1
|
Hamer GL, Fimbres-Macias JP, Juarez JG, Downs CH, Carbajal E, Melo M, Garza DY, Killets KC, Wilkerson GK, Carrera-Treviño R, Corona-Barrera E, Tello-Campa AA, Rojas-Mesta MR, Borden JH, Banfield MG, Hamer SA. Development of an operational trap for collection, killing, and preservation of triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae): the kissing bug kill trap. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2024:tjae087. [PMID: 39024462 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjae087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Surveillance of triatomines or kissing bugs (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae), the insect vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, a Chagas disease agent, is hindered by the lack of an effective trap. To develop a kissing bug trap, we made iterative improvements over 3 years on a basic design resulting in 7 trap prototypes deployed across field sites in Texas, United States and Northern Mexico, yielding the capture of 325 triatomines of 4 species (Triatoma gerstaeckeri [Stål], T. sanguisuga [LeConte], T. neotomae [Neiva], and T. rubida [Uhler]). We began in 2019 with vertical transparent tarpaulin panel traps illuminated with artificial light powered by AC current, which were successful in autonomous trapping of flying triatomines, but were expensive, labor-intensive, and fragile. In 2020, we switched to white LED lights powered by a solar cell. We tested a scaled-down version of the vertical panel traps, a commercial cross-vane trap, and a multiple-funnel trap. The multiple-funnel traps captured 2.6× more kissing bugs per trap-day than cross-vane traps and approached the performance of the vertical panel traps in number of triatomines captured, number of triatomines per trap-day and triatomines per arthropod bycatch. Multiple-funnel traps required the least labor, were more durable, and had the highest triatomines per day per cost. Propylene glycol in the collection cups effectively preserved captured triatomines allowing for molecular detection of T. cruzi. The trapping experiments established dispersal patterns for the captured species. We conclude that multiple-funnel traps with solar-powered LED lights should be considered for adoption as surveillance and potentially mass-trapping management tools for triatomines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel L Hamer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Juan P Fimbres-Macias
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Jose G Juarez
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Centro de Estudios en Salud, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala
| | - Christopher H Downs
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- BanfieldBio, Inc., Woodinville, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Danya Y Garza
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Keswick C Killets
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Gregory K Wilkerson
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, Bastrop, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill NC, USA
| | - Rogelio Carrera-Treviño
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, General Escobedo, México
| | - Enrique Corona-Barrera
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Ciudad Victoria, México
| | - Arturo Arabied Tello-Campa
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, General Escobedo, México
| | - Martha Rocío Rojas-Mesta
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, General Escobedo, México
| | | | | | - Sarah A Hamer
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, College Station, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Busselman RE, Curtis-Robles R, Meyers AC, Zecca IB, Auckland LD, Hodo CL, Christopher D, Saunders AB, Hamer SA. Abundant triatomines in Texas dog kennel environments: Triatomine collections, infection with Trypanosoma cruzi, and blood feeding hosts. Acta Trop 2024; 250:107087. [PMID: 38061614 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107087] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Triatomine insects are vectors of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi- the causative agent of Chagas disease. Chagas disease is endemic to Latin America and the southern United States and can cause severe cardiac damage in infected mammals, ranging from chronic disease to sudden death. Identifying interactions among triatomines, T. cruzi discrete typing units (DTUs), and blood feeding hosts is necessary to understand parasite transmission dynamics and effectively protect animal and human health. Through manual insect trapping efforts, kennel staff collections, and with the help of a trained scent detection dog, we collected triatomines from 10 multi-dog kennels across central and south Texas over a one-year period (2018-2019) and tested a subset to determine their T. cruzi infection status and identify the primary bloodmeal hosts. We collected 550 triatomines, including Triatoma gerstaeckeri (n = 515), Triatoma lecticularia (n = 15), Triatoma sanguisuga (n = 6), and Triatoma indictiva (n = 2), with an additional 10 nymphs and 2 adults unable to be identified to species. The trained dog collected 42 triatomines, including nymphs, from areas not previously considered vector habitat by the kennel owners. Using qPCR, we found a T. cruzi infection prevalence of 47 % (74/157), with T. lecticularia individuals more likely to be infected with T. cruzi than other species. Infected insects harbored two T. cruzi discrete typing units: TcI (64 %), TcIV (23 %), and mixed TcI/TcIV infections (13 %). Bloodmeal host identification was successful in 50/149 triatomines, revealing the majority (74 %) fed on a dog (Canis lupus), with other host species including humans (Homo sapiens), raccoons (Procyon lotor), chickens (Gallus gallus), wild pig (Sus scrofa), black vulture (Coragyps atratus), cat (Felis catus), and curve-billed thrasher (Toxostoma curviostre). Given the frequency of interactions between dogs and infected triatomines in these kennel environments, dogs may be an apt target for future vector control and T. cruzi intervention efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R E Busselman
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - R Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - A C Meyers
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - I B Zecca
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - L D Auckland
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - C L Hodo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States; Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX, United States
| | | | - A B Saunders
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - S A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zingales B, Macedo AM. Fifteen Years after the Definition of Trypanosoma cruzi DTUs: What Have We Learned? Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2339. [PMID: 38137940 PMCID: PMC10744745 DOI: 10.3390/life13122339] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan causative of Chagas disease (ChD), exhibits striking genetic and phenotypic intraspecific diversity, along with ecoepidemiological complexity. Human-pathogen interactions lead to distinct clinical presentations of ChD. In 2009, an international consensus classified T. cruzi strains into six discrete typing units (DTUs), TcI to TcVI, later including TcBat, and proposed reproducible genotyping schemes for DTU identification. This article aims to review the impact of classifying T. cruzi strains into DTUs on our understanding of biological, ecoepidemiological, and pathogenic aspects of T. cruzi. We will explore the likely origin of DTUs and the intrinsic characteristics of each group of strains concerning genome organization, genomics, and susceptibility to drugs used in ChD treatment. We will also provide an overview of the association of DTUs with mammalian reservoirs, and summarize the geographic distribution, and the clinical implications, of prevalent specific DTUs in ChD patients. Throughout this review, we will emphasize the crucial roles of both parasite and human genetics in defining ChD pathogenesis and chemotherapy outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Zingales
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andréa M. Macedo
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chaves LF, Meyers AC, Hodo CL, Sanders JP, Curtis-Robles R, Hamer GL, Hamer SA. Trypanosoma cruzi infection in dogs along the US-Mexico border: R 0 changes with vector species composition. Epidemics 2023; 45:100723. [PMID: 37935075 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2023.100723] [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: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi, etiological agent of Chagas disease, is common in US government working dogs along the US-Mexico border. This 3145 km long border comprises four states: Texas (TX), New Mexico (NM), Arizona (AZ) and California (CA) with diverse ecosystems and several triatomine (a.k.a., kissing bug) species, primary vectors of T. cruzi in this region. The kissing bug (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) community ranging from CA to TX includes Triatoma protracta (Uhler), Triatoma recurva (Stål) and Triatoma rubida (Uhler) and becomes dominated by Triatoma gerstaeckeri Stål in TX. Here, we ask if T. cruzi infection dynamics in dogs varies along this border region, potentially reflecting changes in vector species and their vectorial capacity. Using reversible catalytic models of infection, where seropositivity can be lost, we estimated an R0 (Estimate ± S.E.) of 1.192 ± 0.084 for TX and NM. In contrast, seropositivity decayed to zero as dogs aged in AZ and CA. These results suggest that dogs are likely infected by T. cruzi during their training in western TX, with a force of infection large enough for keeping R0 above 1, i.e., the disease endemically established, in TX and NM. In AZ and CA, a lower force of infection, probably associated with different vector species communities and associated vectorial capacity and/or different lineages of T. cruzi, results in dogs decreasing their seropositivity with age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Fernando Chaves
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington IN 47405, USA.
