1
|
Egan S, Barbosa AD, Feng Y, Xiao L, Ryan U. Minimal zoonotic risk of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis from frogs and reptiles. Eur J Protistol 2024; 93:126066. [PMID: 38442435 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2024.126066] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
The zoonotic potential of the protist parasites Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in amphibians and reptiles raises public health concerns due to their growing popularity as pets. This review examines the prevalence and diversity of these parasites in wild and captive amphibians and reptiles to better understand the zoonotic risk. Research on Giardia in both groups is limited, and zoonotic forms of Cryptosporidium or Giardia have not been reported in amphibians. Host-adapted Cryptosporidium species dominate in reptiles, albeit some reptiles have been found to carry zoonotic (C. hominis and C. parvum) and rodent-associated (C. tyzzeri, C. muris and C. andersoni) species, primarily through mechanical carriage. Similarly, the limited reports of Giardia duodenalis (assemblages A, B and E) in reptiles may also be due to mechanical carriage. Thus, the available evidence indicates minimal zoonotic risk associated with these organisms in wild and captive frogs and reptiles. The exact transmission routes for these infections within reptile populations remain poorly understood, particularly regarding the importance of mechanical carriage. Although the risk appears minimal, continued research and surveillance efforts are necessary to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the transmission dynamics and ultimately improve our ability to safeguard human and animal health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siobhon Egan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
| | - Amanda D Barbosa
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia; CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasilia, DF 70040-020, Brazil
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Una Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Menegaldo LR, Arias-Pacheco CA, Perin PP, Tebaldi JH, Hoppe EGL. Gastrointestinal parasites of Peltocephalus dumerilianus (Testudines: Podocnemididae) from Jaú National Park, Brazilian Amazon. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2024; 33:e013823. [PMID: 38359299 PMCID: PMC10878694 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612024013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The big-headed Amazon River turtle, Peltocephalus dumerilianus, is endemic to the Orinoco and Amazon River basins. It is a food source for local communities, often unsustainably. Knowledge about P. dumerilianus' parasitological fauna and host-parasite relationships is limited. Thus, ecological aspects of gastrointestinal parasitism in this species were investigated. Helminths were found in the gastrointestinal tract of 21 turtles, morphologically identified, and infection descriptors calculated. All animals harbored helminths: nematodes Ancyracanthus pinnatifidus, Paratractis hystrix, Atractis trematophila, Klossinemella conciliatus indeterminate three Klossinemella species, and digeneans Nematophila grandis, Helicotrema spirale, and Telorchis hagmanni. The highest parasite load occurred in the large intestine, followed by the small intestine and stomach. Shell length directly correlated with parasite burden of heteroxenic helminths, with males having higher burden than females. This is the first record of A. trematophila, K. conciliatus, and T. hagmanni in P. dumerilianus, and new location record for A. trematophila, P. hystrix, N. grandis, H. spirale, and T. hagmanni. Three potentially new Klossinemella species are presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Raffi Menegaldo
- Laboratório de Enfermidades Parasitárias - LabEPar, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única - DPRSU, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Carmen Andrea Arias-Pacheco
- Laboratório de Enfermidades Parasitárias - LabEPar, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única - DPRSU, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Patricia Parreira Perin
- Laboratório de Enfermidades Parasitárias - LabEPar, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única - DPRSU, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - José Hairton Tebaldi
- Laboratório de Enfermidades Parasitárias - LabEPar, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única - DPRSU, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Estevam Guilherme Lux Hoppe
- Laboratório de Enfermidades Parasitárias - LabEPar, Departamento de Patologia, Reprodução e Saúde Única - DPRSU, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Adamovicz L, Allender MC, Gibbons PM. Emerging Infectious Diseases of Chelonians: An Update. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2020; 23:263-283. [PMID: 32327035 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2020.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Chelonians are increasingly challenged by anthropogenic threats and disease. This article summarizes recent literature and clinical experiences regarding 4 emerging infectious diseases in turtles and tortoises: ranaviruses, cryptosporidiosis, intranuclear coccodiosis of Testudines, and Emydomyces testavorans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Adamovicz
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, 2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, IL 61802, USA.
| | - Matthew C Allender
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, 2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Paul M Gibbons
- Avian and Exotic Veterinary Care, 7826 Northeast Sandy Boulevard, Portland, OR 97213, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Detection of Cryptosporidium parvum in a Red-Eared Slider Turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans), a Noted Invasive Alien Species, Captured in a Rural Aquatic Ecosystem in Eastern Poland. Acta Parasitol 2020; 65:768-773. [PMID: 32141020 PMCID: PMC7427710 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-020-00180-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Little is known about cryptosporidiosis in turtles of invasive alien species (IAS) inhabiting European bodies of fresh water. In this article, we report an occurrence of Cryptosporidium parvum in a red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) captured in a rural aquatic ecosystem in eastern Poland.
