Cysts and trophozoites of vestibuliferid ciliates and larvae of Strongyloides were found in fecal samples from captive orangutans Pongo pygmaeus and P. abelii from Czech and Slovak zoological gardens. As comparative material, ciliates from semi-captive mandrills Mandrillus sphinx from Gabon were included in the study. Phylogenetic analysis of the detected vestibuliferid ciliates using ITS1-5.8s-rRNA-ITS2 and partial 18S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) revealed that the ciliates from orangutans are conspecific with Balantioides coli lineage A, while the ciliates from mandrills clustered with Buxtonella-like ciliates from other primates. Morphological examination of the cysts and trophozoites using light microscopy did not reveal differences robust enough to identify the genera of the ciliates. Phylogenetic analysis of detected L1 larvae of Strongyloides using partial cox1 revealed Strongyloides stercoralis clustering within the cox1 lineage A infecting dogs, humans, and other primates. The sequences of 18S rDNA support these results. As both B. coli and S. stercoralis are zoonotic parasites and the conditions in captive and semi-captive settings may facilitate transmission to humans, prophylactic measures should reflect the findings.
- Klíčová slova
- Balantioides coli, Buxtonella-like, Mandrillus sphinx, Pongo abelii, Pongo pygmaeus, Strongyloides stercoralis, molecular phylogeny, semi-captive animals, zoo animals,
- MeSH
- fylogeneze MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- Mandrillus * MeSH
- paraziti * genetika MeSH
- Pongo pygmaeus MeSH
- Pongo genetika MeSH
- primáti genetika MeSH
- psi MeSH
- ribozomální DNA genetika MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- psi MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Názvy látek
- ribozomální DNA MeSH
Conservation strategies are rarely systematically evaluated, which reduces transparency, hinders the cost-effective deployment of resources, and hides what works best in different contexts. Using data on the iconic and critically endangered orangutan (Pongo spp.), we developed a novel spatiotemporal framework for evaluating conservation investments. We show that around USD 1 billion was invested between 2000 and 2019 into orangutan conservation by governments, nongovernmental organizations, companies, and communities. Broken down by allocation to different conservation strategies, we find that habitat protection, patrolling, and public outreach had the greatest return on investment for maintaining orangutan populations. Given the variability in threats, land-use opportunity costs, and baseline remunerations in different regions, there were differential benefits per dollar invested across conservation activities and regions. We show that although challenging from a data and analysis perspective, it is possible to fully understand the relationships between conservation investments and outcomes and the external factors that influence these outcomes. Such analyses can provide improved guidance toward a more effective biodiversity conservation. Insights into the spatiotemporal interplays between the costs and benefits driving effectiveness can inform decisions about the most suitable orangutan conservation strategies for halting population declines. Although our study focuses on the three extant orangutan species of Sumatra and Borneo, our findings have broad application for evidence-based conservation science and practice worldwide.
- Klíčová slova
- Indonesia, Malaysia, Pongo, biodiversity, conservation finance, evidence-based conservation, great apes, impact assessment, orangutan, tropical forest,
- MeSH
- ohrožené druhy * MeSH
- Pongo pygmaeus MeSH
- Pongo * MeSH
- populační dynamika MeSH
- zachování přírodních zdrojů MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S. MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Indonésie MeSH
The gut microbiome exhibits extreme compositional variation between hominid hosts. However, it is unclear how this variation impacts host physiology across species and whether this effect can be mediated through microbial regulation of host gene expression in interacting epithelial cells. Here, we characterize the transcriptional response of human colonic epithelial cells in vitro to live microbial communities extracted from humans, chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans. We find that most host genes exhibit a conserved response, whereby they respond similarly to the four hominid microbiomes. However, hundreds of host genes exhibit a divergent response, whereby they respond only to microbiomes from specific host species. Such genes are associated with intestinal diseases in humans, including inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn's disease. Last, we find that inflammation-associated microbial species regulate the expression of host genes previously associated with inflammatory bowel disease, suggesting health-related consequences for species-specific host-microbiome interactions across hominids.
