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Giugliano R, Dell'Anno F, De Paolis L, Crescio MI, Ciccotelli V, Vivaldi B, Razzuoli E. Mammary gland, skin and soft tissue tumors in pet cats: findings of the feline tumors collected from 2002 to 2022. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1320696. [PMID: 39205801 PMCID: PMC11349711 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1320696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cancer is a leading cause of death in cats, and the rate of such disease has been increasing recently. Nonetheless, feline oncology represents an important area of study not only for the health and wellbeing of cats but also for human health since various types of cancer in cats share similarities to those found in humans. Therefore, epidemiological studies on feline oncology may suggest environmental and genetic factors contributing to cancer in cats, which can eventually be translated to improve human cancer care. Method To provide an initial understanding of the epidemiology of feline neoplasms, a descriptive study was undertaken using a dataset documenting cases of feline cancer gathered from the Liguria region (northwest Italy) spanning from 2002 to 2022. The database includes tumor location, morphological codes of the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, 3rd Edition (ICD-O-3), feline's breed, sex, neuter status, date of birth, date of diagnosis, national territorial unit code of the town of the owner's residence, and an alphanumeric string uniquely identifying the owner's surname. Results and discussion The dataset involves a population of 4,399 cats, including 3,195 females (1,425 neutered) and 1,204 males (750 neutered). Our results indicate that mammary gland tumors are the most represented tumors in the female population, while soft tissue and skin cancers appear to have a higher abundance in the male population during the periods investigated (2002-2022). Moreover, Poisson regression analysis showed that not neutered female cats have a significantly increased risk of developing mammary gland tumors compared to the neutered female population [proportional morbidity ratio (PMR) neutered vs. not neutered = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.47-0.72]; meanwhile, for both sexes, for soft tissue and skin tumors, being neutered appears to be a risk factor (PMR neutered vs. not neutered = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.86-2.73; PMR neutered vs. not neutered = 1.16, 95% CI: 0.89-1.51). Finally, the evaluation of the Ligurian municipalities pollution, based on wild boars data (i.e., biomonitors), which coexisted with cats, was correlated to cancer development for all the tumors investigated (in polluted areas, estimated PMRs ranged from 42.61 to 80.13, 95% CI: 29.94-105.11). Overall, the data presented here suggest the use of the feline population as a possible animal model for human health, i.e., sentinel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Giugliano
- National Reference Center of Veterinary and Comparative Oncology (CEROVEC), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Filippo Dell'Anno
- National Reference Center of Veterinary and Comparative Oncology (CEROVEC), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Section of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Livia De Paolis
- National Reference Center of Veterinary and Comparative Oncology (CEROVEC), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Ines Crescio
- National Reference Center of Veterinary and Comparative Oncology (CEROVEC), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Genoa, Italy
| | - Valentina Ciccotelli
- National Reference Center of Veterinary and Comparative Oncology (CEROVEC), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Genoa, Italy
| | - Barbara Vivaldi
- National Reference Center of Veterinary and Comparative Oncology (CEROVEC), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Razzuoli
- National Reference Center of Veterinary and Comparative Oncology (CEROVEC), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Genoa, Italy
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Gomes-Gonçalves S, Santos-Silva S, Cruz AVS, Rodrigues C, Soeiro V, Barradas P, Mesquita JR. First report of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Erinaceus europaeus and Hemiechinus auritus hedgehogs from recovery centers of Portugal. Med Mycol 2024; 62:myae073. [PMID: 39020251 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myae073] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi microsporidia are emerging pathogens infecting a wide range of vertebrate and invertebrate hosts, known to have zoonotic features since they infect both wild and domestic animals, and humans. Despite their significance, there is very limited epidemiological data on microsporidia in hedgehogs, especially European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) and long-eared hedgehogs (Hemiechinus auritus), the former known as synantropic hedgehogs, and the latter suited as