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1.
J Anim Ecol ; 93(1): 109-122, 2024 01.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36924272

RESUMO

Carnivore community dynamics are governed by a complex set of often interacting biotic, abiotic and anthropogenic factors that are increasingly volatile as a result of global change. Understanding how these changing conditions influence carnivore communities is urgent because of the important role carnivores play within ecosystems at multiple trophic levels, and the conservation threats that many carnivores face globally. While a great deal of research attention has historically been focused on large carnivores within ecosystems, the size-mediated sensitivity hypothesis has recently been proposed where the smallest carnivore in a system is likely to be the most responsive to the diverse suite of ongoing environmental and anthropogenic changes within ecological communities. We deployed camera traps at 197 sites over 4 years to monitor a diverse suite of mammalian carnivores within the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina and then used a two-step occupancy modelling-structural equation modelling framework to investigate the relative support for four primary hypothesized drivers (interspecific competition/predation, habitat complexity, food availability and anthropogenic disturbance) on carnivore occurrence. We found that each of the 10 carnivores in our system responded differently to conditions associated with each of these four hypothesized drivers, but that small and medium-sized carnivores had a greater number of significant (p < 0.05) pathways by which these conditions were influencing occupancy relative to large carnivores. In particular, the smallest carnivore observed in our study was the only species for which we found support for each of the four hypothesized drivers influencing occupancy. Collectively, our study supports the size-mediated sensitivity hypothesis and suggests that small carnivores are ideal sentinel species for global change. We echo recent calls for adopting a middle-out approach to investigations into carnivore community dynamics by refocusing sustained monitoring and research efforts on smaller carnivores within systems.


Assuntos
Carnívoros , Ecossistema , Animais , North Carolina
2.
Vet Pathol ; 61(1): 135-139, 2024 01.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37545123

RESUMO

We describe gross pathology, histopathology, ultrastructure, and molecular characterization of skunk adenovirus 1 (SkAdV-1) in 3 ferrets (Mustela putorius) submitted to the Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Zoo and Exotic Animal Pathology Service at the University of Georgia. Case 1 came from a cohort with a 6-week history of multiple ferrets with respiratory disease and mortality. Cases 2 and 3 were submitted 19 days later; they died 3 days after arrival at the vendor's facility. Histopathological evaluation found evidence of suppurative bronchopneumonia, with intralesional gram-positive cocci in case 1. The others had evidence of subacute multifocal histiocytic and lymphoplasmacytic interstitial pneumonia. Viral isolation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and DNA sequencing identified SkAdV-1 in lung tissue. In situ hybridization confirmed adenovirus within the lung lesion, and adenovirus particles were visible under an electron microscope. This is the seventh species in which SkAdV-1 has been identified. Cross-species transmission events have important implications for wildlife management and multispecies facilities.


Assuntos
Infecções por Adenoviridae , Adenoviridae , Humanos , Animais , Furões , Mephitidae , Infecções por Adenoviridae/diagnóstico , Infecções por Adenoviridae/veterinária , Animais Selvagens
3.
Emerg Infect Dis ; 29(12): 2451-2460, 2023 Dec.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37987580

RESUMO

We describe the pathology of natural infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus of Eurasian lineage Goose/Guangdong clade 2.3.4.4b in 67 wild terrestrial mammals throughout the United States during April 1‒July 21, 2022. Affected mammals include 50 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 6 striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), 4 raccoons (Procyon lotor), 2 bobcats (Lynx rufus), 2 Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana), 1 coyote (Canis latrans), 1 fisher (Pekania pennanti), and 1 gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus). Infected mammals showed primarily neurologic signs. Necrotizing meningoencephalitis, interstitial pneumonia, and myocardial necrosis were the most common lesions; however, species variations in lesion distribution were observed. Genotype analysis of sequences from 48 animals indicates that these cases represent spillover infections from wild birds.


