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Ranaviruses are globally distributed pathogens in amphibian, fish, and reptile communities that appear to be emerging. Cases of ranavirus infection or disease have been confirmed in at least 177 amphibian species (25 families), 49 fish species (25 families), and 37 reptile species (17 families). Transmission of individual strains between animal classes has been documented. While ranaviruses are frequently associated with mass die-offs, host susceptibility differs among species, with some species harboring subclinical infections and likely serving as reservoirs for the virus and other highly susceptible species amplifying the virus. Currently, there are seven recognized species of ranavirus, with stark differences in pathogenicity between strains and hosts. Several strains among these species have been named, and changes in taxonomy in this genus can lead to some confusion. Frog virus 3 is the best studied species of the genus Ranavirus and appears to be the most globally distributed species, with viruses of this species infecting ectothermic vertebrates across three vertebrate classes. International commerce involving infected ectothermic vertebrates undoubtedly has contributed to the global distribution, diversity, and emergence of ranaviruses. Herein, we describe the global distribution of ranaviruses in amphibians, fish, and reptiles, host range of the different Ranavirus species, the implications of interclass transmission, and the impact of trade on ranavirus distribution. The Global Ranavirus Reporting System (GRRS), which documents global detections of ranaviruses, is also presented.
Ranaviruses are globally distributed pathogens in amphibian, fish, and reptile communities that appear to be emerging. Cases of ranavirus infection or disease have been confirmed in at least 177 amphibian species (25 families), 49 fish species (25 families), and 37 reptile species (17 families). Transmission of individual strains between animal classes has been documented. While ranaviruses are frequently associated with mass die-offs, host susceptibility differs among species, with some species harboring subclinical infections and likely serving as reservoirs for the virus and other highly susceptible species amplifying the virus. Currently, there are seven recognized species of ranavirus, with stark differences in pathogenicity between strains and hosts. Several strains among these species have been named, and changes in taxonomy in this genus can lead to some confusion. Frog virus 3 is the best studied species of the genus Ranavirus and appears to be the most globally distributed species, with viruses of this species infecting ectothermic vertebrates across three vertebrate classes. International commerce involving infected ectothermic vertebrates undoubtedly has contributed to the global distribution, diversity, and emergence of ranaviruses. Herein, we describe the global distribution of ranaviruses in amphibians, fish, and reptiles, host range of the different Ranavirus species, the implications of interclass transmission, and the impact of trade on ranavirus distribution. The Global Ranavirus Reporting System (GRRS), which documents global detections of ranaviruses, is also presented.
Ranavirus disease, caused by viruses within the genus Ranavirus (family Iridoviridae), is considered a globally emerging infectious disease linked to mass mortality events in both wild and cultured ectothermic vertebrates. Surveillance work is however limited in Asia, hence prevalence and the dynamics of the disease remains poorly understood. To understand disease burden and the potential biotic and abiotic drivers in southern China region, we conducted a systematic surveillance of the ranavirus across Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous region (GAR). For this, we used a multifaceted approach involving screening of amphibians and other potential reservoirs, diagnostic tests, phylogenetic analyses, prevalence estimation, co-infection assessments, and climatic niche analyses. Over one thousand individuals were sampled across 25 sampling sites. We found ninety two individuals from 18 species of ectothermic vertebrates to be infected with ranavirus. Two lineages were responsible: Rana nigromaculata ranavirus and Tiger frog virus were identified using phylogenetic analysis based on the major capsid protein (MCP) gene fragment. We also found evidence of a co-infection with ranavirus and Bd that can be highly detrimental to host populations; possibly the first such documentation in Asia. Our niche modelling analysis suggests that precipitation and seasonality play an important role in ranavirus prevalence in Guangxi region and southwestern, southeastern, central and northeastern regions of GAR can be considered to be optimum habitats for ranaviruses. Infection rates in wild frog species have reached 100% in some areas, even in nature reserves. Our research also indicates that culture facilities and pet farms are frequently infected, serving as likely vectors for the regional and global spread of ranaviruses. The knowledge generated suggests the need for systematic surveillance, stringent biosecurity measures, and control of international animal trade to prevent further transmission and protection of biodiversity and aquaculture industries across Asia.
Parasites, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, protists, helminths, and arthropods, are ubiquitous in the animal kingdom. Consequently, hosts are frequently infected with more than one parasite species simultaneously. The assessment of such co-infections is of fundamental importance for disease ecology, but relevant studies involving non-domesticated animals have remained scarce. Many amphibians are in decline, and they generally have a highly diverse parasitic fauna. Here we review the literature reporting on field surveys, veterinary case studies, and laboratory experiments on co-infections in amphibians, and we summarize what is known about within-host interactions among parasites, which environmental and intrinsic factors influence the outcomes of these interactions, and what effects co-infections have on hosts. The available literature is piecemeal, and patterns are highly diverse, so that identifying general trends that would fit most host–multiparasite systems in amphibians is difficult. Several examples of additive, antagonistic, neutral, and synergistic effects among different parasites are known, but whether members of some higher taxa usually outcompete and override the effects of others remains unclear. The arrival order of different parasites and the time lag between exposures appear in many cases to fundamentally shape competition and disease progression. The first parasite to arrive can gain a marked reproductive advantage or induce cross-reaction immunity, but by disrupting the skin and associated defences (i.e., skin secretions, skin microbiome) and by immunosuppression, it can also pave the way for subsequent infections. Although there are exceptions, detrimental effects to the host are generally aggravated with increasing numbers of co-infecting parasite species. Finally, because amphibians are ectothermic animals, temperature appears to be the most critical environmental factor that affects co-infections, partly via its influence on amphibian immune function, partly due to its direct effect on the survival and growth of parasites. Besides their importance for our understanding of ecological patterns and processes, detailed knowledge about co-infections is also crucial for the design and implementation of effective wildlife disease management, so that studies concentrating on the identified gaps in our understanding represent rewarding research avenues.
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