An investigation of Mycobacterium bovis and helminth coinfection in the European badger Meles meles

Kelly, David; Marples, Nicola M.; Byrne, Rachel L; Fogarty, Ursula; Kenny, Kevin; Cameron, H. S.; Griffin, Denise; Holland, Celia V.

doi:10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.11.001

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 57 publications

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“…There has been little attention given to the impact of parasites on badger population dynamics in Ireland or the effect of badger management on parasite dynamics. However, a recent study has found associations between the prevalence of gut helminths and badger bTB status, suggesting that parasites could play a role in the epidemiology of bTB infection in wildlife [108]. One explanation for the association between helminths and bTB coinfection relates to the immunological impacts of parasitic infections eliciting different immunological pathways (Th1 vs. Th2), resulting in antagonistic effects.…”

Section: Parasites and Non-btb Infectionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Badger Ecology, Bovine Tuberculosis, and Population Management: Lessons from the Island of Ireland

Byrne,

Allen,

Ciuti

et al. 2024

Transboundary and Emerging Diseases

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The European badger, Meles meles, is an important wildlife host for Mycobacterium bovis and contributes to the epidemiology of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in cattle in several countries. The control of zoonotic diseases, such as bTB, is a central component of global One-Health strategies. Such strategies are complicated by human–wildlife conflicts, particularly where wildlife reservoirs are legally protected. The contrasting objectives of disease management and wildlife conservation, therefore, can require significant investment in research to support evidence-based policies. In Britain and Ireland, for example, badgers are a legally protected species but are also subject to lethal control and vaccination for disease management. In this paper, we review recent (2012–2022) advances in research on this wildlife host on the island of Ireland, which is used to underpin national policies and identify research gaps. In recent years, significant advances in estimating key parameters related to badger management and population dynamics have been made, including estimating population abundance at varying scales (local, landscape, and national). Advances in tracking technology, integrated with mark-recapture and modelling tools, have provided significant insights into the movement ecology of badgers and their interactions with cattle. The adaptation of genetic technologies has improved our understanding of the transmission dynamics of M. bovis among different hosts. As a disease management strategy, the culling of badgers to control bTB has reduced badger densities significantly, although this is not considered a sustainable sole long-term solution to the problem of spillback infection. The recent development of vaccination strategies presents an additional approach to control the disease in wild populations. These types of interventions will require significant applied research to ensure they are sustainable and to maximise benefits. It is also expected that focused research efforts will improve human–wildlife coexistence in the context of the broader One-Health strategy.

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Section: Parasites and Non-btb Infectionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Badger Ecology, Bovine Tuberculosis, and Population Management: Lessons from the Island of Ireland

Byrne,

Allen,

Ciuti

et al. 2024

Transboundary and Emerging Diseases

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Occurrence of Eucoleus aerophilus in wild and domestic animals: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Samorek-Pieróg,

Cencek,

Łabuć

et al. 2023

Parasites Vectors

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Background Eucoleus aerophilus (syn. Capillaria aerophila) is a nematode with a worldwide geographical distribution. It causes a disease called lung capillariosis by affecting the respiratory tract of wild and domestic animals, and has also occasionally been described in humans. Despite steady increases in knowledge of the morphology of this neglected parasite, many aspects are still poorly understood. Epidemiological data regarding, for example, geographic distribution, range of hosts, clinical relevance and the actual zoonotic potential of this nematode are scarce and incomplete. Methods This article is a systematic review based on the screening of three databases (PubMed, Web of Science and Science Direct) to identify eligible studies published from 1973 to the end of 2022. Results From a total of 606 studies describing the occurrence of E. aerophilus, 141 articles from 38 countries worldwide were included in this meta-analysis, all of which presented results obtained mainly with flotation and necropsy. Due to the occurrence of E. aerophilus in many different species and different matrices (lungs and faeces), we decided to conduct the meta-analysis separately for each species with a given matrix. This systematic review confirmed the status of the Red fox as the main reservoir and main transmitter of E. aerophilus (average prevalence of 43% in faeces and 49% in lungs) and provided evidence of a higher prevalence of E. aerophilus in wild animals in comparison to domestic animals, such as dogs (3% in faeces) and cats (2% in faeces and 8% in lungs). Previous studies have investigated many host-related factors (age, sex, environmental/living conditions) in relation to the prevalence of E. aerophilus, but they show wide variations and no simple relationship has been demonstrates. Furthermore, mixed infections with other pulmonary nematodes, such as Crenosoma vulpis and/or Angiostrongylus vasorum, are reported very frequently, which greatly complicates the diagnosis. Conclusions This systematic review focused on identifying data gaps and promoting future research directions in this area. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review that evaluates and summarizes existing knowledge on the occurrence and prevalence of E. aerophilus in wild and domestic animals originating from different geographical locations worldwide. Graphical Abstract

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An investigation of Mycobacterium bovis and helminth coinfection in the European badger Meles meles

Cited by 2 publications

References 57 publications

Badger Ecology, Bovine Tuberculosis, and Population Management: Lessons from the Island of Ireland

Badger Ecology, Bovine Tuberculosis, and Population Management: Lessons from the Island of Ireland

Occurrence of Eucoleus aerophilus in wild and domestic animals: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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