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Ramadhani M, Nurhidayah N, Kurniawati DA, Purmadi M, Rafiq FA, Kusumaningtyas E, Endrawati D, Hidayatik N, Prastiya RA, Mariya SS, Mufasirin, Hastutiek P. Gastrointestinal helminths of captive proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) in Surabaya zoo, Indonesia. J Med Primatol 2024; 53:e12719. [PMID: 38922921 DOI: 10.1111/jmp.12719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the constrain in proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) conservation is gastrointestinal helminth (GH) infection. Here, we conducted a study to determine the prevalence of GHs in captive proboscis monkeys in Surabaya Zoo, Indonesia. METHODS Twenty fecal samples were collected from three groups (i.e., nursery cage [NC] [n = 1], communal show cage [SC] [n = 8], and free-ranging colonies [FC] [n = 11]). The fecal samples have been examined through McMaster and sugar floatation techniques. RESULTS The total prevalence of GH infection was 85.00% (17/20). We confirmed infection of Trichuris sp., Ascaris sp., Strongyloides sp., and Hymenolepis nana with Trichuris eggs was dominant. Although the prevalence of infection was high, the number of eggs per gram (epg) was low. CONCLUSION GH infection in captive proboscis monkeys in Surabaya Zoo, Indonesia, is highly prevalent. These results were useful for future research, control, and prevention of zoonotic potency purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masyithah Ramadhani
- Veterinary Diseases and Veterinary Public Health Magister Programme, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Nanis Nurhidayah
- Research Center for Veterinary Science, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Dyah Ayu Kurniawati
- The Center for Veterinary Instrument Standardization, The Agricultural Instrument Standardization Agency, Ministry of Agriculture of Republic Indonesia, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Muttaqin Purmadi
- The Center for Veterinary Instrument Standardization, The Agricultural Instrument Standardization Agency, Ministry of Agriculture of Republic Indonesia, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Fatih Aunur Rafiq
- The Center for Veterinary Instrument Standardization, The Agricultural Instrument Standardization Agency, Ministry of Agriculture of Republic Indonesia, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Eni Kusumaningtyas
- Research Center for Veterinary Science, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Dwi Endrawati
- Research Center for Veterinary Science, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Nanik Hidayatik
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Division of Veterinary Basic Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Ragil Angga Prastiya
- Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Airlangga University, Banyuwangi, Indonesia
| | - Sela Septima Mariya
- Center for Biomedical Research, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Mufasirin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Division of Veterinary Basic Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Poedji Hastutiek
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Division of Veterinary Basic Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia
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Maraganga JM, Rindoria NM, Rindoria GNJ, Morara GN, Rono CK, Luus-Powell WJ. Endohelminth diversity in the invasive Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) from two freshwater lakes: Naivasha and Ol'Bolossat, Kenya. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:284. [PMID: 39046515 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08302-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Fish parasitology contributes to our understanding of the potential risks posed by diverse groups of parasitic organisms on fish stocks in either wild and culture systems. This study was conducted in May 2023 and aimed at assessing the diversity of endohelminths in the invasive North African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) obtained from two freshwater lakes, Naivasha and Ol'Bolossat, in Kenya. Parasitological examination of 66 and 35 fish samples collected from the two lakes respectively was achieved using light and scanning electron microscopy methods. Results revealed endohelminth diversity broadly classified as four digeneans, two nematodes, and one cestode. Seven taxa of endohelminths were found in C. gariepinus samples, but only four of these taxa could be identified up to the species level. Six of the taxa (Diplostomum sp., Tylodelphys mashonense, Plagiorchioidea sp., Paracamallanus cyathopharynx, Contracaecum sp., and Tetracampos ciliotheca) were common in samples from the two lakes. Glossidium pedatum only occurred in samples from Lake Ol'Bolossat. Parasite prevalence ranged from 8.6 (T. mashonense) to 100% (Diplostomum sp., T. ciliotheca, and Contracaecum sp.) and mean intensity from 1.4 (T. mashonense) to 16.9 (Diplostomum sp.). The diversity and richness indices were comparatively higher in fish samples from Lake Ol'Bolossat and attributed to the occurrence of G. pedatum in the Ol'Bolossat. However, parasitic infestation of fish samples from the two lakes depicted close similarity, both in diversity and prevalence. These findings form an important baseline data for further follow-up studies, and they suggest the need for further molecular analyses to fully describe three of the taxa only identified up to the genus level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan M Maraganga
- Department of Environment, School of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Aquatic Sciences, Kisii University, P.O Box 408, Kisii, 40200, Kenya
| | - Nehemiah M Rindoria
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Kisii University, P.O Box 408, Kisii, 40200, Kenya.
- Department of Biodiversity, DSI-NRF SARChI Chair (Ecosystem Health), University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa.
