Occurrence of a myxozoan parasite Myxidium streisingeri n. sp. in laboratory zebrafish Danio rerio

Solving the Myxidium rhodei (Myxozoa) puzzle: insights into its phylogeny and host specificity in Cypriniformes

Myxidium rhodei Léger, 1905 (Cnidaria: Myxozoa) is a kidney-infecting myxosporean that was originally described from the European bitterling Rhodeus amarus. Subsequently, it has been documented based on spore morphology in more than 40 other cypriniform species, with the roach Rutilus rutilus being the most commonly reported host. This study introduces the first comprehensive data assessment of M. rhodei, conducted through morphological, ecological and molecular methods. The morphological and phylogenetic analyses of SSU rDNA sequences of Myxidium isolates obtained from European bitterling and roach did not support parasite conspecificity from these fish. In fact, the roach-infecting isolates represent three distinct parasite species. The first two, M. rutili n. sp. and M. rutilusi n. sp., are closely related cryptic species clustering with other myxosporeans in the freshwater urinary clade, sharing the same tissue tropism. The third one, M. batuevae n. sp., previously assigned to M. cf. rhodei, clustered in the hepatic biliary clade sister to bitterling-infecting M. rhodei. Our examination of diverse cypriniform fishes, coupled with molecular and morphological analyses, allowed us to untangle the cryptic species nature of M. rhodei and discover the existence of novel species. This underscores the largely undiscovered range of myxozoan diversity and highlights the need to incorporate sequence data in diagnosing novel species.

New molecular evidence on the members of the genus Ortholinea (Cnidaria, Myxozoa) and the description of Ortholinea hamsiensis n. sp. infecting the urinary bladder of European anchovy Engraulis engrasicolus in the Black Sea

Members of the genus Ortholinea are among the worldwide distributed myxozoan parasites that mainly infect marine fish. In this study, a new myxosporean species, Ortholinea hamsiensis n. sp., was isolated from the urinary bladder of European anchovy Engraulis engrasicolus collected from the Sinop coasts of the Black Sea. The prevalence and density values of infection were 1.4% and 1–5 individuals in the field of view (1 + ), respectively. Mature myxospores are subspherical with slight tapering down to the less pronounced tip in the frontal view and subspherical in the sutural view. Myxospores measured 9.1 ± 0.25 (8.8–9.9) μm in length, 9.2 ± 0.11 (8.9–9.4) μm in thickness, and 8.4 ± 0.33 (8.2-9.1) μm in width. Two polar capsules equal in size measured 3.1 ± 0.11 (3.0–3.3) μm in length and 2.7 ± 0.11 (2.6–2.9) μm in width. The polar tubule had 3–4 coils. Along with morphological peculiarities, the results of the 18S rDNA also revealed it to be a new species for science compared to the other species of the genus. In this study, another myxosporean species O. gobiusi was also detected in round goby Neogobius melanostomus with a prevalence of infection value of 4.8% and a density of 1–5 individuals in the field of view (1 + ). The present study also provided the first data of 18S rDNA of O. gobiusi from N. melanostomus and type species of the genus O. divergens from Gobius niger and the phylogenetic relationships of these species with other Ortholinea species have been revealed.

Good practices in the rearing and maintenance of zebrafish (Danio rerio) in Brazilian laboratories

Abstract Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) is a management quality control system that encompasses the organizational process and conditions under which non-clinical health and environmental studies are carried out. According to the World Health Organization, GLP must contain five topics: resources, characterization, rules, results, and quality control. This work aims to address a review according to WHO standards of implementing Good Laboratory Practices in zebrafish (Danio rerio) vivariums. Considering that the promotion of one health (animal, human, and environmental) associated with an education plan, protocols, and records are fundamental to guarantee the safety and integrity of employees, animals, and the environment as well as reliability in the results generated. In a way, Brazil still needs improvements related to the well-being of aquatic organisms (national laws, international agreements, corporate programs, and others), especially concerning its use in research and technological development. In this way, the implementation of GLPs provides valuable guidance for improving animal welfare and worker safety, facilitating the standardization of research.

