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Cipriani P, Palomba M, Giulietti L, Aco-Alburqueque R, Andolfi R, ten Doeschate M, Brownlow A, Davison NJ, Mattiucci S. Anisakid parasite diversity in a pygmy sperm whale, Kogia breviceps (Cetacea: Kogiidae) stranded at the edge of its distribution range in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean. Parasite 2024; 31:43. [PMID: 39082879 PMCID: PMC11290333 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2024042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Anisakid nematodes are a globally distributed group of marine mammal parasites. Kogiid whales, including the pygmy sperm whale Kogia breviceps, host an assemblage of specific anisakid species. Currently, three species are known to be specific to kogiid hosts, i.e., Skrjabinisakis paggiae, S. brevispiculata, and the less studied Pseudoterranova ceticola. The aim of this study was to investigate the species diversity of anisakid nematodes sampled from a pygmy sperm whale stranded in 2013 at the edge of its distribution range in the Northeast Atlantic, specifically in the North of Scotland. Nematodes were assigned to genus level based on morphology and identified by sequence analysis of the mtDNA cox2 gene and the rDNA ITS region. The present finding represents the first observation of syntopic occurrence of adult stages of S. brevispiculata, S. paggiae, and P. ceticola in a pygmy sperm whale in the Northeast Atlantic, and represent the northernmost record of these species in this area. Skrjabinisakis brevispiculata was the most abundant species, accounting for 55% of the identified nematodes, predominantly in the adult stage. Anisakis simplex (s.s.) was also abundant, with most specimens in the preadult stage, followed by S. paggiae and P. ceticola. The pygmy sperm whale is rarely documented in Scottish waters, and its occurrence in the area could suggest expansion of its geographic range. The presence of S. brevispiculata, S. paggiae, and P. ceticola in this whale species in this region may indicate a shift in the whole host community involved in the life cycle of these parasites in northern waters. However, it is also plausible that these parasites were acquired while the whale was feeding in more southern regions, before migrating northbound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Cipriani
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Parasitology, Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
- Institute of Marine Research (IMR) Bergen Norway
| | - Marialetizia Palomba
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), Tuscia University Viterbo Italy
| | | | - Renato Aco-Alburqueque
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Parasitology, Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Roberta Andolfi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Parasitology, Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Mariel ten Doeschate
- Scottish Marine Animal Scheme, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences University of Glasgow Glasgow UK
| | - Andrew Brownlow
- Scottish Marine Animal Scheme, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences University of Glasgow Glasgow UK
| | - Nicholas J. Davison
- Scottish Marine Animal Scheme, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences University of Glasgow Glasgow UK
| | - Simonetta Mattiucci
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Parasitology, Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
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2
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Lee SB, Yuen AHL, Kim S, Jung WJ, Kim DG, Kim SW, Lee YM, Park D, Cho HS, Poon CTC, Kim SG, Giri SS, Jo SJ, Park JH, Hwang MH, Park EJ, Seo JP, Choe S, Baeck GW, Kim BY, Park SC. Ingestion of fishing gear and Anisakis sp. infection in a beached Indo-Pacific finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) in the Jeju Island, Republic of Korea: findings from post-mortem computed tomography and necropsy. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:232. [PMID: 38802879 PMCID: PMC11129503 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04090-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human fishing activities have significantly affect environmental concern for marine ecosystems, conservation of marine mammals, and human health. Coastal cetaceans are highly vulnerable to ingestion of fishing gear, bycatching, or entanglement, all of which can be fatal for these animals. In particular, certain coastal dolphins and porpoises are heavily impacted by fishing gear such as angling gear or stownet, as their food often overlap with the target fish species of human fisheries. CASE PRESENTATION This study presents a case of an Indo-Pacific finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) beached on the coast of Jeju Island, Republic of Korea, with ingestion of fishing gear and severe Anisakis infection. Although this species inhabits waters ranging from the Persian Gulf to Taiwan, several stranded carcasses have been reported on Jeju Island in recent years. Post-mortem computed tomography revealed a bundle of four fishing hooks in the forestomach, along with nylon lines and steel lines with connectors, which were assumed to be angling gear for Jeju hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus). Further necroscopic investigation revealed that the forestomach contained a large number of Anisakis spp. (Nematoda: Anisakidae). Histological examination revealed a thickened forestomach wall with pinpoint and volcanic ulcerations, a thickened layer of stratified squamous epithelium, and infiltrated stroma in the squamous epithelium. CONCLUSIONS This study emphasizes the urgent need to address the impact of fishing activities on marine mammals, marine litter pollution, and the bycatch problem in Korean seawater. In addition, the occurrence of N. phocaenoides in seawater around Jeju Island should be raised in future geographical ecology or veterinary pathology studies and when its distribution is updated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Bin Lee
