Trypanosomatid infections in captive wild mammals and potential vectors at the Brasilia Zoo, Federal District, Brazil

Abstract

Background: Conservation projects in zoos may involve translocation of captive animals, which may lead to pathogen spread. Neotropical mammals are important hosts of Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. the etiological agents of Chagas disease and Leishmaniasis respectively. Studies of trypanosomatid-infected mammals and vectors (triatomines and sandflies) in zoos are important for the establishment of surveillance and control measures.Objectives: We investigated trypanosomatid infections in captive wild mammals, triatomines and sandflies at the Brasília Zoo. Methods:We collected triatomines during active bimonthly surveys, sampled sandflies using light-traps and obtained blood samples from 74 mammals between 2016 and 2017. We used quantitative PCR to detect trypanosomatids in vectors and mammals. Results:We found a colony of 19 Panstrongylus megistus in the porcupine unit and detected T. cruzi infections in five bugs. We captured 17 sandflies of four speciesincluding Nyssomyia whitmani and Lutzomyia longipalpis, but no Leishmania infection was detected. qPCR detected 50 T. cruzi-infected mammals belonging to 24 species and five groups of mammals (Carnivora, Cetartiodactyla, Perissodactyla, Pilosa and Primates); Leishmania DNA was detected in 23 mammals from 15 species, mainly carnivores. We detected trypanosomatid infections in 11 mammals born at the Brasília Zoo. Conclusions:Our results suggest vector-borne transmission of T. cruzi among maned wolves; measures to reduce the risk of new infections should therefore be taken. We also report sandfly presence and Leishmania-infected mammals at the Brasília Zoo. Translocation of wild mammals in and out of the Brasília Zoo should consider the risk of T. cruzi and Leishmania spread. K E Y W O R D S Conservation, Leishmania, Translocation, Trypanosoma, Zoonosis | 249 REIS Et al.

Characterization of triatomine bloodmeal sources using direct Sanger sequencing and amplicon deep sequencing methods

“…Known wildlife reservoirs of T. cruzi 31 —squirrels, ringtails, raccoons—were determined to be bloodmeal sources in this sample set. Triatomines in zoos and T. cruzi infection in zoo animals have been previously documented 59 , 60 . In the current study, several triatomines from a zoo harbored a variety of mammalian hosts—tiger, colobus monkey, roof rat, humans and dogs—capable of being infected by T. cruzi , as well as non-mammalian hosts—Gulf coast toad, red-footed tortoise, chicken—refractory to T. cruzi infection (although see 61 , 62 ).…”

Wild and Domestic Canids and Their Interactions in the Transmission Cycles of Trypanosoma Cruzi and Leishmania spp. in an Area of the Brazilian Cerrado

“…The possible vector-borne transmission of T. cruzi among maned wolves and Leishmania sp. infection of several mammal taxa maintained in a Brazilian zoo were recently reported [ 12 ]. Still concerning infection by Leishmania spp., four wild canid species have already been found serologically infected, and L. infantum isolation was obtained in one bush dog and L. infantum and L. amazonensis in crab-eating foxes [ 13 , 14 , 15 ].…”

Spermatic profile of captive giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla): Knowing more to preserve better

“…The presence of Trypanosomassp may predispose different mammals to low or very poor semen quality (Graullera-Rivera et al, 2014;Sekoni, 1994) and may cause abortion and infertility (Seidl et al, 1999;Sekoni, 1994). In Myrmecophagidae family, T. cruzi, T. legeri, and T. rangeliwere reported in giant anteaters, lesser anteater, and northern tamandua (Araújo et al, 2013;Dereure et al, 2001;Lainson, 1965;Laveran & Mesnil, 1912;Lima et al, 1983;Reis et al, 2019;Rodrigues & Melo, 1942;Strong et al, 1926). Leptospira and Brucella also can cause abortion and was reported in giant anteater (Miranda et al, 2015).…”