1
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Monje LD, Eberhardt AT, Vaschalde PJ, Barolin J, Costa FB, Labruna MB, Beldomenico PM. Natural infection of free-ranging capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) with Anaplasmataecea and Rickettsiaceae bacteria in the Iberá wetlands ecoregion, Argentina. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:1161-1169. [PMID: 38227179 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10301-7] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
The current work assessed the infection with Ehrlichia and Anaplasma species, and exposure to Rickettsia spp. in free-ranging capybaras in the Iberá wetlands ecoregion in Argentina. By indirect immunofluorescence assay, 37 out of 51 (73%) capybara sera were seropositive to Rickettsia spp., with 23.5% and 4% samples considered homologous to Rickettsia parkeri and Rickettsia bellii, respectively (or very closely related serotypes). Anaplasmataceae DNA was found to be highly prevalent in capybaras, with 33 out of 62 samples positive for Anaplasma sp. with Ct values of 28.64 ± 0.35 (average ± standard error), and 12 samples positive for Ehrlichia sp. with Ct values of 31.74 ± 0.87. Anaplasma sp. from capybaras was closely related to Anaplasma sp. reported to infect Amblyomma dubitatum in Iberá wetlands and to Anaplasma odocoilei, while the detected Ehrlichia sp. was closely related to "Candidatus Ehrlichia hydrochoerus" previously reported to infect capybaras in Brazil and A. dubitatum in Iberá wetlands. Structures compatible with Anaplasma morulae were observed in the cytoplasm of platelets from Anaplasma-positive capybaras. Our findings show that capybaras from the Iberá wetlands were exposed to Rickettsia species related to R. bellii and to the pathogen R. parkeri, and were infected with "Ca. Ehrlichia hydrochoerus" and a novel Anaplasma species, herein named "Candidatus Anaplasma capybara".
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas D Monje
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICIVET-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), R.P. Kreder 2805, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina.
- Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Ayelen T Eberhardt
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICIVET-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), R.P. Kreder 2805, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Paula J Vaschalde
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICIVET-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), R.P. Kreder 2805, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Johann Barolin
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICIVET-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), R.P. Kreder 2805, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | | | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pablo M Beldomenico
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICIVET-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), R.P. Kreder 2805, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
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2
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Tietze E, Bellusci A, Cañal V, Cringoli G, Beltrame MO. Gastrointestinal parasite assemblages from the wild rodent capybara ( Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) inhabiting a natural protected area from Argentina. J Helminthol 2023; 97:e97. [PMID: 38088355 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x23000767] [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] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge about parasitic diseases of wildlife will help us to understand the dynamics of parasites and their effects on host populations. The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the largest living rodent in the world, and its distribution is associated with the presence of tropical and subtropical wetlands in South America. The Los Padres Lake Integral Reserve (LPLIR) is an important conservation zone in the pampean region of Argentina. One of the emblematic species found within the reserve is the capybara. The objective of this study was to determine the gastrointestinal parasites present in wild capybaras of the LPLIR and to compare different coprological methodologies. Free-ranging capybara fresh feces from 57 individuals were randomly collected from the area of LPLIR in the summer of 2022. Three different techniques were applied: spontaneous sedimentation technique (SS), INTA modified McMaster technique (MM), and Mini-FLOTAC (MF) technique. Fifty-six samples from all samples analysed (56/57, 98%) were found to be positive for gastrointestinal parasites. Two species of Strongylida, Protozoophaga obesa, Echinocoleus hydrochaeris, one unidentified nematode, one unidentified spirurid, and at least two morphotypes of Eimeria spp. oocysts were recorded. There were found significant differences in the proportion of positive samples and in richness by technique, but no significant differences were found in parasite counting. In conclusion, the choice of methodology depends on the specific objectives of the study. This is the first parasitological study of capybaras from the LPLIR and represents an exploration of parasite communities present in these wild rodents at their southernmost distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Tietze
- Paleoparasitología. Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción, Sanidad y Ambiente (IIPROSAM), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, UNMdP-CONICET, Juan B. Justo 2250, CP 7600, Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - A Bellusci
- Paleoparasitología. Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción, Sanidad y Ambiente (IIPROSAM), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, UNMdP-CONICET, Juan B. Justo 2250, CP 7600, Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - V Cañal
- Paleoparasitología. Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción, Sanidad y Ambiente (IIPROSAM), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, UNMdP-CONICET, Juan B. Justo 2250, CP 7600, Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - G Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - M O Beltrame
- Paleoparasitología. Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción, Sanidad y Ambiente (IIPROSAM), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, UNMdP-CONICET, Juan B. Justo 2250, CP 7600, Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
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3
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Vicente-Santos A, Willink B, Nowak K, Civitello DJ, Gillespie TR. Host-pathogen interactions under pressure: A review and meta-analysis of stress-mediated effects on disease dynamics. Ecol Lett 2023; 26:2003-2020. [PMID: 37804128 PMCID: PMC10874615 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Human activities have increased the intensity and frequency of natural stressors and created novel stressors, altering host-pathogen interactions and changing the risk of emerging infectious diseases. Despite the ubiquity of such anthropogenic impacts, predicting the directionality of outcomes has proven challenging. Here, we conduct a review and meta-analysis to determine the primary mechanisms through which stressors affect host-pathogen interactions and to evaluate the impacts stress has on host fitness (survival and fecundity) and pathogen infectivity (prevalence and intensity). We assessed 891 effect sizes from 71 host species (representing seven taxonomic groups) and 78 parasite taxa from 98 studies. We found that infected and uninfected hosts had similar sensitivity to stressors and that responses varied according to stressor type. Specifically, limited resources compromised host fecundity and decreased pathogen intensity, while abiotic environmental stressors (e.g., temperature and salinity) decreased host survivorship and increased pathogen intensity, and pollution increased mortality but decreased pathogen prevalence. We then used our meta-analysis results to develop susceptible-infected theoretical models to illustrate scenarios where infection rates are expected to increase or decrease in response to resource limitations or environmental stress gradients. Our results carry implications for conservation and disease emergence and reveal areas for future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Vicente-Santos
- Population Biology, Ecology, and Evolution Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Beatriz Willink
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm 106-91, Sweden
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore
- School of Biology, University of Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | - Kacy Nowak
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - David J. Civitello
- Population Biology, Ecology, and Evolution Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Thomas R. Gillespie
- Population Biology, Ecology, and Evolution Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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4
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So-In C. Influence of goat management systems on hematological, oxidative stress profiles, and parasitic gastrointestinal infection. Vet World 2023; 16:483-490. [PMID: 37041825 PMCID: PMC10082745 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.483-490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Good management in goats is known for good quality health and increasing productivity. The physiological change studies in goats are limited despite some existing studies on the relationship of various patterns to growth rates. This study aimed to determine the hematological parameters, oxidative stress, and parasitic infection in three management systems in Thai native goats.
