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Blanvillain G, Martínez-Freiría F, Hoyt JR, Lorch JM, Martinez-Silvestre A. Paranannizziopsis spp. Infection in Wild Vipers, Europe. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:1000-1003. [PMID: 38666639 PMCID: PMC11060463 DOI: 10.3201/eid3005.231317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
We describe the detection of Paranannizziopsis sp. fungus in a wild population of vipers in Europe. Fungal infections were severe, and 1 animal likely died from infection. Surveillance efforts are needed to better understand the threat of this pathogen to snake conservation.
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Allain SJR, Leech DI, Hopkins K, Seilern-Moy K, Rodriguez-Ramos Fernandez J, Griffiths RA, Lawson B. Characterisation, prevalence and severity of skin lesions caused by ophidiomycosis in a population of wild snakes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5162. [PMID: 38431688 PMCID: PMC10908839 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55354-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Ophidiomycosis is an emerging infectious disease affecting wild snakes in the Northern Hemisphere. Recently confirmed in Great Britain, the prevalence, severity and significance of ophidiomycosis has yet to be characterised in free-living snakes at a population level in Europe. Therefore, a population of barred grass snakes (Natrix helvetica) in eastern England was monitored for three seasons (May 2019 to October 2021), to investigate the prevalence (25.5%; 191/750 snakes) and severity of skin lesions and their aetiology. The most frequently observed skin lesion characteristics were changes in scale colour, crusting, and scale margin erosion. The majority of such lesions (96.9%; 185/191 snakes) was observed on the ventral surface along the length of the body. The severity of skin lesions was considered mild in more than half of the cases (53.1%; 98/191 snakes). Predominantly, skin lesions were observed in adult snakes (72.8%; 139/191 snakes). Combined histological examinations and qPCR tests of skin lesions from N. helvetica sloughs and/or carcasses confirmed a diagnosis of ophidiomycosis. Further targeted surveillance, supported by molecular and histological examinations to confirm skin lesion aetiology, is required to determine the extent to which our findings reflect the occurrence of ophidiomycosis in populations within wider landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J R Allain
- Durrell Institute of Ecology and Conservation, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, UK
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - David I Leech
- British Trust for Ornithology, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU, UK
| | - Kevin Hopkins
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Katharina Seilern-Moy
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | | | - Richard A Griffiths
- Durrell Institute of Ecology and Conservation, School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NR, UK.
| | - Becki Lawson
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
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Haynes E, Stanford K, Cox S, Vivirito K, Durante K, Wright A, Gramhofer M, Pohly A, Gartlan B, Fredrickson K, Allender MC. CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL USING TERBINAFINE NEBULIZATION TO TREAT WILD LAKE ERIE WATERSNAKES ( NERODIA SIPEDON INSULARUM) WITH OPHIDIOMYCOSIS. J Zoo Wildl Med 2024; 54:746-756. [PMID: 38251998 DOI: 10.1638/2023-0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Ophidiomycosis (snake fungal disease) is an important infectious disease caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophidiicola. To mitigate the disease's impact on individual snakes, a controlled clinical trial was conducted using terbinafine nebulization to treat snakes with ophidiomycosis. Fifty-three wild-caught Lake Erie watersnakes (Nerodia sipedon insularum) with apparent ophidiomycosis (skin lesions present, qPCR positive for O. ophidiicola) were divided into treatment and control groups: treatment snakes were nebulized with a 2 mg/ml terbinafine solution for 30 min daily for 30 d; control snakes received nebulization with 0.9% saline or no nebulization. Weekly physical exams were conducted to assign disease severity scores based on the number, type, location, and size of lesions, and qPCR was repeated after each 30-d course of treatment. Persistently qPCR-positive snakes received multiple nebulization courses. Terbinafine nebulization showed mixed results as a treatment for ophidiomycosis: 29.2% of animals treated with terbinafine showed molecular resolution of external disease, based on antemortem swabbing, following 3-6 mon of daily nebulization; this was significantly more than with saline nebulization (5%), but molecular resolution also occurred in 11.1% of snakes that received no treatment. Terbinafine nebulization did not significantly decrease clinical disease, as measured by disease severity scores. Evaluating molecular response to treatment using fungal quantities, terbinafine nebulization significantly reduced fungal quantity after three or more courses of treatment. These results indicate that, although terbinafine nebulization is a promising treatment for ophidiomycosis, snakes may require multiple nebulization courses and disease may not always resolve completely, despite treatment. This treatment may be most useful in snakes from managed populations that can be treated for several months, rather than wild snakes who are not releasable after multiple months in captivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Haynes
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA,
| | - Kristin Stanford
- Franz Theodore Stone Laboratory, The Ohio State University, OH 43456, USA
| | - Sherry Cox
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Kathryn Vivirito
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Kennymac Durante
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Allison Wright
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Megan Gramhofer
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Andrea Pohly
- University of Illinois Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Brina Gartlan
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Kelcie Fredrickson
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Matthew C Allender
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
- Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL 60513, USA
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Lorch JM, Winzeler ME, Lankton JS, Raverty S, Snyman HN, Schwantje H, Thacker C, Knowles S, Cai HY, Grear DA. Paranannizziopsis spp. infections in wild snakes and a qPCR assay for detection of the fungus. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1302586. [PMID: 38125577 PMCID: PMC10730940 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1302586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of ophidiomycosis (or snake fungal disease) in snakes has prompted increased awareness of the potential effects of fungal infections on wild reptile populations. Yet, aside from Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, little is known about other mycoses affecting wild reptiles. The closely related genus Paranannizziopsis has been associated with dermatomycosis in snakes and tuataras in captive collections, and P. australasiensis was recently identified as the cause of skin infections in non-native wild panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) in Florida, USA. Here we describe five cases of Paranannizziopsis spp. associated with skin lesions in wild snakes in North America and one additional case from a captive snake from Connecticut, USA. In addition to demonstrating that wild Nearctic snakes can serve as a host for these fungi, we also provide evidence that the genus Paranannizziopsis is widespread in wild snakes, with cases being identified in Louisiana (USA), Minnesota (USA), Virginia (USA), and British Columbia (Canada). Phylogenetic analyses conducted on multiple loci of the fungal strains we isolated identified P. australasiensis in Louisiana and Virginia; the remaining strains from Minnesota and British Columbia did not cluster with any of the described species of Paranannizziopsis, although the strains from British Columbia appear to represent a single lineage. Finally, we designed a pan-Paranannizziopsis real-time PCR assay targeting the internal transcribed spacer region 2. This assay successfully detected DNA of all described species of Paranannizziopsis and the two potentially novel taxa isolated in this study and did not cross-react with closely related fungi or other fungi commonly found on the skin of snakes. The assay was 100% sensitive and specific when screening clinical (skin tissue or skin swab) samples, although full determination of the assay's performance will require additional follow up due to the small number of clinical samples (n = 14 from 11 snakes) available for testing in our study. Nonetheless, the PCR assay can provide an important tool in further investigating the prevalence, distribution, and host range of Paranannizziopsis spp. and facilitate more rapid diagnosis of Paranannizziopsis spp. infections that are otherwise difficult to differentiate from other dermatomycoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M. Lorch
- U.S. Geological Survey – National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Megan E. Winzeler
- U.S. Geological Survey – National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Julia S. Lankton
- U.S. Geological Survey – National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Stephen Raverty
- Animal Health Centre, Ministry of Agriculture, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
| | - Heindrich N. Snyman
- Animal Health Laboratory – Kemptville, University of Guelph, Kemptville, ON, Canada
| | - Helen Schwantje
- Wildlife and Habitat Branch, Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Nanaimo, BC, Canada
| | - Caeley Thacker
- Wildlife and Habitat Branch, Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Nanaimo, BC, Canada
| | - Susan Knowles
- U.S. Geological Survey – National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Hugh Y. Cai
- Animal Health Laboratory, Laboratory Services Division, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel A. Grear
- U.S. Geological Survey – National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, United States
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Torres-Garcia D, Gené J, García D, Cano-Lira JF. Insights into Some Onygenalean Fungi from Freshwater Sediments in Spain and Description of Novel Taxa. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1129. [PMID: 38132730 PMCID: PMC10744713 DOI: 10.3390/jof9121129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
During the course of a project investigating culturable Ascomycota diversity from freshwater sediments in Spain, we isolated 63 strains of cycloheximide-resistant fungi belonging to the order Onygenales. These well-known ascomycetes, able to infect both humans and animals, are commonly found in terrestrial habitats, colonizing keratin-rich soils or dung. Little is known about their diversity in aquatic environments. Combining morphological features and sequence analyses of the ITS and LSU regions of the nrDNA, we identified 14 species distributed in the genera Aphanoascus, Arachniotus, Arthroderma, Arthropsis, Emmonsiellopsis, Gymnoascoideus, Leucothecium, Malbranchea, and Myriodontium. Furthermore, three novel species for the genus Malbranchea are proposed as M. echinulata sp. nov., M. irregularis sp. nov., and M. sinuata sp. nov. The new genera Albidomyces and Neoarthropsis are introduced based on Arachniotus albicans and Arthropsis hispanica, respectively. Neoarthropsis sexualis sp. nov. is characterized and differentiated morphologically from its counterpart by the production of a sexual morph. The novel family Neoarthropsidaceae is proposed for the genera Albidomyes, Apinisia, Arachnotheca, Myriodontium, and Neoarthropsis, based on their phylogenetic relationships and phenotypic and ecological traits. Pseudoamaurascopsis gen. nov. is introduced to accommodate P. spiralis sp. nov., a fungus with unclear taxonomy related to Amaurascopsis and Polytolypa. We traced the ecology and global distribution of the novel fungi through ITS environmental sequences deposited in the GlobalFungi database. Studying the fungal diversity from freshwater sediments not only contributes to filling gaps in the relationships and taxonomy of the Ascomycota but also gives us insights into the fungal community that might represent a putative risk to the health of animals and humans inhabiting or transient in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Josepa Gené
- Unitat de Micologia i Microbiologia Ambiental, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut and IU-RESCAT, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain; (D.T.-G.); (D.G.); (J.F.C.-L.)
