100,377 research outputs found
GIARDIA, CRYPTOSPORIDIUM AND EIMERIA INFECTIONS IN ALPINE WILD UNGULATES: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION AND MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS
No full textMonitoring and management of wildlife health are of increasing importance in the last decades, first of all considering that more of 70% of emergent zoonoses are host in wild animals. Moreover the public health issue must be seen also in accordance with the European food hygiene regulations (Reg. EC 852, 853, 854/2004), that make hunters primary producers intended to auto-consumption and/or commercialization. We have to consider wildlife health value also in relation to possible interactions with livestock and to population dynamics and biodiversity preservation. We focused our attention on protozoa, parasites with the highest success spreading, in particular on Giardia, Cryptosporidium and Eimeria in chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra and Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata), red deer (Cervus elaphus) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Faecal samples were collected, in the biennium 2013-2014, from Lepontine Alps and from central Apennine. Through immunofluorescence emerged Giardia prevalence of 5,82% in R. r. rupicapra, and of 1,85% in R. p. ornata. Positive samples were confirmed by q PCR and end-point PCR, with identification of zoonotic assemblage A and livestock assemblage E. A parallel survey was conducted through immunoenzimatic methodology. Giardia showed prevalences of 4,5%, 2,5% and 8,4% while Cryptosporidium of 1,2%, 0,5% and 3,4% respectively in chamois, red deer and roe deer. Positive samples were subjected to molecular investigations. Assemblage A of Giardia was detected in chamois and red deer, suggesting a potential zoonotic risk, although rather low. Assemblage E was detected in chamois, highlighting a trasmission of this parasite between livestock and wildlife. Concerning Cryptosporidium, immunoenzimatic positivities haven’t been confirmed by PCR. Roe deer shows higher prevalences for both protozoa, statistical analyses about Giardia infection highlight a higher probability of calves being infected than adult, and higher significant probability to contract the infection in animals culled at lower altitudes, probably due to impact originated by human activities. Finally faeces were analysed by FLOTAC methodology in order to quantify emissions of coccidian oocysts and nematode eggs. Eimeria shows prevalence of 81,1% in chamois, 46,1% in red deer and of 43,4% in roe deer. Overall prevalences for gastro-intestinal nematodes are 76,4% in chamois, 57,4% in red deer and 67,1% in roe deer. Statistical analyses were carried out to define the epidemiological role of coccidian infections in wild ungulates in alpine context. Data collected about coccidia and gastro-intestinal nematodes don’t allow a correct definition of simultaneous parasitosis, considering nematodes possibility to infect several hosts. About that Eimeria represents a useful model to better understand interaction among pathogen, host and environment at intraspecific level, because of its strict host-specifity At the moment comparison between data about all protozoa investigated and alpine data census don’t suggest any impact on population dynamics. However it can not be completely excluded because of limits related to period of sampling that not always correspond to critical period for these infections in wild ungulates. We need to increase sampling season, compatibly with weather conditions, and to produce a data series about emissions of oocysts to better understand the eco-epidemiological role of protozoa in wildlife
Demodicosis in Chamois ( Rupicapra rupicapra subsp. rupicapra) in the Italian Alps, 2013-14
No full textWe report demodicosis in five alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra subsp. rupicapra) from the Italian Alps that showed moderate crusts on the head and dorsal aspect of the trunk. We detected intramural folliculitis, moderate dermatitis, and T-lymphocytes and macrophages associated with Demodex spp. in follicles and sebaceous glands
Spread and genotype of Toxoplasma gondii in naturally infected Alpine chamois (Rupicapra r. rupicapra)
No full textThe complex life cycle of Toxoplasma gondii involves many animal species, raising zoonotic, economic, and conservation issues. This complexity is reflected in the molecular structure of T. gondii, whose different genotypes differ in pathogenicity. Among the intermediate hosts of T. gondii, wild ungulates may be a source of human infection. Despite intense hunting activity and the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, little information is available on the spread of T. gondii and the distribution of its genotypes in these species, including the alpine chamois (Rupicapra r. rupicapra). Ninety-three sera and 50 brain tissues from chamois were sampled (1) to investigate the spread of T. gondii with serological and molecular analyses, and (2) to genotype the strains with a restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the SAG2 locus. The prevalence of T. gondii was low on both serological (3.2 %) and molecular (2 %) analyses, and infections were concentrated in individuals > 1 year old. These findings demonstrate the sporadic presence of the protozoan in this species on consistent diagnostic tests. Horizontal transmission seems to be the main route of infection, and cats are the only definitive host in the study area. This prevalence suggests that the environment of the chamois is less contaminated with oocysts than environments close to human settlements. The SAG2 type II genotype was detected in this species for the first time. Although this genotype is predominant in human toxoplasmosis, these results suggest that the chamois is a minor source of human infection
Contrasting pattern of Eimeria spp. oocyst emission in chamois (Rupicaprar.rupicapra) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) from Italian Alps
No full textParasites have often been considered as partial limiting factor of
wildlife populations, underlining their impact on animal welfare.
