The Experts below are selected from a list of 267 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Gregory D Bossart - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Comparative Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses in Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) With Viral, Bacterial, and Fungal Infections.
Frontiers in Immunology, 2019Co-Authors: Gregory D Bossart, Tracy A Romano, Patricia A Fair, Margie M. Peden-adams, Charles D. Rice, Adam M. Schaefer, John S ReifAbstract:: Free-ranging Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (n = 360) from two southeastern U.S. estuarine sites were given comprehensive health examinations between 2003 and 2015 as part of a multi-disciplinary research project focused on individual and population health. The study sites (and sample sizes) included the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida, USA (n = 246) and Charleston harbor and associated rivers (CHS), South Carolina, USA (n = 114). Results of a suite of clinicoimmunopathologic tests revealed that both populations have a high prevalence of infectious and neoplastic disease and a variety of abnormalities of their innate and adaptive immune systems. Subclinical infections with cetacean morbillivirus and Chlamydiaceae were detected serologically. Clinical evidence of orogenital papillomatosis was supported by the detection of a new strain of dolphin papillomavirus and herpesvirus by molecular pathology. Dolphins with cutaneous Lobomycosis/lacaziasis were subsequently shown to be infected with a novel, uncultivated strain of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, now established as the etiologic agent of this enigmatic disease in dolphins. In this review, innate and adaptive immunologic responses are compared between healthy dolphins and those with clinical and/or immunopathologic evidence of infection with these specific viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens. A wide range of immunologic host responses was associated with each pathogen, reflecting the dynamic and complex interplay between the innate, humoral, and cell-mediated immune systems in the dolphin. Collectively, these studies document the comparative innate and adaptive immune responses to various types of infectious diseases in free-ranging Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Evaluation of the type, pattern, and degree of immunologic response to these pathogens provides novel insight on disease immunopathogenesis in this species and as a comparative model. Importantly, the data suggest that in some cases infection may be associated with subclinical immunopathologic perturbations that could impact overall individual and population health.
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cutaneous granulomas in dolphins caused by novel uncultivated paracoccidioides brasiliensis
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2016Co-Authors: Patricia A Fair, John S Reif, Gregory D Bossart, Adam M. Schaefer, Raquel Vilela, Judy St. Leger, Leslie M Dalton, Peter J Mccarthy, Leonel MendozaAbstract:Cutaneous granulomas in dolphins were believed to be caused by Lacazia loboi, which also causes a similar disease in humans. This hypothesis was recently challenged by reports that fungal DNA sequences from dolphins grouped this pathogen with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. We conducted phylogenetic analysis of fungi from 6 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) with cutaneous granulomas and chains of yeast cells in infected tissues. Kex gene sequences of P. brasiliensis from dolphins showed 100% homology with sequences from cultivated P. brasiliensis, 73% with those of L. loboi, and 93% with those of P. lutzii. Parsimony analysis placed DNA sequences from dolphins within a cluster with human P. brasiliensis strains. This cluster was the sister taxon to P. lutzii and L. loboi. Our molecular data support previous findings and suggest that a novel uncultivated strain of P. brasiliensis restricted to cutaneous lesions in dolphins is probably the cause of lacaziosis/Lobomycosis, herein referred to as paracoccidioidomycosis ceti.
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Lobomycosis: risk of zoonotic transmission from dolphins to humans.
Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont N.Y.), 2013Co-Authors: John S Reif, Adam M. Schaefer, Gregory D BossartAbstract:Abstract Lobomycosis, a fungal disease of the skin and subcutaneous tissues caused by Lacazia loboi, is sometimes referred to as a zoonotic disease because it affects only specific delphinidae and humans; however, the evidence that it can be transferred directly to humans from dolphins is weak. Dolphins have also been postulated to be responsible for an apparent geographic expansion of the disease in humans. Morphological and molecular differences between the human and dolphin organisms, differences in geographic distribution of the diseases between dolphins and humans, the existence of only a single documented case of presumed zoonotic transmission, and anecdotal evidence of lack of transmission to humans following accidental inoculation of tissue from infected dolphins do not support the hypothesis that dolphins infected with L. loboi represent a zoonotic hazard for humans. In addition, the lack of human cases in communities adjacent to coastal estuaries with a high prevalence of Lobomycosis in dolphins...