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6
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Marini D, Di Nicola MR, Crocchianti V, Notomista T, Iversen D, Coppari L, Di Criscio M, Brouard V, Dorne JLCM, Rüegg J, Marenzoni ML. Pilot survey reveals ophidiomycosis in dice snakes Natrix tessellata from Lake Garda, Italy. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:1707-1719. [PMID: 37118129 PMCID: PMC10485108 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10129-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Ophidiomycosis is an emerging infectious disease caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophidiicola (Oo). To date, Oo presence or associated disease condition has been recorded in wild and/or captive snakes from North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, but the data is still scarce outside the Nearctic. Although Italy is a country with a high snake biodiversity in the European panorama, and animals with clinical signs compatible with Oo infection have been documented, to date no investigations have reported the disease in the wild. Therefore, a pilot survey for the Italian territory was performed in conjunction with setting up a complete diagnostic workflow including SYBR Green-based real-time PCR assay for the detection of Oo genomic and mitochondrial DNA combined with histopathology of scale clips. Oo presence was investigated in 17 wild snake specimens from four different species. Four snakes were sampled in a targeted location where the mycosis was suspected via citizen science communications (i.e. North of the Lake Garda), whereas other ophidians were collected following opportunistic sampling. Oo genomic and mitochondrial DNA were detected and sequenced from all four Lake Garda Natrix tessellata, including three juveniles with macroscopic signs such as discolouration and skin crusts. From histopathological examination of scale clips, the three young positive individuals exhibited ulceration, inflammation and intralesional hyphae consistent with Oo infection, and two of them also showed the presence of arthroconidial tufts and solitary cylindrical arthrospores, allowing "Ophidiomycosis and Oo shedder" categorisation. For the remaining snake samples, the real-time PCR tested negative for Oo. This pilot survey permitted to localise for the first time Oo infection in free-ranging ophidians from Italy. Ophidiomycosis from Lake Garda highlights the need to increase sampling efforts in this area as well as in other northern Italian lakes to assess the occurrence of the pathogen, possible risk factors of the infection, its impact on host population fitness and the disease ecology of Oo in European snakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Marini
- Department of Organismal Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, Uppsala, 75236, Sweden.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, Perugia, 06126, Italy.
| | - Matteo R Di Nicola
- Unit of Dermatology, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Via Olgettina 60, Milan, 20132, Italy
- Asociación Herpetológica Española, Apartado de correos 191, Leganés, Madrid, 28911, Spain
| | - Veronica Crocchianti
- Service d'Anatomie Pathologique, VetAgro Sup, Campus Vétérinaire, 1 Avenue Bourgelat, Marcy l'Etoile, 69280, France
| | | | | | - Luca Coppari
- Studio Naturalistico Hyla s.r.l, Via Baroncino, 11, Tuoro sul Trasimeno, PG, 06069, Italy
| | - Michela Di Criscio
- Department of Organismal Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, Uppsala, 75236, Sweden
| | - Vanessa Brouard
- Department of Organismal Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, Uppsala, 75236, Sweden
| | - Jean-Lou C M Dorne
- Methodology and Scientific Support Unit, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Via Carlo Magno 1A, Parma, 43126, Italy
| | - Joëlle Rüegg
- Department of Organismal Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, Uppsala, 75236, Sweden
| | - Maria Luisa Marenzoni
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, Perugia, 06126, Italy
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Kendall MW, Wright AD, Adamovicz LA, Durante K, Andersson KE, Frederickson K, Vivirito K, Ospina EA, Delaney MA, Allender MC. Environmental temperature influences ophidiomycosis progression and survival in experimentally challenged prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis). PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289641. [PMID: 37535551 PMCID: PMC10399908 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ophidiomycosis is a prevalent and intermittently pervasive disease of snakes globally caused by the opportunistic fungal pathogen, Ophidiomyces ophidiicola. Host response has yet to be fully explored, including the role of temperature in disease progression and hematologic changes. This study enrolled twelve adult prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis) in an experimental challenge with O. ophidiicola at two temperatures, 26°C (n = 6) and 20°C (n = 6). Each temperature cohort included four inoculated and two control snakes. Assessments involving physical exams, lesion swabbing, and hematology were performed weekly. Differences were observed between inoculated and control snakes in survival, behavior, clinical signs, ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence, hematologic response, and histologic lesions. All inoculated snakes held at 20°C were euthanized prior to study end date due to severity of clinical signs while only one inoculated animal in the 26°C trial met this outcome. In both groups, qPCR positive detection preceded clinical signs with regards to days post inoculation (dpi). However, the earliest appearance of gross lesions occurred later in the 20°C snakes (20 dpi) than the 26°C snakes (13 dpi). Relative leukocytosis was observed in all inoculated snakes and driven by heterophilia in the 20°C snakes, and azurophilia in the 26°C group. Histologically, 20°C snakes had more severe lesions, a lack of appropriate inflammatory response, and unencumbered fungal proliferation and invasion. In contrast, 26°C snakes had marked granulomatous inflammation with encapsulation of fungi and less invasion and dissemination. The results of this study identified that O. ophidiicola-infected rattlesnakes exposed to lower temperatures have decreased survival and more robust hematologic change, though minimal and ineffective inflammatory response at site of infection. Ophidiomycosis is a complex disease with host, pathogen, and environmental factors influencing disease presentation, progression, and ultimately, survival. This study highlighted the importance of temperature as an element impacting the host response to O. ophidiicola.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Waligora Kendall
- Wildlife Epidemiology Lab, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Allison D Wright
- Wildlife Epidemiology Lab, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Laura A Adamovicz
- Wildlife Epidemiology Lab, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
- The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Kennymac Durante
- Wildlife Epidemiology Lab, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Kirsten E Andersson
- Wildlife Epidemiology Lab, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Kelcie Frederickson
- Wildlife Epidemiology Lab, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Katie Vivirito
- Wildlife Epidemiology Lab, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Emilie A Ospina
- Wildlife Epidemiology Lab, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
- The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Martha A Delaney
- Zoological Pathology Program, University of Illinois, Brookfield, IL, United States of America
| | - Matthew C Allender
- Wildlife Epidemiology Lab, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
- The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
- The Brookfield Zoo, Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield, Illinois, United States of America
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Gentry S, Lorch JM, Lankton JS, Pringle A. A Cross-Inoculation Experiment Reveals that Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola and Nannizziopsis guarroi Can Each Infect Both Snakes and Lizards. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0216822. [PMID: 37098892 PMCID: PMC10231240 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02168-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Host range and specificity are key concepts in the study of infectious diseases. However, both concepts remain largely undefined for many influential pathogens, including many fungi within the Onygenales order. This order encompasses reptile-infecting genera (Nannizziopsis, Ophidiomyces, and Paranannizziopsis) formerly classified as the Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii (CANV). The reported hosts of many of these fungi represent a narrow range of phylogenetically related animals, suggesting that many of these disease-causing fungi are host specific, but the true number of species affected by these pathogens is unknown. For example, to date, Nannizziopsis guarroi (the causative agent of yellow fungus disease) and Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola (the causative agent of snake fungal disease) have been documented only in lizards and snakes, respectively. In a 52-day reciprocal-infection experiment, we tested the ability of these two pathogens to infect currently unreported hosts, inoculating central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) with O. ophiodiicola and corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) with N. guarroi. We confirmed infection by documenting both clinical signs and histopathological evidence of fungal infection. Our reciprocity experiment resulted in 100% of corn snakes and 60% of bearded dragons developing infections with N. guarroi and O. ophiodiicola, respectively, demonstrating that these fungal pathogens have a broader host range than previously thought and that hosts with cryptic infections may play a role in pathogen translocation and transmission. IMPORTANCE Our experiment using Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola and Nannizziopsis guarroi is the first to look more critically at these pathogens' host range. We are the first to identify that both fungal pathogens can infect both corn snakes and bearded dragons. Our findings illustrate that both fungal pathogens have a more general host range than previously known. Additionally, there are significant implications concerning the spread of snake fungal disease and yellow fungus disease in popular companion animals and the increased chance of disease spillover into other wild and naive populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savannah Gentry
- University of Wisconsin—Madison, Department of Botany, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jeffrey M. Lorch
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Julia S. Lankton
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Anne Pringle
- University of Wisconsin—Madison, Department of Botany, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- University of Wisconsin—Madison, Department of Bacteriology, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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9
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Schilliger L, Paillusseau C, François C, Bonwitt J. Major Emerging Fungal Diseases of Reptiles and Amphibians. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12030429. [PMID: 36986351 PMCID: PMC10053826 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are caused by pathogens that have undergone recent changes in terms of geographic spread, increasing incidence, or expanding host range. In this narrative review, we describe three important fungal EIDs with keratin trophism that are relevant to reptile and amphibian conservation and veterinary practice. Nannizziopsis spp. have been mainly described in saurians; infection results in thickened, discolored skin crusting, with eventual progression to deep tissues. Previously only reported in captive populations, it was first described in wild animals in Australia in 2020. Ophidiomyces ophidiicola (formely O. ophiodiicola) is only known to infect snakes; clinical signs include ulcerating lesions in the cranial, ventral, and pericloacal regions. It has been associated with mortality events in wild populations in North America. Batrachochytrium spp. cause ulceration, hyperkeratosis, and erythema in amphibians. They are a major cause of catastrophic amphibian declines worldwide. In general, infection and clinical course are determined by host-related characteristics (e.g., nutritional, metabolic, and immune status), pathogens (e.g., virulence and environmental survival), and environment (e.g., temperature, hygrometry, and water quality). The animal trade is thought to be an important cause of worldwide spread, with global modifications in temperature, hygrometry, and water quality further affecting fungal pathogenicity and host immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lionel Schilliger
- Argos Veterinary Clinic of Paris Auteuil, 35 Rue Leconte de Lisle, 75016 Paris, France
- SpéNac Referral Center, 100 Boulevard de la Tour Maubourg, 75007 Paris, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-188-616-831
| | - Clément Paillusseau
- Argos Veterinary Clinic of Paris Auteuil, 35 Rue Leconte de Lisle, 75016 Paris, France
- SpéNac Referral Center, 100 Boulevard de la Tour Maubourg, 75007 Paris, France
| | - Camille François
- Argos Veterinary Clinic of Paris Auteuil, 35 Rue Leconte de Lisle, 75016 Paris, France
- SpéNac Referral Center, 100 Boulevard de la Tour Maubourg, 75007 Paris, France
| | - Jesse Bonwitt
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, South Rd., Durham DH1 3LE, UK