Despite previous surveys showed a possible relation between
coccidian infection and juvenile mortality in livestock, little
information is available on the detrimental effects of protozoa
infections on wild ungulate population dynamics.
Therefore we investigated oocyst emission in chamois (Rupicapra
r. rupicapra) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) as dominant
species in Alps whose census data are available, and we modelled
through Generalized Linear Models in order to evaluate
which epidemiological factors may influence oocyst emissions.
Overall 96 chamois and 68 red deer faecal samples have been
monthly collected through transects within the Alpe Veglia-Alpe
Devero Natural Park, in 2011 and 2013 from June to November.
Samples have been analyzed by FLOTAC techniques to estimate
oocyst per gram of faeces (OPG). The overall oocyst prevalence
was 66% and 75% respectively in chamois and red deer. In
chamois, kids emissions are significantly higher than those of
adults, suggesting that classes 0 are more susceptible than older
age classes due to their immature immune system. Moreover
higher summer faecal OPG emissions were recorded in both
chamois and red deer suggesting the positive effects of advantageous
conditions of temperature and humidity even though the
presence of newborn could also play a role influencing this major
emission. In red deer there are no significant differences between
classes 0 and adults, nevertheless in 2013 calves oocyst emissions
were significantly higher than those registered in 2011.
This could be caused by the snow coat persistance until July
that causes energy expenditures in calves and could reduce the
strength of their immune system. Future in-depth analyses about
Eimeria spp. and other protozoa, such as Giardia spp. and
Cryptosporidium spp., because of their impact on populations,
have been planned, also in relation to data emerged from census,
to investigate any influence between them
Detection of Cryptosporidium and Giardia by ELISA assay in alpine Chamois (Rupicapra r. rupicapra)
No full textComputation of acidity constants of a polyprotic acid from Nuclear Magnetic Resonance or UV-Visible spectrophotometric data
No full textCorrection: Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Alpine Red Deer (Cervus elaphus): Its Spread and Effects on Fertility.