| | - Alyssa C Meyers
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Bioscienes, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Carolyn L Hodo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Bioscienes, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Department of Comparative Medicine, Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
| | - John P Sanders
- Office of Health Security, US Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528, USA
| | - Rachel Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Bioscienes, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Gabriel L Hamer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Bioscienes, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bernasconi DA, Miller ML, Hill JE, Gupta P, Chipman R, Gilbert AT, Rhodes OE, Dharmarajan G. RACCOONS (PROCYON LOTOR) SHOW HIGHER TRYPANOSOMA CRUZI DETECTION RATES THAN VIRGINIA OPOSSUMS (DIDELPHIS VIRGINIANA) IN SOUTH CAROLINA, USA. J Wildl Dis 2023; 59:673-683. [PMID: 37846907 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-22-00174] [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: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease, a significant public health concern in the Americas, is caused by a protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi. The life cycle of T. cruzi involves kissing bugs (Triatoma spp.) functioning as vectors and mammalian species serving as hosts. Raccoons (Procyon lotor) and opossums (Didelphis virginiana) have been identified as important reservoir species in the life cycle of T. cruzi, but prevalence in both species in the southeastern US is currently understudied. We quantified T. cruzi prevalence in these two key reservoir species across our study area in South Carolina, US, and identified factors that may influence parasite detection. We collected whole blood from 183 raccoons and 126 opossums and used PCR to detect the presence of T. cruzi. We then used generalized linear models with parasite detection status as a binary response variable and predictor variables of land cover, distance to water, sex, season, and species. Our analysis indicated that raccoons experienced significantly higher parasite detection rates than Virginia opossums, with T. cruzi prevalence found to be 26.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 20.0-33.8) in raccoons and 10.5% (95% CI, 5.51-17.5) in opossums. Overall, our results concur with previous studies, in that T. cruzi is established in reservoir host populations in natural areas of the southeastern US.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David A Bernasconi
- Idaho Department of Fish and Game, 15950 North Gate Boulevard, Nampa, Idaho 83687, USA
| | - Madison L Miller
- Division of Sciences, School of Interwoven Arts and Sciences, Krea University, 5655 Central Expressway, Sri City, Andhra Pradesh 517646, India
| | - Jacob E Hill
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Building 737-A Aiken, South Carolina 29802, USA
| | - Pooja Gupta
- Utah Public Health Laboratory, Utah Department of Health and Human Services, 4431 South 2700 West, Taylorsville, Salt Lake City, Utah 84129, USA
| | - Richard Chipman
- National Rabies Management Program, US Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, 59 Chenell Drive, Suite 2, Concord, New Hampshire 03301, USA
| | - Amy T Gilbert
- National Wildlife Research Center, US Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, 4101 LaPorte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521, USA
| | - Olin E Rhodes
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Building 737-A Aiken, South Carolina 29802, USA
| | - Guha Dharmarajan
- Division of Sciences, School of Interwoven Arts and Sciences, Krea University, 5655 Central Expressway, Sri City, Andhra Pradesh 517646, India
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Torhorst CW, Ledger KJ, White ZS, Milleson MP, Corral CC, Beatty NL, Wisely SM. Trypanosoma cruzi infection in mammals in Florida: New insight into the transmission of T. cruzi in the southeastern United States. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 21:237-245. [PMID: 37575667 PMCID: PMC10422094 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.06.009] [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: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
In Latin America, synanthropic mammalian reservoirs maintain Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasitic protozoan, where they facilitate the transmission of the parasite to humans and other reservoir hosts in peridomestic settings. In the United States, raccoons (Procyon lotor) and Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) are known synanthropic T. cruzi reservoir hosts; however, the role these species have in the peridomestic transmission cycle in the US is not well understood. This study aimed to identify the suite of mammalian reservoirs of T. cruzi in Florida. We also compared infection prevalence in raccoon populations sampled from within and outside of the estimated distribution of the common T. cruzi vector in Florida to gain insight into how the arthropod vector distribution impacts the distribution of infected reservoirs in the state. Finally, to investigate the impact of peridomestic landscapes on parasite prevalence, we compared the prevalence of T. cruzi-infected raccoons and opossums across five paired peridomestic and sylvatic sites. We live-trapped and collected peripheral blood samples from 135 raccoons, 112 opossums, 18 nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus), and nine species of rodents in north central Florida. Using quantitative PCR methods, we found that raccoons (42.2%, 95% CI [34.2-50.7%]) and opossums (50.9%, 95% CI [41.8-60.0%]) were infected with T. cruzi and the prevalence across habitats was similar for both raccoons (peridomestic: n = 77, 44.2%, 95% CI [33.6-55.3%], sylvatic: n = 58, 39.7%, 95% CI [28.1-52.5%]) and opossums (peridomestic: n = 66, 48.5%, 95% CI [36.8-60.3%], sylvatic: n = 46, 54.3%, 95% CI [40.2-67.8%]). Raccoons sampled outside the estimated distribution of Triatoma sanguisuga were not infected with T. cruzi (n = 73, 0.0%, 95% CI [0.0-5.0%]). Our study did not indicate that peridomestic habitats in Florida maintained a higher infection prevalence than their sylvatic counterparts; however, we did find a difference in prevalence within vs. outside the estimated vector distribution in Florida.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carson W. Torhorst
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kimberly J. Ledger
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Zoe S. White
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Michael P. Milleson
- United States Department of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, National Wildlife Disease Surveillance and Emergency Response Program, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Catalina C. Corral
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Norman L. Beatty
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine in the College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Samantha M. Wisely
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Durden C, Tian Y, Knape K, Klemashevich C, Norman KN, Carey JB, Hamer SA, Hamer GL. Fluralaner systemic treatment of chickens results in mortality in Triatoma gerstaeckeri, vector of the agent of Chagas disease. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:178. [PMID: 37268980 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05805-1] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas disease remains a persistent vector-borne neglected tropical disease throughout the Americas and threatens both human and animal health. Diverse control methods have been used to target triatomine vector populations, with household insecticides being the most common. As an alternative to environmental sprays, host-targeted systemic insecticides (or endectocides) allow for application of chemicals to vertebrate hosts, resulting in toxic blood meals for arthropods (xenointoxication). In this study, we evaluated three systemic insecticide products for their ability to kill triatomines. METHODS Chickens were fed the insecticides orally, following which triatomines were allowed to feed on the treated chickens. The insecticide products tested included: Safe-Guard® Aquasol (fenbendazole), Ivomec® Pour-On (ivermectin) and Bravecto® (fluralaner). Triatoma gerstaeckeri nymphs were allowed to feed on insecticide-live birds at 0, 3, 7, 14, 28 and 56 days post-treatment. The survival and feeding status of the T. gerstaeckeri insects were recorded and analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves and logistic regression. RESULTS Feeding on fluralaner-treated chickens resulted 50-100% mortality in T. gerstaeckeri over the first 14 days post-treatment but not later; in contrast, all insects that fed on fenbendazole- and ivermectin-treated chickens survived. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-QQQ) analysis, used to detect the concentration of fluralaner and fenbendazole in chicken plasma, revealed the presence of fluralaner in plasma at 3, 7, and 14 days post-treatment but not later, with the highest concentrations found at 3 and 7 days post-treatment. However, fenbendazole concentration was below the limit of detection at all time points. CONCLUSIONS Xenointoxication using fluralaner in poultry is a potential new tool for integrated vector control to reduce risk of Chagas disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra Durden
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
- Schubot Center for Avian Health, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
| | - Yuexun Tian
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
| | - Koyle Knape
- Department of Poultry Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
| | - Cory Klemashevich
- Integrated Metabolomics Analysis Core, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
| | - Keri N Norman
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
| | - John B Carey
- Department of Poultry Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
- Schubot Center for Avian Health, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
| | - Gabriel L Hamer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kiehl WM, Hodo CL, Hamer GL, Hamer SA, Wilkerson GK. Exclusion of Horizontal and Vertical Transmission as Major Sources of Trypanosoma Cruzi Infections in a Breeding Colony of Rhesus Macaques ( Macaca Mulatta). Comp Med 2023; 73:229-241. [PMID: 37268411 PMCID: PMC10290485 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-cm-23-000005] [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: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The vector-borne protozoal parasite Trypanosoma cruzi causes Chagas disease in humans and animals. This parasite is endemic to the southern United States where outdoor-housed NHP at biomedical facilities are at risk of infection. In addi- tion to the direct morbidity caused by T. cruzi, infected animals are of limited biomedical research use because infections can produce confounding pathophysiologic changes even in animals with no clinical disease. In part due to concerns for direct T. cruzi transmission between animals, infected NHP at some institutions have been culled, removed, or otherwise isolated from uninfected animal populations. However, data that document horizontal or vertical transmission in captive NHP in the United States are not available. To evaluate the potential for inter-animal transmission and to identify environmental factors that affect the distribution of new infections in NHPs, we conducted a retrospective epidemiologic study of a rhesus macaque ( Macaca mulatta ) breeding colony in south Texas. We used archived biologic samples and husbandry records to identify the time and location of macaque seroconversion. These data were used to perform a spatial analysis of how geographic location and animal associations affected the spread of disease and to infer the importance of horizontal or vertical routes of transmission. The majority of T. cruzi infections were spatially clustered, suggesting that environmental factors promoted vector exposure in various areas of the facility. Although we cannot not rule out horizontal transmission, our data suggest that horizontal transmission was not a critical route for spread for the disease. Vertical transmission was not a contributing factor in this colony. In conclusion, our findings suggest that local triatome vectors were the major source of T. cruzi infections in captive macaques in our colony. Therefore, limiting contact with vectors, rather than segregation of infected macaques, is a key strategy for disease prevention at institutions that house macaques outdoors in the southern United States.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Whitney M Kiehl
