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Dosi A, Meziti A, Tounta E, Koemtzopoulos K, Komnenou A, Dendrinos P, Kormas K. Fecal and skin microbiota of two rescued Mediterranean monk seal pups during rehabilitation. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0280523. [PMID: 38084980 PMCID: PMC10783143 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02805-23] [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: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE This study showed that during the rehabilitation of two rescued Mediterranean monk seal pups (Monachus monachus), the skin and fecal bacterial communities showed similar succession patterns between the two individuals. This finding means that co-housed pups share their microbiomes, and this needs to be considered in cases of infection outbreaks and their treatment. The housing conditions, along with the feeding scheme and care protocols, including the admission of antibiotics as prophylaxis, probiotics, and essential food supplements, resulted in bacterial communities with no apparent pathogenic bacteria. This is the first contribution to the microbiome of the protected seal species of M. monachus and contributes to the animal's conservation practices through its microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aggeliki Dosi
- Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece
| | - Alexandra Meziti
- Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece
| | - Eleni Tounta
- MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal, Athens, Greece
| | - Kimon Koemtzopoulos
- MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Komnenou
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Dendrinos
- MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Kormas
- Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece
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Fulham M, Webster B, Power M, Gray R. Implications of Escherichia coli community diversity in free-ranging Australian pinniped pups. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 104:105351. [PMID: 35985441 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105351] [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: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Escherichia coli is a widely studied bacterium, commonly used as an indicator of faecal contamination. Investigations into the structure and diversity of E. coli in free-ranging wildlife species has been limited. The objective of this study was to characterise intra-individual and inter-species E. coli phylotype and B2 sub-type diversity in free-ranging Australian pinniped pups, to determine whether a single E. coli colony is representative of the phylotype and B2 sub-type diversity in these hosts. Faecal samples were collected from free-ranging Australian fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus), Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) and long-nosed fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) pups from three breeding colonies between 2018 and 2021. Faecal swabs from thirty randomly selected pups (n = 10 from each species) were cultured and ten E. coli colonies were selected from each culture based on morphology and separation between colonies on agar plates. Molecular screening techniques were utilised to assign isolates to phylotypes and B2 sub-types. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in either intra-individual or inter-species E. coli phylotype and B2 sub-type diversity. The B2 phylotype was the most dominant, with 78% of isolates (n = 234) assigned to this phylotype. Host factors (species, weight [kg] and standard length [cm]) did not significantly affect phylotype diversity. The absence of intra-individual and inter-species differences in E. coli diversity at a phylotype level suggests that a single E. coli colony could be used as an indicator of overall diversity of E. coli at a phylotype level in A. p. doriferus, N. cinerea and A. forsteri pups. These findings can be used to simplify and improve the efficiency of sampling protocols for ongoing monitoring of human-associated E. coli phylotypes in free-ranging pinniped populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariel Fulham
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
| | - Bridget Webster
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Michelle Power
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia.
| | - Rachael Gray
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
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3
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Obusan MCM, Caras JAA, Lumang LSL, Calderon EJS, Villanueva RMD, Salibay CC, Siringan MAT, Rivera WL, Masangkay JS, Aragones LV. Bacteriological and histopathological findings in cetaceans that stranded in the Philippines from 2017 to 2018. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0243691. [PMID: 34762695 PMCID: PMC8584710 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The relatively high frequency of marine mammal stranding events in the Philippines provide many research opportunities. A select set of stranders (n = 21) from 2017 to 2018 were sampled for bacteriology and histopathology. Pertinent tissues and bacteria were collected from individuals representing eight cetacean species (i.e. Feresa attenuata, Kogia breviceps, Globicephala macrorhynchus, Grampus griseus, Lagenodelphis hosei, Peponocephala electra, Stenella attenuata and Stenella longirostris) and were subjected to histopathological examination and antibiotic resistance screening, respectively. The antibiotic resistance profiles of 24 bacteria (belonging to genera Escherichia, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Proteus, and Shigella) that were isolated from four cetaceans were determined using 18 antibiotics. All 24 isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic class, and 79.17% were classified as multiple antibiotic resistant (MAR). The MAR index values of isolates ranged from 0.06 to 0.39 with all the isolates resistant to erythromycin (100%; n = 24) and susceptible to imipenem, doripenem, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, and gentamicin (100%; n = 24). The resistance profiles of these bacteria show the extent of antimicrobial resistance in the marine environment, and may inform medical management decisions during rehabilitation of stranded cetaceans. Due to inadequate gross descriptions and limited data gathered by the responders during the stranding events, the significance of histopathological lesions in association with disease diagnosis in each cetacean stranding or mortality remained inconclusive; however, these histopathological findings may be indicative or contributory to the resulting debility and stress during their strandings. The findings of the study demonstrate the challenges faced by cetacean species in the wild, such as but not limited to, biological pollution through land-sea movement of effluents, fisheries interactions, and anthropogenic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Christine M. Obusan
