RESUMO
Brucella suis biovar 1 has the broadest animal host spectrum. Affects domestic animals and wildlife species. The aim of our study was to investigate the pathogenesis of B. suis biovar 1 infection in the armadillo (Chaetophractus villosus) under experimental conditions. One gravid female and three adult males were inoculated with a suspension containing 1×106 CFU/mL (colony-forming units) of B. suis biovar 1 by oral route. In addition, the gravid female and one male received the same suspension by the conjunctival route. A young male and two females not inoculated were kept in contact with the animals inoculated. The animals that tested seropositive were euthanized. All inoculated armadillos showed positive antibody titres 2 weeks post-inoculation. Of the three uninoculated animals, one female was seropositive for Brucella infection. Brucella was isolated from the spleen, liver, mesenteric lymph nodes, uterus, testes, and urine. Characteristic histologic lesions were found in the epididymis. These results suggest that armadillos can act as a reservoir for the spread of B. suis infection, and the persistence of Brucella in armadillo tissues constitutes a risk for humans, because of the cultural practice of armadillo meat consumption in rural communities.
Assuntos
Tatus , Brucella suis , Brucelose , Animais , Tatus/microbiologia , Brucelose/veterinária , Brucelose/microbiologia , Masculino , Feminino , Brucella suis/isolamento & purificaçãoRESUMO
Sporotrichosis is a globally distributed subcutaneous mycosis caused by dimorphic Sporothrix species commonly found in soil, mosses, and decaying plant matter. The lymphocutaneous manifestation, historically associated with occupational activities and sapronotic transmission, has recently been observed to also occur through animal contact, particularly notable in Brazil. We describe a rare case of lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis with simultaneous pulmonary complications resulting from the scratching of a southern three-banded armadillo, Tolypeutes matacus, primarily inhabiting the arid forests of South America's central region. Speciation using multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) established the etiological agent as S. schenckii s. str., while amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis unveiled a novel genotype circulating in the Midwest of Brazil. The patient received treatment with itraconazole (200 mg/day) for two months, leading to substantial clinical improvement of cutaneous and pulmonary symptoms. This case highlights the critical role of animal-mediated transmission in sporotrichosis epidemiology, particularly within regions with diverse armadillo species. The unusual epidemiology and genetic characteristics of this case emphasize the need for enhanced awareness and diagnostic vigilance in atypical sporotrichosis presentations.
Assuntos
Antifúngicos , Tatus , Itraconazol , Sporothrix , Esporotricose , Animais , Humanos , Masculino , Análise do Polimorfismo de Comprimento de Fragmentos Amplificados , Antifúngicos/uso terapêutico , Tatus/microbiologia , Brasil , Genótipo , Itraconazol/uso terapêutico , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase Multiplex , Sporothrix/genética , Sporothrix/isolamento & purificação , Sporothrix/classificação , Esporotricose/microbiologia , Esporotricose/diagnóstico , Esporotricose/tratamento farmacológico , Esporotricose/transmissão , Resultado do Tratamento , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeRESUMO
The nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) is currently considered an invasive species in parts of its range in the USA, and this range continues to expand to the north and east. Nine-banded armadillos are one of a handful of mammals known to contract leprosy (also known as Hansen's disease); range expansion thus leads to public health concerns about whether this might increase human exposure to infected animals. We collected blood samples from 61 road-killed armadillos over two summers (2021 and 2022) in Tennessee, a US state near the northern extreme of the species' current range, and screened them for exposure to Mycobacterium leprae, the causative agent of leprosy. All animals were seronegative, providing no evidence that range expansion is increasing the distribution of leprosy in the US.
