1
|
Korycińska J, Bulantová J, Horák P, Dzika E. Molecular identification of Trichobilharzia species in recreational waters in North-Eastern Poland. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17598. [PMID: 39011383 PMCID: PMC11249002 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In Europe, avian schistosomes of the genus Trichobilharzia are the most common etiological agents involved in human cercarial dermatitis (swimmer's itch). Manifested by a skin rash, the condition is caused by an allergic reaction to cercariae of nonhuman schistosomes. Humans are an accidental host in this parasite's life cycle, while water snails are the intermediate, and waterfowl are the final hosts. The study aimed to conduct a molecular and phylogenetic analysis of Trichobilharzia species occurring in recreational waters in North-Eastern Poland. Methodology The study area covered three water bodies (Lake Skanda, Lake Ukiel, and Lake Tyrsko) over the summer of 2021. In total, 747 pulmonate freshwater snails (Radix spp., Lymnaea stagnalis) were collected. Each snail was subjected to 1-2 h of light stimulation to induce cercarial expulsion. The phylogenetic analyses of furcocercariae were based on the partial sequence of the ITS region (ITS1, 5.8S rDNA, ITS2 and 28SrDNA). For Radix spp. phylogenetic analyses were based on the ITS-2 region. Results The prevalence of the Trichobilharzia species infection in snails was 0.5%. Two out of 478 (0.4%) L. stagnaliswere found to be infected with Trichobilharzia szidati. Moreover, two out of 269 (0.7%) snails of the genus Radix were positive for schistosome cercariae. Both snails were identified as Radix auricularia. One of them was infected with Trichobilharzia franki and the other with Trichobilharzia sp. Conclusions Molecular identification of avian schistosome species, both at the intermediate and definitive hosts level, constitutes an important source of information on a potential threat and prognosis of local swimmer's itch occurrence, and helps to determine species diversity in a particular area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Korycińska
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Public Health, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Jana Bulantová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Horák
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ewa Dzika
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Public Health, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Drewitz KP, Hasenpusch C, Kreuzpointner F, Schwirtz A, Klenk A, Apfelbacher CJ. Cross-sectional study on exercise-related skin complaints among sports students at two German universities. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11829. [PMID: 38783013 PMCID: PMC11116371 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62357-9] [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] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Sports activities can lead to exercise-related skin complaints. These include different symptoms (e.g. infections, mechanical injuries, contact dermatitis). Previous studies mostly focused only on skin infections and injuries in competitive athletes. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and characteristics of exercise-related skin complaints among sports students and to what extent these complaints influence physical fitness. We performed a self-administered online survey among 259 actively exercising sports students from two German universities. Descriptive analyses were conducted. The most common complaints were blistering (57.3%), dryness (56.7%), redness (44.7%), and chafing (34.0%). Hands and feet (78.0% each) were most frequently affected. Participants whose skin was particularly stressed (47.5%) had higher training duration (7.6 h/week, 95%-CI 6.8-8.3 h) than those without complaints (5.1 h/week, 95%-CI 5.5-6.7 h, p = 0.003). The students reported reduced intensity (34.7%) and frequency (22.7%) of training due to their skin complaints. A reduction in performance was reported by 32.0% of the students. Actively exercising sports students considered an intact skin as essential for their physical fitness. Reported impairments of the skin led to a reduced intensity and frequency of training. To enhance the awareness of exercise-related skin complaints, further research is necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karl Philipp Drewitz
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, University of Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39210, Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Claudia Hasenpusch
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, University of Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39210, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Florian Kreuzpointner
- Prevention Center, Faculty for Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 80992, Munich, Germany
| | - Ansgar Schwirtz
- Department of Biomechanics in Sports, Faculty for Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 80992, Munich, Germany
| | - Adolf Klenk
- Dr. Kurt Wolff GmbH & Co. KG, 33611, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Christian J Apfelbacher
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, University of Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39210, Magdeburg, Germany
- Family Medicine and Primary Care, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 636921, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sckrabulis JP, Messner ML, Stanny J, McWhinnie RB, Ansari HD, Hajek AM, Bageris A, Raffel TR. Large-scale spatial drivers of avian schistosomes in Northern Michigan inland lakes. Parasitology 2024; 151:495-505. [PMID: 38465379 PMCID: PMC11106508 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182024000337] [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] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Avian schistosomes are snail-borne trematode parasites (Trichobilharzia spp.) that can cause a nasty skin rash in humans when their cercariae mistake us for their normal bird hosts. We sought to investigate drivers of the spatial distribution of Trichobilharzia cercaria abundance throughout Northern Michigan lakes. For 38 sites on 16 lakes, we assessed several dozen potential environmental predictors that we hypothesized might have direct or indirect effects on overall cercaria abundance, based on known relationships between abiotic and biotic factors in wetland ecosystems. We included variables quantifying local densities of intermediate hosts, temperature, periphyton growth rates, human land use and hydrology. We also measured daily abundance of schistosome cercariae in the water over a 5-week period, supported by community scientists who collected and preserved filtered water samples for qPCR. The strongest predictor of cercaria abundance was Lymnaea host snail density. Lymnaea density was higher in deeper lakes and at sites with more deciduous tree cover, consistent with their association with cool temperature habitats. Contrary to past studies of human schistosomes, we also found a significant negative relationship between cercaria abundance and submerged aquatic vegetation, possibly due to vegetation blocking cercaria movement from offshore snail beds. If future work shows that these effects are indeed causal, then these results suggest possible new approaches to managing swimmer's itch risk in northern MI lakes, such as modifying tree cover and shallow-water vegetation at local sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason P. Sckrabulis
