DigitalUM :: Browsing by browse.metadata.contributordepartment "Sanidad Animal"

Browsing by browse.metadata.contributordepartment "Sanidad Animal"

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Open Access
23S rRNA and L22 ribosomal protein are involved in the acquisition of macrolide and lincosamide resistance in Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capricolum
(Elsevier, ) Prats-van der Ham, Miranda; Tatay-Dualde, Juan; Gómez-Martín, Angel; Corrales, Juan Carlos; Contreras de Vera, Antonio; Sánchez López, Antonio; de la Fe, Christian; Sanidad Animal
Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capricolum (Mcc) is one of the causative agents of contagious agalactia, and antimicrobial treatment is the most commonly applied measure to treat outbreaks of this disease. Macrolides and lincosamides bind specifically to nucleotides at domains II and V of the 23S rRNA gene. Furthermore, rplD and rplV genes encode ribosomal proteins L4 and L22, which are also implicated in the macrolide binding site. The aim of this work was to study the relationship between these genes and the acquisition of macrolide and lincosamide resistance in Mcc. For this purpose, in vitro selected resistant mutants and field isolates were studied. This study demonstrates the appearance of DNA point mutations at the 23S rRNA encoding genes (A2058G, A2059G and A2062C) and rplV gene (Ala89Asp) in association to high minimum inhibitory concentration values. Hence, it proves the importance of 23S rRNA domain V and ribosomal protein L22 as molecular mechanisms responsible for the acquisition of macrolide and lincosamide resistance in both field isolates and in vitro selected mutants. Furthermore, these mutations enable us to provide an interpretative breakpoint of antimicrobial resistance for Mcc at MIC 0.8 µg/ml.
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A spatial ecology study in a high-diversity host community to understand blood-feeding behaviour in Phlebotomus sandfly vectors of Leishmania
(Wiley, 2020-01-13) Pérez Cutillas, P.; Muñoz, C.; Martínez de la Puente, J.; Figuerola, J.; Navarro, R.; Ortuño, M.; Bernal, L. J.; Ortiz Sánchez, J.; Soriguer, R. C.; Berriatua, E.; Sanidad Animal
Molecular studies indicate that Phlebotomine sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) blood feed on many vertebrate species, of which only a few are proven parasite reservoirs. Investigating sandfly vector feeding preferences is therefore important and requires taking into account the availability and accessibility of host species. In terms of the latter, it is necessary to consider the metabolic cost to the insect of reaching the host and moving on to a suitable breeding site. The present study used statistical modelling to compare the feeding patterns of Phlebotomus perniciosus (n = 150), Phlebotomus papatasi (n = 35) and Phlebotomus ariasi (n = 7) on each of an average of 30 host species in a wildlife park in Murcia, Spain. Sandfly feeding movement costs were estimated as a function of the distance and altitude gradients saved by the insect, assuming that they displayed ‘site fidelity’. Most (87%) engorged females were caught <100 m from the host on which they had fed. Although the percentage of bloodmeals was highest on fallow deer (Dama dama) (30%) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) (26%), the predicted feeding probability after considering movement cost was highest for red deer and common eland (Taurotragus oryx), and positively associated with host census. These results suggest that, under similar circumstances, sandflies prefer to feed on some host species more than on others.
Open Access
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the serological diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection highlight the lack of a One Health integrative research
(Elsevier, 2023-01-10) Huertas López, Ana; Álvarez García, Gema; Sánchez Sánchez, Roberto; Cantos Barreda, Ana; Ibáñez López, Francisco José; Martínez Subiela, Silvia; Cerón Madrigal, José Joaquín; Martínez-Carrasco Pleite, Carlos; Sanidad Animal; Facultades de la UMU::Facultad de Veterinaria
Toxoplasma gondii is a globally distributed food-borne zoonotic parasite with numerous infection sources. The control of this zoonosis requires a One Health response that partially depends on serological monitoring in humans and animals. Herein, a systematic review and a meta-analysis were performed to analyse and compare the transdisciplinary and integrative research under the One Health approach. We searched for articles published between January 1st 2014 and September 5th 2022, focused on the development and evaluation of serological techniques for the diagnosis of T. gondii infection in humans and animals. After an exhaustive search on three scientific databases, a quality assessment was performed on 291 articles by QUADAS-2 tool, and 113 articles were finally selected. A total of 18 variables were extracted and analysed, including bibliometric characteristics, study aims and methodology. Remarkably, none of the studies included in the meta-analysis explicitly quoted the words “One Health”, and only 23.9% of them alluded to the principles underlying the One Health approach; in particular, none were conducted by physician-only teams, with the majority of these studies involving interdisciplinary research teams, followed by veterinarians and by non-physician or non-veterinarian researchers. The One Health approach followed in the serodiagnosis of T. gondii still needs further integration among scientific disciplines, which is essential to design effective control strategies.