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immune dysfunction in atlantic bottlenose dolphins tursiops truncatus with Lobomycosis
Medical Mycology, 2009Co-Authors: John S Reif, Tracy A Romano, Patricia A Fair, Charles D. Rice, Margie M Pedenadams, Gregory D BossartAbstract:Lobomycosis (Lacaziosis) occurs only in humans and dolphins under natural conditions. We evaluated the immune status of eight dolphins with Lobomycosis and 40 healthy dolphins from the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida. Lobomycosis cases had multiple abnormalities in their immunologic parameters when compared to healthy dolphins. The absolute number of circulating lymphocytes and serum albumin concentration were reduced (P<0.05) while the segmented neutrophils, alpha 1, total beta, total gamma and total globulins were increased (P<0.05). Although innate immunity was relatively intact and phagocytosis and natural killer cell activity were not affected, the plasma lysozyme concentrations were elevated in dolphins with Lobomycosis (P<0.05). Adaptive immunity was depressed with statistically significant decreases found in the absolute numbers of CD4(+) helper T cells and CD19(+) and CD21(+) B cells. The ratios of CD2(+) T cells to CD4(+) cells and CD2(+) to CD21(+) cells were increased (P=0.05 and P<0.05, respectively) and the numbers of lymphocytes expressing MHC class II molecules was decreased in dolphins with Lobomycosis (P<0.05). Lymphocyte proliferation was reduced in response to stimulation with lipopolysaccharide and concanavalin A (P<0.05). Antibody titers to Erysipelas rhusiopathiae, a common marine micro-organism, were decreased (P<0.05). In summary, dolphins with Lobomycosis exhibit significant impairment in adaptive immunity.
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Lobomycosis in bottlenose dolphins tursiops truncatus from the indian river lagoon florida estimation of prevalence temporal trends and spatial distribution
Ecohealth, 2008Co-Authors: Elizabeth M Murdoch, Patricia A Fair, John S Reif, Marilyn Mazzoil, Stephen D. Mcculloch, Gregory D BossartAbstract:Lobomycosis (lacaziosis) is a chronic fungal disease of the skin that affects only dolphins and humans. Previous studies have shown a high prevalence of Lobomycosis in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the Indian River Lagoon, Florida (IRL). We studied the occurrence and distribution of Lobomycosis in the IRL using photo-identification survey data collected between 1996 and 2006. Our objectives were to (1) determine the sensitivity and specificity of photo-identification for diagnosis of Lobomycosis in free-ranging dolphins; (2) determine the spatial distribution of Lobomycosis in the IRL; and (3) assess temporal patterns of occurrence. Photographs from 704 distinctly marked dolphins were reviewed for skin lesions compatible with Lobomycosis. The presumptive diagnosis was validated by comparing the results of photographic analysis with physical examination and histologic examination of lesion biopsies in 102 dolphins captured and released during a health assessment and 3 stranded dolphins. Twelve of 16 confirmed cases were identified previously by photography, a sensitivity of 75%. Among 89 dolphins without disease, all 89 were considered negative, a specificity of 100%. The prevalence of Lobomycosis estimated from photographic data was 6.8% (48/704). Spatial distribution was determined by dividing the IRL into six segments based on hydrodynamics and geographic features. The prevalence ranged from <1% in the Mosquito Lagoon to 16.9% in the south Indian River. The incidence of the disease did not increase during the study period, indicating that the disease is endemic, rather than emerging. In summary, photo-identification is a useful tool to monitor the course of individual and population health for this enigmatic disease.
John S Reif - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Comparative Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses in Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) With Viral, Bacterial, and Fungal Infections.
Frontiers in Immunology, 2019Co-Authors: Gregory D Bossart, Tracy A Romano, Patricia A Fair, Margie M. Peden-adams, Charles D. Rice, Adam M. Schaefer, John S ReifAbstract:: Free-ranging Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (n = 360) from two southeastern U.S. estuarine sites were given comprehensive health examinations between 2003 and 2015 as part of a multi-disciplinary research project focused on individual and population health. The study sites (and sample sizes) included the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida, USA (n = 246) and Charleston harbor and associated rivers (CHS), South Carolina, USA (n = 114). Results of a suite of clinicoimmunopathologic tests revealed that both populations have a high prevalence of infectious and neoplastic disease and a variety of abnormalities of their innate and adaptive immune systems. Subclinical infections with cetacean morbillivirus and Chlamydiaceae were detected serologically. Clinical evidence of orogenital papillomatosis was supported by the detection of a new strain of dolphin papillomavirus and herpesvirus by molecular pathology. Dolphins with cutaneous Lobomycosis/lacaziasis were subsequently shown to be infected with a novel, uncultivated strain of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, now established as the etiologic agent of this enigmatic disease in dolphins. In this review, innate and adaptive immunologic responses are compared between healthy dolphins and those with clinical and/or immunopathologic evidence of infection with these specific viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens. A wide range of immunologic host responses was associated with each pathogen, reflecting the dynamic and complex interplay between the innate, humoral, and cell-mediated immune systems in the dolphin. Collectively, these studies document the comparative innate and adaptive immune responses to various types of infectious diseases in free-ranging Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Evaluation of the type, pattern, and degree of immunologic response to these pathogens provides novel insight on disease immunopathogenesis in this species and as a comparative model. Importantly, the data suggest that in some cases infection may be associated with subclinical immunopathologic perturbations that could impact overall individual and population health.
