of Health, Chattogram City Corporation, Chattogram 4000, Bangladesh
- Laboratory of Animal Hygiene, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Kyoko Tsukiyama-Kohara
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; (M.E.H.K.); (M.A.H.)
- Laboratory of Animal Hygiene, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-99-285-3589
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Hashem MA, Kayesh MEH, Maetani F, Eiei T, Mochizuki K, Ochiai S, Ito A, Ito N, Sakurai H, Asai T, Tsukiyama-Kohara K. Koala retrovirus (KoRV) subtypes and their impact on captive koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) health. Arch Virol 2021; 166:1893-1901. [PMID: 33900468 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-021-05078-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Koala retrovirus (KoRV), a major pathogen of koalas, exists in both endogenous (KoRV-A) and exogenous forms (KoRV-B to J). However, the impact of infection with multiple subtypes is not well understood. Accordingly, in this study, we surveyed a representative sample from a Japanese zoo population to determine the infection status for three KoRV subtypes (KoRV-A, B, and C) and to investigate the proviral and RNA load profiles in animals with single- and multiple-subtype infections, using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma. Six koalas were evaluated in the study; all were infected with KoRV-A, and two koalas were coinfected with non-A subtypes (KoRV-B and/or KoRV-C). The highest KoRV total RNA and viral loads in PBMCs and plasma were found in a koala infected with multiple subtypes (KoRV-A, -B and -C). The other koala infected with multiple subtypes (KoRV-A and B) showed the highest proviral PBMC load but the lowest RNA copy number in PBMC and plasma. PBMCs from this animal were cultured for further investigation, and KoRV RNA was detected in the cells and culture supernatant after 7 and/or 14 days. The koalas harboring multiple subtypes had a higher white blood cell count than those harboring only KoRV-A and were judged to be leukemic, and they subsequently died due to lymphoma. Accordingly, we conclude that coinfection with multiple KoRV subtypes may be linked to more-severe disease. In a sequence alignment, the detected KoRV-A env gene showed 100% sequence identity to the reference gene, whereas the KoRV-B and -C env genes varied from their reference sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Abul Hashem
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Center, Laboratory of Animal Hygiene, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan.,Laboratory of Animal Hygiene, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan.,Department of Health, Chattogram City Corporation, Chattogram, 4000, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Enamul Hoque Kayesh
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Center, Laboratory of Animal Hygiene, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan.,Laboratory of Animal Hygiene, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan.,Department of Microbiology and Public Health, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Babugonj, Barishal, 8210, Bangladesh
| | - Fumie Maetani
- Hirakawa Zoological Park, Kagoshima, 891-0133, Japan
| | - Taiki Eiei
- Hirakawa Zoological Park, Kagoshima, 891-0133, Japan
| | | | | | - Ayaka Ito
- Hirakawa Zoological Park, Kagoshima, 891-0133, Japan
| | - Nanao Ito
- Hirakawa Zoological Park, Kagoshima, 891-0133, Japan
| | | | - Takayuki Asai
- Hirakawa Zoological Park, Kagoshima, 891-0133, Japan
| | - Kyoko Tsukiyama-Kohara
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Center, Laboratory of Animal Hygiene, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima, 890-0065, Japan. .,Laboratory of Animal Hygiene, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan.
