1
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Schrock SAR, Walsman JC, DeMarchi J, LeSage EH, Ohmer MEB, Rollins-Smith LA, Briggs CJ, Richards-Zawacki CL, Woodhams DC, Knapp RA, Smith TC, Haddad CFB, Becker CG, Johnson PTJ, Wilber MQ. Do fungi look like macroparasites? Quantifying the patterns and mechanisms of aggregation for host-fungal parasite relationships. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.29.609018. [PMID: 39257819 PMCID: PMC11384020 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.29.609018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
Most hosts contain few parasites, whereas few hosts contain many. This pattern, known as aggregation, is well-documented in macroparasites where parasite intensity distribution among hosts affects host-parasite dynamics. Infection intensity also drives fungal disease dynamics, but we lack a basic understanding of host-fungal aggregation patterns, how they compare to macroparasites, and if they reflect biological processes. To address these gaps, we characterized aggregation of the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) in amphibian hosts. Utilizing the slope of Taylor's Power Law, we found Bd intensity distributions were more aggregated than macroparasites, conforming closely to lognormal distributions. We observed that Bd aggregation patterns are strongly correlated with known biological processes operating in amphibian populations, such as epizoological phase-invasion, post-invasion, and enzootic-and intensity-dependent disease mortality. Using intensity-dependent mathematical models, we found evidence of evolution of host resistance based on aggregation shifts in systems persisting with Bd following disease-induced declines. Our results show that Bd aggregation is highly conserved across disparate systems and is distinct from aggregation patterns in macroparasites, and contains signatures of potential biological processes of amphibian-Bd systems. Our work lays a foundation to unite host-fungal dynamics under a common theoretical framework and inform future modeling approaches that may elucidate host-fungus interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A R Schrock
- School of Natural Resources, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Jason C Walsman
- Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Joseph DeMarchi
- School of Natural Resources, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Emily H LeSage
- Biology Department, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY, USA
| | - Michel E B Ohmer
- Department of Biology, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA
| | - Louise A Rollins-Smith
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Cheryl J Briggs
- Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Corinne L Richards-Zawacki
- Department of Biological Sciences and Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Roland A Knapp
- Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory, University of California, Mammoth Lakes, CA, USA
- Earth Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Thomas C Smith
- Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory, University of California, Mammoth Lakes, CA, USA
- Earth Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Célio F B Haddad
- Department of Biodiversity and Aquaculture Center (CAUNESP), Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - C Guilherme Becker
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- One Health Microbiome Center, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Ecology Institute, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Pieter T J Johnson
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Mark Q Wilber
- School of Natural Resources, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, TN, USA
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2
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Fan L, Pan J, Zeng J, Guo G, Yang N, Li X, Nafees Ur Rehman M, Zheng J. An outbreak of Providencia rettgeri bacteremia at a Ptyas mucosus farm in Hainan, China. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1353603. [PMID: 39056011 PMCID: PMC11269246 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1353603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim To describe the histopathology and etiology of an outbreak of respiratory disease at a Ptyas mucosus farm in Hainan, China. Methods and results The etiology was confirmed by gross examination and microscopic analysis. The bacterial isolates from blood and internal organs were identified by biochemical analysis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The virulence and antibiotic resistance characteristics of the isolates were further demonstrated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), disk diffusion testing, and LD50 analysis in Kunming mice. Histopathological analysis of the diseased P. mucosus revealed systemic lesions, including severe airway obstruction with large numbers of inflammatory cells and cellulose exudates in the lungs; severe multifocal hepatocyte vacuolar degeneration and necrosis in the liver with excessive inflammatory exudates and chronic granuloma; splenic hemorrhage and partial loss of splenic structure; and renal vascular and interstitial congestion. Providencia rettgeri was isolated from the blood and multiple internal organs (liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs). All examined isolates (H1, H4, and H13) were multidrug-resistant but sensitive to four antibiotics-cefepime, imipenem, chloramphenicol, and ciprofloxacin. Both H1 and H4 carried five resistance genes [bla OXA, tet(A), tet(B), tet(E), and aac (3)-IIa], whereas H13 only carried the tet(A) gene. The dominant virulence pattern of the three isolates was hlyA + ZapA + luxS + rsbA. The virulence of H1 strain was tested, and its 50% lethal dose (LD50) in mice was 2.29 × 108 CFU ml-1. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe an outbreak of bacteremia caused by P. rettgeri in farmed rat snakes. Significance and impact of the study The results highlight that P. rettgeri is an emerging bacterial pathogen in farmed reptiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Fan
- Lab of Microbial Engineering (Infection and Immunity), School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Jiwen Pan
- Lab of Microbial Engineering (Infection and Immunity), School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Institute of Tropical Bioscience and Biotechnology, China Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Jifeng Zeng
- Lab of Microbial Engineering (Infection and Immunity), School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Hainan Province Key Laboratory of One Health, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Guiying Guo
- Lab of Microbial Engineering (Infection and Immunity), School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Nou Yang
- Lab of Microbial Engineering (Infection and Immunity), School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Xuesong Li
- Lab of Microbial Engineering (Infection and Immunity), School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Muhammad Nafees Ur Rehman
- Lab of Microbial Engineering (Infection and Immunity), School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Jiping Zheng
- Lab of Microbial Engineering (Infection and Immunity), School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Hainan Province Key Laboratory of One Health, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou, China
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3
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Kobayashi K, Tejima R, Nagai K, Seki R, Hosoya T, Une Y, Shigeno S, Tomoda H, Ohshiro T. Paranazzamides A and B, new cyclic dipeptides containing a C7-prenylated tryptophan, produced by pathogenic reptile fungi Paranannizziopsis sp. UH-21. J Antibiot (Tokyo) 2024; 77:403-411. [PMID: 38750250 DOI: 10.1038/s41429-024-00725-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Two new cyclic dipeptides, paranazzamides A (1) and B (2) containing a C7-prenylated tryptophan, were isolated from a culture broth of snake fungal disease-isolate Paranannizziopsis sp. UH-21. This is the first report on the new secondary metabolites from Paranannizziopsis sp. The planar structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated using various spectroscopic techniques including MS and 1D/2D NMR. The absolute configuration of 1 was assigned by comparison with the synthesized compound. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited no antifungal activity, no antibacterial activity, and no cytotoxic activity even at a concentration of 128 µg ml-1, whereas 1 and 2 exhibited amphotericin B potentiating activity against Candida auris in combination treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Kobayashi
- Department of Microbial Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
- Medicinal Research Laboratories, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Rio Tejima
- Department of Microbial Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Nagai
- Medicinal Research Laboratories, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Reiko Seki
- Medicinal Research Laboratories, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Hosoya
- Department of Botany, National Museum of Nature and Science, 4-4-1 Amakubo, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0005, Japan
| | - Yumi Une
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Okayama University of Science, 1-3 Ikoinooka, Imabari, Ehime, Japan
| | - Satoru Shigeno
- Department of Microbial Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
- Medicinal Research Laboratories, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tomoda
- Department of Microbial Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan
| | - Taichi Ohshiro
- Department of Microbial Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan.
- Medicinal Research Laboratories, School of Pharmacy, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8641, Japan.
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4
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Velez ED, Garner MM, Jacobson ER, Badial P, Bonar CJ, Riggs GL, Adair JE, Wellehan JFX, Ossiboff RJ. SCHIZANGIELLA INFECTIONS IN AN EASTERN RATSNAKE ( PANTHEROPHIS ALLEGHANIENSIS) AND A TIMBER RATTLESNAKE ( CROTALUS HORRIDUS). J Zoo Wildl Med 2024; 55:540-546. [PMID: 38875213 DOI: 10.1638/2023-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
This report describes Schizangiella infections in colubrid and viperid snakes. A captive eastern ratsnake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) was presented for a large intraoral mass associated with the mandible. The mass was debulked and histologic examination revealed severe, granulomatous stomatitis with intralesional fungi exhibiting morphologic features consistent with Schizangiella serpentis. PCR and sequencing of affected tissues confirmed S. serpentis. Because of declining health, the ratsnake was euthanized and postmortem examination identified a disseminated S. serpentis infection involving the skeletal musculature, lung, kidney, mesentery, and mandible. A wild-caught timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) was presented for cutaneous lesions, weakness, and lethargy and later died. Postmortem examination revealed a mass-like structure in the esophagus characterized by high numbers of Schizangiella-like fungi associated with extensive granulomatous inflammation; the snake also had cutaneous mycosis suggestive of ophidiomycosis. This is the first report to document the unique morphologic features of S. serpentis in tissues and the presentation of schizangiellosis in snakes. Schizangiellosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis for nodular lesions involving the oral cavity and/or the gastrointestinal tract of snakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily D Velez
- Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital Exotics Department, Norton, OH 44302, USA,
| | | | - Elliott R Jacobson
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Peres Badial
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | | | - Gary L Riggs
- Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital Exotics Department, Norton, OH 44302, USA
| | - Jordan E Adair
- Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital Exotics Department, Norton, OH 44302, USA
| | - James F X Wellehan
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Robert J Ossiboff
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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5
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Blanvillain G, Lorch JM, Joudrier N, Bury S, Cuenot T, Franzen M, Martínez-Freiría F, Guiller G, Halpern B, Kolanek A, Kurek K, Lourdais O, Michon A, Musilová R, Schweiger S, Szulc B, Ursenbacher S, Zinenko O, Hoyt JR. Contribution of host species and pathogen clade to snake fungal disease hotspots in Europe. Commun Biol 2024; 7:440. [PMID: 38600171 PMCID: PMC11006896 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06092-x] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases are influenced by interactions between host and pathogen, and the number of infected hosts is rarely homogenous across the landscape. Areas with elevated pathogen prevalence can maintain a high force of infection and may indicate areas with disease impacts on host populations. However, isolating the ecological processes that result in increases in infection prevalence and intensity remains a challenge. Here we elucidate the contribution of pathogen clade and host species in disease hotspots caused by Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, the pathogen responsible for snake fungal disease, in 21 species of snakes infected with multiple pathogen strains across 10 countries in Europe. We found isolated areas of disease hotspots in a landscape where infections were otherwise low. O. ophidiicola clade had important effects on transmission, and areas with multiple pathogen clades had higher host infection prevalence. Snake species further influenced infection, with most positive detections coming from species within the Natrix genus. Our results suggest that both host and pathogen identity are essential components contributing to increased pathogen prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaëlle Blanvillain
- Biological Sciences Department, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
| | - Jeffrey M Lorch
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Nicolas Joudrier
- Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
- Institute of Animal Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Info fauna-Karch, Centre Suisse de Cartographie de la Faune (CSCF) and Centre de coordination pour la protection des reptiles et des amphibiens de Suisse (karch), Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Stanislaw Bury
- Department of Comparative Anatomy, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
- NATRIX Herpetological Association, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Thibault Cuenot
- LPO Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Site de Franche-Comté, Maison de l'environnement de BFC, Besançon, France
| | - Michael Franzen
- Bavarian State Collection of Zoology (ZSM-SNSB), Munich, Germany
| | - Fernando Martínez-Freiría
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, University of Porto, Vairão, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, Vairão, Portugal
| | | | - Bálint Halpern
- MME BirdLife Hungary, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Systematic Zoology and Ecology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-ELTE-MTM, Integrative Ecology Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Aleksandra Kolanek
- NATRIX Herpetological Association, Wroclaw, Poland
- Department of Geoinformatics and Cartography, Institute of Geography and Regional Development, Faculty of Earth Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kurek
- Department of Wildlife Conservation, Institute of Nature Conservation Polish Academy of Science, Cracow, Poland
| | - Olivier Lourdais
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, ULR CNRS UMR 7372, Villiers en Bois, France
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Alix Michon
- LPO Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Site de Franche-Comté, Maison de l'environnement de BFC, Besançon, France
| | | | - Silke Schweiger
- First Zoological Department, Herpetological Collection, Natural History Museum, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Szulc
- NATRIX Herpetological Association, Wroclaw, Poland
- Department of Genetics, Kazimierz Wielki University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Sylvain Ursenbacher
- Info fauna-Karch, Centre Suisse de Cartographie de la Faune (CSCF) and Centre de coordination pour la protection des reptiles et des amphibiens de Suisse (karch), Neuchâtel, Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Section of Conservation Biology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Balaton Limnological Research Institute, Tihany, Hungary
| | | | - Joseph R Hoyt
- Biological Sciences Department, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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6
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Klynova O, Zinenko O. Isolation of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana from a skin lesion in a wild Nikolsky's viper (Vipera berus nikolskii). J Comp Pathol 2024; 210:5-7. [PMID: 38458014 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2024.02.004] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Mycotic lesions of the skin of snakes are often associated with the fungus Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola, but other pathogens can cause similar signs. A skin sample from a wild Nikolsky's viper (Vipera berus nikolskii) with dermal lesions was collected in eastern Ukraine. A pure fungal culture was obtained and identified using nucleotide sequence analysis as the entomopathogenic species Beauveria bassiana sensu lato. Although Beauveria spp are considered to be non-pathogenic in vertebrates, sporadic infections have been reported. This report highlights the need to explore various pathogens when diagnosing the cause of snake integumentary lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleksandra Klynova
- V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 4 Svobody Square, Kharkiv, 61022, Ukraine.
