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Pikula J, Piacek V, Bandouchova H, Bartlova M, Bednarikova S, Burianova R, Danek O, Jedlicka P, Masova S, Nemcova M, Seidlova V, Zukalova K, Zukal J. Case report: Filarial infection of a parti-coloured bat: Litomosa sp. adult worms in abdominal cavity and microfilariae in bat semen. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1284025. [PMID: 37808105 PMCID: PMC10551455 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1284025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Filarial infections have been understudied in bats. Likewise, little is known about pathogens associated with the reproductive system in chiropterans. While semen quality is critical for reproductive success, semen-borne pathogens may contribute to reproductive failure. Methods For the first time we performed electroejaculation and used computer-assisted semen analysis to provide baseline data on semen quality in a parti-coloured bat (Vespertilio murinus). Results The semen quality values measured in the V. murinus male appeared high (semen concentration = 305.4 × 106/mL; progressive and motile sperm = 46.58 and 60.27%, respectively). As an incidental finding, however, microfilariae were observed in the bat semen examined. At necropsy, eight adult filarial worms, later genetically identified as Litomosa sp., were found in the peritoneal cavity, close to the stomach, of the same particoloured bat male dying as a result of dysmicrobia and haemorrhagic gastroenteritis in a wildlife rescue centre. Histopathology revealed microfilariae in the testicular connective tissue and the epidydimal connective and fat tissues. A PCR assay targeting cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 confirmed that adult worms from the peritoneal cavity and testicular microfilariae were of the same filarial species. Mildly engorged argasid mite larvae attached to the bat skin proved negative for filarial DNA and the adult filarial worms proved negative for endosymbiont Wolbachia. Conclusion While the standard filarial life cycle pattern involves a vertebrate definitive host and an invertebrate vector, represented by a blood-sucking ectoparasite, our finding suggests that microfilariae of this nematode species may also be semen-borne, with transmission intensity promoted by the polygynous mating system of vespertilionid bats in which an infected male mates with many females during the autumn swarming. Presence of microfilariae may be expected to decrease semen quality and transmission via this route may challenge the success of reproductive events in females after mating. Further investigation will be necessary to better understand the bat-parasite interaction and the life cycle of this filarial worm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiri Pikula
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Vladimir Piacek
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Hana Bandouchova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Marie Bartlova
- Department of Plant Origin Food Sciences, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Sarka Bednarikova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Romana Burianova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Ondrej Danek
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Petr Jedlicka
- Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences v.v.i., Brno, Czechia
| | - Sarka Masova
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Monika Nemcova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Veronika Seidlova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Katerina Zukalova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jan Zukal
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czechia
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Nemcova M, Seidlova V, Zukal J, Dundarova H, Bednarikova S, Pikula J. Bat-derived cells use glucose as a cryoprotectant. J Therm Biol 2023; 115:103652. [PMID: 37451039 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2023.103652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Evolution of heterothermy in environments with variable temperatures has allowed bats to survive food scarcity during seasonal climatic extremes by using torpor as a hibernation strategy. The controlled reduction of body temperature and metabolism through complex behavioural and physiological adaptations at organismal, organ, cellular and molecular levels includes the ability of tissues and cells to adapt to temperature alterations. Based on the prediction that cells of different tissues cultured in vitro would differ in their ability to withstand freezing and thawing of the medium, we determined the survival rate of bat-derived cells following exposure to -20 °C for 24 h in media with no cryoprotective agents or medium supplemented by glucose in concentration range 0-3333 mM. Cell survival rates were determined in relation to availability of glucose in the medium, organ origin, cell concentration and bat species. In general, increased glucose helped cells survive at sub-zero temperatures, though concentrations up to 80-fold higher than those found in chiropterans were