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First description of sarcoptic mange in a wild coati (Nasua narica), in Ecuador, and cooccurrence of canine distemper virus

Primeira descrição da sarna sarcóptica em um coati selvagem (Nasua narica), no Equador, e coocorrência do vírus distemper canino

Abstract

We present a case of Sarcoptes and canine distemper virus (CDV) infection in a white-nosed coati (Nasua narica) that was trapped in the dry tropical forest of Cerro Blanco reserve, located in the coastal region of Ecuador. Sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious and zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution that causes epidemics. Mange is produced by Sarcoptes mites that causes severe epidermal damage. Secondary infections and physiological constrictions without treatment can lead to death of the host. In addition, cooccurrence of canine distemper virus was detected via iiRT-PCR from serum samples. Physical analyses showed that 90% of the skin was affected by severe alopecia due to the sarcoptic mange infection. The presence of mites and histopathological analyses confirmed the diagnosis of infection. This coati was taken to a veterinary clinic and was fed every day, but it died after four days. This is the first report of sarcoptic mange and the first report of CDV in white-nosed coatis in South America. Further studies are needed in this region, to seek out other suspected cases, given the high capacity for disease transmission. Preventive actions to avoid epidemic and zoonotic episodes are needed.

Keywords:
Sarcoptic mange; Nasua; Canine distemper virus; urbanization; wildlife

Resumo

Apresentamos um caso de Sarcoptes e infecção pelo vírus da cinomose canina (CDV) em um quati-do-nariz-branco (Nasua narica) que ficou preso na floresta tropical seca da reserva de Cerro Blanco, localizada na região costeira do Equador. A sarna sarcóptica é uma doença altamente contagiosa e zoonótica de distribuição mundial que causa epidemias. A sarna é produzida por ácaro do gênero Sarcoptes que causa graves danos epidérmicos. Infecções secundárias e constrições fisiológicas sem tratamento podem levar à morte do organismo. Além disso, a coocorrência do vírus da cinomose canina foi detectada, via iiRT-PCR, a partir de amostras de soro. As análises físicas mostraram que 90% da pele estava afetada por alopecia severa devido à infecção pelo ácaro da sarna sarcóptica. A presença de ácaros e análises histopatológicas confirmaram o diagnóstico de infecção. Esse quati foi levado a uma clínica veterinária e foi alimentado todos os dias, mas morreu após quatro dias. Esse é o primeiro relato de sarna sarcóptica e o primeiro relato de CDV em quatis-de-nariz-branco na América do Sul. São necessários mais estudos nessa região, para buscar outros casos suspeitos, dada a alta capacidade de transmissão da doença. Ações preventivas para evitar episódios epidêmicos e zoonóticos, são necessárias.

Palavras-chave:
Sarna sarcóptica; Nasua; vírus da cinomose canina; urbanização; vida selvagem

Introduction

Coatis, mammals catalogued in the order Carnivora, family Procyonidae and genus Nasua, are widely distributed throughout the Americas (Hass & Valenzuela, 2002Hass CC, Valenzuela D. Anti-predator benefits of group living in white-nosed coatis (Nasua narica). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2002; 51(6): 570-578. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00265-002-0463-5.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00265-002-046...
). Their gregarious behavior makes them gather in groups of 2 to 26 individuals that may split into subgroups for hours or days depending on their biological needs and environmental opportunities (Hass & Valenzuela, 2002Hass CC, Valenzuela D. Anti-predator benefits of group living in white-nosed coatis (Nasua narica). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2002; 51(6): 570-578. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00265-002-0463-5.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00265-002-046...
). Coatis exhibit a suit of behaviors; some of them do not necessarily include physical contact, such as foraging with the juveniles in the center of the group, sharing vigilance, alarm, but some of them necessarily involve physical contact, such as mobbing, predators-prey interactions, and grooming, which usually takes place between members of the same group calling (Hass & Valenzuela, 2002Hass CC, Valenzuela D. Anti-predator benefits of group living in white-nosed coatis (Nasua narica). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2002; 51(6): 570-578. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00265-002-0463-5.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00265-002-046...
). Furthermore, apart from antagonistic behaviors, intergroup grooming has also been recorded in several species of Nasua (Hass & Valenzuela, 2002Hass CC, Valenzuela D. Anti-predator benefits of group living in white-nosed coatis (Nasua narica). Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2002; 51(6): 570-578. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00265-002-0463-5.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00265-002-046...
).

