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Advances and New insights in Laboratory Diagnosis of Infectious (Viral...
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Advances and New insights in Laboratory Diagnosis of Infectious (Viral and Bacterial) Diseases in Wildlife Conservation Medicine

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Wildlife".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2022) | Viewed by 17728

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Cristina Esmeralda Di Francesco

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Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
Interests: virology; morbillivirus; parvovirus; microbiology; wildlife; avian and mammalian infectious diseases; antimicrobial resistance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Camilla Smoglica

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Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
Interests: epidemiology; microbiology; molecular biology; antimicrobial resistance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Simone Angelucci

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Guest Editor
Majella National Park, Sulmona, Italy
Interests: wildlife disease monitoring; wildlife disease ecology; capture and handling methods for wildlife research and management; wildlife forensics; wildlife conservation and management (large carnivores and ungulates); conservation medicine; wildlife-livestock interface; human/wildlife coexistence
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Wildlife conservation medicine requires adequate tools for the diagnosis of emergent or re-emergent diseases, able to menace the survival of threatened free-ranging species, or potentially transmissible to the humans. Many laboratory tests are specifically designed for domestic species, and their sensitivity and specificity in wild animals are unknown. In recent years, a lot of progress has been achieved in the diagnosis of infectious diseases in wildlife, but more appropriate investigations are necessary to improve the capacity to quickly detect pathogens in these species, starting from innovative, non-invasive sampling methods, applying new technologies for exhaustive antigenic/genetic characterization of the microorganisms, and choosing more appropriate tools for data analysis and surveillance/monitoring plan design. Furthermore, estimating transmission across host species remains a key challenge in disease ecology. Animal behavior investigation, for example, by means of telemetry data from radio-collared animals, is just as important a tool to study wildlife and human disease dynamics but remains difficult to investigate for researchers.

The aim of this Special Issue is to publish original paper or reviews focused on more innovative methodologies and techniques to diagnose viral and bacterial infections in wild species (terrestrial and aquatic), with special focus on the diseases and their dynamics that have recently emerged as consequences of the environmental changes caused by the anthropogenic activities.

Prof. Dr. Cristina Esmeralda Di Francesco
Dr. Camilla Smoglica
Dr. Simone Angelucci
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Wildlife
  • Viral infection
  • Bacterial infection
  • Laboratory diagnosis
  • Pathogen characterization

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 178 KiB  
Editorial
Infectious Diseases and Wildlife Conservation Medicine: The Case of the Canine Distemper in European Wolf Population
by Cristina E. Di Francesco, Camilla Smoglica and Simone Angelucci
Animals 2020, 10(12), 2426; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10122426 - 18 Dec 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1935
Abstract
Canine distemper is a contagious infectious disease, caused by canine distemper virus (CDV) belonging to Morbillivirus genus, Paramyxoviridae family, representing a serious threat for domestic and wild carnivores [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and New insights in Laboratory Diagnosis of Infectious (Viral and Bacterial) Diseases in Wildlife Conservation Medicine)

