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Edoardo Pozio - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Phylogenomic and biogeographic reconstruction of the Trichinella complex.
Nature Communications, 2016Co-Authors: Pasi K. Korhonen, Edoardo Pozio, Giuseppe La Rosa, Bill C.h. Chang, Anson V. Koehler, Eric P. Hoberg, Peter R. Boag, Patrick Tan, Aaron R. Jex, Andreas HofmannAbstract:Trichinellosis is a globally important food-borne parasitic disease of humans caused by roundworms of the Trichinella complex. Extensive biological diversity is reflected in substantial ecological and genetic variability within and among Trichinella taxa, and major controversy surrounds the systematics of this complex. Here we report the sequencing and assembly of 16 draft genomes representing all 12 recognized Trichinella species and genotypes, define protein-coding gene sets and assess genetic differences among these taxa. Using thousands of shared single-copy orthologous gene sequences, we fully reconstruct, for the first time, a phylogeny and biogeography for the Trichinella complex, and show that encapsulated and non-encapsulated Trichinella taxa diverged from their most recent common ancestor ~21 million years ago (mya), with taxon diversifications commencing ~10−7 mya.
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High prevalence of Trichinella pseudospiralis in Florida panthers (Puma concolor coryi)
Parasites & Vectors, 2015Co-Authors: Mason V Reichard, Marc Criffield, Dave P. Onorato, Jennifer E Thomas, Jacqueline M Paritte, Mark Cunningham, Kenneth Logan, Maria Interisano, Gianluca Marucci, Edoardo PozioAbstract:Background Parasites of the genus Trichinella are zoonotic nematodes common in carnivores throughout the world. We determined the prevalence and species of Trichinella infections in Florida panthers ( Puma concolor coryi ). Methods Tongues from Florida panthers were collected at necropsy and examined by pepsin-HCl artificial digestion for infection with Trichinella spp. DNA was extracted from larvae and multiplex PCR using Trichinella species-specific primers was used to genotype the worms. Results Trichinella spp. larvae were detected in 24 of 112 (21.4%; 14.6%–30.3%) panthers. Sixteen of the panthers (14.3%) were infected with T. pseudospiralis , 1 (0.9%) was infected with T. spiralis , and 2 (1.8%) had mixed infections of T. pseudospiralis and T. spiralis. Trichinella spp. larvae from 5 panthers were not identified at the species level due to degraded DNA. Conclusions This is the highest prevalence of T. pseudospiralis detected in North America up to now and suggests the Florida panther is a key mammalian reservoir of this parasite in southern Florida. Trichinella pseudospiralis can infect both mammals and birds indicating the source of infection for Florida panthers could be broader than believed; however, birds represent a small percentage (0.01%) of the cat’s diet. Since wild pigs ( Sus scrofa ) can be parasitized by both T. pseudospiralis and T. spiralis and these swine can comprise a large portion (~40%) of a panther’s diet in Florida, we believe that Florida panthers acquired these zoonotic parasites from feeding on wild pigs.
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The opportunistic nature of Trichinella—Exploitation of new geographies and habitats
Veterinary Parasitology, 2013Co-Authors: Edoardo PozioAbstract:For more than 100 years, Trichinella spiralis (former Trichina spiralis) was considered a zoonotic parasite of the domestic habitat involving pigs, synanthropic rats and humans. In the last 70 years, there has been increasing evidence that the biomass of nematodes of the genus Trichinella is greater in wild animals than in domestic animals. Omnivores and carnivores (mammals, birds and some reptiles), mainly those with cannibalistic and scavenger behaviour, act primarily as reservoirs for the 12 Trichinella taxa recognized to date. The distribution areas of Trichinella spp. hosts can help to identify the environmental suitability where the different Trichinella taxa can be detected. Both the survival of larvae in decaying muscles of their hosts, which is favoured by high humidity and low temperatures, and human behaviour in the domestic and wild habitats play roles in the transmission patterns of these nematodes. Although Trichinella taxa develop in different host species circulating in different geographical regions, there is a common denominator among the hosts, namely their scavenging behaviour.
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A distinctive Western blot pattern to recognize Trichinella infections in humans and pigs
International Journal for Parasitology, 2012Co-Authors: Maria Angeles Gómez-morales, Mabel Ribicich, Robert Blaga, Alessandra Ludovisi, Marco Amati, Milena Zivojinovic, Edoardo PozioAbstract:Trichinellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by parasites of the genus Trichinella, which have a cosmopolitan distribution. For diagnostic purposes, a confirmatory test for ELISA-positive human and pig sera such as Western blotting is required, due to the high number of ELISA false positive sera. The objective of this study was to identify the Trichinella-specific antigens most frequently recognized by sera from Trichinella-infected humans and pigs, so as to define a distinctive pattern of Trichinella infection in sera from infected hosts using Western blots which allow false positive sera to be distinguished from true positive sera. Using excretory/secretory antigens, 450 human sera were tested by Western blotting: 150 from persons with a confirmed diagnosis of trichinellosis and 300 from persons who did not have trichinellosis but who tested positive by ELISA (i.e., false positives). We also tested 210 pig sera: (i) 30 from pigs experimentally infected with Trichinella (ii) 90 from naturally T. spiralis-infected pigs; and (iii) 90 from pigs not infected with Trichinella, as shown after artificial digestion of the diaphragm pillars, yet which tested positive by ELISA (i.e., false positives). All true positive sera (i.e., sera from persons with confirmed trichinellosis as well as sera from naturally and experimentally infected pigs), reacted with a three-band pattern ranging in size from 48-72 kDa. A distinctive pattern for recognizing Trichinella spp. infections in humans and pigs by Western blots is defined; it shows a sensitivity of 100% and it allows sera from Trichinella-infected humans and pigs to be distinguished from sera from persons and pigs that were not infected with Trichinella spp. (100% specificity). (C) 2012 Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Detection of Trichinella murrelli in coyotes (Canis latrans) from Oklahoma and North Texas.
