RESUMEN

Milk oligosaccharides are high added value compounds that could be obtained by exploiting cheese whey, a byproduct of dairy industry. The objective was to compare the abundance and diversity of oligosaccharides in whey samples from domestic animals and humans. During fresh cheese making, whey samples were collected and analyzed by untargeted and targeted small molecule analysis using high-resolution mass-spectrometry. A great similarity in the metabolite profile between goat and sheep was observed. Up to 11 oligosaccharides were observed in the sheep whey from those typically found in humans. The concentration of 2'-Fucosyllactose (0.136 ± 0.055 g/L) and 3-Fucosyllactose (0.079 ± 0.009 g/L) were significantly higher (p-value <0.01) in sheep whey, while the concentration of 3'-Sialyllactose (0.826 ± 0.638 g/L) was higher in goat whey. No significant differences were observed between goat and sheep whey for the other oligosaccharides (p-value >0.05). Therefore, sheep and goat whey could become an important source of oligosaccharides through their revalorization.

Asunto(s)

Cabras , Leche Humana , Oligosacáridos , Suero Lácteo , Animales , Ovinos/metabolismo , Oligosacáridos/química , Oligosacáridos/análisis , Oligosacáridos/metabolismo , Suero Lácteo/química , Suero Lácteo/metabolismo , Humanos , Leche Humana/química , Bovinos/metabolismo , Leche/química , Queso/análisis

RESUMEN

Myocastor coypus (coypu or nutria) is considered one of the 100 worst invasive species in the world due to its risk to local wildlife, such as waterfowl, zoonotic risks, and environmental damage, such as riverbank erosion, arising from its habit of constructing burrows along the edge of water bodies. The presence of M. coypus is already known locally in the municipality of Londrina based on records at Igapó Lake. This paper presents the first record of M. coypus in Arthur Thomas Municipal Park, a Conservation Unit of Integral Protection located in the urban area of Londrina. The records were obtained through direct observation of one live individual and one carcass during campaigns to monitor medium and large mammals. Subsequently, ten records were obtained using camera traps, of unknown gender, located near waterbodies. We emphasize the need for continuous fauna monitoring in conservation units to detect and verify potential increases in invasive alien species populations that can result in environmental damage.

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A espécie Myocastor coypus (ratão-do-banhado) é considerada uma das 100 piores espécies invasoras do mundo por representar risco para a fauna local, como aves aquáticas, e risco de zoonoses, além de causar danos ambientais, como desbarrancamento de encostas de rios, devido ao seu hábito de construção de tocas nas margens de corpos d'água. A presença de M. coypus já é conhecida localmente no município de Londrina a partir de registros no Lago Igapó. Assim, este estudo apresenta o primeiro registro de M. coypus no Parque Municipal Arthur Thomas, uma Unidade de Conservação de Proteção Integral localizada na zona urbana de Londrina. Os registros foram obtidos através da observação direta de um indivíduo vivo e uma carcaça durante campanhas de monitoramento de mamíferos de médio e grande porte. Posteriormente foram obtidos dez registros por armadilha fotográfica de indivíduos de sexo desconhecido, próximos a corpos d'água. Enfatiza-se a necessidade do monitoramento contínuo da fauna em áreas de conservação para a detecção do potencial aumento na população de espécies exóticas e invasoras que podem causar severos danos ambientais.

Asunto(s)

Animales

RESUMEN

Little is known about the biology of pygmy sperm whales, Kogia breviceps (De Blainville, 1838), being that most anatomical descriptions for the species derive from necropsy after stranding or from osteological material preserved in museums. This species is rarely seen despite its wide distribution, and its reproductive behaviour is still being investigated. The eventual occurrence of pregnant female strandings and the collection and description of foetuses can give clues about the organisms' mostly unknown early development. However, this type of biological material is extremely rare, limiting anatomical analysis due to the risk of damage or loss. Here, we describe the external and internal anatomy of an 84 cm long K. breviceps foetus. The methods utilised were non-intrusive, meaning that no incisions were made on the specimen. The foetus was analysed using computed tomography images and a three-dimensional reconstruction of the skeleton. A great number of features were observed, such as axial and appendicular skeletal structures, internal organs, echolocation apparatus and umbilical cord, as well as diagnostic characters of the species, such as the asymmetrical skull, spermaceti chamber and false gill pigmentation. We suggest that more specimens on different stages of development should be analysed by the same technique, as well as further comparison with specimens from other taxa, in order to facilitate more comparative studies on embryonic and foetal development of cetaceans.

