Diversity of intestinal protozoa and clinical signs associated in wild-caught Phoneutria nigriventer kept in captivity for the anti-arachnid serum production

Phα1β, a purified peptide from the venom of the spider Phoneutria nigriventer, and its recombinant form CTK 01512-2 are voltage-dependent calcium channel (CaV) blockers of types N, R, P/Q, and L with a preference for type N. These peptides show analgesic action in different pain models in rats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute intrathecal toxicity of the native and recombinant Phα1β toxin in Wistar rats. Clinical signs, serum biochemistry, organ weight, and histopathological alterations were evaluated in male and/or female rats. Dyspnea was observed in males, hyporesponsiveness in females, and Straub tail and tremors in both genders. There were no significant differences in male organ weight, although significant differences in the female relative weight of the adrenal glands and spleen have been observed; these values are within the normal range. Serum biochemical data revealed a significant reduction within the physiological limits of species related to urea, ALT, AST, and FA. Hepatic and renal congestion were observed for toxin groups. In renal tissue, glomerular infiltrates were observed with increased glomerular space. These histological alterations were presented in focal areas and in mild degree. Therefore, Phα1β and CTK 01512-2 presented a good safety profile with transient toxicity clinical signals in doses higher than used to obtain the analgesic effect.

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Occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in lowland tapirs maintained ex situ in Brazil and Paraguay

Ciência Rural ◽

10.1590/0103-8478cr20160712 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 47 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Maria Fernanda Naegeli Gondim ◽

◽

Igor da Cunha Lima Acosta ◽

Maria Cristina Valdetaro Rangel ◽

Herbert Sousa Soares ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Ex Situ ◽

Serum Samples ◽

High Exposure ◽

Modified Agglutination Test ◽

In Captivity ◽

Tapirus Terrestris ◽

And Gender ◽

Land Mammal

ABSTRACT: Lowland Tapir ( Tapirus terrestris ) is the second largest South American land mammal. It is strictly herbivorous and its exposure to Toxoplasma gondii should be indicative of environmental contamination by oocysts.In the present study antibodies to T. gondii in 47 Brazilian tapirs maintained ex situ in 10 Brazilian and in one Paraguayan institution were sought in serum samples by the modified agglutination test (MAT ≥25). None of the animals presented clinical signs during the study. From 47 animals 35 (74.5%) were positive with titers of 25 in 8, 50 in 6, 100 in 12, 200 in 5, 400 in 1 and 800 in 3. One animal had samples collected on twice, and 19 were born in captivity. There was no association between occurrence of T. gondii antibodies and gender, and positive animals were reported in all institutions. The high occurrence of seropositive tapirs born ininstitutions (54.3%) confirmed the high exposure of these mammals to T. gondii in captivity. Only two cases ofabortion were reported, but it was not possible to correlate these abortions to T. gondii infection.

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Detection of HEV-specific antibodies in four non-human primate species, including great apes, from different zoos in Germany

Epidemiology and Infection ◽

10.1017/s0950268817002606 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 146 (1) ◽

pp. 119-124 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

C. SPAHR ◽

T. KNAUF-WITZENS ◽

L. DÄHNERT ◽

M. ENDERS ◽

M. MÜLLER ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pan Paniscus ◽

World Monkey ◽

Sandwich Elisa ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Hepatitis E ◽

