Paracoccidioides and Paracoccidioidomycosis in the 21st Century.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) defines a broad spectrum of human and animal diseases caused by Paracoccidioides species (Onygenales). In the twenty-first century, Paracoccidioides advanced from a monotypic taxon to a genus that harbors seven species, including P. brasiliensis sensu stricto, P. americana, P. restrepiensis, P. venezuelensis, P. lutzii, P. loboi, and P. cetii. Classic PCM, acquired upon inhalation of propagules from P. brasiliensis sensu stricto, P. americana, P. restrepiensis, P. venezuelensis, and P. lutzii, affects the human lungs and may progress to systemic granulomatous disease with tegumentary and visceral involvement. On the other hand, PCM loboi and PCM ceti caused by the unculturable P. loboi and P. cetii are subcutaneous mycoses, typically observed as keloid lesions in humans and dolphins. Such heterogeneity highlights the importance of recognizing species boundaries in Paracoccidioides to gain insights into the ecology, evolution, clinical features, and mitigation strategies to tackle the advance of PCM.

Survey for Leptospira and Brucella in Amazonian manatees, Amazon river dolphins, and a tucuxi in the Brazilian Amazon.

Leptospirosis and brucellosis are zoonotic diseases with global distributions that represent severe hazards to humans and animals. We investigated exposure to Leptospira spp. and Brucella spp. in samples from Amazonian manatees Trichechus inunguis, Amazon river dolphins Inia geoffrensis, and a tucuxi Sotalia fluviatilis. The animals were free-ranging or undergoing in situ rehabilitation in the mid-Solimões River region, Brazilian Amazon. Serum samples from 19 Amazonian manatees were tested by microscopic agglutination test, Rose Bengal test, and 2-mercaptoethanol Brucella agglutination test. Antibodies against Leptospira spp. were detected in 63% of the manatees tested and serovar Patoc was considered the infecting serovar in all positive samples. Titers were generally low, indicating chronic exposure, but higher titers indicative of an active infection were detected in 3 animals. Anti-Brucella spp. antibodies were not detected. Tissue and/or body fluid samples from 12 Amazon river dolphins, a tucuxi, and 2 Amazonian manatees were investigated by multiplex PCR and bacteriology for Leptospira spp. and Brucella spp. All samples were negative. However, Enterococcus faecalis was isolated from uterine fluid, lymph node, and lung of 3 Amazon river dolphins. Bacillus spp. were isolated from milk and synovial fluid from 2 Amazon river dolphins and from a milk sample from 1 Amazonian manatee. Knowledge of the pathogens present in Amazonian manatees, Amazon river dolphins, and tucuxis is of great relevance to species conservation and environmental health. Although no clinical signs were noted, further research is needed to elucidate the clinical relevance of infection by Leptospira sp. serovar Patoc in Amazonian aquatic mammals.

Polycystic kidney disease in rough toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) found in the Paraná coast, southern Brazil

Background: Renal cystic diseases (RCD) are characterized by cystic structures on renal parenchyma associated withobstructive lesions, membranous disruptions, and/or growth disturbances. The polycystic kidney disease (PKD) showsspecific pathological characteristics, related to mutations on PKD1 and/or PKD2 chromosome locus on humans. In Persiancats and bull terriers the condition is like the human “adult-onset” PKD, while in Perendale sheep the “childhood”-like isdescribed. In cetaceans, RCD are reported, however the characterization of PKD is scarcely described. This report aimsto describe two cases of PKD and one of RCD in stranded Steno bredanensis, and to discuss the disease associated factors.Cases: Four rough-toothed-dolphins were found stranded in the Paraná coast, southern Brazil between 2016 to 2018,through the Santos Basin Beach Monitoring Project (PMP-BS), one of the systematic monitoring programs required byBrazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) for the environmental licensing processof oil production and transport by Petrobras in the presalt province. In three animals histological sampling was performed.One of them (animal 3) was found alive, presenting altered buoyancy with lateralization to the right and signs of pneumonia. The blood analysis showed anemia and leukocytosis. The animal showed poor clinical prognosis, and even withsupportive treatment, come to death four days after the rescue. Routine autopsies were performed on all animals. Animals1 and 2 presented macroscopically enlarged kidneys containing disseminated cystic...(AU)

Colistin-resistant Enterobacter kobei carrying mcr-9.1 and blaCTX-M-15 infecting a critically endangered franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei), Brazil.

