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Murray W. Lankester - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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considering weather enhanced transmission of meningeal worm Parelaphostrongylus tenuis and moose declines
Alces : A Journal Devoted to the Biology and Management of Moose, 2018Co-Authors: Murray W. LankesterAbstract:The risk of meningeal worm ( Parelaphostrongylus tenuis ) infection in white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) and neurologic disease in moose ( Alces alces ) in eastern North America is influenced largely by the effects of weather on deer density and gastropod intermediate hosts. Frequent, easy winters result in high survival and density of deer with a large proportion of young animals that shed up to 3 x more P. tenuis larvae; both greatly increase the production of first-stage larvae. An early spring increases survival of shed larvae by reducing the timing mismatch between the parasite’s “spring rise” and snow melt; larvae deposited into snow experience high mortality. A wetter and longer growing season with moderate temperatures increases the survival of first-stage larvae dispersed in soil, and the density, mobility, and frequency of infected gastropods, including the abundance of infective larvae in them. This weather-enhanced transmission further increases larval output by reducing the proportion of unproductive unisexual infections in deer. High production of larvae and optimal conditions for gastropods increase rates of transmission to co-habiting moose and the occurrence of neurologic disease which is dose-dependent. The density of infected deer at the northern limit of their range is typically limited by winter severity allowing coexistence of deer, moose, and parasite. However, as in Nova Scotia and northwestern Minnesota and adjoining regions, pronounced and prolonged moose declines associated with sustained high deer densities and meningeal worm infection have occurred twice in the past 95 years. These two regions may be prone to extended periods of mild winters and longer, wetter growing seasons that ultimately enhance abundance and transmission of the meningeal worm implicated in moose population declines.
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Understanding the impact of meningeal worm, Parelaphostrongylus tenuis, on moose populations.
Alces : A Journal Devoted to the Biology and Management of Moose, 2010Co-Authors: Murray W. LankesterAbstract:Periodic declines in moose ( Alces alces ) populations have occurred repeatedly during the past century on the southern fringe of moose range in central and eastern North America. These slow declines, occurring over a number of years, are associated with higher than usual numbers of co-habiting white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ). Numerous proximate causes have been hypothesized but none has gained widespread acceptance among cervid managers. However, current knowledge of the nature of moose declines and the biology of meningeal worm ( Parelaphostrongylus tenuis ) makes this parasite the most credible explanation. Other suggested disease-related causes are rejected, including infection with liver flukes ( Fascioloides magna ) because there is no clinical evidence that flukes kill moose. As well, this parasite occurs at only moderate prevalence and intensity in some jurisdictions and is completely absent in others where moose declines are known. Winter ticks ( Dermacentor albipictus ), on the other hand, do kill moose but usually have a distinctly different and more immediate impact on populations. It is recognized that moose, albeit at lower density, can persist for extended periods in the presence of P. tenuis -infected deer at moderate densities. However, it is argued here that parelaphostrongylosis can, when conditions favour sustained high deer densities and enhanced gastropod transmission, cause moose numbers to decline to low numbers or to become locally extinct. Short, mild winters favour deer population growth in areas previously best suited for moose. Wetter and longer snow-free periods increase the numbers and availability of terrestrial gastropod intermediate hosts and the period for parasite transmission. It is hypothesized that these climatic conditions increase rates of meningeal worm transmission to moose and of disease, primarily among younger cohorts. Reports of overtly sick moose are common during declines but may not account for the total mortality and morbidity caused by meningeal worm. Means by which the parasite may lower recruitment and productivity causing slow declines still needs clarification. Managers in areas prone to declines should monitor weather trends, deer numbers, and the prevalence of meningeal worm in deer. Moose recovery will occur only after deer numbers are decidedly reduced, either by appropriate management or a series of severe winters.
