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Melissa A. Miller - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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emergence of a zoonotic pathogen in a coastal marine sentinel capillaria hepatica syn calodium hepaticum associated hepatitis in southern sea otters enhydra lutris nereis
Frontiers in Marine Science, 2020Co-Authors: Melissa A. Miller, Francesca Batac, Erin Dodd, Joseph A Tomoleoni, Michael J. Murray, Michelle M. Staedler, Pádraig J Duignan, Heather S Harris, Chris H GardinerAbstract:Capillaria hepatica is a globally-distributed zoonotic nematode parasite that most commonly infects feral and native rats. Soil contact, pica, and living in close proximity to rat populations are risk factors for human infection. Larval nematodes and eggs that were morphologically consistent with C. hepatica were observed microscopically in livers of stranded southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) from California. Large (90-100 x 45-55 μm), barrel-shaped non-embryonated parasite eggs with prominent polar prominences and a roughened or striated surface, or 105-120 μm diameter larval aphasmid nematode profiles with a prominent stichosome and hypodermal bands were observed in the livers of three otters. The liver of a fourth animal exhibited serpiginous tracts of necrosis, micro-cavitation and pleocellular inflammation, with intralesional linear eosinophilic material that resembled cuticle from degenerating metazoan parasites. Capillaria hepatica-associated hepatitis and capsular adhesions were the cause of death for one otter, and parasite-associated liver lesions were observed in all cases. All infected otters were adult females that stranded from 2006 through 2016 at multiple sites along the central California coast. All cases stranded from December through May; during and soon after peak seasonal precipitation and land-sea Runoff in California. This same seasonal pattern has been reported for other land-based parasites infecting southern sea otters. Neither C. hepatica, nor any similar nematodes have been reported from marine mammals, and southern sea otters are not typical hosts for C. hepatica or any other nematode parasites. The most likely route of exposure was via Freshwater Runoff containing embryonated eggs liberated from predated or decomposing terrestrial hosts, especially rats. Similar to the land-based parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis neurona, C. hepatica eggs may be concentrated and transmitted through filter-feeding marine invertebrates that serve as southern sea otter prey, which may also pose an unrecognized public health risk for people who consume these species.
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Enteric bacterial pathogen detection in southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) is associated with coastal urbanization and Freshwater Runoff
Veterinary Research, 2010Co-Authors: Melissa A. Miller, Jack Ames, Spencer S Jang, Barbara A. Byrne, Michael D. Harris, Erin M. Dodd, Elene Dorfmeier, David Paradies, Karen Worcester, David A. JessupAbstract:Although protected for nearly a century, California's sea otters have been slow to recover, in part due to exposure to fecally-associated protozoal pathogens like Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis neurona. However, potential impacts from exposure to fecal bacteria have not been systematically explored. Using selective media, we examined feces from live and dead sea otters from California for specific enteric bacterial pathogens (Campylobacter, Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, C. difficile and Escherichia coli O157:H7), and pathogens endemic to the marine environment (Vibrio cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus and Plesiomonas shigelloides). We evaluated statistical associations between detection of these pathogens in otter feces and demographic or environmental risk factors for otter exposure, and found that dead otters were more likely to test positive for C. perfringens, Campylobacter and V. parahaemolyticus than were live otters. Otters from more urbanized coastlines and areas with high Freshwater Runoff (near outflows of rivers or streams) were more likely to test positive for one or more of these bacterial pathogens. Other risk factors for bacterial detection in otters included male gender and fecal samples collected during the rainy season when surface Runoff is maximal. Similar risk factors were reported in prior studies of pathogen exposure for California otters and their invertebrate prey, suggesting that land-sea transfer and/or facilitation of pathogen survival in degraded coastal marine habitat may be impacting sea otter recovery. Because otters and humans share many of the same foods, our findings may also have implications for human health.