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Peel E, Cheng Y, Djordjevic JT, O’Meally D, Thomas M, Kuhn M, Sorrell TC, Huston WM, Belov K. Koala cathelicidin PhciCath5 has antimicrobial activity, including against Chlamydia pecorum. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249658. [PMID: 33852625 PMCID: PMC8046226 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Devastating fires in Australia over 2019-20 decimated native fauna and flora, including koalas. The resulting population bottleneck, combined with significant loss of habitat, increases the vulnerability of remaining koala populations to threats which include disease. Chlamydia is one disease which causes significant morbidity and mortality in koalas. The predominant pathogenic species, Chlamydia pecorum, causes severe ocular, urogenital and reproductive tract disease. In marsupials, including the koala, gene expansions of an antimicrobial peptide family known as cathelicidins have enabled protection of immunologically naïve pouch young during early development. We propose that koala cathelicidins are active against Chlamydia and other bacteria and fungi. Here we describe ten koala cathelicidins, five of which contained full length coding sequences that were widely expressed in tissues throughout the body. Focusing on these five, we investigate their antimicrobial activity against two koala C. pecorum isolates from distinct serovars; MarsBar and IPTaLE, as well as other bacteria and fungi. One cathelicidin, PhciCath5, inactivated C. pecorum IPTaLE and MarsBar elementary bodies and significantly reduced the number of inclusions compared to the control (p<0.0001). Despite evidence of cathelicidin expression within tissues known to be infected by Chlamydia, natural PhciCath5 concentrations may be inadequate in vivo to prevent or control C. pecorum infections in koalas. PhciCath5 also displayed antimicrobial activity against fungi and Gram negative and positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Electrostatic interactions likely drive PhciCath5 adherence to the pathogen cell membrane, followed by membrane permeabilisation leading to cell death. Activity against E. coli was reduced in the presence of 10% serum and 20% whole blood. Future modification of the PhciCath5 peptide to enhance activity, including in the presence of serum/blood, may provide a novel solution to Chlamydia infection in koalas and other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Peel
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yuanyuan Cheng
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julianne T. Djordjevic
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Denis O’Meally
- Center for Gene Therapy, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, California, United States of America
| | - Mark Thomas
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Kuhn
- Zoetis, Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Tania C. Sorrell
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wilhelmina M. Huston
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katherine Belov
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Kayesh MEH, Hashem MA, Tsukiyama-Kohara K. Toll-Like Receptor Expression Profiles in Koala ( Phascolarctos cinereus) Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Infected with Multiple KoRV Subtypes. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11040983. [PMID: 33915914 PMCID: PMC8065587 DOI: 10.3390/ani11040983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Koala retrovirus (KoRV) is a major pathogen of koala. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are important innate immune component that are evolutionary conserved and play a crucial role in the early defense against invading pathogens. The expression profile of TLRs in KoRV infection in koalas is not characterized yet. Therefore, in this study, we characterized TLR expression patterns in koalas infected with KoRV-A only vs. KoRV-A with KoRV-B and/or -C. Using qRT-PCR, we measured TLR2–10 and TLR13 mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and/or tissues from captive koalas in Japanese zoos. We observed variations in TLR expression in koalas with a range of subtype infection profiles (KoRV-A only vs. KoRV-A with KoRV-B and/or -C). The findings of this study might improve our current understanding of koala’s immune response to KoRV infection. Abstract Toll-like receptors (TLRs), evolutionarily conserved pattern recognition receptors, play an important role in innate immunity by recognizing microbial pathogen-associated molecular patterns. Koala retrovirus (KoRV), a major koala pathogen, exists in both endogenous (KoRV-A) and exogenous forms (KoRV-B to J). However, the expression profile of TLRs in koalas infected with KoRV-A and other subtypes is yet to characterize. Here, we investigated TLR expression profiles in koalas with a range of subtype infection profiles (KoRV-A only vs. KoRV-A with KoRV-B and/or -C). To this end, we cloned partial sequences for TLRs (TLR2–10 and TLR13), developed real-time PCR assays, and determined TLRs mRNA expression patterns in koala PBMCs and/or tissues. All the reported TLRs for koala were expressed in PBMCs, and variations in TLR expression were observed in koalas infected with exogenous subtypes (KoRV-B and KoRV-C) compared to the endogenous subtype (KoRV-A) only, which indicates the implications of TLRs in KoRV infection. TLRs were also found to be differentially expressed in koala tissues. This is the first report of TLR expression profiles in koala, which provides insights into koala’s immune response to KoRV infection that could be utilized for the future exploitation of TLR modulators in the maintenance of koala health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Enamul Hoque Kayesh
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; (M.E.H.K.); (M.A.H.)
- Department of Microbiology and Public Health, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Barishal 8210, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abul Hashem
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; (M.E.H.K.); (M.A.H.)
- Department of Health, Chattogram City Corporation, Chattogram 4000, Bangladesh
- Laboratory of Animal Hygiene, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Kyoko Tsukiyama-Kohara
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; (M.E.H.K.); (M.A.H.)
