Population differences in host immune factors may influence survival of Gunnison's prairie dogs ( Cynomys Gunnisoni ) during plague outbreaks

Joseph D. Busch; Roger Van Andel; Jennifer Cordova; Rebecca E. Colman; Paul Keim; Tonie E. Rocke; Jeff G. Leid; William E. Van Pelt; David M. Wagner

doi:10.7589/0090-3558-47.4.968

USGS · 70142049

Population differences in host immune factors may influence survival of Gunnison's prairie dogs ( Cynomys Gunnisoni ) during plague outbreaks

Joseph D. Busch·Roger Van Andel·Jennifer Cordova·Rebecca E. Colman·Paul Keim·Tonie E. Rocke·Jeff G. Leid·William E. Van Pelt·David M. Wagner

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Abstract

Over the past 40 yr, epizootics of plague ( Yersinia pestis ) in northern Arizona have reduced populations of the Gunnison’s prairie dog ( Cynomys gunnisoni ), with the exception of a large population found in the Aubrey Valley (AV). To examine potential mechanisms accounting for their survival, we collected prairie dog serum samples in 2005–2006 from AV and a neighboring population near Seligman (SE), Arizona. We quantified gene expression at 58 diverse immune proteins using a multiplexed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay panel. We found a subset of proteins important in coagulation and inflammation (tissue factor [TF], calbindin [Cal], and thrombopoietin [TPO]) and T-cell responses (CD40L and CD40) that were present in AV at levels two to eight times greater than SE. These results suggest that AV and SE animals might differ in their ability to mount an immune response.

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Journal of Wildlife Diseases Article

Source-reported bounding extent: 35.14461705293515° to 35.655622494585785° latitude; -113.3734130859375° to -112.64900207519531° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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Joseph D. Busch, Roger Van Andel, Jennifer Cordova, Rebecca E. Colman, Paul Keim, Tonie E. Rocke, Jeff G. Leid, William E. Van Pelt, David M. Wagner. 2011. Population differences in host immune factors may influence survival of Gunnison's prairie dogs ( Cynomys Gunnisoni ) during plague outbreaks. https://doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-47.4.968

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