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Adams Hei Long Yuen
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Radiotherapy and Oncology Centre, Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sunmin Kim
- Department of Parasitology, Parasite Research Center and International Parasite Resource Bank, School of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Joon Jung
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Gyun Kim
- Department of Marine Biology & Aquaculture, Institute of Marine Industry, Marine Bio-Education & Research Center, College of Marine Science, Gyeongsang National University, Tongyeong, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Wha Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kyonggi University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Min Lee
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cetacean Research Institute, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Dasol Park
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Seok Cho
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Sang Guen Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kyonggi University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sib Sankar Giri
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Jin Jo
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hong Park
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mae Hyun Hwang
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Jae Park
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Pil Seo
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongjun Choe
- Department of Parasitology, Parasite Research Center and International Parasite Resource Bank, School of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Gun Wook Baeck
- Department of Marine Biology & Aquaculture, Institute of Marine Industry, Marine Bio-Education & Research Center, College of Marine Science, Gyeongsang National University, Tongyeong, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Yeop Kim
- Department of Marine Industry and Maritime Police, College of Ocean Science, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea.
| | - Se Chang Park
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Palomba M, Marchiori E, Tedesco P, Fioravanti M, Marcer F, Gustinelli A, Aco-Alburqueque R, Belli B, Canestrelli D, Santoro M, Cipriani P, Mattiucci S. An update and ecological perspective on certain sentinel helminth endoparasites within the Mediterranean Sea. Parasitology 2023; 150:1139-1157. [PMID: 37942726 PMCID: PMC10941224 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023000951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
The Mediterranean Sea is recognized as a marine biodiversity hotspot. This enclosed basin is facing several anthropogenic-driven threats, such as seawater warming, pollution, overfishing, bycatch, intense maritime transport and invasion by alien species. The present review focuses on the diversity and ecology of specific marine trophically transmitted helminth endoparasites (TTHs) of the Mediterranean ecosystems, aiming to elucidate their potential effectiveness as ‘sentinels’ of anthropogenic disturbances in the marine environment. The chosen TTHs comprise cestodes and nematodes sharing complex life cycles, involving organisms from coastal and marine mid/upper-trophic levels as definitive hosts. Anthropogenic disturbances directly impacting the free-living stages of the parasites and their host population demographies can significantly alter the distribution, infection levels and intraspecific genetic variability of these TTHs. Estimating these parameters in TTHs can provide valuable information to assess the stability of marine trophic food webs. Changes in the distribution of particular TTHs species can also serve as indicators of sea temperature variations in the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the bioaccumulation of pollutants. The contribution of the chosen TTHs to monitor anthropogenic-driven changes in the Mediterranean Sea, using their measurable attributes at both spatial and temporal scales, is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marialetizia Palomba
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), Tuscia University, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Erica Marchiori
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Perla Tedesco
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marialetizia Fioravanti
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Marcer
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea Gustinelli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Renato Aco-Alburqueque
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Parasitology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Beatrice Belli
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Parasitology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Canestrelli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), Tuscia University, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Mario Santoro
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Cipriani
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Parasitology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Section of Contaminants and Biohazards, Institute of Marine Research (IMR), Nordnes, Bergen, Norway
| | - Simonetta Mattiucci