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Jiménez-García N, Fernández Sánchez F, Guillén Rodríguez CM, Castilla Castellano MDM, Del Arco Jiménez A. Breast abscess due to Nannizziopsis obscura in an immunocompromised renal transplant patient after travel to Nigeria: case report and review. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:50. [PMID: 36694138 PMCID: PMC9872297 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07958-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nannizziopsis is a genus of fungi with several known cases in reptiles of pyogranulomatous infections at cutaneous and musculoskeletal level, of rapid and fatal evolution. There are few cases of this genus described in humans, mainly skin affection but also with visceral abcesses, typically in immunosuppressed patients, with a recent visit to Africa. CASE PRESENTATION A 45-year-old woman immunosuppressed after renal transplantation and with a recent visit to Nigeria presented with a painless breast abcess, ulceration to the skin and bleeding, and non hematic telorrhea. The mammogram, also completed with an ultrasound scan, showed a polylobulated nodule, BI-RADS 4C. Due to the suspicion of breast cancer, a core needle biopsy was performed and the pathology study showed abundant presence of fungal spores and hyphae. It was identified by genomic amplification of the internal transcription spacer region-2 and a percentage of similarity with sequences of Nannizziopsis obscura from GenBank of 98% was obtained. An empiric treatment with anidulafungin was initiated, and after the surgical resection, it was replaced by isavuconazole, with a total time of treatment of one month. CONCLUSIONS This is the first case report of a successful treatment of Nannizziopsis obscura with isavuconazole, with the shortest time of treatment published for this fungi. We highlighted the importance of referring difficult to diagnose species to reference centers, as well as achieving the most complete resection in order to shorten the antibiotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Jiménez-García
- grid.414423.40000 0000 9718 6200Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Costa del Sol, Marbella, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Alfonso Del Arco Jiménez
- grid.414423.40000 0000 9718 6200Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Costa del Sol, Marbella, Spain
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11
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Gerrits van den Ende B, Rodrigues AM, Hahn RC, Hagen F. A surprising finding: The curious case of a tongue lesion misdiagnosed as paracoccidioidomycosis. Rev Iberoam Micol 2023; 40:10-14. [PMID: 36690509 DOI: 10.1016/j.riam.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paracoccidioidomycosis is an endemic mycosis caused by members of the Paracoccidioides genus. Brazil remains the focus area and, to a lesser extent, the disease has been reported from Argentina, Colombia and Venezuela. AIMS A Venezuelan Paracoccidioides brasiliensis strain, isolated from a patient diagnosed with chronic multifocal paracoccidioidomycosis, was subjected to whole genome sequencing to provide more insight about Paracoccidioides outside the endemic focus area. METHODS P. brasiliensis strain CBS 118890 was whole genome sequenced using nanopore; library preparation with the 'native barcoding genomic DNA kit' was followed by sequencing on Flongle and MinION flowcells. Batches of strain CBS 118890 were re-identified by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and final identification was made based on phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS Surprisingly, the Venezuelan P. brasiliensis strain CBS 118890 turned out to be a Nannizziopsis species. The batches of this strain were ITS sequenced followed by phylogenetic analysis and resulted in the final identification of Nannizziopsis arthrosporioides. CONCLUSIONS Nannizziopsis infections are commonly seen in a wide variety of reptiles, but are particularly rare in human infections. This case underlines the need for molecular characterization of cases that clinically mimic paracoccidioidomycosis but that are serologically negative for Paracoccidioides.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anderson Messias Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Emerging Fungal Pathogens, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Discipline of Cellular Biology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Medicine, Discipline of Infectious Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rosane Christine Hahn
- Laboratory of Mycology/Research, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil; Júlio Muller University Hospital - Ebserh, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Ferry Hagen
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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12
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Lind CM, Agugliaro J, Lorch JM, Farrell TM. Ophidiomycosis is related to seasonal patterns of reproduction, ecdysis, and thermoregulatory behavior in a free‐living snake species. J Zool (1987) 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.13024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - J. M. Lorch
- U.S. Geological Survey ‐ National Wildlife Health Center Madison WI USA
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13
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Ophidiomyces ophidiicola detection and infection: a global review on a potential threat to the world’s snake populations. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-022-01612-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
AbstractOphidiomyces ophidiicola (Oo) is one of the most relevant fungal pathogens for snakes. It is the etiological agent of ophidiomycosis, an emerging disease causing dysecdysis, skin abnormalities, crusting cutaneous lesions, and ulcerations. Despite this major tegumentary “tropism”, Oo infection can be systemic and it is capable of inducing visceral lesions. Moreover, ophidiomycosis may lead to abnormalities of reproductive physiology, hunting behavior, and thermoregulation, thus increasing the risks of sublethal effects and predation on affected snakes. Oo seems horizontally transmitted and can induce postnatal mortality. This article reviews published data on Oo detection and infection in all snake species in countries around the world and categorizes these data using new classification parameters. The presence of this fungus has been recorded in 11 states (considering the USA as a whole); however, in four states, the mycosis has only been reported in snakes held in captivity. Detection and/or infection of Oo has been ascertained in 62 snake species, divided into nine families. The taxa have been categorized with diagnostic criteria in order to report, for each species, the highest rank of categorization resulting from all cases. Therefore, 20 species have been included within the class “Ophidiomycosis and Oo shedder”, 11 within “Ophidiomycosis”, 16 in “Apparent ophidiomycosis”, and 15 within “Ophidiomyces ophidiicola present”. We also discuss the significance and limits of case classifications and Oo’s impact on wild populations, and we suggest methods for preliminary surveillance. Standardized methods, interdisciplinary studies, and cooperation between various research institutions may facilitate further Oo screening studies, elucidate the unclear aspects of the disease, and protect ophidiofauna from this emerging threat at the global level.
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Origgi FC, Pisano SRR, Glaizot O, Hertwig ST, Schmitz A, Ursenbacher S. Ophiodimyces ophiodiicola, Etiologic Agent of Snake Fungal Disease, in Europe since Late 1950s. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:2064-2068. [PMID: 36148931 PMCID: PMC9514351 DOI: 10.3201/eid2810.220564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The fungus Ophiodimyces ophiodiicola is the etiologic agent of snake fungal disease. Recent findings date US occurrence at least as far back as 1945. We analyzed 22 free-ranging snakes with gross lesions consistent with snake fungal disease from museum collections from Europe. We found 5 positive samples, the oldest collected in 1959.
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SEASONAL AND INTERSPECIFIC VARIATION IN THE PREVALENCE OF OPHIDIOMYCES OPHIDIICOLA AND OPHIDIOMYCOSIS IN A COMMUNITY OF FREE-RANGING SNAKES. J Wildl Dis 2022; 58:791-802. [PMID: 36240744 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-21-00134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Ophidiomycosis in snakes is caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophidiicola. Clinical signs associated with the disease range from minor skin lesions to severe swelling of the face. In some cases, the fungus invades the snake's underlying muscle and bone and internal organs; disease severity appears to peak during brumation. We quantified the prevalence of O. ophidiicola and ophidiomycosis in free-ranging snakes to explore seasonal variation in detection of the pathogen and disease. We collected skin swabs (n=464 samples) from seven species of free-ranging snakes (n=336) from Rondeau Provincial Park (Ontario, Canada) and tested the swabs for O. ophidiicola using quantitative PCR. We also assessed individuals for lesions consistent with ophidiomycosis and monitored changes in gross lesions over time in recaptured individuals. Eastern foxsnakes (Pantherophis vulpinus) had the highest prevalence of O. ophidiicola (24/84) and of lesions consistent with ophidiomycosis (34/84). On other species (Nerodia sipedon, Storeria dekayi, Thamnophis sirtalis, and Thamnophis sauritus), we detected the pathogen on only 4/229 snakes and observed gross lesions consistent with ophidiomycosis on 24/229 snakes. Body length of eastern foxsnakes was associated with detection of O. ophidiicola, suggesting that eastern foxsnakes' large size increases the risk of pathogen exposure relative to the other, smaller, species at our study site. Ophidiomyces ophidiicola and lesions consistent with ophidiomycosis were detected most frequently in eastern foxsnakes soon after emergence from brumation and less frequently later in the active season (O. ophidiicola: April=29.8%, October=3.9%; lesions: April=36.1%, October=5.5%). This decrease corresponded with resolution of lesions in 6/13 resampled eastern foxsnakes. Considering the seasonal cycle of O. ophidiicola and ophidiomycosis when planning disease surveillance research may improve detection probabilities for ophidiomycosis in Nearctic snakes.
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16
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Mascitti H, Sivadon-Tardy V, Bougnoux ME, Duran C, Tordjman M, Colombier MA, Bourgault-Villada I, Dinh A. Arthritis Caused by Nannizziopsis obscura, France. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:1929-1931. [PMID: 35997528 PMCID: PMC9423906 DOI: 10.3201/eid2809.220375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Nannizziopsis spp., fungi responsible for emerging diseases, are rarely involved in human bone and joint infections. We present a rare case of septic arthritis with necrotizing cellulitis caused by N. obscura in a patient in France who had undergone kidney transplant. Rapid, aggressive medical and surgical management led to a favorable outcome.
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17
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The population genetics of the causative agent of snake fungal disease indicate recent introductions to the USA. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001676. [PMID: 35737674 PMCID: PMC9223401 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Snake fungal disease (SFD; ophidiomycosis), caused by the pathogen Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola (Oo), has been documented in wild snakes in North America and Eurasia, and is considered an emerging disease in the eastern United States of America. However, a lack of historical disease data has made it challenging to determine whether Oo is a recent arrival to the USA or whether SFD emergence is due to other factors. Here, we examined the genomes of 82 Oo strains to determine the pathogen’s history in the eastern USA. Oo strains from the USA formed a clade (Clade II) distinct from European strains (Clade I), and molecular dating indicated that these clades diverged too recently (approximately 2,000 years ago) for transcontinental dispersal of Oo to have occurred via natural snake movements across Beringia. A lack of nonrecombinant intermediates between clonal lineages in Clade II indicates that Oo has actually been introduced multiple times to North America from an unsampled source population, and molecular dating indicates that several of these introductions occurred within the last few hundred years. Molecular dating also indicated that the most common Clade II clonal lineages have expanded recently in the USA, with time of most recent common ancestor mean estimates ranging from 1985 to 2007 CE. The presence of Clade II in captive snakes worldwide demonstrates a potential mechanism of introduction and highlights that additional incursions are likely unless action is taken to reduce the risk of pathogen translocation and spillover into wild snake populations. Snake fungal disease is an emerging disease in eastern North America, but the origins of the disease have been unclear. This study uses population genetic data to show that the fungus that causes the disease was introduced multiple times to North America over the last few hundred years.
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Abstract
AbstractThe order Onygenales is classified in the class Eurotiomycetes of the subphylum Pezizomycotina. Families in this order have classically been isolated from soil and dung, and two lineages contain causative agents of superficial, cutaneous and systemic infections in mammals. The ecology and habitat choices of the species are driven mainly by the keratin and cellulose degradation abilities. The present study aimed to investigate whether the ecological trends of the members of Onygenales can be interpreted in an evolutionary sense, linking phylogenetic parameters with habitat preferences, to achieve polyphasic definitions of the main taxonomic groups. Evolutionary processes were estimated by multiple gene genealogies and divergence time analysis. Previously described families, namely, Arthrodermataceae, Ajellomycetaceae, Ascosphaeraceae, Eremascaceae, Gymnoascaceae, Onygenaceae and Spiromastigoidaceae, were accepted in Onygenales, and two new families, Malbrancheaceae and Neogymnomycetaceae, were introduced. A number of species could not be assigned to any of the defined families. Our study provides a revised overview of the main lines of taxonomy of Onygenales, supported by multilocus analyses of ITS, LSU, TUB, TEF1, TEF3, RPB1, RPB2, and ribosomal protein 60S L10 (L1) (RP60S) sequences, combined with available data on ecology, physiology, morphology, and genomics.
