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Gagne RB, Crooks KR, Craft ME, Chiu ES, Fountain-Jones NM, Malmberg JL, Carver S, Funk WC, VandeWoude S. Parasites as conservation tools. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2022; 36:e13719. [PMID: 33586245 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Parasite success typically depends on a close relationship with one or more hosts; therefore, attributes of parasitic infection have the potential to provide indirect details of host natural history and are biologically relevant to animal conservation. Characterization of parasite infections has been useful in delineating host populations and has served as a proxy for assessment of environmental quality. In other cases, the utility of parasites is just being explored, for example, as indicators of host connectivity. Innovative studies of parasite biology can provide information to manage major conservation threats by using parasite assemblage, prevalence, or genetic data to provide insights into the host. Overexploitation, habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species, and climate change are major threats to animal conservation, and all of these can be informed by parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roderick B Gagne
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Kevin R Crooks
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Meggan E Craft
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Elliott S Chiu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Jennifer L Malmberg
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
| | - Scott Carver
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - W Chris Funk
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Sue VandeWoude
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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Equal contributions of feline immunodeficiency virus and coinfections to morbidity in African lions. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2021; 16:83-94. [PMID: 34466379 PMCID: PMC8385399 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a pathogenic lentivirus related to human and simian immunodeficiency viruses that has been associated with AIDS-like pathologies in domestic and wild cats, as well as in hyenas. Despite known pathologies, progressive immunosuppression and ill health effects driven by these lentiviruses in association with other secondary infections remain understudied in free-ranging species. Here, the role of coinfections by gastrointestinal parasites and tick-borne hemoparasites for FIV disease progression was explored in 195 free-ranging African lions (Panthera leo) living in Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa. Using statistical methodology, we evaluated the effects of FIV on a range of health indicators to explore how direct and indirect effects of FIV and associated coinfections align to determine lion health outcomes. Findings show direct negative effects of FIV on host immunity and nutritional status, and exacerbation of aggressive behaviors, conditions which may increase exposure/susceptibility to other secondary infections. When taken together, the contribution of coinfecting parasites to morbidity in lions is of similar magnitude as direct effects of FIV infection alone, suggesting that the particular coinfection assemblage may play a role in mediating disease progression within natural lion populations. Immunosuppression by FIV increases richness and abundance of secondary parasites. Infection by gastrointestinal parasites drives severe malnourishment in FIV hosts. Hemoparasite infection contributed to liver pathology and clinical wasting. Contributions of secondary infections to morbidity equal the direct effects of FIV.
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Panait LC, Mihalca AD, Modrý D, Juránková J, Ionică AM, Deak G, Gherman CM, Heddergott M, Hodžić A, Veronesi F, Reichard M, Zieman EA, Nielsen CK, Jiménez-Ruiz FA, Hrazdilová K. Three new species of Cytauxzoon in European wild felids. Vet Parasitol 2021; 290:109344. [PMID: 33465567 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Protists of the genus Cytauxzoon infect a wide variety of wild and domestic felids worldwide. While the American Cytauxzoon felis has been well described, data on the European isolates of Cytauxzoon are still scant. The aim of the current study was to determine the genetic diversity of European Cytauxzoon spp. in wild felids across Europe by analyzing one nuclear and two mitochondrial genes, along with representative complete mitochondrial genomes. Overall, 106 biological samples from wild felids (92 from Felis silvestris and 14 from Lynx lynx) from Germany, Romania, Czech Republic, and Luxembourg were collected and screened for the presence of Cytauxzoon spp. using nested PCR protocols, targeting the highly conserved 18S rDNA, mitochondrial cytochrome b (CytB) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) genes. Furthermore, 18 previously confirmed wild felid biological samples from Europe, and comparative material from USA positive for C. felis, were included in the study. In 18S rDNA sequences analyses, Cytauxzoon spp. from felids formed two separate clades of New World and Old World isolates, with a low inner diversity of the European clade. In contrast to 18S rDNA, the phylogenetic analyses of CytB and COI genes affirmatively revealed three highly supported clades, resulting in three defined genotypes. Similar intra- and interspecific variability of CytB and COI genes was observed in the case of different Babesia spp. Considering geography, host species and analyses of three genes, we conclude that the three detected genotypes of Cytauxzoon in European wild felids represent three new species, which we herein describe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Cătălina Panait
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania.