Assuntos
Virus da Influenza A Subtipo H5N1 , Influenza Aviária , Animais , Estados Unidos/epidemiologia , Virus da Influenza A Subtipo H5N1/genética , Mephitidae , Influenza Aviária/epidemiologia , Mamíferos , Animais Selvagens , Raposas
4.
Vet Pathol ; 60(4): 438-442, 2023 07.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37199486

RESUMO

Disease caused by the archetypical amdoparvovirus (APV), Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV), has been well studied, but APV infections in other carnivores are poorly understood. Skunk amdoparvovirus (SKAV), one of a handful of newly discovered APVs, is apparently species-specific in striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) and has a high prevalence across North America. We have evaluated the infection status and viral tissue distribution in a cohort of 26 free-ranging California skunks from a single rehabilitation facility who were euthanized due to poor prognosis for recovery from neurologic disease. SKAV was detected in the majority of this cohort, and virus was associated with a spectrum of lesions including tubulointerstitial nephritis, meningoencephalitis, myocarditis, and arteritis. Affected tissue and patterns of inflammation were partially overlapping with those of AMDV infection but were notably distinct in the kidney.


Assuntos
Meningoencefalite , Miocardite , Animais , Mephitidae , Inflamação/veterinária , Meningoencefalite/veterinária , Miocardite/veterinária , Vison
5.
Parasitol Res ; 121(1): 483-489, 2022 Jan.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34750653

RESUMO

Cryptosporidium spp. are significant zoonotic parasites in humans and animals worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection among raccoon (Procyon lotor) in north of Iran. The fecal samples (n = 30) were collected from raccoons. After DNA extraction, all samples were examined by nested PCR amplification of the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. From 30 raccoon samples, 4 (13.3%) were positive, and the isolates were identified as Cryptosporidium skunk genotype based on sequence analysis. The large distribution of raccoons in northern provinces of Iran and their potency for carrying some human-infecting parasites like Cryptosporidium spp. propose this mammalian as a source for zoonotic parasites.


Assuntos
Criptosporidiose , Cryptosporidium , Animais , Fezes , Genótipo , Irã (Geográfico) , Mephitidae , Guaxinins
6.
Emerg Infect Dis ; 27(8): 2073-2080, 2021 08.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34286685

RESUMO

Wild animals have been implicated as the origin of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), but it is largely unknown how the virus affects most wildlife species and if wildlife could ultimately serve as a reservoir for maintaining the virus outside the human population. We show that several common peridomestic species, including deer mice, bushy-tailed woodrats, and striped skunks, are susceptible to infection and can shed the virus in respiratory secretions. In contrast, we demonstrate that cottontail rabbits, fox squirrels, Wyoming ground squirrels, black-tailed prairie dogs, house mice, and racoons are not susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our results expand the knowledge base of susceptible species and provide evidence that human-wildlife interactions could result in continued transmission of SARS-CoV-2.


Assuntos
COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Animais , Animais Selvagens , Suscetibilidade a Doenças , Humanos , Mamíferos , Camundongos
7.
Acta Vet Hung ; 68(3): 323-327, 2020 09 30.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33128521

RESUMO

The complete genomic sequence along with phylogenetic analyses of an adenovirus (AdV), isolated from a dead captive pygmy marmoset (Callithrix pygmaea) from a Hungarian zoo is reported. Earlier, based on the phylogenetic analysis of the sequence of a PCR-amplified fragment from the DNA polymerase gene, the pygmy marmoset AdV (PMAdV) has been reported to cluster closest to certain chiropteran AdVs. In the following years similar AdVs were discovered in additional mammalian hosts, including a skunk (Mephitis mephitis), African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris), North American porcupines (Erethizon dorsatum) and grey fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus). After the full genome analysis of the skunk adenovirus (SkAdV-1), a novel species Skunk mastadenovirus A (SkAdV-A) has been established. The AdVs, originating from the African pygmy hedgehogs, have been found to belong to virus species SkAdV-A. Partial gene sequences from the porcupine AdVs have also implied their very close genetic relatedness to SkAdV-A. The complete genomic sequence of PMAdV, examined in this study, was found to share 99.83% nucleotide identity with SkAdV-1, thus unequivocally represents a genomic variant of SkAdV-1. The observation that viruses classifiable as SkAdV-A are able to infect and cause diseases in several, distantly related mammals seems to deserve further studies to elucidate the infection biology of this intriguing AdV.