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transmission of toxoplasma clues from the study of sea otters as sentinels of toxoplasma gondii flow into the marine environment
International Journal for Parasitology, 2005Co-Authors: Patricia A Conrad, Melissa A. Miller, Jonna A K Mazet, David A. Jessup, Erick R James, Frances M D Gulland, C Kreuder, Haydee A Dabritz, Michael E GriggAbstract:Toxoplasma gondii affects a wide variety of hosts including threatened southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) which serve as sentinels for the detection of the parasite’s transmission into marine ecosystems. Toxoplasmosis is a major cause of mortality and contributor to the slow rate of population recovery for southern sea otters in California. An updated seroprevalence analysis showed that 52% of 305 freshly dead, beachcast sea otters and 38% of 257 live sea otters sampled along the California coast from 1998 to 2004 were infected with T. gondii. Areas with high T. gondii exposure were predominantly sandy bays near urban centres with Freshwater Runoff. Genotypic characterisation of 15 new T. gondii isolates obtained from otters in 2004 identified only X alleles at B1 and SAG1. A total of 38/50 or 72% of all otter isolates so far examined have been infected with a Type X strain. Type X isolates were also obtained from a Pacific harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) and California sea lion (Zalophus californianus). Molecular analysis using the C8 RAPD marker showed that the X isolates were more genetically heterogeneous than archetypal Type I, II and III genotypes of T. gondii. The origin and transmission of the Type X T. gondii genotype are not yet clear. Sea otters do not prey on known intermediate hosts for T. gondii and vertical transmission appears to play a minor role in maintaining infection in the populations. Therefore, the most likely source of infection is by infectious, environmentally resistant oocysts that are shed in the feces of felids and transported via Freshwater Runoff into the marine ecosystem. As nearshore predators, otters serve as sentinels of protozoal pathogen flow into the marine environment since they share the same environment and consume some of the same foods as humans. Investigation into the processes promoting T. gondii infections in sea otters will provide a better understanding of terrestrial parasite flow and the emergence of disease at the interface between wildlife, domestic animals and humans.
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coastal Freshwater Runoff is a risk factor for toxoplasma gondii infection of southern sea otters enhydra lutris nereis
International Journal for Parasitology, 2002Co-Authors: Melissa A. Miller, Erin Dodd, Ian A. Gardner, David A. Jessup, Jack A. Ames, Michael D. Harris, David Paradies, Karen Worcester, C Kreuder, Andrea E. PackhamAbstract:The association among anthropogenic environmental disturbance, pathogen pollution and the emergence of infectious diseases in wildlife has been postulated, but not always well supported by epidemiologic data. Specific evidence of coastal contamination of the marine ecosystem with the zoonotic protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, and extensive infection of southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) along the California coast was documented by this study. To investigate the extent of exposure and factors contributing to the apparent emergence of T. gondii in southern sea otters, we compiled environmental, demographic and serological data from 223 live and dead sea otters examined between 1997 and 2001. The T. gondii seroprevalence was 42% (49/116) for live otters, and 62% (66/107) for dead otters. Demographic and environmental data were examined for associations with T. gondii seropositivity, with the ultimate goal of identifying spatial clusters and demographic and environmental risk factors for T. gondii infection. Spatial analysis revealed clusters of T. gondii-seropositive sea otters at two locations along the coast, and one site with lower than expected T. gondii seroprevalence. Risk factors that were positively associated with T. gondii seropositivity in logistic regression analysis included male gender, older age and otters sampled from the Morro Bay region of California. Most importantly, otters sampled near areas of maximal Freshwater Runoff were approximately three times more likely to be seropositive to T. gondii than otters sampled in areas of low flow. No association was found between seropositivity to T. gondii and human population density or exposure to sewage. This study provides evidence implicating land-based surface Runoff as a source of T. gondii infection for marine mammals, specifically sea otters, and provides a convincing illustration of pathogen pollution in the marine ecosystem.