- Klíčová slova
- Gut microbiome, Primates, Hominids, Gene regulation,
- MeSH
- Bacteria genetika MeSH
- druhová specificita MeSH
- epitelové buňky metabolismus MeSH
- exprese genu genetika MeSH
- feces mikrobiologie MeSH
- fylogeneze MeSH
- Gorilla gorilla mikrobiologie MeSH
- Hominidae genetika mikrobiologie MeSH
- idiopatické střevní záněty genetika MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mikrobiota genetika MeSH
- Pan troglodytes mikrobiologie MeSH
- Pongo mikrobiologie MeSH
- regulace genové exprese genetika MeSH
- RNA ribozomální 16S genetika MeSH
- střevní mikroflóra genetika MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural MeSH
- Názvy látek
- RNA ribozomální 16S MeSH
Parasitic nematodes of Oesophagostomum spp., commonly known, as 'nodular worms' are emerging as the most widely distributed and prevalent zoonotic nematodes. Oesophagostomum infections are well documented in African non-human primates; however, the taxonomy, distribution and transmission of Oesophagostomum in Asian non-human primates are not adequately studied. To better understand which Oesophagostomum species infect Asian non-human primates and determine their phylogeny we analysed 55 faecal samples from 50 orangutan and 5 gibbon individuals from Borneo and Sumatra. Both microscopy and molecular results revealed that semi-wild animals had higher Oesophagostomum infection prevalence than free ranging animals. Based on sequence genotyping analysis targeting the Internal transcribed spacer 2 of rDNA, we report for the first time the presence of O. aculeatum in Sumatran apes. Population genetic analysis shows that there is significant genetic differentiation between Bornean and Sumatran O. aculeatum populations. Our results clearly reveal that O. aculeatum in free-ranging animals have a higher genetic variation than those in semi-wild animals, demonstrating that O. aculeatum is circulating naturally in wildlife and zoonotic transmission is possible. Further studies should be conducted to better understand the epidemiology and dynamics of Oesophagostomum transmission between humans, non-human primates and other wild species and livestock in Southeast Asia.
- MeSH
- DNA helmintů genetika MeSH
- ezofágostomiáza * epidemiologie genetika veterinární MeSH
- feces parazitologie MeSH
- Hylobates parazitologie MeSH
- nemoci lidoopů * epidemiologie genetika parazitologie MeSH
- Oesophagostomum genetika MeSH
- Pongo pygmaeus parazitologie MeSH
- prevalence MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Indonésie epidemiologie MeSH
- Názvy látek
- DNA helmintů MeSH
Key to the success of orangutan conservation management practices is the prevention of the introduction of infectious diseases to the remaining populations. Previous reports of Entamoeba spp. positive orangutans are of concern as Entamoeba spp. infection has been linked to morbidity and mortality in primates. It remains to be determined if the Entamoeba species infecting orangutans is the pathogenic Entamoeba histolytica. Orangutan fecal samples have been collected from orangutans from sites in Sumatra (Bukit Lawang, Ketambe, and Suaq, 241 samples from 64 individuals), and two sites in Kalimantan (Sebangau and Tuanan, 129 samples from 39 individuals). All samples were from wild orangutans except for a proportion from Sumatra which were from semi-wild (108 samples, 10 individuals). E. histolytica-specific nested PCR assays were carried out on the fecal samples. A total of 36 samples from 17 individuals tested positive for E. histolytica. When compared with published sequences using NCBI BLAST the E. histolytica positive samples showed a 98-99% concordance. The majority (76%, n = 36) of the positive isolates came from semi-wild orangutans in Bukit Lawang. This study supports the growing body of evidence that contact with humans is an important risk factor for infection of wild primates with E. histolytica.
