1
|
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
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Forney R, Rios-Sotelo G, Lindauer A, Willis CKR, Voyles J. Temperature shifts associated with bat arousals during hibernation inhibit the growth of Pseudogymnoascus destructans. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:211986. [PMID: 36425515 PMCID: PMC9682300 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.211986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Temperature is a critically important factor in many infectious disease systems, because it can regulate responses in both the host and the pathogen. White-nose syndrome (WNS) in bats is a severe infectious disease caused by the temperature-sensitive fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd). One feature of WNS is an increase in the frequency of arousal bouts (i.e. when bat body temperatures are elevated) in Pd-infected bats during hibernation. While several studies have proposed that increased frequency of arousals may play a role in the pathophysiology of WNS, it is unknown if the temperature fluctuations might mediate Pd growth. We hypothesized that exposure to a high frequency of elevated temperatures would reduce Pd growth due to thermal constraints on the pathogen. We simulated the thermal conditions for arousal bouts of uninfected and infected bats during hibernation (fluctuating from 8 to 25°C at two different rates) and quantified Pd growth in vitro. We found that increased exposure to high temperatures significantly reduced Pd growth. Because temperature is one of the most critical abiotic factors mediating host-pathogen interactions, resolving how Pd responds to fluctuating temperatures will provide insights for understanding WNS in bats and other fungal diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronny Forney
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | | | - Alexa Lindauer
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
- Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara, Mammoth Lakes, CA, USA
| | - Craig K. R. Willis
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jamie Voyles
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Loeb SC, Winters EA. Changes in hibernating tricolored bat ( Perimyotis subflavus) roosting behavior in response to white-nose syndrome. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9045. [PMID: 35822112 PMCID: PMC9259850 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding animals' behavioral and physiological responses to pathogenic diseases is critical for management and conservation. One such disease, white‐nose syndrome (WNS), has greatly affected bat populations throughout eastern North America leading to significant population declines in several species. Although tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) populations have experienced significant declines, little research has been conducted on their responses to the disease, particularly in the southeastern United States. Our objective was to document changes in tricolored bat roost site use after the appearance of WNS in a hibernaculum in the southeastern U.S. and relate these to microsite temperatures, ambient conditions, and population trends. We censused a tricolored bat hibernaculum in northwestern South Carolina, USA, once each year between February 26 and March 2, 2014–2021, and recorded species, section of the tunnel, distance from the entrance, and wall temperature next to each bat. The number of tricolored bats in the hibernaculum dropped by 90.3% during the first 3 years after the arrival of WNS. However, numbers stabilized and slightly increased from 2018 to 2021. Prior to the arrival of WNS, 95.6% of tricolored bats roosted in the back portion of the tunnel that was the warmest. After the arrival of WNS, we observed a significant increase in the proportion of bats using the front, colder portions of the tunnel, particularly during the period of population stabilization and increase. Roost temperatures of bats were also positively associated with February external temperatures. Our results suggest that greater use of the colder sections of the tunnel by tricolored bats could have led to increased survival due to slower growth rates of the fungus that causes WNS in colder temperatures or decreased energetic costs associated with colder hibernation temperatures. Thus, management actions that provide cold hibernacula may be an option for long‐term management of hibernacula, particularly in southern regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan C Loeb
- U.S. Forest Service Southern Research Station Clemson South Carolina USA
| | - Eric A Winters
- U.S. Forest Service Southern Research Station Clemson South Carolina USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
ROADWAY-ASSOCIATED CULVERTS MAY SERVE AS A TRANSMISSION CORRIDOR FOR PSEUDOGYMNOASCUS DESTRUCTANS AND WHITE-NOSE SYNDROME IN THE COASTAL PLAINS AND COASTAL REGION OF GEORGIA, USA. J Wildl Dis 2022; 58:322-332. [PMID: 35276010 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-21-00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a disease among hibernating North American bats caused by the psychrophilic fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans. Since its discovery in New York state, US, in 2006, and as of 2020, WNS has rapidly spread to 34 American states and seven Canadian provinces, causing precipitous declines of native bat populations across North America. The rapid spread of this fungal pathogen has been facilitated by the social behavior of bats, as well as the ability of subterranean hibernacula to support a favorable environment for P. destructans, and is probably exacerbated by anthropogenic transmission events. Although many bat species roost in natural cave environments, bats also selectively use diverse structures for hibernacula. Certain areas of the US lack caves, forcing bats to select different winter roosting environments. Bats have been observed using roadway-associated structures, such as bridges and culverts, for roosting, especially in regions that lack natural cave environments. However, the potential for P. destructans transmission in such roadway-associated structures requires further investigation. Understanding potential pathogen transmission in these widely used anthropogenic structures is crucial to disease management and preventing further declines of imperiled bat populations. Our study investigated these structures as potential pathogen transmission corridors by surveying the use of these structures by Perimyotis subflavus and other susceptible bat populations and by measuring their temperature. The results suggest the environments of roadway-associated culverts are thermally conducive to the proliferation of P. destructans-even in regions with mild winters-and the development of WNS in susceptible bat populations. It is apparent these roadway-associated structures have the potential to spread P. destructans and exacerbate the effect of WNS on susceptible bat populations.
Collapse
|
5
|
Sweeny AR, Albery GF, Becker DJ, Eskew EA, Carlson CJ. Synzootics. J Anim Ecol 2021; 90:2744-2754. [PMID: 34546566 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Ecologists increasingly recognise coinfection as an important component of emergent epidemiological patterns, connecting aspects of ecoimmunology, behaviour, ecosystem function and even extinction risk. Building on syndemic theory in medical anthropology, we propose the term 'synzootics' to describe co-occurring enzootic or epizootic processes that produce worse health outcomes in wild animals. Using framing from syndemic theory, we describe how the synzootic concept offers new insights into the ecology and evolution of infectious diseases. We then recommend a set of empirical criteria and lines of evidence that can be used to identify synzootics in nature. We conclude by exploring how synzootics could indirectly drive the emergence of novel pathogens in human populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy R Sweeny
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Gregory F Albery
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Daniel J Becker
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Evan A Eskew
- Department of Biology, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, Washington, USA
| | - Colin J Carlson
- Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hranac CR, Haase CG, Fuller NW, McClure ML, Marshall JC, Lausen CL, McGuire LP, Olson SH, Hayman DTS. What is winter? Modeling spatial variation in bat host traits and hibernation and their implications for overwintering energetics. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:11604-11614. [PMID: 34522327 PMCID: PMC8427580 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
White-nose syndrome (WNS) has decimated hibernating bat populations across eastern and central North America for over a decade. Disease severity is driven by the interaction between bat characteristics, the cold-loving fungal agent, and the hibernation environment. While we further improve hibernation energetics models, we have yet to examine how spatial heterogeneity in host traits is linked to survival in this disease system. Here, we develop predictive spatial models of body mass for the little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus) and reassess previous definitions of the duration of hibernation of this species. Using data from published literature, public databases, local experts, and our own fieldwork, we fit a series of generalized linear models with hypothesized abiotic drivers to create distribution-wide predictions of prehibernation body fat and hibernation duration. Our results provide improved estimations of hibernation duration and identify a scaling relationship between body mass and body fat; this relationship allows for the first continuous estimates of prehibernation body mass and fat across the species' distribution. We used these results to inform a hibernation energetic model to create spatially varying fat use estimates for M. lucifugus. These results predict WNS mortality of M. lucifugus populations in western North America may be comparable to the substantial die-off observed in eastern and central populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C. Reed Hranac
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health LaboratoryHopkirk Research InstituteMassey UniversityPalmerston NorthNew Zealand
| | - Catherine G. Haase
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyMontana State UniversityBozemanMTUSA
- Present address:
Department of BiologyAustin Peay State UniversityClarksvilleTNUSA
| | - Nathan W. Fuller
- Department of Biological SciencesTexas Tech UniversityLubbockTXUSA
- Present address:
Texas Parks and Wildlife DepartmentNongame and Rare Species ProgramAustinTXUSA
| | | | | | | | - Liam P. McGuire
- Department of Biological SciencesTexas Tech UniversityLubbockTXUSA
- Present address:
Department of BiologyUniversity of WaterlooWaterlooONCanada
| | | | - David T. S. Hayman
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health LaboratoryHopkirk Research InstituteMassey UniversityPalmerston NorthNew Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Blejwas KM, Pendleton GW, Kohan ML, Beard LO. The Milieu Souterrain Superficiel as hibernation habitat for bats: implications for white-nose syndrome. J Mammal 2021; 102:1110-1127. [PMID: 34393669 PMCID: PMC8357076 DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyab050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have revealed that western populations of little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) in North America exhibit different hibernation behavior than their eastern counterparts. Understanding these differences is essential for assessing the risk white-nose syndrome (WNS) poses to western bat populations. We used acoustic monitoring and radiotelemetry to study the overwintering behavior of little brown bats near Juneau, Alaska during 2011-2014. Our objectives were to identify the structures they use for hibernation, measure the microclimates within those structures, and determine the timing of immergence and emergence and the length of the hibernation season. We radiotracked 10 little brown bats to underground hibernacula dispersed along two ridge systems. All hibernacula were ≤ 24.2 km from where the bats were captured. Eight bats hibernated in the "Milieu Souterrain Superficiel" (MSS), a network of air-filled underground voids between the rock fragments found in scree (talus) deposits. Two bats hibernated in holes in the soil beneath the root system of a tree or stump (rootball). At least two hibernacula in the MSS were reused in subsequent years. Average MSS and rootball temperatures were warmer and more stable than ambient temperature and were well below the optimal growth range of the fungus that causes WNS. Temperatures in the MSS dropped below freezing, but MSS temperatures increased with depth, indicating bats could avoid subfreezing temperatures by moving deeper into the MSS. Relative humidity (RH) approached 100% in the MSS and under rootballs and was more stable than ambient RH, which also was high, but dropped substantially during periods of extreme cold. Acoustic monitoring revealed that bats hibernated by late October and began emerging by the second week of April; estimates of minimum length of the hibernation season ranged from 156 to 190 days. The cold temperatures, dispersed nature of the hibernacula, and close proximity of hibernacula to summering areas may slow the spread and reduce the impacts of WNS on local populations of little brown bats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Blejwas
- Alaska Department of Fish & Game, Threatened, Endangered and Diversity Program, Juneau, AK, USA
| | - Grey W Pendleton
- Alaska Department of Fish & Game, Threatened, Endangered and Diversity Program, Juneau, AK, USA
| | - Michael L Kohan
- Alaska Department of Fish & Game, Threatened, Endangered and Diversity Program, Juneau, AK, USA
| | - Laura O Beard
- Alaska Department of Fish & Game, Threatened, Endangered and Diversity Program, Juneau, AK, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Siddons SR, Searle CL. Exposure to a fungal pathogen increases the critical thermal minimum of two frog species. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:9589-9598. [PMID: 34306645 PMCID: PMC8293773 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of an organism to tolerate seasonal temperature changes, such as extremely cold temperatures during the winter, can be influenced by their pathogens. We tested how exposure to a virulent fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), affected the critical thermal minimum (CTmin) of two frog species, Hyla versicolor (gray treefrog) and Lithobates palustris (pickerel frog). The CTmin is the minimum thermal performance point of an organism, which we estimated via righting response trials. For both frog species, we compared the righting response of Bd-exposed and Bd-unexposed individuals in either a constant (15ºC) environment or with decreasing temperatures (-1°C/2.5 min) starting from 15°C. The CTmin for both species was higher for Bd-exposed frogs than unexposed frogs, and the CTmin of H. versicolor was higher than L. palustris. We also found that Bd-exposed frogs of both species righted themselves significantly fewer times in both decreasing and constant temperature trials. Our findings show that pathogen exposure can reduce cold tolerance and limit the thermal performance range of hosts, which may lead to increased overwintering mortality.
