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Salem MA, Mahdy OA, Ramadan RM. Ultra-structure, genetic characterization and Immunological approach of fish borne zoonotic trematodes (Family: Heterophyidae) of a redbelly tilapia. Res Vet Sci 2024; 166:105097. [PMID: 38007971 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.105097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Fish-borne zoonotic trematodes (FBZT) are highly significant zoonotic trematodes that can infect humans by eating raw or undercooked fish harboring active metacercaria. In this investigation, FBZT was found in samples of widely cultivated redbelly tilapia (Tilapia zillii) obtained from the Fayum governorate. Encysted metacercaria (EMC) infection was identified in fish belonging to the heterophyid family morphologically. The prevalence of heterophyid EMC was 30.5%. EMC was identified and implemented in a subsequent study on domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) carried out to allow adult flukes of Pygidiopsis (P.) genata; P. summa; and Ascocotyle (A.) pindoramensis species in their small intestine. This study presents the first report that combines ultra-structure, molecular approach of three species of heterophyid flukes, ultra-structure using transmission electron microscope in P. genata, and the study of host immunological responses and associated cytokines during Pygidiopsis species infection of pigeons in Egypt. Using Quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT- PCR), the gene expression levels of six cytokines (IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ and TGF-β3) were assessed. The molecular confirmation of P. genata, P. summa, and A. pindoramensis have a registration in the GenBank under accession number MT672308.1, OR083433.1, and OR083431.1, respectively. Throughout the infection, the gut produced cytokines in considerably variable amounts. As a result of the Pygidiopsis species infection in pigeons, our data showed distinctive cytokine alterations, which could aid in figuring out the immunological pathogenesis and host defense mechanism against this infection. This study focused on different types of fish-borne trematodes, particularly the zoonotically important ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai A Salem
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12211, Egypt
| | - Olfat A Mahdy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12211, Egypt
| | - Reem M Ramadan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12211, Egypt.
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KUROKAWA A, YAMAMOTO Y. Immunohistochemical identification of T and B lymphocytes in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues of 53 avian species using commercial antibodies. J Vet Med Sci 2023; 85:1121-1130. [PMID: 37661384 PMCID: PMC10600538 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.23-0255] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Providing a method to detect avian lymphocytes by immunohistochemistry (IHC) would be helpful for analyzing immune function and diagnosing diseases in birds. In this study, we comprehensively examined the immunohistochemical identification of avian T and B lymphocytes in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from 53 avian species across 15 orders, using eight commercially available lymphocyte markers. T lymphocytes from all 53 avian species tested were specifically detected by IHC using the anti-CD3 antibody (clone F7.2.38). The appropriate antibody for detecting avian B lymphocytes in IHC varied depending on the avian species. B lymphocytes were specifically labeled by IHC in 46 of 53 avian species (86.8%) using any of seven B cell markers. The anti-PAX5 antibody (clone SP34) immunohistochemically detected B lymphocytes from the majority of avian species (41 out of 53 species), excluding those in the orders Falconiformes (falcons) and Passeriformes (oscines). The anti-BAFF-R antibody (clone 2C4) proved suitable for detecting B lymphocytes in the orders Galliformes (landfowls) and Anseriformes (waterfowls) in IHC. Caution is advised when using the anti-BLA36 (clone A27-42) and two anti-CD20 (clone L26 and product No. PA5-16701) antibodies, which are commonly used as B cell markers in mammals, for detecting avian B lymphocytes. These antibodies reacted with cells located in both T and B cell areas in certain avian species. The anti-Bu-1a/b (clone AV20) and anti-CD79a (clone HM57) antibodies were found not to bind to B lymphocytes in various avian species in IHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoi KUROKAWA
- National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture
and Food Research Organization, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yu YAMAMOTO
- National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture
and Food Research Organization, Ibaraki, Japan
