Rhinoceros Research Articles

Exploring Serum Ferritin's Connection to the Acute Phase Response in Zoo-Managed African Rhinoceroses.

Despite serum ferritin's potential as an iron status indicator, its concentrations vary significantly throughout a black rhinoceros's (Diceros bicornis) life, sometimes irrespective of iron load. We explored acute phase response-related biomarkers, serum amyloid A (SAA) and ceruloplasmin (Cp), to better understand the mechanisms influencing serum ferritin changes in managed black rhinoceroses. The objective was to evaluate the relationships between circulating levels of ferritin, SAA, and Cp in black and white rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum). We analyzed banked serum samples collected serially from 11 black (n = 222) and 7 white (n = 134), rhinoceroses (rhinos) and classified samples based on SAA values: clinically healthy (< 1 mg/L), subclinical (1-7 mg/L), or clinically abnormal (> 7 mg/L). In black rhinos, serum ferritin was not different between health status categories (p = 0.5292), nor was it correlated with SAA (p = 0.4164). However, Cp activity was significantly lower in clinically healthy sera (p < 0.0001) and had a moderate positive association with SAA (r = 0.477, p < 0.0001). Among the white rhino samples, only five had SAA values greater than 1 mg/L, limiting the assessment of ferritin and Cp activity in the health context. Minor, yet significant, relationships were observed between serum ferritin and Cp activity, negative in black rhinos (r = -0.206; p = 0.0022) and positive in white rhinos (r = 0.289, p = 0.0008). Cp activity may aid in diagnosing illness in black and white rhinos, based on values observed in sera collected near the time of death. However, acute inflammatory processes do not appear to be one of the primary drivers of the high ferritin concentrations detected in some black rhinos.

Models vetted against prediction error and parameter sensitivity standards can credibly evaluate ecosystem management options

A new standard for assessing model credibility is developed. This standard consists of parameter estimation, prediction error assessment, and a parameter sensitivity analysis that is driven by outside individuals who are skeptical of the model’s credibility (hereafter, skeptics). Ecological/environmental models that have a one-step-ahead prediction error rate that is better than naive forecasting — and are not excessively sensitive to small changes in their parameter values are said here to be vetted. A procedure is described that can perform this assessment on any model being evaluated for possible participation in an ecosystem management decision. Uncertainty surrounding the model’s ability to predict future values of its output variables and in the estimates of all of its parameters should be part of any effort to vett a model. The vetting procedure described herein, Prediction Error Rate-Deterministic Sensitivity Analysis (PER-DSA), incorporates these two aspects of model uncertainty. DSA in particular, requires participation by skeptics and is the reason why a successful DSA gives a model sufficient credibility to have a voice in ecosystem management decision making. But these models need to be stochastic and represent the mechanistic processes of the system being modeled. For such models, performing a PER-DSA can be computationally expensive. A cluster computing algorithm to speed-up these computations is described as one way to answer this challenge. This new standard is illustrated through a PER-DSA of a population dynamics model of South African rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum).

A New Technology-Based Tool for Building Profitable Biodiversity-Conserving Offerings

Biodiversity conservation is an essential but too-frequently overlooked dimension of environmental sustainability. Most endangered species live in developing countries. In these countries, sustainable development projects need to leverage efforts to protect biodiversity rather than being at cross-purposes with them. To these ends, this article describes a business plan that has a firm market a biodiversity offering that is profitable and supports a biodiversity project. This project, in-turn, enhances biodiversity. Customers are kept abreast of the project’s biodiversity impacts by viewing an online biodiversity dashboard. This dashboard graphically portrays data on the project and the abundance of the targeted species. Remote sensing and other Internet of Things (IoT) technologies are used to pipe this data to the dashboard. For purposes of illustration, this plan is hypothetically applied to preserving the South African rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum). A set of agent submodels dynamically portrays firms in a business network that employs would-be rhino poachers. A general purpose tool for constructing these interacting submodels is detailed. Keywords: biodiversity, sustainable business ventures, political-ecological systems, agent models, rhinoceros poaching, dashboards

Antemortem detection of Mycobacterium bovis in nasal swabs from African rhinoceros

Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) infection has been identified in black (Diceros bicornis) and white (Ceratotherium simum) rhinoceros populations in Kruger National Park, South Africa. However, it is unknown whether M. bovis infected rhinoceros, like humans and cattle, can shed mycobacteria in respiratory secretions. Limited studies have suggested that rhinoceros with subclinical M. bovis infection may present minimal risk for transmission. However, recent advances that have improved detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) members in paucibacillary samples warranted further investigation of rhinoceros secretions. In this pilot study, nasal swab samples from 75 rhinoceros with defined infection status based on M. bovis antigen-specific interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) results were analysed by GeneXpert MTB/RIF Ultra, BACTEC MGIT and TiKa–MGIT culture. Following culture, speciation was done using targeted PCRs followed by Sanger sequencing for mycobacterial species identification, and a region of difference (RD) 4 PCR. Using these techniques, MTBC was detected in secretions from 14/64 IGRA positive rhinoceros, with viable M. bovis having been isolated in 11 cases, but not in any IGRA negative rhinoceros (n = 11). This finding suggests the possibility that MTBC/M. bovis-infected rhinoceros may be a source of infection for other susceptible animals sharing the environment.

Качественная модификация геометрически ориентированных методов построения пространственных кривых в C3D FairCurveModeler

The article provides a detailed algorithm for improving the C3D FairCurveModeler commands for constructing a class F spatial curve with approximation by a rational cubic spline Bezier curve (NURBzS-curve) and with approximation by a highdegree B-spline curve. The improvement is achieved by optimizing the structure of the Hermite spatial Geometric Determinant when defining it on a spatial virtual curve (V-curve) created on a set of double-tap conical curves. The structure of the Hermite Geometric Determinant is improved by changing the direction of the tangents, taking into account the spatial directions of the tangents at the end points of the conic segments at the step of constructing the set of double-tap conical curves. To demonstrate the modified method, the work shows 1) Improving the quality of a conical spiral modeled by the regular _Helix command of CAD systems ZWCAD, BricsCAD, AutoCAD by using the C3D FairCurveModeler command for creating a NURBzS-curve. 2) Construction of a B-spline curve of the 8th degree on the points of a conical spiral by the C3D FairCurveModeler command and comparison with similar constructions in the CAD systems 'Rhino Ceros D', 'Alias Design Studio', NX which declare the construction of high quality curves (class A).

Implementation of light shelves and WWR to improve daylight performance in university classroom

Daylight plays important role in achieving good Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ) because it contributes to human health and optimal working performance. The Engineering Center (EC) building, which is part of Universitas Indonesia in Depok, Indonesia has great daylight potential with an existing design Window-to-Wall Ratio (WWR) of 100%. However, this potential has yet to be maximized due to use of artificial lighting during the day. Moreover, the uneven distribution of sunlight entering the room creates some issues (i.e., glares, dazzled, heat and low uniformity level). This research tries to improve this condition by intervening in Window to Wall Ratio (WWR) and adding Light Shelves (LS) in class 101 (facing south) and 102 (facing north). 56 variations of WWR and LS were simulated using Rhinoceros (RH) and Grasshopper (GH) software with plug-ins (Ladybug and Honeybee). The simulation results show three design configurations WWR 60% - LS straight; WWR 78% - LS straight; and WWR 60% - LS curve in room number 102 facing north produce illuminance close to the maximum and minimum threshold for good lighting in the classroom (350 - 500 lx). This study will provide reference strategies for improving daylight performance in university classrooms with tropical climates.

Kiluluma ceratotherii (Nematoda: Strongylida) in a White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) from the United States: Case Report

Nematodes of the genus Kiluluma (Strongylidae, Cyathostominae) parasitize African rhinoceros. We describe the case of a one-year-old male white rhinoceros calf that presented with colonic inflammation and hemorrhage at necropsy. The animal had died following a neurological episode. We recovered and identified adult nematodes from the colon using morphology and ITS2 gene sequences as Kiluluma ceratotherii. We also generated nuclear ITS1, 5.8S, ITS2, and mitochondrial cox1 sequences for future studies and deposited them in GenBank (OR142644–OR142653). Since the animal was born in the same zoo and never transported, infection likely originated within the herd. This is the first report of this nematode from a white rhinoceros in the United States.

Evolutionarily Young African Rhinoceros Gammaretroviruses.

