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，通常是保护的旗舰物种。2011年1月，爱丁堡皇家ZSS动物园向杨光和甜甜借出了大约600万GB的贷款，为期10年。由于大熊猫的魅力，爱丁堡RZSS动物园的游客数量增加了51%，这强调了普通公众对这些动物的喜爱。圈养保护这些濒危动物不仅经济上有利可图，更重要的是它具有环境重要性。因此，必须采取措施防止危及本已濒临灭绝的物种。贝氏线虫属寄生线虫(蠕虫)感染全世界50多个物种，是在野外和圈养大熊猫中发现的最流行的寄生虫。具体地说，施罗德氏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通过炎症或饥饿而死亡。施罗德氏杆菌感染的一个更严重的问题是内脏幼虫迁徙(VLM)-幼虫在整个动物体内迁移到大脑和眼睛等部位。2001-2005年间，由施罗德氏杆菌感染引起的VLm一直是野生大熊猫死亡的主要原因，也是威胁大熊猫生存的主要因素之一，占野生大熊猫死亡总数的50%。施罗德氏杆菌也是包括RZSS爱丁堡动物园在内的圈养大熊猫的一个长期问题。施罗德氏杆菌的控制是通过常规的驱虫剂剂量从受感染的熊猫身上清除寄生虫来进行的。不幸的是，我们受到缺乏关于施罗德氏杆菌对驱虫剂治疗的反应或是否存在抗药性的知识的限制。这项提案旨在解决动物园管理动物中的一个长期存在的问题，特别是圈养大熊猫中的施罗德氏杆菌感染。IBERS、Aberystwyth大学和RZSS Edinburgh Zoo合作的一个项目旨在了解寄生虫B.schroederi对驱虫治疗的反应，以回答这样一个问题：在圈养大熊猫种群中，耐药性是持续感染的原因吗？驱虫剂也被用于中国大熊猫保护区内正在接受康复或繁殖/放生计划的大熊猫。因此，对施氏不动杆菌抗药性状况的调查将对这一旗舰物种的健康和福利产生积极影响，无论是在圈养中还是在其原产地。这项研究计划直接属于BBSRC改善动物健康和增加受管理动物福利的战略计划的范围。根据这一战略重点，我们还致力于基础研究，通过生产新的诊断、治疗和疫苗的研究数据关键，为大熊猫物种减轻这种感染的负担迈出一大步--为未来控制这种寄生性线虫感染提供工具。

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.