Materials and Methods: A total of 18 male goats were randomly assigned to the three systems: The free-range model (FREE), the semi-intensive model (SEMI), and the kept-in-a-cage model (BARN) for 35 days. Blood, fecal sampling, and weight data were collected and monitored every 5 days for analysis.
Results: No statistical differences were found in the FREE and SEMI groups, but significance was observed in the BARN group. The body weight of the goats gradually reduced from 13.0 ± 2.44 kg to 10.18 ± 2.61 kg (mean ± standard deviation). In contrast, the significantly increasing red blood cells, packed-cell volume, white blood cells, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (N/L) ratio, cortisol hormone, and antioxidation profiles were observed to be higher in BARN than in FREE and SEMI groups. The intensity of the parasite eggs was remarkably significant. It was observed in the BARN group between the beginning and end of the experiment (supported by a high level of eosinophils).
Conclusion: These data can be applied for the realistic evaluation and improvement of management practices, especially fully restrained management (BARN) for monitoring the health status of goats.
Keywords: goat, hematology values, management systems, oxidative stress, parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charinya So-In
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Kalasin University, Kalasin 46000, Thailand
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5
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Abdu S, Chimento M, Alarcón-Nieto G, Zúñiga D, Aplin LM, Farine DR, Brandl HB. The performance of field sampling for parasite detection in a wild passerine. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9242. [PMID: 36016817 PMCID: PMC9398886 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites can impact the behavior of animals and alter the interplay with ecological factors in their environment. Studying the effects that parasites have on animals thus requires accurate estimates of infections in individuals. However, quantifying parasites can be challenging due to several factors. Laboratory techniques, physiological fluctuations, methodological constraints, and environmental influences can introduce measurement errors, in particular when screening individuals in the wild. These issues are pervasive in ecological studies where it is common to sample study subjects only once. Such factors should be carefully considered when choosing a sampling strategy, yet presently there is little guidance covering the major sources of error. In this study, we estimate the reliability and sensitivity of different sampling practices at detecting two internal parasites-Serratospiculoides amaculata and Isospora sp.-in a model organism, the great tit Parus major. We combine field and captive sampling to assess whether individual parasite infection status and load can be estimated from single field samples, using different laboratory techniques-McMaster and mini-FLOTAC. We test whether they vary in their performance, and quantify how sample processing affects parasite detection rates. We found that single field samples had elevated rates of false negatives. By contrast, samples collected from captivity over 24 h were highly reliable (few false negatives) and accurate (repeatable in the intensity of infection). In terms of methods, we found that the McMaster technique provided more repeatable estimates than the mini-FLOTAC for S. amaculata eggs, and both techniques were largely equally suitable for Isospora oocysts. Our study shows that field samples are likely to be unreliable in accurately detecting the presence of parasites and, in particular, for estimating parasite loads in songbirds. We highlight important considerations for those designing host-parasite studies in captive or wild systems giving guidance that can help select suitable methods, minimize biases, and acknowledge possible limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salamatu Abdu
- Department of Biology University of Konstanz Constance Germany.,Department of Collective Behaviour Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Radolfzell Germany.,Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland.,Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour Universität Konstanz Constance Germany
| | - Michael Chimento
- Department of Biology University of Konstanz Constance Germany.,Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour Universität Konstanz Constance Germany.,Cognitive and Cultural Ecology Research Group Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Radolfzell Germany
| | - Gustavo Alarcón-Nieto
- Cognitive and Cultural Ecology Research Group Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Radolfzell Germany
| | - Daniel Zúñiga
- Department of Biology University of Konstanz Constance Germany.,Department of Collective Behaviour Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Radolfzell Germany
| | - Lucy M Aplin
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour Universität Konstanz Constance Germany.,Cognitive and Cultural Ecology Research Group Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Radolfzell Germany.,Division of Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology Australian National University Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - Damien R Farine
- Department of Collective Behaviour Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Radolfzell Germany.,Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland.,Division of Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology Australian National University Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - Hanja B Brandl
- Department of Collective Behaviour Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior Radolfzell Germany.,Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland.,Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour Universität Konstanz Constance Germany
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6
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Shanebeck KM, Besson AA, Lagrue C, Green SJ. The energetic costs of sub-lethal helminth parasites in mammals: a meta-analysis. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2022; 97:1886-1907. [PMID: 35678252 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Parasites, by definition, have a negative effect on their host. However, in wild mammal health and conservation research, sub-lethal infections are commonly assumed to have negligible health effects unless parasites are present in overwhelming numbers. Here, we propose a definition for host health in mammals that includes sub-lethal effects of parasites on the host's capacity to adapt to the environment and maintain homeostasis. We synthesized the growing number of studies on helminth parasites in mammals to assess evidence for the relative magnitude of sub-lethal effects of infection across mammal taxa based on this expanded definition. Specifically, we develop and apply a framework for organizing disparate metrics of parasite effects on host health and body condition according to their impact on an animal's energetic condition, defined as the energetic burden of pathogens on host physiological and behavioural functions that relate directly to fitness. Applying this framework within a global meta-analysis of helminth parasites in wild, laboratory and domestic mammal hosts produced 142 peer-reviewed studies documenting 599 infection-condition effects. Analysing these data within a multiple working hypotheses framework allowed us to evaluate the relative weighted contribution of methodological (study design, sampling protocol, parasite quantification methods) and biological (phylogenetic relationships and host/parasite life history) moderators to variation in the magnitude of health effects. We found consistently strong negative effects of infection on host energetic condition across taxonomic groups, with unusually low heterogeneity in effect sizes when compared with other ecological meta-analyses. Observed effect size was significantly lower within cross-sectional studies (i.e. observational studies that investigated a sub-set of a population at a single point in time), the most prevalent methodology. Furthermore, opportunistic sampling led to a weaker negative effect compared to proactive sampling. In the model of host taxonomic group, the effect of infection on energetic condition in carnivores was not significant. However, when sampling method was included, it explained substantial inter-study variance; proactive sampling showing a strongly significant negative effect while opportunistic sampling detected only a weak, non-significant effect. This may partly underlie previous assumptions that sub-lethal parasites do not have significant effects on host health. We recommend future studies adopt energetic condition as the framework for assessing parasite effects on wildlife health and provide guidelines for the selection of research protocols, health proxies, and relating infection to fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle M Shanebeck
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, 11455 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anne A Besson
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, 340 Great King Street, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
| | - Clement Lagrue
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, 11455 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Zoology, University of Otago, 340 Great King Street, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand.,Department of Conservation, 265 Princes Street, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
| | - Stephanie J Green
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, 11455 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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7