Collapse
|
9
|
Meierhofer MB, Lilley TM, Ruokolainen L, Johnson JS, Parratt SR, Morrison ML, Pierce BL, Evans JW, Anttila J. Ten-year projection of white-nose syndrome disease dynamics at the southern leading-edge of infection in North America. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20210719. [PMID: 34074117 PMCID: PMC8170204 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.0719] [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] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Predicting the emergence and spread of infectious diseases is critical for the effective conservation of biodiversity. White-nose syndrome (WNS), an emerging infectious disease of bats, has resulted in high mortality in eastern North America. Because the fungal causative agent Pseudogymnoascus destructans is constrained by temperature and humidity, spread dynamics may vary by geography. Environmental conditions in the southern part of the continent are different than the northeast, where disease dynamics are typically studied, making it difficult to predict how the disease will manifest. Herein, we modelled WNS pathogen spread in Texas based on cave densities and average dispersal distances of hosts, projecting these results out to 10 years. We parameterized a predictive model of WNS epidemiology and its effects on bat populations with observed cave environmental data. Our model suggests that bat populations in northern Texas will be more affected by WNS mortality than southern Texas. As such, we recommend prioritizing the preservation of large overwintering colonies of bats in north Texas through management actions. Our model illustrates that infectious disease spread and infectious disease severity can become uncoupled over a gradient of environmental variation and highlight the importance of understanding host, pathogen and environmental conditions across a breadth of environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa B Meierhofer
- Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, Texas A&M University, 534 John Kimbrough Boulevard, College Station, TX 77843, USA.,Natural Resources Institute, Texas A&M University, 534 John Kimbrough Boulevard, College Station, TX 77843, USA.,Finnish Museum of Natural History, University of Helsinki, Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 13, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Thomas M Lilley
- Finnish Museum of Natural History, University of Helsinki, Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 13, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lasse Ruokolainen
- Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Yliopistonkatu 4, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Joseph S Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - Steven R Parratt
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7BE, UK
| | - Michael L Morrison
- Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, Texas A&M University, 534 John Kimbrough Boulevard, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Brian L Pierce
- Natural Resources Institute, Texas A&M University, 534 John Kimbrough Boulevard, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Jonah W Evans
- Wildlife Diversity Program, Texas Parks and Wildlife, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, USA
| | - Jani Anttila
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Latokartanonkaari 9, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Schorr RA, Siemers JL. Population dynamics of little brown bats ( Myotis lucifugus) at summer roosts: Apparent survival, fidelity, abundance, and the influence of winter conditions. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:7427-7438. [PMID: 34188824 PMCID: PMC8216974 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
White-nose syndrome (WNS) has caused the death of millions of bats, but the impacts have been more difficult to identify in western North America. Understanding how WNS, or other threats, impacts western bats may require monitoring other roosts, such as maternity roosts and night roosts, where bats aggregate in large numbers.Little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) are experiencing some of the greatest declines from WNS. Estimating survival and understanding population dynamics can provide valuable data for assessing population declines and informing conservation efforts.We conducted a 5-year mark-recapture study of two M. lucifugus roosts in Colorado. We used the robust design model to estimate apparent survival, fidelity, and abundance to understand population dynamics, and environmental covariates to understand how summer and winter weather conditions impact adult female survival. We compared the fidelity and capture probability of M. lucifugus between colonies to understand how bats use such roosts.Overwinter survival increased with the number of days with temperatures below freezing (β > 0.100, SE = 0.003) and decreased with the number of days with snow cover (β < -0.40, SE < 0.13). Adult female fidelity was higher at one maternity roost than the other. Overwinter and oversummer adult female survival was high (>0.90), and based on survival estimates and fungal-swabbing results, we believe these populations have yet to experience WNS.Recapture of M. lucifugus using antennas that continuously read passive integrated transponder tags allows rigorous estimation of bat population parameters that can elucidate trends in abundance and changes in survival. Monitoring populations at summer roosts can provide unique population ecology data that monitoring hibernacula alone may not. Because few adult males are captured at maternity colonies, and juvenile males have low fidelity, additional effort should focus on understanding male M. lucifugus population dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert A. Schorr
- Colorado Natural Heritage ProgramColorado State UniversityFort CollinsCOUSA
| | - Jeremy L. Siemers
- Colorado Natural Heritage ProgramColorado State UniversityFort CollinsCOUSA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Roberts KE, Longdon B. Viral susceptibility across host species is largely independent of dietary protein to carbohydrate ratios. J Evol Biol 2021; 34:746-756. [PMID: 33586293 PMCID: PMC8436156 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The likelihood of a successful host shift of a parasite to a novel host species can be influenced by environmental factors that can act on both the host and parasite. Changes in nutritional resource availability have been shown to alter pathogen susceptibility and the outcome of infection in a range of systems. Here, we examined how dietary protein to carbohydrate altered susceptibility in a large cross-infection experiment. We infected 27 species of Drosophilidae with an RNA virus on three food types of differing protein to carbohydrate ratios. We then measured how viral load and mortality across species was affected by changes in diet. We found that changes in the protein:carbohydrate in the diet did not alter the outcomes of infection, with strong positive inter-species correlations in both viral load and mortality across diets, suggesting no species-by-diet interaction. Mortality and viral load were strongly positively correlated, and this association was consistent across diets. This suggests changes in diet may give consistent outcomes across host species, and may not be universally important in determining host susceptibility to pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E. Roberts
- Centre for Ecology & ConservationCollege of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of ExeterPenrynUK
| | - Ben Longdon
- Centre for Ecology & ConservationCollege of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of ExeterPenrynUK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Characteristics of Caves Used by Wintering Bats in a Subtropical Environment. JOURNAL OF FISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.3996/jfwm-20-078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Many cave-roosting bats are declining in number throughout their range because of multiple threats, including disease, disturbance by humans, and habitat loss. Successful conservation of cave-roosting bats requires an understanding of the roles of microclimate, cave structure, and the surrounding landscape on the distribution and abundance of bats, and in particular, the use of winter cave roosts. Cave bats have been well studied in temperate climates, but we know little about these bats in subtropical climates. From 2015 to 2017, we conducted 399 winter surveys of 162 caves in Florida to evaluate factors affecting the presence and abundance of bats at cave roosts. We also determined whether temperatures at these cave roosts were suitable for Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome. Across all 3 y, we detected three species of bats: tricolored bat Perimyotis subflavus in 126 (77.8%) caves, southeastern myotis Myotis austroriparius in 51 (31.5%) caves, and a single Rafinesque's big-eared bat Corynorhinus rafinesquii. We analyzed the presence of both tricolored bats and southeastern myotis in caves by using mixed-effects models with a binomial distribution and the number of tricolored bats by using generalized linear mixed-effects models with a Poisson error distribution. Tricolored bat presence was significantly and positively influenced by a cooler cave surface temperature, larger cave entrance size, a single entrance, and the presence of solution holes. Tricolored bat abundance increased in longer, cooler caves that had solution holes, a single, unobstructed entrance, and had no signs of flooding. Southeastern myotis presence was positively associated with longer, domed caves. To be most effective, conservation efforts in subtropical climates should focus on caves with the identified characteristics. More than 90% of caves surveyed each year had a cave interior surface temperature below the upper critical growth limit for P. destructans (19.8°C), indicating that most Florida caves are suitable for growth of P. destructans. Therefore, regular monitoring of winter bat populations in subtropical caves may be important for detecting P. destructans and white-nose syndrome.