The emergence of mobile mcr genes mediating resistance to colistin is a critical public health issue that has hindered the treatment of serious infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens in humans and other animals. We report the emergence of the mcr-9.1 gene in a polymyxin-resistant extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacter kobei infecting a free-living franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei), threatened with extinction in South America. Genomic analysis confirmed the presence of genes conferring resistance to clinically relevant ß-lactam [blaCTX-M-15 , blaACT-9 , blaOXA-1 and blaTEM-1B ], aminoglycoside [aac(3)-IIa, aadA1, aph(3'')-Ib and aph(6)-Id], trimethoprim [dfrA14], tetracycline [tetA], quinolone [aac(6')-Ib-cr and qnrB1], fosfomycin [fosA], sulphonamide [sul2] and phenicol [catA1 and catB3] antibiotics. The identification of mcr-9.1 in a CTX-M-15-producing pathogen infecting a critically endangered animal is of serious concern, which should be interpreted as a sign of further spread of critical priority pathogens and their resistance genes in threatened ecosystems.

Polycystic kidney disease in rough toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) found in the Paraná coast, southern Brazil

Background: Renal cystic diseases (RCD) are characterized by cystic structures on renal parenchyma associated withobstructive lesions, membranous disruptions, and/or growth disturbances. The polycystic kidney disease (PKD) showsspecific pathological characteristics, related to mutations on PKD1 and/or PKD2 chromosome locus on humans. In Persiancats and bull terriers the condition is like the human “adult-onset” PKD, while in Perendale sheep the “childhood”-like isdescribed. In cetaceans, RCD are reported, however the characterization of PKD is scarcely described. This report aimsto describe two cases of PKD and one of RCD in stranded Steno bredanensis, and to discuss the disease associated factors.Cases: Four rough-toothed-dolphins were found stranded in the Paraná coast, southern Brazil between 2016 to 2018,through the Santos Basin Beach Monitoring Project (PMP-BS), one of the systematic monitoring programs required byBrazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) for the environmental licensing processof oil production and transport by Petrobras in the presalt province. In three animals histological sampling was performed.One of them (animal 3) was found alive, presenting altered buoyancy with lateralization to the right and signs of pneumonia. The blood analysis showed anemia and leukocytosis. The animal showed poor clinical prognosis, and even withsupportive treatment, come to death four days after the rescue. Routine autopsies were performed on all animals. Animals1 and 2 presented macroscopically enlarged kidneys containing disseminated cystic...

Pulmonary Aspergillis in the dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei)

Fungal infections that affect marine mammals, like most fungal infections, can be secondary to environmental stress or other infectious diseases. This article describes a case of pulmonary infection by Aspergillus spp. in a specimen of Pontoporia blainvillei found dead near the town of San Clemente de Tuyu and near the bay of Samborombón, BuenosAires, Argentina. The lung was collapsed with necrotic foci, fragments were collected, fixed in 10% formalin and submitted to histopathological examination. Microscopically, a marked change of the pulmonary architecture was observed, with total alveolar collapse, extensive necrotic areas, where septal hyphae were observed weakly, when stained with H-E and clearly evidenced with Grocott staining. Since the potential causes of immunosuppression were not evident, the authors consider it probable that infection by Aspergillus spp. was established in the lungs that presented a primary, possibly bacterial pneumonia, as a result of some degree of immunosuppression.