Assuntos
Callithrix/virologia , Genoma Viral , Mastadenovirus/genética , Mephitidae/virologia , Animais , Mastadenovirus/classificação , Sequenciamento Completo do Genoma/veterinária
8.
J Zoo Wildl Med ; 50(4): 1012-1015, 2020 Jan 09.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31926539

RESUMO

Adenoviruses have been reported to affect a broad range of host species, tend to be species specific, and often affect the respiratory system. This report describes the isolation of an adenovirus from deep nasal swabs of two wild North American porcupines (Erethizon dorsatum) with respiratory diseases that presented to a wildlife hospital. Partial sequences of the deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase gene of the isolated virus were identical to skunk adenovirus (SkAdV-1), also known as pygmy marmoset adenovirus. Both porcupines survived and were released back to the wild after successful medical treatment and rehabilitation. The significance of the adenovirus isolated from these porcupines is unknown; however, this is the first report of an adenovirus in porcupines, and the first report of SkAdV-1 in a rodent.


Assuntos
Infecções por Adenoviridae/veterinária , Adenoviridae/classificação , Porcos-Espinhos , Infecções Respiratórias/veterinária , Adenoviridae/isolamento & purificação , Infecções por Adenoviridae/tratamento farmacológico , Infecções por Adenoviridae/virologia , Animais , Antibacterianos/uso terapêutico , Azitromicina/uso terapêutico , Broncodilatadores/uso terapêutico , Enrofloxacina/uso terapêutico , Masculino , Infecções Respiratórias/tratamento farmacológico , Infecções Respiratórias/virologia , Terbutalina/uso terapêutico
9.
Phytochem Anal ; 30(2): 139-147, 2019 Mar.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30378730

RESUMO

INTRODUCTION: Flowering of the Asian skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus renifolius, Araceae) shows a sequential expression of female, bisexual and male sex phases. The protogynous thermogenic inflorescence has unpleasant odours, but the contributing chemical composition is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To determine the volatile composition of odour emissions from each S. renifolius flowering phase. METHODOLOGY: The dynamic headspace method was used to collect floral volatiles from six intact S. renifolius inflorescences in their natural habitat. Collected volatiles from the three flowering phases were analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/olfactometry (GC-MS/O). RESULTS: Female-phase inflorescences were characterised by an earthy-rotten-minty odour, while male-phase inflorescences typically exhibited a rotten-oily odour. Approximately 160 compounds were detected in volatiles from the three phases. Common to all phases were 3-methylbutyl 3-methylbutanoate, 1,8-cineole, dimethyl disulphide and sabinene, together accounting for 52 to 54% of total volatiles. GC-MS/O revealed that at least 28 volatiles including eight S-containing compounds contributed to the unpleasant odour of S. renifolius. Among them, dimethyl disulphide (onion-like), methional (potato-like), and the tentatively identified methyl dithioformate (garlic-like) were intense odour-active compounds in each floral phase. Additionally, 2-isopropyl-3-methoxypyrazine (IPMP) was a major contributor to the earthy odour that was characteristic of the female phase. CONCLUSIONS: No marked changes were observed in floral volatile compositions over the three flowering phases of S. renifolius. Instead, flower phase-dependent proportional changes of minor components (e.g. IPMP and 2,3-butanedione) altered the odour characteristics between the female and male phases.


Assuntos
Araceae/química , Inflorescência/química , Odorantes/análise , Óvulo Vegetal , Pólen , Compostos Orgânicos Voláteis/análise , Cromatografia Gasosa-Espectrometria de Massas/métodos , Olfatometria/métodos
10.
J Fish Biol ; 95(2): 453-471, 2019 Aug.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30968410

RESUMO

After 80 years of misidentifications, the analysis of the holotype of Corydoras arcuatus plus several non-type specimens attributed to this species allowed its recognition and also revealed a new species, both sharing the following diagnostic features: a long, arched, continuous black stripe that runs parallel to the dorsal profile of the body and extends at least from the anterior margin of the first dorsolateral body plate to the posterior portion of caudal peduncle; absence of transverse black bars on caudal fin; infraorbital 2 in contact with sphenotic and compound pterotic. In addition to these features, C. arcuatus can be distinguished from congeners by having the posterior margin of both dorsal and pectoral spines with laminar serrations directed towards their origins. The new species can be additionally distinguished from its congeners by presenting the following combination of features: ventral surface of trunk entirely or partially covered by relatively large and coalescent platelets; absence of spots or blotches on dorsal fin; and posterior margin of both dorsal and pectoral spines with serrations directed towards their tips. Finally, an identification key to all arc-striped species of Corydoras is provided.


