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Morick D, Bachmann VM, Shemesh E, Botero-Anug AM, Zemach-Shamir Z, Aizenberg Z, Davidovich N, Goldberg DW, Kan G, Ofri R, Tchernov D, Levy Y. Case report: Blindness associated with Learedius learedi trematode infection in a green sea turtle, Chelonia mydas, of the northern Red Sea. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1258522. [PMID: 37841474 PMCID: PMC10570618 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1258522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Spirorchiid blood flukes are widespread in sea turtles, causing disease and mortality in their populations, with high prevalence in several ocean basins. Besides being leading parasitic causes of sea turtle strandings in several parts of the world, these infectious agents can cause endocarditis, vasculitis, thrombosis, miliary egg granulomas, and aneurysms, which ultimately may compromise the survival of green sea turtles. More severe cases may also result in multifocal granulomatous meningitis or pneumonia, both of which can be fatal. Herein, we report the first case of severe trematode infection, Caused by Learedius learedi, in a green sea turtle in the northern Red Sea; this infection is associated with bilateral blindness. Necropsy revealed multiple granulomas with intralesional trematode eggs in the optic nerve, eyes, spleen, heart, and lungs. The parasite was identified as Learedius learedi through specific primers of the ribosomal genome and COI sequences obtained from GenBank. Altogether, these findings emphasize the importance of recognizing the systemic nature of this particular fluke infection to ultimately protect the lives of these marine animals and ensure the sustainability of these species in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny Morick
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering, Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Vanessa M. Bachmann
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Eli Shemesh
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Ziv Zemach-Shamir
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Zahi Aizenberg
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nadav Davidovich
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Israeli Veterinary Services, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | | | - Gaston Kan
- Israeli National Nature and Parks Authority-Israel Sea Turtle Rescue Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ron Ofri
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Dan Tchernov
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering, Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaniv Levy
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Israeli National Nature and Parks Authority-Israel Sea Turtle Rescue Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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Cavaco B, Madeira de Carvalho LM, Shimoda E, Santoro M, Werneck MR. Helminth Fauna of Juvenile Green Sea Turtles ( Chelonia mydas) from Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Helminthologia 2023; 60:196-200. [PMID: 37745228 PMCID: PMC10516470 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2023-0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The helminth fauna of juvenile green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas Linnaeus, 1758) is still poorly known. Herein, we study the gastrointestinal helminths of 28 juvenile green sea turtles found stranded on the north coast of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. All turtles were infected showing a rich helminth fauna. In total, 14802 trematodes belonging to 30 species and 5 families including Micros-caphidiidae, Plagiorchiidae, Pronocephalidae, Hapalotrematidae, and Telorchiidae were recovered. An unidentified nematode specimens was also found. The mean intensity was 536 (95% CI = 362 - 853) (range: 1 - 2831), and the species richness was 7.86 (95% CI = 6.46 - 9.21) (range: 1 - 17). The coast of Rio de Janeiro state represents new locality records for Angiodictyum posterovitellatum, Microscaphidium aberrans, M. warui, Octangium hyphalum, O. sagitta, Enodiotrema reductum and Pleurogonius laterouterus. This study confirms that the green sea turtle harbors the richest helminth fauna among sea turtle species and provides useful information on the gastrointestinal helminths of a poorly known stage in the life cycle of this endangered chelonian.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Cavaco
- CIISA – Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS)
| | - L. M. Madeira de Carvalho
- CIISA – Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS)
| | - E. Shimoda
- Universidade Cândido Mendes, Rua Anita Peçanha, 100, Parque São Caetano. 28030-335 Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - M. Santoro
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, 80121Naples, Italy
| | - M. R. Werneck
- Instituto BW para Conservação e Medicina da Fauna Marinha. Araruama, RJ, 28970-000, Brazil
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Corner RD, Cribb TH, Cutmore SC. Vermetid gastropods as key intermediate hosts for a lineage of marine turtle blood flukes (Digenea: Spirorchiidae), with evidence of transmission at a turtle rookery. Int J Parasitol 2021; 52:225-241. [PMID: 34742720 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.08.008] [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: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Blood flukes of the family Spirorchiidae Stunkard, 1921 are significant pathogens of marine turtles, both in the wild and in captivity. Despite causing considerable disease and mortality, little is known about the life cycles of marine species, with just four reports globally. No complete life cycle has been elucidated for any named species of marine spirorchiid, but the group is reported to use vermetid and fissurellid gastropods, and terebelliform polychaetes as intermediate hosts. Here we report molecular evidence that nine related spirorchiid species infect vermetid gastropods as first intermediate hosts from four localities along the coast of Queensland, Australia. ITS2 rDNA and cox1 mtDNA sequence data generated from vermetid infections provides the first definitive identifications for the intermediate hosts for the four species of Hapalotrema Looss, 1899 and Learedius learedi Price, 1934. Additionally, we provide a new locality report for larval stages of Amphiorchis sp., and evidence of three additional unidentified spirorchiid species in Australian waters. Based on the wealth of infections from vermetids during this study, we conclude that the previous preliminary report of a fissurellid limpet as the intermediate host for L. learedi was likely mistaken. The nine species found infecting vermetids during this study form a strongly supported clade exclusive of species of the other two marine spirorchiid genera for which sequence data are available; Carettacola Manter & Larson, 1950 which falls sister to the vermetid-infecting clade + a small clade of freshwater spirorchiids, and Neospirorchis Price, 1934 which is distantly related to the vermetid-infecting clade. We provide further evidence that spirorchiid transmission can occur in closed system aquaria and show that spirorchiid transmission occurs at both an important turtle rookery (Heron Island, southern Great Barrier Reef, Australia) and foraging ground (Moreton Bay, Australia). We discuss the implications of our findings for the epidemiology of the disease, control in captivity, and the evolution of vermetid exploitation by the Spirorchiidae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard D Corner
- The University of Queensland, School of Biological Sciences, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Thomas H Cribb
- The University of Queensland, School of Biological Sciences, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Scott C Cutmore
- The University of Queensland, School of Biological Sciences, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
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Cribb TH, Cutmore SC, Bray RA. The biodiversity of marine trematodes: then, now and in the future. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:1085-1097. [PMID: 34757087 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Trematodes are the richest class of platyhelminths in the marine environment, infecting all classes of marine vertebrates as sexual adults and many phyla of marine invertebrates as part of their life cycles. Despite the cryptic nature of their existence (almost all marine trematodes are internal parasites), they have been the focus of study for almost 250 years, with the first species described in 1774. Here we review progress in the study of the "biodiversity" of these parasites, contrasting the progress made in the last 50 years (post-1971) to that in the almost 200 years before it (pre-1972). We consider an understanding of biodiversity to require knowledge of the species present in the system, an understanding of their evolutionary relationships (which informs higher classification), and, specifically for trematodes, an understanding of their complex life cycles. The fauna is now large, comprising well over 5,000 species. Although species description continues, we see evidence of a slow-down in all aspects of discovery. There has been only one completely new family identified since 1984 and the proposal of new genera is in decline as is the description of new species, especially for those of tetrapods. However, the extent to which this slow-down reflects an approach to the richness asymptote is made uncertain by changes in the field; reduced effort and difficulty of study may be important components of the effect. Regardless of how close we are to a complete description of the fauna, we infer that the outline is well-understood although the details are not. Adoption of molecular methodologies over the last 40 years have complemented morphometric analyses to facilitate objective recognition of species; however, despite these objective data, there is still inconsistency between authors on species delimitation. Molecular methodologies have also completely revolutionised inference of relationships at all levels, from within genera to between orders, and underpinned elucidation of novel life cycles. We expect the next 50 years to produce further dividends from technological innovations. The backdrop to the field will be global environmental concerns and the growing problem of funding for basic biodiversity studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas H Cribb
- The University of Queensland, School of Biological Sciences, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Scott C Cutmore
- The University of Queensland, School of Biological Sciences, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Rodney A Bray
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK
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Some Digenetic Trematodes Found in a Loggerhead Sea Turtle ( Caretta Caretta) from Brazil. Helminthologia 2021; 58:217-224. [PMID: 34248383 PMCID: PMC8256453 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2021-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper reports three recovered species of digeneans from an adult loggerhead sea turtle - Caretta caretta (Testudines, Cheloniidae) in Brazil. These trematodes include Diaschistorchis pandus (Pronocephalidae), Cymatocarpus solearis (Brachycoeliidae) and Rhytidodes gelatinosus (Rhytidodidae) The first two represent new geographic records. A list of helminths reported from the Neotropical region, Gulf of Mexico and USA (Florida) is presented.