| | - Oleksandr Zinenko
- V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, 4 Svobody Square, Kharkiv, 61022, Ukraine
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7
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Allain SJR, Leech DI, Hopkins K, Seilern-Moy K, Rodriguez-Ramos Fernandez J, Griffiths RA, Lawson B. Characterisation, prevalence and severity of skin lesions caused by ophidiomycosis in a population of wild snakes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5162. [PMID: 38431688 PMCID: PMC10908839 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55354-5] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Ophidiomycosis is an emerging infectious disease affecting wild snakes in the Northern Hemisphere. Recently confirmed in Great Britain, the prevalence, severity and significance of ophidiomycosis has yet to be characterised in free-living snakes at a population level in Europe. Therefore, a population of barred grass snakes (Natrix helvetica) in eastern England was monitored for three seasons (May 2019 to October 2021), to investigate the prevalence (25.5%; 191/750 snakes) and severity of skin lesions and their aetiology. The most frequently observed skin lesion characteristics were changes in scale colour, crusting, and scale margin erosion. The majority of such lesions (96.9%; 185/191 snakes) was observed on the ventral surface along the length of the body. The severity of skin lesions was considered mild in more than half of the cases (53.1%; 98/191 snakes). Predominantly, skin lesions were observed in adult snakes (72.8%; 139/191 snakes). Combined histological examinations and qPCR tests of skin lesions from N. helvetica sloughs and/or carcasses confirmed a diagnosis of ophidiomycosis. Further targeted surveillance, supported by molecular and histological examinations to confirm skin lesion aetiology, is required to determine the extent to which our findings reflect the occurrence of ophidiomycosis in populations within wider landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J R Allain
- Durrell Institute of Ecology and Conservation, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, UK
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - David I Leech
- British Trust for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU, UK
| | - Kevin Hopkins
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Katharina Seilern-Moy
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | | | - Richard A Griffiths
- Durrell Institute of Ecology and Conservation, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, UK.
| | - Becki Lawson
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
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8
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Rosso AA, Casement B, Chung AK, Curlis JD, Folfas E, Gallegos MA, Neel LK, Nicholson DJ, Williams CE, McMillan WO, Logan ML, Cox CL. Plasticity of Gene Expression and Thermal Tolerance: Implications for Climate Change Vulnerability in a Tropical Forest Lizard. ECOLOGICAL AND EVOLUTIONARY PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 97:81-96. [PMID: 38728692 DOI: 10.1086/729927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
AbstractTropical ectotherms are thought to be especially vulnerable to climate change because they have evolved in temporally stable thermal environments and therefore have decreased tolerance for thermal variability. Thus, they are expected to have narrow thermal tolerance ranges, live close to their upper thermal tolerance limits, and have decreased thermal acclimation capacity. Although models often predict that tropical forest ectotherms are especially vulnerable to rapid environmental shifts, these models rarely include the potential for plasticity of relevant traits. We measured phenotypic plasticity of thermal tolerance and thermal preference as well as multitissue transcriptome plasticity in response to warmer temperatures in a species that previous work has suggested is highly vulnerable to climate warming, the Panamanian slender anole lizard (Anolis apletophallus). We found that many genes, including heat shock proteins, were differentially expressed across tissues in response to short-term warming. Under long-term warming, the voluntary thermal maxima of lizards also increased, although thermal preference exhibited only limited plasticity. Using these data, we modeled changes in the activity time of slender anoles through the end of the century under climate change and found that plasticity should delay declines in activity time by at least two decades. Our results suggest that slender anoles, and possibly other tropical ectotherms, can alter the expression of genes and phenotypes when responding to shifting environmental temperatures and that plasticity should be considered when predicting the future of organisms under a changing climate.
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9
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Burger J, Jeitner C, Zappalorti RT, Bunnell JF, Ng K, DeVito E, Schneider D, Gochfeld M. Snake Fungal Disease in Free-Ranging Northern Pine Snakes ( Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus) in New Jersey: Lesions, Severity of Sores and Investigator's Perceptions. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:125. [PMID: 38392797 PMCID: PMC10889963 DOI: 10.3390/jof10020125] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, the fungus causing snake fungal disease (SFD), has been identified in northern pine snakes (Pituophis melanoleucus) in New Jersey. In this paper, we (1) review the positivity rate of SFD on different locations on snakes' bodies, (2) determine the relationship between the sores and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) positivity rates, and (3) explore the relationship between the investigators' clinical evaluation of the severity of sores, their evaluation of the likelihood of the sores being positive, and the qPCR positivity of SFD for the sores. Swabbing the sores was more effective at determining whether the snakes tested positive for O. ophidiicola than ventrum swabbing alone. The perception of the severity of the sores did not relate to qPCR positivity for O. ophidiicola. We suggest that the assessment of the rate of SFD among snakes in the wild needs to include the sampling of snakes with no clinical signs, as well as those with sores, and the swabbing of all the sores collectively. Clear terminology for sores, the identification of clinical signs of SFD, and distinguishing the rates of O. ophidiicola by PCR testing should be adopted. Overall, the pine snakes exhibited a higher rate of sores and positivity of O. ophidiicola swabs by PCR testing compared to the other snakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Burger
- Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources, Rutgers University, 14 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Center for Environmental Exposures and Disease, and Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Christian Jeitner
- Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- New Jersey Pinelands Commission, New Lisbon, NJ 08064, USA
| | | | - John F Bunnell
- New Jersey Pinelands Commission, New Lisbon, NJ 08064, USA
| | - Kelly Ng
- Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources, Rutgers University, 14 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Emile DeVito
- New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Far Hills, NJ 07931, USA
| | | | - Michael Gochfeld
- Center for Environmental Exposures and Disease, and Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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10
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Mendoza-Roldan JA, Perles L, Filippi E, Szafranski N, Montinaro G, Carbonara M, Scalera R, de Abreu Teles PP, Walochnik J, Otranto D. Parasites and microorganisms associated with the snakes collected for the "festa Dei serpari" in Cocullo, Italy. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011973. [PMID: 38381797 PMCID: PMC10911609 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
While in much of the Western world snakes are feared, in the small, rural, mountainous town of Cocullo, in the middle of central Italy, snakes are annually collected and celebrated in a sacro-profane ritual. Every 1st of May, Serpari (snake catchers) capture and showcase dozens of non-venomous snakes to celebrate the ritual of San Domenico. In order to detect potential zoonotic pathogens within this unique epidemiological context, parasites and microorganisms of snakes harvested for the "festa dei serpari" ritual were investigated. Snakes (n = 112) were examined and ectoparasites collected, as well as blood and feces sampled. Ectoparasites were identified morpho-molecularly, and coprological examination conducted through direct smear and flotation. Molecular screenings were performed to identify parasites and microorganisms in collected samples (i.e., Mesostigmata mites, Anaplasma/Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Coxiella burnetii, Babesia/Theileria spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., Leishmania spp. and helminths). Overall, 28.5% (32/112) of snakes were molecularly positive for at least one parasite and/or microorganism. Endosymbiont Wolbachia bacteria were identified from Macronyssidae mites and zoonotic vector-borne pathogens (e.g., Rickettsia, Leishmania), as well as orally transmitted pathogens (i.e., Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas), were detected from blood and feces. Thus, given the central role of the snakes in the tradition of Cocullo, surveys of their parasitic fauna and associated zoonotic pathogens may aid to generate conservation policies to benefit the human-snake interactions, whilst preserving the cultural patrimony of this event.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Livia Perles
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Ernesto Filippi
- Biologist consultant for the Cocullo municipality, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicole Szafranski
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Julia Walochnik
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
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11
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Mathur S, Haynes E, Allender MC, Gibbs HL. Genetic mechanisms and biological processes underlying host response to ophidiomycosis (snake fungal disease) inferred from tissue-specific transcriptome analyses. Mol Ecol 2024; 33:e17210. [PMID: 38010927 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases in wildlife species caused by pathogenic fungi are of growing concern, yet crucial knowledge gaps remain for diseases with potentially large impacts. For example, there is detailed knowledge about host pathology and mechanisms underlying response for chytridiomycosis in amphibians and white-nose syndrome in bats, but such information is lacking for other more recently described fungal infections. One such disease is ophidiomycosis, caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, which has been identified in many species of snakes, yet the biological mechanisms and molecular changes occurring during infection are unknown. To gain this information, we performed a controlled experimental infection in captive Prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis) with O. ophidiicola at two different temperatures: 20 and 26°C. We then compared liver, kidney, and skin transcriptomes to assess tissue-specific genetic responses to O. ophidiicola infection. Given previous histopathological studies and the fact that snakes are ectotherms, we expected highest fungal activity on skin and a significant impact of temperature on host response. Although we found fungal activity to be localized on skin, most of the differential gene expression occurred in internal tissues. Infected snakes at the lower temperature had the highest host mortality whereas two-thirds of the infected snakes at the higher temperature survived. Our results suggest that ophidiomycosis is likely a systemic disease with long-term effects on host response. Our analysis also identified candidate protein coding genes that are potentially involved in host response, providing genetic tools for studies of host response to ophidiomycosis in natural populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samarth Mathur
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Ohio Biodiversity Conservation Partnership, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Ellen Haynes
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Matthew C Allender
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Brookfield Zoo, Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield, Illinois, USA
| | - H Lisle Gibbs
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Ohio Biodiversity Conservation Partnership, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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12
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Meurling S, Siljestam M, Cortazar-Chinarro M, Åhlen D, Rödin-Mörch P, Ågren E, Höglund J, Laurila A. Body size mediates latitudinal population differences in the response to chytrid fungus infection in two amphibians. Oecologia 2024; 204:71-81. [PMID: 38097779 PMCID: PMC10830819 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-023-05489-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Factors behind intraspecific variation in sensitivity to pathogens remain poorly understood. We investigated how geographical origin in two North European amphibians affects tolerance to infection by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), a generalist pathogen which has caused amphibian population declines worldwide. We exposed newly metamorphosed individuals of moor frog Rana arvalis and common toad Bufo bufo from two latitudinal regions to two different BdGPL strains. We measured survival and growth as infections may cause sub-lethal effects in fitness components even in the absence of mortality. Infection loads were higher in B. bufo than in R. arvalis, and smaller individuals had generally higher infection loads. B. bufo had high mortality in response to Bd infection, whereas there was little mortality in R. arvalis. Bd-mediated mortality was size-dependent and high-latitude individuals were smaller leading to high mortality in the northern B. bufo. Bd exposure led to sub-lethal effects in terms of reduced growth suggesting that individuals surviving the infection may have reduced fitness mediated by smaller body size. In both host species, the Swedish Bd strain caused stronger sublethal effects than the British strain. We suggest that high-latitude populations can be more vulnerable to chytrids than those from lower latitudes and discuss the possible mechanisms how body size and host geographical origin contribute to the present results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Meurling