Pulmonary Aspergillis in the dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei)

Fungal infections that affect marine mammals, like most fungal infections, can be secondary to environmental stress or other infectious diseases. This article describes a case of pulmonary infection by Aspergillus spp. in a specimen of Pontoporia blainvillei found dead near the town of San Clemente de Tuyu and near the bay of Samborombón, BuenosAires, Argentina. The lung was collapsed with necrotic foci, fragments were collected, fixed in 10% formalin and submitted to histopathological examination. Microscopically, a marked change of the pulmonary architecture was observed, with total alveolar collapse, extensive necrotic areas, where septal hyphae were observed weakly, when stained with H-E and clearly evidenced with Grocott staining. Since the potential causes of immunosuppression were not evident, the authors consider it probable that infection by Aspergillus spp. was established in the lungs that presented a primary, possibly bacterial pneumonia, as a result of some degree of immunosuppression.(AU)

Brucella Genetic Variability in Wildlife Marine Mammals Populations Relates to Host Preference and Ocean Distribution.

Intracellular bacterial pathogens probably arose when their ancestor adapted from a free-living environment to an intracellular one, leading to clonal bacteria with smaller genomes and less sources of genetic plasticity. Still, this plasticity is needed to respond to the challenges posed by the host. Members of the Brucella genus are facultative-extracellular intracellular bacteria responsible for causing brucellosis in a variety of mammals. The various species keep different host preferences, virulence, and zoonotic potential despite having 97-99% similarity at genome level. Here, we describe elements of genetic variation in Brucella ceti isolated from wildlife dolphins inhabiting the Pacific Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Comparison with isolates obtained from marine mammals from the Atlantic Ocean and the broader Brucella genus showed distinctive traits according to oceanic distribution and preferred host. Marine mammal isolates display genetic variability, represented by an important number of IS711 elements as well as specific IS711 and SNPs genomic distribution clustering patterns. Extensive pseudogenization was found among isolates from marine mammals as compared with terrestrial ones, causing degradation in pathways related to energy, transport of metabolites, and regulation/transcription. Brucella ceti isolates infecting particularly dolphin hosts, showed further degradation of metabolite transport pathways as well as pathways related to cell wall/membrane/envelope biogenesis and motility. Thus, gene loss through pseudogenization is a source of genetic variation in Brucella, which in turn, relates to adaptation to different hosts. This is relevant to understand the natural history of bacterial diseases, their zoonotic potential, and the impact of human interventions such as domestication.

Brucellosis in mammals of Costa Rica: An epidemiological survey.

Brucellosis has been an endemic disease of cattle and humans in Costa Rica since the beginning of XX century. However, brucellosis in sheep, goats, pigs, water buffaloes, horses and cetaceans, has not been reported in the country. We have performed a brucellosis survey in these host mammal species, from 1999-2016. In addition, we have documented the number of human brucellosis reported cases, from 2003-2016. The brucellosis seroprevalence in goat and sheep herds was 0.98% and 0.7% respectively, with no Brucella isolation. Antibodies against Brucella were not detected in feral or domestic pigs. Likewise, brucellosis seroprevalence in horse and water buffalo farms was estimated in 6.5% and 21.7%, respectively, with no Brucella isolation. Six cetacean species showed positive reactions against Brucella antigens, and B. ceti was isolated in 70% (n = 29) of striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba). A steady increase in the diagnosis of human brucellosis cases was observed. Taking into account the prevalence of brucellosis in the various host mammals of Costa Rica, different measures are recommended.

Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) as marine ecosystem sentinels: ecotoxicology and emerging diseases.

Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) are small cetaceans that inhabit coastal regions down to a 50 m depth. As a coastally distributed species, they are exposed to a variety of human-induced risks that include passive fishing nets, persistent environmental pollution, and emerging diseases. As a top predatorS. guianensis occupies an important ecological niche in marine ecosystems. However, this niche also exposes this dolphin to extensive biomagnification of marine contaminants that may accumulate and be stored throughout their life of about 30 years.In this paper, we have compiled available data on the Guiana dolphin as regards its exposure to chemical pollutants, pathogenic microbes, infectious diseases, and injuries caused by interactions with passive fishing gears. Our analysis of the data shows that Guiana dolphins are particularly sensitive to environmental changes.Although the major mortal threat to dolphins results from contact with fishing other human-related activities in coastal zones also pose risks and need more attention.Such human-related risks include the presence of persistent toxicants in the marine environment, such as PCBs and PBDEs. Residues of these chemicals have been detected in Guiana dolphin's tissues at similar or higher levels that exist in cetaceans from other known polluted areas. Another risk encountered by this species is the non lethal injuries caused by fishing gear. Several incidents of this sort have occurred along the Brazilian coast with this species. When injuries are produced by interaction with fishing gear, the dorsal fin is the part of the dolphin anatomy that is more affected, commonly causing severe laceration or even total loss.The Guiana dolphins also face risks from infectious diseases. The major ones thus far identified include giardiasis, lobomycosis, toxoplasmosis, skin and skeletal lesions. Many bacterial pathogens from the family Aeromonadaceae and Vibrionaceae have been isolated from Guiana dolphins. Several helminth species have also been observed to affectS. guianensis. These results suggest a vulnerability of this species to environmental disturbances. Moreover, there is some evidence that the effects of some infectious diseases may be enhanced from stress caused by habitat impairment. For example, certain diseases and pathogenic organisms in S.guianensis may be associated with the high levels of endocrine-disruptor contaminants(e.g., PCBs; DDTs; PBDEs) that have been detected in marine waters.Although the data available on S. guianensis is growing, most of the work has been focused on a small portion of the species total area of distribution. Most studies,to date, have been carried out in the Southern region of the distribution, and in north eastern Brazil. Few studies have been conducted in the northern region of the South America or in Central America. Therefore, future studies should be conducted that address the heterogeneity of this species total distribution.The biology and ecology of the Guiana dolphin renders this species potentially useful as a sentinel species for detecting environmental changes, such as chemical and biological pollution. Research about this dolphin is encouraged as a way to assess what coastal environmental changes have occurred and to continue evaluating the health status of this vulnerable species in a changing environment.

Aerobic microorganisms associated with free-ranging bottlenose dolphins in coastal Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean waters.

Our abilities to assess health risks to free-ranging dolphin populations, to treat live-stranded or captive dolphins, and to evaluate the risks of disease transmission between humans and dolphins have suffered from a lack of basic information on microorganisms associated with normal, presumably healthy free-ranging individuals. In order to provide these data, we sampled free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) off Florida, Texas, and North Carolina during 1990-2002. Blowhole and anal/fecal samples yielded 1,871 bacteria and yeast isolates and included 85 different species or groups of organisms. Vibrios, unidentified pseudomonads, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp., and a large group of nonfermenting gram-negative bacteria represented >50% of isolates. Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio damsela were the most commonly recovered bacteria from both anal/fecal and blowhole samples. Many organisms occurred sporadically in dolphins that were sampled repeatedly, but some were consistently isolated from individual animals and may indicate the carrier state. Vibrios were common, but some geographic variability in the presence of these and other organisms was noted. Potential pathogens of significance to humans and other animals were recovered.

[Between Yucatan, Florida and French Guiana does lobomycosis exist in the Antilles?]. / Entre le Yucatan, la Floride et la Guyane Française, la lobomycose existe-t-elle aux Antilles?

Lobomycosis, or Blastomicose queloidiforme de Jorge Lobo, has been described in men around the North of South America, Central America, and the case reported in Yucatan, Mexico, is the northest. The same disease has been seen in Dolphins in Florida, where the humans cases are unknown. Epidemiology, pathogenic curiosities, and diagnosis are presented for all practicians in the geographic area.