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Hayashi K, Kitayama C, Saito T, Ohari Y, Hayashi K, Kondo S, Takashima Y, Kuroki T, Shibahara T, Itagaki T. Detection and molecular characteristics of Pyelosomum cochlear (Digenea: Pronocephalidae) in the urinary bladder of the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) in the Northwest Pacific Ocean. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 93:104962. [PMID: 34111570 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The genus Pyelosomum consists of parasitic flukes occurring primarily in marine turtles; Pyelosomum cochlear Looss 1899 is the only species of this genus that parasitizes the urinary bladder. In this study, we detected flukes in the urinary bladders of 20 of 88 green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) harvested in the Ogasawara Islands, in the Northwest Pacific Ocean. We identified the flukes as P. cochlear based on detailed morphological observations and comparisons of morphometric measurements of the species reported previously. Nucleotide sequences of nuclear ribosomal 18S and 28S regions and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) region were determined for the flukes. The 18S and 28S phylogenetic trees revealed that the species of the superfamily Pronocephaloidea, including P. cochlear, constituted a single clade, but the species of the family Pronocephalidae did not constitute a single taxon. These findings suggest that Pronocephalidae is a paraphyletic group. The COI sequences of P. cochlear exhibited high genetic diversity, suggesting that they would be useful markers to understand the genetic structure of the parasite and its evolutionary relationship with the host turtle populations. This is the first study to provide the nucleotide sequences of Pyelosomum species; these data will be available for further molecular studies of this genus and its related taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Hayashi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, 1-3 Ikoinooka, Imabari 794-8555, Japan
| | - Chiyo Kitayama
- Everlasting Nature of Asia (ELNA), Ogasawara Marine Center, Ogasawara, Tokyo 100-2101, Japan
| | - Taizo Saito
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Yuma Ohari
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818, Japan
| | - Kaoru Hayashi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, 1-3 Ikoinooka, Imabari 794-8555, Japan
| | - Satomi Kondo
- Everlasting Nature of Asia (ELNA), Ogasawara Marine Center, Ogasawara, Tokyo 100-2101, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Takashima
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan; Department of Veterinary Parasitological Diseases, Gifu University, Yanagido 1-1, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Toshiro Kuroki
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, 1-3 Ikoinooka, Imabari 794-8555, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Shibahara
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, 1-3 Ikoinooka, Imabari 794-8555, Japan
| | - Tadashi Itagaki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka 020-8550, Japan.
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7
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Kitayama C, Hayashi K, Hayashi K, Igarashi H, Kondo S, Ogawa R, Hashimoto T, Okubo S, Takashima Y, Itagaki T, Kuroki T, Shibahara T. Detection and molecular characteristics of Rhytidodoides sp. (Digenea: Rhytidodidae) from the gall bladder of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Ogasawara Islands, Japan. Parasitol Int 2021; 83:102377. [PMID: 33971309 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102377] [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: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Trematodes of the genus Rhytidodoides are parasitic in marine turtles. Of the already known species, Rhytidodoides similis Price, 1939, occurs especially in the gall bladder. In this study, we surveyed 73 green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Ogasawara Islands, Japan, and detected Rhytidodoides sp. from the gall bladders of 18 turtles. A detailed morphological analysis revealed that the forebody of Rhytidodoides sp. differed slightly in shape from that of R. similis. There has been no information on DNA sequences of the family Rhytidodidae. A molecular phylogeny based on 28S rDNA sequences of Rhytidodoides sp. and related taxa suggested that the Rhytidodidae is sister to the other families of Echinostomatoidea. The intraspecific diversity of Rhytidodoides sp. was examined by using DNA sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (COI). The population genetic features of the COI haplotypes demonstrated that Rhytidodoides sp. is highly diverse in the Ogasawara Islands. The DNA sequences determined in this study will contribute to the species identification of congeners and the taxonomic reconsideration of the Echinostomatoidea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiyo Kitayama
- Everlasting Nature of Asia (ELNA), Ogasawara Marine Center, Ogasawara, Tokyo 100-2101, Japan
| | - Kei Hayashi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary medicine, Okayama University of Science, 1-3 Ikoinooka, Imabari 794-8555, Japan.