- Animal Ecology/ Department of Ecology and Genetics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mattias Siljestam
- Animal Ecology/ Department of Ecology and Genetics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria Cortazar-Chinarro
- Animal Ecology/ Department of Ecology and Genetics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- MEMEG/Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - David Åhlen
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Patrik Rödin-Mörch
- Animal Ecology/ Department of Ecology and Genetics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Erik Ågren
- Department of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jacob Höglund
- Animal Ecology/ Department of Ecology and Genetics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anssi Laurila
- Animal Ecology/ Department of Ecology and Genetics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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13
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Haynes E, Stanford K, Cox S, Vivirito K, Durante K, Wright A, Gramhofer M, Pohly A, Gartlan B, Fredrickson K, Allender MC. CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL USING TERBINAFINE NEBULIZATION TO TREAT WILD LAKE ERIE WATERSNAKES ( NERODIA SIPEDON INSULARUM) WITH OPHIDIOMYCOSIS. J Zoo Wildl Med 2024; 54:746-756. [PMID: 38251998 DOI: 10.1638/2023-0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Ophidiomycosis (snake fungal disease) is an important infectious disease caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophidiicola. To mitigate the disease's impact on individual snakes, a controlled clinical trial was conducted using terbinafine nebulization to treat snakes with ophidiomycosis. Fifty-three wild-caught Lake Erie watersnakes (Nerodia sipedon insularum) with apparent ophidiomycosis (skin lesions present, qPCR positive for O. ophidiicola) were divided into treatment and control groups: treatment snakes were nebulized with a 2 mg/ml terbinafine solution for 30 min daily for 30 d; control snakes received nebulization with 0.9% saline or no nebulization. Weekly physical exams were conducted to assign disease severity scores based on the number, type, location, and size of lesions, and qPCR was repeated after each 30-d course of treatment. Persistently qPCR-positive snakes received multiple nebulization courses. Terbinafine nebulization showed mixed results as a treatment for ophidiomycosis: 29.2% of animals treated with terbinafine showed molecular resolution of external disease, based on antemortem swabbing, following 3-6 mon of daily nebulization; this was significantly more than with saline nebulization (5%), but molecular resolution also occurred in 11.1% of snakes that received no treatment. Terbinafine nebulization did not significantly decrease clinical disease, as measured by disease severity scores. Evaluating molecular response to treatment using fungal quantities, terbinafine nebulization significantly reduced fungal quantity after three or more courses of treatment. These results indicate that, although terbinafine nebulization is a promising treatment for ophidiomycosis, snakes may require multiple nebulization courses and disease may not always resolve completely, despite treatment. This treatment may be most useful in snakes from managed populations that can be treated for several months, rather than wild snakes who are not releasable after multiple months in captivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Haynes
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA,
| | - Kristin Stanford
- Franz Theodore Stone Laboratory, The Ohio State University, OH 43456, USA
| | - Sherry Cox
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Kathryn Vivirito
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Kennymac Durante
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Allison Wright
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Megan Gramhofer
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Andrea Pohly
- University of Illinois Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Brina Gartlan
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Kelcie Fredrickson
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Matthew C Allender
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
- Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL 60513, USA
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14
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Lorch JM, Winzeler ME, Lankton JS, Raverty S, Snyman HN, Schwantje H, Thacker C, Knowles S, Cai HY, Grear DA. Paranannizziopsis spp. infections in wild snakes and a qPCR assay for detection of the fungus. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1302586. [PMID: 38125577 PMCID: PMC10730940 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1302586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of ophidiomycosis (or snake fungal disease) in snakes has prompted increased awareness of the potential effects of fungal infections on wild reptile populations. Yet, aside from Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, little is known about other mycoses affecting wild reptiles. The closely related genus Paranannizziopsis has been associated with dermatomycosis in snakes and tuataras in captive collections, and P. australasiensis was recently identified as the cause of skin infections in non-native wild panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) in Florida, USA. Here we describe five cases of Paranannizziopsis spp. associated with skin lesions in wild snakes in North America and one additional case from a captive snake from Connecticut, USA. In addition to demonstrating that wild Nearctic snakes can serve as a host for these fungi, we also provide evidence that the genus Paranannizziopsis is widespread in wild snakes, with cases being identified in Louisiana (USA), Minnesota (USA), Virginia (USA), and British Columbia (Canada). Phylogenetic analyses conducted on multiple loci of the fungal strains we isolated identified P. australasiensis in Louisiana and Virginia; the remaining strains from Minnesota and British Columbia did not cluster with any of the described species of Paranannizziopsis, although the strains from British Columbia appear to represent a single lineage. Finally, we designed a pan-Paranannizziopsis real-time PCR assay targeting the internal transcribed spacer region 2. This assay successfully detected DNA of all described species of Paranannizziopsis and the two potentially novel taxa isolated in this study and did not cross-react with closely related fungi or other fungi commonly found on the skin of snakes. The assay was 100% sensitive and specific when screening clinical (skin tissue or skin swab) samples, although full determination of the assay's performance will require additional follow up due to the small number of clinical samples (n = 14 from 11 snakes) available for testing in our study. Nonetheless, the PCR assay can provide an important tool in further investigating the prevalence, distribution, and host range of Paranannizziopsis spp. and facilitate more rapid diagnosis of Paranannizziopsis spp. infections that are otherwise difficult to differentiate from other dermatomycoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M. Lorch
- U.S. Geological Survey – National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Megan E. Winzeler
- U.S. Geological Survey – National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Julia S. Lankton
- U.S. Geological Survey – National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Stephen Raverty
- Animal Health Centre, Ministry of Agriculture, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
| | - Heindrich N. Snyman
- Animal Health Laboratory – Kemptville, University of Guelph, Kemptville, ON, Canada
| | - Helen Schwantje
- Wildlife and Habitat Branch, Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Nanaimo, BC, Canada
| | - Caeley Thacker
- Wildlife and Habitat Branch, Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Nanaimo, BC, Canada
| | - Susan Knowles
- U.S. Geological Survey – National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Hugh Y. Cai
- Animal Health Laboratory, Laboratory Services Division, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel A. Grear
- U.S. Geological Survey – National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, United States
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15
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Forrest MJ, Halstead BJ, Grear DA, Kleeman PM, Todd BD, Miano OJ, Urquhart KD. KEEPING THE HEAT ON: WEIGHTED SURVEILLANCE FOR CHYTRID FUNGUS (BATRACHOCHYTRIUM DENDROBATIDIS) IN DIXIE VALLEY TOADS (ANAXYRUS [= BUFO] WILLIAMSI). J Wildl Dis 2023; 59:557-568. [PMID: 37486870 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-22-00049] [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: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Introduced fungal pathogens have caused declines and extinctions of naïve wildlife populations across vertebrate classes. Consequences of introduced pathogens to hosts with small ranges might be especially severe because of limited redundancy to rescue populations and lower abundance that may limit the resilience of populations to perturbations like disease introduction. As a complement to biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of pathogens, surveillance programs may enable early detection of pathogens, when management actions to limit the effects of pathogens on naïve hosts might be most beneficial. We analyzed surveillance data for the endangered and narrowly endemic Dixie Valley toad (Anaxyrus [= Bufo] williamsi) from two time periods (2011-2014 and 2019-2021) to estimate the minimum detectable prevalence of the amphibian fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). We assessed if detection efficiency could be improved by using samples from both Dixie Valley toads and co-occurring introduced American bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) and literature-derived surveillance weights. We further evaluated a weighted surveillance design to increase the efficiency of surveillance efforts for Bd within the toad's small (<6 km2) range. We found that monitoring adult and larval American bullfrogs would probably detect Bd more efficiently than monitoring Dixie Valley toads alone. Given that no Bd was detected, minimum detectable prevalence of Bd was <3% in 2011-2014, and <5% (Dixie Valley toads only) and <10% (American bullfrogs only) in 2019-2021. Optimal management for Bd depends on the mechanisms underlying its apparent absence from the range of Dixie Valley toads, but a balanced surveillance scheme that includes sampling American bullfrogs to increase the likelihood of detecting Bd, and adult Dixie Valley toads to ensure broad spatial coverage where American bullfrogs do not occur, would probably result in efficient surveillance, which might permit timely management of Bd if it is detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Forrest
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
- Co-primary authors
| | - Brian J Halstead
- US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, California 95620, USA
- Co-primary authors
| | - Daniel A Grear
- US Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Road, Madison, Wisconsin 53711, USA
| | - Patrick M Kleeman
- US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Point Reyes Field Station, 1 Bear Valley Road, Point Reyes Station, California 94956, USA
| | - Brian D Todd
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, University of California-Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Oliver J Miano
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, University of California-Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Kris D Urquhart
- Nevada Department of Wildlife, 380 West B Street, Fallon, Nevada 89406, USA
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16
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Keyler D. Timber rattlesnake ( Crotalus horridus): Biology, conservation, and envenomation in the Upper Mississippi River Valley (1982-2020). Toxicon X 2023; 19:100167. [PMID: 37483845 PMCID: PMC10359930 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2023.100167] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) is the largest pit viper in the Northern United States and is the prominent venomous snake species indigenous to the bluff land habitats of the Upper Mississippi River Valley (UMRV). Conservation of C. horridus in this geographic region not only preserves the ecosystem's biodiversity and ecological balance, but also assures the continued study of their biomedically important venoms/toxins. Field studies of C. horridus biology and natural history performed from 1985 to 2015 in southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin along the Mississippi River showed populations have declined. Consequently, the implementation of improved conservation measures afforded the species protective status in both states. Historically, accounts of Timber Rattlesnake bites in the UMRV have been sparse, and medical consequences of envenomation have had limited documentation. However, in recent decades cases of envenomation by C. horridus have continued to occur. Retrospective analysis of clinical toxinology consultations documented from 1982 to 2020 on cases of envenomation by C. horridus in the UMRV revealed a very low incidence of bites annually and revealed that their venom can induce a rapid and precipitous decline in platelets.