- Microbial Ecology of Terrestrial and Aquatic Systems, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
- Natural Sciences Research Institute, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Jamaica Ann A. Caras
- Microbial Ecology of Terrestrial and Aquatic Systems, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
- Marine Mammal Research Stranding Laboratory, Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Lara Sabrina L. Lumang
- Microbial Ecology of Terrestrial and Aquatic Systems, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Erika Joyce S. Calderon
- Microbial Ecology of Terrestrial and Aquatic Systems, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Ren Mark D. Villanueva
- Microbial Ecology of Terrestrial and Aquatic Systems, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Cristina C. Salibay
- College of Science and Computer Studies, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, City of Dasmariñas Cavite, Philippines
| | - Maria Auxilia T. Siringan
- Natural Sciences Research Institute, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Windell L. Rivera
- Pathogen-Host-Environment Interactions Research Laboratory, Institute of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
| | - Joseph S. Masangkay
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
| | - Lemnuel V. Aragones
- Marine Mammal Research Stranding Laboratory, Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
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Grünzweil OM, Palmer L, Cabal A, Szostak MP, Ruppitsch W, Kornschober C, Korus M, Misic D, Bernreiter-Hofer T, Korath ADJ, Feßler AT, Allerberger F, Schwarz S, Spergser J, Müller E, Braun SD, Monecke S, Ehricht R, Walzer C, Smodlaka H, Loncaric I. Presence of β-Lactamase-producing Enterobacterales and Salmonella Isolates in Marine Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115905. [PMID: 34072783 PMCID: PMC8199236 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine mammals have been described as sentinels of the health of marine ecosystems. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate (i) the presence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)- and AmpC-producing Enterobacterales, which comprise several bacterial families important to the healthcare sector, as well as (ii) the presence of Salmonella in these coastal animals. The antimicrobial resistance pheno- and genotypes, as well as biocide susceptibility of Enterobacterales isolated from stranded marine mammals, were determined prior to their rehabilitation. All E. coli isolates (n = 27) were screened for virulence genes via DNA-based microarray, and twelve selected E. coli isolates were analyzed by whole-genome sequencing. Seventy-one percent of the Enterobacterales isolates exhibited a multidrug-resistant (MDR) pheno- and genotype. The gene blaCMY (n = 51) was the predominant β-lactamase gene. In addition, blaTEM-1 (n = 38), blaSHV-33 (n = 8), blaCTX-M-15 (n = 7), blaOXA-1 (n = 7), blaSHV-11 (n = 3), and blaDHA-1 (n = 2) were detected. The most prevalent non-β-lactamase genes were sul2 (n = 38), strA (n = 34), strB (n = 34), and tet(A) (n = 34). Escherichia coli isolates belonging to the pandemic sequence types (STs) ST38, ST167, and ST648 were identified. Among Salmonella isolates (n = 18), S. Havana was the most prevalent serotype. The present study revealed a high prevalence of MDR bacteria and the presence of pandemic high-risk clones, both of which are indicators of anthropogenic antimicrobial pollution, in marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia M. Grünzweil
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (O.M.G.); (M.P.S.); (T.B.-H.); (A.D.J.K.); (J.S.)
| | - Lauren Palmer
- Marine Mammal Care Center, Los Angeles, CA 90731, USA;
| | - Adriana Cabal
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.C.); (W.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Michael P. Szostak
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (O.M.G.); (M.P.S.); (T.B.-H.); (A.D.J.K.); (J.S.)
| | - Werner Ruppitsch
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.C.); (W.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Christian Kornschober
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), National Reference Centre for Salmonella, 8010 Graz, Austria;
| | - Maciej Korus
- Department of Functional Food Products Development, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.K.); (D.M.)
| | - Dusan Misic
- Department of Functional Food Products Development, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 51-630 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.K.); (D.M.)
| | - Tanja Bernreiter-Hofer
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (O.M.G.); (M.P.S.); (T.B.-H.); (A.D.J.K.); (J.S.)
- Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University Clinic for Swine, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna D. J. Korath
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (O.M.G.); (M.P.S.); (T.B.-H.); (A.D.J.K.); (J.S.)
| | - Andrea T. Feßler
- Centre for Infection Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (A.T.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Franz Allerberger
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.C.); (W.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Stefan Schwarz
- Centre for Infection Medicine, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (A.T.F.); (S.S.)
| | - Joachim Spergser
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (O.M.G.); (M.P.S.); (T.B.-H.); (A.D.J.K.); (J.S.)
| | - Elke Müller
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), 07745 Jena, Germany; (E.M.); (S.D.B.); (S.M.); (R.E.)
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Sascha D. Braun
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), 07745 Jena, Germany; (E.M.); (S.D.B.); (S.M.); (R.E.)
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Stefan Monecke
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), 07745 Jena, Germany; (E.M.); (S.D.B.); (S.M.); (R.E.)
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Technical University of Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Ralf Ehricht
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), 07745 Jena, Germany; (E.M.); (S.D.B.); (S.M.); (R.E.)
