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Filek K, Vuković BB, Žižek M, Kanjer L, Trotta A, Di Bello A, Corrente M, Bosak S. Loggerhead Sea Turtles as Hosts of Diverse Bacterial and Fungal Communities. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2024; 87:79. [PMID: 38814337 PMCID: PMC11139726 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-024-02388-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Research on microbial communities associated with wild animals provides a valuable reservoir of knowledge that could be used for enhancing their rehabilitation and conservation. The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is a globally distributed species with its Mediterranean population categorized as least concern according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as a result of robust conservation efforts. In our study, we aimed to further understand their biology in relation to their associated microorganisms. We investigated epi- and endozoic bacterial and endozoic fungal communities of cloaca, oral mucosa, carapace biofilm. Samples obtained from 18 juvenile, subadult, and adult turtles as well as 8 respective enclosures, over a 3-year period, were analysed by amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA gene and ITS2 region of nuclear ribosomal gene. Our results reveal a trend of decreasing diversity of distal gut bacterial communities with the age of turtles. Notably, Tenacibaculum species show higher relative abundance in juveniles than in adults. Differential abundances of taxa identified as Tenacibaculum, Moraxellaceae, Cardiobacteriaceae, and Campylobacter were observed in both cloacal and oral samples in addition to having distinct microbial compositions with Halioglobus taxa present only in oral samples. Fungal communities in loggerheads' cloaca were diverse and varied significantly among individuals, differing from those of tank water. Our findings expand the known microbial diversity repertoire of loggerhead turtles, highlighting interesting taxa specific to individual body sites. This study provides a comprehensive view of the loggerhead sea turtle bacterial microbiota and marks the first report of distal gut fungal communities that contributes to establishing a baseline understanding of loggerhead sea turtle holobiont.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara Filek
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Horvatovac 102a, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Borna Branimir Vuković
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Horvatovac 102a, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marta Žižek
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Horvatovac 102a, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
- Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lucija Kanjer
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Horvatovac 102a, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Adriana Trotta
- Campus Universitario, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, BA, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Bello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Str. Prov. Per Casamassima Km 3, 70010, Valenzano, BA, Italy
| | - Marialaura Corrente
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Str. Prov. Per Casamassima Km 3, 70010, Valenzano, BA, Italy
| | - Sunčica Bosak
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Horvatovac 102a, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Hou R, Zhang S, Huang Q, Lin L, Li H, Li J, Liu S, Sun C, Xu X. Role of Gastrointestinal Microbiota from Crucian Carp in Microbial Transformation and Estrogenicity Modification of Novel Plastic Additives. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:11476-11488. [PMID: 37462611 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Ingestion is a major exposure route for hydrophobic organic pollutants in fish, but the microbial transformation and estrogenic modification of the novel plastic additives by the gut microbiota of fish remain obscure. Using an in vitro approach, we provide evidence that structure-related transformation of various plastic additives by the gastric and intestinal (GI) microbiota from crucian carp, with the degradation ratio of bisphenols and triphenyl phosphate faster than those of brominated compounds. The degradation kinetics for these pollutants could be limited by oxygen and cometabolic substrates (i.e., glucose). The fish GI microbiota could utilize the vast majority of carbon sources in a Biolog EcoPlate, suggesting their high metabolic potential and ability to transform various organic compounds. Unique microorganisms associated with transformation of the plastic additives including genera of Citrobacter, Klebsiella, and some unclassified genera in Enterobacteriaceae were identified by combining high-throughput genetic analyses and metagenomic analyses. Through identification of anaerobic transformation products by high-resolution mass spectrometry, alkyl-cleavage was found the common transformation mechanism, and hydrolysis was the major pathway for ester-containing pollutants. After anaerobic incubation, the estrogenic activities of triphenyl phosphate and bisphenols A, F, and AF declined, whereas that of bisphenol AP increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Hou
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Siqi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qianyi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lang Lin
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Hengxiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
- Sanya Institute of Ocean Eco-Environmental Engineering, Sanya 572100, China
| | - Jingxi Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Eco-environmental Science and Technology, Marine Bioresource and Environment Research Center, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao, 266061, China
| | - Shan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
- Sanya Institute of Ocean Eco-Environmental Engineering, Sanya 572100, China
| | - Chengjun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Marine Eco-environmental Science and Technology, Marine Bioresource and Environment Research Center, First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao, 266061, China
