scholarly journals Seasonal dynamics of parasitism and stress physiology in wild giant pandas

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenliang Zhou ◽  
Kai Gao ◽  
Yingjie Ma ◽  
Le Wang ◽  
Meng Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Infection Intensity ◽  
Parasite Load ◽  
Stress Physiology ◽  
Ailuropoda Melanoleuca ◽  
Giant Pandas ◽  
Parasite Infections ◽  
Nutrition Intake ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
Hormone Analysis

Abstract Many factors, including the inner status of the individuals and external environment, can influence the parasite infections and stress physiology in mammals. Here, we explored the influence of the sex, age, reproductive season and seasonal food availability on the parasitism and stress physiology in wild giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) through nutrient and steroid hormone analysis and parasitic infection measurement. Diet composition had significant influences on the faecal cortisol levels and parasite load of wild giant pandas. The seasonal dynamic of the cortisol levels and parasite load in faeces co-vary with the seasonal nutrient intake levels of the pandas, which concurrently arrived the peaks at the wood bamboo shoot-eating period in May (parasite infection intensity, 41.47 ± 12.11 eggs/g of wet faeces; cortisol levels, 619.34 ± 70.55 ng/g dry faeces) that the nutrition intake by wild pandas was the highest (protein/fibre, 69.23 ± 9.93). Meanwhile, age class is also as an important factor to affect the parasite load and stress physiology of wild giant pandas. Cubs and sub-adults suffered more helminth burden and stress physiology than adults and old individuals. This is the first study to evaluate the inner and external factors influence on parasitism and stress physiology in wild giant pandas. The findings facilitate a better understanding of how environmental factors might influence the physiology, behaviour and health of pandas and other species and have implications for the conservation and management of the endangered species.

Effects of construction noise on behavior and cortisol levels in a pair of captive giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

Zoo Biology ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 391-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
David M. Powell ◽  
Kathy Carlstead ◽  
Loraine R. Tarou ◽  
Janine L. Brown ◽  
Steven L. Monfort
Keyword(s):  
Ailuropoda Melanoleuca ◽  
Giant Pandas ◽  
Cortisol Levels

scholarly journals Gastrointestinal Helminths of a European Moose Population in Poland

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 456
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Filip-Hutsch ◽  
Michał Czopowicz ◽  
Agnieszka Barc ◽  
Aleksander W. Demiaszkiewicz
Keyword(s):  
Central Europe ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Infection Intensity ◽  
Parasite Fauna ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Gastrointestinal Helminths ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Parasite Infections ◽  
Moose Population

Parasitic infections have a negative impact on the fecundity and survival of wild ruminants, particularly moose; however, despite being more susceptible to parasitic diseases than other wild cervids, they remain poorly examined in this regard. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify gastrointestinal and liver helminth species of the moose population in central Europe, assess the factors contributing to infection intensities and examine their impact on moose health. Abomasum, small intestine, caecum and liver samples were collected from 46 moose in Poland and evaluated for helminth parasite fauna and histopathological changes. Additionally, 289 moose fecal samples were analyzed for the presence of eggs, oocysts and larvae of parasites. In total, 19 parasite taxa were identified. The most prevalent were Mazamastrongylus dagestanica and Ostertagia antipini, which are typical nematodes of moose, together with Spiculopteragia boehmi and O. leptospicularis, characteristic also of other cervids. Parasite species diversity and abomasal parasitic infection intensity were higher in adult moose than in yearlings and calves. The numbers of histopathological lesions depended on the intensity of parasitic infections, and were most severe in the livers of moose infected with Parafasciolopsis fasciolaemorpha. The analysis of fecal samples revealed several regional differences in the levels of parasite eggs, oocysts and larvae shedding. Our findings indicate an accumulation of parasite infections over time in moose, which may be related to high environmental parasite pressure, possibly connected with high moose density and the presence of wetlands; they also serve as the most comprehensive study of moose parasites in central Europe to date.