- Klíčová slova
- Pongo, Protozoa, amoebiasis, parasite, zoonoses,
- MeSH
- entamébóza epidemiologie MeSH
- Entamoeba genetika izolace a purifikace MeSH
- feces parazitologie MeSH
- nemoci lidoopů epidemiologie parazitologie MeSH
- polymerázová řetězová reakce MeSH
- Pongo parazitologie MeSH
- zoonózy epidemiologie MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Borneo epidemiologie MeSH
- Indonésie epidemiologie MeSH
G-Quadruplexes are noncanonical nucleic acid structures made up of stacked guanosine tetrads connected by short loops. They are frequently used building blocks in synthetic biology and thought to play widespread biological roles. Multimerization can change the functional properties of G-quadruplexes, and understanding the factors that modulate this process remains an important goal. Here, we report the discovery of a novel mechanism by which the formation of multimeric G-quadruplexes can be controlled using GTP. We show that GTP likely inhibits multimer formation by becoming incorporated into a tetrad in the monomeric form of the structure and define the sequence requirements of G-quadruplexes that form GTP-dependent structures. These experiments provide new insights into the small molecule control of G-quadruplex multimerization. They also suggest possible roles for GTP-dependent multimeric G-quadruplexes in both synthetic and natural biological systems.
- MeSH
- biochemické jevy MeSH
- DNA genetika metabolismus MeSH
- G-kvadruplexy * MeSH
- guanosintrifosfát metabolismus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mutace MeSH
- Pan troglodytes MeSH
- Pongo MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Názvy látek
- DNA MeSH
- guanosintrifosfát MeSH
Animals self-medicate using a variety of plant and arthropod secondary metabolites by either ingesting them or anointing them to their fur or skin apparently to repel ectoparasites and treat skin diseases. In this respect, much attention has been focused on primates. Direct evidence for self-medication among the great apes has been limited to Africa. Here we document self-medication in the only Asian great ape, orang-utans (Pongo pygmaeus), and for the first time, to our knowledge, the external application of an anti-inflammatory agent in animals. The use of leaf extracts from Dracaena cantleyi by orang-utan has been observed on several occasions; rubbing a foamy mixture of saliva and leaf onto specific parts of the body. Interestingly, the local indigenous human population also use a poultice of these leaves for the relief of body pains. We present pharmacological analyses of the leaf extracts from this species, showing that they inhibit TNFα-induced inflammatory cytokine production (E-selectin, ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and IL-6). This validates the topical anti-inflammatory properties of this plant and provides a possible function for its use by orang-utans. This is the first evidence for the deliberate external application of substances with demonstrated bioactive potential for self-medication in great apes.
- MeSH
- biologické markery MeSH
- biologické přípravky * chemie farmakologie MeSH
- buněčné linie MeSH
- chování zvířat * MeSH
- cytokiny metabolismus MeSH
- Dracaena chemie metabolismus MeSH
- endoteliální buňky účinky léků metabolismus MeSH
- léčivé rostliny * MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mediátory zánětu metabolismus MeSH
- Pongo pygmaeus * MeSH
- rostlinné extrakty chemie farmakologie MeSH
- samoléčba * MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Názvy látek
- biologické markery MeSH
- biologické přípravky * MeSH
- cytokiny MeSH
- mediátory zánětu MeSH
- rostlinné extrakty MeSH
Wild orangutan populations exist in an increasingly fragile state. As numbers continue to decline and populations became fragmented, the overall health of remaining individuals becomes increasingly at risk. Parasitic infections can have a serious impact on the health of wild orangutans, and can be fatal. It has been reported that rehabilitated individuals demonstrate a higher prevalence of parasitic diseases, and it is possible that they may spread these infections to wild orangutans upon reintroduction. In order to ensure the success of reintroduction and conservation efforts, it is crucial to understand the potential risks by fully understanding what parasites they have been reported to be infected with. Using this knowledge, future conservation strategies can be adapted to minimize the risk and prevalence of parasite transmission in the remaining orangutan populations. There is still limited information available on orangutan parasites, with several still not identified to the species level. Based on comprehensive literature review, we found 51 parasite taxa known to infect wild, semi-wild, and captive orangutans, including newly reported species. Here, we summarize methods used to identify parasites and draw conclusions relative to their reported prevalence. We also recommend fecal sample preservation and analytical methods to obtain best result in the future.