| | - Xiangrong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
- Sanya Institute of Ocean Eco-Environmental Engineering, Sanya 572100, China
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3
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Ebani VV. Bacterial Infections in Sea Turtles. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10050333. [PMID: 37235416 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10050333] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Sea turtles are important for the maintenance of marine and beach ecosystems, but they are seriously endangered due to factors mainly related to human activities and climate change such as pollution, temperature increase, and predation. Infectious and parasitic diseases may contribute to reducing the number of sea turtles. Bacteria are widespread in marine environments and, depending on the species, may act as primary or opportunistic pathogens. Most of them are able to infect other animal species, including humans, in which they can cause mild or severe diseases. Therefore, direct or indirect contact of humans with sea turtles, their products, and environment where they live represent a One Health threat. Chlamydiae, Mycobacteria, and Salmonellae are known zoonotic agents able to cause mild or severe diseases in sea turtles, other animals, and humans. However, other bacteria that are potentially zoonotic, including those that are antimicrobially resistant, are involved in different pathologies of marine turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Virginia Ebani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Centre for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Immunity in Sea Turtles: Review of a Host-Pathogen Arms Race Millions of Years in the Running. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040556. [PMID: 36830343 PMCID: PMC9951749 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system of sea turtles is not completely understood. Sea turtles (as reptiles) bridge a unique evolutionary gap, being ectothermic vertebrates like fish and amphibians and amniotes like birds and mammals. Turtles are ectotherms; thus, their immune system is influenced by environmental conditions like temperature and season. We aim to review the turtle immune system and note what studies have investigated sea turtles and the effect of the environment on the immune response. Turtles rely heavily on the nonspecific innate response rather than the specific adaptive response. Turtles' innate immune effectors include antimicrobial peptides, complement, and nonspecific leukocytes. The antiviral defense is understudied in terms of the diversity of pathogen receptors and interferon function. Turtles also mount adaptive responses to pathogens. Lymphoid structures responsible for lymphocyte activation and maturation are either missing in reptiles or function is affected by season. Turtles are a marker of health for their marine environment, and their immune system is commonly dysregulated because of disease or contaminants. Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is a tumorous disease that afflicts sea turtles and is thought to be caused by a virus and an environmental factor. We aim, by exploring the current understanding of the immune system in turtles, to aid the investigation of environmental factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease and provide options for immunotherapy.
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Marcer F, Cassini R, Parisotto N, Tessarin C, Marchiori E. A Comparative Study of Mini-FLOTAC With Traditional Coprological Techniques in the Analysis of Cetacean Fecal Samples. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:908486. [PMID: 35832329 PMCID: PMC9271992 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.908486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-ranging cetaceans are considered sentinels for the marine ecosystem's health. New and non-invasive methods have been set up for the collection of fecal samples from free-ranging big whales at sea, permitting to gain an excellent epidemiological picture of parasitic infections in wild populations. To select the best protocol to be used for copromicroscopic examination in cetaceans stool samples, we evaluated the sensitivity of two commonly used techniques, i.e., a sedimentation-floatation method and the Mini-FLOTAC through validation by helminth isolation from the digestive tract. For this aim, gastrointestinal content and fecal samples were collected during necropsy from 44 cetaceans, including bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus), Cuvier's beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris), pilot whale (Globicephala melas), and fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus). Helminths were recovered through washing and filtering of the gastrointestinal contents and morphologically identified. Copromicroscopic examinations were performed on formalin-preserved fecal samples, using a sodium nitrate, sodium thiosulphate, and sucrose solution (s.g. = 1.450) for both methods. Helminths belonging to 9 taxa (i.e., the trematodes Synthesium tursionis, Synthesium delamurei, Campula palliata, Braunina cordiformis, Pholeter gastrophilus, the nematode Anisakis sp., cestodes of the family Tetrabothriidae and the acanthocephalan Bolbosoma sp.) were isolated. Eggs referable to the same taxa, with the exception of cestodes, were found in copromicroscopic analyses. Sensitivity of the Mini-FLOTAC method appeared higher or equal for all taxa, proving superior to the sedimentation-flotation method for the detection of all except Anisakis sp. The concordance of the two tests indeed revealed a moderate to perfect agreement (kappa values 0.42–1). Not excluding the limitations inherent to the techniques themselves, explanations for false-negative results at copromicroscopy could be linked to parasite-related factors, including prepatent infections, low parasitic burdens, or intermittent egg shedding. Notwithstanding these limitations, this study evidenced that the Mini-FLOTAC protocol approximates more accurately the composition of the gastrointestinal helminthic community of cetaceans from copromicroscopic examination, providing at the same time a quantitative estimation.