needed. However, cells in glucose-free phosphate buffered saline also survived, suggesting that other mechanisms may be contributing to cell survival at low temperatures. Highest in vitro viability was observed in nervus olfactorius-derived cell cultures, with high survival rates and rapid re-growth under optimal conditions after exposure to -20 °C. Kidney cells from different bat species showed comparable overall survival rate patterns, though smaller chiropteran species appeared to utilise lower glucose levels as a cryoprotectant than larger species. Our in vitro data provide evidence that cells of heterothermic bats can survive sub-zero temperatures and that higher glucose levels in important tissues significantly improve hibernation survival at extremely low temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Nemcova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Veronika Seidlova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Zukal
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Heliana Dundarova
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Sarka Bednarikova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Pikula
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
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Nemcova M, Seidlova V, Zukal J, Dundarova H, Zukalova K, Pikula J. Performance of bat-derived macrophages at different temperatures. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:978756. [PMID: 36157196 PMCID: PMC9500541 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.978756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterothermy, as a temperature-dependent physiological continuum, may affect host-pathogen interactions through modulation of immune responses. Here, we evaluated proliferation and functional performance of a macrophage cell line established from the greater mouse-eared (Myotis myotis) bat at 8, 17.5, and 37°C to simulate body temperatures during hibernation, daily torpor and euthermia. Macrophages were also frozen to -20°C and then examined for their ability to proliferate in the immediate post-thaw period. We show that bat macrophages can proliferate at lower temperatures, though their growth rate is significantly slower than at 37°C. The cells differed in their shape, size and ability to attach to the plate surface at both lower temperatures, being spheroidal and free in suspension at 8°C and epithelial-like, spindle-shaped and/or spheroidal at 17.5°C. While phagocytosis at temperatures of 8 and 17.5°C amounted to 85.8 and 83.1% of the activity observed at 37°C, respectively, full phagocytic activity was restored within minutes of translocation into a higher temperature. Bat-derived macrophages were also able to withstand temperatures of -20°C in a cryoprotectant-free cultivation medium and, in the immediate post-thaw period, became viable and were able to proliferate. Our in vitro data enhance understanding of macrophage biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Nemcova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Veronika Seidlova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jan Zukal
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czechia
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Heliana Dundarova
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Katerina Zukalova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jiri Pikula
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
- CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
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Seidlova V, Straková P, Kejíková R, Nemcova M, Bartonička T, Salát J, Dufková L, Šikutová S, Mendel J, McKee C, Zukal J, Pikula J, Rudolf I. Detection of Leptospira species in bat cadavers, Czech and Slovak Republics. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:2211-2213. [PMID: 36039905 PMCID: PMC9518262 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2117095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Kidney samples from 300 bat cadavers from the Czech and Slovak Republics were tested for Leptospira DNA using PCR and sequencing of three genes (lipL32, flab, and 16S ribosomal RNA). Overall detection rate was 4.7% and two bat species (Myotis myotis and Nyctalus noctula) were PCR-positive for at least one gene. Detected Leptospira sequences were similar to L. interrogans and L. borgpetersenii, and included a potentially novel species related to L. weilii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Seidlova
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences v.v.i., Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Straková
- Veterinary Research Institute, Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Hudcova 70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Romana Kejíková
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences v.v.i., Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Nemcova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Bartonička
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 267/2, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Salát
