1
|
Boonprasert K, Srivorakul S, Monchaivanakit N, Langkaphin W, Sripiboon S, Janyamethakul T, Srisa-ad C, Guntawang T, Brown JL, Thitaram C, Pringproa K. Characterizations of Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus Type 1A and 4 Co-Infections in Asian Elephant ( Elephas maximus) Calves. Vet Sci 2024; 11:147. [PMID: 38668415 PMCID: PMC11055005 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11040147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Three cases of double infection with elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) types 1A and 4 in captive Asian elephants are presented. The first calf was a 4-year-old female that showed initial signs of lethargy and depression. The second calf was a 6-year-old female that displayed signs of depression and diarrhea and died within 48 h of the start of supportive treatment. The third was a 2-year-old male that died suddenly while living with the herd. Necropsies were performed in the first and second elephants, while only a tongue sample was collected from the third calf. EEHV infection was confirmed via quantitative PCR (qPCR) and gene sequencing, revealing double subtypes of EEHV1A and -4 infections. This study describes the hematological and pathological characteristics within the host following double EEHV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khajohnpat Boonprasert
- Elephant Hospital, National Elephant Institute, Forest Industry Organization, Lampang 52190, Thailand
- Center of Elephant and Wildlife Health, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Saralee Srivorakul
- Center of Veterinary Diagnostic and Technology Transfer, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Natcha Monchaivanakit
- Elephant Hospital, National Elephant Institute, Forest Industry Organization, Lampang 52190, Thailand
| | - Warangkhana Langkaphin
- Elephant Hospital, National Elephant Institute, Forest Industry Organization, Lampang 52190, Thailand
| | - Supaphen Sripiboon
- Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakornpathom 73140, Thailand
| | | | | | - Thunyamas Guntawang
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Janine L. Brown
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Rd., Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - Chatchote Thitaram
- Center of Elephant and Wildlife Health, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
- Elephant, Wildlife and Companion Animal Research Group, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Kidsadagon Pringproa
- Center of Elephant and Wildlife Health, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
- Elephant, Wildlife and Companion Animal Research Group, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sittisak T, Guntawang T, Srivorakul S, Photichai K, Boonprasert K, Khammesri S, Chuammitri P, Thitaram C, Hsu WL, Thanawongnuwech R, Pringproa K. Response of elephant peripheral blood mononuclear cells when stimulated with elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus glycoprotein B (EEHV-gB). Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2023; 258:110577. [PMID: 36867998 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2023.110577] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus-hemorrhagic disease (EEHV-HD) is the most highly fatal infectious disease among young Asian elephants. Despite the fact that antiviral therapy has been widely used, its therapeutic outcomes remain uncertain. Additionally, the virus has yet to be successfully cultivated in vitro in the process of develop viral envelope glycoproteins for vaccine design. The present study aims to investigate and evaluate EEHV1A glycoprotein B (gB) antigenic epitopes as potential candidates for further vaccine development. Epitopes of EEHV1A-gB were employed in in silico predictions and designed by using online antigenic predicting tools. Candidate genes were then constructed, transformed and expressed in the E. coli vectors prior to examine their potential for acceleration elephant immune responses in vitro. Elephant peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from 16 healthy juvenile Asian elephants were investigated for their proliferative capability and cytokine responses after being stimulated with EEHV1A-gB epitopes. Exposure of elephant PBMCs to 20 µg/mL of gB for 72 h resulted in a significant proliferation of CD3 + cells when compared with the control group. Furthermore, proliferation of CD3 + cells was associated with a marked up-regulation of cytokine mRNA expression, involving IL-1β, IL-8, IL-12 and IFN-γ. It remains to be determined whether these candidate EEHV1A-gB epitopes could activate immune responses in animal models or elephants in vivo. Our potentially promising results demonstrate a degree of feasibility for the use of these gB epitopes in expanding EEHV vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tidaratt Sittisak