David A. Jessup - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Enteric bacterial pathogen detection in southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) is associated with coastal urbanization and Freshwater Runoff
Veterinary Research, 2010Co-Authors: Melissa A. Miller, Jack Ames, Spencer S Jang, Barbara A. Byrne, Michael D. Harris, Erin M. Dodd, Elene Dorfmeier, David Paradies, Karen Worcester, David A. JessupAbstract:Although protected for nearly a century, California's sea otters have been slow to recover, in part due to exposure to fecally-associated protozoal pathogens like Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis neurona. However, potential impacts from exposure to fecal bacteria have not been systematically explored. Using selective media, we examined feces from live and dead sea otters from California for specific enteric bacterial pathogens (Campylobacter, Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, C. difficile and Escherichia coli O157:H7), and pathogens endemic to the marine environment (Vibrio cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus and Plesiomonas shigelloides). We evaluated statistical associations between detection of these pathogens in otter feces and demographic or environmental risk factors for otter exposure, and found that dead otters were more likely to test positive for C. perfringens, Campylobacter and V. parahaemolyticus than were live otters. Otters from more urbanized coastlines and areas with high Freshwater Runoff (near outflows of rivers or streams) were more likely to test positive for one or more of these bacterial pathogens. Other risk factors for bacterial detection in otters included male gender and fecal samples collected during the rainy season when surface Runoff is maximal. Similar risk factors were reported in prior studies of pathogen exposure for California otters and their invertebrate prey, suggesting that land-sea transfer and/or facilitation of pathogen survival in degraded coastal marine habitat may be impacting sea otter recovery. Because otters and humans share many of the same foods, our findings may also have implications for human health.
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transmission of toxoplasma clues from the study of sea otters as sentinels of toxoplasma gondii flow into the marine environment
International Journal for Parasitology, 2005Co-Authors: Patricia A Conrad, Melissa A. Miller, Jonna A K Mazet, David A. Jessup, Erick R James, Frances M D Gulland, C Kreuder, Haydee A Dabritz, Michael E GriggAbstract:Toxoplasma gondii affects a wide variety of hosts including threatened southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) which serve as sentinels for the detection of the parasite’s transmission into marine ecosystems. Toxoplasmosis is a major cause of mortality and contributor to the slow rate of population recovery for southern sea otters in California. An updated seroprevalence analysis showed that 52% of 305 freshly dead, beachcast sea otters and 38% of 257 live sea otters sampled along the California coast from 1998 to 2004 were infected with T. gondii. Areas with high T. gondii exposure were predominantly sandy bays near urban centres with Freshwater Runoff. Genotypic characterisation of 15 new T. gondii isolates obtained from otters in 2004 identified only X alleles at B1 and SAG1. A total of 38/50 or 72% of all otter isolates so far examined have been infected with a Type X strain. Type X isolates were also obtained from a Pacific harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) and California sea lion (Zalophus californianus). Molecular analysis using the C8 RAPD marker showed that the X isolates were more genetically heterogeneous than archetypal Type I, II and III genotypes of T. gondii. The origin and transmission of the Type X T. gondii genotype are not yet clear. Sea otters do not prey on known intermediate hosts for T. gondii and vertical transmission appears to play a minor role in maintaining infection in the populations. Therefore, the most likely source of infection is by infectious, environmentally resistant oocysts that are shed in the feces of felids and transported via Freshwater Runoff into the marine ecosystem. As nearshore predators, otters serve as sentinels of protozoal pathogen flow into the marine environment since they share the same environment and consume some of the same foods as humans. Investigation into the processes promoting T. gondii infections in sea otters will provide a better understanding of terrestrial parasite flow and the emergence of disease at the interface between wildlife, domestic animals and humans.