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Affiliation(s)
- D.E. Keyler
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Medicine, Hennepin County Medical Center (retired), Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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17
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Marini D, Di Nicola MR, Crocchianti V, Notomista T, Iversen D, Coppari L, Di Criscio M, Brouard V, Dorne JLCM, Rüegg J, Marenzoni ML. Pilot survey reveals ophidiomycosis in dice snakes Natrix tessellata from Lake Garda, Italy. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:1707-1719. [PMID: 37118129 PMCID: PMC10485108 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10129-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Ophidiomycosis is an emerging infectious disease caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophidiicola (Oo). To date, Oo presence or associated disease condition has been recorded in wild and/or captive snakes from North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, but the data is still scarce outside the Nearctic. Although Italy is a country with a high snake biodiversity in the European panorama, and animals with clinical signs compatible with Oo infection have been documented, to date no investigations have reported the disease in the wild. Therefore, a pilot survey for the Italian territory was performed in conjunction with setting up a complete diagnostic workflow including SYBR Green-based real-time PCR assay for the detection of Oo genomic and mitochondrial DNA combined with histopathology of scale clips. Oo presence was investigated in 17 wild snake specimens from four different species. Four snakes were sampled in a targeted location where the mycosis was suspected via citizen science communications (i.e. North of the Lake Garda), whereas other ophidians were collected following opportunistic sampling. Oo genomic and mitochondrial DNA were detected and sequenced from all four Lake Garda Natrix tessellata, including three juveniles with macroscopic signs such as discolouration and skin crusts. From histopathological examination of scale clips, the three young positive individuals exhibited ulceration, inflammation and intralesional hyphae consistent with Oo infection, and two of them also showed the presence of arthroconidial tufts and solitary cylindrical arthrospores, allowing "Ophidiomycosis and Oo shedder" categorisation. For the remaining snake samples, the real-time PCR tested negative for Oo. This pilot survey permitted to localise for the first time Oo infection in free-ranging ophidians from Italy. Ophidiomycosis from Lake Garda highlights the need to increase sampling efforts in this area as well as in other northern Italian lakes to assess the occurrence of the pathogen, possible risk factors of the infection, its impact on host population fitness and the disease ecology of Oo in European snakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Marini
- Department of Organismal Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, Uppsala, 75236, Sweden.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, Perugia, 06126, Italy.
| | - Matteo R Di Nicola
- Unit of Dermatology, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Via Olgettina 60, Milan, 20132, Italy
- Asociación Herpetológica Española, Apartado de correos 191, Leganés, Madrid, 28911, Spain
| | - Veronica Crocchianti
- Service d'Anatomie Pathologique, VetAgro Sup, Campus Vétérinaire, 1 Avenue Bourgelat, Marcy l'Etoile, 69280, France
| | | | | | - Luca Coppari
- Studio Naturalistico Hyla s.r.l, Via Baroncino, 11, Tuoro sul Trasimeno, PG, 06069, Italy
| | - Michela Di Criscio
- Department of Organismal Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, Uppsala, 75236, Sweden
| | - Vanessa Brouard
- Department of Organismal Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, Uppsala, 75236, Sweden
| | - Jean-Lou C M Dorne
- Methodology and Scientific Support Unit, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Via Carlo Magno 1A, Parma, 43126, Italy
| | - Joëlle Rüegg
- Department of Organismal Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, Uppsala, 75236, Sweden
| | - Maria Luisa Marenzoni
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, Perugia, 06126, Italy
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18
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Haynes E, Lorch J, Allender MC. Development and application of a qPCR-based genotyping assay for Ophidiomyces ophidiicola to investigate the epidemiology of ophidiomycosis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289159. [PMID: 37535588 PMCID: PMC10399865 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ophidiomycosis (snake fungal disease) is an infectious disease caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophidiicola to which all snake species appear to be susceptible. Significant variation has been observed in clinical presentation, progression of disease, and response to treatment, which may be due to genetic variation in the causative agent. Recent phylogenetic analysis based on whole-genome sequencing identified that O. ophidiicola strains from the United States formed a clade distinct from European strains, and that multiple clonal lineages of the clade are present in the United States. The purpose of this study was to design a qPCR-based genotyping assay for O. ophidiicola, then apply that assay to swab-extracted DNA samples to investigate whether the multiple O. ophidiicola clades and clonal lineages in the United States have specific geographic, taxonomic, or temporal predilections. To this end, six full genome sequences of O. ophidiicola representing different clades and clonal lineages were aligned to identify genomic areas shared between subsets of the isolates. Eleven hydrolysis-based Taqman primer-probe sets were designed to amplify selected gene segments and produce unique amplification patterns for each isolate, each with a limit of detection of 10 or fewer copies of the target sequence and an amplification efficiency of 90-110%. The qPCR-based approach was validated using samples from strains known to belong to specific clades and applied to swab-extracted O. ophidiicola DNA samples from multiple snake species, states, and years. When compared to full-genome sequencing, the qPCR-based genotyping assay assigned 75% of samples to the same major clade (Cohen's kappa = 0.360, 95% Confidence Interval = 0.154-0.567) with 67-77% sensitivity and 88-100% specificity, depending on clade/clonal lineage. Swab-extracted O. ophidiicola DNA samples from across the United States were assigned to six different clonal lineages, including four of the six established lineages and two newly defined groups, which likely represent recombinant strains of O. ophidiicola. Using multinomial logistic regression modeling to predict clade based on snake taxonomic group, state of origin, and year of collection, state was the most significant predictor of clonal lineage. Furthermore, clonal lineage was not associated with disease severity in the most intensely sampled species, the Lake Erie watersnake (Nerodia sipedon insularum). Overall, this assay represents a rapid, cost-effective genotyping method for O. ophidiicola that can be used to better understand the epidemiology of ophidiomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Haynes
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
- Current affiliation: Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey Lorch
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Matthew C Allender
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
- Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America
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19
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Tamzali Y, Bigot J, Senghor Y, Hennequin C, François H. Uncommon fungal pyomyositis in a kidney transplant recipient. Transpl Infect Dis 2023; 25:e14060. [PMID: 37014782 DOI: 10.1111/tid.14060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yanis Tamzali
- Sorbonne Université, APHP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpétrière, Service Médico-chirugical de Transplantation Rénale, Hôpital Tenon, Départment de Néphrologie, Unité SINRA, Paris, France
| | - Jeanne Bigot
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Paris, France
| | - Yaye Senghor
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Hennequin
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Paris, France
| | - Hélène François
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM Unité Mixte de Recherche 1155, APHP, Tenon Hospital, Nephrology Department, SINRA Unit, Paris, France
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20
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Dallas JW, Warne RW. Ranavirus infection does not reduce heat tolerance in a larval amphibian. J Therm Biol 2023; 114:103584. [PMID: 37209633 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2023.103584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Extreme heat events and emerging infectious diseases negatively impact wildlife populations, but the interacting effects of infection and host heat tolerance remain understudied. The few studies covering this subject have demonstrated that pathogens lower the heat tolerance of their hosts, which places infected hosts at a greater risk experiencing lethal heat stress. Here, we studied how ranavirus infection influenced heat tolerance in larval wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus). In line with similar studies, we predicted the elevated costs of ranavirus infection would lower heat tolerance, measured as critical thermal maximum (CTmax), compared to uninfected controls. Ranavirus infection did not reduce CTmax and there was a positive relationship between CTmax and viral loads. Our results demonstrate that ranavirus-infected wood frog larvae had no loss in heat tolerance compared to uninfected larvae, even at viral loads associated with high mortality rates, which contradicts the common pattern for other pathogenic infections in ectotherms. Larval anurans may prioritize maintenance of their CTmax when infected with ranavirus to promote selection of warmer temperatures during behavioral fever that can improve pathogen clearance. Our study represents the first to examine the effect of ranavirus infection on host heat tolerance, and because no decline in CTmax was observed, this suggests that infected hosts would not be under greater risk of heat stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason W Dallas
- School of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 1125 Lincoln Street, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA.
| | - Robin W Warne
- School of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 1125 Lincoln Street, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
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21
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Burger J, Gochfeld M, Zappalorti R, Bunnell J, Jeitner C, Schneider D, Ng K, DeVito E, Lorch JM. Prevalence of Ophidiomyces ophidiicola and epizootiology of snake fungal disease in free-ranging Northern Pine Snakes (Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus) in New Jersey. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:662. [PMID: 37169998 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11259-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Snake fungal disease, caused by Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, is recognized as a potential concern for North American snakes. We tested skin swabs from Northern Pine Snakes (Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus) in the New Jersey pinelands for the presence of O. ophidiicola before emergence from hibernation. We used qPCR to test the collected swabs for the presence of O. ophidiicola, then determined pathogen prevalence as a function of sampling year, sampling location (skin lesion, healthy ventral skin, healthy head skin) sex, and age. There were no temporal trends in O. ophidiicola detection percentages on snakes, which varied from 58 to 83% in different years. Ophidiomyces ophidiicola detection on snakes was highest in swabs of skin lesions (71%) and lowest in head swabs (29%). Males had higher prevalence than females (82% versus 62%). The fungus was not detected in hatchling snakes (age 0) in the fall, but 75% of juveniles tested positive at the end of hibernation (age 1 year). We also screened hibernacula soil samples for the presence of O. ophidiicola. Where snakes hibernated, 69% of soil samples were positive for O. ophidiicola, and 85% of snakes lying on positive soil samples also tested positive for the pathogen. Although a high proportion of snakes (73%) tested positive for O. ophidiicola during our 4-year study, the snakes appeared healthy except for small skin lesions. We conclude that O. ophidiicola prevalence is high on hibernating Northern Pine Snakes and in the hibernacula soil, with a strong association between snakes and positive adjacent soil. This is the first demonstration that snakes likely become infected during hibernation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Burger
- Division of Life Sciences, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers University, 170 Frelinghuysen Rd, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
| | - Michael Gochfeld
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Rutgers University, 170 Frelinghuysen Rd, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Robert Zappalorti
- Herpetological Associates Inc, 405 Magnolia Rd, Pemberton, NJ, 08068, USA
| | - John Bunnell
- New Jersey Pinelands Commission, 15 Springfield Rd, New Lisbon, NJ, 08064, USA
| | - Christian Jeitner
- New Jersey Pinelands Commission, 15 Springfield Rd, New Lisbon, NJ, 08064, USA
- Pinelands Field Station, Rutgers University, 501 4 Mile Road, New Lisbon, NJ, 08064, USA
| | - David Schneider
- Herpetological Associates Inc, 405 Magnolia Rd, Pemberton, NJ, 08068, USA
| | - Kelly Ng
- Division of Life Sciences, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Emile DeVito
- New Jersey Conservation Foundation, 170 LongView Road,, Far Hills, NJ, 07931, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Lorch
- U.S. Geological Survey - National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Rd, Madison, WI, 53711, USA
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22
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Lind CM, Meyers RA, Moore IT, Agugliaro J, McPherson S, Farrell TM. Ophidiomycosis is associated with alterations in the acute glycemic and glucocorticoid stress response in a free-living snake species. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 339:114295. [PMID: 37121405 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Emerging fungal pathogens are a direct threat to vertebrate biodiversity. Elucidating the mechanisms by which mycoses impact host fitness is an important step towards effective prediction and management of disease outcomes in populations. The vertebrate acute stress response is an adaptive mechanism that allows individuals to meet challenges to homeostasis and survival in dynamic environments. Disease may cause stress, and coping with fungal infections may require shifts in resource allocation that alter the ability of hosts to mount an acute response to other external stressors. We examined the glucocorticoid and glycemic response to acute capture stress in a population of free-living pygmy rattlesnakes, Sistrurus miliarius, afflicted with an emerging mycosis (ophidiomycosis) across seasons. In all combinations of disease status and season, acute capture stress resulted in a significant glucocorticoid and glycemic response. While disease was not associated with elevated baseline or stress-induced corticosterone (CORT), disease was associated with an increased glucocorticoid stress response (post-stress minus baseline) across seasons. Both baseline and stress-induced glucose were lower in snakes with ophidiomycosis compared to uninfected snakes. The relationship between glucose and pre- and post-stress CORT depended on infection status, and positive correlations were only observed in uninfected snakes. The variables which explained CORT and glucose levels were different. The pattern of CORT was highly seasonal (winter high - summer low) and negatively related to body condition. Glucose, on the other hand, did not vary seasonally or with body condition and was strongly related to sex (male high - female low). Our results highlight the fact that circulating CORT and glucose are sensitive to different intrinsic and extrinsic predictor variables and support the hypothesis that disease alters the acute physiological stress response. Whether the effects of ophidiomycosis on the acute stress response result in sublethal effects on fitness should be investigated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig M Lind
- Stockton University, 101 Vera King Farris Dr, Galloway, NJ 08205, United States.