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Thunyamas Guntawang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Saralee Srivorakul
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Kornravee Photichai
- Veterinary Diagnostic Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Khajohnpat Boonprasert
- Center of Excellence in Elephant and Wildlife Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Siripat Khammesri
- Center of Excellence in Elephant and Wildlife Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Phongsakorn Chuammitri
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Chatchote Thitaram
- Center of Excellence in Elephant and Wildlife Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand; Department of Companion Animals and Wildlife Clinics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Wei-Li Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Roongroje Thanawongnuwech
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Kidsadagon Pringproa
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Elephant and Wildlife Research, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Guntawang T, Sittisak T, Srivorakul S, Photichai K, Aiumurai P, Thitaram C, Sthitmatee N, Hsu WL, Sookrung N, Pringproa K. Development of an immunochromatographic strip test for antigen detection of elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). J Virol Methods 2023; 311:114627. [PMID: 36191664 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2022.114627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) is the causative agent of EEHV-hemorrhagic disease (EEHV-HD) in elephants worldwide. This disease is highly virulent and a predominant cause of fatalities in young Asian elephants. Rapid diagnosis and aggressive therapies have been determined to be a key strategy in the successful treatment of this disease. Herein, we have developed the immunochromatographic strip test for EEHV detection. Accordingly, 31.2 kDa of partial EEHV DNA polymerase (DNApol) protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and used to generate rabbit polyclonal anti-EEHV DNApol antibodies. These were then used to develop an ICS test for EEHV antigen detection using the double-antibody sandwich colloidal gold method. Anti-EEHV DNApol antibodies conjugated with 40 nm colloidal gold solution were used as a detector, while rabbit anti-EEHV DNApol and goat anti-rabbit IgG antibodies immobilized on the nitrocellulose membrane were used as the test and control lines, respectively. The test had a detection limit of 1.25 × 105 viral genome copies (vgc)/mL of EEHV obtained from blood samples. Moreover, no specialized equipment or laboratory infrastructure was required in the administration of this test. This developed ICS test for EEHV antigen detection can be used in field application for the rapid detection of EEHV in resource-limited environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thunyamas Guntawang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Tidaratt Sittisak
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Saralee Srivorakul
- Veterinary Diagnostic Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Kornravee Photichai
- Veterinary Diagnostic Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Pisinee Aiumurai
- Biomedical Research Incubator Unit, Department of Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Chatchote Thitaram
- Center of Elephant and Wildlife Health, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand; Department of Companion Animals and Wildlife Clinics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Nattawooti Sthitmatee
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Wei-Li Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Nitat Sookrung
- Biomedical Research Incubator Unit, Department of Research, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Kidsadagon Pringproa
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand; Center of Elephant and Wildlife Health, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Okada Y, Suzuki H, Kaneko MK, Kato Y. Epitope Mapping of an Anti-elephant Podoplanin Monoclonal Antibody (PMab-295) Using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Monoclon Antib Immunodiagn Immunother 2022; 41:221-227. [PMID: 35917553 DOI: 10.1089/mab.2022.0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Podoplanin (PDPN) is a marker of lung type I alveolar cells, kidney podocytes, and lymphatic endothelial cells. The overexpression of PDPN contributes to the malignant progression of tumors. Therefore, the development of anti-PDPN monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to animals is essential to evaluate the pathogenesis and cellular functions. Using peptide immunization, we previously developed an anti-elephant PDPN (elePDPN) mAb, PMab-295, which is useful for flow cytometry, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. In this study, we determined the critical epitope of PMab-295 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We performed ELISA with the alanine-substituted peptides of elePDPN extracellular domain (amino acids 38-51), and found that PMab-295 did not recognize the alanine-substituted peptides of M41A, P44A, and E47A. Furthermore, these peptides could not inhibit the recognition of PMab-295 to elePDPN-expressing cells by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. The results indicate that the binding epitope of PMab-295 includes Met41, Pro44, and Glu47 of elePDPN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Okada
