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Animals
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Surveillance of Microbial and Parasitic Agents in Wildlife
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Surveillance of Microbial and Parasitic Agents in Wildlife

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Wildlife".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 August 2024 | Viewed by 8816

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Matheus Nunes Weber

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Hospital Veterinário, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade FEEVALE, Campo Bom 93700-000, RS, Brazil
Interests: virus; zoonosis; phylogeny
Dr. Mariana Soares Da Silva

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Hospital Veterinário, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade FEEVALE, Campo Bom 93700-000, RS, Brazil
Interests: zoonosis; wildlife; microbials

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

There has been a global rise in anthropogenic noise and a growing awareness of its negative effects on wildlife. Most human emerging infectious diseases originate from non-human animals, and human-related environmental disturbances are the driving forces behind the emergence of new human pathogens. Synthesizing the sequence of basic events involved in the emergence of new human pathogens is important for guiding the understanding, identification, and description of key aspects of human activities so that they may be altered to prevent new outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics. Moreover, the eco vigilance of human and animals genetic-related microbiome and parasites is crucial for preventing future spillover events. The unequivocal origin of SARS-CoV-2 in a wild animal host reinforces this belief.

In this Special Issue, we invite original research papers, reviews, or studies addressing the surveillance of microbial and parasitic agents in wildlife, as well as issues related to anthropogenic disturbances and increasing risk of spillover.

Dr. Matheus Nunes Weber
Dr. Mariana Soares Da Silva
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

 

Keywords

  • anthropogenic disturbances
  • wild animals
  • spillover
  • virus
  • bacteria
  • fungus
  • parasites