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A time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay for the detection of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in sheep
(Elsevier, 2019-11-18) Huertas López, Ana; Huertas-López, Ana; Martínez-Carrasco Pleite, Carlos; Cerón Madrigal, José Joaquín; Sánchez-Sánchez, Roberto; Vázquez-Calvo, Ángela; Álvarez-García, Gema; Martínez Subiela, Silvia; Sanidad Animal; Facultad de Veterinaria
Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite (Phylum Apicomplexa) that has been recently suggested as a relevant cause of reproductive disorders in small ruminants. The aim of the present study is to develop and validate a new serological test based on time resolved fluorescency using N. caninum GRA7 recombinant antigen (GRA7-TRFIA) for the detection of N. caninum antibodies in sheep. A total of 346 serum samples (208 from experimentally infected sheep, 117 from a dairy farm with a previous history of Neospora-associated abortion, and 21 negative sera) were used. The validation of the new assay was performed by the evaluation of assay precision, analytical sensitivity (Se), accuracy and cross reactivity. In the experimentally infected sheep, antibody kinetics was compared between GRA7-TRFIA and an in house N. caninum tachyzoite soluble extract-based ELISA (NcSALUVET ELISA) by Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test. The cut-off and diagnostic Se and specificity (Sp) of GRA7-TRFIA was estimated by ROC analysis with field samples. In addition, concordance and correlation between GRA7-TRFIA and a commercial ELISA and NcSALUVET ELISA were assessed by kappa value and Spearman correlation coefficient, respectively. Overall, GRA7-TRFIA showed an adequate precision, analytical Se and accuracy to detect anti-N. caninum antibodies in ovine serum, and no cross reactivity with the closely related protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. In naturally infected sheep, 100% Se and 95.35% Sp were obtained for a cut-off point of 62.68 Units of Fluorometry for N. caninum (UFN). Moreover, GRA7-TRFIA allowed earlier detection of N. caninum infection than NcSALUVET ELISA in experimentally infected sheep.
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Abomasal and small intestinal nematodes from captive gazelles in Spain
(Cambridge University Press, 2001-12) Ortiz Sánchez, Juana; Ruiz de Ybáñez Carnero, María del Rocío; Garijo Toledo, María Magdalena; Goyena, Marina; Espeso, Gerardo; Abáigar, Teresa; Cano, Mar; Sanidad Animal
The abomasal and small intestinal helminth fauna of three species of captive gazelles (Gazella dama mhorr, G. cuvieri and G. dorcas neglecta) kept in captivity in AlmerõÂa (southeast Spain) have been studied, and the following species were identified: Nematodirus spathiger, N. filicollis, N. helvetianus, Camelostrongylus mentulatus, Trichostrongylus vitrinus, T. probolurus, T. colubriformis, Ostertagia ostertagi, O. harrisi, Teladorsagia (Ostertagia) circumcincta, and T. (Ostertagia) davtiani. Camelostrongylus mentulatus and N. spathiger were the most prevalent and abundant parasites. Ostertagia ostertagi, O. harrisi, N. helvetianus, and T. (Ostertagia) davtiani were identified for the first time in the genus Gazella. In addition, O. harrisi and Trichostrongylus probolurus are new records for Spain
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African Lungfish Reveal the Evolutionary Origins of Organized Mucosal Lymphoid Tissue in Vertebrates
(Elsevier, 2015-09-21) Tacchi, Luca; Larragoite, Erin T.; Muñoz, Pilar; Amemiya, Chris T.; Salinas, Irene; Sanidad Animal
One of the most remarkable innovations of the verte brate adaptive immune system is the progressive orga nization of the lymphoid tissues that leads to increased efficiency of immune surveillance and cell interactions. The mucosal immune system of endotherms has evolved organized secondary mucosal lymphoid tis sues (O-MALT) such as Peyer’s patches, tonsils, and adenoids. Primitive semi-organized lymphoid nodules or aggregates(LAs) were found in themucosa of anuran amphibians [1], suggesting that O-MALT evolved from amphibian LAs 250 million years ago [1–4]. This study shows for the first time the presence of O-MALT in the mucosa of the African lungfish, an extant representa tive of the closest ancestral lineage to all tetrapods. Lungfish LAs are lymphocyte-rich structures associ ated with a modified covering epithelium and express all IGH genes except for IGHW2L. In response to infec tion, nasal LAs doubled their size and increased the expression of CD3 and IGH transcripts. Additionally, de novo organogenesis of inducible LAs resembling mammalian tertiary lymphoid structures was observed. Using deep-sequencing transcriptomes, we identified several members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily, and subsequent phylogenetic analyses re vealed its extraordinary diversification within sarcop terygian fish. Attempts to find AICDA in lungfish transcriptomes or by RT-PCR failed, indicating the possible absence of somatic hypermutation in lungfish LAs. These findings collectively suggest that the origin of O-MALT predates the emergence of tetrapods and that TNF family members play a conserved role in the organization of vertebrate mucosal lymphoid organs.
