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Herron ICT, Laws TR, Nelson M. Marmosets as models of infectious diseases. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1340017. [PMID: 38465237 PMCID: PMC10921895 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1340017] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Animal models of infectious disease often serve a crucial purpose in obtaining licensure of therapeutics and medical countermeasures, particularly in situations where human trials are not feasible, i.e., for those diseases that occur infrequently in the human population. The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), a Neotropical new-world (platyrrhines) non-human primate, has gained increasing attention as an animal model for a number of diseases given its small size, availability and evolutionary proximity to humans. This review aims to (i) discuss the pros and cons of the common marmoset as an animal model by providing a brief snapshot of how marmosets are currently utilized in biomedical research, (ii) summarize and evaluate relevant aspects of the marmoset immune system to the study of infectious diseases, (iii) provide a historical backdrop, outlining the significance of infectious diseases and the importance of developing reliable animal models to test novel therapeutics, and (iv) provide a summary of infectious diseases for which a marmoset model exists, followed by an in-depth discussion of the marmoset models of two studied bacterial infectious diseases (tularemia and melioidosis) and one viral infectious disease (viral hepatitis C).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian C. T. Herron
- CBR Division, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), Salisbury, United Kingdom
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Falendysz EA, Calhoun DM, Smith CA, Sleeman JM. Outside the Box: Working With Wildlife in Biocontainment. ILAR J 2021; 61:72-85. [PMID: 34428796 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilab025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Research with captive wildlife in Animal Biosafety Level 2 (ABSL2) and 3 (ABSL3) facilities is becoming increasingly necessary as emerging and re-emerging diseases involving wildlife have increasing impacts on human, animal, and environmental health. Utilizing wildlife species in a research facility often requires outside the box thinking with specialized knowledge, practices, facilities, and equipment. The USGS National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) houses an ABSL3 facility dedicated to understanding wildlife diseases and developing tools to mitigate their impacts on animal and human health. This review presents considerations for utilizing captive wildlife for infectious disease studies, including, husbandry, animal welfare, veterinary care, and biosafety. Examples are drawn from primary literature review and collective 40-year experience of the NWHC. Working with wildlife in ABSL2 and ABSL3 facilities differs from laboratory animals in that typical laboratory housing systems, husbandry practices, and biosafety practices are not designed for work with wildlife. This requires thoughtful adaptation of standard equipment and practices, invention of customized solutions and development of appropriate enrichment plans using the natural history of the species and the microbiological characteristics of introduced and native pathogens. Ultimately, this task requires critical risk assessment, understanding of the physical and psychological needs of diverse species, creativity, innovation, and flexibility. Finally, continual reassessment and improvement are imperative in this constantly changing specialty area of infectious disease and environmental hazard research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Falendysz
- US Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Dana M Calhoun
- Department of EBIO, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Carrie A Smith
- US Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jonathan M Sleeman
- US Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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The Ecology of the Zebra Finch Makes It a Great Laboratory Model but an Outlier amongst Passerine Birds. BIRDS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/birds2010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Zebra Finches have become the most widely researched bird species outside of those used in agricultural production. Their adoption as the avian model of choice is largely down to a number of characteristics that make them easy to obtain and use in captivity. The main point of our paper is that the very characteristics that make the Zebra Finch a highly amenable laboratory model species mean that it is by definition different from many other passerine birds, and therefore not a good general model for many research areas. The Zebra Finch is likely to be particularly resilient to the effects of stress early in life, and is likely to show great flexibility in dealing with a wide variety of conditions later in life. Whilst it is tempting for researchers to turn to species such as the Zebra Finch, that can be the focus of manipulative work in the laboratory, we caution that the findings of such studies may confound our understanding of general avian biology. The Zebra Finch will remain an excellent species for laboratory work, and our paper should help to direct and interpret future work in the laboratory and the field.