Research

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9 pages, 1262 KiB  
Communication
Molecular Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Canine Distemper Virus in Marsican Brown Bear (Ursus arctos marsicanus)
by Cristina Esmeralda Di Francesco, Camilla Smoglica, Vincenza Di Pirro, Federica Cafini, Leonardo Gentile and Fulvio Marsilio
Animals 2022, 12(14), 1826; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12141826 - 18 Jul 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1982
Abstract
In this paper, we report the first molecular detection of the canine distemper virus in the Marsican brown bear (Ursus arctos marsicanus). Three subadults and one adult were live-trapped and checked for the main viral pathogens responsible for infectious diseases in [...] Read more.
In this paper, we report the first molecular detection of the canine distemper virus in the Marsican brown bear (Ursus arctos marsicanus). Three subadults and one adult were live-trapped and checked for the main viral pathogens responsible for infectious diseases in this species. The four bears were found to be negative for all investigated viruses except for one, which resulted in a positive outcome for CDV by means of RT-PCR targeting fragments of viral N and H genes. The sequence analysis revealed the specificity of amplicons for the Europe Wildlife lineage of CDV, the same viral strain recovered from three foxes and two unvaccinated dogs coming from the same territories where the positive bear was captured. These results confirm the receptivity of Marsican brown bear for CDV, apparently without any pathological consequences for the positive animal, and suggest the presence in the studied area of a unique wild host-adapted lineage of the virus, able to spread in domestic animals, too. In this respect, continuous and specifically targeted surveillance systems are necessary in order to highlight any changes in the epidemiology of the infection in the territories where the Marsican brown bear lives, along with a more effective vaccination program for domestic dogs co-existing with this endangered species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and New insights in Laboratory Diagnosis of Infectious (Viral and Bacterial) Diseases in Wildlife Conservation Medicine)
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11 pages, 1377 KiB  
Communication
Influenza A in Wild Boars: Viral Circulation in the Emilia-Romagna Region (Northern Italy) between 2017 and 2022
by Alice Prosperi, Laura Soliani, Elena Canelli, Laura Baioni, Valentina Gabbi, Camilla Torreggiani, Roberta Manfredi, Irene Calanchi, Giovanni Pupillo, Filippo Barsi, Patrizia Bassi, Laura Fiorentini, Matteo Frasnelli, Maria Cristina Fontana, Andrea Luppi and Chiara Chiapponi
Animals 2022, 12(12), 1593; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12121593 - 20 Jun 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2071
Abstract
A systematic surveillance against influenza A viruses (IAVs) in the Suidae population is essential, considering their role as IAV mixing vessels. However, the viral circulation in wild Sus scrofa species is poorly investigated in comparison to the knowledge of IAV infection dynamics in [...] Read more.
A systematic surveillance against influenza A viruses (IAVs) in the Suidae population is essential, considering their role as IAV mixing vessels. However, the viral circulation in wild Sus scrofa species is poorly investigated in comparison to the knowledge of IAV infection dynamics in domestic pigs. This study investigated the circulation and the genetic diversity of wild boars’ IAVs detected in the Emilia-Romagna region (2017–2022). A total of 4605 lung samples were screened via an M gene real-time RT-PCR for SwIAV; positive samples were subtyped by multiplex RT-PCR, and viral isolation was attempted. Isolated strains (3 out of the 17 positives) were fully sequenced to evaluate viral genotypic diversity. H1N1 was the most frequently detected subtype, with identification of H1pdm09N1 and H1avN1. Whole-genome phylogenetic analysis revealed SwIAVs belonging to different genotypes, with different genetic combinations, and highlighted the simultaneous circulation of the same genotypes in both pigs and wild boars, supporting the hypothesis of SwIAV spillover events at the wildlife–livestock interface. This study represents an update on the wild boar SwIAV Italian situation, and the strains’ complete genome analysis showed an evolving and interesting situation that deserves further investigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and New insights in Laboratory Diagnosis of Infectious (Viral and Bacterial) Diseases in Wildlife Conservation Medicine)
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15 pages, 2798 KiB  
Article
Phenotypic and Genetic Characterization of Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates from Wild Animals in Central Italy
by Alexandra Chiaverini, Alessandra Cornacchia, Gabriella Centorotola, Elga Ersilia Tieri, Nadia Sulli, Ilaria Del Matto, Giorgio Iannitto, Domenico Petrone, Antonio Petrini and Francesco Pomilio
Animals 2022, 12(11), 1347; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12111347 - 25 May 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2811
Abstract
Despite Klebsiella pneumoniae being widely recognized as a nosocomial pathogen, there is a critical lack in defining its reservoirs and sources of infections. Most studies on risk factors have focused on multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates and clinically-oriented questions. Over a two-year period, we sampled [...] Read more.