Veterinary Parasitology, 2011Co-Authors: Mason V Reichard, Maria Interisano, Kathryn E Tiernan, Kelsey L Paras, Michael H Reiskind, Roger J Panciera, Edoardo PozioAbstract:We determined the prevalence and mean intensity of Trichinella sp. infection in coyotes from six counties in Oklahoma and one in northern Texas. Tongues from 77 coyotes were examined using histology and artificial tissue digestion. Histological examination showed a prevalence of 3.9% (3 of 77) whereas the prevalence was 6.5% (5 of 77) based on artificial digestion of 5.0 g of muscle from coyote tongues. One sample was positive for Trichinella sp. on histology but negative by artificial digestion. Combining data from both diagnostic techniques showed that six of 77 (7.8%) coyotes were infected with Trichinella spp. The mean intensity of Trichinella sp. larvae ranged from 0.2 to 66.2 with an average of 16.0 larvae per gram (LPG) of tongue. Genotyping results demonstrated that the coyotes were infected with Trichinella murrelli. This is the first report of T. murrelli infection in coyotes in Oklahoma. T. murrelli had previously been isolated from coyotes in Texas.
E Pozio - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the occurrence of Trichinella species in the cougar puma concolor couguar from the state of colorado and other regions of north and south america
Journal of Helminthology, 2017Co-Authors: Mason V Reichard, Marc Criffield, Jennifer E Thomas, Jacqueline M Paritte, Maria Interisano, Gianluca Marucci, Kenneth A Logan, D M Messerly, E PozioAbstract:: Trichinella species are zoonotic nematodes that infect wild carnivores and omnivores throughout the world. We examined the prevalence and species of Trichinella infections in cougars (Puma concolor couguar) from Colorado, United States. Tongues from cougars were examined by pepsin-HCl artificial digestion to detect Trichinella spp. larvae. The species or genotype of individual worms was identified by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Trichinella spp. larvae were detected in 17 of 39 cougars (43.6% (28.7-59.5%)). Five of the cougars (12.8%) were infected with T. murrelli, 3 (7.7%) were infected with T. pseudospiralis, and 1 (2.6%) had Trichinella genotype T6. Trichinella spp. larvae from eight cougars were not identified at the species level, due to degraded DNA. The high prevalence of Trichinella spp. in cougars from Colorado and reports of the parasite in other populations of Puma spp. suggest that this large predator is a key mammalian reservoir.
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hunting dogs as sentinel animals for monitoring infections with Trichinella spp in wildlife
Parasites & Vectors, 2016Co-Authors: Maria Angeles Gomezmorales, Marco Selmi, Alessandra Ludovisi, Marco Amati, Eleonora Fiorentino, Lorenzo Breviglieri, Giovanni Poglayen, E PozioAbstract:Nematode parasites of the genus Trichinella are important foodborne pathogens transmitted by ingestion of striated muscles harbouring infective larvae. Wild carnivorous and omnivorous animals are the most important reservoirs of these parasites. Hunting activities play an important role in Trichinella spp. epidemiology. The aim of the present work was to assess if serological detection of anti-Trichinella IgG in hunting dogs can be a tool to indirectly monitor Trichinella spp. infections in wildlife. An ELISA and a Western blot (Wb) were developed and validated. To validate the assays, serum samples were collected from 598 dogs considered to be Trichinella-free, 15 naturally infected dogs, and six experimentally infected foxes. Sera were tested by ELISA with Trichinella spiralis excretory/secretory antigens. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of ELISA were 100 % (95 % CI: 83.89–100 %) and 95.65 % (95 % CI: 93.69–97.14 %), respectively. Sera from Trichinella-infected dogs/foxes tested by Wb showed a three-band pattern ranging from 48 to 72 kDa. Since the prevalence of Toxocara canis is very high in dogs, the specificity of the ELISA and Wb was further assessed by testing sera for anti-T. canis IgG using T. canis excretory/secretory antigens. No cross-reactivity was observed. To evaluate the test’s reliability in the field, serum samples were collected from wild boar hunting dogs from Central Italy where Trichinella britovi was circulating among wildlife. Out of 384 hunting dog sera, 189 (49.2 %) tested positive by ELISA and of these, 56 (29.6 %) tested positive by Wb, showing an overall prevalence of 14.6 % (56/384) in the wild boar hunting dog population of the investigated area. The serological prevalence in hunting dogs was significantly (P < 0.001) associated with the hunting district’s altitude. This is in agreement with previous investigations, which had shown that the prevalence of T. britovi in wildlife was higher in mountainous areas than in lowland areas of Italy. The results suggest that the circulation of Trichinella spp. among wildlife can be monitored by testing sera from hunting dogs, which could act as sentinel animals of Trichinella spp. circulation in wildlife.