| | - Kaoru Hayashi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary medicine, Okayama University of Science, 1-3 Ikoinooka, Imabari 794-8555, Japan
| | - Hitomi Igarashi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, 1-3 Ikoinooka, Imabari 794-8555, Japan
| | - Satomi Kondo
- Everlasting Nature of Asia (ELNA), Ogasawara Marine Center, Ogasawara, Tokyo 100-2101, Japan
| | - Ryuta Ogawa
- Everlasting Nature of Asia (ELNA), Ogasawara Marine Center, Ogasawara, Tokyo 100-2101, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Hashimoto
- Everlasting Nature of Asia (ELNA), Ogasawara Marine Center, Ogasawara, Tokyo 100-2101, Japan
| | - Saki Okubo
- Everlasting Nature of Asia (ELNA), Ogasawara Marine Center, Ogasawara, Tokyo 100-2101, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Takashima
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan; The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan; Center for Highly Advanced Integration of Nano and Life Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Tadashi Itagaki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka 020-8550, Japan
| | - Toshiro Kuroki
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary medicine, Okayama University of Science, 1-3 Ikoinooka, Imabari 794-8555, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Shibahara
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary medicine, Okayama University of Science, 1-3 Ikoinooka, Imabari 794-8555, Japan
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Werneck MR, Conti LM, Blair D. Desmogonius baldassinae n. sp. (Digenea: Pronocephalidae) collected in a green sea turtle-Chelonia mydas-from Brazil. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:2281-2285. [PMID: 33876314 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07164-1] [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: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The genus Desmogonius (Digenea: Pronocephalidae) is known only from sea turtles and currently contains two species: D. desmogonius Stephens, 1911 and D. loossi Chattopadhyaya, 1972. The present study describes a third species, Desmogonius baldassinae n. sp. found in a juvenile green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) from Brazil. The new species is larger than its congeners in all dimensions, with vitellinic fields ending posterior to the ovary. In addition, we present a key for species identification and an emended diagnosis of the genus Desmogonius.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Rondon Werneck
- BW Institute, Rua Sueli Brasil Flores number 88, Araruama, Rio de Janeiro, 78970-000, Brazil.
| | | | - David Blair
- School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
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Oliveira REMD, Rossi S, Attademo FLN, Santoro TA, Revorêdo RÂ, Farias DSDD, Lima MA, Batista JS, Silva FJDL, Gavilan SA, Oliveira MFD. Colocolic Intussusception Associated with Octangium sp. (Digenea: Microscaphidiidae) in a Green Sea Turtle Chelonia mydas. JOURNAL OF AQUATIC ANIMAL HEALTH 2021; 33:17-23. [PMID: 33713491 DOI: 10.1002/aah.10115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Reports of intussusception in sea turtles are generally linked to marine debris ingestion; therefore, only a few cases of the disease are associated with parasitic infestations. The objective of this study was to describe the necropsy findings of the first reported case of colocolic intussusception in a green sea turtle Chelonia mydas, associated with the helminth Octangium sp. A juvenile female green sea turtle, which was registered and rescued by the team from the Cetaceans Project of Costa Branca, State University of Rio Grande do Norte, was examined. The animal died 1 d after being treated and was immediately submitted for necropsy. Our findings indicated that parasitic infestation by Octangium sp. in the green sea turtle caused intussusception and consequently led to the animal's death. Early diagnosis and surgical correction are fundamental for a good prognosis and, consequently, for successful rehabilitation of marine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radan Elvis Matias de Oliveira
- Applied Animal Morphophysiology Laboratory, Postgraduate Program in Animal Science, Federal Rural University do Semi-Árido, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, 59625-900, Brazil
- Costa Branca Cetacean Project, State University of Rio Grande do Norte, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, 59610-210, Brazil
- Laboratory of Vertebrate Morphophysiology, Department of Morphology, Biosciences Centre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, 59064-741, Brazil
- Center of Surveys and Environmental Monitoring, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, 59082-260, Brazil
| | - Silmara Rossi
- Laboratory of Vertebrate Morphophysiology, Department of Morphology, Biosciences Centre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, 59064-741, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Löffler Niemeyer Attademo
- Costa Branca Cetacean Project, State University of Rio Grande do Norte, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, 59610-210, Brazil
- Center of Surveys and Environmental Monitoring, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, 59082-260, Brazil
| | - Thiago Almeida Santoro
- Costa Branca Cetacean Project, State University of Rio Grande do Norte, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, 59610-210, Brazil
- Laboratory of Vertebrate Morphophysiology, Department of Morphology, Biosciences Centre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, 59064-741, Brazil
| | - Rafael Ângelo Revorêdo
- Costa Branca Cetacean Project, State University of Rio Grande do Norte, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, 59610-210, Brazil
- Laboratory of Vertebrate Morphophysiology, Department of Morphology, Biosciences Centre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, 59064-741, Brazil
| | - Daniel Solon Dias de Farias
- Costa Branca Cetacean Project, State University of Rio Grande do Norte, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, 59610-210, Brazil
- Laboratory of Vertebrate Morphophysiology, Department of Morphology, Biosciences Centre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, 59064-741, Brazil
- Center of Surveys and Environmental Monitoring, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, 59082-260, Brazil
| | - Mariana Almeida Lima
- Costa Branca Cetacean Project, State University of Rio Grande do Norte, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, 59610-210, Brazil
- Laboratory of Vertebrate Morphophysiology, Department of Morphology, Biosciences Centre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, 59064-741, Brazil
- Center of Surveys and Environmental Monitoring, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, 59082-260, Brazil
| | - Jael Soares Batista
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science, Federal Rural University do Semi-Árido, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, 59625-900, Brazil
| | - Flávio José de Lima Silva
- Costa Branca Cetacean Project, State University of Rio Grande do Norte, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, 59610-210, Brazil
- Center of Surveys and Environmental Monitoring, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, 59082-260, Brazil
| | - Simone Almeida Gavilan
- Costa Branca Cetacean Project, State University of Rio Grande do Norte, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, 59610-210, Brazil
- Laboratory of Vertebrate Morphophysiology, Department of Morphology, Biosciences Centre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, 59064-741, Brazil
- Center of Surveys and Environmental Monitoring, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, 59082-260, Brazil
| | - Moacir Franco de Oliveira
- Applied Animal Morphophysiology Laboratory, Postgraduate Program in Animal Science, Federal Rural University do Semi-Árido, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, 59625-900, Brazil