| | - Gladys N J Rindoria
- Department of Environment, School of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Aquatic Sciences, Kisii University, P.O Box 408, Kisii, 40200, Kenya
| | - George N Morara
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, P.O Box 837, Naivasha, 20117, Kenya
| | - Charles K Rono
- Department of Chemistry, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Kisii University, P.O Box 408, Kisii, 40200, Kenya
| | - Wilmien J Luus-Powell
- Department of Biodiversity, DSI-NRF SARChI Chair (Ecosystem Health), University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa
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Paladsing Y, Khanh BMT, Thinphovong C, Ketwang S, Chaisiri K, Carcy B, De Garine-Wichatitsky M, Morand S, Inpankaew T, Kritiyakan A. Dog blood parasite infection in upland and lowland communities of northern Thailand: The role of environment and care of dog owners. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 51:101024. [PMID: 38772639 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Dogs play an important role as hosts and reservoirs for many zoonotic diseases. Ehrlichiosis, babesiosis and hepatozoonosis are a group of canine vector-borne diseases that can be transmitted via ectoparasites from dog to dog and also from dog to humans. This study focused on three main blood parasites of dog (i.e., Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp. and Hepatozoon spp.) among two different landscape types of eight villages of Santhong Sub-district, Nan Province, Thailand. In this study, 149 dogs were surveyed and blood samples were collected. Blood parasite infections in dogs were assessed using molecular detection approach. Babesia canis vogeli, Babesia gibsoni, Ehrlichia canis and Hepatozoon canis were detected with prevalence of infection at 10.7%, 8.1%, 3.4% and 0.7%, respectively. In terms of landscape type, prevalence of overall blood parasites, particularly Babesia spp. infections were higher in dogs living in upland forested areas (28.3%) compared to dogs from lowland agricultural areas (12.3%). Data obtained from the questionnaires on perceptions of dog owners showed that dogs raised all the time outside owner's house, and those dogs whose owners have never bathed and cleaned were more likely to be exposed to blood parasites. As infected dogs could play an important role as reservoirs of the blood parasites, attitude of dog owners may affect public health in terms of zoonotic disease transmission. Effective control measures and surveillance program of arthropod vectors and blood parasite infection in dogs still need to be advocated to minimize zoonotic disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bui My Thuy Khanh
- Bio-Veterinary Science (InterRisk) Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkhen, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | | | - Surapon Ketwang
- Thawangpha District Livestock Office, Department of Livestock Development, Nan Province, Thailand
| | - Kittipong Chaisiri
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Bernard Carcy
- UMR MIVEGEC (CNRS 5290 - IRD 224 - Université Montpellier) / Equipe BioGEPPE, Département de Parasitologie-Mycologie C.H.U. de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | | | - Serge Morand
- IRL HealthDEEP, CNRS - Kasetsart University - Mahidol University, Thailand
| | - Tawin Inpankaew
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Anamika Kritiyakan
- Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Zhang Y, Liu J, Zhang K, Wang A, Sailikebieke D, Zhang Z, Ao T, Yan L, Zhang D, Li K, Huang H. Biological response to Przewalski's horse reintroduction in native desert grasslands: a case study on the spatial analysis of ticks. BMC Ecol Evol 2024; 24:61. [PMID: 38734637 PMCID: PMC11088120 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-024-02252-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reintroduction represents an effective strategy for the conservation of endangered wildlife, yet it might inadvertently impact the native ecosystems. This investigation assesses the impact of reintroducing endangered Przewalski's horses into the desert grassland ecosystem of the Kalamaili Nature Reserve (KNR), particularly its effect on the spatial distribution of ticks. In a 25 km2 core area of Przewalski's horse distribution, we set up 441 tick sampling sites across diverse habitats, including water sources, donkey trails, and grasslands, recording horse feces and characteristics to analyze the occurrence rate of ticks. Additionally, we gathered the data of 669 fresh feces of horses. To evaluate the spatial dynamics between these feces and ticks, we used methods such as Fixed Kernel Estimation (FKE), Moran's I spatial autocorrelation index, and Generalized Linear Models (GLM). RESULTS The dominant species of ticks collected in the core area were adult Hyalomma asiaticum (91.36%). Their occurrence rate was higher near donkey trails (65.99%) and water sources (55.81%), particularly in areas with the fresh feces of Przewalski's horses. The ticks' three risk areas, as defined by FKE, showed significant overlap and positive correlation with the distribution of Przewalski's horses, with respective overlap rates being 90.25% in high risk, 33.79% in medium risk, and 23.09% in low risk areas. Moran's I analysis revealed a clustering trend of the fresh feces of Przewalski's horses in these areas. The GLM confirmed a positive correlation between the distribution of H. asiaticum and the presence of horse fresh feces, alongside a negative correlation with the proximity to water sources and donkey trails. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals the strong spatial correlation between Przewalski's horses and H. asiaticum in desert grasslands, underlining the need to consider interspecific interactions in wildlife reintroductions. The findings are crucial for shaping effective strategies of wildlife conservation and maintaining ecological balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiawei Liu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Science, Xining, China
| | - Anqi Wang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Duishan Sailikebieke
- Xinjiang Fuyun County Kizillike Township Agricultural Development Center, Altay, China
| | - Zexin Zhang
- Tongliao Forestry Pest Control Station, Tongliao, China
| | - Tegen Ao
- Tongliao Control and Quarantine Station of Forest Pest, Tongliao, China
| | - Liping Yan
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.
| | - Heqing Huang
- Chongqing Academy of Environmental Science, Chongqing, China.
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Hunter-Barnett S, Viney M. Gut protozoa of wild rodents - a meta-analysis. Parasitology 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38714350 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182024000556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
Protozoa are well-known inhabitants of the mammalian gut and so of the gut microbiome. While there has been extensive study of a number of species of gut protozoa in laboratory animals, particularly rodents, the biology of the gut protozoa of wild rodents is much less well-known. Here we have systematically searched the published literature to describe the gut protozoa of wild rodents, in total finding records of 44 genera of protozoa infecting 228 rodent host species. We then undertook meta-analyses that estimated the overall prevalence of gut protozoa in wild rodents to be 24%, with significant variation in prevalence among some host species. We investigated how host traits may affect protozoa prevalence, finding that for some host lifestyles some protozoa differed in their prevalence. This synthesis of existing data on wild rodent gut protozoa provides a better understanding of the biology of these common gut inhabitants and suggests directions for their future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Hunter-Barnett
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Mark Viney
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
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Santucciu C, Peruzzu A, Fara AM, Cossu A, Kronenberg PA, Deplazes P, Masala G. Immunohistochemistry as a Reliable Tool for the Diagnosis of Cystic Echinococcosis in Patients from Sardinia, Italy-A Confirmatory Study. Diseases 2024; 12:84. [PMID: 38785739 PMCID: PMC11119186 DOI: 10.3390/diseases12050084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.). This study aims to investigate the use of two monoclonal antibodies (mAbEmG3 and mAbEm2G11) by immunohistochemistry (IHC) to confirm the diagnosis of CE in human patients, in particular in those cases in which other techniques fail to provide a correct or conclusive diagnosis. For this purpose, a survey on 13 patients was performed. These subjects were referred to Sardinian hospitals (Italy) from 2017 to 2022 and were suspected to be affected by CE. Our findings from these 13 patients showed the detection of E. granulosus sensu stricto by IHC in 12 of 13 echinococcal cysts, as one sample was of a non-parasitological origin. The results confirmed that IHC, by means of the mAbEmG3 and mAbEm2G11, is a reliable diagnostic tool that showed a very high performances when tested on strain of E. granulosus s.l. from Sardinia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Santucciu
- WOAH and National Reference Laboratory for Echinococcosis, Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.P.); (G.M.)
| | - Angela Peruzzu
- WOAH and National Reference Laboratory for Echinococcosis, Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.P.); (G.M.)
| | - Antonella Maria Fara
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Pathology, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.F.); (A.C.)
| | - Antonio Cossu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Pathology, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.F.); (A.C.)
| | - Philipp A. Kronenberg
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse and Medical Faculty, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (P.A.K.); (P.D.)
