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Arbanasić H, Medrano-González L, Hrenar T, Mikelić A, Gomerčić T, Svetličić I, Pavlinec Ž, Đuras M, Galov A. Recent selection created distinctive variability patterns on MHC class II loci in three dolphin species from the Mediterranean Sea. Dev Comp Immunol 2024; 150:105079. [PMID: 37832898 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2023.105079] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) includes highly polymorphic genes involved in antigen presentation, which is crucial for adaptive immune response. They represent fitness related genetic markers particularly informative for populations exposed to environmental challenges. Here we analyse the diversity and evolutionary traits of MHC class II DQA and DQB genes in the dolphins Stenella coeruleoalba and Grampus griseus from the Mediterranean Sea. We found substantial nucleotide and functional diversity, as well as strong evidence of balancing selection indicated by allele and supertype frequencies, Tajima's D statistics and dN/dS tests. The Risso's dolphin, considered the least abundant in the region, showed the effect of divergent allele advantage at the nucleotide and functional-peptide levels. An outstanding polymorphism was found in the striped dolphin, particularly intriguing in the DQA gene where the Ewens-Watterson test detected a selection sweep that occurred in recent history. We hypothesize that morbillivirus, which has recurrently invaded Mediterranean populations over the last decades, exerted the detected selective pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haidi Arbanasić
- Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Rooseveltov trg 6, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Luis Medrano-González
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, Mexico.
| | - Tomica Hrenar
- Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Rooseveltov trg 6, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Ana Mikelić
- Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Rooseveltov trg 6, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Tomislav Gomerčić
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Ida Svetličić
- Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Rooseveltov trg 6, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Željko Pavlinec
- Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Trg Nikole Šubića Zrinskog 11, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Martina Đuras
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Ana Galov
- Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Rooseveltov trg 6, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Topličanec I, Gomerčić T, Černe R, Krofel M, Pop IM, Kubala J, Tám B, Blašković S, Sindičić M. Early post-release behaviour of Eurasian lynx translocated to the transboundary region of the Dinaric Mountains. Journal of Vertebrate Biology 2022. [DOI: 10.25225/jvb.22064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ira Topličanec
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; e-mail: , , ,
| | - Tomislav Gomerčić
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; e-mail: , , ,
| | - Rok Černe
- Slovenian Forest Service, Ljubljana, Slovenia; e-mail:
| | - Miha Krofel
- University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department for Forestry, Ljubljana, Slovenia; e-mail:
| | - Ioan-Mihai Pop
- Association for Biodiversity Conservation, Focsani, Romania; e-mail:
| | - Jakub Kubala
- National Zoological Garden Bojnice (Ret.), Bojnice, Slovakia; e-mail:
| | - Branislav Tám
- National Zoological Garden Bojnice (Ret.), Bojnice, Slovakia; e-mail:
| | - Silvia Blašković
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; e-mail: , , ,
| | - Magda Sindičić
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; e-mail: , , ,
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Lazarus M, Sekovanić A, Reljić S, Kusak J, Ferenčaković M, Sindičić M, Gomerčić T, Huber Đ. Lead and Other Trace Element Levels in Brains of Croatian Large Terrestrial Carnivores: Influence of Biological and Ecological Factors. Toxics 2022; 11:4. [PMID: 36668730 PMCID: PMC9865836 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11010004] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Trace element pollution can adversely affect the brains of individuals and thus impact the entire population of apex predators, such as large European carnivores. We assessed exposure to prominent neurotoxicants As, Cd, Hg and Pb by measuring their brain stem levels in brown bears (n = 114), grey wolves (n = 8), Eurasian lynx (n = 3), and golden jackals (n = 2) sampled in 2015-2022 in Croatia. The highest of the non-essential elements was the Pb level in the bears' brains (median, Q1-Q3; 11.1, 7.13-24.1 μg/kg wet mass), with 4% of animals, all subadults, exceeding the established normal bovine levels (100 μg/kg wet mass). Species-specific differences were noted for Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb and Se brain levels. Female brown bears had higher As brain levels than males. Cubs and yearlings had lower brain Cd, but higher Zn, while subadults had higher Cu than adult bears. Hepatic As, Cd, Cu and Hg levels were shown to be a moderate proxy for estimating brain levels in bears (rS = 0.30-0.69). Multiple associations of As, Cd, Hg and Pb with essential elements pointed to a possible interaction and disturbance of brain Ca, Cu, Fe, Se and Zn homeostasis. Non-essential element levels in the brains of four studied species were lower than reported earlier for terrestrial meso-carnivores and humans. The age and sex of animals were highlighted as essential factors in interpreting brain element levels in ecotoxicological studies of large carnivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Lazarus
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ankica Sekovanić
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Slaven Reljić
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Josip Kusak