Mange is a highly contagious skin disease with worldwide distribution that is produced through infestation by microscopic mites of different species, most commonly Sarcoptes scabiei or Notoedres cati (Currier et al., 2011Currier RW, Walton SF, Currie BJ. Scabies in animals and humans: history, evolutionary perspectives, and modern clinical management. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2011; 1230(1): E50-E60. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.2011.06364.x. PMid:22417107.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.20...
; Fuller, 2013Fuller LC. Epidemiology of scabies. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2013; 26(2): 123-126. http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/QCO.0b013e32835eb851. PMid:23411418.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/QCO.0b013e3283...
). The Sarcoptes genus is monospecific and cosmopolitan, belongs to the family Sarcoptidae, order Sarcoptiformes, infects humans, domestic and wild animals. Adult mites use their mouthpieces and hooks on their legs to create burrows in the epidermis of the host. This causes alopecia, hyperkeratosis and erythema, and it is often accompanied by intense pruritus, which can be debilitating and produce a notable morbidity (Karimkhani et al., 2017Karimkhani C, Colombara DV, Drucker AM, Norton SA, Hay R, Engelman D, et al. The global burden of scabies: a cross-sectional analysis from the global burden of disease study 2015. Lancet Infect Dis 2017; 17(12): 1247-1254. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(17)30483-8. PMid:28941561.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(17)...
). These epidermal issues often degenerate into secondary bacterial or fungal infections that produce weakening and loss of body mass which can also cause death (Karimkhani et al., 2017Karimkhani C, Colombara DV, Drucker AM, Norton SA, Hay R, Engelman D, et al. The global burden of scabies: a cross-sectional analysis from the global burden of disease study 2015. Lancet Infect Dis 2017; 17(12): 1247-1254. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(17)30483-8. PMid:28941561.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(17)...
). The lack of protective fur and exposure also effects on the thermoregulatory system (Escobar et al., 2021Escobar LE, Carver S, Cross PC, Rossi L, Almberg ES, Yabsley MJ, et al. Sarcoptic mange: an emerging panzootic in wildlife. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; tbed.14082. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/tbed.14082. PMid:33756055.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/tbed.14082...
).

Sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies, has been shown to have a severe impact on the survival of individuals of various species, and, also, may have considerable declining effect at community, populations and species level (Escobar et al., 2021Escobar LE, Carver S, Cross PC, Rossi L, Almberg ES, Yabsley MJ, et al. Sarcoptic mange: an emerging panzootic in wildlife. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; tbed.14082. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/tbed.14082. PMid:33756055.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/tbed.14082...
). A GPS monitoring study on mange-infected raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) showed that they gradually decreased their activity levels and home range until they died after 32 to 52 days (Süld et al., 2017Süld K, Tammeleht E, Valdmann H, Saarma U. Severe impact of sarcoptic mange on the movements and space use for one of its most important vector species, the raccoon dog. Vet Parasitol 2017; 243: 67-70. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.05.029. PMid:28807313.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2017....
). Mange has been recorded in humans, camelids, ungulates, lagomorphs, didelphimorphs, chiropters and carnivores such as mustelids, canids or procyonids, among other wildlife taxa, reaching 12 orders, 39 families and 148 species of domestic and wild mammals (Montecino-Latorre et al., 2020Montecino-Latorre D, Napolitano C, Briceño C, Uhart MM. Sarcoptic mange: an emerging threat to Chilean wild mammals? PECON 2020; 18(4): 267-276. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pecon.2020.09.007.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pecon.2020.0...
; Verdugo et al., 2016Verdugo C, Espinoza A, Moroni M, Valderrama R, Hernandez C. Sarcoptic mange in a south american gray fox (chilla fox; Lycalopex griseus), Chile. J Wildl Dis 2016; 52(3): 738-741. http://dx.doi.org/10.7589/2015-07-177. PMid:27310169.
http://dx.doi.org/10.7589/2015-07-177...
; Zhao et al., 2015Zhao Y, Cao Z, Cheng J, Hu L, Ma J, Yang Y, et al. Population identification of Sarcoptes hominis and Sarcoptes canis in China using DNA sequences. Parasitol Res 2015; 114(3): 1001-1010. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00436-014-4266-1. PMid:25547078.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00436-014-426...
).