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Hunting dogs as sentinel animals for monitoring infections with Trichinella spp. in wildlife.
Parasites & Vectors, 2016Co-Authors: Maria Angeles Gómez-morales, Marco Selmi, Alessandra Ludovisi, Marco Amati, Eleonora Fiorentino, Lorenzo Breviglieri, Giovanni Poglayen, E PozioAbstract:Nematode parasites of the genus Trichinella are important foodborne pathogens transmitted by ingestion of striated muscles harbouring infective larvae. Wild carnivorous and omnivorous animals are the most important reservoirs of these parasites. Hunting activities play an important role in Trichinella spp. epidemiology. The aim of the present work was to assess if serological detection of anti-Trichinella IgG in hunting dogs can be a tool to indirectly monitor Trichinella spp. infections in wildlife. An ELISA and a Western blot (Wb) were developed and validated. To validate the assays, serum samples were collected from 598 dogs considered to be Trichinella-free, 15 naturally infected dogs, and six experimentally infected foxes. Sera were tested by ELISA with Trichinella spiralis excretory/secretory antigens. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of ELISA were 100 % (95 % CI: 83.89–100 %) and 95.65 % (95 % CI: 93.69–97.14 %), respectively. Sera from Trichinella-infected dogs/foxes tested by Wb showed a three-band pattern ranging from 48 to 72 kDa. Since the prevalence of Toxocara canis is very high in dogs, the specificity of the ELISA and Wb was further assessed by testing sera for anti-T. canis IgG using T. canis excretory/secretory antigens. No cross-reactivity was observed. To evaluate the test’s reliability in the field, serum samples were collected from wild boar hunting dogs from Central Italy where Trichinella britovi was circulating among wildlife. Out of 384 hunting dog sera, 189 (49.2 %) tested positive by ELISA and of these, 56 (29.6 %) tested positive by Wb, showing an overall prevalence of 14.6 % (56/384) in the wild boar hunting dog population of the investigated area. The serological prevalence in hunting dogs was significantly (P
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Trichinella pseudospiralis in the Iberian peninsula.
Veterinary Parasitology, 2015Co-Authors: M J Zamora, M Alvarez, J Olmedo, M C Blanco, E PozioAbstract:Nematode worms of the genus Trichinella are zoonotic parasites circulating in most continents, including Europe. In Spain, Trichinella spiralis and Trichinella britovi are highly prevalent in wildlife but seldom in domestic pigs. In Portugal, only T. britovi was documented in wild carnivores. In the period 2006-2013 in Spain, 384 (0.0001%) pigs and 1399 (0.20%) wild boars (Sus scrofa) were positive for Trichinella spp. larvae, which were identified as T. spiralis or T. britovi. In 2014, Trichinella pseudospiralis larvae were isolated from a wild boar hunted in the Gerona province, Cataluña region, North-East of Spain, near the border to France. This is the first report of T. pseudospiralis in the Iberian peninsula, which suggests a broad distribution area of this zoonotic nematode in Europe. Since larvae of this Trichinella species do not encapsulate in the host muscles, they can be detected only by artificial digestion of muscle samples. T. pseudospiralis is the only Trichinella species infecting both mammals and birds. Birds can spread this pathogen over great distances including islands triggering new foci of infections in areas previously considered at low risk for this pathogen.
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Trichinella britovi in the jackal canis aureus from south west iran
Journal of Helminthology, 2014Co-Authors: Hamed Mirjalali, E Pozio, Sasan Rezaei, Saied Reza Naddaf, A Salahimoghaddam, E B Kia, F Shahbazi, Gh MowlaviAbstract:Trichinellosis is an important helminthic food-borne zoonosis, which is caused by nematodes of the genus Trichinella. Although, Trichinella spp. has been detected frequently in Iranian wildlife, this parasitic infection is not considered a major public health problem. This is largely because Islamic codes forbid consumption of pork meat in this country. However, knowledge about this zoonotic pathogen is important because human trichinellosis has been documented in countries where most of the population is Muslim. The aims of the present work were to investigate whether Trichinella spp. was still circulating in wildlife of the Khuzestan Province (south-west Iran) about 30 years after the first investigation, to identify the aetiological agent at the species level by molecular analyses, and to review the literature on Trichinella spp. in animals of Iran. During the winter 2009-2010, muscle samples from 32 road-killed animals (14 dogs and 18 jackals, Canis aureus) were collected. Muscle samples were digested and Trichinella sp. larvae were isolated from two jackals. The Trichinella sp. larvae have been identified as Trichinella britovi by molecular analyses. These results confirm that T. britovi is the prevalent species circulating in wild animals of Iran.