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Chris Walzer
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1160 Vienna, Austria;
- Health Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York City, NY 10460, USA
| | - Hrvoje Smodlaka
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766-1854, USA;
| | - Igor Loncaric
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (O.M.G.); (M.P.S.); (T.B.-H.); (A.D.J.K.); (J.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-125-077-2115
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5
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Elizabeth Alter S, Tariq L, Creed JK, Megafu E. Evolutionary responses of marine organisms to urbanized seascapes. Evol Appl 2021; 14:210-232. [PMID: 33519966 PMCID: PMC7819572 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Many of the world's major cities are located in coastal zones, resulting in urban and industrial impacts on adjacent marine ecosystems. These pressures, which include pollutants, sewage, runoff and debris, temperature increases, hardened shorelines/structures, and light and acoustic pollution, have resulted in new evolutionary landscapes for coastal marine organisms. Marine environmental changes influenced by urbanization may create new selective regimes or may influence neutral evolution via impacts on gene flow or partitioning of genetic diversity across seascapes. While some urban selective pressures, such as hardened surfaces, are similar to those experienced by terrestrial species, others, such as oxidative stress, are specific to aquatic environments. Moreover, spatial and temporal scales of evolutionary responses may differ in the ocean due to the spatial extent of selective pressures and greater capacity for dispersal/gene flow. Here, we present a conceptual framework and synthesis of current research on evolutionary responses of marine organisms to urban pressures. We review urban impacts on genetic diversity and gene flow and examine evidence that marine species are adapting, or are predicted to adapt, to urbanization over rapid evolutionary time frames. Our findings indicate that in the majority of studies, urban stressors are correlated with reduced genetic diversity. Genetic structure is often increased in urbanized settings, but artificial structures can also act as stepping stones for some hard-surface specialists, promoting range expansion. Most evidence for rapid adaptation to urban stressors comes from studies of heritable tolerance to pollutants in a relatively small number of species; however, the majority of marine ecotoxicology studies do not test directly for heritability. Finally, we highlight current gaps in our understanding of evolutionary processes in marine urban environments and present a framework for future research to address these gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Elizabeth Alter
- Department of Biology & ChemistryCalifornia State University, Monterey BayChapman Academic Science CenterSeasideCAUSA
- Department of BiologyYork CollegeCity University of New YorkJamaicaNYUSA
- Department of IchthyologyAmerican Museum of Natural HistoryNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Laraib Tariq
- Department of BiologyYork CollegeCity University of New YorkJamaicaNYUSA
| | - James Keanu Creed
- Department of BiologyYork CollegeCity University of New YorkJamaicaNYUSA
- Department of IchthyologyAmerican Museum of Natural HistoryNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Emmanuel Megafu
- Department of BiologyYork CollegeCity University of New YorkJamaicaNYUSA
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Lundbäck IC, McDougall FK, Dann P, Slip DJ, Gray R, Power ML. Into the sea: Antimicrobial resistance determinants in the microbiota of little penguins (Eudyptula minor). INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2020; 88:104697. [PMID: 33370595 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Terrestrial and aquatic birds have been proposed as sentinels for the spread of antimicrobial resistant bacteria, but few species have been investigated specifically in the context of AMR in the marine ecosystem. This study contrasts the occurrence of class 1 integrons and associated antimicrobial resistance genes in wild and captive little penguins (Eudyptula minor), an Australian seabird with local population declines. PCR screening of faecal samples (n = 448) revealed a significant difference in the prevalence of class 1 integrons in wild and captive groups, 3.2% and 44.7% respectively, with genes that confer resistance to streptomycin, spectinomycin, trimethoprim and multidrug efflux pumps detected. Class 1 integrons were not detected in two clinically relevant bacterial species, Klebsiella pneumoniae or Escherichia coli, isolated from penguin faeces. The presence of class 1 integrons in the little penguin supports the use of marine birds as sentinels of AMR in marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida C Lundbäck
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Fiona K McDougall
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Peter Dann
- Conservation Department, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Victoria, Australia
| | - David J Slip
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia; Taronga Conservation Society, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rachael Gray
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Michelle L Power
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
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7
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In Vitro Antimicrobial Activities of Organic Acids and Their Derivatives on Several Species of Gram-Negative and Gram-Positive Bacteria. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24203770. [PMID: 31635062 PMCID: PMC6832434 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24203770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the in vitro antimicrobial activity of several organic acids and their derivatives against Gram-positive (G+) and Gram-negative (G-) bacteria. Butyric acid, valeric acid, monopropionin, monobutyrin, monovalerin, monolaurin, sodium formate, and ProPhorce-a mixture of sodium formate and formic acid (40:60 w/v)-were tested at 8 to 16 concentrations from 10 to 50,000 mg/L. The tested bacteria included G- bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica Typhimurium, and Campylobacter jejuni) and G+ bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis, Clostridium perfringens, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Streptococcus suis). Antimicrobial activity was expressed as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of tested compounds that prevented growth of tested bacteria in treated culture broth. The MICs of butyric acid, valeric acid, and ProPhorce varied among bacterial strains with the lowest MIC of 500-1000 mg/L on two strains of Campylobacter. Sodium formate at highest tested concentrations (20,000 mg/L) did not inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Enterococcus faecalis, but sodium formate inhibited the growth of other tested bacteria with MIC values from 2000 to 18,800 mg/L. The MIC values of monovalerin, monolaurin, and monobutyrin ranged from 2500 to 15,000 mg/L in the majority of bacterial strains. Monopropionin did not inhibit the growth of all tested bacteria, with the exception that the MIC of monopropionin was 11,300 mg/L on Clostridia perfringens. Monolaurin strongly inhibited G+ bacteria, with the MIC value of 10 mg/L against Streptococcus pneumoniae. The MIC tests indicated that organic acids and their derivatives exhibit promising antimicrobial effects in vitro against G- and G+ bacteria that are resistant to antimicrobial drugs. The acid forms had stronger in vitro antimicrobial activities than ester forms, except that the medium chain fatty acid ester monolaurin exhibited strong inhibitory effects on G+ bacteria.
