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Egan S, Barbosa AD, Feng Y, Xiao L, Ryan U. Minimal zoonotic risk of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis from frogs and reptiles. Eur J Protistol 2024; 93:126066. [PMID: 38442435 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2024.126066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
The zoonotic potential of the protist parasites Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in amphibians and reptiles raises public health concerns due to their growing popularity as pets. This review examines the prevalence and diversity of these parasites in wild and captive amphibians and reptiles to better understand the zoonotic risk. Research on Giardia in both groups is limited, and zoonotic forms of Cryptosporidium or Giardia have not been reported in amphibians. Host-adapted Cryptosporidium species dominate in reptiles, albeit some reptiles have been found to carry zoonotic (C. hominis and C. parvum) and rodent-associated (C. tyzzeri, C. muris and C. andersoni) species, primarily through mechanical carriage. Similarly, the limited reports of Giardia duodenalis (assemblages A, B and E) in reptiles may also be due to mechanical carriage. Thus, the available evidence indicates minimal zoonotic risk associated with these organisms in wild and captive frogs and reptiles. The exact transmission routes for these infections within reptile populations remain poorly understood, particularly regarding the importance of mechanical carriage. Although the risk appears minimal, continued research and surveillance efforts are necessary to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the transmission dynamics and ultimately improve our ability to safeguard human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhon Egan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
| | - Amanda D Barbosa
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia; CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasilia, DF 70040-020, Brazil
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Una Ryan
- Harry Butler Institute, Vector- and Water-Borne Pathogen Research Group, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
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Radulski Ł, Krajewska-Wędzina M, Lipiec M, Weiner M, Zabost A, Augustynowicz-Kopeć E. Mycobacterial Infections in Invasive Turtle Species in Poland. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12040570. [PMID: 37111456 PMCID: PMC10143171 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12040570] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last 30 years, the number of invasive turtle species living in the wild has significantly increased in Poland. This proliferation carries many threats, which mainly include the displacement of native species of animals from their natural habitats. Turtles can also be reservoirs for pathogens, including bacteria from the Mycobacterium genus. In order to confirm or rule out the presence of acid-fast mycobacteria in the population of invasive turtle species, samples from carapace, plastron, internal organs and mouth cavity swabs from 125 animals were tested. Twenty-eight mycobacterial strains were isolated in culture, which were classified as atypical following multiplex-PCR reactions. The GenoType Mycobacterium Common Mycobacteria (CM) test, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PRA)-hsp65 and DNA sequencing were used to identify the species of isolates. Of the 28 strains, 11 were identified as M. fortuitum, 10 as M. chelonae, 3 as M. avium ssp. avium, 2 as M. nonchromogenicum and 1 each of M. neoaurum and M. scrofulaceum. The results of the research will also strengthen the understanding that these animals can be vectors for pathogens when living in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Radulski
- County Veterinary Inspectorate in Puławy, C.K. Norwida 17, 24-100 Puławy, Poland
| | - Monika Krajewska-Wędzina
- National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Puławy, Poland
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preclinical Veterinary Sciences, University of Life Sciences, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Marek Lipiec
- National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Puławy, Poland
| | - Marcin Weiner
- Pope John Paul II State School of Higher Education, Sidorska 95/97, 21-500 Biała Podlaska, Poland
| | - Anna Zabost
- Department of Microbiology, National Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Research Institute, 01-138 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Augustynowicz-Kopeć
- Department of Microbiology, National Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases Research Institute, 01-138 Warsaw, Poland
