Light microscopical structure and ultrastructure of aBesnoitiasp. in the naturally infected lizardAmeiva ameiva(Teiidae) from north Brazil, and in experimentally infected mice

Parasitology ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 123 (3) ◽  
pp. 247-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. PAPERNA ◽  
R. LAINSON
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Definitive Host ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Laboratory Mice ◽  
Boa Constrictor ◽  
North Brazil ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Juvenile Specimen ◽  
Structure And Ultrastructure ◽  
Intraperitoneal Inoculation

ABesnoitiaspecies of the teiid lizardAmeiva ameiva(L.), from north Brazil was established in laboratory mice and hamster by the intraperitoneal inoculation of bradyzoites in the tissue cysts. In the lizards all the cyst wall layers were closely apposed. In the mice the layers of the wall were distinguishable, and ultrastructurally the inner cytoplasmic layer contained either a tight network of endoplasmic reticulum or packed mitochondria or both. These components were less frequent or sparse in the inner cytoplasmic layer of cysts in the lizard. The only animals available for experiments in attempts to indicate the definitive host of the parasite were 3 kittens of the domestic cat and a juvenile specimen of the snakeBoa constrictorraised in captivity. No evidence of infection could be detected in these animals after feeding them with the tissues of mice harbouring cysts with very large number of bradyzoites.

Ultrastructural Evaluation of Bone, Parathyroid and Ultimobranchial Glands in Lizards with Nutritional Osteodystrophy

1975 ◽  
Vol 33 ◽  
pp. 442-443
Author(s):  
M. P. Anderson ◽  
C. C. Capen
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Secretory Cycle ◽  
Chief Cells ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Calcium Phosphorus ◽  
Green Iguanas ◽  
Experimental Group

Lizards in captivity are commonly afflicted with an osteodystrophy related to dietary imbalances in calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D. Young green iguanas (Iguana iguana) were fed beef heart based diets either low (0.2%) in calcium (experimental group) or adequate (2.7%) in calcium (control group). Both diets were unsupplemented with vitamin D and contained 1.1% P, 82% protein and 14% fat on a dry weight basis. Beginning with the sixth month iguanas of the experimental group developed progressive hypocalcemia (8.0 to 3.2 mg/100 ml plasma) resulting in secondary hyperparathyroidism. Progressive osteoporosis, detected radiographically,with osteomalacia was apparent from the seventh month until termination of the experiment at 9 months.Parathyroid chief cells of iguanas in the experimental group were primarily in the active stage of the secretory cycle. Lamellar and circular aggregations of rough endoplasmic reticulum were extensive and Golgi apparatuses were prominent (Fig. 1). Mitochondria often were displaced peripherally in chief cells by the large arrays of endoplasmic reticulum.

scholarly journals Naturally Acquired Tuberculosis in Various Animals. Some Unusual Cases

1936 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 156-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Stanley Griffith
Keyword(s):  
Guinea Pig ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Domestic Dog ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Cutaneous Tuberculosis ◽  
Tuberculous Disease ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Marsupial Species ◽  
Thoracic Tuberculosis ◽  
Bovine Type

In this paper the pathological and the bacteriological findings in ten instances of naturally acquired tuberculosis in ten different species of animals are recorded. The tubercle bacilli obtained in culture from five species (bat, bear, bison, hedgehog and mink), all cases of fatal tuberculosis, were of the bovine type. The bacilli from a case of localised glandular tuberculosis in a goat and one of tuberculosis of the pancreas in a kangaroo were of the avian type. The bacilli from a case of generalised retrogressive tuberculosis in a horse, of minimal thoracic tuberculosis in a calf and cutaneous and glandular tuberculosis in a parrot were of the human type. These results amplify the evidence already published which shows that each of the three types of tubercle bacilli (bovine, human and avian) is able to cause natural tuberculosis in many different species of animals other than that which is its normal habitat.The bovine bacillus which is transmitted to animals almost exclusively by tuberculous bovines is responsible for the greater part, especially the generalised and fatal forms, of the tuberculous disease occurring naturally in farm and domestic mammals and for a not inconsiderable amount of tuberculosis in human beings.The avian bacillus whose natural host is the domestic fowl can infect casually many species of mammals, namely the pig, the ox, the sheep, the goat, the horse, the guinea-pig and the rabbit and in Zoological Gardens several marsupial species. Instances of its transmission to the different species of farm mammals are rare, except in the case of the pig, and the disease produced is usually limited and confined to the glands adjacent to the points of entry of the bacilli. This type of bacillus may however cause severe generalised and fatal disease in the pig, sheep, rabbit and marsupials.The human bacillus has a narrower range of pathogenicity than either the bovine or the avian bacillus. This type can infect the pig, the calf and the horse, but does not produce progressive tuberculosis in these species. It causes cutaneous tuberculosis in parrots and is one cause of tuberculosis in the dog and in various species of animals kept in captivity, namely the guinea-pig, monkey, gnu, antelope, peccary, etc., in which species infection is followed by generalisation and progression of the disease.The evidence accumulated regarding the susceptibility of various species of animals to the three types of tubercle bacilli under farm and domestic conditions and in captivity may be summed up as follows.All three types of bacilli can infect the ox, pig, horse, guinea-pig and rabbit.Two types of bacilli have been found in the following species; viz. bovine and avian in the sheep, the goat and Australian marsupials; bovine and human in the domestic dog and in the ape, monkey and Ungulata in captivity; human and avian in the parrot.Only one type of bacillus has so far been obtained from domestic fowls (the avian), the domestic cat, hedgehog, mink and ferret (the bovine) and members of several species in captivity.

