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Cai W, Zhu Y, Wang F, Feng Q, Zhang Z, Xue N, Xu X, Hou Z, Liu D, Xu J, Tao J. Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Zoo Animals and Phylogenetic Characterization of Toxascaris leonina (Linstow, 1902) and Baylisascaris transfuga (Rudolphi, 1819) in Jiangsu Province, Eastern China. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:375. [PMID: 38338018 PMCID: PMC10854492 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The burden of gastrointestinal parasites in zoo animals has serious implications for their welfare and the health of veterinarians and visitors. Zhuyuwan Zoo is located in the eastern suburb of Yangzhou city in eastern China, in which over 40 species of zoo animals are kept. In order to understand the infection status of GI parasites in Zhuyuwan Zoo, a total of 104 fresh fecal samples collected randomly from birds (n = 19), primates (n = 19), and non-primate mammals (n = 66) were analyzed using the saturated saline flotation technique and nylon sifter elutriation and sieving method for eggs/oocysts, respectively. Two Ascaris species were molecularly characterized. The results showed that the overall prevalence of parasitic infection was 42.3% (44/104). The parasitic infection rate in birds, primates, and non-primate mammals were 26.3% (5/19), 31.6% (6/19), and 50.0% (33/66), respectively. A total of 11 species of parasites were identified, namely, Trichostrongylidae, Capillaria sp., Trichuris spp., Strongyloides spp., Amidostomum sp., Toxascaris leonina, Baylisascaris transfuga, Parascaris equorum, Paramphistomum spp., Fasciola spp., and Eimeria spp. Paramphistomum spp. eggs were first detected from the captive Père David's deer, and Fasciola spp. eggs were first reported from sika deer in zoo in China. A sequence analysis of ITS-2 and cox1 showed that the eggs isolated from the African lion (Panthera leo Linnaeus, 1758) were T. leonina, and the eggs from the brown bear (Ursus arctos Linnaeus, 1758) were B. transfuga. The public health threat posed by these potential zoonotic parasitic agents requires attention. These results lay a theoretical foundation for prevention and control of wild animal parasitic diseases at zoos in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weimin Cai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (W.C.); (Y.Z.); (F.W.); (Q.F.); (Z.Z.); (N.X.); (Z.H.); (D.L.); (J.X.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yu Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (W.C.); (Y.Z.); (F.W.); (Q.F.); (Z.Z.); (N.X.); (Z.H.); (D.L.); (J.X.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Feiyan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (W.C.); (Y.Z.); (F.W.); (Q.F.); (Z.Z.); (N.X.); (Z.H.); (D.L.); (J.X.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Qianqian Feng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (W.C.); (Y.Z.); (F.W.); (Q.F.); (Z.Z.); (N.X.); (Z.H.); (D.L.); (J.X.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Zhizhi Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (W.C.); (Y.Z.); (F.W.); (Q.F.); (Z.Z.); (N.X.); (Z.H.); (D.L.); (J.X.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Nianyu Xue
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (W.C.); (Y.Z.); (F.W.); (Q.F.); (Z.Z.); (N.X.); (Z.H.); (D.L.); (J.X.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xun Xu
- Yangzhou Zhuyuwan Zoo, Yangzhou 225009, China;
| | - Zhaofeng Hou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (W.C.); (Y.Z.); (F.W.); (Q.F.); (Z.Z.); (N.X.); (Z.H.); (D.L.); (J.X.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Dandan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (W.C.); (Y.Z.); (F.W.); (Q.F.); (Z.Z.); (N.X.); (Z.H.); (D.L.); (J.X.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jinjun Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (W.C.); (Y.Z.); (F.W.); (Q.F.); (Z.Z.); (N.X.); (Z.H.); (D.L.); (J.X.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jianping Tao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (W.C.); (Y.Z.); (F.W.); (Q.F.); (Z.Z.); (N.X.); (Z.H.); (D.L.); (J.X.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
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Van Hemert C, Ballweber LR, Sinnett DR, Atwood TC, Fischbach A, Gustine DD, Pabilonia KL. Giardia and Cryptosporidium in resident wildlife species in Arctic Alaska. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2023; 32:e00206. [PMID: 37692371 PMCID: PMC10482744 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2023.e00206] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Giardia and Cryptosporidium are zoonotic protozoan parasites that can infect humans and other taxa, including wildlife, often causing gastrointestinal illness. Both have been identified as One Health priorities in the Arctic, where climate change is expected to influence the distribution of many wildlife and zoonotic diseases, but little is known about their prevalence in local wildlife. To help fill information gaps, we collected fecal samples from four wildlife species that occur seasonally on the northern Alaska coastline or in nearshore marine waters-Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus), polar bear (Ursus maritimus), Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens), and caribou (Rangifer tarandus)-and used immunofluorescence assays to screen for Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts. We detected Giardia cysts in 18.3% and Cryptosporidium oocysts in 16.5% of Arctic foxes (n = 109), suggesting that foxes may be potentially important hosts in this region. We also detected Giardia cysts in a single polar bear (12.5%; n = 8), which to our knowledge represents the first such report for this species. Neither parasite was detected in walruses or caribou.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lora R. Ballweber
- Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - David R. Sinnett
- U.S. Department of Agriculture APHIS Wildlife Services, Palmer, AK, USA
| | - Todd C. Atwood
- U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | | | - David D. Gustine
- U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK, USA
- Current affiliation: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Marine Mammals Management—Polar Bears, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Kristy L. Pabilonia
- Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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Zárate Rodriguez PT, Collazos-Escobar LF, Benavides-Montaño JA. Endoparasites Infecting Domestic Animals and Spectacled Bears (Tremarctos ornatus) in the Rural High Mountains of Colombia. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9100537. [PMID: 36288150 PMCID: PMC9608847 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9100537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus) is a threatened species, a member of the Ursidae family that lives in the Andes rural high mountain territories of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia near livestock areas. Parasites in the spectacled bear are a relevant area of interest to preserve this species and understand its habitats and interactions with farm animals. The present work aimed to evaluate the presence of endoparasites in both T. ornatus and domestic animals in these areas, by copro- parasitological examination. The results indicate that some parasites have zoonotic potential in wild endangered species and domestic animals in Colombian regions. More sensitive molecular techniques are needed for further identification of the parasite species. Abstract This research described the co-infection prevalence of endoparasites in Tremartus ornatus and domestic animals in the rural high mountains of Colombia by copro-parasitological examination. Some parasites have a zoonotic potential in wild endangered species and domestic animals in Colombian regions. T. ornatus had a notable infection with Eimeria spp., Ascaris spp., Ancylostoma spp., and Baylisascaris spp. Cryptosporidium spp., Balantidium coli, Anoplocephala spp., and Acanthamoeba spp. In B. taurus, Eimeria spp. is coinfecting with Cryptosporidium spp. (6.6%) and represents 18% of the total parasitism. In E. caballus and B. taurus. Eimeria spp. coinfecting (34.7%), with the Strongylus spp. (21.9–25%). In T. ornatus, Eimeria spp. is coinfecting with Ancylostoma spp. (36.2%), Cryptosporidium spp., Ascaris spp., Baylisascaris spp., and B. coli.
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ENDOPARASITES OF FORMOSAN BLACK BEARS (URSUS THIBETANUS FORMOSANUS) DURING ACORN SEASON IN YUSHAN NATIONAL PARK, TAIWAN. J Wildl Dis 2021; 57:345-356. [PMID: 33822155 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-20-00067] [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: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Parasite infection is one of the most important factors in wildlife conservation. However, fecal parasite profiles of threatened Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) are only sporadically reported, and the effect of parasitic diseases on the survival of the locally endangered Formosan black bear (Ursus thibetanus formosanus) in Taiwan remains undetermined. The study objective was to investigate the gastrointestinal parasite profiles of Formosan black bears in Yushan National Park, the only known high-density habitat for the species in Taiwan. Bear fecal samples were collected in the acorn season (from October to February) from January 2008 to October 2012. To avoid bias created by repeat sampling, the parasite profiles of fecal samples collected in 2010 from 46 individually identified bears (which were identified by genetic analysis) were also examined. Parasites were isolated by various methods and identified by morphologic characteristics. A total of 220 samples were analyzed and the results were compared between seasons, sexes, and individuals. The overall frequency of parasite infection was 77.3%, and it varied by species, with Baylisascaris transfuga infection being the most frequent. We suggest that one factor underlying the high frequency and high intensity of infection that we observed is the fact that the bears seasonally congregated at high density in a small area. To our knowledge, this is the first thorough study of gastrointestinal parasites in Asiatic black bears. The long-term nature of the investigation and the relatively stable frequency and intensity of infection suggest that parasitic diseases could serve as bioindicators of ecosystem health.