Collapse
|
13
|
Vanderwolf KJ, McAlpine DF. Hibernacula microclimate and declines in overwintering bats during an outbreak of white-nose syndrome near the northern range limit of infection in North America. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:2273-2288. [PMID: 33717454 PMCID: PMC7920769 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
We document white-nose syndrome (WNS), a lethal disease of bats caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), and hibernacula microclimate in New Brunswick, Canada. Our study area represents a more northern region than is common for hibernacula microclimate investigations, providing insight as to how WNS may impact bats at higher latitudes. To determine the impact of the March 2011 arrival of Pd in New Brunswick and the role of hibernacula microclimate on overwintering bat mortality, we surveyed bat numbers at hibernacula twice a year from 2009 to 2015. We also collected data from iButton temperature loggers deployed at all sites and data from HOBO temperature and humidity loggers at three sites. Bat species found in New Brunswick hibernacula include Myotis lucifugus (Little Brown Bat) and M. septentrionalis (Northern Long-eared Bat), with small numbers of Perimyotis subflavus (Tricolored Bat). All known hibernacula in the province were Pd-positive with WNS-positive bats by winter 2013. A 99% decrease in the overwintering bat population in New Brunswick was observed between 2011 and 2015. We did not observe P. subflavus during surveys 2013-2015 and the species appears to be extirpated from these sites. Bats did not appear to choose hibernacula based on winter temperatures, but dark zone (zone where no light penetrates) winter temperatures did not differ among our study sites. Winter dark zone temperatures were warmer and less variable than entrance or above ground temperatures. We observed visible Pd growth on hibernating bats in New Brunswick during early winter surveys (November), even though hibernacula temperatures were colder than optimum for in vitro Pd growth. This suggests that cold hibernacula temperatures encountered near the apparent northern range limit for Pd do not sufficiently slow fungal growth to prevent the onset of WNS and associated bat mortality over the winter.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen J. Vanderwolf
- Canadian Wildlife FederationKanataONCanada
- New Brunswick MuseumSaint JohnNBCanada
- Present address:
Trent UniversityPeterboroughONCanada
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
The recent introduction of Pseudogymnoascus destructans (the fungal pathogen that causes white-nose syndrome in bats) from Eurasia to North America has resulted in the collapse of North American bat populations and restructured species communities. The long evolutionary history between P. destructans and bats in Eurasia makes understanding host life history essential to uncovering the ecology of P. destructans. In this Review, we combine information on pathogen and host biology to understand the patterns of P. destructans spread, seasonal transmission ecology, the pathogenesis of white-nose syndrome and the cross-scale impact from individual hosts to ecosystems. Collectively, this research highlights how early pathogen detection and quantification of host impacts has accelerated the understanding of this newly emerging infectious disease.
Collapse
|
15
|
Seidlova V, Nemcova M, Pikula J, Bartonička T, Ghazaryan A, Heger T, Kokurewicz T, Orlov OL, Patra S, Piacek V, Treml F, Zukalova K, Zukal J. Urinary shedding of leptospires in palearctic bats. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 68:3089-3095. [PMID: 33527732 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonotic infection of worldwide occurrence. Bats, like other mammalian reservoirs, may be long-term carriers that maintain endemicity of infection and shed viable leptospires in urine. Direct and/or indirect contact with these Leptospira shedders is the main risk factor as regards public health concern. However, knowledge about bat leptospirosis in the Palearctic Region, and in Europe in particular, is poor. We collected urine from 176 specimens of 11 bat species in the Czech Republic, Poland, Republic of Armenia and the Altai Region of Russia between 2014 and 2019. We extracted DNA from the urine samples to detect Leptospira spp. shedders using PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA and LipL32 genes. Four bat species (Barbastella barbastellus n = 1, Myotis bechsteinii n = 1, Myotis myotis n = 24 and Myotis nattereri n = 1) tested positive for Leptospira spp., with detected amplicons showing 100% genetic identity with pathogenic Leptospira interrogans. The site- and species-specific prevalence range was 0%-24.1% and 0%-20%, respectively. All bats sampled in the Republic of Armenia and Russia were negative. Given the circulation of pathogenic leptospires in strictly protected Palearctic bat species and their populations, non-invasive and non-lethal sampling of urine for molecular Leptospira spp. detection is recommended as a suitable surveillance and monitoring strategy. Moreover, our results should raise awareness of this potential disease risk among health professionals, veterinarians, chiropterologists and wildlife rescue workers handling bats, as well as speleologists and persons cleaning premises following bat infestation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Seidlova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Nemcova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Pikula
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Bartonička
- Institute of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Tomas Heger
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomasz Kokurewicz
- Department of Vertebrate Ecology and Palaeontology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Oleg L Orlov
- X-BIO Institute, Tyumen State University, Tyumen, Russia.,Department of Biochemistry, Tyumen State Medical University, Tyumen, Russia
| | - Sneha Patra
- Laboratory of Ecological Plant Physiology, CzechGlobe, Global Change Research Institute Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.,Phytophthora Research Centre, Department of Forest Protection and Wildlife Management, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Piacek
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Frantisek Treml
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Zukalova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Zukal
- Institute of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Haase CG, Fuller NW, Dzal YA, Hranac CR, Hayman DTS, Lausen CL, Silas KA, Olson SH, Plowright RK. Body mass and hibernation microclimate may predict bat susceptibility to white-nose syndrome. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:506-515. [PMID: 33437446 PMCID: PMC7790633 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In multihost disease systems, differences in mortality between species may reflect variation in host physiology, morphology, and behavior. In systems where the pathogen can persist in the environment, microclimate conditions, and the adaptation of the host to these conditions, may also impact mortality. White-nose syndrome (WNS) is an emerging disease of hibernating bats caused by an environmentally persistent fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans. We assessed the effects of body mass, torpid metabolic rate, evaporative water loss, and hibernaculum temperature and water vapor deficit on predicted overwinter survival of bats infected by P. destructans. We used a hibernation energetics model in an individual-based model framework to predict the probability of survival of nine bat species at eight sampling sites across North America. The model predicts time until fat exhaustion as a function of species-specific host characteristics, hibernaculum microclimate, and fungal growth. We fit a linear model to determine relationships with each variable and predicted survival and semipartial correlation coefficients to determine the major drivers in variation in bat survival. We found host body mass and hibernaculum water vapor deficit explained over half of the variation in survival with WNS across species. As previous work on the interplay between host and pathogen physiology and the environment has focused on species with narrow microclimate preferences, our view on this relationship is limited. Our results highlight some key predictors of interspecific survival among western bat species and provide a framework to assess impacts of WNS as the fungus continues to spread into western North America.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine G. Haase
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyMontana State UniversityBozemanMTUSA
- Present address:
Department of BiologyAustin Peay State UniversityClarksvilleTNUSA
| | - Nathan W. Fuller
- Department of Biological SciencesTexas Tech UniversityLubbockTXUSA
- Present address:
Texas Parks and Wildlife DepartmentNongame and Rare Species ProgramAustinTXUSA
| | - Yvonne A. Dzal
- Department of BiologyCentre for Forest Interdisciplinary Research (C‐FIR)University of WinnipegWinnipegMBCanada
| | - C. Reed Hranac
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health LaboratoryMassey UniversityPalmerston NorthNew Zealand
| | - David T. S. Hayman
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health LaboratoryMassey UniversityPalmerston NorthNew Zealand
| | | | | | | | - Raina K. Plowright
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyMontana State UniversityBozemanMTUSA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sonn JM, Porter WP, Mathewson PD, Richards-Zawacki CL. Predictions of Disease Risk in Space and Time Based on the Thermal Physiology of an Amphibian Host-Pathogen Interaction. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.576065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases have been responsible for declines and extinctions in a growing number of species. Predicting disease variables like infection prevalence and mortality and how they vary in space and time will be critical to understanding how host-pathogen dynamics play out in natural environments and will help to inform management actions. The pandemic disease chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), has been implicated in declines in hundreds of amphibian species worldwide. We used field-collected measurements of host body temperatures and other physiological parameters to develop a mechanistic model of disease risk in a declining amphibian, the Northern cricket frog (Acris crepitans). We first used a biophysical model to predict host body temperatures across the species range in the eastern United States. We then used empirically derived relationships between host body temperature, infection prevalence and survival to predict where and when the risk of Bd-related declines is greatest. Our model predicts that pathogen prevalence is greatest, and survival of infected A. crepitans frogs is lowest, just prior to breeding when host body temperatures are low. Taken together, these results suggest that Bd poses the greatest threat to short-lived A. crepitans populations in the northern part of this host’s range and that disease-related recruitment failure may be common. Furthermore, our study demonstrates the utility of mechanistic modeling approaches for predicting disease outbreaks and dynamics in animal hosts.
