Graduate Program

Biological Sciences

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

Summer 2024

Thesis Director

Elliott Zieman

Thesis Committee Member

Scott J. Meiners

Thesis Committee Member

Barbara S. Carlsward

Abstract

Didelphis virginiana are at elevated risk of exposure to many zoonotic and vector-borne pathogens (ZVBP) as a result of their unfastidious diets, large geographic ranges, and diverse habitat types. Didelphis virginiana are synanthropic animals, which is concerning considering the spillover risk of pathogens D. virginiana present as a result. 81 D. virginiana from Ohio and Illinois were screened for Rickettsia spp., Mycoplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi, Trypanosoma cruzi, and apicomplexan pathogens. Live D. virginiana were trapped in wire cage traps to perform venipuncture for blood collection. Samples collected as roadkill or from animal control companies were dissected and spleen samples were obtained. DNA was extracted from each specimen. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the targeted region of the DNA for each pathogen being screened. Results were visualized with gel electrophoresis. The most prevalent microorganisms in descending order were: Mycoplasma spp. (83.95%), Rickettsia spp. (44.44%), T. cruzi (43.21%), apicomplexans (37.04%), and Bo. burgdorferi (16.05%). Logistic regressions were used to test for differences in pathogen prevalence between blood and spleen sample types, residential and rural populations, Illinois regions, Illinois counties, and Illinois and Ohio populations. Trypanosoma cruzi was more likely to be detected in residential locations and DNA extracted from spleen tissue samples as opposed to DNA extracted from blood samples. Rickettsia was more likely to be detected in samples collected from Illinois. However, apicomplexan parasites were more likely to be found in Ohio. There were no significant differences between Illinois regions, or counties.

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