- Medical Micro- and Molecular Biology, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | - Peter Deplazes
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse and Medical Faculty, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (P.A.K.); (P.D.)
- Clinics of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Giovanna Masala
- WOAH and National Reference Laboratory for Echinococcosis, Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sardegna, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.P.); (G.M.)
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Tessema W, Getachew M, Tora E. Prevalence and Risk Factors of Lungworm Infection in Small Ruminants in Selected Districts of Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. J Parasitol Res 2024; 2024:6303598. [PMID: 38633028 PMCID: PMC11023728 DOI: 10.1155/2024/6303598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Among small ruminants, lungworms are important parasitic nematodes that infect the lower respiratory tract and are implicated in a high mortality and morbidity rate. However, the magnitude and its determinants of lungworm infection in the study districts are not known. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of lungworm infection and assess associated risk factors in selected districts, Wolaita Zone, southern Ethiopia. A total of 742 fecal samples collected from 443 sheep and 299 goats were examined, using modified Baermann techniques, to recover first-stage larvae from fecal samples. Lungworms were detected in 271 (36.52%) samples infecting 192 (43.34%) sheep and 79 (26.42%) goats, respectively. Lungworm species Dictyocaulus filaria, Protostrongylus rufescens, and Muellerius capillaris were recovered in 114 (15.36%), 68 (9.16%), and 57 (7.68%) fecal samples, respectively. Mixed infection by two or more above species was noted in 32 (4.31%) of the samples. Among the determinants examined, agroecological environment, management system, and season showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) with the prevalence of infection in small ruminants. On the other hand, lungworm infection among sexes, age groups, and body condition scores showed no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). The present study indicated that lungworm infection was a problem for sheep and goats in this study area. Thus, measures like deworming, early treatment, and improving animal husbandry should be practiced.
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Mansour A, Sarabeev V, Balbuena JA. Checklist of monogeneans from Egyptian marine fishes, including some newly collected species. Syst Parasitol 2024; 101:28. [PMID: 38568286 DOI: 10.1007/s11230-024-10150-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
A checklist of 113 monogenean species parasitizing marine fishes (60 species) from different localities in Egypt is provided. The list is supplemented by eight newly collected monogenean species from Red Sea fishes, off Safaga and El-Quseir. Five of these species are new Egyptian records: Calydiscoides euzeti Justine, 2007, Calydiscoides rohdei Oliver, 1984, Lethrinitrema austrosinense (Li & Chen, 2005) Sun, Li & Yang, 2014, Pseudohaliotrema sphincteroporus Yamaguti, 1953, and Pentatres sphyraenae Euzet & Razarihelisoa, 1959. Furthermore, Lutjanus ehrenbergii (Peters), Lethrinus nebulosus (Forsskål), Lethrinus mahsena (Forsskål), Siganus stellatus (Forsskål), and Sphyraena flavicauda Rüppell represent new host records. The current study also lists nine monogenean species from the Gulf of Aqaba for which the coordinates of the sampling localities were not clearly defined, but which could also belong to the Egyptian fauna as the gulf is part of the Red Sea basin. Dactylogyrus aegyptiacus Ramadan, 1983 is transferred to Ecnomotrema Kritsky, 2023 as E. aegyptiacum (Ramadan, 1983) n. comb. Entobdella aegyptiacus Amer, 1990, Polylabroides aegyptiacus Mahmoud & Shaheed 1998, Gotocotyla sigani Abdel Aal, Ghattas & Badawy, 2001, Neohexostoma epinepheli Abdel Aal, Ghattas & Badawy, 2001, Neothoracocotyle commersoni Abdel Aal, Ghattas & Badawy, 2001, Acleotrema maculatum Morsy, El Fayoumi & Fahmy, 2014, Diplectanum harid Morsy, El Fayoumi, Al Shahawy & Fahmy, 2014, and Pseudorhabdosynochus chlorostigma Morsy, El Fayoumi, Al Shahawy & Fahmy, 2014, are considered species inquirendae. Paranaella diplodae Bayoumy, Abd El-Hady & Hassanain, 2007 is considered incertae sedis. Allencotyla lutini El-Dien, 1995 and Lamellodiscus diplodicus Bayoumy, 2003 are regarded as nomina nuda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mansour
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, South Valley University, Qena, 83523, Qena Governorate, Egypt.