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Carolyn L Hodo
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, Bastrop, Texas; Departments of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences
| | | | | | - Gregory K Wilkerson
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, Bastrop, Texas; Department of Clinal Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina;,
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Landsgaard KA, Milliron SM, Faccin M, Broughton CA, Auckland LD, Edwards JF, Hamer SA, Hensel ME. Protozoal meningoencephalitis and myelitis in 4 dogs associated with Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Vet Pathol 2023; 60:199-202. [PMID: 36636956 DOI: 10.1177/03009858221148510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
American trypanosomiasis is caused by the zoonotic protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi and primarily results in heart disease. Organisms also infect the central nervous system (CNS). The Texas A&M University veterinary teaching hospital archive was searched for dogs with CNS disease with intralesional protozoal amastigotes. This study summarizes 4 cases of dogs with disseminated trypanosomiasis and CNS involvement confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) with T. cruzi primers. Clinical signs included lethargy, respiratory distress, tetraparesis, and seizures. Central nervous system lesions included meningeal congestion (1/4), necrosis with hemorrhage in the spinal cord gray and white matter (2/4), and histiocytic meningoencephalitis (4/4), and meningomyelitis (2/4) with intralesional and intracellular protozoal. Genotyping identified 1 case of T. cruzi discrete typing unit (DTU) TcI and 2 cases as TcIV, both are common variants in the United States. Trypanosomiasis should be considered a differential diagnosis for dogs with CNS signs in T. cruzi-endemic areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Martha E Hensel
- Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.,The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Christopher DM, Curtis-Robles R, Hamer GL, Bejcek J, Saunders AB, Roachell WD, Cropper TL, Hamer SA. Collection of triatomines from sylvatic habitats by a Trypanosoma cruzi-infected scent detection dog in Texas, USA. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0010813. [PMID: 36940217 PMCID: PMC10063167 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triatomine insects, vectors of the etiologic agent of Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi), are challenging to locate in sylvatic habitats. Collection techniques used in the United States often rely on methods to intercept seasonally dispersing adults or on community scientists' encounters. Neither method is suited for detecting nest habitats likely to harbor triatomines, which is important for vector surveillance and control. Furthermore, manual inspection of suspected harborages is difficult and unlikely to reveal novel locations and host associations. Similar to a team that used a trained dog to detect sylvatic triatomines in Paraguay, we worked with a trained scent detection dog to detect triatomines in sylvatic locations across Texas. PRINCIPLE METHODOLOGY/FINDINGS Ziza, a 3-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer previously naturally infected with T. cruzi, was trained to detect triatomines. Over the course of 6 weeks in the fall of 2017, the dog and her handler searched at 17 sites across Texas. The dog detected 60 triatomines at 6 sites; an additional 50 triatomines were contemporaneously collected at 1 of these sites and 2 additional sites without the assistance of the dog. Approximately 0.98 triatomines per hour were found when only humans were conducting searches; when working with the dog, approximately 1.71 triatomines per hour were found. In total, 3 adults and 107 nymphs of four species (Triatoma gerstaeckeri, Triatoma protracta, Triatoma sanguisuga, and Triatoma indictiva) were collected. PCR testing of a subset revealed T. cruzi infection, including DTUs TcI and TcIV, in 27% of nymphs (n = 103) and 66% of adults (n = 3). Bloodmeal analysis of a subset of triatomines (n = 5) revealed feeding on Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), Southern plains woodrat (Neotoma micropus), and eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus). CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE A trained scent detection dog enhanced triatomine detections in sylvatic habitats. This approach is effective at detecting nidicolous triatomines. Control of sylvatic sources of triatomines is challenging, but this new knowledge of specific sylvatic habitats and key hosts may reveal opportunities for novel vector control methods to block the transmission of T. cruzi to humans and domestic animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Gabriel L. Hamer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Justin Bejcek
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ashley B. Saunders
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Walter D. Roachell
- Public Health Command Central, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Thomas Leo Cropper
- Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, Joint Base San Antonio, San Antonio Texas
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Fiatsonu E, Busselman RE, Hamer GL, Hamer SA, Ndeffo-Mbah ML. Effectiveness of fluralaner treatment regimens for the control of canine Chagas disease: A mathematical modeling study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011084. [PMID: 36693084 PMCID: PMC9897538 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canine Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted by insect triatomine vectors known as kissing bugs. The agent can cause cardiac damage and long-term heart disease and death in humans, dogs, and other mammals. In laboratory settings, treatment of dogs with systemic insecticides has been shown to be highly efficacious at killing triatomines that feed on treated dogs. METHOD We developed compartmental vector-host models of T. cruzi transmission between the triatomine and dog population accounting for the impact of seasonality and triatomine migration on disease transmission dynamics. We considered a single vector-host model without seasonality, and model with seasonality, and a spatially coupled model. We used the models to evaluate the effectiveness of the insecticide fluralaner with different durations of treatment regimens for reducing T. cruzi infection in different transmission settings. RESULTS In low and medium transmission settings, our model showed a marginal difference between the 3-month and 6-month regimens for reducing T. cruzi infection among dogs. The difference increases in the presence of seasonality and triatomine migration from a sylvatic transmission setting. In high transmission settings, the 3-month regimen was substantially more effective in reducing T. cruzi infections in dogs than the other regimens. Our model showed that increased migration rate reduces fluralaner effectiveness in all treatment regimens, but the relative reduction in effectiveness is minimal during the first years of treatment. However, if an additional 10% or more of triatomines killed by dog treatment were eaten by dogs, treatment could increase T. cruzi infections in the dog population at least during the first year of treatment. CONCLUSION Our analysis shows that treating all peridomestic dogs every three to six months for at least five years could be an effective measure to reduce T. cruzi infections in dogs and triatomines in peridomestic transmission settings. However, further studies at the local scale are needed to better understand the potential impact of routine use of fluralaner treatment on increasing dogs' consumption of dead triatomines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edem Fiatsonu
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rachel E. Busselman
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Gabriel L. Hamer
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Martial L. Ndeffo-Mbah
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Majeau A, Cloherty E, Anderson AN, Straif-Bourgeois SC, Dumonteil E, Herrera C. Genetic diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi infecting raccoons ( Procyon lotor) in 2 metropolitan areas of southern Louisiana: implications for parasite transmission networks. Parasitology 2023; 150:1-8. [PMID: 36788672 PMCID: PMC10090583 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023000070] [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: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the aetiological agent of Chagas disease, exists as an anthropozoonosis in Louisiana. Raccoons are an important reservoir, as they demonstrate high prevalence and maintain high parasitaemia longer than other mammals. Given the complex nature of parasite transmission networks and importance of raccoons as reservoirs that move between sylvatic and domestic environments, detailing the genetic diversity of T. cruzi in raccoons is crucial to assess risk to human health. Using a next-generation sequencing approach targeting the mini-exon, parasite diversity was assessed in 2 metropolitan areas of Louisiana. Sequences were analysed along with those previously identified in other mammals and vectors to determine if any association exists between ecoregion and parasite diversity. Parasites were identified from discrete typing units (DTUs) TcI, TcII, TcIV, TcV and TcVI. DTUs TcII, TcV and TcVI are previously unreported in raccoons in the United States (US). TcI was the most abundant DTU, comprising nearly 80% of all sequences. All but 1 raccoon harboured multiple haplotypes, some demonstrating mixed infections of different DTUs. Furthermore, there is significant association between DTU distribution and level III ecoregion in Louisiana. Finally, while certain sequences were distributed across multiple tissues, others appeared to have tissue-specific tropism. Taken together, these findings indicate that ongoing surveillance of T. cruzi in the US should be undertaken across ecoregions to fully assess risk to human health. Given potential connections between parasite diversity and clinical outcomes, deep sequencing technologies are crucial and interventions targeting raccoons may prove useful in mitigating human health risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Majeau
- Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Erin Cloherty
- New Orleans Mosquito, Rodent, and Termite Control, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - A. Nikki Anderson
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | | | - Eric Dumonteil
- Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Claudia Herrera
- Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Torhorst CW, White ZS, Bhosale CR, Beatty NL, Wisely SM. Identification of the parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, in multiple tissues of epidemiological significance in the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana): Implications for environmental and vertical transmission routes. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010974. [PMID: 36534706 PMCID: PMC9810149 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasitic protozoan, is endemic to the Americas and the causative agent of Chagas disease in humans. In South America, opossums facilitate transmission via infected anal gland secretions in addition to transmission via triatomine vectors. In North America, the Virginia opossum is a reservoir host for the parasite with transmission routes that are not clearly defined. The unique biology of this marsupial provides the opportunity to investigate vertical transmission in this wildlife species in situ. Our objectives were to investigate alternative routes of transmission that may facilitate spillover into other species and to determine if vertical transmission was evident. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Virginia opossums were sampled at 10 trapping locations over a 10-month period in a 5-county region of north central Florida. Peripheral blood, fecal swabs, and anal gland secretions were collected from each adult individual, and peripheral blood was collected from joey opossums. Total DNA was extracted from each collected sample type, and T. cruzi infected individuals and the infecting Discrete Typing Unit (DTU) were identified using real time PCR methods. Adult Virginia opossums (n = 112) were infected with T. cruzi (51.8%, 95% CI [42.6-60.8%]) throughout the sampled period and at each location. T. cruzi DNA was found in each of the three biological sample types. Vertical transmission of T. cruzi was inferred in one litter of mother-dependent (n = 20, 5.0%, 95% CI [0.9-23.6%]) joey opossums where 2 joeys from this same litter were rtPCR positive for T. cruzi. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE We inferred vertical transmission from mother to neonate which may serve to amplify the prevalence of T. cruzi in adult Virginia opossums. T. cruzi DNA was detected in the anal gland secretions of Virginia opossums. Infected anal gland secretions suggest a possible environmental route of transmission for T. cruzi via the deposition of contaminated feces and spraint at wildlife latrines. Only DTU1 was identified in the sampled population which is consistent with human autochthonous cases in the United States.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carson W. Torhorst
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Zoe S. White
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Chanakya R. Bhosale
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Norman L. Beatty
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine in the College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Samantha M. Wisely
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hamer SA, Saunders AB. Veterinary Chagas Disease (American Trypanosomiasis) in the United States. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2022; 52:1267-1281. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
15
|
Jameson SB, Cloherty E, Londono-Renteria B, Wesson DM. Chagas Disease in the Southeastern USA. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40475-022-00260-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
16
|
Characterization of triatomine bloodmeal sources using direct Sanger sequencing and amplicon deep sequencing methods. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10234. [PMID: 35715521 PMCID: PMC9205944 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14208-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of host associations of blood-feeding vectors may afford insights into managing disease systems and protecting public health. However, the ability of methods to distinguish bloodmeal sources varies widely. We used two methods—Sanger sequencing and amplicon deep sequencing—to target a 228 bp region of the vertebrate Cytochrome b gene and determine hosts fed upon by triatomines (n = 115) collected primarily in Texas, USA. Direct Sanger sequencing of PCR amplicons was successful for 36 samples (31%). Sanger sequencing revealed 15 distinct host species, which included humans, domestic animals (Canis lupus familiaris, Ovis aries, Gallus gallus, Bos taurus, Felis catus, and Capra hircus), wildlife (Rattus rattus, Incilius nebulifer, Sciurus carolinensis, Sciurus niger, and Odocoileus virginianus), and captive animals (Panthera tigris, Colobus spp., and Chelonoidis carbonaria). Samples sequenced by the Sanger method were also subjected to Illumina MiSeq amplicon deep sequencing. The amplicon deep sequencing results (average of 302,080 usable reads per sample) replicated the host community revealed using Sanger sequencing, and detected additional hosts in five triatomines (13.9%), including two additional blood sources (Procyon lotor and Bassariscus astutus). Up to four bloodmeal sources were detected in a single triatomine (I. nebulifer, Homo sapiens, C. lupus familiaris, and S. carolinensis). Enhanced understanding of vector-host-parasite networks may allow for integrated vector management programs focusing on highly-utilized and highly-infected host species.
Collapse
|
17
|
Haywood CJ, Jordon AM, Pena M, Nielsen CK, Jiménez FA. Tissue and Gastrointestinal Parasites of Colonizing Nine-Banded Armadillos at the Edge of Their Northern Range. J Parasitol 2022; 108:57-63. [DOI: 10.1645/21-76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Carly J. Haywood
- School of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University, 1125 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, Illinois 62901-6501
| | - Abigail M. Jordon
- School of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University, 1125 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, Illinois 62901-6501
| | - Maria Pena
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Health Systems Bureau, National Hansen's Disease Program, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70809
| | - Clayton K. Nielsen
- School of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University, 1125 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, Illinois 62901-6501
| | - F. Agustín Jiménez
- School of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University, 1125 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, Illinois 62901-6501
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Busselman RE, Meyers AC, Zecca IB, Auckland LD, Castro AH, Dowd RE, Curtis-Robles R, Hodo CL, Saunders AB, Hamer SA. High incidence of Trypanosoma cruzi infections in dogs directly detected through longitudinal tracking at 10 multi-dog kennels, Texas, USA. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009935. [PMID: 34758049 PMCID: PMC8631682 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is increasingly recognized as a health concern for dogs in the USA, and infected dogs may signal geographic regions of risk for human disease. Dogs living in multi-dog kennel environments (kennels with more than one dog) where triatomine vectors are endemic may be at high risk for infection. We monitored a cohort of 64 T. cruzi-infected and uninfected dogs across 10 kennels in Texas, USA, to characterize changes in infection status over one year. We used robust diagnostic criteria in which reactivity on multiple independent platforms was required to be considered positive. Among the 30 dogs enrolled as serologically- and/or PCR-positive, all but one dog showed sustained positive T. cruzi diagnostic results over time. Among the 34 dogs enrolled as serologically- and PCR-negative, 10 new T. cruzi infections were recorded over a 12-month period. The resulting incidence rate for dogs initially enrolled as T. cruzi-negative was 30.7 T. cruzi infections per 100 dogs per year. This study highlights the risk of T. cruzi infection to dogs in kennel environments. To protect both dog and human health, there is an urgent need to develop more integrated vector control methods as well as prophylactic and curative antiparasitic treatment options for T. cruzi infection in dogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E. Busselman
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Alyssa C. Meyers
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Italo B. Zecca
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Lisa D. Auckland
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Andres H. Castro
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rebecca E. Dowd
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rachel Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Carolyn L. Hodo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, Bastrop, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ashley B. Saunders
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Busselman RE, Hamer SA. Chagas Disease Ecology in the United States: Recent Advances in Understanding Trypanosoma cruzi Transmission Among Triatomines, Wildlife, and Domestic Animals and a Quantitative Synthesis of Vector-Host Interactions. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2021; 10:325-348. [PMID: 34758274 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-013120-043949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease present in the Americas, is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and is transmitted by triatomine kissing bug vectors. Hundreds of vertebrate host species are involved in the ecology of Chagas disease. The sylvatic nature of most triatomines found in the United States accounts for high levels of animal infections but few reports of human infections. This review focuses on triatomine distributions and animal infections in the southern United States. A quantitative synthesis of available US data from triatomine bloodmeal analysis studies shows that dogs, humans, and rodents are key taxa for feeding triatomines. Imperfect and unvalidated diagnostic tools in wildlife complicate the study of animal T. cruzi infections, and integrated vector management approaches are needed to reduce parasite transmission in nature. The diversity of animal species involved in Chagas disease ecology underscores the importance of a One Health approach for disease research and management. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, Volume 10 is February 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E Busselman
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA;
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Austen JM, Barbosa AD. Diversity and Epidemiology of Bat Trypanosomes: A One Health Perspective. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091148. [PMID: 34578180 PMCID: PMC8465530 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bats (order Chiroptera) have been increasingly recognised as important reservoir hosts for human and animal pathogens worldwide. In this context, molecular and microscopy-based investigations to date have revealed remarkably high diversity of Trypanosoma spp. harboured by bats, including species of recognised medical and veterinary importance such as Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma evansi (aetiological agents of Chagas disease and Surra, respectively). This review synthesises current knowledge on the diversity, taxonomy, evolution and epidemiology of bat trypanosomes based on both molecular studies and morphological records. In addition, we use a One Health approach to discuss the significance of bats as reservoirs (and putative vectors) of T. cruzi, with a focus on the complex associations between intra-specific genetic diversity and eco-epidemiology of T. cruzi in sylvatic and domestic ecosystems. This article also highlights current knowledge gaps on the biological implications of trypanosome co-infections in a single host, as well as the prevalence, vectors, life-cycle, host-range and clinical impact of most bat trypanosomes recorded to date. Continuous research efforts involving molecular surveillance of bat trypanosomes are required for improved disease prevention and control, mitigation of biosecurity risks and potential spill-over events, ultimately ensuring the health of humans, domestic animals and wildlife globally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jill M. Austen
- Centre for Biosecurity and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
- Correspondence: (J.M.A.); (A.D.B.)
