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Mirkov I, Tucovic D, Kulas J, Malesevic A, Kataranovski D, Kataranovski M, Popov Aleksandrov A. Physiological strategies in wild rodents: immune defenses of commensal rats. Integr Zool 2024; 19:350-370. [PMID: 37814602 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12766] [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] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
The importance of issues associated with urban/commensal rats and mice (property damage, management costs, and health risks) press upon research on these animals. While the demography of commensal rodents is mostly studied, the need for understanding factors influencing their natural morbidity/mortality is also stressed. In this respect, more attention is expected to be paid to immunity, the physiological mechanism of defense against host survival threats (pathogens, parasites, diseases). Commensal rats and mice carry numerous pathogens that evoke diverse immune responses. The state of immunity in commensal house mice is studied in great detail, owing to the use of laboratory strains in biomedical research. Because commensal rats are, compared to mice, carriers of more zoonotic agents, rats' immunity is studied mainly in that context. Some of these zoonotic agents cause chronic, asymptomatic infections, which justified studies of immunological mechanisms of pathogen tolerance versus clearance regulation in rats. Occurrence of some infections in specific tissues/organs pressed upon analysis of local/regional immune responses and/or immunopathology. A survey of immunological activity/responses in commensal rats is given in this review, with mention of existing data in commensal mice. It should throw some light on the factors relevant to their morbidity and lifespan, supplementing the knowledge of commensal rodent ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Mirkov
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dina Tucovic
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Kulas
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Anastasija Malesevic
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragan Kataranovski
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milena Kataranovski
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Popov Aleksandrov
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology, Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stankovic"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Weissenbacher-Lang C, Grenl A, Blasi B. Meta-Analysis and Systematic Literature Review of the Genus Pneumocystis in Pet, Farm, Zoo, and Wild Mammal Species. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1081. [PMID: 37998885 PMCID: PMC10672670 DOI: 10.3390/jof9111081] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
A systematic literature search on Pneumocystis in 276 pet, farm, zoo, and wild mammal species resulted in 124 publications originating from 38 countries that were analyzed descriptively and statistically, for which inclusion and exclusion criteria were exactly defined. The range of recorded Pneumocystis prevalence was broad, yet in half of the citations a prevalence of ≤25% was documented. Prevalence was significantly dependent on the method used for Pneumocystis detection, with PCR revealing the highest percentages. Pet animals showed the lowest median Pneumocystis prevalence, followed by farm, wild, and zoo animals. In contrast, pet and farm animals showed higher proportions of high-grade infection levels compared to zoo and wild mammals. Only in individual cases, all of them associated with severe Pneumocystis pneumonia, was an underlying immunosuppression confirmed. Acquired immunosuppression caused by other diseases was frequently discussed, but its significance, especially in highly immunosuppressive cases, needs to be clarified. This meta-analysis supported a potential influence of the social and environmental factors of the host on Pneumocystis transmission in wildlife, which must be further elucidated, as well as the genetic diversity of the fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Weissenbacher-Lang
- Department for Pathobiology, Institute of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (A.G.); (B.B.)
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Detection of Pneumocystis and Morphological Description of Fungal Distribution and Severity of Infection in Thirty-Six Mammal Species. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9020220. [PMID: 36836334 PMCID: PMC9960768 DOI: 10.3390/jof9020220] [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: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis spp. are thought to adapt to the lungs of potentially all mammals. However, the full host range, fungal burden and severity of infection are unknown for many species. In this study, lung tissue samples originating from 845 animals of 31 different families of eight mammal orders were screened by in situ hybridization (ISH) using a universal 18S rRNA probe for Pneumocystis, followed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining for determining histopathological lesions. A total of 216 (26%) samples were positive for Pneumocystis spp., encompassing 36 of 98 investigated mammal species, with 17 of them being described for the first time for the presence of Pneumocystis spp. The prevalence of Pneumocystis spp. as assessed by ISH varied greatly among different mammal species while the organism load was overall low, suggesting a status of colonization or subclinical infection. Severe Pneumocystis pneumonia seemed to be very rare. For most of the Pneumocystis-positive samples, comparative microscopic examination of H&E- and ISH-stained serial sections revealed an association of the fungus with minor lesions, consistent with an interstitial pneumonia. Colonization or subclinical infection of Pneumocystis in the lung might be important in many mammal species because the animals may serve as a reservoir.
