scholarly journals Experimental Infection of Snakes with Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola Causes Pathological Changes That Typify Snake Fungal Disease

mBio ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey M. Lorch ◽  
Julia Lankton ◽  
Katrien Werner ◽  
Elizabeth A. Falendysz ◽  
Kevin McCurley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Ecology ◽  
Host Response ◽  
Fungal Disease ◽  
Infected Group ◽  
Laboratory Model ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Skin Infections ◽  
Pathological Changes ◽  
Fungal Virulence ◽  
Snake Fungal Disease

ABSTRACT   Snake fungal disease (SFD) is an emerging skin infection of wild snakes in eastern North America. The fungus Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola is frequently associated with the skin lesions that are characteristic of SFD, but a causal relationship between the fungus and the disease has not been established. We experimentally infected captive-bred corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) in the laboratory with pure cultures of O. ophiodiicola. All snakes in the infected group (n = 8) developed gross and microscopic lesions identical to those observed in wild snakes with SFD; snakes in the control group (n = 7) did not develop skin infections. Furthermore, the same strain of O. ophiodiicola used to inoculate snakes was recovered from lesions of all animals in the infected group, but no fungi were isolated from individuals in the control group. Monitoring progression of lesions throughout the experiment captured a range of presentations of SFD that have been described in wild snakes. The host response to the infection included marked recruitment of granulocytes to sites of fungal invasion, increased frequency of molting, and abnormal behaviors, such as anorexia and resting in conspicuous areas of enclosures. While these responses may help snakes to fight infection, they could also impact host fitness and may contribute to mortality in wild snakes with chronic O. ophiodiicola infection. This work provides a basis for understanding the pathogenicity of O. ophiodiicola and the ecology of SFD by using a model system that incorporates a host species that is easy to procure and maintain in the laboratory. IMPORTANCE Skin infections in snakes, referred to as snake fungal disease (SFD), have been reported with increasing frequency in wild snakes in the eastern United States. While most of these infections are associated with the fungus Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola, there has been no conclusive evidence to implicate this fungus as a primary pathogen. Furthermore, it is not understood why the infections affect different host populations differently. Our experiment demonstrates that O. ophiodiicola is the causative agent of SFD and can elicit pathological changes that likely impact fitness of wild snakes. This information, and the laboratory model we describe, will be essential in addressing unresolved questions regarding disease ecology and outcomes of O. ophiodiicola infection and helping to conserve snake populations threatened by the disease. The SFD model of infection also offers utility for exploring larger concepts related to comparative fungal virulence, host response, and host-pathogen evolution.

scholarly journals Snake fungal disease: an emerging threat to wild snakes

2016 ◽  
Vol 371 (1709) ◽  
pp. 20150457 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey M. Lorch ◽  
Susan Knowles ◽  
Julia S. Lankton ◽  
Kathy Michell ◽  
Jaime L. Edwards ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Fungal Disease ◽  
Broad Host Range ◽  
Skin Infections ◽  
Health Food ◽  
Current State ◽  
New Information ◽  
Eastern Usa ◽  
Snake Fungal Disease

Since 2006, there has been a marked increase in the number of reports of severe and often fatal fungal skin infections in wild snakes in the eastern USA. The emerging condition, referred to as snake fungal disease (SFD), was initially documented in rattlesnakes, where the infections were believed to pose a risk to the viability of affected populations. The disease is caused by Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola , a fungus recently split from a complex of fungi long referred to as the Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vriesii (CANV). Here we review the current state of knowledge about O. ophiodiicola and SFD. In addition, we provide original findings which demonstrate that O. ophiodiicola is widely distributed in eastern North America, has a broad host range, is the predominant cause of fungal skin infections in wild snakes and often causes mild infections in snakes emerging from hibernation. This new information, together with what is already available in the scientific literature, advances our knowledge of the cause, pathogenesis and ecology of SFD. However, additional research is necessary to elucidate the factors driving the emergence of this disease and develop strategies to mitigate its impacts. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Tackling emerging fungal threats to animal health, food security and ecosystem resilience’.

scholarly journals Experimental Inoculation of BFDV-Positive Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) with TwoMycobacterium aviumsubsp.aviumIsolates