| | - Riley A Meyers
- Virginia Tech, Dept. Biological Sciences, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - Ignacio T Moore
- Virginia Tech, Dept. Biological Sciences, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States
| | - Joseph Agugliaro
- Fairleigh Dickinson University, 285 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940, United States
| | - Samantha McPherson
- Stetson University, 421 N Woodland Blvd, DeLand, FL 32723, United States
| | - Terence M Farrell
- Stetson University, 421 N Woodland Blvd, DeLand, FL 32723, United States
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23
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Dallas JW, Warne RW. Captivity and Animal Microbiomes: Potential Roles of Microbiota for Influencing Animal Conservation. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 85:820-838. [PMID: 35316343 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-022-01991-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
During the ongoing biodiversity crisis, captive conservation and breeding programs offer a refuge for species to persist and provide source populations for reintroduction efforts. Unfortunately, captive animals are at a higher disease risk and reintroduction efforts remain largely unsuccessful. One potential factor in these outcomes is the host microbiota which includes a large diversity and abundance of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that play an essential role in host physiology. Relative to wild populations, the generalized pattern of gut and skin microbiomes in captivity are reduced alpha diversity and they exhibit a significant shift in community composition and/or structure which often correlates with various physiological maladies. Many conditions of captivity (antibiotic exposure, altered diet composition, homogenous environment, increased stress, and altered intraspecific interactions) likely lead to changes in the host-associated microbiome. To minimize the problems arising from captivity, efforts can be taken to manipulate microbial diversity and composition to be comparable with wild populations through methods such as increasing dietary diversity, exposure to natural environmental reservoirs, or probiotics. For individuals destined for reintroduction, these strategies can prime the microbiota to buffer against novel pathogens and changes in diet and improve reintroduction success. The microbiome is a critical component of animal physiology and its role in species conservation should be expanded and included in the repertoire of future management practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason W Dallas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University, 1125 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA.
| | - Robin W Warne
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University, 1125 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
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24
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Harding SF, Moretta‐Urdiales MDM, Nordmeyer SC, Wostl E, Rodriguez D. Leveraging preserved specimens of Nerodia to infer the spatiotemporal dynamics of Ophidiomyces ophidiicola via quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e9998. [PMID: 37082316 PMCID: PMC10111236 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Ophidiomyces ophidiicola (Oo) is a fungal pathogen and the causative agent of ophidiomycosis that has affected multiple snake taxa across the United States, Europe, and Asia. Ophidiomycosis has often been referred to as an emerging infectious disease (EID); however, its status as an EID has recently come under debate. Oo infections have been confirmed in wild snake populations in Texas; however, it is unknown if the pathogen is novel (i.e., invasive) or endemic to the state. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted surveys for Oo among preserved Nerodia deposited at three university museums in Texas. First, we visually assessed snakes for signs of infection (SOI), and if SOI were present, we sampled the affected area. We then used quantitative polymerase chain reaction to diagnose the presence of Oo DNA on areas with SOI and used these data to evaluate spatiotemporal patterns of Oo prevalence. We also tested for significant spatial clusters of Oo infenction using a Bernoulli probability model as implemented in the program SatScan. We found that the proportion of snakes exhibiting SOI was constant over time while the prevalence of Oo DNA among those SOI increased across space and time. Within these data, we detected an incidence pattern consistent with an introduction and then spread. We detected six spatial clusters of Oo infection, although only one was significant. Our results support the hypothesis that Oo is an emerging, novel pathogen to Texas snakes. These data narrow the knowledge gap regarding the history of Oo infections in Texas and establish a historical record of confirmed Oo detections in several counties across the state. Thus, our results will guide future research to those areas with evidence of past Oo infections but lacking confirmation in contemporary hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stephanie C. Nordmeyer
- Department of Molecular Immunology and MicrobiologyUniversity of Texas at San AntonioSan AntonioTexasUSA
| | - Elijah Wostl
- Department of Biological SciencesSt. Edward's UniversityAustinTexasUSA
| | - David Rodriguez
- Department of BiologyTexas State UniversitySan MarcosTexasUSA
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25
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Schilliger L, Paillusseau C, François C, Bonwitt J. Major Emerging Fungal Diseases of Reptiles and Amphibians. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12030429. [PMID: 36986351 PMCID: PMC10053826 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are caused by pathogens that have undergone recent changes in terms of geographic spread, increasing incidence, or expanding host range. In this narrative review, we describe three important fungal EIDs with keratin trophism that are relevant to reptile and amphibian conservation and veterinary practice. Nannizziopsis spp. have been mainly described in saurians; infection results in thickened, discolored skin crusting, with eventual progression to deep tissues. Previously only reported in captive populations, it was first described in wild animals in Australia in 2020. Ophidiomyces ophidiicola (formely O. ophiodiicola) is only known to infect snakes; clinical signs include ulcerating lesions in the cranial, ventral, and pericloacal regions. It has been associated with mortality events in wild populations in North America. Batrachochytrium spp. cause ulceration, hyperkeratosis, and erythema in amphibians. They are a major cause of catastrophic amphibian declines worldwide. In general, infection and clinical course are determined by host-related characteristics (e.g., nutritional, metabolic, and immune status), pathogens (e.g., virulence and environmental survival), and environment (e.g., temperature, hygrometry, and water quality). The animal trade is thought to be an important cause of worldwide spread, with global modifications in temperature, hygrometry, and water quality further affecting fungal pathogenicity and host immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lionel Schilliger
- Argos Veterinary Clinic of Paris Auteuil, 35 Rue Leconte de Lisle, 75016 Paris, France
- SpéNac Referral Center, 100 Boulevard de la Tour Maubourg, 75007 Paris, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-188-616-831
| | - Clément Paillusseau
- Argos Veterinary Clinic of Paris Auteuil, 35 Rue Leconte de Lisle, 75016 Paris, France
- SpéNac Referral Center, 100 Boulevard de la Tour Maubourg, 75007 Paris, France
| | - Camille François
- Argos Veterinary Clinic of Paris Auteuil, 35 Rue Leconte de Lisle, 75016 Paris, France
- SpéNac Referral Center, 100 Boulevard de la Tour Maubourg, 75007 Paris, France
| | - Jesse Bonwitt
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, South Rd., Durham DH1 3LE, UK
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26
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Hartzheim AM, Terry JL, Field EK, Haydt NT, Poo S, Neuman-Lee LA. Immune and stress physiology of two captively-housed tortoise species. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 339:220-233. [PMID: 36450699 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Ecoimmunology affords us the ability to better understand immunological processes through consideration of external factors, such as the thermal microenvironment. This consideration is imperative when examining the immunological processes of ectothermic organisms like reptiles. Reptiles uniquely rely heavily on their innate immune function but remain poorly understood in immunological studies. In this study, we examined innate immunity in two zoo-housed tortoise species, the Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans, Schoepff, 1795) and northern spider tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides brygooi, Vuillemin & Domergue, 1972). Bacterial killing assays (BKAs) were optimized and used to assess the monthly immunocompetence of these tortoises to three different bacteria: Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Staphylococcus aureus. We evaluated differences in blood biochemistry values (lactate and glucose) among months and species as well as fecal corticosterone (CORT) between species. Lastly, we examined the potential influences of individual thermal microenvironments on bactericidal ability. Both G. elegans and P. a. brygooi demonstrated immunocompetence against all bacterial challenges, but only bactericidal ability against E. coli varied over months. Optimal BKA serum dilutions, blood glucose levels, and fecal CORT concentrations differed between the two species. Finally, there was evidence that the thermal microenvironment influenced the tortoises' bactericidal ability against E. coli. Through use of nonmodel organisms, such as tortoises, we are given insight into the inner workings of innate immunity and a better understanding of the complexities of the vertebrate immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa M Hartzheim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA
| | - Jennifer L Terry
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA
| | - Emily K Field
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA
| | - Natalie T Haydt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA
| | - Sinlan Poo
- Department of Conservation and Research, Memphis Zoological Society, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Lorin A Neuman-Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA
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27
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Garner MM, Fredholm DVE, Citino SB, Keating MK, Ritter JM, Lockart S, Lysen C, Bradway DS, Koons AR, Newton J. FATAL SYSTEMIC FUNGAL INFECTION IN EASTERN BONGO ANTELOPE ( TRAGELAPHUS EURYCERUS ISAACI): SIX CASES. J Zoo Wildl Med 2023; 54:102-110. [PMID: 36971634 DOI: 10.1638/2021-0166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Over a span of 6 yr, six adult eastern bongo antelope (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) from a single institution died due to systemic mycotic infections. All animals were of the same genetic lineage and in good body condition at the time of death. Gross findings in all cases included multifocal white-to-tan nodules up to 10 cm in diameter that were most numerous in the heart, lung, and kidney. Histologic examination identified these nodules as foci of granulomatous inflammation containing branching, septate, broad, undulating fungal elements. Identification of the fungal species was pursued using PCR with sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and culture. Multiple fungal species were identified using the various modalities, and commonality of species identification was limited to Cladosporium sp. in four of the cases. The clinical and postmortem findings in these cases were identical and were considered to be the same infectious disease. The Cladosporium sp. was considered a candidate as an emerging fatal infectious agent in this population of bongo antelopes. In all of these cases, death was attributed to conduction abnormalities associated with the cardiac lesions or euthanasia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - M Kelly Keating
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Jana M Ritter
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Shawn Lockart
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Colleen Lysen
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Daniel S Bradway
- Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Alissa R Koons
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Joseph Newton
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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28
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Simonis MC, Hartzler LK, Turner GG, Scafini MR, Johnson JS, Rúa MA. Long‐term exposure to an invasive fungal pathogen decreases
Eptesicus fuscus
body mass with increasing latitude. Ecosphere 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Molly C. Simonis
- Department of Biology University of Oklahoma Norman Oklahoma USA
- Environmental Sciences PhD Program Wright State University Dayton Ohio USA
| | - Lynn K. Hartzler
- Environmental Sciences PhD Program Wright State University Dayton Ohio USA
- Department of Biological Sciences Wright State University Dayton Ohio USA
| | - Gregory G. Turner
- Bureau of Wildlife Management Pennsylvania Game Commission Harrisburg Pennsylvania USA
| | - Michael R. Scafini
- Bureau of Wildlife Management Pennsylvania Game Commission Harrisburg Pennsylvania USA