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Abuzeid AMI, Hefni MM, Huang Y, He L, Zhuang T, Li G. Immune pathogenesis in pigeons during experimental Prohemistomum vivax infection. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:974698. [PMID: 36187827 PMCID: PMC9516004 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.974698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prohemistomum vivax is a small trematode belonging to the family Cyathocotylidae, infecting fish-eating birds and mammals, including humans. However, no data on molecular identification and immune pathogenesis are available, challenging effective diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Here, we identified P. vivax based on combined morphological and molecular data and examined histopathological lesions and the differential cytokines expression in experimentally infected pigeons. Pigeons were orally infected with 500 prohemistomid metacercariae. Intestinal and spleen tissues were harvested 2, 4, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days post-infection (dpi). Gene expression levels of eleven cytokines (IL-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, IL-18, IFN-γ, and TGF-β3) were assessed using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). We identified the recovered flukes as Prohemistomum vivax based on morphological features and the sequence and phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), 5.8 ribosomal RNA, and ITS2 region. Histopathological lesions were induced as early as 2 dpi, with the intensity of villi atrophy and inflammatory cell infiltration increasing as the infection progressed. An early immunosuppressive state (2 and 4 dpi), with TGF-β3 overexpression, developed to allow parasite colonization. A mixed Th1/Th2 immune response (overexpressed IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-5) was activated as the infection progressed from 7 to 28 dpi. Inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, IL-18, and IL-15) were generally overexpressed at 7–28 dpi, peaking at 7 or 14 dpi. The upregulated Treg IL-10 expression peaking between 21 and 28 dpi might promote the Th1/Th2 balance and immune homeostasis to protect the host from excessive tissue pathology and inflammation. The intestine and spleen expressed a significantly different relative quantity of cytokines throughout the infection. To conclude, our results presented distinct cytokine alteration throughout P. vivax infection in pigeons, which may aid in understanding the immune pathogenesis and host defense mechanism against this infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa M. I. Abuzeid
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud M. Hefni
- Institute of Biotechnology for Postgraduates Studies and Researches, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
- Mahmoud M. Hefni
| | - Yue Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Long He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Zhuang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guoqing Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Guoqing Li
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Pendl H, Hernández-Lara C, Kubacki J, Borel N, Albini S, Valkiūnas G. Exo-erythrocytic development of Plasmodium matutinum (lineage pLINN1) in a naturally infected roadkill fieldfare Turdus pilaris. Malar J 2022; 21:148. [PMID: 35570274 PMCID: PMC9107739 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04166-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Species of Plasmodium (Haemosporida, Plasmodiidae) are remarkably diverse haemoparasites. Information on genetic diversity of avian malaria pathogens has been accumulating rapidly, however exo-erythrocytic development of these organisms remains insufficiently addressed. This is unfortunate because, contrary to Plasmodium species parasitizing mammals, the avian malaria parasites undergo several cycles of exo-erythrocytic development, often resulting in damage of various organs. Insufficient knowledge on the exo-erythrocytic development in most described Plasmodium species precludes the understanding of mechanisms of virulence during avian malaria. This study extends information on the exo-erythrocytic development of bird malaria parasites. Methods A roadkill fieldfare (Turdus pilaris) was sampled in Switzerland and examined using pathologic, cytologic, histologic, molecular and microbiologic methods. Avian malaria was diagnosed, and erythrocytic and exo-erythrocytic stages of the parasite were identified using morphologic characteristics and barcode DNA sequences of the cytochrome b gene. The species-specific characteristics were described, illustrated, and pathologic changes were reported. Results An infection with Plasmodium matutinum lineage pLINN1 was detected. Parasitaemia was relatively low (0.3%), with all erythrocytic stages (trophozoites, meronts and gametocytes) present in blood films. Most growing erythrocytic meronts were markedly vacuolated, which is a species-specific feature of this parasite’s development. Phanerozoites at different stages of maturation were seen in leukocytes, macrophages, and capillary endothelial cells in most organs examined; they were particularly numerous in the brain. Like the erythrocytic meronts, growing phanerozoites were markedly vacuolated. Conspicuous exo-erythrocytic development and maturation in leucocytes suggests that this fieldfare was not adapted to the infection and the parasite was capable to escape from cellular immunity. Conclusions This is the first report of exo-erythrocytic development of the malaria parasite lineage pLINN1 during single infection and the first report of this lineage in the fieldfare. The findings of multiple phanerozoites in brain, skeletal muscle, and eye tissue in combination with signs of vascular blockage and thrombus formation strongly suggest an impaired vision and neuromuscular responsiveness as cause of the unexpected collision with a slowly moving car. Further studies on exo-erythrocytic stages of haemosporidian parasites are pivotal to understand the true level of populational damage of avian malaria in wild birds.