Open Access
Aggregata (Protozoa: Apicomplexa) infection in the common octopus Octopus vulgaris from the West Mediterranean Sea: The infection rates and possible effect of faunistic,environmental and ecological factors
(Elsevier, 2013-04-13) Mayo-Hernández, E.; Barcala, E.; Berriatua, E.; Muñoz, P.; García Ayala, Alfonsa; Sanidad Animal
Prevalence and distribution of the coccidian parasite Aggregata octopiana (Protozoa: Apicomplexa) in common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) in the Mediterranean Spanish coasts were studied. A total of 114 octopuses were sampled from 30 geographic sectors by trawlfleet, and whitish macroscopic oocysts typical of A. octopiana infection were recorded in 96% of octopuses in the digestive tract and mainly in intestine and spiral caecum. The univariate analysis showed that lesion extension varied according to specific octopus, environmental and faunis- tic variables. A subsequent multivariable analysis indicated that the risk of macroscopic lesions in the caecum was greater in males compared to females, in octopuses living in deeper compared to shallower waters and in hauls where the crustacean.Pagurus excavatus was present. The study provides further evidence of the abundance of A. octopianain octopus ecosystems urging for further studies to evaluate its health impact. The combined abundance of infected octopuses and P. excavatus merits attention.
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An endangered species living in an endangered ecosystem: Population structure and growth of European eel Anguilla anguilla in a Mediterranean coastal lagoon
(2022-01-13) Barcala, Elena; Bulto, Cristina; Boza, Cristina; María-Dolores, Emilio; Muñoz, Pilar; Peñalver García, José; Romero García, Diego; Sanidad Animal
Mediterranean coastal habitats constitute a nonmarginal fraction of the overall continental habitats of the European eel. It has been suggested that the recovery of the eel global stock may depend closely upon the contribution of Southern European and North African countries within the Mediterranean basin, therefore It is essential to know all the aspects related with its biology and populations dynamic to ensure that the European Commission conservation plan works in this habitats. The aims of this study were to ascertain the structure of the endangered A. anguilla populations in the Mar Menor and obtain essential data for future management plans in the Mediterranean catchment area. In total, 1151 wild fish were caught by local fishermen in 2015–2016 and 2016–2017, and their biological traits were determined. Our findings show that the Mar Menor’s A. anguilla population consists of resident females (1:0.008, female:male), yellow and silvering individuals (56.56% and 43.27% respectively), with a mean age of 3 years. The traditional view of long-lived eels with low growth rates does not fit the picture of Mediterranean eel populations. The effect of fishing techniques used, and the eutrophication processes noted during the study period are also discussed.