Despite Klebsiella pneumoniae being widely recognized as a nosocomial pathogen, there is a critical lack in defining its reservoirs and sources of infections. Most studies on risk factors have focused on multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates and clinically-oriented questions. Over a two-year period, we sampled 131 wild animals including mammal and bird species from three regions of Central Italy. All typical colonies isolated from the analytical portions were confirmed by real-time PCR and identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). All confirmed K. pneumoniae isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility to 29 antimicrobials and subjected to whole genome sequencing. Typical colonies were detected in 17 samples (13%), which were identified as K. pneumoniae (n = 16) and as K. quasipneumoniae (n = 1) by MALDI-TOF MS. The antimicrobial susceptibility profile showed that all the isolates were resistant to β-lactams (ceftobiprole, cloxacillin, cefazolin) and tetracycline; resistance to ertapenem and trimethoprim was observed and nine out of 16 K. pneumoniae isolates (56.2%) were classified as MDR. Genomic characterization allowed the detection of fluoroquinolone resistance-associated efflux pumps, fosfomycin and β-lactamase resistance genes, and virulence genes in the overall dataset. The cluster analysis of two isolates detected from wild boar with available clinical genomes showed the closest similarity. This study highlights the link between humans, domestic animals, and wildlife, showing that the current knowledge on this ecological context is lacking and that the potential health risks are underestimated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and New insights in Laboratory Diagnosis of Infectious (Viral and Bacterial) Diseases in Wildlife Conservation Medicine)
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17 pages, 649 KiB  
Article
Combining Analytical Approaches and Multiple Sources of Information to Improve Interpretation of Diagnostic Test Results for Tuberculosis in Wild Meerkats
by Stuart J. Patterson, Charlene Clarke, Tim H. Clutton-Brock, Michele A. Miller, Sven D. C. Parsons, Dirk U. Pfeiffer, Timothée Vergne and Julian A. Drewe
Animals 2021, 11(12), 3453; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11123453 - 4 Dec 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2644
Abstract
Diagnostic tests are used to classify individual animals’ infection statuses. However, validating test performance in wild animals without gold standard tests is extremely challenging, and the issue is further complicated in chronic conditions where measured immune parameters vary over time. Here, we demonstrate [...] Read more.
Diagnostic tests are used to classify individual animals’ infection statuses. However, validating test performance in wild animals without gold standard tests is extremely challenging, and the issue is further complicated in chronic conditions where measured immune parameters vary over time. Here, we demonstrate the value of combining evidence from different diagnostic approaches to aid interpretation in the absence of gold standards, large sample sizes, and controlled environments. Over a two-year period, we sampled 268 free-living meerkats (Suricata suricatta) longitudinally for Mycobacterium suricattae (a causative agent of tuberculosis), using three ante-mortem diagnostic tests based on mycobacterial culture, and antigen-specific humoral and cell-mediated immune responses, interpreting results both independently and in combination. Post-mortem cultures confirmed M. suricattae infection in 22 animals, which had prior ante-mortem information, 59% (13/22) of which were test-positive on a parallel test interpretation (PTI) of the three ante-mortem diagnostic assays (95% confidence interval: 37–79%). A similar ability to detect infection, 65.7% (95% credible interval: 42.7–84.7%), was estimated using a Bayesian approach to examine PTI. Strong evidence was found for a near doubling of the hazard of death (Hazard Ratio 1.75, CI: 1.14–2.67, p = 0.01), associated with a positive PTI result, thus demonstrating that these test results are related to disease outcomes. For individual tests, small sample sizes led to wide confidence intervals, but replication of conclusions, using different methods, increased our confidence in these results. This study demonstrates that combining multiple methodologies to evaluate diagnostic tests in free-ranging wildlife populations can be a useful approach for exploiting such valuable datasets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and New insights in Laboratory Diagnosis of Infectious (Viral and Bacterial) Diseases in Wildlife Conservation Medicine)
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15 pages, 11193 KiB  
Article
Integrated Use of Molecular Techniques to Detect and Genetically Characterise DNA Viruses in Italian Wolves (Canis lupus italicus)
by Andrea Balboni, Lorenza Urbani, Mauro Delogu, Carmela Musto, Maria Cristina Fontana, Giuseppe Merialdi, Giuseppe Lucifora, Alessia Terrusi, Francesco Dondi and Mara Battilani
Animals 2021, 11(8), 2198; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082198 - 24 Jul 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4335
Abstract
In this study, internal organs (tongue, intestine, and spleen) of 23 free-ranging Italian wolves (Canis lupus italicus) found dead between 2017 and 2019 were tested for Carnivore protoparvovirus 1, Canine adenovirus (CAdV), and Canine circovirus (CanineCV) using real-time PCR assays. [...] Read more.
In this study, internal organs (tongue, intestine, and spleen) of 23 free-ranging Italian wolves (Canis lupus italicus) found dead between 2017 and 2019 were tested for Carnivore protoparvovirus 1, Canine adenovirus (CAdV), and Canine circovirus (CanineCV) using real-time PCR assays. Genetic characterisation of the identified viruses was carried out by amplification, sequencing, and analysis of the complete viral genome or informative viral genes. All the wolves tested positive for at least one of the DNA viruses screened, and 11/23 were coinfected. Carnivore protoparvoviruses were the most frequently detected viruses (21/23), followed by CanineCV (11/23) and CAdV (4/23). From the analysis of the partial VP2 gene of 13 carnivore protoparvoviruses, 12 were canine parvovirus type 2b, closely related to the strains detected in dogs and wild carnivores from Italy, and one was a feline panleukopenia-like virus. Of the four CAdV identified, two were CAdV-1 and two were CAdV-2. The complete genome of seven CanineCVs was sequenced and related to the CanineCV identified in dogs, wolves, and foxes worldwide. Close correlations emerged between the viruses identified in wolves and those circulating in domestic dogs. Further studies are needed to investigate if these pathogens may be potentially cross-transmitted between the two species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and New insights in Laboratory Diagnosis of Infectious (Viral and Bacterial) Diseases in Wildlife Conservation Medicine)
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