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Clair LS, Hopf-Dennis C, Peters-Kennedy J, Lucio-Forster A, Childs-Sanford S. SARCOPTIC MANGE IN FREE-RANGING NORTH AMERICAN PORCUPINES (ERETHIZON DORSATUM) IN NEW YORK STATE. J Zoo Wildl Med 2024; 54:855-864. [PMID: 38252012 DOI: 10.1638/2023-0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Sarcoptic mange causes pruritic and crusting dermatitis in a large number of mammalian species with varying population impacts. Between 2016 and 2022, 15 North American porcupines (Erethizon dorsatum) were diagnosed with sarcoptic mange at Cornell University's Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital in Ithaca, New York. Disease severity varied among individuals but all shared a similar unique presentation with thick, pale tan to yellow crusts limited in distribution to the ventral, nonquilled areas of the body, including the ventral abdomen and thorax, distal limbs, and face. The thick, hard nature of the crusts resulted in additional complications in many individuals, including inability to move the jaw and cracking and fissuring of the crusts and skin over joints of the limbs. Mites were plentiful within the crusts, with some burrowing into the epidermis as deep as the stratum spinosum. Secondary bacterial and/or fungal dermatitis were common, resulting in sepsis and death in three of the porcupines. Treatment with avermectins (ivermectin and/or selamectin) for 4-5 wk was successful in 12 cases in combination with other supportive care measures, including subcutaneous fluids, antimicrobials, and analgesics. Porcupines were hospitalized for an average of 18 d (ranging from 7 to 50 d) prior to transfer to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for continued treatment and eventual release back into the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura St Clair
- Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA,
| | - Cynthia Hopf-Dennis
- Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Jeanine Peters-Kennedy
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Araceli Lucio-Forster
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Sara Childs-Sanford
- Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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2
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Wu Q, Chen L, Zhang Q, Jin X, Tang L, Zhang X, Liu Y, Li J, Pei J, Zhu Q, Jin S, Zhao Q, Shen J, Zhao Z, Jin Y, He H, Gu X, Yang M. Sarcoptic mange is an emerging threat to biodiversity in the Qinling Mountains in China. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:3724-3736. [PMID: 36251176 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14741] [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: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sarcoptic mange, a disease caused by the burrowing mite Sarcoptes scabiei, is globally endemic and an emerging threat to wildlife. Although many studies have shown that wildlife diseases play key roles in biodiversity conservation, knowledge about sarcoptic mange is still insufficient. In this study, we aim to improve the understanding of the impacts of sarcoptic mange on wildlife populations, the mechanisms involved in its eco-epidemiology and the associated risks to public and ecosystem health by investigating mass death events in gorals and serows in the Qinling Mountains. We conducted interviews with practitioners and local people in the central Qinling Mountains. From the same locations, we collected 24 cutaneous samples from various animals and surveillance data from infrared cameras. Pathological, parasitological and microbiological examinations of the samples were performed. Mite-induced cutaneous lesions, mites and eggs were observed in samples from dead gorals and one dead serow but not in other species. Molecular analysis confirmed the mites to be S. scabiei and shared the same cox 1 genotype. The data obtained from the interviews and infrared cameras indicated that the death of wildlife was related to sarcoptic mange infection and that there had been a decrease in the goral population since the outbreak of the disease. We confirmed that sarcoptic mange was the major cause of the mass death events and may have spread from the western to eastern Qinling Mountains. Based on our findings, we propose several protection strategies to help preserve biodiversity in the Qinling Mountains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoxing Wu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Qinling Ecological Security, Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, Xi'an, China.,Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Niubeiliang National Nature Reserve of Shaanxi, Xi'an, China
| | - Qiqi Zhang
- Niubeiliang National Nature Reserve of Shaanxi, Xi'an, China
| | - Xuelin Jin
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Qinling Ecological Security, Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, Xi'an, China
| | - Liubin Tang
- Foping National Reserve of Shaanxi, Hanzhong, China
| | - Xueli Zhang
- Qinling Ecology and Environment Protection and Comprehensive Law Enforcement Bureau of Chang'an District, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuqiang Liu
- Forestry Resources Protection Center of Chang'an District, Xi'an, China
| | - Jun'an Li
- Taibai Mountain National Reserve of Shaanxi, Yangling, China
| | - Junfeng Pei
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Qinling Ecological Security, Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, Xi'an, China
| | - Qifeng Zhu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Qinling Ecological Security, Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, Xi'an, China
| | | | - Qingxia Zhao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Qinling Ecological Security, Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, Xi'an, China
| | - Jie Shen
- Forestry Resources Protection Center of Chang'an District, Xi'an, China
| | - Zemin Zhao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Qinling Ecological Security, Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, Xi'an, China
| | - Yipeng Jin
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Qinling Ecological Security, Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, Xi'an, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongxuan He
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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3