- Laboratory of Animal Hygiene, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-99-285-3589
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Koala Retrovirus in Northern Australia Shows a Mixture of Stable Endogenization and Exogenous Lineage Diversification within Fragmented Koala Populations. J Virol 2021; 95:JVI.02084-20. [PMID: 33472936 PMCID: PMC8092702 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02084-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The koala population in northern Australia has become increasingly fragmented due to natural and man-made barriers and interventions. This situation has created a unique opportunity to study both endogenous and exogenous koala retrovirus (KoRV). To determine the impact that population isolation has had on KoRV diversity in Queensland, 272 koalas from six fragmented koala populations were profiled for their KoRV provirus across two natural biogeographical barriers (the St Lawrence Gap and the Brisbane Valley Barrier), one man-made geographical barrier (the city of Brisbane) and two translocation events (the single movement of koalas to an island and the repeated movement of koalas into a koala sanctuary). Analysis revealed that all koalas tested were KoRV-A positive, with 90 - 96% of the detected KoRV provirus from each koala representing a single, likely endogenous, KoRV-A strain. The next most abundant proviral sequence was a defective variant of the dominant KoRV-A strain, accounting for 3 - 10% of detected provirus. The remaining KoRV provirus represented expected exogenous strains of KoRV and included geographically localized patterns of KoRV-B, -C, -D, -F, -G, and -I. These results indicate that lineage diversification of exogenous KoRV is actively ongoing. In addition, comparison of KoRV provirus within known dam-sire-joey family groups from the koala sanctuary revealed that joeys consistently had KoRV proviral patterns more similar to their dams than their sires in KoRV-B, -C and -D provirus composition. Collectively, this study highlights both the consistency of endogenous KoRV and the diversity of exogenous KoRV across the fragmented koala populations in northern Australia.IMPORTANCE KoRV infection has become a permanent part of koalas in northern Australia. With KoRV presence and abundance linked to more severe chlamydial disease and neoplasia in these koalas, understanding how KoRV exists throughout an increasingly fragmented koala population is a key first step in designing conservation and management strategies. This survey of KoRV provirus in Queensland koalas indicates that endogenous KoRV provirus is ubiquitous and consistent throughout the state while exogenous KoRV provirus is diverse and distinct in fragmented koala populations. Understanding the prevalence and impact of both endogenous and exogenous KoRV will be needed to ensure a future for all koala populations.
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The Koala Immune Response to Chlamydial Infection and Vaccine Development-Advancing Our Immunological Understanding. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020380. [PMID: 33546104 PMCID: PMC7913230 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chlamydia is a major pathogen of the Australian marsupial, the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). One approach to improving this situation is to develop a vaccine. Human Chlamydia research suggests that an effective anti-chlamydial response will involve a balance between a cell-mediated Th1 response and a humoral Th2 responses, involving systemic IgG and mucosal IgA. Characterization of koalas with chlamydial disease suggests that increased expression for similar immunological pathways and monitoring of koalas’ post-vaccination can be successful and subsequently lead to improved vaccines. These findings offer optimism that a chlamydial vaccine for wider distribution to koalas is not far off. Abstract Chlamydia is a significant pathogen for many species, including the much-loved Australian marsupial, the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). To combat this situation, focused research has gone into the development and refinement of a chlamydial vaccine for koalas. The foundation of this process has involved characterising the immune response of koalas to both natural chlamydial infection as well as vaccination. From parallels in human and mouse research, it is well-established that an effective anti-chlamydial response will involve a balance of cell-mediated Th1 responses involving interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), humoral Th2 responses involving systemic IgG and mucosal IgA, and inflammatory Th17 responses involving interleukin 17 (IL-17) and neutrophils. Characterisation of koalas with chlamydial disease has shown increased expression within all three of these major immunological pathways and monitoring of koalas’ post-vaccination has detected further enhancements to these key pathways. These findings offer optimism that a chlamydial vaccine for wider distribution to koalas is not far off. Recent advances in marsupial genetic knowledge and general nucleic acid assay technology have moved koala immunological research a step closer to other mammalian research systems. However, koala-specific reagents to directly assay cytokine levels and cell-surface markers are still needed to progress our understanding of koala immunology.