| | - Amanda D. Barbosa
- Centre for Biosecurity and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
- CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasilia 70040-020, DF, Brazil
- Correspondence: (J.M.A.); (A.D.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Trypanosoma cruzi and Incidental Sarcocystis spp. in Endangered Ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) of South Texas, USA. J Wildl Dis 2021; 57:667-671. [PMID: 34015810 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-20-00169] [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: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The federally endangered ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) population of south Texas, USA is declining; fewer than an estimated 80 ocelots remain. South Texas has robust transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan parasite causing Chagas disease in humans and various mammals. This parasite's impact in ocelots is unknown. Blood from live-trapped ocelots was collected by US Fish and Wildlife Service personnel in an annual monitoring program; additionally, tissues were obtained from carcasses collected from 2010 to 2017 around Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge in south Texas and placed in scientific collections. Variable samples were available from 21 ocelots: skeletal muscle (n=15), heart tissue (n=5), lung (n=1), kidney (n=1), spleen (n=1), liver (n=1), blood clot (n=9), and serum (n=3). Overall, 3/21 (14.3%) ocelots showed evidence of T. cruzi infection or exposure, with T. cruzi PCR-positive samples of skeletal muscle, heart, and blood clot, respectively. All three were infected with the T. cruzi discrete taxonomic unit "TcI"; one of these ocelots also had anti-T. cruzi antibodies. Lymphoplasmacytic inflammation was noted in the PCR-positive heart tissue and in some PCR-negative tissues from this and other individuals. Incidentally, Sarcocystis spp. were noted histologically in five ocelots. Trypanosoma cruzi infection and associated cardiac lesions suggest that this parasite should be further investigated in vulnerable populations.
Collapse
|
22
|
Ghersi BM, Peterson AC, Gibson NL, Dash A, Elmayan A, Schwartzenburg H, Tu W, Riegel C, Herrera C, Blum MJ. In the heart of the city: Trypanosoma cruzi infection prevalence in rodents across New Orleans. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:577. [PMID: 33189151 PMCID: PMC7666460 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04446-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trypanosoma cruzi - the causative agent of Chagas disease - is known to circulate in commensal pests, but its occurrence in urban environments is not well understood. We addressed this deficit by determining the distribution and prevalence of T. cruzi infection in urban populations of commensal and wild rodents across New Orleans (Louisiana, USA). We assessed whether T. cruzi prevalence varies according to host species identity and species co-occurrences, and whether T. cruzi prevalence varies across mosaics of abandonment that shape urban rodent demography and assemblage structure in the city. METHODS Leveraging city-wide population and assemblage surveys, we tested 1428 rodents comprising 5 species (cotton rats, house mice, Norway rats, rice rats and roof rats) captured at 98 trapping sites in 11 study areas across New Orleans including nine residential neighborhoods and a natural area in Orleans Parish and a neighborhood in St. Bernard Parish. We also assayed Norway rats at one site in Baton Rouge (Louisiana, USA). We used chi-square tests to determine whether infection prevalence differed among host species, among study areas, and among trapping sites according to the number of host species present. We used generalized linear mixed models to identify predictors of T. cruzi infection for all rodents and each host species, respectively. RESULTS We detected T. cruzi in all host species in all study areas in New Orleans, but not in Baton Rouge. Though overall infection prevalence was 11%, it varied by study area and trapping site. There was no difference in prevalence by species, but roof rats exhibited the broadest geographical distribution of infection across the city. Infected rodents were trapped in densely populated neighborhoods like the French Quarter. Infection prevalence seasonally varied with abandonment, increasing with greater abandonment during the summer and declining with greater abandonment during the winter. CONCLUSIONS Our findings illustrate that T. cruzi can be widespread in urban landscapes, suggesting that transmission and disease risk is greater than is currently recognized. Our findings also suggest that there is disproportionate risk of transmission in historically underserved communities, which could reinforce long-standing socioecological disparities in New Orleans and elsewhere.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno M. Ghersi
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN USA
| | - Anna C. Peterson
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN USA
| | - Nathaniel L. Gibson
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN USA
| | - Asha Dash
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Ardem Elmayan
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Hannah Schwartzenburg
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Weihong Tu
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Claudia Riegel
- City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite, Rodent Control Board, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Claudia Herrera
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne Infectious Disease Research Center, Tulane University, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Michael J. Blum
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Díaz-Delgado J, Kellerman TE, Auckland L, Ferro PJ, Groch KR, Gomez G, Hamer SA. Trypanosoma cruzi Genotype I and Toxoplasma gondii Co-infection in a Red-Necked Wallaby. J Comp Pathol 2020; 179:52-58. [PMID: 32958148 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2020.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
While the health effects of trypanosomes in Australian mammals in their native range are not fully understood, there is evidence of an impact in those species introduced to other geographical regions. Here we report the pathological and molecular features of concurrent fatal trypanosomiasis and toxoplasmosis in an adult female captive red-necked wallaby (syn. Bennett's wallaby; Macropus rufogriseus) from Bee County, Texas, USA. The animal exhibited no clinical signs prior to sudden death. On necropsy, the main findings were generalized organ congestion and bilateral renal petechiation. Microscopically, the main finding was lymphohistiocytic and necrotizing pancarditis with intrasarcoplasmic protozoal pseudocysts containing amastigotes and occasional intrahistiocytic amastigotes, morphologically compatible with Trypanosoma cruzi, as well as rare intrasarcoplasmic protozoal tissue cysts with zoites morphologically compatible with Toxoplasma gondii. Other lesions included acute centrilobular to panlobular necrotizing hepatitis with intrahepatocellular T. gondii cysts, necrotizing splenitis, pulmonary oedema with fibrin, histiocytosis and rare fibrin microthrombi, and acute renal tubular degeneration with proteinosis and pigmented casts suggestive of haemoglobinuria or myoglobinuria. Immunohistochemical labelling confirmed intralesional T. gondii cysts and molecular analyses identified T. cruzi genotype I and T. gondii. This is a unique case that, to the best of our knowledge, represents the first description of T. cruzi and T. gondii co-infection, as well as the first record of naturally occurring infection T. cruzi genotype I infection in macropodids. This case adds to the epidemiological knowledge on Chagas disease in the USA, particularly in Texas where there is a high prevalence of human and canine trypanosomiasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Díaz-Delgado
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College Station, USA.