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Mika K Kaneko
- Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yukinari Kato
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kudo Y, Suzuki H, Kaneko MK, Kato Y. Development of a Monoclonal Antibody PMab-295 Against Elephant Podoplanin. Monoclon Antib Immunodiagn Immunother 2022; 41:194-201. [PMID: 35917562 DOI: 10.1089/mab.2022.0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Podoplanin (PDPN) is an essential marker of lung type I alveolar cells, kidney podocytes, and lymphatic endothelial cells. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that can specifically recognize PDPN in immunohistochemistry are important to analyze the development of tissues and the pathogenesis of diseases, including cancers. We have developed anti-PDPN mAbs against many animal species; however, mAbs that can recognize elephant-derived membrane proteins and distinguish the specific cell types in immunohistochemistry are limited. In this study, a novel anti-elephant PDPN (elePDPN) mAb, PMab-295 (IgG1, kappa), was established using the peptide immunization method. PMab-295 recognized both elePDPN-overexpressed Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 cells and endogenous elePDPN-expressed LACF-NaNaI cells by flow cytometry and western blotting. Kinetic analyses using flow cytometry showed that the KD of PMab-295 for CHO/elePDPN was 1.5 × 10-8 M. Furthermore, PMab-295 detected elePDPN-expressing cells using immunohistochemistry. These results showed the usefulness of PMab-295 to investigate the molecular function of elePDPN and the pathogenesis of diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuma Kudo
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Mika K Kaneko
- Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yukinari Kato
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Effects of between and within Herd Moves on Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) Recrudescence and Shedding in Captive Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus). Viruses 2022; 14:v14020229. [PMID: 35215824 PMCID: PMC8877707 DOI: 10.3390/v14020229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Haemorrhagic disease associated with elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (Elephantid herpesvirus, EEHV) infections is the leading cause of death for Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) calves. This study assessed the effect of captive herd management on EEHV shedding, as evidence of latent infection reactivation, focusing on: (1) the influence of social change on the odds of recrudescence; (2) the respective effects of between and within herd moves; and (3) characteristics of recrudescent viral shedding. Trunk and conjunctival swabs (n = 165) were obtained from six elephants at an EAZA-accredited zoo, collected during a period of social stability, and at times of social change. Longitudinal sampling took place at times of moving two bulls out of the collection and one new bull into an adjacent enclosure to the cow herd (between herd moves), and during a period of mixing this new bull with the cow herd to facilitate mating (within herd moves). Quantitative PCR was employed to detect EEHV 1a/b, 4a/b, and EF–1–α (housekeeping gene). Generalised estimating equations determined EEHV recrudescence odds ratios (OR) and relative viral DNA load. Sixteen EEHV 1a/b shedding events occurred, but no EEHV 4a/b was detected. All management-derived social changes promoted recrudescence (social change OR = 3.27, 95% CI = 0.412–26, p = 0.262; and between herd moves OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 0.178−14.4, p = 0.675), though within herd movements posed the most significant increase of EEHV reactivation odds (OR = 6.86, 95% CI = 0.823−57.1, p = 0.075) and demonstrated the strongest relative influence (post hoc Tukey test p = 0.0425). Shedding onset and magnitude ranged from six to 54 days and from 3.59 to 11.09 ΔCts. Differing challenges are associated with between and within herd movements, which can promote recrudescence and should be considered an exposure risk to naïve elephants.