Gorilla Gorilla ◽

Primate Species ◽

Negative Results ◽

Mandrillus Leucophaeus ◽

In Captivity

SUMMARYThe hepatitis E virus (HEV) has been described in humans and various animal species in different regions of the world. However, the knowledge on natural HEV infection in non-human primates and the corresponding risk of zoonotic transmission is scarce. To determine whether primates in captivity are affected by HEV infection, we investigated 259 individual sera of clinically healthy non-human primates of 14 species from nine German zoos. Using a commercial double-antigen-sandwich ELISA and a commercial IgG ELISA, 10 animals (3·9%) reacted positive in at least one assay. Three ape species and one Old World monkey species were among the seropositive animals: bonobo (Pan paniscus), gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), lar gibbon (Hylobates lar) and drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus). Testing for anti-HEV-IgM antibodies by commercial ELISA and for viral RNA by reverse-transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction resulted in negative results for all animals indicating the absence of acute HEV infections. In the past, no clinical signs of hepatitis were recorded for the seropositive animals. The results suggest that non-human primates in zoos can get naturally and subclinically infected with HEV or related hepeviruses. Future studies should evaluate potential sources and transmission routes of these infections and their impact on human health.

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Pyothorax in Antillean Manatee (Trichechus manatus) in Brazil

Acta Scientiae Veterinariae ◽

10.22456/1679-9216.102809 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 48 ◽

Author(s):

Fernanda Löffler Niemeyer Attademo ◽

Fábia De Oliveira Luna ◽

Glaucia Pereira de Sousa ◽

Augusto Carlos da Bôaviagem Freire ◽

Deisi Cristiane Balensiefer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Fractures ◽

Subcutaneous Tissue ◽

Abdominal Cavity ◽

Left Lung ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Pleural Empyema ◽

The United States ◽

Trichechus Manatus ◽

In Captivity ◽

The Right

Background: Manatees are the most endangered aquatic mammals in Brazil. The current conservation scenario, together with their biological characteristics, raises concern with the future of this species. Pyothorax, also known as septic pleural effusion or pleural empyema, is characterized by the accumulation of a septic purulent exudate within the pleural space. Although this infection often has a multifactorial etiology, it is most commonly associated with respiratory tract disorders and trauma. Here, we report a case of pyothorax in a Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus) held in captivity for acclimatization in Brazil.Case: A young, male Antillean manatee, aged 4 years and 11 months, measuring 227 cm in total length, and weighing 258 kg was held in captivity for acclimatization (natural environment) in Porto de Pedras in the State of Alagoas, Brazil. The animal died in February 2013 and was sent for necropsy at the CMA/ICMBio laboratory. The study was developed with authorisation from the Ethics Committee on Animal Use (License number 020/2009) and under the license SISBIO/ICMBio number 20685-1. Externally, the carcass of the animal showed swelling and bulging of the right antimere and purulent secretion from the right nostril. After external examination, a window was opened in the layers of skin, fat, and muscles from the level of the anus to the navel. Subsequently, the abdominal cavity was opened for inspecting the internal organs. The subcutaneous muscles had a slightly friable, swollen, and pale texture, in addition to petechial hemorrhage, suffusions, and marked edema of the subcutaneous tissue. The right hemidiaphragm was elevated, filling the abdominal and thoracic spaces. Depending on the elevation, all organs were moved to the left antimere. After dissecting the surrounding structures and analyzing the causes for the increase in volume, it was observed that the right lung formed a structure containing a large amount of purulent exudate, which was delimited by the right hemidiaphragm. It had a length of 111 cm, width of 40 cm, and wingspan of 137 cm, starting from the first thoracic rib to the last lumbar rib, near the peduncle region. After making an incision in the right hemidiaphragm and visceral pleura, approximately 70 L of purulent exudate and caseous material were removed. Since the right lung was severely damaged, visualizing the pulmonary parenchyma was not possible, and only remains of the main right bronchus could be seen.Discussion: Domestic species, such as dogs and cats, when affected by pleural empyema, usually have a restrictive breathing pattern (shallow and rapid breaths) and fever. Interpreting the clinical signs may be difficult for manatees because of their slow metabolism. In the United States, 44 (6%) cases of pleural empyema were recorded in manatees from a total of 731 animals evaluated, and shock with boats was determined as the primary cause. In the present animal, no signs of bone fractures were found, suggesting that the infection may have been caused by the use of an orogastric tube or even acquired in the environment prepared for acclimation. Based on the pathognomonic macroscopic findings, one can conclude that the animal had a characteristic clinical picture of pleural empyema (pyothorax) associated with an infection of unknown origin. This situation resulted in complete degeneration of the right lung and massive thoracic and abdominal distensions, resulting in decreased expansion capacity of the left lung, making breathing impossible, thus leading to death.