Although sarcoptic mange has been shown to have worldwide prevalence, few reports have been published about its presence in South American wild animals (Montecino-Latorre et al., 2020Montecino-Latorre D, Napolitano C, Briceño C, Uhart MM. Sarcoptic mange: an emerging threat to Chilean wild mammals? PECON 2020; 18(4): 267-276. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pecon.2020.09.007.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pecon.2020.0...
; Verdugo et al., 2016Verdugo C, Espinoza A, Moroni M, Valderrama R, Hernandez C. Sarcoptic mange in a south american gray fox (chilla fox; Lycalopex griseus), Chile. J Wildl Dis 2016; 52(3): 738-741. http://dx.doi.org/10.7589/2015-07-177. PMid:27310169.
http://dx.doi.org/10.7589/2015-07-177...
). Most reports have been done on domestic animals such as rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), dogs (Canis familiaris), cats (Felis catus), pigs (Sus domesticus), cattle (Bos taurus), llamas (Lama glama) and alpacas (Vicugna pacos) (Alcaino & Gorman, 1999Alcaino H, Gorman T. Parásitos de los animales domésticos en Chile. Parasitol Día 1999; 23(1-2): 33-41. http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0716-07201999000100006.
http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0716-07201999...
; Bornstein, 2010Bornstein S. Important ectoparasites of alpaca (Vicugna pacos). Acta Vet Scand 2010; 52(1): S17. http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1751-0147-52-S1-S17.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1751-0147-52-S...
; Gonzalez-Astudillo et al., 2018Gonzalez-Astudillo V, Leon-Alvarado OD, Ossa-Lopez PA, Rivera-Paez FA, Ramírez-Chaves HE. Sarcoptic mange in wild quichua porcupines (Coendou quichua Thomas, 1899) in Colombia. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2018; 7(1): 95-98. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.02.002. PMid:29988810.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018....
). Epidemic episodes and associated high rates of mortality have been detected in different species of herbivores and carnivores on different continents, such as in lynxes (Lynx rufus) and American black bear (Ursus americanus) in North America (USA); foxes (Vulpes vulpes and Vulpes macrotis mutica) in Europe (Fennoscandia) and USA; and wombats (Lasiorhinus sp. and Vombatus ursinus) in Australia (Escobar et al., 2021Escobar LE, Carver S, Cross PC, Rossi L, Almberg ES, Yabsley MJ, et al. Sarcoptic mange: an emerging panzootic in wildlife. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; tbed.14082. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/tbed.14082. PMid:33756055.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/tbed.14082...
).

Furthermore, mange has a human impact: in addition to current cases, a mange epidemic affected several communities in Ecuador from 1968 to 1973 (Carvajal et al., 1977Carvajal L, Lazo R, Paulson G, Fernández T. Scabies in the tropical zone of Ecuador. Rev Ecuat Hig Med Trop 1977; 30(3): 277-283. PMid:755261.; Karimkhani et al., 2017Karimkhani C, Colombara DV, Drucker AM, Norton SA, Hay R, Engelman D, et al. The global burden of scabies: a cross-sectional analysis from the global burden of disease study 2015. Lancet Infect Dis 2017; 17(12): 1247-1254. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(17)30483-8. PMid:28941561.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(17)...
). Transmission occurs through direct contact through allogrooming, mating and territorial fights or through indirect contact with infected dens, resting areas, and burrows (Escobar et al., 2021Escobar LE, Carver S, Cross PC, Rossi L, Almberg ES, Yabsley MJ, et al. Sarcoptic mange: an emerging panzootic in wildlife. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; tbed.14082. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/tbed.14082. PMid:33756055.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/tbed.14082...
). Even if several variant forms of Sarcoptes scabiei can coexist due to regionalism, they still are able to display their infection cycles both in humans and in diverse animal hosts (Zhao et al., 2015Zhao Y, Cao Z, Cheng J, Hu L, Ma J, Yang Y, et al. Population identification of Sarcoptes hominis and Sarcoptes canis in China using DNA sequences. Parasitol Res 2015; 114(3): 1001-1010. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00436-014-4266-1. PMid:25547078.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00436-014-426...
).