| | | | - L Auckland
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - P J Ferro
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College Station, USA
| | - K R Groch
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - G Gomez
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College Station, USA
| | - S A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Meyers AC, Purnell JC, Ellis MM, Auckland LD, Meinders M, Hamer SA. Nationwide Exposure of U.S. Working Dogs to the Chagas Disease Parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 102:1078-1085. [PMID: 32189615 PMCID: PMC7204581 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is a zoonotic protozoan parasite vectored by triatomine insects that are endemic to the Americas, including the southern United States. Surveillance of domestic dogs for T. cruzi exposure allows for the determination of geographic regions of transmission that are relevant for human and animal health. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) working dogs provide critical security and detection services across the country, and many train or work in the southern United States, where they are at risk for T. cruzi exposure. We sampled blood from 1,610 working dogs (predominantly Belgian Malinois, German shepherds, and Labrador retrievers) from six task forces (including the Transportation Security Administration, Customs and Border Protection, Secret Service, and more) and two canine training centers across 41 states from 2015 to 2018. Canine sera that were reactive on at least two independent serological assays were considered positive for anti-T.-cruzi antibodies. In addition, up to three independent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were used to detect and type T. cruzi DNA. Overall seroprevalence was 7.5%, and four dogs (0.25%, n = 1,610) had detectable parasite DNA in the blood, comprising parasite discrete taxonomic units (DTUs) TcIV and a coinfection of TcI/TcIV. Dogs that worked within versus outside of the geographic range of established triatomines showed comparable seroprevalence (7.3% and 9.2%, respectively; P = 0.61). Determining the prevalence of T. cruzi in these working dogs and looking at spatially associated risk factors have practical implications for disease risk management and could assist with improved control measures to protect both animal and human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa C Meyers
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Julia C Purnell
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Megan M Ellis
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Lisa D Auckland
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Marvin Meinders
- Department of Homeland Security, Office of Health Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Majeau A, Pronovost H, Sanford A, Cloherty E, Anderson AN, Balsamo G, Gee L, Straif-Bourgeois SC, Herrera C. Raccoons As an Important Reservoir for Trypanosoma cruzi: A Prevalence Study from Two Metropolitan Areas in Louisiana. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 20:535-540. [PMID: 32286921 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Raccoons are an important reservoir for Trypanosoma cruzi infection, having been reported to maintain a high and lengthy parasitemia. Although raccoon populations have historically been abundant in Louisiana, the prevalence rate of T. cruzi infection in raccoons in this state is unknown. Here, we tested raccoon tissues from two urban areas in Louisiana, namely Orleans Parish (OP) and East Baton Rouge Parish (EBRP), to investigate prevalence in these areas using direct detection through polymerase chain reaction. Overall, 33.6% of raccoons tested were positive. The prevalence in OP (42.9%) was significantly higher than the prevalence in EBRP (23.2%). There was no significant difference in prevalence between sexes or based on age, but there was a significant difference in infection prevalence based on season of trapping. These results suggest the importance of raccoons as a reservoir host, maintaining T. cruzi infection and potentially posing a risk to human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Majeau
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Henry Pronovost
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Anna Sanford
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Erin Cloherty
- New Orleans Mosquito, Rodent, and Termite Control, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - A Nikki Anderson
- Louisiana Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Gary Balsamo
- Department of Health, Office of Public Health, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Laura Gee
- Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Susanne C Straif-Bourgeois
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Claudia Herrera
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zecca IB, Hodo CL, Slack S, Auckland L, Hamer SA. Trypanosoma cruzi infections and associated pathology in urban-dwelling Virginia opossums ( Didelphis virginiana). Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2020; 11:287-293. [PMID: 32215248 PMCID: PMC7090276 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, a zoonotic protozoan parasite, infects a wide range of mammals. The southern United States has endemic sylvatic transmission cycles maintained by several species of wildlife and domestic dogs. We hypothesized that urban-dwelling opossums (Didelphis virginiana) in South Texas are infected with T. cruzi, and that tissue pathology would be associated with infection. In 2017, we collected blood, heart tissue and anal gland secretions from 100 wild opossums across three seasons that were trapped by animal control in South Texas. In addition, anal gland tissue and intercostal muscle were collected from 43 of the 100 opossums for which time allowed the extra tissue collection. All blood, tissue, and secretion samples were screened for T. cruzi DNA using qPCR with confirmation of positive status achieved through one or more additional PCR assays, including a qPCR to determine the parasite discrete typing unit (DTU). T. cruzi DNA was detected in at least one tissue of 15% of the opossums sampled: blood clot (9%), heart tissue (10%), anal gland secretions (12%), intercostal muscle (16.3%), and anal gland tissue (11.6%). Infection was detected in two or more different tissue types in nine of the opossums. The 35 tissues for which parasite DTU was determined were exclusively 'Tcl'- a DTU previously associated with locally-acquired human disease in the United States. T. cruzi-positive opossums were nearly 14 times more likely to exhibit significant heart lesions on histopathology (lympoplasmacytic inflammation±fibrosis) when compared to negative opossums (OR = 13.56, CI = 1.23-751.28, p-value = 0.03). Three triatomines were opportunistically collected from the study site, of which two were infected (66.7%), and bloodmeal analysis revealed canine, opossum, and human bloodmeals. Given the presence of parasite in opossum blood, unique potential for shedding of parasite in anal glad secretions, and evidence of vectors feeding on opossums, it is likely that opossums serve as wild reservoirs around urban dwellings in South Texas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Italo B. Zecca
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Carolyn L. Hodo
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, 650 Cool Water Drive, Bastrop, TX, 78602, USA
| | - Sarah Slack
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Lisa Auckland
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Kendricks AL, Gray SB, Wilkerson GK, Sands CM, Abee CR, Bernacky BJ, Hotez PJ, Bottazzi ME, Craig SL, Jones KM. Reproductive Outcomes in Rhesus Macaques ( Macaca mulatta) with Naturally-acquired Trypanosoma cruzi Infection. Comp Med 2020; 70:152-159. [PMID: 32183928 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-cm-19-000077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a zoonotic vector-borne disease caused by infection with the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. T. cruzi is found in Latin America and the Southern United States, where it infects many species, including humans and nonhuman primates (NHPs). NHPs are susceptible to natural infection and can develop clinical symptoms consistent with human disease, including Chagasic cardiomyopathy, gastrointestinal disease and transplacental transmission, leading to congenital infection. Due to evidence of Chagas transmission in Texas, this study hypothesized T. cruzi infection was present in a closed, outdoor-housed breeding colony of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) located at a biomedical research facility in Central Texas. In addition, we questioned whether seropositive female rhesus macaques might experience reproductive complications consistent with maternal-fetal Chagas disease. The seroprevalence of T. cruzi infection in the colony was assessed using an Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA) to detect antibodies against Tc24 antigen as a screening assay, and a commercially available immunochromatographic test (Chagas Stat Pak) as a confirmatory assay. Retrospective serologic analysis was performed to confirm the status of all T. cruzi-infected animals between the years 2012 to 2016. The medical history of all seropositive and seronegative breeding females within the colony from 2012 to 2016 was reviewed to determine each animals' level of reproductive fitness. The percentage of T. cruzi-seropositive animals ranged from 6.7% to 9.7% in adult animals and 0% to 0.44% in juveniles or weanling animals, depending on the year. An overall 3.9% seroprevalence of T. cruzi infection was found in the total population. No significant differences in any measure of reproductive outcomes were identified between seropositive and seronegative females from 2012 to 2016. The lack of significant adverse reproductive outcomes reported here may help inform future management decisions regarding seropositive female rhesus macaques within breeding colonies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- April L Kendricks
- Southwest Electronic Energy Medical Research Institute, Houston, Texas; Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas;,
| | - Stanton B Gray
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine, Bastrop, Texas
| | - Gregory K Wilkerson
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine, Bastrop, Texas
| | | | - Christian R Abee
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine, Bastrop, Texas
| | | | - Peter J Hotez
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, Texas; Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, Texas
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, Texas; Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, Texas
| | - Suzanne L Craig
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Kathryn M Jones
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Mann AE, Mitchell EA, Zhang Y, Curtis-Robles R, Thapa S, Hamer SA, Allen MS. Comparison of the Bacterial Gut Microbiome of North American Triatoma spp. With and Without Trypanosoma cruzi. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:364. [PMID: 32231645 PMCID: PMC7082358 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by the hemoflagellate protist Trypanosoma cruzi, affects nearly 6 million people worldwide, mainly in Latin America. Hematophagous triatomine insects (“kissing bugs”) are the primary vectors of T. cruzi throughout the Americas and feed on a variety of animals, including humans. Control of triatomines is central to the control of T. cruzi infection. Recent advances in mitigation of other insect-borne diseases via the manipulation of insect-associated bacteria as a way to halt or slow disease transmission has opened questions to the applicability of these methods to Chagas disease vectors. Few studies have examined the hindgut microbiome of triatomines found in North America. In the current study, two species of triatomines were collected across Texas, United States, screened for the presence of T. cruzi, and analyzed for the bacterial composition of their hindguts using a 16S rRNA gene-fragment metabarcoding approach. We compared diversity of microbial community profiles across 74 triatomine insects to address the hypothesis that the richness and abundance of bacterial groups differ by T. cruzi infection and strain type, blood meal engorgement status, insect species, sex, and collection location. The gut microbial community of individual triatomines was characterized by low intraindividual taxonomic diversity and high interindividual variation that was weakly predicted by triatomine species, and was not predicted by triatomine sex, collection location, T. cruzi infection status, or blood meal score. However, we did find bacterial groups enriched in T. cruzi-positive individuals, including Enterobacterales, and Petrimonas. Additionally, we detected Salmonella enterica subspecies diarizonae in three triatomine individuals; this species is commonly associated with reptiles and domesticated animals and is a pathogen of humans. These data suggest that Triatoma spp. in Texas have variable patterns of colonized and transient bacteria, and may aid in development of novel means to interfere with transmission of the Chagas disease parasite T. cruzi. Deeper understanding of the effects of parasite infection on diverse insect vector microbiomes may highlight disease transmission risk and facilitate discovery of possible intervention strategies for biological control of this emerging vector-borne disease of global health significance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allison E Mann
- Tick-Borne Disease Research Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Elizabeth A Mitchell
- Tick-Borne Disease Research Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Yan Zhang
- Tick-Borne Disease Research Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Rachel Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Santosh Thapa