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Parasitology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Buhrmann CA, Gridley T, Oellermann LK. Diagnosing gastric ulcers in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) using gastroscopy and cytology. Zoo Biol 2023; 42:522-528. [PMID: 37026188 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Gastric ulcers have been reported in a range of cetacean species. Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.), the most common cetacean species held in captivity, are known to experience gastric ulcers in both wild and captive environments. Documented causes of gastric ulceration include bacterial infection by Helicobacter sp., parasitic infections, high dietary histamine and foreign body ingestion. Gastric ulceration without any obvious cause might be related to stress. Currently, the most accurate way to determine the presence of gastric ulcers in captive dolphins is through direct examination of the stomach mucosa using endoscopy (gastroscopy); a procedure that requires substantial animal training and specialised medical equipment. In this study, we investigate whether cytology of the gastric fluid, collected through the less intensive method of intubation, can be used as an alternative to gastroscopy to predict the presence and severity of gastric ulcers in eight captive bottlenose dolphins at uShaka Sea World, South Africa. An ulcer grading scale was developed to quantify the severity of the dolphins' gastric ulcers observed using gastroscopy. Gastric ulcer severity was then compared with the cytological data collected from gastric fluid samples taken during the gastroscopic examinations. The cytological findings were consistent with other studies, but ulcer severity was not found to be linked to the cytological parameters measured. From these results we suggest that routine cytology of the gastric fluid is not a viable alternative to gastroscopy for diagnosing gastric ulcers in bottlenose dolphins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrine A Buhrmann
- South African Association for Marine Biological Research, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Tess Gridley
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Lawrence K Oellermann
- South African Association for Marine Biological Research, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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5
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Cipriani P, Palomba M, Giulietti L, Marcer F, Mazzariol S, Santoro M, Alburqueque RA, Covelo P, López A, Santos MB, Pierce GJ, Brownlow A, Davison NJ, McGovern B, Frantzis A, Alexiadou P, Højgaard DP, Mikkelsen B, Paoletti M, Nascetti G, Levsen A, Mattiucci S. Distribution and genetic diversity of Anisakis spp. in cetaceans from the Northeast Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13664. [PMID: 35953527 PMCID: PMC9372146 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17710-1] [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: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasite biodiversity in cetaceans represents a neglected component of the marine ecosystem. This study aimed to investigate the distribution and genetic diversity of anisakid nematodes of the genus Anisakis sampled in cetaceans from the Northeast Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. A total of 478 adults and pre-adults of Anisakis spp. was identified by a multilocus genetic approach (mtDNA cox2, EF1 α − 1 nDNA and nas 10 nDNA gene loci) from 11 cetacean species. A clear pattern of host preference was observed for Anisakis spp. at cetacean family level: A. simplex (s.s.) and A. pegreffii infected mainly delphinids; A. physeteris and A. brevispiculata were present only in physeterids, and A. ziphidarum occurred in ziphiids. The role of cetacean host populations from different waters in shaping the population genetic structure of A. simplex (s.s.), A. pegreffii and A. physeteris was investigated for the first time. Significant genetic sub-structuring was found in A. simplex (s.s.) populations of the Norwegian Sea and the North Sea compared to those of the Iberian Atlantic, as well as in A. pegreffii populations of the Adriatic and the Tyrrhenian Seas compared to those of the Iberian Atlantic waters. Substantial genetic homogeneity was detected in the Mediterranean Sea population of A. physeteris. This study highlights a strong preference by some Anisakis spp. for certain cetacean species or families. Information about anisakid biodiversity in their cetacean definitive hosts, which are apex predators of marine ecosystems, acquires particular importance for conservation measures in the context of global climate change phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Cipriani
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Parasitology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. .,Institute of Marine Research (IMR), Nordnes, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Marialetizia Palomba
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), Tuscia University, Viterbo, Italy
| | | | - Federica Marcer
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, Padova University, Padova, Italy
| | - Sandro Mazzariol
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, Padova University, Padova, Italy
| | - Mario Santoro
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Renato Aco Alburqueque
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Parasitology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Pablo Covelo
- Coordinadora para o Estudo dos Mamíferos Mariños CEMMA, Gondomar, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - Alfredo López
- Coordinadora para o Estudo dos Mamíferos Mariños CEMMA, Gondomar, Pontevedra, Spain.,Departamento de Biología & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - M Begoña Santos
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | | | - Andrew Brownlow
- Scottish Marine Animal Scheme, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Nicholas J Davison
- Scottish Marine Animal Scheme, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Bjarni Mikkelsen
- Faroe Marine Research Institute (Havstovan), Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Michela Paoletti
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), Tuscia University, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Nascetti
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), Tuscia University, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Arne Levsen
- Institute of Marine Research (IMR), Nordnes, Bergen, Norway
| | - Simonetta Mattiucci