Domestic animals can become vectors, hosting Sarcoptes mites and transmitting mange to wildlife (Gonzalez-Astudillo et al., 2018Gonzalez-Astudillo V, Leon-Alvarado OD, Ossa-Lopez PA, Rivera-Paez FA, Ramírez-Chaves HE. Sarcoptic mange in wild quichua porcupines (Coendou quichua Thomas, 1899) in Colombia. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2018; 7(1): 95-98. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.02.002. PMid:29988810.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018....
). Because of the lack of a formal national monitoring system in Ecuador, tracking of wild animals health and diseases becomes a very difficult task. Apart from definitive histopathological and genetic analyses and diagnostic observations, photographic evidence of severe alopecia or hyperkeratosis in wild animals has been used to report suspected cases of mange (Montecino-Latorre et al., 2020Montecino-Latorre D, Napolitano C, Briceño C, Uhart MM. Sarcoptic mange: an emerging threat to Chilean wild mammals? PECON 2020; 18(4): 267-276. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pecon.2020.09.007.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pecon.2020.0...
).

In Ecuador, few reports of sarcoptic mange have been addressed academically. The Andean porcupine (Coendou quichua) has been found affected with mange (Gonzalez-Astudillo et al., 2018Gonzalez-Astudillo V, Leon-Alvarado OD, Ossa-Lopez PA, Rivera-Paez FA, Ramírez-Chaves HE. Sarcoptic mange in wild quichua porcupines (Coendou quichua Thomas, 1899) in Colombia. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2018; 7(1): 95-98. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.02.002. PMid:29988810.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018....
), but not procyonids. Remarkably, Valenzuela et al. (2000)Valenzuela D, Ceballos G, García A. Mange epizootic in white-nosed coatis in western Mexico. J Wildl Dis 2000; 36(1): 56-63. http://dx.doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-36.1.56. PMid:10682744.
http://dx.doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-36.1...
reported for the first time an epizootic event of mange on wild Nasua narica in North America. However, in this case, it was caused by Notoedres cati, variant forms of S. scabiei have not been reported on wild white-nosed-coatis in South America, and neither have been reported in cooccurrence with Canine distemper virus.

Canine distemper disease (CD) is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that affects both dogs and wild animals, leading to fatal consequences in Procyonidae, Canidae, Mustelidae, Delphinidae and Felidae, among other taxa (Michelazzo et al., 2020Michelazzo MMZ, Oliveira TES, Viana NE, Moraes W, Cubas ZS, Headley SA. Immunohistochemical evidence of canine morbillivirus (canine distemper) infection in coatis (Nasua nasua) from southern Brazil. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020;67(Suppl. 2): 178-184. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/tbed.13456. PMid:32080984.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/tbed.13456...
). It is caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV), which is a pleomorphic RNA virus that belongs to the genus Morbillivirus (family Paramyxoviridae) (Sykes, 2014Sykes JE. Canine distemper virus infection. In: Sykes JE, editor. Canine and feline infectious diseases. St. Louis: Elsevier; 2014. p. 152-165. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-1-4377-0795-3.00015-6.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-1-4377-07...
). Presence of CDV can lead to severe multisystemic disease affecting primarily the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and neurological systems (Sykes, 2014Sykes JE. Canine distemper virus infection. In: Sykes JE, editor. Canine and feline infectious diseases. St. Louis: Elsevier; 2014. p. 152-165. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-1-4377-0795-3.00015-6.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-1-4377-07...
). In wild animals of the genus Nasua, CDV has been documented as occurring in North America and Central America (Rodríguez-Cabo-Mercado et al., 2020Rodríguez-Cabo-Mercado R, Martínez-Hernández F, Aréchiga-Ceballos N, López-Díaz O, Muñoz-García CI, Aguilar-Setién A, et al. Canine distemper in neotropical procyonids: molecular evidence, humoral immune response and epidemiology. Virus Res 2020; 290: 198164. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.virusres.2020.198164. PMid:32949657.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.virusres.202...
; Rojas-Jiménez et al., 2021Rojas-Jiménez J, Morales-Acuña JA, Argüello-Sáenz M, Acevedo-González SE, Yabsley MJ, Urbina-Villalobos A. Histopathological findings of infections caused by canine distemper virus, Trypanosoma cruzi, and other parasites in two free-ranging white-nosed coatis Nasua narica (Carnivora: Procyonidae) from Costa Rica. J Threat Taxa 2021; 13(1): 17521-17528. http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/jott.5907.13.1.17521-17528.
http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/jott.5907.13....
).