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cutaneous granulomas in dolphins caused by novel uncultivated paracoccidioides brasiliensis
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2016Co-Authors: Patricia A Fair, John S Reif, Gregory D Bossart, Adam M. Schaefer, Raquel Vilela, Judy St. Leger, Leslie M Dalton, Peter J Mccarthy, Leonel MendozaAbstract:Cutaneous granulomas in dolphins were believed to be caused by Lacazia loboi, which also causes a similar disease in humans. This hypothesis was recently challenged by reports that fungal DNA sequences from dolphins grouped this pathogen with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. We conducted phylogenetic analysis of fungi from 6 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) with cutaneous granulomas and chains of yeast cells in infected tissues. Kex gene sequences of P. brasiliensis from dolphins showed 100% homology with sequences from cultivated P. brasiliensis, 73% with those of L. loboi, and 93% with those of P. lutzii. Parsimony analysis placed DNA sequences from dolphins within a cluster with human P. brasiliensis strains. This cluster was the sister taxon to P. lutzii and L. loboi. Our molecular data support previous findings and suggest that a novel uncultivated strain of P. brasiliensis restricted to cutaneous lesions in dolphins is probably the cause of lacaziosis/Lobomycosis, herein referred to as paracoccidioidomycosis ceti.
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Lobomycosis: risk of zoonotic transmission from dolphins to humans.
Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont N.Y.), 2013Co-Authors: John S Reif, Adam M. Schaefer, Gregory D BossartAbstract:Abstract Lobomycosis, a fungal disease of the skin and subcutaneous tissues caused by Lacazia loboi, is sometimes referred to as a zoonotic disease because it affects only specific delphinidae and humans; however, the evidence that it can be transferred directly to humans from dolphins is weak. Dolphins have also been postulated to be responsible for an apparent geographic expansion of the disease in humans. Morphological and molecular differences between the human and dolphin organisms, differences in geographic distribution of the diseases between dolphins and humans, the existence of only a single documented case of presumed zoonotic transmission, and anecdotal evidence of lack of transmission to humans following accidental inoculation of tissue from infected dolphins do not support the hypothesis that dolphins infected with L. loboi represent a zoonotic hazard for humans. In addition, the lack of human cases in communities adjacent to coastal estuaries with a high prevalence of Lobomycosis in dolphins...
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immune dysfunction in atlantic bottlenose dolphins tursiops truncatus with Lobomycosis
Medical Mycology, 2009Co-Authors: John S Reif, Tracy A Romano, Patricia A Fair, Charles D. Rice, Margie M Pedenadams, Gregory D BossartAbstract:Lobomycosis (Lacaziosis) occurs only in humans and dolphins under natural conditions. We evaluated the immune status of eight dolphins with Lobomycosis and 40 healthy dolphins from the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida. Lobomycosis cases had multiple abnormalities in their immunologic parameters when compared to healthy dolphins. The absolute number of circulating lymphocytes and serum albumin concentration were reduced (P<0.05) while the segmented neutrophils, alpha 1, total beta, total gamma and total globulins were increased (P<0.05). Although innate immunity was relatively intact and phagocytosis and natural killer cell activity were not affected, the plasma lysozyme concentrations were elevated in dolphins with Lobomycosis (P<0.05). Adaptive immunity was depressed with statistically significant decreases found in the absolute numbers of CD4(+) helper T cells and CD19(+) and CD21(+) B cells. The ratios of CD2(+) T cells to CD4(+) cells and CD2(+) to CD21(+) cells were increased (P=0.05 and P<0.05, respectively) and the numbers of lymphocytes expressing MHC class II molecules was decreased in dolphins with Lobomycosis (P<0.05). Lymphocyte proliferation was reduced in response to stimulation with lipopolysaccharide and concanavalin A (P<0.05). Antibody titers to Erysipelas rhusiopathiae, a common marine micro-organism, were decreased (P<0.05). In summary, dolphins with Lobomycosis exhibit significant impairment in adaptive immunity.