Gianluca Marucci - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the occurrence of Trichinella species in the cougar puma concolor couguar from the state of colorado and other regions of north and south america
Journal of Helminthology, 2017Co-Authors: Mason V Reichard, Marc Criffield, Jennifer E Thomas, Jacqueline M Paritte, Maria Interisano, Gianluca Marucci, Kenneth A Logan, D M Messerly, E PozioAbstract:: Trichinella species are zoonotic nematodes that infect wild carnivores and omnivores throughout the world. We examined the prevalence and species of Trichinella infections in cougars (Puma concolor couguar) from Colorado, United States. Tongues from cougars were examined by pepsin-HCl artificial digestion to detect Trichinella spp. larvae. The species or genotype of individual worms was identified by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Trichinella spp. larvae were detected in 17 of 39 cougars (43.6% (28.7-59.5%)). Five of the cougars (12.8%) were infected with T. murrelli, 3 (7.7%) were infected with T. pseudospiralis, and 1 (2.6%) had Trichinella genotype T6. Trichinella spp. larvae from eight cougars were not identified at the species level, due to degraded DNA. The high prevalence of Trichinella spp. in cougars from Colorado and reports of the parasite in other populations of Puma spp. suggest that this large predator is a key mammalian reservoir.
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High prevalence of Trichinella pseudospiralis in Florida panthers (Puma concolor coryi)
Parasites & Vectors, 2015Co-Authors: Mason V Reichard, Marc Criffield, Dave P. Onorato, Jennifer E Thomas, Jacqueline M Paritte, Mark Cunningham, Kenneth Logan, Maria Interisano, Gianluca Marucci, Edoardo PozioAbstract:Background Parasites of the genus Trichinella are zoonotic nematodes common in carnivores throughout the world. We determined the prevalence and species of Trichinella infections in Florida panthers ( Puma concolor coryi ). Methods Tongues from Florida panthers were collected at necropsy and examined by pepsin-HCl artificial digestion for infection with Trichinella spp. DNA was extracted from larvae and multiplex PCR using Trichinella species-specific primers was used to genotype the worms. Results Trichinella spp. larvae were detected in 24 of 112 (21.4%; 14.6%–30.3%) panthers. Sixteen of the panthers (14.3%) were infected with T. pseudospiralis , 1 (0.9%) was infected with T. spiralis , and 2 (1.8%) had mixed infections of T. pseudospiralis and T. spiralis. Trichinella spp. larvae from 5 panthers were not identified at the species level due to degraded DNA. Conclusions This is the highest prevalence of T. pseudospiralis detected in North America up to now and suggests the Florida panther is a key mammalian reservoir of this parasite in southern Florida. Trichinella pseudospiralis can infect both mammals and birds indicating the source of infection for Florida panthers could be broader than believed; however, birds represent a small percentage (0.01%) of the cat’s diet. Since wild pigs ( Sus scrofa ) can be parasitized by both T. pseudospiralis and T. spiralis and these swine can comprise a large portion (~40%) of a panther’s diet in Florida, we believe that Florida panthers acquired these zoonotic parasites from feeding on wild pigs.
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Trichinella patagoniensis n sp nematoda a new encapsulated species infecting carnivorous mammals in south america
International Journal for Parasitology, 2012Co-Authors: Silvio Jesús Krivokapich, E Pozio, Gianluca Marucci, Graciana M. Gatti, Giuseppe La Rosa, Cinthia Gonzalez L Prous, M Ribicich, Viviana A ConfalonieriAbstract:Abstract Until a few years ago, Trichinella spiralis was the only taxon of the genus Trichinella detected in both domestic and wild animals of South America. Recently, a new genotype, named Trichinella T12, was identified in cougars ( Puma concolor ) from Argentina, on the basis of molecular studies using mitochondrial and nuclear ribosomal markers. In the present study, cross-breeding experiments indicated that Trichinella T12 is reproductively isolated from all other encapsulated Trichinella spp. and suggested that it is biologically more similar to Trichinella britovi and Trichinella murrelli than to the other encapsulated species/genotypes. Biological assays revealed that the reproductive capacity index of Trichinella T12 was ∼4 and >2000 times lower than those of T. spiralis in mice and rats, respectively. The reproductive capacity index of Trichinella T12 in domestic pigs ranged from 0.0 to 0.05. Larvae parasitising the muscles of carnivores were infective to mice after freezing at −5 °C for 3 months, but they lost infectivity after freezing at −18 °C for 1 week. The region within the rDNA, known as the expansion segment V, showed a unique sequence which differs from those of all other known Trichinella spp./genotypes. The biological, geographical and molecular data support the classification of the genotype Trichinella T12 as a new species widespread in the Neotropical region, for which we propose the name Trichinella patagoniensis n. sp.