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, 118 Library Drive, 374 Dodge Hall, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, 100 Galvin Life Science Center, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Madelyn L. Messner
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, 118 Library Drive, 374 Dodge Hall, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Jenna Stanny
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, 118 Library Drive, 374 Dodge Hall, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Ryan B. McWhinnie
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, 118 Library Drive, 374 Dodge Hall, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Hamzah D. Ansari
- Department of Chemistry, Oakland University, 146 Library Drive, 260 Mathematics and Science Center, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Aleena M. Hajek
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, 118 Library Drive, 374 Dodge Hall, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Alexander Bageris
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, 118 Library Drive, 374 Dodge Hall, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| | - Thomas R. Raffel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, 118 Library Drive, 374 Dodge Hall, Rochester, MI 48309, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bispo MT, Calado M, Maurício IL, Ferreira PM, Belo S. Zoonotic Threats: The (Re)emergence of Cercarial Dermatitis, Its Dynamics, and Impact in Europe. Pathogens 2024; 13:282. [PMID: 38668237 PMCID: PMC11053805 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Cercarial dermatitis (CD), or "Swimmer's itch" as it is also known, is a waterborne illness caused by a blood fluke from the family Schistosomatidae. It occurs when cercariae of trematode species that do not have humans as their definitive host accidentally penetrate human skin (in an aquatic environment) and trigger allergic symptoms at the site of contact. It is an emerging zoonosis that occurs through water and is often overlooked during differential diagnosis. Some of the factors contributing to the emergence of diseases like CD are related to global warming, which brings about climate change, water eutrophication, the colonization of ponds by snails susceptible to the parasite, and sunlight exposure in the summer, associated with migratory bird routes. Therefore, with the increase in tourism, especially at fluvial beaches, it is relevant to analyze the current epidemiological scenario of CD in European countries and the potential regions at risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Bispo
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.C.); (I.L.M.); (P.M.F.)
| | | | | | | | - Silvana Belo
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.C.); (I.L.M.); (P.M.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Schols R, Smitz N, Vanderheyden A, Huyse T. Expanding the swimmer's itch pool of the Benelux: a first record of the neurotropic Trichobilharzia regenti and potential link to human infection. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:126. [PMID: 38481352 PMCID: PMC10938770 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06218-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Swimmer's itch, an allergic contact dermatitis caused by avian and mammalian blood flukes, is a parasitic infection affecting people worldwide. In particular, avian blood flukes of the genus Trichobilharzia are infamous for their role in swimmer's itch cases. These parasites infect waterfowl as a final host, but incidental infections by cercariae in humans are frequently reported. Upon accidental infections of humans, parasite larvae will be recognized by the immune system and destroyed, leading to painful itchy skin lesions. However, one species, Trichobilharzia regenti, can escape this response in experimental animals and reach the spinal cord, causing neuroinflammation. In the last few decades, there has been an increase in case reports across Europe, making it an emerging zoonosis. METHODS Following a reported case of swimmer's itch in Kampenhout in 2022 (Belgium), the transmission site consisting of a private pond and an adjacent creek was investigated through a malacological and parasitological survey. RESULTS Six snail species were collected, including the widespread Ampullaceana balthica, a well-known intermediate host for Trichobilharzia parasites. Shedding experiments followed by DNA barcoding revealed a single snail specimen to be infected with T. regenti, a new species record for Belgium and by extension the Benelux. Moreover, it is the most compelling case to date of the link between this neurotropic parasite and cercarial dermatitis. Additionally, an Echinostomatidae sp. and Notocotylus sp. were isolated from two other specimens of A. balthica. However, the lack of reference DNA sequences for these groups in the online repositories prevented genus- and species-level identification, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The presence of T. regenti in Belgium might have severe clinical implications and its finding highlights the need for increased vigilance and diagnostic awareness among medical professionals. The lack of species-level identification of the other two parasite species showcases the barcoding void for trematodes. Overall, these findings demonstrate the need for a Belgian framework to rapidly detect and monitor zoonotic outbreaks of trematode parasites within the One Health context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Schols
- Department of Biology & BopCo, Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium.