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Parasitology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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Marcer F, Cassini R, Parisotto N, Tessarin C, Marchiori E. A Comparative Study of Mini-FLOTAC With Traditional Coprological Techniques in the Analysis of Cetacean Fecal Samples. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:908486. [PMID: 35832329 PMCID: PMC9271992 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.908486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-ranging cetaceans are considered sentinels for the marine ecosystem's health. New and non-invasive methods have been set up for the collection of fecal samples from free-ranging big whales at sea, permitting to gain an excellent epidemiological picture of parasitic infections in wild populations. To select the best protocol to be used for copromicroscopic examination in cetaceans stool samples, we evaluated the sensitivity of two commonly used techniques, i.e., a sedimentation-floatation method and the Mini-FLOTAC through validation by helminth isolation from the digestive tract. For this aim, gastrointestinal content and fecal samples were collected during necropsy from 44 cetaceans, including bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus), Cuvier's beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris), pilot whale (Globicephala melas), and fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus). Helminths were recovered through washing and filtering of the gastrointestinal contents and morphologically identified. Copromicroscopic examinations were performed on formalin-preserved fecal samples, using a sodium nitrate, sodium thiosulphate, and sucrose solution (s.g. = 1.450) for both methods. Helminths belonging to 9 taxa (i.e., the trematodes Synthesium tursionis, Synthesium delamurei, Campula palliata, Braunina cordiformis, Pholeter gastrophilus, the nematode Anisakis sp., cestodes of the family Tetrabothriidae and the acanthocephalan Bolbosoma sp.) were isolated. Eggs referable to the same taxa, with the exception of cestodes, were found in copromicroscopic analyses. Sensitivity of the Mini-FLOTAC method appeared higher or equal for all taxa, proving superior to the sedimentation-flotation method for the detection of all except Anisakis sp. The concordance of the two tests indeed revealed a moderate to perfect agreement (kappa values 0.42–1). Not excluding the limitations inherent to the techniques themselves, explanations for false-negative results at copromicroscopy could be linked to parasite-related factors, including prepatent infections, low parasitic burdens, or intermittent egg shedding. Notwithstanding these limitations, this study evidenced that the Mini-FLOTAC protocol approximates more accurately the composition of the gastrointestinal helminthic community of cetaceans from copromicroscopic examination, providing at the same time a quantitative estimation.
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Shamsi S. The occurrence of Anisakis spp. in Australian waters: past, present, and future trends. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:3007-3033. [PMID: 34341859 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07243-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
As one of the world's megadiverse countries, Australian biodiversity is vital for global biodiversity. Nematodes belonging to the genus Anisakis (family Anisakidae) are an important part of this biodiversity due to their ability to be repeatedly transmitted among their intermediate hosts before reaching the top of the food pyramid. Therefore, they have a significant impact on the community structures of various ecosystems. In addition, globally, they are known to be of medical and veterinary significance. The aim of this article is to provide an update on the current knowledge about these important parasites in Australia. Since 1916, a total of 234 records of Anisakis spp. from various hosts and localities have been found in Australia. It is estimated that the occurrence of Anisakis spp. and their health impacts in at least 84, 98.5, and 95% of Australian marine mammals, fish, and water birds, respectively, have not been documented yet. The results of this study suggest Australia is perhaps home to the most diverse Anisakis fauna. Available information is dominated by reports of these parasites in fish hosts, many of them among edible fish. Given the popularity of seafood in Australia and the occurrence of infectious stages of Anisakis spp. in edible fish, all stakeholders should be made aware of the occurrence, prevalence, and survival of Anisakis spp. in seafood. Also, as more pet owners feed their pets with a variety of fish and seafood products, it is important for veterinarians to be aware of seafood transmitted Anisakis spp. in pet animals. This study also highlights several important knowledge gaps: (i) The detailed life cycle of Anisakis spp. in Australia is not known. Detecting their first intermediate hosts is important for better management of crustacean zooplankton populations in our waters. (ii) Research on Anisakis spp. in Australia has been restricted to limited taxonomical studies and should extend to other aspects of these important parasites. (iii) The capacity to identify parasite taxa to species is especially important for resolving biological diversity around Australia; however, opportunities to formally train in parasite taxonomy are rare and diminishing. There is a need to train researchers with taxonomy skills. (iv) Given the vast range of biodiversity in Australia and the broad host-specificity of Anisakis spp., particularly in the larval stages, the full range of their intermediate hosts remains unknown. (v) The health impacts of the infection of the intermediate/definitive hosts with Anisakis spp. are not fully understood. Thus, one of the important areas for future studies is investigating the pathogenicity of Anisakis spp. in affected animals. This is a crucial yet unknown factor for the conservation of some endangered species in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shokoofeh Shamsi
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences and Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, Charles Sturt University, Estella, New South Wales, 2678, Australia.