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coastal Freshwater Runoff is a risk factor for toxoplasma gondii infection of southern sea otters enhydra lutris nereis
International Journal for Parasitology, 2002Co-Authors: Melissa A. Miller, Erin Dodd, Ian A. Gardner, David A. Jessup, Jack A. Ames, Michael D. Harris, David Paradies, Karen Worcester, C Kreuder, Andrea E. PackhamAbstract:The association among anthropogenic environmental disturbance, pathogen pollution and the emergence of infectious diseases in wildlife has been postulated, but not always well supported by epidemiologic data. Specific evidence of coastal contamination of the marine ecosystem with the zoonotic protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, and extensive infection of southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) along the California coast was documented by this study. To investigate the extent of exposure and factors contributing to the apparent emergence of T. gondii in southern sea otters, we compiled environmental, demographic and serological data from 223 live and dead sea otters examined between 1997 and 2001. The T. gondii seroprevalence was 42% (49/116) for live otters, and 62% (66/107) for dead otters. Demographic and environmental data were examined for associations with T. gondii seropositivity, with the ultimate goal of identifying spatial clusters and demographic and environmental risk factors for T. gondii infection. Spatial analysis revealed clusters of T. gondii-seropositive sea otters at two locations along the coast, and one site with lower than expected T. gondii seroprevalence. Risk factors that were positively associated with T. gondii seropositivity in logistic regression analysis included male gender, older age and otters sampled from the Morro Bay region of California. Most importantly, otters sampled near areas of maximal Freshwater Runoff were approximately three times more likely to be seropositive to T. gondii than otters sampled in areas of low flow. No association was found between seropositivity to T. gondii and human population density or exposure to sewage. This study provides evidence implicating land-based surface Runoff as a source of T. gondii infection for marine mammals, specifically sea otters, and provides a convincing illustration of pathogen pollution in the marine ecosystem.
Rachel M Wright - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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gene expression of endangered coral orbicella spp in flower garden banks national marine sanctuary after hurricane harvey
Frontiers in Marine Science, 2019Co-Authors: Kathryn E. F. Shamberger, Rachel M Wright, Adrienne M S Correa, Lucinda A Quigley, Lory Z Santiagovazquez, Sarah W. DaviesAbstract:About 190 km south of the Texas–Louisiana border, the East and West Flower Garden Banks (FGB) have maintained >50% coral cover with infrequent and minor incidents of disease or bleaching since monitoring began in the 1970s. However, a mortality event, affecting 5.6 ha (2.6% of the area) of the East FGB, occurred in late July 2016 and coincided with storm-generated Freshwater Runoff extending offshore and over the reef system. To capture the immediate effects of storm-driven Freshwater Runoff on coral and symbiont physiology, we leveraged the heavy rainfall associated with Hurricane Harvey in late August 2017 by sampling FGB corals at two time points: September 2017, when surface water salinity was reduced (~34 ppt); and one month later when salinity had returned to typical levels (~36 ppt in October 2017). Tissue samples (N = 47) collected midday were immediately preserved for gene expression profiling from two congeneric coral species (Orbicella faveolata and Orbicella franksi) from the East and West FGB to determine the physiological consequences of storm-derived Runoff. In the coral, differences between host species and sampling time points accounted for the majority of differentially expressed genes. Gene ontology enrichment for genes differentially expressed immediately after Hurricane Harvey indicated increases in cellular oxidative stress responses. Although tissue loss was not observed on FGB reefs following Hurricane Harvey, our results suggest that poor water quality following this storm caused FGB corals to experience sub-lethal stress. We also found dramatic expression differences across sampling time points in the coral’s algal symbiont, Breviolum minutum. Some of these differentially expressed genes may be involved in the symbionts’ response to changing environments, including a group of differentially expressed post-transcriptional RNA modification genes. In this study, we cannot disentangle the effects of reduced salinity from the collection time point, so these expression patterns could also be related to seasonality. These findings highlight the urgent need for continued monitoring of these reef systems to establish a baseline for gene expression of healthy corals in the FGB system across seasons, as well as the need for integrated solutions to manage stormwater Runoff in the Gulf of Mexico.