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REPEATED SAMPLING OF WILD INDIVIDUALS REVEALS OPHIDIOMYCES OPHIDIICOLA INFECTION DYNAMICS IN A PENNSYLVANIA SNAKE ASSEMBLAGE. J Wildl Dis 2022; 58:290-297. [PMID: 35245359 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-21-00116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Ophidiomyces ophidiicola is an emerging fungal pathogen associated with infections in snakes across North America. Although documented in Pennsylvania, O. ophidiicola has not been found at Powdermill Nature Reserve (PNR) in southwestern Pennsylvania, where the snake assemblage has been studied since 2002 and several species have recently declined. We surveyed for O. ophidiicola and putative ophidiomycosis at PNR. We screened five species of free-ranging, wild snakes (n=34) for suspected ophidiomycosis by visually checking for dermatitis and swabbing for the presence of O. ophidiicola DNA. We found a moderate prevalence of snakes with skin lesions (n=15) but a low prevalence of snakes with O. ophidiicola DNA in traditional PCR assays (n=2). Both positive snakes belonged to the same species and only one presented with lesions. When quantitative PCR screens were performed on duplicate swabs, 19 snakes were positive for O. ophidiicola DNA, with positive individuals in two species. Mark-recapture methods revealed seasonal variability in disease dynamics for sampled snakes. One individual presented with less than five skin lesions and tested negative in May 2020, had more than five lesions with a high fungal DNA load in June 2020, and no lesions with a low fungal DNA load in July 2020. We also found that snakes sampled from under the same cover object at the same time either all tested positive or all negative, including one instance involving two species. Our results underscore the value of using multiple screening techniques for O. ophidiicola surveillance and repeated sampling of individuals to understand the dynamics of ophidiomycosis in wild populations as compared to single method and single timepoint approaches.
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20
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Lettoof DC, Cornelis J, Jolly CJ, Aubret F, Gagnon MM, Hyndman TH, Barton DP, Bateman PW. Metal(loid) pollution, not urbanisation nor parasites predicts low body condition in a wetland bioindicator snake. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 295:118674. [PMID: 34906591 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Urban ecosystems and remnant habitat 'islands' therein, provide important strongholds for many wildlife species including those of conservation significance. However, the persistence of these habitats can be undermined if their structure and function are too severely disrupted. Urban wetlands, specifically, are usually degraded by a monoculture of invasive vegetation, disrupted hydrology, and chronic-contamination from a suite of anthropogenic pollutants. Top predators-as bioindicators-can be used to assess and monitor the health of these ecosystems. We measured eight health parameters (e.g., parasites, wounds and scars, tail loss and body condition) in a wetland top predator, the western tiger snake, Notechis scutatus occidentalis. For three years, snakes were sampled across four wetlands along an urban gradient. For each site, we used GIS software to measure the area of different landscapes and calculate an urbanisation-landscape score. Previously published research on snake contamination informed our calculations of a metal-pollution index for each site. We used generalised linear mixed models to assess the relationship between all health parameters and site variables. We found the metal-pollution index to have the most significant association with poor body condition. Although parasitism, tail loss and wounds differed among sites, none of these parameters influenced body condition. Additionally, the suite of health parameters suggested differing health status among sites; however, our measure of contemporary landscape urbanisation was never a significant predictor variable. Our results suggest that the health of wetland predators surrounding a rapidly growing city may be offset by higher levels of environmental pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian C Lettoof
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia.
| | - Jari Cornelis
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Christopher J Jolly
- Institute of Land, Water and Society, School of Environmental Science, Charles Sturt University, Albury, NSW, 2640, Australia; Australian Museum Research Institute, Australian Museum, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Fabien Aubret
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia; Station D'Ecologie Theorique et Experimentale Du CNRS a Moulis, UMR 5321 CNRS, 09200, Moulis, France
| | - Marthe Monique Gagnon
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Timothy H Hyndman
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia; Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Diane P Barton
- School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2678, Australia
| | - Philip W Bateman
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
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21
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McEntire MS, Reinhart JM, Cox SK, Keller KA. Single-dose pharmacokinetics of orally administered terbinafine in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) and the antifungal susceptibility patterns of Nannizziopsis guarroi. Am J Vet Res 2021; 83:256-263. [PMID: 34941564 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.21.02.0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the antifungal susceptibility of Nanniziopsis guarroi isolates and to evaluate the single-dose pharmacokinetics of orally administered terbinafine in bearded dragons. ANIMALS 8 healthy adult bearded dragons. PROCEDURES 4 isolates of N guarroi were tested for antifungal susceptibility. A compounded oral solution of terbinafine (25 mg/mL [20 mg/kg]) was given before blood (0.2 mL) was drawn from the ventral tail vein at 0, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after administration. Plasma terbinafine concentrations were measured with high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS The antifungal minimum inhibitory concentrations against N guarroi isolates ranged from 4,000 to > 64,000 ng/mL for fluconazole, 125 to 2,000 ng/mL for itraconazole, 125 to 2,000 ng/mL for ketoconazole, 125 to 1,000 ng/mL for posaconazole, 60 to 250 ng/mL for voriconazole, and 15 to 30 ng/mL for terbinafine. The mean ± SD peak plasma terbinafine concentration in bearded dragons was 435 ± 338 ng/mL at 13 ± 4.66 hours after administration. Plasma concentrations remained > 30 ng/mL for > 24 hours in all bearded dragons and for > 48 hours in 6 of 8 bearded dragons. Mean ± SD terminal half-life following oral administration was 21.2 ± 12.40 hours. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Antifungal susceptibility data are available for use in clinical decision making. Results indicated that administration of terbinafine (20 mg/kg, PO, q 24 to 48 h) in bearded dragons may be appropriate for the treatment of dermatomycoses caused by N guarroi. Clinical studies are needed to determine the efficacy of such treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S McEntire
- 1Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, Urbana, IL
| | - Jennifer M Reinhart
- 1Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, Urbana, IL
| | - Sherry K Cox
- 2Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
| | - Krista A Keller
- 1Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, Urbana, IL
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DETECTION OF OPHIDIOMYCES OPHIDIICOLA IN THREE FILE SNAKES ( ACROCHORDUS GRANULATUS) IMPORTED FROM INDONESIA TO THE MOSCOW ZOO (RUSSIA). J Zoo Wildl Med 2021; 52:1074-1078. [PMID: 34687526 DOI: 10.1638/2020-0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Three file snakes (Acrochordus granulatus) were delivered to the Moscow Zoo (Russia) from Jakarta (Indonesia). Shortly after arrival, multiple white blisters were detected on their bodies. All three snakes died within a month of arrival. On microscopy, arthrospores and mycelium were seen in exudate from the lesions. Ophidiomyces ophidiicola was isolated from two of three snakes and identified by internal transcribed spacer sequencing. Dermatophyte test medium turned red in positive cultures and can be potentially employed for detection of O. ophidiicola, the causative agent of snake fungal disease. This is the first report of O. ophidiicola in Russia and the second reported case of ophidiomycosis in file snakes. The possible source of O. ophidiicola in snakes imported from Southeast Asia is discussed.
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RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF OPHIDIOMYCOSIS ( OPHIDIOMYCES OPHIODIICOLA) AT THE SMITHSONIAN'S NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK (1983-2017). J Zoo Wildl Med 2021; 52:997-1002. [PMID: 34687515 DOI: 10.1638/2020-0213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A retrospective review of systemic or localized mycotic infections in captive snakes confirmed via biopsy or necropsy from 1983 to 2017 was performed at the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) confirmed infection with Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola (Oo) in 36.8% (n = 14) of the 38 mycotic infections. Infections with Oo were evenly distributed over the 35-y period and lacked a sex predilection. There was a period prevalence of 4.5% of completed snake necropsy or biopsy cases that were Oo positive. Species affected included green anaconda (Eunectes murinus, n = 4), garden tree boa (Corallus hortulanus, n = 1), false water cobra (Hydrodynastes gigas, n = 5), yellow anaconda (Eunectes notaeus, n = 1), eastern milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum, n = 1), Brazilian rainbow boa (Epicrates cenchria cenchria, n = 1), and eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus, n = 1). Histopathology demonstrated one or more of the following: heterophilic to necrotizing epidermitis with or without granulomatous dermatitis (n = 12), granulomatous pneumonia (n = 5), granulomatous endophthalmitis (n = 1), and subcutaneous-intramuscular fungal granuloma (n = 1). This study documents the presence of ophidiomycosis in a captive collection for almost 40 years, despite current literature designating it a recently emerging pathogen.
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A REVIEW OF MORTALITY IN TENTACLED SNAKES ( ERPETON TENTACULATUM) IN A MULTI-INSTITUTION ZOOLOGICAL COLLECTION BETWEEN 1966 AND 2017. J Zoo Wildl Med 2021; 52:909-917. [PMID: 34687507 DOI: 10.1638/2020-0099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The tentacled snake (Erpeton tentaculatum) is a viviparous aquatic snake that is a desirable species to exhibit in zoological collections because of its unique appearance and feeding strategies. Despite its presence in zoo collections over the past 50 yr, a comprehensive review of mortality and morbidity in the species has not been published. This study retrospectively reviewed 125 pathology reports from tentacled snakes in a multi-institution zoological collection in New York (The Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx and Central Park zoos) between 1966 and 2017. Just over half of the deaths were due to infectious disease (n = 67; 53.6%), and of these, over half (n = 40; 59.7%) were due to fungal dermatitis. Fungal histomorphology was consistent with Paranannizziopsis spp. in most cases. Death due to bacterial infection was also relatively common (n = 21; 16.8%), and one-third had intralesional bacilli consistent with Mycobacterium spp. (n = 7; 5.6%). The most common comorbidities included gastrointestinal parasitism (n = 44; 35.2%), renal pathology (n = 31; 24.8%), and lipid accumulation of hepatocytes (n = 13; 10.4%). This retrospective review suggests that managing infectious diseases plays a role in the long-term care and survival of captive tentacled snakes.