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8
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Microbiota fingerprints within the oral cavity of cetaceans as indicators for population biomonitoring. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13679. [PMID: 31548611 PMCID: PMC6757053 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50139-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The composition of mammalian microbiota has been related with the host health status. In this study, we assessed the oral microbiome of 3 cetacean species most commonly found stranded in Iberian Atlantic waters (Delphinus delphis, Stenella coeruleoalba and Phocoena phocoena), using 16S rDNA-amplicon metabarcoding. All oral microbiomes were dominated by Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Fusobacteria bacteria, which were also predominant in the oral cavity of Tursiops truncatus. A Constrained Canonical Analysis (CCA) showed that the major factors shaping the composition of 38 oral microbiomes (p-value < 0.05) were: (i) animal species and (ii) age class, segregating adults and juveniles. The correlation analysis also grouped the microbiomes by animal stranding location and health status. Similar discriminatory patterns were detected using the data from a previous study on Tursiops truncatus, indicating that this correlation approach may facilitate data comparisons between different studies on several cetacean species. This study identified a total of 15 bacterial genera and 27 OTUs discriminating between the observed CCA groups, which can be further explored as microbiota fingerprints to develop (i) specific diagnostic assays for cetacean population conservation and (ii) bio-monitoring approaches to assess the health of marine ecosystems from the Iberian Atlantic basin, using cetaceans as bioindicators.
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9
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Davis MF, Rankin SC, Schurer JM, Cole S, Conti L, Rabinowitz P. Checklist for One Health Epidemiological Reporting of Evidence (COHERE). One Health 2017; 4:14-21. [PMID: 28825424 PMCID: PMC5536878 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
One Health is defined as the intersection and integration of knowledge regarding humans, animals, and the environment, yet as the One Health scientific literature expands, there is considerable heterogeneity of approach and quality of reporting in One Health studies. In addition, many researchers who publish such studies do not include or integrate data from all three domains of human, animal, and environmental health. This points to a critical need to unify guidelines for One Health studies. This report details the Checklist for One Health Epidemiological Reporting of Evidence (COHERE) to guide the design and publication format of future One Health studies. COHERE was developed by a core writing team and international expert review group that represents multiple disciplines, including human medicine, veterinary medicine, public health, allied professionals, clinical laboratory science, epidemiology, the social sciences, ecohealth and environmental health. The twin aims of the COHERE standards are to 1) improve the quality of reporting of observational or interventional epidemiological studies that collect and integrate data from humans, animals and/or vectors, and their environments; and 2) promote the concept that One Health studies should integrate knowledge from these three domains. The 19 standards in the COHERE checklist address descriptions of human populations, animal populations, environmental assessment, spatial and temporal relationships of data from the three domains, integration of analyses and interpretation, and inclusion of expertise in the research team from disciplines related to human health, animal health, and environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan F. Davis
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shelley C. Rankin
- Department of Pathobiology, Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Janna M. Schurer
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Stephen Cole
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lisa Conti
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, FL, USA
| | - Peter Rabinowitz
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences and Global Health, University of Washington School of Public Health, USA
- Department of Family Medicine (joint), University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (adjunct), University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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10
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Arnold KE, Williams NJ, Bennett M. 'Disperse abroad in the land': the role of wildlife in the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. Biol Lett 2017; 12:rsbl.2016.0137. [PMID: 27531155 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2016.0137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been detected in the microbiota of many wildlife species, including long-distance migrants. Inadequately treated wastes from humans and livestock dosed with antimicrobial drugs are often assumed to be the main sources of AMR to wildlife. While wildlife populations closely associated with human populations are more likely to harbour clinically important AMR related to that found in local humans and livestock, AMR is still common in remote wildlife populations with little direct human influence. Most reports of AMR in wildlife are survey based and/or small scale, so researchers can only speculate on possible sources and sinks of AMR or the impact of wildlife AMR on clinical resistance. This lack of quantitative data on the flow of AMR genes and AMR bacteria across the natural environment could reflect the numerous AMR sources and amplifiers in the populated world. Ecosystems with relatively simple and well-characterized potential inputs of AMR can provide tractable, but realistic, systems for studying AMR in the natural environment. New tools, such as animal tracking technologies and high-throughput sequencing of resistance genes and mobilomes, should be integrated with existing methodologies to understand how wildlife maintains and disperses AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E Arnold
- Environment Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5NG, UK
| | - Nicola J Williams
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, Leahurst Campus, University of Liverpool, Neston CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Malcolm Bennett
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, UK
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Godoy-Vitorino F, Rodriguez-Hilario A, Alves AL, Gonçalves F, Cabrera-Colon B, Mesquita CS, Soares-Castro P, Ferreira M, Marçalo A, Vingada J, Eira C, Santos PM. The microbiome of a striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) stranded in Portugal. Res Microbiol 2016; 168:85-93. [PMID: 27615066 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2016.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Infectious diseases with epizootic consequences have not been fully studied in marine mammals. Presently, the unprecedented depth of sequencing, made available by high-throughput approaches, allows detailed comparisons of the microbiome in health and disease. This is the first report of the striped dolphin microbiome in different body sites. Samples from one striped female edematous dolphin were acquired from a variety of body niches, including the blowhole, oral cavity, oral mucosa, tongue, stomach, intestines and genital mucosa. Detailed 16S rRNA analysis of over half a million sequences identified 235 OTUs. Beta diversity analyses indicated that microbial communities vary in structure and cluster by sample origin. Pathogenic, Gram-negative, facultative and obligate anaerobic taxa were significantly detected, including Cetobacterium, Fusobacterium and Ureaplasma. Phocoenobacter and Arcobacter dominated the oral-type samples, while Cardiobacteriaceae and Vibrio were associated with the blowhole and Photobacterium were abundant in the gut. We report for the first time the association of Epulopiscium with a marine mammal gut. The striped dolphin microbiota shows variation in structure and diversity according to the organ type. The high dominance of Gram-negative anaerobic pathogens evidences a cetacean microbiome affected by human-related bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Godoy-Vitorino
- Microbial Ecology and Genomics Lab, Department of Natural Sciences, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Campus, P.O. Box 191293, 00919-1293 San Juan, Puerto Rico.