Collapse
|
18
|
Davy CM, Donaldson ME, Bandouchova H, Breit AM, Dorville NA, Dzal YA, Kovacova V, Kunkel EL, Martínková N, Norquay KJ, Paterson JE, Zukal J, Pikula J, Willis CK, Kyle CJ. Transcriptional host-pathogen responses of Pseudogymnoascus destructans and three species of bats with white-nose syndrome. Virulence 2020; 11:781-794. [PMID: 32552222 PMCID: PMC7549942 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2020.1768018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how context (e.g., host species, environmental conditions) drives disease susceptibility is an essential goal of disease ecology. We hypothesized that in bat white-nose syndrome (WNS), species-specific host-pathogen interactions may partly explain varying disease outcomes among host species. We characterized bat and pathogen transcriptomes in paired samples of lesion-positive and lesion-negative wing tissue from bats infected with Pseudogymnoascus destructans in three parallel experiments. The first two experiments analyzed samples collected from the susceptible Nearctic Myotis lucifugus and the less-susceptible Nearctic Eptesicus fuscus, following experimental infection and hibernation in captivity under controlled conditions. The third experiment applied the same analyses to paired samples from infected, free-ranging Myotis myotis, a less susceptible, Palearctic species, following natural infection and hibernation (n = 8 sample pairs/species). Gene expression by P. destructans was similar among the three host species despite varying environmental conditions among the three experiments and was similar within each host species between saprophytic contexts (superficial growth on wings) and pathogenic contexts (growth in lesions on the same wings). In contrast, we observed qualitative variation in host response: M. lucifugus and M. myotis exhibited systemic responses to infection, while E. fuscus up-regulated a remarkably localized response. Our results suggest potential phylogenetic determinants of response to WNS and can inform further studies of context-dependent host-pathogen interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina M. Davy
- Environmental and Life Sciences Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada
- Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Peterborough, Canada
| | | | - Hana Bandouchova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ana M. Breit
- Department of Biology and Centre for Forest Interdisciplinary Research (C-FIR), University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Nicole A.S. Dorville
- Department of Biology and Centre for Forest Interdisciplinary Research (C-FIR), University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Yvonne A. Dzal
- Department of Biology and Centre for Forest Interdisciplinary Research (C-FIR), University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Veronika Kovacova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Emma L. Kunkel
- Department of Biology and Centre for Forest Interdisciplinary Research (C-FIR), University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Natália Martínková
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kaleigh J.O. Norquay
- Department of Biology and Centre for Forest Interdisciplinary Research (C-FIR), University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - James E. Paterson
- Environmental and Life Sciences Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada
| | - Jan Zukal
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Pikula
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Craig K.R. Willis
- Department of Biology and Centre for Forest Interdisciplinary Research (C-FIR), University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Christopher J. Kyle
- Environmental and Life Sciences Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada
- Natural Resources DNA Profiling and Forensics Centre, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
McClure ML, Crowley D, Haase CG, McGuire LP, Fuller NW, Hayman DTS, Lausen CL, Plowright RK, Dickson BG, Olson SH. Linking surface and subterranean climate: implications for the study of hibernating bats and other cave dwellers. Ecosphere 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Meredith L. McClure
- Conservation Science Partners 11050 Pioneer Trail Suite 202 Truckee California96161USA
| | - Daniel Crowley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology Montana State University 109 Lewis Hall Bozeman Montana59717USA
| | - Catherine G. Haase
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology Montana State University 109 Lewis Hall Bozeman Montana59717USA
| | - Liam P. McGuire
- Department of Biological Sciences Texas Tech University 2901 Main Street Lubbock Texas79409USA
| | - Nathan W. Fuller
- Department of Biological Sciences Texas Tech University 2901 Main Street Lubbock Texas79409USA
| | - David T. S. Hayman
- mEpiLab Hopkirk Research Institute Massey University Palmerston North4442New Zealand
| | - Cori L. Lausen
- Wildlife Conservation Society Canada Kaslo British ColumbiaV0G 1M0Canada
| | - Raina K. Plowright
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology Montana State University 109 Lewis Hall Bozeman Montana59717USA
| | - Brett G. Dickson
- Conservation Science Partners 11050 Pioneer Trail Suite 202 Truckee California96161USA
- Landscape Conservation Initiative School of Earth and Sustainability Northern Arizona University Flagstaff Arizona86001USA
| | - Sarah H. Olson
- Wildlife Conservation Society Health Program Bronx New York10460USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Veselská T, Homutová K, García Fraile P, Kubátová A, Martínková N, Pikula J, Kolařík M. Comparative eco-physiology revealed extensive enzymatic curtailment, lipases production and strong conidial resilience of the bat pathogenic fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16530. [PMID: 33020524 PMCID: PMC7536203 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73619-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Pseudogymnoascus encompasses soil psychrophilic fungi living also in caves. Some are opportunistic pathogens; nevertheless, they do not cause outbreaks. Pseudogymnoascus destructans is the causative agent of the white-nose syndrome, which is decimating cave-hibernating bats. We used comparative eco-physiology to contrast the enzymatic potential and conidial resilience of P. destructans with that of phylogenetically diverse cave fungi, including Pseudogymnoascus spp., dermatophytes and outdoor saprotrophs. Enzymatic potential was assessed by Biolog MicroArray and by growth on labelled substrates and conidial viability was detected by flow cytometry. Pseudogymnoascus destructans was specific by extensive losses of metabolic variability and by ability of lipid degradation. We suppose that lipases are important enzymes allowing fungal hyphae to digest and invade the skin. Pseudogymnoascus destructans prefers nitrogenous substrates occurring in bat skin and lipids. Additionally, P. destructans alkalizes growth medium, which points to another possible virulence mechanism. Temperature above 30 °C substantially decreases conidial viability of cave fungi including P. destructans. Nevertheless, survival of P. destructans conidia prolongs by the temperature regime simulating beginning of the flight season, what suggests that conidia could persist on the body surface of bats and contribute to disease spreading during bats active season.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Veselská
- Laboratory of Fungal Genetics and Metabolism, Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS), Vídeňská 1083, 14220, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Benátská 2, 12801, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Karolína Homutová
- Laboratory of Fungal Genetics and Metabolism, Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS), Vídeňská 1083, 14220, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Paula García Fraile
- Laboratory of Fungal Genetics and Metabolism, Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS), Vídeňská 1083, 14220, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Kubátová
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Benátská 2, 12801, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Natália Martínková
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS), Květná 8, 60365, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Pikula
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého třída 1946/1, 61242, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Kolařík
- Laboratory of Fungal Genetics and Metabolism, Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS), Vídeňská 1083, 14220, Prague, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bandouchova H, Zukal J, Linhart P, Berkova H, Brichta J, Kovacova V, Kubickova A, Abdelsalam EEE, Bartonička T, Zajíčková R, Pikula J. Low seasonal variation in greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis) blood parameters. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234784. [PMID: 32634149 PMCID: PMC7340307 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis) is a flagship species for the protection of hibernation and summer maternity roosts in the Western Palearctic region. A range of pathogenic agents is known to put pressure on populations, including the white-nose syndrome fungus, for which the species shows the highest prevalence and infection intensity of all European bat species. Here, we perform analysis of blood parameters characteristic for the species during its natural annual life cycle in order to establish reference values. Despite sexual dimorphism and some univariate differences, the overall multivariate pattern suggests low seasonal variation with homeostatic mechanisms effectively regulating haematology and blood biochemistry ranges. Overall, the species displayed a high haematocrit and haemoglobin content and high concentration of urea, while blood glucose levels in swarming and hibernating bats ranged from hypo- to normoglycaemic. Unlike blood pH, concentrations of electrolytes were wide ranging. To conclude, baseline data for blood physiology are a useful tool for providing suitable medical care in rescue centres, for studying population health in bats adapting to environmental change, and for understanding bat responses to stressors of conservation and/or zoonotic importance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hana Bandouchova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Zukal
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Linhart
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Berkova
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Brichta
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Kovacova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Aneta Kubickova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ehdaa E. E. Abdelsalam
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Bartonička
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Renata Zajíčková
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Pikula
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Genome-Wide Changes in Genetic Diversity in a Population of Myotis lucifugus Affected by White-Nose Syndrome. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2020; 10:2007-2020. [PMID: 32276959 PMCID: PMC7263666 DOI: 10.1534/g3.119.400966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Novel pathogens can cause massive declines in populations, and even extirpation of hosts. But disease can also act as a selective pressure on survivors, driving the evolution of resistance or tolerance. Bat white-nose syndrome (WNS) is a rapidly spreading wildlife disease in North America. The fungus causing the disease invades skin tissues of hibernating bats, resulting in disruption of hibernation behavior, premature energy depletion, and subsequent death. We used whole-genome sequencing to investigate changes in allele frequencies within a population of Myotis lucifugus in eastern North America to search for genetic resistance to WNS. Our results show low FST values within the population across time, i.e., prior to WNS (Pre-WNS) compared to the population that has survived WNS (Post-WNS). However, when dividing the population with a geographical cut-off between the states of Pennsylvania and New York, a sharp increase in values on scaffold GL429776 is evident in the Post-WNS samples. Genes present in the diverged area are associated with thermoregulation and promotion of brown fat production. Thus, although WNS may not have subjected the entire M. lucifugus population to selective pressure, it may have selected for specific alleles in Pennsylvania through decreased gene flow within the population. However, the persistence of remnant sub-populations in the aftermath of WNS is likely due to multiple factors in bat life history.
