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Parrish K, Kirkland P, Horwood P, Chessman B, Ruming S, McGilvray G, Rose K, Hall J, Skerratt L. Delving into the Aftermath of a Disease-Associated Near-Extinction Event: A Five-Year Study of a Serpentovirus (Nidovirus) in a Critically Endangered Turtle Population. Viruses 2024; 16:653. [PMID: 38675993 PMCID: PMC11055124 DOI: 10.3390/v16040653] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bellinger River virus (BRV) is a serpentovirus (nidovirus) that was likely responsible for the catastrophic mortality of the Australian freshwater turtle Myuchelys georgesi in February 2015. From November 2015 to November 2020, swabs were collected from turtles during repeated river surveys to estimate the prevalence of BRV RNA, identify risk factors associated with BRV infection, and refine sample collection. BRV RNA prevalence at first capture was significantly higher in M. georgesi (10.8%) than in a coexisting turtle, Emydura macquarii (1.0%). For M. georgesi, various risk factors were identified depending on the analysis method, but a positive BRV result was consistently associated with a larger body size. All turtles were asymptomatic when sampled and conjunctival swabs were inferred to be optimal for ongoing monitoring. Although the absence of disease and recent BRV detections suggests a reduced ongoing threat, the potential for the virus to persist in an endemic focus or resurge in cyclical epidemics cannot be excluded. Therefore, BRV is an ongoing potential threat to the conservation of M. georgesi, and strict adherence to biosecurity principles is essential to minimise the risk of reintroduction or spread of BRV or other pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Parrish
- Virology Laboratory, Elizabeth Macarthur Agriculture Institute, Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, NSW 2568, Australia
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - Peter Kirkland
- Virology Laboratory, Elizabeth Macarthur Agriculture Institute, Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, NSW 2568, Australia
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - Paul Horwood
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
| | | | - Shane Ruming
- Biodiversity Conservation and Science, New South Wales Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia
| | - Gerry McGilvray
- Biodiversity Conservation and Science, New South Wales Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia
| | - Karrie Rose
- Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia
| | - Jane Hall
- Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia
| | - Lee Skerratt
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
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Flies AS, Flies EJ, Fountain-Jones NM, Musgrove RE, Hamede RK, Philips A, Perrott MRF, Dunowska M. Wildlife nidoviruses: biology, epidemiology, and disease associations of selected nidoviruses of mammals and reptiles. mBio 2023; 14:e0071523. [PMID: 37439571 PMCID: PMC10470586 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00715-23] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Wildlife is the source of many emerging infectious diseases. Several viruses from the order Nidovirales have recently emerged in wildlife, sometimes with severe consequences for endangered species. The order Nidovirales is currently classified into eight suborders, three of which contain viruses of vertebrates. Vertebrate coronaviruses (suborder Cornidovirineae) have been extensively studied, yet the other major suborders have received less attention. The aim of this minireview was to summarize the key findings from the published literature on nidoviruses of vertebrate wildlife from two suborders: Arnidovirineae and Tornidovirineae. These viruses were identified either during investigations of disease outbreaks or through molecular surveys of wildlife viromes, and include pathogens of reptiles and mammals. The available data on key biological features, disease associations, and pathology are presented, in addition to data on the frequency of infections among various host populations, and putative routes of transmission. While nidoviruses discussed here appear to have a restricted in vivo host range, little is known about their natural life cycle. Observational field-based studies outside of the mortality events are needed to facilitate an understanding of the virus-host-environment interactions that lead to the outbreaks. Laboratory-based studies are needed to understand the pathogenesis of diseases caused by novel nidoviruses and their evolutionary histories. Barriers preventing research progress include limited funding and the unavailability of virus- and host-specific reagents. To reduce mortalities in wildlife and further population declines, proactive development of expertise, technologies, and networks should be developed. These steps would enable effective management of future outbreaks and support wildlife conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S. Flies
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Emily J. Flies
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
- Healthy Landscapes Research Group, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | | | - Ruth E. Musgrove
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Rodrigo K. Hamede
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Annie Philips
- Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | | | - Magdalena Dunowska
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Tillis SB, Josimovich JM, Miller MA, Hoon-Hanks LL, Hartmann AM, Claunch NM, Iredale ME, Logan TD, Yackel Adams AA, Bartoszek IA, Humphrey JS, Kluever BM, Stenglein MD, Reed RN, Romagosa CM, Wellehan JFX, Ossiboff RJ. Divergent Serpentoviruses in Free-Ranging Invasive Pythons and Native Colubrids in Southern Florida, United States. Viruses 2022; 14:v14122726. [PMID: 36560729 PMCID: PMC9782103 DOI: 10.3390/v14122726] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Burmese python (Python bivittatus) is an invasive snake that has significantly affected ecosystems in southern Florida, United States. Aside from direct predation and competition, invasive species can also introduce nonnative pathogens that can adversely affect native species. The subfamily Serpentovirinae (order Nidovirales) is composed of positive-sense RNA viruses primarily found in reptiles. Some serpentoviruses, such as shingleback nidovirus, are associated with mortalities in wild populations, while others, including ball python nidovirus and green tree python nidovirus can be a major cause of disease and mortality in captive animals. To determine if serpentoviruses were present in invasive Burmese pythons in southern Florida, oral swabs were collected from both free-ranging and long-term captive snakes. Swabs were screened for the presence of serpentovirus by reverse transcription PCR and sequenced. A total serpentovirus prevalence of 27.8% was detected in 