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Di Salvo AR, Chomel BB. Zoonoses and potential zoonoses of bears. Zoonoses Public Health 2019; 67:3-13. [PMID: 31828973 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Captive and free-ranging wild bears can carry and transmit several zoonotic pathogens. A review of nearly 90 years of scientific publications concerning confirmed and potential zoonotic diseases that can be present in any of the eight species of bears in the world was conducted. The findings were organized amongst the following disease sections: bacterial, viral, protozoal, mycotic, helminth and arthropod-borne. The most commonly reported pathogens of concern were of parasitic (Trichinella, Toxoplasma) and bacterial (Francisella, Brucella) origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Di Salvo
- Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California.,Wildlife Investigations Laboratory, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Rancho Cordova, California
| | - Bruno B Chomel
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
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Betts EL, Gentekaki E, Thomasz A, Breakell V, Carpenter AI, Tsaousis AD. Genetic diversity of Blastocystis in non-primate animals. Parasitology 2018; 145:1228-1234. [PMID: 29338807 PMCID: PMC5912512 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017002347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis is an anaerobic protist, commonly inhabiting the intestinal tract of both humans and other animals. Blastocystis is extremely diverse comprising 17 genetically distinct subtypes in mammals and birds. Pathogenicity of this enteric microbe is currently disputed and knowledge regarding its distribution, diversity and zoonotic potential is fragmentary. Most research has focused on Blastocystis from primates, while sampling from other animals remains limited. Herein, we investigated the prevalence and distribution of Blastocystis in animals held within a conservation park in South East England. A total of 118 samples were collected from 27 vertebrate species. The barcoding region of the small-subunit ribosomal RNA was used for molecular identification and subtyping. Forty one per cent of the species were sequence positive for Blastocystis indicating a high prevalence and wide distribution among the animals in the park. Six subtypes were identified, one of which is potentially novel. Moreover, the majority of animals were asymptomatic carriers, suggesting that Blastocystis is not pathogenic in animals. This study provides a thorough investigation of Blastocystis prevalence within a wildlife park in the UK and can be used as a platform for further investigations on the distribution of other eukaryotic gut microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L. Betts
- Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK
| | - Eleni Gentekaki
- School of Science and Human Gut Microbiome for Health Research Unit, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | | | | | | | - Anastasios D. Tsaousis
- Laboratory of Molecular and Evolutionary Parasitology, RAPID group, School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK
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Sapp SG, Gupta P, Martin MK, Murray MH, Niedringhaus KD, Pfaff MA, Yabsley MJ. Beyond the raccoon roundworm: The natural history of non-raccoon Baylisascaris species in the New World. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2017; 6:85-99. [PMID: 28529879 PMCID: PMC5429227 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A total of 10 species of Baylisascaris, a genus of ascaridoid nematodes, occur worldwide and 6 of them occur in the New World. Most of the Baylisascaris species have a similar life cycle with carnivorous mammals or marsupials serving as definitive hosts and a smaller prey host serving as paratenic (or intermediate) hosts. However, one species in rodents is unique in that it only has one host. Considerable research has been conducted on B. procyonis, the raccoon roundworm, as it is a well-known cause of severe to fatal neurologic disease in humans and many wildlife species. However, other Baylisascaris species could cause larva migrans but research on them is limited in comparison. In addition to concerns related to the potential impacts of larva migrans on potential paratenic hosts, there are many questions about the geographic ranges, definitive and paratenic host diversity, and general ecology of these non-raccoon Baylisascaris species. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the current knowledge of New World Baylisascaris species, including B. columnaris of skunks, B. transfuga and B. venezuelensis of bears, B. laevis of sciurids, B. devosi of gulonids, B. melis of badgers, and B. potosis of kinkajou. Discussed are what is known regarding the morphology, host range, geographic distribution, ecoepidemiology, infection dynamics in definitive and paratenic hosts, treatment, and control of these under-studied species. Also, we discuss the currently used molecular tools used to investigate this group of parasites. Because of morphologic similarities among larval stages of sympatric Baylisascaris species, these molecular tools should provide critical insight into these poorly-understood areas, especially paratenic and definitive host diversity and the possible risk these parasites pose to the health to the former group. This, paired with traditional experimental infections, morphological analysis, and field surveys will lead to a greater understanding of this interesting and important nematode genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah G.H. Sapp
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Pooja Gupta
- Savannah River Ecology Lab, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Melissa K. Martin
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Maureen H. Murray
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Kevin D. Niedringhaus
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Madeleine A. Pfaff
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Michael J. Yabsley
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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Borka-Vitális L, Domokos C, Földvári G, Majoros G. Endoparasites of brown bears in Eastern Transylvania, Romania. URSUS 2017. [DOI: 10.2192/ursu-d-16-00015.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Csaba Domokos
- “Milvus Group” Bird and Nature Protection Association, Crinului 22, 540343 Tîrgu Mureş, Romania
| | - Gábor Földvári
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, 1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Majoros
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, 1078 Budapest, Hungary
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