No full textIn contrast to the depth of knowledge on the pathological effects of parasitism in domestic animals, the impact of the vast majority of parasites on wildlife hosts is poorly understood and, besides, information from domestics is rarely usable to disclose the parasites' impact on free-ranging populations' dynamics. Here we use Toxoplasmosis as a study model since, until now, the infection process and the protozoan's effects in natural conditions has received little attention. We analysed 81 sera from red deer (Cervus elaphus) sampled in Italian Alps and through generalized linear models we evaluated (1) the epidemiological factors influencing T. gondii infection dynamics; (2) its impact on female fertility [corrected]. High seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was recorded in yearling (1 year-old; prevalence = 52.4%) and adult (>2 year-old; prevalence = 51.3%) red deer, while calves (<1 year-old) did not contract the infection suggesting horizontal transmission as the main route of infection. The stable prevalence between yearlings and adults and the higher serological titres of younger individuals lead to two alternative infection processes suggesting a difference between age classes or in acquiring the infection or in responding to the pathogen. No associations between T. gondii serological titres and pregnancy status was observed indicating no direct effect on the probability of being pregnant; nevertheless a relation between females' higher serological titres and lower foetal development emerged, suggesting potential effects of the parasite infection on deer reproduction. The results demonstrate high seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in free-ranging red deer and, furthermore, the effect on foetal development suggests the potential impact of the parasite on red deer fertility and thus on its population dynamics
Epidemiological investigation of Toxoplasma gondii in Alpine red deer(Cervus elaphus) : spread and effects on pregnancy
No full textSeveral animal species can be infected by the widespread protozoan Toxoplasma gondii contributing to maintain both domestic and sylvatic parasite lifecycle and favouring the raise of public health issues related to its zoonotic value. As wild ungulates can be source of T. gondii for humans through consumption, manipulation and evisceration of carcasses, risk of infection should be evaluated in relation to the amount of game meat available from harvest plans every year. Therefore in Italy the attention should be focused on red deer (Cervus elaphus) because of the intense hunting activity in many Alpine areas and since this species is the most frequently consumed raw or undercooked. In particular, despite the well documented zoo-economic losses in livestock, little is known about the epidemiology of T. gondii infection in red deer particularly regarding any impact on populations’ dynamics. Besides no assessments are reported about T. gondii associated-reproductive pathologies in this species although vertical transmission recorded in white tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and natural transplacental toxoplasmosis documented in a stillborn reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) foetus point out the hypothesis that also red deer could be affected. In addition just few studies have investigated the effect of parasitism on fecundity of ungulates in natural conditions.
Here we performed a sero-epidemiological investigation of T. gondii in red deer from two areas in Stelvio National park (Italian Central Alps), and three Generalized Linear Models were set up to evaluate: (1) the epidemiological factors influencing the probability to get infected; (2) if the infection is acquired before the breeding season or in early pregnancy and (i) could cause early abortion and drive hinds to lose reproduction, (ii) may influence hinds’ fertility through a delay in the physiological development of foetus.
During two consecutive weeks between the end of November and the beginning of December 2012, 81 red deer sera were collected during the culling management plan scheduled by the park, for each subject age, sex, location and morpho-biometric measures were recorded. In females, lactation and pregnancy were also registered together with foetus body weight and length. Sera were tested for the presence of anti-T. gondii IgG using a commercial ELISA kit (IDVET, Montpellier, France).
An overall seroprevalence of 39.5% emerged, giving evidence to the circulation of the pathogen in the study area. In particular, a significant effect of age class (calves, 1-year-old and > 2-year-old deer) was recorded: the probability to contract infection is significant lesser in calves than in the two others. No significant difference emerged between 1-year-old and >2- year-old deer pointing out an equal infection in these age classes supporting the hypothesis of a high level of environmental contamination. Considering the sporadic presence of lynx (Lynx lynx) in Italian Alps, feral and semi-domestic cats are the only definitive hosts responsible for T. gondii spreading. Calves did not contract the infection, apart just one female, and this fact suggests an almost total lack of vertical transmission in the studied population. T gondii infection seems not to prevent hinds to become pregnant or to cause early abortion, leaving females apparently barren although a negative effect of the pathogen on foetuses development of 2-3 year-old hinds and of hinds from area 1 was recorded. These results highlight that the pathogen could anyway affect pregnancy supporting the hypothesis that these hinds had acquired the infection before the breeding season or in early pregnancy. In particular T. gondii seems to have influenced their fertility through a delay in the physiological development of foetus or to have affected hinds’ breeding season provoking a delay in mating or in pregnancy.
