Urban Coatis (Nasua nasua) Exposure to Alphainfluenzavirus influenzae

Abstract

We detected neutralizing antibodies, viral RNA, and sialic acid receptors for Alphainfluenzavirus influenzae in urban coatis (Nasua nasua) in Brazil, suggesting exposure and susceptibility. We used hemagglutination inhibition, reverse transcription quantitative PCR, and histochemistry for detection. Increased epidemiologic wildlife surveillance would improve influenza A emergency event response.

Keywords: Alphainfluenzavirus influenzae; Brazil; Nasua nasua; Public health; coatis; immunohistochemistry; influenza; influenza A virus; lectins; sialic acid; spillback; urban parks; viruses; wildlife.

Figure

Detection of α-2,3 and α-2,6 receptors in tissues from the respiratory system of coatis (Nasua nasua), Brazil. A–C) Arrows indicate labeling of the α-2,3 receptor in the ciliated epithelium for the lectin Maackia amurensis II of the nasal concha (A), lung (bronchiole) tissue (B), and trachea (C). Scale bars = 100 µm in panel A, 50 µm in panel B, and 20 µm in panel C. D–F) Arrows indicate labeling of the α-2,6 receptor in the endothelium for Sambucus nigra lectin in the arteriole (D), rostral concha (E), and lung (bronchiole) (F). Scale bars = 20 µm in panels D and E, 50 µm in panel F. Tissue was counterstained with hematoxylin and revealed with diaminobenzidine chromogen.