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review, Other

13 pages, 2300 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of How the Fecal Microbiota of Green-Winged Saltator (Saltator similis) Diverge among Animals Living in Captivity and in Wild Habitats
by Larissa Caló Zitelli, Gabriela Merker Breyer, Mariana Costa Torres, Luiza de Campos Menetrier, Ana Paula Muterle Varela, Fabiana Quoos Mayer, Cláudio Estêvão Farias Cruz and Franciele Maboni Siqueira
Animals 2024, 14(6), 937; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14060937 - 19 Mar 2024
Viewed by 604
Abstract
The microbiota’s alteration is an adaptive mechanism observed in wild animals facing high selection pressure, especially in captive environments. The objective of this study is to compare and predict the potential impact of habitat on the fecal bacterial community of Saltator similis, [...] Read more.
The microbiota’s alteration is an adaptive mechanism observed in wild animals facing high selection pressure, especially in captive environments. The objective of this study is to compare and predict the potential impact of habitat on the fecal bacterial community of Saltator similis, a songbird species that is a victim of illegal trafficking, living in two distinct habitats: wild and captivity. Nine wild and nine captive S. similis were sampled, and total bacterial DNA was obtained from the feces. Each DNA sample was employed to the amplification of the V4 region of the 16S rDNA following high-throughput sequencing. The most predominant phyla in all songbirds, irrespective of habitat, were Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteriota. Interestingly, a microbiota profile (phylogenetic and abundance relationship) related to habitat was identified. The genera “Candidatus Arthromitus”, Acinetobacter, Kocuria, and Paracoccus were exclusively identified in animals living in captivity, which can be a potential biomarker associated with birds in captive environments. This study presents the first description of the fecal bacterial community composition of S. similis living two different lifestyles. Finally, our results suggest that the lifestyle of S. similis birds significantly impacts the composition of the fecal microbiota. The animals living in captivity showed dysbiosis in the microbiota, with some bacteria genera being indicated as biological markers of environmental behavior. Thus, the present research provides a new concept of life quality measure for songbirds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surveillance of Microbial and Parasitic Agents in Wildlife)
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23 pages, 4453 KiB  
Article
Effects of Season, Habitat, and Host Characteristics on Ectoparasites of Wild Rodents in a Mosaic Rural Landscape
by Ana Maria Benedek, Ioana Boeraș, Anamaria Lazăr, Alexandra Sandu, Maria Denisa Cocîrlea, Maria Stănciugelu, Niculina Viorica Cic and Carmen Postolache
Animals 2024, 14(2), 304; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14020304 - 18 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1063
Abstract
Despite the large number of studies on rodent ectoparasites—most of them vectors of epidemiologically important pathogens—infestation patterns remain poorly understood in various ecological contexts, such as the highly patchy agricultural landscapes. We aimed to relate the infestation of rodents to temporal, habitat, and [...] Read more.
Despite the large number of studies on rodent ectoparasites—most of them vectors of epidemiologically important pathogens—infestation patterns remain poorly understood in various ecological contexts, such as the highly patchy agricultural landscapes. We aimed to relate the infestation of rodents to temporal, habitat, and host variables. We assessed the difference in parasite prevalence and mean abundance depending on host sex, age, and body weight, season, and land use intensity. Furthermore, we analysed the effect of host species abundance and the differential responses of parasites in main and minor host species. The field survey was conducted in a rural landscape in southern Transylvania (Romania) between June and September 2010–2011. We live-trapped small mammals, collected the ticks and fleas, and recorded the presence of lice and mites. Overall, we found the same infestation patterns largely reported in the literature: higher prevalence and mean abundance in heavier adult males, significant seasonality and differences among host species, and evidence of the dilution effect. The uniqueness of our study system was the negative effect of the land use intensity on the prevalence and mean abundance of parasites, explained by the highly patchy mosaic landscape. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surveillance of Microbial and Parasitic Agents in Wildlife)
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18 pages, 3200 KiB  
Article
Zoonotic Parasites in Artiodactyls with Emphasis on the Feral Boar in the Atlantic Forest, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
by Jessica L. Pinheiro, Sávio F. Bruno, Laís V. Dib, Claudijane R. Dos Santos, Camila S. C. Class, Laís L. Corrêa, Marcelo Studart Lima, Paulo Rogério A. Motoyama, Ricardo J. P. S. Guimarães, Maria Regina R. Amendoeira and Alynne S. Barbosa
Animals 2023, 13(23), 3611; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13233611 - 22 Nov 2023
Viewed by 886
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the species of artiodactyl host related to the fecal matter collected in a forest area in Rio de Janeiro state and carry out a parasitological investigation. Methods: Artiodactyl feces were collected between 2020 and [...] Read more.
Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the species of artiodactyl host related to the fecal matter collected in a forest area in Rio de Janeiro state and carry out a parasitological investigation. Methods: Artiodactyl feces were collected between 2020 and 2021. The fecal samples were examined to identify the host through macroscopic and molecular analysis. The remaining samples were subjected to a fecal parasite analysis using microscopic techniques, and feces containing cysts of the phylum Ciliophora underwent a molecular analysis. Results: Of the 101 samples collected, 71.3% were found in Pavão Valley, the most anthropized area of the park. In the molecular analysis, 79 samples were identified as belonging to Sus scrofa and 2 as Mazama gouazoubira. The most frequently detected forms were cysts of the phylum Ciliophora (39.6%), followed by eggs of Ascaris spp. (11.8%) and Metastrongylus spp. (5.9%). Nucleotide sequences of Balantioides coli were characterized in 26 samples, and in 13 samples variants of type B0 and in 11 type A0 were identified. Conclusions: It should be noted that this is the first study in the Americas that has identified B. coli in free-living S. scrofa feces, citing this bioinvader as one of the reservoirs of this parasite. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surveillance of Microbial and Parasitic Agents in Wildlife)
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12 pages, 2738 KiB  
Article
Role of Free-Ranging Synanthropic Egyptian Geese (Alopochen aegyptiaca) as Natural Host Reservoirs for Salmonella spp. in Germany
by Ella F. Fischer, Romy Müller, Matthias Todte, Anja Taubert and Carlos Hermosilla
Animals 2023, 13(21), 3403; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13213403 - 02 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1907
Abstract
Salmonella is one of the most common and pathogenic bacteria worldwide, causing severe enteritis in humans and representing a relevant intestinal illness in One Health for young, old and immunosuppressed patients. Various Salmonella serovars have been described to be responsible for human Salmonellosis. [...] Read more.
Salmonella is one of the most common and pathogenic bacteria worldwide, causing severe enteritis in humans and representing a relevant intestinal illness in One Health for young, old and immunosuppressed patients. Various Salmonella serovars have been described to be responsible for human Salmonellosis. Birds represent natural carriers of different zoonotic-relevant Salmonella serovars and Anseriformes can not only transmit Salmonella spp. to humans but also manifest clinical Salmonellosis. In this study, 138 scat samples (n = 138) of free-ranging Egyptian geese (EG; Alopochen aegyptiaca) were collected in Germany, including 83 scat samples from city parks, 30 samples from 14 public swimming pools and 25 fresh caecal samples of dead EG. Collected EG scat samples were examined for the presence of Salmonella spp. according either to the ISO 6579 (2017) norm or to a combination of bacterial pre-enrichment and specific PCR for detection of Salmonella DNA. All 138 analysed EG faecal samples resulted Salmonella-negative. Furthermore, the survival of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serovar Anatum in spiked EG droppings was tested in four different concentrations of chlorinated pool water. In vitro testing demonstrated that S. Anatum-spiked EG droppings were still infectious for up to six hours in chlorinated pool water according to current German regulations for public swimming pools. This study is to be considered as a baseline investigation to clarify the role of synanthropic EG as natural carriers of zoonotic Salmonella in cities; nonetheless, large-scale epidemiological studies, including higher numbers of samples as well as more urban locations, are needed for final conclusions on the occurrence of this intestinal bacteria in neozootic EG. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surveillance of Microbial and Parasitic Agents in Wildlife)
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16 pages, 2417 KiB  
Article
Protozoan Parasites of Sarcocystis spp. in Rodents from Commercial Orchards
by Petras Prakas, Vitalijus Stirkė, Donatas Šneideris, Paulina Rakauskaitė, Dalius Butkauskas and Linas Balčiauskas
Animals 2023, 13(13), 2087; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13132087 - 23 Jun 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2026
Abstract
Small mammals are an important group of wildlife that can transmit pathogens to humans and animals. There is a lack of comprehensive studies on the protozoan parasites of the genus Sarcocystis in agricultural areas. The aim of the current research was to evaluate [...] Read more.
Small mammals are an important group of wildlife that can transmit pathogens to humans and animals. There is a lack of comprehensive studies on the protozoan parasites of the genus Sarcocystis in agricultural areas. The aim of the current research was to evaluate the prevalence of Sarcocystis spp., and to identify the parasite species found in the skeletal muscles of rodents and insectivores from commercial orchards. A total of 679 muscle samples from small mammals, mainly rodents (n = 674), belonging to eight species were examined. Muscle samples were pooled into groups, then digested, and the presence of the Sarcocystis species was confirmed by molecular methods. The examined parasites were determined in five rodent species, Apodemus agrarius, A. flavicollis, Clethrionomys glareolus, Microtus arvalis, and M. oeconomus. The prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. was low: 2.23% in voles and 0.79% in mice. Based on a sequence comparison of cox1 and 28S rDNA, four species were identified: S. myodes, Sarcocystis cf. strixi, Sarcocystis sp. Rod1, and Sarcocystis sp. Rod2. This is the first report of S. myodes in A. agrarius, A. flavicollis, and M. arvalis. The identified species were most closely related to Sarcocystis spp., and were transmitted by predatory mammals and birds. Future studies are needed to describe the species morphologically, as well as to define the host spectrum and to evaluate their possible pathogenicity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surveillance of Microbial and Parasitic Agents in Wildlife)
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Review