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Magda Sindičić
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Gomerčić
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Đuro Huber
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31-343 Krakow, Poland
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Sedak M, Bilandžić N, Đokić M, Đuras M, Gomerčić T, Benić M. Body burdens and distribution of mercury and selenium in bottlenose, striped and Risso's dolphins along the Adriatic coast: A 20-year retrospective. Mar Pollut Bull 2022; 185:114298. [PMID: 36356340 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Top marine predators present high mercury concentrations in their tissues due to biomagnification in the marine food chain. This study reports mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) status, and the Hg:Se molar ratio assessment in bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus), striped (Stenella coeruleoalba) and Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus). Total Hg and Se concentrations were determined in muscle, liver, kidney, lung, spleen, adipose tissue and skin collected from 186 specimens stranded in the Croatian part of Adriatic Sea from 1995 to 2014. Total Hg concentrations in tissue samples ranged from 0.001 in the spleen to 2238 mg/kg wet weight in liver. Se concentrations in dolphin samples ranged from 0.010 to 2916 mg/kg ww. Minimum Se concentration was found in muscle and maximum Se concentration were found in liver of bottlenose dolphin. Hg and Se levels in Risso's dolphins showed higher concentrations in all tissues in comparison to bottlenose and striped dolphins. Significant and positive correlations were observed between age and Hg concentrations (P < 0.05). In 66.6 % of Risso's, 15.3 % of bottlenose dolphins and one stranded striped dolphin in this study, the hepatic concentration of Hg exceeded the higher toxic thresholds (400 mg/kg w.w.) previously defined as evidence of liver damage in marine mammals. The Hg:Se molar ratio in the liver of Risso's dolphin was 0.670. The liver of adult bottlenose dolphins showed expected values (0.870), while the liver of young dolphins had a high ratio (0.750), non-specific for the age group. The Hg:Se molar ratio in the liver of striped dolphins was 0.390, which is lower than the literature values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Sedak
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Laboratory for Residue Control, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Nina Bilandžić
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Laboratory for Residue Control, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Đokić
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Laboratory for Residue Control, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Martina Đuras
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Gomerčić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Miroslav Benić
- Laboratory for Mastitis and Raw Milk Quality, Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Blašković S, Gomerčić T, Topličanec I, Sindičić M. Temporal overlap of human and apex predator activity on wildlife trails and forest roads. Journal of Vertebrate Biology 2022. [DOI: 10.25225/jvb.22029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Blašković
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Croatia; e-mail: ,, ,
| | - Tomislav Gomerčić
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Croatia; e-mail: ,, ,
| | - Ira Topličanec
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Croatia; e-mail: ,, ,
| | - Magda Sindičić
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Croatia; e-mail: ,, ,
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Đuras M, Galov A, Korpes K, Kolenc M, Baburić M, Gudan Kurilj A, Gomerčić T. Cetacean mortality due to interactions with fisheries and marine litter ingestion in the Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea from 1990 to 2019. VET ARHIV 2021. [DOI: 10.24099/vet.arhiv.1254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Various anthropogenic threats negatively influence the survival of cetaceans in all world seas. Thanks to a long-running marine mammal surveillance program, we are able to report the results of a detailed analysis of the influence of cetacean-fisheries interactions and marine litter ingestion on cetacean mortality in the Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea over the last three decades. The total number of dead cetaceans was 459, and included 334 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), 40 striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), ten Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus), six Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) and four fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus). Three hundred of them were examined postmortally. Cetacean-fisheries interaction occurred frequently in the Adriatic Sea, being detected in 96 (20.9%) of the recorded cases. Bycatch was the most abundant cetacean-fisheries interaction, with 66 (14.4%) cases recorded. Good nutritional condition and evidence of recent feeding were the most common findings recorded in bycatch cases, followed by persistent froth in the airways, edematous lungs, bruises and an amputated fluke or tail. Cetacean-fisheries interactions other than bycatch affected 30 animals and included larynx strangulations, long-term tail entanglement and fishing gear in the stomach. Ingestion of marine litter that was not related to fisheries was recorded in four animals. This study reveals the considerable negative anthropogenic influence on cetaceans in the Adriatic Sea, especially the bottlenose dolphin that is considered to be the most numerous cetacean species therein, and demonstrates the need for the urgent development of a cetacean bycatch reduction program. Finally, it also shows the importance of sustaining national surveillance programs to gain scientifically based knowledge important for cetacean protection and prospects for their long-term survival.