pets. As such, the present study aimed to assess the presence of E. bieneusi in hedgehogs from Portugal. For this purpose, fecal samples from 110 hedgehogs of three species-E. europaeus (n = 106), H. auritus (n = 1), and Atelerix albiventris (n = 3)-were collected and tested for E. bieneusi by PCR targeting the internal transcribed spacer region and the flanking small and large subunits of the rRNA. We found an overall occurrence of 22.7% (25/110; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 15.28-31.70), with 22.6% (24/106; 95% [CI]: 15.08-31.79) in E. europaeus, 100% (1/1) in H. auritus, and 0% in A. albiventris. Interestingly, three novel genotypes were identified, all belonging to the potentially zoonotic Group 1. Our findings highlight the importance of hedgehogs as potential reservoirs for E. bieneusi and emphasize the need for further research to understand their role in transmission dynamics and assess the associated risks to public and veterinary health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Gomes-Gonçalves
- Department of Biology, Campus de Santiago, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Santos-Silva
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreia V S Cruz
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Clarisse Rodrigues
- Centro de Recuperação e Interpretação do Ouriço - CRIDO, 4470-372 Maia, Portugal
| | - Vanessa Soeiro
- Parque Biológico de Gaia, 4430-812 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Barradas
- 1H -TOXRUN - One Health Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
| | - João R Mesquita
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
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Prandi I, Dervas E, Colombino E, Bonaffini G, Zanet S, Orusa R, Robetto S, Vacchetta M, Mauthe von Degerfeld M, Quaranta G, Hetzel U, Capucchio MT. Causes of Admission, Mortality and Pathological Findings in European Hedgehogs: Reports from Two University Centers in Italy and Switzerland. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1852. [PMID: 38997963 PMCID: PMC11240775 DOI: 10.3390/ani14131852] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) are nocturnal insectivores frequently found in urban areas. In the last decades, their population has declined in various European countries and human activities have emerged as significant contributors to this trend. While the literature has mainly focused on trauma as the major cause of mortality, few authors have considered pathological findings. The present study is based on the results of full post-mortem examinations performed on 162 European hedgehogs in Italy and 109 in Switzerland. Unlike in previous studies, the main cause of mortality was infectious diseases (60.5%), followed by traumatic insults (27.7%). The lungs were the main organ affected, showing mostly lymphoplasmacytic (45.9%), granulomatous (18.1%) or suppurative (8.2%) pneumonia. Nematodes were detected in 57.2% of all lungs and were significantly associated with pneumonia (p-value < 0.001). To our knowledge, this is the first study to report infectious diseases as the main cause of hedgehog death, emphasizing the need for wildlife rescue centers to adopt appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic measures. Further research is necessary to determine the broad range of infectious agents that affect this species and elucidate their interplay with the host. Finally, citizen sensitization should be implemented to promote responsible behaviors that could reduce human-related traumatic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Prandi
- Centro Animali Non Convenzionali, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (G.B.); (M.M.v.D.); (G.Q.); (M.T.C.)
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (E.C.); (S.Z.)
| | - Eva Dervas
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (E.D.); (U.H.)
| | - Elena Colombino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (E.C.); (S.Z.)
- Patología y Sanidad Animal, Departamento Producción Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública Veterinaria y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, CEU Universities, 46115 Alfara del Patriarca, Spain
| | - Giuseppe Bonaffini
- Centro Animali Non Convenzionali, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (G.B.); (M.M.v.D.); (G.Q.); (M.T.C.)
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (E.C.); (S.Z.)
| | - Stefania Zanet
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (E.C.); (S.Z.)
| | - Riccardo Orusa
- National Reference Centre for Wild Animals Diseases (CeRMAS), S.C. Valle d’Aosta, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta (IZSPLV), 11020 Quart, Italy; (R.O.); (S.R.)
| | - Serena Robetto
- National Reference Centre for Wild Animals Diseases (CeRMAS), S.C. Valle d’Aosta, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta (IZSPLV), 11020 Quart, Italy; (R.O.); (S.R.)
| | | | - Mitzy Mauthe von Degerfeld
- Centro Animali Non Convenzionali, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (G.B.); (M.M.v.D.); (G.Q.); (M.T.C.)
