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

大熊猫是世界上最知名和最具标志性的物种之一，也是保护的旗舰物种。2011年1月，RZSS爱丁堡动物园将大熊猫“阳光”和“甜甜”租借出去，租期约为10年，价值600万英镑。由于大熊猫的魅力，RZSS爱丁堡动物园的游客数量增加了51%，这表明公众对这些动物的喜爱。圈养这些濒临灭绝的动物不仅在经济上有利可图，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。Baylisascaris是一种寄生线虫属（蠕虫），在世界范围内感染超过50种，是野生和圈养大熊猫中最普遍的寄生虫。具体来说，施氏芽孢杆菌感染通过挤压肠道对宿主造成严重损害，可能导致受感染的熊猫因炎症或饥饿而死亡。施氏芽孢杆菌感染引起的一个更严重的问题是内脏幼虫迁移（VLM）——幼虫在动物全身迁移到大脑和眼睛等部位。2001年至2005年期间，施氏芽胞杆菌感染引起的VLM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，占野生大熊猫死亡总数的50%。在包括RZSS爱丁堡动物园在内的圈养大熊猫中，schroederi也是一个持续存在的问题。施氏白僵杆菌的控制是通过常规给药来清除受感染熊猫体内的寄生虫。不幸的是，由于缺乏对施氏芽孢杆菌对驱虫剂治疗的反应或是否存在对驱虫剂的抗性的了解，我们受到限制。该提案旨在解决管理动物园动物的一个长期存在的问题，特别是圈养大熊猫的B. schroederi感染。IBERS、Aberystwyth大学和RZSS爱丁堡动物园之间的一个合作项目，旨在了解施氏B. schroederi寄生虫对驱虫治疗的反应，以回答“抗药性是圈养大熊猫种群持续感染的原因吗？”在中国的大熊猫保护区内，正在进行康复或繁殖/放生的大熊猫也使用了驱虫药。因此，研究施氏白僵虫的耐药状况将对该旗舰物种在圈养和自然栖息地的健康和福利产生积极的影响。这一研究方案直接属于BBSRC改善动物健康和增加管理动物福利的战略计划的范围。根据这一战略重点，我们还致力于奠定基础研究，通过为生产新的诊断、治疗和疫苗提供关键的研究数据，为未来控制这种寄生虫感染提供工具，从而在减轻大熊猫物种感染负担方面取得进展。

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.