Collapse
|
7
|
Patterns of serum immune biomarkers during elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus viremia in Asian and African elephants. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252175. [PMID: 34793450 PMCID: PMC8601435 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemorrhagic disease (HD) caused by a group of elephant endotheliotropic herpesviruses (EEHV) is one of the leading causes of death for young elephants in human care. These viruses are widespread and typically persist latently in adult elephants with no negative effects; however, in juvenile Asian and more recently young African elephants, the onset of disease can be rapid and the mortality rate high. Measuring biomarkers associated with the immune response could be beneficial to understanding underlying disease processes, as well as the management of infection and HD. The goal of this study was to measure acute phase proteins and cytokines in serum collected from elephants infected with EEHV (13 Asian and 1 African) and compare concentrations according to presence, severity and outcome of disease. Serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (HP) were higher in elephants with EEHV viremia than those without; concentrations increased with increasing viral load, and were higher in fatal cases compared to those that survived. In Asian elephants, SAA was also higher during EEHV1 viremia compared to EEHV5. Cytokine concentrations were typically low, and no statistical differences existed between groups. However, in individuals with detectable levels, longitudinal profiles indicated changes in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) that may reflect an immune response to EEHV infection. However, the overall low concentrations detected using previously validated assays do not support the presence of a 'cytokine storm' and suggest more work is needed to understand if sub-optimal immune responses could be involved in disease progression. These results highlight the potential benefit of measuring circulating biomarker concentrations, such as APPs and cytokines, to improve our understanding of EEHV viremia and HD, assist with monitoring the progression of disease and determining the impact of interventions.
Collapse
|
8
|
Yun Y, Sripiboon S, Pringproa K, Chuammitri P, Punyapornwithaya V, Boonprasert K, Tankaew P, Angkawanish T, Namwongprom K, Arjkumpa O, Brown JL, Thitaram C. Clinical characteristics of elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) cases in Asian elephants ( Elephas maximus) in Thailand during 2006-2019. Vet Q 2021; 41:268-279. [PMID: 34511026 PMCID: PMC8475116 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2021.1980633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus causes a hemorrhagic disease (EEHV-HD) that is a major cause of death in juvenile Asian elephants with EEHV1 and EEHV4 being the most prevalent. Aim To perform a retrospective clinical data analysis. Methods Records of a total of 103 cases in Thailand confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on blood and/or tissue samples. Results The severity of clinical signs varied among EEHV subtypes. EEHV1A was the most prevalent with 58%, followed by EEHV4 with 34%, EEHV1B with 5.8% and EEHV1&4 co-infection with 1.9%. Overall case fatality rate was 66%. When compared among subtypes, 100% case fatality rate was associated with EEHV1&4 co-infection, 83% with EEHV1B, 75% with EEHV1A, and the lowest at 40% for EEHV4. Calves 2- to 4-year old were in the highest age risk group and exhibited more severe clinical signs with the highest mortality. Majority of cases were found in weaned or trained claves and higher number of cases were observed in rainy season. A gender predilection could not be demonstrated. Severely affected elephants presented with thrombocytopenia, depletion of monocytes, lymphocytes and heterophils, a monocyte:heterophil (M:H) ratio lower than 2.37, hypoproteinemia (both albumin and globulin), severe grade of heterophil toxicity, and low red blood cell counts and pack cell volumes. Survival was not affected by antiviral drug treatment in the severely compromised animals. Conclusion Early detection by laboratory testing and aggressive application of therapies comprising of supportive and anti-viral treatment can improve survival outcomes of this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaoprapa Yun
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Center of Elephant and Wildlife Research, Chiang Mai University (FVM-CMU), Chiang Mai, Thailand.,Graduate Program in Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Supaphen Sripiboon
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Sciences, Kasetsart University (FVM-KU), Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakornpathom, Thailand
| | - Kidsadagon Pringproa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Public Health, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Phongsakorn Chuammitri
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Public Health, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Veerasak Punyapornwithaya
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety Centre for Asia Pacific, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Khajohnpat Boonprasert