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Thatcher HR, Downs CT, Koyama NF. The costs of urban living: human–wildlife interactions increase parasite risk and self-directed behaviour in urban vervet monkeys. JOURNAL OF URBAN ECOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/jue/juab031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The urban landscape is a complex mosaic of costs and benefits for urban wildlife. Although many species may adapt and thrive in the urban mosaic, the complexity of this landscape can be stressful and have health implications for urban wildlife, raising concerns for zoonosis and biodiversity. In this study, we assessed how human–primate interactions influenced parasite risk and anxiety-related behaviour of urban vervet monkeys in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Over 1 year, we collected and analysed faecal samples, assessing eggs per gram, species richness, and Shannon’s diversity index. In addition, using behavioural sampling, we recorded self-directed scratching behaviour, as an indicator of anxiety, and human–primate interactions, both positive (human-food consumption) and negative (human–monkey aggression). To assess parasite risk in the urban mosaic, we ran three models with our parasite measures as dependent variables. Results showed that negative human interactions significantly increased with eggs per gram, species richness, and Shannon’s diversity index and positive human interactions increased with both eggs per gram and species richness. Furthermore, eggs per gram significantly increased with higher scratching rate. We also tested the relationship between scratching and human interactions, finding that scratching significantly increased under higher rates of negative human incidents. Overall, results suggest that there are costs to urban living that increase anxiety-related behaviour and parasite risk despite increased food availability. Our findings are important for developing effective management strategies that focus on cohabitation rather than conflict, for the benefit of human and wildlife health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet R Thatcher
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, UK
| | - Colleen T Downs
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal 3209, South Africa
| | - Nicola F Koyama
- Research Centre in Evolutionary Anthropology & Palaeoecology, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
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8
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Souza SLPD, Benatti HR, Luz HR, Costa FB, Pacheco RDC, Labruna MB. Endoparasites of capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) from anthropized and natural areas of Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2021; 30:e027420. [PMID: 34076155 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612021049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of endoparasites in fecal samples of capybaras from anthropized areas in seven cities in the state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil, and natural areas in two locations in the Pantanal biome. For the parasitological evaluation of samples, feces were subjected to centrifugal sedimentation in water-ether and centrifugal flotation in sucrose solution. Out of the 113 samples examined, 97.3% (110/113) were positive for the presence of helminth eggs and/or protozoan oocysts, with 96.7% (89/92) and 100% (21/21) in capybaras from anthropized and natural areas, respectively. Helminth eggs belonging to the Class Cestoda (Monoecocestus spp.), Class Digenea, and Class Nematoda (Trichostrongyloidea, Strongyloides chapini, Protozoophaga obesa, and Capillaria hydrochoeri) were detected. Coccidia oocysts of Eimeria spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. were detected. The difference found was in the occurrence of S. chapini between anthropized and natural areas, as S. chapini was not detected in natural areas. Capybaras from anthropized areas showed a greater species richness of endoparasites, including species such as Fasciola hepatica and Cryptosporidium spp., that might have zoonotic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvio Luís Pereira de Souza
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Hector Ribeiro Benatti
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Hermes Ribeiro Luz
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Departamento de Patologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Biotecnologia do Renorbio, Ponto Focal Maranhão, Universidade Federal do Maranhão - UFMA, São Luís, MA, Brasil
| | - Francisco Borges Costa
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão - UEMA, São Luís, MA, Brasil
| | - Richard de Campos Pacheco
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brasil
| | - Marcelo Bahia Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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9
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Wasserman MD, Wing B, Bickford N, Hobbs K, Dijkstra P, Carr J. Stress responses across the scales of life: Towards a universal theory of biological stress. Integr Comp Biol 2021; 61:2109-2118. [PMID: 34057460 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icab113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Although biological systems are more complex and can actively respond to their environment, an effective entry point to the development of a universal theory of biological stress are the physical concepts of stress and strain. If you apply stress to the end of a beam of steel, strain will accumulate within that steel beam. If the stress is weak, that strain will disappear when the force is removed and the beam will return to its original state of form and functionality. If the stress is more severe, the strain becomes permanent and the beam will be deformed, potentially losing some degree of functionality. In extremely stressful situations, the beam will break and lose most or all of its original functional capabilities. Although this stress-strain theory applies to the abiotic, stress and strain are also rules of life and directly relate to the form and function of living organisms. The main difference is that life can react and adjust to stress and strain to maintain homeostasis within a range of limits. Here, we summarize the rules of stress and strain in living systems ranging from microbes to multicellular organisms to ecosystems with the goal of identifying common features that may underlie a universal biological theory of stress. We then propose to establish a range of experimental, observational, and analytical approaches to study stress across scales, including synthetic microbial communities that mimic many of the essential characteristics of living systems, thereby enabling a universal theory of biological stress to be experimentally validated without the constraints of timescales, ethics, or cost found when studying other species or scales of life. Although the range of terminology, theory, and methodology used to study stress and strain across the scales of life presents a formidable challenge to creating a universal theory of biological stress, working towards such a theory that informs our understanding of the simultaneous and interconnected unicellular, multicellular, organismal, and ecosystem stress responses is critical as it will improve our ability to predict how living systems respond to change, thus informing solutions to current and future environmental and human health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Boswell Wing
- University of Colorado Boulder, Geological Sciences
| | | | - Kimberly Hobbs
- Alabama A&M University, Biological and Environmental Sciences
| | | | - Jim Carr
- Texas Tech University, Biological Sciences
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10
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Parasites and health status of free-ranging capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) in the Atlantic Forest and Caatinga biomes of Brazil. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2021; 23:100503. [PMID: 33678396 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Due to the degradation and loss of its natural habitat, the presence of capybaras in urban environments and crop areas has been frequently reported in various regions of Brazil. The objective of this study was to identify the parasitic fauna of free-living capybaras in two impacted biomes of the northeastern region (Atlantic Forest and Caatinga), as well as to evaluate the impact of parasitism on the health of these rodents. For this, ticks, fecal and blood samples (for hematology and serum biochemistry evaluation) were collected from 23 free-ranging capybaras from four areas of Atlantic Forest (areas 1, 2 and 3) and Caatinga (area 4) biomes. Of the 23 animals with parasites, 73.9% (17/23) were parasitized simultaneously by gastrointestinal parasites (GIP) (Strongylida, Strongyloides chapini, Capillaria sp., Trematoda and Eimeria sp.) and Amblyomma ticks (larvae of Amblyomma sp. - areas 1, 2, and 3; Amblyomma dubitatum - areas 1 and 2; A. sculptum - areas 3 and 4), while 26.1% (6/23) were parasitized exclusively by ticks. The trematode Hippocrepis hippocrepis was collected during the necropsy of one animal that died during the study. Most hematological and serum biochemical parameters were within the reference values for the species, except AST, albumin, urea, and Na, which presented higher values. Some parameters presented statistically significant differences associated with parasitism, with higher values for animals with co-infection (GIP and ticks) than animals parasitized by ticks only: leukocyte counts (p = 0.0332), neutrophils (p = 0.0498), monocytes (p = 0.0443), as well as creatinine (p = 0.0422) and lactate (p = 0.0307). This may mean that the GIP identified in this study can have a greater impact on the hematological and serum biochemical parameters. However, although parasitized and living in threatened biomes, the animals were healthy, demonstrating that they could be adapted to parasitism. Amblyomma sculptum was recorded for the first time in capybaras in the Caatinga biome in Pernambuco state. The presence of A. sculptum evidences the need for studies about the infection by Rickettsia on capybaras and their ticks, to provide data on the potential risk of occurrence of Brazilian Spotted Fever in Pernambuco state, within a One Health perspective.