scholarly journals Assays for monitoringToxoplasma gondiiinfectivity in the laboratory mouse

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiuling Wang ◽  
L. David Sibley
Keyword(s):  
Definitive Host ◽  
Chronic Infection ◽  
Laboratory Mouse ◽  
House Mice ◽  
Laboratory Mice ◽  
Wild Rodents ◽  
Transmission Cycle ◽  
Natural Variants ◽  
Parasite Strains

AbstractToxoplasmais a widespread parasite of animals including many rodents that are a natural part of the transmission cycle between cats, which serve as the definitive host. Although wild rodents, including house mice, are relatively resistant, laboratory mice are highly susceptible to infection. As such, laboratory mice and have been used to compare pathogenesis of natural variants, and to evaluate the contributions of both host and parasite genes to infection. Protocols are provided here for evaluating acute and chronic infection with different parasite strains in laboratory mice. These protocols should provide uniform standards for evaluating natural variants and attenuated mutants and for comparing outcomes across different studies and between different laboratories.

Experimental comparison of Baylisascaris procyonis definitive host competence between domestic dogs and raccoons (Procyon lotor)

Parasitology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 147 (12) ◽  
pp. 1344-1351
Author(s):  
Sarah G. H. Sapp ◽  
David A. Elsemore ◽  
Rita Hanna ◽  
Michael J. Yabsley
Keyword(s):  
Definitive Host ◽  
Human Exposure ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Domestic Dogs ◽  
Experimental Comparison ◽  
Laboratory Mice ◽  
Baylisascaris Procyonis ◽  
Infection Dynamics ◽  
Host Competence

AbstractDomestic dogs can function as either paratenic or definitive hosts for the zoonotic raccoon roundworm Baylisascaris procyonis. However, factors leading to development of patent infections in dogs are under-studied. Here we compared infection dynamics of B. procyonis in dogs vs the natural raccoon host. Dogs and raccoons were inoculated 5000 or 500 B. procyonis eggs (n = 3 per dose) or were fed B. procyonis-infected laboratory mice (n = 3 per dose; mice inoculated with 1000 or 250 eggs). Fecal samples were analysed via flotation and a commercial coproantigen ELISA designed for detection of Toxocara spp. Two of 12 dogs (both received low dose larvae) developed patent infections; all 12 raccoons became infected with 10 developing patent infections. Compared with dogs, prepatent periods were shorter in raccoons and maximum egg outputs were much greater. Baylisascaris procyonis coproantigens were detectable via ELISA in all raccoons and the patently infected dogs. Finally, dogs spontaneously lost infections while all patently infected raccoons shed eggs until conclusion of the study. Our results demonstrate that dogs are clearly suboptimal hosts showing limited parasite establishment and fecundity vs raccoons. Despite the low competence, patently infected dogs still pose a risk for human exposure, emphasizing the importance of control measures.

scholarly journals Prionailurus rubiginosus (Carnivora: Felidae)

2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (986) ◽  
pp. 155-162
Author(s):  
Paige R Langle
Keyword(s):  
Indian Population ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Deciduous Forests ◽  
Sri Lankan ◽  
Museum Collections ◽  
Road Accidents ◽  
International Union ◽  
Wild Fauna ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Near Threatened