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low dose meningeal worm Parelaphostrongylus tenuis infections in moose alces alces
Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 2002Co-Authors: Murray W. LankesterAbstract:Parelaphostrongylosis has a rapid onset and is lethal in neonatal moose (Alces alces) when large numbers of third-stage Parelaphostrongylus tenuis larvae (L3) are given experimentally. Little is known, however, about the severity and prognosis of infections acquired naturally by accidentally ingesting terrestrial gastropods which are rarely infected and have few larvae. To investigate the relationship between infecting dose, age of moose, and severity of disease, five calves were given low doses of three to 10 L3 when five (n=2) or 9.5 mo old (n=3). Each of two animals initially given low doses were later challenged with a dose of 15 L3. As positive controls, two calves were given doses of 15 and 30 L3, considered to be high. All five calves given low doses showed abnormal locomotory signs at 20–28 days postinoculation (DPI) that progressively became more pronounced with hind quarter weakness and front lameness. However, after 77–130 DPI, signs diminished markedly in two of these animals and disappeared i...
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detection of anti Parelaphostrongylus tenuis antibodies in experimentally infected and free ranging moose alces alces
Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 2002Co-Authors: Oladele Ogunremi, Murray W. Lankester, Shaun J Dergousoff, Alvin A. GajadharAbstract:Confirming Parelaphostrongylus tenuis infection in moose (Alces alces) and other susceptible hosts is difficult. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed using the excretory-secretory (ES) products of third-stage P. tenuis larvae (ES-ELISA) and the test applied to serum samples obtained from seven moose calves (5–9.5 mo old) given infective larvae (L3) in doses approximating those likely to be received in nature (3–30 L3). Anti-P. tenuis immunoglobulin G antibodies were detected in all seven inoculated moose during the course of infection until the termination of experiment 61–243 days post-inoculation (DPI). Five animals tested between 16–25 DPI had significant antibody levels, while a sixth animal did not test positive until 46 DPI. The seventh animal was not tested until 199 DPI. Antibody levels remained elevated in all five animals that harbored adult worms at the termination of the experiment. Whereas, antibody levels showed a gradual decline in the two remaining animals, presumably...
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Immunodiagnosis of experimental Parelaphostrongylus tenuis infection in elk.
Canadian journal of veterinary research = Revue canadienne de recherche veterinaire, 2002Co-Authors: Oladele Ogunremi, Murray W. Lankester, Alvin A. GajadharAbstract:Elk infected with the meningeal worm, Parelaphostrongylus tenuis (Protostrongylidae), do not consistently excrete larvae in feces, making the current method of diagnosing live animals using the Baermann fecal technique unreliable. Serological diagnosis could prove more useful in diagnosing field-infected animals but depends on the identification and availability of good quality antigen. To mimic field infections, 2 elk were inoculated with 6 infective L3 larvae of P. tenuis, and another 2 with 20 L3 larvae. Fecal samples were examined for nematode larvae using the Baermann technique and serum samples taken were tested for anti-P. tenuis antibody with ELISAs by using the excretory-secretory (ES) products of L3, and sonicated adult worms as antigens. One animal passed first-stage larvae in its feces 202 days postinoculation, but passed none thereafter. The remaining 3 inoculated animals did not pass larvae. In contrast to parasite detection, antibodies against larval ES products were detected in all animals starting from 14 to 28 days postinoculation and persisted until the termination of the experiment on day 243 in 2 animals that harbored adult worms. Antibodies against somatic antigens of the adult worm were not detected until day 56 but also persisted until the end of the experiment in the animals with adult worms. In 2 elk that had no adult worms at necropsy, anti-ES antibodies were detected transiently in both, while anti-adult worm antibodies were present transiently in one. These findings confirm the superiority of P. tenuis larval ES products over somatic adult worm antigens as serodiagnostic antigens, as previously observed in studies of infected white-tailed deer, and extend the application of the newly developed ELISA test in diagnosing and monitoring cervids experimentally infected with P. tenuis.