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Center of Elephant and Wildlife Research, Chiang Mai University (FVM-CMU), Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Pallop Tankaew
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Center of Elephant and Wildlife Research, Chiang Mai University (FVM-CMU), Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Taweepoke Angkawanish
- Elephant Hospital, National Elephant Institute (NEI), Forest Industry Organization, Lampang, Thailand
| | - Kittikul Namwongprom
- Elephant Hospital, National Elephant Institute (NEI), Forest Industry Organization, Lampang, Thailand
| | - Orapun Arjkumpa
- Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provincial Livestock Office, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Thailand
| | - Janine L Brown
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Center of Elephant and Wildlife Research, Chiang Mai University (FVM-CMU), Chiang Mai, Thailand.,Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI), Front Royal, VA, USA
| | - Chatchote Thitaram
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Center of Elephant and Wildlife Research, Chiang Mai University (FVM-CMU), Chiang Mai, Thailand.,Department of Companion Animal and Wildlife Clinics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tollis M, Ferris E, Campbell MS, Harris VK, Rupp SM, Harrison TM, Kiso WK, Schmitt DL, Garner MM, Aktipis CA, Maley CC, Boddy AM, Yandell M, Gregg C, Schiffman JD, Abegglen LM. Elephant Genomes Reveal Accelerated Evolution in Mechanisms Underlying Disease Defenses. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 38:3606-3620. [PMID: 33944920 PMCID: PMC8383897 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msab127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Disease susceptibility and resistance are important factors for the conservation of endangered species, including elephants. We analyzed pathology data from 26 zoos and report that Asian elephants have increased neoplasia and malignancy prevalence compared with African bush elephants. This is consistent with observed higher susceptibility to tuberculosis and elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) in Asian elephants. To investigate genetic mechanisms underlying disease resistance, including differential responses between species, among other elephant traits, we sequenced multiple elephant genomes. We report a draft assembly for an Asian elephant, and defined 862 and 1,017 conserved potential regulatory elements in Asian and African bush elephants, respectively. In the genomes of both elephant species, conserved elements were significantly enriched with genes differentially expressed between the species. In Asian elephants, these putative regulatory regions were involved in immunity pathways including tumor-necrosis factor, which plays an important role in EEHV response. Genomic sequences of African bush, forest, and Asian elephant genomes revealed extensive sequence conservation at TP53 retrogene loci across three species, which may be related to TP53 functionality in elephant cancer resistance. Positive selection scans revealed outlier genes related to additional elephant traits. Our study suggests that gene regulation plays an important role in the differential inflammatory response of Asian and African elephants, leading to increased infectious disease and cancer susceptibility in Asian elephants. These genomic discoveries can inform future functional and translational studies aimed at identifying effective treatment approaches for ill elephants, which may improve conservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Tollis
- School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
- Arizona Cancer Evolution Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Elliott Ferris
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Valerie K Harris
- Arizona Cancer Evolution Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Center for Biocomputing, Security and Society, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Shawn M Rupp
- Arizona Cancer Evolution Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Center for Biocomputing, Security and Society, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Tara M Harrison
- Arizona Cancer Evolution Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Wendy K Kiso
- Ringling Bros Center for Elephant Conservation, Polk City, FL, USA
| | - Dennis L Schmitt
- Ringling Bros Center for Elephant Conservation, Polk City, FL, USA
- William H. Darr College of Agriculture, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, USA
| | | | - Christina Athena Aktipis
- Arizona Cancer Evolution Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Carlo C Maley
- Arizona Cancer Evolution Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Center for Biocomputing, Security and Society, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Amy M Boddy
- Arizona Cancer Evolution Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Mark Yandell
- Department of Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Christopher Gregg
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Joshua D Schiffman