Open Access
Antibacterial potential of commercial and wild lactic acid bacteria strains isolated from ovine and caprine raw milk against Mycoplasma agalactiae
(Frontiers Media, 2023-06-22) Toquet, Marion; Bataller, Esther; Gomis Almendro, Jesús; Sánchez López, Antonio; Toledo-Perona, Raquel; de la Fe Rodríguez, Christian; Corrales Romero, Juan Carlos; Gómez-Martin, Ángel; Sanidad Animal
Introduction: The complexity of fighting contagious agalactia (CA) has raised the necessity of alternative antimicrobial therapies, such as probiotics. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are present in the mammary gland of small ruminants and their antimicrobial effect have been previously described against species like Mycoplasma bovis but never against Mycoplasma agalactiae (Ma). This in vitro study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial activity against Ma of ovine and caprine LAB strains and a human commercial probiotic (L2) of Lactobacillus spp. Methods: A total of 63 possible LAB strains were isolated from nine ovine and caprine farms in Spain, three isolates (33B, 248D, and 120B) from the 63 strains were selected, based on their capacity to grow in a specific medium in vitro, for an in vitro experiment to assess their antimicrobial activity against Ma in Ultra High Temperature (UHT) processed goat milk (GM). A women commercial vaginal probiotic was also included in the study. The inoculum of L2 was prepared at a concentration of 3.24 × 108 CFU/mL and the average concentration of the inoculum of the wild LAB varied from 7.9 × 107 to 8.4 × 108 CFU/mL. Results: The commercial probiotic L2 significantly reduced the concentration of Ma to 0.000 log CFU/mL (p < 0.001), strain 33B reduced it from 7.185 to 1.279 log CFU/mL (p < 0.001), and 120B from 6.825 to 6.466 log CFU/mL (p < 0.05). Strain 248D presented a bacteriostatic effect in GM. Moreover, the three wild strains and the commercial probiotic produced a significative reduction of the pH (p < 0.001). Discussion: This is the first in vivo report of the antimicrobial potential of LAB strains against Ma and its interaction. Our results support possible future alternative strategies to antibiotic therapy, previously not contemplated, to fight CA in small ruminants. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the action mechanisms through which these LAB are able to inhibit Ma and to assess the safety of using these strains in possible in vivo studies.
Open Access
Antimicrobial Resistance of Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis Commensal Isolates from Laying Hen Farms in Spain
(MDPI, 2021) Rivera-Gomis, Jorge; Marín, Pedro; Martínez-Conesa, Cristina; Otal, Julio; Jordán, María José; Escudero, Elisa; Cubero, María José; Sanidad Animal
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat for human and animal health. Few studies have been carried out in laying hens. We evaluated the antimicrobial susceptibility of commensal Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis isolates in Spanish laying hens in 2018. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was used to identify any AMR of the studied isolates by means of a broth microdilution method. C. jejuni was highly resistant to the B category antimicrobials, and 52% of the isolates were susceptible to all the antimicrobials tested. E. coli showed medium and high percentages of resistance to the B and A antibiotic categories, respectively, and 33.33% of the isolates were susceptible to all antimicrobials. The E. faecalis resistance to A category antimicrobials was variable, and 4.62% of the isolates were susceptible to all antimicrobials. In our work, novel data on AMR in laying hen commensal isolates in Spain is provided, and the AMR levels differ from those reported for poultry in the EU. A high resistance to key drugs for human medicine was found, representing a public health risk.
Open Access
Are Anthelminthic Treatments of Captive Ruminants Necessary?
(MDPI, 2021-10-18) Lahat, Liron; Ortiz Sánchez, Juana; Tizzani, Paolo; Ibáñez, Belén; Valera, Francisco; Moreno, Eulalia; Espeso, Gerardo; Ruiz de Ybáñez Carnero, María del Rocío; Sanidad Animal
Anthelmintics are frequently administered to animals to limit fecal egg elimination, so that wild animals in captive breeding programs are treated to maintain a proper health condition. This is effective from a health management perspective, but on the other hand, it could prevent captive animals from developing an effective immunity against parasites that they might encounter when reintroduced into their original geographic areas. The aim of this study was to describe the dynamics of parasite infections in captive Cuvier’s gazelles (Gazella cuvieri) not treated with anthelmintics for two years and to evaluate the factors related to their fecal egg shedding. Fifteen one-year-old males were enclosed together and captured monthly to collect feces directly from the rectum. Fecal egg counts were performed, and eggs were classified as strongylid-like, Nematodirus sp., or Trichuris sp. Fecal egg shedding for the three groups of parasites did not vary significantly over the duration of the study. Only precipitation affected the egg-shedding pattern of all parasites, while inbreeding was positively associated with the number of strongylid-like parasites. These findings suggest an equilibrium between hosts and parasites in absence of treatment during the study. The anthelmintic treatment as a systematic prophylaxis method in captive animals should be avoided and replaced by systematic coprological and clinical vigilance, as well as targeted treatment in the case of a significant rise of fecal egg counts
