Estudio molecular de una nueva cepa de morbillivirus de cetáceo aislada de un calderon tropical

El morbillivirus de cetáceo (CeMV) es el virus más patógeno de cetáceos. Comprende tres cepas cuyos nombres provienen de la especie de donde se aisló por primera vez: el morbillivirus de delfín (DMV), el morbillivirus de la marsopa (PMV) y el morbillivirus del calderón (PWMV). En este estudio se pretende completar la caracterización molecular de una nueva cepa de CeMV obtenida del encéfalo de un calderón tropical que varó muerto en las Islas Canarias, con lesiones compatibles con enfermedad por morbillivirus. La construcción de árboles filogenéticos con todas las especies de morbillivirus indicó una mayor homología con PWMV por lo que se propone llamar esta nueva cepa “PWMV II”. Además, en base a los árboles filogenéticos y una exhaustiva revisión bibliográfica, se hace la propuesta de renombrar las tres cepas de CeMV en “CeMV-1” para el DMV, “CeMV-2” para el PMV y “CeMV-3” para el PWMV.Cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) is the most pathogenic virus in cetaceans. It includes three strains whose names refer to the species of odontocete from which it was initially isolated: Dolphin morbillivirus (DMV), Porpoise morbillivirus (PMV) and Pilot Whale morbillivirus (PWMV). The aim of this work was to complete a molecular characterization of a new strain of CeMV obtained from the brain of a short finned pilot whale stranded dead around Canary Islands with lesions compatible with morbilliviral disease. Phylogenetic trees including sequences of all the morbillivirus species have shown a higher homology with PWMV, so this strain is tentatively named “PWMV II”. Moreover, from the phylogenetic trees analysis and an exhaustive bibliographical review we propose new names for the CeMV strains:“CeMV-1” for DMV, “CeMV-2” for PMV and “CeMV-3” for PWMV

Widespread infection with hemotropic mycoplasmas in bats in Spain, including a hemoplasma closely related to 'Candidatus Mycolasma hemohominis'

Molecular analyses of blood samples revealed infection with hemoplasmas in 97% of 31 cave bats captured in three caves in North-Eastern Spain. The characterization of 1250 bp of the 16S rRNA gene in 29 of the positive bats identified two different groups of sequences. Twenty-two Schreibers' bats (Miniopterus schreibersii) and one long-eared bat (Myotis capaccinii) shared one group, composed of seven closely related sequences. These sequences showed an identity of about 97% with "Candidatus Mycoplasma hemohominis" and the phylogenetic branch including bat and human sequences showed a 100% bootstrap value, supporting a close phylogenetic relationship between these hemoplasmas. The second group, representing a potentially novel species, was composed of a single sequence shared by six Schreibers' bats that had 91% identity with the recently reported hemoplasma from little brown bats in North America. Large bat aggregations in roosting caves probably benefits intra and inter-species transmission explaining the high observed prevalence

Screening for several potential pathogens in feral pigeons (Columba livia) in Madrid

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Pathogens with the zoonotic potential to infect humans, such as <it>Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli </it>and <it>Chlamydophila psittaci</it>, can be found in feral pigeons (<it>Columba livia</it>). Given the high density of these birds in the public parks and gardens of most cities, they may pose a direct threat to public health.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A total of 118 pigeons were captured in three samplings carried out in 2006-2007 in public parks and gardens in Madrid, Spain. Standard haematological and morphological analyses were carried out on the pigeons. PCR was used to screen for the presence of <it>Campylobacter jejuni</it>, <it>C. coli </it>and <it>Chlamydophila psittaci</it>. Positive samples were confirmed by DNA sequencing.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The analyses demonstrated a high prevalence of <it>Chlamydophila psittaci </it>(52.6%) and <it>Campylobacter jejuni </it>(69.1%) among the birds captured. In contrast, <it>Campylobacter coli </it>was rarely detected (1.1%).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Pigeons in Madrid can carry <it>Chlamydophila psittaci </it>and <it>Campylobacter jejuni</it>. They may be asymptomatic or subclinical carriers of both pathogens.</p

High diversity, novel genotypes, and vertical transmission of hemotropic Mycoplasma in micromammals

Hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) are emerging zoonotic pathogens. Micromammals have received little attention as hosts for hemoplasmas despite their ubiquitous presence, high population abundances, and close association with humans. A PCR protocol targeting a fragment of the 16 S rRNA gene and direct sequencing in blood samples of 189 adult specimens and 35 fetuses belonging to three species of Eulipotyphla (shrews) and seven species of Rodentia, captured in three ecologically diverse habitats in North-Eastern Spain (Steppe, High Mountain, Mediterranean) yielded and occurrence of 26%, including 36% of 39 shrews and 23% of 150 rodents. Sequencing revealed the presence of 14 nucleotide sequence types (ntST) among the 56 readable sequences. In general, each ntST was associated with a given host species, although in some cases, the same ntST was sequenced in different species (chiefly rodents). Most ntST were closely related to rodent and/or bat hemoplasmas, but one was identical with Mycoplasma haemocanis/haemofelis, and others can be considered novel genotypes. High sequence diversity was detected in rodents, whereas in the white-toothed shrew (Crocidura russula), 9/11 sequences from two distant areas were identical. Phylogenetic and network analyses classified our sequences in different clades including hemoplasmas of rodents, carnivores, bats, and humans. Twelve of the fetuses (34.2%) of 9/12 litters (75.0%) of shrews and rodents were hemoplasma-positive, indicating frequent vertical transmission. Our study contributes to expanding our knowledge about the distribution, diversity, and transmission of hemoplasmas

Carnivore parvovirus ecology in the Serengeti ecosystem: vaccine strains circulating and new host species identified

Carnivore parvoviruses infect wild and domestic carnivores and cross- species transmission is believed to occur. However, viral dynamics are not well understood nor the consequences to wild carnivore populations of the introduction of new strains into wild ecosystems. To clarify the ecology of these viruses in a multi-host system such as the Serengeti ecosystem and identify potential threats for wildlife conservation we analyzed, through real-time PCR, 152 samples belonging to 14 wild carnivore species and 62 samples from healthy domestic dogs. We detected parvovirus DNA in several wildlife tissues. Of the wild carnivore and domestic dog samples tested, 13% and 43%, respectively, were positive for carnivore parvovirus infection, but little evidence of transmission between the wild and domestic carnivores was detected. Instead, we describe two different epidemiological scenarios with separated routes of transmission: first, an endemic feline parvovirus (FPV) route of transmission maintained by wild carnivores inside the Serengeti National Park (SNP); and second, a canine parvovirus (CPV) route of transmission among domestic dogs living around the periphery of the SNP. Twelve FPV sequences were characterized, new host-virus associations involving wild dogs, jackals and hyaenas were discovered and our results suggest mutations in the fragment of the gene were not required to infect different carnivore species. In domestic dogs, six sequences belonged to the CPV-2a strain, whilst 11 belonged to the CPV-2 vaccine-derived strain. This is the first description of a vaccine-derived parvovirus strain being transmitted naturally. IMPORTANCE: Carnivore parvoviruses are widespread among wild and domestic carnivores, which are vulnerable to severe disease under certain circumstances. The findings from this study, which further the understanding of carnivore parvovirus epidemiology, suggest that feline parvoviruses are endemic in wild carnivores in the Serengeti National Park (SNP); further, that canine parvoviruses are present in the dog population living around the SNP, with little evidence of transmission into wild carnivore species; and finally, that the detection of vaccine-derived virus (described here for the first time circulating naturally in domestic dogs) highlights the importance of performing epidemiological research in the region

Neoplasms and novel gammaherpesviruses in critically endangered captive European minks (Mustela lutreola)