Michael S. Duffy - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Analysis of Heavy-Chain Antibody Responses and Resistance to Parelaphostrongylus tenuis in Experimentally Infected Alpacas
Clinical and vaccine immunology : CVI, 2012Co-Authors: S. R. Purdy, Lucille F. Gagliardo, S. Lefman, P. J. S. Hamel, T. Mainini, G. Hoyt, K. Justus, Lisa P. Daley-bauer, Michael S. DuffyAbstract:The parasitic nematode Parelaphostrongylus tenuis is an important cause of neurologic disease of camelids in central and eastern North America. The aim of this study was to determine whether alpacas develop resistance to disease caused by P. tenuis in response to a previous infection or a combination of controlled infection and immunization. Alpacas were immunized with a homogenate of third-stage larvae (L3) and simultaneously implanted subcutaneously with diffusion chambers containing 20 live L3. Sham-treated animals received adjuvant alone and empty chambers. The protocol was not effective in inducing resistance to oral challenge with 10 L3, and disease developed between 60 and 71 days following infection. Immediately following the onset of neurologic disease, affected animals were treated with a regimen of anthelmintic and anti-inflammatory drugs, and all recovered. One year later, a subset of alpacas from this experiment was challenged with 20 L3 and the results showed that prior infection induced resistance to disease. Primary and secondary infections induced production of conventional and heavy-chain IgGs that reacted with soluble antigens in L3 homogenates but did not consistently recognize a recombinant form of a parasite-derived aspartyl protease inhibitor. Thus, the latter antigen may not be a good candidate for serology-based diagnostic tests. Antibody responses to parasite antigens occurred in the absence of overt disease, demonstrating that P. tenuis infection can be subclinical in a host that has been considered to be highly susceptible to disease. The potential for immunoprophylaxis to be effective in preventing disease caused by P. tenuis was supported by evidence of resistance to reinfection.
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Verminous Encephalitis in a Horse Produced by Nematodes in the Family Protostrongylidae
Veterinary pathology, 2007Co-Authors: M. Tanabe, S E Wade, Michael S. Duffy, A. De Lahunta, R. Kelly, Thomas J. DiversAbstract:Parasitic granulomatous eosinophilic inflammation was observed in the central nervous system (CNS) of a 6-month-old Arabian colt from New York state. Inflammation was associated with eggs, larvae, and adult nematodes in the cerebellum. Nematodes had histological characteristics of the superfamily Metastrongyloidea. The presence of dorsal-spined larvae in the CNS was further indicative of infection with a nematode in the family Protostrongylidae. Infections were most compatible with Parelaphostrongylus tenuis but specific diagnosis was not possible. This is the first definitive report of a protostrongylid nematode infection in a horse.
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protein glycosylation in Parelaphostrongylus tenuis first description of the galα1 3gal sequence in a nematode
Glycobiology, 2006Co-Authors: Michael S. Duffy, Howard R. Morris, Anne Dell, Judith A. Appleton, Stuart M. HaslamAbstract:The white-tailed deer is the definitive host of the parasitic nematode Parelaphostrongylus tenuis. This parasite also infects a wide variety of domesticated livestock, causing a debilitating neurologic disease. Glycoconjugates are becoming increasingly implicated in nematode strategies to maintain persistent infections in immunologically competent hosts. In this study, we have carried out detailed mass spectrometric analysis together with classical biochemical techniques, including western blotting and immunohistochemical staining with anticarbohydrate monoclonal antibodies and have shown that P. tenuis contains complex-type N-glycans with the antennae capped with Galalpha1-3Galbeta1-4GlcNAc sequence. By mimicking a vertebrate glycan, Galalpha1-3Gal may aid the parasite in evading immunological detection by the host. This is the first report of the Galalpha1-3Gal sequence in a nematode.
