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Singh A, Singh R, Parganiha A, Tripathi MK. Annual rhythm in immune functions of blood leucocytes in an ophidian, Natrix piscator. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12157. [PMID: 38802537 PMCID: PMC11130258 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63033-8] [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: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Annual variations in animal's physiological functions are an essential strategy to deal with seasonal challenges which also vary according to the time of year. Information regarding annual adaptations in the immune-competence to cope with seasonal stressors in reptiles is scarce. The present research plan was designed to analyze the presence of circannual immune rhythms in defense responses of the leucocytes in an ophidian, Natrix piscator. Peripheral blood leucocytes were obtained, counted, and superoxide anion production, neutrophil phagocytosis, and nitrite release were tested to assess the innate immune functions. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were separated by centrifugation (utilizing density gradient) and the cell proliferation was measured. The Cosinor rhythmometry disclosed the presence of significant annual rhythms in the number of leucocytes, superoxide anion production, nitric oxide production, and proliferation of stimulated lymphocytes. The authors found that respiratory burst activity and proliferative responses of lymphocytes were crucial immune responses that showed the annual rhythm. It was summarized that the immune function of the N. piscator is a labile attribute that makes the animal competent to cope with the seasonal stressor by adjustment in the potency of response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alka Singh
- Department of Zoology, Udai Pratap Autonomous College, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221002, India
| | - Ramesh Singh
- Department of Zoology, Udai Pratap Autonomous College, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221002, India
| | - Arti Parganiha
- School of Studies in Life Science, Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, 492010, India
| | - Manish Kumar Tripathi
- Department of Zoology, School of Studies of Life Sciences, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, 495009, India.
- Department of Zoology, Udai Pratap Autonomous College, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221002, India.
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Haskins DL, Brown MK, Meichner K, Coleman AL, Allender MC, Tuberville TD. Factors Predicting Apparent Ophidiomycosis in Wild Brown Watersnakes (Nerodia taxispilota). J Wildl Dis 2024; 60:64-76. [PMID: 37823517 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-23-00003] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Ophidiomycosis, also known as snake fungal disease, is caused by Ophidiomyces ophidiicola and is a threat to snake conservation worldwide. Ophidiomycosis has been reported throughout much of the eastern US, and outbreaks have been associated with local population declines of already strained populations. Previous studies report significant variability in ophidiomycosis among species sampled, with higher prevalence typically observed in Nerodia spp. Although ophidiomycosis can lead to morbidity and mortality in affected individuals, little is known about disease dynamics in free-ranging populations. Herein, we examine how individual-specific factors (e.g., life stage [immature, mature], contaminant status, sex, hemograms) may be associated with ophidiomycosis status in the brown watersnake (Nerodia taxispilota). During 2018-19, we sampled 97 N. taxispilota from five locations along the Savannah River in South Carolina and Georgia, US. Ophidiomyces ophidiicola DNA was detected in 66 snakes for a prevalence of 68% (95% confidence interval, 59-77). Mature snakes had a significantly higher risk of apparent ophidiomycosis (skin lesions present and quantitative PCR [qPCR], positive) relative to immature snakes. Snakes classified as having possible (skin lesions present, but qPCR negative) or apparent ophidiomycosis exhibited a relative azurophilia and heterophilia compared with individuals classified as negative (P≤0.037). Nerodia taxispilota in this region appear to have a high prevalence of apparent ophidiomycosis (22%; 95% CI, 14-31), similar to previous reports from the southeastern US. Additional epidemiologic investigations are warranted to further elucidate other individual-specific and environmental factors that may dictate disease risk and outcomes in affected populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Haskins
- University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina 29802, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
| | - M Kyle Brown
- University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina 29802, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
| | - Kristina Meichner
- Department of Pathology, University of Georgia's College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
| | - Austin L Coleman
- University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina 29802, USA
| | - Matthew C Allender
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61802, USA
- Brookfield Zoo, Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield, Illinois 60513, USA
| | - Tracey D Tuberville
- University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina 29802, USA
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García GO, Zumpano F, Mariano y Jelicich R, Favero M. Effect of urbanization on individual condition of a threatened seabird: the Olrog’s Gull Larus atlanticus. Urban Ecosyst 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-023-01347-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
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HEMATOLOGIC METRICS FROM OLROG'S GULL ( LARUS ATLANTICUS) DURING THE NONBREEDING SEASON IN ARGENTINA. J Zoo Wildl Med 2021; 52:348-356. [PMID: 33827198 DOI: 10.1638/2020-0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecophysiology and conservation studies often require the prior establishment of baseline physiologic metrics. For instance, expected reference intervals for health metrics are valuable tools for veterinarians and conservationists who monitor the health status of endangered populations and species. This study establishes reference intervals for hematologic metrics in free-ranging Olrog's gull (Larus atlanticus) during the nonbreeding season. Fifty-six gulls (immature and adults) were captured and studied in Mar del Plata and neighboring coastal areas (Buenos Aires, Argentina) during the winter of 2018 (n = 22) and 2019 (n = 34). Hematocrit, red blood cells (erythrocytes), hemoglobin, mean cell volume, mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), MCH concentration, white blood cells (WBC; leukocytes), heterophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, and basophils were analyzed. Additionally, the variability of hematologic metrics according to body weight, sex, age, and calendar year was examined. Hematologic metrics were in line with those reported in other seabird species. Males had greater body weight and MCH than females. The heterophil to lymphocyte ratio and lymphocyte levels were higher in adults than in immatures. Hematocrit, WBC, heterophils, and basophils also varied significantly between calendar years. The results highlight the importance of appropriate metrics and reference intervals for monitoring the health status of this threatened species, and it is recommended to implement such comparative assessments among populations.