318 python samples. Of the initial swabs from 172 free-ranging pythons, 42 (24.4%) were positive for multiple divergent viral sequences comprising four clades across the sampling range. Both sex and snout-vent length were statistically significant factors in virus prevalence, with larger male snakes having the highest prevalence. Sampling location was statistically significant in circulating virus sequence. Mild clinical signs and lesions consistent with serpentovirus infection were observed in a subset of sampled pythons. Testing of native snakes (n = 219, 18 species) in part of the python range found no evidence of python virus spillover; however, five individual native snakes (2.3%) representing three species were PCR positive for unique, divergent serpentoviruses. Calculated pairwise uncorrected distance analysis indicated the newly discovered virus sequences likely represent three novel genera in the subfamily Serpentovirinae. This study is the first to characterize serpentovirus in wild free-ranging pythons or in any free-ranging North America reptile. Though the risk these viruses pose to the invasive and native species is unknown, the potential for spillover to native herpetofauna warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven B. Tillis
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Jillian M. Josimovich
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center-South Florida Field Station in Everglades National Park, 40001 SR 9336, Homestead, FL 33034, USA
| | - Melissa A. Miller
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Davie, FL 33314, USA
| | - Laura L. Hoon-Hanks
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Arik M. Hartmann
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Natalie M. Claunch
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
- School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Marley E. Iredale
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Tracey D. Logan
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Amy A. Yackel Adams
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
| | - Ian A. Bartoszek
- Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Environmental Science Department, Naples, FL 34102, USA
| | - John S. Humphrey
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Gainesville, FL 32641, USA
| | - Bryan M. Kluever
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Gainesville, FL 32641, USA
| | - Mark D. Stenglein
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Robert N. Reed
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
| | - Christina M. Romagosa
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - James F. X. Wellehan
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Robert J. Ossiboff
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
Since their discovery in 2014, reptile nidoviruses (also known as serpentoviruses) have emerged as significant pathogens worldwide. They are known for causing severe and often fatal respiratory disease in various captive snake species, especially pythons. Related viruses have been detected in other reptiles with and without respiratory disease, including captive and wild populations of lizards, and wild populations of freshwater turtles. There are many opportunities to better understand the viral diversity, species susceptibility, and clinical presentation in different species in this relatively new field of research. In captive snake collections, reptile nidoviruses can spread quickly and be associated with high morbidity and mortality, yet the potential disease risk to wild reptile populations remains largely unknown, despite reptile species declining on a global scale. Experimental studies or investigations of disease outbreaks in wild reptile populations are scarce, leaving the available literature limited mostly to exploring findings of naturally infected animals in captivity. Further studies into the pathogenesis of different reptile nidoviruses in a variety of reptile species is required to explore the complexity of disease and routes of transmission. This review focuses on the biology of these viruses, hosts and geographic distribution, clinical signs and pathology, laboratory diagnosis and management of reptile nidovirus infections to better understand nidovirus infections in reptiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Parrish
- Virology Laboratory, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, New South Wales (NSW) Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, NSW, Australia.,College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter D Kirkland
- Virology Laboratory, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, New South Wales (NSW) Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, NSW, Australia.,College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Lee F Skerratt
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ellen Ariel
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
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Hoon-Hanks LL, Stöhr AC, Anderson AJ, Evans DE, Nevarez JG, Díaz RE, Rodgers CP, Cross ST, Steiner HR, Parker RR, Stenglein MD. Serpentovirus (Nidovirus) and Orthoreovirus Coinfection in Captive Veiled Chameleons ( Chamaeleo calyptratus) with Respiratory Disease. Viruses 2020; 12:E1329. [PMID: 33228135 DOI: 10.3390/v12111329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Serpentoviruses are an emerging group of nidoviruses known to cause respiratory disease in snakes and have been associated with disease in other non-avian reptile species (lizards and turtles). This study describes multiple episodes of respiratory disease-associated mortalities in a collection of juvenile veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus). Histopathologic lesions included rhinitis and interstitial pneumonia with epithelial proliferation and abundant mucus. Metagenomic sequencing detected coinfection with two novel serpentoviruses and a novel orthoreovirus. Veiled chameleon serpentoviruses are most closely related to serpentoviruses identified in snakes, lizards, and turtles (approximately 40–50% nucleotide and amino acid identity of ORF1b). Veiled chameleon orthoreovirus is most closely related to reptilian orthoreoviruses identified in snakes (approximately 80–90% nucleotide and amino acid identity of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase). A high prevalence of serpentovirus infection (>80%) was found in clinically healthy subadult and adult veiled chameleons, suggesting the potential for chronic subclinical carriers. Juvenile veiled chameleons typically exhibited a more rapid progression compared to subadults and adults, indicating a possible age association with morbidity and mortality. This is the first description of a serpentovirus infection in any chameleon species. A causal relationship between serpentovirus infection and respiratory disease in chameleons is suspected. The significance of orthoreovirus coinfection remains unknown.