Abstract Prionailurus rubiginosus (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1831), the smallest felid at nearly one-half the size of a domestic cat, is commonly called the rusty-spotted cat. One of five species in the genus Prionailurus, it is found in wet or dry deciduous forests as well as scrubby grasslands throughout Sri Lanka, India, and Nepal’s western Terai. Habitat loss, road accidents, and the spread of agricultural cultivation are considered major threats throughout its range. Rare in captivity and museum collections, it is considered “Near Threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, with the Indian population listed under Appendix I and the Sri Lankan and Nepali populations listed with all Felidae under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

scholarly journals New Ehrlichia Species Closely Related toEhrlichia chaffeensis Isolated from Ixodes ovatusTicks in Japan

2000 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 1331-1338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shin-ichiro Shibata ◽  
Makoto Kawahara ◽  
Yasuko Rikihisa ◽  
Hiromi Fujita ◽  
Yuriko Watanabe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Responses ◽  
Light And Electron Microscopy ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Severe Illness ◽  
Laboratory Mice ◽  
Humoral Immune ◽  
Humoral Immune Responses ◽  
Human Monocytic Ehrlichiosis ◽  
Rrna Sequences ◽  
Intraperitoneal Inoculation

Seven Ehrlichia strains (six HF strains and one Anan strain) that were obtained from laboratory mice by intraperitoneally inoculating homogenates of adult Ixodes ovatus collected in Japan were characterized. 16S rRNA sequences of all six HF strains were identical, and the sequences were 99.7, 98.2, and 97.7% identical to those of Anan strain, Ehrlichia chaffeensis (human monocytic ehrlichiosis agent), and E. muris, respectively. Partial GroEL amino acid sequencing also revealed that the six HF strains had identical sequences, which were 99.0, 98.5, and 97.3% identical to those of E. chaffeensis, the Anan strain, andE. canis, respectively. All HF strains were lethal to mice at higher dosages and intraperitoneal inoculation, whereas the Anan orE. muris strain induced only mild clinical signs. Light and electron microscopy of moribund mice inoculated with one of the HF strains revealed severe liver necrosis and the presence of numerous ehrlichial inclusions (morulae) in various organs. The study revealed that members of E. canis genogroup are naturally present inIxodes ticks. HF strains that can cause severe illness in immunocompetent laboratory mice would be valuable in studying the pathogenesis and the roles of both cellular and humoral immune responses in ehrlichiosis caused by E. canisgenogroup.

scholarly journals PEA15 loss of function and defective cerebral development in the domestic cat

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily C. Graff ◽  
J. Nicholas Cochran ◽  
Christopher B. Kaelin ◽  
Kenneth Day ◽  
Heather L. Gray-Edwards ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Cortex ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Anterior Cingulate ◽  
Model Organisms ◽  
Laboratory Mice ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Brain Abnormalities ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Insight Into

AbstractCerebral cortical size and organization are critical features of neurodevelopment and human evolution, for which genetic investigation in model organisms can provide insight into developmental mechanisms and the causes of cerebral malformations. However, some abnormalities in cerebral cortical proliferation and folding are challenging to study in laboratory mice due to the absence of gyri and sulci in rodents. We report an autosomal recessive allele in domestic cats associated with impaired cerebral cortical expansion and folding, giving rise to a smooth, lissencephalic brain, and that appears to be caused by homozygosity for a frameshift in PEA15 (phosphoprotein expressed in astrocytes-15). Notably, previous studies of a Pea15 targeted mutation in mice did not reveal structural brain abnormalities. Affected cats, however, present with a non-progressive hypermetric gait and tremors, develop dissociative behavioral defects and aggression with age, and exhibit profound malformation of the cerebrum, with a 45% average decrease in overall brain weight, and reduction or absence of the ectosylvian, sylvian and anterior cingulate gyrus. Histologically, the cerebral cortical layers are disorganized, there is substantial loss of white matter in tracts such as the corona radiata and internal capsule, but the cerebellum is relatively spared. RNA-seq and immunohistochemical analysis reveal astrocytosis. Fibroblasts cultured from affected cats exhibit increased TNFα-mediated apoptosis, and increased FGFb-induced proliferation, consistent with previous studies implicating PEA15 as an intracellular adapter protein, and suggesting an underlying pathophysiology in which increased death of neurons accompanied by increased proliferation of astrocytes gives rise to abnormal organization of neuronal layers and loss of white matter. Taken together, our work points to a new role for PEA15 in development of a complex cerebral cortex that is only apparent in gyrencephalic species.SummaryGyrification is the neurodevelopmental process in certain mammalian species during which the cerebral cortex expands and folds resulting in the classic wrinkled appearance of the brain. Abnormalities in this process underlie many congenital malformations of the brain. However, unlike many other human malformations, genetic insight into gyrification is not possible in laboratory mice because rodents have a lissencephalic or smooth cerebral cortex. We identified a mutation in domestic cats that likely causes failure of the cerebral cortex to expand and fold properly, and discovered that the mutation impairs production of a protein, PEA15 (phosphoprotein expressed in astrocytes-15), involved in intracellular signaling. Affected cats have profound abnormalities in brain development, with minimal changes in their superficial behavior and neurologic function. Additional studies of tissue and cultured cells from affected animals suggest a pathophysiologic mechanism in which increased death of neurons accompanied by increased cell division of astrocytes gives rise to abnormal organization of neuronal layers and loss of white matter. These results provide new insight into a developmental process that is unique to animals with gyrencephalic brains.