RESUMEN

Chagas disease (CD) is a zoonotic infection caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, affecting over seven million people worldwide. T. cruzi can infect more than 100 species of wild mammals, including opossums, armadillos, bats, carnivores, rodents, and primates, as well as domestic animals like dogs, cats, and exotic pets. This is the first report of T. cruzi infection in an "exotic pet" African hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris), in an endemic area for CD in Colombia. After the patient underwent euthanasia due to worsening clinical signs including diarrhea, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and hemiplegia, anatomopathological and histopathological examinations were conducted. Simultaneously, molecular diagnosis and genotyping of T. cruzi were performed using qPCR and Next Generation sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene, respectively. Anatomopathological examination revealed significant changes across various systems, including ulcerative hemorrhagic enteritis, left ventricular hypertrophy, lymphadenitis and diffuse meningeal edema. The main histopathological findings included mononuclear inflammatory reaction, congestion and hemorrhages in several organs, accompanied of amastigote cysts in cardiomyocytes. qPCR confirmed the presence of T. cruzi in heart, lymph node, brain, salivary gland, blood, and spleen. Regarding genotyping analyses, all organs were positive for TcI. This case confirms the susceptibility of A. albiventris to infection with T. cruzi and suggest a potential role for these pets as disseminators of T. cruzi infection in endemic areas. The ecological and epidemiological implications of these findings are discussed here.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedad de Chagas , Erizos , Trypanosoma cruzi , Animales , Erizos/parasitología , Colombia/epidemiología , Trypanosoma cruzi/aislamiento & purificación , Enfermedad de Chagas/veterinaria , Enfermedad de Chagas/parasitología , Enfermedad de Chagas/epidemiología , Enfermedad de Chagas/diagnóstico , Enfermedad de Chagas/patología , Masculino , Genotipo

RESUMEN

Iodamoeba is a single-celled intestinal parasite, which is common in humans in certain parts of the world, and also in pigs. For the first time, we provide DNA-based evidence of goat, dromedary, fallow deer, and donkey as hosts of Iodamoeba and show that Iodamoeba-specific nucleotide sequences from these four hosts do not appear to overlap with those of humans, unlike those from pigs. We moreover show that similar strains of Iodamoeba can be found in Madagascar, Western Sahara, and Ecuador and that intra-sample diversity is typically extensive across even small fragments of DNA in both human and non-human hosts.

Asunto(s)

Variación Genética , Secuenciación de Nucleótidos de Alto Rendimiento , Especificidad del Huésped , Animales , Humanos , Filogenia , Ecuador , Madagascar , ADN Protozoario/genética , Equidae/parasitología , Amebozoos/genética , Amebozoos/clasificación , Datos de Secuencia Molecular , Ciervos/parasitología , Camelus/parasitología , Cabras/parasitología , Análisis de Secuencia de ADN , Porcinos

RESUMEN

Deadly outbreaks among poultry, wild birds, and carnivorous mammals by the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus of the clade 2.3.4.4b have been reported in South America. The increasing virus incidence in various mammal species poses a severe zoonotic and pandemic threat. In Uruguay, the clade 2.3.4.4b viruses were first detected in February 2023, affecting wild birds and backyard poultry. Three months after the first reported case in Uruguay, the disease affected a population of 23 coatis (Nasua) in an ecological park. Most animals became infected, likely directly or indirectly from wild birds in the park, and experienced sudden death. Five animals from the colony survived, and four of them developed antibodies. The genomes of the H5N1 strains infecting coatis belonged to the B3.2 genotype of the clade 2.3.4.4b. Genomes from coatis were closely associated with those infecting backyard poultry, but transmission likely occurred through wild birds. Notable, two genomes have a 627K substitution in the RNA polymerase PB2 subunit, a hallmark amino acid linked to mammalian adaptation. Our findings support the ability of the avian influenza virus of the 2.3.4.4b clade to infect and transmit among terrestrial mammals with high pathogenicity and undergo rapid adaptive changes. It also highlights the coatis' ability to develop immunity and naturally clear the infection.