Collapse
|
23
|
Bernard RF, Reichard JD, Coleman JTH, Blackwood JC, Verant ML, Segers JL, Lorch JM, White J, Moore MS, Russell AL, Katz RA, Lindner DL, Toomey RS, Turner GG, Frick WF, Vonhof MJ, Willis CKR, Grant EHC. Identifying research needs to inform white‐nose syndrome management decisions. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Riley F. Bernard
- Department of Ecosystem Science and ManagementPennsylvania State University University Park Pennsylvania USA
- United States Geological Survey Patuxent Wildlife Research CenterSO Conte Anadromous Fish Research Laboratory Turners Falls Massachusetts USA
| | | | | | - Julie C. Blackwood
- Department of Mathematics and StatisticsWilliams College Williamstown Massachusetts USA
| | - Michelle L. Verant
- Biological Resource DivisionWildlife Health Branch Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Jordi L. Segers
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative Charlottetown Prince Edward Island Canada
| | - Jeffery M. Lorch
- United States Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center Madison Wisconsin USA
| | - John White
- Bureau of Natural Heritage ConservationWisconsin Department of Natural Resources Madison Wisconsin USA
| | - Marianne S. Moore
- College of Integrative Science and ArtsArizona State University Mesa Arizona USA
| | - Amy L. Russell
- Department of BiologyGrand Valley State University Allendale Michigan USA
| | - Rachel A. Katz
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service Hadley Massachusetts USA
| | - Daniel L. Lindner
- United States Forest ServiceNorthern Research Station Madison Wisconsin USA
| | | | | | - Winifred F. Frick
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of California Santa Cruz California USA
- Bat Conservation International Austin Texas USA
| | - Maarten J. Vonhof
- Department of Biological SciencesWestern Michigan University Kalamazoo Michigan USA
- Institute of the Environment and SustainabilityWestern Michigan University Kalamazoo Michigan USA
| | | | - Evan H. C. Grant
- United States Geological Survey Patuxent Wildlife Research CenterSO Conte Anadromous Fish Research Laboratory Turners Falls Massachusetts USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Hughes AC, Lechner AM, Chitov A, Horstmann A, Hinsley A, Tritto A, Chariton A, Li BV, Ganapin D, Simonov E, Morton K, Toktomushev K, Foggin M, Tan-Mullins M, Orr MC, Griffiths R, Nash R, Perkin S, Glémet R, Kim M, Yu DW. Horizon Scan of the Belt and Road Initiative. Trends Ecol Evol 2020; 35:583-593. [PMID: 32521242 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2020.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) represents the largest infrastructure and development project in human history, and presents risks and opportunities for ecosystems, economies, and communities. Some risks (habitat fragmentation, roadkill) are obvious, however, many of the BRI's largest challenges for development and conservation are not obvious and require extensive consideration to identify. In this first BRI Horizon Scan, we identify 11 frontier issues that may have large environmental and social impacts but are not yet recognised. More generally, the BRI will increase China's participation in international environmental governance. Thus, new cooperative modes of governance are needed to balance geopolitical, societal, and environmental interests. Upgrading and standardising global environmental standards is essential to safeguard ecological systems and human societies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice C Hughes
- Center for Integrative Conservation, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China; Center of Conservation Biology, Core Botanical Gardens, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla, Yunnan 666303, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Alex M Lechner
- School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Malaysia
| | - Alexander Chitov
- Faculty of Law, University of Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | | | - Amy Hinsley
- WildCRU, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, OX1 3SZ, UK
| | - Angela Tritto
- Institute of Emerging Market Studies, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, HK-SAR, China
| | - Anthony Chariton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia
| | - Binbin V Li
- Environmental Research Center, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China; Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North, Carolina, NC 27708, USA
| | - Delfin Ganapin
- World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) International, 1196 Gland, Switzerland
| | - Eugene Simonov
- Rivers without Boundaries International Coalition, Dalian 116650, China; Daursky Biosphere Reserve, Nizhny Tsasuchei, Zabaikalsky Province, Russia
| | - Katherine Morton
- School of East Asian Studies, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TD, UK; Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Kemel Toktomushev
- Mountain Societies Research Institute, University of Central Asia, Bishkek 720002, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Marc Foggin
- Institute of Asian Research, School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - May Tan-Mullins
- School of International Studies, Institute of Asia and Pacific Studies, University of Nottingham, Ningbo, China
| | - Michael C Orr
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Richard Griffiths
- International Institute for Asian Studies, 2311, GJ, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Nash
- Rivers without Boundaries International Coalition, Dalian 116650, China
| | - Scott Perkin
- IUCN Asia Regional Office, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
| | - Raphaël Glémet
- IUCN Asia Regional Office, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
| | - Minsun Kim
- IUCN Asia Regional Office, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
| | - Douglas W Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China; Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China; School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Agricultural Emergencies: Factors and Impacts in the Spread of Transboundary Diseases in, and Adjacent to, Agriculture. ADVANCED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR SECURITY APPLICATIONS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-23491-1_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
26
|
Haase CG, Fuller NW, Hranac CR, Hayman DTS, McGuire LP, Norquay KJO, Silas KA, Willis CKR, Plowright RK, Olson SH. Incorporating evaporative water loss into bioenergetic models of hibernation to test for relative influence of host and pathogen traits on white-nose syndrome. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0222311. [PMID: 31671100 PMCID: PMC6822741 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hibernation consists of extended durations of torpor interrupted by periodic arousals. The ‘dehydration hypothesis’ proposes that hibernating mammals arouse to replenish water lost through evaporation during torpor. Arousals are energetically expensive, and increased arousal frequency can alter survival throughout hibernation. Yet we lack a means to assess the effect of evaporative water loss (EWL), determined by animal physiology and hibernation microclimate, on torpor bout duration and subsequent survival. White-nose syndrome (WNS), a devastating disease impacting hibernating bats, causes increased frequency of arousals during hibernation and EWL has been hypothesized to contribute to this increased arousal frequency. WNS is caused by a fungus, which grows well in humid hibernaculum environments and damages wing tissue important for water conservation. Here, we integrated the effect of EWL on torpor expression in a hibernation energetics model, including the effects of fungal infection, to determine the link between EWL and survival. We collected field data for Myotis lucifugus, a species that experiences high mortality from WNS, to gather parameters for the model. In saturating conditions, we predicted healthy bats experience minimal mortality. Infected bats, however, suffer high fungal growth in highly saturated environments, leading to exhaustion of fat stores before spring. Our results suggest that host adaptation to humid environments leads to increased arousal frequency from infection, which drives mortality across hibernaculum conditions. Our modified hibernation model provides a tool to assess the interplay between host physiology, hibernaculum microclimate, and diseases such as WNS on winter survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine G. Haase
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Nathan W. Fuller
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - C. Reed Hranac
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - David T. S. Hayman
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Liam P. McGuire
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | | | - Kirk A. Silas
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Wildlife Health Program, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Raina K. Plowright
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States of America
| | - Sarah H. Olson
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Wildlife Health Program, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Turbill C, Welbergen JA. Anticipating white-nose syndrome in the Southern Hemisphere: Widespread conditions favourable to Pseudogymnoascus destructans
pose a serious risk to Australia's bat fauna. AUSTRAL ECOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Turbill
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment; Western Sydney University; Hawkesbury Campus Richmond New South Wales 2753 Australia
| | - Justin A. Welbergen
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment; Western Sydney University; Hawkesbury Campus Richmond New South Wales 2753 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Kramer AM, Teitelbaum CS, Griffin A, Drake JM. Multiscale model of regional population decline in little brown bats due to white-nose syndrome. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:8639-8651. [PMID: 31410268 PMCID: PMC6686297 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The introduced fungal pathogen Pseudogymnoascus destructans is causing decline of several species of bats in North America, with some even at risk of extinction or extirpation. The severity of the epidemic of white-nose syndrome caused by P. destructans has prompted investigation of the transmission and virulence of infection at multiple scales, but linking these scales is necessary to quantify the mechanisms of transmission and assess population-scale declines.We built a model connecting within-hibernaculum disease dynamics of little brown bats to regional-scale dispersal, reproduction, and disease spread, including multiple plausible mechanisms of transmission.We parameterized the model using the approach of plausible parameter sets, by comparing stochastic simulation results to statistical probes from empirical data on within-hibernaculum prevalence and survival, as well as among-hibernacula spread across a region.Our results are consistent with frequency-dependent transmission between bats, support an important role of environmental transmission, and show very little effect of dispersal among colonies on metapopulation survival.The results help identify the influential parameters and largest sources of uncertainty. The model also offers a generalizable method to assess hypotheses about hibernaculum-to-hibernaculum transmission and to identify gaps in knowledge about key processes, and could be expanded to include additional mechanisms or bat species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M. Kramer
- Department of Integrative BiologyUniversity of South FloridaTampaFloridaUSA
| | | | - Ashton Griffin
- Odum School of EcologyUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGeorgiaUSA
| | - John M. Drake
- Odum School of Ecology and Center for Ecology of Infectious DiseasesUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGeorgiaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Fuchs BB, Chaturvedi S, Rossoni RD, de Barros PP, Torres-Velez F, Mylonakis E, Chaturvedi V. Galleria mellonella experimental model for bat fungal pathogen Pseudogymnoascus destructans and human fungal pathogen Pseudogymnoascus pannorum. Virulence 2019; 9:1539-1547. [PMID: 30289352 PMCID: PMC6177250 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2018.1518087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Laboratory investigations of the pathogenesis of Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the fungal causal agent of bat White Nose Syndrome (WNS), presents unique challenges due to its growth requirements (4°-15°C) and a lack of infectivity in the current disease models. Pseudogymnoascus pannorum is the nearest fungal relative of P. destructans with wider psychrophilic - physiological growth range, and ability to cause rare skin infections in humans. Our broad objectives are to create the molecular toolkit for comparative study of P. destructans and P. pannorum pathogenesis. Towards these goals, we report the successful development of an invertebrate model in the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella. Both P. destructans and P. pannorum caused fatal disease in G. mellonella and elicited immune responses and histopathological changes consistent with the experimental disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beth Burgwyn Fuchs
- a Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital , Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University , Providence , RI , USA
| | - Sudha Chaturvedi
- b Mycology Laboratory, Division of Infectious Diseases , Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health , Albany , NY , USA.,c Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health , University of Albany , Albany , NY , USA
| | - Rodnei Dennis Rossoni
- d Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology , UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista , Sao Jose dos Campos , Brazil
| | - Patricia P de Barros
- d Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology , UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista , Sao Jose dos Campos , Brazil
| | - Fernando Torres-Velez
- e Division of Infectious Diseases , Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health , Albany , NY , USA
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- a Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital , Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University , Providence , RI , USA
| | - Vishnu Chaturvedi
- b Mycology Laboratory, Division of Infectious Diseases , Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health , Albany , NY , USA.,c Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health , University of Albany , Albany , NY , USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Haase CG, Fuller NW, Hranac CR, Hayman DTS, Olson SH, Plowright RK, McGuire LP. Bats are not squirrels: Revisiting the cost of cooling in hibernating mammals. J Therm Biol 2019; 81:185-193. [PMID: 30975417 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2019.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Many species use stored energy to hibernate through periods of resource limitation. Hibernation, a physiological state characterized by depressed metabolism and body temperature, is critical to winter survival and reproduction, and therefore has been extensively quantified and modeled. Hibernation consists of alternating phases of extended periods of torpor (low body temperature, low metabolic rate), and energetically costly periodic arousals to normal body temperature. Arousals consist of multiple phases: warming, euthermia, and cooling. Warming and euthermic costs are regularly included in energetic models, but although cooling to torpid body temperature is an important phase of the torpor-arousal cycle, it is often overlooked in energetic models. When included, cooling cost is assumed to be 67% of warming cost, an assumption originally derived from a single study that measured cooling cost in ground squirrels. Since this study, the same proportional value has been assumed across a variety of hibernating species. However, no additional values have been derived. We derived a model of cooling cost from first principles and validated the model with empirical energetic measurements. We compared the assumed 67% proportional cooling cost with our model-predicted cooling cost for 53 hibernating mammals. Our results indicate that using 67% of warming cost only adequately represents cooling cost in ground squirrel-sized mammals. In smaller species, this value overestimates cooling cost and in larger species, the value underestimates cooling cost. Our model allows for the generalization of energetic costs for multiple species using species-specific physiological and morphometric parameters, and for predictions over variable environmental conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine G Haase
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, 109 Lewis Hall, PO Box 173520, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA.