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Schönbächler K, Olias P, Richard OK, Origgi FC, Dervas E, Hoby S, Basso W, Berenguer Veiga I. Fatal spirorchiidosis in European pond turtles ( Emys orbicularis) in Switzerland. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 17:144-151. [PMID: 35079570 PMCID: PMC8777241 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Infections with intravascular digenean trematodes of the Spirorchiidae family (spirorchiidoses) are of great conservation concern both in marine and freshwater turtles due to their pathogenic potential. Between 2014 and 2021, Spirorchis sp. infections associated with granulomatous inflammation and sudden death were detected in European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis) from three conservation breeding facilities in Switzerland. Blood fluke eggs associated with lesions were found in the intestine, spleen, testis, skeletal musculature, heart, kidneys, stomach, pancreas, liver, lung, and meninges from nine pond turtles submitted for necropsy and in the intestinal content from five of these animals. Two novel polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) targeting the 28S ribosomal RNA gene and the ITS2 region and subsequent sequencing revealed 100% nucleotide identity with a Spirorchis sp. previously isolated from an Escambia map turtle (Graptemys ernsti) in the USA. Our findings suggest a spill-over event secondary to direct or indirect contact with invasive North American turtle species in Switzerland. We describe the clinical, haematological, ultrasonographical, endoscopical, parasitological, pathological, and molecular findings associated with spirorchiid blood fluke infections of the Spirorchis genus in E. orbicularis, as well as the biosecurity measures that were developed to prevent the spread of this parasite among breeding and highly endangered free-ranging E. orbicularis populations in Switzerland.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philipp Olias
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Olivia K. Richard
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Francesco C. Origgi
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eva Dervas
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 268, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Hoby
- Berne Animal Park, Tierparkweg 1, 3005, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Walter Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Inês Berenguer Veiga
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
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Lu Y, Pu T, Ma B, Wang L, Zhou M, Chen Y, Li X, Zheng C, Liu H, Liu J, Guan C, Yu H, Dai C, Huang Y, Yang Y, Peng Z, Han L, Chai H, Hou Z. A survey of Cryptosporidium prevalence among birds in two zoos in China. PeerJ 2022; 10:e12825. [PMID: 35111415 PMCID: PMC8783555 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptosporidiosis is an important zoonotic protozoan disease worldwide, but few studies on this disease have been performed in wild birds; thus, our knowledge of this disease is insufficient, even in zoo birds. Animals in zoos are possible zoonotic disease reservoirs, potentially resulting in zoonotic agent spillover to humans; accordingly, our understanding of such phenomena should be improved. METHODS A total of 263 fresh fecal samples from 43 avian species were randomly collected from the Beijing Zoo and Harbin North Forest Zoo and screened for the prevalence of Cryptosporidium by 18S rRNA gene sequencing. Cryptosporidium species were distinguished based on the combined results of phylogenetic tree and genetic distance analyses conducted with the inclusion of seven avian Cryptosporidium species and 13 avian Cryptosporidium genotypes. The genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium parvum among different hosts, including humans, cattle, dogs, and birds, and the genetic diversity of avian C. parvum among avian hosts in China, Iraq and Brazil were determined based on C. parvum 18S rRNA haplotypes. RESULTS The results of PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene revealed that 1.9% (5/263) of the samples were Cryptosporidium-positive. Four of the five Cryptosporidium-positive samples originated from white cranes (Grus leucogeranus), and one originated from a flamingo (Phoenicopteridae). Avian C. parvum isolates, including the isolates examined in the present study, showed gene flow with other isolates from different types of hosts, including humans, cattle and dogs, indicating that zoo birds potentially pose zoonotic and pathogenic risks to humans and animals. Additionally, gene flow between avian C. parvum isolates from China and Brazil was detected. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, our results demonstrate C. parvum infection in a flamingo (Phoenicopteridae) and white cranes (Grus leucogeranus) for the first time. The results of our study provide an important reference for understanding the host range, biological characteristics, and molecular epidemiology of C. parvum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxian Lu
- Northeast Forest University, Harbin, China,Laboratory of Vector-Borne Diseases and Pathogens Ecology, Northeast Forest University, Harbin, China
| | - Tianchun Pu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Captive Wildlife Technologies, Beijing, China
| | - Baohua Ma
- Northeast Forest University, Harbin, China,Laboratory of Vector-Borne Diseases and Pathogens Ecology, Northeast Forest University, Harbin, China