Assuntos
Peixes-Gato/anatomia & histologia , Peixes-Gato/classificação , Nadadeiras de Animais/anatomia & histologia , Animais , Brasil , Colômbia , Equador , Sistema da Linha Lateral/anatomia & histologia , Peru , Filogenia , Pigmentação , Costelas/anatomia & histologia , Rios , Caracteres Sexuais , Coluna Vertebral/anatomia & histologia
11.
Parasitol Res ; 117(11): 3669-3674, 2018 Nov.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30269175

RESUMO

Recent research suggests that raccoons (Procyon lotor) can transmit several important pathogens affecting humans, including protozoans. In Japan, the number of wild raccoons has increased since they were first introduced more than 50 years ago. Here, we report the first survey of Cryptosporidium infection using fecal swabs of raccoons captured in Osaka, Japan. Of 116 raccoons examined by PCR targeting of the Cryptosporidium 18S rRNA gene, 7 (6.03%; 2 adults and 5 young animals) were positive, and the isolates were identified as Cryptosporidium skunk genotype (subtype XVIa) and C. parvum based on sequence and phylogenetic analyses. Both species and the genotype are zoonotic; thus, our results suggest that raccoons could transmit Cryptosporidium infections to humans in Japan.


Assuntos
Criptosporidiose/epidemiologia , Cryptosporidium parvum/genética , Cryptosporidium parvum/isolamento & purificação , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase/veterinária , Guaxinins/parasitologia , Animais , Criptosporidiose/parasitologia , Feminino , Genótipo , Humanos , Japão/epidemiologia , Mephitidae/parasitologia , Filogenia , RNA Ribossômico 18S/genética
12.
Harm Reduct J ; 15(1): 47, 2018 09 20.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30236118

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Cannabis-smoking patients with a psychotic disorder have poorer disease outcomes than non-cannabis-smoking patients with poorest outcomes in patients smoking high-potency cannabis (HPC) containing high Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and low cannabidiol (CBD). Quitting cannabis smoking or substitution of HPC by cannabis variants containing less THC and/or more CBD may benefit these patients. The present study explores whether daily HPC-smoking patients with schizophrenia accept smoking such variants. METHODS: Twelve male patients were asked to smoke on six different occasions one joint: on two occasions, the cannabis they routinely smoke (HPC; not blind), and blind in random order; on two occasions, cannabis containing low THC and no CBD; and on two occasions, cannabis containing low THC and high CBD. RESULTS: Both substitute variants were appreciated, but patients preferred the HPC they usually smoked. The effect of the low THC/high CBD variant was reported by 32% to be too short and by 36% to be not strong enough, whereas this was reported by 5% and 64%, respectively, for the low THC cannabis variant. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these findings, a larger and longer study on the efficacy of cannabis substitution treatment in HPC-smoking patients with schizophrenia seems feasible and should be considered. TRIAL REGISTRATION: 2014-005540-17NL . Registered 22 October 2014, 2014-005540-17NL 20141215 CTA.xml.


Assuntos
Fumar Maconha/psicologia , Maconha Medicinal , Preferência do Paciente/psicologia , Psicologia do Esquizofrênico , Adulto , Substituição de Medicamentos , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Projetos Piloto , Paladar , Adulto Jovem
13.
Subst Use Misuse ; 52(4): 413-421, 2017 03 21.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27849430

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: The Asian population in Britain has grown, representing the second largest ethnic group; Bangladeshi, Pakistani, and Indian nationalities are prevalent (Jivraj, 2012 ; Office for National Statistics, 2013 ). Yet, we know relatively little about the nature and extent of their substance use. Jayakody et al. ( 2006 ) argue ethnic minority groups may be influenced by the norms and values of the dominant culture. Given recreational drug use has undergone a process of normalization in Britain (Aldridge et al., 2011 ; Parker et al., 1998 , 2002 ), we explore the degree to which this is occurring in a Bangladeshi and Pakistani community of Muslim faith in Northern England; a group typically assumed to reject substance use because of robust religious and cultural values. OBJECTIVES: To examine the extent, frequency, and nature of substance use, and associated attitudes. METHODS: A cross-sectional study collecting qualitative data from a sample (N = 43) of adolescents accessing a drug service and a range of professionals working with them during 2014. We also present analyses of routinely collected quantitative client data. RESULTS: Adolescent interviewees reported extensive personal experience smoking skunk cannabis, and professionals working in the community confirmed many young Asians smoked it. Its consumption appeared to be accommodated into the daily lives of young people and the supply of it also showed signs of acceptance. CONCLUSIONS: Skunk cannabis may be undergoing a process of normalization within some Asian communities in Britain. Our study has significant implications for the normalization thesis, finding evidence for normalization within a subpopulation that is typically perceived to resist this trend.