Assuntos
Tatus , Hanseníase , Mycobacterium leprae , Animais , Tatus/microbiologia , Hanseníase/veterinária , Hanseníase/epidemiologia , Tennessee/epidemiologia , Estudos Soroepidemiológicos , Mycobacterium leprae/imunologia , Feminino , MasculinoRESUMO
Coccidioidomycosis, listed as a priority mycosis by the WHO, is endemic in the United States but often overlooked in Central and South America. Employing a multi-institutional approach, we investigate how disease characteristics, pathogen genetic variation, and environmental factors impact coccidioidomycosis epidemiology and outcomes in South America. We identified 292 cases (1978-2021) and 42 outbreaks in Piauí and Maranhão states, Brazil, the largest series outside the US/Mexico epidemic zone. The male-to-female ratio was 57.4:1 and the most common activity was armadillo hunting (91.1%) 4 to 30 days before symptom onset. Most patients (92.8%) exhibited typical acute pulmonary disease, with cough (93%), fever (90%), and chest pain (77%) as predominant symptoms. The case fatality rate was 8%. Our negative binomial regression model indicates that reduced precipitation levels in the current (p = 0.015) and preceding year (p = 0.001) predict heightened incidence. Unlike other hotspots, acidic soil characterizes this region. Brazilian strains differ genomically from other C. posadasii lineages. Northeastern Brazil presents a distinctive coccidioidomycosis profile, with armadillo hunters facing elevated risks. Low annual rainfall emerges as a key factor in increasing cases. A unique C. posadasii lineage in Brazil suggests potential differences in environmental, virulence, and/or pathogenesis traits compared to other Coccidioides genotypes.
Assuntos
Coccidioidomicose , Humanos , Feminino , Masculino , Animais , Brasil/epidemiologia , Coccidioidomicose/epidemiologia , Tatus , Genômica , GenótipoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Chagas disease, affecting approximately eight million individuals in tropical regions, is primarily transmitted by vectors. Rhodnius prolixus, a triatomine vector, commonly inhabits in ecotopes with diverse palm tree species, creating optimal conditions for vector proliferation. This study aims to explore the transmission ecology of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative parasite of Chagas disease, by investigating the feeding patterns and natural infection rates of R. prolixus specimens collected from various wild palm species in the Colombian Orinoco region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To achieve this objective, we sampled 35 individuals from three palm species (Attalea butyracea, Acrocomia aculeata, and Mauritia flexuosa) in a riparian forest in the Casanare department of eastern Colombia, totaling 105 sampled palm trees. DNA was extracted and analyzed from 115 R. prolixus specimens at different developmental stages using quantitative PCR (qPCR) for T. cruzi detection and identification of discrete typing units. Feeding preferences were determined by sequencing the 12S rRNA gene amplicon through next-generation sequencing. RESULTS: A total of 676 R. prolixus specimens were collected from the sampled palms. The study revealed variation in population densities and developmental stages of R. prolixus among palm tree species, with higher densities observed in A. butyracea and lower densities in M. flexuosa. TcI was the exclusive T. cruzi discrete typing unit (DTU) found, with infection frequency positively correlated with R. prolixus abundance. Insects captured in A. butyracea exhibited higher abundance and infection rates than those from other palm species. The feeding sources comprised 13 mammal species, showing no significant differences between palm species in terms of blood sources. However, Didelphis marsupialis and Homo sapiens were present in all examined R. prolixus, and Dasypus novemcinctus was found in 89.47% of the insects. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the significance of wild palms, particularly A. butyracea, as a substantial risk factor for T. cruzi transmission to humans in these environments. High population densities and infection rates of R. prolixus were observed in each examined palm tree species.
