Using Museum Collections to Detect Pathogens

Pinto, C. Miguel; Baxter, B. Dnate'; Hanson, John D.; Méndez-Harclerode, Francisca M.; Suchecki, John R.; Grijalva, Mario J.; Fulhorst, Charles F.; Bradley, Robert D.

doi:10.3201/eid1602.090998

Cited by 25 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…A projected three billion or more specimens are estimated to be held in the biological and paleobiological collections of the world (Butler et al 1998;Lane, 1999). These specimens have associated core data that is recognized as fundamental to discipline-specific research, as well as broader global issues such as invasive species, ecological/conservation issues, climate change, and emerging diseases (Araújo et al, 2005;Loarie et al, 2008;Peterson and Vieglais, 2001;Pinto, 2010;Saurez and Tsutsui, 2004;Shaffer et al, 1998;Winker, 2004).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Natural History Specimen Digitization: Challenges and Concerns

Vollmar¹,

Macklin

Ford³

2010

Biodiv. Inf.

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Abstract. -A survey on the challenges and concerns involved with digitizing natural history specimens was circulated to curators, collections managers, and administrators in the natural history community in the Spring of 2009, with over 200 responses received. The overwhelming barrier to digitizing collections was a lack of funding or issues directly related to funding, leaving institutions mostly responsible for providing the necessary support. The uneven digitization landscape leads to a patchy accumulation of records at varying qualities, and based on different priorities, ultimately influencing the data's fitness for use. The survey results also indicated that although the kind of specimens found in collections and their storage can be quite variable, there are many similar challenges across disciplines when digitizing including imaging, automated text scanning and parsing, geo-referencing, etc. Thus, better communication between domains could foster knowledge on digitization leading to efficiencies that could be disseminated through documentation of best practices and training.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Natural History Specimen Digitization: Challenges and Concerns

Vollmar¹,

Macklin

Ford³

2010

Biodiv. Inf.

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“…Our current knowledge of T. cruzi transmission dynamics between triatomine and mammals in Texas is still in its infancy. While it has been well documented that triatomine bugs are endemic in Texas with over half typically found to be T. cruzi positive (Kjos et al, 2009;Curtis-Robles et al, 2015;Wozniak et al, 2015), the appropriate studies designed to fully understand the burden of disease among the Texas wildlife, domestic animal and human populations have not yet been Packchanian, 1942;Burkholder et al, 1980 Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) 71/399 18 Packchanian, 1942;Eads et al, 1963 Raccoon (Procyon lotor) 24/54 44 Schaffer et al, 1978;Burkholder et al, 1980;Charles et al, 2013 Packchanian, 1942;Eads and Hightower, 1952;Pippin, 1970;Burkholder et al, 1980;Ikenga and Richerson, 1984;Pinto et al, 2010;Charles et al, 2013 Burkholder et al, 1980;Ikenga and Richerson, 1984;Meurs et al, 1998;Beard et al, 2003;Shadomy et al, 2004;McPhatter et al, 2012;Tenney et al, 2014 Activities that require frequent contact with domestic and wild animals could elevate the risk for human infections. Hunters have been recognized as a potential high-risk group due to the extended amount of time they spend outdoors and the risk for blood-borne exposure during the field dressing process (Yaeger, 1961;Barr et al, 1991;Pung et al, 1995;Bern et al, 2011;Cantey et al, 2012;Garcia et al, 2014aGarcia et al, , 2015.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sylvatic Transmission ofTrypanosoma cruziAmong Domestic and Wildlife Reservoirs in Texas,USA: A Review of the Historical Literature

Gunter

Brown

Gorchakov

et al. 2016

Zoonoses and Public Health

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Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi infection) is one of the most important neglected tropical diseases affecting the Americas. The transmission dynamic of this parasite is a complicated process that involves three genera of Triatominae subfamily and over 100 known mammalian reservoirs composed of domestic, peridomestic and wildlife species. Understanding the complex relationship between vector species and mammalian hosts is important for preventing transmission to humans. We performed a historical literature review to assess the disease burden in the Texas wildlife and domestic animal population. Reports of sylvatic transmission in Texas date back to the 1940s. We found that up to 23 species can serve as reservoirs for T. cruzi in the state with wood rats, raccoons, and wild and domestic canine species most frequently reported as positive for the parasite. We finish with a discussion of the current research gaps, implications for high-risk populations and future directions for research.

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“…and Rocky Mountain spotted fever ( Rickettsia rickettsi ). Other pathogenic organisms reported from woodrats include Trypanosoma cruzi (causative agent of Chagas’ disease in humans and domestic animals), Besnoitia neotomofelis , and Leishmania mexicana (McHugh et al 1990; Dubey and Yabsley 2010; Pinto et al 2010). …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…cruzi, Try. neotomae, Sarcocystis neotomafelis , and B. neotomofelis (Packchanian 1942; Johnson 1966; Burkholder et al 1980; Gutierrez-Pena 1989; Galaviz-Silva et al 1991; Pinto et al 2010; Charles et al 2011). Because higher diversities of parasites have been reported in other species of woodrats in the southwestern United States, we conducted this study to better understand the endo- and ectoparasitic fauna of southern plains woodrats from Uvalde County, Texas.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Parasites and vector-borne pathogens of southern plains woodrats (Neotoma micropus) from southern Texas

et al. 2011

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From 2008–2010, southern plains woodrats (Neotoma micropus) from southern Texas, were examined for parasites and selected pathogens. Eight helminth species were recovered from 97 woodrats including, Trichuris neotomae from 78 (prevalence=80%), Ascarops sp. from 42 (43%), Nematodirus neotoma from 31 (32%), Raillietina sp. from nine (9%), Taenia taeniaeformis larvae from eight (8%), and an unidentified spiurid, a Scaphiostomum sp. and a Zonorchis sp. each from a single woodrat. Besnotia neotomofelis was detected in three (3%) woodrats and microfilaria were detected in seven (7%). PCR testing of blood samples from 104 woodrats detected a novel Babesia sp. in one (1%) and Hepatozoon sp. in 17 (16%) woodrats. Partial 18S rRNA gene sequence of the Babesia was 94% similar to B. conradae. Histologic examination of tissues detected intestinal coccidia in 7 of 104 (7%), Sarcocystis neotomafelis in 26 (25%), Hepatozoon sp. in 21 (20%), and Dunnifilaria meningica in four (4%) woodrats. Three woodrats (5%) were seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii. Ectoparasites recovered included fleas (Orchopeas sexdentatus and O. neotomae), ticks (Ixodes woodi and Ornithodoros turicata), mites (Trombicula sp. and Ornithonyssus (Bdellonyssus) bacoti) and bot flies (Cuterebra sp.). The only difference in prevalence related to gender was for N. neotoma (males > females, p=0.029). Prevalence of T. neotomae and all intestinal parasites combined was significantly higher in adults compared with juveniles (p=0.0068 and p=0.0004), respectively. Lesions or clinical signs were associated with Cuterebra, T. gondii, and B. neotomofelis. Collectively, these data indicate that woodrats from southern Texas harbor several parasites of veterinary and/or medical importance.

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Using Museum Collections to Detect Pathogens

Cited by 25 publications

References 9 publications

Natural History Specimen Digitization: Challenges and Concerns

Natural History Specimen Digitization: Challenges and Concerns

Sylvatic Transmission ofTrypanosoma cruziAmong Domestic and Wildlife Reservoirs in Texas,USA: A Review of the Historical Literature

Parasites and vector-borne pathogens of southern plains woodrats (Neotoma micropus) from southern Texas

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