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Stoek F, Rissmann M, Ulrich R, Eiden M, Groschup MH. Black rats (Rattus rattus) as potential reservoir hosts for Rift Valley fever phlebovirus: Experimental infection results in viral replication and shedding without clinical manifestation. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:1307-1318. [PMID: 33794070 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Rift Valley fever phlebovirus (RVFV) is an arthropod-borne virus that can cause severe disease in ruminants and humans. Epidemics occur mainly after heavy rainfall, which leads to a significant increase in the occurrence of RVFV-transmitting mosquitoes. During inter-epidemic periods, the virus is assumed to be maintained between mosquitoes, susceptible livestock and yet unknown wildlife. The widespread rodent Rattus rattus (black rat) has been suspected to be involved in RVFV maintenance. In order to elucidate its susceptibility and thus its possible role in the transmission cycle of the virus, an experimental infection study was performed. Black rats were subcutaneously infected with highly virulent RVFV strain 35/74 and euthanized on days 3, 14 and 28 post-infection. Additional black rats served as non-infected contact animals. The infected black rats showed high susceptibility to RVFV infection. Generation of RVFV-neutralizing antibodies was found, and the rats developed viraemias lasting up to 17 days. Viral RNA was found in tissues until the last day of the experiment. However, neither a clinical manifestation nor virus-induced histopathological lesions were observed in any rat. These findings indicate the persistence of RVFV in black rats without affecting the animals. In contact animals, no evidence of horizontal RVFV transmission was found, although the co-housed infected rats showed oral, rectal and conjunctival RVFV shedding. Results of this study point to an involvement of black rats in the RVFV transmission cycle, and further studies are needed to investigate their potential role in the maintenance of the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Stoek
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Melanie Rissmann
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Reiner Ulrich
- Department of Experimental Animal Facilities and Biorisk Management, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary-Pathology, Universität Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Eiden
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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Cooper TK, Meyerholz DK, Beck AP, Delaney MA, Piersigilli A, Southard TL, Brayton CF. Research-Relevant Conditions and Pathology of Laboratory Mice, Rats, Gerbils, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Naked Mole Rats, and Rabbits. ILAR J 2022; 62:77-132. [PMID: 34979559 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilab022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals are valuable resources in biomedical research in investigations of biological processes, disease pathogenesis, therapeutic interventions, safety, toxicity, and carcinogenicity. Interpretation of data from animals requires knowledge not only of the processes or diseases (pathophysiology) under study but also recognition of spontaneous conditions and background lesions (pathology) that can influence or confound the study results. Species, strain/stock, sex, age, anatomy, physiology, spontaneous diseases (noninfectious and infectious), and neoplasia impact experimental results and interpretation as well as animal welfare. This review and the references selected aim to provide a pathology resource for researchers, pathologists, and veterinary personnel who strive to achieve research rigor and validity and must understand the spectrum of "normal" and expected conditions to accurately identify research-relevant experimental phenotypes as well as unusual illness, pathology, or other conditions that can compromise studies involving laboratory mice, rats, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, naked mole rats, and rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy K Cooper
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - David K Meyerholz
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Amanda P Beck
- Department of Pathology, Yeshiva University Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Martha A Delaney
- Zoological Pathology Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, USA
| | - Alessandra Piersigilli
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology and the Genetically Modified Animal Phenotyping Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Teresa L Southard
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Cory F Brayton
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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6