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Protein glycosylation in Parelaphostrongylus tenuis—first description of the Galα1-3Gal sequence in a nematode
Glycobiology, 2006Co-Authors: Michael S. Duffy, Howard R. Morris, Anne Dell, Judith A. Appleton, Stuart M. HaslamAbstract:The white-tailed deer is the definitive host of the parasitic nematode Parelaphostrongylus tenuis. This parasite also infects a wide variety of domesticated livestock, causing a debilitating neurologic disease. Glycoconjugates are becoming increasingly implicated in nematode strategies to maintain persistent infections in immunologically competent hosts. In this study, we have carried out detailed mass spectrometric analysis together with classical biochemical techniques, including western blotting and immunohistochemical staining with anticarbohydrate monoclonal antibodies and have shown that P. tenuis contains complex-type N-glycans with the antennae capped with Galalpha1-3Galbeta1-4GlcNAc sequence. By mimicking a vertebrate glycan, Galalpha1-3Gal may aid the parasite in evading immunological detection by the host. This is the first report of the Galalpha1-3Gal sequence in a nematode.
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establishment of adult Parelaphostrongylus tenuis patent infections and acquired immunity after experimental infection of white tailed deer odocoileus virginianus and red deer cervus elaphus elaphus
Journal of Parasitology, 2004Co-Authors: Michael S. Duffy, Trent A Greaves, Michael D. B. BurtAbstract:Experimental Parelaphostrongylus tenuis infections were established in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and an atypical host, red deer (Cervus elaphus elaphus). Groups of deer were fed 10, 25, or 100 third-stage larvae (L3) of P. tenuis and received a single equivalent challenge exposure at varying intervals. Infections were monitored up to 6 yr in white- tailed deer and up to 2.8 yr in red deer. The prepatent period in white-tailed deer varied from 91 to 1,072 days (381 ± 374) and in red deer from 105 to 358 days (167 ± 77). Adult worms lived for up to 6 yr in white-tailed deer. Although most had patent infections until necropsy, latent periods were observed regardless of season. Adult worms lived for up to 2.8 yr in red deer, and patent infections persisted for 20–363 days (152 ± 106). Patent infections were correlated with the presence of adult worms in blood vessels and sinuses of both deer species. Worms were restricted to the subdural space in all deer with latent and occult infections. Ad...
Jonathan A Jenks - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Associations among Habitat Characteristics and Meningeal Worm Prevalence in Eastern South Dakota, USA
Journal of wildlife diseases, 2016Co-Authors: Christopher N Jacques, Jonathan A Jenks, Robert W. Klaver, Shelli A. DubayAbstract:Abstract Few studies have evaluated how wetland and forest characteristics influence the prevalence of meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) infection of deer throughout the grassland biome of central North America. We used previously collected, county-level prevalence data to evaluate associations between habitat characteristics and probability of meningeal worm infection in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) across eastern South Dakota, US. The highest-ranked binomial regression model for detecting probability of meningeal worm infection was spring temperature + summer precipitation + percent wetland; weight of evidence (wi=0.71) favored this model over alternative models, though predictive capability was low (Receiver operating characteristic=0.62). Probability of meningeal worm infection increased by 1.3- and 1.6-fold for each 1-cm and 1-C increase in summer precipitation and spring temperature, respectively. Similarly, probability of infection increased 1.2-fold for each 1% increase in ...
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Influence of ecologic factors on prevalence of meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) infection in South Dakota, USA
Journal of wildlife diseases, 2015Co-Authors: Christopher N Jacques, Jonathan A Jenks, Troy W. Grovenburg, Robert W. Klaver, Shelli A. DubayAbstract:The meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) is a nematode parasite that commonly infects white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus; WTD) throughout the deciduous forest biome and deciduous-coniferous ecotone of eastern and central North America; the species is not known to occur west of the grassland biome of central North America. We used county-specific prevalence data to evaluate potential effects of landscape and climatologic factors on the spatial distribution of meningeal worm infection in South Dakota, US. Probability of infection increased 4-fold between eastern and western South Dakota and 1.3-fold for each 1-cm increase in summer precipitation. Sixty-three percent of WTD had only a single worm in the cranium. Expansion of meningeal worm infection across western South Dakota may be inherently low due to the combined effects of arid climate and potential attributes of the Missouri River that limit regional movements by infected WTD. Use of landscape genetic analyses to identify potential relationships between landscape features and population genetic structure of infected deer and parasites may contribute to a greater understanding of regional heterogeneity in meningeal worm infection rates across South Dakota, particularly in counties adjacent to the Missouri River. Future research evaluating heterogeneity in prevalence and intensity of infection between fawn and yearling deer, and the potential role of yearling male deer as dispersal agents of meningeal worms across the Missouri River, also is warranted.