STUDY ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PARASITIC INFECTION AND KNOWLEDGE, HYGIENIC PRACTICAL MEASURES OF PARASITIC INFECTIOUS PREVENTION IN VINH THAI COMMUNITY

2017 ◽  
pp. 119-124
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
Health Education ◽  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Ascaris Lumbricoides ◽  
Intestinal Parasite ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Parasite Infection ◽  
Intestinal Parasite Infection ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Parasite Infections ◽  
The Relationship

Introduction: Intestinal parasite infections werecommonintropical country such as Vietnam. Having good knowledge of parasitic infectious prevention and changing risk behaviors can decrease the infection rate. Objective: To evaluate the parasitic infectious rate in Vinh Thai community before and after being health education and the changing of knowledge of parasitic infectious prevention and risk behaviors. Materials and methods: 60 households in Vinh Thai commune were interviewed their knowledge of parasitic infectious prevention and examined intestinal parasite infection by Kato technique and then trained the knowledge of parasitic infectious prevention. The interview and examination parasite infectiousrate were carried out after 6 months to evaluating their knowledge. Result: Before health education, the rate of intestinal parasite infection was 17.4% with the prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm, whipworm, pinworm, small fluke worm and co-infection with A. lumbricoides - whipworm, hookworm-whipworm were 0.1%; 8.0%; 5.8%; 0.6%; 0.3%; 1.2% and 3.0% respectively. Six months later the rate of intestinal parasite infection was decreased in 12.6% even though not statistical significantly. However, there were no case of small fluke worm and co-infection with hookworm-whipworm. Receiving health education, their knowledge of parasitic infectious prevention was higher significantly but their risk behaviors were not changed so much. Conclusion: Health education can change the rate of parasite infection with higher knowledge of parasitic infectious prevention but it was necessary continuous study to change the risk behaviors. Key words: intestinal parasite, health education

scholarly journals Biological responses in pesticide exposed lizards (Podarcis siculus)

Ecotoxicology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulia Simbula ◽  
Ginevra Moltedo ◽  
Barbara Catalano ◽  
Giacomo Martuccio ◽  
Claudia Sebbio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Biotransformation Enzymes ◽  
Biological Responses ◽  
Podarcis Siculus ◽  
Parasite Infections ◽  
Italian Wall Lizard ◽  
Detoxification Process ◽  
Accurate Quantification

AbstractThe release of contaminants as herbicides, fungicides and insecticides into the environment has been listed as one of the six major contributors to the global decline of reptiles. Although reptiles may face severe risk from contaminants due to their ecology and physiology, they are currently less studied than other vertebrate groups. In the present work, we investigated if and how different types of field treatment (conventional and organic) affected the health status of Italian wall lizard (Podarcis siculus) individuals in central Italy. We chose a multi-biomarker approach that evaluated the biological responses of lizards to the treatment by means of AChE activity in the nervous system, biotransformation enzymes activities and oxidative stress in the liver, micronuclei frequency measured in the erythrocytes, and rate of intestinal parasitic infection. Our findings showed evidence of effects of treatment in conventional areas and between sexes with significant oxidative stress due to hydroxyl radicals, that caused DNA damage. No difference of intestinal parasite infections was found among treatments. Podarcis siculus seems to be a good bioindicator in ecotoxicological studies and potentially in risk assessment of pesticides, although further analyses in laboratory and in the field are needed to achieve more accurate quantification of specific pesticide effects in relation to known exposure history and to understand if other mechanisms were involved in the toxicity and detoxification process of pesticides for this species.

scholarly journals Relationship of Personal Hygiene and Nutritional Status to Intestinal Parasitic Infection in Simo, Boyolali

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 38
Author(s):  
Sherlina Rintik Tirta Ayu ◽  
Sri Haryati ◽  
Yulia Sari ◽  
Sutartinah Handayani
Keyword(s):  
Elementary School ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Intestinal Parasite ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Observational Research ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
School Students ◽  
Intestinal Parasitic Infections ◽  
Parasite Infections

