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01-06-2019 | Polymerase Chain Reaction | Short Communication

First Report of a Novel Hepatozoon sp. in Giant Pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

Authors: Jennifer H. Yu, Kate L. Durrant, Songrui Liu, Ellen P. Carlin, Chengdong Wang, Juan Rodriguez, Ann Bratthauer, Tim Walsh, Marc T. Valitutto, Leah Fine, Suzan Murray, Robert C. Fleischer

Published in: EcoHealth | Issue 2/2019

Abstract

The first report of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) infected with a novel Hepatozoon species is presented. An intraleukocytic parasite was detected via routine blood smear from a zoo-housed giant panda at the National Zoological Park. Ribosomal DNA sequences indicated a previously undescribed Hepatozoon species. Phylogenetic and distance analyses of the sequences placed it within its own branch, clustered with Old World species with carnivore (primarily ursid and mustelid) hosts. Retrospective and opportunistic testing of other individuals produced additional positive detections (17/23, 73.9%), demonstrating 100% prevalence (14/14) across five institutions. All animals were asymptomatic at time of sampling, and health implications for giant pandas remain unknown.

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Title: First Report of a Novel Hepatozoon sp. in Giant Pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)
Authors: Jennifer H. Yu
Kate L. Durrant
Songrui Liu
Ellen P. Carlin
Chengdong Wang
Juan Rodriguez
Ann Bratthauer
Tim Walsh
Marc T. Valitutto
Leah Fine
Suzan Murray
Robert C. Fleischer
Publication date: 01-06-2019
Publisher: Springer US
Keyword: Polymerase Chain Reaction
Published in: EcoHealth / Issue 2/2019
Print ISSN: 1612-9202
Electronic ISSN: 1612-9210
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10393-019-01416-4

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

First Report of a Novel Hepatozoon sp. in Giant Pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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