Methods A pair of samples consisting of feces and scrapings of intestinal mucosa (taken during necropsy) were collected from 104 animals representing the four IAS turtle species red-eared slider, yellow-bellied slider, false map and Cumberland slider. The animals were trapped in running and standing freshwater ecosystems across the Lublin province. Parasite genomic DNA was extracted from samples using a modified alkali wash and a heat-lysis method and identification of the Cryptosporidium species was performed at the 18SSU rRNA and COWP loci. Results The presence of Cryptosporidium DNA was only detected in one sample of intestinal scraping collected from a red-eared slider. A phylogenetic analysis of a 18SSU rRNA gene fragment showed 100% sequence identity between the C. parvum strain isolated from the turtle and other C. parvum strains previously detected in cattle from the Lublin province. Conclusions There was no clinical evidence that the red-eared slider turtle was truly infected rather than being merely a mechanical parasite carrier. Sporadic detection of this protozoan parasite in the studied population of IAS turtles could be associated with low natural occurrence of Cryptosporidium infections in this animal species. The results provide evidence for possible transmission of zoonotic Cryptosporidium species by IAS turtles.
Collapse
|
5
|
Coomansingh Springer C, Kinsella M, Vasuki V, Sharma RN. Gastrointestinal parasitic nematodes in pet red-footed tortoises ( Chelonoidis carbonaria) from Grenada, West Indies. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04119. [PMID: 32529080 PMCID: PMC7276438 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study identifies the endoparasites in Red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria) during March 2018 to March 2019 from Grenada, West Indies. Fecal samples from a total of 103 tortoises were collected and examined by simple fecal floatation techniques for parasitic eggs and oocysts. Adult parasites found in the feces were examined under the microscope for identification based on their morphology. Fecal samples for this research were collected from four parishes; St. Andrew, St George, St. John and St. Patrick. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites among tortoises was 14.6%. The internal parasites consisted of nematodes belonging to three genera: Atractis, Labiduris and Proatractis. The most prevalent nematodes were Atractis spp. (86.7%), which included two species: A. thapari (7.7%) and A. marquezi (15.4%) followed by Labiduris gulosa (20%) and Proatractis parvicapiticaronata (13.3%). All nematodes of three genera found in red-footed tortoises in Grenada are reported for the first time. They are not zoonotic but are serious pathogens for tortoises.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vishakha Vasuki
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, West Indies, Grenada
| | - Ravindra Nath Sharma
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, West Indies, Grenada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rostad SJ, Brandão J, Ramachandran A, Chien RC, Confer AW. Austwickiosis in Captive African Spurred Tortoises (Geochelone sulcata) Co-infected with Cryptosporidium ducismarci. J Comp Pathol 2019; 173:1-7. [PMID: 31812167 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2019.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Dermatophilosis has been described in many animals since it was first reported in 1915. In 2010, the genus and species associated with chelonid dermatophilosis was reclassified as Austwickia chelonae. Here we discuss a series of four submissions consisting of eight juvenile African spurred tortoises (Geochelone sulcata) from a large breeding facility. Submissions began in December 2016 and continued to June 2017 and then again in November 2018. Clinical signs were originally noted in December of 2015 and consisted of facial swelling and mandibular necrosis that led to complete disarticulation of the mandibles from the skull. Affected animals were emaciated with minimal gastrointestinal contents and several had soft faeces. The facial and head lesions were caused by A. chelonae. Additionally, co-infection with Cryptosporidium ducismarci was discovered within the small intestine. This report gives information on the pathology and pathogenicity of A. chelonae and characterizes the first reported cases of cryptosporidiosis in African spurred tortoises.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara J Rostad
- Department of Pathobiology, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA.
