Periodontal disease in free‐ranging koalas ( Phascolarctos cinereus ) from the Mount Lofty Ranges, South Australia, and its association with koala retrovirus infection

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (5) ◽  
pp. 200-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
RG Butcher ◽  
LM Pettett ◽  
J Fabijan ◽  
E Ebrahimie ◽  
M Mohammadi‐Dehcheshmeh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Periodontal Disease ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
Retrovirus Infection ◽  
Free Ranging ◽  
Koala Retrovirus

scholarly journals Molecular Diagnosis of Koala Retrovirus (KoRV) in South Australian Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus)

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1477
Author(s):  
Tamsyn Stephenson ◽  
Natasha Speight ◽  
Wai Yee Low ◽  
Lucy Woolford ◽  
Rick Tearle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Australia ◽  
Rna Seq ◽  
High Complexity ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
Viral Loads ◽  
Lymphoid Neoplasia ◽  
Central Regions ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Retroviral Infections ◽  
Koala Retrovirus

Koala retrovirus, a recent discovery in Australian koalas, is endogenised in 100% of northern koalas but has lower prevalence in southern populations, with lower proviral and viral loads, and an undetermined level of endogenisation. KoRV has been associated with lymphoid neoplasia, e.g., lymphoma. Recent studies have revealed high complexity in southern koala retroviral infections, with a need to clarify what constitutes positive and negative cases. This study aimed to define KoRV infection status in Mount Lofty Ranges koalas in South Australia using RNA-seq and proviral analysis (n = 216). The basis for positivity of KoRV was deemed the presence of central regions of the KoRV genome (gag 2, pol, env 1, and env 2) and based on this, 41% (89/216) koalas were positive, 57% (124/216) negative, and 2% inconclusive. These genes showed higher expression in lymph node tissue from KoRV positive koalas with lymphoma compared with other KoRV positive koalas, which showed lower, fragmented expression. Terminal regions (LTRs, partial gag, and partial env) were present in SA koalas regardless of KoRV status, with almost all (99.5%, 215/216) koalas positive for gag 1 by proviral PCR. Further investigation is needed to understand the differences in KoRV infection in southern koala populations.

Lymphoma, Koala Retrovirus Infection and Reproductive Chlamydiosis in a Koala ( Phascolarctos cinereus )

2017 ◽  
Vol 157 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 188-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Fabijan ◽  
L. Woolford ◽  
S. Lathe ◽  
G. Simmons ◽  
F. Hemmatzadeh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
Retrovirus Infection ◽  
Koala Retrovirus

Pulmonary Actinomycosis in South Australian Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus)

2021 ◽  
pp. 030098582097345
Author(s):  
Tamsyn Stephenson ◽  
Ken Lee ◽  
Joanna E. Griffith ◽  
David J. McLelland ◽  
Anthony Wilkes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anaerobic Bacteria ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Oral Microbiome ◽  
Mass Spectrometry Analysis ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
Lung Lobe ◽  
Spectrometry Analysis ◽  
Pulmonary Actinomycosis ◽  
Free Ranging

Pneumonia has been reported in both free-ranging and captive koalas and a number of causative agents have been described. Between 2016 and 2019, 16 free-ranging and 1 captive koala ( Phascolarctos cinereus) from the Mount Lofty Ranges of South Australia were identified with pyogranulomatous lobar pneumonia, which involved the left caudal lobe in 14/17 (82%) cases. Within lesions, numerous gram-positive or gram-variable, non-acid-fast filamentous bacteria were observed in association with Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon. Culture yielded growth of anaerobic bacteria, which were unidentifiable by MALDI-TOF-MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry) analysis in 5/5 cases. Sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene identified a novel Actinomyces species in 4 samples, confirming a diagnosis of pulmonary actinomycosis. Concurrent examination of resin lung casts from healthy koalas suggested greater laminar flow of air to the left caudal lung lobe in koalas. Actinomyces spp. have been reported as commensals of the oral microbiome in other species, and an association with similar pulmonary lesions in other species. Considering the predilection for involvement of the left caudal lung lobe, aspiration is suggested as the likely cause in some cases of pulmonary actinomycosis in koalas. Pulmonary actinomycosis has not been previously described in koalas and further work needs to be undertaken in order to classify this organism within the Actinomyces genus.