- Klíčová slova
- anthroponotic, disease, orangutan, parasitic infections, zoonotic,
- MeSH
- paraziti patogenita MeSH
- Pongo parazitologie MeSH
- prevalence MeSH
- primáti MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
Saliva crystallization was previously studied in both humans and animals with various results. The study aimed to confirm of the presence of saliva crystallization in female Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus), to evaluate the quality of samples which were collected from animals and processed by keepers, and to test preliminarily if the saliva crystallization could be connected with menstrual cycle and could serve as a cheap, quick and simple method for the basic monitoring of their reproductive status. The research was carried out from September 2014 to January 2015. Sampling of saliva was done in three female orangutans from three zoological gardens (Dvur Kralove, Usti nad Labem, Bojnice) daily, mostly by tongue prints on glass slides with ground edges or by sampling directly from the mouth using plastic spoons from which the saliva was transferred onto glass slides. Samples were evaluated by light microscopy with ×400 magnification. The quality of the sample and type of crystallization was assessed for two different approaches. In total, 246 samples were evaluated. We confirmed the presence of saliva crystallization in orangutans. The quality of samples was variable however acceptable. Unfortunately, it was impossible to detect exact fertile period in two females. However in one orangutan female, when the crystallization was evaluated by the approach typically used in humans, we discovered that saliva crystallization during the fertile period significantly differed from saliva crystallization in the non-fertile period. This points out the possibility of using saliva crystallization for detection of the fertile period in orangutans. However, further research was recommended.
- MeSH
- krystalizace MeSH
- menstruační cyklus * MeSH
- Pongo pygmaeus fyziologie MeSH
- sliny chemie MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
BACKGROUND: Orangutans are critically endangered primarily due to loss and fragmentation of their natural habitat. This could bring them into closer contact with humans and increase the risk of zoonotic pathogen transmission. AIMS: To describe the prevalence and diversity of Cryptosporidium spp., microsporidia and Giardia intestinalis in orangutans at seven sites on Sumatra and Kalimantan, and to evaluate the impact of orangutans' habituation and location on the occurrence of these zoonotic protists. RESULT: The overall prevalence of parasites in 298 examined animals was 11.1%. The most prevalent microsporidia was Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype II, found in 21 animals (7.0%). Enterocytozoon bieneusi genotype D (n = 5) and novel genotype Pongo 2 were detected only in six individuals (2.0%). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of these parasites in orangutans. Eight animals were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. (2.7%), including C. parvum (n = 2) and C. muris (n = 6). Giardia intestinalis assemblage B, subtype MB6, was identified in a single individual. While no significant differences between the different human contact level groups (p = 0.479-0.670) or between the different islands (p = 0.992) were reported in case of E. bieneusi or E. cuniculi, Cryptosporidium spp. was significantly less frequently detected in wild individuals (p < 2×10-16) and was significantly more prevalent in orangutans on Kalimantan than on Sumatra (p < 2×10-16). CONCLUSION: Our results revealed that wild orangutans are significantly less frequently infected by Cryptosporidium spp. than captive and semi-wild animals. In addition, this parasite was more frequently detected at localities on Kalimantan. In contrast, we did not detect any significant difference in the prevalence of microsporidia between the studied groups of animals. The sources and transmission modes of infections were not determined, as this would require repeated sampling of individuals, examination of water sources, and sampling of humans and animals sharing the habitat with orangutans.
- MeSH
- Cryptosporidium * MeSH
- Encephalitozoon * MeSH
- Enterocytozoon * MeSH
- Giardia lamblia * MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nemoci lidoopů * epidemiologie parazitologie přenos MeSH
- parazitární nemoci střev * epidemiologie parazitologie přenos MeSH
- Pongo abelii parazitologie MeSH
- Pongo pygmaeus parazitologie MeSH
- prevalence MeSH
- protozoální infekce zvířat * epidemiologie parazitologie přenos MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Borneo epidemiologie MeSH
- Indonésie epidemiologie MeSH