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Bahal D, Gold RM, Edwards JF. Pathology in Practice. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2021; 257:921-924. [PMID: 33064613 DOI: 10.2460/javma.257.9.921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Wun MK, Davies S, Spielman D, Lee R, Hayward D, Malik R. Gross, microscopic, radiologic, echocardiographic and haematological findings in rats experimentally infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Parasitology 2021; 148:159-166. [PMID: 32741388 PMCID: PMC11010191 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020001420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Although the gross and microscopic pathology in rats infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis has been well described, corresponding changes detected using diagnostic imaging modalities have not been reported. This work describes the cardiopulmonary changes in mature Wistar rats chronically infected with moderate burdens of A. cantonensis using radiology, computed tomography (CT), CT angiography, echocardiography, necropsy and histological examinations. Haematology and coagulation studies were also performed. Thoracic radiography, CT and CT angiography showed moderately severe alveolar pulmonary patterns mainly affecting caudal portions of the caudal lung lobes and associated dilatation of the caudal lobar pulmonary arteries. Presumptive worm profiles could be detected using echocardiography, with worms seen in the right ventricular outflow tract or straddling either the pulmonary and/or the tricuspid valves. Extensive, multifocal, coalescing dark areas and multiple pale foci affecting the caudal lung lobes were observed at necropsy. Histologically, these were composed of numerous large, confluent granulomas and fibrotic nodules. Adult worms were found predominantly in the mid- to distal pulmonary arteries. An inflammatory leukogram, hyperproteinaemia and hyperfibrinogenaemia were found in most rats. These findings provide a comparative model for A. cantonensis in its accidental hosts, such as humans and dogs. In addition, the pathological and imaging changes are comparable to those seen in dogs infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum, suggesting rats infected with A. cantonensis could be a model for dogs with A. vasorum infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew K. Wun
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW2006, Australia
| | - Sarah Davies
- Veterinary Imaging Associates, 52–56 Atchison St, St Leonards, NSW2065, Australia
| | - Derek Spielman
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW2006, Australia
| | - Rogan Lee
- Centre for Infectious Diseases & Microbiology Laboratory Services, ICPMR, Westmead Hospital, NSW2145, Australia
| | - Doug Hayward
- Vetnostics, 60 Waterloo Road, Macquarie Park, NSW2113, Australia
| | - Richard Malik
- Centre for Veterinary Education, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW2006, Australia
- School of Veterinary and Animal Science, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW2678, Australia
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Medkour H, Laidoudi Y, Dahmana H, Salvi B, Lepidi H, Mediannikov O, Davoust B. Severe pneumonia in a street rat ( Rattus norvegicus) caused by Rodentibacter rarus strain RMC2. Open Vet J 2021; 11:165-173. [PMID: 33898299 PMCID: PMC8057205 DOI: 10.4314/ovj.v11i1.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rodents are one of the most dangerous reservoirs and carriers of infectious diseases. Gradually, rats have become predominant in cities, sometimes staying in close vicinity to humans, pets, and other animals. Consequently, they tend to increase the transmission risk of pathogens. Case Description Here, we report an original case of bacterial pneumonia in a street rat (Rattus norvegicus). The rat was found dead on a street in the chief town of Marseille (France) after being run over by a car. The necropsy of the corpse revealed generalized granulomatous pneumonia in almost all the pulmonary lobes. Lung lesions and predominantly multiple fibro-inflammatory areas are presumably the witness of an infectious etiology. Bacterial isolation was carried out from lung tissues. Colonies were identified by MALDI-TOF MS and confirmed by 16S rRNA sequencing. The following bacteria were identified: Staphylococcus cohnii, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Bordetella parapertussi, Corynebacterium glucuronolyticum, Pelistega suis and Rodentibacter rarus. Based on the histopathological diagnosis and the avoidance approach, the most likely etiological agent of pneumonia is therefore R. rarus, a little-known Pasteurellales bacterium that is closely related to Rodentibacter pneumotropicus. Conclusion These data emphasize the severity of R. rarus infection in rodents. Thus, pointing out a potential risk for other animals (dogs, cats, and birds), as well as humans. The health monitoring program for rodents and rabbits pasteurellosis should now include R. rarus. Therefore, the pathological effect of the Rodentibacterspecies and/or strains needs to be better explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hacène Medkour
- IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Younes Laidoudi
- IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Handi Dahmana
- IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | | | - Hubert Lepidi
- IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Laboratoire d’anatomo-pathologie, CHU La Timone, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de, Marseille, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Bernard Davoust
- IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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Bartlow AW. Histological Findings in Wild Rodents of the Great Basin. WEST N AM NATURALIST 2019. [DOI: 10.3398/064.079.0304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew W. Bartlow
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Biosecurity and Public Health, Los Alamos, NM 87545