scholarly journals Infection with koala retrovirus subgroup B (KoRV-B), but not KoRV-A, is associated with chlamydial disease in free-ranging koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus)

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Courtney A. Waugh ◽  
Jonathan Hanger ◽  
Joanne Loader ◽  
Andrew King ◽  
Matthew Hobbs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
Free Ranging ◽  
Koala Retrovirus

scholarly journals Using non-invasive sampling methods to determine the prevalence and distribution of Chlamydia pecorum and koala retrovirus in a remnant koala population with conservation importance

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faye Wedrowicz ◽  
Jennifer Mosse ◽  
Wendy Wright ◽  
Fiona E. Hogan
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
The South ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
Urogenital Infection ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Chlamydia Pecorum ◽  
Genetic Sampling ◽  
Pathogen Prevalence ◽  
Koala Retrovirus

Context Pathogenic infections are an important consideration for the conservation of native species, but obtaining such data from wild populations can be expensive and difficult. Two pathogens have been implicated in the decline of some koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations: urogenital infection with Chlamydia pecorum and koala retrovirus subgroup A (KoRV-A). Pathogen data for a wild koala population of conservation importance in South Gippsland, Victoria are essentially absent. Aims This study uses non-invasive sampling of koala scats to provide prevalence and genotype data for C. pecorum and KoRV-A in the South Gippsland koala population, and compares pathogen prevalence between wild koalas and koalas in rescue shelters. Methods C. pecorum and KoRV-A provirus were detected by PCR of DNA isolated from scats collected in the field. Pathogen genetic variation was investigated using DNA sequencing of the C. pecorum ompA and KoRV-A env genes. Key results C. pecorum and KoRV-A were detected in 61% and 27% of wild South Gippsland individuals tested, respectively. KoRV-A infection tended to be higher in shelter koalas compared with wild koalas. In contrast with other Victorian koala populations sampled, greater pathogen diversity was present in South Gippsland. Conclusions In the South Gippsland koala population, C. pecorum is widespread and common whereas KoRV appears less prevalent than previously thought. Further work exploring the dynamics of these pathogens in South Gippsland koalas is warranted and may help inform future conservation strategies for this important population. Implications Non-invasive genetic sampling from scats is a powerful method for obtaining data regarding pathogen prevalence and diversity in wildlife. The use of non-invasive methods for the study of pathogens may help fill research gaps in a way that would be difficult or expensive to achieve using traditional methods.

scholarly journals Porphyromonas spp., Fusobacterium spp., and Bacteroides spp. dominate microbiota in the course of macropod progressive periodontal disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabine Yip ◽  
Manijeh Mohammadi Dehcheshmeh ◽  
David J. McLelland ◽  
Wayne S. J. Boardman ◽  
Sugiyono Saputra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Periodontal Disease ◽  
Ribosomal Rna ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Illumina Miseq ◽  
Oral Bacteria ◽  
Microbial Interactions ◽  
P Value ◽  
Bonferroni Correction ◽  
Linear Discriminant ◽  
Clinical Records

AbstractMacropod progressive periodontal disease (MPPD) is a necrotizing, polymicrobial, inflammatory disease commonly diagnosed in captive macropods. MPPD is characterized by gingivitis associated with dental plaque formation, which progresses to periodontitis and then to osteomyelitis of the mandible or maxilla. However, the underlying microbial causes of this disease remain poorly understood. In this study, we collected 27 oral plaque samples and associated clinical records from 22 captive Macropodidae and Potoroidae individuals that were undergoing clinical examination at Adelaide and Monarto Zoos in South Australia (15 healthy, 7 gingivitis and 5 periodontitis-osteomyelitis samples). The V3-V4 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was sequenced using an Illumina Miseq to explore links between MPPD and oral bacteria in these animals. Compositional differences were detected between the microbiota of periodontitis-osteomyelitis cases compared to healthy samples (p-value with Bonferroni correction < 0.01), as well as gingivitis cases compared to healthy samples (p-value with Bonferroni correction < 0.05) using Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance (PERMANOVA). An overabundance of Porphyromonas, Fusobacterium, and Bacteroides taxa was also identified in animals with MPPD compared to healthy individuals using linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe; p =  < 0.05). An increased abundance of Desulfomicrobium also was detected in MPPD samples (LEfSe; p < 0.05), which could potentially reflect differences in disease progression. This is the first microbiota analysis of MPPD in captive macropods, and these results support a polymicrobial pathogenesis of MPPD, suggesting that the microbial interactions underpinning MPPD may be more complex than previously documented.