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Distribution of Meningeal Worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis )i n
2004Co-Authors: South Dakota, Christopher N Jacques, Jonathan A JenksAbstract:Heads of hunter-harvested deer (Odocoileus sp.) and elk (Cervus elaphus) were collected from meat processing plants through- out South Dakota (USA) from 1997 through 1999 to determine distribution of meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) in eastern and western South Dakota. A total of 2,848 white-tailed deer (WTD) were examined for P. tenuis, of which 578 (20.3%) were infected with the parasite. Of 578 deer infected, 570 (98.6%) were harvested east of the Missouri River. Our results indicate that P. tenuis is widely distributed throughout eastern South Dakota and limited to the southcentral region of western South Dakota. Infected WTD were documented in 37 of 44 counties in eastern South Dakota and three of 22 counties in west- ern South Dakota. No meningeal worms were found on the meninges or cranial surfaces of 215 mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus )o r 344 elk examined. These findings further define the distribution of the parasite throughout the state. We suggest that the Missouri River acts, in part, as a physical barrier to the westward expansion of P. tenuis to the grasslands of west- ern South Dakota.
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Distribution of Meningeal Worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) in South Dakota
Journal of wildlife diseases, 2004Co-Authors: Christopher N Jacques, Jonathan A JenksAbstract:Heads of hunter-harvested deer (Odocoileus sp.) and elk (Cervus elaphus) were collected from meat processing plants throughout South Dakota (USA) from 1997 through 1999 to determine distribution of meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) in eastern and western South Dakota. A total of 2,848 white-tailed deer (WTD) were examined for P. tenuis, of which 578 (20.3%) were infected with the parasite. Of 578 deer infected, 570 (98.6%) were harvested east of the Missouri River. Our results indicate that P. tenuis is widely distributed throughout eastern South Dakota and limited to the southcentral region of western South Dakota. Infected WTD were documented in 37 of 44 counties in eastern South Dakota and three of 22 counties in western South Dakota. No meningeal worms were found on the meninges or cranial surfaces of 215 mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) or 344 elk examined. These findings further define the distribution of the parasite throughout the state. We suggest that the Missouri River acts, in part, a...
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MENINGEAL WORM IN A MULE DEER IN SOUTH DAKOTA
2003Co-Authors: Christopher N Jacques, Jonathan A JenksAbstract:A 3.5-year old male mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) collected in February 2001 from Charles Mix County, South Dakota by South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (SDGFP) personnel was delivered to the Animal Disease Research and Diagnostics Laboratory (ADRDL), South Dakota State University, for examination. Four adult parasites identified as meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) were collected from a section of cerebellum tissue from this deer. Occurrence of meningeal worm in this deer likely represents an isolated case in free ranging mule deer populations in the state. This description represents the first documented occurrence of this parasite in mule deer in South Dakota.
Christopher N Jacques - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Associations among Habitat Characteristics and Meningeal Worm Prevalence in Eastern South Dakota, USA
Journal of wildlife diseases, 2016Co-Authors: Christopher N Jacques, Jonathan A Jenks, Robert W. Klaver, Shelli A. DubayAbstract:Abstract Few studies have evaluated how wetland and forest characteristics influence the prevalence of meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) infection of deer throughout the grassland biome of central North America. We used previously collected, county-level prevalence data to evaluate associations between habitat characteristics and probability of meningeal worm infection in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) across eastern South Dakota, US. The highest-ranked binomial regression model for detecting probability of meningeal worm infection was spring temperature + summer precipitation + percent wetland; weight of evidence (wi=0.71) favored this model over alternative models, though predictive capability was low (Receiver operating characteristic=0.62). Probability of meningeal worm infection increased by 1.3- and 1.6-fold for each 1-cm and 1-C increase in summer precipitation and spring temperature, respectively. Similarly, probability of infection increased 1.2-fold for each 1% increase in ...