- Veterinary Research Institute, Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Hudcova 70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Dufková
- Veterinary Research Institute, Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive Medicine, Hudcova 70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Silvie Šikutová
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences v.v.i., Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Mendel
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences v.v.i., Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Clifton McKee
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jan Zukal
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences v.v.i., Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Pikula
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ivo Rudolf
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences v.v.i., Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic
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Linhart P, Bandouchova H, Zukal J, Votýpka J, Baláž V, Heger T, Kalocsanyiova V, Kubickova A, Nemcova M, Sedlackova J, Seidlova V, Veitova L, Vlaschenko A, Divinova R, Pikula J. Blood Parasites and Health Status of Hibernating and Non-Hibernating Noctule Bats (Nyctalus noctula). Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10051028. [PMID: 35630470 PMCID: PMC9143927 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10051028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Co-existence of bats with a wide range of infectious agents relates to their co-evolutionary history and specific physiology. Here, we examined blood samples collected during hibernation and the post-hibernation period to assess the influence of trypanosomes and babesias on the health status of 50 Noctule bats (Nyctalus noctula) using nested PCR. The impact of blood parasites on health was assessed by analysis of haematology and blood chemistry parameters in 21 bats. Prevalence of trypanosomes (Trypanosoma dionisii and T. vespertilionis) and babesia (Babesia vesperuginis) was 44% and 8%, respectively. Analysis of blood parameters indicated impact of babesia on acid–base balance. Blood chemistry parameters showed a significant decrease in total dissolved carbon dioxide and bicarbonate, increased anion gap, and no change in blood pH, suggesting compensated metabolic acidosis. Adverse effects of babesia were only apparent in hibernating bats. Our results suggest differences in the pathogenicity of trypanosomes and babesia in bats. While trypanosomes in general had no significant impact on the health status, we observed alterations in the blood acid–base balance in Babesia-infected bats during hibernation. Despite being infected, Babesia-positive bats survived hibernation without showing any clinical signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Linhart
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.L.); (V.B.); (T.H.); (V.K.); (A.K.); (M.N.); (J.S.); (V.S.); (L.V.); (J.P.)
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Sciences, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Bandouchova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.L.); (V.B.); (T.H.); (V.K.); (A.K.); (M.N.); (J.S.); (V.S.); (L.V.); (J.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-541-562-653
| | - Jan Zukal
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 60365 Brno, Czech Republic;
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, 61137 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Jan Votýpka
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 12800 Prague, Czech Republic;
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtech Baláž
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.L.); (V.B.); (T.H.); (V.K.); (A.K.); (M.N.); (J.S.); (V.S.); (L.V.); (J.P.)
| | - Tomas Heger
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.L.); (V.B.); (T.H.); (V.K.); (A.K.); (M.N.); (J.S.); (V.S.); (L.V.); (J.P.)
| | - Vendula Kalocsanyiova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.L.); (V.B.); (T.H.); (V.K.); (A.K.); (M.N.); (J.S.); (V.S.); (L.V.); (J.P.)
| | - Aneta Kubickova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.L.); (V.B.); (T.H.); (V.K.); (A.K.); (M.N.); (J.S.); (V.S.); (L.V.); (J.P.)
| | - Monika Nemcova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.L.); (V.B.); (T.H.); (V.K.); (A.K.); (M.N.); (J.S.); (V.S.); (L.V.); (J.P.)
| | - Jana Sedlackova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.L.); (V.B.); (T.H.); (V.K.); (A.K.); (M.N.); (J.S.); (V.S.); (L.V.); (J.P.)
| | - Veronika Seidlova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.L.); (V.B.); (T.H.); (V.K.); (A.K.); (M.N.); (J.S.); (V.S.); (L.V.); (J.P.)
| | - Lucie Veitova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.L.); (V.B.); (T.H.); (V.K.); (A.K.); (M.N.); (J.S.); (V.S.); (L.V.); (J.P.)
| | - Anton Vlaschenko
- Bat Rehabilitation Center of Feldman Ecopark, Lisne, 62340 Kharkiv, Ukraine;
| | - Renata Divinova
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, 61137 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Jiri Pikula
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic; (P.L.); (V.B.); (T.H.); (V.K.); (A.K.); (M.N.); (J.S.); (V.S.); (L.V.); (J.P.)