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Robledo-Avila LA, Phillips-Farfán BV, Harfush Meléndez M, Lopez Toledo L, Tafolla Venegas D, Herrera Vargas MA, Ruíz Cortés DV, Meléndez-Herrera E. Short communication: Ex-situ conservation in hatcheries is associated with spleen development in Lepidochelys olivacea turtle hatchlings. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2021; 265:111130. [PMID: 34954346 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.111130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Ex-situ conservation in hatcheries is a successful strategy for the recovery of sea turtle populations. However, it alters the ontogenesis of the brain and gonads, as well as body size and locomotor performance at nest emergence. Relocation to hatcheries may alter immune system development, since this depends highly on the nest environment. We hypothesized that ex-situ brooding would negatively associate with immune traits of Lepidochelys olivacea. Splenic cytoarchitecture and leukocyte quantification were used as proxies for the immune configuration. Body size, gonadal sex and sand temperature during incubation were determined. Additionally, the success of nest hatching and emergence was quantified. Linear mixed models of splenic cytoarchitecture, leucocyte proportions and body size, using sex and nest type as explanatory variables, evaluated the effects of ex-situ brooding. Generalized linear mixed models using quasibinomial distributions (log link) analyzed effects on hatching and emergence success. Hatchlings from ex-situ nests were heavier, larger and showed a greater spleen-somatic index. They showed more and better defined splenic periarteriolar lymphoid sheaths, as well as a higher proportion of heterophils but less monocytes. Moreover, ex-situ brooding increased hatching and emergence success. Sand temperatures in hatcheries favored male sex determination, while the opposite occurred for in-situ incubation. Interestingly, the immune configuration and body size were independent of sex but associated with ex-situ conservation. Greater body size promotes early hatchling survival, while better spleen development is related to a greater antibody production and a better immune response to pathogens. Altogether, the results suggest that ex-situ incubation is associated with a better immune configuration and higher survival success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Areli Robledo-Avila
- Instituto de Investigaciones sobre Recursos Naturales, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Av. San Juanito Itzícuaro s/n, Colonia Nueva Esperanza, C.P. 58337 Morelia, Michoacán, México
| | - Bryan Víctor Phillips-Farfán
- Laboratorio de Nutrición Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Insurgentes Sur 3700, Letra C, Alcaldía Coyoacán C.P. 04530, Cd. de México, México
| | | | - Leonel Lopez Toledo
- Instituto de Investigaciones sobre Recursos Naturales, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Av. San Juanito Itzícuaro s/n, Colonia Nueva Esperanza, C.P. 58337 Morelia, Michoacán, México
| | - David Tafolla Venegas
- Facultad de Biología, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Avenida Francisco J. Múgica s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, 58030 Morelia, Michoacán, México
| | - Ma Antonia Herrera Vargas
- Instituto de Investigaciones sobre Recursos Naturales, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Av. San Juanito Itzícuaro s/n, Colonia Nueva Esperanza, C.P. 58337 Morelia, Michoacán, México
| | - Diana Vanessa Ruíz Cortés
- Instituto de Investigaciones sobre Recursos Naturales, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Av. San Juanito Itzícuaro s/n, Colonia Nueva Esperanza, C.P. 58337 Morelia, Michoacán, México
| | - Esperanza Meléndez-Herrera
- Instituto de Investigaciones sobre Recursos Naturales, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Av. San Juanito Itzícuaro s/n, Colonia Nueva Esperanza, C.P. 58337 Morelia, Michoacán, México.