Assuntos
Doença de Chagas , Rhodnius , Triatominae , Trypanosoma cruzi , Animais , Humanos , Árvores , Trypanosoma cruzi/genética , Colômbia/epidemiologia , Doença de Chagas/epidemiologia , TatusRESUMO
Establishing new somatic cell cultures has raised significant attention as an effective and convenient way to preserve genetic samples for different applications. Although many lines have been established in model animals, none derived from six-banded armadillo species is currently available. We report the successful isolation and characterization of fibroblasts from six-banded armadillos, evaluating the cell quality after extended culture and cryopreservation. Initially, we collected ear skin from five captive adult individuals and identified fibroblast lines by morphology, karyotyping, and immunophenotyping assays. The isolated fibroblasts were evaluated after several passages (fourth, seventh, and tenth passages) and cryopreservation by slow freezing. Cell morphology, viability, metabolism, proliferative activity, mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptosis levels were analyzed. The skin explants had great adhesion, and cell outgrowth could be seen after 3-6 d. The cells were verified as fibroblasts at the fourth passage by vimentin expression and normal karyotype (2n = 58). The viability remained high (> 87%) and constant from the fourth to the tenth passage (p > 0.05). The passages did not change the cell morphology and metabolic and growth rates. Moreover, cryopreservation did not affect most evaluated parameters; post-thawed cells maintained their viability, growth, metabolism, and apoptosis levels. Nevertheless, cryopreservation increased mitochondrial membrane permeability and cell population doubling time compared to non-cryopreserved cells (p < 0.05). In summary, viable fibroblasts can be obtained from six-banded armadillo skin while conserving their quality as the number of passages increases and featuring few changes after cryopreservation.
Assuntos
Tatus , Criopreservação , Humanos , Animais , Linhagem Celular , Congelamento , FibroblastosRESUMO
The implementation of environmental enrichment (EE) can be effective in promoting zoo animal welfare by enhancing the performance of natural or species-typical behaviors. Research on the effects of EE is biased towards larger mammalian species, with less charismatic species being overlooked. Armadillos are one such overlooked example. A captive environment that results in inactivity, obesity, and associated poor health can negatively affect armadillo well-being. The aim of this study was to evaluate how the implementation of four physical object-based EEs could positively affect the behaviors of three armadillo species, housed in four similar exhibits. Behavioral data were collected both before (baseline) and during (treatment) EE periods, alongside of visitor number and environmental temperatures. The EE comprised of a plastic ball or a cardboard tube or a cardboard box, or a scatter-feed, and these were rotated each week of study until each exhibit had received them in turn. Despite the presence of different EE types, activity remained low throughout the study. However, results suggest that the plastic ball and cardboard box increased exploratory behaviors in the armadillos, but no overall increase in activity was noted during the scatter feed. Visitor presence had no effect on armadillo activity, and armadillos showed reduced activity with increasing environmental temperature. Overall, the use of physical object-based EE promoted beneficial natural behaviors in zoo-housed armadillos, but environmental conditions (i.e., temperature) also impacted armadillo activity, suggesting a complicated relationship between an enclosure's environmental variable and any behavioral husbandry measures.
Assuntos
Animais de Zoológico , Tatus , Animais , Bem-Estar do Animal , Temperatura , Comportamento AnimalRESUMO
Boyde et al. (2023) stated that Moura et al. (2021) did not explain how fleas generated cavities in armadillo osteoderms, which is wrongly stated, also presenting a misrepresentation of what is written about this in Moura et al. (2021).
Assuntos
Tatus , Sifonápteros , AnimaisRESUMO
Euphractus sexcinctus has a diverse diet, so it needs anatomical and habitual features to help it get its meals. Therefore, the objective is to study the morphology of the small and large intestines of the six-banded armadillo (E. sexcinctus). The research was authorized and approved under number 136/16. Six animals, obtained from victims of predatory hunting, were dissected for the research. For the anatomical analysis, the specimens were dissected and photographed. The fragments of each organ were submitted to histological routine to obtain slides stained with hematoxylin-eosin, toluidine blue and Masson's trichrome for further analysis. The small intestine has three parts: duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Histologically, it has the typical four layers of tubular organs. The mucosa is covered by simple cylindrical epithelium with the presence of specializations in the form of microvilli and variation in the number of goblet cells, depending on the portion observed. In the duodenal portion, the presence of the serous layer was not observed. In the jejunal portion, it is possible to observe lymphoid tissue aggregates in the submucosa, which become more evident in the ileum. The large intestine is divided into cecum, colon, and rectum and has the same histological subdivisions as the small intestine, but with some specializations. The presence of simple cylindrical intestinal crypts is clearly observed and the presence of a large number of goblet cells, which increase as it approaches the rectum. In the submucosa of the large intestine, the presence of organized lymphoid plaques is detected. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The presence of large numbers of goblet cells, which increase as one approaches the rectum. The presence of organized lymphoid plaques is detected. The duodenal portion was not observed presence of the serous layer.