Asunto(s)

Animales Salvajes , Genoma Viral , Subtipo H5N1 del Virus de la Influenza A , Gripe Aviar , Mutación , Filogenia , Procyonidae , Animales , Procyonidae/virología , Gripe Aviar/virología , Subtipo H5N1 del Virus de la Influenza A/genética , Subtipo H5N1 del Virus de la Influenza A/patogenicidad , Subtipo H5N1 del Virus de la Influenza A/aislamiento & purificación , Genoma Viral/genética , Uruguay , Animales Salvajes/virología , Aves/virología , Infecciones por Orthomyxoviridae/virología , Infecciones por Orthomyxoviridae/veterinaria , Aves de Corral/virología , Genotipo , Mamíferos/virología , América del Sur , Brotes de Enfermedades/veterinaria

RESUMEN

Wild rodents often harbor Cryptosporidium species that can be transmitted to multiple mammal hosts. In Chile, little is known about Cryptosporidium in wild rodents, and available studies have been focused on morphological findings with no molecular-based evidence. A longitudinal survey was conducted between 2021 and 2022 to investigate the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in populations of the Darwin's leaf-eared mouse (Phyllotis darwini) living in protected and rural transitional areas in north-central Chile, using staining and molecular methods. A total of 247 fecal samples were collected and examined by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining test, 54 of which were positive for Cryptosporidium-like oocysts. Molecular analyses were carried out by PCR of the partial 18S ribosomal RNA and 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) genes. Cryptosporidium infection was confirmed in 34 samples (13.7 %) based on the PCR amplification, and individual (i.e., sex, and body mass index) and ecological variables (i.e., type of site and season) were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Using the nucleotide sequencing of the partial 18S rRNA gene, Cryptosporidium parvum was identified in nine isolates. Also, C. parvum subgenotype family IIa was determined in seven samples by the partial gp60 gene, including the subtype IIaA17G4R1 in two samples. This is the first molecular evidence of Cryptosporidium parvum IIa in Phyllotis darwini in Chile. These results indicate potential cross-species transmition between wild rodents and domestic-wild animals in north-central Chile. More research is needed to understand better the role of wild rodents in the transmission of Cryptosporidium spp. in Chile.

RESUMEN

Sperm morphology is considered the best indicator of male fertility. In Neotropical bats, important aspects of sperm morphology have been scantly studied. The aim of the present study was to characterize and compare the sperm morphology and morphometry of Artibeus planirostris and Sturnira erythromos. A total of 11 specimens were analyzed from the Colección de Mamíferos Lillo: five A. planirostris and six S. erythromos. The fixed epididymis were extracted and macerated in Farmer's solution, followed by the routine cytological procedure with different stains. To carry out the description and morphometric analysis, microphotographs were taken under an optical, epifluorescence and scanning electron microscope. A total of 50 sperm from each individual were measured for morphometric analysis. The percentage of normal/abnormal spermatozoa was estimated and the sperm abnormalities were classified. Both species showed morphologically simple spermatozoa with a spatulate head, a short neck, a helical midpiece and a tail that tapers at the final end, similar to other species of Phyllostomidae. The differences observed were: apex of the head was conical in A. planirostris and was oval in S. erythromos; longer head and midpiece in S. erythomos and longer sperm in A. planirostris. Both species showed a high percentage of sperm with normal appearance: 65% for A. planirostris and 72% for S. erythromos. The main sperm abnormalities were: scattered tails and heads, coiled tails, folded midpieces and presence of cytoplasmic droplets. The present work will improve the understanding of their reproductive biology. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Morphological descriptions and morphometric analyses of the sperm of Artibeus planirostris and Sturnira erythromos were carried out with optical, epifluorescence and scanning electron microscopy.