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Godwin CD, Walker DM, Romer AS, Grajal-Puche A, Grisnik M, Goessling JM, Perkin JS, Murray CM. Testing the febrile response of snakes inoculated with Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, the causative agent of snake fungal disease. J Therm Biol 2021; 100:103065. [PMID: 34503803 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.103065] [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: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Snake Fungal Disease (SFD) negatively impacts wild snake populations in the eastern United States and Europe. Ophidiomyces ophidiicola causes SFD and manifests clinically by the formation of heterophilic granulomas around the mouth and eyes, weight loss, impaired vision, and sometimes death. Field observations have documented early seasonal basking behaviors in severely infected snakes, potentially suggesting induction of a behavioral febrile response to combat the mycosis. This study tested the hypothesis that snakes inoculated with Ophidiomyces ophidiicola would seek elevated basking temperatures to control body temperature and behaviorally induce a febrile response. Eastern ribbon snakes (Thamnophis saurita, n = 29) were experimentally or sham inoculated with O. ophidiicola. Seven days after inoculation, snakes were tested on a thermal gradient and the internal body temperature and substrate temperature of each snake was recorded over time. Quantitative PCR was used when snakes arrived, during pre-inoculation, and post-inoculation to test snakes for the presence of O. ophidiicola. Some snakes arrived with O. ophidiicola and were subsequently inoculated, allowing for an assessment of secondary exposure effects. Snake thermoregulatory behavior was compared between 1) O. ophidiicola inoculated vs. sham inoculated treatments, 2) infected vs. disease negative groups, and 3) disease naïve vs. pre-exposed immune response categories. Neither internal nor substrate temperatures differed among initially prescribed, and qPCR recovered disease states, although infected snakes tended to reach a preferred body temperature faster than disease negative snakes. Snakes experiencing their first exposure (disease naïve) sought higher substrate temperatures than snakes experiencing their second exposure (pre-exposed). Here, we recover no evidence for behaviorally induced fever in snakes with SFD but do elucidate a febrile immune response associated with secondary exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody Davis Godwin
- Tennessee Technological University, Department of Biology, 1 William L Jones Dr, Cookeville, TN, 38505, USA
| | - Donald M Walker
- Middle Tennessee State University, Department of Biology, 1301 E Main St, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, USA.
| | - Alexander S Romer
- Middle Tennessee State University, Department of Biology, 1301 E Main St, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, USA
| | - Alejandro Grajal-Puche
- Middle Tennessee State University, Department of Biology, 1301 E Main St, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, USA; Northern Arizona University, Department of Biological Sciences, Flagstaff, AZ, 86011, USA
| | - Matthew Grisnik
- Middle Tennessee State University, Department of Biology, 1301 E Main St, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, USA
| | | | - Joshua S Perkin
- Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Christopher M Murray
- Tennessee Technological University, Department of Biology, 1 William L Jones Dr, Cookeville, TN, 38505, USA; Southeastern Louisiana University, Department of Biological Sciences, Hammond, LA, 70402, USA
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26
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Gentry SL, Lorch JM, Lankton JS, Pringle A. Koch's postulates: Confirming Nannizziopsis guarroi as the cause of yellow fungal disease in Pogona vitticeps. Mycologia 2021; 113:1253-1263. [PMID: 34477498 DOI: 10.1080/00275514.2021.1954445] [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] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Nannizziopsis guarroi is an ascomycete fungus associated with a necrotizing dermatitis in captive green iguanas (Iguana iguana) and bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) across both Europe and North America. Clinical signs of the disease include swelling and lesion formation. Lesions develop from white raised bumps on the skin and progress into crusty, yellow, discolored scales, eventually becoming necrotic. The clinical signs are the basis of a colloquial name yellow fungal disease (YFD). However, until now, N. guarroi has not been confirmed as the primary agent of the disease in bearded dragons. In this experiment, we fulfill Koch's postulates criteria of disease, demonstrating N. guarroi as the primary agent of YFD in bearded dragons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savannah L Gentry
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706.,Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706
| | - Jeffrey M Lorch
- National Wildlife Health Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Madison, Wisconsin, 53711
| | - Julia S Lankton
- National Wildlife Health Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Madison, Wisconsin, 53711
| | - Anne Pringle
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706.,Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706
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27
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Tournade CM, Doss GA, Adamovicz LA, Ambar N, Allender MC, Lennox AM, Gasper DJ, Mans C. Antemortem diagnosis of Nannizziopsis guarroi fungal pneumonia in a green iguana (Iguana iguana). J Exot Pet Med 2021. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2021.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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28
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Takami Y, Nam KO, Takaki Y, Kadekaru S, Hemmi C, Hosoya T, Une Y. First report of ophidiomycosis in Asia caused by Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola in captive snakes in Japan. J Vet Med Sci 2021; 83:1234-1239. [PMID: 34176821 PMCID: PMC8437724 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.21-0177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ophidiomycosis is an emerging infectious disease caused by the fungus
Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola, which has been affecting wild and captive
snakes in North America, Europe, and Australia. We report 12 cases of suspected
ophidiomycosis in captive colubrid snakes in Japan. Pathological and microbiological
examinations were performed, and the results confirmed the diagnosis of ophidiomycosis in
two snakes, which indicated that the remaining sympatrically raised snakes also had
ophidiomycosis since they exhibited similar lesions. This is the first report of
ophidiomycosis in Asia caused by O. ophiodiicola. To prevent the
expansion of ophidiomycosis in the natural environment in Japan, there is a need to
evaluate the ophidiomycosis carrier status of imported snakes, the pathogenicity of the
infection in native snakes, and the prevalence and distribution of O.
ophiodiicola in wild and captive snakes. Measures also must be taken to prevent
endemicity globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinori Takami
- Verts Animal Hospital, 4-3-1 Morooka, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka 812-0894, Japan
| | - Kyung-Ok Nam
- Department of Botany, National Museum of Nature and Science, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 305-0005, Japan
| | - Youki Takaki
- Verts Animal Hospital, 4-3-1 Morooka, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka 812-0894, Japan
| | - Sho Kadekaru
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Imabari, Ehime 794-8555, Japan
| | - Chizuka Hemmi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Imabari, Ehime 794-8555, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Hosoya
- Department of Botany, National Museum of Nature and Science, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 305-0005, Japan
| | - Yumi Une
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Imabari, Ehime 794-8555, Japan
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29
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First Report of Ophidiomycosis in a Free-Ranging California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae) in California, USA. J Wildl Dis 2021; 57:246-249. [PMID: 33635987 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-20-00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Ophidiomycosis (snake fungal disease) is an emerging threat to snake health worldwide. We report a case of disseminated ophidiomycosis in a California kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae) from Plymouth, Amador County, California, US, which is the first report of the disease in this species and in a free-ranging snake in California.
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30
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Soil Reservoir Dynamics of Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, the Causative Agent of Snake Fungal Disease. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7060461. [PMID: 34201162 PMCID: PMC8226778 DOI: 10.3390/jof7060461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Wildlife diseases pose an ever-growing threat to global biodiversity. Understanding how wildlife pathogens are distributed in the environment and the ability of pathogens to form environmental reservoirs is critical to understanding and predicting disease dynamics within host populations. Snake fungal disease (SFD) is an emerging conservation threat to North American snake populations. The causative agent, Ophidiomyces ophidiicola (Oo), is detectable in environmentally derived soils. However, little is known about the distribution of Oo in the environment and the persistence and growth of Oo in soils. Here, we use quantitative PCR to detect Oo in soil samples collected from five snake dens. We compare the detection rates between soils collected from within underground snake hibernacula and associated, adjacent topsoil samples. Additionally, we used microcosm growth assays to assess the growth of Oo in soils and investigate whether the detection and growth of Oo are related to abiotic parameters and microbial communities of soil samples. We found that Oo is significantly more likely to be detected in hibernaculum soils compared to topsoils. We also found that Oo was capable of growth in sterile soil, but no growth occurred in soils with an active microbial community. A number of fungal genera were more abundant in soils that did not permit growth of Oo, versus those that did. Our results suggest that soils may display a high degree of both general and specific suppression of Oo in the environment. Harnessing environmental suppression presents opportunities to mitigate the impacts of SFD in wild snake populations.