| | - Nathan W Fuller
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, 2901 Main St., Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - C Reed Hranac
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Private Bag, 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - David T S Hayman
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Private Bag, 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Sarah H Olson
- Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460, USA
| | - Raina K Plowright
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, 109 Lewis Hall, PO Box 173520, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Liam P McGuire
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, 2901 Main St., Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Martínková N, Pikula J, Zukal J, Kovacova V, Bandouchova H, Bartonička T, Botvinkin AD, Brichta J, Dundarova H, Kokurewicz T, Irwin NR, Linhart P, Orlov OL, Piacek V, Škrabánek P, Tiunov MP, Zahradníková A. Hibernation temperature-dependent Pseudogymnoascus destructans infection intensity in Palearctic bats. Virulence 2018; 9:1734-1750. [PMID: 36595968 PMCID: PMC10022473 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2018.1548685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a fungal disease caused by Pseudogymnoascus destructans that is devastating to Nearctic bat populations but tolerated by Palearctic bats. Temperature is a factor known to be important for fungal growth and bat choice of hibernation. Here we investigated the effect of temperature on the pathogenic fungal growth in the wild across the Palearctic. We modelled body surface temperature of bats with respect to fungal infection intensity and disease severity and were able to relate this to the mean annual surface temperature at the site. Bats that hibernated at lower temperatures had less fungal growth and fewer skin lesions on their wings. Contrary to expectation derived from laboratory P. destructans culture experiments, natural infection intensity peaked between 5 and 6°C and decreased at warmer hibernating temperature. We made predictive maps based on bat species distributions, temperature and infection intensity and disease severity data to determine not only where P. destructans will be found but also where the infection will be invasive to bats across the Palearctic. Together these data highlight the mechanistic model of the interplay between environmental and biological factors, which determine progression in a wildlife disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natália Martínková
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.,Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Pikula
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Zukal
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Kovacova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Bandouchova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Bartonička
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Alexander D Botvinkin
- Epidemiology Department, Irkutsk State Medical University, Irkutsk, Russian Federation
| | - Jiri Brichta
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Heliana Dundarova
- Department of Ecosystem Research, Environmental Risk Assessment and Conservation Biology, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Tomasz Kokurewicz
- Institute of Biology, Department of Vertebrate Ecology and Palaeontology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | | | - Petr Linhart
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Oleg L Orlov
- International Complex Research Laboratory for Study of Climate Change, Land Use and Biodiversity, Tyumen State University, Tyumen, Russian Federation.,Department of Biochemistry, Ural State Medical University, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation
| | - Vladimir Piacek
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Škrabánek
- Department of Process Control, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, University of Pardubice, Pardubice, Czech Republic.,Institute of Automation and Computer Science, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Mikhail P Tiunov
- Institute of Biology and Soil Science, Far East Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russian Federation
| | - Alexandra Zahradníková
- Department of Muscle Cell Research, Centre of Biosciences, Institute of Molecular Physiology and Genetics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Weller TJ, Rodhouse TJ, Neubaum DJ, Ormsbee PC, Dixon RD, Popp DL, Williams JA, Osborn SD, Rogers BW, Beard LO, McIntire AM, Hersey KA, Tobin A, Bjornlie NL, Foote J, Bachen DA, Maxell BA, Morrison ML, Thomas SC, Oliver GV, Navo KW. A review of bat hibernacula across the western United States: Implications for white-nose syndrome surveillance and management. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205647. [PMID: 30379854 PMCID: PMC6209190 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Efforts to conserve bats in the western United States have long been impeded by a lack of information on their winter whereabouts, particularly bats in the genus Myotis. The recent arrival of white-nose syndrome in western North America has increased the urgency to characterize winter roost habitats in this region. We compiled 4,549 winter bat survey records from 2,888 unique structures across 11 western states. Myotis bats were reported from 18.5% of structures with 95% of aggregations composed of ≤10 individuals. Only 11 structures contained ≥100 Myotis individuals and 6 contained ≥500 individuals. Townsend’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii) were reported from 38% of structures, with 72% of aggregations composed of ≤10 individuals. Aggregations of ≥100 Townsend’s big-eared bats were observed at 41 different caves or mines across 9 states. We used zero-inflated negative binomial regression to explore biogeographic patterns of winter roost counts. Myotis counts were greater in caves than mines, in more recent years, and in more easterly longitudes, northerly latitudes, higher elevations, and in areas with higher surface temperatures and lower precipitation. Townsend’s big-eared bat counts were greater in caves, during more recent years, and in more westerly longitudes. Karst topography was associated with higher Townsend’s big-eared bat counts but did not appear to influence Myotis counts. We found stable or slightly-increasing trends over time in counts for both Myotis and Townsend’s big-eared bats from 82 hibernacula surveyed ≥5 winters since 1990. Highly-dispersed winter roosting of Myotis in the western USA complicates efforts to monitor population trends and impacts of disease. However, our results reveal opportunities to monitor winter population status of Townsend’s big-eared bats across this region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theodore J. Weller
- USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, Arcata, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Thomas J. Rodhouse
- National Park Service Upper Columbia Basin Network, Bend, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Daniel J. Neubaum
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Terrestrial Section, Grand Junction, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Patricia C. Ormsbee
- USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region, Eugene, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Rita D. Dixon
- Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Boise, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Diana L. Popp
- Oregon State University – Cascades Campus, Human & Ecosystem Resiliency & Sustainability Lab, Bend, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Jason A. Williams
- Nevada Department of Wildlife, Ely, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Scott D. Osborn
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Nongame Wildlife Program, Wildlife Branch, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Bruce W. Rogers
- Western Cave Conservancy, Newcastle, California, United States of America
| | - Laura O. Beard
- Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Nongame Program, Lander, Wyoming, United States of America
| | - Angela M. McIntire
- Arizona Game and Fish Department, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Kimberly A. Hersey
- Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Abigail Tobin
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia, Washington, United States of America
| | - Nichole L. Bjornlie
- Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Nongame Program, Lander, Wyoming, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Foote
- National Speleological Society, Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Dan A. Bachen
- Montana Natural Heritage Program, Helena, Montana, United States of America
| | - Bryce A. Maxell
- Montana Natural Heritage Program, Helena, Montana, United States of America
| | - Michael L. Morrison
- Texas A&M University, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Shawn C. Thomas
- Bat Conservation International, Subterranean Program, Olympia, Washington, United States of America
| | - George V. Oliver
- Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Kirk W. Navo
- Colorado Division of Wildlife, Monte Vista, Colorado, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Lilley TM, Anttila J, Ruokolainen L. Landscape structure and ecology influence the spread of a bat fungal disease. Funct Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M. Lilley
- Institute of Integrative BiologyUniversity of Liverpool Liverpool UK
- Finnish Museum of Natural HistoryUniversity of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - Jani Anttila
- Department of BiosciencesUniversity of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Donaldson ME, Davy CM, Vanderwolf KJ, Willis CKR, Saville BJ, Kyle CJ. Growth medium and incubation temperature alter the Pseudogymnoascus destructans transcriptome: implications in identifying virulence factors. Mycologia 2018; 110:300-315. [PMID: 29737946 DOI: 10.1080/00275514.2018.1438223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Pseudogymnoascus destructans is the causal agent of bat white-nose syndrome (WNS), which is devastating some North American bat populations. Previous transcriptome studies provided insight regarding the molecular mechanisms involved in WNS; however, it is unclear how different environmental parameters could influence pathogenicity. This information could be useful in developing management strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of P. destructans on bats. We cultured three P. destructans isolates from Atlantic Canada on two growth media (potato dextrose agar and Sabouraud dextrose agar) that differ in their nitrogen source, and at two separate incubation temperatures (4 C and 15 C) that approximate the temperature range of bat hibernacula during the winter and a temperature within its optimal mycelial growth range. We conducted RNA sequencing to determine transcript levels in each sample and performed differential gene expression (DGE) analyses to test the influence of growth medium and incubation temperature on gene expression. We also compared our in vitro results with previous RNA-sequencing data sets generated from P. destructans growing on the wings of a susceptible host, Myotis lucifugus. Our findings point to a critical role for substrate and incubation temperature in influencing the P. destructans transcriptome. DGE analyses suggested that growth medium plays a larger role than temperature in determining P. destructans gene expression and that although the psychrophilic fungus responds to different nitrogen sources, it may have evolved for continued growth at a broad range of low temperatures. Further, our data suggest that down-regulation of the RNA-interference pathway and increased fatty acid metabolism are involved in the P. destructans-bat interaction. Finally, we speculate that to reduce the activation of host defense responses, P. destructans minimizes changes in the expression of genes encoding secreted proteins during bat colonization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Donaldson
- a Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program , Trent University , 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough , Ontario , K9L 1Z8, Canada
| | - Christina M Davy
- a Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program , Trent University , 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough , Ontario , K9L 1Z8, Canada.,b Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section , Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry , 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough , Ontario , K9L 1Z8, Canada
| | - Karen J Vanderwolf
- c New Brunswick Museum , 277 Douglas Avenue, Saint John , New Brunswick , E2K 1E5, Canada.,d Department of Pathobiological Sciences , University of Wisconsin-Madison , 2015 Linden Drive, Madison , Wisconsin 53706
| | - Craig K R Willis
- e Department of Biology , University of Winnipeg , 515 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg , Manitoba , R3B 2E9, Canada
| | - Barry J Saville
- a Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program , Trent University , 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough , Ontario , K9L 1Z8, Canada.,f Forensic Science Department , Trent University , 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough , Ontario, K9L 1Z8 , Canada
| | - Christopher J Kyle
- a Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program , Trent University , 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough , Ontario , K9L 1Z8, Canada.,f Forensic Science Department , Trent University , 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough , Ontario, K9L 1Z8 , Canada
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R. Raffel
- Department of Biological Sciences Oakland University Rochester MI USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Bandouchova H, Bartonička T, Berkova H, Brichta J, Kokurewicz T, Kovacova V, Linhart P, Piacek V, Pikula J, Zahradníková A, Zukal J. Alterations in the health of hibernating bats under pathogen pressure. Sci Rep 2018; 8:6067. [PMID: 29666436 PMCID: PMC5904171 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-24461-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In underground hibernacula temperate northern hemisphere bats are exposed to Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the fungal agent of white-nose syndrome. While pathological and epidemiological data suggest that Palearctic bats tolerate this infection, we lack knowledge about bat health under pathogen pressure. Here we report blood profiles, along with body mass index (BMI), infection intensity and hibernation temperature, in greater mouse-eared bats (Myotis myotis). We sampled three European hibernacula that differ in geomorphology and microclimatic conditions. Skin lesion counts differed between contralateral wings of a bat, suggesting variable exposure to the fungus. Analysis of blood parameters suggests a threshold of ca. 300 skin lesions on both wings, combined with poor hibernation conditions, may distinguish healthy bats from those with homeostatic disruption. Physiological effects manifested as mild metabolic acidosis, decreased glucose and peripheral blood eosinophilia which were strongly locality-dependent. Hibernating bats displaying blood homeostasis disruption had 2 °C lower body surface temperatures. A shallow BMI loss slope with increasing pathogen load suggested a high degree of infection tolerance. European greater mouse-eared bats generally survive P. destructans invasion, despite some health deterioration at higher infection intensities (dependant on hibernation conditions). Conservation measures should minimise additional stressors to conserve constrained body reserves of bats during hibernation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hana Bandouchova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Bartonička
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Berkova
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Brichta
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomasz Kokurewicz
- Institute of Biology, Department of Vertebrate Ecology and Palaeontology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Veronika Kovacova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Linhart
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Piacek
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Pikula
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic. .,CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Alexandra Zahradníková
- Department of Muscle Cell Research, Institute of Molecular Physiology and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jan Zukal
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
BATS RECOVERING FROM WHITE-NOSE SYNDROME ELEVATE METABOLIC RATE DURING WING HEALING IN SPRING. J Wildl Dis 2018; 54:480-490. [PMID: 29617187 DOI: 10.7589/2017-08-195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Host responses to infection with novel pathogens are costly and require trade-offs among physiologic systems. One such pathogen is the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) that causes white-nose syndrome (WNS) and has led to mass mortality of hibernating bats in eastern North America. Although infection with Pd does not always result in death, we hypothesized that bats that survive infection suffer significant consequences that negatively impact the ability of females to reproduce. To understand the physiologic consequences of surviving infection with Pd, we assessed differences in wing damage, mass-specific resting metabolic rate, and reproductive rate between little brown myotis ( Myotis lucifugus) that survived a winter in captivity after inoculation with Pd (WNS survivors) and comparable, uninfected bats. Survivors of WNS had significantly more damaged wing tissue and displayed elevated mass-specific metabolic rates compared with Pd-uninfected bats after emergence from hibernation. The WNS survivors and Pd-uninfected bats did not significantly differ in their reproductive capacity, at least in captivity. However, our metabolic data demonstrated greater energetic costs during spring in WNS survivors compared with uninfected bats, which may have led to other consequences for postpartum fitness. We suggest that, after surviving the energetic constraints of winter, temperate hibernating bats infected with Pd faced a second energetic bottleneck after emerging from hibernation.