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Fernandes M, Grilo ML, Carneiro C, Cunha E, Tavares L, Patino-Martinez J, Oliveira M. Antibiotic Resistance and Virulence Profiles of Gram-Negative Bacteria Isolated from Loggerhead Sea Turtles ( Caretta caretta) of the Island of Maio, Cape Verde. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10070771. [PMID: 34202799 PMCID: PMC8300689 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10070771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies revealed high levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), describing this species as prime reservoir of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. This study aimed to characterise, for the first time, the AMR and virulence profiles of Gram-negative bacteria isolated from 33 nesting loggerhead turtles of the island of Maio, Cape Verde. Cloacal, oral, and egg content swab samples (n = 99) were collected and analysed using conventional bacteriological techniques. Shewanella putrefaciens, Morganella morganii, and Vibrio alginolyticus were isolated from the samples under study. The isolates obtained from this loggerhead subpopulation (North-East Atlantic) revealed lower levels of AMR, compared with the results of studies performed in other subpopulations (e.g., Mediterranean). However, the detection of resistance to carbapenems and multiple antimicrobial resistance indices higher than 0.20, raises concern about the potential association of these animals to points of high antimicrobial exposure. Furthermore, virulence phenotypic characterisation revealed that the isolates presented complex virulence profiles, including the ability to produce biofilms. Finally, due to their pathogenic potential, and considering the evidence of illegal consumption of turtle-related products on the island of Maio, the identified bacteria may represent a significant threat to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilde Fernandes
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.F.); (M.L.G.); (C.C.); (E.C.); (L.T.)
- Veterinários Sem Fronteiras, Av. Da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel L. Grilo
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.F.); (M.L.G.); (C.C.); (E.C.); (L.T.)
| | - Carla Carneiro
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.F.); (M.L.G.); (C.C.); (E.C.); (L.T.)
| | - Eva Cunha
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.F.); (M.L.G.); (C.C.); (E.C.); (L.T.)
| | - Luís Tavares
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.F.); (M.L.G.); (C.C.); (E.C.); (L.T.)
| | - Juan Patino-Martinez
- Maio Biodiversity Foundation (FMB), Cidade Porto Inglês, Ilha do Maio 6110, Cape Verde;
| | - Manuela Oliveira
- CIISA-Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.F.); (M.L.G.); (C.C.); (E.C.); (L.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-213602052
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Orós J, Camacho M, Calabuig P, Rial-Berriel C, Montesdeoca N, Déniz S, Luzardo OP. Postmortem investigations on leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) stranded in the Canary Islands (Spain) (1998-2017): Evidence of anthropogenic impacts. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 167:112340. [PMID: 33866202 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Opportunities for postmortem studies on leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) are infrequent due to their predominantly pelagic life history. In this study, the pathological findings and causes of mortality of 13 leatherback turtles stranded in the Canary Islands, Spain, from 1998 to 2017, are described. In addition, concentrations of Se, As, Cd, Pb, Hg, 15 rare earth elements (REE) and other 4 minor elements (ME), 41 persistent organic pollutants, and 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in hepatic samples from 5 leatherbacks were determined. 84.62% of the turtles died possibly due to anthropogenic causes (entanglement/fishing interaction - 46.15%; boat strike - 23.07%; plastic ingestion - 15.38%). Although Se, As, and Cd were found at higher hepatic concentrations than those reported for leatherbacks from other locations, no acute lesions were detected. This is the first report of exposure to REE-ME in sea turtles. Organic contaminant hepatic concentrations were generally low or undetectable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Orós
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontana s/n, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain.
| | - María Camacho
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, P. O. Box 550, 35080 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Pascual Calabuig
- Tafira Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Tafira Baja, 35017 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Cristian Rial-Berriel
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, P. O. Box 550, 35080 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Natalia Montesdeoca
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontana s/n, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Soraya Déniz
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontana s/n, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Octavio P Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, P. O. Box 550, 35080 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016 Las Palmas, Spain
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Wild whale faecal samples as a proxy of anthropogenic impact. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5822. [PMID: 33712645 PMCID: PMC7955090 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84966-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of protozoan parasite, bacterial communities, organic pollutants and heavy metals was investigated in free-ranging species of fin (Balaenoptera physalus, n. 2) and sperm (Physeter macrocephalus, n. 2) whales from the Pelagos Sanctuary, Corsican-Ligurian Provencal Basin (Northern-Western Mediterranean Sea). Out of four faecal samples investigated, two from fin whales and one from sperm whale were found positive to Blastocystis sp. A higher number of sequences related to Synergistetes and Spirochaetae were found in sperm whales if compared with fin whales. Moreover, As, Co and Hg were found exclusively in sperm whale faecal samples, while Pb was found only in fin whale faecal samples. The concentration of both PAH and PCB was always below the limit of detection. This is the first report in which the presence of these opportunistic pathogens, bacteria and chemical pollutants have been investigated in faecal samples of free-ranging whale species and the first record of Blastocystis in fin and sperm whales. Thus, this study may provide baseline data on new anthropozoonotic parasite, bacterial records and heavy metals in free-ranging fin and sperm whales, probably as a result of an increasing anthropogenic activity. This survey calls for more integrated research to perform regular monitoring programs supported by national and/or international authorities responsible for preservation of these still vulnerable and threatened whale species in the Mediterranean Sea.