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Salem HM, Khattab MS, Yehia N, El-Hack MEA, El-Saadony MT, Alhimaidi AR, Swelum AA, Attia MM. Morphological and molecular characterization of Ascaridia columbae in the domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica) and the assessment of its immunological responses. Poult Sci 2022; 101:101596. [PMID: 34929441 PMCID: PMC8693010 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitism is a divesting problem that is frequently overlooked and may result in severe prominent clinical manifestation. This study aimed to investigate the seasonal and sexual prevalence of the gastrointestinal nematode Ascaridia columbae (A. columbae) infection among domestic pigeons in Giza governorate, Egypt, during the period from 2020 to 2021. One hundred and sixty suspected pigeons were clinically investigated. Blood & tissue samples were collected from infected birds to estimate serum zinc concentration, malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide levels. As well as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL1β) activity, and histopathological examination were estimated; also, worms were collected for morphological identification using electron microscope (SEM) and molecularly identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), further sequenced, and submitted in GenBank with accession number MZ343369. The average ascarid (length × breadth) were 72.4 ± 3.3 µm (70.5 - 79.9 µm) × 39.9 ± 2.5 µm (37.6 - 42.3 µm). The distinguishing morphological characteristics that have been noticed in ascarid worms were creamy white, cylindrical worm with triradiate lips with wide cephalic alae extending on both the lateral sides and filariform esophagus. In males, spicules were almost equal with the presence of precloacal chitinous-rimmed sucker. The prevalence of A. columbae infection was (63.1%) with a higher incidence in females (79.2%) than males (46.1%). The highest seasonal prevalence was observed in winter (92.5%), followed by summer and spring (87.5% and 55%), respectively while, the lowest prevalence was observed in autumn (17.5%). The intensity of worms in the infected intestine varied from 5 to 120 adult worms. The histopathological examination revealed the presence of chronic diffuse moderate catarrhal enteritis with roundworms in the lumen. Infected birds showed a significant increase in nitric oxide and MDA levels while serum zinc levels were lowered in infected pigeons. Infected pigeons revealed a marked increase in IL1-β and TNFα than apparently healthy ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba M Salem
- Department of Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University; Giza, 12211, Egypt
| | - Marwa S Khattab
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12211, Egypt
| | - Nahed Yehia
- Reference Laboratory for Veterinary Quality Control on Poultry Production, Animal Health Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Giza 12618, Egypt
| | - Mohamed E Abd El-Hack
- Department of Poultry, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed T El-Saadony
- Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt
| | - Ahmad R Alhimaidi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayman A Swelum
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P. O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marwa M Attia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, 12211 Giza, Egypt
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Encephalitis Associated with Sarcocystis halieti Infection in a Free-Ranging Little Owl (Athene noctua). J Wildl Dis 2021; 57:712-714. [PMID: 33984148 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-20-00184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A juvenile Little Owl (Athene noctua) was diagnosed with granulomatous encephalitis and muscular sarcocysts. Sarcocystis halieti was identified in the brain and muscle tissue by PCR and subsequent sequencing. This is the first report of S. halieti as a potential encephalitis-causing pathogen in birds.
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Andrade P, Gazda MA, Araújo PM, Afonso S, Rasmussen JA, Marques CI, Lopes RJ, Gilbert. MTP, Carneiro M. Molecular parallelisms between pigmentation in the avian iris and the integument of ectothermic vertebrates. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009404. [PMID: 33621224 PMCID: PMC7935293 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Birds exhibit striking variation in eye color that arises from interactions between specialized pigment cells named chromatophores. The types of chromatophores present in the avian iris are lacking from the integument of birds or mammals, but are remarkably similar to those found in the skin of ectothermic vertebrates. To investigate molecular mechanisms associated with eye coloration in birds, we took advantage of a Mendelian mutation found in domestic pigeons that alters the deposition of yellow pterin pigments in the iris. Using a combination of genome-wide association analysis and linkage information in pedigrees, we mapped variation in eye coloration in pigeons to a small genomic region of ~8.5kb. This interval contained a single gene, SLC2A11B, which has been previously implicated in skin pigmentation and chromatophore differentiation in fish. Loss of yellow pigmentation is likely caused by a point mutation that introduces a premature STOP codon and leads to lower expression of SLC2A11B through nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. There were no substantial changes in overall gene expression profiles between both iris types as well as in genes directly associated with pterin metabolism and/or chromatophore differentiation. Our findings demonstrate that SLC2A11B is required for the expression of pterin-based pigmentation in the avian iris. They further highlight common molecular mechanisms underlying the production of coloration in the iris of birds and skin of ectothermic vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Andrade
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Małgorzata A. Gazda
- Institut de Biologie de l’Ecole Normale Supérieure (IBENS), Ecole Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Pedro M. Araújo
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
- MARE–Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sandra Afonso
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Jacob. A. Rasmussen
- Center for Evolutionary Genomics, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Laboratory of Genomics and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cristiana I. Marques
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo J. Lopes
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
| | - M. Thomas P. Gilbert.