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania.
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Brno, 61242, Brno, Czech Republic; Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 61137, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Jana Juránková
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Brno, 61242, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania; CDS-9, "Regele Mihai I Al României" Life Science Institute, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania.
| | - Georgiana Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania.
| | - Călin Mircea Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania.
| | - Mike Heddergott
- Museum of Natural History, 25 Rue Munster, 2160, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Fabrizia Veronesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Mason Reichard
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, 74078, Stillwater, OK, United States.
| | - Elliott A Zieman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eastern Illinois University, 61920-3099, Charleston, IL, United States.
| | - Clayton K Nielsen
- Department of Forestry and Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 62901-6501, Carbondale, IL, United States.
| | | | - Kristýna Hrazdilová
- CEITEC VFU, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Brno, 61242, Brno, Czech Republic; Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Biomedical Center, Charles University, 32300, Plzeň, Czech Republic.
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Host relatedness and landscape connectivity shape pathogen spread in the puma, a large secretive carnivore. Commun Biol 2021; 4:12. [PMID: 33398025 PMCID: PMC7782801 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01548-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Urban expansion can fundamentally alter wildlife movement and gene flow, but how urbanization alters pathogen spread is poorly understood. Here, we combine high resolution host and viral genomic data with landscape variables to examine the context of viral spread in puma (Puma concolor) from two contrasting regions: one bounded by the wildland urban interface (WUI) and one unbounded with minimal anthropogenic development (UB). We found landscape variables and host gene flow explained significant amounts of variation of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) spread in the WUI, but not in the unbounded region. The most important predictors of viral spread also differed; host spatial proximity, host relatedness, and mountain ranges played a role in FIV spread in the WUI, whereas roads might have facilitated viral spread in the unbounded region. Our research demonstrates how anthropogenic landscapes can alter pathogen spread, providing a more nuanced understanding of host-pathogen relationships to inform disease ecology in free-ranging species.
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Green J, Jakins C, Asfaw E, Bruschi N, Parker A, de Waal L, D’Cruze N. African Lions and Zoonotic Diseases: Implications for Commercial Lion Farms in South Africa. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10091692. [PMID: 32962130 PMCID: PMC7552683 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In South Africa, thousands of African lions are bred on farms for commercial purposes, such as tourism, trophy hunting, and traditional medicine. Lions on farms often have direct contact with people, such as farm workers and tourists. Such close contact between wild animals and humans creates opportunities for the spread of zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be passed between animals and people). To help understand the health risks associated with lion farms, our study compiled a list of pathogens (bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi) known to affect African lions. We reviewed 148 scientific papers and identified a total of 63 pathogens recorded in both wild and captive lions, most of which were parasites (35, 56%), followed by viruses (17, 27%) and bacteria (11, 17%). This included pathogens that can be passed from lions to other animals and to humans. We also found a total of 83 diseases and clinical symptoms associated with these pathogens. Given that pathogens and their associated infectious diseases can cause harm to both animals and public health, we recommend that the lion farming industry in South Africa takes action to prevent and manage potential disease outbreaks. Abstract African lions (Panthera leo) are bred in captivity on commercial farms across South Africa and often have close contact with farm staff, tourists, and other industry workers. As transmission of zoonotic diseases occurs through close proximity between wildlife and humans, these commercial captive breeding operations pose a potential risk to thousands of captive lions and to public health. An understanding of pathogens known to affect lions is needed to effectively assess the risk of disease emergence and transmission within the industry. Here, we conduct a systematic search of the academic literature, identifying 148 peer-reviewed studies, to summarize the range of pathogens and parasites known to affect African lions. A total of 63 pathogenic organisms were recorded, belonging to 35 genera across 30 taxonomic families. Over half were parasites (35, 56%), followed by viruses (17, 27%) and bacteria (11, 17%). A number of novel pathogens representing unidentified and undescribed species were also reported. Among the pathogenic inventory are species that can be transmitted from lions to other species, including humans. In addition, 83 clinical symptoms and diseases associated with these pathogens were identified. Given the risks posed by infectious diseases, this research highlights the potential public health risks associated with the captive breeding industry. We recommend that relevant authorities take imminent action to help prevent and manage the risks posed by zoonotic pathogens on lion farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennah Green
- World Animal Protection 222 Gray’s Inn Rd., London WC1X 8HB, UK; (J.G.); (E.A.); (N.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Catherine Jakins
- Blood Lion NPC, P.O. Box 1548, Kloof 3640, South Africa; (C.J.); (L.d.W.)
