James R. Flowers

Digeneans Collected from Piscivorous Birds in North Carolina, U.S.A

Abstract During investigations of digenetic fluke diseases of aquaculture fish, 11 digeneans (Apharyngostrigea simplex, Apharyngostrigea cornu, Diplostomum compactum, Diplostomum spathaceum, Posthodiplostomum minimum, Hysteromorpha triloba, Clinostomum marginatum, Drepanocephalus spathans, Mesorchis denticulatus, Microparyphium facetum, and Notocotylus pacifera) were collected from 5 species of piscivorous birds (Ardea herodias, Fulica americana, Larus delawarensis, Nycticorax nycticorax, and Phalacrocorax auritus) from North Carolina, U.S.A. Apharyngostrigea simplex from A. herodias represents a new host record. Diplostomum spathaceum, P. minimum, C. marginatum, and M. denticulatus have previously been reported from North Carolina; the remainder represent new locality records.

PREVALENCE OF ANTIBODY TO TOXOPLASMA GONDII AND TRICHINELLA SPP. IN FERAL PIGS (SUS SCROFA) OF EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA

Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) survive in many climates, reproduce year-round, and are dietary generalists. In the United States, the size and range of the feral pig population has expanded, resulting in greater interaction with humans and domestic swine and increased potential for disease transmission. We conducted a serosurvey in feral pigs from eastern North Carolina to determine exposure to the zoonotic parasites, Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp. Between September 2007 and March 2009, blood serum was collected from 83 feral pigs harvested at Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center, Four Oaks, North Carolina, USA. We used a modified agglutination test to test for T. gondii antibodies and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to test for Trichinella spp. antibodies. The prevalences of antibodies to T. gondii and Trichinella spp. were 27.7% and 13.3%, respectively and 4% (n=3) had antibodies to both agents. We detected an increased risk of T. gondii antibodies with age, whereas the risk of exposure to T. gondii across years and between sexes was similar. In eastern North Carolina, feral pigs have been exposed to T. gondii and Trichinella spp. and may pose a health risk to domestic swine and humans.

Cercariae of Bolbophorus damnificus and Bolbophorus sp. with Notes on North American Bolbophorids

Abstract Single-species and dual infections of Bolbophorus damnificus and a second cryptic species of Bolbophorus were distinguished in marsh rams-horn snails, Planorbella trivolvis, from aquaculture ponds in Mississippi, U.S.A. The cercariae of both B. damnificus and Bolbophorus sp. are described and distinguished using differences in body length, tail stem length, intestinal primordia, and integument spine patterns.

Physiological Condition of Female White-tailed Deer in a Nutrient-deficient Habitat Type

Abstract Physiological and morphological indices are useful for determining condition of Odocoileus virginianus (White-tailed Deer; hereafter deer) and are important for deer management. However, information about deer condition in nutrient-deficient habitat types is sparse. Pocosins have a low nutritional plane and are characterized by deep, acidic, peat soils with a dense shrub layer that provides little or no hard and soft mast. In July 2008 and March 2009, we collected a total of 60 female deer (30 from each period) from a 31,565-ha pocosin forest managed intensively for Pinus taeda (Loblolly Pine) in coastal North Carolina. We recorded whole weight, eviscerated weight, spleen and adrenal gland weights, and kidney fat index (KFI). Abomasal parasite counts (APC) and femur marrow fat index (MFI) were determined post-collection in the laboratory, and blood samples were analyzed for packed cell volume and standard serum chemistries. Serum chemistries were within expected ranges, with the exception of elevated potassium concentrations. The KFI and MFI were within levels reported in the literature, and APC levels did not indicate heavy parasite loads. Spleen (t58 = 0.69, P = 0.492) and adrenal gland weights (t58 = 1.46, P = 0.151) were similar between periods. Our results provide baseline physiological data for deer in a nutrient-deficient habitat type. Though managers need to consider nutritional plane of particular habitat types, our results indicate that deer can achieve normal body weights and maintain body condition in nutrient-deficient sites.