Collapse
|
38
|
Player D, Lausen C, Zaitlin B, Harrison J, Paetkau D, Harmston E. An alternative minimally invasive technique for genetic sampling of bats: Wing swabs yield species identification. WILDLIFE SOC B 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Delanie Player
- Matrix Solutions Incorporated; Suite 600, 214 - 11th Avenue SW Calgary AB T2R 0K1 Canada
| | - Cori Lausen
- Wildlife Conservation Society Canada; 344 Bloor Street West, Suite 204 Toronto ON M5S 3A7 Canada
| | - Beryl Zaitlin
- Zaitlin Geoconsulting Limited; 3236 Boulton Road NW Calgary AB T2L 1M3 Canada
| | - Jori Harrison
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of Calgary; 2500 University Drive NW Calgary AB T2N 1N4 Canada
| | - David Paetkau
- Wildlife Genetics International; Suite 200, 182 Baker Street Nelson BC V1L 4H2 Canada
| | - Erin Harmston
- Wildlife Genetics International; Suite 200, 182 Baker Street Nelson BC V1L 4H2 Canada
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Bernard RF, Willcox EV, Parise KL, Foster JT, McCracken GF. White-nose syndrome fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, on bats captured emerging from caves during winter in the southeastern United States. BMC ZOOL 2017. [DOI: 10.1186/s40850-017-0021-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
|
40
|
McGuire LP, Mayberry HW, Willis CKR. White-nose syndrome increases torpid metabolic rate and evaporative water loss in hibernating bats. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2017; 313:R680-R686. [PMID: 28835446 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00058.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Fungal diseases of wildlife typically manifest as superficial skin infections but can have devastating consequences for host physiology and survival. White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a fungal skin disease that has killed millions of hibernating bats in North America since 2007. Infection with the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans causes bats to rewarm too often during hibernation, but the cause of increased arousal rates remains unknown. On the basis of data from studies of captive and free-living bats, two mechanistic models have been proposed to explain disease processes in WNS. Key predictions of both models are that WNS-affected bats will show 1) higher metabolic rates during torpor (TMR) and 2) higher rates of evaporative water loss (EWL). We collected bats from a WNS-negative hibernaculum, inoculated one group with P. destructans, and sham-inoculated a second group as controls. After 4 mo of hibernation, TMR and EWL were measured using respirometry. Both predictions were supported, and our data suggest that infected bats were more affected by variation in ambient humidity than controls. Furthermore, disease severity, as indicated by the area of the wing with UV fluorescence, was positively correlated with EWL, but not TMR. Our results provide the first direct evidence that heightened energy expenditure during torpor and higher EWL independently contribute to WNS pathophysiology, with implications for the design of potential treatments for the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liam P McGuire
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; .,Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas; and
| | - Heather W Mayberry
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
| | - Craig K R Willis
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Davy CM, Donaldson ME, Willis CKR, Saville BJ, McGuire LP, Mayberry H, Wilcox A, Wibbelt G, Misra V, Bollinger T, Kyle CJ. The other white-nose syndrome transcriptome: Tolerant and susceptible hosts respond differently to the pathogen Pseudogymnoascus destructans. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:7161-7170. [PMID: 28944007 PMCID: PMC5606880 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Revised: 06/11/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitigation of emerging infectious diseases that threaten global biodiversity requires an understanding of critical host and pathogen responses to infection. For multihost pathogens where pathogen virulence or host susceptibility is variable, host–pathogen interactions in tolerant species may identify potential avenues for adaptive evolution in recently exposed, susceptible hosts. For example, the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans causes white‐nose syndrome (WNS) in hibernating bats and is responsible for catastrophic declines in some species in North America, where it was recently introduced. Bats in Europe and Asia, where the pathogen is endemic, are only mildly affected. Different environmental conditions among Nearctic and Palearctic hibernacula have been proposed as an explanation for variable disease outcomes, but this hypothesis has not been experimentally tested. We report the first controlled, experimental investigation of response to P. destructans in a tolerant, European species of bat (the greater mouse‐eared bat, Myotis myotis). We compared body condition, disease outcomes and gene expression in control (sham‐exposed) and exposed M. myotis that hibernated under controlled environmental conditions following treatment. Tolerant M. myotis experienced extremely limited fungal growth and did not exhibit symptoms of WNS. However, we detected no differential expression of genes associated with immune response in exposed bats, indicating that immune response does not drive tolerance of P. destructans in late hibernation. Variable responses to P. destructans among bat species cannot be attributed solely to environmental or ecological factors. Instead, our results implicate coevolution with the pathogen, and highlight the dynamic nature of the “white‐nose syndrome transcriptome.” Interspecific variation in response to exposure by the host (and possibly pathogen) emphasizes the importance of context in studies of the bat‐WNS system, and robust characterization of genetic responses to exposure in various hosts and the pathogen should precede any attempts to use particular bat species as generalizable “model hosts.”
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Davy
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program Trent University Peterborough ON Canada.,Department of Biology University of Winnipeg Winnipeg MB Canada.,Present address: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section Trent University Peterborough ON Canada
| | - Michael E Donaldson
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program Trent University Peterborough ON Canada
| | | | - Barry J Saville
- Forensic Science Department Trent University Peterborough ON Canada
| | - Liam P McGuire
- Department of Biology University of Winnipeg Winnipeg MB Canada.,Department of Biological Sciences Texas Tech University Lubbock TX USA
| | | | - Alana Wilcox
- Department of Biology University of Winnipeg Winnipeg MB Canada
| | - Gudrun Wibbelt
- Leibniz Institute of Zoo and Wildlife Research Berlin Germany
| | - Vikram Misra
- Department of Microbiology Western College of Veterinary Medicine University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon SK Canada
| | - Trent Bollinger
- Department of Veterinary Pathology Western College of Veterinary Medicine University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon SK Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Ogórek R, Kozak B, Višňovská Z, Tančinová D. Phenotypic and genotypic diversity of airborne fungal spores in Demänovská Ice Cave (Low Tatras, Slovakia). AEROBIOLOGIA 2017; 34:13-28. [PMID: 29497240 PMCID: PMC5818623 DOI: 10.1007/s10453-017-9491-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This paper is the first aero-mycological report from Demänovská Ice Cave. Fungal spores were sampled from the internal and external air of the cave in June, 2014, using the impact method with a microbiological air sampler. Airborne fungi cultured on PDA medium were identified using a combination of classical phenotypic and molecular methods. Altogether, the presence of 18 different fungal spores, belonging to 3 phyla, 9 orders and 14 genera, was detected in the air of the cave. All of them were isolated from the indoor samples, and only 9 were obtained from the outdoor samples. Overall, airborne fungal spores belonging to the genus Cladosporium dominated in this study. However, the spores of Trametes hirsuta were most commonly found in the indoor air samples of the cave and the spores of C. herbarum in the outdoor air samples. On the other hand, the spores of Alternaria abundans, Arthrinium kogelbergense, Cryptococcus curvatus, Discosia sp., Fomes fomentarius, Microdochium seminicola and T. hirsuta were discovered for the first time in the air of natural and artificial underground sites. The external air of the cave contains more culturable airborne fungal spores (755 colony-forming units (CFU) per 1 m3 of air) than the internal air (from 47 to 273 CFU in 1 m3), and these levels of airborne spore concentration do not pose a threat to the health of tourists. Probably, the specific microclimate in the cave, including the constant presence of ice caps and low temperature, as well as the location and surrounding environment, contributes to the unique species composition of aeromycota and their spores in the cave. Thus, aero-mycological monitoring of underground sites seems to be very important for their ecosystems, and it may help reduce the risk of fungal infections in humans and other mammals that may arise in particular due to climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafał Ogórek
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego Street 63/77, 51-148 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Bartosz Kozak
- Department of Genetics, Plant Breeding and Seed Production, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Pl. Grunwaldzki 24a, 50-363 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Zuzana Višňovská
- Slovak Caves Administration, State Nature Conservancy of the Slovak Republic, Hodžova 11, 031-01 Liptovský Mikuláš, Slovakia
| | - Dana Tančinová
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. Hlinku 2, 949-76 Nitra, Slovakia
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Hayman DTS, Cryan PM, Fricker PD, Dannemiller NG. Long‐term video surveillance and automated analyses reveal arousal patterns in groups of hibernating bats. Methods Ecol Evol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.12823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David T. S. Hayman
- Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory Hopkirk Research Institute Massey University Palmerston North New Zealand
| | - Paul M. Cryan
- U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center Fort Collins CO USA
| | | | - Nicholas G. Dannemiller
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Colorado State University Fort Collins CO USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Energy conserving thermoregulatory patterns and lower disease severity in a bat resistant to the impacts of white-nose syndrome. J Comp Physiol B 2017; 188:163-176. [PMID: 28597237 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-017-1109-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 05/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The devastating bat fungal disease, white-nose syndrome (WNS), does not appear to affect all species equally. To experimentally determine susceptibility differences between species, we exposed hibernating naïve little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus) and big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) to the fungus that causes WNS, Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd). After hibernating under identical conditions, Pd lesions were significantly more prevalent and more severe in little brown myotis. This species difference in pathology correlates with susceptibility to WNS in the wild and suggests that survival is related to different host physiological responses. We observed another fungal infection, associated with neutrophilic inflammation, that was equally present in all bats. This suggests that both species are capable of generating a response to cold tolerant fungi and that Pd may have evolved mechanisms for evading host responses that are effective in at least some bat species. These host-pathogen interactions are likely mediated not just by host physiological responses, but also by host behavior. Pd-exposed big brown bats, the less affected species, spent more time in torpor than did control animals, while little brown myotis did not exhibit this change. This differential thermoregulatory response to Pd infection by big brown bat hosts may allow for a more effective (or less pathological) immune response to tissue invasion.
