The usefulness of DNA derived from third stage larvae in the detection of Ashworthius sidemi infection in European bison, by a simple polymerase chain reaction

Abstract

Background: Ashworthius sidemi, a blood-sucking nematode, is a primary parasite of Asiatic cervides, primarily sika deer (Cervus nippon). As A. sidemi infections are common in bison, red and roe deer, and gastrointestinal nematodes are often exchanged between animals, it is possible that other farm animals such as cows and sheep that may use the same pastures can be infected. Hence, histopathological changes observed in the walls of the abomasa and duodena of infected wildlife caused by a strong parasite presence may become an important health problem also for farm animals.

The first identification of a blood-sucking abomasal nematode Ashworthius sidemi in cattle (Bos taurus) using simple polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

“…However, a multiplex PCR examination has also been created which can identify DNA from adult specimens of H. contortus, O. ostertagii, C. oncophora and A. sidemi: the procedure having been optimized on the basis of results from post-mortem examination by Ljungren andGoździk (2007, 2008). A later study by Moskwa et al (2014) developed a simple PCR test based on DNA from the infective stage, which was found to be valuable in confirming or excluding A. sidemi infection in European bison in vivo. In the present study, genomic DNA from A. sidemi L3 larvae obtained from cattle fecal samples were amplified by simple PCR.…”

“…In cattle, the main pathogenic effect is caused by the L4 and adult forms of H. contortus, both of which feed on blood, causing anemia which usually becomes apparent after two weeks of infection. While the symptoms of acute disease are related to the intensity of infection, and present symptoms such as hemorrhagic anemia, dark-colored faces, or sudden death, the symptoms of chronic disease included reduced food intake, reduced wool production, lowered muscle mass weight loss and anemia (Noble and Noble, 1982). As sustainable parasite control strategies require correct identification of species and an understanding of the epidemiology of parasitic gastroenteritis, accurate diagnostic tools are needed.…”

“…Specific primer pairs of A. sidemi R-specific (5 -ACA ACA TTA ACA CCT GTT GCA TGT-3 ) and A. sidemi F-specific (5 -ACT GTA TCC GAA TAT ATA TCG GAG-3 ) were used to amplify a PCR product of approximately 406 bp Goździk, 2007, 2008;Moskwa et al, 2014).…”

“…Moskwa et al (2014) demonstrated that PCR can be used to detect DNA isolated from third stage infective larvae (L3) of A. sidemi to diagnose ashworthiosis in vivo in European bison. The susceptibility of sheep to A. sidemi has been confirmed in experimental infections (Kotrla et al, 1976).…”

Complex admixture preceded and followed the extinction of wisent in the wild

“…A factor that has received particular attention is that of reduced genetic variability, which may be correlated with a lowered resistance to disease and parasites in wisent (e.g. : Krasińska & Krasiński, 2007 and references therein; Adaszek et al, 2014; Karbowiak et al, 2014a; 2014b and the references therein; Krzysiak et al, 2014; Majewska et al, 2014; Moskwa et al, 2014; Oleński et al, 2015; Panasiewicz et al, 2015), and also seriously impacts conservation programs for other threatened species (Altizer et al, 2007). Although genetic variability and geneflow among living wisent herds has been investigated using a limited set of genetic markers (e.g.…”