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Cammarata CA, Dronen NO. Two New Species of Telorchis (Digenea: Telorchiidae) from a Green Turtle, Chelonia Mydas (Cheloniidae), from the Upper Texas Coast with a Key to North American Species of Telorchis. J Parasitol 2021; 106:755-771. [PMID: 33326587 DOI: 10.1645/20-27] [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: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Sea turtles are difficult to sample because of their protected status; however, museum collections and sea turtle stranding networks provide unique opportunities for parasitological research. Four gastrointestinal tracts from stranded, endangered green turtles, Chelonia mydas, were collected between 1993 and 1995 from the upper Texas coast and opportunistically sampled for parasite fauna. Two new species of Telorchis, a common freshwater amphibian and reptilian intestinal parasite genus, were found and described. Telorchis marinus n. sp. differs from Telorchis mydas n. sp. by its short body length, lack of pharyngeal glands, long esophagus relative to total body length, short and straight cirrus sac, short ventral sucker to ovary length relative to total body length, and an ovary located in the anterior one-third of body; it differs from its congeners in the number of ovary lengths between the ventral sucker and ovary, the number of ventral sucker lengths the cirrus sac extends beyond the posterior margin of the ventral sucker, and the vitelline field extent. Telorchis mydas differs from its congeners in the number of ovary lengths between the ventral sucker and ovary, the number of ventral sucker lengths the cirrus sac extends beyond the posterior margin of the ventral sucker, and the combination of having its ovary position near the midbody and a long, sinuous cirrus sac that is 35-44% of the total body length. Given the taxonomic complexities within Telorchis, a revised key to North American species is provided using morphological characteristics to assist future researchers in delineating true species and appropriate synonymies with molecular explorations. We reject the majority of synonymies in the genus until molecular data are available; we accept the synonymies of Telorchis necturi as Telorchis stunkardi and Telorchis gutturosi as Telorchis chelopi. Both Telorchis linstowi and Telorchis stossichi should be considered as species inquirenda. This is the first confirmed report of Telorchis from a marine host and the first report on parasites of cheloniid sea turtles in Texas, and this study adds to the ever-growing evidence that collections are essential to understanding biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlayna A Cammarata
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University, 2258 TAMU, College Station, Texas 77843-2258
| | - Norman O Dronen
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University, 2258 TAMU, College Station, Texas 77843-2258
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11
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Mashkour N, Jones K, Kophamel S, Hipolito T, Ahasan S, Walker G, Jakob-Hoff R, Whittaker M, Hamann M, Bell I, Elliman J, Owens L, Saladin C, Crespo-Picazo JL, Gardner B, Loganathan AL, Bowater R, Young E, Robinson D, Baverstock W, Blyde D, March D, Eghbali M, Mohammadi M, Freggi D, Giliam J, Hale M, Nicolle N, Spiby K, Wrobel D, Parga M, Mobaraki A, Rajakaruna R, Hyland KP, Read M, Ariel E. Disease risk analysis in sea turtles: A baseline study to inform conservation efforts. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230760. [PMID: 33095793 PMCID: PMC7584443 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of a range of different threats has resulted in the listing of six out of seven sea turtle species on the IUCN Red List of endangered species. Disease risk analysis (DRA) tools are designed to provide objective, repeatable and documented assessment of the disease risks for a population and measures to reduce these risks through management options. To the best of our knowledge, DRAs have not previously been published for sea turtles, although disease is reported to contribute to sea turtle population decline. Here, a comprehensive list of health hazards is provided for all seven species of sea turtles. The possible risk these hazards pose to the health of sea turtles were assessed and "One Health" aspects of interacting with sea turtles were also investigated. The risk assessment was undertaken in collaboration with more than 30 experts in the field including veterinarians, microbiologists, social scientists, epidemiologists and stakeholders, in the form of two international workshops and one local workshop. The general finding of the DRA was the distinct lack of knowledge regarding a link between the presence of pathogens and diseases manifestation in sea turtles. A higher rate of disease in immunocompromised individuals was repeatedly reported and a possible link between immunosuppression and environmental contaminants as a result of anthropogenic influences was suggested. Society based conservation initiatives and as a result the cultural and social aspect of interacting with sea turtles appeared to need more attention and research. A risk management workshop was carried out to acquire the insights of local policy makers about management options for the risks relevant to Queensland and the options were evaluated considering their feasibility and effectiveness. The sea turtle DRA presented here, is a structured guide for future risk assessments to be used in specific scenarios such as translocation and head-starting programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narges Mashkour
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Karina Jones
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Sara Kophamel
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Teresa Hipolito
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Shamim Ahasan
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Science, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science & Technology University, Dinjapur, Rangpur, Bangladesh
| | - Grant Walker
- North East Sea Turtles, Charlotteville, Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Richard Jakob-Hoff
- New Zealand Centre for Conservation Medicine, Auckland Zoo, Auckland, New Zealand
- School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia
| | - Maxine Whittaker
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Mark Hamann
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Ian Bell
- Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jennifer Elliman
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Leigh Owens
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Claire Saladin
- Reserve Naturelle de Saint Barthelemy, Gustavia, Saint Barthelemy
- FWI/Reserve Naturelle de Saint Martin, Saint Martin, French West Indies
| | - Jose Luis Crespo-Picazo
- Veterinary Services & Research Department, Fundación Oceanogràfic, Avanqua Oceanogràfic-Ágora, Valencia, Spain
| | - Brett Gardner
- Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, Beerwah, Queensland, Australia
- Two Oceans Aquarium, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Rachel Bowater
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
| | - Erina Young
- Conservation Medicine Program School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia
| | - David Robinson
- The Aquarium & Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project, Burj Al Arab, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Warren Baverstock
- The Aquarium & Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project, Burj Al Arab, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - David Blyde
- Sea World, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Duan March
- National Marine Science Centre & Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry Research, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia
- Dolphin Marine Rescue Animal Rehab Trust, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maryam Eghbali
- Ideh no doostdar_E- Hormozgan Ecotourism and NGO group, Iran
| | | | | | - Jane Giliam
- The Ark Animal Hospital, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Mike Hale
- Yuku Baja Muliku Ranger Base, Archer Point, Australia
| | | | - Kevin Spiby
- Two Oceans Aquarium, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Daphne Wrobel
- Fundação Pró-TAMAR, Rua Professor Ademir Francisco s/n–Barra da Lagoa, Florianópolis–SC, Brazil
| | - Mariluz Parga
- SUBMON—Marine Environmental Services, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Asghar Mobaraki
- Department of the Environment, Wildlife and Aquatic Affairs Bureau, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Mark Read
- Field Management Unit, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ellen Ariel
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
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12
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Pronocephaloid cercariae (Platyhelminthes: Trematoda) from gastropods of the Queensland coast, Australia. J Helminthol 2019; 94:e105. [PMID: 31735179 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x19000981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The superfamily Pronocephaloidea Looss, 1899 comprises digeneans occurring in the gut and respiratory organs of fishes, turtles, marine iguanas, birds and mammals. Although many life cycles are known for species of the Notocotylidae Lühe, 1909 maturing in birds and mammals, relatively few are known for the remaining pronocephaloid lineages. We report the cercariae of five pronocephaloid species from marine gastropods of the Queensland coast, Australia. From Lizard Island, northern Great Barrier Reef, we report three cercariae, two from Rhinoclavis vertagus (Cerithiidae) and one from Nassarius coronatus (Nassariidae). From Moreton Bay, southern Queensland, an additional two cercariae are reported from two genotypes of the gastropod worm shell Thylacodes sp. (Vermetidae). Phylogenetic analysis using 28S rRNA gene sequences shows all five species are nested within the Pronocephaloidea, but not matching or particularly close to any previously sequenced taxon. In combination, phylogenetic and ecological evidence suggests that most of these species will prove to be pronocephalids parasitic in marine turtles. The Vermetidae is a new host family for the Pronocephaloidea.