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Rothenburger JL, Himsworth CG, Nemeth NM, Pearl DL, Treuting PM, Jardine CM. The devil is in the details-Host disease and co-infections are associated with zoonotic pathogen carriage in Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus). Zoonoses Public Health 2019; 66:622-635. [PMID: 31222965 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12615] [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: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Traditionally, zoonotic pathogen ecology studies in wildlife have focused on the interplay among hosts, their demographic characteristics and their pathogens. But pathogen ecology is also influenced by factors that traverse the hierarchical scale of biological organization, ranging from within-host factors at the molecular, cellular and organ levels, all the way to the host population within a larger environment. The influence of host disease and co-infections on zoonotic pathogen carriage in hosts is important because these factors may be key to a more holistic understanding of pathogen ecology in wildlife hosts, which are a major source of emerging infectious diseases in humans. Using wild Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) as a model species, the purpose of this study was to investigate how host disease and co-infections impact the carriage of zoonotic pathogens. Following a systematic trap and removal study, we tested the rats for the presence of two potentially zoonotic bacterial pathogens (Bartonella tribocorum and Leptospira interrogans) and assessed them for host disease not attributable to these bacteria (i.e., nematode parasites, and macroscopic and microscopic lesions). We fitted multilevel multivariable logistic regression models with pathogen status as the outcome, lesions and parasites as predictor variables and city block as a random effect. Rats had significantly increased odds of being infected with B. tribocorum if they had a concurrent nematode infection in one or more organ systems. Rats with bite wounds, any macroscopic lesion, cardiomyopathy or tracheitis had significantly increased odds of being infected with L. interrogans. These results suggest that host disease may have an important role in the ecology and epidemiology of rat-associated zoonotic pathogens. Our multiscale approach to assessing complex intrahost factors in relation to zoonotic pathogen carriage may be applicable to future studies in rats and other wildlife hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie L Rothenburger
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.,Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative Ontario-Nunavut Region, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chelsea G Himsworth
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Animal Health Centre, British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative British Columbia Region, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nicole M Nemeth
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - David L Pearl
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Piper M Treuting
- Department of Comparative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Claire M Jardine
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.,Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative Ontario-Nunavut Region, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Boey K, Shiokawa K, Avsaroglu H, Rajeev S. Seroprevalence of Rodent Pathogens in Wild Rats from the Island of St. Kitts, West Indies. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9050228. [PMID: 31083284 PMCID: PMC6562389 DOI: 10.3390/ani9050228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The role of rodents in the transmission of many diseases is widely known. Wild rats abundant in urban environments may transmit diseases to humans and other animals, including laboratory rodents used for biomedical research in research facilities, possibly compromising research data. In order to gather information about the various diseases present around such facilities, it is important to conduct routine surveillance of wild rodents in the area. In this pilot study, we surveyed 22 captured wild rats (Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus) from the Caribbean island of St. Kitts for 19 microorganisms. Information gained from such surveillance data would be beneficial in assessing regional public health risks and when implementing routine laboratory rodent health monitoring protocols. Abstract A pilot seroprevalence study was conducted to document exposure to selected pathogens in wild rats inhabiting the Caribbean island of St. Kitts. Serum samples collected from 22 captured wild rats (Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus) were tested for the presence of antibodies to various rodent pathogens using a rat MFI2 serology panel. The samples were positive for cilia-associated respiratory bacillus (13/22; 59.1%), Clostridium piliforme (4/22; 18.2%), Mycoplasma pulmonis (4/22; 18.2%), Pneumocystis carinii (1/22; 4.5%), mouse adenovirus type 2 (16/22; 72.7%), Kilham rat virus (15/22; 68.2%), reovirus type 3 (9/22; 40.9%), rat parvovirus (4/22; 18.2%), rat minute virus (4/22; 18.2%), rat theilovirus (2/22; 9.1%), and infectious diarrhea of infant rats strain of group B rotavirus (rat rotavirus) (1/22; 4.5%). This study provides the first evidence of exposure to various rodent pathogens in wild rats on the island of St. Kitts. Periodic pathogen surveillance in the wild rat population would be beneficial in assessing potential regional zoonotic risks as well as in enhancing the current knowledge when implementing routine animal health monitoring protocols in facilities with laboratory rodent colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Boey
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies.