| | - João Brandão
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | | | - Rory C Chien
- Department of Pathobiology, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
|
8
|
Jezkova J, Horcickova M, Hlaskova L, Sak B, Kvetonova D, Novak J, Hofmannova L, McEvoy J, Kvac M. Cryptosporidium testudinis sp. n., Cryptosporidium ducismarci Traversa, 2010 and Cryptosporidium tortoise genotype III (Apicomplexa: Cryptosporidiidae) in tortoises. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2016; 63. [PMID: 27827334 DOI: 10.14411/fp.2016.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Understanding of the diversity of species of Cryptosporidium Tyzzer, 1910 in tortoises remains incomplete due to the limited number of studies on these hosts. The aim of the present study was to characterise the genetic diversity and biology of cryptosporidia in tortoises of the family Testudinidae Batsch. Faecal samples were individually collected immediately after defecation and were screened for presence of cryptosporidia by microscopy using aniline-carbol-methyl violet staining, and by PCR amplification and sequence analysis targeting the small subunit rRNA (SSU), Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein (COWP) and actin genes. Out of 387 faecal samples from 16 tortoise species belonging to 11 genera, 10 and 46 were positive for cryptosporidia by microscopy and PCR, respectively. All samples positive by microscopy were also PCR positive. Sequence analysis of amplified genes revealed the presence of the Cryptosporidium tortoise genotype I (n = 22), C. ducismarci Traversa, 2010 (n = 23) and tortoise genotype III (n = 1). Phylogenetic analyses of SSU, COWP and actin gene sequences revealed that Cryptosporidium tortoise genotype I and C. ducismarci are genetically distinct from previously described species of Cryptosporidium. Oocysts of Cryptosporidium tortoise genotype I, measuring 5.8-6.9 µm × 5.3-6.5 µm, are morphologically distinguishable from C. ducismarci, measuring 4.4-5.4 µm × 4.3-5.3 µm. Oocysts of Cryptosporidium tortoise genotype I and C. ducismarci obtained from naturally infected Russian tortoises (Testudo horsfieldii Gray) were infectious for the same tortoise but not for Reeve's turtles (Mauremys reevesii [Gray]), common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis [Linnaeus]), zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata [Vieillot]) and SCID mice (Mus musculus Linnaeus). The prepatent period was 11 and 6 days post infection (DPI) for Cryptosporidium tortoise genotype I and C. ducismarci, respectively; the patent period was longer than 200 days for both cryptosporidia. Naturally or experimentally infected tortoises showed no clinical signs of disease. Our morphological, genetic, and biological data support the establishment of Cryptosporidium tortoise genotype I as a new species, Cryptosporidium testudinis sp. n., and confirm the validity of C. ducismarci as a separate species of the genus Cryptosporidium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Jezkova
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Horcickova
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Hlaskova
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dana Kvetonova
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Novak
- Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Centre of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Institute of Complex Systems, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Lada Hofmannova
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - John McEvoy
- Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences Department, North Dakota State University, Fargo, USA
| | - Martin Kvac
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rajesh NV, Rajesh KD, Jayathangaraj MG, Raman M, Sridhar R. Parasitic fauna of captive snakes in Tamilnadu, India. ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF TROPICAL DISEASE 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/s2222-1808(15)60834-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
10
|
Wolf D, Vrhovec MG, Failing K, Rossier C, Hermosilla C, Pantchev N. Diagnosis of gastrointestinal parasites in reptiles: comparison of two coprological methods. Acta Vet Scand 2014; 56:44. [PMID: 25299119 PMCID: PMC4198911 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-014-0044-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Exotic reptiles have become increasingly common domestic pets worldwide and are well known to be carriers of different parasites including some with zoonotic potential. The need of accurate diagnosis of gastrointestinal endoparasite infections in domestic reptiles is therefore essential, not only for the well-being of captive reptiles but also for the owners. Here, two different approaches for the detection of parasite stages in reptile faeces were compared: a combination of native and iodine stained direct smears together with a flotation technique (CNF) versus the standard SAF-method. Results A total of 59 different reptile faeces (20 lizards, 22 snakes, 17 tortoises) were coprologically analyzed by the two methods for the presence of endoparasites. Analyzed reptile faecal samples contained a broad spectrum of parasites (total occurence 93.2%, n = 55) including different species of nematodes (55.9%, n = 33), trematodes (15.3%, n = 9), pentastomids (3.4%, n = 2) and protozoans (47.5%, n = 28). Associations between the performances of both methods to detect selected single parasite stages or groups of such were evaluated by Fisher's exact test and marginal homogeneity was tested by the McNemar test. In 88.1% of all examined samples (n = 52, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 77.1 - 95.1%) the two diagnostic methods rendered differing results, and the McNemar test for paired observations showed highly significant differences of the detection frequency (P < 0.0001). Conclusion The combination of direct smears/flotation proved superior in the detection of flagellates trophozoites, coccidian oocysts and nematode eggs, especially those of oxyurids. SAF-technique was superior in detecting larval stages and trematode eggs, but this advantage failed to be statistically significant (P = 0.13). Therefore, CNF is the recommended method for routine faecal examination of captive reptiles while the SAF-technique is advisable as additional measure particularly for wild caught animals and individuals which are to be introduced into captive collections.
Collapse
|