- Center for Evolutionary Genomics, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- The GLOBE Institute, Faculty of Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- University Museum, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Miguel Carneiro
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Connick K, Lalor R, Murphy A, O'Neill SM, El Shanawany EE. Sarcocystis fusiformis whole cyst antigen activates pro-inflammatory dendritic cells. J Parasit Dis 2020; 44:186-193. [PMID: 32174724 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-019-01181-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcocystis fusiformis is a coccidian tissue parasite that causes infection in buffalo in countries such an Egypt, China, Iraq and Iran, resulting in significant economic losses to the agricultural industry annually. There is a lack of studies examining host-parasite interactions at the level of the immune response and the present study investigates the interaction between S. fusiformis whole cyst antigens (SFWCA) and dendritic cells (DCs), cells critical to the activation of adaptive immunity. In this study bone marrow derived DCs (BMDCs) were phenotyped following treatment with SFWCA by measuring cell viability, cytokine secretion, and cell surface marker expression. While SFWCA exhibited cytotoxic effects on BMDCs at higher concentrations, lower concentrations of SFWCA activated pro-inflammatory DCs that significantly secreted interleukin (IL)-12p40, tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-6 and IL-10. These cells also displayed enhanced expression of TLR4, CD80, CD86 and MHC II on their surface, which is indicative of full DCs maturation. Moreover, SFWCA significantly attenuated the capacity of BMDCs to suppress Th2 associated cytokines, notably IL-5 and IL-13, while simultaneously exhibiting no effects on the secretion of interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-2, IL-17, and IL-10. In conclusion, this is the first study to provide fundamental insight into the activation of DCs by SFWCA, providing us with some awareness into the interaction of the Sarcosystis parasite with its host. The pro-inflammatory inducing ability of this antigen is in keeping with studies performed in other protozoan parasites and therefore understanding these interactions is important in the development of future therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Connick
- 1School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - R Lalor
- 1School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - A Murphy
- 1School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - S M O'Neill
- 1School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Eman E El Shanawany
- 2Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, National Research Centre, El Bhooth St, Dokki, Post Pox 12622, Giza, Egypt
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Detection of Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses in Buffaloes Naturally Infected with Sarcocystosis with Risk Factor Assessment. ACTA VET-BEOGRAD 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/acve-2019-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Sarcocystosis is a silent, parasitic disease which affects various animal species and causes significant economic losses. It is caused by a number of different intracellular Sarcocystis spp. This study was aimed to detect the host humoral and cellular immune response due to natural infection. Adding to the determination of the infection rate in Monufia Governorate, Egypt. A total number of 127 Egyptian buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis); 30 males and 97 females between 2-11 years of age were examined during 2018. An infection rate of 74% (94/127) was detected by macroscopic examination. The old age females were found to be at a high risk of 90.7% (88/97) in comparison with the young males 20% (6/30). Immunologically, the cellular and humoral immune response was determined using ELISA. A marked down-regulation of the proinflammatory Th-1 cytokine (IFN-γ) and up-regulation of the anti-inflammatory Th-2 cytokine (IL-5) adding to a high level of IgG and IgE were detected in the infected animals compared to the non infected ones. The local cellular immune response in the infected tissues was characterized by an accumulation of mixed inflammatory cells, granuloma formation, eosinophilic infiltration, muscular edema, and necrotic degeneration. In conclusion, the Sarcocystis infection rate in the naturally infected buffaloes in Monufia Governorate was high. This is the first study to provide a fundamental insight into the immune profile in buffaloes infected with Sarcocystis spp. So, it will provide valuable insights to develop novel effective vaccines in future studies. Moreover, sensitive and specific tools should be established for the accurate diagnosis of this disease in the different Egyptian governorates through well-structured serological surveys.