- Arizona Cancer Evolution Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Department of Pediatrics & Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- PEEL Therapeutics, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT, USA & Haifa, Israel
| | - Lisa M Abegglen
- Arizona Cancer Evolution Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Department of Pediatrics & Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- PEEL Therapeutics, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT, USA & Haifa, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Perrin KL, Kristensen AT, Bertelsen MF, Denk D. Retrospective review of 27 European cases of fatal elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus-haemorrhagic disease reveals evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14173. [PMID: 34238966 PMCID: PMC8266883 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93478-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus haemorrhagic disease (EEHV-HD) is widely acknowledged as the most common cause of mortality in young Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in captivity. The objective of the current study was to perform a blinded, retrospective pathology review of European EEHV-HD fatalities, constituting the largest systematic assessment of EEHV-HD pathology to date. Findings between viral genotypes were compared with the aim to investigate if disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) could be substantiated as a significant complicating factor, thereby increasing the understanding of disease pathophysiology. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed endothelial cell (EC) damage and the presence of EC intranuclear inclusion bodies, demonstrating a direct viral cytopathic effect. Microthrombi were observed in 63% of cases in several organs, including lungs, which, together with widespread haemorrhage and thrombocytopenia reported in EEHV-HD case reports, supports the presence of overt DIC as a serious haemostatic complication of active EEHV infection. Death was attributed to widespread vascular damage with multi-organ dysfunction, including severe acute myocardial haemorrhage and subsequent cardiac failure. Systemic inflammation observed in the absence of bacterial infection may be caused by cytokine release syndrome. Findings reinforce the necessity to investigate cytokine responses and haemostatic status during symptomatic and asymptomatic EEHV viraemia, to potentially support the use of anti-inflammatory treatment in conjunction with anti-viral therapy and cardiovascular support.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K L Perrin
- Center for Zoo and Wild Animal Health, Copenhagen Zoo, Roskildevej 38, 2000, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
- The Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlægevej 16, 1870, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - A T Kristensen
- The Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlægevej 16, 1870, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - M F Bertelsen
- Center for Zoo and Wild Animal Health, Copenhagen Zoo, Roskildevej 38, 2000, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - D Denk
- International Zoo Veterinary Group, Station House, Parkwood Street, Keighley, BD21 4NQ, UK
- Institute for Animal Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Veterinärstr. 13, 80539, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pathogenesis of hemorrhagic disease caused by elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). Sci Rep 2021; 11:12998. [PMID: 34155304 PMCID: PMC8217522 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92393-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus-hemorrhagic disease (EEHV-HD) is an acute fatal disease in elephants. Despite the fact that the underlying pathogenesis of EEHV-HD has been proposed, it remains undetermined as to what mechanisms drive these hemorrhagic and edematous lesions. In the present study, we have investigated and explained the pathogenesis of acute EEHV-HD using blood profiles of EEHV-HD and EEHV-infected cases, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain, special stains, immunohistochemistry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). It was found that EEHV genomes were predominantly detected in various internal organs of EEHV-HD cases. Damage to endothelial cells, vasculitis and vascular thrombosis of the small blood vessels were also predominantly observed. Increases in platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecules-1 (PECAM-1)- and von Willebrand factor (vWF)-immunolabeling positive cells were significantly noticed in injured blood vessels. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA was significantly up-regulated in EEHV-HD cases when compared to EEHV-negative controls. We have hypothesized that this could be attributed to the systemic inflammation and disruption of small blood vessels, followed by the disseminated intravascular coagulopathy that enhanced hemorrhagic and edematous lesions in EEHV-HD cases. Our findings have brought attention to the potential application of effective preventive and therapeutic protocols to treat EEHV infection in Asian elephants.