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Gomerčić T, Perharić M, Kusak J, Slijepčević V, Starešina V, Stevanović V, Mojčec Perko V, Topličanec I, Sindičić M. A retroviral survey of endangered Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) from Croatia. VET ARHIV 2021. [DOI: 10.24099/vet.arhiv.0857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) may cause persistent, lifelong and lethal infections in domestic and wild felids worldwide. FIV has been confirmed in most Felidae species, while FeLV infection is rare among non-domestic cats. The view that retroviruses are pathogenic in domestic cats but not in other free-ranging felid species was disproved by recent findings of retroviral pathology in several wild felids. The epidemiology of retroviral infections in felids in Croatia was only investigated in urban domestic cats, while there are no data for wild cat species. As the reintroduced Dinaric lynx (Lynx lynx) population suffers from low genetic diversity, which reduces their ability to adapt to new viral outbreaks, the health status of this lynx population is of particular concern. Two different commercial immunochromatographic assays were used for qualitative detection of FIV antibodies and FeLV antigens, while PCR was used for amplification of proviral gag and env genes in Eurasian lynx blood samples. All the 17 Eurasian lynx samples collected between 2001 and 2019 tested negative in both immunochromatographic and molecular tests. Even though our sample size was rather small, considering the fact that the population size of lynx in Croatia is estimated at 40 - 60 animals, our results can be considered representative for the population’s health status. Also, data about retroviral prevalence in Eurasian lynxes are scarce, so any new findings are very valuable.
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Zadravec M, Maltar-Strmečki N, Kužir S, Gomerčić T, Mitak M, Đuras M. Aging-related histomorphometric changes in cortical bone tissue of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). ZOOMORPHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00435-020-00487-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Mladineo I, Hrabar J, Vrbatović A, Duvnjak S, Gomerčić T, Đuras M. Microbiota and gut ultrastructure of Anisakis pegreffii isolated from stranded cetaceans in the Adriatic Sea. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:381. [PMID: 31362767 PMCID: PMC6668197 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3636-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inferring the microbiota diversity of helminths enables depiction of evolutionarily established ecological and pathological traits that characterize a particular parasite-host interaction. In turn, these traits could provide valuable information for the development of parasitosis control and mitigation strategy. The parasite Anisakis pegreffii (Nematoda: Anisakidae) realizes the final stage of its life-cycle within gastric chambers of aquatic mammals, causing mild-to-moderate granulomatous gastritis with eosinophilic infiltrate, to severe ulcerative gastritis with mixed inflammatory infiltrate, often associated with bacterial colonies. However, its interaction with the host microbiota remains unknown, and might reveal important aspects of parasite colonization and propagation within the final host. METHODS MySeq Illumina sequencing was performed for the 16S rRNA gene from microbiota isolated from larvae, and uterus and gut of adult A. pegreffii parasitizing stranded striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba). To assess the potential presence of Brucella ceti within isolated microbiota, Brucella-targeted real-time PCR was undertaken. In addition, TEM of the gastrointestinal tract of the infective third-stage (L3) and transitioning fourth-stage larvae (L4) was performed to characterize the morphological differences and the level of larval feeding activity. RESULTS In total, 230 distinct operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified across all samples (n = 20). The number of shared taxa was lower than the number of taxa found specifically in each parasite stage or organ. The dominant taxon was Mycoplasmataceae (genus Mycoplasma) in the gut and uterus of adult A. pegreffii, whereas Fusobacteriaceae (genus Cetobacterium) was the most abundant in 40% of larvae, alongside Mycoplasmataceae. No B. ceti DNA was detected in any of the microbiota isolates. TEM revealed differences in gut ultrastructure between L3 and L4, reflecting a feeble, most likely passive, level of feeding activity in L3. CONCLUSIONS Microbiota from L3 was more related to that of the gut rather than the uterus of adult A. pegreffii. Taxa of the larval microbiota showed qualitative and quantitative perturbations, likely reflecting the propagation through different environments during its life-cycle. This suggests an ontogenetic shift in the alpha and beta diversity of microbial communities from uterus-derived towards cetacean-derived microbiota. Although TEM did not reveal active L3 feeding, microbiota of the latter showed similarity to that of an actively feeding adult nematode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivona Mladineo
- Laboratory of Aquaculture, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split, Croatia.
