Detection of Ehrlichia muris DNA from sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) in Hokkaido, Japan

Ehrlichia muris DNA was detected in the blood of sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) by species-specific PCR based on the citrate synthase gene, which was shown to be more sensitive than species-specific PCR based on the 16S rRNA gene. Among 102 deer examined, one deer was positive. Deer may be a possible mammalian reservoir of E. muris.     

Characteristics of Germplasm Resources and Methods of Conservation and Utilization of Domestic Sika Deer in China

This review focused on germplasm resources of domestic sika deer,the genetic background was discussed,characteristics and performance of improved varieties based on Cervus nippon hortulorum Swinhoe were compared and biological basis,genetic trait and performance of crossbreed derived from interspecific cross between domestic sika deer and wapiti were analyzed.For the present status of domestic sika deer,the conservation and utilization methods were provided.     

中国家养梅花鹿种质资源特性及其保存与利用的途径分析

作者以"种质资源"为中心,论述了中国家养梅花鹿的遗传背景,分析比较了以东北梅花鹿为基础人工育成品种(品系)的特征及生产性能,并对家养梅花鹿与马鹿种间杂交的生物学基础、杂交后代的遗传性状和生产性能进行了分析。针对目前中国家养梅花鹿资源现状,提出了中国家养梅花鹿的种质资源保存与合理利用的途径。     

Molecular analyses of a potentially novel Anaplasma species closely related to Anaplasma phagocytophilum detected in sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) in Japan

An Anaplasma species closely related to Anaplasma phagocytophilum detected in sika deer in Hokkaido, Japan was molecularly analyzed using 16S rRNA, citrate synthase (gltA), and heat-shock operon (groEL) gene sequences. Genome walking was performed to determine its complete gltA and groEL sequences (1233 bp and 1650 bp, respectively). Percent identities to the closest A. phagocytophilum sequences from the US and European strains were 98.6-98.8%, 76.5%, and 80.3-80.8% for 16S rRNA, gltA, and groEL genes, respectively. For deduced amino acid sequences, percent identities to the closest A. phagocytophilum sequences were 66.7% and 97.6% for gltA and groEL genes, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses revealed divergence from any known A. phagocytophilum strain. The lower identities and the divergent phylogenetic position of the Anaplasma sp. detected from sika deer in Japan with established A. phagocytophilum strains provide evidence of its potential novelty.     

基于SRY基因分析梅花鹿的遗传多样性及父系类型

试验旨在研究梅花鹿SRY基因的遗传多样性及其父系类型。选取东北亚种、北海道亚种、本州亚种、指名亚种、屋久岛亚种5个亚种的144个个体,利用试剂盒和传统酚/仿(1∶1)法进行DNA的提取,采用PCR扩增和直接测序法分析梅花鹿的核苷酸多样性(Pi)、单倍型多样性(Hd)、遗传距离及系统进化关系。结果显示,试验所获序列长度为1 613bp,在第47、62、602、1 148、1 569、1 604bp处共检测到6个SNPs多态位点,占核苷酸总数的0.3%,碱基替换以碱基转换为主。通过6个SNPs多态位点确立了6种单倍型:Hap-1、Hap-2、Hap-3、Hap-4、Hap-5和Hap-6,其中Hap-4、Hap-5和Hap-6为新发现单倍型。遗传多样性由高至低依次为:指名亚种、屋久岛亚种、东北亚种、本州亚种、北海道亚种。各亚种间遗传距离最小为北海道亚种与本州亚种的距离(0.000056),最大为东北亚种与指名亚种的距离(0.001733)。基于单倍型利用邻接法构建系统进化树,结果显示,与日本梅花鹿相比,东北亚种与马鹿关系更近,东北亚种存在两大分支,日本梅花鹿各亚种间无明显分支,其他单倍型均是由Hap-3进化而来,单倍型最小跨度网络图与系统进化树一致。结果表明,东北梅花鹿存在两大父系类型,日本梅花鹿存在一个父系类型,单倍型Hap-3是日本梅花鹿的原始单倍型。     

Divergence of p33/34 gene of Theileria found in Cervus nippon in Japan

The 18S rRNA gene and the piroplasm major immunodominant protein gene (p33/34) of Theileria from various subspecies of sika deer in 8 different locations of Japan were analyzed. The similarity between 633 bp partial sequences of the 18S rRNA gene among various subspecies of sika deer was found to be between 99.7% and 100%. While the percent identities of the 412 bp partial p33/34 gene sequence and deduced amino acid sequences between Theileria of sika deer from Yamaguchi Prefecture and those found in deer from other Prefectures, were comparatively low, 68.7% to 70.1% and 64.1% to 70.0% respectively. These findings suggest that there are at least two genetically distinct strains of Theileria of sika deer in Japan.     