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11
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Romeo C, Wauters LA, Santicchia F, Dantzer B, Palme R, Martinoli A, Ferrari N. Complex relationships between physiological stress and endoparasite infections in natural populations. Curr Zool 2020; 66:449-457. [PMID: 33293925 PMCID: PMC7705514 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoaa029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Short-term elevation of glucocorticoids (GCs) is one of the major physiological mechanisms by which vertebrates cope with challenging environmental or social factors (stressors). However, when exposure to stressors occurs repeatedly or over a prolonged period of time, animals may experience chronic elevation of GCs, which reduces the immune response efficiency and can lead to higher intensity of parasitic infection. Here, we used invasive gray squirrels Sciurus carolinensis introduced in Northern Italy and their 2 most prevalent gastrointestinal parasites, the nematode Strongyloides robustus and coccidia of the genus Eimeria, as a model to investigate relationships among macroparasite infection and concentrations of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGMs), an integrated measure of circulating GCs. Our results revealed an association of FGMs with infection by St. robustus, but not with coccidia. Individuals with higher FGMs appear to be responsible for the greatest St. robustus egg shedding within gray squirrel populations, thus possibly acting as superspreaders. However, FGMs were negatively associated with adult St. robustus, suggesting that the abundance of adults of this nematode species does not induce elevation in FGMs, but is only affected by it through immune-mediated effects on its fecundity. Finally, the relationship between St. robustus (both eggs and adult parasites) and FGMs was not linear, suggesting that only high levels of physiological stress influence parasite infection. Our findings highlight that the direction and magnitude of the stress-infection relationship may depend not only on the specific host-parasite system, but also on the different life stages of the same parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Romeo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, Milano, 2133, Italy
| | - Lucas A Wauters
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Environment Analysis and Management Unit—Guido Tosi Research Group—Università degli Studi dell’Insubria, Via J. H. Dunant 3, Varese, 21100, Italy
- Department of Biology, Evolutionary Ecology Group, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Wilrijk, 2610, Belgium
| | - Francesca Santicchia
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Environment Analysis and Management Unit—Guido Tosi Research Group—Università degli Studi dell’Insubria, Via J. H. Dunant 3, Varese, 21100, Italy
| | - Ben Dantzer
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, 530 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, 830 North University, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Rupert Palme
- Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, Vienna, 1210, Austria
| | - Adriano Martinoli
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Environment Analysis and Management Unit—Guido Tosi Research Group—Università degli Studi dell’Insubria, Via J. H. Dunant 3, Varese, 21100, Italy
| | - Nicola Ferrari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, Milano, 2133, Italy
- Centro di Ricerca Coordinata Epidemiologia e Sorveglianza Molecolare delle Infezioni, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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12
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Hall RJ. Modeling the Effects of Resource-Driven Immune Defense on Parasite Transmission in Heterogeneous Host Populations. Integr Comp Biol 2020; 59:1253-1263. [PMID: 31127280 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icz074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals experience heterogeneous environmental conditions that can affect within-host processes such as immune defense against parasite infection. Variation among individuals in parasite shedding can cause some hosts to contribute disproportionately to population-level transmission, but we currently lack mechanistic theory that predicts when environmental conditions can result in large disease outbreaks through the formation of immunocompromised superspreading individuals. Here, I present a within-host model of a microparasite's interaction with the immune system that links an individual host's resource intake to its infectious period. For environmental scenarios driving population-level heterogeneity in resource intake (resource scarcity and resource subsidy relative to baseline availability), I generate a distribution of infectious periods and simulate epidemics on these heterogeneous populations. I find that resource scarcity can result in large epidemics through creation of superspreading individuals, while resource subsidies can reduce or prevent transmission of parasites close to their invasion threshold by homogenizing resource allocation to immune defense. Importantly, failure to account for heterogeneity in competence can result in under-prediction of outbreak size, especially when parasites are close to their invasion threshold. More generally, this framework suggests that differences in conditions experienced by individual hosts can lead to superspreading via differences in resource allocation to immune defense alone, even in the absence of other heterogeneites such as host contacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Hall
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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13
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Jones KR, Lall KR, Garcia GW. Endoparasites of Selected Native Non-Domesticated Mammals in the Neotropics (New World Tropics). Vet Sci 2019; 6:E87. [PMID: 31671585 PMCID: PMC6958403 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci6040087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, information was summarized on endoparasites found in six non-domesticated neotropical animals. These mammals have the potential to be domesticated. The animals included three rodents, agouti (Dasyprocta leporina), lappe (Agouti paca), and capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris); a marsupial, manicou (Didelphis marsupialis insularis); and an artiodactyl, the collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu/Peccari tajacu) and a ruminant (the red brocket deer, Mazama americana). While there are many descriptions of the parasites present, the majority of publications failed to note the effect of them on the animals. Most information is available on endoparasites of capybara, while the endoparasites of the red brocket deer were the least reported. The manicou was reported to have had the most number of endoparasites, 44 species of parasites were reported, while there were only 24 endoparasites reported in the lappe. The most common parasites found in these neotropical animals were Paraspidodera uncinata, Strongyloides spp., Eimeria spp., Moniezia benedeni, Trichuris spp., Physocephalus spp., and Giardia spp. A large majority of the studies concluded that these animals were reservoirs for parasites that could affect domesticated livestock. Endoparasites of zoonotic significance were Echinoccocus spp., Trichuris spp., Giardia spp., and Cryptosporidium spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kegan Romelle Jones
- The Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences (DBVS), School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM), University of the West Indies (UWI), Mt. Hope, Trinidad and Tobago.