| | - Volodimir Sarabeev
- Department of Biology, Zaporizhzhia National University, Zhukovskogo 66, Zaporizhzhia, 69063, Ukraine
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 04001, Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Juan A Balbuena
- Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, PO Box 22085, 46071, Valencia, Spain
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Boukadoum A, Tazerouti F. Digenea community structure of the Salema, Sarpa salpa (Linnaeus, 1758) (Teleostei, Sparidae), from the Central coast of Algeria. Helminthologia 2024; 61:59-75. [PMID: 38659470 PMCID: PMC11038246 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2024-0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The main goal of the current work was to describe and analyse the Digenean community structure in Sarpa salpa. A total of 114 specimens of S. salpa were collected from the Central Coast of Algeria at six localities. The fish were immediately transported to the laboratory to be examined for digeneans. From 107 of the 114 S. salpa examined, a total of 8,722 specimens of seven species belonging to three families were recovered. Among them, Robphildollfusium fractum and Mesometra orbicularis were the most prevalent and abundant species. Moreover, Lepocreadium album was found for the first time in S. salpa from the coast of Algeria, and Centroderma spinosissima and Wardula capitellata represent new parasites to the Algerian digenean fauna that infect teleost fish. The component community of these Digeneans is characterised by R. fractum as its dominant species representing 62% of the total number of collected Digeneans, as well by a Shannon diversity index (H') and Dominance Simpson index (D) of 1.03 and 2.23, respectively. According to Spearman's correlation test, Mesometra brachycoelia and W. capitellata were negatively correlated to the host biological factors. On the other hand, R. fractum showed a positive correlation between its mean abundance and the total length of the fish. With these findings, we provided the component structure of the Digenean fauna of S. salpa and highlighted their diversity, contributing to the biodiversity of the parasitic Platyhelminthes in Algeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Boukadoum
- Université des Sciences et de la Technologie Houari Boumediene (U.S.T.H.B), Faculté des Sciences Biologiques, Département Écologie et Environnement, Laboratoire de Biodiversité et Environnement, Interactions - Génomes, BP 32, El Alia Bab Ezzouar, Alger, Algérie
| | - F. Tazerouti
- Université des Sciences et de la Technologie Houari Boumediene (U.S.T.H.B), Faculté des Sciences Biologiques, Département Écologie et Environnement, Laboratoire de Biodiversité et Environnement, Interactions - Génomes, BP 32, El Alia Bab Ezzouar, Alger, Algérie
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Babyesiza WS, Mpagi J, Ssuuna J, Akoth S, Katakweba A. Ectoparasite Fauna of Rodents and Shrews with Their Spatial, Temporal, and Dispersal along a Degradation Gradient in Mabira Central Forest Reserve. J Parasitol Res 2023; 2023:7074041. [PMID: 37928436 PMCID: PMC10625493 DOI: 10.1155/2023/7074041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ectoparasites like fleas, mites, and ticks that are key carriers of harmful pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, cestodes, and nematodes live on rodents and shrews. It should be noted that rodents' ecological adaptability makes them suitable as parasite hosts. The main objective of the study was to determine the ectoparasite assemblages in rodents and shrews along a degradation gradient, while comparing infestation levels in different habitats with varying levels of degradation. The study was conducted in Mabira Central Forest Reserve. Ectoparasites were collected following rodent and shrew removal trapping which was done using Sherman's traps set along transects of 200 meters in three habitat strata that included adjacent forest habitats, degraded forest edge, and regenerating forest interior. Data was collected intermittently with a break every two months for one year from November 2018 to December 2019. A total of 1411 rodents and shrews were collected, yielding a total of 5692 ectoparasites from 22 host species (17 rodents and 5 shrews). The most prevalent group of ectoparasites was mites followed by fleas, lice, ticks, and earwig. Ectoparasite prevalence significantly differed depending on hosts species (P = 0.001) and host age (P = 0.022), but not host sex (P = 0.78), while mean infestation significantly varied basing on host species (P = 0.001), host sex (P = 0.001), season (P = 0.001), and habitat (P = 0.001). Prevalence (P = 0.001) and mean infestation (P = 0.001) significantly varied across studied habitats. The study has emphasized the significance of Praomys jacksoni and Hylomyscus stella as significant hosts for mites and S. congicus as a significant host for fleas. Additionally, environment and host characteristics have a bearing on prevalence and infestation of ectoparasites with habitat degradation playing a significant role in the occurrence of ectoparasites, thereby emphasizing its contribution to zoonotic outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waswa Sadic Babyesiza
- Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and Biosensor Technology Development (ACE IRPM&BTD), Uganda
- Department of Wildlife Management, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
- Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Science, Makerere University, Uganda
| | - Joseph Mpagi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Busitema University, Uganda
| | - James Ssuuna
- Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and Biosensor Technology Development (ACE IRPM&BTD), Uganda
- Department of Wildlife Management, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Sisiria Akoth
- Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and Biosensor Technology Development (ACE IRPM&BTD), Uganda
- Department of Wildlife Management, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
- Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Science, Makerere University, Uganda
| | - Abdul Katakweba
- Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative Rodent Pest Management and Biosensor Technology Development (ACE IRPM&BTD), Uganda
- Institute of Pest Management, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
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11
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Biedrzycka A, Konopiński MK, Popiołek M, Zawiślak M, Bartoszewicz M, Kloch A. Non-MHC immunity genes do not affect parasite load in European invasive populations of common raccoon. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15696. [PMID: 37735177 PMCID: PMC10514260 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41721-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the evolutionary mechanisms behind invasion success enables predicting which alien species and populations are the most predisposed to become invasive. Parasites may mediate the success of biological invasions through their effect on host fitness. The evolution of increased competitive ability (EICA) hypothesis assumes that escape from parasites during the invasion process allows introduced species to decrease investment in immunity and allocate resources to dispersal and reproduction. Consequently, the selective pressure of parasites on host species in the invasive range should be relaxed. We used the case of the raccoon Procyon lotor invasion in Europe to investigate the effect of gastrointestinal pathogen pressure on non-MHC immune genetic diversity of newly established invasive populations. Despite distinct differences in parasite prevalence between analysed populations, we detected only marginal associations between two analysed SNPs and infection intensity. We argue that the differences in parasite prevalence are better explained by detected earlier associations with specific MHC-DRB alleles. While the escape from native parasites seems to allow decreased investment in overall immunity, which relaxes selective pressure imposed on immune genes, a wide range of MHC variants maintained in the invasive range may protect from newly encountered parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Biedrzycka
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Al. Mickiewicza 33, 31-120, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Maciej K Konopiński
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Al. Mickiewicza 33, 31-120, Kraków, Poland
| | - Marcin Popiołek
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63/67, 51-148, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marlena Zawiślak
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63/67, 51-148, Wrocław, Poland
| | | | - Agnieszka Kloch
- Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-089, Warszawa, Poland
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12