Assuntos
Uso da Maconha/epidemiologia , Adolescente , Alcoolismo/epidemiologia , Atitude Frente a Saúde , Bangladesh/etnologia , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Paquistão/etnologia , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Substâncias/epidemiologia , Reino Unido/epidemiologia
14.
J Zoo Wildl Med ; 48(2): 598-601, 2017 Jun.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28749284

RESUMO

Tumors are infrequently reported in skunks, with only a few case reports published in the literature. Chylothorax associated with mediastinal lymphoma was diagnosed in a captive 7-yr-old male striped skunk ( Mephitis mephitis ). The animal presented with anorexia and apathy. Supportive care and prednisolone improved the animal's clinical status for 2 wk preceding its death. Histopathology supported the clinical findings, and the tumor was classified as a mediastinal non-Hodgkin lymphoma, stage 2b, which has not been documented in the literature.


Assuntos
Quilotórax/veterinária , Linfoma/veterinária , Neoplasias do Mediastino/veterinária , Mephitidae , Animais , Quilotórax/diagnóstico , Quilotórax/patologia , Evolução Fatal , Linfoma/diagnóstico , Linfoma/patologia , Neoplasias do Mediastino/diagnóstico , Neoplasias do Mediastino/patologia
15.
Vet Pathol ; 52(6): 1250-3, 2015 Nov.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25445322

RESUMO

Aleutian disease virus (ADV, Amdovirus, Parvoviridae) primarily infects farmed mustelids (mink and ferrets) but also other fur-bearing animals and humans. Three Aleutian disease (AD) cases have been described in captive striped skunks; however, little is known about the relevance of AD in free-ranging carnivores. This work describes the pathological findings and temporospatial distribution in 7 cases of AD in free-ranging striped skunks. All cases showed neurologic disease and were found in a 46-month period (2010-2013) within a localized geographical region in California. Lesions included multisystemic plasmacytic and lymphocytic inflammation (ie, interstitial nephritis, myocarditis, hepatitis, meningoencephalitis, pneumonia, and splenitis), glomerulonephritis, arteritis with or without fibrinoid necrosis in several organs (ie, kidney, heart, brain, and spleen), splenomegaly, ascites/hydrothorax, and/or encephalomalacia with cerebral microangiopathy. ADV infection was confirmed in all cases by specific polymerase chain reaction and/or in situ hybridization. The results suggest that AD is an emerging disease in free-ranging striped skunks in California.


Assuntos
Vírus da Doença Aleutiana do Vison/isolamento & purificação , Doença Aleutiana do Vison/virologia , Doenças Transmissíveis Emergentes/veterinária , Mephitidae/virologia , Vison/virologia , Vírus da Doença Aleutiana do Vison/genética , Animais , California/epidemiologia , Doenças Transmissíveis Emergentes/epidemiologia , Doenças Transmissíveis Emergentes/virologia , Inflamação/veterinária
16.
J Zoo Wildl Med ; 46(3): 575-9, 2015 Sep.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26352963

RESUMO

This brief communication describes the diagnosis and surgical treatment of bilateral perineal hernias in a 1-yr-old, intact female, striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) that was evaluated for chronic intermittent constipation, following early age, bilateral anal sacculectomy for descenting. Complete blood count and biochemistry results were within the reference ranges. Diagnosis was based on history, physical exam, clinical signs, and diagnostic imaging. A two-stage surgical approach for treatment was performed. First, colopexy and cystopexy were performed via celiotomy, which was followed by unilateral perineal herniorrhaphy by using an internal obturator muscle flap augmented with porcine small intestinal submucosa biomaterial. Long-term resolution of clinical signs was achieved without evidence of recurrence. This is the first description of bilateral perineal hernia in a skunk following routine anal sacculectomy for descenting.