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13
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First Report of Pyelosomum Cochlear Looss 1899 (Digenea: Pronocephalidae) in a Hawksbill Turtle - Eretmochelys Imbricata L. Found in Brazilian Coast. Helminthologia 2019; 56:334-337. [PMID: 31708675 PMCID: PMC6818637 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2019-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pyelosomum cochlearLooss 1899 (Digenea: Pronocephalidae) is a parasite exclusive to sea turtles, having been described in the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) in Egypt, the USA, Panama, Costa Rica and Brazil as well as the olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) in Brazil. The present note describes the first occurrence of P. cochlear in a hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) found on the coast of Brazil.
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14
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Pace A, Rinaldi L, Ianniello D, Borrelli L, Cringoli G, Fioretti A, Hochscheid S, Dipineto L. Gastrointestinal investigation of parasites and Enterobacteriaceae in loggerhead sea turtles from Italian coasts. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:370. [PMID: 31653209 PMCID: PMC6815054 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-2113-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Caretta caretta is the most abundant sea turtle species in the Mediterranean, and studies on this species have vastly expanded during recent years, including those investigating gut bacterial and parasitic communities. Members of these communities have been reported with variable prevalence and pathogenicity, mainly depending on their host and environment (e.g. lifespan, distribution, habitat, diet, health status and stressors). Indeed, many species commonly inhabiting the sea turtle gastrointestinal tract exhibit an opportunistic behaviour. This study aimed to provide baseline data on enterobacterial and parasitic composition, through bacteriological culture-based methods and the FLOTAC parasitological technique, in cloacal and faecal samples of 30 live Caretta caretta, examined upon their arrival at the Marine Turtle Research Centre (Portici, Italy). Results Enterobacteriaceae were isolated in 18/23 cloacal samples (78.3%), with Citrobacter and Morganella as the most common genera, followed by Proteus, Enterobacter, Providencia, and Hafnia. Parasitic elements were detected in 11/30 faecal samples (36.7%), with Enodiotrema, Rhytidodes, and Eimeria as most common genera, followed by Pachypsolus and Cymatocarpus. Additionally, Angiodyctium is reported for the first time in this host. The majority (47.8%) of sea turtles hosted exclusively Enterobacteriaceae, whereas 30.4% hosted both parasites and Enterobacteriaceae; the remaining 21.8% hosted neither of the agents. Conclusions Bacteria and parasites evaluated in the present study are common in Mediterranean loggerhead sea turtles, with slight differences between the western and eastern basin. Although naturally present in the gastrointestinal system of free-living sea turtles, their relationship with these hosts might range from mutualism to parasitism. Indeed, members of the gut community might express their pathogenic potential in immune-compromised animals, such as those in rehabilitation facilities. Therefore, it is advisable to include in the standard work-up of rescued sea turtles a screening procedure for such opportunistic agents, in order to better evaluate the animal’s health status and achieve timely intervention with appropriate treatment, thus improving rehabilitation. Furthermore, data collected from free-living sea turtles represent a starting point for investigating wild populations. However, further studies are needed to clarify the differences between sea turtle’s normal gut microbiome and pathobiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Pace
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University Federico II, via Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy. .,Marine Turtle Research Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, via Nuova Macello 16, 80055, Portici, Na, Italy.
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University Federico II, via Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Davide Ianniello
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University Federico II, via Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Borrelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University Federico II, via Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy.,Task Force on Microbiome Studies, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cringoli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University Federico II, via Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fioretti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University Federico II, via Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Sandra Hochscheid
- Marine Turtle Research Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, via Nuova Macello 16, 80055, Portici, Na, Italy
| | - Ludovico Dipineto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University Federico II, via Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy.,Task Force on Microbiome Studies, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
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15
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Kitayama C, Hayashi K, Ohari Y, Kondo S, Kuroki T, Shibahara T, Itagaki T. Infection by and Molecular Features of Learedius learedi (Digenea: Schistosomatoidea) in Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) on the Ogasawara Islands, Japan. J Parasitol 2019. [DOI: 10.1645/19-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chiyo Kitayama
- Everlasting Nature of Asia (ELNA), Ogasawara Marine Center, Ogasawara, Tokyo 100-2101, Japan
| | - Kei Hayashi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, 1-3 Ikoinooka, Imabari 794-8555, Japan
| | - Yuma Ohari
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka 020-8550, Japan
| | - Satomi Kondo
- Everlasting Nature of Asia (ELNA), Ogasawara Marine Center, Ogasawara, Tokyo 100-2101, Japan
| | - Toshiro Kuroki
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, 1-3 Ikoinooka, Imabari 794-8555, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Shibahara
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, 1-3 Ikoinooka, Imabari 794-8555, Japan
| | - Tadashi Itagaki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka 020-8550, Japan
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16
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Jerdy H, Werneck M, Veloso R, Baldassin P, Netto HG, Barbosa C, Bianchi M, Ribeiro RB, Carvalho ECQ. Fatal Rameshwarotrema uterocrescens infection with ulcerative esophagitis and intravascular dissemination in green turtles. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2019; 9:281-284. [PMID: 31289721 PMCID: PMC6593162 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The trematode Rameshwarotrema uterocrescens (Digenea: Pronocephalidae) parasitizes the glands of the caudal esophagus of Chelonia mydas. In the present study, 741 C. mydas were examined, 85 animals had adult specimens of R. uterocrescens associated with necrotizing ulcerous esophagitis, of these 85, 21 presented invasion of the esophageal mural vessels in the caudal esophagus of juvenile green turtles (Chelonia mydas). Necrotizing granulomatous splenitis, hepatitis, and nephritis were associated with the presence of parasites. The eggs from R. uterocrescens are birefringent under plane-polarized light, which distinguishes them from those of spirorchiid trematodes. This study contributes novel data on R. uterocrescens, methods for detecting this parasite, and demonstrates the fatal potential of parasitism in C. mydas. For the first time R. uterocrescens was associated with extra-esophageal lesions and esophageal obstruction. R. uterocrescens infection in juvenile green turtles is fatal. R. uterocrescens can disseminate to other organs through blood vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Jerdy
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro - UENF, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Max Werneck
- BW Consultoria Veterinária LTDA ME, Est. Da Praia Seca n. 12.143 (L. 41), CEP 28.970-000, Praia Seca, Araruama, RJ, Brazil
| | - Renato Veloso
- Serviços em Meio Ambiente, CTA, Rua Saturnino Rangel Mauro 283, Pontal de Camburi, Vitória, ES, CEP 29062-030, Brazil
| | - Paula Baldassin
- Serviços em Meio Ambiente, CTA, Rua Saturnino Rangel Mauro 283, Pontal de Camburi, Vitória, ES, CEP 29062-030, Brazil
| | | | | | - Mariah Bianchi
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro - UENF, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Rachel B Ribeiro
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro - UENF, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Eulogio C Q Carvalho
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro - UENF, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
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17
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The Genus Rhytidodoides Price, 1939 (Digenea: Rhytidodidae) in Brazil: New Geographic Occurrence and Report of Pathology in the Gallbladder. Helminthologia 2019; 56:175-182. [PMID: 31662689 PMCID: PMC6799563 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2019-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The present note describes the occurrence of Rhytidodoides intestinalis and Rhytidodoides similis (Digenea: Rhytidodidae) in the gallbladder of two juvenile green turtles (Chelonia mydas - Testudines, Cheloniidae) found on the coast of Brazil. Both were detected in gallbladder and intestine of green turtles: Rhytidodoides similis (United States, Panama, Costa Rica and Brazil) and R. intestinais (United States, Panama and Costa Rica). This note is the first report of R. intestinalis in Brazil and South-West Atlantic Ocean. Also the histological lesions caused by the parasites in one gallbladder are described.