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Zhou M, Peng P, Zhang X, Hussain S, Lu Y, Han L, Chen D, Li H, Liu Q, Tian L, Sun H, Hou Z. The genetic characteristics of Sarcoptes scabiei from Chinese serow (Capricornis milneedwardsii) and goral (Naemorhedus goral arnouxianus) compared with other mites from different hosts and geographic locations using ITS2 and cox1 sequences. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:3611-3618. [PMID: 36201043 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07686-2] [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] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/10/2022]
Abstract
Scabies is a common parasitic disease in many mammalian species, caused by the infestation of Sarcoptes scabiei. There is no consistent conclusion on whether Sarcoptes mites from different hosts or geographic locations have apparent genetic divergence. In this study, we collected and morphologically identified S. scabiei from Chinese serow and goral, and we described the genetic diversity of S. scabiei and other mites based on phylogenetic analyses of the ITS2 and cox1 sequence fragments, including data available in GenBank. The mites isolated from Chinese serow and goral were S. scabiei, and they were morphologically similar. The phylogenetic trees and haplotype networks showed that S. scabiei from other locations worldwide did not cluster according to host divergence or geographical distribution. Additionally, the Fst values were - 0.224 to 0.136 and - 0.045 to 1 between S. scabiei from different hosts, including humans and domestic and wild animals, based on partial ITS and cox1 sequences. Worldwide S. scabiei samples formed three clusters (with H2, H5, and H12 at their centers) in the ITS and one cluster (with C9 at the center) in the cox1 haplotype phylogenetic network. The S. scabiei collected from Chinese serow and goral were morphologically similar and had the same genotype. A study on the genetic characteristics of S. scabiei from Chinese serow and goral together with other mites from different hosts and geographic locations around the world showed no obvious divergence. These findings indicated that scabies likely is a zoonotic disease and that the global prevalence of scabies is probably related to the worldwide trade of domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengchao Zhou
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China.,Laboratory of Vector-Borne Diseases and Pathogens Ecology, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Peng Peng
- General Station for Surveillance of Wildlife Diseases, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaotian Zhang
- General Station for Surveillance of Wildlife Diseases, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Shenyang, China
| | - Shakeel Hussain
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China.,Laboratory of Vector-Borne Diseases and Pathogens Ecology, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Yaxian Lu
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China.,Laboratory of Vector-Borne Diseases and Pathogens Ecology, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Lei Han
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China.,Laboratory of Vector-Borne Diseases and Pathogens Ecology, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Denghui Chen
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China.,Laboratory of Vector-Borne Diseases and Pathogens Ecology, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Hongjia Li
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China.,Laboratory of Vector-Borne Diseases and Pathogens Ecology, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Quan Liu
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China.,Laboratory of Vector-Borne Diseases and Pathogens Ecology, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Lihong Tian
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China. .,Laboratory of Vector-Borne Diseases and Pathogens Ecology, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China.
| | - Heting Sun
- General Station for Surveillance of Wildlife Diseases, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Shenyang, China.
| | - Zhijun Hou
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China. .,Laboratory of Vector-Borne Diseases and Pathogens Ecology, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China.
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OCCURRENCE OF MANGE IN AMERICAN BLACK BEARS (URSUS AMERICANUS) IN NEW YORK STATE, USA. J Wildl Dis 2022; 58:847-858. [PMID: 36305752 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-22-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Mange, a parasitic skin disease caused by various species of mites, is found in free-ranging wildlife populations and has been increasingly reported in American black bears (Ursus americanus) over the last decade in New York State (NYS), USA. Our goal was to describe the geographic, seasonal, and demographic factors associated with mange in this species in NYS. Our retrospective study used historic, opportunistic data from diagnostic necropsy records and visual sighting reports collected by the NYS Wildlife Health Program from 2009 to 2018. We used chi-square tests for independence and odds ratios to examine whether geographic location, year, season, sex, age, and reason for laboratory submission were associated with mange in bears. We used maps and seasonal analysis to investigate emerging patterns. We confirmed increased black bear mange reports in recent years. Necropsy data revealed more bears submitted to the laboratory because of mange, mainly caused by Sarcoptes scabiei; females were more likely than males to present with sarcoptic mange. We found that cases of mange in the Northern Zone were widely disseminated throughout the region, whereas cases in the Southern Zone were concentrated in two areas along the Pennsylvania border. Seasonally, mange cases showed peaks occurring in late spring to early summer and in fall. Our results were on the basis of available data; a comprehensive statewide surveillance program would be useful to better understand the apparent increase in mange and its potential impact on both the welfare of individual animals and the population of black bears in NYS. Additional research on the timing of transmission dynamics associated with females in winter dens may be helpful to wildlife managers to identify strategies to mitigate deleterious spread of the disease in black bears.