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Kayesh MEH, Hashem MA, Maetani F, Eiei T, Mochizuki K, Ochiai S, Ito A, Ito N, Sakurai H, Asai T, Tsukiyama-Kohara K. CD4, CD8b, and Cytokines Expression Profiles in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Infected with Different Subtypes of KoRV from Koalas ( Phascolarctos cinereus) in a Japanese Zoo. Viruses 2020; 12:v12121415. [PMID: 33316950 PMCID: PMC7764738 DOI: 10.3390/v12121415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Koala retrovirus (KoRV) poses a major threat to koala health and conservation, and currently has 10 identified subtypes: an endogenous subtype (KoRV-A) and nine exogenous subtypes (KoRV-B to KoRV-J). However, subtype-related variations in koala immune response to KoRV are uncharacterized. In this study, we investigated KoRV-related immunophenotypic changes in a captive koala population (Hirakawa zoo, Japan) with a range of subtype infection profiles (KoRV-A only vs. KoRV-A with KoRV-B and/or -C), based on qPCR measurements of CD4, CD8b, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-17A mRNA expression in unstimulated and concanavalin (Con)-A-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Although CD4, CD8b, and IL-17A expression did not differ between KoRV subtype infection profiles, IL-6 expression was higher in koalas with exogenous infections (both KoRV-B and KoRV-C) than those with the endogenous subtype only. IL-10 expression did not significantly differ between subtype infection profiles but did show a marked increase—accompanying decreased CD4:CD8b ratio—in a koala with lymphoma and co-infected with KoRV-A and -B, thus suggesting immunosuppression. Taken together, the findings of this study provide insights into koala immune response to multiple KoRV subtypes, which can be exploited for the development of prophylactic and therapeutic interventions for this iconic marsupial species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Enamul Hoque Kayesh
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; (M.E.H.K.); (M.A.H.)
- Department of Microbiology and Public Health, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Barishal 8210, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abul Hashem
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; (M.E.H.K.); (M.A.H.)
- Department of Health, Chattogram City Corporation, Chattogram 4000, Bangladesh
| | - Fumie Maetani
- Hirakawa Zoological Park, Kagoshima 891-0133, Japan; (F.M.); (T.E.); (K.M.); (S.O.); (A.I.); (N.I.); (H.S.); (T.A.)
| | - Taiki Eiei
- Hirakawa Zoological Park, Kagoshima 891-0133, Japan; (F.M.); (T.E.); (K.M.); (S.O.); (A.I.); (N.I.); (H.S.); (T.A.)
| | - Kyoya Mochizuki
- Hirakawa Zoological Park, Kagoshima 891-0133, Japan; (F.M.); (T.E.); (K.M.); (S.O.); (A.I.); (N.I.); (H.S.); (T.A.)
| | - Shinsaku Ochiai
- Hirakawa Zoological Park, Kagoshima 891-0133, Japan; (F.M.); (T.E.); (K.M.); (S.O.); (A.I.); (N.I.); (H.S.); (T.A.)
| | - Ayaka Ito
- Hirakawa Zoological Park, Kagoshima 891-0133, Japan; (F.M.); (T.E.); (K.M.); (S.O.); (A.I.); (N.I.); (H.S.); (T.A.)
| | - Nanao Ito
- Hirakawa Zoological Park, Kagoshima 891-0133, Japan; (F.M.); (T.E.); (K.M.); (S.O.); (A.I.); (N.I.); (H.S.); (T.A.)
| | - Hiroko Sakurai
- Hirakawa Zoological Park, Kagoshima 891-0133, Japan; (F.M.); (T.E.); (K.M.); (S.O.); (A.I.); (N.I.); (H.S.); (T.A.)
| | - Takayuki Asai
- Hirakawa Zoological Park, Kagoshima 891-0133, Japan; (F.M.); (T.E.); (K.M.); (S.O.); (A.I.); (N.I.); (H.S.); (T.A.)
| | - Kyoko Tsukiyama-Kohara
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; (M.E.H.K.); (M.A.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-99-285-3589
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Olagoke O, Quigley BL, Timms P. Koalas vaccinated against Koala retrovirus respond by producing increased levels of interferon-gamma. Virol J 2020; 17:168. [PMID: 33129323 PMCID: PMC7602773 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-020-01442-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Koala retrovirus (KoRV) is believed to be in an active state of endogenization into the koala genome. KoRV is present as both an endogenous and exogenous infection in all koalas in northern Australia. KoRV has been linked to koala pathologies including neoplasia and increased susceptibility to Chlamydia. A KoRV vaccine recently trialled in 10 northern koalas improved antibody response and reduced viral load. This communication reports the expression of key immune genes underlining the innate and adaptive immune response to vaccination in these northern koalas. The results showed that prior to vaccination, IL-8 was expressed at the highest levels, with at least 200-fold greater expression compared to other cytokines, while CD8 mRNA expression was significantly higher than CD4 mRNA expression level. Interferon-γ was up-regulated at both 4- and 8-weeks post-vaccination while IL-8 was down-regulated at 8-weeks post-vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olusola Olagoke
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia.
| | - Bonnie L Quigley
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter Timms
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia
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