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (E.C.); (S.Z.)
| | - Giuseppe Quaranta
- Centro Animali Non Convenzionali, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (G.B.); (M.M.v.D.); (G.Q.); (M.T.C.)
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (E.C.); (S.Z.)
| | - Udo Hetzel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (E.D.); (U.H.)
| | - Maria Teresa Capucchio
- Centro Animali Non Convenzionali, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (G.B.); (M.M.v.D.); (G.Q.); (M.T.C.)
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (E.C.); (S.Z.)
- National Research Council of Italy-Institute of Sciences of Food Production (CNR-ISPA), 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
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Rodrigues AC, de Sá ÉFGG, Santos FM, Sano NY, Pistori JGB, Cordeiro-Estrela P, Ozório CLCT, Herrera HM, de Andrade GB. Health of Holochilus chacarius (Rodentia: Cricetidae) in rice agroecosystem in a neotropical wetland assessed by histopathology. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:407. [PMID: 38561512 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12566-6] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Small mammals have a short lifetime and are strictly associated with their environment. This work aimed to use histopathology to assess the health of Holochilus chacarius in a rice agroecosystem in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul. During necropsy, fragments of the lung, kidney, skin, liver, and reproductive system of 33 animals were collected and submitted to histological processing. Tissue damages were evaluated as mild, moderate, and severe and arranged in a matrix for further statistical analysis. Furthermore, we used generalized linear models to verify the influence of tissue changes on the body condition, obtained by a regression between body mass and length. In the lungs, we found an intense inflammatory infiltrate associated with anthracosis that had a negative influence on the body's condition. Also, we observed degenerative and inflammatory changes in the liver, kidneys, skin, and reproductive system that ranged from mild to moderate. The histopathological lesions observed in this study may be associated with environmental alterations of anthropic origin such as the exposure to soot from wildfires and heavy metals, evidenced by lesions in the lung, kidney, and liver. The present study provided a histopathological matrix as a new approach that allows to classify and quantify the tissue alterations. Tissue changes when associated with body condition demonstrated to be an effective tool to assess the health of small free-living mammals, showing that these animals can be used as bioindicators of environmental condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Costa Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Anatomy Pathology, Dom Bosco Catholic University, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
- Laboratory of Parasitic Biology, Dom Bosco Catholic University, Av. Tamandaré, 6000 - Jardim Seminário, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, 79117-900, Brazil
| | | | - Filipe Martins Santos
- Laboratory of Parasitic Biology, Dom Bosco Catholic University, Av. Tamandaré, 6000 - Jardim Seminário, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, 79117-900, Brazil
| | - Nayara Yoshie Sano
- Laboratory of Parasitic Biology, Dom Bosco Catholic University, Av. Tamandaré, 6000 - Jardim Seminário, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, 79117-900, Brazil
| | | | - Pedro Cordeiro-Estrela
- Laboratory of Mammals, Department of Systematics and Ecology, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Paraiba, 58051-900, Brazil
| | | | - Heitor Miraglia Herrera
- Laboratory of Parasitic Biology, Dom Bosco Catholic University, Av. Tamandaré, 6000 - Jardim Seminário, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, 79117-900, Brazil
| | - Gisele Braziliano de Andrade
- Laboratory of Anatomy Pathology, Dom Bosco Catholic University, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Parasitic Biology, Dom Bosco Catholic University, Av. Tamandaré, 6000 - Jardim Seminário, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, 79117-900, Brazil.