Assuntos
Tatus , Mucosa Intestinal , Animais , Mucosa Intestinal/patologia , Sistema Digestório , Intestino Delgado , RetoRESUMO
Allometry, i.e., morphological variation correlated with size, is a major pattern in organismal evolution. Since size varies both within and among species, allometry occurs at different variational levels. However, the variability of allometric patterns across levels is poorly known since its evaluation requires extensive comparative studies. Here, we implemented a 3D geometric morphometric approach to investigate cranial allometry at three main variational levels-static, ontogenetic, and evolutionary-and two anatomical scales-entire cranium and cranial subunits-based on a dense intra- and interspecific sampling of extant armadillo diversity. While allometric trajectories differ among distantly related species, they hardly do so among sister families. This suggests that phylogenetic distance plays an important role in explaining allometric divergences. Beyond trajectories, our analyses revealed pervasive allometric shape changes shared across variational levels and anatomical scales. At the entire cranial scale, craniofacial allometry (relative snout elongation and braincase reduction) is accompanied notably by variations of nuchal crests and postorbital constriction. Among cranial subunits, the distribution of allometry was highly heterogeneous, with the frontal and petrosal bones showing the most pervasive shape changes, some of which were undetected at a more global scale. Evidence of widespread and superimposed allometric variations raises questions on their determinants and anatomical correlates and demonstrates the critical role of allometry in morphological evolution.
Assuntos
Tatus , Evolução Biológica , Humanos , Animais , Filogenia , Crânio/anatomia & histologiaRESUMO
The auditory brainstem response (ABR) to tone burst stimuli of thirteen frequencies ranging from 0.5 to 48 kHz was recorded in the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), the only extant member of the placental mammal superorder Xenarthra in North America. The armadillo ABR consisted of five main peaks that were visible within the first 10 ms when stimuli were presented at high intensities. The latency of peak I of the armadillo ABR increased as stimulus intensity decreased by an average of 20 µs/dB. Estimated frequency-specific thresholds identified by the ABR were used to construct an estimate of the armadillo audiogram describing the mean thresholds of the eight animals tested. The majority of animals tested (six out of eight) exhibited clear responses to stimuli from 0.5 to 38 kHz, and two animals exhibited responses to stimuli of 48 kHz. Across all cases, the lowest thresholds were observed for frequencies from 8 to 12 kHz. Overall, we observed that the armadillo estimated audiogram bears a similar pattern as those observed using ABR in members of other mammalian clades, including marsupials and later-derived placental mammals.
Assuntos
Potenciais Evocados Auditivos do Tronco Encefálico , Xenarthra , Gravidez , Animais , Feminino , Potenciais Evocados Auditivos do Tronco Encefálico/fisiologia , Tatus/fisiologia , Placenta , Testes Auditivos , EutériosRESUMO
Genetic and environmental variation are key contributors during organism development, but the influence of minor perturbations or noise is difficult to assess. This study focuses on the stochastic variation in allele-specific expression that persists through cell divisions in the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus). We investigated the blood transcriptome of five wild monozygotic quadruplets over time to explore the influence of developmental stochasticity on gene expression. We identify an enduring signal of autosomal allelic variability that distinguishes individuals within a quadruplet despite their genetic similarity. This stochastic allelic variation, akin to X-inactivation but broader, provides insight into non-genetic influences on phenotype. The presence of stochastically canalized allelic signatures represents a novel axis for characterizing organismal variability, complementing traditional approaches based on genetic and environmental factors. We also developed a model to explain the inconsistent penetrance associated with these stochastically canalized allelic expressions. By elucidating mechanisms underlying the persistence of allele-specific expression, we enhance understanding of development's role in shaping organismal diversity.