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18
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Chapman PA, Cribb TH, Flint M, Traub RJ, Blair D, Kyaw-Tanner MT, Mills PC. Spirorchiidiasis in marine turtles: the current state of knowledge. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2019; 133:217-245. [PMID: 31187736 DOI: 10.3354/dao03348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Blood flukes of the family Spirorchiidae are important disease agents in marine turtles. The family is near cosmopolitan in distribution. Twenty-nine marine species across 10 genera are currently recognized, but taxonomic problems remain and it is likely that more species will be discovered. Spirorchiids infect the circulatory system, where they and their eggs cause a range of inflammatory lesions. Infection is sometimes implicated in the death of the turtle. In some regions, prevalence in stranded turtles is close to 100%. Knowledge of life cycles, important for control and epidemiological studies, has proven elusive until recently, when the first intermediate host identifications were made. Recent molecular studies of eggs and adult worms indicate that a considerable level of intrageneric and intraspecific diversity exists. The characterization of this diversity is likely to be of importance in exploring parasite taxonomy and ecology, unravelling life cycles, identifying the differential pathogenicity of genotypes and species, and developing antemortem diagnostic tools, all of which are major priorities for future spirorchiid research. Diagnosis to date has been reliant on copromicroscopy or necropsy, which both have significant limitations. The current lack of reliable antemortem diagnostic options is a roadblock to determining the true prevalence and epidemiology of spirorchiidiasis and the development of effective treatment regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe A Chapman
- Veterinary-Marine Animal Research, Teaching and Investigation, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland 4343, Australia
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19
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Is Amphiorchis (Digenea: Spirorchiidae) an Exclusive Parasite of Sea Turtles? Helminthologia 2019; 56:75-80. [PMID: 31662676 PMCID: PMC6662026 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2018-0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The side-necked turtle Hydromedusa tectifera commonly inhabits the tributary streams of the Rio de La Plata and occasionally is found in brackish waters within the estuary of the Rio de La Plata. Few studies have been conducted on its parasitic fauna, especially in Argentina. In the present work Amphiorchis sp. is registered for the first time in a freshwater turtle, expanding the knowledge about the specifi city of the genus that until now was considered inhabiting only marine turtles.
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20
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de Buron I, Colon BL, Siegel SV, Oberstaller J, Rivero A, Kyle DE. First evidence of polychaete intermediate hosts for Neospirorchis spp. marine turtle blood flukes (Trematoda: Spirorchiidae). Int J Parasitol 2018; 48:1097-1106. [PMID: 30367866 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Life cycles of spirorchiids that infect the vascular system of turtles are poorly understood. Few life cycles of these blood flukes have been elucidated and all intermediate hosts reported are gastropods (Mollusca), regardless of whether the definitive host is a freshwater or a marine turtle. During a recent survey of blood fluke larvae in polychaetes on the coast of South Carolina, USA, spirorchiid-like cercariae were found to infect the polychaetes Amphitrite ornata (Terebellidae) and Enoplobranchus sanguineus (Polycirridae). Cercariae were large, furcate, with a ventral acetabulum, but no eyespots were observed. Partial sequences of D1-D2 domains of the large ribosomal subunit, the internal transcribed spacer 2, and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 genes allowed the identification of sporocysts and cercariae as belonging to two unidentified Neospirorchis species reported from the green turtle, Chelonia mydas, in Florida: Neospirorchis sp. (Neogen 13) in A. ornata and Neospirorchis sp. (Neogen 14) in E. sanguineus. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that infection of annelids by blood flukes evolved separately in aporocotylids and spirorchiids. Our results support the contention that the Spirorchiidae is not a valid family and suggest that Neospirorchis is a monophyletic clade within the paraphyletic Spirorchiidae. Since specificity of spirorchiids for their intermediate hosts is broader than it was thus far assumed, surveys of annelids in turtle habitats are necessary to further our understanding of the life history of these pathogenic parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaure de Buron
- Department of Biology, College of Charleston, 205 Ft Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Beatrice L Colon
- Center for Tropical & Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Coverdell Room 370B, 500 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 3270 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Sasha V Siegel
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 3270 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Jenna Oberstaller
- Center for Global Health Infectious Diseases Research, University of South Florida, 3270 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Andrea Rivero
- Center for Global Health Infectious Diseases Research, University of South Florida, 3270 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Dennis E Kyle
- Center for Tropical & Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Coverdell Room 370B, 500 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Center for Global Health Infectious Diseases Research, University of South Florida, 3270 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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21
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Werneck MR, Greiner EC. Amphiorchis stacyi n. sp. (Digenea: Spirorchiidae) in the heart of a green turtle from Florida, USA and the literature review of Amphiorchis (Price, 1934). Parasitol Res 2018; 117:1709-1716. [PMID: 29696396 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5846-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The present paper reports the occurrence of the seventh species in the genus Amphiorchis (Digenea: Spirorchiidae) collected from the heart of a green turtle found in Florida, USA. A taxonomic key to the species of Amphiorchis and a literature review for the genus are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Rondon Werneck
- BW Veterinary Consulting LTDA, Estrada RJ Km 12, Araruama, Rio de Janeiro State, 28970-000, Brazil.