The present study provides the first report of sarcoptic mange infestation in wild animals in the coastal region of Ecuador (Cerro Blanco reserve), and the first report of sarcoptic mange in the genus Nasua, specifically on the white-nosed coati (N. narica), in South America. The study subject also manifested cooccurrence of CDV infection.

Materials and Methods

The Cerro Blanco Protected Forest is located to the west of the city of Guayaquil (Guayas Province, Ecuador) (2° 10’ 50.15” S; 80° 01’ 01.93” W), near the southeastern extremity of the Chongón-Colonche mountain range, at an altitudinal range from 20 to 507 meters above sea level. The Cerro Blanco is a protected area of 6,078 hectares that is characterized as a dry forest part of the Tumbesian ecoregion, which covers from northern Peru to Colombia. In Ecuador, this ecoregion has suffered high anthropogenic impact and depletion of the vegetation cover (Cueva Ortiz et al., 2019Cueva Ortiz J, Espinosa CI, Quiroz Dahik C, Aguirre Mendoza Z, Cueva Ortiz E, Gusmán E, et al. Influence of anthropogenic factors on the diversity and structure of a dry forest in the central part of the tumbesian region (Ecuador-Perú). Forests 2019; 10(1): 31. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/f10010031.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/f10010031...
). The study area has a rainy season from January to April, when 85% of the precipitation occurs (Cueva Ortiz et al., 2019Cueva Ortiz J, Espinosa CI, Quiroz Dahik C, Aguirre Mendoza Z, Cueva Ortiz E, Gusmán E, et al. Influence of anthropogenic factors on the diversity and structure of a dry forest in the central part of the tumbesian region (Ecuador-Perú). Forests 2019; 10(1): 31. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/f10010031.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/f10010031...
). Thus, water scarcity stress becomes an issue for the wildlife during the long dry season.

Several camera traps were installed in areas of special interest, such as river basins. Several species and individuals with skin abnormalities were identified, and therefore it was decided to conduct a trapping campaign. On December 19, 2020, a female white-nosed coati (N. narica) was caught from among a group made up of 12 individuals, composed of adult and juvenile females, in a camping zone in the forest. This individual had very little fur along its body (Figure 1A). It was caught by means of a Tomahawk trap (102 x 25 x 45 cm), lured with tuna. The trap was placed in an area of transitional dry forest at a distance of 20 m from the touristic picnic area (-2.182765; -80.016603).

Figure 1
(A) White-nosed coati showing more than 90% of body surface covered by mange infection; (B) White-nosed coati (Nasua narica) undergoing medical treatment; (C) Mite and epithelial tissue from white nosed coati (Nasua narica); (D) Photograph of mites at different stages of development.

After capture, this animal was taken to a private clinic with wildlife treatment permission from the Environmental Ministry of Ecuador (Mansion Mascota clinic, Guayaquil). It was medicated intramuscularly with ketamine (2 mg/kg) and acepromazine (1 mg/kg) in order to obtain blood and skin samples. The skin sample was obtained by scraping the skin using a scalpel. The samples were analyzed and sent to a private laboratory in Guayaquil (Diagnovet, Guayaquil) for confirmation. Mites of the Sarcoptidae family were rinsed with 2% potassium hydroxide and observed under a binocular microscope to identify the parasite (Kandi, 2017Kandi V. Laboratory diagnosis of scabies using a simple saline mount: a clinical microbiologist’s report. Cureus 2017; 9(3): e1102. http://dx.doi.org/10.7759/cureus.1102. PMid:28435762.
http://dx.doi.org/10.7759/cureus.1102...
).

For mange treatment, 6 micrograms of Ivermectin® was applied subcutaneously. The coati was fed every day, but after a period of four days it died. Necropsy was carried out to extract samples from the heart, lung, liver and spleen and sent to a private laboratory (Histo-dx vet, Quito).