| | - Joseph S. Johnson
- School of Information Technology University of Cincinnati Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Megan A. Rúa
- Environmental Sciences PhD Program Wright State University Dayton Ohio USA
- Department of Biological Sciences Wright State University Dayton Ohio USA
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29
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Gerrits van den Ende B, Rodrigues AM, Hahn RC, Hagen F. A surprising finding: The curious case of a tongue lesion misdiagnosed as paracoccidioidomycosis. Rev Iberoam Micol 2023; 40:10-14. [PMID: 36690509 DOI: 10.1016/j.riam.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paracoccidioidomycosis is an endemic mycosis caused by members of the Paracoccidioides genus. Brazil remains the focus area and, to a lesser extent, the disease has been reported from Argentina, Colombia and Venezuela. AIMS A Venezuelan Paracoccidioides brasiliensis strain, isolated from a patient diagnosed with chronic multifocal paracoccidioidomycosis, was subjected to whole genome sequencing to provide more insight about Paracoccidioides outside the endemic focus area. METHODS P. brasiliensis strain CBS 118890 was whole genome sequenced using nanopore; library preparation with the 'native barcoding genomic DNA kit' was followed by sequencing on Flongle and MinION flowcells. Batches of strain CBS 118890 were re-identified by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and final identification was made based on phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS Surprisingly, the Venezuelan P. brasiliensis strain CBS 118890 turned out to be a Nannizziopsis species. The batches of this strain were ITS sequenced followed by phylogenetic analysis and resulted in the final identification of Nannizziopsis arthrosporioides. CONCLUSIONS Nannizziopsis infections are commonly seen in a wide variety of reptiles, but are particularly rare in human infections. This case underlines the need for molecular characterization of cases that clinically mimic paracoccidioidomycosis but that are serologically negative for Paracoccidioides.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anderson Messias Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Emerging Fungal Pathogens, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Discipline of Cellular Biology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Medicine, Discipline of Infectious Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rosane Christine Hahn
- Laboratory of Mycology/Research, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil; Júlio Muller University Hospital - Ebserh, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Ferry Hagen
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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30
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Wu NC. Pathogen load predicts host functional disruption: A meta‐analysis of an amphibian fungal panzootic. Funct Ecol 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.14245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas C. Wu
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment Western Sydney University Richmond New South Wales Australia
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31
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Card DC, Van Camp AG, Santonastaso T, Jensen-Seaman MI, Anthony NM, Edwards SV. Structure and evolution of the squamate major histocompatibility complex as revealed by two Anolis lizard genomes. Front Genet 2022; 13:979746. [PMID: 36425073 PMCID: PMC9679377 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.979746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is an important genomic region for adaptive immunity and has long been studied in ecological and evolutionary contexts, such as disease resistance and mate and kin selection. The MHC has been investigated extensively in mammals and birds but far less so in squamate reptiles, the third major radiation of amniotes. We localized the core MHC genomic region in two squamate species, the green anole (Anolis carolinensis) and brown anole (A. sagrei), and provide the first detailed characterization of the squamate MHC, including the presence and ordering of known MHC genes in these species and comparative assessments of genomic structure and composition in MHC regions. We find that the Anolis MHC, located on chromosome 2 in both species, contains homologs of many previously-identified mammalian MHC genes in a single core MHC region. The repetitive element composition in anole MHC regions was similar to those observed in mammals but had important distinctions, such as higher proportions of DNA transposons. Moreover, longer introns and intergenic regions result in a much larger squamate MHC region (11.7 Mb and 24.6 Mb in the green and brown anole, respectively). Evolutionary analyses of MHC homologs of anoles and other representative amniotes uncovered generally monophyletic relationships between species-specific homologs and a loss of the peptide-binding domain exon 2 in one of two mhc2β gene homologs of each anole species. Signals of diversifying selection in each anole species was evident across codons of mhc1, many of which appear functionally relevant given known structures of this protein from the green anole, chicken, and human. Altogether, our investigation fills a major gap in understanding of amniote MHC diversity and evolution and provides an important foundation for future squamate-specific or vertebrate-wide investigations of the MHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daren C. Card
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Daren C. Card,
| | - Andrew G. Van Camp
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Trenten Santonastaso
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | | | - Nicola M. Anthony
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Scott V. Edwards
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
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32
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Lind CM, Agugliaro J, Lorch JM, Farrell TM. Ophidiomycosis is related to seasonal patterns of reproduction, ecdysis, and thermoregulatory behavior in a free‐living snake species. J Zool (1987) 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.13024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - J. M. Lorch
- U.S. Geological Survey ‐ National Wildlife Health Center Madison WI USA
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Fu M, Waldman B. Novel chytrid pathogen variants and the global amphibian pet trade. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2022; 36:e13938. [PMID: 35561039 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Global wildlife trade spreads emerging infectious diseases that threaten biodiversity. The amphibian chytrid pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has caused population declines and species extinctions worldwide except in Asia. Fire-bellied toads (Bombina orientalis), exported in large numbers from Asia, are tolerant of Bd and carry hypervirulent ancestral chytrid BdAsia-1 variants. We assayed the virulence of a new isolate of BdAsia-1 on the model Australasian frog host Litoria caerulea. Infected individuals (n = 15) all showed rapid disease progression culminating in death, whereas sham-inoculated individuals (n = 10) presented no clinical signs of disease and all survived (log rank test, χ2 = 15.6, df = 1, p < 0.0001). The virulence of the new isolate of BdAsia-1 is comparable to the one we assayed previously (χ2 = 0.0, df = 1, p = 0.91). Internationally traded wildlife, even when they appear healthy, can carry hypervirulent variants of pathogens. Once new pathogen variants escape into the environment, native species that have had no opportunity to evolve resistance to them may perish. Our study suggests that hypervirulent pathogens are being spread by the international pet trade. Notifiable wildlife diseases attributable to locally endemic pathogens often fail to generate conservation concern so are rarely subject to border surveillance or import controls. Because of the danger novel variants pose, national border control agencies need to implement disease screening and quarantine protocols to ensure the safety of their endemic fauna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjie Fu
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Bruce Waldman
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
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34
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Ophidiomyces ophidiicola detection and infection: a global review on a potential threat to the world’s snake populations. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-022-01612-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
AbstractOphidiomyces ophidiicola (Oo) is one of the most relevant fungal pathogens for snakes. It is the etiological agent of ophidiomycosis, an emerging disease causing dysecdysis, skin abnormalities, crusting cutaneous lesions, and ulcerations. Despite this major tegumentary “tropism”, Oo infection can be systemic and it is capable of inducing visceral lesions. Moreover, ophidiomycosis may lead to abnormalities of reproductive physiology, hunting behavior, and thermoregulation, thus increasing the risks of sublethal effects and predation on affected snakes. Oo seems horizontally transmitted and can induce postnatal mortality. This article reviews published data on Oo detection and infection in all snake species in countries around the world and categorizes these data using new classification parameters. The presence of this fungus has been recorded in 11 states (considering the USA as a whole); however, in four states, the mycosis has only been reported in snakes held in captivity. Detection and/or infection of Oo has been ascertained in 62 snake species, divided into nine families. The taxa have been categorized with diagnostic criteria in order to report, for each species, the highest rank of categorization resulting from all cases. Therefore, 20 species have been included within the class “Ophidiomycosis and Oo shedder”, 11 within “Ophidiomycosis”, 16 in “Apparent ophidiomycosis”, and 15 within “Ophidiomyces ophidiicola present”. We also discuss the significance and limits of case classifications and Oo’s impact on wild populations, and we suggest methods for preliminary surveillance. Standardized methods, interdisciplinary studies, and cooperation between various research institutions may facilitate further Oo screening studies, elucidate the unclear aspects of the disease, and protect ophidiofauna from this emerging threat at the global level.
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35
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Origgi FC, Pisano SRR, Glaizot O, Hertwig ST, Schmitz A, Ursenbacher S. Ophiodimyces ophiodiicola, Etiologic Agent of Snake Fungal Disease, in Europe since Late 1950s. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:2064-2068. [PMID: 36148931 PMCID: PMC9514351 DOI: 10.3201/eid2810.220564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The fungus Ophiodimyces ophiodiicola is the etiologic agent of snake fungal disease. Recent findings date US occurrence at least as far back as 1945. We analyzed 22 free-ranging snakes with gross lesions consistent with snake fungal disease from museum collections from Europe. We found 5 positive samples, the oldest collected in 1959.
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SEASONAL AND INTERSPECIFIC VARIATION IN THE PREVALENCE OF OPHIDIOMYCES OPHIDIICOLA AND OPHIDIOMYCOSIS IN A COMMUNITY OF FREE-RANGING SNAKES. J Wildl Dis 2022; 58:791-802. [PMID: 36240744 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-21-00134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Ophidiomycosis in snakes is caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophidiicola. Clinical signs associated with the disease range from minor skin lesions to severe swelling of the face. In some cases, the fungus invades the snake's underlying muscle and bone and internal organs; disease severity appears to peak during brumation. We quantified the prevalence of O. ophidiicola and ophidiomycosis in free-ranging snakes to explore seasonal variation in detection of the pathogen and disease. We collected skin swabs (n=464 samples) from seven species of free-ranging snakes (n=336) from Rondeau Provincial Park (Ontario, Canada) and tested the swabs for O. ophidiicola using quantitative PCR. We also assessed individuals for lesions consistent with ophidiomycosis and monitored changes in gross lesions over time in recaptured individuals. Eastern foxsnakes (Pantherophis vulpinus) had the highest prevalence of O. ophidiicola (24/84) and of lesions consistent with ophidiomycosis (34/84). On other species (Nerodia sipedon, Storeria dekayi, Thamnophis sirtalis, and Thamnophis sauritus), we detected the pathogen on only 4/229 snakes and observed gross lesions consistent with ophidiomycosis on 24/229 snakes. Body length of eastern foxsnakes was associated with detection of O. ophidiicola, suggesting that eastern foxsnakes' large size increases the risk of pathogen exposure relative to the other, smaller, species at our study site. Ophidiomyces ophidiicola and lesions consistent with ophidiomycosis were detected most frequently in eastern foxsnakes soon after emergence from brumation and less frequently later in the active season (O. ophidiicola: April=29.8%, October=3.9%; lesions: April=36.1%, October=5.5%). This decrease corresponded with resolution of lesions in 6/13 resampled eastern foxsnakes. Considering the seasonal cycle of O. ophidiicola and ophidiomycosis when planning disease surveillance research may improve detection probabilities for ophidiomycosis in Nearctic snakes.