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Lobomycosis in bottlenose dolphins tursiops truncatus from the indian river lagoon florida estimation of prevalence temporal trends and spatial distribution
Ecohealth, 2008Co-Authors: Elizabeth M Murdoch, Patricia A Fair, John S Reif, Marilyn Mazzoil, Stephen D. Mcculloch, Gregory D BossartAbstract:Lobomycosis (lacaziosis) is a chronic fungal disease of the skin that affects only dolphins and humans. Previous studies have shown a high prevalence of Lobomycosis in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the Indian River Lagoon, Florida (IRL). We studied the occurrence and distribution of Lobomycosis in the IRL using photo-identification survey data collected between 1996 and 2006. Our objectives were to (1) determine the sensitivity and specificity of photo-identification for diagnosis of Lobomycosis in free-ranging dolphins; (2) determine the spatial distribution of Lobomycosis in the IRL; and (3) assess temporal patterns of occurrence. Photographs from 704 distinctly marked dolphins were reviewed for skin lesions compatible with Lobomycosis. The presumptive diagnosis was validated by comparing the results of photographic analysis with physical examination and histologic examination of lesion biopsies in 102 dolphins captured and released during a health assessment and 3 stranded dolphins. Twelve of 16 confirmed cases were identified previously by photography, a sensitivity of 75%. Among 89 dolphins without disease, all 89 were considered negative, a specificity of 100%. The prevalence of Lobomycosis estimated from photographic data was 6.8% (48/704). Spatial distribution was determined by dividing the IRL into six segments based on hydrodynamics and geographic features. The prevalence ranged from <1% in the Mosquito Lagoon to 16.9% in the south Indian River. The incidence of the disease did not increase during the study period, indicating that the disease is endemic, rather than emerging. In summary, photo-identification is a useful tool to monitor the course of individual and population health for this enigmatic disease.
Marie-françoise Van Bressem - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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SC/60/DW13 Review of Lobomycosis and Lobomycosis-like disease (LLD) in Cetacea from South America
2020Co-Authors: Salvatore Siciliano, Marie-françoise Van Bressem, Ignacio B. Moreno, Paulo H. Ott, Maurício Tavares, Paulo André, C Flores, Leonardo Flach, Julio Cesar Reyes, Monica EchegarayAbstract:ABSTRACT Caused by a yeast-like organism known as Lacazia loboi, Lobomycosis (or lacaziosis) naturally affects humans, common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) inhabiting coastal waters from southern Brazil to Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coast of Florida, as well as botos-cinza (Sotalia guianensis). These species are usually found in coastal waters, subject to runoff provided by large rivers and a considerable burden of associated contaminants. Histological and morphological studies demonstrated that the etiological agent of L. Loboi infecting humans is different from the one found to infected dolphins. Moreover, it likely that dolphin-human infections do not occur although infected bottlenose dolphins were from populations engaged in cooperative fishing that involve a relative small number of dolphins and humans
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role of social behaviour in the epidemiology of Lobomycosis like disease lld in estuarine common bottlenose dolphins from ecuador
Diseases of Aquatic Organisms, 2019Co-Authors: Fernando Felix, Marie-françoise Van Bressem, Koen Van WaerebeekAbstract:Lobomycosis-like disease (LLD) is a chronic granulomatous skin disorder that affects Delphinidae worldwide. LLD has been observed in common bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus from the Gulf of Guayaquil, Ecuador, since 1990. Although exogenous factors such as salinity and pollution may play a role in the pathogenesis of this disease in estuarine and coastal dolphin communities, we hypothesized that demography and social behaviour may also influence its epidemiology. To address this issue, the role of social behaviour in the distribution and prevalence of LLD was assessed through hierarchical cluster analysis and spatial distribution analysis in 7 dolphin communities inhabiting the inner estuary. Individuals with LLD lesions were observed in 5 of the 7 dolphin communities, with 13 of the 163 (8%) animals being positive, all adults. Among 8 dolphins of known sex, LLD affected mostly males (86%), who usually were found in pairs. Prevalence was low to moderate (5.1-13%) in dolphin communities where low-rank males had LLD. Conversely, it was high (44.4%, n = 9) in a small community where a high-rank male was infected. LLD affected both dolphins in 2 of the 4 male pairs for which large time series data were available, suggesting horizontal transmission due to contact. Thus, association with LLD-positive males seems to be an important risk factor for infections. Additionally, low-rank males had larger home ranges than high-rank males, indicating that low-status LLD-affected dolphins are likely responsible for the geographic dissemination of the disease in this population.