Occurrence of two distinct Theileria lineages in sika deer (Cervus nippon) of Iwate Prefecture, Japan

In the present study, we tried to detect protozoan blood parasites from the liver or blood of 141 Japanese sika deer (Cervus nippon) in Iwate Prefecture of Japan by polymerase chain reaction. Approximately 500-bp amplicons were obtained in 76 (53.9%) of 141 samples by amplification for V4 hyper-variable regions of the 18S rRNA gene, and the amplicons were considered to be DNA of Theileria species. The complete nucleotide sequences (1701-bp) of the 18S rRNA gene were determined in 25 samples and were divided into 8 genotypes that were phylogenetically separated into two distinct lineages showing a monophyletic relation. The two lineages of Theileria were detected in different rates (12 and 88%) from sika deer in Iwate Prefecture.     

Sex determination based on fecal DNA analysis of the amelogenin gene in sika deer (Cervus nippon)

A sex determination method using DNA extracted from feces has been developed for sika deer (Cervus nippon). We determined a partial sequence of the amelogenin gene of sika deer, which exists on both X and Y chromosomes with a deletion region on the Y chromosome. Based on the sexually dimorphic sequences, we designed a pair of primers which could amplify DNA fragments the lengths of which are different between males and females. PCR products were detected in 34 out of 37 fecal samples collected from captured deer and the sexes estimated by the present method were perfectly matched with the actual sexes.     

Surveillance of chronic wasting disease in sika deer, Cervus nippon, from Tokachi district in Hokkaido

Surveillance of chronic wasting disease (CWD) was conducted by performing Western blot analysis of tissue samples from 136 sika deer (Cervus nippon) killed by hunters in the Tokachi district of Hokkaido Island. No prion protein (PrPSc) associated with CWD was detected in any of the samples. To assess amino acid polymorphisms of the sika deer PrP gene, nucleotide sequencing of the PrP gene was performed. The only amino acid polymorphisms detected were 3 silent mutations at nucleotide positions 63, 225 and 408. These results suggest that sika deer in the Tokachi district are genetically homogeneous, and are not infected with CWD.     

Epidemiology of theilerioses in the Trans-Mara division, Kenya: Husbandry and disease background and preliminary investigations on theilerioses in calves

All the calves born (116) into 3 Maasai cattle herds in the Trans-Mara Division of Kenya, between August 1978 and October 1979, were recruited into a monthly health study which concentrated on theileriosis. Twenty-two of the calves died before they were 6 months of age, but the mortality only increased to 25% by the time the calves reached 18 months of age. The mean birth weight of calves was 17.5 kg while at 190 days post-birth the mean weight was 53.4 kg. The main causes of mortality were starvation (7.8%), neonatal diarrhoea (2.6%), chronic indigestion (2.6%) and theileriosis (2.6%) due to Theileria parva and T. mutans infections. The calves were infected with ticks from birth (mostly Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and Amblyomma spp.) and the first Theileria schizonts were detected on Day 17 post birth and reached a maximum of 18.4% of calves in the 11th week post-birth. Seasonal peaks of macroschizont incidence occurred in February and July. All calves had patent Theileria piroplasm infections by the time they were 5 months old and 44% had shown patent Theileria macroschizont infections by 6–7 months of age. Generally low parasitosis of Theileria piroplasms and schizonts occurred. Serology using the indirect fluorescent antibody test showed a high proportion of calves received antibodies against T. mutans and T. parva from their dams by way of colostrum. The majority of calves also had active antibody responses against T. mutans and T. parva by the time they were 6 months of age. There was a correlation between the pre-patent period of piroplasms and active antibody responses to T. mutans and between the prepatent period of schizonts and an antibody response to T. parva. Eighteen older calves developed T. velifera infections. “Turning sickness” due to Theileria infection in the brain was detected in older cattle. Other blood parasites such as Trypanosoma vivax, T. congolense, Anaplasma marginale and Babesia bigemina occurred at patent levels at a lower incidence than Theileria spp. and did not cause disease problems in the calves. The calf population was highly resistant to theileriosis since they had a 100% morbidity, but only 2.6% mortality. Theileria infections would appear to have an important effect on the growth of calves but this and many aspects of the epidemiology of theileriosis in the area required more intensive sampling.     

A study on Theileria parva bovis carrier state

In two trials, Theileria parva bovis (which causes ‘January disease’ of cattle in Zimbabwe) produced a carrier state, over the 7–12 months after infection. Very severe clinical reactions were caused by infections from small numbers (29–43) of adult Rhipicephalus appendiculatus ticks, which had engorged on immunized cattle in the field. The transmission from healthy recovered cattle housed indoors was less efficient, even with high numbers of ticks (300). Two out of seven attempts were successful and disease reactions were rather severe. A non-pathogenic Theileria assumed to be Theileria taurotragi was transmitted in three out of seven attempts.     