RESUMEN

Pinniped respiratory mites of the species Orthohalarachneattenuata have been recorded from various locations around the world but not from continental Argentina. In the present work, we document for the first time the presence of O.attenuata on Arctocephalusaustralis on the Argentine mainland. A total of 23 adult and 381 immature mites were collected from the nose and nasopharyngeal cavity during a necropsy. The mite ambulacrum is described in adults and larvae. This structure consists of a pretarsus, an extensible pulvillum, a pair of claws and paradactyli (pretarsus opercula). The ambulacral structures also have some peculiarities, such as the presence of longitudinal furrows in the claws, straight claws in legs II and III (as opposed to curved in legs I and IV), and the fin-shaped paradactyli. The morphology of the ambulacrum of this mite is interpreted as an adaptation for anchoring to different surfaces of the host, and the protective structures present in the larvae as an adaptation for the dispersal phase in the external environment.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: This study focuses on the AMR profiles in E. coli isolated from captive mammals at EcoZoo San Martín, Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador, highlighting the role of wildlife as reservoirs of resistant bacteria. AIMS: The aim of this research is to investigate the antimicrobial resistance profiles of E. coli strains isolated from various species of captive mammals, emphasizing the potential zoonotic risks and the necessity for integrated AMR management strategies. MATERIALS & METHODS: A total of 189 fecal samples were collected from 70 mammals across 27 species. These samples were screened for E. coli, resulting in 90 identified strains. The resistance profiles of these strains to 16 antibiotics, including 10 ß-lactams and 6 non-ß-lactams, were determined using the disk diffusion method. Additionally, the presence of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) genes and other resistance genes was analyzed using PCR. RESULTS: Significant resistance was observed, with 52.22% of isolates resistant to ampicillin, 42.22% to ceftriaxone and cefuroxime, and 27.78% identified as ESBL-producing E. coli. Multiresistance (resistance to more than three antibiotic groups) was found in 35.56% of isolates. Carnivorous and omnivorous animals, particularly those with prior antibiotic treatments, were more likely to harbor resistant strains. DISCUSSION: These findings underscore the role of captive mammals as indicators of environmental AMR. The high prevalence of resistant E. coli in these animals suggests that zoos could be significant reservoirs for the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The results align with other studies showing that diet and antibiotic treatment history influence resistance profiles. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the need for an integrated approach involving veterinary care, habitat management, and public awareness to prevent captive wildlife from becoming reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Improved waste management practices and responsible antibiotic use are crucial to mitigate the risks of AMR in zoo environments and reduce zoonotic threats.

Asunto(s)

Animales de Zoológico , Antibacterianos , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana , Escherichia coli , Mamíferos , Animales , Escherichia coli/efectos de los fármacos , Escherichia coli/genética , Escherichia coli/aislamiento & purificación , Ecuador/epidemiología , Mamíferos/microbiología , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Infecciones por Escherichia coli/veterinaria , Infecciones por Escherichia coli/microbiología , Infecciones por Escherichia coli/epidemiología , Heces/microbiología

RESUMEN

Background: In the marine environment, knowledge of biodiversity remains incomplete for many taxa, requiring assessments to understand and monitor biodiversity loss. Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding is a powerful tool for monitoring marine biodiversity, as it enables several taxa to be characterised simultaneously in a single sample. However, the data generated by environmental DNA metabarcoding are often not easily reusable. Implementing FAIR principles and standards for eDNA-derived data can facilitate data-sharing within the scientific community. New information: This study focuses on the detection of marine vertebrate biodiversity using eDNA metabarcoding on the leeward coast of Guadeloupe, a known hotspot for marine biodiversity in the French West Indies. Occurrences and DNA-derived data are shared here using DarwinCore standards combined with MIMARKS standards.

RESUMEN

Linear infrastructures such as agricultural irrigation channels produce physical changes and negative impacts to habitats, wildlife populations, communities, and ecosystems. Open irrigation channels act as a pitfall for wildlife and can affect vertebrates of all sizes. Nonetheless, small channels have received relatively little attention by conservation biologists. The objective of this study was to analyze vertebrate species richness and mortality in relation to different sections of an irrigation channel system and the surrounding landscape characteristics. For two years, we conducted monthly surveys along an open-channel irrigation system to estimate its effect on vertebrates through records of dead and alive individuals. We examined the spatial relation of species richness and mortality with transects using a canonical correspondence analysis and chi-squared tests to determine possible variations in the different structures of the channel and seasonality. Further, a landscape diversity index was used to analyze the importance of surrounding habitat structure and composition on these parameters. Most vertebrates (61%) were found dead, small mammals and reptiles were the most affected. Our results indicate that mortality of small vertebrates varies depending on species, structures of the open-channel agricultural irrigation system (i.e., concrete channel and floodgates), seasonality (i.e., wet, and dry), and landscape heterogeneity (i.e., high, medium, and low landscape diversity). The open-channel irrigation system is a threat to populations of small vertebrates in anthropized landscapes, conservation efforts should be directed at protecting water bodies and restructuring the open-channel agricultural irrigation system to avoid mortality of species such as small rodents (M. mexicanus) and reptiles (C. triseriatus, B. imbricata, and Thamnophis spp.).