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Lobomycosis like disease in common bottlenose dolphins tursiops truncatus from belize and mexico bridging the gap between the americas
Diseases of Aquatic Organisms, 2018Co-Authors: Eric A Ramos, Delma Nataly Castelblancomartinez, Jazmin Garcia, Jorge Rojas Arias, James R Foley, Katherina Audley, Koen Van Waerebeek, Marie-françoise Van BressemAbstract:Lobomycosis and Lobomycosis-like diseases (LLD) (also: paracoccidioidomycosis) are chronic cutaneous infections that affect Delphinidae in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. In the Americas, these diseases have been relatively well-described, but gaps still exist in our understanding of their distribution across the continent. Here we report on LLD affecting inshore bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus from the Caribbean waters of Belize and from the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean off the southwestern coast of Mexico. Photo-identification and catalog data gathered between 1992 and 2017 for 371 and 41 individuals, respectively from Belize and Mexico, were examined for the presence of LLD. In Belize, 5 free-ranging and 1 stranded dolphin were found positive in at least 3 communities with the highest prevalence in the south. In Guerrero, Mexico, 4 inshore bottlenose dolphins sighted in 2014-2017 were affected by LLD. These data highlight the need for histological and molecular studies to confirm the etiological agent. Additionally, we document a single case of LLD in an adult Atlantic spotted dolphin Stenella frontalis in southern Belize, the first report in this species. The role of environmental and anthropogenic factors in the occurrence, severity, and epidemiology of LLD in South and Central America requires further investigation.
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epidemiology of Lobomycosis like disease in bottlenose dolphins tursiops spp from south america and southern africa
Diseases of Aquatic Organisms, 2015Co-Authors: Marie-françoise Van Bressem, Jeremy J. Kiszka, Fabio G Daurajorge, Paulo C Simoeslopes, Leonardo Flach, Fernando Felix, Isabel Cristina Avila, Eduardo R Secchi, Pedro F Fruet, Kate Du ToitAbstract:We report on the epidemiology of Lobomycosis-like disease (LLD), a cutaneous disorder evoking Lobomycosis, in 658 common bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus from South America and 94 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins T. aduncus from southern Africa. Photographs and stranding records of 387 inshore residents, 60 inshore non-residents and 305 specimens of undetermined origin (inshore and offshore) were examined for the presence of LLD lesions from 2004 to 2015. Seventeen residents, 3 non-residents and 1 inshore dolphin of unknown residence status were positive. LLD lesions appeared as single or multiple, light grey to whitish nodules and plaques that may ulcerate and increase in size over time. Among resident dolphins, prevalence varied significantly among 4 communities, being low in Posorja (2.35%, n = 85), Ecuador, and high in Salinas, Ecuador (16.7%, n = 18), and Laguna, Brazil (14.3%, n = 42). LLD prevalence increased in 36 T. truncatus from Laguna from 5.6% in 2007-2009 to 13.9% in 2013-2014, albeit not significantly. The disease has persisted for years in dolphins from Mayotte, Laguna, Salinas, the Sanquianga National Park and Bahia Malaga (Colombia) but vanished from the Tramandai Estuary and the Mampituba River (Brazil). The geographical range of LLD has expanded in Brazil, South Africa and Ecuador, in areas that have been regularly surveyed for 10 to 35 yr. Two of the 21 LLD-affected dolphins were found dead with extensive lesions in southern Brazil, and 2 others disappeared, and presumably died, in Ecuador. These observations stress the need for targeted epidemiological, histological and molecular studies of LLD in dolphins, especially in the Southern Hemisphere.
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AND
2015Co-Authors: Marie-françoise Van BressemAbstract:A year-round resident Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin Tursiops aduncus population inhabits the coastal waters off Amakusa-Shimoshima Island (130°07'E, 32°33'N), western Kyushu, Japan. A total of 172 dolphins, representing most of the members of this population, have been identified. In summer 2007, a likely mature male was observed with extensive, in relief, nodular skin lesions. The disease looks like Lobomycosis caused by the yeast-like organism known as Lacazia loboi and reported in T. truncatus and Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) from the Americas, though other fungi may be involved. Small lumps that may represent the beginning of the disease were observed on this dolphin a year before. Three other dolphins had similar lumps
Patricia A Fair - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Comparative Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses in Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) With Viral, Bacterial, and Fungal Infections.