| | - Arnold Rodriguez-Hilario
- Microbial Ecology and Genomics Lab, Department of Natural Sciences, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Campus, P.O. Box 191293, 00919-1293 San Juan, Puerto Rico.
| | - Ana Luísa Alves
- Department of Biology and Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-087 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Filipa Gonçalves
- Department of Biology and Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-087 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Beatriz Cabrera-Colon
- Microbial Ecology and Genomics Lab, Department of Natural Sciences, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Campus, P.O. Box 191293, 00919-1293 San Juan, Puerto Rico.
| | - Cristina Sousa Mesquita
- Department of Biology and Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-087 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Pedro Soares-Castro
- Department of Biology and Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-087 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Marisa Ferreira
- Department of Biology and Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-087 Braga, Portugal; Portuguese Wildlife Society (SPVS), Quiaios Field Station, Apartado 16 EC Quiaios, 3081-101 Figueira da Foz, Portugal.
| | - Ana Marçalo
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - José Vingada
- Portuguese Wildlife Society (SPVS), Quiaios Field Station, Apartado 16 EC Quiaios, 3081-101 Figueira da Foz, Portugal; Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-087 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Catarina Eira
- Portuguese Wildlife Society (SPVS), Quiaios Field Station, Apartado 16 EC Quiaios, 3081-101 Figueira da Foz, Portugal; Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Pedro Miguel Santos
- Department of Biology and Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-087 Braga, Portugal.
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12
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Power ML, Samuel A, Smith JJ, Stark JS, Gillings MR, Gordon DM. Escherichia coli out in the cold: Dissemination of human-derived bacteria into the Antarctic microbiome. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 215:58-65. [PMID: 27179324 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Revised: 03/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Discharge of untreated sewage into Antarctic environments presents a risk of introducing non-native microorganisms, but until now, adverse consequences have not been conclusively identified. Here we show that sewage disposal introduces human derived Escherichia coli carrying mobile genetic elements and virulence traits with the potential to affect the diversity and evolution of native Antarctic microbial communities. We compared E. coli recovered from environmental and animal sources in Antarctica to a reference collection of E. coli from humans and non-Antarctic animals. The distribution of phylogenetic groups and frequency of 11 virulence factors amongst the Antarctic isolates were characteristic of E. coli strains more commonly associated with humans. The rapidly emerging E. coli ST131 and ST95 clones were found amongst the Antarctic isolates, and ST95 was the predominant E. coli recovered from Weddell seals. Class 1 integrons were found in 15% of the Antarctic E. coli with 4 of 5 identified gene cassette arrays containing antibiotic resistance genes matching those common in clinical contexts. Disposing untreated sewage into the Antarctic environment does disseminate non-native microorganisms, but the extent of this impact and implications for Antarctic ecosystem health are, as yet, poorly understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Power
- Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Angelingifta Samuel
- Division of Evolution, Ecology and Genetics, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, 116 Daley Road, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia.
| | - James J Smith
- Queensland University of Technology, Science and Engineering Faculty, School of Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences, GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia; JJSC Consulting Ltd., 16 Mullacor St., Ferny Grove, QLD 4055, Australia.
| | - Jonathon S Stark
- Antarctic Conservation and Management, Australian Antarctic Division, 203 Channel Highway, Kingston, Tasmania 7050, Australia.
| | - Michael R Gillings
- Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - David M Gordon
- Division of Evolution, Ecology and Genetics, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, 116 Daley Road, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia.