Asunto(s)

Riego Agrícola , Ecosistema , Vertebrados , Animales , México , Biodiversidad , Estaciones del Año , Conservación de los Recursos Naturales/métodos , Agricultura/métodos

RESUMEN

Climate change has physiological consequences on organisms, ecosystems and human societies, surpassing the pace of organismal adaptation. Hibernating mammals are particularly vulnerable as winter survival is determined by short-term physiological changes triggered by temperature. In these animals, winter temperatures cannot surpass a certain threshold, above which hibernators arouse from torpor, increasing several fold their energy needs when food is unavailable. Here, we parameterized a numerical model predicting energy consumption in heterothermic species and modelled winter survival at different climate change scenarios. As a model species, we used the arboreal marsupial monito del monte (genus Dromiciops), which is recognized as one of the few South American hibernators. We modelled four climate change scenarios (from optimistic to pessimistic) based on IPCC projections, predicting that northern and coastal populations (Dromiciops bozinovici) will decline because the minimum number of cold days needed to survive the winter will not be attained. These populations are also the most affected by habitat fragmentation and changes in land use. Conversely, Andean and other highland populations, in cooler environments, are predicted to persist and thrive. Given the widespread presence of hibernating mammals around the world, models based on simple physiological parameters, such as this one, are becoming essential for predicting species responses to warming in the short term.

Asunto(s)

Cambio Climático , Hibernación , Marsupiales , Estaciones del Año , Animales , Marsupiales/fisiología , Dinámica Poblacional , Modelos Biológicos , Ecosistema , Metabolismo Energético

RESUMEN

Background: Marsupials and rodents are the most important wild and synanthropic hosts of Trypanosoma cruzi due to the high frequency of infection, maintenance of diverse genetic populations of the parasite, and their close proximity to interact with both transmission cycles, sylvatic and peridomestic. Our aim was to identify the discrete typing units (DTU) of T. cruzi from different wild and synanthropic hosts in two regions of Mexico and to carry out a review of historical data focusing on current knowledge on the diversity and T. cruzi DTUs of host species. Materials and Methods: One hundred fifteen samples were obtained from two areas in Tabasco and Nayarit state. The presence of T. cruzi was evaluated by PCR. Results: The 12.6% (12/95) of samples from Tabasco and 65% (13/20) from Nayarit were found to be positive for parasite DNA. All the sequences analyzed were grouped in T. cruzi DTU I; low nucleotide diversity was observed in Tabasco (π = 0.00566, and Ï´ = 0.00632), while high genetic diversity was observed in Nayarit sequences, up to 8.63 (π) to 11.10 (Ï´) times greater than Tabasco sequences. Genetic flow and migration between Tabasco, and Nayarit were scarce (FST = 0.37329 and Nm = 0.42), and genetic exchange was observed only between nearby areas. The bibliographic review of hosts in Mexico, together with our data, shows a heterogeneous T. cruzi prevalence in Chiroptera and domestic animals. For Atelidae and Canids, prevalence is generally below 25%. However, a high prevalence, greater than 25% and up to 100%, was recorded in Didelphimorphia, and Rodentia. Few studies in regions of Mexico have been described as infected with the parasite; in these, the genetic group with the highest prevalence is the DTU I. Conclusion: Marsupials and rodents are important reservoirs of T. cruzi; DTU I was frequently reported; however, recent genetic and reservoir studies have demonstrated the presence of greater diversity of genetic groups.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedad de Chagas , Trypanosoma cruzi , Trypanosoma cruzi/genética , Trypanosoma cruzi/aislamiento & purificación , Trypanosoma cruzi/clasificación , Animales , México/epidemiología , Enfermedad de Chagas/epidemiología , Enfermedad de Chagas/veterinaria , Enfermedad de Chagas/transmisión , Animales Salvajes/parasitología , Mamíferos/parasitología , Variación Genética , Roedores/parasitología