Frontiers in Immunology, 2019Co-Authors: Gregory D Bossart, Tracy A Romano, Patricia A Fair, Margie M. Peden-adams, Charles D. Rice, Adam M. Schaefer, John S ReifAbstract:: Free-ranging Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (n = 360) from two southeastern U.S. estuarine sites were given comprehensive health examinations between 2003 and 2015 as part of a multi-disciplinary research project focused on individual and population health. The study sites (and sample sizes) included the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida, USA (n = 246) and Charleston harbor and associated rivers (CHS), South Carolina, USA (n = 114). Results of a suite of clinicoimmunopathologic tests revealed that both populations have a high prevalence of infectious and neoplastic disease and a variety of abnormalities of their innate and adaptive immune systems. Subclinical infections with cetacean morbillivirus and Chlamydiaceae were detected serologically. Clinical evidence of orogenital papillomatosis was supported by the detection of a new strain of dolphin papillomavirus and herpesvirus by molecular pathology. Dolphins with cutaneous Lobomycosis/lacaziasis were subsequently shown to be infected with a novel, uncultivated strain of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, now established as the etiologic agent of this enigmatic disease in dolphins. In this review, innate and adaptive immunologic responses are compared between healthy dolphins and those with clinical and/or immunopathologic evidence of infection with these specific viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens. A wide range of immunologic host responses was associated with each pathogen, reflecting the dynamic and complex interplay between the innate, humoral, and cell-mediated immune systems in the dolphin. Collectively, these studies document the comparative innate and adaptive immune responses to various types of infectious diseases in free-ranging Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Evaluation of the type, pattern, and degree of immunologic response to these pathogens provides novel insight on disease immunopathogenesis in this species and as a comparative model. Importantly, the data suggest that in some cases infection may be associated with subclinical immunopathologic perturbations that could impact overall individual and population health.
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cutaneous granulomas in dolphins caused by novel uncultivated paracoccidioides brasiliensis
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2016Co-Authors: Patricia A Fair, John S Reif, Gregory D Bossart, Adam M. Schaefer, Raquel Vilela, Judy St. Leger, Leslie M Dalton, Peter J Mccarthy, Leonel MendozaAbstract:Cutaneous granulomas in dolphins were believed to be caused by Lacazia loboi, which also causes a similar disease in humans. This hypothesis was recently challenged by reports that fungal DNA sequences from dolphins grouped this pathogen with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. We conducted phylogenetic analysis of fungi from 6 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) with cutaneous granulomas and chains of yeast cells in infected tissues. Kex gene sequences of P. brasiliensis from dolphins showed 100% homology with sequences from cultivated P. brasiliensis, 73% with those of L. loboi, and 93% with those of P. lutzii. Parsimony analysis placed DNA sequences from dolphins within a cluster with human P. brasiliensis strains. This cluster was the sister taxon to P. lutzii and L. loboi. Our molecular data support previous findings and suggest that a novel uncultivated strain of P. brasiliensis restricted to cutaneous lesions in dolphins is probably the cause of lacaziosis/Lobomycosis, herein referred to as paracoccidioidomycosis ceti.
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immune dysfunction in atlantic bottlenose dolphins tursiops truncatus with Lobomycosis
Medical Mycology, 2009Co-Authors: John S Reif, Tracy A Romano, Patricia A Fair, Charles D. Rice, Margie M Pedenadams, Gregory D BossartAbstract:Lobomycosis (Lacaziosis) occurs only in humans and dolphins under natural conditions. We evaluated the immune status of eight dolphins with Lobomycosis and 40 healthy dolphins from the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida. Lobomycosis cases had multiple abnormalities in their immunologic parameters when compared to healthy dolphins. The absolute number of circulating lymphocytes and serum albumin concentration were reduced (P<0.05) while the segmented neutrophils, alpha 1, total beta, total gamma and total globulins were increased (P<0.05). Although innate immunity was relatively intact and phagocytosis and natural killer cell activity were not affected, the plasma lysozyme concentrations were elevated in dolphins with Lobomycosis (P<0.05). Adaptive immunity was depressed with statistically significant decreases found in the absolute numbers of CD4(+) helper T cells and CD19(+) and CD21(+) B cells. The ratios of CD2(+) T cells to CD4(+) cells and CD2(+) to CD21(+) cells were increased (P=0.05 and P<0.05, respectively) and the numbers of lymphocytes expressing MHC class II molecules was decreased in dolphins with Lobomycosis (P<0.05). Lymphocyte proliferation was reduced in response to stimulation with lipopolysaccharide and concanavalin A (P<0.05). Antibody titers to Erysipelas rhusiopathiae, a common marine micro-organism, were decreased (P<0.05). In summary, dolphins with Lobomycosis exhibit significant impairment in adaptive immunity.