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31
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Davy CM, Shirose L, Campbell D, Dillon R, McKenzie C, Nemeth N, Braithwaite T, Cai H, Degazio T, Dobbie T, Egan S, Fotherby H, Litzgus JD, Manorome P, Marks S, Paterson JE, Sigler L, Slavic D, Slavik E, Urquhart J, Jardine C. Revisiting Ophidiomycosis (Snake Fungal Disease) After a Decade of Targeted Research. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:665805. [PMID: 34136555 PMCID: PMC8200636 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.665805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are typically characterized by novelty (recent detection) and by increasing incidence, distribution, and/or pathogenicity. Ophidiomycosis, also called snake fungal disease, is caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophidiicola (formerly “ophiodiicola”). Ophidiomycosis has been characterized as an EID and as a potential threat to populations of Nearctic snakes, sparking over a decade of targeted research. However, the severity of this threat is unclear. We reviewed the available literature to quantify incidence and effects of ophidiomycosis in Nearctic snakes, and to evaluate whether the evidence supports the ongoing characterization of ophidiomycosis as an EID. Data from Canada remain scarce, so we supplemented the literature review with surveys for O. ophidiicola in the Canadian Great Lakes region. Peer-reviewed reports of clinical signs consistent with ophidiomycosis in free-ranging, Nearctic snakes date back to at least 1998, and retrospective molecular testing of samples extend the earliest confirmed record to 1986. Diagnostic criteria varied among publications (n = 33), confounding quantitative comparisons. Ophidiomycosis was diagnosed or suspected in 36/121 captive snakes and was fatal in over half of cases (66.7%). This result may implicate captivity-related stress as a risk factor for mortality from ophidiomycosis, but could also reflect reporting bias (i.e., infections are more likely to be detected in captive snakes, and severe cases are more likely to be reported). In contrast, ophidiomycosis was diagnosed or suspected in 441/2,384 free-ranging snakes, with mortality observed in 43 (9.8 %). Ophidiomycosis was only speculatively linked to population declines, and we found no evidence that the prevalence of the pathogen or disease increased over the past decade of targeted research. Supplemental surveys and molecular (qPCR) testing in Ontario, Canada detected O. ophidiicola on 76 of 657 free-ranging snakes sampled across ~136,000 km2. The pathogen was detected at most sites despite limited and haphazard sampling. No large-scale mortality was observed. Current evidence supports previous suggestions that the pathogen is a widespread, previously unrecognized endemic, rather than a novel pathogen. Ophidiomycosis may not pose an imminent threat to Nearctic snakes, but further research should investigate potential sublethal effects of ophidiomycosis such as altered reproductive success that could impact population growth, and explore whether shifting environmental conditions may alter host susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Davy
- Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Peterborough, ON, Canada.,Environmental and Life Sciences Program, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada
| | - Leonard Shirose
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.,Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative - Ontario/Nunavut, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Doug Campbell
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.,Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative - Ontario/Nunavut, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Rachel Dillon
- Environmental and Life Sciences Program, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada
| | - Christina McKenzie
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.,Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative - Ontario/Nunavut, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Nicole Nemeth
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.,Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative - Ontario/Nunavut, Guelph, ON, Canada.,Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | | | - Hugh Cai
- Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | | | - Tammy Dobbie
- Point Pelee National Park, Leamington, ON, Canada
| | - Sean Egan
- Egan Fife Animal Hospital, Chatham, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Pilar Manorome
- Ontario Parks, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Peterborough, ON, Canada
| | - Steve Marks
- Essex County Field Naturalists' Club, c/o Ojibway Nature Centre, Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - James E Paterson
- Environmental and Life Sciences Program, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada
| | - Lynne Sigler
- Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Durda Slavic
- Animal Health Laboratory, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Emily Slavik
- Ontario Parks, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Peterborough, ON, Canada
| | | | - Claire Jardine
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.,Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative - Ontario/Nunavut, Guelph, ON, Canada
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32
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Sun PL, Yang CK, Li WT, Lai WY, Fan YC, Huang HC, Yu PH. Infection with Nannizziopsis guarroi and Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola in reptiles in Taiwan. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:764-775. [PMID: 33638294 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Fungal infection is an emerging threat to reptiles. The main pathogens are fungi of the genera Nannizziopsis, Paranannizziopsis and Ophidiomyces. The clinical symptoms range from mild skin lesions to the dissemination of internal organs and even death. Most of the reported cases are from Europe, North America and Australia. In this study, we report the Nannizziopsis guarroi infection in one captive inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), one captive green iguana (Iguana iguana) and Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola infection in one wild red-banded snake (Dinodon rufozonatum) and one wild Chinese cobra (Naja atra) in Taiwan. The infections were confirmed by the presence of fungal elements in the tissue. The pathogens were identified based on their morphological and DNA sequence characteristics. The susceptibility profiles of the fungal strains to nine antifungal drugs were obtained using broth microdilution methods. The presence of both fungal species in Asia highlights the urgent need for surveillance and close monitoring of reptile infections to prevent them from spreading and to the possible collapse of reptile populations in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Lun Sun
- Department of Dermatology and Research Laboratory of Medical Mycology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Kai Yang
- Department of Zoology, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien County, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Ta Li
- Fishhead Labs, LLC, Stuart, FL, USA.,Pangolin International Biomedical Consultant Ltd., Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Yin Lai
- Institute of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Chen Fan
- Department of Dermatology and Research Laboratory of Medical Mycology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Huei-Chuen Huang
- Institute of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Huan Yu
- Institute of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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33
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Woodburn DB, Kinsel MJ, Poll CP, Langan JN, Haman K, Gamble KC, Maddox C, Jeon AB, Wellehan JFX, Ossiboff RJ, Allender MC, Terio KA. Shell Lesions Associated With Emydomyces testavorans Infection in Freshwater Aquatic Turtles. Vet Pathol 2021; 58:578-586. [PMID: 33576328 DOI: 10.1177/0300985820985217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A newly described onygenalean fungus, Emydomyces testavorans, has been isolated from ulcerative shell and skin lesions of freshwater aquatic chelonians. To investigate the shell lesions associated with infection and determine if any lesional features were unique to E. testavorans, tissues from turtles housed in zoological institutions (n = 45) in the United States and free-living turtles (n = 5) submitted for diagnostic biopsy or necropsy were examined. Free-living turtles were from geographically distinct habitats in Florida (n = 1) and Washington (n = 4) at the time of sampling. Histologic shell sections were evaluated for the presence or absence of specific lesional features. Infection with E. testavorans was evaluated in all cases by screening GMS (Grocott-Gomori's methenamine silver)-stained histologic sections for the presence of morphologically consistent fungi and by quantitative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) on representative frozen tissue or formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections. Additionally, culture was performed for 15 cases with available fresh/frozen tissue. In total, there were 17 PCR-confirmed E. testavorans cases, 29 cases with morphologically consistent fungi on GMS-stained sections, and 21 cases of shell lesions without histologic or molecular evidence of E. testavorans infection. Epithelial inclusion cysts, defined as cystic structures within the dermis lined by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium and containing necrotic bone and keratin debris, were significantly (P < .01) associated with E. testavorans infection. Other significantly associated shell lesions included squamous metaplasia, hyperkeratosis, inflammation, and osteonecrosis (P < .05). This study identified characteristic shell lesions associated with E. testavorans infection. Further studies to prove causality are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B Woodburn
- 70154University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Brookfield, IL, USA.,70154University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Michael J Kinsel
- 70154University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Brookfield, IL, USA.,70154University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Caryn P Poll
- A. Watson Armour III Center for Animal Health, 41512John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jennifer N Langan
- 70154University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL, USA
| | - Katherine Haman
- Wildlife Program, 266120Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia, WA, USA
| | | | - Carol Maddox
- 70154University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | | | | | | | - Matthew C Allender
- 70154University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL, USA
| | - Karen A Terio
- 70154University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Brookfield, IL, USA.,70154University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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34
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Hellebuyck T, Couck L, Ducatelle R, Van den Broeck W, Marschang RE. Cheilitis Associated with a Novel Herpesvirus in Two Panther Chameleons (Furcifer pardalis). J Comp Pathol 2021; 182:58-66. [PMID: 33494909 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2020.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular epidermal inclusions were detected within histological sections of skin biopsies from two panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) with chronic cheilitis. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the abundant presence of icosahedral intracytoplasmic and intranuclear viral particles in infected keratinocytes, with an average diameter of 120-125 nm, consistent with herpesviruses (HVs). TEM also revealed the presence of virions in intercellular spaces and keratinocyte nuclei and features suggestive of capsid assembly, nuclear egress with primary envelopment and anterograde transport leading to virion assembly and release. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers targeting a conserved region of herpesvirus DNA-dependent DNA polymerase were used to amplify and sequence a product from a nested HV PCR performed on skin biopsies of both chameleons. Comparative sequence analysis indicates that the virus detected in both chameleons was a novel member of the Alphaherpesvirinae, which we refer to as chamaeleonid herpesvirus 1 (chamHV 1). Based on the identical findings in both chameleons, we consider chamHV 1 to be a candidate aetiological agent of cheilitis in panther chameleons. This is the first report of skin lesions in a chameleon species associated with HV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Hellebuyck
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Department of Morphology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Liesbeth Couck
- Department of Morphology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Richard Ducatelle
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Department of Morphology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Wim Van den Broeck
- Department of Morphology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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35
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Powell D, Jones A, Jackson N, Kaur P, Bar I, Schwessinger B, Frère CH. Genome Sequence of the Fungus Nannizziopsis barbatae, an Emerging Reptile Pathogen. Microbiol Resour Announc 2021; 10:e01213-20. [PMID: 33414335 PMCID: PMC8407711 DOI: 10.1128/mra.01213-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Nannizziopsis barbatae is an emerging fungal pathogen capable of causing contagious dermatomycosis in reptiles. Here, we report a 31.54-Mb draft genome sequence of an isolate originating from an infected eastern water dragon in Brisbane, Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Powell
- Global Change Ecology Research Group, School of Science, Technology, and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Ashley Jones
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Acton, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Nicola Jackson
- Global Change Ecology Research Group, School of Science, Technology, and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Parwinder Kaur
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Faculty of Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Ido Bar
- Environmental Futures Research Institute, School of Environment and Sciences, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
| | - Benjamin Schwessinger
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Acton, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Céline H Frère
- Global Change Ecology Research Group, School of Science, Technology, and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
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36
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Ossiboff RJ, Origgi FC, Stacy NI. Editorial: Health and Disease in Free-Ranging and Captive Wildlife. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:620685. [PMID: 33365338 PMCID: PMC7750182 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.620685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Ossiboff
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Francesco C Origgi
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicole I Stacy
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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37
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Peterson NR, Rose K, Shaw S, Hyndman TH, Sigler L, Kurtböke Dİ, Llinas J, Littleford-Colquhoun BL, Cristescu R, Frère C. Cross-continental emergence of Nannizziopsis barbatae disease may threaten wild Australian lizards. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20976. [PMID: 33262365 PMCID: PMC7708475 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77865-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the genus Nannizziopsis are emerging fungal pathogens of reptiles that have been documented as the cause of fatal mycoses in a wide range of reptiles in captivity. Cases of severe, proliferative dermatitis, debility and death have been detected in multiple free-living lizard species from locations across Australia, including a substantial outbreak among Eastern water dragons (Intellagama lesueurii) in Brisbane, Queensland. We investigated this disease in a subset of severely affected lizards and identified a clinically consistent syndrome characterized by hyperkeratosis, epidermal hyperplasia, dermal inflammation, necrosis, ulceration, and emaciation. Using a novel fungal isolation method, histopathology, and molecular techniques, we identified the etiologic agent as Nannizziopsis barbatae, a species reported only once previously from captive lizards in Australia. Here we report severe dermatomycosis caused by N. barbatae in five species of Australian lizard, representing the first cases of Nannizziopsis infection among free-living reptiles, globally. Further, we evaluate key pathogen and host characteristics that indicate N. barbatae-associated dermatomycosis may pose a concerning threat to Australian lizards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola R Peterson
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, 4556, Australia.