RESUMEN

Trypanosoma cruzi hosts can serve as a source of infection for animals, vectors, and humans, contributing to the establishment of Chagas disease (CD) in a given area. Traditionally, the Department of Córdoba has not been considered a transmission area for CD; however, the report of several acute cases of Chagas disease highlights the importance of studying the dynamics of disease transmission in this region. This study aimed to detect T. cruzi in domestic and wild mammals in the department of Córdoba. In 2017, a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in six villages in two municipalities in the department of Córdoba. Blood samples from dogs living in the zones were collected in EDTA vacutainer tubes for domestic mammals. Wild mammals were collected using Sherman and Tomahawk traps and mist nets in crops and peridomiciles. T. cruzi DNA was detected using the kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) variable region and the tandem repeat satellite region of T. cruzi as molecular targets. We sampled 168 dogs and 146 wild mammals. The detected prevalence of T. cruzi was 6.37%; the TcI lineage was found in D. marsupialis, H. anomalus, and one canine. A specimen of D. marsupialis with TcI and TcII lineages was also identified. T. cruzi DNA was detected in domestic and wild animals in the study area, indicating the circulation of the parasite in peridomestic environments. D. marsupialis may represent an important host in maintaining this region's wild and domestic cycle.

RESUMEN

Studying how phylogeny influences the composition and functions of microbiotas within animal hosts is essential for gaining insights into the connection between genetics, ecology, and health in the animal kingdom. However, due to limited comprehensive studies, this influence remains unclear for many wild mammals, including Mexican pinnipeds. We employed 16S rRNA gene deep-sequencing to investigate the impact of phylogeny on the gut microbiota of four pinniped species inhabiting Mexican shores: the Pacific harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardii), the northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris), the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus), and the Guadalupe fur seal (Arctocephalus philippii townsendi). Our results indicated that factors such as diets and shared life histories exerted more influence on microbiota composition than phylogeny alone. Notably, otariid species sharing similar life histories displayed greater microbiota similarity than phocids, which have distinct life histories and fewer microbiota similarities. Furthermore, harbor seals have more microbial similarities with the two otariid species than with elephant seals. Of particular concern, we observed a higher abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Photobacterium damselae and Clostridium perfringens) in harbor seals and Guadalupe fur seals compared to other pinnipeds. This finding could pose health threats to these species and nearby human populations.IMPORTANCEPinnipeds in Mexico host microbial communities that remain understudied. While several factors can influence microbiota composition, the role of phylogenetic relationships among these pinnipeds remains unclear due to limited knowledge of the microbiota in certain species. This study aimed to fill this gap by characterizing the composition and function of the gut microbiota in the four pinniped species that occur in Mexico. Our analysis reveals that shared diets and life histories contribute to similarities in the composition of gut microbial communities. This study also highlights the potential differences in the metabolic capabilities and adaptations within the gut microbiota of pinnipeds. Understanding how phylogeny impacts microbial communities enhances our insights into the evolutionary dynamics of marine mammals.

Asunto(s)

Caniformia , Microbioma Gastrointestinal , Filogenia , ARN Ribosómico 16S , Animales , México , ARN Ribosómico 16S/genética , Caniformia/microbiología , Bacterias/clasificación , Bacterias/genética , Bacterias/aislamiento & purificación , Phoca/microbiología , Lobos Marinos/microbiología , Leones Marinos/microbiología , Phocidae/microbiología

RESUMEN

Hemotropic mycoplasmas are bacteria that attaches to erythrocytes surface, which some species presents zoonotic concerns. In the suborder Pinnipedia, genera Otaria and Arctocephalus are prominent in Brazil. This study investigated the occurrence of hemoplasmas in Arctocephalus sp. and Otaria flavescens found dead along the coast of a Southern Brazilian State. DNA from 135 spleen samples were extracted and subjected to conventional PCR protocols, targeting the 16 S rRNA and 23 S rRNA gene. Three (2.22 %) Arctocephalus australis were positive in the 16 S rRNA gene, and no samples amplified in the 23 S rRNA gene. Samples from this study clustered with Zalophus californianus and Arctocephalus tropicalis mycoplasmas on a Bayesian phylogenetic analysis. Genetic diversity analysis suggested distinct genotypes, indicating A. australis as a new host for hemoplasma, and also a potential putative novel hemoplasma genotype. These findings raises future awareness for pinnipeds conservation, and adds Mycoplasma spp. to be taken into consideration when clinically evaluating rescued animals.