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A Comparative Analysis of Aquatic and Polyethylene-Associated Antibiotic-Resistant Microbiota in the Mediterranean Sea. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10030200. [PMID: 33800749 PMCID: PMC8001005 DOI: 10.3390/biology10030200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated the microbiome and the resistome profile of water and fragments of polyethylene (PE) waste collected at the same time from a stream and the seawater in a coastal area of Northwestern Sicily. Although a core microbiome was determined by sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the bacterial 16S rDNA gene, quantitative differences were found among the microbial communities on PE waste and the corresponding water samples. Our findings indicated that PE waste contains a more abundant and increased core microbiome diversity than the corresponding water samples. Moreover, PCR analysis of specific antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) showed that PE waste harbors more ARGs than the water samples. Thus, PE waste could act as a carrier of antibiotic-resistant microbiota, representing an increased danger for the marine environment and living organisms, as well.
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Expression of a Shiga-Like Toxin during Plastic Colonization by Two Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria, Aeromonas hydrophila RIT668 and Citrobacter freundii RIT669, Isolated from Endangered Turtles ( Clemmys guttata). Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8081172. [PMID: 32752245 PMCID: PMC7465454 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8081172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aeromonas hydrophila RIT668 and Citrobacter freundii RIT669 were isolated from endangered spotted turtles (Clemmys guttata). Whole-genome sequencing, annotation and phylogenetic analyses of the genomes revealed that the closest relative of RIT668 is A. hydrophila ATCC 7966 and Citrobacter portucalensis A60 for RIT669. Resistome analysis showed that A. hydrophila and C. freundii harbor six and 19 different antibiotic resistance genes, respectively. Both bacteria colonize polyethylene and polypropylene, which are common plastics, found in the environment and are used to fabricate medical devices. The expression of six biofilm-related genes—biofilm peroxide resistance protein (bsmA), biofilm formation regulatory protein subunit R (bssR), biofilm formation regulatory protein subunit S (bssS), biofilm formation regulator (hmsP), toxin-antitoxin biofilm protein (tabA) and transcriptional activator of curli operon (csgD)—and two virulence factors—Vi antigen-related gene (viaB) and Shiga-like toxin (slt-II)—was investigated by RT-PCR. A. hydrophila displayed a > 2-fold increase in slt-II expression in cells adhering to both polymers, C. freundii adhering on polyethylene displayed a > 2-fold, and on polypropylene a > 6-fold upregulation of slt-II. Thus, the two new isolates are potential pathogens owing to their drug resistance, surface colonization and upregulation of a slt-II-type diarrheal toxin on polymer surfaces.