| | - Ellis C Greiner
- Department of Comparative. Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
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Gomes M, Martins I, Werneck M, Pavanelli L. Ecologia da comunidade de helmintos gastrointestinais de tartarugas-verdes ( Chelonia mydas ) recolhidas no litoral do Espírito Santo. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2017. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-9039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
RESUMO A tartaruga-verde, Chelonia mydas, apresenta distribuição cosmopolita. No Brasil, ocorre na costa, porém desova em ilhas oceânicas. A helmintofauna de tartarugas-verdes é diversificada, podendo-se dizer que tem a maior diversidade comparada com outras espécies de tartarugas. Objetivou-se avaliar aspectos ecológicos da comunidade de helmintos gastrointestinais e relacionar com a condição corporal de tartarugas-verdes recolhidas no litoral do Espírito Santo. Foram utilizados 36 exemplares juvenis da espécie C. mydas. O trato gastrointestinal foi separado e dividido em porções: esôfago/estômago, intestino delgado e intestino grosso. Cada porção foi inspecionada à procura de parasitos, e os exemplares encontrados foram separados para posterior identificação. Das 36 tartarugas avaliadas, 34 estavam parasitadas por helmintos (94,44%), com um total de 10.734 helmintos. Foram encontradas 18 espécies de trematodas pertencentes a quatro famílias. A riqueza de espécies encontrada foi de 4,29±2,19 (1-10) e a intensidade média de infecção foi de 315,64±281,83 (2-994) helmintos. Os parasitos mais prevalentes foram Cricocephalus albus, Metacetabulum invaginatum e Neoctangium travassosi, ambos com 61,11% (22/36), Pronocephalus obliquus com 33,33% (12/36), e Glyphicephalus lobatus com 30,55% (11/36). O helminto mais abundante foi M. invaginatum com 70,63 helmintos/animal, seguido de C. albus com 58,77 helmintos/animal e N. travassosi com 41,75 helmintos/animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- M.C. Gomes
- Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Brazil
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Ribeiro RB, Jerdy H, Werneck MR, Goldberg DW, Bianchi M, Carvalho ECQ. Parasitic Ulcerous Caseous Gastroesophagitis Associated withRameshwarotrema uterocrescensRao, 1975 (Digenea: Pronocephalidae) in a Juvenile Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas, Linnaeus 1758 [Testudines: Cheloniidae]): A Case Report. J Parasitol 2017; 103:292-294. [DOI: 10.1645/16-106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Bittencourt Ribeiro
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro—UENF, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Hassan Jerdy
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro—UENF, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Max R. Werneck
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro—UENF, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Daphne W. Goldberg
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro—UENF, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Mariah Bianchi
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro—UENF, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Eulógio C. Q. Carvalho
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro—UENF, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
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Santoro M, Di Nocera F, Iaccarino D, Lawton SP, Cerrone A, Degli Uberti B, D'Amore M, Affuso A, Hochscheid S, Maffucci F, Galiero G. Pathology and molecular analysis of Hapalotrema mistroides (Digenea: Spirorchiidae) infecting a Mediterranean loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2017; 124:101-108. [PMID: 28425423 DOI: 10.3354/dao03117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Turtle blood flukes belonging to the family Spirorchiidae (Digenea) represent a major threat for sea turtle health and are considered the most important parasitic cause of turtle stranding and mortality worldwide. Despite the large diversity of spirorchiid species found globally, there are only 2 records for free-ranging Mediterranean sea turtles that date back to the late 1800s involving just Hapalotrema mistroides Monticelli, 1896. This study describes the first fatal confirmed case of spirorchiidiasis in a free-ranging Mediterranean loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta (Linnaeus) and, owing to the complexities of taxonomic identification of these parasites, provides the first molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of H. mistroides from the Mediterranean Sea. The loggerhead turtle showed cachexia and digestive disorders associated with severe damage to the pancreas and intestinal ganglia, caused by deposition of Hapalotrema eggs forming granulomas. Massive Hapalotrema egg emboli in several tissues and organs and encephalitis were the most probable contributions to the death of the turtle. The congruence between the phylogenetic analysis of both the ITS2 and 28S rDNA resolved the Italian and USA H. mistroides as the same species, confirming the parasite identification. The case here described clearly indicates that the blood flukes should be considered in the differential diagnosis of Mediterranean sea turtle diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Santoro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute n. 2, 80055 Portici, Italy
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25
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Abstract
Summary
This paper presents a list of parasites described in sea turtles from the Neotropical region. Through the review of literature the occurrence of 79 taxa of helminthes parasites were observed, mostly consisting of the Phylum Platyhelminthes with 76 species distributed in 14 families and 2 families of the Phylum Nematoda within 3 species. Regarding the parasite records, the most studied host was the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) followed by the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) and leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). Overall helminths were reported in 12 countries and in the Caribbean Sea region. This checklist is the largest compilation of data on helminths found in sea turtles in the Neotropical region.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. R. Werneck
- BW Veterinary Consulting. Rua Ponciano Eugênio Duarte 203, Centro, Zip Code: 11680-000, Ubatuba, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - R. J. Da Silva
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Biosciences, Department of Parasitology, Laboratory of Wild Animals Parasitology, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
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Werneck M, Medeiros L. Report of the fourth specimen of Amphiorchis solus (Simha & Chattopadhyaya, 1970) Platt, 2002 46 years after the original description. Helminthologia 2016. [DOI: 10.1515/helmin-2016-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Summary
The aim of this paper was to describe the occurrence of the fourth specimen of Amphiorchis solus (Simha & Chattopadhyaya, 1970) Platt, 2002 (Digenea: Spirorchiidae) in a green turtle (Chelonia mydas L.1758) found in northeastern Brazil. Amphiorchis solus is a parasite that has only been reported in green turtles in India, Costa Rica and Brazil. Although the original description was made in 1970, only four specimens (including the one described herein) have been reported in the literature. In this note, we present the second occurrence of A. solus in Brazil, broadening information on the species and providing the first photographic record of this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- M.R. Werneck
- BW Veterinary Consulting. Adress: Rua Ponciano Eugênio Duarte 203, Centro, Zip Code: 11680-000, Ubatuba, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - L.S. Medeiros
- Aquatic Mammals Foundation (FMA). Adress: Av. Tancredo Neves 5655, Jabotiana, Zip Code: 49095-000, Aracaju, Sergipe State, Brazil
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Binoti E, Gomes MC, De Calais Junior A, Werneck MR, Martins IVF, Boeloni JN. Helminth fauna of Chelonia mydas (Linnaeus, 1758) in the south of Espírito Santo State in Brasil. Helminthologia 2016. [DOI: 10.1515/helmin-2016-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Summary