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Busi A, Ospina-Pérez EM, Rodríguez-Hurtado C, Mejía-Fontecha IY, Ossa-López PA, Rivera-Páez FA, Ramírez-Chaves HE. Infestation, histology, and molecular confirmation of Sarcoptes scabiei in an Andean porcupine ( Coendou quichua) from the Central Andes of Colombia. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 18:266-272. [PMID: 35814637 PMCID: PMC9260439 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious, worldwide disease that affects the skin of mammals, including humans. It is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, however, the information available in wild mammal populations in the world, and particularly in Colombia is limited. Here, we document a new case of sarcoptic mange in an Andean porcupine (Coendou quichua) from the Andean region of Colombia. We morphologically and molecularly confirmed the mite as S. scabiei and documented the histopathology associated with scabies, and show the different stages of the life cycle of S. scabiei from the Andean porcupine skin samples. Our review of reports of additional cases of scabies in wild mammal species in South America showed 15 species, mostly carnivores, artiodactyls, and rodents. Considering the limited information in Colombia, it is urgent to evaluate the risk of this condition on mammals which would contribute to the epidemiological knowledge and the potential implications of sarcoptic mange in the ecology and conservation of wild mammals in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Busi
- Grupo de Investigación en Genética, Biodiversidad y Manejo de Ecosistemas (GEBIOME), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10, 170004, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
- Doctorado en Ciencias Agrarias, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de Caldas, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
- Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10, 170004, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
| | - Erika Mayerly Ospina-Pérez
- Grupo de Investigación en Genética, Biodiversidad y Manejo de Ecosistemas (GEBIOME), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10, 170004, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
- Doctorado en Ciencias – Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
| | - Caterine Rodríguez-Hurtado
- Professional Universitaria, Parque Nacional Natural Selva de Florencia, Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia, Corregimiento de Florencia, Samaná, Caldas, Colombia
| | - Ingrith Y. Mejía-Fontecha
- Grupo de Investigación en Genética, Biodiversidad y Manejo de Ecosistemas (GEBIOME), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10, 170004, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
- Centro de Museos, Museo de Historia Natural, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 58 No. 21-50, 170004, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
| | - Paula A. Ossa-López
- Grupo de Investigación en Genética, Biodiversidad y Manejo de Ecosistemas (GEBIOME), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10, 170004, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
- Doctorado en Ciencias – Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
| | - Fredy A. Rivera-Páez
- Grupo de Investigación en Genética, Biodiversidad y Manejo de Ecosistemas (GEBIOME), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10, 170004, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
| | - Héctor E. Ramírez-Chaves
- Grupo de Investigación en Genética, Biodiversidad y Manejo de Ecosistemas (GEBIOME), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10, 170004, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
- Centro de Museos, Museo de Historia Natural, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 58 No. 21-50, 170004, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
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6
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Clothier KA, Watson KD, Mete A, Giannitti F, Anderson M, Munk B, McMillin S, Clifford DL, Rudd J, Shirkey N, Famini D, Woods L. Generalized dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton equinum in 8 juvenile black bears in California. J Vet Diagn Invest 2021; 34:279-283. [PMID: 34841977 DOI: 10.1177/10406387211061143] [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] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
From 2014-2019, 8 juvenile black bears (Ursus americanus) from different geographic regions were presented to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife because of emaciation, alopecia, and exfoliative dermatitis that resulted in death or euthanasia. Autopsy and histopathology revealed that all 8 bears had generalized hyperkeratotic dermatitis, folliculitis, and furunculosis. Skin structures were heavily colonized by fungal hyphae and arthrospores; fungal cultures of skin from 7 bears yielded Trichophyton equinum, a zoophilic dermatophyte reported only rarely in non-equid species. Additional skin conditions included mites (5), ticks (2), and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus sp. infections (2). No other causes of morbidity or mortality were identified. Molecular comparisons performed at the University of Texas Fungal Reference Laboratory determined that all isolates produced identical banding patterns, potentially representing a clonal population. Dermatophytosis is commonly localized and limited to the stratum corneum of the epidermis and hair follicles. Generalized disease with dermal involvement is rare in immunocompetent individuals; illness, malnutrition, age, or immunosuppression may increase susceptibility. Underlying causes for the severe disease impact in these bears were not evident after physical or postmortem examination. The mechanism by which bears from different geographic locations had severe, T. equinum-associated dermatophytosis from a potentially clonal dermatophyte could not be explained and warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin A Clothier
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California-Davis, CA, USA
| | - Katherine D Watson
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California-Davis, CA, USA
| | - Aslı Mete
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California-Davis, CA, USA
| | - Federico Giannitti
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay, and Veterinary Population Medicine Department, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA
| | - Mark Anderson
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California-Davis, CA, USA
| | - Brandon Munk
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Rancho Cordova, CA, USA
| | - Stella McMillin
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Rancho Cordova, CA, USA
| | - Deana L Clifford
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Rancho Cordova, CA, USA
| | - Jaime Rudd