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Lobomycosis in bottlenose dolphins tursiops truncatus from the indian river lagoon florida estimation of prevalence temporal trends and spatial distribution
Ecohealth, 2008Co-Authors: Elizabeth M Murdoch, Patricia A Fair, John S Reif, Marilyn Mazzoil, Stephen D. Mcculloch, Gregory D BossartAbstract:Lobomycosis (lacaziosis) is a chronic fungal disease of the skin that affects only dolphins and humans. Previous studies have shown a high prevalence of Lobomycosis in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the Indian River Lagoon, Florida (IRL). We studied the occurrence and distribution of Lobomycosis in the IRL using photo-identification survey data collected between 1996 and 2006. Our objectives were to (1) determine the sensitivity and specificity of photo-identification for diagnosis of Lobomycosis in free-ranging dolphins; (2) determine the spatial distribution of Lobomycosis in the IRL; and (3) assess temporal patterns of occurrence. Photographs from 704 distinctly marked dolphins were reviewed for skin lesions compatible with Lobomycosis. The presumptive diagnosis was validated by comparing the results of photographic analysis with physical examination and histologic examination of lesion biopsies in 102 dolphins captured and released during a health assessment and 3 stranded dolphins. Twelve of 16 confirmed cases were identified previously by photography, a sensitivity of 75%. Among 89 dolphins without disease, all 89 were considered negative, a specificity of 100%. The prevalence of Lobomycosis estimated from photographic data was 6.8% (48/704). Spatial distribution was determined by dividing the IRL into six segments based on hydrodynamics and geographic features. The prevalence ranged from <1% in the Mosquito Lagoon to 16.9% in the south Indian River. The incidence of the disease did not increase during the study period, indicating that the disease is endemic, rather than emerging. In summary, photo-identification is a useful tool to monitor the course of individual and population health for this enigmatic disease.
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Lobomycosis in Atlantic bottlenose dolphins from the Indian River Lagoon, Florida
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2006Co-Authors: John S Reif, Patricia A Fair, Marilyn Mazzoil, Stephen D. Mcculloch, René A. Varela, Juli D. Goldstein, Gregory D BossartAbstract:Objective—To determine the prevalence of Lobomycosis, a mycotic infection of dolphins and humans caused by a yeastlike organism (Lacazia loboi), among dolphins in the Indian River Lagoon in Florida. Design—Cross-sectional study. Animals—146 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Procedure—Comprehensive health assessments of bottlenose dolphins in the Indian River Lagoon of Florida (n = 75) and in estuarine waters near Charleston, SC (71), were conducted during 2003 and 2004. Bottlenose dolphins were captured, examined, and released. Skin lesions were photographed and then biopsied. Tissue sections were stained with H&E and Gomori methenamine silver stains for identification of L loboi. Results—9 of 30 (30%) dolphins captured in the southern portion of the Indian River Lagoon had Lobomycosis, whereas none of the 45 dolphins captured in the northern portion of the lagoon or of the 71 dolphins captured near Charleston, SC, did. Affected dolphins had low serum alkaline phosphatase activities and high acute-phase prote...
Carolina Talhari - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Lobomycosis and squamous cell carcinoma
Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia, 2013Co-Authors: Lisiane Nogueira, Sinésio Talhari, Mônica Santos, Luciana Mendes, Carlos Alberto Chirano Rodrigues, Carolina TalhariAbstract:The occurence of squamous cell carcinoma on long-lasting ulcers is classic. Malignant transformation may occur on burn scars and chronic ulcers of varying etiology, including infectious agents. Transformation of old Lobomycosis lesion scars into squamous cell carcinoma has been rarely reported. Careful and long-term follow-up of such patients is important to avoid carcinomatous transformation.