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Mete A, Rogers KH, Wolking R, Bradway DS, Kelly T, Piazza M, Crossley B. Sarcocystis calchasi Outbreak in Feral Rock Pigeons ( Columba livia) in California. Vet Pathol 2018; 56:317-321. [PMID: 30222062 DOI: 10.1177/0300985818794262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Twenty-two feral rock pigeons ( Columba livia) from 10 counties in California with ataxia, torticollis, and difficulty standing and flying were admitted to rehabilitation centers in late winter and spring of 2017 and died or were euthanized. Common necropsy findings included thin body condition, generalized deep red discoloration of organs, and hemorrhagic subcutaneous neck tissues. Meningoencephalitis was observed microscopically in 16 pigeons, and 3 also had protozoal schizonts in the brain. The most consistently affected regions of the brain were cerebellum and brainstem. Skeletal muscles, and less frequently the heart, contained large intrasarcoplasmic bradyzoites typically without inflammation. Fifteen of the 22 birds tested positive using pan- Sarcocystis polymerase chain reaction. The sequence of the amplicon was most closely related to S. calchasi, and the 8 subtyped sequences had 100% homology with S. calchasi. This investigation demonstrated the transcontinental and North American spread of S. calchasi causing a disease outbreak in free-ranging rock pigeons, thus warranting increased surveillance in susceptible native columbids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslı Mete
- 1 California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Krysta H Rogers
- 2 Wildlife Investigations Laboratory, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Rancho Cordova, CA, USA
| | - Rebecca Wolking
- 3 Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Daniel S Bradway
- 3 Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Terra Kelly
- 4 Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, UC, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Beate Crossley
- 1 California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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Curland N, Gethöffer F, van Neer A, Ziegler L, Heffels-Redmann U, Lierz M, Baumgärtner W, Wohlsein P, Völker I, Lapp S, Bello A, Pfankuche VM, Braune S, Runge M, Moss A, Rautenschlein S, Jung A, Teske L, Strube C, Schulz J, Bodewes R, Osterhaus ADME, Siebert U. Investigation into diseases in free-ranging ring-necked pheasants ( Phasianus colchicus) in northwestern Germany during population decline with special reference to infectious pathogens. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2018; 64:12. [PMID: 32214944 PMCID: PMC7087779 DOI: 10.1007/s10344-018-1173-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The population of ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) is decreasing all over Germany since the years 2008/2009. Besides impacts of habitat changes caused by current rates of land conversion, climatic influences or predators, a contribution of infectious pathogens needs also to be considered. Infectious and non-infectious diseases in free-living populations of ring-necked pheasants have been scarcely investigated so far. In the present study, carcasses of 258 deceased free-ranging pheasants of different age groups, predominantly adult pheasants, collected over a period of 4 years in the states of Lower Saxony, North Rhine–Westphalia and Schleswig-Holstein, were examined pathomorphologically, parasitologically, virologically and bacteriologically, with a focus set on infectious pathogens. A periocular and perinasal dermatitis of unknown origin was present in 62.3% of the pheasants. Additional alterations included protozoal cysts in the skeletal musculature (19.0%), hepatitis (21.7%), enteritis (18.7%), gastritis (12.6%), and pneumonia (11.7%). In single cases, neoplasms (2.6%) and mycobacteriosis (1.7%) occurred. Further findings included identification of coronaviral DNA from trachea or caecal tonsils (16.8%), siadenoviral DNA (7.6%), avian metapneumoviral RNA (6.6%), and infectious bursal disease viral RNA (3.7%). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on herpesvirus, avian influenza virus (AIV), paramyxovirus type 1 (PMV-1), avian encephalomyelitis virus (AEV), and chlamydia were negative. Based on the present results, there is no indication of a specific pathogen as a sole cause for population decline in adult pheasants. However, an infectious disease can still not be completely excluded as it may only affect reproduction effectivity or a certain age group of pheasants (e.g., chicks) which were not presented in the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Curland
- 1Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - F Gethöffer
- 1Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - A van Neer
- 1Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - L Ziegler
- 2Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Strasse 91, 35321 Giessen, Germany
| | - U Heffels-Redmann
- 2Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Strasse 91, 35321 Giessen, Germany