- The Open Tropical Forage-Animal Production Laboratory (OTF-APL), Department of Food Production (DFP), Faculty of Food and Agriculture (FFA), The University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.
| | - Kavita Ranjeeta Lall
- The Open Tropical Forage-Animal Production Laboratory (OTF-APL), Department of Food Production (DFP), Faculty of Food and Agriculture (FFA), The University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.
| | - Gary Wayne Garcia
- The Open Tropical Forage-Animal Production Laboratory (OTF-APL), Department of Food Production (DFP), Faculty of Food and Agriculture (FFA), The University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.
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14
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Strandin T, Babayan SA, Forbes KM. Reviewing the effects of food provisioning on wildlife immunity. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019. [PMID: 29531143 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2017.0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
While urban expansion increasingly encroaches on natural habitats, many wildlife species capitalize on anthropogenic food resources, which have the potential to both positively and negatively influence their responses to infection. Here we examine how food availability and key nutrients have been reported to shape innate and adaptive immunity in wildlife by drawing from field-based studies, as well as captive and food restriction studies with wildlife species. Examples of food provisioning and key nutrients enhancing immune function were seen across the three study type distinctions, as were cases of trace metals and pharmaceuticals impairing the immunity of wildlife species. More generally, food provisioning in field studies tended to increase innate and adaptive responses to certain immune challenges, whereas patterns were less clear in captive studies. Mild food restriction often enhanced, whereas severe food restriction frequently impaired immunity. However, to enable stronger conclusions we stress a need for further research, especially field studies, and highlight the importance of integrating nutritional manipulation, immune challenge, and functional outcomes. Despite current gaps in research on this topic, modern high throughput molecular approaches are increasingly feasible for wildlife studies and offer great opportunities to better understand human influences on wildlife health.This article is part of the theme issue 'Anthropogenic resource subsidies and host-parasite dynamics in wildlife'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Strandin
- Department of Virology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Simon A Babayan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK.,The Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Kristian M Forbes
- Department of Virology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00290, Finland .,Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics and Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16082, USA
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15
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Wilde LR, Wolf CJ, Porter SM, Stager M, Cheviron ZA, Senner NR. Botfly infections impair the aerobic performance and survival of montane populations of deer mice,
Peromyscus maniculatus rufinus. Funct Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Luke R. Wilde
- Division of Biological Sciences University of Montana Missoula Montana
| | - Cole J. Wolf
- Division of Biological Sciences University of Montana Missoula Montana
| | - Stephanie M. Porter
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado
| | - Maria Stager
- Division of Biological Sciences University of Montana Missoula Montana
| | | | - Nathan R. Senner
- Division of Biological Sciences University of Montana Missoula Montana
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16
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Lind C, Moore IT, Akçay Ç, Vernasco BJ, Lorch JM, Farrell TM. Patterns of Circulating Corticosterone in a Population of Rattlesnakes Afflicted with Snake Fungal Disease: Stress Hormones as a Potential Mediator of Seasonal Cycles in Disease Severity and Outcomes. Physiol Biochem Zool 2018; 91:765-775. [PMID: 29286254 DOI: 10.1086/695747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Snake fungal disease (SFD) is an emerging threat to snake populations in the United States. Fungal pathogens are often associated with a physiological stress response mediated by the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA), and afflicted individuals may incur steep coping costs. The severity of SFD can vary seasonally; however, little is known regarding (1) how SFD infection relates to HPA activity and (2) how seasonal shifts in environment, life history, or HPA activity may interact to drive seasonal patterns of infection severity and outcomes. To test the hypothesis that SFD is associated with increased HPA activity and to identify potential environmental or physiological drivers of seasonal infection, we monitored baseline corticosterone, SFD infection severity, foraging success, body condition, and reproductive status in a field-active population of pigmy rattlesnakes. Both plasma corticosterone and the severity of clinical signs of SFD peaked in the winter. Corticosterone levels were also elevated in the fall before the seasonal rise in SFD severity. Severely symptomatic snakes were in low body condition and had elevated corticosterone levels compared to moderately infected and uninfected snakes. The monthly mean severity of SFD in the population was negatively related to population-wide estimates of body condition and temperature measured in the precedent month and positively correlated with corticosterone levels measured in the precedent month. Symptomatic females were less likely to enter reproductive bouts compared to asymptomatic females. We propose the hypothesis that the seasonal interplay among environment, host energetics, and HPA activity initiates trade-offs in the fall that drive the increase in SFD prevalence, symptom severity, and decline in condition observed in the population through winter.
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17
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Sánchez CA, Becker DJ, Teitelbaum CS, Barriga P, Brown LM, Majewska AA, Hall RJ, Altizer S. On the relationship between body condition and parasite infection in wildlife: a review and meta-analysis. Ecol Lett 2018; 21:1869-1884. [PMID: 30369000 DOI: 10.1111/ele.13160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Body condition metrics are widely used to infer animal health and to assess costs of parasite infection. Since parasites harm their hosts, ecologists might expect negative relationships between infection and condition in wildlife, but this assumption is challenged by studies showing positive or null condition-infection relationships. Here, we outline common condition metrics used by ecologists in studies of parasitism, and consider mechanisms that cause negative, positive, and null condition-infection relationships in wildlife systems. We then perform a meta-analysis of 553 condition-infection relationships from 187 peer-reviewed studies of animal hosts, analysing observational and experimental records separately, and noting whether authors measured binary infection status or intensity. Our analysis finds substantial heterogeneity in the strength and direction of condition-infection relationships, a small, negative average effect size that is stronger in experimental studies, and evidence for publication bias towards negative relationships. The strongest predictors of variation in study outcomes are host thermoregulation and the methods used to evaluate body condition. We recommend that studies aiming to assess parasite impacts on body condition should consider host-parasite biology, choose condition measures that can change during the course of infection, and employ longitudinal surveys or manipulate infection status when feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia A Sánchez
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Center for the Ecology of Infectious Disease, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Daniel J Becker
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Center for the Ecology of Infectious Disease, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Claire S Teitelbaum
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Center for the Ecology of Infectious Disease, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Paola Barriga
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Center for the Ecology of Infectious Disease, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Leone M Brown
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Ania A Majewska