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8
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Katahira H, Matsuda A, Banzai A, Eguchi Y, Matsuishi TF. Gastric ulceration caused by genetically identified Anisakis simplex sensu stricto in a harbor porpoise from the Western Pacific stock. Parasitol Int 2021; 83:102327. [PMID: 33711489 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102327] [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: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The genus Anisakis is a well-known group of nematodes that parasitize cetaceans as the final host and cause mucosal damage to their stomach. However, little has been done to precisely identify the nematodes recovered from the final hosts, especially in the Western Pacific, because of taxonomic confusion about the discrimination of sibling species and the difficulties of obtaining specimens from cetaceans. We describe the results of genetic identification and histopathological observations of specimens recovered from an ulcerated lesion and stomach contents in the forestomach of a female harbor porpoise accidentally caught by a set net fishery in Usujiri, southern Hokkaido, Japan. All the specimens arbitrarily collected from the lesion and stomach contents were identified as Anisakis simplex sensu stricto according to their ITS rDNA sequences. The size of the ulcer was approximately 6.3 mm in diameter and it was infected with 119 individual nematodes, mostly consisting of L3 and L4 stage larvae (95.0%). Histological sections were characterized by a locally extensive ulcer with the parasites penetrating into the muscularis externa that caused a thickening of the surrounding mucosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirotaka Katahira
- Department of Environmental Science, School of Life and Environmental Science, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-5201, Japan.
| | - Ayaka Matsuda
- Faculty of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, 3-1-1 Minato, Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Azusa Banzai
- Department of Environmental Science, School of Life and Environmental Science, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-5201, Japan
| | - Yuya Eguchi
- Department of Environmental Science, School of Life and Environmental Science, Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-5201, Japan
| | - Takashi F Matsuishi
- Faculty of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, 3-1-1 Minato, Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan
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Gomes TL, Quiazon KM, Kotake M, Fujise Y, Ohizumi H, Itoh N, Yoshinaga T. Anisakis spp. in toothed and baleen whales from Japanese waters with notes on their potential role as biological tags. Parasitol Int 2020; 80:102228. [PMID: 33147496 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In this study, Anisakis nematodes isolated from toothed and baleen whales from localities around Japan were molecularly (PCR-RFLP) identified. In Wakayama, common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) were infected with A. simplex sensu stricto (s.s.), A. typica and A. pegreffii, while A. typica was the only species found in pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata) and striped dolphin (S. coeruleoalba). Offshore common minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and sei whales (B. borealis) were almost exclusively infected with A. simplex s.s.. However, in common minke whales from two Hokkaido localities, mature worms mostly consisted of A. simplex s.s. in some individuals and of A. pegreffii in others, but immature worms were mainly A. simplex s.s.. Gross and histopathological examination on gastric mucosa attached by anisakids resulted in mild and superficial reactions by the two baleen whale species in contrast to severe inflammatory reaction associated with ulcer formations by common bottlenose dolphin. Host specificity and adaptability of Anisakis spp. in these baleen and toothed whales were discussed from the points of view of adult worm size, worm population and pathological reactions by hosts. Interestingly, most of the common minke whales predominantly harboring mature A. pegreffii adults belonged to the Yellow Sea - East China Sea stock (J stock), which migrates through the Sea of Japan, whereas most of those mainly parasitized by mature A. simplex s.s. adults were from the Okhotsk Sea - West Pacific stock (O stock), mostly inhabiting the Pacific side, suggesting that these sibling species may have utility as biological tags to differentiate whale stocks. These results represent the first definitive host records for A. pegreffi in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Leandro Gomes
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Karl Marx Quiazon
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan; Freshwater Aquaculture Center and College of Fisheries, Central Luzon State University, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija 3120, Philippines
| | - Maho Kotake
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Fujise
- The Cetacean Research Institute, 4-5 Toyomi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0055, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ohizumi
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tokai University, 3-20-1 Orido, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka 424-8610, Japan
| | - Naoki Itoh
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Tomoyoshi Yoshinaga
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan.