Observations and Treatment of Nitzschia sturionis on Atlantic Sturgeon from Chesapeake Bay

From 2004 to 2008, 10% of Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus examined during a bycatch study of Marylands Chesapeake Bay were infested with the trematode Nitzschia sturionis on the skin and gills. The parasite intensity increased on 75% of infested fish 4-24 months after being placed in captivity. Mean parasite intensity increased to a greater extent on the skin (up to 100-fold) than on the gills (up to 16-fold). Atlantic sturgeon that were infested with N. sturionis gained weight at a reduced rate or lost weight compared with uninfested fish. Skin lesions associated with N. sturionis progressed from a few reddened foci to hemorrhagic ulcers and depigmentation, while gill lesions showed a less-dramatic progression. Host tissues identified in the intestinal ceca of N. sturionis consisted primarily of malpighian cells, but small amounts of blood were also found in worms attached to lesions in the skin and gills. An Atlantic sturgeon infested with approximately 500 worms was successfully treated with a 3-h bath of praziquantel at 10 mg/L. This first report of N. sturionis from Chesapeake Bay extends the parasites reported southern range in North America.

PARASITOLOGY AND SEROLOGY OF FREE-RANGING COYOTES (CANIS LATRANS) IN NORTH CAROLINA, USA

Abstract Coyotes (Canis latrans) have expanded recently into the eastern US and can serve as a source of pathogens to domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), livestock, and humans. We examined free-ranging coyotes from central North Carolina, US, for selected parasites and prevalence of antibodies against viral and bacterial agents. We detected ticks on most (81%) coyotes, with Amblyomma americanum detected on 83% of those with ticks. Fifteen (47%) coyotes were positive for heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis), with a greater detection rate in adults (75%) than juveniles (22%). Serology revealed antibodies against canine adenovirus (71%), canine coronavirus (32%), canine distemper virus (17%), canine parvovirus (96%), and Leptospira spp. (7%). We did not detect antibodies against Brucella abortus/suis or Brucella canis. Our results showed that coyotes harbor many common pathogens that present health risks to humans and domestic animals and suggest that continued monitoring of the coyotes role in pathogen transmission is warranted.

Helminth Parasites of Pit Vipers from North Carolina

Abstract We surveyed for helminth parasites salvaged specimens of 27 Agkistrodon contortrix (Copperhead), 4 Agkistrodon piscivorus (Cottonmouth), and 7 Crotalus horridus (Timber Rattlesnake) collected between 2003 and 2010 from various locations in North Carolina. We detected 10 previously described helminths (2 trematodes: Ochetosoma kansensis, Travtrema stenocotyle; 1 cestode: Proteocephalus sp.; 6 nematodes: Kalicephalus inermis coronellae, Kalicephalus costatus parvus, Physalopterid larvae, Physaloptera squamatae, Capillaria colubra, Strongyloides serpentis; and 1 acanthocephalan: Macracanthorhynchid cystacanths). Herein, we report 7 new host records and 7 new geographic-distribution records with notes on host—parasite biology.

Clinical and Pathological Effects of the Polyopisthocotylean Monogenean, Gamacallum macroura in White Bass

An aquaculture research facility experienced high mortality rates in white bass Morone chrysops associated with a monogenean infestation of the gills, but not in striped bass Morone saxatilis in the same facility. All mortalities had pale gills. Monogeneans, identified as Gamacallum macroura (MacCallum and MacCallum 1913) Unnithan 1971, were found on the gills. Pale-gilled and healthy white bass were selected with no particular attention to condition for venipuncture and euthanasia for postmortem examination, including parasite counts from gills. The median packed cell volume (PCV) of fish with gill pallor was 12.5% (range 9-37%) while PVC of fish with more normal color was 30% (27-33%). Association between the PCV and gill pallor score was statistically significant, as was the association between PCV and the number of monogeneans found on the gills of each fish. Median estimated white blood cell count of fish with gill pallor, at 12.05 × 10(3/)μL (range 3.8-24.7), was significantly lower than of apparently healthy fish: 24.7 × 10(3)/μL (17.3-31.5). Histopathology of the gill arches of pale-gilled fish revealed multifocal moderate to severe branchitis, focal areas of dilated hyperplastic lamellae occluded by fibrin, and monogeneans attached to the lamellae. Fish that were apparently healthy had grossly similar histologic lesions, but at lower frequency and severity.