| | - Eyob Asfaw
- World Animal Protection 222 Gray’s Inn Rd., London WC1X 8HB, UK; (J.G.); (E.A.); (N.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Nicholas Bruschi
- World Animal Protection 222 Gray’s Inn Rd., London WC1X 8HB, UK; (J.G.); (E.A.); (N.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Abbie Parker
- World Animal Protection 222 Gray’s Inn Rd., London WC1X 8HB, UK; (J.G.); (E.A.); (N.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Louise de Waal
- Blood Lion NPC, P.O. Box 1548, Kloof 3640, South Africa; (C.J.); (L.d.W.)
| | - Neil D’Cruze
- World Animal Protection 222 Gray’s Inn Rd., London WC1X 8HB, UK; (J.G.); (E.A.); (N.B.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence:
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Kozakiewicz CP, Burridge CP, Funk WC, Craft ME, Crooks KR, Fisher RN, Fountain‐Jones NM, Jennings MK, Kraberger SJ, Lee JS, Lyren LM, Riley SPD, Serieys LEK, VandeWoude S, Carver S. Does the virus cross the road? Viral phylogeographic patterns among bobcat populations reflect a history of urban development. Evol Appl 2020; 13:1806-1817. [PMID: 32908587 PMCID: PMC7463333 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Urban development has major impacts on connectivity among wildlife populations and is thus likely an important factor shaping pathogen transmission in wildlife. However, most investigations of wildlife diseases in urban areas focus on prevalence and infection risk rather than potential effects of urbanization on transmission itself. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a directly transmitted retrovirus that infects many felid species and can be used as a model for studying pathogen transmission at landscape scales. We investigated phylogenetic relationships among FIV isolates sampled from five bobcat (Lynx rufus) populations in coastal southern California that appear isolated due to major highways and dense urban development. Divergence dates among FIV phylogenetic lineages in several cases reflected historical urban growth and construction of major highways. We found strong FIV phylogeographic structure among three host populations north-west of Los Angeles, largely coincident with host genetic structure. In contrast, relatively little FIV phylogeographic structure existed among two genetically distinct host populations south-east of Los Angeles. Rates of FIV transfer among host populations did not vary significantly, with the lack of phylogenetic structure south-east of Los Angeles unlikely to reflect frequent contemporary transmission among populations. Our results indicate that major barriers to host gene flow can also act as barriers to pathogen spread, suggesting potentially reduced susceptibility of fragmented populations to novel directly transmitted pathogens. Infrequent exchange of FIV among host populations suggests that populations would best be managed as distinct units in the event of a severe disease outbreak. Phylogeographic inference of pathogen transmission is useful for estimating the ability of geographic barriers to constrain disease spread and can provide insights into contemporary and historical drivers of host population connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - W. Chris Funk
- Department of BiologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsCOUSA
- Graduate Degree Program in EcologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsCOUSA
| | - Meggan E. Craft
- Department of Veterinary Population MedicineUniversity of MinnesotaSt PaulMNUSA
| | - Kevin R. Crooks
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation BiologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsCOUSA
| | - Robert N. Fisher
- Western Ecological Research CenterU.S. Geological SurveySan DiegoCAUSA
| | | | | | - Simona J. Kraberger
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and PathologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsCOUSA
| | - Justin S. Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and PathologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsCOUSA
| | - Lisa M. Lyren
- Western Ecological Research CenterU.S. Geological SurveyThousand OaksCAUSA
| | - Seth P. D. Riley
- National Park ServiceSanta Monica Mountains National Recreation AreaThousand OaksCAUSA
| | - Laurel E. K. Serieys
- Department of Environmental StudiesUniversity of California Santa CruzSanta CruzCAUSA
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in AfricaBiological SciencesUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Sue VandeWoude
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and PathologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsCOUSA
| | - Scott Carver
- School of Natural SciencesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTASAustralia
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