scholarly journals Seasonal influence on biochemical profile and serum protein electrophoresis for Boa constrictor amarali in captivity

2011 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. 517-520 ◽  
Author(s):  
LFN Silva ◽  
CCM Riani-Costa ◽  
PRR Ramos ◽  
RK Takahira
Keyword(s):  
Uric Acid ◽  
Serum Protein ◽  
Total Protein ◽  
Protein Electrophoresis ◽  
Serum Protein Electrophoresis ◽  
Seasonal Influence ◽  
Boa Constrictor ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Different Seasons ◽  
The Mean

Similarly to other reptiles, snakes are ectothermic animals and depend exclusively on the environment for the maintenance of their physiological, biochemical and immunological processes. Thus, changes in biochemical values can be expected due to seasonal influence. Twenty-two adult specimens of Boa constrictor amarali kept in captivity were used. Blood collections were done in two different seasons: winter (July 2004) and summer (January 2005) for the following assays: uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glucose, cholesterol, total protein, and serum protein electrophoresis. The mean biochemical results found in summer and winter, respectively, were: 6.3 ± 3.4 and 11.3 ± 6.2 mg/dL for uric acid; 28.7 ± 12.4 and 20.7 ± 16.2 UI/L for AST; 26.3 ± 17 and 17.4 ± 6.8 mg/dL for glucose; 67.3 ± 30.2 and 69.7 ± 38.5 mg/dL for cholesterol; and 5.9 ± 1.6 and 5.9 ± 1.4 g/dL for total protein. Results regarding electrophoresis in summer and winter, respectively, were: 1.9 ± 0.7 and 2.4 ± 0.6 g/dL for albumin; 0.7 ± 0.2 and 0.5 ± 0.2 g/dL for α-globulin; 1.5 ± 0.5 and 1.7 ± 0.6 g/dL for β-globulin; and 1.8 ± 0.5 and 1.5 ± 0.5 g/dL for g-globulin. In the summer, there was a significant increase in AST and a decrease in uric acid (p < 0.05). Serum protein electrophoresis showed a significant increase in α-globulin fraction (p < 0.05) in the same season. There were not significant differences between seasons for the remaining variables. Based on these results, the period of the year must be considered in the interpretation of some biochemical values for these animals.

Stress and reproduction in Boiga irregularis with notes on the ultrastructure of the sexual segment of the kidney in squamates

2009 ◽  
Vol 87 (12) ◽  
pp. 1138-1146 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. S. Siegel ◽  
R. D. Aldridge ◽  
C. S. Clark ◽  
E. H. Poldemann ◽  
K. M. Gribbins
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Apical Membrane ◽  
Boiga Irregularis ◽  
Distal Nephron ◽  
Basal Nucleus ◽  
Golgi Bodies ◽  
Brown Treesnake ◽  
Histological Appearance ◽  
In Captivity

