Eumycetoma Caused by Madurella pseudomycetomatis in a Captive Tiger (Panthera tigris)

A captive-kept adult male tiger presented with a large cutaneous and subcutaneous mass on the thigh with a fistula. During sedation, multiple nodules were detected and samples for a histopathological exam were collected. Histologically, granulomatous panniculitis and dermatitis were seen around dense aggregates of pigmented fungal hyphae, and a diagnosis of phaeohyphomycosis was made; considering the clinical features, it was classified as a eumycotic mycetoma. This is a rarely reported subcutaneous fungal infection in humans and animals, caused by dematiaceous fungi. Clinically, it is characterized by tumefaction, fistulous sinus tracts, and the formation of macroscopically visible grains. In the literature, only a few infections in wild felids have been reported. In this case, Fontana–Masson staining better showed pigmentation and panfungal PCR and sequencing identified Madurella pseudomyectomatis (OP623507) as the causative agent. Systemic therapy with oral administration of itraconazole was planned, but the patient died during the first period of treatment. The animal was not submitted for post-mortem examination. Visceral dissemination of the agent cannot be excluded. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of eumycotic mycetoma by Madurella pseudomycetomatis in a captive tiger

Eumycetoma Caused by Madurella pseudomycetomatis in a Captive Tiger (Panthera tigris)

A captive-kept adult male tiger presented with a large cutaneous and subcutaneous mass on the thigh with a fistula. During sedation, multiple nodules were detected and samples for a histopathological exam were collected. Histologically, granulomatous panniculitis and dermatitis were seen around dense aggregates of pigmented fungal hyphae, and a diagnosis of phaeohyphomycosis was made; considering the clinical features, it was classified as a eumycotic mycetoma. This is a rarely reported subcutaneous fungal infection in humans and animals, caused by dematiaceous fungi. Clinically, it is characterized by tumefaction, fistulous sinus tracts, and the formation of macroscopically visible grains. In the literature, only a few infections in wild felids have been reported. In this case, Fontana–Masson staining better showed pigmentation and panfungal PCR and sequencing identified Madurella pseudomyectomatis (OP623507) as the causative agent. Systemic therapy with oral administration of itraconazole was planned, but the patient died during the first period of treatment. The animal was not submitted for post-mortem examination. Visceral dissemination of the agent cannot be excluded. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of eumycotic mycetoma by Madurella pseudomycetomatis in a captive tiger

The menstrual cycle of the Baboon (Papio hamadryas) evaluated by vaginal cytology and hormonal variations

Hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) form part of a highly successful branch of the primate family (Cercopithecidae), commonly referred to as savannah baboons. They are broadly distributed over the African continent, and the Arabian Peninsula inhabiting the semiarid regions [1]. Baboons are menstruating primates, the average length of a normal reproductive cycles is 32 (24-38) days with close similarity to women's [2]; so that the baboon is considered a valuable model for increasing knowledge to overcome human reproductive disorders. This study aims s to acquire knowledge on the modifications of vaginal cytology and Fallopian tubes during the menstrual cycle of females living in captivity. The stage of the menstrual cycle of 14 healthy adult females of different ages (8.5 yrs) and weights (10.5 kg) on the day of laparoscopic salpingectomy has been evaluated. The baboons breed with high fertility rates in captivity so that laparoscopic salpingectomy was employed as irreversible contraceptive surgical therapy for an extensive control birth program in the Safari Zoo (Fasano - BR). The clinical activity was authorized with written informed consent by the Zoo’s property (Lion 3000 S.p.a.) and obtained the favorable opinion of the ethics committee of DETO (05/2020). The stage of the reproductive cycle was analyzed by 1) vaginal cytology (Harris-Shorr’s and Diff-Quik staining), 2) endocrine changes measuring 17β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) concentrations in peripheral plasma by ELISA, 3) histological uterine tubes morphology. The stage of the cycle can be also approximated by external observation of the perineum so that the perineal turgescence, characteristic of the follicular phase, was checked during the observation of external genitalia. Laparoscopic evaluations monitored the presence of corpora lutea and the Graafian follicle and when ovulation had occurred, the increased vascularized fimbriae too. Changes in the type of vaginal cells (basal and parabasal, small and large intermediate, anuclear keratinized, erythrocytes, neutrophils) found during the follicular and luteal phases (early and late) of the ovarian cycle were analyzed. Based on hormonal evaluations and cytological observations we found 9/14 subjects in the follicular phase (mean E2 concentration 150±73 pg/ml; mean P4 concentration 0.3±0.1 ng/ml; presence of small and large intermediate, anuclear keratinized cells) and 5/14 females in the luteal phase (mean E2 concentration 50±20 pg/ml; mean P4 concentration 4±0.5 ng/ml; presence of basal and parabasal cells, neutrophils) of their reproductive cycle. Histological investigations revealed morphological and morphometric changes in the uterine tube segments related to the stage of the menstrual cycle. In addition, a different degree of hyperemia was observed in the infundibulum between follicular and luteal stages. The acquired knowledge could be the starting point to propose a hormonal contraceptive strategy for baboons living in captivity with little effect on social interactions such as grooming relationships, aggression, affiliation and sexual behavior while reducing their reproductive success. [1] Newman TK, Jolly CJ, Rogers J. Mitochondrial phylogeny and systematics of baboons (Papio). American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 124: 17-27, 2004. [2] Stevens VC, Sparks SJ, and Powell JE. Levels of estrogens, progestogens, and luteinizing hormone during the menstrual cycle of the baboon. Endocrinology, 87: 658, 1970