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Rancho Cordova, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas Shirkey
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Rancho Cordova, CA, USA
| | - Dan Famini
- Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue, Petaluma, CA, USA
| | - Leslie Woods
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California-Davis, CA, USA
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7
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Gomez-Puerta LA, Pacheco JI, Angulo-Tisoc JM, García W, Castillo H, Lopez-Urbina MT, Gonzalez AE. Prevalence and molecular characterization of Sarcoptes scabiei from vicuñas ( Vicugna vicugna) from Southern Peruvian Andes. Parasitology 2021:1-6. [PMID: 35260216 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021001931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Sarcoptic mange is a disease caused by an infectious parasite in the vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna) from South America. Although molecular studies have provided much information about the epidemiology of this disease, this information is still unknown in vicuñas. This study determined the prevalence and molecular characterization of Sarcoptes scabiei from vicuñas from Southern Peruvian Andes. During the 2018 shearing season, 181 vicuñas were clinically evaluated for lesions compatible with mange. Sarcoptes scabiei was detected in 35 (19.3%) vicuñas, and 50 mites from 25 vicuñas were selected for molecular analyses of the mitochondrial (cox1) and nuclear (ITS2) genetic markers. Molecular analyses of the cox1 and ITS2 sequences showed an identity of 94–99% and 99.8–100% with previous S. scabiei sequences registered in the GenBank, respectively. Sequence polymorphisms were more evident in the ITS2 than in the cox1, but only the cox1 had an association with the host. Phylogenetic analysis of S. scabiei cox1 sequences from vicuñas showed a cluster with S. scabiei cox1 sequences from canids, suggesting that the origin of S. scabiei from vicuña is associated with canid mites. This research is the first molecular analysis of S. scabiei from vicuñas. Future molecular studies will be necessary to determine the species variety, geographic segregation and host–parasite adaptation for this vicuña's mite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A Gomez-Puerta
- Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Av. Circunvalacion 2800, Lima41, Peru
| | - Joel I Pacheco
- Instituto Veterinario de Investigaciones Tropicales y de Altura, Sede Marangani, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Jr. Lima s/n, Cusco, Peru
| | - José M Angulo-Tisoc
- Instituto Veterinario de Investigaciones Tropicales y de Altura, Sede Marangani, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Jr. Lima s/n, Cusco, Peru
| | - Wilber García
- Instituto Veterinario de Investigaciones Tropicales y de Altura, Sede Marangani, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Jr. Lima s/n, Cusco, Peru
| | - Hugo Castillo
- Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Av. Circunvalacion 2800, Lima41, Peru
| | - Maria T Lopez-Urbina
- Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Av. Circunvalacion 2800, Lima41, Peru
| | - Armando E Gonzalez
- Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Av. Circunvalacion 2800, Lima41, Peru
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8
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Browne E, Driessen MM, Cross PC, Escobar LE, Foley J, López-Olvera JR, Niedringhaus KD, Rossi L, Carver S. Sustaining Transmission in Different Host Species: The Emblematic Case of Sarcoptes scabiei. Bioscience 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biab106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Some pathogens sustain transmission in multiple different host species, but how this epidemiologically important feat is achieved remains enigmatic. Sarcoptes scabiei is among the most host generalist and successful of mammalian parasites. We synthesize pathogen and host traits that mediate sustained transmission and present cases illustrating three transmission mechanisms (direct, indirect, and combined). The pathogen traits that explain the success of S. scabiei include immune response modulation, on-host movement capacity, off-host seeking behaviors, and environmental persistence. Sociality and host density appear to be key for hosts in which direct transmission dominates, whereas in solitary hosts, the use of shared environments is important for indirect transmission. In social den-using species, combined direct and indirect transmission appears likely. Empirical research rarely considers the mechanisms enabling S. scabiei to become endemic in host species—more often focusing on outbreaks. Our review may illuminate parasites’ adaptation strategies to sustain transmission through varied mechanisms across host species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Browne
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Michael M Driessen
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water, and Environment, Hobart, Tasmania
| | - Paul C Cross
- US Geological Survey, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Bozeman, Montana, United States
| | - Luis E Escobar
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States
| | - Janet Foley
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, United States
| | - Jorge R López-Olvera
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kevin D Niedringhaus
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States
| | - Luca Rossi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Scott Carver
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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9
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Seroprevalence of Sarcoptes scabiei in Free-Ranging Black Bears (Ursus americanus) in Eastern North Carolina, USA. J Wildl Dis 2021; 57:628-631. [PMID: 33787886 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-20-00091] [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: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Recent sarcoptic mange epizootics have affected free-ranging black bears (Ursus americanus) in the northeastern US, but not in North Carolina. To determine whether black bears in eastern North Carolina have exposure to Sarcoptes scabiei, serum samples from hunter-harvested black bears (n=45) were collected and evaluated for antibodies using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay previously validated in black bears. No dermal lesions consistent with sarcoptic mange were identified in the sampled bears. The seroprevalence among these asymptomatic bears was 18%, with no significant difference between sexes or association with age. This suggests that exposure to Sarcoptes scabiei occurs within the population, and highlights the importance of serosurveys in regions without a history of clinical mange.