13 Päg. Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA)The European mink (Mustela lutreola) is a riparian mustelid, considered one of the most endangered carnivores in the world. Alpha, beta and gammaherpesviruses described in mustelids have been occasionally associated with different pathological processes. However, there is no information about the herpesviruses species infecting European minks. In this study, 141 samples of swabs (oral, conjunctival, anal), faeces and tissues from 23 animals were analysed for herpesvirus (HV) using a pan-HV-PCR assay. Two different, potentially novel, gammaherpesvirus species were identified in 12 samples from four animals (17.3%), and tentatively named Mustelid gammaherpesvirus-2 (MUGHV-2) and MuGHV-3. Gross examination was performed on dead minks (n = 11), while histopathology was performed using available samples from HV-positive individuals (n = 2), identifying several neoplasms, including B-cell lymphoma (identified by immunohistochemistry) with intralesional syncytia and intranuclear inclusion bodies characteristic of HV (n = 1), pulmonary adenocarcinoma (n = 1), and biliary (n = 1) and preputial (n = 1) cystadenomas, as well as other lesions (e.g., axonal vacuolar degeneration [n = 2] and neuritis [n = 1]). Viral particles, consistent with HVs, were observed by electron microscopy in the mink with neural lymphoma and inclusion bodies. This is the first description of neoplasms and concurrent gammaherpesvirus infection in European minks. The pathological, ultrastructural and PCR findings (MuGHV-2) in the European mink with lymphoma strongly suggest a potential role for this novel gammaherpesvirus in its pathogenesis, as it has been reported in other HV-infected species with lymphoma. The occurrence of neural lymphoma with intralesional syncytia and herpesviral inclusions is, however, unique among mammals. Further research is warranted to elucidate the potential oncogenic properties of gammaherpesviruses in European mink and their epidemiology in the wild population.Innovation Initiative Grant (IIG) of the Edinburgh Fund (University of Edinburgh); Norwegian University of Life Sciences; Generalitat de Catalunya; São Paulo Research Foundation, Grant/Award Number: 2018/20956-08 and 2018/25069-7; University of EdinburghPeer reviewe

Unusual striped dolphin mass mortality episode related to cetacean morbillivirus in the Spanish Mediterranean sea

BACKGROUND In the last 20 years, Cetacean Morbillivirus (CeMV) has been responsible for many die-offs in marine mammals worldwide, as clearly exemplified by the two dolphin morbillivirus (DMV) epizootics of 1990-1992 and 2006-2008, which affected Mediterranean striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba). Between March and April 2011, the number of strandings on the Valencian Community coast (E Spain) increased. CASE PRESENTATION Necropsy and sample collection were performed in all stranded animals, with good state of conservation. Subsequently, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, conventional reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Universal Probe Library (UPL) RT-PCR assays were performed to identify Morbillivirus. Gross and microscopic findings compatible with CeMV were found in the majority of analyzed animals. Immunopositivity in the brain and UPL RT-PCR positivity in seven of the nine analyzed animals in at least two tissues confirmed CeMV systemic infection. Phylogenetic analysis, based on sequencing part of the phosphoprotein gene, showed that this isolate is a closely related dolphin morbillivirus (DMV) to that responsible for the 2006-2008 epizootics. CONCLUSION The combination of gross and histopathologic findings compatible with DMV with immunopositivity and molecular detection of DMV suggests that this DMV strain could cause this die-off event

Morbillivirus and Pilot Whale Deaths, Mediterranean Sea

An outbreak of a lethal morbillivirus infection of long-finned pilot whales occurred in the Mediterranean Sea from the end of October 2006 through April 2007. Sequence analysis of a 426-bp conserved fragment of the morbillivirus phosphoprotein gene indicates that the virus is more closely related to dolphin morbillivirus than to pilot whale morbillivirus

Plan Nacional Frente a la Resistencia a los Antibióticos Medioambiente (PRAN-MA) 2022. Informe 1.1

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Molecular detection and characterization of hemoplasmas in the pudu (Pudu Puda), a native CERVID from CHILE

8 Pág. Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA)Hemotropic mycoplasmas cause hemolytic anemia in a variety of wild and domestic mammals. Despite growing evidence about their widespread presence and genetic diversity in wildlife, their presence has never been investigated in Chilean artiodactyls. We aimed to describe the presence and diversity of hemoplasmas in pudus (Pudu puda), a small cervid native to Chile. Hemoplasma infection was assessed in blood samples from 43 wild and 33 captive pudus from central and southern Chile by direct sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. We detected hemoplasmas in 13%, with no statistical differences between wild (19%) and captive animals (6%). A sequence closely related to Mycoplasma ovis was present both in wild (14%) and captive (6%) pudus. Two previously undescribed sequences, classified in a clade including hemoplasmas from carnivores, were found in one wild pudu each. This study presents the first evidence of the presence of M. ovislike organisms in Chile and of the susceptibility of pudus to infection with hemoplasmas. Further research is needed to understand the pathologic consequences of this pathogen for pudus, its effects at the population level, and their potential impact on the health small ruminants and other wildlife species in Chile.Peer reviewe