The reproductive tract of wild-caught male Boiga irregularis (Merrem, 1802) (Brown Treesnake) and the changes that result in these tissues from captivity are described. Wild-caught snakes were compared with snakes kept in captivity and sacrificed at approximately 10, 30, 50, and 60+ days. Snakes sacrificed after 10 days in captivity showed no differences in histological appearance or epithelial height in either the testis or sexual segment of the kidney (SSK) compared with wild snakes. Normal spermatogenic stages and SSK ultrastructure were observed in the testes and kidney from wild specimens and captive specimens after 10 days. In terms of the SSK, large electron-dense secretory vacuoles occupied the apices of the epithelial cells, while a basal nucleus, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi bodies filled the bases of these cells. All SSK cells were actively secretory in a mode that could most accurately be termed apocrine. At time of secretion, released vacuoles become diffuse and the apical membrane ruptures, spilling the SSK contents into the distal nephron lumen. Between 10 and 30 days in captivity, spermatogenesis and secretion in the SSK ceased and the epithelial height of both tissues decreased. At approximately 60 days, testicular epithelial height increased and spermatogenic activity was reestablished. The SSK, however, remained regressed at 60 days.

scholarly journals Hepatic Lipidosis Due to Obesity in a Free-Living Snake (Boa constrictor amarali)

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 ◽  
pp. 4
Author(s):  
Nathana Beatriz Martins ◽  
Lucas Arthur Ricardo Ferreira ◽  
Tainara Santana Galvão Da Silva ◽  
Ana Carolina De Andrade Mello Cintra de Amorim Alves ◽  
André Luiz Quagliatto Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatic Steatosis ◽  
Liver Diseases ◽  
Previous History ◽  
Metabolic Rates ◽  
Coelomic Cavity ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Irreversible Damage ◽  
Pathology Laboratory ◽  
Boa Constrictor ◽  
In Captivity

Background: Liver performs several important functions to the maintenance of physiological mechanisms. Some liver diseases may directly affect anatomical and physiological aspects of this organ, and may lead to a permanent liver injury. In snakes, the most common causes of liver disease are infections, however, approaches on non-infectious liver diseases are scarce. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe macroscopically and microscopically liver alterations in a Boa constrictor amarali snake.Case: A adult male boa (Boa constrictor amarali) snake of 110 cm of length and weight of 3.270 kg from free-living conditions, and without previous history was rescued in an urban area and taken by the Environmental Police to the Laboratory for Teaching and Research in Wild Animals (LAPAS) of the Federal University of Uberlândia’s (UFU) Veterinary Hospital, in Uberlândia MG, Brazil. The animal died and a significant amount of adipose tissue was found throughout the extension of the coelomic cavity at necropsy, limiting the visualization of its internal organs. Fragments of altered organs were collected and packed in a universal collector containing a 10% buffered formalin solution. These samples were sent to the Animal Pathology Laboratory (LPA) of the UFU. Macroscopically, the stomach presented a reddish mucosa, and mucous contents. The liver was pale, with a yellowish color and a friable consistency. Microscopically, dilated hepatic sinusoids filled with red blood cells were observed; the hepatocytes were enlarged, and its cytoplasm were filled with vacuoles ofvaried sizes that did not stain (severe diffuse lipidosis). It was also found occurrence of multifocal areas with loss of tissue architecture, and hepatocytes in karyolysis, charactering necrosis; and a discrete amount of multifocal mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate (multifocal hepatitis).Discussion: Obesity is connected to the occurrence of hepatic steatosis, since snakes are ectothermic animals that depend on environmental factors to maintain their metabolic rates. Obesity is a common problem in reptiles kept in captivity because they usually have constantly available food and little space to move. However, this was also observed in this study in a free-living animal found in an urbanized environment. Urbanization provides greater availability of food, and the animal does not need to go long distances to find a pray; this causes greater gain of body weight. Reptiles subjected to hot environments lose weight rapidly due to their relatively high metabolic rates. However, when subjected to low temperatures, they have a decrease in metabolism, compromising absorption, digestion, and liver metabolism, which causes fat accumulation. The animal under study is sedentary and it is a marked characteristic of this species; this strengthen the hypothesis that the animal moved little to feed because it was in an environment with high availability of prey. The animal presented accumulation of fat throughout the coelomic cavity, causing the rate of accumulation of triglycerides in the hepatocytes to exceed its metabolic degradation rate, resulting in steatosis. The early diagnosis of hepatic alterations favors the appropriatetreatment, allowing the prevention of irreversible damage to this organ, and avoid the animal’s death.Keywords: ectotherm, hepatocellular lipidosis, snakes, amaral’s boa, hepatic steatosis.

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