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Novel Intestinal Helicobacter Species Isolated from Cotton-Top Tamarins (Saguinus oedipus) with Chronic Colitis

Journal of Clinical Microbiology ◽

10.1128/jcm.37.1.146-151.1999 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 37 (1) ◽

pp. 146-151 ◽

Cited By ~ 67

Author(s):

Kim E. Saunders ◽

Zeli Shen ◽

Floyd E. Dewhirst ◽

Bruce J. Paster ◽

Charles A. Dangler ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ulcerative Colitis ◽

Colon Cancer ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Rrna Gene ◽

Helicobacter Hepaticus ◽

Saguinus Oedipus ◽

Gene Sequence Analysis ◽

Increased Risk ◽

In Captivity ◽

Microaerobic Conditions

A disease similar to ulcerative colitis in humans has been identified in cotton-top tamarins (CTTs) in captivity. The clinical signs include weight loss, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding with the pathological features and biochemical abnormalities of ulcerative colitis. Approximately 25 to 40% of these animals develop colon cancer after 2 to 5 years of captivity. An infectious etiology has been proposed; however, no microbial agent to date has been identified.Helicobacter spp. have been associated with enterocolitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in humans and animals. Infection with Helicobacter pylori or Helicobacter mustelae is associated with an increased risk of gastric adenocarcinoma and lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue.Helicobacter hepaticus causes hepatitis, hepatic adenomas, and hepatocellular carcinomas in susceptible strains of mice. The aim of this study was to assess a colony of CTTs with a high incidence of IBD and colon cancer for the presence of colonicHelicobacter spp. A fusiform, gram-negative bacterium with bipolar flagella and periplasmic fibers was isolated from the feces of CTTs. The bacterium grew under microaerobic conditions at 37 and 42°C but not at 25°C, did not hydrolyze urea, was positive for catalase and oxidase, did not reduce nitrate to nitrite, did not hydrolyze indoxyl acetate or alkaline phosphatase, and was resistant to nalidixic acid, cephalothin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the organism was classified as a novelHelicobacter species. This is the firstHelicobacter isolated from CTTs. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of this novel Helicobacter sp. in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis and colonic adenocarcinoma in CTTs.

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Novel Divergent Polar Bear-Associated Mastadenovirus Recovered from a Deceased Juvenile Polar Bear

mSphere ◽

10.1128/msphere.00171-18 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 3 (4) ◽

pp. e00171-18 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Anisha Dayaram ◽

Kyriakos Tsangaras ◽

Selvaraj Pavulraj ◽

Walid Azab ◽

Nicole Groenke ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Phylogenetic Analysis ◽

Polar Bear ◽

High Throughput Sequencing ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Natural Environments ◽