High-throughput sequences were generated from DNA and cDNA from four Southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) located in the Taronga Western Plain Zoo in Australia. Virome analysis identified reads that were similar to Mus caroli endogenous gammaretrovirus (McERV). Previous analysis of perissodactyl genomes did not recover gammaretroviruses. Our analysis, including the screening of the updated white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) and black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) draft genomes identified high-copy orthologous gammaretroviral ERVs. Screening of Asian rhinoceros, extinct rhinoceros, domestic horse, and tapir genomes did not identify related gammaretroviral sequences in these species. The newly identified proviral sequences were designated SimumERV and DicerosERV for the white and black rhinoceros retroviruses, respectively. Two long terminal repeat (LTR) variants (LTR-A and LTR-B) were identified in the black rhinoceros, with different copy numbers associated with each (n = 101 and 373, respectively). Only the LTR-A lineage (n = 467) was found in the white rhinoceros. The African and Asian rhinoceros lineages diverged approximately 16 million years ago. Divergence age estimation of the identified proviruses suggests that the exogenous retroviral ancestor of the African rhinoceros ERVs colonized their genomes within the last 8 million years, a result consistent with the absence of these gammaretroviruses from Asian rhinoceros and other perissodactyls. The black rhinoceros germ line was colonized by two lineages of closely related retroviruses and white rhinoceros by one. Phylogenetic analysis indicates a close evolutionary relationship with ERVs of rodents including sympatric African rats, suggesting a possible African origin of the identified rhinoceros gammaretroviruses. IMPORTANCE Rhinoceros genomes were thought to be devoid of gammaretroviruses, as has been determined for other perissodactyls (horses, tapirs, and rhinoceros). While this may be true of most rhinoceros, the African white and black rhinoceros genomes have been colonized by evolutionarily young gammaretroviruses (SimumERV and DicerosERV for the white and black rhinoceros, respectively). These high-copy endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) may have expanded in multiple waves. The closest relative of SimumERV and DicerosERV is found in rodents, including African endemic species. Restriction of the ERVs to African rhinoceros suggests an African origin for the rhinoceros gammaretroviruses.

Morphometric characterization and comparison of the African rhinoceros beetle (AfRB) Oryctes monoceros Olivier (Coleoptera: Dynastidae) populations from different agro-ecological zones in Ghana

Morphometric characterization and comparison of the African rhinoceros beetle (AfRB) Oryctes monoceros Olivier (Coleoptera: Dynastidae) populations from different agro-ecological zones in Ghana

Predicting sunlight availability for vertical shelves using simulation

Vertical farming (VF) allows for a higher number of plants to be grown in a limited land area, maximizing agricultural land use. VF employs multiple vertical shelves. Each shelf consists of several levels. This paper aims to develop a computer simulation model. The computer model could predict the sunlight availability received at each level of the shelves. The model was developed using RHINO (RHINOCEROS) software with Grasshopper plug-in. The VF shelf was constructed for the experiment in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The experiment data is used to validate the computer model. The validated computer simulation model is then used to predict the daily averaged Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD) received by each level of vertical shelves. Year-round daily averaged PPFD provides insights into the seasonal variations of sunlight availability. For the VF shelf constructed for experiment in Chiang Mai, it was found that the top level of the shelf would receive a yearly average of 1275.17 PPFD. The middle and bottom would receive 781.29 and 617.67 PPFD, respectively. The month with the lowest amount of sunlight is in January. This computer simulation model will help predict solar radiation received by each vertical farming shelf. The farmers could identify suitable shelf designs to provide enough PPFD for specific crops to be grown.

The Impact of Climate Change on Potential Invasion Risk of Oryctes monoceros Worldwide

As a significant threat to agriculture, pests have caused a great disservice to crop production and food security. Understanding the mechanisms of pests’ outbreaks and invasion is critical in giving sound suggestions on their control and prevention strategies. The African rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes monoceros (Olivier), as the most damaging pest of palms, banana, sugarcane, and pineapple, severely threatens their production due to its ability to kill both young and matured hosts. Analyzing the effect of climate change on major parameters of O. monoceros life history has been an important issue recently, given its sensitivity to thermal conditions. However, information on how climate change alters geographical distribution of O. monoceros is poorly understood. By combining environmental variables and occurrence records, we were able to assess environmental risk factors for O. monoceros and create risk maps for the pest using the Boosted Regression Tree model. Our results significance of environmental variables showed that the annual temperature variation (39.45%), seasonality of temperature (23.00%), the isothermality (18.76%), precipitation of the hottest quarter months (6.07%), average variation of day time temperature (3.27%), were relatively important environmental factors that affected the distribution O. monoceros. We also found that the projected potential distributions of the pest’s habitats in all future global warming scenarios exceeded its present known distribution. The model predicts that habitat suitability for O. monoceros is predominantly concentrated along Africa’s west and east coastlines, Asia’s south coasts, South America’s north and east coasts, and a few locations spread over North America’s southern coasts and coastal regions. These outputs provide a solid theoretical foundation for O. monoceros risk evaluations and control.