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First report of Trichinella britovi in Serbia
Acta Parasitologica, 2011Co-Authors: Jelena Cvetkovic, Gianluca Marucci, Sasa Vasilev, Duško Ćirović, Dragan Vasilev, Vlado Teodorović, Ljiljana Sofronic-milosavljevicAbstract:In Europe, Serbia ranks among countries with a high prevalence of Trichinella infection in pigs, which continues to be a serious human health problem. While in some Balkan countries, more than one Trichinella species/genotype has been described in both the sylvatic and domestic cycles, these data are lacking for Serbia. To date, only a few Serbian isolates of Trichinella have been genetically specified, and all were classified as T. spiralis. Although transmission of Trichinella from domestic pigs to wildlife could be assumed, neither the infection status nor the species of Trichinella circulating among wildlife in Serbia has been investigated. This study shows the presence of two Trichinella species, T. spiralis and T. britovi, in wild animals originating from five districts in Serbia, where Trichinella infections in domestic pigs and humans have been recorded. Trichinella spiralis was detected in jackals (n = 3), red foxes (n = 2) and a wild cat (n = 1). We also established that wolves (n = 4) and red foxes (n = 2) serve as sylvatic reservoirs for T. britovi. This is the first report on the presence of T. britovi in Serbia.
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Trichinella nelsoni and Trichinella T8 mixed infection in a lion (Panthera leo) of the Kruger National Park (South Africa).
Veterinary Parasitology, 2009Co-Authors: Gianluca Marucci, Giuseppe La Rosa, Louis J. La Grange, Edoardo PozioAbstract:In South Africa, Trichinella sp. was first discovered in 1966 in the wildlife of the Kruger National Park (KNP). Since then, both Trichinella T8 and Trichinella nelsoni have been detected in the KNP, leading to a debate on the existence of a gene flow between the two taxa. In 2006-2008, four lions were killed in the Manyeleti Game Reserve, the Mthethomusha Nature Reserve, Numbi Gate, and Skukuza, which border the KNP. Larvae were isolated from muscles by artificial digestion. The molecular identification of single larva by multiplex PCR, followed by a specific PCR to distinguish between Trichinella T8 and Trichinella britovi, revealed Trichinella T8 in the lions from Manyeleti and Skukuza, a mixed infection with T. nelsoni and Trichinella T8 in the lion from Mthethomusha, and T. nelsoni in the lion from Numbi. No larva with a hybrid pattern between the two taxa was observed. No hybrid offspring resulted when crossing single males and females of T. nelsoni and Trichinella T8 in both directions, whereas hybrid offspring were obtained when crossing T. britovi and Trichinella T8 in both directions. This is the first report of a mixed infection with two Trichinella taxa in a host from the KNP, where both Trichinella T8 and T. nelsoni circulate among wildlife. Despite the sympatry status of these two taxa, field and laboratory data seem to exclude the possibility of gene flow, confirming their evolutive separation.
Giuseppe La Rosa - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Phylogenomic and biogeographic reconstruction of the Trichinella complex.
Nature Communications, 2016Co-Authors: Pasi K. Korhonen, Edoardo Pozio, Giuseppe La Rosa, Bill C.h. Chang, Anson V. Koehler, Eric P. Hoberg, Peter R. Boag, Patrick Tan, Aaron R. Jex, Andreas HofmannAbstract:Trichinellosis is a globally important food-borne parasitic disease of humans caused by roundworms of the Trichinella complex. Extensive biological diversity is reflected in substantial ecological and genetic variability within and among Trichinella taxa, and major controversy surrounds the systematics of this complex. Here we report the sequencing and assembly of 16 draft genomes representing all 12 recognized Trichinella species and genotypes, define protein-coding gene sets and assess genetic differences among these taxa. Using thousands of shared single-copy orthologous gene sequences, we fully reconstruct, for the first time, a phylogeny and biogeography for the Trichinella complex, and show that encapsulated and non-encapsulated Trichinella taxa diverged from their most recent common ancestor ~21 million years ago (mya), with taxon diversifications commencing ~10−7 mya.
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Trichinella patagoniensis n sp nematoda a new encapsulated species infecting carnivorous mammals in south america
International Journal for Parasitology, 2012Co-Authors: Silvio Jesús Krivokapich, E Pozio, Gianluca Marucci, Graciana M. Gatti, Giuseppe La Rosa, Cinthia Gonzalez L Prous, M Ribicich, Viviana A ConfalonieriAbstract:Abstract Until a few years ago, Trichinella spiralis was the only taxon of the genus Trichinella detected in both domestic and wild animals of South America. Recently, a new genotype, named Trichinella T12, was identified in cougars ( Puma concolor ) from Argentina, on the basis of molecular studies using mitochondrial and nuclear ribosomal markers. In the present study, cross-breeding experiments indicated that Trichinella T12 is reproductively isolated from all other encapsulated Trichinella spp. and suggested that it is biologically more similar to Trichinella britovi and Trichinella murrelli than to the other encapsulated species/genotypes. Biological assays revealed that the reproductive capacity index of Trichinella T12 was ∼4 and >2000 times lower than those of T. spiralis in mice and rats, respectively. The reproductive capacity index of Trichinella T12 in domestic pigs ranged from 0.0 to 0.05. Larvae parasitising the muscles of carnivores were infective to mice after freezing at −5 °C for 3 months, but they lost infectivity after freezing at −18 °C for 1 week. The region within the rDNA, known as the expansion segment V, showed a unique sequence which differs from those of all other known Trichinella spp./genotypes. The biological, geographical and molecular data support the classification of the genotype Trichinella T12 as a new species widespread in the Neotropical region, for which we propose the name Trichinella patagoniensis n. sp.