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Hofmeister EK, Balakrishnan CN, Atkinson CT. Population Differences in Susceptibility to Plasmodium relictum in Zebra Finches Taeniopygia guttata. Avian Dis 2019; 62:351-354. [PMID: 31119918 DOI: 10.1637/11823-030518-resnote.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Domesticated Australian and Timor zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata castanotis and Taeniopygia guttata guttata, respectively) were inoculated with canary (Serinus canaria) blood containing a Hawaiian isolate of Plasmodium relictum (lineage GRW04), a hemoparasite that causes avian malaria. In two experimental trials, TZFs but not AZFs developed parasitemia that was detected by microscopic examination of blood smears. In the second trial, in which molecular detection methods were used, a single AZF and five of six challenged TZFs were positive for the parasite. Additionally, P. relictum DNA was detected in multiple blood samples obtained from TZFs over the 28 days following challenge. TZFs may provide a useful, easily maintained, laboratory model for the study of Plasmodium interactions in passerines but are still inferior to canaries, the traditionally used model of avian malaria infection, in terms of supporting high-parasitemia infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik K Hofmeister
- United States Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI 53711,
| | | | - Carter T Atkinson
- United States Geological Survey, Pacific Islands Ecosystems Research Center, Hawaii National Park, Honolulu, HI 96718
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Lansverk AL, Schroeder KM, London SE, Griffith SC, Clayton DF, Balakrishnan CN. The variability of song variability in zebra finch ( Taeniopygia guttata) populations. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2019; 6:190273. [PMID: 31218064 PMCID: PMC6549970 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.190273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Birdsong is a classic example of a learned social behaviour. Song behaviour is also influenced by genetic factors, and understanding the relative contributions of genetic and environmental influences remains a major goal. In this study, we take advantage of captive zebra finch populations to examine variation in a population-level song trait: song variability. Song variability is of particular interest in the context of individual recognition and in terms of the neuro-developmental mechanisms that generate song novelty. We find that the Australian zebra finch Taeniopygia guttata castanotis (TGC) maintains higher song diversity than the Timor zebra finch T. g. guttata (TGG) even after experimentally controlling for early life song exposure, suggesting a genetic basis to this trait. Although wild-derived TGC were intermediate in song variability between domesticated TGC populations and TGG, the difference between domesticated and wild TGC was not statistically significant. The observed variation in song behaviour among zebra finch populations represents a largely untapped opportunity for exploring the mechanisms of social behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison L. Lansverk
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
- Author for correspondence: Allison L. Lansverk e-mail:
| | | | - Sarah E. London
- Department of Psychology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Simon C. Griffith
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David F. Clayton
- Department of Biological & Experimental Psychology, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Jankowski MD, Moore ME, Hofmeister EK. An examination of the effect of aerosolized Permanone insecticide on zebra finch susceptibility to West Nile virus. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2017; 36:3376-3386. [PMID: 28722808 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is maintained cryptically primarily in avian (passerine) populations, where it is transmitted by Culex spp. mosquitoes. Mosquito-control measures currently include physical activities to reduce mosquito-breeding sites and the application of mosquito larvicides or aerosolized insecticides to kill adults (adulticides) when arboviral diseases such as WNV or Zika virus are detected in mosquito populations. Organochlorine, organophosphorus, carbamate, and pyrethroid insecticides are often used. Previous work suggests an effect of pyrethroids on the immune system in a variety of vertebrates. We examined the effects of exposure to aerosolized Permanone® 30:30 insecticide (permethrin and piperonyl butoxide in soy oil vehicle) at approximately 103 to 106 times potential environmental concentrations on the response of captive zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) to experimental challenge with WNV. Compared to vehicle control birds, WNV outcome was unchanged (65% of birds produced a viremia) in the "low" exposure (9.52 ± 3.13 mg/m3 standard deviation [SD] permethrin) group but reduced in the "high" exposure (mean 376.5 ± 27.9 mg/m3 SD permethrin) group (30% were viremic; p < 0.05). After clearing WNV infection, birds treated with Permanone regained less body mass than vehicle-treated birds (p < 0.001). The present study suggests that exposure to aerosolized Permanone insecticide at levels exceeding typical application rates has the potential to not change or to mildly enhance a bird's resistance to WNV. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:3376-3386. Published 2017 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Jankowski
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10, Seattle, Washington
| | - Murray E Moore
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
| | - Erik K Hofmeister
- National Wildlife Health Center, US Geological Survey, Madison, Wisconsin
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Reynolds ES, Hart CE, Hermance ME, Brining DL, Thangamani S. An Overview of Animal Models for Arthropod-Borne Viruses. Comp Med 2017; 67:232-241. [PMID: 28662752 PMCID: PMC5482515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 02/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) have continued to emerge in recent years, posing a significant health threat to millions of people worldwide. The majority of arboviruses that are pathogenic to humans are transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks, but other types of arthropod vectors can also be involved in the transmission of these viruses. To alleviate the health burdens associated with arbovirus infections, it is necessary to focus today's research on disease control and therapeutic strategies. Animal models for arboviruses are valuable experimental tools that can shed light on the pathophysiology of infection and will enable the evaluation of future treatments and vaccine candidates. Ideally an animal model will closely mimic the disease manifestations observed in humans. In this review, we outline the currently available animal models for several viruses vectored by mosquitoes, ticks, and midges, for which there are no standardly available vaccines or therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin S Reynolds
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Charles E Hart
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Meghan E Hermance
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Douglas L Brining
- Animal Resources Center, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Saravanan Thangamani
- Department of Pathology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, Center for Tropical Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas;,
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Newhouse DJ, Hofmeister EK, Balakrishnan CN. Transcriptional response to West Nile virus infection in the zebra finch ( Taeniopygia guttata). ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2017; 4:170296. [PMID: 28680683 PMCID: PMC5493925 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.170296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is a widespread arbovirus that imposes a significant cost to both human and wildlife health. WNV exists in a bird-mosquito transmission cycle in which passerine birds act as the primary reservoir host. As a public health concern, the mammalian immune response to WNV has been studied in detail. Little, however, is known about the avian immune response to WNV. Avian taxa show variable susceptibility to WNV and what drives this variation is unknown. Thus, to study the immune response to WNV in birds, we experimentally infected captive zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Zebra finches provide a useful model, as like many natural avian hosts they are moderately susceptible to WNV and thus provide sufficient viremia to infect mosquitoes. We performed RNAseq in spleen tissue during peak viremia to provide an overview of the transcriptional response. In general, we find strong parallels with the mammalian immune response to WNV, including upregulation of five genes in the Rig-I-like receptor signalling pathway, and offer insights into avian-specific responses. Together with complementary immunological assays, we provide a model of the avian immune response to WNV and set the stage for future comparative studies among variably susceptible populations and species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Newhouse
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
- Author for correspondence: Daniel J. Newhouse e-mail:
| | - Erik K. Hofmeister
- US Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Road, Madison, WI 53711, USA
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