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Antibiotic Resistance of Gram-Negative Bacteria from Wild Captured Loggerhead Sea Turtles. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9040162. [PMID: 32268481 PMCID: PMC7235709 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9040162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sea turtles have been proposed as health indicators of marine habitats and carriers of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, for their longevity and migratory lifestyle. Up to now, a few studies evaluated the antibacterial resistant flora of Mediterranean loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) and most of them were carried out on stranded or recovered animals. In this study, the isolation and the antibiotic resistance profile of 90 Gram negative bacteria from cloacal swabs of 33 Mediterranean wild captured loggerhead sea turtles are described. Among sea turtles found in their foraging sites, 23 were in good health and 10 needed recovery for different health problems (hereafter named weak). Isolated cloacal bacteria belonged mainly to Enterobacteriaceae (59%), Shewanellaceae (31%) and Vibrionaceae families (5%). Although slight differences in the bacterial composition, healthy and weak sea turtles shared antibiotic-resistant strains. In total, 74 strains were endowed with one or multi resistance (up to five different drugs) phenotypes, mainly towards ampicillin (~70%) or sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (more than 30%). Hence, our results confirmed the presence of antibiotic-resistant strains also in healthy marine animals and the role of the loggerhead sea turtles in spreading antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
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Is Caretta Caretta a Carrier of Antibiotic Resistance in the Mediterranean Sea? Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9030116. [PMID: 32164241 PMCID: PMC7148500 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9030116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sea turtles can be considered a sentinel species for monitoring the health of marine ecosystems, acting, at the same time, as a carrier of microorganisms. Indeed, sea turtles can acquire the microbiota from their reproductive sites and feeding, contributing to the diffusion of antibiotic-resistant strains to uncontaminated environments. This study aims to unveil the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in (i) loggerhead sea turtles stranded along the coast of Sicily (Mediterranean Sea), (ii) unhatched and/or hatched eggs, (iii) sand from the turtles’ nest and (iv) seawater. Forty-four bacterial strains were isolated and identified by conventional biochemical tests and 16S rDNA sequencing. The Gram-negative Aeromonas and Vibrio species were mainly found in sea turtles and seawater samples, respectively. Conversely, the Gram-positive Bacillus, Streptococcus, and Staphylococcus strains were mostly isolated from eggs and sand. The antimicrobial resistance profile of the isolates revealed that these strains were resistant to cefazolin (95.5%), streptomycin (43.2%), colistin and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (34.1%). Moreover, metagenome analysis unveiled the presence of both antibiotic and heavy metal resistance genes, as well as the mobile element class 1 integron at an alarming percentage rate. Our results suggest that Caretta caretta could be considered a carrier of antibiotic-resistant genes.
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Marangi M, Carlino P, Profico C, Olivieri V, Totaro G, Furii G, Marzano G, Papini RA. First multicenter coprological survey on helminth parasite communities of free-living loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta (Linnaeus, 1758) from the Adriatic Sea and Northern Ionian Sea. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2020; 11:207-212. [PMID: 32154102 PMCID: PMC7052436 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of endoparasite infections in 83 free-living specimens of Caretta caretta, classified as vulnerable species, from the Adriatic Sea and Northern Ionian Sea was investigated by coprological examination. Thirty-seven (44.6%) turtles were found to be infected with helminths. The helminth infections found were: Rhytidodes gelatinosus and Sulcascaris sulcata (18.1% each), Hapalotrema mistroides (13.2%), Cymatocarpus solearis (9.6%), Eniodotrema megachondrus (7.2%), Kathlania/Tonaudia sp. (3.6%), Neospirorchis sp., Octangium sagitta and Plesiochorus cymbiformis (1.2% each). There were no significant differences in the total prevalence of helminth infections between sexes, size classes, and seasonal periods. Conversely, the prevalence of helminth infections was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in accidentally caught turtles than in stranded turtles. Highly significant differences in prevalence of helminthiases were also seen among marine sampling areas. This report provides important baseline information about the helminth fauna of free-living C. caretta in the examined geographical region. This is also the first report of O. sagitta infection in C. caretta thus broadening the host range of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Marangi
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, 71121, Foggia, Italy
| | - Piero Carlino
- Sea Turtle Rescue Center, Natural History Museum of Salento, Sp. Calimera-Borgagne km 1, 73021, Calimera, Lecce, Italy
| | - Chiara Profico
- Sea Turtle Rescue Center "L. Cagnolaro", Centro Studi Cetacei, Via di Sotto 5, 65125, Pescara, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Olivieri
- Sea Turtle Rescue Center "L. Cagnolaro", Centro Studi Cetacei, Via di Sotto 5, 65125, Pescara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Totaro
- Sea Turtle Rescue Center Legambiente, Sp. 141 delle Saline km 7+400, 71043, Manfredonia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Furii
- Sea Turtle Rescue Center Legambiente, Sp. 141 delle Saline km 7+400, 71043, Manfredonia, Italy
| | - Giacomo Marzano
- Sea Turtle Rescue Center "Gino Cantoro", Torre Guaceto Natural Riserve, 72012, Carovigno, Brindisi, Italy
| | - Roberto Amerigo Papini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Teaching Hospital "Mario Modenato", University of Pisa, 56121, San Piero a Grado, Pisa, Italy
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