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Trichinella nelsoni and Trichinella T8 mixed infection in a lion (Panthera leo) of the Kruger National Park (South Africa).
Veterinary Parasitology, 2009Co-Authors: Gianluca Marucci, Giuseppe La Rosa, Louis J. La Grange, Edoardo PozioAbstract:In South Africa, Trichinella sp. was first discovered in 1966 in the wildlife of the Kruger National Park (KNP). Since then, both Trichinella T8 and Trichinella nelsoni have been detected in the KNP, leading to a debate on the existence of a gene flow between the two taxa. In 2006-2008, four lions were killed in the Manyeleti Game Reserve, the Mthethomusha Nature Reserve, Numbi Gate, and Skukuza, which border the KNP. Larvae were isolated from muscles by artificial digestion. The molecular identification of single larva by multiplex PCR, followed by a specific PCR to distinguish between Trichinella T8 and Trichinella britovi, revealed Trichinella T8 in the lions from Manyeleti and Skukuza, a mixed infection with T. nelsoni and Trichinella T8 in the lion from Mthethomusha, and T. nelsoni in the lion from Numbi. No larva with a hybrid pattern between the two taxa was observed. No hybrid offspring resulted when crossing single males and females of T. nelsoni and Trichinella T8 in both directions, whereas hybrid offspring were obtained when crossing T. britovi and Trichinella T8 in both directions. This is the first report of a mixed infection with two Trichinella taxa in a host from the KNP, where both Trichinella T8 and T. nelsoni circulate among wildlife. Despite the sympatry status of these two taxa, field and laboratory data seem to exclude the possibility of gene flow, confirming their evolutive separation.
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Trichinella papuae in saltwater crocodiles crocodylus porosus of papua new guinea
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2004Co-Authors: E Pozio, Gianluca Marucci, Ifor L Owen, Giuseppe La RosaAbstract:To the Editor: Until 1995, reptiles were not known to be hosts of Trichinella; however, in that year Trichinella was detected in 40% of farm-raised crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) in Zimbabwe. These crocodiles were infected with a new species, T. zimbabwensis, which was experimentally infective in mammals, including primates (1). The infection of reptiles with Trichinella species that are potentially infective for humans has become more important since demand for the meat of crocodiles, caimans, and alligators has increased in many areas of the world. This trend has resulted in the development of national breeding programs in more than 30 countries in North, Central, and South America; Africa; Asia; and Australia (2), which generated an income of approximately $60 million in 1998 (3). In 1999 in Papua New Guinea, wild and domestic pigs infected with a new species, T. papuae, were found (4,5); this new species was capable of completing its life cycle in reptiles that were infected experimentally (6). Trichinella infection has also been found in farm-raised saltwater crocodiles (C. porosus) in Papua New Guinea, where a national program for crocodile meat and skin products exists. Papua New Guinea has one crocodile breeding farm that processes approximately 6,000 animals per year. Following the discovery of Trichinella-infected crocodiles in Zimbabwe, the Australian government requested that Papua New Guinea conduct Trichinella testing on the crocodile meat exported to Australia. Muscle samples from crocodiles were digested by pepsin and HCl solution according to the standard technique (7). When available, approximately 100 larvae from each infected crocodile were given by mouth to laboratory rats, and 10–20 larvae were stored in 90% ethyl alcohol for molecular identification. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to characterize the larvae, according to a published protocol (8). The primer set oTsr1 and oTsr4 was used to amplify the expansion segment V of the large subunit ribosomal RNA (9). The larvae of all Trichinella reference strains were used as controls. PCR products were gel-purified and directly sequenced by using the same primers as those used for PCR amplification. All sequences were aligned by using the Clustal W program from OMIGA 2.0 (Accelrys, San Diego, CA). Final alignment of the expansion segment V sequences was performed manually so microsatellites could be compared. Muscle samples from 118 saltwater crocodiles (46 farm-born, 71 wild-born and farm-raised, and 1 killed in the wild near the Bensbach River) were tested. All samples from the farm-born crocodiles were negative for Trichinella. Of the samples from the 72 wild-born crocodiles (including the 1 killed in the wild), 16 (22.2%) were positive for Trichinella larvae, with an average of 7 larvae/g in the biceps. All of the infected crocodiles originated in the Kikori area (Figure). The prevalence of Trichinella infection in crocodiles from this area was 32.0% (16/50). Samples from the remaining 21 wild-born and farm-raised crocodiles, and the 1 killed in the wild, were negative for Trichinella. These crocodiles originated in nine different locations (Figure). Figure Papua New Guinea showing the areas of origin of the 72 wild-born saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus): 1 each from Baimuru, Angoram, Timbunke, Kimbe, Bensbach River, and Buka; 2 from Labu; 7 from Wewak; 7 from Popondetta; and 50 from Kikori. PCR analysis showed that the parasites belonged to T. papuae. However, the crocodile isolates differed from the reference strain of this species by the deletion of a TG dinucleotide and by a single base mutation (G vs. A) in the expansion segment V sequence. Testing for Trichinella in crocodile meat has been conducted in Zimbabwe and Papua New Guinea only, and infected