The blood samples were sent to a private laboratory in Guayaquil (Diagnovet) for an RNA-based Insulated Isothermal Reverse Transcriptase PCR” (iiRT-PCR) analysis to be conducted. After centrifugation, the serum samples were analyzed using iiRT-PCR POCKIT for CDV detection. For the iiRT- PCR analysis procedure, the POCKIT™ nucleic acid analyzer point-of-need PCR detection tool was used, following the instructions given by the manufacturer (Genereach Biotechnology, Taichung, Taiwan). The commercial POCKIT tool successfully combines advanced insulated isothermal polymerase chain reactions using primers designed by the manufacturer, in independent laboratories associated with research. Primers for the virus used by de POCKIT™ commercial kit were not provided by the producer. Genereach technical service argued confidential reasons not to provide primers sequence but informed about the target gene designed for the CDV detection, which is “N gene”.

Results

Physical analyses showed that more than 90% of the body surface was covered by sarcoptic disease, i.e. all areas except for most of the tail and a thin line above the shoulder blades (Figure 1A). These lesions consisted of complete alopecia throughout the body, with crusts dispersed across the animal’s back. No clinical symptoms of CDV were diagnosed to the specimen.

Sarcoptes infection was collected in the tissue of the coati, through analysis of the epithelial tissue. Under an optical microscope, magnification 40x, it was possible to observe the characteristics of Sarcoptes scabiei, as shown by dichotomous key for the subfamilies and genera of Sarcoptidae (Fain, 1968Fain A. Study of the variations of S. scabiei with a revision of the Sarcoptidae. Int J Parasitol 1968; 24(8): 1273-1283.). The mites (Figures 1C and 1D) morphology showed a slightly elongated but globose idiosoma with triangular denticles in the mid-dorsal area, parallel transverse striae, short and broad gnathosoma, short and thick legs with fused tibia and tarsus IV, ventral median apodeme fused with genital sclerites, anal shields in the male not fused to the posterior median shield, which are characteristics of Sarcoptes scabiei.

In addition, samples analyzed by the private laboratory (Diagnovet, Guayaquil, Ecuador) confirmed the results. Moderate quantities of eggs, larval forms and live adults of Sarcoptes scabiei were detected in the laboratory. No spore hairs or arthrospores were observed but there were abundant scaly epithelial cells and moderate amounts of cell debris. No inflammatory cells were observed. Moderate numbers of bacterial bodies (cocci) with Gram tinction were observed and there was a sensitive response to amx-clavulanate, cephalexin, cefoxitin, clindamycin, erythromycin and trimethoprim-sulfa.

Analysis of the liver under a microscope showed slight centrilobular congestion (Figure 2C), and decreased amounts of red pulp were seen in the spleen (Figure 2D). However, no obvious pathological changes were found in the spleen, kidneys, and heart. The lungs showed dilation and rupture of the alveolar septa (emphysema) at the edge of the parenchyma and in the lower lobe (Figure 2A). Discrete aggregates of activated macrophages multifocally infiltrating the bronchiolar and bronchiolar connective tissue were observed, and refringent granular and crystalloid material (pneumoconiosis) were visible in their cytoplasm (Figure 2B).

Figure 2
(A) Lung showing mild emphysema in the lower lobe; (B) Granular material in lung tissue; (C) Microscopic view of liver sample showing slight centrilobular congestion; (D) Microscopic view of spleen sample showing slight reduction of red pulp.

In addition, the blood samples tested positive for canine distemper virus through the iiRT-PCR analysis.