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Zukalova K, Seidlova V, Piacek V, Nemcova M, Pribyl M, Pikula J, Zukal J. One or two pups - optimal reproduction strategies of common noctule females. BMC ZOOL 2022; 7:18. [PMID: 37170295 PMCID: PMC10127298 DOI: 10.1186/s40850-022-00119-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The success of animal reproduction is impacted by a trade-off between energetic costs and mortality associated with immediate vs. future reproductive attempts. The reproductive strategies of European insectivorous bats differ from common mammalian standards due to the use of delayed fertilisation. Phenology of bat reproduction, including length of pregnancy, which may vary in the same species at different latitudes, between years at the same site or between individuals within a colony, is influenced by ecological conditions. To assess factors influencing the course of pregnancy, we evaluated levels of blood progesterone in 20 female common noctule bats Nyctalus noctula. The bats were individually tagged and randomly divided into two groups with different hibernation ending points (i.e. a control group vs. a treatment group with one-week longer hibernation). Following emergence from hibernation, the bats were kept in a wooden box at a stable temperature of 22 °C. RESULTS The majority of females gave birth to a single neonate (65%), but one female aborted her pups 2 days before the first successful births of other females. Based on development of progesterone concentration, we were able to define a number of different reproduction strategies, i.e. females with single offspring or twins, and females with supposed resorption of one embryo (embryonic mortality after implantation of the developing fertilised egg). Progesterone levels were much higher in females with two embryos during the first part of gestation and after birth. Progesterone levels were at their highest mid-gestation, with no difference between females carrying one or two foetuses. Length of gestation differed significantly between the two groups, with the longer hibernation (treatment) group having a roughly two-day shorter gestation period. CONCLUSIONS Female N. noctula are able to manipulate their litter size to balance immediate and future reproduction success. The estimated gestation length of approx. 49-days appears to be standard for N. noctula, with females optimising their thermoregulatory behaviour to keep the length of gestation as close to the standard as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Zukalova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Veronika Seidlova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Piacek
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Nemcova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Pribyl
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Pikula
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Zukal
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 603 65, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 267/2, 611 37, Brno, Czech Republic
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Seidlova V, Syrova E, Minarova H, Zukal J, Balaz V, Nemcova M, Papezikova I, Pikula J, Schmidt‐Posthaus H, Mares J, Palikova M. Comparison of diagnostic methods for Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae detection in salmonid fish. J Fish Dis 2021; 44:1147-1153. [PMID: 33837562 PMCID: PMC8360006 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.13375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Diagnostic accuracy of pathogen detection depends upon the selection of suitable tests. Problems can arise when the selected diagnostic test gives false-positive or false-negative results, which can affect control measures, with consequences for the population health. The aim of this study was to compare sensitivity of different diagnostic methods IHC, PCR and qPCR detecting Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae, the causative agent of proliferative kidney disease in salmonid fish and as a consequence differences in disease prevalence. We analysed tissue from 388 salmonid specimens sampled from a recirculating system and rivers in the Czech Republic. Overall prevalence of T. bryosalmonae was extremely high at 92.0%, based on positive results of at least one of the above-mentioned screening methods. IHC resulted in a much lower detection rate (30.2%) than both PCR methods (qPCR32: 65.4%, PCR: 81.9%). While qPCR32 produced a good match with IHC (60.8%), all other methods differed significantly (p < .001) in the proportion of samples determined positive. Both PCR methods showed similar sensitivity, though specificity (i.e., the proportion of non-diseased fish classified correctly) differed significantly (p < .05). Sample preservation method significantly (p < .05) influenced the results of PCR, with a much lower DNA yield extracted from paraffin-embedded samples. Use of different methods that differ in diagnostic sensitivity and specificity resulted in random and systematic diagnosis errors, illustrating the importance of interpreting the results of each method carefully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Seidlova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and BeesFaculty of Veterinary Hygiene and EcologyUniversity of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences BrnoBrnoCzech Republic
- Department of Zoology, Fisheries, Hydrobiology and ApicultureMendel University in BrnoBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Eva Syrova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and BeesFaculty of Veterinary Hygiene and EcologyUniversity of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences BrnoBrnoCzech Republic