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gene expression of endangered coral orbicella spp in flower garden banks national marine sanctuary after hurricane harvey
Frontiers in Marine Science, 2019Co-Authors: Kathryn E. F. Shamberger, Rachel M Wright, Adrienne M S Correa, Lucinda A Quigley, Lory Z Santiagovazquez, Sarah W. DaviesAbstract:About 190 km south of the Texas–Louisiana border, the East and West Flower Garden Banks (FGB) have maintained >50% coral cover with infrequent and minor incidents of disease or bleaching since monitoring began in the 1970s. However, a mortality event, affecting 5.6 ha (2.6% of the area) of the East FGB, occurred in late July 2016 and coincided with storm-generated Freshwater Runoff extending offshore and over the reef system. To capture the immediate effects of storm-driven Freshwater Runoff on coral and symbiont physiology, we leveraged the heavy rainfall associated with Hurricane Harvey in late August 2017 by sampling FGB corals at two time points: September 2017, when surface water salinity was reduced (~34 ppt); and one month later when salinity had returned to typical levels (~36 ppt in October 2017). Tissue samples (N = 47) collected midday were immediately preserved for gene expression profiling from two congeneric coral species (Orbicella faveolata and Orbicella franksi) from the East and West FGB to determine the physiological consequences of storm-derived Runoff. In the coral, differences between host species and sampling time points accounted for the majority of differentially expressed genes. Gene ontology enrichment for genes differentially expressed immediately after Hurricane Harvey indicated increases in cellular oxidative stress responses. Although tissue loss was not observed on FGB reefs following Hurricane Harvey, our results suggest that poor water quality following this storm caused FGB corals to experience sub-lethal stress. We also found dramatic expression differences across sampling time points in the coral’s algal symbiont, Breviolum minutum. Some of these differentially expressed genes may be involved in the symbionts’ response to changing environments, including a group of differentially expressed post-transcriptional RNA modification genes. In this study, we cannot disentangle the effects of reduced salinity from the collection time point, so these expression patterns could also be related to seasonality. These findings highlight the urgent need for continued monitoring of these reef systems to establish a baseline for gene expression of healthy corals in the FGB system across seasons, as well as the need for integrated solutions to manage stormwater Runoff in the Gulf of Mexico.
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gene expression of endangered coral orbicella spp in the flower garden banks national marine sanctuary after hurricane harvey
bioRxiv, 2019Co-Authors: Adrienne M S Correa, Rachel M Wright, Lucinda A Quigley, Sarah W. DaviesAbstract:About 160 km south of the Texas-Louisiana border, the East and West Flower Garden Banks (FGB) have maintained >50% coral cover with infrequent and minor incidents of disease or bleaching since monitoring began in the 1970s. However, a storm that generated coastal flooding, which ultimately interacted with the reef system, triggered a mortality event in 2016 that killed 2.6% of the East FGB. To capture the immediate effects of storm-driven Freshwater Runoff on coral and symbiont physiology, we leveraged the heavy rainfall associated with Hurricane Harvey in late August 2017 by sampling FGB corals at two times: September 2017, when salinity was reduced; and one month later when salinity had returned to typical levels (~36 ppt in October 2017). Tissue samples (N = 47) collected midday were immediately preserved for gene expression profiling from two congeneric coral species (Orbicella faveolata and Orbicella franksi) from the East and West FGB to determine the physiological consequences of storm-derived Runoff. In the coral, differences between host species and sampling time points accounted for the majority of differentially expressed genes. Gene ontology enrichment for genes differentially expressed immediately after Hurricane Harvey indicated increases in cellular oxidative stress responses. Although tissue loss was not observed on FGB reefs following Hurricane Harvey, our results suggest that poor water quality following this storm caused FGB corals to experience sub-lethal stress. We also found dramatic expression differences across sampling time points in the coral9s algal symbiont, Breviolum minutum. Some of these differentially expressed genes may be involved in the symbionts9 response to changing environments, whereas a group of differentially expressed post-transcriptional RNA modification genes also suggest a critical role of post-transcriptional processing in symbiont acclimatization. In this study, we cannot disentangle the effects of reduced salinity from the collection time point, so these expression patterns may also be related to seasonality. These findings highlight the urgent need for continued monitoring of these reef systems to establish a baseline for gene expression of healthy corals in the FGB system across seasons, as well as the need for integrated solutions to manage stormwater Runoff in the Gulf of Mexico.