Discussion

This was the first report of sarcoptic mange in the white-nosed coati (N. narica) in South America. However, it had previously been detected in North and Central America (Valenzuela et al., 2000Valenzuela D, Ceballos G, García A. Mange epizootic in white-nosed coatis in western Mexico. J Wildl Dis 2000; 36(1): 56-63. http://dx.doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-36.1.56. PMid:10682744.
http://dx.doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-36.1...
). Moreover, although studies on CDV in North and Central America have been published (Rodríguez-Cabo-Mercado et al., 2020Rodríguez-Cabo-Mercado R, Martínez-Hernández F, Aréchiga-Ceballos N, López-Díaz O, Muñoz-García CI, Aguilar-Setién A, et al. Canine distemper in neotropical procyonids: molecular evidence, humoral immune response and epidemiology. Virus Res 2020; 290: 198164. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.virusres.2020.198164. PMid:32949657.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.virusres.202...
; Rojas-Jiménez et al., 2021Rojas-Jiménez J, Morales-Acuña JA, Argüello-Sáenz M, Acevedo-González SE, Yabsley MJ, Urbina-Villalobos A. Histopathological findings of infections caused by canine distemper virus, Trypanosoma cruzi, and other parasites in two free-ranging white-nosed coatis Nasua narica (Carnivora: Procyonidae) from Costa Rica. J Threat Taxa 2021; 13(1): 17521-17528. http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/jott.5907.13.1.17521-17528.
http://dx.doi.org/10.11609/jott.5907.13....
), this study was also the first record of CDV in this species in South America.

The individual that was captured showed severe (Escobar et al., 2021) Escobar LE, Carver S, Cross PC, Rossi L, Almberg ES, Yabsley MJ, et al. Sarcoptic mange: an emerging panzootic in wildlife. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; tbed.14082. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/tbed.14082. PMid:33756055.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/tbed.14082...
and extensive infestation with Sarcoptes. that covered more than 90% of the body surface. The diagnosis from the histopathological analyses showed that there were no obvious pathological changes in the liver, spleen, kidneys and heart. The lungs presented mild, multifocal anthracosis, probably produced due to the dusty environment and terrestrial habits of the animal; and alveolar emphysema, produced probably due to the breathing on particulate soil during the animal’s foraging activities (March et al., 2000March TH, Green FHY, Hahn FF, Nikula KJ. Animal models of emphysema and their relevance to studies of particle-induced disease. Inhal Toxicol 2000; 12(Suppl. 4): 155-187. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/089583700750019558. PMid:12881891.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08958370075001...
). No signs of CDV or other influence from mange was noticed in these analyses.

The impact of the disease on the individual depends generally on its health, genetic resistance, magnitude of the infection and length of time of exposure. Virulent disease can cause the death of the host and panzootic episodes (Süld et al., 2017Süld K, Tammeleht E, Valdmann H, Saarma U. Severe impact of sarcoptic mange on the movements and space use for one of its most important vector species, the raccoon dog. Vet Parasitol 2017; 243: 67-70. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.05.029. PMid:28807313.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2017....
; Valenzuela et al., 2000Valenzuela D, Ceballos G, García A. Mange epizootic in white-nosed coatis in western Mexico. J Wildl Dis 2000; 36(1): 56-63. http://dx.doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-36.1.56. PMid:10682744.
http://dx.doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-36.1...
).

Coatis are social animals that live in groups and actively feed on gathered fruits and animals, in constant gregarious movement that favors contagion events (Valenzuela et al., 2000Valenzuela D, Ceballos G, García A. Mange epizootic in white-nosed coatis in western Mexico. J Wildl Dis 2000; 36(1): 56-63. http://dx.doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-36.1.56. PMid:10682744.
http://dx.doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-36.1...
). Sarcoptic mange is more likely to be present when individuals are exposed to harsh environment conditions ( Escobar et al., 2021Escobar LE, Carver S, Cross PC, Rossi L, Almberg ES, Yabsley MJ, et al. Sarcoptic mange: an emerging panzootic in wildlife. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; tbed.14082. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/tbed.14082. PMid:33756055.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/tbed.14082...
; Foley et al., 2016Foley J, Serieys LEK, Stephenson N, Riley S, Foley C, Jennings M, et al. A synthetic review of Notoedres species mites and mange. Parasitology 2016; 143(14): 1847-1861. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0031182016001505. PMid:27608857.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0031182016001...
). In addition, dry-season water scarcity induces concentrations of fauna around the ponds of the Cerro Blanco protected area, which increases the likelihood of transmission.