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Tompros A, Wilber MQ, Fenton A, Carter ED, Gray MJ. Efficacy of Plant-Derived Fungicides at Inhibiting Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans Growth. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:1025. [PMID: 36294589 PMCID: PMC9605044 DOI: 10.3390/jof8101025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The emerging fungal amphibian pathogen, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), is currently spreading across Europe and given its estimated invasion potential, has the capacity to decimate salamander populations worldwide. Fungicides are a promising in situ management strategy for Bsal due to their ability to treat the environment and infected individuals. However, antifungal drugs or pesticides could adversely affect the environment and non-target hosts, thus identifying safe, effective candidate fungicides for in situ treatment is needed. Here, we estimated the inhibitory fungicidal efficacy of five plant-derived fungicides (thymol, curcumin, allicin, 6-gingerol, and Pond Pimafix®) and one chemical fungicide (Virkon® Aquatic) against Bsal zoospores in vitro. We used a broth microdilution method in 48-well plates to test the efficacy of six concentrations per fungicide on Bsal zoospore viability. Following plate incubation, we performed cell viability assays and agar plate growth trials to estimate the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of each fungicide. All six fungicides exhibited inhibitory and fungicidal effects against Bsal growth, with estimated MIC concentrations ranging from 60 to 0.156 μg/mL for the different compounds. Allicin showed the greatest efficacy (i.e., lowest MIC and MFC) against Bsal zoospores followed by curcumin, Pond Pimafix®, thymol, 6-gingerol, and Virkon® Aquatic, respectively. Our results provide evidence that plant-derived fungicides are effective at inhibiting and killing Bsal zoospores in vitro and may be useful for in situ treatment. Additional studies are needed to estimate the efficacy of these fungicides at inactivating Bsal in the environment and treating Bsal-infected amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrianna Tompros
- Center for Wildlife Health, Department of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Mark Q. Wilber
- Center for Wildlife Health, Department of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Andy Fenton
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Edward Davis Carter
- Center for Wildlife Health, Department of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Matthew J. Gray
- Center for Wildlife Health, Department of Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
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38
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Allain SJR, Duffus ALJ, Marschang RE. Editorial: Emerging infections and diseases of herpetofauna. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:909616. [PMID: 36238439 PMCID: PMC9552943 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.909616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Steven J. R. Allain
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda L. J. Duffus
- Health of Herpetofauna Communities Research Group, Department of Natural Sciences, Gordon State College, Barnesville, GA, United States
- *Correspondence: Amanda L. J. Duffus
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39
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PARASITOLOGIC AND PATHOLOGIC STUDY OF FREE-RANGING SOUTH AMERICAN RATTLESNAKES ( CROTALUS DURISSUS TERRIFICUS) IN BRAZIL. J Zoo Wildl Med 2022; 53:515-527. [DOI: 10.1638/2021-0065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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40
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Comparative host-pathogen associations of Snake Fungal Disease in sympatric species of water snakes (Nerodia). Sci Rep 2022; 12:12303. [PMID: 35853982 PMCID: PMC9295108 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16664-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The ascomycete fungus Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola (Oo) is the causative agent of ophidiomycosis (Snake Fungal Disease), which has been detected globally. However, surveillance efforts in the central U.S., specifically Texas, have been minimal. The threatened and rare Brazos water snake (Nerodia harteri harteri) is one of the most range restricted snakes in the U.S. and is sympatric with two wide-ranging congeners, Nerodia erythrogaster transversa and Nerodia rhombifer, in north central Texas; thus, providing an opportunity to test comparative host-pathogen associations in this system. To accomplish this, we surveyed a portion of the Brazos river drainage (~ 400 river km) over 29 months and tested 150 Nerodia individuals for the presence of Oo via quantitative PCR and recorded any potential signs of Oo infection. We found Oo was distributed across the entire range of N. h. harteri, Oo prevalence was 46% overall, and there was a significant association between Oo occurrence and signs of infection in our sample. Models indicated adults had a higher probability of Oo infection than juveniles and subadults, and adult N. h. harteri had a higher probability of infection than adult N. rhombifer but not higher than adult N. e. transversa. High Oo prevalence estimates (94.4%) in adult N. h. harteri has implications for their conservation and management owing to their patchy distribution, comparatively low genetic diversity, and threats from anthropogenic habitat modification.
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41
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Torres-Sánchez M, Villate J, McGrath-Blaser S, Longo AV. Panzootic chytrid fungus exploits diverse amphibian host environments through plastic infection strategies. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:4558-4570. [PMID: 35796691 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
While some pathogens are limited to single species, others can colonize many hosts, likely contributing to the emergence of novel disease outbreaks. Despite this biodiversity threat, traits associated with host niche expansions are not well understood in multi-host pathogens. Here, we aimed to uncover functional machinery driving multi-host invasion by focusing on Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), a pathogen that infects the skin of hundreds of amphibians worldwide. We performed a meta-analysis of Bd gene expression using data from published infection experiments and newly generated profiles. We analyzed Bd transcriptomic landscapes across the skin of 14 host species, reconstructed Bd isolates phylogenetic relationships, and inferred the origin and evolutionary history of differentially expressed genes under a phylogenetic framework comprising other 12 zoosporic fungi. Bd displayed plastic infection strategies when challenged by hosts with different disease susceptibility. Our analyses identified sets of differentially expressed genes under host environments with similar infection outcome. We stressed nutritional immunity and gene silencing as important processes required to overcome challenging skin environments in less susceptible hosts. Overall, Bd genes expressed during amphibian skin exploitation have arisen mainly via gene duplications with great family expansions, increasing the gene copy events previously described for this fungal species. Finally, we provide a comprehensive gene dataset that can be used to further examine eco-evolutionary hypotheses for this host-pathogen system. Our study supports the idea that host environments exert contrasting selective pressures, such that gene expression plasticity could be one of the evolutionary keys leading to the success of multi-host pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer Villate
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, 32611, Gainesville, FL
| | | | - Ana V Longo
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, 32611, Gainesville, FL
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42
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Holland OJ, Toomey M, Ahrens C, Hoffmann AA, Croft LJ, Sherman CDH, Miller AD. Whole genome resequencing reveals signatures of rapid selection in a virus-affected commercial fishery. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:3658-3671. [PMID: 35555938 PMCID: PMC9327721 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Infectious diseases are recognized as one of the greatest global threats to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Consequently, there is a growing urgency to understand the speed at which adaptive phenotypes can evolve and spread in natural populations to inform future management. Here we provide evidence of rapid genomic changes in wild Australian blacklip abalone (Haliotis rubra) following a major population crash associated with an infectious disease. Genome scans on H. rubra were performed using pooled whole genome resequencing data from commercial fishing stocks varying in historical exposure to haliotid herpesvirus-1 (HaHV-1). Approximately 25,000 single nucleotide polymorphism loci associated with virus exposure were identified, many of which mapped to genes known to contribute to HaHV-1 immunity in the New Zealand pāua (Haliotis iris) and herpesvirus response pathways in haliotids and other animal systems. These findings indicate genetic changes across a single generation in H. rubra fishing stocks decimated by HaHV-1, with stock recovery potentially determined by rapid evolutionary changes leading to virus resistance. This is a novel example of apparently rapid adaptation in natural populations of a nonmodel marine organism, highlighting the pace at which selection can potentially act to counter disease in wildlife communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen J. Holland
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesDeakin UniversityWarrnamboolVictoriaAustralia
- Deakin Genomics CentreDeakin UniversityGeelongVictoriaAustralia
| | - Madeline Toomey
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesDeakin UniversityWarrnamboolVictoriaAustralia
- Deakin Genomics CentreDeakin UniversityGeelongVictoriaAustralia
| | - Collin Ahrens
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular SciencesUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
- Research Centre for Ecosystem ResilienceAustralian Institute of Botanical ScienceRoyal Botanic GardenSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Ary A. Hoffmann
- School of BioSciencesBio21 InstituteThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Laurence J. Croft
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesDeakin UniversityWarrnamboolVictoriaAustralia
- Deakin Genomics CentreDeakin UniversityGeelongVictoriaAustralia
| | - Craig D. H. Sherman
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesDeakin UniversityWarrnamboolVictoriaAustralia
| | - Adam D. Miller
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesDeakin UniversityWarrnamboolVictoriaAustralia
- Deakin Genomics CentreDeakin UniversityGeelongVictoriaAustralia
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43
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The population genetics of the causative agent of snake fungal disease indicate recent introductions to the USA. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001676. [PMID: 35737674 PMCID: PMC9223401 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Snake fungal disease (SFD; ophidiomycosis), caused by the pathogen Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola (Oo), has been documented in wild snakes in North America and Eurasia, and is considered an emerging disease in the eastern United States of America. However, a lack of historical disease data has made it challenging to determine whether Oo is a recent arrival to the USA or whether SFD emergence is due to other factors. Here, we examined the genomes of 82 Oo strains to determine the pathogen’s history in the eastern USA. Oo strains from the USA formed a clade (Clade II) distinct from European strains (Clade I), and molecular dating indicated that these clades diverged too recently (approximately 2,000 years ago) for transcontinental dispersal of Oo to have occurred via natural snake movements across Beringia. A lack of nonrecombinant intermediates between clonal lineages in Clade II indicates that Oo has actually been introduced multiple times to North America from an unsampled source population, and molecular dating indicates that several of these introductions occurred within the last few hundred years. Molecular dating also indicated that the most common Clade II clonal lineages have expanded recently in the USA, with time of most recent common ancestor mean estimates ranging from 1985 to 2007 CE. The presence of Clade II in captive snakes worldwide demonstrates a potential mechanism of introduction and highlights that additional incursions are likely unless action is taken to reduce the risk of pathogen translocation and spillover into wild snake populations. Snake fungal disease is an emerging disease in eastern North America, but the origins of the disease have been unclear. This study uses population genetic data to show that the fungus that causes the disease was introduced multiple times to North America over the last few hundred years.
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44
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Abstract
AbstractThe order Onygenales is classified in the class Eurotiomycetes of the subphylum Pezizomycotina. Families in this order have classically been isolated from soil and dung, and two lineages contain causative agents of superficial, cutaneous and systemic infections in mammals. The ecology and habitat choices of the species are driven mainly by the keratin and cellulose degradation abilities. The present study aimed to investigate whether the ecological trends of the members of Onygenales can be interpreted in an evolutionary sense, linking phylogenetic parameters with habitat preferences, to achieve polyphasic definitions of the main taxonomic groups. Evolutionary processes were estimated by multiple gene genealogies and divergence time analysis. Previously described families, namely, Arthrodermataceae, Ajellomycetaceae, Ascosphaeraceae, Eremascaceae, Gymnoascaceae, Onygenaceae and Spiromastigoidaceae, were accepted in Onygenales, and two new families, Malbrancheaceae and Neogymnomycetaceae, were introduced. A number of species could not be assigned to any of the defined families. Our study provides a revised overview of the main lines of taxonomy of Onygenales, supported by multilocus analyses of ITS, LSU, TUB, TEF1, TEF3, RPB1, RPB2, and ribosomal protein 60S L10 (L1) (RP60S) sequences, combined with available data on ecology, physiology, morphology, and genomics.