- Tick-Borne Disease Research Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States.,Texas Children's Microbiome Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Michael S Allen
- Tick-Borne Disease Research Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
PATHOLOGY AND DISCRETE TYPING UNIT ASSOCIATIONS OF TRYPANOSOMA CRUZI INFECTION IN COYOTES (CANIS LATRANS) AND RACCOONS (PROCYON LOTOR) OF TEXAS, USA. J Wildl Dis 2020; 56:134-144. [DOI: 10.7589/2019-03-071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
30
|
Zecca IB, Hodo CL, Slack S, Auckland L, Rodgers S, Killets KC, Saunders AB, Hamer SA. Prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection and associated histologic findings in domestic cats (Felis catus). Vet Parasitol 2019; 278:109014. [PMID: 31972512 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.109014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is a zoonotic protozoan parasite transmitted by triatomines that infects a wide range of mammals. South Texas is a hotspot for triatomines, T. cruzi-infected dogs and wildlife, and local transmission to humans also occurs. However, little is known about the infection of domestic cats (Felis catus) in the United States. Given the role cats play in the ecology of T. cruzi in Mexico and South America, we hypothesized that T. cruzi infection occurs in cats from south Texas, sometimes associated with cardiac pathology. In 2017, 167 euthanized cats from a south Texas shelter were sampled across winter, spring, and summer. We collected whole blood and hearts from all cats, with additional tissues from a subset. Serum samples were screened for T. cruzi antibodies using two independent rapid immunochromatographic tests and an indirect fluorescent antibody test. Cats were considered seropositive if they were positive on at least two independent serological tests. Blood clot, heart tissue and other tissues were subjected to qPCR for parasite detection and discrete typing unit (DTU) determination. Tissues from selected seropositive or PCR-positive animals and a subset of negative animals were processed routinely for histopathology and examined by a board-certified pathologist. A total of 19 cats (11.4%) were seropositive and three cats (1.8%) - one of which was seropositive - had one or more PCR-positive tissues. Infected tissues included heart, bicep femoris muscle, sciatic nerve, esophagus, and mesentery. Genotyping of the parastite to the level of DTU showed that exclusively DTU TcI was present, despite past studies showing both TcI and TcIV in vectors of the region. Eight of 19 (42.1%) seropositive cats exhibited lymphoplasmacytic inflammation, sometimes with fibrosis, in cardiac tissue compared to 28.6% of 28 seronegative cats (P = 0.10). Domestic cats are affected hosts in the eco-epidemiology of Chagas disease. Future prospective studies are needed to understand disease progression. Veterinarians in the southern United States should consider T. cruzi in their index of suspicion in cats with exposure to vectors and undetermined cardiac abnormalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Italo B Zecca
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, 77843-4458, College Station, TX, 77840, USA
| | - Carolyn L Hodo
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, 77843-4458, College Station, TX, 77840, USA; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, 650 Cool Water Drive, Bastrop, TX, 78602, USA
| | - Sarah Slack
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, 77843-4458, College Station, TX, 77840, USA
| | - Lisa Auckland
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, 77843-4458, College Station, TX, 77840, USA
| | - Sandy Rodgers
- Texas A&M University Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, 483 Agronomy Rd, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Keswick C Killets
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, 77843-4458, College Station, TX, 77840, USA
| | - Ashley B Saunders
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, 77843-4458, College Station, TX, 77840, USA
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, 4458 TAMU, 77843-4458, College Station, TX, 77840, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Herrera C, Truyens C, Dumonteil E, Alger J, Sosa-Estani S, Cafferata ML, Gibbons L, Ciganda A, Matute ML, Zuniga C, Carlier Y, Buekens P. Phylogenetic Analysis of Trypanosoma cruzi from Pregnant Women and Newborns from Argentina, Honduras, and Mexico Suggests an Association of Parasite Haplotypes with Congenital Transmission of the Parasite. J Mol Diagn 2019; 21:1095-1105. [PMID: 31450011 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2019.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, exhibits a high genetic variability and has been classified into six discrete typing units (DTUs) named TcI through TcVI. This genetic diversity is believed to be associated with clinical characteristics and outcomes, but evidence supporting such associations has been limited. Herein, we performed a phylogenetic analysis of T. cruzi sequences of the mini-exon intergenic region obtained from a large cohort of pregnant women and newborns from Argentina, Honduras, and Mexico, to assess parasite genetic diversity and possible associations with congenital transmission. Analysis of 105 samples (including five paired samples) from maternal and umbilical cord blood indicated that T. cruzi DTU distribution was similar among pregnant women and newborns from these three countries, with a high frequency of TcII-TcV-TcVI DTUs, including mixed infections with TcI. However, phylogenetic analysis revealed that although the same parasite haplotypes circulated in these three countries, they were present at different frequencies, leading to significant geographic differences. Of importance, a strong association was observed between parasite haplotypes and congenital infection of newborns. Thus, the identification of parasite haplotypes in pregnant women, but not of parasite DTUs, may help predict congenital transmission of T. cruzi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Herrera
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana.
| | | | - Eric Dumonteil
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana; Centro de Investigaciones Regionales Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan, Merida, Mexico
| | - Jackeline Alger
- Instituto de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitologia Antonio Vidal, Tegucigalpa, Honduras; Hospital Escuela Universitario, Facultad de Ciencias Medicas, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - Sergio Sosa-Estani
- Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto Nacional de Parasitología "Dr. Mario Fatala Chaben,", Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Administracion Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud "Dr. Carlos G. Malbran" (ANLIS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria L Cafferata
- Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Unidad de Investigacion Clinica y Epidemiologica Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Luz Gibbons
- Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alvaro Ciganda
- Unidad de Investigacion Clinica y Epidemiologica Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Maria L Matute
- Laboratorio Nacional de Vigilancia de la Salud, Secretaria de Salud de Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - Concepcion Zuniga
- Instituto de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitologia Antonio Vidal, Tegucigalpa, Honduras; Hospital Escuela Universitario, Facultad de Ciencias Medicas, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - Yves Carlier
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana; Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Buekens
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
High prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in shelter dogs from southern Louisiana, USA. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:322. [PMID: 31238941 PMCID: PMC6593594 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3572-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chagas disease is a zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. The role of dogs as sentinels has been proposed in multiple regions, as they are a domestic reservoir for T. cruzi. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of T. cruzi infection in shelter dogs from southern Louisiana, and assess its magnitude and distribution. Results A total of 540 dogs were enrolled, from 20 animal shelters, and tested for T. cruzi infection by serological tests (rapid test, ELISA and western blot) and PCR. We documented a high prevalence of T. cruzi infection with at least 6.9% (95% CI: 5.0–9.3%) seropositive and 15.7% (95% CI: 12.9–19.1%) PCR-positive dogs. Serological tests showed limited agreement, and concordance between serology and PCR was higher when considering reactivity to single serological tests. Trypanosoma cruzi infection was distributed evenly among shelters. Infection was significantly correlated with age (R2 = 0.99), indicating an incidence of new cases of 2.27 ± 0.25% per year. Conclusion Trypanosoma cruzi infection is a significant and widespread veterinary problem in shelter dogs in the region, although it is mostly unnoticed by health professionals. This highlights the need for greater awareness of T. cruzi infection among the veterinary community and dog owners. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3572-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
33
|
Aguirre AA. Changing Patterns of Emerging Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife, Domestic Animals, and Humans Linked to Biodiversity Loss and Globalization. ILAR J 2018; 58:315-318. [PMID: 29253148 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilx035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The fundamental human threats to biodiversity including habitat destruction, globalization, and species loss have led to ecosystem disruptions altering infectious disease transmission patterns, the accumulation of toxic pollutants, and the invasion of alien species and pathogens. To top it all, the profound role of climate change on many ecological processes has affected the inability of many species to adapt to these relatively rapid changes. This special issue, "Zoonotic Disease Ecology: Effects on Humans, Domestic Animals and Wildlife," explores the complex interactions of emerging infectious diseases across taxa linked to many of these anthropogenic and environmental drivers. Selected emerging zoonoses including RNA viruses, Rift Valley fever, trypanosomiasis, Hanta virus infection, and other vector-borne diseases are discussed in detail. Also, coprophagous beetles are proposed as important vectors in the transmission and maintenance of infectious pathogens. An overview of the impacts of climate change in emerging disease ecology within the context of Brazil as a case study is provided. Animal Care and Use Committee requirements were investigated, concluding that ecology journals have low rates of explicit statements regarding the welfare and wellbing of wildlife during experimental studies. Most of the solutions to protect biodiversity and predicting and preventing the next epidemic in humans originating from wildlife are oriented towards the developed world and are less useful for biodiverse, low-income economies. We need the development of regional policies to address these issues at the local level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Alonso Aguirre
- A. Alonso Aguirre is Department Chair of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia 22030
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Curtis-Robles R, Meyers AC, Auckland LD, Zecca IB, Skiles R, Hamer SA. Parasitic interactions among Trypanosoma cruzi, triatomine vectors, domestic animals, and wildlife in Big Bend National Park along the Texas-Mexico border. Acta Trop 2018; 188:225-233. [PMID: 30205082 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
National parks attract millions of visitors each year. Park visitors, employees, and pets are at risk of infection with various zoonotic pathogens, including Trypanosoma cruzi, causative agent of Chagas disease. Big Bend National Park is located along the Texas-Mexico border in a region with endemic triatomine insects- vectors of T. cruzi- yet the degree to which the parasite is transmitted in this region is unknown. We collected triatomines for T. cruzi detection and discrete typing unit (DTU) determination, and conducted blood meal analyses to determine recent hosts. As an index of domestic/peridomestic transmission, we tested residential dogs in the Park for exposure to T. cruzi. From 2015 to 2017, 461 triatomines of three species-Triatoma rubida, Triatoma gerstaeckeri, and Triatoma protracta-were collected in and around the Park. Adult triatomine encounters peaked in June of each year (52.8% of collections). We detected an overall infection prevalence of 23.1% in adult triatomines (n = 320) and 4.2% in nymph triatomines (n = 24). DTU TcI was the only T. cruzi strain detected. Of 89 triatomines subjected to blood meal analyses, vertebrate host DNA was successfully amplified from 42 (47.2%); blood meal sources included humans, domestic animals, and avian and mammalian wildlife species. Tested dogs were considered positive if reactive on at least two independent serologic assays; we found 28.6% seroprevalence in 14 dogs. These findings reveal interactions between infected triatomines, humans, dogs, and wildlife in and around Big Bend National Park, with potential risk of human disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Curtis-Robles
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Alyssa C Meyers
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Lisa D Auckland
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Italo B Zecca
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Raymond Skiles
- Big Bend National Park, P.O. Box 129, Big Bend National Park, TX 79834, USA.