| | - Karrie Rose
- Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, NSW, 2088, Australia
| | - Stephanie Shaw
- University of Queensland, Avian and Exotic Pet Service, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
| | - Tim H Hyndman
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Lynne Sigler
- Faculty of Agricultural, Life, and Environmental Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - D İpek Kurtböke
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, 4556, Australia
| | - Josh Llinas
- The Unusual Pet Vets, Jindalee, QLD, 4074, Australia
| | | | - Romane Cristescu
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, 4556, Australia
| | - Celine Frère
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, 4556, Australia
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Díaz-Delgado J, Marrow JC, Flanagan JP, Bauer KL, Zhang M, Rodrigues-Hoffmann A, Groch KR, Gomez G, Balamayooran G. Outbreak of Paranannizziopsis australasiensis Infection in Captive African Bush Vipers (Atheris squamigera). J Comp Pathol 2020; 181:97-102. [PMID: 33288159 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2020.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We report the epidemiological, clinical and pathological features of an outbreak of Paranannizziopsis australasiensis (order Onygenales) in captive African bush vipers (Atheris squamigera) (ABVs) that died suddenly. The snakes had multifocal, raised, white-grey to dark brown discoloured cutaneous patches. Microscopically, all had integumentary lesions characterized by multifocal to coalescent necroheterophilic epidermitis with superficial and intraepidermal fungal elements and bacteria. Concurrent epidermal hyperplasia, hyperkeratosis and intracellular and intercellular oedema, often leading to vesiculation, and fasciitis/superficial myositis, were consistent findings in all snakes, while ulceration (9/11) and dysecdysis (5/11) varied. A panfungal polymerase chain reaction targeting the internal transcribed spacer-2 region, and gene sequencing, confirmed P. australasiensis infection in three cases. This is the first report of P. australasiensis in the USA and the first record of paranannizziopsis infection in African bush vipers. P. australasiensis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of dermatomycosis in snakes and represents a potential threat to reptile conservation programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josué Díaz-Delgado
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College Station, Texas, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Aline Rodrigues-Hoffmann
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Katia R Groch
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Gabriel Gomez
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College Station, Texas, USA
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Ophidiomycosis, an emerging fungal disease of snakes: Targeted surveillance on military lands and detection in the western US and Puerto Rico. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240415. [PMID: 33031451 PMCID: PMC7544097 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Wildlife disease surveillance and pathogen detection are fundamental for conservation, population sustainability, and public health. Detection of pathogens in snakes is often overlooked despite their essential roles as both predators and prey within their communities. Ophidiomycosis (formerly referred to as Snake Fungal Disease, SFD), an emergent disease on the North American landscape caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola, poses a threat to snake population health and stability. We tested 657 individual snakes representing 58 species in 31 states from 56 military bases in the continental US and Puerto Rico for O. ophiodiicola. Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola DNA was detected in samples from 113 snakes for a prevalence of 17.2% (95% CI: 14.4–20.3%), representing 25 species from 19 states/territories, including the first reports of the pathogen in snakes in Idaho, Oklahoma, and Puerto Rico. Most animals were ophidiomycosis negative (n = 462), with Ophidiomyces detected by qPCR (n = 64), possible ophidiomycosis (n = 82), and apparent ophidiomycosis (n = 49) occurring less frequently. Adults had 2.38 times greater odds than juveniles of being diagnosed with ophidiomycosis. Snakes from Georgia, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia all had greater odds of ophidiomycosis diagnosis, while snakes from Idaho were less likely to be diagnosed with ophidiomycosis. The results of this survey indicate that this pathogen is endemic in the eastern US and identified new sites that could represent emergence or improved detection of endemic sites. The direct mortality of snakes with ophidiomycosis is unknown from this study, but the presence of numerous individuals with clinical disease warrants further investigation and possible conservation action.
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40
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Latney LV, Wellehan JFX. Selected Emerging Infectious Diseases of Squamata: An Update. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2020; 23:353-371. [PMID: 32327041 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2020.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This article details emerging infectious diseases that have devastating impacts on captive and wild squamates. Treatment advances have been attempted for Cryptosporidium infections in squamates. Gram-positive bacteria, Devriesea agamarum and Austwickia chelonae, are contributing to severe disease in captive and now in wild reptiles, some critically endangered. Nannizziposis, Paranannizziopsis, and Ophidiomyces continue to cause fatal disease as primary pathogens in wild and captive populations of squamates and sphenodontids. Nidovirus, bornavirus, paramyxovirus, sunshine virus, and arenavirus have emerged to be significant causes of neurorespiratory disease in snakes. Controlled studies evaluating environmental stability, disinfection, transmission control, and treatment are lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- La'Toya V Latney
- Avian and Exotic Medicine & Surgery, The Animal Medical Center, 610 East 62nd Street, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - James F X Wellehan
- Zoological Medicine Service, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 100126, 2015 Southwest 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32608-0125, USA
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41
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McKenzie CM, Oesterle PT, Stevens B, Shirose L, Lillie BN, Davy CM, Jardine CM, Nemeth NM. Pathology associated with ophidiomycosis in wild snakes in Ontario, Canada. THE CANADIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL = LA REVUE VETERINAIRE CANADIENNE 2020; 61:957-962. [PMID: 32879520 PMCID: PMC7424923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Ophidiomycosis (snake fungal disease) is the most common cause of skin lesions in free-ranging snakes in North America. Naturally infected snakes with ophidiomycosis (9 carcasses, 12 biopsies) were examined grossly and histologically. These cases comprised 32% of the 66 snake cases submitted to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative-Ontario/Nunavut Node in 2012 through 2018. Affected species included the eastern foxsnake (Pantherophis vulpinus; n = 15), gray ratsnake (Pantherophis spiloides; n = 3), eastern massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus; n = 2), and queensnake (Regina septemvittata; n = 1). Severity of disease varied widely from mild microscopic skin lesions to fatal, necrotizing, and ulcerative facial lesions. Key clinical message: Ophidiomycosis should be the primary differential diagnosis for skin lesions in wild snakes, particularly in southern Ontario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M McKenzie
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative - Ontario/Nunavut, Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 (McKenzie, Oesterle, Stevens, Shirose, Jardine); Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 (McKenzie, Lillie, Jardine); Environmental and Life Sciences Program, Trent University, Environmental Science Building, Suite A211, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario K9L 0G2 (Davy); Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, 300 Water Street, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 8M5 (Davy); Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia, 589 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA (Nemeth)
| | - Paul T Oesterle
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative - Ontario/Nunavut, Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 (McKenzie, Oesterle, Stevens, Shirose, Jardine); Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 (McKenzie, Lillie, Jardine); Environmental and Life Sciences Program, Trent University, Environmental Science Building, Suite A211, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario K9L 0G2 (Davy); Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, 300 Water Street, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 8M5 (Davy); Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia, 589 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA (Nemeth)
| | - Brian Stevens
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative - Ontario/Nunavut, Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 (McKenzie, Oesterle, Stevens, Shirose, Jardine); Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 (McKenzie, Lillie, Jardine); Environmental and Life Sciences Program, Trent University, Environmental Science Building, Suite A211, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario K9L 0G2 (Davy); Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, 300 Water Street, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 8M5 (Davy); Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia, 589 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA (Nemeth)
| | - Leonard Shirose
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative - Ontario/Nunavut, Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 (McKenzie, Oesterle, Stevens, Shirose, Jardine); Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 (McKenzie, Lillie, Jardine); Environmental and Life Sciences Program, Trent University, Environmental Science Building, Suite A211, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario K9L 0G2 (Davy); Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, 300 Water Street, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 8M5 (Davy); Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia, 589 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA (Nemeth)
| | - Brandon N Lillie
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative - Ontario/Nunavut, Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 (McKenzie, Oesterle, Stevens, Shirose, Jardine); Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 (McKenzie, Lillie, Jardine); Environmental and Life Sciences Program, Trent University, Environmental Science Building, Suite A211, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario K9L 0G2 (Davy); Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, 300 Water Street, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 8M5 (Davy); Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia, 589 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA (Nemeth)
| | - Christina M Davy
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative - Ontario/Nunavut, Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 (McKenzie, Oesterle, Stevens, Shirose, Jardine); Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 (McKenzie, Lillie, Jardine); Environmental and Life Sciences Program, Trent University, Environmental Science Building, Suite A211, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario K9L 0G2 (Davy); Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, 300 Water Street, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 8M5 (Davy); Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia, 589 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA (Nemeth)
| | - Claire M Jardine
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative - Ontario/Nunavut, Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 (McKenzie, Oesterle, Stevens, Shirose, Jardine); Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 (McKenzie, Lillie, Jardine); Environmental and Life Sciences Program, Trent University, Environmental Science Building, Suite A211, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario K9L 0G2 (Davy); Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, 300 Water Street, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 8M5 (Davy); Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia, 589 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA (Nemeth)
| | - Nicole M Nemeth
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative - Ontario/Nunavut, Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 (McKenzie, Oesterle, Stevens, Shirose, Jardine); Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1 (McKenzie, Lillie, Jardine); Environmental and Life Sciences Program, Trent University, Environmental Science Building, Suite A211, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, Ontario K9L 0G2 (Davy); Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, 300 Water Street, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 8M5 (Davy); Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia, 589 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA (Nemeth)
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42
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McKenzie CM, Oesterle PT, Stevens B, Shirose L, Mastromonaco GF, Lillie BN, Davy CM, Jardine CM, Nemeth NM. Ophidiomycosis in Red Cornsnakes ( Pantherophis guttatus): Potential Roles of Brumation and Temperature on Pathogenesis and Transmission. Vet Pathol 2020; 57:825-837. [PMID: 32862796 DOI: 10.1177/0300985820953423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ophidiomycosis (snake fungal disease) is caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola. As ophidiomycosis is difficult to study in free-ranging snakes, a reliable experimental model is needed to investigate transmission, pathogenesis, morbidity, and mortality, and the effects of brumation and temperature on disease development. Our objective was to develop such a model via subcutaneous injection of O. ophiodiicola conidia in red cornsnakes (Pantherophis guttatus). The model was used to evaluate transmission and the effects of brumation and temperature in co-housed inoculated and noninoculated snakes. All 23 inoculated snakes developed lesions consistent with ophidiomycosis, including heterophilic and granulomatous dermatitis, cellulitis, and myositis, and embolic fungal granulomas throughout the liver and the coelomic connective tissue in 21/23 (91%). In the inoculated snakes, 21% of skin swabs, 37% of exuvia, and all liver samples tested positive by qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction) for O. ophiodiicola. A post brumation skin swab from 1/12 noninoculated snakes that brumated in contact with inoculated snakes tested positive by qPCR, suggesting possible contact transmission. That snake had microscopic skin lesions consistent with ophidiomycosis, but no visible fungal elements. Of the 23 inoculated snakes, 20 (87%) died over the 70-day experiment, with ophidiomycosis considered the primary cause of death; 12 (52%) of the inoculated snakes died during brumation. Overall, this experimental model of ophidiomycosis reproduced skin lesions analogous to those of many natural cases, and internal lesions similar to the most severe natural cases. The study provides tentative experimental evidence for horizontal transmission in brumation, and offers a tool for future studies of this widespread snake disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M McKenzie
- 3653University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.,Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative-Ontario/Nunavut, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul T Oesterle
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative-Ontario/Nunavut, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brian Stevens
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative-Ontario/Nunavut, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leonard Shirose
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative-Ontario/Nunavut, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Christina M Davy
- 6515Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.,Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - Claire M Jardine
- 3653University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.,Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative-Ontario/Nunavut, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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43
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Most ZM, Lieu T, Filkins L, Nicolaides R, Rakheja D, Gelfand A, Kahn J. Disseminated Nannizziopsis Infection in an Adolescent With a STAT1 Mutation. Open Forum Infect Dis 2020; 7:ofaa390. [PMID: 33005702 PMCID: PMC7518371 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
An adolescent with failure to thrive developed cuboid bone osteomyelitis and brain abscesses. Mold isolated from both locations was identified by universal genetic sequencing as Nannizziopsis spp, which is typically a pathogen of reptiles. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with a STAT1 mutation and was successfully treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary M Most
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Disease, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Tiffany Lieu
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hospital Medicine, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Laura Filkins
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Pathology, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Rory Nicolaides
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Dinesh Rakheja
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Pathology, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Andrew Gelfand
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Respiratory Medicine, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jeffrey Kahn
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Disease, Dallas, Texas, USA.,University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Microbiology, Dallas, Texas, USA
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44
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Garcia-Hermoso D, Hamane S, Fekkar A, Jabet A, Denis B, Siguier M, Galeazzi G, Haddad E, Brun S, Vidal V, Nevez G, Le Berre R, Gits-Muselli M, Lanternier F, Bretagne S. Invasive Infections with Nannizziopsis obscura Species Complex in 9 Patients from West Africa, France, 2004-2020 1. Emerg Infect Dis 2020; 26. [PMID: 32819454 PMCID: PMC7454062 DOI: 10.3201/eid2609.200276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Nine new human invasive infections caused by the keratinophilic fungi Nannizziopsis obscura have been reported in France since 2004. The patients had variable clinical manifestations, had frequent dissemination, were mainly T-cell immunocompromised, and all originated from sub-Saharan West Africa. Before collection of the isolates, the etiologies of these infections were often misidentified, underscoring the extent of microscopic and cultural polymorphisms. All isolates but 1 had low MICs for the 8 antifungal drugs tested. When treated, patients received mainly azole therapy. Two of 7 patients with a known outcome died. We performed multilocus sequence analysis of N. obscura clinical strains and several strains of Nannizziopsis spp. isolated from reptiles. The human strains were clearly differentiated from the animal strains. N. obscura might be endemic to West Africa and responsible for undetected infections, which might become reactivated when immunosuppression occurs. N. obscura infection is probably underestimated because only sequencing enables proper identification.