Due to an inadequate knowledge about threats to the sea turtle, we aimed to evaluate the helminth fauna of Chelonia mydas which had died on the southern coast of Espirito Santo, Brasil and described the associated tissue pathological lesions. Retrospective and prospective studies on turtle parasites were conducted and tissues samples were collected. 106 of 212 of sea turtles (50 %) were parasitized, and 47 of 106 of infected animals 43.0 % (47/106) were in poor health condition. Seven trematoda families covering 19 different helminths species were identified. Turtles were inhabited with one or more species of parasites, and there was no significant association between parasitism and weakness of the animals. Trematode eggs, with or without giant cells in tissues of various organs were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Binoti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Parasitology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - M. C. Gomes
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Parasitology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - A. De Calais Junior
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Parasitology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - M. R. Werneck
- BW Consultoria Veterinária, Rua Ponciano Eugênio Duarte n.°203, Centro, Ubatuba, SP, CEP 11680-000, Brazil
| | - I. V. F. Martins
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Parasitology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - J. N. Boeloni
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Parasitology Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Brazil
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Werneck MR, Silva RJ. Helminth Parasites of Juvenile Green TurtlesChelonia mydas(Testudines: Cheloniidae) in Brazil. J Parasitol 2015; 101:713-6. [DOI: 10.1645/15-780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Werneck MR, Lima EHSM, Pires T, Silva RJ. Helminth Parasites of the Juvenile Hawksbill TurtleEretmochelys imbricata(Testudines: Cheloniidae) in Brazil. J Parasitol 2015; 101:500-3. [DOI: 10.1645/13-479.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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30
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Werneck MR, Binoti É, Martins IVF, De Calais Junior A, Gomes MC, Boeloni JN, Trazzi A, Berger B. Occurrence ofRhytidodoides similisPrice, 1939 (Digenea: Rhytidodidae) and Lesions Due to Spirorchiid Eggs in a Green Turtle,Chelonia mydasLinnaeus, 1758 (Testudines, Cheloniidae), from Brazil. COMP PARASITOL 2015. [DOI: 10.1654/4747.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Chapman PA, Cribb TH, Blair D, Traub RJ, Kyaw-Tanner MT, Flint M, Mills PC. Molecular analysis of the genera Hapalotrema Looss, 1899 and Learedius Price, 1934 (Digenea: Spirorchiidae) reveals potential cryptic species, with comments on the validity of the genus Learedius. Syst Parasitol 2015; 90:67-79. [DOI: 10.1007/s11230-014-9535-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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32
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Werneck MR, de Amorim DB, Blair D. Olive Ridley Sea TurtleLepidochelys olivacea(Eschscholtz, 1829) from Brazil as a New Host ofPyelosomum cochlearLooss 1899 (Digenea: Pronocephalidae). COMP PARASITOL 2015. [DOI: 10.1654/4739.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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33
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Werneck MR, Sousa VR, Trazi A, Berger B. Monticellius indicumMehra, 1939 (Digenea: Spirorchiidae) in a Hawksbill Turtle,Eretmochelys imbricataLinnaeus 1766 (Testudines, Cheloniidae) from Brazil. COMP PARASITOL 2015. [DOI: 10.1654/4716.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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34
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Werneck MR, Lima EHSM, Gallo BMG, da Silva RJ. Occurrence of Amphiorchis solus (Simha & Chattopadhyaya, 1970) (Digenea: Spirorchiidae) Infecting the Green Turtle Chelonia mydas Linnaeus, 1758 (Testudines: Cheloniidae) in Brazil. COMP PARASITOL 2011. [DOI: 10.1654/4435.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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35
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Santoro M, Badillo FJ, Mattiucci S, Nascetti G, Bentivegna F, Insacco G, Travaglini A, Paoletti M, Kinsella JM, Tomás J, Raga JA, Aznar FJ. Helminth communities of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) from Central and Western Mediterranean Sea: the importance of host's ontogeny. Parasitol Int 2010; 59:367-75. [PMID: 20460172 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2010.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2009] [Revised: 04/17/2010] [Accepted: 04/30/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the factors providing structure to the helminth communities of 182 loggerhead sea turtles, Caretta caretta, collected in 6 localities from Central and Western Mediterranean. Fifteen helminth taxa (10 digeneans, 4 nematodes and 1 acanthocephalan) were identified, of which 12 were specialist to marine turtles; very low numbers of immature individuals of 3 species typical from fish or cetaceans were also found. These observations confirm the hypothesis that phylogenetic factors restrict community composition to helminth species specific to marine turtles. There were significant community dissimilarities between turtles from different localities, the overall pattern being compatible with the hypothesis that parasite communities reflect the ontogenetic shift that juvenile loggerheads undergo from oceanic to neritic habitats. The smallest turtles at the putative oceanic, pelagic-feeding stage harboured only the 2 digenean species that were regionally the most frequent, i.e. Enodiotrema megachondrus and Calycodes anthos; the largest turtles at the putative neritic, bottom-feeding stage harboured 11 helminth taxa, including 3 nematode species that were rare or absent in turtles that fed partially on pelagic prey. Mean species richness per host was low (range: 1.60-1.89) and did not differ between localities. Variance ratio tests indicated independent colonization of each helminth species. Both features are expected in ectothermic and vagrant hosts living in the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Santoro
- Department of Public Health Science, Section of Parasitology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro, Rome, Italy
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Flint M, Patterson-Kane JC, Limpus CJ, Work TM, Blair D, Mills PC. Postmortem diagnostic investigation of disease in free-ranging marine turtle populations: a review of common pathologic findings and protocols. J Vet Diagn Invest 2010; 21:733-59. [PMID: 19901275 DOI: 10.1177/104063870902100601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past few decades, there have been increasing numbers of reports of diseases in marine turtles. Furthermore, in recent years, there have been documented instances of apparently new diseases emerging in these species of which the etiology and/or pathogenesis remain unknown. These instances i) raise concern for the survival of marine turtles, and ii) question the health and stability of the benthic marine environments in which turtles live. Knowledge of common disease processes and pathologic changes in lesions, along with a standardized approach to postmortem and sample collection are required to document and understand the host-agent-environment interactions in marine turtle health. This review combines, for the first time, a standardized approach to the postmortem of marine turtles for veterinary clinicians, with a concurrent descriptive review of the gross and microscopic pathologic changes in lesions commonly seen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Flint
- Vet-MARTI, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
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37
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Werneck MR, Gallo BMG, Silva RJD. First report of Monticellius indicum Mehra, 1939 (Digenea: Spirorchiidae) infecting Chelonia mydas Linnaeus, 1758 (Testudines: Chelonidae) from Brazil. BRAZ J BIOL 2008; 68:455-6. [PMID: 18660980 DOI: 10.1590/s1519-69842008000200033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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