Polar Bears ◽

Opportunistic Pathogens ◽

Early Passage ◽

Content Type ◽

In Captivity

ABSTRACTPolar bears in captivity can be exposed to opportunistic pathogens not present in their natural environments. A 4-month-old polar bear (Ursus maritimus) living in an isolated enclosure with his mother in the Tierpark Berlin, Berlin, Germany, was suffering from severe abdominal pain, mild diarrhea, and loss of appetite and died in early 2017. Histopathology revealed severe hepatic degeneration and necrosis without evidence of inflammation or inclusion bodies, although a viral infection had been suspected on the basis of the clinical signs. We searched for nucleic acids of pathogens by shotgun high-throughput sequencing (HTS) from genomic DNA and cDNA extracted from tissue and blood. We identified a novelMastadenovirusand assembled a nearly complete genome from the shotgun sequences. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) revealed that viral DNA was present in various concentrations in all tissues examined and that the highest concentrations were found in blood. Viral culture did not yield cytopathic effects, but qPCR suggested that virus replication was sustained for up to three passages. Positive immunofluorescence staining confirmed that the virus was able to replicate in the cells during early passage. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the virus is highly divergent compared to other previously identifiedMastadenovirusmembers and basal to most known viral clades. The virus was found only in the 4-month-old bear and not in other captive polar bears tested. We surmised, therefore, that the polar bear was infected from an unknown reservoir, illustrating that adenoviral diversity remains underestimated and that cross-species transmission of viruses can occur even under conditions of relative isolation.IMPORTANCECross-species transmission of viral pathogens is becoming an increasing problem for captive-animal facilities. This study highlights how animals in captivity are vulnerable to novel opportunistic pathogens, many of which do not result in straightforward diagnosis from symptoms and histopathology. In this study, a novel pathogen was suspected to have contributed to the death of a juvenile polar bear. HTS techniques were employed, and a novelMastadenoviruswas isolated. The virus was present in both the tissue and blood samples. Phylogenetic analysis of the virus at both the gene and genome levels revealed that it is highly divergent to other known mastadenoviruses. Overall, this study shows that animals in isolated conditions still come into contact with novel pathogens, and for many of these pathogens, the host reservoir and mode of transmission are yet to be determined.

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Canine Distemper Outbreak by Natural Infection in a Group of Vaccinated Maned Wolves in Captivity

Pathogens ◽

10.3390/pathogens10010051 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 51

Author(s):

Vicente Vergara-Wilson ◽

Ezequiel Hidalgo-Hermoso ◽

Carlos R. Sanchez ◽

María J. Abarca ◽

Carlos Navarro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Phylogenetic Analyses ◽

Natural Infection ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Close Relation ◽

Metropolitan Region ◽

Canine Distemper ◽

Group Of Seven ◽

Maned Wolf ◽

In Captivity ◽

Antibody Assays

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is one of the most significantinfectious disease threats to the health and conservation of free-ranging and captive wild carnivores. CDV vaccination using recombinant canarypox-based vaccines has been recommended for maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) after the failure of modified live vaccines that induced disease in vaccinated animals. Here, we report a CDV outbreak in a captive population of maned wolves that were previously vaccinated. Five juveniles and one adult from a group of seven maned wolves housed in an outdoor exhibit died in April–May 2013 in a zoo in the Metropolitan Region, Chile. Clinical signs ranged from lethargy to digestive and respiratory signs. Diagnosis of CDV was confirmed by histopathology, antibody assays, and viral molecular detection and characterization. The phylogenetic analyses of the nucleotide sequence of the H gene of the CDV genome identified in the two positive samples suggest a close relation with the lineage Europe 1, commonly found in South America and Chile. CDV infections in maned wolves have not been previously characterized. To the authors’ best knowledge, this is the first report of the clinical presentation of CDV in a canine species previously immunized with a recombinant vaccine.

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Electrocardiogram assessment in non-anaesthetized clinically healthy agouti (Dasyprocta primnolopha, Wagler 1831)

Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira ◽

10.1590/s0100-736x2013001300002 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 33 (suppl 1) ◽

pp. 8-14 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Anaemilia das N. Diniz ◽

José R. da Silva Júnior ◽

Porfírio Candanedo Guerra ◽

Raimundo A. Barreto-Júnior ◽

Hatawa M. Almeida ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Reference Values ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Limited Data ◽

T Wave ◽

Animal Management ◽

Eastern Brazil ◽

North Eastern ◽

In Captivity ◽

Heart Electrophysiology ◽

Myocardial Pathology

The agouti is one of the most intensely hunted species throughout the Amazon and the semiarid regions of north-eastern Brazil. Considering the current tendency of wild animal management in captivity, the objective of this study was to determine heart reference values for agouti raised in captivity, based on electrocardiographic assessments (ECG). Adult agouti were selected without clinical signs of heart disease (n=30). The animals were restrained physically and then the ECG was performed. Standardized measurements were taken to establish the statistical analysis of the data. Analysis of the QRS complex showed values compatible with previous reports in peer animals and the limited data available for other wild and exotic species, except for the T wave that showed similar amplitude to the R wave in all the animals studied. The data obtained provided the first reference values for ECG tracings in agouti, contributing to a better understanding of heart electrophysiology in identifying myocardial pathology in these animals.