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Dolphins Stranded along the Tuscan Coastline (Central Italy) of the "Pelagos Sanctuary": A Parasitological Investigation. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9080612. [PMID: 32727040 PMCID: PMC7459703 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9080612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasite monitoring is considered a necessary step for cetacean management and conservation. Between February 2013 and July 2015, 26 dolphins (15 Stenella coeruleoalba, 10 Tursiops truncatus, and one Grampus griseus) stranded along the Tuscan coastline of the protected marine area "Pelagos Sanctuary", were examined. Organs, tissues, and faecal and blood samples taken from all animals were analysed by parasitological, immunological, and molecular techniques. Twenty-one out of 26 dolphins (80.77%) tested positive for at least one parasite species, and 13/15 (86.7%) S. coeruleoalba, 7/10 (70%) T. truncatus, and the single G. griseus were found positive. Identified parasites included the nematodes Skrjabinalius guevarai (7.69%, 2/26), Halocercus lagenorhynchi (3.85%, 1/26), Halocercus delphini (7.69%, 2/26), Stenurus ovatus (7.69%, 2/26), Crassicauda spp. (7.69%, 2/26); the trematodes Pholeter gastrophilus (26.92%, 7/26), Campula palliata (3.85%, 1/26); the cestodes Phyllobothrium delphini (42.31%, 11/26), Monorygma grimaldii (23.08%, 6/26), Tetrabothrium forsteri (7.69%, 2/26), Strobilocephalus triangularis (7.69%, 2/26), and the acanthocephalan Bolbosoma vasculosum (7.69%, 2/26). Moreover, 6/26 (23%) animals scored positive to Toxoplasma gondii at serology, but PCR confirmed the infection (T. gondii Type II genotype) in a single animal. In examined dolphins, obtained results showed a high prevalence of endoparasites, which included species considered as a cause of severe debilitation or death.
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11
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Gómez-Mateos M, Merino-Espinosa G, Corpas-López V, Valero-López A, Martín-Sánchez J. A multi-restriction fragment length polymorphism genotyping approach including the beta-tubulin gene as a new differential nuclear marker for the recognition of the cryptic species Anisakis simplex s.s. and Anisakis pegreffii and their hybridization events. Vet Parasitol 2020; 283:109162. [PMID: 32559582 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The detection of Anisakis simplex s.s./A. pegreffii putative hybrids has been a controversial issue in spite of the fact that natural hybridization is an extended process across free living and parasitic organisms. Differential traits of biomedical and ecological importance, such as invasive and allergenic potential have been demonstrated in both cryptic species. Therefore, in this work, we discuss about the potential for hybridization between these anisakid species in sympatric zones, implementing a multi-marker Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) genotyping approach based on the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase 2 (Cox-2) and a new nuclear marker, the highly conserved β-tubulin gene (β-TUB). The two cryptic species differed at least in 7 bp in the β-TUB gene and some larvae with heterozygous genotypes at the 7 diagnostic nucleotide positions were found. Taxonomic, population and genealogical analyses served to support the occurrence of hybridization between both species. Predicted restriction endonucleases enzymes were assayed for Cox-2 and β-TUB markers. The implemented multi-marker PCR-RFLP allowed us to detect the two pure parental species, F1 hybrids, hybrid backcrossed progeny and individuals with nuclear-mitochondrial discordance, being a useful, simple and reproducible procedure in any laboratory for epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Gómez-Mateos
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, 18.071, Granada, Spain.
| | - Gema Merino-Espinosa
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, 18.071, Granada, Spain
| | - Victoriano Corpas-López
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, 18.071, Granada, Spain
| | - Adela Valero-López
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, 18.071, Granada, Spain
| | - Joaquina Martín-Sánchez
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, 18.071, Granada, Spain.