| | - M Lierz
- 2Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Strasse 91, 35321 Giessen, Germany
| | - W Baumgärtner
- 3Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - P Wohlsein
- 3Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - I Völker
- 3Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - S Lapp
- 3Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - A Bello
- 3Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - V M Pfankuche
- 3Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - S Braune
- 4Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Eintrachtweg 17, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - M Runge
- 4Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, Eintrachtweg 17, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - A Moss
- 5Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Food and Veterinary Institute Oldenburg, Philosophenweg 38, 26121 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - S Rautenschlein
- 6Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - A Jung
- 6Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - L Teske
- 6Clinic for Poultry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - C Strube
- 7Institute for Parasitology, Center for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - J Schulz
- 8Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - R Bodewes
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, P.O. Box 2040, Ee1726, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A D M E Osterhaus
- 10Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - U Siebert
- 1Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany
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Żuraw A, Plog S, Lierz M, Gruber AD. No evidence of Sarcocystis calchasi involvement in mammalian meningoencephalitis of unknown origin. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2016; 3-4:49-52. [PMID: 31014499 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2016.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Revised: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Sarcocystis calchasi has recently been identified as the cause of pigeon protozoal encephalitis, PPE, a lethal brain disease in pigeons and parrots. While only avian species have been identified so far to be susceptible to this pathogen as definitive or intermediate hosts, we speculated whether mammals may be susceptible as well, as in Sarcocystis neurona and other related apicomplexan parasites. Specifically, we hypothesized its involvement in mammalian meningoencephalitis of unknown origin, MUO. A total of 143 archived formalin fixed, paraffin embedded brain samples with MUO from dogs, cats, pigs, cattle, sheep, guinea pigs, horses, goats, mice, raccoon, ferret, hamster, mink and maned wolf were examined pathohistologically and by PCR for parasitic stages or DNA, respectively, of Sarcocystis calchasi or other apicomplexan parasites. All samples had non-suppurative, lymphoplasmacytic and/or granulomatous encephalitis or meningoencephalitis typical of MUO with many similarities to PPE in pigeons. However, neither parasitic structures nor DNA of Sarcocystis calchasi or other apicomplexan parasites were detected. It thus appears that, despite histological similarities between mammalian MUO and pigeon PPE and despite seemingly high prevalence of PPE and a persistent threat by Sarcocystis calchasi in pigeons, based on histopathology and PCR there is no evidence for a role of this parasite in MUO in mammals as intermediate or aberrant hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Żuraw
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag Str. 15, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephanie Plog
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag Str. 15, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Lierz
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag Str. 15, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Achim D Gruber
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag Str. 15, 14163 Berlin, Germany.
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13
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Acute, fatal Sarcocystis calchasi-associated hepatitis in Roller pigeons (Columba livia f. dom.) at Philadelphia Zoo. Vet Parasitol 2015; 216:52-8. [PMID: 26801595 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Four Roller pigeons (Columba livia f. dom.) at the Philadelphia Zoo died suddenly. Necropsy examination revealed macroscopic hepatitis. Microscopically, the predominant lesions were in liver, characterized with necrosis and mixed cell inflammatory response. Sarcocystis calchasi-like schizonts and free merozoites were identified in liver. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed that schizonts were in hepatocytes. A few schizonts were in spleen. PCR using S. calchasi-specific primers confirmed the diagnosis. Neither lesions nor protozoa were found in brain and muscles. This is the first report of acute visceral S. calchasi-associated sarcocystosis in naturally infected avian hosts.