| | - Jerko Hrabar
- Laboratory of Aquaculture, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split, Croatia
| | - Anamarija Vrbatović
- Laboratory of Aquaculture, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Split, Croatia
| | - Sanja Duvnjak
- Laboratory of Zoonotic Bacteria and Molecular Diagnosis of Bacterial Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
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Kusak J, Fabbri E, Galov A, Gomerčić T, Arbanasić H, Caniglia R, Galaverni M, Reljić S, Huber D, Randi E. Wolf-dog hybridization in Croatia. VET ARHIV 2018. [DOI: 10.24099/vet.arhiv.170314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Đokić M, Bilandžić N, Sedak M, Đuras M, Gomerčić T, Benić M, Bolanča T. Manganese Concentrations in Tissues and Skin of Three Dolphin Species Stranded in the Croatian Waters of the Adriatic Sea from 1995 to 2013. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 2018; 100:317-323. [PMID: 29243211 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-017-2233-0] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Manganese concentrations were determined in muscle, kidney, liver, spleen, lung and fat tissues and skin of three cetacean species, the bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus), striped (Stenella coeruleoalba) and Risso's (Grampus griseus) dolphins, stranded along the Croatian Adriatic coast between 1995 and 2013. Mean ranges determined in tissues were (mg/kg, ww): muscle 0.23-0.27, liver 2.87-4.00, kidney 0.66-1.26, spleen 0.37-0.79, lung 0.18-0.57, skin 0.11-0.97, fat 0.06-0.42. The highest Mn mean levels in tissues were measured in species (mg/kg, ww): T. truncates lung 0.41, skin 0.97, fat 0.42; S. coeruleoalba muscle 0.26; G. griseus kidney 1.26, liver 4.00, spleen 0.64. Significant differences of Mn concentrations in the liver (p = 0.034), spleen (p = 0.037) and skin (p = 0.013) were found among the three dolphin species. Significant differences in Mn levels were found between young and adult T. truncates in kidney (p = 0.042), lung (p = 0.0040) and skin (p = 0.0034).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Đokić
- Laboratory for Residue Control, Department of Veterinary Public Health, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nina Bilandžić
- Laboratory for Residue Control, Department of Veterinary Public Health, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Marija Sedak
- Laboratory for Residue Control, Department of Veterinary Public Health, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Martina Đuras
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Gomerčić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Miroslav Benić
- Laboratory for Mastitis and Raw Milk Quality, Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Savska cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Bolanča
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Marulićev trg 10, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
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Cvetnić Ž, Duvnjak S, Đuras M, Gomerčić T, Reil I, Zdelar-Tuk M, Špičić S. Evidence of Brucella strain ST27 in bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in Europe. Vet Microbiol 2016; 196:93-97. [PMID: 27939163 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2016.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Marine mammal brucellosis has been known for more than 20 years, but recent work suggests it is more widespread than originally thought. Brucella (B.) pinnipedialis has been isolated from pinnipeds, while B. ceti strains have been associated with cetaceans. Here we report a Brucella strain isolated from multiple lymph nodes of one bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) during routine examination of dolphin carcasses found in the Croatian part of the northern Adriatic Sea during the summer of 2015. Classical bacteriological biotyping, PCR-based techniques (single, multiplex, PCR-RFLP) and 16S rRNA DNA sequencing were used to identify Brucella spp. Multiple-locus variable number tandem repeat analysis of 16 loci and multilocus sequence typing of 9 loci were used for genotyping and species determination. The combination of bacteriological, molecular and genotyping techniques identified our strain as ST27, previously identified as a human pathogen. This report provides, to our knowledge, the first evidence of ST27 in the Adriatic Sea in particular and in European waters in general. The zoonotic nature of the strain and its presence in the Adriatic, which is inhabited by bottlenose dolphins, suggest that the strain may pose a significant threat to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Željko Cvetnić
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Department of Bacteriology and Parasitology, Laboratory for Bacterial Zoonosis and Molecular Diagnostics of Bacterial Diseases, Savska Street 143, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sanja Duvnjak
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Department of Bacteriology and Parasitology, Laboratory for Bacterial Zoonosis and Molecular Diagnostics of Bacterial Diseases, Savska Street 143, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Martina Đuras