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Bezerra-Santos MA, Dantas-Torres F, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Thompson RCA, Modry D, Otranto D. Invasive mammalian wildlife and the risk of zoonotic parasites. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:786-798. [PMID: 37429777 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Invasive wild mammals are present in all continents, with Europe, North America, and the Asian-Pacific region having the largest number of established species. In particular, Europe has been the continent with the highest number of zoonotic parasites associated with invasive wild mammals. These invasive species may represent a major threat for the conservation of native ecosystems and may enter in the transmission cycle of native parasites, or act as spreaders of exotic parasites. Here, we review the role of invasive wild mammals as spreaders of zoonotic parasites, presenting important examples from Europe, America, and the Asia-Pacific region. Finally, we emphasize the need for more research on these mammals and their parasites, especially in areas where their monitoring is scantily performed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - R C Andrew Thompson
- Division of Veterinary Biology, School of Veterinary Studies, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - David Modry
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy; Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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13
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Smith AT, Krasnov BR, Horak IG, Ueckermann EA, Matthee S. Ectoparasites associated with the Bushveld gerbil ( Gerbilliscus leucogaster) and the role of the host and habitat in shaping ectoparasite diversity and infestations. Parasitology 2023; 150:792-804. [PMID: 37272490 PMCID: PMC10478068 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023000562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Rodents are known hosts for various ectoparasite taxa such as fleas, lice, ticks and mites. South Africa is recognized for its animal diversity, yet little is published about the parasite diversity associated with wild rodent species. By focusing on a wildlife-human/domestic animal interface, the study aims to record ectoparasite diversity and levels of infestations of the Bushveld gerbil, Gerbilliscus leucogaster, and to establish the relationship between ectoparasite infestation parameters and host- and habitat factors. Rodents (n = 127) were trapped in 2 habitat types (natural and agricultural) during 2014–2020. More than 6500 individuals of 32 epifaunistic species represented by 21 genera and belonging to 5 taxonomic groups (fleas, sucking lice, ticks, mesostigmatan mites and trombiculid mites) were collected. Mesostigmatan mites and lice were the most abundant and fleas and mesostigmatan mites the most prevalent groups. Flea and mesostigmatan mite numbers and mesostigmatan mite species richness was significantly higher on reproductively active male than female rodents. Only ticks were significantly associated with habitat type, with significantly higher tick numbers and more tick species on rodents in the natural compared to the agricultural habitat. We conclude that the level of infestation by ectoparasites closely associated with the host (fleas and mites) was affected by host-associated factors, while infestation by ectoparasite that spend most of their life in the external environment (ticks) was affected by habitat type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber T. Smith
- Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, 7602 Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Boris R. Krasnov
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Swiss Institute for Dryland Environmental and Energy Research, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede-Boqer Campus, 84990 Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - Ivan G. Horak
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Makhanda 6140, South Africa
| | - Eddie A. Ueckermann
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, Potchefstroom Campus, North-West University, North-West, South Africa
| | - Sonja Matthee
- Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, 7602 Stellenbosch, South Africa
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14
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Yamaguchi E, Takagi M, Osaki M, Hayama Y, Yamamoto T. Sex-based differences in the distribution of Aujeszky's disease-seropositive Japanese wild boar. Porcine Health Manag 2023; 9:28. [PMID: 37312154 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-023-00323-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV) primarily infects domestic pigs and wild boars, causing the abortion and death of young piglets due to central nervous system disorders. In Japan, the national eradication program for ADV in domestic pigs has been successful in most prefectures; however, concern has been raised regarding ADV-infected wild boars as a source of transmission to domestic pigs. RESULTS We assessed the nationwide seroprevalence of ADV among wild boars (Sus scrofa) in Japan. Moreover, we determined the sex-based differences in the spatial clustering of seropositive animals. Serum samples were obtained from a total of 1383 wild boars acquired by hunting in 41 prefectures in three fiscal years (April-March in 2014, 2015, and 2017). Seropositivity tests for ADV using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the latex agglutination and neutralization tests showed 29 boars seropositive for ADV (29/1383, 2.1% [95% confidence interval, CI: 1.4-3.0%]), with 28 of these boars originating from three prefectures in the Kii Peninsula (28/121, 23.1% [95% CI: 16.0-31.7%]). The degree of spatial clustering of these ADV-seropositive adult boars in the Kii Peninsula was evaluated using the K-function and data from sera samples of 46 (14 seropositive) male and 54 (12 seropositive) female boars. The degree of clustering among females was significantly higher in seropositive animals than in tested animals; however, such a difference was not observed for seropositive males. CONCLUSIONS The spatial dynamics of ADV among adult wild boars may be characterized based on sex, and is likely due to sex-based differences in behavioral patterns including dispersal among wild boars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emi Yamaguchi
- Epidemiology Unit, Division of Transboundary Animal Disease Research, National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Kannondai 3-1-5, Tsukuba, 305-0856, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Michihiro Takagi
- Biologicals Production Office, Department of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Japan
- Virus Group, Division of Infectious Animal Disease Research, National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Makoto Osaki
- Strategic Planning Headquarters, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yoko Hayama
- Epidemiology Unit, Division of Transboundary Animal Disease Research, National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Kannondai 3-1-5, Tsukuba, 305-0856, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takehisa Yamamoto
- Epidemiology Unit, Division of Transboundary Animal Disease Research, National Institute of Animal Health, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Kannondai 3-1-5, Tsukuba, 305-0856, Ibaraki, Japan.
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15
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Čeirāns A, Pupins M, Kirjusina M, Gravele E, Mezaraupe L, Nekrasova O, Tytar V, Marushchak O, Garkajs A, Petrov I, Skute A, Georges JY, Theissinger K. Top-down and bottom-up effects and relationships with local environmental factors in the water frog-helminth systems in Latvia. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8621. [PMID: 37244932 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35780-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Semi-aquatic European water frogs (Pelophylax spp.) harbour rich helminth infra-communities, whose effects on host population size in nature are poorly known. To study top-down and bottom-up effects, we conducted calling male water frog counts and parasitological investigations of helminths in waterbodies from different regions of Latvia, supplemented by descriptions of waterbody features and surrounding land use data. We performed a series of generalized linear model and zero-inflated negative binomial regressions to determine the best predictors for frog relative population size and helminth infra-communities. The highest-ranked (by Akaike information criterion correction, AICc) model explaining the water frog population size contained only waterbody variables, followed by the model containing only land use within 500 m, while the model containing helminth predictors had the lowest rank. Regarding helminth infection responses, the relative importance of the water frog population size varied from being non-significant (abundances of larval plagiorchiids and nematodes) to having a similar weight to waterbody features (abundances of larval diplostomids). In abundances of adult plagiorchiids and nematodes the best predictor was the host specimen size. Environmental factors had both direct effects from the habitat features (e.g., waterbody characteristics on frogs and diplostomids) and indirect effects through parasite-host interactions (impacts of anthropogenic habitats on frogs and helminths). Our study suggests the presence of synergy between top-down and bottom-up effects in the water frog-helminth system that creates a mutual dependence of frog and helminth population sizes and helps to balance helminth infections at a level that does not cause over-exploitation of the host resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andris Čeirāns
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Life Sciences and Technologies, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia.
