Importance of xenarthrans in the eco-epidemiology of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis

Abstract

BackgroundSeveral pathogens that cause important zoonotic diseases have been frequently associated with armadillos and other xenarthrans. This mammal group typically has evolved on the South American continent and many of its extant species are seriously threatened with extinction. Natural infection of armadillos with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in hyperendemic areas has provided a valuable opportunity for understanding the role of this mammal in the eco-epidemiology of Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), one of the most important systemic mycoses in Latin America.FindingsThis study aimed to detect P. brasiliensis in different xenarthran species (Dasypus novemcinctus, Cabassous spp., Euphractus sexcinctus, Tamandua tetradactyla and Myrmecophaga tridactyla), by molecular and mycological approaches, in samples obtained by one of the following strategies: i) from road-killed animals (n = 6); ii) from naturally dead animals (n = 8); iii) from animals that died in captivity (n = 9); and iv) from living animals captured from the wild (n = 2). Specific P. brasiliensis DNA was detected in several organs among 7/20 nine-banded armadillos (D. novemcinctus) and in 2/2 anteaters (M. tridactyla). The fungus was also cultured in tissue samples from one of two armadillos captured from the wild.ConclusionMembers of the Xenarthra Order, especially armadillos, have some characteristics, including a weak cellular immune response and low body temperature, which make them suitable models for studying host-pathogen interaction. P. brasiliensis infection in wild animals, from PCM endemic areas, may be more common than initially postulated and reinforces the use of these animals as sentinels for the pathogen in the environment.

Paracoccidioidomycosis in southern Rio Grande do Sul: a retrospective study of histopathologically diagnosed cases

“…Agricultural activities predispose individuals to mycosis because of their higher exposure to infectious fungal propagules. For instance, the natural habitat of P. brasiliensis includes forested areas with wet soils (Bousquet et al , 2007; Richini-Pereira et al , 2009). Furthermore, agribusiness is the most common economic activity in Pelotas and Canguçu, which are the cities with the highest number of cases in our study.…”

Morphology of laryngeal cartilage of the nine‐banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) Linnaeus, 1758

“…Despite the ecological importance, armadillos are intensively exploited as a source of trade and food (Balamayooran et al, ; Kerr et al, ). This condition results in fauna and human harm since these animals are important intermediates in the food chains, besides being reservoirs of microorganisms that cause diseases such as leprosy and paracoccidioidomycosis (Deps et al, ; Deus Filho, Deus, Menezes, Soares, & Lira, ; Richini‐Pereira et al, ; Truman et al, ). The morphological knowledge about armadillos is fundamental in order to allow the adequate management of these animals in the clinic and their preservation in the environment.…”

Molecular detection of fungi of public health importance in wild animals from Southern Brazil

“…These results also indicate the importance of rodents as hosts to pathogens with zoonotic potential . The molecular techniques used to this fungi, are used in other studies and is well established, however, for identify the new species of P. brasiliensis ( P. brasiliensis— S1a and S1b, P. americana— PS2, P. restrepiensis— PS3 and P. venezuelensis— PS4) this techniques are not available, one technique that should be used in this case is the Illumina or phylogenetic analysis using a new technique with the primers gp43 Exon 2 …”

“…Studies involving wildlife are restricted due to difficulties in capturing and obtaining samples from these animals. Thus, using samples from wildlife road kills is an alternative to elucidate the epidemiology of diseases of public health importance, including pathogenic fungi …”