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Abstract
Reptile-associated nidoviruses (serpentoviruses) have been reported to cause
proliferative interstitial pneumonia in pythons and other reptile species. A captive,
younger than 2 years old, intact female ball python (Python regius)
showed increased oral mucus, wheezing, and audible breathing with weight loss. Gross and
microscopic examination revealed large amounts of mucus in the esophagus and proliferative
interstitial pneumonia. Serpentovirus genes were detected from the lung tissues by
polymerase chain reaction. The current serpentoviruses was phylogenetically grouped with
the serpentovirus previously identified in the US. No case of serpentovirus infection has
been reported in Asia. The present report provides information of complete genome sequence
and global distribution of serpentovirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ta Li
- Department of Pathology, Fishhead Labs, LLC, 5658 SE Pine Ave, Stuart, FL 34997, USA
| | - Ming-Shiuh Lee
- Animal Health Research Institute, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, No. 376, Zhongzheng Rd., Tamsui Dist., New Taipei 251032, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chia Tseng
- Jong-Shing Animal Hospital, No. 118-1, Dafeng 2nd Rd., Sanmin Dist., Kaohsiung City 807508, Taiwan
| | - Ning-Ya Yang
- Jong-Shing Animal Hospital, No. 118-1, Dafeng 2nd Rd., Sanmin Dist., Kaohsiung City 807508, Taiwan
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Hoon-Hanks LL, Ossiboff RJ, Bartolini P, Fogelson SB, Perry SM, Stöhr AC, Cross ST, Wellehan JFX, Jacobson ER, Dubovi EJ, Stenglein MD. Longitudinal and Cross-Sectional Sampling of Serpentovirus (Nidovirus) Infection in Captive Snakes Reveals High Prevalence, Persistent Infection, and Increased Mortality in Pythons and Divergent Serpentovirus Infection in Boas and Colubrids. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:338. [PMID: 31632990 PMCID: PMC6786048 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study of serpentovirus infection in captive snakes was to assess the susceptibility of different types of snakes to infection and disease, to survey viral genetic diversity, and to evaluate management practices that may limit infection and disease. Antemortem oral swabs were collected from 639 snakes from 12 US collections, including 62 species, 28 genera, and 6 families: Pythonidae (N = 414 snakes; pythons were overrepresented in the sample population), Boidae (79), Colubridae (116), Lamprophiidae (4), Elapidae (12), and Viperidae (14). Infection was more common in pythons (38%; 95% CI: 33.1-42.4%), and in boas (10%; 95% CI: 5.2-18.7%) than in colubrids (0.9%, 95% CI: <0.01-4.7%); infection was not detected in other snake families (lamprophiids 0/4, 95% CI: 0-49%; elapids 0/12, 95% CI: 0-24.2%; and vipers 0/14, 95% CI: 0-21.5%), but more of these snakes need to be tested to confirm these findings. Clinical signs of respiratory disease were common in infected pythons (85 of 144). Respiratory signs were only observed in 1 of 8 infected boas and were absent in the single infected colubrid. Divergent serpentoviruses were detected in pythons, boas, and colubrids, suggesting that different serpentoviruses might vary in their ability to infect snakes of different families. Older snakes were more likely to be infected than younger snakes (p-value < 0.001) but males and females were equally likely to be infected (female prevalence: 23.4%, 95% CI 18.7-28.9%; male prevalence: 23.5%, 95% CI 18-30.1%; p-value = 0.144). Neither age (p-value = 0.32) nor sex (p-value = 0.06) was statistically associated with disease severity. Longitudinal sampling of pythons in a single collection over 28 months revealed serpentovirus infection is persistent, and viral clearance was not observed. In this collection, infection was associated with significantly increased rates of mortality (p-value = 0.001) with death of 75% of infected pythons and no uninfected pythons over this period. Offspring of infected parents were followed: vertical transmission either does not occur or occurs with a much lower efficiency than horizontal transmission. Overall, these findings confirm that serpentoviruses pose a significant threat to the health of captive python populations and can cause infection in boa and colubrid species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura L. Hoon-Hanks
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Robert J. Ossiboff
- Department of Comparative Diagnostic and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Pia Bartolini
- Terrestrial & Arboreal, LLC, Melrose, FL, United States
| | | | - Sean M. Perry
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Anke C. Stöhr
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Shaun T. Cross
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - James F. X. Wellehan
- Department of Comparative Diagnostic and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Elliott R. Jacobson
- Department of Comparative Diagnostic and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Edward J. Dubovi
- Animal Health Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Mark D. Stenglein
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
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