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Molina-Lopez RA, Obón E, Darwich L. Morbidity and Prognostic Factors Associated with Wild Hedgehogs Admitted to a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Catalonia (NE Spain) from 1995 to 2020. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:556. [PMID: 38396523 PMCID: PMC10886239 DOI: 10.3390/ani14040556] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Wildlife rehabilitation centers (WRC) play a crucial role in the collection of data and the monitoring of hedgehog populations. The main objective of this study was to identify the morbidity and prognostic factors associated with the mortality of wild hedgehogs admitted at a WRC in Catalonia. A total number of 3397 hedgehogs admitted from 1995 to 2020 were studied. The principal cause of admission was orphaned/young category (41%) followed by misplacement (19%), natural disease (17%), and trauma (14%). The best outcomes for release were for misplacement (93.6%), orphaned/young (72.3%), and other causes (77.6%), and the lowest proportion of released animals were found for natural disease (41.4%) and trauma (44.7%) categories. The most common macroscopic findings were the respiratory and digestive lesions. Internal parasites were also prevalent in 61% of the animals but with no association with a higher mortality. In the multivariate analyses, the prognostic indicators related with the mortality outcome were the presence of systemic (OR = 3.6, CI 95%: 2.8-4.6) and neurological (OR = 4.3, CI 95%: 2.9-6.4) signs. Morbidity and prognostic factors in wildlife rehabilitation are essential for providing effective care, making informed decisions, optimizing resources, and improving rehabilitation success rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael A. Molina-Lopez
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Torreferrussa, Catalan Wildlife Service-Forestal Catalana S.A., 08130 Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Spain;
| | - Elena Obón
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Torreferrussa, Catalan Wildlife Service-Forestal Catalana S.A., 08130 Santa Perpètua de Mogoda, Spain;
| | - Laila Darwich
- Department Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Veterinary School, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Valles, Spain
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Jota Baptista C, Seixas F, Gonzalo-Orden JM, Patinha C, Pato P, Ferreira da Silva E, Casero M, Brazio E, Brandão R, Costa D, Mateus TL, Coelho AC, Oliveira PA. The first full study of heavy metal(loid)s in western-European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) from Portugal. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:11983-11994. [PMID: 38225500 PMCID: PMC10869400 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-31877-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
The western-European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is an insectivore with a wide distribution in Portugal and a potential tool for biomonitoring relevant One Health hazards, including heavy metal(loid)s' pollution. The aim of this study was to positively contribute to the current knowledge about the metal(loid) pollution in Portugal. Forty-six hedgehogs (from rescue centres; with known provenance) were necropsied. Sex, age category and weight were determined. Spines, liver and kidney were collected, and metalloid concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometry (ICP-MS). In general, results did not present alarming metal(loid) concentrations, with the exception of cadmium (Cd) (in the kidneys) and copper (Cu). Hedgehogs from Viana do Castelo and Viseu showed elevated concentrations of arsenic (As) and Castelo Branco presented concerning values of cadmium (Cd). Adult and heavier hedgehogs tended to present higher levels of metal(loid)s. Sex does not seem to significantly affect the metal(loid)s' concentrations. Further analysis would be needed to prioritize areas with detail and allow the application of the necessary mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Jota Baptista
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinarian Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB-Inov4Agro), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal.
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, León, Spain.
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM); Egas Moniz School of Health &Science, Almada, Portugal.