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13
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Baily JL, Foster G, Brown D, Davison NJ, Coia JE, Watson E, Pizzi R, Willoughby K, Hall AJ, Dagleish MP. Salmonella infection in grey seals (Halichoerus grypus), a marine mammal sentinel species: pathogenicity and molecular typing of Salmonella strains compared with human and livestock isolates. Environ Microbiol 2016; 18:1078-87. [PMID: 26768299 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.13219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2015] [Revised: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Microbial pollution of the marine environment through land-sea transfer of human and livestock pathogens is of concern. Salmonella was isolated from rectal swabs of free-ranging and stranded grey seal pups (21.1%; 37/175) and compared with strains from the same serovars isolated from human clinical cases, livestock, wild mammals and birds in Scotland, UK to characterize possible transmission routes using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and multi-locus variable number of tandem repeat analyses. A higher prevalence of Salmonella was found in pups exposed to seawater, suggesting that this may represent a source of this pathogen. Salmonella Bovismorbificans was the most common isolate (18.3% pups; 32/175) and was indistinguishable from isolates found in Scottish cattle. Salmonella Typhimurium was infrequent (2.3% pups; 4/175), mostly similar to isolates found in garden birds and, in one case, identical to a highly multidrug resistant strain isolated from a human child. Salmonella Haifa was rare (1.1% pups; 2/175), but isolates were indistinguishable from that of a human clinical isolate. These results suggest that S. Bovismorbificans may circulate between grey seal and cattle populations and that both S. Typhimurium and S. Haifa isolates are shared with humans, raising concerns of microbial marine pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna L Baily
- Moredun Research Institute, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH26 0PZ, UK.,Sea Mammal Research Unit, Gatty Marine Laboratory, University of St. Andrews, Fife, St. Andrews, KY16 8LB, UK
| | - Geoffrey Foster
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, SAC Consulting Veterinary Services, Drummondhill, Inverness, Scotland, IV2 4JZ, UK
| | - Derek Brown
- Scottish Salmonella, Shigella and Clostridium difficile Reference Laboratory, New Lister Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, 10-16 Alexandra Parade, Glasgow, Scotland, G31 2ER, UK
| | - Nicholas J Davison
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, SAC Consulting Veterinary Services, Drummondhill, Inverness, Scotland, IV2 4JZ, UK
| | - John E Coia
- Scottish Salmonella, Shigella and Clostridium difficile Reference Laboratory, New Lister Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, 10-16 Alexandra Parade, Glasgow, Scotland, G31 2ER, UK
| | - Eleanor Watson
- Moredun Research Institute, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Romain Pizzi
- Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kim Willoughby
- Moredun Research Institute, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Ailsa J Hall
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Gatty Marine Laboratory, University of St. Andrews, Fife, St. Andrews, KY16 8LB, UK
| | - Mark P Dagleish
- Moredun Research Institute, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH26 0PZ, UK
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14
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MOLECULAR DETECTION OF ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANCE DETERMINANTS IN ESCHERICHIA COLI ISOLATED FROM THE ENDANGERED AUSTRALIAN SEA LION (NEOPHOCA CINEREA). J Wildl Dis 2015; 51:555-63. [PMID: 25919463 DOI: 10.7589/2014-08-200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Greater interaction between humans and wildlife populations poses significant risks of anthropogenic impact to natural ecosystems, especially in the marine environment. Understanding the spread of microorganisms at the marine interface is therefore important if we are to mitigate adverse effects on marine wildlife. We investigated the establishment of Escherichia coli in the endangered Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) by comparing fecal isolation from wild and captive sea lion populations. Fecal samples were collected from wild colonies March 2009-September 2010 and from captive individuals March 2011-May 2013. Using molecular screening, we assigned a phylotype to E. coli isolates and determined the presence of integrons, mobile genetic elements that capture gene cassettes conferring resistance to antimicrobial agents common in fecal coliforms. Group B2 was the most abundant phylotype in all E. coli isolates (n = 37), with groups A, B1, and D also identified. Integrons were not observed in E. coli (n = 21) isolated from wild sea lions, but were identified in E. coli from captive animals (n = 16), from which class I integrases were detected in eight isolates. Sequencing of gene cassette arrays identified genes conferring resistance to streptomycin-spectinomycin (aadA1) and trimethoprim (dfrA17, dfrB4). Class II integrases were not detected in the E. coli isolates. The frequent detection in captive sea lions of E. coli with resistance genes commonly identified in human clinical cases suggests that conditions experienced in captivity may contribute to establishment. Identification of antibiotic resistance in the microbiota of Australian sea lions provides crucial information for disease management. Our data will inform conservation management strategies and provide a mechanism to monitor microorganism dissemination to sensitive pinniped populations.
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15
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Tryland M, Nesbakken T, Robertson L, Grahek-Ogden D, Lunestad BT. Human pathogens in marine mammal meat – a northern perspective. Zoonoses Public Health 2015; 61:377-94. [PMID: 24344685 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Only a few countries worldwide hunt seals and whales commercially. In Norway, hooded and harp seals and minke whales are commercially harvested, and coastal seals (harbour and grey seals) are hunted as game. Marine mammal meat is sold to the public and thus included in general microbiological meat control regulations. Slaughtering and dressing of marine mammals are performed in the open air on deck, and many factors on board sealing or whaling vessels may affect meat quality, such as the ice used for cooling whale meat and the seawater used for cleaning, storage of whale meat in the open air until ambient temperature is reached, and the hygienic conditions of equipment, decks, and other surfaces. Based on existing reports, it appears that meat of seal and whale does not usually represent a microbiological hazard to consumers in Norway, because human disease has not been associated with consumption of such foods. However, as hygienic control on marine mammal meat is ad hoc, mainly based on spot-testing, and addresses very few human pathogens, this conclusion may be premature. Additionally, few data from surveys or systematic quality control screenings have been published. This review examines the occurrence of potential human pathogens in marine mammals, as well as critical points for contamination of meat during the slaughter, dressing, cooling, storage and processing of meat. Some zoonotic agents are of particular relevance as foodborne pathogens, such as Trichinella spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Salmonella and Leptospira spp. In addition, Mycoplasma spp. parapoxvirus and Mycobacterium spp. constitute occupational risks during handling of marine mammals and marine mammal products. Adequate training in hygienic procedures is necessary to minimize the risk of contamination on board, and acquiring further data is essential for obtaining a realistic assessment of the microbiological risk to humans from consuming marine mammal meat.
