Pandas and parasites: A functional genomics approach to combat persistant Baylisascaris schroederi infection in captive giant pandas

熊猫和寄生虫：一种对抗圈养大熊猫持续性贝蛔虫感染的功能基因组学方法

• 批准号: 1646205
• 金额: --
• 依托单位: Aberystwyth University
• 依托单位国家: 英国
• 项目类别: Studentship
• 财政年份: 2015
• 资助国家: 英国
• 起止时间: 2015 至 无数据
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=studentship-1646205
• 关键词: Pandas; parasites; functional; genomics; approach

Giant Pandas are one of the most recognisable and iconic species in the world and are often flagship species in conservation. In January 2011 RZSS Edinburgh Zoo loaned Yang Guang and Tian Tian for an estimated £6 million over ten years. Due to the charismatic appeal of the Giant Pandas, RZSS Edinburgh Zoo saw a rise in visitor numbers by 51% emphasising the general public's fondness for these animals. Conserving these endangered animals in captivity is not only financial lucrative but more significantly it is of environmental importance. Therefore, measures must be taken to prevent endangering an already endangered species. The genus of parasitic nematode worms (helminths) Baylisascaris infect more than 50 species worldwide and is the most prevalent parasite found in Giant Pandas both in the wild and captivity. Specifically, B. schroederi infection causes severe damage to the host by obtrusion of the intestines potentially leading to the death of the infected Panda via inflammation or starvation. A more serious concern from B. schroederi infection is visceral larva migrans (VLM) - migration of the larvae throughout the animal to sites such as the brain and the eyes. Between 2001 and 2005 VLM from B. schroederi infection has been the main cause of mortality in wild Pandas and is one of the main threats to Panda survival accounting for 50% of all wild Giant Panda deaths. B. schroederi is also a persistent problem in captive Pandas including RZSS Edinburgh Zoo. Control of B. schroederi is managed by routine anthelmintic dosing to remove the parasites from the infected Panda. Unfortunately, we are limited by a lack of knowledge on how B. schroederi responds to anthelmintic treatments or if resistance to anthelmintics is present. This proposal aims to tackle a persistent problem in managed zoo animals, specifically B. schroederi infection in captive Giant Pandas. A collaborative project between IBERS, Aberystwyth University, and RZSS Edinburgh Zoo, aims to understand how the parasite B. schroederi responds to anthelmintic treatment to answer the question 'is resistance is the cause of persistent infections in captive Giant Panda populations?'. Anthelmintics are also used for Giant Pandas undergoing rehabilitation or breeding/release programmes across China's Giant Panda reserves. Therefore, investigation of the drug resistance status of the parasite B. schroederi will have a positive impact upon the health and welfare of this flagship species both in captivity and in their native habitat. This research programme falls directly within the remit of the BBSRC strategic plan for improving animal health and increasing the welfare of managed animals. In line with this strategic priority we also aim to lay down fundamental research to take strides towards alleviating the Giant Panda species from the burden of this infection by producing research data key for the production of new diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines - providing the tools for the future control of this parasitic nematode infection.

大熊猫是世界上最知名和最具标志性的物种之一，通常是保护的旗舰物种。2011年1月，RZSS爱丁堡动物园以600万英镑的价格租借给杨光和甜甜，为期10年。由于大熊猫的魅力吸引力，RZSS爱丁堡动物园的游客人数增加了51%，强调了公众对这些动物的喜爱。圈养这些濒危动物不仅经济上有利可图，更重要的是它对环境的重要性。因此，必须采取措施防止危及已经濒临灭绝的物种。寄生线虫属（蠕虫）Baylisascaris感染全世界50多个物种，是野生和圈养大熊猫中最普遍的寄生虫。具体来说，就是B。Schroederi感染通过肠道阻塞对宿主造成严重损害，可能导致受感染的熊猫通过炎症或饥饿死亡。B更严重的问题。Schroederi感染是内脏幼虫移行症（VLM）-幼虫在整个动物中迁移到诸如脑和眼睛的部位。从2001年到2005年从B。Schroederi感染是野生大熊猫死亡的主要原因，也是大熊猫生存的主要威胁之一，占所有野生大熊猫死亡的50%。B。schroederi也是圈养大熊猫的一个持续问题，包括RZSS爱丁堡动物园。控制B。通过常规的驱虫剂剂量来管理schroederi，以从受感染的熊猫体内清除寄生虫。不幸的是，我们对B是如何产生的缺乏了解。Schroederi对驱虫剂治疗有反应或者是否存在对驱虫剂的抗性。该提案旨在解决管理的动物园动物，特别是B的一个持续存在的问题。圈养大熊猫中的schroederi感染IBERS、阿伯里斯特威斯大学和RZSS爱丁堡动物园之间的一个合作项目旨在了解寄生虫B。施罗德里回应驱虫治疗，回答了“抗药性是圈养大熊猫种群持续感染的原因吗？”'.驱虫药也用于中国大熊猫保护区内正在进行康复或繁殖/放归计划的大熊猫。因此，调查寄生虫B的耐药性状况。schroederi将对这一旗舰物种的健康和福利产生积极的影响，无论是在圈养环境中还是在其原生栖息地。该研究计划福尔斯直接属于BBSRC改善动物健康和增加管理动物福利的战略计划的职权范围。根据这一战略优先事项，我们还旨在制定基础研究，通过产生新诊断，治疗和疫苗生产的关键研究数据，为未来控制这种寄生线虫感染提供工具，从而逐步减轻大熊猫物种的感染负担。