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive MedicineVeterinary Research InstituteBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Hana Minarova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and BeesFaculty of Veterinary Hygiene and EcologyUniversity of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences BrnoBrnoCzech Republic
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Preventive MedicineVeterinary Research InstituteBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Jan Zukal
- Institute of Vertebrate BiologyCzech Academy of SciencesBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Vojtech Balaz
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and BeesFaculty of Veterinary Hygiene and EcologyUniversity of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences BrnoBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Monika Nemcova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and BeesFaculty of Veterinary Hygiene and EcologyUniversity of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences BrnoBrnoCzech Republic
- Department of Zoology, Fisheries, Hydrobiology and ApicultureMendel University in BrnoBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Ivana Papezikova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and BeesFaculty of Veterinary Hygiene and EcologyUniversity of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences BrnoBrnoCzech Republic
- Department of Zoology, Fisheries, Hydrobiology and ApicultureMendel University in BrnoBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Jiri Pikula
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and BeesFaculty of Veterinary Hygiene and EcologyUniversity of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences BrnoBrnoCzech Republic
- Department of Zoology, Fisheries, Hydrobiology and ApicultureMendel University in BrnoBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Heike Schmidt‐Posthaus
- Department of PathobiologyCentre for Fish and Wildlife HealthUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Jan Mares
- Department of Zoology, Fisheries, Hydrobiology and ApicultureMendel University in BrnoBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Miroslava Palikova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and BeesFaculty of Veterinary Hygiene and EcologyUniversity of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences BrnoBrnoCzech Republic
- Department of Zoology, Fisheries, Hydrobiology and ApicultureMendel University in BrnoBrnoCzech Republic
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Seidlova V, Nemcova M, Pikula J, Bartonička T, Ghazaryan A, Heger T, Kokurewicz T, Orlov OL, Patra S, Piacek V, Treml F, Zukalova K, Zukal J. Urinary shedding of leptospires in palearctic bats. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 68:3089-3095. [PMID: 33527732 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonotic infection of worldwide occurrence. Bats, like other mammalian reservoirs, may be long-term carriers that maintain endemicity of infection and shed viable leptospires in urine. Direct and/or indirect contact with these Leptospira shedders is the main risk factor as regards public health concern. However, knowledge about bat leptospirosis in the Palearctic Region, and in Europe in particular, is poor. We collected urine from 176 specimens of 11 bat species in the Czech Republic, Poland, Republic of Armenia and the Altai Region of Russia between 2014 and 2019. We extracted DNA from the urine samples to detect Leptospira spp. shedders using PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA and LipL32 genes. Four bat species (Barbastella barbastellus n = 1, Myotis bechsteinii n = 1, Myotis myotis n = 24 and Myotis nattereri n = 1) tested positive for Leptospira spp., with detected amplicons showing 100% genetic identity with pathogenic Leptospira interrogans. The site- and species-specific prevalence range was 0%-24.1% and 0%-20%, respectively. All bats sampled in the Republic of Armenia and Russia were negative. Given the circulation of pathogenic leptospires in strictly protected Palearctic bat species and their populations, non-invasive and non-lethal sampling of urine for molecular Leptospira spp. detection is recommended as a suitable surveillance and monitoring strategy. Moreover, our results should raise awareness of this potential disease risk among health professionals, veterinarians, chiropterologists and wildlife rescue workers handling bats, as well as speleologists and persons cleaning premises following bat infestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Seidlova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Nemcova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Pikula
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Bartonička
- Institute of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Tomas Heger
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomasz Kokurewicz
- Department of Vertebrate Ecology and Palaeontology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Oleg L Orlov
- X-BIO Institute, Tyumen State University, Tyumen, Russia.,Department of Biochemistry, Tyumen State Medical University, Tyumen, Russia
| | - Sneha Patra
- Laboratory of Ecological Plant Physiology, CzechGlobe, Global Change Research Institute Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.,Phytophthora Research Centre, Department of Forest Protection and Wildlife Management, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Piacek
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Frantisek Treml
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Zukalova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Zukal
- Institute of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