Assuntos
Tatus , Humanos , Animais , Tatus/fisiologia , Fenótipo , Alelos , PenetrânciaRESUMO
Xenarthra mammals can be found from southern North America to southern South America, including all Brazilian biomes. Although it has been shown that Xenarthra mammals can play a role as reservoirs for several zoonotic agents, few studies investigate the diversity of piroplasmids (Apicomplexa: Piroplasmida) in this group of mammals. Taking into account that piroplasmids can cause disease in animals and humans, understanding the prevalence and diversity of piroplasmids in Xenarthra mammals would contribute to conservation efforts for this group of animals as well as to infer risk areas for transmission of emergent zoonosis. The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence and molecular identity of piroplasmids in free-living mammals of the Superorder Xenarthra from four Brazilian states (Mato Grosso do Sul, São Paulo, Rondônia, and Pará). For this, DNA was extracted from blood or spleen samples from 455 animals. A nested PCR based on the 18S rRNA gene was used as screening for piroplasmids. Of the 455 samples analyzed, 25 (5.5%) were positive. Additionally, PCR assays based on 18S rRNA near-complete, cox-1, cox-3, hsp70, cytB, ß-tubulin genes and the ITS-1 intergenic region were performed. Five out of 25 positive samples also tested positive for ITS-1-based PCR. The phylogenetic analysis positioned three 18S rRNA sequences detected in Priodontes maximus into the same clade of Babesia sp. detected in marsupials (Didelphis albiventris, Didelphis marsupialis, and Monodelphis domestica) and Amblyomma dubitatum collected from opossums and coatis in Brazil. On the other hand, the 18S rRNA sequence obtained from Dasypus novemcinctus was closely related to a Theileria sp. sequence previously detected in armadillos from Mato Grosso State, grouping in a subclade within the Theileria sensu stricto clade. In the phylogenetic analysis based on the ITS-1 region, the sequences obtained from Myrmecophaga tridactyla and Tamandua tetradactyla were placed into a single clade, apart from the other piroplasmid clades. The present study demonstrated the molecular occurrence of Piroplasmida in anteaters and Babesia sp. and Theileria sp. in armadillos from Brazil.
Assuntos
Babesia , Didelphis , Marsupiais , Piroplasmida , Theileria , Xenarthra , Animais , Humanos , Brasil/epidemiologia , Tatus , Filogenia , RNA Ribossômico 18S/genética , Theileria/genética , Babesia/genética , Piroplasmida/genéticaRESUMO
An adult male free-living yellow armadillo (Euphractus sexcinctus) was found by hunters and referred for clinical evaluation because of a tumour-like lesion on the carapace. The animal was lethargic and weak with severe dehydration, enophthalmos and cachexia, and was euthanized because of its very poor clinical condition. Necropsy revealed a whitish, exophytic, irregular and moist mass (7 × 6.5 × 1.5 cm) in the caudal third of the carapace. On cut section, the mass was hard, compact, irregular and whitish. Histopathology revealed a densely cellular, expansive, poorly delimited neoplasm composed of malignant mesenchymal cells arranged in islands and cords, interspersed by numerous areas of irregularly mineralized osteoid matrix. Neoplastic cells were intensely immunolabelled for vimentin. The diagnosis of a high-grade osteosarcoma of osteoblastic subtype was based on the clinical, gross, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings. This first report of an osteosarcoma in an armadillo expands the list of armadillo diseases and will assist the management of these animals by veterinarians.