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Influence of ecologic factors on prevalence of meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) infection in South Dakota, USA
Journal of wildlife diseases, 2015Co-Authors: Christopher N Jacques, Jonathan A Jenks, Troy W. Grovenburg, Robert W. Klaver, Shelli A. DubayAbstract:The meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) is a nematode parasite that commonly infects white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus; WTD) throughout the deciduous forest biome and deciduous-coniferous ecotone of eastern and central North America; the species is not known to occur west of the grassland biome of central North America. We used county-specific prevalence data to evaluate potential effects of landscape and climatologic factors on the spatial distribution of meningeal worm infection in South Dakota, US. Probability of infection increased 4-fold between eastern and western South Dakota and 1.3-fold for each 1-cm increase in summer precipitation. Sixty-three percent of WTD had only a single worm in the cranium. Expansion of meningeal worm infection across western South Dakota may be inherently low due to the combined effects of arid climate and potential attributes of the Missouri River that limit regional movements by infected WTD. Use of landscape genetic analyses to identify potential relationships between landscape features and population genetic structure of infected deer and parasites may contribute to a greater understanding of regional heterogeneity in meningeal worm infection rates across South Dakota, particularly in counties adjacent to the Missouri River. Future research evaluating heterogeneity in prevalence and intensity of infection between fawn and yearling deer, and the potential role of yearling male deer as dispersal agents of meningeal worms across the Missouri River, also is warranted.
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Distribution of Meningeal Worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis )i n
2004Co-Authors: South Dakota, Christopher N Jacques, Jonathan A JenksAbstract:Heads of hunter-harvested deer (Odocoileus sp.) and elk (Cervus elaphus) were collected from meat processing plants through- out South Dakota (USA) from 1997 through 1999 to determine distribution of meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) in eastern and western South Dakota. A total of 2,848 white-tailed deer (WTD) were examined for P. tenuis, of which 578 (20.3%) were infected with the parasite. Of 578 deer infected, 570 (98.6%) were harvested east of the Missouri River. Our results indicate that P. tenuis is widely distributed throughout eastern South Dakota and limited to the southcentral region of western South Dakota. Infected WTD were documented in 37 of 44 counties in eastern South Dakota and three of 22 counties in west- ern South Dakota. No meningeal worms were found on the meninges or cranial surfaces of 215 mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus )o r 344 elk examined. These findings further define the distribution of the parasite throughout the state. We suggest that the Missouri River acts, in part, as a physical barrier to the westward expansion of P. tenuis to the grasslands of west- ern South Dakota.
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Distribution of Meningeal Worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) in South Dakota
Journal of wildlife diseases, 2004Co-Authors: Christopher N Jacques, Jonathan A JenksAbstract:Heads of hunter-harvested deer (Odocoileus sp.) and elk (Cervus elaphus) were collected from meat processing plants throughout South Dakota (USA) from 1997 through 1999 to determine distribution of meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) in eastern and western South Dakota. A total of 2,848 white-tailed deer (WTD) were examined for P. tenuis, of which 578 (20.3%) were infected with the parasite. Of 578 deer infected, 570 (98.6%) were harvested east of the Missouri River. Our results indicate that P. tenuis is widely distributed throughout eastern South Dakota and limited to the southcentral region of western South Dakota. Infected WTD were documented in 37 of 44 counties in eastern South Dakota and three of 22 counties in western South Dakota. No meningeal worms were found on the meninges or cranial surfaces of 215 mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) or 344 elk examined. These findings further define the distribution of the parasite throughout the state. We suggest that the Missouri River acts, in part, a...