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Center for the Ecology of Infectious Disease, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Richard J Hall
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Center for the Ecology of Infectious Disease, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Sonia Altizer
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Center for the Ecology of Infectious Disease, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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18
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Cuervo PF, Beldomenico PM, Sánchez A, Pietrobon E, Valdez SR, Racca AL. Chronic exposure to environmental stressors enhances production of natural and specific antibodies in rats. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2018; 329:536-546. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.2218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Fernando Cuervo
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral, Universidad Nacional del Litoral/Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Esperanza Argentina
| | - Pablo Martín Beldomenico
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral, Universidad Nacional del Litoral/Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Esperanza Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral; Esperanza Argentina
| | - Amorina Sánchez
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral; Esperanza Argentina
| | - Elisa Pietrobon
- Laboratorio de Reproducción y Lactancia, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Mendoza Argentina
| | - Susana Ruth Valdez
- Laboratorio de Reproducción y Lactancia, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Mendoza Argentina
| | - Andrea Laura Racca
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral, Universidad Nacional del Litoral/Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Esperanza Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral; Esperanza Argentina
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19
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Aleuy OA, Ruckstuhl K, Hoberg EP, Veitch A, Simmons N, Kutz SJ. Diversity of gastrointestinal helminths in Dall's sheep and the negative association of the abomasal nematode, Marshallagia marshalli, with fitness indicators. PLoS One 2018. [PMID: 29538393 PMCID: PMC5851548 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal helminths can have a detrimental effect on the fitness of wild ungulates. Arctic and Subarctic ecosystems are ideal for the study of host-parasite interactions due to the comparatively simple ecological interactions and limited confounding factors. We used a unique dataset assembled in the early seventies to study the diversity of gastrointestinal helminths and their effect on fitness indicators of Dall’s sheep, Ovis dalli dalli, in the Mackenzie Mountains, Northwest Territories, Canada. Parasite diversity included nine species, among which the abomasal nematode Marshallagia marshalli occurred with the highest prevalence and infection intensity. The intensity of M. marshalli increased with age and was negatively associated with body condition and pregnancy status in Dall’s sheep across all the analyses performed. The intensity of the intestinal whipworm, Trichuris schumakovitschi, decreased with age. No other parasites were significantly associated with age, body condition, or pregnancy. Our study suggests that M. marshalli might negatively influence fitness of adult female Dall’s sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- O. Alejadro Aleuy
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Kathreen Ruckstuhl
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Eric P. Hoberg
- Museum of Southwestern Biology and Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Alburquerque, NM, United States of America
| | | | - Norman Simmons
- Producers of Diamond Willow, Pincher Creek, Alberta, Canada
| | - Susan J. Kutz
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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20
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Puehringer-Sturmayr V, Wascher CAF, Loretto MC, Palme R, Stoewe M, Kotrschal K, Frigerio D. Seasonal differences of corticosterone metabolite concentrations and parasite burden in northern bald ibis (Geronticus eremita): The role of affiliative interactions. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191441. [PMID: 29364951 PMCID: PMC5783627 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The reproductive season is energetically costly as revealed by elevated glucocorticoid concentrations, constrained immune functions and an increased risk of infections. Social allies and affiliative interactions may buffer physiological stress responses and thereby alleviate associated effects. In the present study, we investigated the seasonal differences of immune reactive corticosterone metabolite concentrations, endoparasite burden (nematode eggs and coccidian oocysts) and affiliative interactions in northern bald ibis (Geronticus eremita), a critically endangered bird. In total, 43 individually marked focal animals from a free-ranging colony were investigated. The analyses included a description of initiated and received affiliative interactions, pair bond status as well as seasonal patterns of hormone and endoparasite levels. During the reproductive season, droppings contained parasite eggs more often and corticosterone metabolite levels were higher as compared to the period after reproduction. The excretion rate of endoparasite products was lower in paired individuals than in unpaired ones, but paired animals exhibited higher corticosterone metabolite concentrations than unpaired individuals. Furthermore, paired individuals initiated affiliative behaviour more frequently than unpaired ones. This suggests that the reproductive season influences the excretion patterns of endoparasite products and corticosterone metabolites and that affiliative interactions between pair partners may positively affect endoparasite burden during periods of elevated glucocorticoid levels. Being embedded in a pair bond may have a positive impact on individual immune system and parasite resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Puehringer-Sturmayr
- Core Facility Konrad Lorenz Forschungsstelle for Behaviour and Cognition, University of Vienna, Grünau im Almtal, Austria.,Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia A F Wascher
- Core Facility Konrad Lorenz Forschungsstelle for Behaviour and Cognition, University of Vienna, Grünau im Almtal, Austria.,Department of Biology, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Matthias-Claudio Loretto
- Core Facility Konrad Lorenz Forschungsstelle for Behaviour and Cognition, University of Vienna, Grünau im Almtal, Austria.,Department of Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rupert Palme
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mareike Stoewe
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kurt Kotrschal
- Core Facility Konrad Lorenz Forschungsstelle for Behaviour and Cognition, University of Vienna, Grünau im Almtal, Austria.,Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Didone Frigerio
- Core Facility Konrad Lorenz Forschungsstelle for Behaviour and Cognition, University of Vienna, Grünau im Almtal, Austria.,Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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21
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Eberhardt A, Beldomenico P, Monje L, Racca A. Biochemical and physiological parameters associated with Trypanosoma evansi prevalence in wild capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris). CAN J ZOOL 2017. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2016-0230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Parasites can be detrimental to the health of wildlife populations and may negatively affect several aspects of the life history of their hosts. Investigating host health, therefore, is key to understanding important mechanisms of the host–parasite interaction at the individual and population levels. Recently, we reported a prevalence of 10% of Trypanosoma evansi Steel, 1884 in a population of capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris (L., 1766)) from Esteros del Iberá, Argentina; however, the impact of T. evansi infection on capybaras is unknown. The aim of this study was to explore associations between T. evansi infection and biochemical and physiological parameters in wild capybaras using blood samples (n = 60) from a managed population of free-ranging capybaras from Esteros del Iberá. Infection by T. evansi was negatively associated with body condition, albumin, alpha-2 globulin concentrations, albumin/globulin ratio, and eosinophil counts, and it was positively associated with spleen index and gamma-globulin concentrations. These results suggest that T. evansi infection may pose a significant impact on the health of wild capybaras.