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Hernández-Cortazar I, Cecilia Amaya Guardia K, Torres-Castro M, Acosta-Viana K, Guzmán-Marín E, Israel Chan-Pérez J, Ortega-Pacheco A, Rodríguez-Vivas RI, Medina-Pinto R, Jiménez-Coello M. Frequency of Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in Synanthropic and Wild Rodents Captured in a Rural Community in Southeast of Mexico. Vet Med Int 2018; 2018:8059613. [PMID: 30410717 PMCID: PMC6206558 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8059613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is the causative agent of the Chagas disease, which is endemic in southeastern Mexico and is transmitted by the vector Triatoma dimidiata (triatomide). T. cruzi infect a great variety of domestic and wild mammals; rodents are considered one of the most important reservoirs of the parasite in the transmission cycles of T. cruzi. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of T. cruzi infection and to determine the parasitic load in synanthropic and wild rodents from the rural community of southern Mexico. A total of 41 blood samples and 68 heart tissue samples were collected from various species of synanthropic (n= 48 in 2 species) and wild rodents (n= 35 in 5 species). DNA was extracted from samples to detect the presence of T. cruzi through quantitative PCR (qPCR). T. cruzi DNA was detected in the 9.75% of the blood samples of the synanthropic species (4/41) (14.28%) for Rattus rattus samples and 25% for Ototylomys phyllotis samples, with an average of parasitic load of 4.80 ± 1.17 parasites/μL. In the case of heart tissue samples, 10.29% were positive for T. cruzi (7/68) (8.7% for Rattus rattus, 40% for Peromyscus yucatanicus, and 42.8% for Ototylomys phyllotis) with an average parasite load of 3.15 ± 1.98 eq-parasites/mg. The active and chronic infection of T. cruzi in synanthropic or wild rodents of the rural community of southern Mexico evidences the natural infection in these reservoirs which contribute to maintaining the agent in the wild and domestic environments and can represent a risk of infection for the human population when the vector is present.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivonne Hernández-Cortazar
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Karla Cecilia Amaya Guardia
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Marco Torres-Castro
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Emergentes y Reemergentes, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Karla Acosta-Viana
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Eugenia Guzmán-Marín
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mexico
| | - José Israel Chan-Pérez
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Antonio Ortega-Pacheco
- Campus de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Roger I. Rodríguez-Vivas
- Campus de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Rodrigo Medina-Pinto
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Emergentes y Reemergentes, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Matilde Jiménez-Coello
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Dr. Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Hodo CL, Wilkerson GK, Birkner EC, Gray SB, Hamer SA. Trypanosoma cruzi Transmission Among Captive Nonhuman Primates, Wildlife, and Vectors. ECOHEALTH 2018; 15:426-436. [PMID: 29497880 PMCID: PMC6132415 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-018-1318-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Natural infection of captive nonhuman primates (NHPs) with Trypanosoma cruzi (agent of Chagas disease) is an increasingly recognized problem in facilities across the southern USA, with negative consequences for NHP health and biomedical research. We explored a central Texas NHP facility as a nidus of transmission by characterizing parasite discrete typing units (DTU) in seropositive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), identifying the wildlife reservoirs, and characterizing vector infection. In seropositive NHPs, we documented low and intermittent concentrations of circulating T. cruzi DNA, with two DTUs in equal proportions, TcI and TcIV. In contrast, consistently high concentrations of T. cruzi DNA were found in wild mesomammals at the facility, yet rodents were PCR-negative. Strong wildlife host associations were found in which raccoons (Procyon lotor) harbored TcIV and opossums (Didelphis virginiana) harbored TcI, while skunks (Mephitis mephitis) were infected with both DTUs. Active and passive vector surveillance yielded three species of triatomines from the facility and in proximity to the NHP enclosures, with 17% T. cruzi infection prevalence. Interventions to protect NHP and human health must focus on interrupting spillover from the robust sylvatic transmission in the surrounding environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn L Hodo
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences Department, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Research, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Gregory K Wilkerson
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, Bastrop, TX, USA
| | - Elise C Birkner
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences Department, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Research, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA
| | - Stanton B Gray
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, Bastrop, TX, USA
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences Department, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Research, College Station, TX, 77843-4458, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Georgieva AY, Gordon ER, Weirauch C. Sylvatic host associations of Triatominae and implications for Chagas disease reservoirs: a review and new host records based on archival specimens. PeerJ 2017; 5:e3826. [PMID: 28948106 PMCID: PMC5609523 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 152 extant species of kissing bug include important vectors of the debilitating, chronic, and often fatal Chagas disease, which affects several million people mainly in Central and South America. An understanding of the natural hosts of this speciose group of blood-feeding insects has and will continue to aid ongoing efforts to impede the spread of Chagas disease. However, information on kissing bug biology is piecemeal and scattered, developed using methods with varying levels of accuracy over more than 100 years. Existing host records are heavily biased towards well-studied primary vector species and are derived from primarily three different types of observations, associational, immunological or DNA-based, with varying reliability. METHODS We gather a comprehensive and unparalleled number of sources reporting host associations via rigorous targeted searches of publication databases to review all known natural, or sylvatic, host records including information on how each record was collected. We integrate this information with novel host records obtained via attempted amplification and sequencing of a ∼160 base pair (bp) region of the vertebrate 12S mitochondrial gene from the gastrointestinal tract of 64 archival specimens of Triatominae representing 19 species collected primarily in sylvatic habitats throughout the southern United States and Central and South America during the past 10 years. We show the utility of this method for uncovering novel and under-studied groups of Triatominae hosts, as well as detecting the presence of the Chagas disease pathogen via Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) of a ∼400 bp sequence of the trypanosome 18S gene. RESULTS New host associations for several groups of arboreal mammals were determined including sloths, New World monkeys, coatis, arboreal porcupines and, for the first time as a host of any Triatominae, tayras. A thorough review of previously documented sylvatic hosts, organized by triatomine species and the type of observation (associational, antibody-based, or DNA-based), is presented in a phylogenetic context and highlights large gaps in our knowledge of Triatominae biology. CONCLUSION The application of DNA-based methods of host identification towards additional species of Triatominae, including rarely collected species that may require use of archival specimens, is the most efficient and promising way to resolve recognized shortfalls.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Y. Georgieva
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States of America
| | - Eric R.L. Gordon
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States of America
| | - Christiane Weirauch
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|