Boas práticas na criação e manutenção de zebrafish (Danio rerio) em laboratório no Brasil

Resumo As Boas Práticas de Laboratório (BPL) são um sistema de controle de qualidade gerencial que abrange o processo organizacional e as condições sob as quais os estudos não clínicos de saúde e meio ambiente são desenvolvidos. Conforme a Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) as BPL devem conter cinco tópicos: recursos, caracterização, regras, resultados e controle de qualidade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi apresentar uma revisão conforme o padrão da OMS para a implementação das BPL em biotério de zebrafish. Considerando que a promoção da saúde única (animal, humana e ambiental) associada a um plano de educação, protocolos e registros são fundamentais para garantir a segurança e a integridade dos trabalhadores/pesquisadores, animais e meio ambiente assim como confiabilidade nos resultados gerados. De certa forma o Brasil ainda necessita de melhorias relacionadas ao bem-estar de organismos aquáticos (leis nacionais, acordos internacionais, programas corporativos e outros); especialmente em relação à utilização deste na pesquisa e desenvolvimento tecnológico. Desta forma, a implementação de BPL fornece uma orientação valiosa para a melhoria do bem-estar animal, e segurança do trabalhador vindo a facilitar a padronização da pesquisa.

A new species of Myxidium (Cnidaria: Myxosporea: Myxidiidae) from the gallbladder of pickerels, Esox spp. (Esociformes: Esocidae), from southwestern Arkansas, USA

During April 2016 and again in November 2021, four Chain Pickerels, Esox niger were collected from Union (n = 3) and Nevada (n = 1) counties, Arkansas, USA, and 65 Grass Pickerels, Esox americanus vermiculatus were collected between January 2015 and December 2021 from four counties of Arkansas (n = 31) and McCurtain County, Oklahoma, USA (n = 34), and examined for myxozoans. Gallbladders of an individual E. niger from Nevada County, Arkansas, as well as a single individual of E. a. vermiculatus from Sevier County, Arkansas, were infected with a new myxozoan, Myxidium whippsi n. sp. Qualitative and quantitative morphological data were from formalin-fixed preserved myxospores while molecular data (SSU rRNA gene) consisted of 2031bp (host: E. niger) and 1723 bp (host: E. a. vermiculatus) partial sequences of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. Phylogenetic analysis placed M. whippsi n. sp. in a clade with two other myxozoans, Zschokkella nova and Myxidium truttae, previously reported from cyprinids and salmonids, respectively. We document the first report of a myxozoan from E. a. vermiculatus. This article was registered in the Official Register of Zoological Nomenclature (ZooBank) as urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:A50FCEB3-68C3-428E-A04E-37A16790F1EB.

FELASA-AALAS Recommendations for Monitoring and Reporting of Laboratory Fish Diseases and Health Status, with an Emphasis on Zebrafish (Danio Rerio)

The exchange of fish for research may expose an aquatic laboratory to pathogen contamination as incoming fish can introduce bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses capable of affecting both experimental results and fish and personnel health and welfare. To develop risk mitigation strategies, FELASA and AALAS established a joint working group to recommend good practices for health monitoring of laboratory fish. The recommendations address all fish species used for research, with a particular focus on zebrafish (Danio rerio). First, the background of the working group and key definitions are provided. Next, fish diseases of high impact are described. Third, recommendations are made for health monitoring of laboratory fishes. The recommendations emphasize the importance of daily observation of the fish and strategies to determine fish colony health status. Finally, report templates are proposed for historical screening data and aquatic facility description to facilitate biohazard risk assessment when exchanging fish.

Specific Pathogen Free - A review of strategies in agriculture, aquaculture, and laboratory mammals and how they inform new recommendations for laboratory zebrafish

Specific pathogen-free (SPF) animals are bred and managed to exclude pathogens associated with significant morbidity or mortality that may secondarily pose a risk to public health, food safety and food security, and research replicability. Generating and maintaining SPF animals requires detailed biosecurity planning for control of housing, environmental, and husbandry factors and a history of regimented pathogen testing. Successful programs involve comprehensive risk analysis and exclusion protocols that are rooted in a thorough understanding of pathogen lifecycle and modes of transmission. In this manuscript we review the current state of SPF in domestic agriculture (pigs and poultry), aquaculture (salmonids and shrimp), and small laboratory mammals. As the use of laboratory fish, especially zebrafish (Danio rerio), as models of human disease is expanding exponentially, it is prudent to define standards for SPF in this field. We use the guiding principles from other SPF industries and evaluate zebrafish pathogens against criteria to be on an SPF list, to propose recommendations for establishing and maintaining SPF laboratory zebrafish.

Research-Relevant Background Lesions and Conditions in Common Avian and Aquatic Species

Non-mammalian vertebrates including birds, fish, and amphibians have a long history of contributing to ground-breaking scientific discoveries. Because these species offer several experimental advantages over higher vertebrates and share extensive anatomic and genetic homology with their mammalian counterparts, they remain popular animal models in a variety of fields such as developmental biology, physiology, toxicology, drug discovery, immunology, toxicology, and infectious disease. As with all animal models, familiarity with the anatomy, physiology, and spontaneous diseases of these species is necessary for ensuring animal welfare, as well as accurate interpretation and reporting of study findings. Working with avian and aquatic species can be especially challenging in this respect due to their rich diversity and array of unique adaptations. Here, we provide an overview of the research-relevant anatomic features, non-infectious conditions, and infectious diseases that impact research colonies of birds and aquatic animals, including fish and Xenopus species.