Assuntos
Neoplasias Ósseas , Osteossarcoma , Animais , Tatus , Osteossarcoma/veterinária , Osteossarcoma/patologia , Neoplasias Ósseas/veterináriaRESUMO
The study aimed to evaluate metabolic parameters, nutrient intake, and absorption of two diets formulated for Dasypus novemcinctus armadillos under human care. Were studied two diets: D1-a diet with dry dog food, ground beef, and boiled chicken egg with shells; D2-a diet with the same ingredients as D1, with added banana and papaya. Both are mixed in water. The parameters analyzed were body weight (BW), weight gain (WG), maintenance energy requirement (MER), Lee index, biometrics, body condition score, glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and cholesterol fractions for eight male armadillos. Dietary intake (DI) and efficiency, nutrient intake, metabolizable energy, and digestibility coefficient for the diets were evaluated in six male armadillos. The diet that included fruits showed higher BW, WG, MER, Lee index, and better glucose metabolism. Both diets promoted increases in WG and Lee Index, as well as improvements in glucose metabolism. The diet without fruit improved the lipid profile of the animals. D2 presented the highest DI, better dietary efficiency, and higher energy intake but also a lower crude fiber intake. However, it showed the best utilization of gross fiber and all other nutrients. In conclusion, the diets constituted an adequate nutritional option for captive armadillos and can be used in malnutrition and pathological processes recovery. Although both diets were adequate, the nonfruit diet was preferable due to the improved lipid profile.
Assuntos
Animais de Zoológico , Tatus , Bovinos , Animais , Humanos , Masculino , Cães , Dieta/veterinária , Colesterol , Glucose , Lipídeos , Ração Animal , DigestãoRESUMO
Florida, USA, has witnessed an increased incidence of leprosy cases lacking traditional risk factors. Those trends, in addition to decreasing diagnoses in foreign-born persons, contribute to rising evidence that leprosy has become endemic in the southeastern United States. Travel to Florida should be considered when conducting leprosy contact tracing in any state.
Assuntos
Hanseníase , Mycobacterium leprae , Humanos , Animais , Mycobacterium leprae/genética , Florida/epidemiologia , Tatus , Hanseníase/diagnóstico , Hanseníase/epidemiologia , Sudeste dos Estados UnidosRESUMO
1p32.3 microdeletion/duplication is implicated in many neurodevelopmental disorders-like phenotypes such as developmental delay, intellectual disability, autism, macro/microcephaly, and dysmorphic features. The 1p32.3 chromosomal region harbors several genes critical for development; however, their validation and characterization remain inadequate. One such gene is the single-stranded DNA-binding protein 3 (SSBP3) and its Drosophila melanogaster ortholog is called sequence-specific single-stranded DNA-binding protein (Ssdp). Here, we investigated consequences of Ssdp manipulations on neurodevelopment, gene expression, physiological function, and autism-associated behaviors using Drosophila models. We found that SSBP3 and Ssdp are expressed in excitatory neurons in the brain. Ssdp overexpression caused morphological alterations in Drosophila wing, mechanosensory bristles, and head. Ssdp manipulations also affected the neuropil brain volume and glial cell number in larvae and adult flies. Moreover, Ssdp overexpression led to differential changes in synaptic density in specific brain regions. We observed decreased levels of armadillo in the heads of Ssdp overexpressing flies, as well as a decrease in armadillo and wingless expression in the larval wing discs, implicating the involvement of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway in Ssdp functionality. RNA sequencing revealed perturbation of oxidative stress-related pathways in heads of Ssdp overexpressing flies. Furthermore, Ssdp overexpressing brains showed enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS), altered neuronal mitochondrial morphology, and up-regulated fission and fusion genes. Flies with elevated levels of Ssdp exhibited heightened anxiety-like behavior, altered decisiveness, defective sensory perception and habituation, abnormal social interaction, and feeding defects, which were phenocopied in the pan-neuronal Ssdp knockdown flies, suggesting that Ssdp is dosage sensitive. Partial rescue of behavioral defects was observed upon normalization of Ssdp levels. Notably, Ssdp knockdown exclusively in adult flies did not produce behavioral and functional defects. Finally, we show that optogenetic manipulation of Ssdp-expressing neurons altered autism-associated behaviors. Collectively, our findings provide evidence that Ssdp, a dosage-sensitive gene in the 1p32.3 chromosomal region, is associated with various anatomical, physiological, and behavioral defects, which may be relevant to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. Our study proposes SSBP3 as a critical gene in the 1p32.3 microdeletion/duplication genomic region and sheds light on the functional role of Ssdp in neurodevelopmental processes in Drosophila.