Epidemiology of Mycobacterium bovis infection in free-ranging rhinoceros in Kruger National Park, South Africa

Mycobacterium bovis infection, which is a prominent cause of bovine tuberculosis, has been confirmed by mycobacterial culture in African rhinoceros species in Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa. In this population-based study of the epidemiology of M. bovis in 437 African rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis, Ceratotherium simum), we report an estimated prevalence of 15.4% (95% CI: 10.4 to 21.0%), based on results from mycobacterial culture and an antigen-specific interferon gamma release assay from animals sampled between 2016 and 2020. A significant spatial cluster of cases was detected near the southwestern park border, although infection was widely distributed. Multivariable logistic regression models, including demographic and spatiotemporal variables, showed a significant, increasing probability of M. bovis infection in white rhinoceros based on increased numbers of African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) herds in the vicinity of the rhinoceros sampling location. Since African buffaloes are important maintenance hosts for M. bovis in KNP, spillover of infection from these hosts to white rhinoceros sharing the environment is suspected. There was also a significantly higher proportion of M. bovis infection in black rhinoceros in the early years of the study (2016–2018) than in 2019 and 2020, which coincided with periods of intense drought, although other temporal factors could be implicated. Species of rhinoceros, age, and sex were not identified as risk factors for M. bovis infection. These study findings provide a foundation for further epidemiological investigation of M. bovis, a multihost pathogen, in a complex ecosystem that includes susceptible species that are threatened and endangered.

A new rhinoceros clade from the Pleistocene of Asia sheds light on mammal dispersals to the Philippines

AbstractRhinoceroses are among the most endangered mammalian species today. Their past diversity is well documented from the Eocene onward, although their evolutionary history is far from being fully understood. Here, we elucidate the systematic affinities of a Pleistocene rhinoceros species represented by a partial skeleton from 709 ± 68 kya archaeological deposits in Luzon Island, Philippines. We perform a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis, including all living species and a wide array of extinct rhinocerotid species. We confirm the early split between Elasmotheriinae and Rhinocerotinae at c. 35.5 Mya and constrain the divergence between recent Asian and African rhinoceroses at c. 24 Mya, with contrasting phenotypic evolutionary rates in Diceroti and Rhinoceroti. Dental features reveal the existence of an unsuspected Asian Pleistocene clade, referred to as Nesorhinus gen. nov.. It includes the rhinoceros from the Philippines and another extinct species from Taiwan, N. hayasakai. Nesorhinus is the sister-group to a cluster comprising Dicerorhinus and Rhinoceros. Our phylogenetic results strongly suggest an island-hopping dispersal for Nesorhinus, from the Asian mainland towards Luzon via Taiwan by the Late Miocene or later, and Pleistocene dispersals for representatives of Rhinoceros. Nesorhinus philippinensis would be the first perissodactyl species supporting the island-rule hypothesis, with decreased body weight and limb-bone robustness.

An analysis of threats, strategies, and opportunities for African rhinoceros conservation.

The complexity and magnitude of threats to black (Diceros bicornis) and white (Ceratotherium simum) rhinoceros conservation in Africa have triggered global concerns and actions. In this study, we analyzed (i) threats to rhinoceros conservation including external shocks, (ii) historical rhinoceros conservation strategies in Zimbabwe and Africa, more broadly, and (iii) opportunities for enhanced rhinoceros conservation in Zimbabwe and Africa. A literature search from 1975 to 2020 was carried out using a predefined search protocol, involving a number of filters based on a set of keywords to balance search sensitivity with specificity. A total of 193 articles, which were most relevant to key themes on rhinoceros conservation, were used in this study. The common threats to rhinoceros conservation identified in this paper include poaching, habitat fragmentation and loss, international trade in illegal rhino products, and external shocks such as global financial recessions and pandemics. Cascading effects emanating from these threats include small and isolated populations, which are prone to genetic, demographic, and environmental uncertainties. Rhinoceros conservation strategies being implemented include education and awareness campaigns, better equipped and more antipoaching efforts, use of innovative systems and technologies, dehorning, and enhancing safety nets, and livelihoods of local communities. Opportunities for rhinoceros conservation vary across the spatial scale, and these include (a) a well‐coordinated stakeholder and community involvement, (b) strategic meta‐population management, (c) enhancing law enforcement initiatives through incorporating real‐time surveillance technologies and intruder detection sensor networks for crime detection, (d) scaling up demand reduction awareness campaigns, and (e) developing more certified wildlife crime and forensic laboratories, and information repository for international corporation.