Open Access
Assessing DESS solution for the long-term preservation of nematodes from faecal samples
(Elsevier, 2022-10-18) Ruiz de Ybáñez Carnero, María del Rocío; Rodríguez-Caro, R.C.; Maíz-García, A.; Gómez, L; Giménez Casalduero, Andrés; Graciá, E.; Gonzálvez Juan, Moisés; Sanidad Animal
Preservation of biological samples is a relevant issue for many scientific disciplines. Although traditional preservers, such as formaldehyde or ethanol, imply major disadvantages related to health risks, DNA degradation and distortion of structures, they are widely used. Hence, the search for viable alternatives preserving morphometry and genetics seems necessary. Here we assess the suitability of DESS solution to preserve adult nematodes and their eggs in faeces. Concretely, faecal samples of terrestrial tortoises with oxyurids were used to: (i) compare the 1-month storage efficacy of eggs from different conservation protocols (faeces without preserver at -20 °C, faeces with DESS solution at room temperature, faeces with DESS solution at -20 °C and faeces with ethanol 70% at room temperature); (ii) address morphological nematode identification after 2 years of storage with DESS. We also corroborated that nematode DNA remained viable after 2 years. Overall, our results showed that DESS solution at room temperature is an advisable alternative to conserve both parasite eggs and adult nematodes for morphological identification and genetic purposes. It also offers the advantages of being low-cost, safe and suitable for fieldwork conditions and shipments without refrigeration for nematode preservation.
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Assessing the impact of introduced cats on island biodiversity by combining dietary and movement analysis
(Wiley, 2013-08-15) Hervías Parejo, Sandra; Oppel, S.; Medina, F.M.; Pipa, T.; Díez, A.; Ramos, Jaime A.; Ruiz de Ybáñez Carnero, María del Rocío; Nogales, Manuel; Sanidad Animal
Populations of feral (not owned by humans) and domestic cats Felis catus coexist in most inhabited islands, and they have similar impacts on native species. Feral cats are generally believed to vary their diet according to prey availability; however, no previous studies of diet have tested this hypothesis on insular ecosystems with a limited range of available prey. Because domestic cats kill prey independently of hunger, the spatial extent of their impact on wildlife will be influenced by home-range size. In this study, we combined dietary information with cat movements to assess the impacts of feral and domestic cats on island biodiversity. We quantified the diet of cats from scat samples collected across one year and tested whether diet varies by season. The abundance of main prey categories was also estimated to document seasonal variation in prey availability for cats. Finally, we tracked domestic cats by global positioning system units in all four seasons to examine whether home-range patterns varied seasonally. The diet of cats constituted three prey groups (rodents, birds and invertebrates), and the seasonal variation in consumption of each taxon matched the seasonal variation in prey availability, thus supporting the generalist behaviour of cats on oceanic islands. Roaming behaviour varied among individuals and across seasons, but could not be explained by availability of prey. Unconfined cats had larger homeranges than confined cats, but most domestic cats strayed <1 km from home. Thus, confinement of domestic cats might reduce the spatial extent of cat impact on native prey populations on oceanic islands.
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Associated risk factors influencing ovine Eimeria infections in southern Spain
(Elsevier, 2018) Carrau Garreta, Tessa; Silva, L.M.R.; Pérez, D.; Failing, K.; Martínez Carrasco-Pleite, Carlos; Macías, J.; Taubert, A.; Hermosilla, C.; Ruiz de Ybáñez Carnero, María del Rocío; Sanidad Animal
Eimeria infections are common in sheep industry worldwide nonetheless very little is known on infection dynamics and associated risk factors influencing the outcome of clinical ovine coccidiosis. The aim of the present work was to analyse intrinsic (e. g. host age) and extrinsic (flock size, farm size and animal density) risk factors influencing dynamics of Eimeria spp. infections in sheep farms of the semi-arid region of Murcia in southern Spain. Overall, 64 ovine flocks in Murcia were surveyed and a total of 396 faecal samples were collected between May and July 2015. Flotation and McMaster techniques were performed for parasitological investigation. Excreted oocysts were identified on the basis of morphological as well as morphometric characteristics. In all analysed samples Eimeria spp. oocysts (100%) were found and 11 different Eimeria species were identified. Most prevalent species was E. ovinoidalis (97%) followed by E. parva/E.pallida (97%), E. weybridgensis (90.9%) and E. crandallis (89.4%), respectively. Concomitant infections with more than one Eimeria species were observed in all analysed samples. Analysis of intrinsic/extrinsic risk factor revealed age, herd/farm size and animal density to be the main factors significantly influencing Eimeria oocysts per gram of faeces counts (OPG) and overall prevalence of Eimeria spp. infections in sheep.