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Recent increase of ulcerative lesions caused by Anisakis spp. in cetaceans from the north-east Atlantic. J Helminthol 2020; 94:e127. [PMID: 32100663 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x20000115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Species of Anisakis typically infect the stomach of cetaceans worldwide, often causing ulcerative lesions that may compromise the host's health. These nematodes also cause anisakiasis or allergic reactions in humans. To assess the risks of this emerging zoonosis, data on long-term changes in Anisakis infections in cetaceans are necessary. Here, we compare the prevalence and severity of ulcerative lesions caused by Anisakis spp. in five cetacean species stranded along the north-west Spanish coast in 2017-2018 with published data from 1991-1996. Open ulcers were found in 32/43 short-beaked common dolphins, Delphinus delphis; 3/5 striped dolphins, Stenella coeruleoalba; 1/7 bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus; and 1/3 harbour porpoises, Phocoena phocoena meridionalis; a single individual of long-finned pilot whale, Globicephala melas, was found uninfected. In common dolphins, the mean abundance of open ulcers per host was 1.1 (95% confidence interval: 0.8-1.3), with a maximum diameter (mean ± standard deviation) of 25.4 ± 16.9 mm. Stomachs with scars or extensive fibrosis putatively associated with Anisakis were detected in 14 and five animals, respectively. A molecular analysis based on the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase II gene using 18 worms from three cetacean species revealed single or mixed infections of Anisakis simplex sensu stricto and Anisakis pegreffii. Compared with the period 1991-1996, we found a strong increase of prevalence, abundance and extension of ulcerative lesions in most cetacean species. Anisakis populations could have increased in the study area over the last decades, although we cannot rule out that a higher environmental stress has also boosted the pathological effects of these parasites.
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Hrabar J, Trumbić Ž, Bočina I, Bušelić I, Vrbatović A, Mladineo I. Interplay between proinflammatory cytokines, miRNA, and tissue lesions in Anisakis-infected Sprague-Dawley rats. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007397. [PMID: 31091271 PMCID: PMC6538193 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anisakiasis is an emerging public health problem, caused by Anisakis spp. nematode larvae. Anisakiasis presents as variable and unspecific gastrointestinal and/or allergic clinical symptoms, which accounts for the high rate of misdiagnosed cases. Methodology/Principal findings The aim of this study was to characterize the early cellular (6–72 h p.i.) and molecular (6 h p.i.) immune response and general underlying regulatory mechanism in Anisakis infected rats. Each Sprague-Dawley rat was infected with 10 Anisakis spp. larvae by gastric intubation. Tissues with visible lesions were processed for: i) classic histopathology (HE), immunofluorescence (CD3, iNOS, S100A8/A9), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM); ii) target genes (Il1b, Il6, Il18, Ccl3, Icam1, Mmp9) and microRNA (Rat Immunopathology MIRN-104ZF plate, Quiagen) expression analysis; and iii) global DNA methylation. Histopathology revealed that Anisakis larval migration caused moderate to extensive hemorrhages in submucosal and epimysial/perimysial connective tissue. In stomach and muscle, moderate to abundant mixed inflammatory infiltrate was present, dominated by neutrophils and macrophages, while only mild infiltration was seen in intestine. Lesions were characterized by the presence of CD3+, iNOS+, and S100A8/A9+ cells. The greatest number of iNOS+ and S100A8/A9+ cells was seen in muscle. Il6, Il1b, and Ccl3 showed particularly strong expression in stomach and visceral adipose tissues, but the order of expression differed between tissues. In total, three miRNAs were differentially expressed, two in stomach (miRNA-451 and miRNA-223) and two in intestine (miRNA-451 and miRNA-672). No changes in global DNA methylation were observed in infected tissues relative to controls. Conclusions/Significance Anisakis infection induces strong immune responses in infected rats with marked induction of specific proinflammatory cytokines and miRNA expression. Deciphering the functional role of these cytokines and miRNAs will help in understanding the anisakiasis pathology and controversies surrounding Anisakis infection in humans. Anisakiasis is a zoonotic disease (infection transmitted between animals and humans) contracted by consumption of raw or undercooked seafood contaminated with Anisakis spp. nematode larvae. Anisakiasis usually presents with variable and unspecific gastrointestinal and/or allergic symptoms, which accounts for the high rate of misdiagnosed cases. Due to changes in dietary habits, such as eating