Rickettsia conorii Subspecies israelensis in Captive Baboons

: Hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas) may transmit zoonotic vector-borne pathogens to visitors and workers frequenting zoological parks. We molecularly screened 33 baboons for vector-borne pathogens. Three (9.1%) of 33 animals tested positive for Rickettsia conorii subspecies israelensis. Clinicians should be aware of potential health risks from spatial overlapping between baboons and humans

Efficacy of an in-feed formulation containing ivermectin for the control of intestinal strongyles in captive zebras (Equus burchelli (Gray, 1824))

International audienceThe efficacy of medicated food pellets (containing 10 mg of ivermectin per kg, UNIFEED, Veronesi, Verona, Italy) was evaluated for the control of intestinal strongyles in a group of captive zebras (Equus burchelli) at the Safari Park, Fasano (Apulia region, Brindisi Province, southern Italy). The egg reappearance period and the faecal egg counts in terms of eggs per gram of faeces were investigated. From day 0 until day +9, 30 zebras were fed with medicated pellets and pooled faecal samples were collected from the floor of paddocks. The drug showed an efficacy of 100% for up to 78 days post-treatment, with one exception. Strongyle eggs collected prior to the treatment were used to perform coprocultures and larvae harvested were molecularly identified as Cylicostephanus minutus and Cylicocyclus leptostomum with a reverse line blot hybridization assay. The administration of ivermectin with medicated food pellets was effective in controlling intestinal strongylosis in captive zebras. The opportunity to treat captive ungulates with an in-feed anthelmintic is discussed in relation to the fractious nature of these animals, which often impairs helminth control programs in zoo-parks

Use of Mini-FLOTAC and Fill-FLOTAC for rapidly diagnosing parasitic infections in zoo mammals

Abstract Animals reared in restricted environments are highly susceptible to gastrointestinal infection by helminths and protozoa and therefore zoos are characterized as being parasite-rich environments. Successful implementation of control programs of these parasites in zoo environment depends upon precise and rapid diagnosing of gastrointestinal infections. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the role of the Mini-FLOTAC technique in combination with Fill-FLOTAC for rapidly diagnosing parasitic infections in zoo mammals. Fecal samples were collected from 70 animals in four different zoos located in central and southern Italy. All the samples were analyzed using Mini-FLOTAC in combination with Fill-FLOTAC. Out of the 70 pooled samples examined, 80% (24/30) were positive for at least one parasite. Among the gastrointestinal nematodes, Strongyles were the most frequent (40%), followed by Trichuris spp. (23.3%), Parascaris spp. (13.3%) and Capillaria spp. (3.3%). Among the protozoa, Blastocystis spp., Giardia spp. and Eimeria spp. were detected in 6.6%, 3.3% and 3.3%, respectively. These results show that Mini-FLOTAC in combination with Fill-FLOTAC can be used, not only for rapidly diagnosing parasitic infections in zoo mammals, but also for monitoring control programs in which large numbers of fecal samples need to be examined rapidly and reliably

An Overview of Neoplasia in Captive Wild Felids in Southern Italy Zoos

The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of neoplasms in captive wild felids in Southern Italy zoos over a 13-year period (2008-2021) and to investigate macroscopic and histologic tumor findings in these animals. A total of 24 cases were necropsied, 9 males and 15 females, with age ranging from 6 to 19 years, including 12 tigers (Panthera tigris), 7 leopards (Panthera pardus), 4 lions (Panthera leo), and 1 black jaguar (Panthera onca). Diagnosis of neoplasm was made in 14/24 cases (58.3%). Tumors diagnosed were two cholangiocarcinomas, two hemangiosarcomas of the liver, two uterine leiomyomas, a renal adenocarcinoma, an adrenal gland adenoma, a thyroid carcinoma, an oral squamous cell carcinoma, an osteoma, a meningioma, a mesothelioma, an esophageal leiomyosarcoma, a muscoloskeletal leiomyosarcoma and a thyroid adenoma. The malignant and benign tumors were 62.5 and 37.5%, respectively. Among malignant tumors, no metastasis was observed in 50% of cases; in 10% of cases metastasis involved only regional lymph nodes; and distant metastases were found in 40% of cases. Based on our findings, the liver was the most frequent primary tumor site (25%). The high rates of malignant and widely metastatic neoplasms suggest the importance of active monitoring and management of neoplasia in these threatened and endangered species

Antibacterial and Biofilm Production Inhibition Activity of <i>Thymus vulgaris</i> L. Essential Oil against <i>Salmonella</i> spp. Isolates from Reptiles

Salmonellosis is an infectious disease affecting both animals and humans. Antimicrobial resistant (AMR) and biofilm-producing Salmonella spp., frequently detected in reptiles (who can then act as asymptomatic carriers for warm-blooded animals), have developed resistance to biocides; this represents a warning for the emergence of biocide/antimicrobial cross-resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Thymus vulgaris L. essential oil (TEO) in inhibiting bacterial growth and biofilm production of Salmonella spp., which had been isolated from wild reptiles housed in a Zoo in Italy. The resistance profile against different classes of antibiotics showed that all the isolates were susceptible to the tested antibiotics, despite the presence of several AMR genes. All the isolates were also tested with aqueous solutions of TEO at different dilutions (5% to 0.039%). Interestingly, TEO proved effective both in inhibiting bacterial growth at low dilutions, with MIC and MBC values ranging between 0.078% and 0.312%, and in inhibiting biofilm production, with values ranging from 0.039% to 0.156%. TEO demonstrated effective bioactivity against the biofilm producer Salmonella spp., proving to be a valid disinfectant for the prevention of salmonellosis from reptiles, a possible source of infection for humans exposed to the reptiles’ environment