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Heinzelova Street 55, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Gomerčić
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biology, Heinzelova Street 55, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Irena Reil
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Department of Bacteriology and Parasitology, Laboratory for Bacterial Zoonosis and Molecular Diagnostics of Bacterial Diseases, Savska Street 143, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Zdelar-Tuk
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Department of Bacteriology and Parasitology, Laboratory for Bacterial Zoonosis and Molecular Diagnostics of Bacterial Diseases, Savska Street 143, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Silvio Špičić
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Department of Bacteriology and Parasitology, Laboratory for Bacterial Zoonosis and Molecular Diagnostics of Bacterial Diseases, Savska Street 143, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Bilandžić N, Đokić M, Sedak M, Đuras M, Gomerčić T, Benić M. Copper Levels in Tissues of Dolphins Tursiops truncatus, Stenella coeruleoalba and Grampus griseus from the Croatian Adriatic Coast. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 2016; 97:367-373. [PMID: 27246724 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-016-1845-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Copper concentrations were determined in muscle, liver, kidney, spleen and lung tissues of three dolphin species. Dolphins of Tursiops truncatus (young and adult), Stenella coeruleoalba and Grampus griseus were stranded along the Croatian coast. Concentrations in tissues of all three dolphin species were highest in the liver (4.92-16.5 μg/g) followed by kidney (2.85-5.29 μg/g). Similar levels were measured in muscle, spleen and lung in range 1.13-3.67 μg/g. Statistics analysis showed significant differences of Cu concentrations for muscle (p = 0.008), kidney (p = 0.04) and liver (p = 0.02) between the three dolphin species. Also, for all three species significant differences between tissue types of the same species were determined (p < 0.001, all). However, there were no significant differences in Cu levels of the same tissues between males and females within same species. Also, significant differences of body length and weight between three dolphin were found (p < 0.001, both).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Bilandžić
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Laboratory for Residue Control, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Maja Đokić
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Laboratory for Residue Control, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marija Sedak
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Laboratory for Residue Control, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Martina Đuras
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Gomerčić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Miroslav Benić
- Laboratory for Mastitis and Raw Milk Quality, Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
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Blažeković K, Pleić IL, Đuras M, Gomerčić T, Mladineo I. Three Anisakis spp. isolated from toothed whales stranded along the eastern Adriatic Sea coast. Int J Parasitol 2014; 45:17-31. [PMID: 25449948 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2014.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 04/17/2014] [Revised: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge concerning cetacean ecology in the Mediterranean is limited but important for sustainable planning and enforcement of appropriate conservation measures. Any information that might help to elucidate their ecology is essential. We explored the population and genetic structures of Anisakis spp. nematodes isolated from four toothed whale species - bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus) and Cuvier's beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) - stranded along the eastern Adriatic Sea coast (1990-2012) to reveal more information on host ecological patterns. Lower parasite prevalence was observed in resident dolphin species compared with occasionally occurring species, as well as in young compared with adult dolphins, indicating different feeding habits related to age. No unequivocal relationship between the biological traits of a host (age, body length, body mass and blubber depth) and Anisakis population parameters was observed. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a new geographical record of Anisakis simplex sensu stricto (1.96%) and Anisakis physeteris (1.31%) in the Adriatic Sea in addition to resident Anisakis pegreffii (96.73%). In an assessment of the Adriatic Sea and oceans worldwide, the genetic structure of Anisakis revealed that A. pegreffii populations do not differ among various final host species but do differ with respect to geographical location in contrast to previously accepted Anisakis panmixia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Martina Đuras
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Gomerčić
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivona Mladineo
- Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, 21000 Split, Croatia.