crocodiles have been found in both countries. Crocodiles in other parts of the world are also likely to be infected. Since both T. zimbabwensis and T. papuae infection can develop in reptiles and mammals, eating crocodile meat is a risk. In one region of Papua New Guinea, a high percentage of the local human population had anti-Trichinella antibodies (10). Moreover, the risk for human infection may be rising, given the increased marketing of meat from crocodiles, caimans, and alligators in many parts of the world (2). The meat of other carnivorous reptiles, although consumed in very few areas, may also represent a source of infection, as suggested by the large number of larvae of both T. papuae and T. zimbabwensis in the muscles of experimentally infected monitor lizards (6). The presence of a TG dinucleotide in the expansion segment V sequence could be a useful marker for tracing the region of origin of infected meat. The infected crocodiles, all of which were born in the wild, likely acquired infection before they arrived on the farm, since none of the farm-born crocodiles was infected. In Zimbabwe, the source of infection was the Trichinella-infected crocodile meat that had been fed to the other crocodiles; the farm in Papua New Guinea does not engage in this practice, which would explain why none of its farm-born animals was infected. This study shows the importance of implementing measures to prevent the spread of Trichinella infection. For instance, since both T. papuae and T. zimbabwensis can be easily transmitted from crocodiles to mammals, the discarded parts of crocodiles should be properly destroyed to avoid transmission to synanthropic animals, and the waste products should not be fed to domestic animals, unless the products are frozen or cooked before use. Crocodile-breeding farms should adopt the artificial digestion method used in many countries to screen pigs for Trichinella infection (7). Freezing crocodile meat, as practiced in Papua New Guinea, can also prevent infection because freezing destroys T. papuae and T. zimbabwensis larvae in muscles (1,4). By contrast, salting, drying, smoking, or preserving crocodile meat in brine will not destroy Trichinellae; these curing methods are not standardized, and the survival of Trichinella larvae can depend on factors such as salt concentration, moisture, and temperature (7). Similarly, crocodile meat is frequently vacuum sealed, and the Trichinella larvae can retain their infectivity for several months in this environment (7).
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Biochemical analysis of encapsulated and non-encapsulated species of Trichinella (Nematoda, Trichinellidae) from cold- and warm-blooded animals reveals a high genetic divergence in the genus
Parasitology Research, 2003Co-Authors: Giuseppe La Rosa, Gianluca Marucci, Edoardo PozioAbstract:Multilocus enzyme electrophoresis was used to analyse genetic variation in the genus Trichinella . Twenty-eight isolates belonging to eight species and six genotypes were analysed for 12 enzyme systems, producing 19 different phenotypes. According to Jaccard’s similarity index, the isolates clustered into two main groups, specifically, encapsulated species/genotypes and non-encapsulated species/genotypes. Furthermore, the non-encapsulated species clustered into two other groups: the species infecting mammals and birds ( Trichinella pseudospiralis ) and those infecting mammals and reptiles ( Trichinella papuae and Trichinella zimbabwensis ). The encapsulated species/genotypes, which only infect mammals, clustered into four main groups: the cosmopolitan species Trichinella spiralis , the species/genotypes of the temperate regions ( Trichinella britovi , Trichinella murrelli , Trichinella T8, and Trichinella T9), the species/genotype of the arctic region ( Trichinella nativa and Trichinella T6), and the equatorial species Trichinella nelsoni . These results are consistent with biological, epidemiological, and molecular data, which show a high genetic divergence in this genus.
C M O Kapel - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Molecular epidemiology of Trichinella spp. in three Baltic countries: Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia
Parasitology Research, 2006Co-Authors: A. Malakauskas, T. Järvis, V. Paulauskas, P. Keidans, C. Eddi, C M O KapelAbstract:Meat of domestic pigs and wild boars has been the significant source of emerged human trichinellosis in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia over the past two decades. However, there is very little known on the occurrence of Trichinella spp. in main wildlife reservoirs and its transmission in domestic and sylvatic cycles in these countries. The present study demonstrated considerably higher endemicity of Trichinella spp. in main sylvatic reservoirs (28.9–42% in foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ) and raccoon dogs ( Nyctereutes procyonoides ) in all three countries than previously reported. Molecular identification of Trichinella larvae from more than 500 sylvatic and domestic animals revealed four Trichinella species ( Trichinella spiralis , Trichinella britovi , Trichinella nativa , and Trichinella pseudospiralis ) sympatric in a relatively small area and several as the first records for the respective countries. The nonencapsulating T. pseudospiralis is found for the first time in the Eastern Europe. Sylvatic T. britovi was found in domestic pigs in Lithuania and Latvia (16 and 57.1%, respectively) and only in these countries, domestic T. spiralis was detected in sylvatic animals in areas where domestic trichinellosis was registered. The study suggests that transmission of Trichinella between domestic and sylvatic cycles in Lithuania and Latvia is favored by improper human behavior, e.g., pig and slaughter waste management.