EVALUATION OF THE OPHTHALMIC DISEASE AND HISTOPATHOLOGIC EFFECTS DUE TO THE OCULAR TREMATODE PHILOPHTHALMUS ZALOPHI ON JUVENILE GALAPAGOS SEA LIONS (ZALOPHUS WOLLEBAEKI)

Abstract The Galapagos sea lion (Zalophus wollebaeki) is an otariid species endemic to the Galapagos archipelago and is currently listed as endangered. The ocular trematode Philophthalmus zalophi was recently reported to affect the survival of juvenile Galapagos sea lions on Santa Cruz Island, resulting in marked ophthalmic changes. This study evaluated the ophthalmic disease and histopathologic effects of P. zalophi on juvenile Galapagos sea lions in the largest rookery located on San Cristóbal Island. Twenty juvenile Galapagos sea lions (10 male and 10 female) were evaluated among five sites in the rookery El Malecón. Ophthalmic examination, including fluorescein staining and evaluation of the adnexa, cornea, and sclera, were performed on each eye. The presence, number, and location of ocular parasites were determined, and parasites were collected for identification. Conjunctival biopsy was performed on 11 animals: 2 that lacked parasites and gross lesions and 9 with both parasites and gross lesions. All parasites collected were confirmed as P. zalophi and identified in 80% (16/20) of the study animals and 70% (28/40) of the examined eyes. Philophthalmus zalophi was most frequently found attached to the nictitating membrane but also located on the palpebral conjunctiva or cornea. The most common clinical signs were varying degrees of conjunctival hyperemia (28/40 eyes), most frequently of the nictitating membrane and mucoid ocular discharge (12/40 eyes). The number of parasites was significantly associated with the degree of conjunctival hyperemia (P < 0.001). Histopathology of conjunctival biopsies revealed organized lymphoid follicles and lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates. The histopathologic changes and gross lesions were likely due to the parasites attachment to the conjunctiva. This study provides additional details of P. zalophi infection in juvenile Galapagos sea lions. Further research is warranted to detail the life cycle of this parasite, transmission to sea lions, and potential treatment protocols.

Association of atypical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli with diarrhea and related mortality in kittens

ABSTRACT Diarrhea is responsible for the death of approximately 900,000 children per year worldwide. In children, typical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) is a common cause of diarrhea and is associated with a higher hazard of death. Typical EPEC infection is rare in animals and poorly reproduced in experimental animal models. In contrast, atypical EPEC (aEPEC) infection is common in both children and animals, but its role in diarrhea is uncertain. Mortality in kittens is often attributed to diarrhea, and we previously identified enteroadherent EPEC in the intestines of deceased kittens. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and type of EPEC in kittens and whether infection was associated with diarrhea, diarrhea-related mortality, gastrointestinal pathology, or other risk factors. Kittens with and without diarrhea were obtained from two shelter facilities and determined to shed atypical EPEC at a culture-based prevalence of 18%. In contrast, quantitative PCR detected the presence of the gene for intimin (eae) in feces from 42% of kittens. aEPEC was isolated from kittens with and without diarrhea. However, kittens with diarrhea harbored significantly larger quantities of aEPEC than kittens without diarrhea. Kittens with aEPEC had a significantly greater severity of small intestinal and colonic lesions and were significantly more likely to have required subcutaneous fluid administration. These findings identify aEPEC to be prevalent in kittens and a significant primary or contributing cause of intestinal inflammation, diarrhea, dehydration, and associated mortality in kittens.