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16
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Enteric pathogens and antimicrobial resistance in turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) feeding at the wildlife-livestock interface. J Zoo Wildl Med 2015; 45:931-4. [PMID: 25632686 DOI: 10.1638/2012-0217.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-flying turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) were sampled in California to investigate the fecal shedding prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella enterica, Campylobacter spp., and Escherichia coli. Nine different serotypes of Salmonella enterica were detected in cloacal swabs from turkey vultures, and 6% of vultures were shedding Campylobacter spp.. Turkey vultures sampled at a location with range sheep were more likely to shed tetracycline-resistant E. coli, suggesting that proximity to livestock facilities could facilitate acquisition of drug-resistant bacteria in avian scavengers. These findings illustrate the importance of assessing drug-resistant pathogen transfer at the livestock-wildlife interface.
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17
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Prevalence and characterization of Salmonella shed by captive and free-range California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) from a rehabilitation center and three state reserves along the California coast. J Zoo Wildl Med 2014; 45:527-33. [PMID: 25314819 DOI: 10.1638/2013-0197r1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Salmonella is a genus of zoonotic bacteria that can infect a variety of animals, and may cause gastrointestinal disease in marine mammals. Many of the same Salmonella serotypes are shed by California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) and humans, which poses transmission questions and public health concerns. In this study, 454 fecal samples from three free-ranging California sea lion populations along the California coast and from animals undergoing rehabilitation at The Marine Mammal Center, Sausalito, California, were screened for the presence of Salmonella. In addition to fecal samples, 39 presumed vomitus samples were collected and processed. Of the 454 samples processed, 312 were from free-ranging sites and 142 were from rehabilitating California sea lions. A total of nine fecal samples were positive for Salmonella, yielding a 2.0% overall prevalence, as well as two presumed vomitus samples (5.1% prevalence). Salmonella shedding prevalence was 1.6% in samples collected from free-ranging animals, and 2.8% in rehabilitating animals. Four serotypes were found among the 11 positive samples, with Salmonella Enteritidis the most prevalent (64%). Antimicrobial resistance testing and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis were performed to further characterize isolates. Experiments were carried out to determine the minimal number of Salmonella required for detection by the methods used. It was determined that at least 10' colony-forming units per gram of feces was required for detection. The prevalence of Salmonella Enteritidis, and diversity of serotypes discovered is considerably different from those reported in previous studies. Overall, this study provides new insights into the epidemiology of Salmonella in California sea lions present in multi-use coastal ecosystems.
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18
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Greig DJ, Gulland FMD, Smith WA, Conrad PA, Field CL, Fleetwood M, Harvey JT, Ip HS, Jang S, Packham A, Wheeler E, Hall AJ. Surveillance for zoonotic and selected pathogens in harbor seals Phoca vitulina from central California. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2014; 111:93-106. [PMID: 25266897 DOI: 10.3354/dao02762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The infection status of harbor seals Phoca vitulina in central California, USA, was evaluated through broad surveillance for pathogens in stranded and wild-caught animals from 2001 to 2008, with most samples collected in 2007 and 2008. Stranded animals from Mendocino County to San Luis Obispo County were sampled at a rehabilitation facility: The Marine Mammal Center (TMMC, n = 175); wild-caught animals were sampled at 2 locations: San Francisco Bay (SF, n = 78) and Tomales Bay (TB, n = 97), that differed in degree of urbanization. Low prevalences of Salmonella, Campylobacter, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium were detected in the feces of stranded and wild-caught seals. Clostridium perfringens and Escherichia coli were more prevalent in the feces of stranded (58% [78 out of 135] and 76% [102 out of 135]) than wild-caught (42% [45 out of 106] and 66% [68 out of 106]) seals, whereas Vibrio spp. were 16 times more likely to be cultured from the feces of seals from SF than TB or TMMC (p < 0.005). Brucella DNA was detected in 3.4% of dead stranded harbor seals (2 out of 58). Type A influenza was isolated from feces of 1 out of 96 wild-caught seals. Exposure to Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis neurona, and type A influenza was only detected in the wild-caught harbor seals (post-weaning age classes), whereas antibody titers to Leptospira spp. were detected in stranded and wild-caught seals. No stranded (n = 109) or wild-caught (n = 217) harbor seals had antibodies to phocine distemper virus, although a single low titer to canine distemper virus was detected. These results highlight the role of harbor seals as sentinel species for zoonotic and terrestrial pathogens in the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise J Greig
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 8LB, UK
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VanWormer E, Fritz H, Shapiro K, Mazet JAK, Conrad PA. Molecules to modeling: Toxoplasma gondii oocysts at the human-animal-environment interface. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2013; 36:217-31. [PMID: 23218130 PMCID: PMC3779781 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2012.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2012] [Revised: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 10/22/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Environmental transmission of extremely resistant Toxoplasma gondii oocysts has resulted in infection of diverse species around the world, leading to severe disease and deaths in human and animal populations. This review explores T. gondii oocyst shedding, survival, and transmission, emphasizing the importance of linking laboratory and landscape from molecular characterization of oocysts to watershed-level models of oocyst loading and transport in terrestrial and aquatic systems. Building on discipline-specific studies, a One Health approach incorporating tools and perspectives from diverse fields and stakeholders has contributed to an advanced understanding of T. gondii and is addressing transmission at the rapidly changing human-animal-environment interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth VanWormer