Effects of X-ray Irradiation on the Survival Rate and Weight of the Rhinoceros Beetle Larvae

Effects of X-ray Irradiation on the Survival Rate and Weight of the Rhinoceros Beetle Larvae

JARAK GENETIK DAN KEKERABATAN TIGA JENIS BADAK DI DUNIA BERDASARKAN ANALISIS MtDNA

The family Rhinocerotidae is distinct and well defined, but systematic relationships among the four genera evaluated on the basis of geographical distribution of the different genera. The purpose of the research is to find out the genetic distance of rhinos in the world. Samples of Sumatran rhinoceros (Indonesia) are from SRS (Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary) Way Kambas National Park, while for Indian rhinoceros and white African rhinos. Amplification of cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) genes in mitochondrial DNA ( mtDNA) uses a specific primer for COI. The two primary pairs are Primer to amplify the partial CO1 sequence (RHCO1F &amp; RHCO1R). CO1 amplification process PCR conditions used are: predenaturation at 940C, followed by the main cycle denaturation stage at 940C for 45 seconds, primary annealing stage (annealing) at 580C. analyzed provides genetic distance ranging from (0.016) to (0.147) for each species. Analysis of 711 bp of rhino DNA sequences can be shown in the form of a matrix of genetic differences. The genetic distance of the white African rhinoceros (Ceratorium simum) with the Sumatran torgamba rhinoceros is (0.142), while with the Indian rhinoceros (0.147) and the genetic distance between the Sumatran rhinos themselves there is a difference that the Sumatran rhino Bina differs by (0.136-0.147) with the other three individuals, while Torgamba has a genetic distance with Rosa of (0.014) but with a very close genetic distance (0.007), and Andalas (0.017), while the genetic distance is close to Bina (0.014) with Rosa (0.014).&#x0D;

Epidemiology of Tuberculosis in Multi-Host Wildlife Systems: Implications for Black (Diceros bicornis) and White (Ceratotherium simum) Rhinoceros.

Cases of tuberculosis (TB) resulting from infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) have been recorded in captive white (Ceratotherium simum) and black (Diceros bicornis) rhinoceros. More recently, cases have been documented in free-ranging populations of both species in bovine tuberculosis (bTB) endemic areas of South Africa. There is limited information on risk factors and transmission patterns for MTBC infections in African rhinoceros, however, extrapolation from literature on MTBC infections in other species and multi-host systems provides a foundation for understanding TB epidemiology in rhinoceros species. Current diagnostic tests include blood-based immunoassays but distinguishing between subclinical and active infections remains challenging due to the lack of diagnostic techniques. In other species, demographic risk factors for MTBC infection include sex and age, where males and adults are generally at higher risk than females and younger individuals. Limited available historical information reflects similar age- and sex-associated patterns for TB in captive black and white rhinoceros, with more reports of MTBC-associated disease in black rhinoceros than in white rhinoceros. The degree of MTBC exposure in susceptible wildlife depends on their level of interaction, either directly with other infected individuals or indirectly through MTBC contaminated environments, which is dependent on the presence and abundance of infected reservoir hosts and the amount of MTBC shed in their excreta. Captive African rhinoceros have shown evidence of MTBC shedding, and although infection levels are low in free-ranging rhinoceros, there is a risk for intraspecies transmission. Free-ranging rhinoceros in bTB endemic areas may be exposed to MTBC from other infected host species, such as the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), through shared environmental niches, and resource co-utilization. This review describes current knowledge and information gaps regarding the epidemiology of TB in African rhinoceros.