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15
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Fabbri E, Caniglia R, Kusak J, Galov A, Gomerčić T, Arbanasić H, Huber D, Randi E. Genetic structure of expanding wolf (Canis lupus) populations in Italy and Croatia, and the early steps of the recolonization of the Eastern Alps. Mamm Biol 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mambio.2013.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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16
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Galov A, Sindičić M, Gomerčić T, Arbanasić H, Baburić M, Bošković I, Florijančić T. PCR-based Y chromosome marker for discriminating between golden jackal (Canis aureus) and domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) paternal ancestry. CONSERV GENET RESOUR 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s12686-013-0110-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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17
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Sindičić M, Polanc P, Gomerčić T, Jelenčič M, Huber Đ, Trontelj P, Skrbinšek T. Genetic data confirm critical status of the reintroduced Dinaric population of Eurasian lynx. CONSERV GENET 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-013-0491-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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18
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Arbanasić H, Huber Đ, Kusak J, Gomerčić T, Hrenović J, Galov A. Extensive polymorphism and evidence of selection pressure on major histocompatibility complex DLA-DRB1, DQA1 and DQB1 class II genes in Croatian grey wolves. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 81:19-27. [PMID: 23134500 DOI: 10.1111/tan.12029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2012] [Revised: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 10/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are a key component of the mammalian immune system and have become important molecular markers for measuring fitness-related genetic variation in wildlife populations. Because of human persecution and habitat fragmentation, the grey wolf has become extinct from a large part of Western and Central Europe, and remaining populations have become isolated. In Croatia, the grey wolf population, part of the Dinaric-Balkan population, shrank nearly to extinction during the 20th century, and is now legally protected. Using the cloning-sequencing method, we investigated the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of exon 2 of MHC class II DLA-DRB1, DQA1 and DQB1 genes in 77 individuals. We identified 13 DRB1, 7 DQA1 and 11 DQB1 highly divergent alleles, and 13 DLA-DRB1/DQA1/DQB1 haplotypes. Selection analysis comparing the relative rates of non-synonymous to synonymous mutations (d(N)/d(S)) showed evidence of positive selection pressure acting on all three loci. Trans-species polymorphism was found, suggesting the existence of balancing selection. Evolutionary codon models detected considerable difference between alpha and beta chain gene selection patterns: DRB1 and DQB1 appeared to be under stronger selection pressure, while DQA1 showed signs of moderate selection. Our results suggest that, despite the recent contraction of the Croatian wolf population, genetic variability in selectively maintained immune genes has been preserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Arbanasić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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19
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Bilandžić N, Sedak M, Ðokić M, Ðuras Gomerčić M, Gomerčić T, Zadravec M, Benić M, Prevendar Crnić A. Toxic element concentrations in the bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus), striped (Stenella coeruleoalba) and Risso's (Grampus griseus) dolphins stranded in eastern Adriatic Sea. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 2012; 89:467-473. [PMID: 22752195 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-012-0716-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Accepted: 06/21/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) were measured in muscle, liver and kidney of three cetacean species, the bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus), striped (Stenella coeruleoalba) and Risso's (Grampus griseus) dolphins from the Croatian waters of the Adriatic Sea. In all three dolphin species Cd levels decreased in tissues in the order: kidney > liver > muscle, while As and Pb decreased in the order: liver > kidney > muscle for striped and Risso's dolphins, but with the order reversed for liver and kidney in the bottlenose dolphin for Pb. Levels of Hg consistently followed the order: liver > muscle > kidney, with mean concentrations in the liver being 11-34 times higher than in the other tissues. The highest mean concentrations of trace elements were measured in Risso's dolphins at 14.9 μg/g wet weight, for Cd in the kidney, and concentrations in the liver of 2.41, 1,115 and 0.63 μg/g for As, Hg and Pb, respectively. Statistically significant differences between the three dolphin species were determined for Cd, Hg and Pb in liver tissues, for As in muscle and for Cd in kidney. Significant correlations of metals between tissues were determined in all three species. The results presented give an indication of the environmental condition with regard to the content of toxic metals along the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Bilandžić
- Laboratory for Residue Control, Department of Veterinary Public Health, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Sindičić M, Gomerčić T, Galov A, Polanc P, Huber Đ, Slavica A. Repetitive sequences in Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx L.) mitochondrial DNA control region. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 23:201-7. [DOI: 10.3109/19401736.2012.668894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Abstract
Historical samples, like tanned hides and trophy skulls, can be extremely important for genetic studies of endangered or elusive species. Selection of a sampling protocol that is likely to provide sufficient amount and quality of DNA with a minimum damage to the original specimen is often critical for a success of the study. We investigated microsatellite genotyping success of DNA isolated from three different types of Eurasian lynx historical samples. We analysed a total of 20 microsatellite loci in 106 historical samples from the endangered Dinaric lynx population, established from re-introduction of three pairs of lynx in 1973 from Slovakian Carpathians. Of the three tested sample types, turbinal bone and septum from the nasal cavity of the trophy skulls had the lowest percentage of samples successfully genotyped for all 20 microsatellite loci. Footpad samples, collected using a cork drill, exhibited better results in polymerase chain reaction amplification and genotyping than samples of footpad epidermis cut with a scalpel. We report simple and efficient sampling protocols, which could be widely applied for future studies utilizing historical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Primož Polanc
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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