| | - Fernanda Seixas
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinarian Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Vila Real, Portugal
| | | | - Carla Patinha
- GEOBIOTEC & Department of Geosciencie, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Pedro Pato
- GEOBIOTEC & Department of Geosciencie, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | - María Casero
- RIAS-ALDEIA - Wildlife Rehabilitation and Research Centre, Ria Formosa Natural Park, Olhão, Portugal
| | - Erica Brazio
- Lisbon Wildife Rescue center (LxCRAS), Forest park of Monsanto, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Brandão
- CERVAS-ALDEIA - Centre of Ecology, Wild animals' Rehabilitation and Surveillance, Gouveia, Portugal
| | - Daniela Costa
- CERVAS-ALDEIA - Centre of Ecology, Wild animals' Rehabilitation and Surveillance, Gouveia, Portugal
| | - Teresa L Mateus
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Vila Real, Portugal
- CISAS-Centre for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Superior Agrarian School, Polytechical Institute of Viana do Castelo, Viana do Castelo, Portugal
- EpiUnit - Public Health Institute of University of Porto, Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana C Coelho
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinarian Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), UTAD, Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Paula A Oliveira
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinarian Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB-Inov4Agro), UTAD, Vila Real, Portugal
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García-Muñoz J, Cacciola NA, Plazzi F, Prado Míguez-Santiyán M, Rodríguez FS, López-Beceiro A, Fidalgo LE, Martínez-Morcillo S, Pérez-López M. Metal and metalloid concentrations in wild mammals from SW Europe: European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) and badger (Meles meles). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:118855-118870. [PMID: 37922086 PMCID: PMC10697895 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30615-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, there have been increasing ecological and global concerns associated to Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs). Thus, the relevance of wild mammals as biomonitors has been globally recognised. In the present study, Cd, Pb, Hg, Zn and As concentrations were quantified in European hedgehog and badger inhabiting SW Europe, and cumulative trends in relation to age and sex were evaluated. Liver and kidney samples were collected, mineralised and PTE content was determined by ICP-MS. Zn was the most abundant element quantified in both organs (239 and 89.8 mg kg-1 for hedgehogs and 179 and 164 mg kg-1 dw for badgers). In hedgehogs, very high Hg concentration were quantified (4.35 and 15.5 mg kg-1 dw in liver and kidney), and Cd was the most abundant for badgers (4.70 and 7.61 mg kg-1 dw in liver and kidney). Positive correlations were observed for the concentrations of PTE in the organs of both species. Age-dependence increased only Cd concentration, with levels in adult kidneys being significantly higher. In this study, European hedgehog and badger were used as biomonitors for the determination of PTEs to provide current reference values in relatively non-polluted areas of SW Europe, and to enhance the use of these species for future ecotoxicological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier García-Muñoz
- Toxicology Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (Universidad de Extremadura), 10003, Cáceres, Spain.
| | - Nunzio Antonio Cacciola
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137, Naples, Italy
| | - Federico Plazzi
- Department of Biologia Evoluzionistica Sperimentale, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Ana López-Beceiro
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (USC), 27003, Lugo, Spain
| | - Luis Eusebio Fidalgo
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (USC), 27003, Lugo, Spain
| | - Salomé Martínez-Morcillo
- Toxicology Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (Universidad de Extremadura), 10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Marcos Pérez-López
- Toxicology Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (Universidad de Extremadura), 10003, Cáceres, Spain
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Jota Baptista C, Seixas F, Gonzalo-Orden JM, Patinha C, Pato P, Ferreira da Silva E, Casero M, Brazio E, Brandão R, Costa D, Mateus TL, Oliveira PA. High Levels of Heavy Metal(loid)s Related to Biliary Hyperplasia in Hedgehogs ( Erinaceus europaeus). Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13081359. [PMID: 37106922 PMCID: PMC10135045 DOI: 10.3390/ani13081359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Heavy metal(loid) pollution of ecosystems is a current One Health problem. The liver is one of the most affected organs in cases of acute or chronic exposure to abnormal amounts of these substances, inducing histopathologic lesions. In order to assess the influence of heavy metal(loids), forty-five European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) were submitted to necropsy, and liver samples were collected for a routine histopathology exam and metal(loid)s determination (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu and Pb) by ICP-MS. Age was estimated during the necropsy exam. Biliary hyperplasia was the most frequent lesion observed (16/45; 35.56%). No statistically significant associations were found between biliary hyperplasia and age or sex. Metal(loid)s' concentrations were higher in animals with biliary hyperplasia (except for As). There was a statistically significant difference for both Cd and Co. For As, Cd and Co, cubs and juveniles animals showed significantly lower concentrations than elder individuals. Only for Pb were significant differences found between females and males. As described in the literature, exposure to metal(loid)s may be a cause of biliary hyperplasia, although further research (including the use of biochemical methods) is needed to support these results. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of this association in hedgehogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Jota Baptista
- Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Escola de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (ECAV), Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação das Tecnologias Agroambientais e Biológicas (CITAB), UTAD, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Instituto de Biomedicina (IBIOMED), Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Fernanda Seixas
- Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Escola de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (ECAV), Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Centro de Ciência Animal e Veterinária (CECAV), AL4AnimalS, UTAD, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | | | - Carla Patinha
- GeoBioTec, Departamento de Geociências, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Pedro Pato
- GeoBioTec, Departamento de Geociências, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | - María Casero
- RIAS-ALDEIA-Wildlife Rehabilitation and Research Centre, Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, 8700-194 Olhão, Portugal
| | - Erica Brazio
- Centro de Recuperação dos Animais Silvestres de Lisboa (LxCRAS), Parque Florestal de Monsanto, 1500-068 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Brandão
- CERVAS-ALDEIA-Centro de Ecologia, Recuperação e Vigilância de Animais Selvagens, 6290-520 Gouveia, Portugal
| | - Daniela Costa
- CERVAS-ALDEIA-Centro de Ecologia, Recuperação e Vigilância de Animais Selvagens, 6290-520 Gouveia, Portugal
| | - Teresa Letra Mateus
- Centro de Ciência Animal e Veterinária (CECAV), AL4AnimalS, UTAD, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- CISAS-Centre for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Escola Superior Agrária, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4990-706 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
- EpiUnit-Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula A Oliveira
- Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Escola de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (ECAV), Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação das Tecnologias Agroambientais e Biológicas (CITAB), UTAD, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
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Hematology, Biochemistry, and Protein Electrophoresis Reference Intervals of Western European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) from a Rehabilitation Center in Northern Portugal. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13061009. [PMID: 36978550 PMCID: PMC10044010 DOI: 10.3390/ani13061009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The Western European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) can work as a bioindicator of environmental pollution and be a host for multiple zoonotic agents, making it relevant in terms of One Health studies. It is essential to deepen the knowledge on this species and calculate reference intervals (RIs) for the usual hematological and biochemical parameters. For this retrospective study (2017–2022), the archives of the Clinical Pathology Laboratory (LPC) of University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD) Veterinary Teaching Hospital were analyzed. Data of hematology, clinical biochemistry, and protein electrophoresis from 37 healthy hedgehogs of the Wild Animal Rehabilitation Center at UTAD, Northern Portugal, were included. It was possible to calculate RIs for almost all of the variables in the study, using Reference Value Advisor V2.1. Moreover, sex and age effects were investigated: alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.012, higher in males); total proteins (p = 0.034, higher in adults); mean cell volume (p = 0.007) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (p = 0.010) (both higher in juveniles); and red blood cell distribution width (p = 0.021, higher in adults). Our study allowed for the first time to define RIs for a population of hedgehogs in Portugal, having a potentially relevant impact on species conservation and in the human–animal health interface.
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Jota Baptista C, Oliveira PA, Gonzalo-Orden JM, Seixas F. Do Urban Hedgehogs ( Erinaceus europaeus) Represent a Relevant Source of Zoonotic Diseases? Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020268. [PMID: 36839540 PMCID: PMC9961789 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Urban fauna is defined as animal species that can live in urban environments. Several species, including the western-European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), have now been identified as part of this urban fauna, becoming permanent residents of parks and gardens in different cities across Europe. Due to the importance that this phenomenon represents for zoonotic disease surveillance, several authors have been conducting zoonotic agents' surveys on hedgehog. The aim of this study is to compare zoonotic diseases' prevalence in hedgehogs in urban environments with those from more rural areas. A systematic review with meta-analysis of twelve studied of zoonotic diseases' (in urban and rural areas of Europe) was therefore conducted for this purpose. Fifteen different zoonoses have been assessed in urban environments and six in rural areas. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was the most prevalent zoonotic agent found in urban habitats (96%). Dermatophytosis shows statistically significant differences between locations (p-value < 0.001), with a higher prevalence in urban Poland (55%; n = 182). Our results suggest further research and a standardized monitoring of different hedgehog populations are essential to understanding the epidemiology of several zoonotic pathogens in different habitat types (urban, rural, natural, industrial, etc.) and preventing possible disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Jota Baptista
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, 24071 León, Spain
- Correspondence: (C.J.B.); (F.S.)