| | - Kanae Shiokawa
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies.
| | - Harutyun Avsaroglu
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies.
| | - Sreekumari Rajeev
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies.
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12
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Rothenburger JL, Himsworth CG, La Perle KMD, Leighton FA, Nemeth NM, Treuting PM, Jardine CM. Pathology of wild Norway rats in Vancouver, Canada. J Vet Diagn Invest 2019; 31:184-199. [PMID: 30852980 DOI: 10.1177/1040638719833436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
To achieve a contemporary understanding of the common and rare lesions that affect wild, urban Norway rats ( Rattus norvegicus), we conducted a detailed pathology analysis of 672 rats from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Grossly evident lesions, such as wounds, abscesses, and neoplasms, were present in 71 of 672 rats (11%) and tended to be severe. The most common and significant lesions were infectious and inflammatory, most often affecting the respiratory tract and associated with bite wounds. We assessed a subset of rats (up to n = 406 per tissue) for the presence of microscopic lesions in a variety of organ systems. The most frequent lesions that could impact individual rat health included cardiomyopathy (128 of 406; 32%), chronic respiratory tract infections as indicated by pulmonary inducible bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (270 of 403; 67%), tracheitis (192 of 372; 52%), and thyroid follicular hyperplasia (142 of 279; 51%). We isolated 21 bacterial species from purulent lesions in rats with bacterial infections, the most frequent of which were Escherichia coli, Enterococcus sp., and Staphylococcus aureus. Parasitic diseases in rats resulted from infection with several invasive nematodes: Capillaria hepatica in the liver (242 of 672; 36%), Eucoleus sp. in the upper gastrointestinal tract (164 of 399; 41%), and Trichosomoides crassicauda in the urinary bladder (59 of 194; 30%). Neoplastic, congenital, and degenerative lesions were rare, which likely reflects their adverse effect on survival in the urban environment. Our results establish a baseline of expected lesions in wild urban rats, which may have implications for urban rat and zoonotic pathogen ecology, as well as rat control in cities worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie L Rothenburger
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph and Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC; Ontario-Nunavut Region), Guelph, ON, Canada (Rothenburger, Nemeth, Jardine).,Animal Health Centre, British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and CWHC (British Columbia Region), Abbotsford, BC, Canada (Himsworth).,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada (Himsworth).,Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Comparative Pathology & Mouse Phenotyping Shared Resource, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH (La Perle).,Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan and CWHC (National Headquarters), Saskatoon, SK, Canada (Leighton).,Department of Comparative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (Treuting)
| | - Chelsea G Himsworth
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph and Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC; Ontario-Nunavut Region), Guelph, ON, Canada (Rothenburger, Nemeth, Jardine).,Animal Health Centre, British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and CWHC (British Columbia Region), Abbotsford, BC, Canada (Himsworth).,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada (Himsworth).,Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Comparative Pathology & Mouse Phenotyping Shared Resource, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH (La Perle).,Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan and CWHC (National Headquarters), Saskatoon, SK, Canada (Leighton).,Department of Comparative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (Treuting)
| | - Krista M D La Perle
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph and Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC; Ontario-Nunavut Region), Guelph, ON, Canada (Rothenburger, Nemeth, Jardine).,Animal Health Centre, British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and CWHC (British Columbia Region), Abbotsford, BC, Canada (Himsworth).,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada (Himsworth).,Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Comparative Pathology & Mouse Phenotyping Shared Resource, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH (La Perle).,Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan and CWHC (National Headquarters), Saskatoon, SK, Canada (Leighton).,Department of Comparative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (Treuting)
| | - Frederick A Leighton
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph and Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC; Ontario-Nunavut Region), Guelph, ON, Canada (Rothenburger, Nemeth, Jardine).,Animal Health Centre, British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and CWHC (British Columbia Region), Abbotsford, BC, Canada (Himsworth).,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada (Himsworth).,Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Comparative Pathology & Mouse Phenotyping Shared Resource, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH (La Perle).,Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan and CWHC (National Headquarters), Saskatoon, SK, Canada (Leighton).,Department of Comparative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (Treuting)