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biology, KU Leuven, Campus Kortrijk, Kortrijk, Belgium.
| | - Nathalie Smitz
- Department of Biology & BopCo, Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium
| | - Ann Vanderheyden
- BopCo, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tine Huyse
- Department of Biology & BopCo, Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Belzer A, Parker ER. Climate Change, Skin Health, and Dermatologic Disease: A Guide for the Dermatologist. Am J Clin Dermatol 2023:10.1007/s40257-023-00770-y. [PMID: 37336870 DOI: 10.1007/s40257-023-00770-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Climate change has a pervasive impact on health and is of clinical relevance to every organ system. Climate change-related factors impact the skin's capacity to maintain homeostasis, leading to a variety of cutaneous diseases. Stratospheric ozone depletion has led to increased risk of melanoma and keratinocyte carcinomas due to ultraviolet radiation exposure. Atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, pemphigus, acne vulgaris, melasma, and photoaging are all associated with rising levels of air pollution. Elevated temperatures due to global warming induce disruption of the skin microbiome, thereby impacting atopic dermatitis, acne vulgaris, and psoriasis, and high temperatures are associated with exacerbation of skin disease and increased risk of heat stroke. Extreme weather events due to climate change, including floods and wildfires, are of relevance to the dermatologist as these events are implicated in cutaneous injuries, skin infections, and acute worsening of inflammatory skin disorders. The health consequences as well as the economic and social burden of climate change fall most heavily on vulnerable and marginalized populations due to structural disparities. As dermatologists, understanding the interaction of climate change and skin health is essential to appropriately manage dermatologic disease and advocate for our patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annika Belzer
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Eva Rawlings Parker
- Department of Dermatology, Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 719 Thompson Lane, Suite 26-300, Nashville, TN, 37204, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Soper DM, Raffel TR, Sckrabulis JP, Froelich KL, McPhail BA, Ostrowski MD, Reimink RL, Romano D, Rudko SP, Hanington PC. A novel schistosome species hosted by Planorbella (Helisoma) trivolvis is the most widespread swimmer's itch-causing parasite in Michigan inland lakes. Parasitology 2022; 150:1-10. [PMID: 36349562 PMCID: PMC10090624 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182022001561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Cercarial dermatitis (‘swimmer's itch’; SI), characterized by small itchy bumps caused by schistosome parasites of birds and mammals, is a common problem in Michigan. Research on avian schistosomes began nearly 100 years ago in Michigan inland lakes, yet scientists are still uncovering basic biological information including the identification of local snail and parasite species that cause SI. Previous research primarily focused on lakes in the northern half of Michigan's lower peninsula, although SI occurs throughout the state. We surveyed snails and snail-borne trematodes in lakes across Michigan's lower peninsula and used quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of filtered water samples to identify parasites to the species level, including a recently discovered parasite species that uses the snail Planorbella (Helisoma) trivolvis as its intermediate host. Most SI mitigation efforts have focused on a parasite species hosted by the snail Lymnaea catescopium ( = Stagnicola emarginata); however, lymnaeid snails and their associated schistosome species were largely restricted to northern lakes. In contrast, P. trivolvis and its associated parasite species were common in both northern and southern Michigan lakes. A third schistosome species associated with physid snails was also present at low levels in both northern and southern lakes. These results indicate that the recently discovered parasite species and its planorbid snail intermediate host may be more important drivers of Michigan SI than previously thought, possibly due to increased definitive host abundance in recent decades. These results have potentially important implications for SI mitigation and control efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D. M. Soper
- Department of Biology, University of Dallas, 1845 E. Northgate Dr, Irving, TX 75062, USA
| | - T. R. Raffel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, 118 Library Dr, Rochester Hills, MI 48309, USA
| | - J. P. Sckrabulis
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, 118 Library Dr, Rochester Hills, MI 48309, USA
| | - K. L. Froelich
- St. Joseph High School, 2521 Stadium Dr, St. Joseph, MI 49085, USA
- Freshwater Solutions LLC, 137 W 15th St, Holland, MI 49423, USA
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 357F South Academic Building, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 1C9
