Dataset Information

Detection of prions from spiked and free-ranging carnivore feces.

ABSTRACT: Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a highly contagious, fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by infectious prions (PrP^CWD) affecting wild and captive cervids. Although experimental feeding studies have demonstrated prions in feces of crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos), coyotes (Canis latrans), and cougars (Puma concolor), the role of scavengers and predators in CWD epidemiology remains poorly understood. Here we applied the real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) assay to detect PrP^CWD in feces from cervid consumers, to advance surveillance approaches, which could be used to improve disease research and adaptive management of CWD. We assessed recovery and detection of PrP^CWD by experimental spiking of PrP^CWD into carnivore feces from 9 species sourced from CWD-free populations or captive facilities. We then applied this technique to detect PrP^CWD from feces of predators and scavengers in free-ranging populations. Our results demonstrate that spiked PrP^CWD is detectable from feces of free-ranging mammalian and avian carnivores using RT-QuIC. Results show that PrP^CWD acquired in natural settings is detectable in feces from free-ranging carnivores, and that PrP^CWD rates of detection in carnivore feces reflect relative prevalence estimates observed in the corresponding cervid populations. This study adapts an important diagnostic tool for CWD, allowing investigation of the epidemiology of CWD at the community-level.

SUBMITTER: Inzalaco HN

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10869337 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Detection of prions from spiked and free-ranging carnivore feces.

Inzalaco H N HN Brandell E E EE Wilson S P SP Hunsaker M M Stahler D R DR Woelfel K K Walsh D P DP Nordeen T T Storm D J DJ Lichtenberg S S SS Turner W C WC

Scientific reports 20240215 1

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a highly contagious, fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by infectious prions (PrP<sup>CWD</sup>) affecting wild and captive cervids. Although experimental feeding studies have demonstrated prions in feces of crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos), coyotes (Canis latrans), and cougars (Puma concolor), the role of scavengers and predators in CWD epidemiology remains poorly understood. Here we applied the real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) assay to detect PrP ...[more]

PMID: 38360908

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Project description:We provide the first genetic sequence data for a Dipylidium species from a wild carnivore plus an analysis of the effects of ecological, demographic, physiological and behavioural factors on Dipylidium sp. infection prevalence in a social carnivore, the spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta), in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Our sequence data from a mitochondrial gene fragment (1176 base pair long) had a similarity of between 99% and 89% to Dipylidium caninum. We determined infection prevalence in 146 faecal samples from 124 known animals in three social groups (termed clans) using molecular screening and Dipylidium proglottid presence. Our analysis revealed significantly higher infection prevalence in juveniles (55%) than adults (15.8%), indicating that predominantly juveniles maintained infection in clans. The likelihood of infection in juveniles significantly: (1) increased as the number of adults and older juveniles (>6 months) at communal dens increased, implying a positive relationship between this factor and the size of the intermediate host (probably a flea species) population at communal dens; (2) decreased as the number of younger juveniles (<6 months) increased, suggesting that the chance of susceptible juveniles ingesting infected fleas during self-grooming declined as the number of infected fleas per younger juvenile declined; and (3) decreased during periods of low prey abundance in clan territories when an increased reliance on long-distances foraging excursions reduces the number of clan members visiting communal dens, possibly resulting in a decline in flea populations at dens. Long-distance foraging also increases the intervals (in days) between nursing visits by lactating females to their offspring. Lengthy intervals between milk intake by infected juveniles may reduce adult Dipylidium fecundity and hence decrease infection prevalence in the den flea population. Our study provides useful insights into Dipylidium epidemiology in a social carnivore population subject to large fluctuations in prey abundance.

Dataset Information

Detection of prions from spiked and free-ranging carnivore feces.

Publications

Detection of prions from spiked and free-ranging carnivore feces.

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