raw or undercooked seafood, anisakiasis is considered an emerging public health problem. Despite the increase in number of reported cases worldwide, mechanisms of immune response to this unspecific human pathogen are poorly known. We have shown that in experimentally infected rats, Anisakis larvae cause severe hemorrhages and necrotic changes of affected tissues in the early phase of infections. Neutrophils and macrophages were abundantly present in tissue lesions, while eosinophils, hallmark of helminth infections, were scarcely present. We have also demonstrated particularly strong expression of several inflammatory genes. Moreover, we give for the first-time insight into putative regulatory mechanism mediated via a distinct class of RNA molecules. Our study may provide new opportunities for better understanding of cellular and molecular response to Anisakis spp., aiming at development of more specific therapeutics and alleviation of pathologies associated with Anisakis spp. infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerko Hrabar
- Laboratory of Aquaculture, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split, Croatia
- * E-mail:
| | - Željka Trumbić
- Department of Marine Studies, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Ivana Bočina
- Faculty of Science, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Ivana Bušelić
- Laboratory of Aquaculture, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split, Croatia
| | - Anamarija Vrbatović
- Laboratory of Aquaculture, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split, Croatia
| | - Ivona Mladineo
- Laboratory of Aquaculture, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split, Croatia
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Bao M, Pierce GJ, Strachan NJ, Pascual S, González-Muñoz M, Levsen A. Human health, legislative and socioeconomic issues caused by the fish-borne zoonotic parasite Anisakis: Challenges in risk assessment. Trends Food Sci Technol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2019.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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15
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Díaz-Delgado J, Ressio R, Groch KR, Catão-Dias JL. Immunohistochemical investigation of the cross-reactivity of selected cell markers in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded lymphoid tissues of Franciscana (Pontoporia blainvillei). Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2018; 200:52-58. [PMID: 29776612 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2018.04.009] [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: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 04/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
A considerable amount of knowledge on natural and anthropogenic pathologic conditions affecting different cetacean species has been gained over the last decades. Nonetheless, the immunopathological bases for most of these processes have been poorly documented or remain unknown. Comparative immunopathological investigations in these species are precluded by the limited number of specific antibodies, most of which are not commercially available, and the reduced spectrum of validated and/or cross-reactive ones. To partially fill in this gap of knowledge, a set of commercially available primary antibodies were tested for cross-reactivity against leukocytes and cytokines in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) lymphoid tissues (lymph nodes, spleen and thymus) of three bycaught, apparently healthy and fresh Franciscanas (Pontoporia blainvillei) using immunohistochemistry. On the basis of similar region specificity within the lymphoid organs, cellular morphology and staining pattern with human control tissues, 13/19 primary antibodies (caspase 3, CD3, CD57, CD68, FoxP3, HLA-DRα, IFNγ, IgG, IL4, IL10, Lysozyme, TGFβ and PAX-5) exhibited satisfactory cross-reactivity. Our results expand the spectrum of suitable cross-reactive primary antibodies in FFPE cetacean tissues. Further comparative immunopathological studies focused on infectious diseases and ecotoxicology may benefit from establishment of baseline expression of immunologically relevant molecules in various cetaceans species.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Díaz-Delgado
- Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, Brazil; Instituto Adolfo Lutz (IAL), Centro de Patologia, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 351-7 Andar, Sala 706, Pacaembu, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - R Ressio
- Instituto Adolfo Lutz (IAL), Centro de Patologia, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 351-7 Andar, Sala 706, Pacaembu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - K R Groch
- Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - J L Catão-Dias
- Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, Brazil
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