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Updated: Jul 19, 2025
Author Spotlight: A Precise and Quantifiable Method for Collecting Hemolymph from Small Arthropods
Published on: April 28, 2023
Detection of Hemopathogens in Chelonoidis carbonaria: Microscopic, Molecular, Hematological, and Clinical
Marcos Antonio Mendonça1, Maísa Santos Fonseca1, Gabriela Cruz Piedade1
1Departamento de Biotecnologia, Laboratório de Imunologia e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil.
Insights
This study found Sauroplasma sp. in 34.2% of red-footed tortoises, linked to liver dysfunction. Ehrlichia sp. was also detected in two tortoises, indicating potential health impacts of hemopathogens in this species.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Parasitology
- Wildlife Health
Background:
- Increased human-wildlife contact due to urbanization and habitat loss facilitates pathogen transmission.
- Chelonoidis carbonaria (red-footed tortoise) is frequently involved in illegal wildlife trade and rescue.
- Understanding hemopathogen prevalence in C. carbonaria is crucial for wildlife conservation and public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence of hemoparasites in Chelonoidis carbonaria.
- To identify specific hemopathogens, including haemogregarines and Anaplasmataceae family members.
- To correlate hemopathogen detection with clinical and biochemical changes in tortoises.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from 73 C. carbonaria across three locations: breeding unit, zoo, and rescue center.
- Genomic DNA was extracted for PCR detection of Hepatozoon, Hemolivia, Ehrlichia sp., and Anaplasma sp.
- Direct microscopy, hematological assays, and serum biochemistry analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- Sauroplasma sp. was detected in 34.2% of tortoises, associated with altered liver function.
- Two zoo-dwelling tortoises tested positive for Ehrlichia sp. via PCR, exhibiting clinical and hematological abnormalities.
- This study represents the first detection of Ehrlichia sp. in C. carbonaria.
Conclusions:
- Chelonoidis carbonaria harbors hemopathogens like Sauroplasma sp. and Ehrlichia sp.
- Hemopathogen infections can lead to significant clinical biochemistry and hematological alterations in tortoises.
- Monitoring hemoparasites in rescued and captive tortoises is vital for managing wildlife health and preventing zoonotic disease transmission.
Abstract:
The growing contact between men and wild animals, caused by the increase in the population in urban centers and the destruction of the habitat of these animals, has been leading to a greater circulation of pathogens between humans and wildlife. Chelonoidis carbonaria, a tortoise found throughout South America, is one of the animals most rescued from animal trafficking and illegal breeding. Considering this situation, this study aimed to verify the occurrence of hemoparasites in C. carbonaria. Blood samples from 73 C. carbonaria were collected from animals located in (1) a rural commercial breeding unit, (2) an urban zoo, and (3) a center of rescued animal screening. Genomic DNA was extracted from these animals and used in PCRs to detect specific genomic fragments of haemogregarines (i.e., Hepatozoon and Hemolivia), and members of the Anaplasmataceae Family (i.e., Ehrlichia sp. and Anaplasma sp.). Blood samples were screened for hemopathogens by direct microscopy and were used for hematological assays, and serum samples were analyzed to determine the concentration of serum components. It was found that 34.2% of the tortoises presented Sauroplasma sp. in their blood samples; these animals showed clinical biochemistry changes that indicate altered liver function. Two zoo animals were positive for Ehrlichia sp. in PCR, and also presented clinical biochemistry and hematological changes. The present project is pioneer in the detection of Ehrlichia sp. in C. carbonaria, and was able to identify changes in clinical biochemistry that can be a result of the infection by hemopathogens in this species.