Dispersion of the disease is related to the density of susceptible animals, presence of domestic animals, habitat quality and anthropogenic effect (Valenzuela et al., 2000Valenzuela D, Ceballos G, García A. Mange epizootic in white-nosed coatis in western Mexico. J Wildl Dis 2000; 36(1): 56-63. http://dx.doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-36.1.56. PMid:10682744.
http://dx.doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-36.1...
). High-density urban populations and high numbers of uncontrolled domestic animals and feral dogs living in the vicinity of coatis’ habitats build up a probable line of transmission of incessant flux, which should be addressed (Valenzuela et al., 2000Valenzuela D, Ceballos G, García A. Mange epizootic in white-nosed coatis in western Mexico. J Wildl Dis 2000; 36(1): 56-63. http://dx.doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-36.1.56. PMid:10682744.
http://dx.doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-36.1...
).

Secondary illnesses play an important role in leading to a fatal outcome (March et al., 2000March TH, Green FHY, Hahn FF, Nikula KJ. Animal models of emphysema and their relevance to studies of particle-induced disease. Inhal Toxicol 2000; 12(Suppl. 4): 155-187. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/089583700750019558. PMid:12881891.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08958370075001...
; Valenzuela et al., 2000Valenzuela D, Ceballos G, García A. Mange epizootic in white-nosed coatis in western Mexico. J Wildl Dis 2000; 36(1): 56-63. http://dx.doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-36.1.56. PMid:10682744.
http://dx.doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-36.1...
). In the case of this coati, cooccurrence of CDV seems to have reinforced both diseases. Although the detection of CDV was an incidental finding, we cannot rule out the possibility that CDV infection may have contributed to the coati’s clinical condition and subsequent death. Even if we cannot discard a deterioration of the nervous system in the CDV positive coati due to the lack of such analyses in the necropsy, no clinical signs related to CDV were identified in the individual.

Infected animals constitute reservoirs and vectors for diseases, with the ability to spread them. Mange is one of the diseases with highest prevalence among dogs in Ecuador (López et al., 2009López J, Abarca K, Cerda J, Valenzuela B, Lorca L, Olea A, et al. Surveillance system for infectious diseases of pets, Santiago, Chile. Emerg Infect Dis 2009; 15(10): 1674-1676. http://dx.doi.org/10.3201/eid1510.081596. PMid:19861073.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3201/eid1510.081596...
). Moreover, the proximity of the forest to urban areas of Guayaquil and commonplace presence of dogs in the reserve suggest that transmission of Sarcoptes infection to wildlife from domestic animals has become facilitated.

Conclusion

This first report on sarcoptic mange in the white nosed coati in South America confirms its presence in the Cerro Blanco reserve. Given the high capacity for mange infection in the coati population and the high diversity of possible hosts, the risk of sarcoptic mange epidemy in wild communities is palpable in the Cerro Blanco reserve and other forest areas near Guayaquil. Furthermore, just like sarcoptic mange infection, cooccurrence of CDV implies another threat that could originate through contact with domestic animals and need to be addressed locally and regionally. This confirmation of a case of mange plus CDV in white-nosed coatis emphasizes the need for further studies in the area and, moreover, indicates the need for intervention with preventive actions and dog population management, in order to protect wildlife health and impede zoonotic transmission to the neighboring human populations.

Acknowledgements

We acknowledge the support of the Ministry of Environment of Ecuador (MEE) in the research of wildlife, to Cerro Blanco reserve for their collaboration and conservation efforts, to Mansion Mascota Veterinary Clinic’s workers and volunteers for their daily work, to Juan de Dios Morales from Wild Gye, and Julian Peréz, from Japu, for his help in coordination activities and, especially, to the field assistants Daniela Guaman and Nadia Chauca.

  • How to cite: Villalba-Briones R, Barros-Diaz C, Gallo-Pérez A, Blasco-Carlos M, Molineros EB. First description of sarcoptic mange in a wild coati (Nasua narica), in Ecuador, and cooccurrence of canine distemper virus. Braz J Vet Parasitol 2022; 31(1): e012421. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1984-29612022002

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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    14 Jan 2022
  • Date of issue
    2022

History

  • Received
    08 July 2021
  • Accepted
    06 Dec 2021
Colégio Brasileiro de Parasitologia Veterinária FCAV/UNESP - Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Via de acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Zona Rural, , 14884-900 Jaboticabal - SP, Brasil, Fone: (16) 3209-7100 RAMAL 7934 - Jaboticabal - SP - Brazil
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