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changes in the eu legislation on Trichinella inspection new challenges in the epidemiology
Veterinary Parasitology, 2005Co-Authors: C M O KapelAbstract:The European Union (EU) countries are searching for new ways to certify meat free of Trichinella; however, with the expansion of the EU, the acceptance of a unilateral method is complicated by the variability of pig and human trichinellosis among EU countries, where significantly higher prevalence rates have been observed in the newly added eastern countries. Several attempts have been made to define Trichinella-free areas, but certification of Trichinella-free pig production farms appears to be the only feasible approach. The increasing prevalence of the non-encapsulating species, Trichinella pseudospiralis, in game, domestic pigs and humans has eliminated the compression technique from the new EU legislation to be enacted in 2006. Also, the observation that several species of Trichinella tolerate freezing in horse meat for up to 4 weeks has forced a change in legislation as well where freezing is no longer an option for certifying horse meat. Because current serological detection methods are not suited for meat inspection, classical direct detection methods and inactivation by freezing remain the methods of choice for pork. It has been proposed, therefore, to automate direct inspection methods as a cost effective alternative to certify pig farms free of Trichinella.
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associations between Trichinella species and host species in finland
Journal of Parasitology, 2002Co-Authors: L. Oivanen, E Pozio, Giuseppe La Rosa, C M O Kapel, T. Mikkonen, Antti SukuraAbstract:Examination of 627 wild animals—raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides), red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), European lynxes (Lynx lynx), brown bears (Ursus arctos), wolves (Canis lupus), and badgers (Meles meles)—revealed Trichinella spp. The prevalence varied according to geographical region of Finland (north; southwest, SW; and southeast, SE) and was the highest among lynxes (70%, SW). The risk of trichinellosis was higher in the SE (odds ratio, OR, 19.4) and SW regions (OR 14.3), as compared with the northern region (OR 1), with no difference between the former 2 regions. Foxes (OR 2.1) and lynxes (OR 1.9) had a higher risk than raccoon dogs (OR 1) of being infected. The distribution of different Trichinella species was evaluated in 87 wild and domestic mammals by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Trichinella spiralis was detected more often in domestic and synanthropic animals than in sylvatic hosts. Trichinella nativa was detected only in wildlife. Trichinella pseudospiralis was found both in sylvatic and...
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infectivity persistence and antibody response to domestic and sylvatic Trichinella spp in experimentally infected pigs
International Journal for Parasitology, 2000Co-Authors: C M O Kapel, H. R. GambleAbstract:Abstract Groups of pigs were inoculated with genotypes of Trichinella belonging to: Trichinella spiralis , Trichinella nativa , Trichinella britovi , Trichinella pseudospiralis (from Caucasus), T. pseudospiralis (from USA), Trichinella murrelli , Trichinella sp. (from North America), and Trichinella nelsoni . The pigs were sacrificed between 5 and 40 weeks p.i., and the number of muscle larvae per gram (l.p.g.) of tissue was determined as an average of 18 muscles. All Trichinella genotypes were infective for pigs, but both their infectivity and persistence varied: 5 weeks p.i., T. spiralis muscle larvae were present in high numbers (mean=427 l.p.g.), while T. britovi , T. nelsoni , and T. pseudospiralis larvae were present in moderate numbers (means=24–52 l.p.g.); larvae of the remaining genotypes were recovered only in low numbers (means=0.05–5.00 l.p.g.). The total larval burden (live weight of pig×l.p.g.) was constant over time for T. spiralis , T. britovi , and T. nelsoni , but declined significantly ( P Trichinella ES antigens, but the antibody levels and dynamics differed significantly among the experimental groups. In pigs inoculated with T. spiralis , T. britovi , or T. nelsoni , the antibody level increased rapidly between weeks 3 and 5 p.i. and was stable or increased slightly throughout the experimental period. In pigs inoculated with T. nativa , T. murrelli , or Trichinella (T6) (from North America), a rapid increase was detected between weeks 3 and 5 p.i., but for these genotypes a reduction in the antibody levels was seen thereafter. In the pigs inoculated with T. pseudospiralis , the antibody level increased more gradually over a period from week 3 p.i. to weeks 15–20 p.i., and decreased thereafter. In general, all species of Trichinella were detected by any of the seven ES antigens, which points to the potential use of one common antigen for surveillance and epidemiological studies on both domestic and sylvatic Trichinella in pigs. Homologous ES antigens were slightly more sensitive in detecting antibodies to the corresponding Trichinella species.