Collapse
|
45
|
PREVALENCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF PSEUDOGYMNOASCUS DESTRUCTANS IN MICHIGAN BATS SUBMITTED FOR RABIES SURVEILLANCE. J Wildl Dis 2017; 53:482-490. [PMID: 28318379 DOI: 10.7589/2016-08-175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Since 2006, bat populations in North America have suffered devastating mortality from an emerging disease known as white-nose syndrome (WNS). The causal agent of WNS is the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans. In April 2014, WNS was discovered in little brown bats ( Myotis lucifugus ) in Michigan, US, and has since been documented in 12 counties. Because current surveillance for WNS focuses primarily on mine-hibernating species in winter, it is subject to geographic, species, and seasonal bias. To investigate species affected and potential associations of gender, seasonal life cycle, and region with P. destructans prevalence, 1,040 rabies-negative bats were sampled from May 2014 to May 2015 from animals submitted as part of statewide rabies surveillance. The vast majority (96%) of the sample population consisted of big brown bats ( Eptesicus fuscus ), a noncavernicolous species. Two methods were used to detect P. destructans: fluorescence of the muzzle, wing, and tail membranes under ultraviolet light and PCR targeting genomic DNA on wing samples. Only five bats (0.5%), all M. lucifugus , were confirmed positive after nucleic acid sequencing of PCR amplicons. No other species were infected. All infected bats were collected from April to May, coinciding with their emergence from hibernation. As P. destructans and WNS spread westward, novel surveillance streams may provide a useful tool for wildlife management agencies seeking to detect the fungus where winter hibernacula such as caves and mines are absent or otherwise inaccessible.
Collapse
|
46
|
Marroquin CM, Lavine JO, Windstam ST. Effect of Humidity on Development ofPseudogymnoascus destructans, the Causal Agent of Bat White-Nose Syndrome. Northeast Nat (Steuben) 2017. [DOI: 10.1656/045.024.0105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia M. Marroquin
- Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York at Oswego, Oswego, NY 13126
| | - Jamal O. Lavine
- Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York at Oswego, Oswego, NY 13126
| | - Sofia T. Windstam
- Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York at Oswego, Oswego, NY 13126
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Salmier A, de Thoisy B, Crouau-Roy B, Lacoste V, Lavergne A. Spatial pattern of genetic diversity and selection in the MHC class II DRB of three Neotropical bat species. BMC Evol Biol 2016; 16:229. [PMID: 27782798 PMCID: PMC5080761 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-016-0802-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although bats are natural reservoirs of many pathogens, few studies have been conducted on the genetic variation and detection of selection in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes. These genes are critical for resistance and susceptibility to diseases, and host–pathogen interactions are major determinants of their extensive polymorphism. Here we examined spatial patterns of diversity of the expressed MHC class II DRB gene of three sympatric Neotropical bats, Carollia perspicillata and Desmodus rotundus (Phyllostomidae), and Molossus molossus (Molossidae), all of which use the same environments (e.g., forests, edge habitats, urban areas). Comparison with neutral marker (mtDNA D-loop) diversity was performed at the same time. Results Twenty-three DRB alleles were identified in 19 C. perspicillata, 30 alleles in 35 D. rotundus and 20 alleles in 28 M. molossus. The occurrence of multiple DRB loci was found for the two Phyllostomidae species. The DRB polymorphism was high in all sampling sites and different signatures of positive selection were detected depending on the environment. The patterns of DRB diversity were similar to those of neutral markers for C. perspicillata and M. molossus. In contrast, these patterns were different for D. rotundus for which a geographical structure was highlighted. A heterozygote advantage was also identified for this species. No recombination or gene conversion event was found and phylogenetic relationships showed a trans-species mode of evolution in the Phyllostomids. Conclusions This study of MHC diversity demonstrated the strength of the environment and contrasting pathogen pressures in shaping DRB diversity. Differences between positively selected sites identified in bat species highlighted the potential role of gut microbiota in shaping immune responses. Furthermore, multiple geographic origins and/or population admixtures observed in C. perspicillata and M. molossus populations acted as an additional force in shaping DRB diversity. In contrast, DRB diversity of D. rotundus was shaped by environment rather than demographic history. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12862-016-0802-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arielle Salmier
- Laboratoire des Interactions Virus-Hôtes, Institut Pasteur de la Guyane, 23 avenue Pasteur, BP 6010, 97306, Cayenne, Cedex, French Guiana
| | - Benoit de Thoisy
- Laboratoire des Interactions Virus-Hôtes, Institut Pasteur de la Guyane, 23 avenue Pasteur, BP 6010, 97306, Cayenne, Cedex, French Guiana
| | - Brigitte Crouau-Roy
- CNRS, Université Toulouse 3 UPS, ENFA, UMR 5174 EDB (Laboratoire Évolution et Diversité Biologique), 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse, France
| | - Vincent Lacoste
- Laboratoire des Interactions Virus-Hôtes, Institut Pasteur de la Guyane, 23 avenue Pasteur, BP 6010, 97306, Cayenne, Cedex, French Guiana
| | - Anne Lavergne
- Laboratoire des Interactions Virus-Hôtes, Institut Pasteur de la Guyane, 23 avenue Pasteur, BP 6010, 97306, Cayenne, Cedex, French Guiana.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Walker FM, Williamson CHD, Sanchez DE, Sobek CJ, Chambers CL. Species From Feces: Order-Wide Identification of Chiroptera From Guano and Other Non-Invasive Genetic Samples. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0162342. [PMID: 27654850 PMCID: PMC5031397 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Bat guano is a relatively untapped reservoir of information, having great utility as a DNA source because it is often available at roosts even when bats are not and is an easy type of sample to collect from a difficult-to-study mammalian order. Recent advances from microbial community studies in primer design, sequencing, and analysis enable fast, accurate, and cost-effective species identification. Here, we borrow from this discipline to develop an order-wide DNA mini-barcode assay (Species from Feces) based on a segment of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase I (COI). The assay works effectively with fecal DNA and is conveniently transferable to low-cost, high-throughput Illumina MiSeq technology that also allows simultaneous pairing with other markers. Our PCR primers target a region of COI that is highly discriminatory among Chiroptera (92% species-level identification of barcoded species), and are sufficiently degenerate to allow hybridization across diverse bat taxa. We successfully validated our system with 54 bat species across both suborders. Despite abundant arthropod prey DNA in guano, our primers were highly specific to bats; no arthropod DNA was detected in thousands of feces run on Sanger and Illumina platforms. The assay is extendable to fecal pellets of unknown age as well as individual and pooled guano, to allow for individual (using singular fecal pellets) and community (using combined pellets collected from across long-term roost sites) analyses. We developed a searchable database (http://nau.edu/CEFNS/Forestry/Research/Bats/Search-Tool/) that allows users to determine the discriminatory capability of our markers for bat species of interest. Our assay has applications worldwide for examining disease impacts on vulnerable species, determining species assemblages within roosts, and assessing the presence of bat species that are vulnerable or facing extinction. The development and analytical pathways are rapid, reliable, and inexpensive, and can be applied to ecology and conservation studies of other taxa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faith M. Walker
- Bat Ecology & Genetics Laboratory, School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
- Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Charles H. D. Williamson
- Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Daniel E. Sanchez
- Bat Ecology & Genetics Laboratory, School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
- Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Colin J. Sobek
- Bat Ecology & Genetics Laboratory, School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
- Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Carol L. Chambers
- Bat Ecology & Genetics Laboratory, School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
McCallum E. Big trouble for little bats in humid caves. J Exp Biol 2016. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.130104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
50
|
Bat cave choice affects disease. Nature 2016. [DOI: 10.1038/530009d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|