Assuntos
Transtorno Autístico , Proteínas de Drosophila , Fatores de Transcrição , Animais , Humanos , Tatus/metabolismo , Transtorno Autístico/genética , Proteínas de Ligação a DNA/genética , Proteínas de Ligação a DNA/metabolismo , Drosophila/metabolismo , Drosophila melanogaster/genética , Drosophila melanogaster/metabolismo , Proteínas de Drosophila/genética , Proteínas de Drosophila/metabolismo , Fatores de Transcrição/genética , Fatores de Transcrição/metabolismoRESUMO
Wnt signaling members are involved in the differentiation of cells associated with eyespot and band color patterns on the wings of butterflies, but the identity and spatio-temporal regulation of specific Wnt pathway members remains unclear. Here, we explore the localization and function of Armadillo/ß-catenin dependent (canonical) and Armadillo/ß-catenin independent (noncanonical) Wnt signaling in eyespot and band development in Bicyclus anynana by localizing Armadillo (Arm), the expression of all eight Wnt ligand and four frizzled receptor transcripts present in the genome of this species and testing the function of some of the ligands and receptors using CRISPR-Cas9. We show that distinct Wnt signaling pathways are essential for eyespot and band patterning in butterflies and are likely interacting to control their active domains.
Assuntos
Borboletas , Via de Sinalização Wnt , Animais , beta Catenina/genética , beta Catenina/metabolismo , Borboletas/genética , Borboletas/metabolismo , Tatus/metabolismo , Pigmentação/genética , Asas de Animais/fisiologiaRESUMO
Just over 30 years ago, a new species of Leishmania of the subgenus Leishmania (Viannia) was described infecting the armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus; then, a report of human infection followed. From the Brazilian Amazon and apparently restricted to this region and its close borders, Leishmania (Viannia) naiffi has been characterized as a species that grows easily in axenic culture medium and causes few to no lesions after inoculation in experimental animal models. Results in the last decade indicate the occurrence of L. naiffi in vectors and human infections, including a report of therapeutic failure possibly associated with Leishmania RNA virus 1. Overall, such accounts suggest that the parasite is more dispersed and the disease less self-healing than previously expected.
Assuntos
Leishmania , Animais , Humanos , Leishmania/genética , Tatus/parasitologia , BrasilRESUMO
Armadillos are considered important reservoir hosts for Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. The first report of T. cruzi infection in pichis (Zaedyus pichiy), a small armadillo species endemic to central Argentina and Chile, dates back to 1935. However, more recent reports on T. cruzi in this species are scarce. The objective of this study was to assess T. cruzi infection and parasite load in Z. pichiy from Mendoza Province, an area endemic to human Chagas disease. Blood samples were obtained in 2014-2016 from pichis from Lavalle (low Monte), Malargüe (Patagonian steppe), and San Carlos (ecotone) departments, Mendoza Province, Argentina. The detection and quantification of T. cruzi was performed through qPCR amplification using satellite primers. Of the 265 analyzed samples, 201 (76%) were positive for T. cruzi. Parasite loads varied between < 0.1-55.8 parasite-equivalents/mL (par-eq/mL), with a median of 1.1 par-eq/mL in quantifiable samples. The prevalence was similar in Malargüe and Lavalle (85-94%), but significantly lower in pichis from San Carlos (50%). Animals from Lavalle captured after hibernation had significantly higher parasite loads (median 2.0 par-eq/mL). In Malargüe, T. cruzi infection and parasite loads were significantly lower before than after hibernation in 2016. The high prevalence and low median parasite load suggest a chronic and persistent infection of T. cruzi in pichis. Regional differences and a marked increase in precipitation during 2015-2016 could have influenced annual and seasonal infection rates of this vector-borne disease.