一例梅花鹿布氏杆菌和日本乙型脑炎混合感染的诊断

2018年3月17日,贵州省某梅花鹿场的梅花鹿(Cervus nippon)出现关节肿大、下颌肿大、睾丸单侧肿胀,还伴有严重的跛行等症状。采集4份该发病梅花鹿的血样送检。检测结果表明,通过虎红平板凝集试验2份血样检测出了布氏杆菌感染,4份血样经RT-PCR均扩增出了JEV NS1部分基因的特异性条带,PCR产物测序结果分析显示,4份梅花鹿血样的JEV NS1基因(GZ-015、GZ-019、GZ-022、GZ-039)间的核苷酸同源性分别为99. 9%、99. 3%、99. 4%,与强毒株SA-14、国内外的疫苗株及四川、吉林等地的JEV分离株之间核苷酸同源性为99%以上,GZ-015、GZ-019、GZ-022、GZ-039与强毒株SA-14、弱毒株、国内外的疫苗株及四川、吉林等地的JEV分离株处于同一个较大的遗传进化分支。     

Sex determination of sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) using nested PCR from feces collected in the field

We describe a method for determining the sex of sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) from feces collected in the field. Using a nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR), partial sequences of the sex determination region of the Y chromosome (SRY) gene and X zinc finger protein (ZFX) gene were amplified. In 19 individuals with sex information, the correct sex was successfully detected and sequences of target amplicons were completely matched between muscle and feces from the rectum. Among 75 fecal samples collected noninvasively in the field, 68-71 samples (90.7-94.7%) yielded successful sex determinations. Using this technique, feces collected in the field would enhance the utility of genetic analysis. As a result, instead of biomaterials, these samples can serve as new or alternative materials. Finally, it can be expected that this technique will contribute to reveal in advanced detail of the population dynamics and genetic diversity that needed to carry out effective population control and to reduce the extinction risk of sika deer.     

An occurrence of Salmonella typhimurium infection in sika deer (Cervus nippon)

Seven sika deer (Cervus nippon) in a herd of 30 deer in a park died. Upon examination of three dead deer, Salmonella Typhimurium was isolated from the organs and intestinal contents. Histopathological examination revealed catarrhal enteritis and focal necroses in the liver. Immunohistochemically, Salmonella antigen of O4 was detected in the enteric lesions. The case was diagnosed as S. Typhimurium infection in the sika deer. Because of the importance of Salmonella in public health, fecal and soil samples were continuously collected from the paddock. However, no Salmonella was isolated from any samples collected after medication of the deer and thorough disinfection of the immediate environment.     

梅花鹿S100A16基因的克隆及生物信息学分析

为探索梅花鹿（Cervus nippon）S100A16基因序列及生物学特性，本研究根据GenBank数据库中牛、绵羊S100A16基因序列设计引物，以梅花鹿鹿茸顶端组织cDNA为模板，采用RT-PCR技术和分子克隆技术成功获得梅花鹿S100A16基因的cDNA序列。生物信息学分析发现，梅花鹿S100A16基因CDS区全长312 bp，编码103个氨基酸；蛋白含有11个磷酸化位点，有跨膜结构域，无信号肽，为在细胞内发挥作用的稳定蛋白；蛋白仅在C端含有S100蛋白家族经典的EF螺旋结构域，由12个氨基酸组成，N端EF螺旋结构域由15个氨基酸组成；蛋白C端含有FGF-1蛋白结合位点；梅花鹿S100A16蛋白的二级结构主要由α-螺旋和无规则卷曲构成；三级结构显示该蛋白有2个Ca²⁺结合位点；梅花鹿S100A16蛋白氨基酸序列与东欧马鹿同源性最高，为100%，与其他部分物种S100A16蛋白氨基酸序列构建系统进化树，分析表明S100A16基因在进化上比较保守，符合功能基因的特点。研究结果为进一步揭示梅花鹿S100A16基因的功能及表达机制提供依据。     

Anaplasma infection in free-ranging Iberian red deer in the region of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Organisms in the genus Anaplasma are obligate intracellular pathogens that multiply in both vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. The type species, Anaplasma marginale, causes bovine anaplasmosis and infects erythrocytes of the vertebrate host and undergoes a complex developmental cycle in ticks which serve as biological vectors. Infected cattle, wild ruminants and ticks can all serve as reservoirs of A. marginale. In this study, hunter killed Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) from the region of Castilla-La Mancha in southwestern Spain were tested for Anaplasma infection. We found that 10% of the deer examined were seropositive for Anaplasma. Three A. marginale strains were subsequently obtained from salivary glands of Hyalomma marginatum that were removed from these deer, and the sequence of the major surface protein (msp)4 gene was determined for each strain and used for phylogenetic studies. Maximum parsimony analyses of msp4 sequences from H. marginatum ticks in comparison with New World cattle and bison isolates reported previously, suggested different origins for these Spanish A. marginale strains. The results of this study demonstrated that Iberian red deer are naturally infected with Anaplasma, and may therefore serve as a wildlife reservoir of the pathogen. Although the link between deer infection and the strains of A. marginale identified in ticks was not established, H. marginatum and Rhipicephalus bursa were identified as potential biological vectors for A. marginale in this region and may effect transmission of A. marginale between deer and cattle populations.     