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Apical Elongation of Molar Teeth in Captive Microtus Voles

Veterinary Pathology ◽

10.1177/0300985818758469 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 55 (4) ◽

pp. 572-583 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Denise M. Imai ◽

Risa Pesapane ◽

Christopher J. Conroy ◽

Christina N. Alarcón ◽

Nora Allan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Disease Susceptibility ◽

Captive Breeding ◽

Age Of Onset ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Museum Collection ◽

Ventral Margin ◽

Breeding Colony ◽

In Captivity ◽

Molar Teeth ◽

Ocular Discharge

Molar apical elongation (MAE) was the leading cause for euthanasia or death in a captive breeding colony of endangered Amargosa voles ( Microtus californicus scirpensis). Clinical signs included ocular discharge, abnormal mastication, dyspnea, abnormal mentation, weight loss, and death. Although the severity varied, all molars in all quadrants were affected. When severe, the overgrown molar reserve crown and apex protruded into the nasal meatuses, the orbit, the calvarial vault and through the ventral margin of the mandible. Overall prevalence in the colony was 63% (92/146 voles) and increased to 77% in aged voles (>1 year). Mean age of onset was 5.3 months (1.7–11.2 months). Progression to extreme severity occurred over 1 to 3 months. Mean survival was 10.9 months (7.1–21.7 months). Histologically, the lesion was characterized by odontogenic hyperplasia and dysplasia. MAE was also documented in museum specimens of 2 other M. californicus subspecies ( M. californicus californicus, M. californicus vallicola) and 3 other Microtus species ( M. montanus, M. pennsylvanicus, M. socialis). In the M. californicus californicus collection, overall prevalence was 35.1% (129/368 skulls) and increased to 77.3% in aged voles (>1 year). A probable genetic influence was identified in the museum collection of M. californicus californicus. The etiopathogenesis of MAE is likely multifactorial, due to (1) inherent continuous odontogenic proliferation, (2) inadequate occlusal attrition, and (3) possible heritable disease susceptibility. In captivity, dietary or other management of occlusal attrition to prevent or delay MAE is a fundamental concern.

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A case of pulmonary blastomycosis in a common eland (Taurotragus oryx)

BULGARIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE ◽

10.15547/bjvm.2016 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

pp. 114-121

Author(s):

O. O Alaka ◽

T. A. Jarikre ◽

B. N. Ogunro ◽

Y. G. Gurumyen ◽

A. C. Mark ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Case Report ◽

Lymph Nodes ◽

Budding Yeast ◽

Public Awareness ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Blastomyces Dermatitidis ◽

Mediastinal Lymph Nodes ◽

Regular Screening ◽

In Captivity ◽

First Time

This case report describes for the first time pulmonary blastomycosis in a captive common eland (Taurotragus oryx). The animal has been in captivity for over 14 years and the clinical signs observed before death were non-specific. The carcass was examined grossly and histologically using special stains. There were yellowish, firm and gritty nodules of varying sizes (0.5–2 cm in diameter) on the pleura, in the lung, mediastinal lymph nodes and pericardium. The nodules showed pyogranulomatous inflammation and broad based budding yeast (PAS, Giemsa positive and ZN negative) consistent with Blastomyces dermatitidis. Regular screening of soil and environment including animals in captivity should be encouraged to avert possible spread of the mold in favourable conditions. Public awareness should be improved on fungal diseases.

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