| | - B. A. McPhail
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 357F South Academic Building, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 1C9
| | - M. D. Ostrowski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, 118 Library Dr, Rochester Hills, MI 48309, USA
| | - R. L. Reimink
- Freshwater Solutions LLC, 137 W 15th St, Holland, MI 49423, USA
- Office of Campus Ministries, Hope College, Holland, MI 49423, USA
| | - D. Romano
- Department of Biology, University of Dallas, 1845 E. Northgate Dr, Irving, TX 75062, USA
| | - S. P. Rudko
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Agence de la Santé Publique du Canada, 200 René-Lévesque Blvd., Montréal, Québec, Canada H2Z 1X4
| | - P. C. Hanington
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 357F South Academic Building, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 1C9
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Young I, Sanchez JJ, Tustin J. Recreational water illness in Canada: a changing risk landscape in the context of climate change. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2022; 113:940-943. [PMID: 36112242 PMCID: PMC9663764 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-022-00688-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Swimming and other recreational water activities at public beaches are popular outdoor leisure activities among Canadians. However, these activities can lead to increased risks of acquiring acute gastrointestinal illness and other illnesses among beachgoers. Young children have much higher rates of exposure and illness than other age groups. These illnesses have a significant health and economic burden on society. Climate change is expected to influence both the risk of exposure and illness. A warming climate in Canada, including more severe summer heatwave events, will likely lead to increased recreational water use. Warmer temperatures will also contribute to the growth and increased range of harmful algal blooms and other climate-sensitive pathogens. Increased precipitation and heavy rainfall events will contribute to fecal and nutrient contamination of beach waters, increasing risks of gastrointestinal illness and harmful algal bloom events. There is a need to enhance recreational water research and surveillance in Canada to prepare for and adapt to these changing risks. Key research and policy needs are suggested and discussed, including evaluating and monitoring risks of recreational water illness in Canadian contexts, improving timely reporting of recreational water quality conditions, and enhancing approaches for routine beach water surveillance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian Young
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3 Canada
| | - J. Johanna Sanchez
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3 Canada
| | - Jordan Tustin
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3 Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
The Tails of Two Avian Schistosomes: Paired Exposure Study Demonstrates Trichobilharzia stagnicolae Penetrates Human Skin More Readily than a Novel Avian Schistosome from Planorbella. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11060651. [PMID: 35745505 PMCID: PMC9228815 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11060651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel schistosome from Planorbella snails currently known as avian schistosomatid sp. C (ASC) was recently described as being capable of causing the papules associated with swimmer’s itch. We conducted a paired study with 24 human volunteers, exposing each of their forearms to five drops of water containing cercariae of ASC or Trichobilharzia stagnicolae, and examined the skin for papules 1–3 days later. A mixed effects model showed that only the parasite species significantly affected the number of papules, while prior experimental exposure, swimming history, and swimmer’s itch experience did not. The total number of papules produced by the two species were very different: ASC produced a total of 2 papules from the 298 cercariae used, compared to 49 papules from 160 T. stagnicolae cercariae, a difference factor of more than 43X, which was comparable to the odds ratio of 45.5 computed using the statistical model. A well-known agent of swimmer’s itch, T. stagnicolae, is able to penetrate human skin more frequently than ASC, likely meaning that ASC is only a minor cause of swimmer’s itch where T. stagnicolae is present. We also completed limited experiments that compared the cercarial behavior of the two species in vitro and in situ. A known stimulant of schistosome cercarial penetration, α-linolenic acid, did not stimulate ASC cercariae to initiate penetration-associated behaviors as frequently as T. stagnicolae. However, when placed on esophageal tissue of the known vertebrate host for ASC, Canada goose (Branta canadensis), ASC cercariae were observed penetrating the esophageal epithelium quickly, whereas T. stagnicolae cercariae did not exhibit any penetration behaviors.