| | - Paula A. Oliveira
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | | | - Fernanda Seixas
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Veterinary and Animal Research Center (CECAV), AL4Animals, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Correspondence: (C.J.B.); (F.S.)
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11
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Jota Baptista C, Seixas F, Gonzalo-Orden JM, Oliveira PA. Biomonitoring metals and metalloids in wild mammals: invasive versus non-invasive sampling. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:18398-18407. [PMID: 35032272 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-18658-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal and metalloid pollution is a matter of concern in animal, human and environmental health (One Health) and also in wildlife conservation worldwide. Studying wild mammals in toxicology has been contributing significantly to our knowledge, namely to find out the most critical regions, to understand bioaccumulation and biomagnification phenomena or to evaluate their toxic effects. However, not all the animal tissues and organs provide the same information or should be interpreted in the same way. The best sample to use will depend on the objectives and conditions of the study. This review aims to compare invasive and non-invasive samples to biomonitor heavy metals, providing a brief resume of their advantages, limitations and examples of use. Further research, using a wider range of mammalian species, is required to establish what information can be obtained in biomonitoring studies that use non-invasive samples (such as hair, faeces and parasites) and/or invasive samples (such as blood, liver, kidney, bone and other organs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Jota Baptista
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5001-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
- Centre for Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, 24071, Leon, Spain.
| | - Fernanda Seixas
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5001-801, Vila Real, Portugal
- Veterinary and Animal Research Center (CECAV), AL4Animals, University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal
| | | | - Paula A Oliveira
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5001-801, Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal
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Endoparasite Infections of the European Hedgehog ( Erinaceus europaeus) in Central Italy. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113171. [PMID: 34827903 PMCID: PMC8614308 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The European hedgehog is a very common animal in Europe. This animal usually lives in woods but often it is possible to find it in gardens and parks in urban areas. Few studies describe parasites infecting the European hedgehog in Italy. In the present study, endoparasite infections and associated lesions were investigated in hedgehogs from two different regions of central Italy (Latium and Tuscany), where no investigations had been performed before. Several helminth and protozoan species were identified in the intestine and respiratory tract of the animals analyzed. The presence of the respiratory worm Crenosoma striatum was found to be associated with bronchial lesions. This study contributed to the knowledge of parasitic infections of the European hedgehog, the most frequently hospitalized animal in wildlife rescue centers. Abstract The European hedgehog is a synanthropic mammal, widely distributed in Europe. This species usually inhabits the edges of deciduous or mixed woods, but it is also very common in private gardens and public parks. Despite its popularity and frequency of contacts both with humans and with wild and domestic animals, few studies have examined the endoparasitic fauna of the hedgehog in Italy. In the present study, endoparasites of naturally deceased hedgehogs (n = 40) from central Italy (Latium and Tuscany regions) were investigated, along with concurrent gross and histopathological lesions. The most prevalent identified endoparasites were Crenosoma striatum (45%), Capillaria erinacei (42.5%) and Brachylaemus erinacei (22.5%), in accordance with previous reports from hedgehogs in southern Italy. In few subjects, Physaloptera clausa, Acanthocephalans and Cystoisospora rastegaeivae coccidia were also identified. The infection by the lungworm C. striatum was found to be significantly associated (p < 0.01) with bronchial hyperplasia and peribronchiolitis upon histopathological examination. Awareness of the most common parasitic infections in the hedgehog and of their effects on the health of these animals is extremely important, especially in wildlife rescue centers, where European hedgehog represents the most frequently hospitalized mammal species.
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