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gene expression of endangered coral orbicella spp in the flower garden banks national marine sanctuary after hurricane harvey
bioRxiv, 2019Co-Authors: Adrienne M S Correa, Rachel M Wright, Lucinda A Quigley, Sarah W. DaviesAbstract:About 160 km south of the Texas-Louisiana border, the East and West Flower Garden Banks (FGB) have maintained >50% coral cover with infrequent and minor incidents of disease or bleaching since monitoring began in the 1970s. However, a storm that generated coastal flooding, which ultimately interacted with the reef system, triggered a mortality event in 2016 that killed 2.6% of the East FGB. To capture the immediate effects of storm-driven Freshwater Runoff on coral and symbiont physiology, we leveraged the heavy rainfall associated with Hurricane Harvey in late August 2017 by sampling FGB corals at two times: September 2017, when salinity was reduced; and one month later when salinity had returned to typical levels (~36 ppt in October 2017). Tissue samples (N = 47) collected midday were immediately preserved for gene expression profiling from two congeneric coral species (Orbicella faveolata and Orbicella franksi) from the East and West FGB to determine the physiological consequences of storm-derived Runoff. In the coral, differences between host species and sampling time points accounted for the majority of differentially expressed genes. Gene ontology enrichment for genes differentially expressed immediately after Hurricane Harvey indicated increases in cellular oxidative stress responses. Although tissue loss was not observed on FGB reefs following Hurricane Harvey, our results suggest that poor water quality following this storm caused FGB corals to experience sub-lethal stress. We also found dramatic expression differences across sampling time points in the coral9s algal symbiont, Breviolum minutum. Some of these differentially expressed genes may be involved in the symbionts9 response to changing environments, whereas a group of differentially expressed post-transcriptional RNA modification genes also suggest a critical role of post-transcriptional processing in symbiont acclimatization. In this study, we cannot disentangle the effects of reduced salinity from the collection time point, so these expression patterns may also be related to seasonality. These findings highlight the urgent need for continued monitoring of these reef systems to establish a baseline for gene expression of healthy corals in the FGB system across seasons, as well as the need for integrated solutions to manage stormwater Runoff in the Gulf of Mexico.
C Kreuder - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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transmission of toxoplasma clues from the study of sea otters as sentinels of toxoplasma gondii flow into the marine environment
International Journal for Parasitology, 2005Co-Authors: Patricia A Conrad, Melissa A. Miller, Jonna A K Mazet, David A. Jessup, Erick R James, Frances M D Gulland, C Kreuder, Haydee A Dabritz, Michael E GriggAbstract:Toxoplasma gondii affects a wide variety of hosts including threatened southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) which serve as sentinels for the detection of the parasite’s transmission into marine ecosystems. Toxoplasmosis is a major cause of mortality and contributor to the slow rate of population recovery for southern sea otters in California. An updated seroprevalence analysis showed that 52% of 305 freshly dead, beachcast sea otters and 38% of 257 live sea otters sampled along the California coast from 1998 to 2004 were infected with T. gondii. Areas with high T. gondii exposure were predominantly sandy bays near urban centres with Freshwater Runoff. Genotypic characterisation of 15 new T. gondii isolates obtained from otters in 2004 identified only X alleles at B1 and SAG1. A total of 38/50 or 72% of all otter isolates so far examined have been infected with a Type X strain. Type X isolates were also obtained from a Pacific harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) and California sea lion (Zalophus californianus). Molecular analysis using the C8 RAPD marker showed that the X isolates were more genetically heterogeneous than archetypal Type I, II and III genotypes of T. gondii. The origin and transmission of the Type X T. gondii genotype are not yet clear. Sea otters do not prey on known intermediate hosts for T. gondii and vertical transmission appears to play a minor role in maintaining infection in the populations. Therefore, the most likely source of infection is by infectious, environmentally resistant oocysts that are shed in the feces of felids and transported via Freshwater Runoff into the marine ecosystem. As nearshore predators, otters serve as sentinels of protozoal pathogen flow into the marine environment since they share the same environment and consume some of the same foods as humans. Investigation into the processes promoting T. gondii infections in sea otters will provide a better understanding of terrestrial parasite flow and the emergence of disease at the interface between wildlife, domestic animals and humans.