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Ledwoń ◽  
Rafał Sapierzyński ◽  
Ewa Augustynowicz-Kopeć ◽  
Piotr Szeleszczuk ◽  
Marcin Kozak
Keyword(s):  
Disease Virus ◽  
Mycobacterium Avium ◽  
Infected Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Melopsittacus Undulatus ◽  
Pathological Changes ◽  
Internal Organs ◽  
Pavo Cristatus ◽  
Experimental Inoculation ◽  
Feather Disease Virus

Beak and feather disease virus- (BFDV-) positive (naturally infected) but clinically healthy budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) were inoculated with two isolates ofMycobacterium aviumsubsp.aviumisolated from naturally infected golden pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) and peafowl (Pavo cristatus). During a period of more than two months after inoculation, samples of cloacal and crop swabs, faeces, and blood were obtained for BFDV andMycobacterium aviumtesting with PCR. Birds were euthanized nine weeks after inoculation. All infected budgerigars developed signs typical of mycobacteriosis, but more advanced clinical and pathological changes were visible in the group infected with the pheasant isolate. Only a few cloacal and crop swab samples were positive forMycobacterium aviumsubsp.aviumdespite advanced pathological changes in the internal organs. In the groups infected with mycobacterium isolates the frequency of BFDV-positive samples was higher than in the control group. In the infected groups the frequency of BFDV was substantially higher in the cloacal swabs of birds inoculated with the pheasant isolate than in the peafowl-isolate-infected group.

Liver, Kidney Function Tests and Oxidative Damage During and after Treatment of Salmonella typhimurium Infection in Experimental Local Rabbits

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mustafa Salah Hasan ◽  
Ayman Barzan Abdulgafor ◽  
Maher Saber Owain ◽  
Mohammed Ali Hussein ◽  
Qusay Mohammed Aboud ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Dose ◽  
Oxidative Damage ◽  
Salmonella Typhimurium ◽  
Infected Group ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Kidney Damage ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Inoculation ◽  
Group 5 ◽  
Group 2

This study aimed to evaluate the liver, kidney damage caused by S. typhimurium and to estimate the oxidative damage in association with this bacteria. A highly virulent isolates of S. typhimurium were obtained from the department of internal and preventive medicine/ College of Veterinary Medicine/ University of Baghdad. A twenty five local rabbits of both genders with age range (2-4 months) weeks old were used for this study, the rabbits were divided randomly into five groups each group contains 5 rabbits :- group 1: drenched orally with 5 ml of normal saline and consider as control group, group 2: were drenched orally with (5 ml) suspension which contain (5��109 CFU) of Salmonella typhimurium and regarded as infected group, group 3 were drenched orally with (5 ml) suspension which have (5��109 CFU) of Salmonella typhimurium then treated with a single dose of gentamicin alone at 0.05ml/kg (5mg/ml) orally after presence of signs (after 24hrs. post inoculation), group 4 were drenched (5 ml) suspension having (5��109 CFU) of Salmonella typhimurium then treated with a single dose of Ca-EDTA alone at 40mg/kg orally after presence of signs (after 24hrs. post inoculation) and group 5 were drenched (5 ml) suspension that contain (5��109 CFU) of Salmonella typhimurium then treated with a single dose of combined gentamicin at 0.05ml/kg (5mg/ml) orally after presence of signs (after 24hrs. post inoculation) and Ca-EDTA 40mg/kg after presence of signs (after 24hrs. post inoculation).The results of biochemical profile showed a significant increase (p less than 0.05) in ALT, creatinine and urea levels in infected group as compared with control group, while, the treated groups especially group 5 showed a significant improvement in ALT, Urea and creatinine levels which returned to relative normal levels as compared with infected group after 96hrs. post treatment. Also, the results of oxidative stress showed a significant increase in the levels of MDA in G2, G3, G4 and G5 after 48 hrs. post treatment, while the level of GSH showed a significant decrease in the level at 48hrs., both were returned to relative normal levels after 96hrs.post treatment especially in group 5.In conclusion, S. typhimurium can causing liver and kidney damage which is manifested by increase ALT, Urea and Creatinine. Also, MDA and GSH is increased due to salmonellosis.