Open Access
Avoidance of carnivore carcasses by vertebrate scavengers enables colonization by a diverse community of carrion insects
(Public Library of Science, 2019-08-29) Muñoz Lozano, Carlos; Martín Vega, Daniel; Sánchez Zapata, José Antonio; Morales Reyes, Zebensui; Moleón Paiz, Marcos; Martínez-Carrasco Pleite, Carlos; Gonzálvez Juan, Moisés; Sanidad Animal; Facultad de Veterinaria
Carrion resources sustain a complex and diverse community of both vertebrate and invertebrate scavengers, either obligate or facultative. However, although carrion ecology has received increasing scientific attention in recent years, our understanding of carrion partitioning in natural conditions is severely limited as most studies are restricted either to the vertebrate or the insect scavenger communities. Moreover, carnivore carcasses have been traditionally neglected as study model. Here, we provide the first data on the partitioning between vertebrate and invertebrate scavengers of medium-sized carnivore carcasses, red fox (Vulpes vulpes (Linnaeus)), in two mountainous Mediterranean areas of south-eastern Spain. Carcasses were visited by several mammalian and avian scavengers, but only one carcass was partially consumed by golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos (Linnaeus). These results provide additional support to the carnivore carrion-avoidance hypothesis, which suggests that mammalian carnivores avoid the consumption of carnivore carcasses to prevent disease transmission risk. In turn, the absence of vertebrate scavengers at carnivore carcasses enabled a diverse and well-structured successional community of insects to colonise the carcasses. The observed richness and abundance of the most frequent families was more influenced by the decomposition time than by the study area. Overall, our study encourages further research on carrion resource partitioning in natural conditions.
Open Access
Blastocystis in free-ranging wild ruminant species across the Iberian Peninsula
(BioMed Central, 2025-07-09) Figueiredo, Ana M.; Dashti, Alejandro; Maloney, Jenny G.; Molokin, Aleksey; George, Nadja S.; Köster, Pamela C.; Bailo, Begoña; Sánchez de las Matas, Ana; Habela, Miguel Ángel; Rivero Juarez, Antonio; Vicente, Joaquín; Serrano, Emmanuel; Arnal, María C.; Fernández de Luco, Daniel; Morrondo, Patrocinio; Armenteros, José A.; Balseiro, Ana; Cardona, Guillermo A.; Martínez-Carrasco Pleite, Carlos; Torres, Rita T.; Fonseca, Carlos; Mysterud, Atle; Carvalho, João; Calero-Bernal, Rafael; González Barrio, David; Santín, Mónica; Carmena, David; Sanidad Animal; Facultades de la UMU::Facultad de Veterinaria
The growing wild ungulate populations across Europe represents an increasingly important source for the spread of zoonotic pathogens. Blastocystis is a common intestinal protist observed in humans and animals worldwide. Studies on Blastocystis occurrence and subtype (ST) diversity in free-ranging wild ruminants are lacking globally, and more data are needed to understand the epidemiological scenario in wild European ruminants. We collected 833 faecal samples from free-ranging wild angulates across Spain (n = 699) and Portugal (n = 134) between 1998 and 2021. Using conventional PCR and nextgeneration amplicon sequencing, Blastocystis was found in 13.8% (115/833; 95% CI: 11.5–16.3) of the wild ruminants analysed. Its occurrence was significantly higher in Portugal (38.1%, 51/134; 95% CI 29.8–46.8) than in Spain (9.2%, 64/699; 95% CI: 7.1–11.5). Fifteen Blastocystis STs, fourteen previously recognised (ST2, ST5, ST10, ST13, ST14, ST21, ST23–ST26, ST30, and ST42–ST44), and one novel (named ST49), were detected among the surveyed wild ruminant populations. Novel ST49 was described using Oxford Nanopore sequencing to produce full-length reference sequences of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. A greater ST diversity was observed in Spanish samples. Mixed infections were found in 58.3% (67/115) of the total Blastocystis-positive samples. Our results have enhanced the knowledge regarding Blastocystis occurrence and ST diversity and host preference present in wild ruminants from the Iberian Peninsula, which will assist in clarifying the relationships between the sylvatic and domestic cycles of this protist and may ultimately provide tools to help manage future public health epidemiological scenarios.