Data arisen give evidence to a high level of T. gondii environmental contamination with horizontal transmission as the only route of infection in the study area. In this sense a widespread exposure to infection is supposed and should be taken into account in relation to the parasite zoonotic potential. The recorded negative impact of T. gondii on foetus development of both 2-3 year-old hinds and females from area 1 points out that under specific conditions the pathogen could give an impact on population dynamics of this intermediate host. Further analysis are needed to evaluate the distribution, densities and T. gondii-sero prevalence of semi-domestic and feral cats in order to define their role in environmental contamination and thus their effect in red deer infection
Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii from a naturally infected Alpine chamois (Rupicapra r. rupicapra) from Italian Alps
No full textBackground
The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii affects many species of domestic (1; 2) and wild (3; 4; 5) warm-blooded animals,raising public health issues related to its zoonotic potential. In this sense wild ungulates may therefore be a source of T. gondii infection for consumers (raw, undercooked meat and fresh sausages) (6; 7; 8) and for hunters and slaughterers through manipulation, evisceration and handling of carcasses (9; 10; 11).
Alpine chamois (Rupicapra r. rupicapra) is the most hunted wild ungulate in the Italian Alps with a significant increase of density in the last decades (12); as positiveresultsofserologicaltestingforT. gondii have been reported in the population from the Italian Alps(13; 14) and in southern chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) from Spanish Pyrenees (6), we investigated the presence of the protozoan DNA in brain tissues in order to define the receptivity of this species to T. gondii infection and its role in the protozoan lifecycle.
Materials and methods
During the hunting season 2011, 11 samples of chamois brain tissues were collected in the Lepontine Alps (VB). DNA extraction was performed with the QIAamp DNA Mini Kit (Qiagen, Italy). All the samples were assayed by targeting a 529 bp non-coding region (15), then the positive one was confirmed by a PCR-RFLP assay targeting the 18S small-subunit ribosomal gene of T. gondii, using primers that identify also Neospora caninum and Sarcocystis spp. (16).
Results and Discussion
T. gondii DNA was detectedin a six-year-old male chamois hunted at an altitudeof 1700 m.a.m.s.l..The subject was in a good body condition and its behaviour was normal;the post-mortem examination did not reveal any systemic macroscopic lesions.
The protozoan DNA was detected by both PCR protocols.The PCR-RFLP restriction enzyme analysis of the amplified product confirmed the presence of Toxoplasma gondii, excluding eventual cross-reactions with N. caninum and Sarcocystis spp., closely related to T. gondii. As far as we know, this is the first detection of T. gondii DNA from Alpine chamois.
This result confirms the Alpine chamois as intermediate host of T. gondii and demonstrates the protozoan presence in the Alpine ecosystem, even in remote areas.
Considering the sporadic presence of linx in the Italian Alps, feral cats are the only definitive hosts of T. gondii, even if transplacental transmissioncan not be excluded. The impact on chamois population dynamics can not properly be evaluated without a better understanding of the epidemiology of infection. In addition, the consumption of raw or undercooked chamois meat could be a possible source of T. gondii infection in humans. In particular, the fact that T. gondii usually affects the host without producing clinical signs (17) could increasethe risk of human infection ascribed to theapparent healthiness of chamois meat.
Perspectives and future research priorities
Further analysis are needed to define the epidemiology of T.gondii,in particular performing serological study of antibodies against the parasite and the genotyping of the present and future PCR positives samples in order to define (a) prevalence of T. gondii infection in Alpine chamois populations, (b) which parasite strainsare circulating in this alpine ruminant, (c) its pathogenicity and the related zoonosis risk.
6) Acknowledgements
We wish to thank all the hunters of the Alpine hunting district (VCO2) in the province of Verbania for their helpduring research in the field, Maria Chiara Cerutti for her useful technical contribution, Donatella Ghidotti and Marzia Marchionni for their helpfulness and collaboration in the lab activities, Ilaria Marangi for her invaluable suggestions that improved the drafting of this manuscript.
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