Using transcriptomics to predict and visualize disease status in bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis)

Area of Science:

• Wildlife conservation medicine
• Molecular diagnostics in ecology
• Infectious disease epidemiology

Background:

• Pathogen spillover and wildlife declines highlight the need for advanced disease diagnostics.
• Molecular tools for tracking wildlife health are underutilized in conservation.
• Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) face significant conservation challenges due to infectious diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a gene transcription panel for diagnosing infectious diseases in bighorn sheep.
• To investigate gene expression patterns during acute and chronic infections.
• To assess the utility of gene transcription for wildlife disease management.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a previously reported gene transcription panel of immune markers.
• Analyzed gene transcription patterns during acute and chronic infections in bighorn sheep.
• Applied differential correlation analyses to identify co-transcription patterns.

Main Results:

• Differential gene transcription distinguished infection statuses during acute infection.
• Specific genes (TGFb, AHR, IL1b, MX1) showed increasing transcription during early infection.
• The gene transcription panel accurately identified chronically infected bighorn sheep.

Conclusions:

• Gene transcription analysis is a viable tool for wildlife disease diagnostics.
• This approach provides insights into disease mechanisms and differential responses.
• Gene transcription offers significant potential for improving wildlife disease management strategies.