Characterization of Myxidium spinibarba sp. nov. (Cnidaria, Myxosporea, Myxidiidae) from Spinibarbus sinensis (Bleeker, 1871) in Chongqing China

In the present study, we described a new species of Myxidium Bütschli, 1882, obtained from the gallbladder of Spinibarbus sinensis (Bleeker, 1871) from the Jialing River in Chongqing, China. Myxidium spinibarba sp. nov. was identified based on morphological and SSU rDNA sequence data. The mature myxospores were fusiform in valvular view and ovoid in sutural view, with somewhat protrusive poles and mean dimensions (all in μm) of 11.8 ± 0.5 (10.6-12.4) in length and 6.1 ± 0.5 (5.5-7.2) in width. The polar capsules were pyriform and equal in size with mean dimensions of 3.6 ± 0.4 (3.0-4.4) in length and 3.0 ± 0.2 (2.7-3.2) in width. The new species was distinct from related species of Myxidium in its morphology and molecular characteristics. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the clustering of species based on the presence or absence of valvular striations. Moreover, myxospore morphology, rather than the host environment, played an important role in the partial phylogenetic clustering.

Combining fish and environmental PCR for diagnostics of diseased laboratory zebrafish in recirculating systems

Precise knowledge of the health status of experimental fish is crucial to obtain high scientific and ethical standards in biomedical research. In addition to the use of sentinel fish, the examination of diseased fish is a fundamental part of all health monitoring concepts. PCR assays offer excellent sensitivity and the ability to test a broad variety of pathogenic agents in different sample types. Recently, it was shown that analysis of environmental samples such as water, sludge or detritus from static tanks can complement PCR analysis of fish and is actually more reliable for certain pathogens. In our study, we investigated whether the analysis of filtered water mixed with detritus of tanks including fish showing clinical signs of illness is suitable to complement health monitoring programs in recirculating systems. The obtained data indicate that pathogens such as Pseudoloma neurophilia or Myxidium streisingeri were exclusively or mainly found in fish, while mycobacteria were predominantly present in environmental samples. A combination of both sample types seems to be required for the detection of a broad range of infectious agents in zebrafish colonies using real-time PCR technology.

Exploring the advantages and limitations of sampling methods commonly used in research facilities for zebrafish health inspections

Examining zebrafish populations for the presence of disease is an integral component of managing fish health in research facilities. Currently, many different strategies are used for zebrafish fish health inspections, which is a scenario that may result in subjective and biased diagnostic evaluations. The goal of this study was to compare the success of pathogen detection between a sample size of randomly selected fish (n = 60) that provides 95% confidence in pathogen detection based on a presumed pathogen prevalence level ≥5%, and other subpopulations and sample numbers commonly submitted for diagnostic testing within a 1000 tank, 30,000 fish, recirculating research system. This included fish collected from a sump tank (n = 53), sentinel fish (n = 11), and fish that were found moribund or freshly dead (n = 18). Additionally, five fish from each subpopulation were collected for histopathologic examination. A second study used retrospective data to examine pathogen distribution between systems (n = 2-5) in multi-system facilities (n = 5) using a sample size of 60 fish per system. For the pathogens detected, results supported the use of representative sample numbers rather than smaller numbers of populations considered more at risk. The exception to this is for the moribund/mortality group, which may be a resource for targeted surveillance of select pathogens. Each system within multi-system facilities should be considered separate units in terms of fish health inspections and biosecurity. Development of these evidence-based standards for fish health inspections in zebrafish systems enhances fish welfare, provides identification of potentially zoonotic pathogens, and ensures scientific integrity and reproducibility of research results.

Morphology and molecular phylogeny of Ortholinea mullusi sp. nov. (Myxozoa) in Mullus barbatus from the Black Sea