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10
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Escobar LE, Carver S, Cross PC, Rossi L, Almberg ES, Yabsley MJ, Niedringhaus KD, Van Wick P, Dominguez-Villegas E, Gakuya F, Xie Y, Angelone S, Gortázar C, Astorga F. Sarcoptic mange: An emerging panzootic in wildlife. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:927-942. [PMID: 33756055 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sarcoptic mange, a skin infestation caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, is an emerging disease for some species of wildlife, potentially jeopardizing their welfare and conservation. Sarcoptes scabiei has a near-global distribution facilitated by its forms of transmission and use of a large diversity of host species (many of those with broad geographic distribution). In this review, we synthesize the current knowledge concerning the geographic and host taxonomic distribution of mange in wildlife, the epidemiological connections between species, and the potential threat of sarcoptic mange for wildlife conservation. Recent sarcoptic mange outbreaks in wildlife appear to demonstrate ongoing geographic spread, increase in the number of hosts and increased virulence. Sarcoptic mange has been reported in at least 12 orders, 39 families and 148 species of domestic and wild mammals, making it one of the most generalist ectoparasites of mammals. Taxonomically, the orders with most species found infested so far include Perissodactyla (67% species from the entire order), Artiodactyla (47%), and Diprotodontia (67% from this order). This suggests that new species from these mammal orders are likely to suffer cross-species transmission and be reported positive to sarcoptic mange as surveillance improves. We propose a new agenda for the study of sarcoptic mange in wildlife, including the study of the global phylogeography of S. scabiei, linkages between ecological host traits and sarcoptic mange susceptibility, immunology of individuals and species, development of control strategies in wildlife outbreaks and the effects of global environmental change in the sarcoptic mange system. The ongoing transmission globally and sustained spread among areas and wildlife species make sarcoptic mange an emerging panzootic in wildlife. A better understanding of sarcoptic mange could illuminate the aspects of ecological and evolutionary drivers in cross-species transmission for many emerging diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis E Escobar
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Scott Carver
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Paul C Cross
- U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Luca Rossi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Michael J Yabsley
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Kevin D Niedringhaus
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Yue Xie
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | | | | | - Francisca Astorga
- Núcleo de Investigaciones Aplicadas en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Universidad de las Américas, Santiago, Chile
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Abstract
Black bears (Ursus americanus) have historically been considered an uncommon host for sarcoptic mange. However, over the last 25 yr, sarcoptic mange has been increasingly reported in black bears in the northeastern US. Syndromic monitoring is the most common surveillance approach for mange in bears, but tools to monitor exposure to Sarcoptes scabiei in bear populations have not been thoroughly evaluated under field conditions. In this study, we validated a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), designed to detect antibodies against S. scabiei in dogs, for use in black bears with a sensitivity and specificity of 95.6% and 96.6%, respectively. To further examine the performance of this assay, serial serum samples from seven black bears with confirmed sarcoptic mange were collected posttreatment to determine the persistence of detectable antibody response with the ELISA. Antibodies in black bears waned to below the limit of detection between 4 and 14 wk, suggesting that serology studies might underestimate the number of exposed black bears after antibodies have waned. State-wide serosurveys in Pennsylvania from hunter-harvested black bears in 2017 and 2018 showed a significant difference in seroprevalence between regions with high occurrence of mange (mean seroprevalence 6.7%, range of 6.6-6.8%) and low occurrence of mange (no seropositive black bears were detected). Within Pennsylvania, these data indicate that the geographic distribution of exposure to S. scabiei, based on serologic testing, generally reflects the distribution of overt disease, as determined by syndromic surveillance. Collectively, these results indicate the evaluated ELISA is an effective tool for monitoring S. scabiei exposure in bear populations and provides the framework for additional studies regarding sarcoptic mange epidemiology in black bears.
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Pisano SRR, Zimmermann F, Rossi L, Capt S, Akdesir E, Bürki R, Kunz F, Origgi FC, Ryser-Degiorgis MP. Spatiotemporal spread of sarcoptic mange in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in Switzerland over more than 60 years: lessons learnt from comparative analysis of multiple surveillance tools. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:521. [PMID: 31690337 PMCID: PMC6833187 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3762-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sarcoptic mange is a contagious skin disease of wild and domestic mammals caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Reports of sarcoptic mange in wildlife increased worldwide in the second half of the 20th century, especially since the 1990s. The aim of this study was to provide new insights into the epidemiology of mange by (i) documenting the emergence of sarcoptic mange in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in the last decades in Switzerland; and (ii) describing its spatiotemporal spread combining data obtained through different surveillance methods. METHODS Retrospective analysis of archived material together with prospective data collection delivered a large dataset from the 19th century to 2018. Methods included: (i) a review of historical literature; (ii) screening of necropsy reports from general health surveillance (1958-2018); (iii) screening of data on mange (1968-1992) collected during the sylvatic rabies eradication campaign; (iv) a questionnaire survey (<1980-2017) and (v) evaluation of camera-trap bycatch data (2005-2018). RESULTS Sarcoptic mange in red foxes was reported as early as 1835 in Switzerland. The first case diagnosed