Collapse
|
10
|
Cercariae of a Bird Schistosome Follow a Similar Emergence Pattern under Different Subarctic Conditions: First Experimental Study. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11060647. [PMID: 35745501 PMCID: PMC9227376 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11060647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of cercariae from infected mollusks is considered one of the most important adaptive strategies for maintaining the trematode life cycle. Short transmission opportunities of cercariae are often compensated by periodic daily rhythms in the cercarial release. However, there are virtually no data on the cercarial emergence of bird schistosomes from freshwater ecosystems in northern latitudes. We investigated the daily cercarial emergence rhythms of the bird schistosome Trichobilharzia sp. “peregra” from the snail host Radix balthica in a subarctic lake under both natural and laboratory seasonal conditions. We demonstrated a circadian rhythm with the highest emergence during the morning hours, being seasonally independent of the photo- and thermo-period regimes of subarctic summer and autumn, as well as relatively high production of cercariae at low temperatures typical of northern environments. These patterns were consistent under both field and laboratory conditions. While light intensity triggered and prolonged cercarial emergence, the temperature had little effect on cercarial rhythms but regulated seasonal output rates. This suggests an adaptive strategy of bird schistosomes to compensate for the narrow transmission window. Our results fill a gap in our knowledge of the transmission dynamics and success of bird schistosomes under high latitude conditions that may serve as a basis for elucidating future potential risks and implementing control measures related to the spread of cercarial dermatitis due to global warming.
Collapse
|
11
|
Loker ES, DeJong RJ, Brant SV. Scratching the Itch: Updated Perspectives on the Schistosomes Responsible for Swimmer's Itch around the World. Pathogens 2022; 11:587. [PMID: 35631108 PMCID: PMC9144223 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Although most studies of digenetic trematodes of the family Schistosomatidae dwell on representatives causing human schistosomiasis, the majority of the 130 identified species of schistosomes infect birds or non-human mammals. The cercariae of many of these species can cause swimmer's itch when they penetrate human skin. Recent years have witnessed a dramatic increase in our understanding of schistosome diversity, now encompassing 17 genera with eight more lineages awaiting description. Collectively, schistosomes exploit 16 families of caenogastropod or heterobranch gastropod intermediate hosts. Basal lineages today are found in marine gastropods and birds, but subsequent diversification has largely taken place in freshwater, with some reversions to marine habitats. It seems increasingly likely that schistosomes have on two separate occasions colonized mammals. Swimmer's itch is a complex zoonotic disease manifested through several different routes of transmission involving a diversity of different host species. Swimmer's itch also exemplifies the value of adopting the One Health perspective in understanding disease transmission and abundance because the schistosomes involved have complex life cycles that interface with numerous species and abiotic components of their aquatic environments. Given the progress made in revealing their diversity and biology, and the wealth of questions posed by itch-causing schistosomes, they provide excellent models for implementation of long-term interdisciplinary studies focused on issues pertinent to disease ecology, the One Health paradigm, and the impacts of climate change, biological invasions and other environmental perturbations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric S. Loker
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Parasites Division, Museum of Southwestern Biology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA;
| | - Randall J. DeJong
- Department of Biology, Calvin University, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, USA;
| | - Sara V. Brant
- Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Parasites Division, Museum of Southwestern Biology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
McPhail BA, Rudko SP, Turnbull A, Gordy MA, Reimink RL, Clyde D, Froelich K, Brant SV, Hanington PC. Evidence of a Putative Novel Species of Avian Schistosome Infecting Planorbella trivolvis. J Parasitol 2021; 107:89-97. [PMID: 33556182 DOI: 10.1645/20-74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Freshwater gastropods of the genera Lymnaea Lamarck, 1799, Physa Draparnaud, 1801, Gyraulus Charpentier, 1837, Radix Montfort, 1810, and Stagnicola Jeffreys, 1830 are considered suitable intermediate hosts for avian schistosomes. A large trematode biodiversity survey performed across 3 yr on 6 lakes in Alberta confirmed 3 already-reported snail hosts for 7 North American avian schistosomes; however, the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) nucleotide sequence from 1 cercarial sample (from a single specimen of Planorbella trivolvis) was distinct from all other COI schistosome sequences. As part of a simultaneous, comparable study of P. trivolvis by us in Michigan, we collected another cercarial type from 6 lakes that was 99% similar (COI) to the aforementioned cercarial type. Phylogenetic analyses of the COI and 28S rDNA genes recovered the former cercaria in a clade of avian schistosomes. In Michigan, the feces of a Canada goose (Branta canadensis Linnaeus, 1758) had a miracidium with an identical COI nucleotide sequence. Preliminary swimmer's itch and cercarial emergence studies were performed to determine if the cercariae could cause swimmer's itch and to study the emergence pattern as compared with species of Trichobilharzia Skrjabin and Zakharow, 1920.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brooke A McPhail