Assuntos
Hérnia/veterinária , Herniorrafia/veterinária , Mephitidae , Animais , Feminino , Hérnia/diagnóstico
17.
Parasite ; 31: 42, 2024.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39052012

RESUMO

Babesia species are intraerythrocytic protozoan parasites that infect a variety of hosts. The goal of this study was to evaluate the piroplasm species present in skunks in various states in the United States and determine whether there was any geographic variation. Spleen, whole blood, or blood on filter paper were received from Pennsylvania, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Missouri, Louisiana, Texas, Kansas, and California, and were tested for Babesia sp. We tested four species of skunks including striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis, n = 72), eastern spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius, n = 28), western spotted skunk (Spilogale gracilis, n = 15), and hog-nosed skunk (Conepatus leuconotus, n = 11). A PCR assay targeting the 18S rRNA region and cox1 region were used to determine if skunks were infected with piroplasms and for phylogenetic analyses. A total of 48.4% (61/126) of skunks tested positive for a Babesia species. Both the 18S and cox1 analysis supported a skunk-specific Babesia microti-like sp. of carnivores as well as a species in the B. microti complex that is phylogenetically unique from both B. microti of humans and the B. microti-like sp. of carnivores. In the 18S analysis, there was a third species of Babesia in hog-nosed skunks in the western piroplasm group. This study shows that at least three species of piroplasms occur in skunk species in the United States and further highlights the importance of phylogenetic analyses and the use of multiple gene targets when studying piroplasms.


Title: Diversité des Babesia spp. chez des mouffettes provenant d'États sélectionnés des États-Unis. Abstract: Les espèces de Babesia sont des protozoaires parasites intraérythrocytaires qui infectent divers hôtes. Le but de cette étude était d'évaluer les espèces de piroplasmes présentes chez les mouffettes dans divers états des États-Unis et de déterminer s'il existait une variation géographique. Des rates, du sang total ou du sang sur papier filtre ont été reçus de Pennsylvanie, du Kentucky, de Caroline du Nord, de Caroline du Sud, de Géorgie, du Missouri, de Louisiane, du Texas, du Kansas et de Californie, et ont été testés pour Babesia sp. Nous avons testé quatre espèces de mouffettes, dont la mouffette rayée (Mephitis mephitis, n = 72), la mouffette tachetée de l'Est (Spilogale putorius, n = 28), la mouffette tachetée de l'Ouest (Spilogale gracilis, n = 15) et la mouffette à nez plat (Conepatus leuconotus, n = 11). Un test PCR ciblant la région de l'ARNr 18S et la région cox1 a été utilisé pour déterminer si les mouffettes étaient infectées par des piroplasmes et pour des analyses phylogénétiques. Au total, 48,4 % (61/126) des mouffettes ont été testées positives pour une espèce de Babesia. Les analyses du 18S et du cox1 ont toutes deux confirmé une espèce de type Babesia microti de carnivores spécifique aux mouffettes ainsi qu'une espèce du complexe B. microti qui est phylogénétiquement unique à la fois par rapport à B. microti de l'homme et à l'espèce des carnivores. Dans l'analyse 18S, il y avait une troisième espèce de Babesia chez les mouffettes à nez plat du groupe des piroplasmes de l'ouest. Cette étude montre qu'au moins trois espèces de piroplasmes sont présentes chez les espèces de mouffettes aux États-Unis et souligne en outre l'importance des analyses phylogénétiques et de l'utilisation de plusieurs cibles génétiques lors de l'étude des piroplasmes.


Assuntos
Babesia , Babesiose , Mephitidae , Filogenia , RNA Ribossômico 18S , Babesiose/epidemiologia , Babesiose/parasitologia , Babesia/classificação , Babesia/isolamento & purificação , Babesia/genética , Animais , Estados Unidos/epidemiologia , RNA Ribossômico 18S/genética , Mephitidae/parasitologia , DNA de Protozoário , Variação Genética , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase
18.
Sci Total Environ ; 952: 175883, 2024 Nov 20.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39222805