Association of staphylococcal skin infections and swimming

1995 ◽  
Vol 31 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 11-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Charoenca ◽  
R. S. Fujioka
Keyword(s):  
Coastal Waters ◽  
Skin Infection ◽  
Antibiotic Sensitivity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Skin Infections ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Phage Types ◽  
History Of ◽  
Staphylococcal Skin Infections ◽  
Recreational Use

An association between using coastal waters for recreation and staphylococcal skin infections has been reported by canoe paddlers and several physicians in Hawaii. A retrospective epidemiological/microbiological monitoring study was undertaken to determine the association between S aureus skin infections in youngsters (4 months to 16 years of age) and their exposure to recreational use of coastal waters. Telephone interviews were conducted of 53 patients with such skin infections and 53 similar (controlled for age and sex) patients with no infection. A significant association between skin infection and water exposure was found, the odds showing that those developing skin infection caused by S aureus were 4 times more likely to have had a history of seawater contact than the control group. Moreover, the antibiotic sensitivity patterns and phage types of S aureus isolated from patients were similar to those isolated from seawater at bathing beaches.

scholarly journals Snake fungal disease caused by Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola in a free-ranging mud snake (Farancia abacura)

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 709-713 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa A. Last ◽  
Heather Fenton ◽  
Jessica Gonyor-McGuire ◽  
Matthew Moore ◽  
Michael J. Yabsley
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Disease ◽  
Snake Fungal Disease ◽  
Free Ranging

Testing the febrile response of snakes inoculated with Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, the causative agent of snake fungal disease

2021 ◽  
pp. 103065
Author(s):  
Cody Davis Godwin ◽  
Donald M. Walker ◽  
Alexander S. Romer ◽  
Alejandro Grajal-Puche ◽  
Matthew Grisnik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Causative Agent ◽  
Fungal Disease ◽  
Febrile Response ◽  
Snake Fungal Disease

scholarly journals The Protective Role of Bacillus velezensis A2 on the Biochemical and Hepatic Toxicity of Zearalenone in Mice

Toxins ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nan Wang ◽  
Peng Li ◽  
Mingyang Wang ◽  
Si Chen ◽  
Sheng Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water System ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Feed Additive ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Histopathological Analysis ◽  
Distilled Water ◽  
Pathological Changes ◽  
Bacillus Velezensis ◽  
Toxic Damage ◽  
Fermented Feed

Zearalenone (ZEN) is an estrogen-like mycotoxin produced by Fusarium that seriously compromises the safety of animal and human health. In this study, our aim was to evaluate the protective effect of Bacillus velezensis A2 against biochemical and pathological changes induced by zearalenone in mice. Kunming mice (n = 40; 25 ± 2 g) were allotted to four treatment groups: a control group (basic feed); a ZEN group (basic feed with a ZEN dose of 60 mg/kg); an A2 strain fermented feed group (150 g of feed mixed with 150 mL of sterile distilled water and inoculated with 5 mL of phosphate buffer salt (PBS) resuspended A2 strain); and an A2 strain fermented ZEN-contaminated feed group. (A2 strain group 150 mL pure bacterial distilled water system mixed with 150 g ZEN-contaminated feed.) Our results showed that the Bacillus velezensis A2 strain can completely degrade the ZEN-contaminated feed within 5 days. (The concentration of ZEN in fermentation was 60 μg/mL.) After the mice fed for 28 days, compared with the control group, the activities of AST and ALT were increased, the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) were decreased, and the amount of creatinine (CRE), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid (UA), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the ZEN group were increased in the mice serum (p < 0.05; p < 0.01). However, compared with the ZEN group, these biochemical levels were reversed in the A2 strain fermented feed group and in the A2 strain fermented ZEN-contaminated feed group (p < 0.05; p < 0.01). Furthermore, histopathological analysis only showed pathological changes of the mice liver in the ZEN group. The results showed that Bacillus velezensis A2 as additive could effectively remove ZEN contamination in the feed and protect the mice against the toxic damage of ZEN. In conclusion, Bacillus velezensis A2 has great potential use as a microbial feed additive to detoxify the toxicity of zearalenone in production practice.

scholarly journals Pharmacological correction of pathological changes in the viable offspring of rats, caused by cytostatic impact at the stage of progenesis