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14 pages, 3447 KiB  
Review
Corona- and Paramyxoviruses in Bats from Brazil: A Matter of Concern?
by Matheus Nunes Weber and Mariana Soares da Silva
Animals 2024, 14(1), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14010088 - 26 Dec 2023
Viewed by 963
Abstract
Chiroptera are one of the most diverse mammal orders. They are considered reservoirs of main human pathogens, where coronaviruses (CoVs) and paramyxoviruses (PMVs) may be highlighted. Moreover, the growing number of publications on CoVs and PMVs in wildlife reinforces the scientific community’s interest [...] Read more.
Chiroptera are one of the most diverse mammal orders. They are considered reservoirs of main human pathogens, where coronaviruses (CoVs) and paramyxoviruses (PMVs) may be highlighted. Moreover, the growing number of publications on CoVs and PMVs in wildlife reinforces the scientific community’s interest in eco-vigilance, especially because of the emergence of important human pathogens such as the SARS-CoV-2 and Nipha viruses. Considering that Brazil presents continental dimensions, is biologically rich containing one of the most diverse continental biotas and presents a rich biodiversity of animals classified in the order Chiroptera, the mapping of CoV and PMV genetics related to human pathogens is important and the aim of the present work. CoVs can be classified into four genera: Alphacoronavirus, Betacoronavirus, Deltacoronavirus and Gammacoronavirus. Delta- and gammacoronaviruses infect mainly birds, while alpha- and betacoronaviruses contain important animal and human pathogens. Almost 60% of alpha- and betacoronaviruses are related to bats, which are considered natural hosts of these viral genera members. The studies on CoV presence in bats from Brazil have mainly assayed phyllostomid, molossid and vespertilionid bats in the South, Southeast and North territories. Despite Brazil not hosting rhinophilid or pteropodid bats, which are natural reservoirs of SARS-related CoVs and henipaviruses, respectively, CoVs and PMVs reported in Brazilian bats are genetically closely related to some human pathogens. Most works performed with Brazilian bats reported alpha-CoVs that were closely related to other bat-CoVs, despite a few reports of beta-CoVs grouped in the Merbecovirus and Embecovirus subgenera. The family Paramyxoviridae includes four subfamilies (Avulavirinae, Metaparamyxovirinae, Orthoparamyxovirinae and Rubulavirinae), and bats are significant drivers of PMV cross-species viral transmission. Additionally, the studies that have evaluated PMV presence in Brazilian bats have mainly found sequences classified in the Jeilongvirus and Morbillivirus genera that belong to the Orthoparamyxovirinae subfamily. Despite the increasing amount of research on Brazilian bats, studies analyzing these samples are still scarce. When surveying the representativeness of the CoVs and PMVs found and the available genomic sequences, it can be perceived that there may be gaps in the knowledge. The continuous monitoring of viral sequences that are closely related to human pathogens may be helpful in mapping and predicting future hotspots in the emergence of zoonotic agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surveillance of Microbial and Parasitic Agents in Wildlife)
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Other