RESUMO

Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are currently the most common method to control rats in cities, but these compounds also cause morbidity and mortality in non-target wildlife. Little attention has been focused on AR exposure among mesopredators despite their ecological role as scavengers and prey for larger carnivores, thus serving as an important bridge in the biomagnification of rodenticides in food webs. In this study, we sampled liver tissue from raccoons (Procyon lotor; n = 37), skunks (Mephitis mephitis; n = 15), and Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana; n = 45) euthanized by pest professionals and brown rats (Rattus norvegicus; n = 101) trapped in alleys in Chicago, USA to evaluate how often these species are exposed to ARs. We tested whether mesopredators had a higher prevalence of ARs and to more AR compounds compared to rats and calculated biomagnification factors (mean concentration in mesopredators/rats) as indicators of biomagnification. Of 93 sampled mesopredators, 100 % were exposed to at least one AR compound, mainly brodifacoum (≥80 %), and 79 % were exposed to multiple AR compounds. We also documented teal stomach contents consistent with the consumption of rat bait and altricial young tested positive to the same AR as their mother, suggesting mammary transfer. Of the 101 rats, 74 % tested positive to at least one AR compound and 32 % were exposed to multiple AR compounds. All mesopredator species had biomagnification factors exceeding 1.00 for brodifacoum (6.57-29.07) and bromadiolone (1.08-4.31). Our results suggest widespread exposure to ARs among urban mesopredators and biomagnification of ARs in mesopredators compared to rats. Policies that limit AR availability to non-target species, such as restricting the sale and use of ARs to licensed professionals in indoor settings, education on alternatives, and more emphasis on waste management may reduce health risks for urban wildlife and people in cities around the world.


Assuntos
Anticoagulantes , Rodenticidas , Animais , Rodenticidas/metabolismo , Chicago , Exposição Ambiental/estatística & dados numéricos , Ratos , Monitoramento Ambiental , Poluentes Ambientais/metabolismo
19.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23981473

RESUMO

Wintertime physiology of captive striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) in response to cold ambient temperature (Ta) and fasting was investigated with body temperature (Tb) and activity recordings and analyses of hematology, plasma biochemistry and tissue fatty acids (FA). After 105 days of food deprivation, the skunks were in phase II of fasting indicated by the elevated plasma nonesterified FA and glycerol but no accumulation of nitrogen end products. Shorter-chain saturated and monounsaturated FA together with C18-20 n-3 polyunsaturated FA were preferentially mobilized. Individual amino acids responded to fasting in a complex manner, while essential and nonessential amino acid sums remained stable. Increases in hemoglobin and hematocrit suggested dehydration. The activity levels were lower in mid-January-early March, and the activity bouts were mostly displayed between 17:00-23:00 h. Daily torpor was observed in two females with 29 and 46 bouts. The deepest torpor (Tb<31 °C) occurred between dawn and early afternoon and lasted for 3.3 ± 0.18 h. The average minimum Tb was 29.2 ± 0.15 °C and the lowest recorded Tb was 25.8 °C. There was significant relation between the average 24-h Tb and Ta. Increases in wintertime Ta, as predicted by climate change scenarios, could influence torpor patterns in the species.


Assuntos
Jejum/fisiologia , Mephitidae/fisiologia , Torpor/fisiologia , Adaptação Fisiológica , Animais , Temperatura Corporal , Temperatura Baixa , Ácidos Graxos Insaturados , Feminino , Privação de Alimentos , Masculino , Estações do Ano
20.
Viruses ; 15(5)2023 04 28.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37243173

RESUMO

Skunk amdoparvovirus (Carnivore amdoparvovirus 4, SKAV) is closely related to Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV) and circulates primarily in striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) in North America. SKAV poses a threat to mustelid species due to reported isolated infections of captive American mink (Neovison vison) in British Columbia, Canada. We detected SKAV in a captive striped skunk in a German zoo by metagenomic sequencing. The pathological findings are dominated by lymphoplasmacellular inflammation and reveal similarities to its relative Carnivore amdoparvovirus 1, the causative agent of Aleutian mink disease. Phylogenetic analysis of the whole genome demonstrated 94.80% nucleotide sequence identity to a sequence from Ontario, Canada. This study is the first case description of a SKAV infection outside of North America.


Assuntos
Doença Aleutiana do Vison , Mephitidae , Animais , Colúmbia Britânica , Europa (Continente)/epidemiologia , Vison , Filogenia
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