| | - Mihails Pupins
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Life Sciences and Technologies, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia
| | - Muza Kirjusina
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Life Sciences and Technologies, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia
| | - Evita Gravele
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Life Sciences and Technologies, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia
| | - Ligita Mezaraupe
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Life Sciences and Technologies, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia
| | - Oksana Nekrasova
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Life Sciences and Technologies, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia
- I. I. Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Volodymyr Tytar
- I. I. Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Oleksii Marushchak
- I. I. Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Alberts Garkajs
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Life Sciences and Technologies, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia
| | - Iurii Petrov
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Life Sciences and Technologies, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia
| | - Arturs Skute
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Life Sciences and Technologies, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia
| | | | - Kathrin Theissinger
- LOEWE Center for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, TBG - Senckenberg Nature Research Institute, Frankfurt, Germany
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16
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Barzegar M, Raissy M, Shamsi S. Protozoan Parasites of Iranian Freshwater Fishes: Review, Composition, Classification, and Modeling Distribution. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12050651. [PMID: 37242321 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This article investigates the occurrence and distribution of parasitic protozoa of Iranian freshwater fishes (both farmed and wild). Our search shows 26 known parasitic protozoan species were recorded from 52 freshwater fish species across different ecoregions of Iran. Most of these fish are edible. While none of the identified protozoan parasites are of zoonotic importance, our study does not exclude presence of zoonotic species in Iranian fishes. Present data suggest the northern and western regions of the country are the main macrohabitat of protozoa (35 parasitic records reported), with the greatest concentration of parasitic protozoa occurring in the Urmia basin in Iran's northwest. The clustered distribution pattern of protozoa among freshwater fish was also more evident in the northern and western parts of the country. The gills and skin were the most infected microhabitats for parasitic protozoa. The highest number of parasites was observed in the fish family Cyprinidae with nine species found in the native fish, Capoeta capoeta. The most diverse host range was observed in the holotrich ciliate, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis isolated from 46 cyprinid species in 39 different locations. However, due to the great richness of fish and extreme habitat diversity, parts of the parasite fauna of Iranian freshwater fish are still poorly understood. Furthermore, current and future changes in climate and environmental parameters, and anthropogenic interventions are likely to affect fish hosts and their parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Barzegar
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Garmsar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Garmsar 3581631167, Iran
| | - Mehdi Raissy
- Department of Aquatic Animal Health and Disease, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord 8813733395, Iran
| | - Shokoofeh Shamsi
- Gulbali Institute and School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650, Australia
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Sarabeev V, Balbuena J, Jarosiewicz A, Voronova N, Sueiro R, Leiro J, Ovcharenko M. Disentangling the determinants of symbiotic species richness in native and invasive gammarids (Crustacea, Amphipoda) of the Baltic region. Int J Parasitol 2023; 53:305-316. [PMID: 37004736 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2023.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Dispersal of alien species is a global problem threatening native biodiversity. Co-introduction of non-native parasites and pathogens adds to the severity of this threat, but this indirect impact has received less attention. To shed light on the key factors determining the richness of microorganisms in native and invasive host species, we compared symbiotic (parasitic and epibiotic) communities of gammarids across different habitats and localities along the Baltic coast of Poland. Seven gammarid species, two native and five invasive, were sampled from 16 freshwater and brackish localities. Sixty symbiotic species of microorganisms of nine phyla were identified. This taxonomically diverse species assemblage of symbionts allowed us to assess the effect of host translocation and regional ecological determinants driving assembly richness in the gammarid hosts. Our results revealed that (i) the current assemblages of symbionts of gammarid hosts in the Baltic region are formed by native and co-introduced species; (ii) species richness of the symbiotic community was higher in the native Gammarus pulex than in the invasive hosts, probably reflecting a process of species loss by invasive gammarids in the new area and the distinct habitat conditions occupied by G. pulex and invasive hosts; (iii) both host species and locality were key drivers shaping assembly composition of symbionts, whereas habitat condition (freshwater versus brackish) was a stronger determinant of communities than geographic distance; (iv) the dispersion patterns of the individual species richness of symbiotic communities were best described by Poisson distributions; in the case of an invasive host, the dispersion of the rich species diversity may switch to a right-skewed negative binomial distribution, suggesting a host-mediated regulation process. We believe this is the first analysis of the symbiotic species richness in native and invasive gammarid hosts in European waters based on original field data and a broad range of taxonomic groups including Microsporidia, Choanozoa, Ciliophora, Apicomplexa, Platyhelminthes, Nematoda, Nematomorha, Acanthocephala and Rotifera, to document the patterns of species composition and distribution.
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Filip-Hutsch K, Laskowski Z, Myczka AW, Czopowicz M, Moskwa B, Demiaszkiewicz AW. The occurrence and molecular identification of Thelazia spp. in European bison (Bison bonasus) in the Bieszczady Mountains. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22508. [PMID: 36581768 PMCID: PMC9800370 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-27191-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with Thelazia nematodes results in eye disease in wild and domestic animals. The aim of the present study was to describe the occurrence of Thelazia nematodes in European bison, and to subject the isolated parasites to molecular identification and phylogenetical analysis. The eyeballs of 18 European bison from the Bieszczady Mountains, culled due to dysfunctional vision, were collected for study. The conjunctival sacs, tear ducts, corneal surface and nictitating membrane were rinsed with a saline solution. Any obtained nematodes were isolated under a stereoscopic microscope, and then identified as T. gulosa or T. skrjabini by molecular analysis of partial cox1 sequences. The prevalence of infection with Thelazia spp. was found to be 61%, with a 95% confidence interval (CI 95%) of 39-80%. Thelazia skrjabini was isolated from 56% (CI 95% 34-75%) of examined animals; T. gulosa was significantly less common (p = 0.038) with the prevalence of infection reaching 22% (CI 95% 9-45%). Three European bison were cross-infected with both T. gulosa and T. skrjabini. Phylogenetic analysis found the obtained sequences to be similar to those of Thelazia species from domestic ungulates in Europe. Infection intensity ranged from 1 to 16 nematodes per individual (median of three nematodes), and was significantly higher in females (6 nematodes) than in males (1 nematode; p = 0.019). A tendency for seasonal occurrence of nematodes in European bison was also observed. Our study provides further information regarding the patterns of Thelazia transmission in European bison in Poland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Filip-Hutsch
- grid.13276.310000 0001 1955 7966Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health Protection, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences–SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zdzisław Laskowski
- grid.413454.30000 0001 1958 0162Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna W. Myczka
- grid.413454.30000 0001 1958 0162Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Czopowicz
- grid.13276.310000 0001 1955 7966Division of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences–SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159C, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bożena Moskwa
- grid.413454.30000 0001 1958 0162Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksander W. Demiaszkiewicz
- grid.413454.30000 0001 1958 0162Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warsaw, Poland