| | - Lixin Wang
- Northeast Forest University, Harbin, China,Laboratory of Vector-Borne Diseases and Pathogens Ecology, Northeast Forest University, Harbin, China
| | - Mengchao Zhou
- Northeast Forest University, Harbin, China,Laboratory of Vector-Borne Diseases and Pathogens Ecology, Northeast Forest University, Harbin, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Northeast Forest University, Harbin, China,Laboratory of Vector-Borne Diseases and Pathogens Ecology, Northeast Forest University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiuyun Li
- Harbin North Forest Zoo, Harbin, China
| | - Changming Zheng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Captive Wildlife Technologies, Beijing, China
| | - Hetong Liu
- Northeast Forest University, Harbin, China,Laboratory of Vector-Borne Diseases and Pathogens Ecology, Northeast Forest University, Harbin, China
| | - Jinpeng Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Captive Wildlife Technologies, Beijing, China
| | | | - Hongyan Yu
- Northeast Forest University, Harbin, China,Laboratory of Vector-Borne Diseases and Pathogens Ecology, Northeast Forest University, Harbin, China
| | - Chunkuo Dai
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Captive Wildlife Technologies, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Huang
- Northeast Forest University, Harbin, China,Laboratory of Vector-Borne Diseases and Pathogens Ecology, Northeast Forest University, Harbin, China
| | - Yuling Yang
- Northeast Forest University, Harbin, China,Laboratory of Vector-Borne Diseases and Pathogens Ecology, Northeast Forest University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhiwei Peng
- Northeast Forest University, Harbin, China,Laboratory of Vector-Borne Diseases and Pathogens Ecology, Northeast Forest University, Harbin, China
| | - Lei Han
- Northeast Forest University, Harbin, China,Laboratory of Vector-Borne Diseases and Pathogens Ecology, Northeast Forest University, Harbin, China
| | | | - Zhijun Hou
- Northeast Forest University, Harbin, China,Laboratory of Vector-Borne Diseases and Pathogens Ecology, Northeast Forest University, Harbin, China
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Pet-turtles: a potential source of human pathogenic bacteria. Arch Microbiol 2021; 203:3785-3792. [PMID: 34146113 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-021-02428-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Human infections caused by the bacterial pathogens transmitted from pet-turtles are becoming very common and getting more importance as the turtles are considered unsafe pet animals, mainly for children and immunocompromised people. Pet-turtles are known as the reservoir of different bacterial species as their intestinal microflora. Extrinsic stressors, such as crowding, unhygienic handling, poor water quality, polluted feeding and inadequate nutrition, can predispose pet-turtles to bacterial infections. The presence of different virulence genes leads to the virulent potential of bacteria. The virulent bacteria can cause infections in turtles and humans, if the turtle owners or shopkeepers don't practice proper sanitation while handling turtles. The aim of this review paper was to provide an overview of different bacterial species isolated from pet-turtles for awareness-raising about potential health risks related to raise pet-turtles.
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Determination of Efficacy of Single and Double 4.7 mg Deslorelin Acetate Implant on the Reproductive Activity of Female Pond Sliders ( Trachemys scripta). Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030660. [PMID: 33801422 PMCID: PMC7998188 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists to suppress fertility has been poorly investigated in reptiles, and the few available studies show inconsistent results. The efficacy of single and double intramuscular 4.7 mg deslorelin acetate implants in captive pond sliders (Trachemys scripta) was investigated, with 20 animals divided into three groups: a single-implant group (6 animals), a double-implant group (6 animals), and a control group (no implant). During one reproductive season (March to October), plasmatic concentration of sexual hormones (estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone) and ovarian morphometric activity via computed tomography were monitored about every 30 days. A significative decrease in the number of phase II ovarian follicles was detected in the double-implant group compared with the control group, but no significant difference was noted in the number of phase III and phase IV follicles, egg production, and plasmatic concentration of sexual hormones. Results show that neither a single nor a double deslorelin acetate implant can successfully inhibit reproduction in female pond sliders during the ongoing season, but the lower number of phase II follicles in the double-implant group can possibly be associated with reduced fertility in the following seasons.
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