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15
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Ushio N, Watanabe KI, Chambers JK, Shibato T, Nakayama H, Uchida K. Sarcocystis calchasi encephalitis in a rock pigeon. J Vet Med Sci 2015; 77:1523-6. [PMID: 26062567 PMCID: PMC4667676 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.15-0176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
A rock pigeon (Columba livia) caught in Akihabara, Tokyo, showed
neurological symptoms, such as head tilt and circling. Pathological examinations revealed
abundant Sarcocystic cysts in the skeletal muscle and myocardium with mild myositis, and
numerous schizonts and sarcocysts with severe multifocal granulomatous T-lymphocytic
infiltration in the central nervous system. A Sarcocystis
calchasi-specific gene was detected in the muscle and brain. This case indicates
S. calchasi was distributed in Japan and caused severe encephalitis to
rock pigeons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanako Ushio
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
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16
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Toltrazuril does not show an effect against pigeon protozoal encephalitis. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:1603-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4342-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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17
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Maier K, Olias P, Enderlein D, Klopfleisch R, Mayr SL, Gruber AD, Lierz M. Parasite distribution and early-stage encephalitis inSarcocystis calchasiinfections in domestic pigeons (Columba liviaf.domestica). Avian Pathol 2014; 44:5-12. [DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2014.978263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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18
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Olias P, Adam I, Meyer A, Scharff C, Gruber AD. Reference genes for quantitative gene expression studies in multiple avian species. PLoS One 2014; 9:e99678. [PMID: 24926893 PMCID: PMC4057121 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) rapidly and reliably quantifies gene expression levels across different experimental conditions. Selection of suitable reference genes is essential for meaningful normalization and thus correct interpretation of data. In recent years, an increasing number of avian species other than the chicken has been investigated molecularly, highlighting the need for an experimentally validated pan-avian primer set for reference genes. Here we report testing a set for 14 candidate reference genes (18S, ABL, GAPDH, GUSB, HMBS, HPRT, PGK1, RPL13, RPL19, RPS7, SDHA, TFRC, VIM, YWHAZ) on different tissues of the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), common crane (Grus grus), white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), domestic turkey (Meleagris gallopavo f. domestica), cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus), Humboldt penguin (Sphenicus humboldti), ostrich (Struthio camelus) and zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata), spanning a broad range of the phylogenetic tree of birds. Primer pairs for six to 11 genes were successfully established for each of the nine species. As a proof of principle, we analyzed expression levels of 10 candidate reference genes as well as FOXP2 and the immediate early genes, EGR1 and CFOS, known to be rapidly induced by singing in the avian basal ganglia. We extracted RNA from microbiopsies of the striatal song nucleus Area X of adult male zebra finches after they had sang or remained silent. Using three different statistical algorithms, we identified five genes (18S, PGK1, RPS7, TFRC, YWHAZ) that were stably expressed within each group and also between the singing and silent conditions, establishing them as suitable reference genes. In conclusion, the newly developed pan-avian primer set allows accurate normalization and quantification of gene expression levels in multiple avian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Olias
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Iris Adam
- Institute of Biology, Department of Animal Behavior, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Meyer
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Constance Scharff
- Institute of Biology, Department of Animal Behavior, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Achim D Gruber
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Olias P, Maier K, Wuenschmann A, Reed L, Armién AG, Shaw DP, Gruber AD, Lierz M. Sarcocystis calchasi has an expanded host range and induces neurological disease in cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) and North American rock pigeons (Columbia livia f. dom.). Vet Parasitol 2014; 200:59-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Revised: 11/11/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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20
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Plesch P, Schade B, Breithaupt A, Bellof G, Kienzle E. Accidental finding of Hashimoto-like thyroiditis in male B.U.T. 6 turkeys at slaughter. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2013; 98:875-8. [PMID: 24313909 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.12150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In the context of a study on the tolerance of rapeseed meal in B.U.T. 6 turkeys, thyroid glands were histologically and immunohistochemically examined because of potential thyreostatic effects. In all groups including the controls with no rapeseed meal in their food, there was a high incidence of lymphocytic infiltration and thyroiditis (14% of thyroids with moderate to severe lymphocytic thyroiditis). Thirty per cent of mononuclear inflammatory cells were immunohistochemically identified as T cells. There were occasional accumulations of PAX-5 labelled cells, indicating germinal centre development. These lesions resemble Hashimoto's disease in humans. The effect on thyroid function is unknown. Mild hypothyreosis might enhance productivity but also explain dispositions towards diseases seen in context with thyroid dysfunction such as skin diseases (foot pad disease?) and cardiovascular problems. Further studies on thyroid function in these turkeys are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Plesch
- Hochschule Weihenstephan-Triesdorf, Freising, Germany
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