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Lobomycosis and squamous cell carcinoma lobomicose e carcinoma espinocelular
2013Co-Authors: Lisiane Nogueira, Sinésio Talhari, Mônica Santos, Carlos Alberto Chirano Rodrigues, Luciana Rodrigues, Carolina TalhariAbstract:Abstract: The occurence of squamous cell carcinoma on long-lasting ulcers is classic. Malignant transformationmay occur on burn scars and chronic ulcers of varying etiology, including infectious agents. Transformation ofold Lobomycosis lesion scars into squamous cell carcinoma has been rarely reported. Careful and long-term fol-low-up of such patients is important to avoid carcinomatous transformation.Keywords: Bacterial infections and mycoses; Carcinoma, squamous cell; Leg ulcer; Skin ulcer; Mycoses Resumo: A ocorrencia de carcinoma espinocelular sobre lesoes cutâneas de longa evolucao e classica em cicatri-zes de queimadura e ulceras cronicas de etiologia variada, inclusive infecciosa. Na literatura, sao raros os casosde pacientes com lobomicose de longa evolucao que desenvolveram CEC. O seguimento cuidadoso dessespacientes e importante, pois, nas areas de traumas, ulceracoes e cicatrizes cronicas pode ocorrer degeneracao car-cinomatosa.Palavras-chave: Carcinoma de celulas escamosas; Infeccoes bacterianas e micoses; Micoses; Ulcera cutânea; Ulce-ra da perna
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Lobomycosis and squamous cell carcinoma Lobomicose e carcinoma espinocelular
Sociedade Brasileira de Dermatologia, 2013Co-Authors: Lisiane Nogueira, Sinésio Talhari, Mônica Santos, Luciana Mendes, Carlos Alberto Chirano Rodrigues, Carolina TalhariAbstract:The occurence of squamous cell carcinoma on long-lasting ulcers is classic. Malignant transformation may occur on burn scars and chronic ulcers of varying etiology, including infectious agents. Transformation of old Lobomycosis lesion scars into squamous cell carcinoma has been rarely reported. Careful and long-term follow-up of such patients is important to avoid carcinomatous transformation.A ocorrência de carcinoma espinocelular sobre lesões cutâneas de longa evolução é clássica em cicatrizes de queimadura e úlceras crônicas de etiologia variada, inclusive infecciosa. Na literatura, são raros os casos de pacientes com lobomicose de longa evolução que desenvolveram CEC. O seguimento cuidadoso desses pacientes é importante, pois, nas áreas de traumas, ulcerações e cicatrizes crônicas pode ocorrer degeneração carcinomatosa
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Lobomycosis: an emerging disease in humans and delphinidae.
Mycoses, 2012Co-Authors: Alberto E. Paniz-mondolfi, Carolina Talhari, Sinésio Talhari, L. Sander Hoffmann, D. L. Connor, L. Bermudez-villapol, M. Hernandez-perez, Marie-françoise Van BressemAbstract:Summary Lobomycosis, a disease caused by the uncultivable dimorphic onygenale fungi Lacazia loboi, remains to date as an enigmatic illness, both due to the impossibility of its aetiological agent to be cultured and grown in vitro, as well as because of its unresponsiveness to specific antifungal treatments. It was first described in the 1930s by Brazilian dermatologist Jorge Lobo and is known to cause cutaneous and subcutaneous localised and widespread infections in humans and dolphins. Soil and vegetation are believed to be the chief habitat of the fungus, however, increasing reports in marine mammals has shifted the attention to the aquatic environment. Infection in humans has also been associated with proximity to water, raising the hypothesis that L. loboi may be a hydrophilic microorganism that penetrates the skin by trauma. Although its occurrence was once thought to be restricted to New World tropical countries, its recent description in African patients has wrecked this belief. Antifungals noted to be effective in the empirical management of other cutaneous/subcutaneous mycoses have proven unsuccessful and unfortunately, no satisfactory therapeutic approach for this cutaneous infection currently exists.
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Lobomicose Lobomycosis
Sociedade Brasileira de Dermatologia, 2010Co-Authors: Carolina Talhari, Anette Chrusciak-talhari, Renata Rabelo, Lisiane Nogueira, Mônica Santos, Sinésio TalhariAbstract:Caso de lobomicose em paciente procedente da região amazônica brasileira. Essa micose subcutânea, causada pela levedura Lacazia loboi, acomete, frequentemente, homens adultos e foi também diagnosticada em golfinhos. O tratamento depende da apresentação clínica: letrocoagulação, exérese cirúrgica e crioterapia são opções terapêuticas para as lesões localizadas, como a do paciente relatado, enquanto itraconazol e clofazimina, isolados ou em associação, podem ser empregados para lesões disseminadas. Até o presente, não há tratamento adequado para os casos com lesões disseminadas.A case of Lobomycosis in a patient from the Brazilian Amazon region is presented. Lobomycosis is a subcutaneous mycosis caused by the yeast Lacazia loboi. It often affects adult males and has been reported in dolphins. Therapeutical options for localized lesions, such as the ones shown by the patient in this report, are eletrocoagulation, surgical exeresis, and cryotherapy. Disseminated lesions may be treated with Itraconazole or combination therapy with Clofazimine. There is still no curative therapy for disseminated lesions of Lobomycosis