Myxosporeans of the genus Ortholinea have a worldwide distribution and infect organs and tissues of exclusively marine fishes. Here we describe the morphological and molecular characteristics of Ortholinea mullusi sp. nov. parasitizing the urinary bladder and kidney tubules of red mullet Mullus barbatus collected from the coastal zone of Sinop in the Black Sea, Turkey. Polysporic plasmodia with immature spores were either elongate, 37.0 ± 4.5 SD (30-50) µm long and 45.0 ± 3.8 (40-55) µm wide, or were round, up to 100.0 µm in diameter. Mature, free spores were spherical in the frontal view and measured 9.3 ± 0.2 (9.0-9.7) µm in length, 8.7 ± 0.3 (8.2-9.3) µm in width and 7.7 ± 0.1 (7.5-7.9) µm in thickness. We observed 2 polar capsules of equal size, which measured 3.1 ± 0.1 (3.0-3.2) µm long by 2.5 ± 0.1 (2.4-2.6) µm wide, and the tips of the polar capsules were open towards the sutural line. The prevalence of infection by O. mullusi sp. nov. was 24.5%. Phylogenetic analysis based on nuclear small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) clearly suggested O. mullusi to be a new species, clustered within a lineage comprising O. labracis and O auratae. Pairwise nucleotide similarities and DNA distance values between O. mullusi sp. nov. and sister Ortholinea species also supported this suggestion.

New morphological data and molecular diagnostic of Henneguya friderici (Myxozoa: Myxobolidae), a parasite of Leporinus friderici (Osteichthyes: Anostomidae) from southeastern Brazil

The myxozoan Henneguya friderici is a parasite of the gills, intestine, kidney and liver of Leporinus friderici, a characiform fish belonging to the family Anostomidae. Forty-two specimens of L. friderici that had been caught in the Mogi Guaçú River, state of São Paulo, were studied. Elongated white plasmodia were found in the gill filaments of 10 host specimens (24%). The mature spores had an ellipsoidal body with polar capsules of equal size and caudal length greater than body length. This study also described 18S rDNA sequencing of H. friderici infecting the gill filaments. This produced a sequence of 1050 bp that demonstrated significant genetic differences with previously described species of Henneguya. Similarity analysis using sequences from species that clustered closest to those produced by this study showed that the species with greatest genetic similarity to H. friderici was H. leporinicola, with 94% similarity.

Health monitoring and disease prevention at the Zebrafish International Resource Center

In this chapter we review the components of the fish health program at the Zebrafish International Resource Center. We describe health-monitoring strategies to assess individual and colony health, practices to prevent the spread of pathogens within the fish colony, and a biosecurity program designed to prevent entry of new fish pathogens. While this program is designed for a facility on a recirculating water system with expectations of high volumes of import and export, many of the components can be directly applied or modified for application in facilities of different sizes and with other programmatic goals.

Recommendations for Health Monitoring and Reporting for Zebrafish Research Facilities

The presence of subclinical infection or clinical disease in laboratory zebrafish may have a significant impact on research results, animal health and welfare, and transfer of animals between institutions. As use of zebrafish as a model of disease increases, a harmonized method for monitoring and reporting the health status of animals will facilitate the transfer of animals, allow institutions to exclude diseases that may negatively impact their research programs, and improve animal health and welfare. All zebrafish facilities should implement a health monitoring program. In this study, we review important aspects of a health monitoring program, including choice of agents, samples for testing, available testing methodologies, housing and husbandry, cost, test subjects, and a harmonized method for reporting results. Facilities may use these recommendations to implement their own health monitoring program.

Biosecurity and Health Monitoring at the Zebrafish International Resource Center

The Zebrafish International Resource Center (ZIRC) is a repository and distribution center for mutant, transgenic, and wild-type zebrafish. In recent years annual imports of new zebrafish lines to ZIRC have increased tremendously. In addition, after 15 years of research, we have identified some of the most virulent pathogens affecting zebrafish that should be avoided in large production facilities, such as ZIRC. Therefore, while importing a high volume of new lines we prioritize safeguarding the health of our in-house fish colony. Here, we describe the biosecurity and health-monitoring program implemented at ZIRC. This strategy was designed to prevent introduction of new zebrafish pathogens, minimize pathogens already present in the facility, and ensure a healthy zebrafish colony for in-house uses and shipment to customers.

Controlling Endemic Pathogens-Challenges and Opportunities

By most measures, the University of Utah Centralized Zebrafish Animal Resource is a successful zebrafish core facility: we house ∼4000-5000 tanks for over 16 research groups; provide services and equipment for ∼150 users; are currently undergoing an expansion by 3000 tanks; and have been praised by institutional and national regulatory agencies for the cleanliness and efficiency of our facility. In recent years, we have implemented new programs to improve the overall health of our colony and believe we have seen a reduction in apparently sick fish. However, there are still deficiencies in our monitoring and pathogen control programs. Our histopathology sample sizes have been insufficient to estimate prevalence, but our sentinel tank program reveals the presence of Pseudoloma neurophilia and myxozoan, presumably Myxidium streisinger, in our facility. As we develop protocols to further reduce the burden of disease, we are focused on defining our baseline, establishing goals, and implementing methods to monitor our progress. The data generated by this approach will allow us to evaluate and implement the most cost-effective protocols to improve fish health.