| | - Nicole M Nemeth
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph and Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC; Ontario-Nunavut Region), Guelph, ON, Canada (Rothenburger, Nemeth, Jardine).,Animal Health Centre, British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and CWHC (British Columbia Region), Abbotsford, BC, Canada (Himsworth).,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada (Himsworth).,Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Comparative Pathology & Mouse Phenotyping Shared Resource, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH (La Perle).,Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan and CWHC (National Headquarters), Saskatoon, SK, Canada (Leighton).,Department of Comparative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (Treuting)
| | - Piper M Treuting
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph and Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC; Ontario-Nunavut Region), Guelph, ON, Canada (Rothenburger, Nemeth, Jardine).,Animal Health Centre, British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and CWHC (British Columbia Region), Abbotsford, BC, Canada (Himsworth).,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada (Himsworth).,Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Comparative Pathology & Mouse Phenotyping Shared Resource, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH (La Perle).,Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan and CWHC (National Headquarters), Saskatoon, SK, Canada (Leighton).,Department of Comparative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (Treuting)
| | - Claire M Jardine
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph and Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC; Ontario-Nunavut Region), Guelph, ON, Canada (Rothenburger, Nemeth, Jardine).,Animal Health Centre, British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and CWHC (British Columbia Region), Abbotsford, BC, Canada (Himsworth).,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada (Himsworth).,Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Comparative Pathology & Mouse Phenotyping Shared Resource, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH (La Perle).,Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan and CWHC (National Headquarters), Saskatoon, SK, Canada (Leighton).,Department of Comparative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (Treuting)
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13
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Minter A, Himsworth CG, Byers KA, Childs JE, Ko AI, Costa F. Tails of Two Cities: Age and Wounding Are Associated With Carriage of Leptospira interrogans by Norway Rats (Rattus norvegicus) in Ecologically Distinct Urban Environments. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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14
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MIRKOV I, POPOV ALEKSANDROV A, SUBOTA V, KATARANOVSKI D, KATARANOVSKI M. Immune defense of wild-caught Norway rats is characterized by increased levels of basal activity but reduced capability to respond to further immune stimulation. Integr Zool 2018; 13:180-193. [DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ivana MIRKOV
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology; Institute for Biological Research “Sinisa Stankovic,” University of Belgrade; Belgrade Serbia
| | - Aleksandra POPOV ALEKSANDROV
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology; Institute for Biological Research “Sinisa Stankovic,” University of Belgrade; Belgrade Serbia
| | - Vesna SUBOTA
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry; Military Medical Academy; Belgrade Serbia
| | - Dragan KATARANOVSKI
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology; Institute for Biological Research “Sinisa Stankovic,” University of Belgrade; Belgrade Serbia
- Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology; University of Belgrade; Belgrade Serbia
| | - Milena KATARANOVSKI
- Immunotoxicology Group, Department of Ecology; Institute for Biological Research “Sinisa Stankovic,” University of Belgrade; Belgrade Serbia
- Institute of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology; University of Belgrade; Belgrade Serbia
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Abstract
This chapter includes diseases of animals in the order Rodentia, in which there are over 2000 species representing 40% of all mammals. This incredibly diverse order includes members inhabiting every continent, either naturally or in human-made environments. While rodents have been the cause or implicated in disease transmission that has lead to human pandemics, such as the Black Death, and the decimation of certain animal species, like island-dwelling birds; genetically modified rodents have contributed significantly to the advancement of biomedical research and human health. There are more than 50 species of endangered rats, mice, voles, squirrels, and marmots. The recent extinction of the Bramble Cay melomys represents the first human-induced rodent extinction linked to climate change. Rodents are the reservoir host of several human and domestic pathogens of concern listed by OIE. Herein, we highlight those diseases of rodents that lead to clinically important gross and microscopic lesions.