Isolation of a Megatrypanum trypanosome from sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) in Japan

A trypanosome was isolated from a sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) in Hokkaido, Japan, during the primary culture of sika deer renal cells. This is the first report of isolation of a Megatrypanum trypanosome from Japanese Cervidae. The trypanosome, designated TSD1, was propagated and maintained in Eagle's modified essential medium containing 20% fetal bovine serum with sika deer renal cells as feeder. The TSD1 trypanosome was morphometrically similar to Trypanosoma cervi, which is commonly isolated from American and European deer. PCR analysis with primers for 18S ribosomal DNA and nucleotide sequencing showed that TSD1 is a member of genus Trypanosoma, subgenus Megatrypanum. Phylogenetically TSD1 is closely related to T. theileri, a common trypanosome of cattle, but is distinguishable from T. theileri by some morphometrical and biological features.     

Comparison of various reproductive status in Sika deer (Cervus nippon) using fecal steroid analysis

The feasibility of fecal steroid analysis for pregnancy diagnosis and sex determination were tested in sika deer (Cervus nippon). Feces were collected from captive sika deer in June (non-breeding season and late-pregnancy period) and October (breeding season), and also from the rectum of 24 female sika deer (19 pregnant and 5 non-pregnant females) shot as part of programs for population control in February and March (mid-pregnancy period). In mid- and late-pregnancy periods, fecal progesterone concentrations were significantly higher in pregnant female than in male and non-pregnant female deer. In October, fecal testosterone concentrations were higher in adult male deer, and no difference was found between young males and females. These results suggest that fecal steroid analysis would be a useful means for estimating pregnancy status and for detecting adult male among wild deer.     

四川省甘孜州牦牛梨形虫感染情况的调查

试验旨在调查甘孜藏族自治州（甘孜州）全部18个县（市）牦牛梨形虫的感染情况。2018年6月至11月采集甘孜州18个县（市）临床健康牦牛全血1 381份,采用靶向18S rRNA的巢式PCR进行梨形虫核酸检测,并挑选梨形虫核酸检测阳性样本PCR产物共计124份测序鉴定虫种。结果显示,1 381份牦牛样本中梨形虫核酸阳性样本438份,平均阳性率为31.72%,其中半农半牧业县1 093份牦牛样本中梨形虫核酸阳性样本385份,平均阳性率为35.22%,纯牧业县288份牦牛样本中梨形虫核酸阳性样本53份,平均阳性率为18.40%;124份牦牛梨形虫核酸阳性样本中鉴定出感染的虫种有中华泰勒虫76份、吕氏泰勒虫25份、东方泰勒虫3份、绵羊泰勒虫2份、双芽巴贝斯虫1份和水牛泰勒虫1份,其中中华泰勒虫感染率为61.29%,吕氏泰勒虫感染率为20.16%。本试验结果表明,甘孜州牦牛梨形虫感染率较高,不同地区之间存在差异,优势虫种为中华泰勒虫和吕氏泰勒虫,为甘孜州牦牛梨形虫病防控提供了重要参考。     

Intestinal spirochetosis in wild sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) infected with Brachyspira species

Seven adult free-ranging sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) were examined by histology, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy for intestinal spirochetal infection. Histologically epithelial and goblet cell hyperplasia and edema of the lamina propria mucosa with macrophage and lymphocyte infiltration were observed in the cecum and colon in 6 of the 7 deer. Numerous argyrophilic spirochetes were present in the crypts and some had invaded epithelial and goblet cells and caused degeneration. Immunohistochemically the organisms stained positively with polyclonal antisera against Brachyspira (Serpulina) hyodysenteriae and B. pilosicoli. Ultrastructurally they were 6-14 microm long, 0.2-0.3 microm wide and had 4-6 coils and 13 axial filaments per cell; such features were closely similar to those in the Brachyspira species. These results showed that the spirochetes were capable of inducing enteritis in deer and this intestinal spirochete infection might already be prevalent among wild sika deer in Japan. There is a possibility that this spirochetal colitis is a new syndrome in sika deer and that the same and/or similar spirochetes have infected ruminants, including sika deer and cattle.