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Affiliation(s)
- A.T. Eberhardt
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICIVET–Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) / Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), R.P. Kreder 2805, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - P.M. Beldomenico
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICIVET–Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) / Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), R.P. Kreder 2805, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (FCV, UNL), R.P. Kreder 2805, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - L.D. Monje
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICIVET–Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) / Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), R.P. Kreder 2805, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - A.L. Racca
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICIVET–Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) / Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), R.P. Kreder 2805, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (FCV, UNL), R.P. Kreder 2805, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
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22
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Moleón MS, Parachú Marcó MV, Pietrobon EO, Jahn GA, Beldomenico PM, Siroski PA. Corticosterone levels and immunological indices in stressed juvenile broad-snouted caimans. J Zool (1987) 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. S. Moleón
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades (ICiVet-CONICET-UNL); Esperanza Santa Fe Argentina
- Proyecto Yacaré; Laboratorio de Zoología Aplicada: Anexo Vertebrados (FHUC - UNL/MMA; Santa Fe Argentina
| | - M. V. Parachú Marcó
- Proyecto Yacaré; Laboratorio de Zoología Aplicada: Anexo Vertebrados (FHUC - UNL/MMA; Santa Fe Argentina
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular (ICiVet-CONICET-UNL); Esperanza Santa Fe Argentina
| | - E. O. Pietrobon
- Laboratorio de Reproducción y Lactancia CRICYT-CONICET; Mendoza Argentina
| | - G. A. Jahn
- Laboratorio de Reproducción y Lactancia CRICYT-CONICET; Mendoza Argentina
| | - P. M. Beldomenico
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades (ICiVet-CONICET-UNL); Esperanza Santa Fe Argentina
| | - P. A. Siroski
- Proyecto Yacaré; Laboratorio de Zoología Aplicada: Anexo Vertebrados (FHUC - UNL/MMA; Santa Fe Argentina
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular (ICiVet-CONICET-UNL); Esperanza Santa Fe Argentina
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23
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Experimental testing of reciprocal effects of nutrition and parasitism in wild black capuchin monkeys. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12778. [PMID: 28986531 PMCID: PMC5630591 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12803-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutritional stress may predispose individuals to infection, which in turn can have further detrimental effects on physical condition, thus creating an opportunity for reciprocal effects between nutrition and parasitism. Little experimental investigation has been conducted on this “vicious circle” hypothesis in wild animals, especially under natural conditions. We evaluated the reciprocal effects of nutritional status and parasitism using an experimental approach in two groups of wild black capuchin monkeys (Sapajus nigritus). Across two consecutive winters, we collected faecal samples from identified capuchins to determine presence and load of gastrointestinal helminthes, and measured individual body mass as a proxy of physical condition. Food availability was manipulated by provisioning monkeys with bananas, and parasite burdens by applying antiparasitic drugs to selected individuals. We found no effect of antiparasitic drugs on physical condition, but parasite loads decreased in response to high levels of food availability. Our results represent the first experimental evidence that the nutritional status may drive parasite dynamics in a primate.
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Merlo JL, Cutrera AP, Zenuto RR. Food Restriction Affects Inflammatory Response and Nutritional State in Tuco-tucos (Ctenomys talarum). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 325:675-687. [PMID: 28164466 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Insufficient or unbalanced food intake typically has a negative impact on immune responses. The understanding of this effect is, however, hampered by the effect that food has on general condition, which, in turn, affects immunity, and the interaction among general condition, immunocompetence, and concurrent infections. The goal of this study was to determine the effects of food restriction and methionine supplementation on immunity in tuco-tucos (Ctenomys talarum). Effects of diet manipulations on nutritional state, inflammatory response to phytohemagglutinin (PHA), and other immune parameters (bacterial killing capacity, natural antibodies, and leukocyte profile) were evaluated. Health and stress parameters and endoparasite loads were assessed to understand more deeply potential effects of treatments on immune status. Individuals under food restriction presented an altered nutritional state as well as increased stress levels (higher N: L ratios) compared with individuals fed ad libitum, and a marked reduction in the inflammatory response to PHA. Supplementation with methionine did not affect any of the parameters analyzed. Endoparasite loads were not affected by treatments. Our results support the idea that food insufficiency can modulate the individual's immune responsiveness through the lack of adequate essential nutrients, metabolic fuel and energetic reserves, or by a detrimental effect of the stress caused by nutrient limitation. We show that the response to PHA previously reported as nonenergetically costly for C. talarum, implies a nutritional cost; an opposite pattern to that previously found for the adaptive antibody response to sheep red blood cells in the same species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta Leticia Merlo
- Laboratorio de Ecología Fisiológica y del Comportamiento, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras, CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Paula Cutrera
- Laboratorio de Ecología Fisiológica y del Comportamiento, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras, CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Roxana Rita Zenuto
- Laboratorio de Ecología Fisiológica y del Comportamiento, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras, CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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25
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Morrill A, Forbes MR. Aggregation of Infective Stages of Parasites as an Adaptation and Its Implications for the Study of Parasite-Host Interactions. Am Nat 2016; 187:225-35. [DOI: 10.1086/684508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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26
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Du SY, Cao YF, Nie XH, Wu Y, Bian JH. The synergistic effect of density stress during the maternal period and adulthood on immune traits of root vole (Microtus oeconomus) individuals-a field experiment. Oecologia 2015; 181:335-46. [PMID: 26373286 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-015-3445-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The literature reveals that stress in early life or adulthood can influence immune function. As most studies on this are from the laboratory, there is a need for replicated studies in wild animals. This study aims to examine the effects of density stress during the maternal period and adulthood on immune traits of root vole (Microtus oeconomus) individuals. Four replicated high- and low-density parental populations were established, from which we obtained offspring and assigned each into four enclosures, two for each of the two density treatments used in establishing parental populations. The F1 offspring fecal corticosterone metabolite response to acute immobilization stress, anti-keyhole limpet hemocyanin immunoglobulin G (anti-KLH IgG) level, phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-delayed hypersensitivity and hematology at the end of the first breeding season, and prevalence and intensity of coccidial infection throughout the two breeding seasons, were tested. Density-induced maternally stressed offspring had delayed responses to acute immobilization stress. Density-stressed offspring as adults had reduced anti-KLH IgG levels and PHA responses, and the effects further deteriorated in maternally stressed offspring, leading to higher coccidial infection in the first breeding season than in the second. No correlations were found between immune traits or coccidial infection and survival over winter. These findings indicated that the combined density stresses during the maternal period and adulthood exhibited negative synergistic effects on immune traits. The synergistic effects lead to higher coccidial infection; however, this consequently reduced the risk of subsequent infection. The increased coccidial infection mediated by the synergistic effects may have an adaptive value in the context of the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shou-Yang Du
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, China
- Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yi-Fan Cao
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, China
| | - Xu-Heng Nie
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, China
- Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yan Wu
- School of Life and Environment Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310012, China.
| | - Jiang-Hui Bian
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, China.