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45
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Histopathology, Molecular Identification and Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Nannizziopsis arthrosporioides from a Captive Cuban Rock Iguana (Cyclura nubila). Mycopathologia 2020; 185:1005-1012. [PMID: 32794052 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-020-00481-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Chrysosporium-related fungi, the cause of superficial and deep mycoses, are an emerging infectious disease affecting not only reptiles but also immunocompromized humans. However, the information on Nannizziopsis arthrosporioides is extremely scarce. We herein characterized N. arthrosporioides isolated from a Cuban rock iguana (Cyclura nubila). Three skin ulcers were found in a Cuban rock iguana after captivity for 8 years. Microscopic examination revealed hyperplastic, hyperkeratotic, and ulcerative dermatitis coupled with numerous branched, septate fungal hyphae. The fungal culture yielded growth of zonate, felted cottony-powdery colonies with lobate margins on medium. Maximum-likelihood phylogeny tree based on the combined partial actin and partial β-tubulin genes demonstrated that current isolates were mostly close to N. arthrosporioides. Furthermore, antifungal susceptibility test demonstrated that N. arthrosporioides had lowest minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values to isavuconazole, efinaconazole, and luliconazole, which may be the potential treatment of choice for N. arthrosporioides infection. The current study describes the first confirmed case of dermatomycosis caused by N. arthrosporioides of a captive reptile in Asia with detailed descriptions of the clinical, histopathological, and mycological features. The current findings provide new information on global distribution and host range of N. arthrosporioides and can raise the concern on the transboundary or emerging disease of N. arthrosporioides in Asian region.
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46
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Haynes E, Chandler HC, Stegenga BS, Adamovicz L, Ospina E, Zerpa-Catanho D, Stevenson DJ, Allender MC. Ophidiomycosis surveillance of snakes in Georgia, USA reveals new host species and taxonomic associations with disease. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10870. [PMID: 32616837 PMCID: PMC7331741 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67800-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ophidiomycosis (snake fungal disease) is caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola and threatens snake health worldwide. It has been documented throughout the eastern United States and severe cases have recently been reported in Georgia, USA. To evaluate disease distribution and prevalence in this state, 786 free-ranging snakes were examined for skin lesions consistent with ophidiomycosis and swabbed to detect O. ophiodiicola DNA using qPCR. Sampled snakes represented 34 species and 4 families; 27.5% had skin lesions, 13.3% were positive for O. ophiodiicola DNA, and 77.8% of the qPCR positive individuals had skin lesions. This is the first report of O. ophiodiicola in five of the 22 species that were qPCR positive. Multinomial logistic regression modeling indicated that Drymarchon couperi had a higher relative risk of apparent ophidiomycosis (lesions present and qPCR positive), and the best models predicting qPCR result and ophidiomycosis category included individual factors and excluded temporal and spatial factors. Phylogeny-based bipartite network analysis showed that Nerodia erythrogaster, Nerodia taxispilota, and D. couperi had the highest prevalence of apparent ophidiomycosis; this category was more prevalent in the subfamily Colubrinae and less prevalent in Natricinae. These results provide important information about ophidiomycosis epidemiology, which has implications for snake conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Haynes
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
| | | | | | - Laura Adamovicz
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Emilie Ospina
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | | | - Dirk J Stevenson
- The Orianne Society, Tiger, GA, USA
- Altamaha Environmental Consulting, Hinesville, GA, USA
| | - Matthew C Allender
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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Christman JE, Alexander AB, Donnelly KA, Ossiboff RJ, Stacy NI, Richardson RL, Case JB, Childress AL, Wellehan JFX. Clinical Manifestation and Molecular Characterization of a Novel Member of the Nannizziopsiaceae in a Pulmonary Granuloma From a Galapagos Tortoise ( Chelonoidis nigra). Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:24. [PMID: 32118056 PMCID: PMC7018804 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Nannizziopsiaceae is a family of fungal organisms within the order Onygenales containing two genera of important reptile pathogens, Nannizziopsis and Paranannizziopsis. A captive Galapagos tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra) from Boca Raton, Florida, United States, was presented for a clinical history of chronic progressive lethargy and inappetence. At initial presentation, the tortoise had a moderate non-regenerative anemia, leukocytosis, whip-like heterophil projections, erythrocyte fragmentation, and fibrin strands, with the latter two raising concern for disseminated intravascular coagulation. A single large encapsulated pulmonary granuloma was identified through imaging, including plain film radiography and bronchoscopy. Direct intralesional samples were obtained from transcarapacial celioscopy for fungal culture, cytology, histopathology, and polymerase chain reaction. Amplification and sequencing of the ITS2 region of the rRNA genes with Bayesian and maximum likelihood analyses placed the fungus in the family Nannizziopsiaceae within the order Onygenales, representing a novel fungal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane E Christman
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Amy B Alexander
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Kyle A Donnelly
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Robert J Ossiboff
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Nicole I Stacy
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Rebecca L Richardson
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - J Brad Case
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - April L Childress
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - James F X Wellehan
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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48
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Diversity of Onygenalean Fungi in Keratin-Rich Habitats of Maharashtra (India) and Description of Three Novel Taxa. Mycopathologia 2019; 185:67-85. [PMID: 31187339 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-019-00346-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Extensive survey was carried out in the state of Maharashtra, India, as part of a 3-year project to explore keratinophilic fungal diversity for conservation and biotechnological potential. A total of 578 soil samples were collected from keratin-rich habitats across 24 districts of Maharashtra State. Hair-baiting technique and micro-dilution drop-trail method were employed for isolation and purification of keratinophilic fungi from soil. A total of 66 species belonging to 17 genera of order Onygenales were recorded in hair baits. Eleven taxa were found to be new to science, most of which were rare as they were recorded in only one sample out of the > 500 samples analyzed. Three novel taxa have been characterized at morphological and molecular level and described here as new to science. These taxa include Currahmyces indicus gen. et sp. nov., Canomyces reticulatus gen. et sp. nov., Ctenomyces indicus sp. nov. All these novel taxa are morphologically and phylogenetically distinct from known taxa of order Onygenales. The study indicates that systematic sampling of a larger area is needed to uncover the hidden (unknown) diversity of keratinophilic fungi which is overlooked in sporadic samplings as evident from previous studies.
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49
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McKenzie JM, Price SJ, Fleckenstein JL, Drayer AN, Connette GM, Bohuski E, Lorch JM. Field Diagnostics and Seasonality of Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola in Wild Snake Populations. ECOHEALTH 2019; 16:141-150. [PMID: 30349999 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-018-1384-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Snake fungal disease (SFD) is an emerging disease caused by the fungal pathogen, Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola. Clinical signs of SFD include dermal lesions, including regional and local edema, crusts, and ulcers. Snake fungal disease is widespread in the Eastern United States, yet there are limited data on how clinical signs of SFD compare with laboratory diagnostics. We compared two sampling methods for O. ophiodiicola, scale clip collection and swabbing, to evaluate whether collection method impacted the results of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, we evaluated the use of clinical signs to predict the presence of O. ophiodiicola across seasons, snake habitat affiliation (aquatic or terrestrial) and study sites. We found no significant difference in PCR results between sampling methods. Clinical signs were a strong predictor of O. ophiodiicola presence in spring and summer seasons. Snakes occupying terrestrial environments had a lower overall probability of testing positive for O. ophiodiicola compared to snakes occupying aquatic environments. Although our study indicates that both clinical signs of SFD and prevalence of O. ophiodiicola vary seasonally and based on habitat preferences of the host, our analysis suggests that clinical signs can serve as a reliable indicator of O. ophiodiicola presence, especially during spring and summer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M McKenzie
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546-7118, USA
| | - Steven J Price
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546-7118, USA.
| | - J Leo Fleckenstein
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546-7118, USA
| | - Andrea N Drayer
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546-7118, USA
| | - Grant M Connette
- Conservation Ecology Center, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA
| | - Elizabeth Bohuski
- U.S. Geological Survey - National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, 53711, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Lorch
- U.S. Geological Survey - National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, 53711, USA
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50
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Emydomyces testavorans, a New Genus and Species of Onygenalean Fungus Isolated from Shell Lesions of Freshwater Aquatic Turtles. J Clin Microbiol 2019; 57:JCM.00628-18. [PMID: 30487306 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00628-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The fungal order Onygenales includes many pathogens of humans and animals, and recent studies have shown some onygenalean fungi to be significant emerging pathogens of reptiles. Although many of these fungi have similar morphological features in histologic tissue sections, recent molecular analyses have revealed a genetically complex and diverse group of reptile pathogens comprising several genera, most notably Nannizziopsis, Ophidiomyces, and Paranannizziopsis Infections by members of these genera have been previously reported in a variety of reptile species, including crocodilians, lizards, snakes, and tuataras, with negative impacts on conservation efforts for some reptiles. Despite the well-documented pathogenicity of these fungi in all other extant reptile lineages, infection has not yet been reported in aquatic turtles. In this study, we report the isolation of an onygenalean fungus associated with shell lesions in freshwater aquatic turtles. The morphologic and genetic characteristics of multiple isolates (n = 21) are described and illustrated. Based on these features and results of a multigene phylogenetic analysis, a new genus and species, Emydomyces testavorans, are proposed for these fungi isolated from turtle shell lesions.
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