The Experts below are selected from a list of 279 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Michael L. Kent - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Important Parasites of Zebrafish in Research Facilities
The Zebrafish in Biomedical Research, 2020Co-Authors: Michael L. Kent, Justin L. SandersAbstract:Abstract Parasitic infections are frequently observed in laboratory zebrafish, and some cause significant morbidity or effect Research endpoints. This is somewhat surprising given the confined environment and the parasite-free water sources used in most Facilities. However, laboratories often exchange fish among themselves with no knowledge of prior disease history, and many Researchers still use zebrafish procured from pet fish dealers. Ten parasites are discussed here: two external protists (Piscinoodinium pillulare and Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), two Microsporidia Pseudoloma neurophilia and Pleistophora hyphessobriconis; the capillarid nematode Pseudocapillaria tomentosa, a myxozoan Myxidium streisingeri, and two trematodes, metacercariae of undetermined species and adult stages of Transversotrema patialense.
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Microsporidiosis in Zebrafish Research Facilities
ILAR journal, 2012Co-Authors: Justin L. Sanders, Virginia Watral, Michael L. KentAbstract:Pseudoloma neurophilia (Microsporidia) is the most common pathogen detected in zebrafish (Danio rerio) from Research Facilities. The parasite infects the central nervous system and muscle and may be associated with emaciation and skeletal deformities. However, many fish exhibit subclinical infections. Another microsporidium, Pleistophora hyphessobryconis, has recently been detected in a few zebrafish Facilities. Here, we review the methods for diagnosis and detection, modes of transmission, and approaches used to control microsporidia in zebrafish, focusing on P. neurophilia. The parasite can be readily transmitted by feeding spores or infected tissues, and we show that cohabitation with infected fish is also an effective means of transmission. Spores are released from live fish in various manners, including through the urine, feces, and sex products during spawning. Indeed, P. neurophilia infects both the eggs and ovarian tissues, where we found concentrations ranging from 12,000 to 88,000 spores per ovary. Hence, various lines of evidence support the conclusion that maternal transmission is a route of infection: spores are numerous in ovaries and developing follicles in infected females, spores are present in spawned eggs and water from spawning tanks based on polymerase chain reaction tests, and larvae are very susceptible to the infection. Furthermore, egg surface disinfectants presently used in zebrafish laboratories are ineffective against microsporidian spores. At this time, the most effective method for prevention of these parasites is avoidance.
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microsporidiosis in zebrafish Research Facilities
Ilar Journal, 2012Co-Authors: Justin L. Sanders, Virginia Watral, Michael L. KentAbstract:This is the author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The article is copyrighted by the Institute for Laboratory Animal Research and published by Oxford University Press. It can be found at: http://ilarjournal.oxfordjournals.org/.
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Recommendations for control of pathogens and infectious diseases in fish Research Facilities.
Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Toxicology & pharmacology : CBP, 2008Co-Authors: Michael L. Kent, Stephen W. Feist, Claudia Harper, Shelley Hoogstraten-miller, J. Mac Law, José M. Sánchez-morgado, Robert L. Tanguay, George E. Sanders, Jan M. Spitsbergen, Christopher M. WhippsAbstract:Concerns about infectious diseases in fish used for Research have risen along with the dramatic increase in the use of fish as models in biomedical Research. In addition to acute diseases causing severe morbidity and mortality, underlying chronic conditions that cause low-grade or subclinical infections may confound Research results. Here we present recommendations and strategies to avoid or minimize the impacts of infectious agents in fishes maintained in the Research setting. There are distinct differences in strategies for control of pathogens in fish used for Research compared to fishes reared as pets or in aquaculture. Also, much can be learned from strategies and protocols for control of diseases in rodents used in Research, but there are differences. This is due, in part, the unique aquatic environment that is modified by the source and quality of the water provided and the design of Facilities. The process of control of pathogens and infectious diseases in fish Research Facilities is relatively new, and will be an evolving process over time. Nevertheless, the goal of documenting, detecting, and excluding pathogens in fish is just as important as in mammalian Research models.
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Mycobacterium haemophilum infections of zebrafish (Danio rerio) in Research Facilities
FEMS microbiology letters, 2007Co-Authors: Christopher M. Whipps, Scott T. Dougan, Michael L. KentAbstract:In May 2005, a disease outbreak was investigated at a zebrafish (Danio rerio) Research facility experiencing severe losses. Mycobacterium haemophilum was isolated from these fish and the disease was subsequently recreated in experimentally infected zebrafish. Fish exhibited signs characteristic of mycobacteriosis, including granuloma formation and severe, diffuse, chronic inflammation. Bacteria were observed in multiple tissues, including the central nervous system. Biofilm samples from the outbreak facility were PCR positive for M. haemophilum, suggesting biofilms might act as a reservoir for infection. Zebrafish appear to be particularly vulnerable to M. haemophilum, and measures such as quarantine and treatment of incoming water should be implemented to minimize the likelihood of introduction of this bacterium to zebrafish Research Facilities. Zebrafish are already a well-established laboratory animal model for genetics, toxicology and disease, their susceptibility to M. haemophilum may make them useful for the study of this bacterium in the future.