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Adhikari R, Suriyagoda L, Premarathna A, De Silva N, Dangolla A, Mallawa C, Silva I, Gawarammana I. Development of a Treatment Protocol for Cobra ( Naja naja) Bite Envenoming in Dogs. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:E694. [PMID: 33147770 PMCID: PMC7694019 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12110694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
There is limited information on clinical profiles, treatment, and management aspects of Indian cobra (Naja naja) bite envenoming in dogs in Sri Lanka. Dogs with cobra bites presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH), University of Peradeniya, were prospectively studied over a period of 72 months; local and systemic clinical manifestations and hematological abnormalities were recorded. We studied 116 cobra bite envenomings in dogs. A grading system was established using a combination of anatomical site of fang marks, as well as local and systemic clinical manifestations. Accordingly, treatment strategies were established using Indian polyvalent antivenom (AVS). Pain and swelling at the bite site were major clinical signs observed, while neurotoxic manifestations (mydriasis, wheezing, and crackles) were detected in most dogs. Leukocytosis was observed in 78% of them. Statistical analysis revealed that the grading scores obtained were compatible to initiate AVS administration according to the severity. The minimum number required was 2 AVS vials (range 2-12). Almost 20% of the dogs developed wheezing, crackles, hypersalivation, restlessness, and dyspnea as adverse reactions to AVS treatment. Necrotic wounds on bitten anatomical sites developed in 19% of the dogs and 2.5% developed acute kidney injuries as a consequence of envenoming crisis. Despite treatment, 3% of dogs died. No dry bites were recorded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjith Adhikari
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka; (R.A.); (N.D.S.); (A.D.); (C.M.); (I.S.)
| | - Lalith Suriyagoda
- Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka;
| | - Amal Premarathna
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka;
| | - Niranjala De Silva
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka; (R.A.); (N.D.S.); (A.D.); (C.M.); (I.S.)
| | - Ashoka Dangolla
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka; (R.A.); (N.D.S.); (A.D.); (C.M.); (I.S.)
| | - Chandima Mallawa
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka; (R.A.); (N.D.S.); (A.D.); (C.M.); (I.S.)
| | - Indira Silva
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka; (R.A.); (N.D.S.); (A.D.); (C.M.); (I.S.)
| | - Indika Gawarammana
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka
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Photoperiodic manipulation modulates the innate and cell mediated immune functions in the fresh water snake, Natrix piscator. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14722. [PMID: 32895425 PMCID: PMC7477230 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71777-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives of the current work were to investigate the role of photoperiod and melatonin in the alteration of immune responses in a reptilian species. Animals were kept on a regimen of short or long days. Blood was obtained and leucocytes were isolated to study various innate immune responses. Lymphocytes were separated from blood by density gradient centrifugation and were used to study proliferation. Respiratory burst activity was measured through nitrobluetetrazolium reduction assay while nitric oxide production by leucocytes was assayed by nitrite assay. Lymphocytes were isolated and used to study proliferation with and without B and T cell mitogens. Photoperiodic manipulation acted differentially on leucocyte counts. Nitrite release was increased while superoxide production was decreased in cultures obtained from the snakes kept on the short day regimen. Significant enhancement of mitogen induced lymphocyte proliferation was observed in cultures from the animals kept in either long or short days compared to cultures from the animals kept in natural ambient day length. Use of in vitro melatonin showed that lymphocytes from the animals, kept in long days, were more reactive. Photoperiod induces changes in immune status which may permit adaptive functional responses in order to maintain seasonal energetic budgets of the animals. Physiological responses (like elevated immune status) are energetically expensive, therefore, animals have evolved a strategy to reduce immune functions at times when energy is invested in reproductive activities. Natrix piscator breeds from September to December and elevated pineal hormone in winter suppresses reproduction while immunity is stimulated.
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The Venom of Spectacled Cobra (Elapidae: Naja naja): In Vitro Study from Distinct Geographical Origins in Sri Lanka. J Toxicol 2018; 2018:7358472. [PMID: 30363742 PMCID: PMC6180993 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7358472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Several countries residing envenomation due to Naja naja had revealed a disparity in the venom composition according to their geographic location and Sri Lankan cobra still lacks the evidence to support this. Therefore, the current study was focused on addressing relationship between the histopathological changes according to geographic variation of Sri Lankan N. naja venom. The histopathological changes in vital organs and muscle tissues following intramuscular administration of venom of N. naja were studied using BALB/c mice. The median lethal dose of venom of N. naja in the present study was determined to be 0.55, 0.66, 0.68, 0.62, and 0.7 mg/kg for North (NRP), Central (CRP), Western, Southern, and Sabaragamuwa Regional Population venoms, respectively. Histopathological changes were observed in different levels in vital organs and muscle tissues of mice. NRP accompanied significantly higher infiltration of inflammatory and necrotic cells into skeletal muscle and CRP venom demonstrated high level of cardiotoxic effects comparing to other regions. This study revealed a certain extent of variations in the pathological effects of N. naja venom samples according to their geographical distribution.
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