- 357 South Academic Building, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 116 St. and 85th Avenue, Alberta, Canada T6G 2R3
| | - Sydney P Rudko
- 357 South Academic Building, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 116 St. and 85th Avenue, Alberta, Canada T6G 2R3
| | - Alyssa Turnbull
- 357 South Academic Building, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 116 St. and 85th Avenue, Alberta, Canada T6G 2R3
| | - Michelle A Gordy
- 357 South Academic Building, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 116 St. and 85th Avenue, Alberta, Canada T6G 2R3
| | - Ronald L Reimink
- Office of Campus Ministries, 110 E. 12th Street, Hope College, Holland, Michigan 49423.,Freshwater Solutions LLC, 6906 48th Avenue, Hudsonville, Michigan 49426
| | - Daniel Clyde
- Office of Campus Ministries, 110 E. 12th Street, Hope College, Holland, Michigan 49423
| | - Kelsey Froelich
- Saint Joseph High School, 2521 Stadium Drive, Saint Joseph, Michigan 49085
| | - Sara V Brant
- Museum of Southwestern Biology, Division of Parasites, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, 1 University of New Mexico MSC03 2020, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
| | - Patrick C Hanington
- 357 South Academic Building, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 116 St. and 85th Avenue, Alberta, Canada T6G 2R3
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gordy MA, Koprivnikar J, McPhail B, Hanington PC. Environmental and ecological factors driving trematode parasite community assembly in central Alberta lakes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2020; 13:283-291. [PMID: 33318927 PMCID: PMC7726454 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.11.008] [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: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Parasites have been neglected from most biodiversity surveys even though they are an essential component of ecosystems and intimately associated with the free-living communities within them. Parasites with complex life cycles, such as digenean trematode flatworms, utilize at least two host species within an ecosystem for their development and transmission, taking advantage of species networks to complete their life cycles. Despite this knowledge, our understanding of the processes that contribute to parasite community assembly, and which limit their geographic distributions, are rudimentary, including the importance of host diversity. Utilizing recent advancements in the identification of cryptic trematode species through molecular barcoding, we examined patterns of community assembly involving 79 species in six Alberta lakes over three years. Specifically, we focused on spatiotemporal variation in trematode diversity within their snail first intermediate hosts (component communities), how this might relate to host diversity through the specificity of host-parasite relationships, and the role of certain environmental factors in structuring these communities. We found substantial natural fluctuations of trematode communities through space and time within these lakes. Trematode communities were diverse, showing an overall positive relationship with snail diversity, but were often dominated by a few common species. We found that ecoregion and lake trophic status were key predictors for the presence of these trematode species. Such information is key for understanding how biodiversity alterations may affect parasite community composition, as well as our ability to formulate predictive models, by considering how this could influence both species richness and evenness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A Gordy
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Janet Koprivnikar
- Department of Chemistry & Biology, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Brooke McPhail
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Gulyás K, Soldánová M, Orosová M, Oros M. Confirmation of the presence of zoonotic Trichobilharzia franki following a human cercarial dermatitis outbreak in recreational water in Slovakia. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:2531-2537. [PMID: 32562067 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06751-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Human cercarial dermatitis is a parasitic disease that causes an allergic reaction in the skin (swimmer's itch) as a consequence of contact with cercariae of bird schistosomes present in water, mainly of the genus Trichobilharzia Skrjabin et Zakarow, 1920. The main objective of the study was to confirm the presence of the zoonotic disease agent following reports of human infections in recreational water in Slovakia. We identified two species of freshwater snails at Košice Lake, Radix auricularia (Linnaeus, 1758) and Physa acuta (Draparnaud, 1805). Trematode infections were observed only in R. auricularia. Of the 62 snails collected, 11 (17.7%) were infected with 5 different species of larval stages of trematodes. The blood fluke Trichobilharzia franki was found in 2 (3.2%) of the examined snails. The present record provides the first evidence that T. franki from the pulmonate snail R. auricularia represents a source of human cercarial dermatitis in recreational water in Slovakia. Our finding complements the easternmost records of both swimmer's itch and the confirmed occurrence of a bird schistosome in a waterbody in Europe. The present work suggests that the health risks associated with trichobilharziasis need to be further studied by detailed monitoring of the occurrence of the major causative agent of human cercarial dermatitis, T. franki.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristián Gulyás