in the framework of the general health surveillance was in 1959. Prior to 1980, sarcoptic mange occurred in non-adjacent surveillance districts scattered all over the country. During the period of the rabies epidemic (1970s-early 1990s), the percentage of foxes tested for rabies with sarcoptic mange significantly decreased in subregions with rabies, whereas it remained high in the few rabies-free subregions. Sarcoptic mange re-emerged in the mid-1990s and continuously spread during the 2000-2010s, to finally extend to the whole country in 2017. The yearly prevalence of mange in foxes estimated by camera-trapping ranged from 0.1-12%. CONCLUSIONS Sarcoptic mange has likely been endemic in Switzerland as well as in other European countries at least since the mid-19th century. The rabies epidemics seem to have influenced the pattern of spread of mange in several locations, revealing an interesting example of disease interaction in free-ranging wildlife populations. The combination of multiple surveillance tools to study the long-term dynamics of sarcoptic mange in red foxes in Switzerland proved to be a successful strategy, which underlined the usefulness of questionnaire surveys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Roberto Rolando Pisano
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health (FIWI), Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, PO Box, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fridolin Zimmermann
- KORA – Carnivore Ecology and Wildlife Management, Thunstrasse 31, 3074 Muri, Switzerland
| | - Luca Rossi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Simon Capt
- Info Fauna, Swiss Centre for the Cartography of the Fauna, Bellevaux 51, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Ezgi Akdesir
- Swiss Rabies Centre, Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, PO Box, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Roland Bürki
- KORA – Carnivore Ecology and Wildlife Management, Thunstrasse 31, 3074 Muri, Switzerland
| | - Florin Kunz
- KORA – Carnivore Ecology and Wildlife Management, Thunstrasse 31, 3074 Muri, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Carlo Origgi
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health (FIWI), Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, PO Box, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marie-Pierre Ryser-Degiorgis
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health (FIWI), Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, PO Box, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
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13
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Niedringhaus KD, Brown JD, Ternent MA, Cleveland CA, Yabsley MJ. A Serosurvey of Multiple Pathogens in American Black Bears ( Ursus americanus) in Pennsylvania, USA Indicates a Lack of Association with Sarcoptic Mange. Vet Sci 2019; 6:E75. [PMID: 31547006 PMCID: PMC6958396 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci6040075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases, particularly of wildlife, are intrinsically linked to human and domestic animal health. Reports of sarcoptic mange in black bears (Ursus americanus) are increasing in multiple states in the USA and while the reason is unknown, mange in other species has been associated with immunosuppression from multiple causes. Serum from bears across Pennsylvania were collected to determine the seroprevalence of five pathogens important for animal and/or human health: Canine distemper virus (CDV), canine parvovirus (CPV), canine adenovirus-1 (CAV), Toxoplasma gondii, and Trichinella sp. from bears with sarcoptic mange as well as bears that were clinically normal. Several of these pathogens, particularly canine distemper virus, are associated with immunosuppression and secondary infections in other hosts. In addition to describing the seroprevalence and relating these findings to data from other regions, statistics were performed to determine if antibodies to any of these pathogens were associated with mange in bears. The overall seroprevalence to these pathogens was as follows: CDV 7.1% (17/240), CPV 16% (15/94), CAV 6.9% (6/87), Toxoplasma gondii 64.9% (194/299), and Trichinella spiralis 3.2% (7/220). While there was no association between mange and antibodies to these pathogens, infection with one or more of these pathogens has implications for bears, other wildlife, domestic animal, and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin D Niedringhaus
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Justin D Brown
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | - Mark A Ternent
- Pennsylvania Game Commission, Harrisburg, PA 17110, USA.
| | - Christopher A Cleveland
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Michael J Yabsley
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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14
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Effects of temperature on the survival of Sarcoptes scabiei of black bear (Ursus americanus) origin. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:2767-2772. [PMID: 31388786 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06387-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
For two decades, the incidence and range of sarcoptic mange in black bears (Ursus americanus) in Pennsylvania has increased. The causative agent, Sarcoptes scabiei, can be directly or indirectly transmitted; therefore, data on environmental persistence is important for guiding management and public communications. The objective of this study was to determine the survival of S. scabiei at different temperatures. Full section skin samples and superficial skin scrapes were collected from bears immediately after euthanasia due to severe mange. After ~ 24 h on ice packs (shipment to lab), samples were placed in dishes at 0, 4, 18, or 30 °C and 60, 20, 12, and 25% relative humidity, respectively, and the percentage of mites alive, by life stage, was periodically determined. Humidity was recorded but not controlled. Temperature significantly affected mite survival, which was shortest at 0 °C (mostly ≤ 4 h) and longest at 4 °C (up to 13 days). No mites survived beyond 8 days at 18 °C or 6 days at 30 °C. Mites from full-thickness skin sections survived significantly longer than those from superficial skin scrapes. Adults typically survived longer than nymphs and larvae except at 30 °C where adults survived the shortest time. These data indicate that at cooler temperatures, S. scabiei can survive for days to over a week in the environment, especially if on host skin. However, these data also indicate that the environment is unlikely to be a long-term source of S. scabiei infection to bears, other wildlife, or domestic animals.