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MENINGEAL WORM IN A MULE DEER IN SOUTH DAKOTA
2003Co-Authors: Christopher N Jacques, Jonathan A JenksAbstract:A 3.5-year old male mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) collected in February 2001 from Charles Mix County, South Dakota by South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (SDGFP) personnel was delivered to the Animal Disease Research and Diagnostics Laboratory (ADRDL), South Dakota State University, for examination. Four adult parasites identified as meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis) were collected from a section of cerebellum tissue from this deer. Occurrence of meningeal worm in this deer likely represents an isolated case in free ranging mule deer populations in the state. This description represents the first documented occurrence of this parasite in mule deer in South Dakota.
Michael D. B. Burt - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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establishment of adult Parelaphostrongylus tenuis patent infections and acquired immunity after experimental infection of white tailed deer odocoileus virginianus and red deer cervus elaphus elaphus
Journal of Parasitology, 2004Co-Authors: Michael S. Duffy, Trent A Greaves, Michael D. B. BurtAbstract:Experimental Parelaphostrongylus tenuis infections were established in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and an atypical host, red deer (Cervus elaphus elaphus). Groups of deer were fed 10, 25, or 100 third-stage larvae (L3) of P. tenuis and received a single equivalent challenge exposure at varying intervals. Infections were monitored up to 6 yr in white- tailed deer and up to 2.8 yr in red deer. The prepatent period in white-tailed deer varied from 91 to 1,072 days (381 ± 374) and in red deer from 105 to 358 days (167 ± 77). Adult worms lived for up to 6 yr in white-tailed deer. Although most had patent infections until necropsy, latent periods were observed regardless of season. Adult worms lived for up to 2.8 yr in red deer, and patent infections persisted for 20–363 days (152 ± 106). Patent infections were correlated with the presence of adult worms in blood vessels and sinuses of both deer species. Worms were restricted to the subdural space in all deer with latent and occult infections. Ad...
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ESTABLISHMENT OF ADULT Parelaphostrongylus tenuis, PATENT INFECTIONS, AND ACQUIRED IMMUNITY AFTER EXPERIMENTAL INFECTION OF WHITE-TAILED DEER (ODOCOILEUS VIRGINIANUS) AND RED DEER (CERVUS ELAPHUS ELAPHUS)
The Journal of parasitology, 2004Co-Authors: Michael S. Duffy, Trent A Greaves, Michael D. B. BurtAbstract:Experimental Parelaphostrongylus tenuis infections were established in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and an atypical host, red deer (Cervus elaphus elaphus). Groups of deer were fed 10, 25, or 100 third-stage larvae (L3) of P. tenuis and received a single equivalent challenge exposure at varying intervals. Infections were monitored up to 6 yr in white-tailed deer and up to 2.8 yr in red deer. The prepatent period in white-tailed deer varied from 91 to 1,072 days (381 +/- 374) and in red deer from 105 to 358 days (167 +/- 77). Adult worms lived for up to 6 yr in white-tailed deer. Although most had patent infections until necropsy, latent periods were observed regardless of season. Adult worms lived for up to 2.8 yr in red deer, and patent infections persisted for 20-363 days (152 +/- 106). Patent infections were correlated with the presence of adult worms in blood vessels and sinuses of both deer species. Worms were restricted to the subdural space in all deer with latent and occult infections. Adult worm recovery in white-tailed deer fed 10 or 25 L3 corresponded to the mean intensities reported in natural infections of white-tailed deer Recovery from deer fed 100 L3 was not typical of natural infection intensities. Adult P. tenuis established in all groups of red deer, but neurologic disease was restricted to animals fed 100 L3. Acute neurologic disease was associated with subdural hemorrhage and occurred at 11 mo postinfection in 2 red deer. The absence of postchallenge patent periods and the persistence of occult infections indicated that challenge exposures did not establish. These data indicate that acquired immunity to P. tenuis was established by 6 mo postinfection in both white-tailed and red deer. Latent periods in white-tailed deer and latent infections in red deer reinforce the need for a reliable diagnostic assay.