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27
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Jackson JA. Immunology in wild nonmodel rodents: an ecological context for studies of health and disease. Parasite Immunol 2015; 37:220-32. [PMID: 25689683 PMCID: PMC7167918 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptomic methods are set to revolutionize the study of the immune system in naturally occurring nonmodel organisms. With this in mind, the present article focuses on ways in which the use of 'nonmodel' rodents (not the familiar laboratory species) can advance studies into the classical, but ever relevant, epidemiologic triad of immune defence, infectious disease and environment. For example, naturally occurring rodents are an interesting system in which to study the environmental stimuli that drive the development and homeostasis of the immune system and, by extension, to identify where these stimuli are altered in anthropogenic environments leading to the formation of immunopathological phenotypes. Measurement of immune expression may help define individual heterogeneity in infectious disease susceptibility and transmission and facilitate our understanding of infection dynamics and risk in the natural environment; furthermore, it may provide a means of surveillance that can filter individuals carrying previously unknown acute infections of potential ecological or zoonotic importance. Finally, the study of immunology in wild animals may reveal interactions within the immune system and between immunity and other organismal traits that are not observable under restricted laboratory conditions. Potentiating much of this is the possibility of combining gene expression profiles with analytical tools derived from ecology and systems biology to reverse engineer interaction networks between immune responses, other organismal traits and the environment (including symbiont exposures), revealing regulatory architecture. Such holistic studies promise to link ecology, epidemiology and immunology in natural systems in a unified approach that can illuminate important problems relevant to human health and animal welfare and production.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Jackson
- IBERS, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, UK
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28
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Factors affecting patterns of Amblyomma triste (Acari: Ixodidae) parasitism in a rodent host. Vet Parasitol 2015; 211:251-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Revised: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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29
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Jolles AE, Beechler BR, Dolan BP. Beyond mice and men: environmental change, immunity and infections in wild ungulates. Parasite Immunol 2015; 37:255-66. [PMID: 25354672 PMCID: PMC4414670 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In the face of rapid environmental change, anticipating shifts in microparasite and macroparasite dynamics, including emergence events, is an enormous challenge. We argue that immunological studies in natural populations are pivotal to meeting this challenge: many components of environmental change--shifts in biotic assemblages, altered climate patterns and reduced environmental predictability--may affect host immunity. We suggest that wild ungulates can serve as model systems aiding the discovery of immunological mechanisms that link environmental change with parasite transmission dynamics. Our review of eco-immunological studies in wild ungulates reveals progress in understanding how co-infections affect immunity and parasite transmission and how environmental and genetic factors interact to shape immunity. Changes in bioavailability of micronutrients have been linked to immunity and health in wild ungulates. Although physiological stress in response to environmental change has been assessed, downstream effects on immunity have not been studied. Moreover, the taxonomic range of ungulates studied is limited to bovids (bighorn sheep, Soay sheep, chamois, musk oxen, bison, African buffalo) and a few cervids (red deer, black-tailed deer). We discuss areas where future studies in ungulates could lead to significant contributions in understanding the patterns of immunity and infection in natural populations and across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E. Jolles
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Brianna R. Beechler
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Brian P. Dolan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
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30
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Tian J, Courtiol A, Schneeberger K, Greenwood AD, Czirják GÁ. Circulating white blood cell counts in captive and wild rodents are influenced by body mass rather than testes mass, a correlate of mating promiscuity. Funct Ecol 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jundong Tian
- Department of Wildlife Diseases Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research 10315 Berlin Germany
- Department of Veterinary Medicine Freie Universität Berlin 14163 Berlin Germany
| | - Alexandre Courtiol
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research 10315 Berlin Germany
| | - Karin Schneeberger
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research 10315 Berlin Germany
| | - Alex D. Greenwood
- Department of Wildlife Diseases Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research 10315 Berlin Germany
- Department of Veterinary Medicine Freie Universität Berlin 14163 Berlin Germany
| | - Gábor Á. Czirják
- Department of Wildlife Diseases Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research 10315 Berlin Germany
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31
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Forbes KM, Stuart P, Mappes T, Henttonen H, Huitu O. Food resources and intestinal parasites as limiting factors for boreal vole populations during winter. Ecology 2014. [DOI: 10.1890/13-2381.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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32
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Owen JP, Waite JL, Holden KZ, Clayton DH. Does antibody binding to diverse antigens predict future infection? Parasite Immunol 2014; 36:573-84. [DOI: 10.1111/pim.12141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. P. Owen
- Department of Entomology; Washington State University; Pullman WA USA
| | - J. L. Waite
- Department of Biology; University of Utah; Salt Lake City UT USA
| | - K. Z. Holden
- Department of Entomology; Washington State University; Pullman WA USA
| | - D. H. Clayton
- Department of Biology; University of Utah; Salt Lake City UT USA
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33
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Debárbora VN, Mangold AJ, Eberhardt A, Guglielmone AA, Nava S. Natural infestation of Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris by Amblyomma dubitatum ticks. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2014; 63:285-94. [PMID: 24469297 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-014-9768-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Natural infestation of Amblyomma dubitatum in relation to individual specific attributes of Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris such as sex, body mass and body condition was analyzed. The anatomical distribution of A. dubitatum on H. hyrochaeris was also evaluated. Prevalence of adults and nymphs were significantly higher than prevalence of larvae. Non-significant differences in the infestation levels were found among host sex. Multiple regression analysis did not show any statistically significant association among the level of infestation with ticks and body mass and body condition of the host. All parasitic tick stages were collected in all five anatomical areas of the host, but they exhibited significant differences in feeding site preference. Factors associated to the host which determine the high levels of infestation with A. dubitatum could be assigned to a combination of population-level properties of the host as abundance, ubiquity and aggregation, rather than individual specific attributes related to body condition, body mass or sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria N Debárbora
- Centro de Ecología Aplicada del Litoral (CECOAL-CONICET), Ruta 5 Km 2.5, Corrientes, Argentina
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34
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Eberhardt A, Monje L, Zurvera D, Beldomenico P. Detection of Trypanosoma evansi infection in wild capybaras from Argentina using smear microscopy and real-time PCR assays. Vet Parasitol 2014; 202:226-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.02.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2013] [Revised: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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35
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Mycobacterium intracellulare infection in a capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris). J Zoo Wildl Med 2014; 44:1098-101. [PMID: 24450078 DOI: 10.1638/2013-0017r1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This report describes the first case of Mycobacterium intracellulare infection with typical granulomatous lesions of mycobacteriosis in a capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris). The individual was a captive-bred young female, part of the control group of an experimental study on stress. Multiple granulomatous lesions were detected in a mesenteric lymph node of this young female. Mycobacterial infection was confirmed by bacteriologic culture and molecular identification methods. Clinical lesions were characterized by histopathology.
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36
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Intra-phylum and inter-phyla associations among gastrointestinal parasites in two wild mammal species. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:3295-304. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3509-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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