Asunto(s)

ADN Bacteriano , Lobos Marinos , Infecciones por Mycoplasma , Mycoplasma , Filogenia , ARN Ribosómico 16S , Bazo , Animales , Brasil/epidemiología , Mycoplasma/genética , Mycoplasma/aislamiento & purificación , Mycoplasma/clasificación , Lobos Marinos/microbiología , Infecciones por Mycoplasma/veterinaria , Infecciones por Mycoplasma/microbiología , Infecciones por Mycoplasma/epidemiología , ARN Ribosómico 16S/genética , ADN Bacteriano/genética , Bazo/microbiología , ARN Ribosómico 23S/genética , Variación Genética , Genotipo , Teorema de Bayes , Autopsia/veterinaria , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa

RESUMEN

The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of Clostridium perfringens in stool samples and swabs collected from wild mammals in the Amazon biome. Sixty-five faecal and swab samples were collected in situ and ex situ from 16 species and three genera of wild mammals, some of which were in good health and some of which had diarrhoea. After pre-enrichment, the samples were plated on selective agar for C. perfringens. Characteristic colonies were subjected to multiplex PCR for the detection of genes encoding the main C. perfringens toxins (alpha, beta, epsilon, and iota toxin and enterotoxin). Among the 65 samples, 40 (61.5%) were positive for the gene encoding the alpha toxin and were classified as type A, 36 of which were asymptomatic animals and four were diarrheal. No other toxinotypes were found. The findings of this study suggest that C. perfringens type A is commonly found in mammal species of the Amazon biome. This seems to be the first study to identify C. perfringens type A in species such as B. variegatus (common ground sloth), C. didactylus (two-toed sloth), P. flavus (Jupará), T. tetradactyla (anteater), S. collinsi (squirrel monkey), S. niger (black marmoset), and S. apella (Guyana capuchin) and in the genus Didelphis sp. (opossum).

RESUMEN

French Guiana, located in the Guiana Shield, is a natural reservoir for many zoonotic pathogens that are of considerable medical or veterinary importance. Until now, there has been limited data available on the description of parasites circulating in this area, especially on protozoan belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa; conversely, the neighbouring countries describe a high parasitic prevalence in animals and humans. Epidemiological surveillance is necessary, as new potentially virulent strains may emerge from these forest ecosystems, such as Amazonian toxoplasmosis. However, there is no standard tool for detecting protozoa in wildlife. In this study, we developed Meat-Borne-Parasite, a high-throughput meta-barcoding workflow for detecting Apicomplexa based on the Oxford Nanopore Technologies sequencing platform using the 18S gene of 14 Apicomplexa positive samples collected in French Guiana. Sequencing reads were then analysed with MetONTIIME pipeline. Thanks to a scoring rule, we were able to classify 10 samples out of 14 as Apicomplexa positive and reveal the presence of co-carriages. The same samples were also sequenced with the Illumina platform for validation purposes. For samples identified as Apicomplexa positive by both platforms, a strong positive correlation at up to the genus level was reported. Overall, the presented workflow represents a reliable method for Apicomplexa detection, which may pave the way for more comprehensive biomonitoring of zoonotic pathogens.

RESUMEN

The highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b have caused unprecedented deaths in South American wild birds, poultry, and marine mammals. In September 2023, pinnipeds and seabirds appeared dead on the Uruguayan Atlantic coast. Sixteen influenza virus strains were characterized by real-time reverse transcription PCR and genome sequencing in samples from sea lions (Otaria flavescens), fur seals (Arctocephalus australis), and terns (Sterna hirundinacea). Phylogenetic and ancestral reconstruction analysis showed that these strains have pinnipeds most likely as the ancestral host, representing a recent introduction of clade 2.3.4.4b in Uruguay. The Uruguayan and closely related strains from Peru (sea lions) and Chile (sea lions and a human case) carry mammalian adaptative residues 591K and 701N in the viral polymerase basic protein 2 (PB2). Our findings suggest that clade 2.3.4.4b strains in South America may have spread from mammals to mammals and seabirds, revealing a new transmission route.