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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Schaefer AM, Bossart GD, Mazzoil M, Fair PA, Reif JS. Risk factors for colonization of E. coli in Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2011; 2011:597073. [PMID: 21977048 PMCID: PMC3184408 DOI: 10.1155/2011/597073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2011] [Revised: 08/02/2011] [Accepted: 08/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Opportunistic pathogens related to degradation in water quality are of concern to both wildlife and public health. The objective of this study was to identify spatial, temporal, and environmental risk factors for E. coli colonization among Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) inhabiting the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), FL between 2003 and 2007. Age, gender, capture location, coastal human population density, proximity of sewage treatment plants, number of septic tanks, cumulative precipitation 48 hrs and 30 days prior to capture, salinity, and water temperature were analyzed as potential risk factors. Highest E. coli colonization rates occurred in the northern segments of the IRL. The risk of E. coli colonization was the highest among the youngest individuals, in counties with the highest cumulative rainfall 48 hrs and in counties with the highest number of septic systems during the year of capture. The prevalence of colonization was the highest during 2004, a year during which multiple hurricanes hit the coast of Florida. Septic tanks, in combination with weather-related events suggest a possible pathway for introduction of fecal coliforms into estuarine ecosystems. The ability of E. coli and related bacteria to act as primary pathogens or cause opportunistic infections adds importance of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam M. Schaefer
- Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Program, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Ft. Pierce, FL 34946, USA
| | - Gregory D. Bossart
- Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Program, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Ft. Pierce, FL 34946, USA
- Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA
| | - Marilyn Mazzoil
- Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Program, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Ft. Pierce, FL 34946, USA
| | - Patricia A. Fair
- Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research, NOS, NOAA, Charleston, SC 29142, USA
| | - John S. Reif
- Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Program, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Ft. Pierce, FL 34946, USA
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80532, USA
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Abstract
The long-term consequences of climate change and potential environmental degradation are likely to include aspects of disease emergence in marine plants and animals. In turn, these emerging diseases may have epizootic potential, zoonotic implications, and a complex pathogenesis involving other cofactors such as anthropogenic contaminant burden, genetics, and immunologic dysfunction. The concept of marine sentinel organisms provides one approach to evaluating aquatic ecosystem health. Such sentinels are barometers for current or potential negative impacts on individual- and population-level animal health. In turn, using marine sentinels permits better characterization and management of impacts that ultimately affect animal and human health associated with the oceans. Marine mammals are prime sentinel species because many species have long life spans, are long-term coastal residents, feed at a high trophic level, and have unique fat stores that can serve as depots for anthropogenic toxins. Marine mammals may be exposed to environmental stressors such as chemical pollutants, harmful algal biotoxins, and emerging or resurging pathogens. Since many marine mammal species share the coastal environment with humans and consume the same food, they also may serve as effective sentinels for public health problems. Finally, marine mammals are charismatic megafauna that typically stimulate an exaggerated human behavioral response and are thus more likely to be observed.
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Stoddard RA, Atwill ER, Conrad PA, Byrne BA, Jang S, Lawrence J, McCowan B, Gulland FMD. The effect of rehabilitation of northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) on antimicrobial resistance of commensal Escherichia coli. Vet Microbiol 2008; 133:264-71. [PMID: 18783898 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2008.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2006] [Revised: 07/06/2008] [Accepted: 07/16/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine if antimicrobial drug use increases resistance of commensal gastrointensinal Escherichia coli of wild northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) treated in rehabilitation, and, if so, identify the risk factors involved. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) levels of twelve antimicrobial drugs were determined for 289 E. coli isolates from 99 seals sampled at admission and 277 isolates obtained at release from rehabilitation using broth microdilution. Prevalence of E. coli antimicrobial resistance, MIC(50), MIC(90), and clustering of MIC values were determined for seals and the data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test, ordinal logistic regression and negative binomial regression. At release from rehabilitation 77.8% of the seals had antimicrobial resistant E. coli compared to 38.4% of the seals at admission. The MIC(90) for amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, chloramphenicol, enrofloxacin, ticarcillin-clavulanic acid, and trimethoprim-saulfamethoxazole were at levels considered to be sensitive at admission but they increased to levels of resistance at release. E. coli were grouped into four clusters by their MIC values, with increasing levels of resistance going from Cluster 1 to 4. A primary risk factor associated with the probability of a seal having E. coli in Clusters 3 and 4 was time in rehabilitation, regardless of whether the animal received treatment with antimicrobial drugs, suggesting nosocomial infection. The results of this study provide evidence that increased levels of hygiene and appropriate use of antimicrobial therapy might be important in the rehabilitation of wild animals to prevent rise in the prevalence of antimicrobial resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn A Stoddard
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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