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Abstract
As part of further investigations into three linked haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) cases in Wales and England, 21 rats from a breeding colony in Cherwell, and three rats from a household in Cheltenham were screened for hantavirus. Hantavirus RNA was detected in either the lungs and/or kidney of 17/21 (81%) of the Cherwell rats tested, higher than previously detected by blood testing alone (7/21, 33%), and in the kidneys of all three Cheltenham rats. The partial L gene sequences obtained from 10 of the Cherwell rats and the three Cheltenham rats were identical to each other and the previously reported UK Cherwell strain. Seoul hantavirus (SEOV) RNA was detected in the heart, kidney, lung, salivary gland and spleen (but not in the liver) of an individual rat from the Cherwell colony suspected of being the source of SEOV. Serum from 20/20 of the Cherwell rats and two associated HFRS cases had high levels of SEOV-specific antibodies (by virus neutralisation). The high prevalence of SEOV in both sites and the moderately severe disease in the pet rat owners suggest that SEOV in pet rats poses a greater public health risk than previously considered.
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Seguel M, Muñoz F, Paredes E, Navarrete MJ, Gottdenker NL. Pathological Findings in Wild Rats (Rattus rattus) Captured at Guafo Island, Northern Chilean Patagonia. J Comp Pathol 2017; 157:163-173. [PMID: 28942299 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2017.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The black rat (Rattus rattus) is an invasive species and potential reservoir of significant pathogens of man, domestic animals and wildlife. During the 2012-2014 austral summers, 201 black rats were captured and examined on the uninhabited Guafo Island, in Northern Chilean Patagonia (43.593029°S, 74.713481°W). The mite Ornithonyssus bacoti caused lymphoplasmacytic and eosinophilic dermatitis in all infected rats (105/210, 52%), but no skin lesions were observed in rats infected with Nosopsyllus spp. and Plocopsylla spp. fleas. Eighty-eight rats (44%) had mild lymphoplasmacytic and eosinophilic enterocolitis and 61 of these rats were infected with the nematode Heterakis spumosa. In the liver, 63 animals (31%) had areas of necrosis with histiocytic and eosinophilic inflammation associated with multiple Calodium hepaticum eggs, and in 15 cases there was co-infection with several Taenia taeniaeformis strobilocerci. Mild interstitial lymphoplasmacytic sialadenitis with intranuclear inclusion bodies, suggesting cytomegalovirus infection, was observed in 28 rats (15%). In the lung, alveolar histiocytosis (69 rats, 34%) and perivascular lymphocytic infiltrates (46 rats, 23%) were the most common findings. There was mild to moderate lymphoplasmacytic interstitial nephritis in 52 rats (26%) and in 15% of these cases Leptospira spp. antigen was detected in the distal renal tubules. Some of the diseases of black rats on Guafo Island are likely to play a role in rat population dynamics. The endemic Guafo Island long-clawed mole mouse (Geoxus lafkenche), sea lions and fur seals may be at risk for infection by some of these rat pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Seguel
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, 501 DW Brooks Dr., Athens, Georgia, USA.
| | - F Muñoz
- Instituto de Patología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Isla Teja s/n, Valdivia, Chile
| | - E Paredes
- Instituto de Patología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Isla Teja s/n, Valdivia, Chile
| | - M J Navarrete
- Instituto de Patología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Isla Teja s/n, Valdivia, Chile
| | - N L Gottdenker
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, 501 DW Brooks Dr., Athens, Georgia, USA
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18
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Piasecki T, Chrzastek K, Kasprzykowska U. Mycoplasma pulmonisof Rodents as a Possible Human Pathogen. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2017; 17:475-477. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2016.2104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Piasecki
- Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Bird and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Klaudia Chrzastek
- Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Bird and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
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