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IDENTIFICATION OF ANTIGENS WITH POTENTIAL FOR IMMUNODIAGNOSIS OF Parelaphostrongylus tenuis AND ELAPHOSTRONGYLUS CERVI INFECTIONS IN RED DEER (CERVUS ELAPHUS ELAPHUS)
The Journal of parasitology, 2002Co-Authors: Michael S. Duffy, Michael D. B. BurtAbstract:Red deer (Cervus elaphus elaphus) were infected experimentally with Parelaphostrongylus tenuis in New Brunswick, Canada, and with Elaphostrongylus cervi in New Zealand. Excretory–secretory (E–S) antigens from adult P. tenuis were evaluated for their serodiagnostic potential in identifying P. tenuis and heterologous E. cervi infections in a Western blot. The antigen recognition profile of sera from animals infected with P. tenuis varied between individuals and with duration of infections, whereas that of pooled sera from animals infected with E. cervi showed less variation. A single molecule of 42–43 kDa was recognized consistently by sera from all animals infected with either P. tenuis or E. cervi. Sera from unexposed control deer and from those with other heterologous nematode infections did not consistently identify this antigen. Serorecognition of the 42–43-kDa antigen by deer infected with P. tenuis resulted in a sensitivity of 99% and a specificity of 85% (≥1 mo postinfection). Although antibody to t...
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An aspartyl protease inhibitor orthologue expressed by Parelaphostrongylus tenuis is immunogenic in an atypical host.
Clinical and diagnostic laboratory immunology, 2002Co-Authors: Michael S. Duffy, Michael D. B. Burt, Nancy Macafee, Judith A. AppletonAbstract:Parelaphostrongylus tenuis is a neurotropic nematode common in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) of eastern North America. This parasite is the causative agent of a debilitating neurologic disease in atypical hosts, including domestic livestock. In order to identify proteins of potential significance in the host-parasite relationship, a cDNA library was produced from adult P. tenuis mRNA. Screening the library with antisera from infected red deer (Cervus elaphus elaphus) and immunized AO strain rats, we identified clones with sequence similarities to aspartyl protease inhibitors from several parasitic nematodes. Antibody that was generated against this recombinant protein of P. tenuis (Pt-API-1) detected the native protein in E/S products, in muscle and gonad, and on the surface of the cuticle of adult male and female P. tenuis. The native protein was detected in internal structures of first-stage (L1) and third-stage (L3) larvae. Reverse transcription-PCR confirmed expression of Pt-api-1 in L1, L3, and adult male and female worms. Expression of Pt-API-1 throughout the life cycle of P. tenuis suggests an essential function. Antibodies specific for recombinant Pt-API-1 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in sera from 12 red deer experimentally infected with P. tenuis. Antibodies were detected within 28 to 56 days postinfection. Responses were sustained or biphasic in animals with patent infections, consistent with expression of Pt-API-1 by L1. Our results are compatible with findings in other parasitic nematodes showing that aspartyl protease inhibitors are highly immunogenic.
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Meningeal Worm is a Long-lived Parasitic Nematode in White-tailed Deer
Journal of wildlife diseases, 2002Co-Authors: Michael S. Duffy, Trent A Greaves, Nathan J. Keppie, Michael D. B. BurtAbstract:A natural infection of the meningeal worm, Parelaphostrongylus tenuis, persisted for at least 3.7 yr in a white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). The deer was 5-7 yr old and was shedding dorsal-spined nematode larvae at the time of quarantine. Larvae were extracted from all fecal samples collected up to 730 days post-quarantine (dpq) and thereafter only at 862 dpq and at necropsy (1,350 dpq). Live adults of P. tenuis, one male and one female, were recovered from the cranium at necropsy. Parelaphostrongylus tenuis infections are long lived and latent periods may be extended. Our findings reaffirm the need for reliable antemortem diagnosis to identify non-patent P. tenuis infections to prevent inadvertent introduction of infected animals to non-endemic areas.