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45
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Cox N, Young BE, Bowles P, Fernandez M, Marin J, Rapacciuolo G, Böhm M, Brooks TM, Hedges SB, Hilton-Taylor C, Hoffmann M, Jenkins RKB, Tognelli MF, Alexander GJ, Allison A, Ananjeva NB, Auliya M, Avila LJ, Chapple DG, Cisneros-Heredia DF, Cogger HG, Colli GR, de Silva A, Eisemberg CC, Els J, Fong G A, Grant TD, Hitchmough RA, Iskandar DT, Kidera N, Martins M, Meiri S, Mitchell NJ, Molur S, Nogueira CDC, Ortiz JC, Penner J, Rhodin AGJ, Rivas GA, Rödel MO, Roll U, Sanders KL, Santos-Barrera G, Shea GM, Spawls S, Stuart BL, Tolley KA, Trape JF, Vidal MA, Wagner P, Wallace BP, Xie Y. A global reptile assessment highlights shared conservation needs of tetrapods. Nature 2022; 605:285-290. [PMID: 35477765 PMCID: PMC9095493 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-04664-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Comprehensive assessments of species’ extinction risks have documented the extinction crisis1 and underpinned strategies for reducing those risks2. Global assessments reveal that, among tetrapods, 40.7% of amphibians, 25.4% of mammals and 13.6% of birds are threatened with extinction3. Because global assessments have been lacking, reptiles have been omitted from conservation-prioritization analyses that encompass other tetrapods4–7. Reptiles are unusually diverse in arid regions, suggesting that they may have different conservation needs6. Here we provide a comprehensive extinction-risk assessment of reptiles and show that at least 1,829 out of 10,196 species (21.1%) are threatened—confirming a previous extrapolation8 and representing 15.6 billion years of phylogenetic diversity. Reptiles are threatened by the same major factors that threaten other tetrapods—agriculture, logging, urban development and invasive species—although the threat posed by climate change remains uncertain. Reptiles inhabiting forests, where these threats are strongest, are more threatened than those in arid habitats, contrary to our prediction. Birds, mammals and amphibians are unexpectedly good surrogates for the conservation of reptiles, although threatened reptiles with the smallest ranges tend to be isolated from other threatened tetrapods. Although some reptiles—including most species of crocodiles and turtles—require urgent, targeted action to prevent extinctions, efforts to protect other tetrapods, such as habitat preservation and control of trade and invasive species, will probably also benefit many reptiles. An extinction-risk assessment of reptiles shows that at least 21.1% of species are threatened by factors such as agriculture, logging, urban development and invasive species, and that efforts to protect birds, mammals and amphibians probably also benefit many reptiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Cox
- Biodiversity Assessment Unit, IUCN-Conservation International, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Philip Bowles
- Biodiversity Assessment Unit, IUCN-Conservation International, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Miguel Fernandez
- NatureServe, Arlington, VA, USA.,Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation and Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA.,Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - Julie Marin
- Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, INSERM, IAME, Bobigny, France
| | - Giovanni Rapacciuolo
- Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Monika Böhm
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, UK
| | - Thomas M Brooks
- IUCN, Gland, Switzerland.,World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF), University of The Philippines, Los Baños, The Philippines.,Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - S Blair Hedges
- Center for Biodiversity, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Craig Hilton-Taylor
- Science & Data Centre: Biodiversity Assessment & Knowledge Team, IUCN, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michael Hoffmann
- Conservation and Policy, Zoological Society of London, London, UK
| | - Richard K B Jenkins
- Science & Data Centre: Biodiversity Assessment & Knowledge Team, IUCN, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marcelo F Tognelli
- Biodiversity Assessment Unit, IUCN-Conservation International, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Graham J Alexander
- Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Natalia B Ananjeva
- Department of Herpetology, Zoological Institute, St Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Mark Auliya
- Department of Herpetology, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig, Bonn, Germany
| | - Luciano Javier Avila
- Grupo Herpetología Patagónica (GHP-LASIBIBE), Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales (IPEEC-CONICET), Puerto Madryn, Argentina
| | - David G Chapple
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Diego F Cisneros-Heredia
- Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Museo de Zoología, Instituto de Biodiversidad Tropical iBIOTROP, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito, Ecuador.,Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Harold G Cogger
- Australian Museum Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Guarino R Colli
- Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Anslem de Silva
- South Asia Regional Office, Crocodile Specialist Group, Gampols, Sri Lanka
| | | | - Johannes Els
- Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Government of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ansel Fong G
- Centro Oriental de Ecosistemas y Biodiversidad (BIOECO), Museo de Historia Natural "Tomás Romay", Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
| | - Tandora D Grant
- Conservation Science & Wildlife Health, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Noriko Kidera
- Department of Biosphere-Geosphere Science, Okayama University of Science, Okayama, Japan.,National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Marcio Martins
- Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Shai Meiri
- School of Zoology & the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Nicola J Mitchell
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | | | - Juan Carlos Ortiz
- Departamento de Zoología, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Johannes Penner
- Chair of Wildlife Ecology and Management, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Museum für Naturkunde - Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Gilson A Rivas
- Museo de Biología, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - Mark-Oliver Rödel
- Museum für Naturkunde - Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Uri Roll
- Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - Kate L Sanders
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Glenn M Shea
- Australian Museum Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Sydney School of Veterinary Science B01, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Bryan L Stuart
- Section of Research & Collections, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Krystal A Tolley
- Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,South African National Biodiversity Institute, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Marcela A Vidal
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Bío-Bío, Chillán, Chile
| | | | | | - Yan Xie
- Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Schalk CM, Weng YH, Adams CS, Saenz D. Spatiotemporal Patterns of Snake Captures and Activity in Upland Pine Forests. AMERICAN MIDLAND NATURALIST 2022. [DOI: 10.1674/0003-0031-187.2.195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M. Schalk
- Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas 75962
| | - Yuhui H. Weng
- Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas 75962
| | - Connor S. Adams
- Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas 75962
| | - Daniel Saenz
- Southern Research Station, U.S. Forest Service, Nacogdoches, Texas 75965
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REPEATED SAMPLING OF WILD INDIVIDUALS REVEALS OPHIDIOMYCES OPHIDIICOLA INFECTION DYNAMICS IN A PENNSYLVANIA SNAKE ASSEMBLAGE. J Wildl Dis 2022; 58:290-297. [PMID: 35245359 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-21-00116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Ophidiomyces ophidiicola is an emerging fungal pathogen associated with infections in snakes across North America. Although documented in Pennsylvania, O. ophidiicola has not been found at Powdermill Nature Reserve (PNR) in southwestern Pennsylvania, where the snake assemblage has been studied since 2002 and several species have recently declined. We surveyed for O. ophidiicola and putative ophidiomycosis at PNR. We screened five species of free-ranging, wild snakes (n=34) for suspected ophidiomycosis by visually checking for dermatitis and swabbing for the presence of O. ophidiicola DNA. We found a moderate prevalence of snakes with skin lesions (n=15) but a low prevalence of snakes with O. ophidiicola DNA in traditional PCR assays (n=2). Both positive snakes belonged to the same species and only one presented with lesions. When quantitative PCR screens were performed on duplicate swabs, 19 snakes were positive for O. ophidiicola DNA, with positive individuals in two species. Mark-recapture methods revealed seasonal variability in disease dynamics for sampled snakes. One individual presented with less than five skin lesions and tested negative in May 2020, had more than five lesions with a high fungal DNA load in June 2020, and no lesions with a low fungal DNA load in July 2020. We also found that snakes sampled from under the same cover object at the same time either all tested positive or all negative, including one instance involving two species. Our results underscore the value of using multiple screening techniques for O. ophidiicola surveillance and repeated sampling of individuals to understand the dynamics of ophidiomycosis in wild populations as compared to single method and single timepoint approaches.
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INNATE IMMUNE FUNCTION IN LAKE ERIE WATERSNAKES (NERODIA SIPEDON INSULARUM) WITH OPHIDIOMYCOSIS. J Wildl Dis 2022; 58:279-289. [PMID: 35029682 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-21-00100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Ophidiomycosis, caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, poses a threat to the health of wild and managed snakes worldwide. Variation in snake innate immunity, the primary defense against infection in reptiles, may explain the observed variation in ophidiomycosis clinical disease severity among snakes. In this study, two components of the innate immune response were examined in snake plasma. We investigated whether complement activity, as measured by sheep red blood cell hemolysis, and chitotriosidase activity were associated with ophidiomycosis disease severity and time in captivity in Lake Erie watersnakes (Nerodia sipedon insularum). There was no difference in complement-mediated hemolysis or chitotriosidase activities between snakes with varying levels of ophidiomycosis clinical severity sampled in the field. However, among snakes with skin lesions kept in captivity, chitotriosidase activity was significantly higher in snakes with mild disease, compared with snakes with severe disease, and hemolysis activity increased with time in captivity. Overall, Lake Erie watersnakes had higher complement activity, but lower chitotriosidase activity, compared with other reptile species. To our knowledge, this study is the first to describe chitotriosidase activity in a snake species. These results provide mixed evidence of associations between innate immune function and ophidiomycosis severity, and more work is needed to investigate differences among snake species.
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Host microbiome responses to the Snake Fungal Disease pathogen (Ophidiomyces ophidiicola) are driven by changes in microbial richness. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3078. [PMID: 35197501 PMCID: PMC8866498 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07042-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermatophytic pathogens are a source of disturbance to the host microbiome, but the temporal progression of these disturbances is unclear. Here, we determined how Snake Fungal Disease, caused by Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, resulted in disturbance to the host microbiome. To assess disease effects on the microbiome, 22 Common Watersnakes (Nerodia sipedon) were collected and half were inoculated with O. ophidiicola. Epidermal swabs were collected weekly for use in microbiome and pathogen load characterization. For the inoculated treatment only, we found a significant effect of disease progression on microbial richness and Shannon diversity consistent with the intermediate disturbance hypothesis. When explicitly accounting for differences in assemblage richness, we found that β-diversity among snakes was significantly affected by the interaction of time and treatment group, with assemblages becoming more dissimilar across time in the inoculated, but not the control group. Also, differences between treatments in average microbiome composition became greater with time, but this interactive effect was not evident when accounting for assemblage richness. These results suggest that changes in composition of the host microbiome associated with disease largely occur due to changes in microbial richness related to disease progression.
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50
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Li Z, Li A, Hoyt JR, Dai W, Leng H, Li Y, Li W, Liu S, Jin L, Sun K, Feng J. Activity of bacteria isolated from bats against Pseudogymnoascus destructans in China. Microb Biotechnol 2022; 15:469-481. [PMID: 33559264 PMCID: PMC8867990 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
White-nose syndrome, a disease that is caused by the psychrophilic fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, has threatened several North America bat species with extinction. Recent studies have shown that East Asian bats are infected with P. destructans but show greatly reduced infections. While several factors have been found to contribute to these reduced infections, the role of specific microbes in limiting P. destructans growth remains unexplored. We isolated three bacterial strains with the ability to inhibit P. destructans, namely, Pseudomonas yamanorum GZD14026, Pseudomonas brenneri XRD11711 and Pseudomonas fragi GZD14479, from bats in China. Pseudomonas yamanorum, with the highest inhibition score, was selected to extract antifungal active substance. Combining mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy analyses, we identified the active compound inhibiting P. destructans as phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA), and the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 50.12 μg ml-1 . Whole genome sequencing also revealed the existence of PCA biosynthesis gene clusters. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified volatile organic compounds. The results indicated that 10 ppm octanoic acid, 100 ppm 3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (isoprenol) and 100 ppm 3-methyl-3-buten-1-ol (BHA) inhibited the growth of P. destructans. These results support that bacteria may play a role in limiting the growth of P. destructans on bats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongle Li
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyJilin Agricultural UniversityChangchun130018China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and UtilizationNortheast Normal University2555 Jingyue StreetChangchun130117China
| | - Aoqiang Li
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and UtilizationNortheast Normal University2555 Jingyue StreetChangchun130117China
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation EcologyMinistry of EducationChangchun130024China
| | - Joseph R. Hoyt
- Department of Biological SciencesVirginia Polytechnic InstituteBlacksburgVA24060USA
| | - Wentao Dai
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and UtilizationNortheast Normal University2555 Jingyue StreetChangchun130117China
| | - Haixia Leng
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and UtilizationNortheast Normal University2555 Jingyue StreetChangchun130117China
| | - Yanfei Li
- College of Chinese Medicine MaterialsJilin Agricultural UniversityChangchun130118China
| | - Wei Li
- College of Chinese Medicine MaterialsJilin Agricultural UniversityChangchun130118China
| | - Sen Liu
- Institute of Resources and EnvironmentHenan Polytechnic UniversityJiaozuo454000China
| | - Longru Jin
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and UtilizationNortheast Normal University2555 Jingyue StreetChangchun130117China
| | - Keping Sun
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and UtilizationNortheast Normal University2555 Jingyue StreetChangchun130117China
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation EcologyMinistry of EducationChangchun130024China
| | - Jiang Feng
- College of Animal Science and TechnologyJilin Agricultural UniversityChangchun130018China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resource Conservation and UtilizationNortheast Normal University2555 Jingyue StreetChangchun130117China
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