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Bisterfeld K, Raulf MK, Waindok P, Springer A, Lang J, Lierz M, Siebert U, Strube C. Cardio-pulmonary parasites of the European wildcat (Felis silvestris) in Germany. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:452. [PMID: 36471378 PMCID: PMC9724372 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05578-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the last years, research on feline cardio-pulmonary parasites has considerably increased in Europe. Not only domestic cats (Felis catus), but also European wildcats (Felis silvestris) can serve as definitive hosts for these nematodes. The F. silvestris population in Germany has been growing rapidly within the last decades; therefore, the assessment of its cardio-pulmonary parasite status is of importance to unravel whether the wildcat population serves as a substantial reservoir for these nematodes and might pose a health threat to domestic cats. METHODS As part of a nature conservation project for European wildcats in the German federal state Rhineland-Palatinate, lungs (n = 128) and hearts (n = 111) of 128 F. silvestris found dead were examined for cardio-pulmonary parasites. All isolated parasites were identified morphologically, and results were confirmed by molecular analysis of a total of 3-11 specimens of each worm species. RESULTS A total of 70.3% (90/128) wildcats were positive for at least one lungworm species. Angiostrongylus chabaudi was most common (53.1% [68/128]), followed by Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (42.2% [54/128]), Troglostrongylus brevior (31.3% [40/128]) and Capillaria spp. (3.1% [4/128]). Of note, about two-thirds of the infected wildcats harboured coinfections. Infection intensities ranged from 1 to 167 nematodes per wildcat. Generalised linear models revealed a strong correlation between A. chabaudi and A. abstrusus infection, and prevalences were higher in adult than in younger wildcats, except for T. brevior. Moreover, the T. brevior prevalence varied significantly with nutritional status. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that feline cardio-pulmonary nematodes are common parasites in European wildcats in Germany but do not appear to have a serious impact on the overall health of the population. Due to presumed spillover events via prey, cardio-pulmonary nematodes may circulate between the wildcat population and domestic cats and might therefore pose a health risk to individual domestic cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Bisterfeld
- grid.412970.90000 0001 0126 6191Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany ,grid.412970.90000 0001 0126 6191Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Werftstrasse 6, 25761 Buesum, Germany
| | - Marie-Kristin Raulf
- grid.412970.90000 0001 0126 6191Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Patrick Waindok
- grid.412970.90000 0001 0126 6191Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Andrea Springer
- grid.412970.90000 0001 0126 6191Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Johannes Lang
- grid.8664.c0000 0001 2165 8627Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Frankfurter Strasse 114, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Michael Lierz
- grid.8664.c0000 0001 2165 8627Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Frankfurter Strasse 114, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Ursula Siebert
- grid.412970.90000 0001 0126 6191Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Werftstrasse 6, 25761 Buesum, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hanover, Germany.
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20
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Henriksen EH, Frainer A, Poulin R, Knudsen R, Amundsen P. Ectoparasites population dynamics are affected by host body size but not host density or water temperature in a 32‐year long time series. OIKOS 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.09328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eirik H. Henriksen
- Dept of Arctic and Marine Biology, Faculty of Biosciences, Fisheries and Economics, UiT The Arctic Univ. of Norway Tromsø Norway
| | - André Frainer
- Norwegian Inst. for Nature Research (NINA), Framsenteret Tromsø Norway
| | | | - Rune Knudsen
- Dept of Arctic and Marine Biology, Faculty of Biosciences, Fisheries and Economics, UiT The Arctic Univ. of Norway Tromsø Norway
| | - Per‐Arne Amundsen
- Dept of Arctic and Marine Biology, Faculty of Biosciences, Fisheries and Economics, UiT The Arctic Univ. of Norway Tromsø Norway
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Makalo MJR, Mtshali K, Tsotetsi-Khambule AM, Mofokeng LS, Taioe MO, Onyiche TE, Thekisoe OMM. First report of gastrointestinal nematodes and coccidia parasites from free-range chickens in Mafeteng district, Lesotho. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 36:100798. [PMID: 36436906 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Free-range chickens are an integral part of poultry production in many developing countries. In the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, the majority of the population own free-range chickens, which serve a variety of purposes including being a source of meat, eggs and use for cultural rituals amongst others. However, there is lack of scientific studies on occurrence of parasitic infections on free-range chickens in Lesotho. The aim of this study was to document common gastrointestinal parasites infecting free-range chickens in four villages of Mafeteng District in Lesotho. A total number of 462 pooled faecal samples were collected from various households in HaKubutu (n = 114), HaMatjeka (n = 120), HaMpalipali (n = 120) and Thabang Villages (n = 108) which were subjected to microscopic examination using McMaster technique. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite infection was as follows: Eimeria tenella (12.8%), Ascaridia galli (10.4%) and Heterakis gallinarum (5%). The prevalence for H. gallinarum and Ascaridia galli were comparatively higher during the hot-wet season (7.1% and 2.8% respectively) than the cold-dry season (3.2% and 1.9% respectively) and varied significantly (P < 0.05). For E. tenella, the oocysts per gram were slightly higher in the cold-dry season than the hot-wet season. Polymerase chain reaction only amplified DNA from six (29%) adult A. galli worms of which two amplicons were successfully sequenced. The obtained cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 partial gene sequences displayed 98-100% identity with South African A. galli isolates. This is the first scientific study on prevalence and molecular characterization of nematodes and coccidia species infecting free-range village chickens in Lesotho. The findings can be used to review management of gastrointestinal nematodes and protozoal parasites of free-range chickens in Lesotho.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mabusetsa J R Makalo
- Biomedical Sciences Department, Tshwane University of Technology, Arcadia Campus, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Khethiwe Mtshali
- Biomedical Sciences Department, Tshwane University of Technology, Arcadia Campus, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
| | - Ana M Tsotetsi-Khambule
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Florida 1709, South Africa
| | - Lehlohonolo S Mofokeng
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa
| | - Moeti O Taioe
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa; Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors, Agricultural Research Council - Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
| | - ThankGod E Onyiche
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa
| | - Oriel M M Thekisoe
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa
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22
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PREVALENCE AND PARASITE INTENSITY OF HAEMOGREGARINES IN AFRICAN BELL HINGE-BACK (KINIXYS BELLIANA) AND AFRICAN HOME'S HINGE-BACK (KINIXYS HOMEANA) TORTOISES IN IBADAN, NIGERIA. J Wildl Dis 2022; 58:825-835. [PMID: 36321922 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-21-00084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Haemogregarines are a group of intracellular blood parasites reported in reptiles, other vertebrate taxa including mammals and fish, and haematophagous invertebrates. Information on prevalence, biodiversity, and host-specificity of haemogregarines of tortoises in Nigeria are scarce. A total of 120 African hinge-back tortoises (Kinixys belliana, n=70, and K. homeana, n=50) were bought from the Wildlife and Herbal Market in Ibadan, Nigeria. Blood was withdrawn via the subcarapacial sinuses of each tortoise. The prevalence and parasite intensity of haemogregarine infection was determined using a light microscope, and parasite species were determined by PCR using HepF300 and HepR900 primers. A sequence of 654 base pairs (bp; Hepatozoon cf. fitzsimonsi) from the study aligned with published 18SrRNA and closely related with a similarity of 97.38% to Hepatozoon fitzsimonsi sequenced from Kinixys zobensis in South Africa. Overall prevalence of haemogregarines was 53.33% from light microcopy and 75.83% from PCR, which is considered very high. Higher prevalence and mean±SD parasite intensity were recorded for K. belliana (82.89%, 0.29%) than for K. homeana (66.00%, 0.26%). Prevalence rates and parasite intensities of haemogregarines were significantly higher in wet than in dry seasons. The differences in prevalence and intensity between and within species may be due to habitat characteristics, feeding habits of vectors and hosts, seasons, and vector abundance.