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15
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Niedringhaus KD, Brown JD, Sweeley KM, Yabsley MJ. A review of sarcoptic mange in North American wildlife. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2019; 9:285-297. [PMID: 31304085 PMCID: PMC6599944 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The "itch mite" or "mange mite", Sarcoptes scabiei, causes scabies in humans and sarcoptic mange in domestic and free-ranging animals. This mite has a wide host range due to its ability to adapt to new hosts and has been spread across the globe presumably through human expansion. While disease caused by S. scabiei has been very well-studied in humans and domestic animals, there are still numerous gaps in our understanding of this pathogen in free-ranging wildlife. The literature on sarcoptic mange in North American wildlife is particularly limited, which may be due to the relatively limited number of clinically-affected species and lack of severe population impacts seen in other continents. This review article provides a summary of the current knowledge of mange in wildlife, with a focus on the most common clinically-affected species in North America including red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), gray wolves (Canis lupus), coyotes (Canis latrans), and American black bears (Ursus americanus).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin D. Niedringhaus
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, 589 D.W. Brooks Drive, Wildlife Health Building, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Justin D. Brown
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, 115 Henning Building, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Kellyn M. Sweeley
- College of Veterinary Medicine, 501 D.W. Brooks Drive, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Michael J. Yabsley
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, 589 D.W. Brooks Drive, Wildlife Health Building, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, 180 E Green Street, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
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16
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The emergence and expansion of sarcoptic mange in American black bears (Ursus americanus) in the United States. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2019; 17:100303. [PMID: 31303232 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Mange was historically rare in American black bears (Ursus americanus). Since the 1990s, however, sarcoptic mange has become more widespread in black bears with hundreds of reports in 2018 from eight states. This emerging disease has potential implications regarding human and animal health and on future black bear management.
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17
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Beeton NJ, Carver S, Forbes LK. A model for the treatment of environmentally transmitted sarcoptic mange in bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus). J Theor Biol 2018; 462:466-474. [PMID: 30502410 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2018.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Some of the most important wildlife diseases involve environmental transmission, with disease control attempted via treatments that induce temporary pathogen resistance among hosts. However, theoretical explanations of such circumstances remain few. A mathematical model is proposed and investigated to analyse the dynamics and treatment of environmentally transmitted sarcoptic mange in a population of bare-nosed wombats. The wombat population is structured into four classes representing stages of infection, in a model that consists of five non-linear differential equations including the unattached mite population. It is shown that four different epidemiological outcomes are possible. These are: (1) extinction of wombats (and mites); (2) mite-free wombat populations; (3) endemic wombats and mites coexisting, with the wombats' population reduced below the environmental carrying capacity; and (4) a stable limit cycle (sustained oscillating populations) with wombat population far below carrying capacity. Empirical evidence exists for the first two of these outcomes, with the third highly likely to occur in nature, and the fourth plausible at least until wombat populations succumb to Allee effects. These potential outcomes are examined to inform treatment programs for wombat populations. Through this theoretical exploration of a relatively well understood empirical system, this study supports general learning across environmentally transmitted wildlife pathogens, increasing understanding of how pathogen dynamics may cause crashes in some populations and not others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Beeton
- CSIRO, 3 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point TAS 7004, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Australia; School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Tasmania, Australia.
| | - Scott Carver
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Australia
| | - Lawrence K Forbes
- School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Tasmania, Australia
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18
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Li CY, Sun Y, Xie Y, Zhou X, Gu XB, Lai WM, Peng XR, Yang G. Genetic variability of wildlife-derived Sarcoptes scabiei determined by the ribosomal ITS-2 and mitochondrial 16S genes. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2018; 76:53-70. [PMID: 30238307 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-018-0290-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Infestation by the ectoparasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei (Acari: Sarcoptidae) has important implications for global wildlife conservation and both animal and human health. Ribosomal and mitochondrial DNA sequences of parasites are useful to determine genetic diversity and to describe their likely dynamic evolution. In this study, we described the genetic diversity of S. scabiei individuals collected from wild animals in China by sequencing the ribosomal ITS-2 and mitochondrial 16S rRNA genes. A total of 13 Sarcoptes isolates of wildlife, coupled with one of rabbit origin, were subjected to genetic characteristics. After cloning and sequencing, 14 ITS-2 sequences and 12 16S rRNA sequences were obtained and analyzed. Further analysis of haplotype network and population genetic structure revealed that there were 79 haplotypes in ITS-2 (main haplotype H2) and 31 haplotypes in 16S rRNA (main haplotype C10). The phylogenetic trees showed some partial clustering by location and host, and the analysis of gene polymorphism may prompt that all isolates of S. scabiei have a similar origin. We speculate that the genetic evolution of S. scabiei may be related with that of the hosts, but more research is necessary to better understand the host-parasite co-evolutionary relationship in S. scabiei. These results provide new insights into understanding the population genetics and evolutionary biology of S. scabiei and therefore a better understanding of controlling its infestation pathways worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yan Li
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yin Sun
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yue Xie
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Xiao-Bin Gu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Wei-Ming Lai
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xue-Rong Peng
- Department of Chemistry, College of Life and Basic Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, China
| | - Guangyou Yang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211 Huimin Road, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China.