<p>Intestinal parasitic infections are caused by protozoa, STH and non-STH worms. Immunity, which can be determined by measuring nutritional status, and personal hygiene can affect the occurrence of intestinal parasite infections. This study aims to determine the relationship between personal hygiene and nutritional status against intestinal parasite infections in elementary school students in Simo Boyolali. This type of analytic observational research with a cross sectional approach. Total sampling was taken at elementary school of Wates, Talakbroto 1, and Kedunglengkong 1 Simo, Boyolali. There were 11 students with worms infections, 16 with protozoa infections, and 4 with worms and protozoa infection. There was a relationship between washing hands before eating (p = 0.004), after eating (0.027), after defecating (p = 0.04), biting nails (p = 0.008), wearing footwear when leaving the house (p = 0.008) , removing shoes while playing during school breaks (p = 0.001), and nutritional status (p = 0.002) with intestinal parasite infection. There was no relationship between nail clipping once a week (p = 0.118) and the availability of a latrine (p = 0.416) with intestinal parasitic infections. So, there is a relationship between personal hygiene (washing hands before eating, after eating, after defecating, biting nails, wearing footwear when leaving the house, removing shoes when playing during school breaks, and nutritional status) and intestinal parasitic infections.</p><p> </p><p>Keywords<strong>:</strong> elementary school; protozoa; worms.</p>

scholarly journals Immune profiles of male giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) during breeding season

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
haibo shen ◽  
Caiwu Li ◽  
Ming He ◽  
Yan Huang ◽  
Jing Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pattern Recognition ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Giant Panda ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Killer Cell ◽  
Pattern Recognition Receptors ◽  
Ailuropoda Melanoleuca ◽  
Giant Pandas ◽  
Altered Expression ◽  
Immune Related Genes

Abstract Background: The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a threatened endemic Chinese species and a flagship species of national and global conservation concern. Life history theory proposes that reproduction and immunity can be mutually constraining and interrelated. Knowledge of immunity changes of male giant pandas during the breeding season is limited.Results: Here, we researched peripheral blood gene expression profiles associated with immunity. Thirteen captive giant pandas, ranging from 9 to 11 years old, were divided into two groups based on their reproductive status. We identified 318 up-regulated DEGs and 43 down-regulated DEGs, which were enriched in 87 GO terms and 6 KEGG pathways. Additionally, we obtained 45 immune-related genes with altered expression, mostly up-regulated, and identified four hub genes HSPA4, SUGT1, SOD1, and IL1B in PPI analysis. These 45 genes were related to pattern recognition receptors, autophagy, peroxisome, proteasome, natural killer cell, antigen processing and presentation. SUGT1 and IL1B were related to pattern recognition receptors. HSP90AA1 was the most up-regulated gene and is a member of heat shock protein 90 family. HSP90 contributes to the translocation of extracellular antigen. KLRD1 encodes CD94, whose complex is an inhibitor of the cytotoxic activity of NK cells, was down-regulated. IGIP, which has the capability of inducing IgA production by B cells, was down-regulated, suggesting low concentration of IgA in male giant pandas. Our results suggest that most immune-related genes were up-regulated and more related to innate immune than adaptive immune. Conclusions: Our results indicated that breeding male giant pandas presented an immunoenhancement in innate immunity, enhanced antigen presentation and processing in cellular immunity compared to non-breeding males. The humoral immunity of male giant pandas may show a tendency to decrease during the breeding season. This study will provide a foundation for further studies of immunity and reproduction in male giant pandas.

Anogenital gland secretions code for sex and age in the giant panda, Ailuropoda melanoleuca

2004 ◽  
Vol 82 (10) ◽  
pp. 1596-1604 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Yuan ◽  
Dingzhen Liu ◽  
Lixing Sun ◽  
Rongping Wei ◽  
Guiquan Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Giant Panda ◽  
Fatty Acid Esters ◽  
Ailuropoda Melanoleuca ◽  
Giant Pandas ◽  
Analog Form ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Relative Abundances ◽  
Anogenital Gland Secretions ◽  
Acid Esters ◽  
Form Information