Collapse
|
12
|
Songaksorn N, Petsophonsakul W, Pringproa K, Lampang KN, Sthitmatee N, Srifawattana N, Piyarungsri K, Thongkorn K. Prevalence of autoantibodies that bind to kidney tissues in cats and association risk with antibodies to feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. J Vet Sci 2021; 22:e38. [PMID: 34056879 PMCID: PMC8170220 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2021.22.e38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia (FVRCP) vaccine, prepared from viruses grown in the Crandell-Rees feline kidney cell line, can induce antibodies to cross-react with feline kidney tissues. OBJECTIVES This study surveyed the prevalence of autoantibodies to feline kidney tissues and their association with the frequency of FVRCP vaccination. METHODS Serum samples and kidneys were collected from 156 live and 26 cadaveric cats. Antibodies that bind to kidney tissues and antibodies to the FVRCP antigen were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and kidney-bound antibody patterns were investigated by examining immunofluorescence. Proteins recognized by antibodies were identified by Western blot analysis. RESULTS The prevalences of autoantibodies that bind to kidney tissues in cats were 41% and 13% by ELISA and immunofluorescence, respectively. Kidney-bound antibodies were observed at interstitial cells, apical border, and cytoplasm of proximal and distal tubules; the antibodies were bound to proteins with molecular weights of 40, 47, 38, and 20 kDa. There was no direct link between vaccination and anti-kidney antibodies, but positive antibodies to kidney tissues were significantly associated with the anti-FVRCP antibody. The odds ratio or association in finding the autoantibody in cats with the antibody to FVRCP was 2.8 times higher than that in cats without the antibody to FVRCP. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary results demonstrate an association between anti-FVRCP and anti-cat kidney tissues. However, an increase in the risk of inducing kidney-bound antibodies by repeat vaccinations could not be shown directly. It will be interesting to expand the sample size and follow-up on whether these autoantibodies can lead to kidney function impairment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nisakorn Songaksorn
- Department of Companion Animal and Wildlife Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Wilaiwan Petsophonsakul
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Kidsadagon Pringproa
- Department of Veterinary Bioscience and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Kannika Na Lampang
- Department of Veterinary Bioscience and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Nattawooti Sthitmatee
- Department of Veterinary Bioscience and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Nuttawan Srifawattana
- Small Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Kakanang Piyarungsri
- Department of Companion Animal and Wildlife Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Kriangkrai Thongkorn
- Department of Companion Animal and Wildlife Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand.,Integrative Research Center for Veterinary Circulatory Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Photichai K, Guntawang T, Sittisak T, Kochagul V, Chuammitri P, Thitaram C, Thananchai H, Chewonarin T, Sringarm K, Pringproa K. Attempt to Isolate Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) Using a Continuous Cell Culture System. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E2328. [PMID: 33297581 PMCID: PMC7762348 DOI: 10.3390/ani10122328] [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: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) infection is known to cause acute fatal hemorrhagic disease, which has killed many young Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). Until recently, in vitro isolation and propagation of the virus have not been successful. This study aimed to isolate and propagate EEHV using continuous cell lines derived from human and/or animal origins. Human cell lines, including EA. hy926, A549, U937, RKO, SW620, HCT-116 and HT-29, and animal cell lines, including CT26.CL25 and sp2/0-Ag14, were investigated in this study. Mixed frozen tissue samples of the heart, lung, liver, spleen and kidney obtained from fatal EEHV1A- or EEHV4-infected cases were homogenized and used for cell inoculation. At 6, 24, 48 and 72 h post infection (hpi), EEHV-inoculated cells were observed for cytopathic effects (CPEs) or were assessed for EEHV infection by immunoperoxidase monolayer assay (IPMA) or quantitative PCR. The results were then compared to those of the mock-infected controls. Replication of EEHV in the tested cells was further determined by immunohistochemistry of cell pellets using anti-EEHV DNA polymerase antibodies or re-inoculated cells with supernatants obtained from passages 2 or 3 of the culture medium. The results reveal that no CPEs were observed in the tested cells, while immunolabeling for EEHV gB was observed in only U937 human myeloid leukemia cells. However, quantitation values of the EEHV terminase gene, as well as those of the EEHV gB or EEHV DNA polymerase proteins in U937 cells, gradually declined from passage 1 to passage 3. The findings of this study indicate that despite poor adaptation in U937 cells, this cell line displays promise and potential to be used for the isolation of EEHV1 and EEHV4 in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kornravee Photichai
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand; (K.P.); (T.G.); (T.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Thunyamas Guntawang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand; (K.P.); (T.G.); (T.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Tidaratt Sittisak
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand; (K.P.); (T.G.); (T.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Varankpicha Kochagul
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand;
| | - Phongsakorn Chuammitri
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand; (K.P.); (T.G.); (T.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Chatchote Thitaram
- Department of Companion Animals and Wildlife Clinics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand;
| | - Hathairat Thananchai
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
| | - Teera Chewonarin
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
| | - Korawan Sringarm
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
| | - Kidsadagon Pringproa
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand; (K.P.); (T.G.); (T.S.); (P.C.)