Timing of breeding and female fecundity of the greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) in the temperate zone of South Australia: implications for translocations of a previously widespread species

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 444 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karleah K. Berris ◽  
Steven J. B. Cooper ◽  
William G. Breed ◽  
Susan M. Carthew
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Strategy ◽  
Arid Zone ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Reproductive Activity ◽  
Temperate Zone ◽  
Breeding Biology ◽  
Head Length ◽  
Widespread Species ◽  
Free Ranging

Context Many of Australia’s threatened mammals were once widespread across the continent and present in both arid, semiarid and temperate habitats. However, data on breeding biology can be lacking for some climatic regions due to local extinctions of populations. The breeding biology of the greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) has previously only been studied in captive colonies or free-ranging arid zone populations. Between 1997 and 2005, captive-bred bilbies were released at two sites in temperate South Australia. These populations provided an opportunity to determine whether bilbies adopt a seasonal reproductive strategy in the temperate zone, where this species has not been present since the early 1900s. Aims To determine the season of births, litter size and female reproductive potential in two free-ranging populations of the bilby in the temperate zone of South Australia. Methods Bilbies were regularly cage-trapped at Venus Bay Conservation Park and Thistle Island between August 2007 and April 2010 to obtain data on reproductive activity in both populations. Key results Births of pouch young in both populations occurred in winter (June–August), spring and early summer, but not between February and mid-May. Males had a significantly smaller mean testes size relative to head length in late summer, when breeding activity ceased. Average litter size at pouch emergence was between 1.00 and 1.47 pouch young, with females producing up to three litters per annum. The mean head length of females that successfully raised twins was significantly larger than that of females who raised a single pouch young. Conclusions The seasonal breeding pattern observed in the present study differs from that of year-round reproductive activity in captivity and the arid zone. The present study suggests that female body size influences fecundity, and that releasing large females at the start of the breeding season in temperate areas may maximise the initial rate of increase of a translocated bilby population. Implications The present study suggests previously widespread species such as the bilby can adapt their reproductive strategy to suit local conditions. Cessation of breeding in autumn, as observed in this study, has also been observed in other bandicoot species in southern Australia.

scholarly journals Prevalence of cryptococcal antigenemia and nasal colonization in a free-ranging koala population

2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (7) ◽  
pp. 848-857 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura J Schmertmann ◽  
Alex Kan ◽  
Valentina S A Mella ◽  
Cristina M Fernandez ◽  
Mathew S Crowther ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eucalyptus Camaldulensis ◽  
Polymorphism Analysis ◽  
Nasal Colonization ◽  
Agar Culture ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Species Complexes ◽  
Cryptococcus Spp ◽  
Free Ranging ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractCryptococcosis, caused by environmental fungi in the Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii species complexes, affects a variety of hosts, including koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). Cryptococcal antigenemia and nasal colonization are well characterized in captive koalas, but free-ranging populations have not been studied systematically. Free-ranging koalas (181) from the Liverpool Plains region of New South Wales, Australia, were tested for cryptococcal antigenemia (lateral flow immunoassay) and nasal colonization (bird seed agar culture). Results were related to environmental and individual koala characteristics. Eucalypt trees (14) were also randomly tested for the presence of Cryptococcus spp. by bird seed agar culture. In sum, 5.5% (10/181) and 6.6% (12/181) of koalas were positive for antigenemia and nasal colonization, respectively, on at least one occasion. And 64.3% (9/14) of eucalypts were culture-positive for Cryptococcus spp. URA5 restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis identified most isolates as C. gattii VGI, while C. neoformans VNI was only found in one koala and one tree. Colonized koalas were significantly more likely to test positive for antigenemia. No associations between antigenemia or colonization, and external environmental characteristics (the relative abundance of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and season), or individual koala characteristics (body condition, sex, and age), could be established, suggesting that antigenemia and colonization are random outcomes of host-pathogen-environment interactions. The relationship between positive antigenemia status and a relatively high abundance of E. camaldulensis requires further investigation. This study characterizes cryptococcosis in a free-ranging koala population, expands the ecological niche of the C. gattii/C. neoformans species complexes and highlights free-ranging koalas as important sentinels for this disease.

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