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Blood fluke infection of cage reared Atlantic bluefin tuna Thunnus thynnus in west Mediterranean
(The Japanase Society of Fish Pathology, 2011) Ruiz de Ybáñez Carnero, María del Rocío; Martínez Carrasco-Pleite, Carlos; del Río, Laura; María Dolores, Emilio; Berriatua, Eduardo; Muñoz, Pilar; Peñalver García, José; Sanidad Animal
Infection of a blood fluke, possibly Cardicola sp. (Digenea: Aporocotylidae), in reared Atlantic bluefin tuna Thunnus thynnus was investigated. Parasitological analyses included visual examination of the heart for the presence of adult fluke and stereomicroscopic and histopathological analyses of the gill to assess the presence of lesions caused by parasite eggs. No adult flukes were found in the hearts. Some of the gills exhibited small white to yellow foci involving single filaments. Blood fluke eggs were found in gill tissue sections of 29.6% of sampled tuna. A slight inflammatory response was observed around most of these eggs, while occasionally individual eggs were encapsulated by a granulomatous reaction. Despite the absence of remarkable pathological effects in the infected tuna, blood flukes combined with other agents may cause major problem.
Open Access
Bluetongue virus in the Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus), 2010–2022
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024-10) Caballero Gómez, Javier; Sánchez Sánchez, Marta; Lorca Oró, Cristina; Fernández de Mera, Isabel G.; Zorrilla, Irene; López, Guillermo; Rosell, Rosa; Grande Gómez, Rebeca; Montoya Oliver, Juan I.; Salcedo, Javier; Paniagua, Jorge; Cano Gómez, Cristina; Gonzálvez Juan, Moisés; García Bocanegra, Ignacio; Sanidad Animal; Facultades de la UMU::Facultad de Veterinaria
Clinical infection and death caused by bluetongue virus infection has been reported in the Eurasian lynx. Bluetongue virus surveillance in the Iberian lynx revealed widespread and repeated exposure to serotypes 1 and 4 in wild and captive populations of this species. This exposure is possibly from a spillover event from sympatric ruminants.
Open Access
Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) do also cast neutrophil extracellular traps against the apicomplexan parasite Neospora caninum
(Elsevier, 2017-12) Villagra-Blanco, R.; Silva, L.M.R.; Aguilella-Segura, A.; Martínez Carrasco-Pleite, Carlos; Seipp, A.; Gärtner, U.; Ruiz de Ybáñez Carnero, María del Rocío; Taubert, A.; Hermosilla, C.; Arcenillas Hernández, Irene; Sanidad Animal
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are web-like structures composed of nuclear DNA decorated with histones and cytoplasmic peptides which antiparasitic properties have not previously been investigated in cetaceans. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) were isolated from healthy bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and stimulated with Neospora caninum tachyzoites and the NETs-agonist zymosan. In vitro interactions of PMN with the tachyzoites resulted in rapid extrusion of NETs. For the demonstration and quantification of cetacean NETs, extracellular DNA was stained by using either Sytox Orange® or Pico Green®. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescence analyses demonstrated PMN-derived release of NETs upon exposure to tachyzoites of N. caninum. Co-localization studies of N. caninum induced cetacean NETs proved the presence of DNA adorned with histones (H1, H2A/H2B, H3, H4), neutrophil elastase (NE), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and pentraxin (PTX) confirming the molecular properties of mammalian NETosis. Dolphin-derived N. caninum-NETosis were efficiently suppressed by DNase I and diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) treatments. Our results indicate that cetacean-derived NETs represent an ancient, conserved and relevant defense effector mechanism of the host innate immune system against N. caninum and probably other related neozoan parasites circulating in the marine environment.
Open Access
Bovine tuberculosis in Ciudad Real and its relationship with wildlife abundance (central Spain)
(2025-03-14) Cuevas Díaz, Víctor; Vicente Baños, Joaquín; Contreras de Vera, Antonio; Acevedo Lavandera, Pelayo; Sanidad Animal
The provided files allow for the replication of a GIS-based project developed to illustrate the epidemiology of bovine tuberculosis in Ciudad Real (Central Spain) for educational purposes. A detailed description of the project development can be accessed through the associated narrative map at https://arcg.is/0OqCLO

Browsing by browse.metadata.contributordepartment "Sanidad Animal"

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