- Excellence Center in Veterinary Bioscience, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Serum Health Biomarkers in African and Asian Elephants: Value Ranges and Clinical Values Indicative of the Immune Response. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10101756. [PMID: 32992555 PMCID: PMC7601509 DOI: 10.3390/ani10101756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Biomarkers are biological molecules found in the blood or other fluids or tissues that can indicate normal or abnormal processes or disease. Developing tools to measure biomarkers that indicate immune function and establishing concentrations observed within a species is an important first step in their use for managing health and understanding disease processes. Here we report assays, observed value ranges, and concentrations during illness or injury for seven immune biomarkers measured in the serum of African and Asian elephants under human care. Concentrations were variable in both clinical and non-clinical samples, but all seven biomarkers were elevated in at least one case and most increased in response to routine vaccination in a single Asian elephant. These tools provide an exciting avenue for monitoring health status and helping diagnose and treat health problems in wildlife species, like elephants. Abstract Serum biomarkers indicative of inflammation and disease can provide useful information regarding host immune processes, responses to treatment and prognosis. The aims of this study were to assess the use of commercially available anti-equine reagents for the quantification of cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukins (IL) 2, 6, and 10) in African (Loxodonta africana, n = 125) and Asian (Elephas maximus, n = 104) elephants, and alongside previously validated anti-human reagents for acute-phase proteins (serum amyloid A and haptoglobin), calculate species-specific biomarker value ranges. In addition, we used opportunistically collected samples to investigate the concentrations of each biomarker during identified clinical cases of illness or injury, as a first step to understanding what biomarkers may be useful to managing elephant health. Immune biomarkers were each elevated above the calculated species-specific value ranges in at least one clinical case, but due to variability in both clinical and non-clinical samples, only serum amyloid A was significantly higher in clinical compared to non-clinical paired samples, with tendencies for higher TNF-α and IL-10. We also detected increased secretion of serum amyloid A and all five cytokines following routine vaccination of a single Asian elephant, indicating that these biomarkers can be beneficial for studying normal immune processes as well as pathology. This study indicates that assays developed with commercial reagents can be used to quantify health biomarkers in wildlife species and identifies several that warrant further investigation to elucidate immune responses to various pathologies.
Collapse
|
15
|
In vivo characterization of target cells for acute elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) infection in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). Sci Rep 2020; 10:11402. [PMID: 32647124 PMCID: PMC7347588 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68413-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus-hemorrhagic disease (EEHV-HD) is a dangerous viral infectious disease in young Asian elephants. Despite hypotheses underlying pathogenesis of the disease, it is unclear which cell types the virus targets during acute or persistent infections. This study investigated the tissues and target cells permissive for EEHV infection and replication in vivo. Rabbit polyclonal antibodies against the non-structural proteins of EEHV, DNA polymerase (EEHV DNAPol), were generated and validated. These were used to examine EEHV infection and replication in various tissues of acute EEHV-HD cases and compared to an EEHV-negative control. The results indicated that viral antigens were distributed throughout the epithelia of the alimentary tract and salivary glands, endothelia and smooth muscle cells, and monocytic lineage cells of the EEHV-infected elephants. Moreover, EEHV DNAPol proteins were also found in the bone marrow cells of the EEHV1A-HD and EEHV1A/4-HD cases. This study demonstrated for the first time the target cells that favor in vivo EEHV replication during acute infection, providing a promising foundation for investigating EEHV propagation in vitro.
Collapse
|