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-85
Author(s):  
T. G. Borovskaya ◽  
M. E. Poluektova ◽  
А. V. Vychuzhanina ◽  
Yu. А. Shchemerovа ◽  
V. E. Goldberg
Keyword(s):  
Female Rats ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cytostatic Drug ◽  
Pathological Changes ◽  
Group Iii ◽  
Group I ◽  
Child Bearing ◽  
Female Wistar Rats ◽  
Reproductive Aged Women ◽  
Risk Of Cancer

Background. The number of reproductive-aged women with cancer, who desire child bearing, has increased with improvements in cancer detection and treatment. Cancer treatments have the potential to cause germline mutations that might increase the risk of cancer in the progeny of cancer patients. the aim of the study was to assess the feasibility of reducing the long-term side effects of Etoposide on the progeny of rats using Glutaxim. material and methods. Forty-five white outbred female Wistar rats, 2.5-month-old, were divided into 3 groups. Group I consisted of 15 intact rats. Group II comprised 15 rats treated with cytostatic drug (the control group). Group III consisted of 15 rats treated with Glutoxim® (Glutayil-Cysteinyl-Glycine, Pharma Vam Ltd., Russia) at a dose of 50 μg/kg 5 days before and 5 days after receiving cytostatic drug. results. An increase in the number of fetuses with external hemorrhages and pathological changes in internal organs was found in the progeny of female rats receiving Etoposide 3 months before mating. The progeny experienced a decrease in the rate of formation of sensory-motor reflexes, ability to learn and adaptive behavior. All studied parameters did not differ from background values in the progeny of female rats treated with combination of Etoposide and Glutoxim. conclusion. Glutaxim is the effective drug for correction of pathological changes in the progeny of female rats receiving cytostatic drugs.

scholarly journals Revisiting Ophidiomycosis (Snake Fungal Disease) After a Decade of Targeted Research

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina M. Davy ◽  
Leonard Shirose ◽  
Doug Campbell ◽  
Rachel Dillon ◽  
Christina McKenzie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Sublethal Effects ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Fungal Disease ◽  
Host Susceptibility ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Molecular Testing ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
Snake Fungal Disease ◽  
Free Ranging

Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are typically characterized by novelty (recent detection) and by increasing incidence, distribution, and/or pathogenicity. Ophidiomycosis, also called snake fungal disease, is caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophidiicola (formerly “ophiodiicola”). Ophidiomycosis has been characterized as an EID and as a potential threat to populations of Nearctic snakes, sparking over a decade of targeted research. However, the severity of this threat is unclear. We reviewed the available literature to quantify incidence and effects of ophidiomycosis in Nearctic snakes, and to evaluate whether the evidence supports the ongoing characterization of ophidiomycosis as an EID. Data from Canada remain scarce, so we supplemented the literature review with surveys for O. ophidiicola in the Canadian Great Lakes region. Peer-reviewed reports of clinical signs consistent with ophidiomycosis in free-ranging, Nearctic snakes date back to at least 1998, and retrospective molecular testing of samples extend the earliest confirmed record to 1986. Diagnostic criteria varied among publications (n = 33), confounding quantitative comparisons. Ophidiomycosis was diagnosed or suspected in 36/121 captive snakes and was fatal in over half of cases (66.7%). This result may implicate captivity-related stress as a risk factor for mortality from ophidiomycosis, but could also reflect reporting bias (i.e., infections are more likely to be detected in captive snakes, and severe cases are more likely to be reported). In contrast, ophidiomycosis was diagnosed or suspected in 441/2,384 free-ranging snakes, with mortality observed in 43 (9.8 %). Ophidiomycosis was only speculatively linked to population declines, and we found no evidence that the prevalence of the pathogen or disease increased over the past decade of targeted research. Supplemental surveys and molecular (qPCR) testing in Ontario, Canada detected O. ophidiicola on 76 of 657 free-ranging snakes sampled across ~136,000 km2. The pathogen was detected at most sites despite limited and haphazard sampling. No large-scale mortality was observed. Current evidence supports previous suggestions that the pathogen is a widespread, previously unrecognized endemic, rather than a novel pathogen. Ophidiomycosis may not pose an imminent threat to Nearctic snakes, but further research should investigate potential sublethal effects of ophidiomycosis such as altered reproductive success that could impact population growth, and explore whether shifting environmental conditions may alter host susceptibility.

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