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Miroslava Soldánová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Orosová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Mikuláš Oros
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovakia.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Rudko SP, Turnbull A, Reimink RL, Froelich K, Hanington PC. Species-specific qPCR assays allow for high-resolution population assessment of four species avian schistosome that cause swimmer's itch in recreational lakes. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2019; 9:122-129. [PMID: 31061794 PMCID: PMC6488534 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Swimmer's itch is an allergic condition that occurs when the motile and infectious stage of avian schistosomes penetrate the skin of an individual. Flatworm parasites that cause swimmer's itch belong to the family Schistosomatidae. They utilize a variety of different species of bird and mammal as definitive hosts, and rely on different species of snail, in which they complete their larval development to culminate in a motile, aquatic, infectious stage called a cercaria. Recently, qPCR-based assays have been developed to monitor for swimmer's itch-causing trematodes in recreational water. This environmental DNA approach has been useful for quantifying the abundance of the free-living cercaria, the causative agent of swimmer's itch. However, the existing qPCR test amplifies from all known schistosome species, making it excellent for assessing a site for swimmer's itch potential, but not useful in determining the specific species contributing to swimmer's itch or the likely hosts (snail and bird) of the swimmer's itch-causing parasites. Thus, species-specific resolution built into a qPCR test would be useful in answering ecological questions about swimmer's itch cause, and efficacy of control efforts. This paper details bird, snail, and cercaria surveys conducted in the summer of 2018, that culminated in the development and deployment of four species-specific qPCR assays, capable of detecting Trichobilharzia stagnicolae, Trichobilharzia szidati, Trichobilharzia physellae, and Anserobilharzia brantae in recreational water. These assays were used to assess the relative abundance of each parasite in water samples collected from lakes in Northern Michigan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sydney P. Rudko
- 357 South Academic Building, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 116st and 85 Ave, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2R3
| | - Alyssa Turnbull
- 357 South Academic Building, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 116st and 85 Ave, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2R3
| | - Ronald L. Reimink
- Office of Campus Ministries, 129 E. 10th St. Hope College, Holland, MI, 49423, USA
- Freshwater Solutions LLC, 6906 48th Ave, Hudsonville, MI, 49426, USA
| | - Kelsey Froelich
- Saint Joseph High School, 2521 Stadium Dr., Saint Joseph, MI, 49085, USA
| | - Patrick C. Hanington
- 357 South Academic Building, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 116st and 85 Ave, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2R3
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Gordy MA, Hanington PC. A fine-scale phylogenetic assessment of digenean trematodes in central Alberta reveals we have yet to uncover their total diversity. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:3153-3238. [PMID: 30962888 PMCID: PMC6434566 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite over 100 years of digenean trematode parasite species descriptions, from a wide diversity of vertebrate and invertebrate host species, our ability to recognize the diversity of trematode species within a single lake remains an incredible challenge. The most challenging aspect is the identification of species from larval stages derived from intermediate hosts, due to the disjointed data of adult worm morphological descriptions, from which species are named, and links to corresponding molecular identifiers in depauperate databases. Cryptic species also play a significant role in the challenge of linking trematode larvae to adults, species identifications, and estimating diversity. Herein, we utilize a large, longitudinal dataset of snail first-intermediate host infection data from lakes in Alberta, Canada, to infer trematode larval diversity using molecular phylogenetics and snail host associations. From our assessments, we uncover a diversity of 79 larval trematode species among just five snail host species. Only 14 species were identified to a previously described species, while the other 65 species are either cryptic or otherwise unrepresented by mitochondrial genes in GenBank. This study currently represents the largest and most diverse singular molecular survey of trematode larval fauna composed of over one thousand mitochondrial sequences. Surprisingly, rarefaction analyses indicate we have yet to capture the complete diversity of trematodes from our sampling area.
Collapse
|