Local Community Participation in Rhino Conservation - Key to Conservation Success

A robust framework to guide community engagement in sustainable wildlife conservation and illegal wildlife trade is lacking. Virtually all conservation bodies and players believe that local communities are key to the success of rhino conservation but they are not equally walking their talk. Bottom-up community-based initiatives help to curb poaching especially level one poachers. The multifaceted problem of the African rhinoceros poaching on the continent is approaching calamitous proportions, with astounding, sobering statistics revealing the sheer extent of the illegal practice today. Poverty, greediness, superstition, rampant corruption, unchecked social injustice, ruthlessness, and ignorance are fuelling the interplay of rhino horn demand and supply. In order to save the remaining rhinoceros species there is need for economic transformation which will benefit both the communities and wildlife. Communities should get direct financial benefits from rhinoceros conservation, capacitate them and always engage them in rhinoceros conservation matters. Rhino protection should be incentivized, increasing the number of local people benefiting from conservation, and decreasing hostility towards wildlife will motivate local people to fully embrace conservation efforts. These conservation efforts should first target level one poachers who are vulnerable and exposed, by developing a comprehensive profitable and lucrative community participation packages in all rhino properties. Conservationists should walk their talk and genuinely work with local communities to build support for rhino conservation through education, awareness, self-sustaining business ventures and employment.

Pertumbuhan larva kumbang tanduk (Oryctes rhinoceros L.) pada berbagai media tumbuh tanaman Famili Arecaceae

Hama kumbang tanduk (Oryctes rhinoceros L.) merupakan hama utama pada berbagai tanaman perkebunan terutama tanaman Famili Arecaceae. Penelitian bertujuan mendapatkan media tanaman Famili Arecaceae yang paling baik untuk pertumbuhan larva O. rhinoceros. Penelitian ini dilakukan menggunakan rancangan acak lengkap dengan 5 perlakuan dan 4 ulangan. Perlakuan yang diberikan adalah media tumbuh larva O. rhinoceros dengan bahan baku berupa cacahan batang tanaman Famili Arecaceae (kelapa sawit, kelapa, sagu, dan pinang) dan bahan top soil (kontrol). Parameter pengamatan meliputi pertambahan berat individu larva, panjang larva, lebar larva O. rhinoceros, dengan data penunjang meliputi suhu dan kelembapan tanah, serta analisis kimia bahan organik (C-Organik, N-total, P-total, dan K-Total). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa media tumbuh cacahan batang kelapa sawit cenderung sebagai bahan paling sesuai bagi pertumbuhan O. rhinoceros ditinjau dari pengaruhnya terhadap pertambahan berat individu larva (8,8 ± 0,38 g), panjang (6,15 ± 0,82 cm), dan lebar larva (1,05 ± 1 cm) dan diikuti makin kurang sesuai oleh bahan media tumbuh dari cacahan batang kelapa, sagu, dan pinang. Dengan demikian, kelapa sawit lebih mendukung pertumbuhan O. rhinoceros dibandingkan dengan kelapa. Informasi ini penting dalam pengelolaan hama pada tanaman kelapa sawit dan kelapa yang umumnya banyak ditanam berdampingan di perkebunan rakyat.

The Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex DNA in white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) and African elephants (Loxodonta africana)

The study describes the novel use of the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) DNA in samples from white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) and African elephants (Loxodonta africana). Culture negative respiratory sample matrices were spiked to determine if the Ultra could detect MTBC DNA in rhinoceros and elephant samples. Rhinoceros bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was found to have an inhibitory effect on the Ultra. In this study, the limit of detection (LOD) of M. tuberculosis H37Rv in all spiked animal samples were 2 CFU/ml compared to 15.6 CFU/ml for humans, while the LOD for M. bovis SB0121 was 30 CFU/ml compared to 143.4 CFU/ml for M. bovis BCG in humans. Screening was performed on stored tissue and respiratory samples from known MTBC-infected animals and MTBC DNA was detected in 92% of samples collected from six rhinoceros and two elephants. Conversely, 83% of culture-negative tissue and respiratory samples from uninfected animals tested negative on the Ultra. In conclusion, the Ultra assay appears to be a sensitive and rapid diagnostic test for the detection of MTBC DNA from tissue and respiratory samples collected from African elephants and rhinoceros. Furthermore, the Ultra assay could provide a new tool for the detection of MTBC in various sample types from other wildlife species.