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coastal Freshwater Runoff is a risk factor for toxoplasma gondii infection of southern sea otters enhydra lutris nereis
International Journal for Parasitology, 2002Co-Authors: Melissa A. Miller, Erin Dodd, Ian A. Gardner, David A. Jessup, Jack A. Ames, Michael D. Harris, David Paradies, Karen Worcester, C Kreuder, Andrea E. PackhamAbstract:The association among anthropogenic environmental disturbance, pathogen pollution and the emergence of infectious diseases in wildlife has been postulated, but not always well supported by epidemiologic data. Specific evidence of coastal contamination of the marine ecosystem with the zoonotic protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, and extensive infection of southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) along the California coast was documented by this study. To investigate the extent of exposure and factors contributing to the apparent emergence of T. gondii in southern sea otters, we compiled environmental, demographic and serological data from 223 live and dead sea otters examined between 1997 and 2001. The T. gondii seroprevalence was 42% (49/116) for live otters, and 62% (66/107) for dead otters. Demographic and environmental data were examined for associations with T. gondii seropositivity, with the ultimate goal of identifying spatial clusters and demographic and environmental risk factors for T. gondii infection. Spatial analysis revealed clusters of T. gondii-seropositive sea otters at two locations along the coast, and one site with lower than expected T. gondii seroprevalence. Risk factors that were positively associated with T. gondii seropositivity in logistic regression analysis included male gender, older age and otters sampled from the Morro Bay region of California. Most importantly, otters sampled near areas of maximal Freshwater Runoff were approximately three times more likely to be seropositive to T. gondii than otters sampled in areas of low flow. No association was found between seropositivity to T. gondii and human population density or exposure to sewage. This study provides evidence implicating land-based surface Runoff as a source of T. gondii infection for marine mammals, specifically sea otters, and provides a convincing illustration of pathogen pollution in the marine ecosystem.
Andrea E. Packham - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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coastal Freshwater Runoff is a risk factor for toxoplasma gondii infection of southern sea otters enhydra lutris nereis
International Journal for Parasitology, 2002Co-Authors: Melissa A. Miller, Erin Dodd, Ian A. Gardner, David A. Jessup, Jack A. Ames, Michael D. Harris, David Paradies, Karen Worcester, C Kreuder, Andrea E. PackhamAbstract:The association among anthropogenic environmental disturbance, pathogen pollution and the emergence of infectious diseases in wildlife has been postulated, but not always well supported by epidemiologic data. Specific evidence of coastal contamination of the marine ecosystem with the zoonotic protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, and extensive infection of southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) along the California coast was documented by this study. To investigate the extent of exposure and factors contributing to the apparent emergence of T. gondii in southern sea otters, we compiled environmental, demographic and serological data from 223 live and dead sea otters examined between 1997 and 2001. The T. gondii seroprevalence was 42% (49/116) for live otters, and 62% (66/107) for dead otters. Demographic and environmental data were examined for associations with T. gondii seropositivity, with the ultimate goal of identifying spatial clusters and demographic and environmental risk factors for T. gondii infection. Spatial analysis revealed clusters of T. gondii-seropositive sea otters at two locations along the coast, and one site with lower than expected T. gondii seroprevalence. Risk factors that were positively associated with T. gondii seropositivity in logistic regression analysis included male gender, older age and otters sampled from the Morro Bay region of California. Most importantly, otters sampled near areas of maximal Freshwater Runoff were approximately three times more likely to be seropositive to T. gondii than otters sampled in areas of low flow. No association was found between seropositivity to T. gondii and human population density or exposure to sewage. This study provides evidence implicating land-based surface Runoff as a source of T. gondii infection for marine mammals, specifically sea otters, and provides a convincing illustration of pathogen pollution in the marine ecosystem.