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9
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Pikula J, Heger T, Bandouchova H, Kovacova V, Nemcova M, Papezikova I, Piacek V, Zajíčková R, Zukal J. Phagocyte activity reflects mammalian homeo- and hetero-thermic physiological states. BMC Vet Res 2020; 16:232. [PMID: 32631329 PMCID: PMC7339577 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02450-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergence of both viral zoonoses from bats and diseases that threaten bat populations has highlighted the necessity for greater insights into the functioning of the bat immune system. Particularly when considering hibernating temperate bat species, it is important to understand the seasonal dynamics associated with immune response. Body temperature is one of the factors that modulates immune functions and defence mechanisms against pathogenic agents in vertebrates. To better understand innate immunity mediated by phagocytes in bats, we measured respiratory burst and haematology and blood chemistry parameters in heterothermic greater mouse-eared bats (Myotis myotis) and noctules (Nyctalus noctula) and homeothermic laboratory mice (Mus musculus). RESULTS Bats displayed similar electrolyte levels and time-related parameters of phagocyte activity, but differed in blood profile parameters related to metabolism and red blood cell count. Greater mouse-eared bats differed from mice in all phagocyte activity parameters and had the lowest phagocytic activity overall, while noctules had the same quantitative phagocytic values as mice. Homeothermic mice were clustered separately in a high phagocyte activity group, while both heterothermic bat species were mixed in two lower phagocyte activity clusters. Stepwise regression identified glucose, white blood cell count, haemoglobin, total dissolved carbon dioxide and chloride variables as the best predictors of phagocyte activity. White blood cell counts, representing phagocyte numbers available for respiratory burst, were the best predictors of both time-related and quantitative parameters of phagocyte activity. Haemoglobin, as a proxy variable for oxygen available for uptake by phagocytes, was important for the onset of phagocytosis. CONCLUSIONS Our comparative data indicate that phagocyte activity reflects the physiological state and blood metabolic and cellular characteristics of homeothermic and heterothermic mammals. However, further studies elucidating trade-offs between immune defence, seasonal lifestyle physiology, hibernation behaviour, roosting ecology and geographic patterns of immunity of heterothermic bat species will be necessary. An improved understanding of bat immune responses will have positive ramifications for wildlife and conservation medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiri Pikula
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého třída 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic.
- CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Tomas Heger
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého třída 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Hana Bandouchova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého třída 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Kovacova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého třída 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Nemcova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého třída 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ivana Papezikova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého třída 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Piacek
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého třída 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Renata Zajíčková
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Masaryk University, Kamenice 3, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Zukal
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Květná 8, 603 65, Brno, Czech Republic
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Abstract
Diclofenac is a drug commonly used in human and veterinary medicine for the treatment of diseases associated with inflammation and pain. Medicinal products enter waste and surface waters on an everyday basis and contaminate the aquatic environment. Fish are therefore permanently exposed to these chemicals dissolved in their aquatic environment. To simulate variable environmental conditions, the aim of our study was to examine adverse effects of diclofenac under different temperatures of cell incubation (18, 21, 24, 27 and 30 °C). Cyto-toxic and -static effects of diclofenac in concentrations of 0.001 mcg/ml, 0.01 microg/ml, 0.1 mcg/ml, 1 mcg/ml, 10 mcg/ml and 100 mcg/ml for the carp (Cyprinuscarpio) cultured leukocytes were quantified using detection of lactate dehydrogenase released from damaged cells. Overall DCF cytotoxicity was relatively low and its impact was pronounced at higher temperature and DCF concentration. Cells growth inhibition is changing more rapidly but it is high mainly at the highest concentration from low temperature. DNA fragmentation was not detected in tested leukocyte cell line. CYP450 increased diclofenac cytotoxicity only at the highest concentration but at incubation temperatures 18 and 27 °C. Leukocyte viability is essential for immune functions and any change can lead to reduction of resistance against pathogens, mainly in cold year seasons, when the immune system is naturally suppressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nemcova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Zoo Animals, Game, Fish and Bees, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno,Czech Republic.