Virginia Watral - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Microsporidiosis in Zebrafish Research Facilities
ILAR journal, 2012Co-Authors: Justin L. Sanders, Virginia Watral, Michael L. KentAbstract:Pseudoloma neurophilia (Microsporidia) is the most common pathogen detected in zebrafish (Danio rerio) from Research Facilities. The parasite infects the central nervous system and muscle and may be associated with emaciation and skeletal deformities. However, many fish exhibit subclinical infections. Another microsporidium, Pleistophora hyphessobryconis, has recently been detected in a few zebrafish Facilities. Here, we review the methods for diagnosis and detection, modes of transmission, and approaches used to control microsporidia in zebrafish, focusing on P. neurophilia. The parasite can be readily transmitted by feeding spores or infected tissues, and we show that cohabitation with infected fish is also an effective means of transmission. Spores are released from live fish in various manners, including through the urine, feces, and sex products during spawning. Indeed, P. neurophilia infects both the eggs and ovarian tissues, where we found concentrations ranging from 12,000 to 88,000 spores per ovary. Hence, various lines of evidence support the conclusion that maternal transmission is a route of infection: spores are numerous in ovaries and developing follicles in infected females, spores are present in spawned eggs and water from spawning tanks based on polymerase chain reaction tests, and larvae are very susceptible to the infection. Furthermore, egg surface disinfectants presently used in zebrafish laboratories are ineffective against microsporidian spores. At this time, the most effective method for prevention of these parasites is avoidance.
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microsporidiosis in zebrafish Research Facilities
Ilar Journal, 2012Co-Authors: Justin L. Sanders, Virginia Watral, Michael L. KentAbstract:This is the author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The article is copyrighted by the Institute for Laboratory Animal Research and published by Oxford University Press. It can be found at: http://ilarjournal.oxfordjournals.org/.
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Pathogenesis of Mycobacterium spp. in zebrafish (Danio rerio) from Research Facilities.
Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Toxicology & pharmacology : CBP, 2006Co-Authors: Virginia Watral, Michael L. KentAbstract:Abstract One of the most common diseases that we have diagnosed in zebrafish is mycobacteriosis, caused by several Mycobacterium spp. The severity of the disease ranged from severe outbreaks to incidental infections. We conducted an in vivo study to evaluate the pathogenesis of six isolates of Mycobacterium from zebrafish with mycobacteriosis from four Research Facilities and one wholesale supplier of zebrafish in the United States: Mycobacterium abscessus, Mycobacterium peregrinum, Mycobacterium chelonae (2 isolates), and Mycobacterium marinum. We also included two isolates of M. marinum from other fishes. Fish were exposed by intraperitoneal injection at a target does of 5 × 104 bacteria/fish, and were held in static aquaria at 28 °C for 8 weeks. Fish were examined by histology and culture, and mortalities were recorded. The M. marinum isolates caused 100% infection and mortality between 30% and 100%. None of the other Mycobacterium species caused significant mortalities, but several of these fish had granulomatous lesions in visceral organs. Mycobacteria were consistently recovered in culture from fish exposed to M. marinum, and from only 9% of fish exposed to the other species. This study suggests that, of the isolates tested, only M. marinum is highly pathogenic and virulent to healthy zebrafish.
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Mycobacteriosis in zebrafish (Danio rerio) Research Facilities.
Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Toxicology & pharmacology : CBP, 2004Co-Authors: Michael L. Kent, Christopher M. Whipps, Virginia Watral, Jennifer L. Matthews, Daniela Florio, Janell K. Bishop-stewart, Melanie J. Poort, Luiz E. BermudezAbstract:The Zebrafish International Resource Center was established to support the zebrafish Research community, and includes a diagnostic service. One of the most common diseases that we have diagnosed is mycobacteriosis, which represented 18% of the diagnostic cases submitted from November 1999 to June 2003. We describe here the severity of the disease and associated pathological changes of 24 diagnostic cases from 14 laboratories. Identifications of the bacteria are provided for seven of these cases. For two cases in which culture of the organism was not successful, these identifications were based on ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequence analysis obtained directly from infected tissues. Biochemical characteristics and rDNA sequence analysis from cultures are reported for the other isolates. Two severe outbreaks from different Facilities on different continents were associated with an organism identified as Mycobacterium haemophilum based on rDNA sequence from tissues. Another severe outbreak was associated with an organism most closely related to Mycobacterium peregrinum. These species are recognized pathogens of humans, but this is the first report of them from fish. Bacteria identified as Mycobacterium chelonae or M. abscessus were recovered from fish in cases categorized as moderate disease or as an incidental finding. These findings indicate that species of Mycobacterium previously undescribed from fish (i.e., M. haemophilum and M. peregrinum) may pose significant health problems in zebrafish Research Facilities, whereas species and strains that are already recognized as common in fish usually cause limited disease on a population basis in zebrafish.
Christopher M. Whipps - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Recommendations for control of pathogens and infectious diseases in fish Research Facilities.
Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Toxicology & pharmacology : CBP, 2008Co-Authors: Michael L. Kent, Stephen W. Feist, Claudia Harper, Shelley Hoogstraten-miller, J. Mac Law, José M. Sánchez-morgado, Robert L. Tanguay, George E. Sanders, Jan M. Spitsbergen, Christopher M. WhippsAbstract:Concerns about infectious diseases in fish used for Research have risen along with the dramatic increase in the use of fish as models in biomedical Research. In addition to acute diseases causing severe morbidity and mortality, underlying chronic conditions that cause low-grade or subclinical infections may confound Research results. Here we present recommendations and strategies to avoid or minimize the impacts of infectious agents in fishes maintained in the Research setting. There are distinct differences in strategies for control of pathogens in fish used for Research compared to fishes reared as pets or in aquaculture. Also, much can be learned from strategies and protocols for control of diseases in rodents used in Research, but there are differences. This is due, in part, the unique aquatic environment that is modified by the source and quality of the water provided and the design of Facilities. The process of control of pathogens and infectious diseases in fish Research Facilities is relatively new, and will be an evolving process over time. Nevertheless, the goal of documenting, detecting, and excluding pathogens in fish is just as important as in mammalian Research models.
-
Mycobacterium haemophilum infections of zebrafish (Danio rerio) in Research Facilities
FEMS microbiology letters, 2007Co-Authors: Christopher M. Whipps, Scott T. Dougan, Michael L. KentAbstract:In May 2005, a disease outbreak was investigated at a zebrafish (Danio rerio) Research facility experiencing severe losses. Mycobacterium haemophilum was isolated from these fish and the disease was subsequently recreated in experimentally infected zebrafish. Fish exhibited signs characteristic of mycobacteriosis, including granuloma formation and severe, diffuse, chronic inflammation. Bacteria were observed in multiple tissues, including the central nervous system. Biofilm samples from the outbreak facility were PCR positive for M. haemophilum, suggesting biofilms might act as a reservoir for infection. Zebrafish appear to be particularly vulnerable to M. haemophilum, and measures such as quarantine and treatment of incoming water should be implemented to minimize the likelihood of introduction of this bacterium to zebrafish Research Facilities. Zebrafish are already a well-established laboratory animal model for genetics, toxicology and disease, their susceptibility to M. haemophilum may make them useful for the study of this bacterium in the future.
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Mycobacteriosis in zebrafish (Danio rerio) Research Facilities.
Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Toxicology & pharmacology : CBP, 2004Co-Authors: Michael L. Kent, Christopher M. Whipps, Virginia Watral, Jennifer L. Matthews, Daniela Florio, Janell K. Bishop-stewart, Melanie J. Poort, Luiz E. BermudezAbstract:The Zebrafish International Resource Center was established to support the zebrafish Research community, and includes a diagnostic service. One of the most common diseases that we have diagnosed is mycobacteriosis, which represented 18% of the diagnostic cases submitted from November 1999 to June 2003. We describe here the severity of the disease and associated pathological changes of 24 diagnostic cases from 14 laboratories. Identifications of the bacteria are provided for seven of these cases. For two cases in which culture of the organism was not successful, these identifications were based on ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequence analysis obtained directly from infected tissues. Biochemical characteristics and rDNA sequence analysis from cultures are reported for the other isolates. Two severe outbreaks from different Facilities on different continents were associated with an organism identified as Mycobacterium haemophilum based on rDNA sequence from tissues. Another severe outbreak was associated with an organism most closely related to Mycobacterium peregrinum. These species are recognized pathogens of humans, but this is the first report of them from fish. Bacteria identified as Mycobacterium chelonae or M. abscessus were recovered from fish in cases categorized as moderate disease or as an incidental finding. These findings indicate that species of Mycobacterium previously undescribed from fish (i.e., M. haemophilum and M. peregrinum) may pose significant health problems in zebrafish Research Facilities, whereas species and strains that are already recognized as common in fish usually cause limited disease on a population basis in zebrafish.