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19
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Expanded Molecular Typing of Sarcoptes scabiei Provides Further Evidence of Disease Spillover Events in the Epidemiology of Sarcoptic Mange in Australian Marsupials. J Wildl Dis 2018; 55:231-237. [PMID: 30096035 DOI: 10.7589/2018-04-101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The invasive ectoparasite Sarcoptes scabiei affects the welfare and conservation of Australian marsupials. Molecular data suggest that spillover from other hosts may be responsible for the emergence of this infectious disease, but the scale of such studies is limited. We performed expanded molecular typing of the S. scabiei mitochondrial cox1 gene from 81 skin scrapings from infested wombats ( Vombatus ursinus), koalas ( Phascolarctos cinereus), red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes), and dogs ( Canis lupus familiaris) across Australia. Combined with existing S. scabiei sequences, our analysis revealed 16 haplotypes among Australian animals, sharing between 93.3% and 99.7% sequence similarity. While some sequences were unique to specific hosts or to Australia, key haplotypes could be detected across several marsupial hosts as well as to wild or domestic canids in Australia. We identified 43 cox1 haplotypes with many Australian haplotypes identical to S. scabiei mites from inside and outside Europe. We concluded that multiple introduction events were plausible explanations to the origin and emergence of this parasite into Australian marsupials and that disease spillover from canids was likely. Together, our greatly expanded S. scabiei sequence dataset provided a more nuanced picture of both spillover and sustained intraspecific transmission for this important parasite.
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20
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Astorga F, Carver S, Almberg ES, Sousa GR, Wingfield K, Niedringhaus KD, Van Wick P, Rossi L, Xie Y, Cross P, Angelone S, Gortázar C, Escobar LE. International meeting on sarcoptic mange in wildlife, June 2018, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:449. [PMID: 30075742 PMCID: PMC6090813 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3015-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcoptic mange is a globally distributed disease caused by the burrowing mite Sarcoptes scabiei, which also causes scabies in humans. A wide and increasing number of wild mammal species are reported to be susceptible to mange; however, the impacts of the disease in wildlife populations, mechanisms involved in its eco-epidemiological dynamics, and risks to public and ecosystem health are still unclear. Major gaps exist concerning S. scabiei host specificity and the mechanisms involved in the different presentations of the disease, which change between individuals and species. Immunological responses to the mite may have a relevant role explaining these different susceptibilities, as these affect the clinical signs, and consequently, the severity of the disease. Recently, some studies have suggested sarcoptic mange as an emerging threat for wildlife, based on several outbreaks with increased severity, geographical expansions, and novel wild hosts affected. Disease ecology experts convened for the “International Meeting on Sarcoptic Mange in Wildlife” on 4–5 June 2018, hosted by the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, USA. The meeting had a structure of (i) pre-workshop review; (ii) presentation and discussions; and (iii) identification of priority research questions to understand sarcoptic mange in wildlife. The workgroup concluded that research priorities should be on determining the variation in modes of transmission for S. scabiei in wildlife, factors associated with the variation of disease severity among species, and long-terms effects of the mange in wildlife populations. In this note we summarize the main discussions and research gaps identified by the experts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Astorga
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.,Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Scott Carver
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | | | - Giovane R Sousa
- Division of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kimberly Wingfield
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.,Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Kevin D Niedringhaus
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | - Luca Rossi
- Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Yue Xie
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Paul Cross
- U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | | | | | - Luis E Escobar
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
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ASSAYS FOR DETECTION AND IDENTIFICATION OF THE CAUSATIVE AGENT OF MANGE IN FREE-RANGING BLACK BEARS ( URSUS AMERICANUS). J Wildl Dis 2018; 54:471-479. [PMID: 29498895 DOI: 10.7589/2017-06-148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Three mite species ( Demodex ursi, Ursicoptes americanus, and Sarcoptes scabiei) have been associated with mange in black bears ( Ursus americanus). Since the early 1990s, the number and geographic distribution of mange cases in black bears in Pennsylvania, US has increased; however, the causative mites have yet to be completely defined. We evaluated several diagnostic approaches for detection and identification of mites in 72 black bears with severe lesions consistent with mange. Sarcoptes scabiei was morphologically identified in skin scrapes from 66 of the bears; no mites were identified in the remaining six. Histopathologic lesions consistent with sarcoptic mange were observed in 39 of 40 bear skin samples examined, and intralesional mites were observed in samples from 38 of these bears. Samples were collected from a subset of the 72 bears for PCR testing targeting both the internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-2 region and cytochrome c oxidase I ( cox1) gene including 69 skin scrapes ( ITS-2 only), 56 skin biopsies ( ITS-2 and cox1), and 36 fecal samples ( ITS-2 and cox1). Skin scrapes were a more sensitive sample for PCR detection than either skin biopsies or fecal samples, and the ITS-2 primers proved more sensitive than cox1. Using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, antibodies to S. scabiei were detected in 45/49 (92%) black bears with confirmed mange and 0/62 (0%) cubs with no gross lesions suggestive of mange and which were born to seronegative sows. Sarcoptes scabiei was the predominant mite associated with mange in black bears in Pennsylvania. Diagnostically, cytologic examination of skin scrapes was the most effective approach for diagnosing active mite infestations in black bears. The evaluated serologic assay accurately detected antibodies to S. scabiei in most bears with confirmed S. scabiei infestations. Additional research is needed to determine the usefulness of this approach for larger scale surveys and for asymptomatic bears.
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