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11
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Hruba H, Abdelsalam EEE, Anisimov N, Bandouchova H, Havelkova B, Heger T, Kanova M, Kovacova V, Nemcova M, Piacek V, Sedlackova J, Vitula F, Pikula J. Reproductive toxicity of fluoroquinolones in birds. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:209. [PMID: 31226987 PMCID: PMC6588855 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-1957-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background While commercial poultry and captive birds are exposed to antimicrobials through direct medication, environmental pollution may result in contamination of wild birds. Fluoroquinolones are commonly used medications to treat severe avian bacterial infections; however, their adverse effects on birds remain understudied. Here, we examine toxicity of enrofloxacin and marbofloxacin during the egg incubation period using the chicken (Gallus Gallus domesticus) as a model avian species. Laboratory tests were based on eggs injected with 1, 10 and 100 μg of fluoroquinolones per 1 g of egg weight prior to the start of incubation and monitoring of chick blood biochemistry, reproductive parameters and heart rate during incubation. Results Eggs treated with fluoroquinolones displayed reduced hatchability due to embryonic mortality, particularly on day 13 of incubation. Total hatching success showed a similar pattern, with a significantly reduced hatchability in low and high exposure groups treated with both enrofloxacin and marbofloxacin. From 15 to 67% of chicks hatching in these groups exhibited joint deformities. Hatching one-day pre-term occurred with a prevalence of 31 to 70% in all groups treated with fluoroquinolones. Embryonic heart rate, measured on days 13 and 19 of incubation, increased in all enrofloxacin-treated groups and medium and high dose groups of marbofloxacin-treated eggs. Blood biochemistry of chicks sampled at hatch from medium dose groups showed hypoproteinaemia, decreased uric acid and increased triglycerides. Chicks from the enrofloxacin-treated group displayed mild hyperglycaemia and a two-fold rise in the blood urea nitrogen to uric acid ratio. Principal components analysis based on blood biochemistry clearly separated the control bird cluster from both enrofloxacin- and marbofloxacin-treated birds. Conclusions Fluoroquinolones induce complex adverse effects on avian embryonic development, considerably reducing the performance of incubated eggs and hatching chicks. Cardiotoxicity, which quickens embryonic heart rate, meant that the total number of heart beats required for embryogenesis was achieved earlier than in the standard incubation period, resulting in pre-term hatching. Our data suggest that enrofloxacin has a higher potential for adverse effects than marbofloxacin. To conclude, care should be taken to prevent exposure of reproducing birds and their eggs to fluoroquinolones. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12917-019-1957-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Hruba
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish, and Bees, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackeho tr. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ehdaa Eltayeb Eltigani Abdelsalam
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish, and Bees, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackeho tr. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Nikolay Anisimov
- Institute of Environmental and Agricultural Biology (X-BIO), Tyumen State University, Volodarskogo 6, 625003, Tyumen, Russia
| | - Hana Bandouchova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish, and Bees, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackeho tr. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Havelkova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish, and Bees, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackeho tr. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Heger
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish, and Bees, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackeho tr. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslava Kanova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish, and Bees, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackeho tr. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Kovacova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish, and Bees, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackeho tr. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Nemcova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish, and Bees, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackeho tr. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Piacek
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish, and Bees, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackeho tr. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Sedlackova
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish, and Bees, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackeho tr. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Frantisek Vitula
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish, and Bees, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackeho tr. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Pikula
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish, and Bees, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackeho tr. 1946/1, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic. .,CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.
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