Anogenital gland secretions play a major role in chemical communication by giant pandas, Ailuropoda melanoleuca (David, 1869). We analyzed 45 samples of anogenital gland secretions collected from 24 captive pandas (5 male adults, 6 female adults, 6 male subadults, and 7 female subadults) by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The secretions contained over 95 compounds. Based on 56 common compounds (relative abundances >0.1%) shared by more than three individuals, we identified steroids, long-chain fatty acids, fatty-acid esters, aldehydes, alkanes, alkenes, amines, terpenes, and furans. The chemical composition of each secretion was individual-specific. Although none of these individual compounds was age- or sex-specific, the relative abundances of several compounds differed between males and females and between adults and subadults. This result shows that information about sex and age could be coded in analog form. Information about age but not gender could also be digitally coded by the presence or absence of some of the 56 compounds, in addition to the analog coding.

scholarly journals Climate change and landscape-use patterns influence recent past distribution of giant pandas

2020 ◽  
Vol 287 (1929) ◽  
pp. 20200358
Author(s):  
Junfeng Tang ◽  
Ronald R. Swaisgood ◽  
Megan A. Owen ◽  
Xuzhe Zhao ◽  
Wei Wei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Ailuropoda Melanoleuca ◽  
Seasonal Temperature ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Giant Pandas ◽  
Use Patterns ◽  
Changing Climate ◽  
Temperature And Precipitation

Climate change is one of the most pervasive threats to biodiversity globally, yet the influence of climate relative to other drivers of species depletion and range contraction remain difficult to disentangle. Here, we examine climatic and non-climatic correlates of giant panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca ) distribution using a large-scale 30 year dataset to evaluate whether a changing climate has already influenced panda distribution. We document several climatic patterns, including increasing temperatures, and alterations to seasonal temperature and precipitation. We found that while climatic factors were the most influential predictors of panda distribution, their importance diminished over time, while landscape variables have become relatively more influential. We conclude that the panda's distribution has been influenced by changing climate, but conservation intervention to manage habitat is working to increasingly offset these negative consequences.

scholarly journals Comparative analysis of gut microbiota among the male, female and pregnant giant pandas (Ailuropoda Melanoleuca)

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 288-298
Author(s):  
Siyue Zhao ◽  
Caiwu Li ◽  
Guo Li ◽  
Shengzhi Yang ◽  
Yingming Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
16S Rrna ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
High Throughput Sequencing ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Ailuropoda Melanoleuca ◽  
Its Sequencing ◽  
Giant Pandas ◽  
Host Health ◽  
Rrna Sequencing

AbstractThe giant panda (GP) was the most endangered species in China, and gut microbiota plays a vital role in host health. To determine the differences of the gut microbiota among the male, female and pregnant GPs, a comparative analysis of gut microbiota in GPs was carried out by 16S rRNA and ITS high-throughput sequencing. In 16S rRNA sequencing, 435 OTUs, 17 phyla and 182 genera were totally detected. Firmicutes (53.6%) was the predominant phylum followed by Proteobacteria (37.8%) and Fusobacteria (7.1%). Escherichia/Shigella (35.9%) was the most prevalent genus followed by Streptococcus (25.9%) and Clostridium (11.1%). In ITS sequencing, 920 OTUs, 6 phyla and 322 genera were also detected. Ascomycota (71.3%) was the predominant phylum followed by Basidiomycota (28.4%) and Zygomycota (0.15%). Purpureocillium (4.4%) was the most prevalent genus followed by Cladosporium (2.5%) and Pezicula (2.4%). Comparative analysis indicated that the male GPs harbor a higher abundance of phylum Firmicutes than female GPs with the contribution from genus Streptococcus. Meanwhile, the female GPs harbor a higher abundance of phylum Proteobacteria than male GPs with the contribution from genus Escherichia/ Shigella. In addition, the shift in bacteria from female to pregnant GPs indicated that phylum Firmicutes increased significantly with the contribution from Clostridium in the gut, which may provide an opportunity to study possible associations with low reproduction of the GPs.

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