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11 pages, 2165 KiB  
Brief Report
Surveillance and Genetic Analysis of Low-Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Viruses Isolated from Feces of Wild Birds in Mongolia, 2021 to 2023
by Yong-Myung Kang, Erdene-Ochir Tseren Ochir, Gyeong-Beom Heo, Se-Hee An, Hwanseok Jeong, Urankhaich Dondog, Temuulen Myagmarsuren, Youn-Jeong Lee and Kwang-Nyeong Lee
Animals 2024, 14(7), 1105; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14071105 - 04 Apr 2024
Viewed by 817
Abstract
The introduction of novel highly pathogenic (HPAI) viruses into Korea has been attributed to recombination events occurring at breeding sites in the Northern Hemisphere. This has increased interest in monitoring and genetically analyzing avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in northern regions, such as Mongolia, [...] Read more.
The introduction of novel highly pathogenic (HPAI) viruses into Korea has been attributed to recombination events occurring at breeding sites in the Northern Hemisphere. This has increased interest in monitoring and genetically analyzing avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in northern regions, such as Mongolia, which share migratory bird flyways with Korea. AIVs in Mongolia were monitored by analyzing 10,149 fecal samples freshly collected from wild birds from April to October in 2021 to 2023. The prevalence of AIVs in wild birds was 1.01%, with a total of 77 AIVs isolated during these 3 years. These 77 AIVs included hemagglutinin (HA) subtypes H1, H2, H3, H4, H6, H10 and H13 and neuraminidase (NA) subtypes N1, N2, N3, N6, N7 and N8. The most frequently detected subtype combinations were H3N8 (39.0%) and H4N6 (19.5%), although HPAI viruses were not detected. Genetic analysis indicated that theses AIVs isolated from Mongolian samples were closely related to AIVs in wild birds in Korea, including those of Eurasian lineage. These findings indicate the necessity of continuous AIV surveillance and monitoring, as HPAI viruses introduced into Korea may derive from strains in Mongolia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surveillance of Microbial and Parasitic Agents in Wildlife)
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