Justin L. Sanders - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Important Parasites of Zebrafish in Research Facilities
The Zebrafish in Biomedical Research, 2020Co-Authors: Michael L. Kent, Justin L. SandersAbstract:Abstract Parasitic infections are frequently observed in laboratory zebrafish, and some cause significant morbidity or effect Research endpoints. This is somewhat surprising given the confined environment and the parasite-free water sources used in most Facilities. However, laboratories often exchange fish among themselves with no knowledge of prior disease history, and many Researchers still use zebrafish procured from pet fish dealers. Ten parasites are discussed here: two external protists (Piscinoodinium pillulare and Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), two Microsporidia Pseudoloma neurophilia and Pleistophora hyphessobriconis; the capillarid nematode Pseudocapillaria tomentosa, a myxozoan Myxidium streisingeri, and two trematodes, metacercariae of undetermined species and adult stages of Transversotrema patialense.
-
Microsporidiosis in Zebrafish Research Facilities
ILAR journal, 2012Co-Authors: Justin L. Sanders, Virginia Watral, Michael L. KentAbstract:Pseudoloma neurophilia (Microsporidia) is the most common pathogen detected in zebrafish (Danio rerio) from Research Facilities. The parasite infects the central nervous system and muscle and may be associated with emaciation and skeletal deformities. However, many fish exhibit subclinical infections. Another microsporidium, Pleistophora hyphessobryconis, has recently been detected in a few zebrafish Facilities. Here, we review the methods for diagnosis and detection, modes of transmission, and approaches used to control microsporidia in zebrafish, focusing on P. neurophilia. The parasite can be readily transmitted by feeding spores or infected tissues, and we show that cohabitation with infected fish is also an effective means of transmission. Spores are released from live fish in various manners, including through the urine, feces, and sex products during spawning. Indeed, P. neurophilia infects both the eggs and ovarian tissues, where we found concentrations ranging from 12,000 to 88,000 spores per ovary. Hence, various lines of evidence support the conclusion that maternal transmission is a route of infection: spores are numerous in ovaries and developing follicles in infected females, spores are present in spawned eggs and water from spawning tanks based on polymerase chain reaction tests, and larvae are very susceptible to the infection. Furthermore, egg surface disinfectants presently used in zebrafish laboratories are ineffective against microsporidian spores. At this time, the most effective method for prevention of these parasites is avoidance.
-
microsporidiosis in zebrafish Research Facilities
Ilar Journal, 2012Co-Authors: Justin L. Sanders, Virginia Watral, Michael L. KentAbstract:This is the author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The article is copyrighted by the Institute for Laboratory Animal Research and published by Oxford University Press. It can be found at: http://ilarjournal.oxfordjournals.org/.
Luiz E. Bermudez - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Mycobacteriosis in zebrafish (Danio rerio) Research Facilities.
Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Toxicology & pharmacology : CBP, 2004Co-Authors: Michael L. Kent, Christopher M. Whipps, Virginia Watral, Jennifer L. Matthews, Daniela Florio, Janell K. Bishop-stewart, Melanie J. Poort, Luiz E. BermudezAbstract:The Zebrafish International Resource Center was established to support the zebrafish Research community, and includes a diagnostic service. One of the most common diseases that we have diagnosed is mycobacteriosis, which represented 18% of the diagnostic cases submitted from November 1999 to June 2003. We describe here the severity of the disease and associated pathological changes of 24 diagnostic cases from 14 laboratories. Identifications of the bacteria are provided for seven of these cases. For two cases in which culture of the organism was not successful, these identifications were based on ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequence analysis obtained directly from infected tissues. Biochemical characteristics and rDNA sequence analysis from cultures are reported for the other isolates. Two severe outbreaks from different Facilities on different continents were associated with an organism identified as Mycobacterium haemophilum based on rDNA sequence from tissues. Another severe outbreak was associated with an organism most closely related to Mycobacterium peregrinum. These species are recognized pathogens of humans, but this is the first report of them from fish. Bacteria identified as Mycobacterium chelonae or M. abscessus were recovered from fish in cases categorized as moderate disease or as an incidental finding. These findings indicate that species of Mycobacterium previously undescribed from fish (i.e., M. haemophilum and M. peregrinum) may pose significant health problems in zebrafish Research Facilities, whereas species and strains that are already recognized as common in fish usually cause limited disease on a population basis in zebrafish.