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Digging in a 120 years-old lunch: What can we learn from collection specimens of extinct species? PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270032. [PMID: 35793291 PMCID: PMC9258829 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Studying collection specimens is often the only way to unravel information about recent extinctions. These can reveal knowledge on threats and life traits related to extinction, and contribute, by extrapolation, to the conservation of extant species. However, high-throughput sequencing methods have rarely been applied to extinct species to reveal information on their ecology. Insular species are especially prone to extinction. We studied the gut contents of three specimens of the extinct giant skink Chioninia coctei of the Cabo Verde Islands using microscopy and DNA-metabarcoding. The presence of Tachygonetria adult nematodes suggests plants as important diet items. Our metabarcoding approach also identified plants and, additionally, invertebrates, supporting the hypothesis of C. coctei’s generalist diet. The absence of vertebrates in the digestive contents may reflect the decline of seabirds on the Desertas Islands that could have contributed to the debilitation of the giant skink, already depleted by persecution and severe droughts. Even with a small sample size, this study contributes to shedding light on the trophic roles of this enigmatic extinct species and emphasizes the need to develop holistic conservation plans for island threatened taxa. Additionally, it illustrates the potential of integrating up-to-date molecular methods with traditional approaches to studying collection specimens to help to solve ecological puzzles in other ecosystems.
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Shanebeck KM, Besson AA, Lagrue C, Green SJ. The energetic costs of sub-lethal helminth parasites in mammals: a meta-analysis. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2022; 97:1886-1907. [PMID: 35678252 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Parasites, by definition, have a negative effect on their host. However, in wild mammal health and conservation research, sub-lethal infections are commonly assumed to have negligible health effects unless parasites are present in overwhelming numbers. Here, we propose a definition for host health in mammals that includes sub-lethal effects of parasites on the host's capacity to adapt to the environment and maintain homeostasis. We synthesized the growing number of studies on helminth parasites in mammals to assess evidence for the relative magnitude of sub-lethal effects of infection across mammal taxa based on this expanded definition. Specifically, we develop and apply a framework for organizing disparate metrics of parasite effects on host health and body condition according to their impact on an animal's energetic condition, defined as the energetic burden of pathogens on host physiological and behavioural functions that relate directly to fitness. Applying this framework within a global meta-analysis of helminth parasites in wild, laboratory and domestic mammal hosts produced 142 peer-reviewed studies documenting 599 infection-condition effects. Analysing these data within a multiple working hypotheses framework allowed us to evaluate the relative weighted contribution of methodological (study design, sampling protocol, parasite quantification methods) and biological (phylogenetic relationships and host/parasite life history) moderators to variation in the magnitude of health effects. We found consistently strong negative effects of infection on host energetic condition across taxonomic groups, with unusually low heterogeneity in effect sizes when compared with other ecological meta-analyses. Observed effect size was significantly lower within cross-sectional studies (i.e. observational studies that investigated a sub-set of a population at a single point in time), the most prevalent methodology. Furthermore, opportunistic sampling led to a weaker negative effect compared to proactive sampling. In the model of host taxonomic group, the effect of infection on energetic condition in carnivores was not significant. However, when sampling method was included, it explained substantial inter-study variance; proactive sampling showing a strongly significant negative effect while opportunistic sampling detected only a weak, non-significant effect. This may partly underlie previous assumptions that sub-lethal parasites do not have significant effects on host health. We recommend future studies adopt energetic condition as the framework for assessing parasite effects on wildlife health and provide guidelines for the selection of research protocols, health proxies, and relating infection to fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle M Shanebeck
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, 11455 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anne A Besson
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, 340 Great King Street, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
| | - Clement Lagrue
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, 11455 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Zoology, University of Otago, 340 Great King Street, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand.,Department of Conservation, 265 Princes Street, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
| | - Stephanie J Green
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, 11455 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Suyapoh W, Kaewnoi D, Sota P, Thongtako W, Suttiprapa S. Prevalence of major nematodes and human factors that affect infection in the zebra dove in a closed cage system. Vet World 2022; 15:1208-1214. [PMID: 35765476 PMCID: PMC9210838 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.1208-1214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Roundworms cause infections in the avian population that lead to illness and poor production. The singing zebra dove is an economically important animal in the Indo-Malay region. The prevalence of these parasitic groups in zebra doves is unknown. This study estimated the prevalence and associated human risk factors of gastrointestinal nematode infections in zebra dove farming. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to April 2021. The study was conducted on 184 doves in three zebra dove farms. Fecal samples were collected from pooled zebra dove droppings. Major proportions and infection intensity of gastrointestinal nematodes were morphologically identified and morphometrically investigated. Associated human factors were assessed through the interview surveys among farmers. Results: Results showed that 36.96% of the zebra doves were infected. The primary nematodes were Ascaridia galli (34.78%), Heterakis gallinarum (6.52%), Trichostrongylus tenuis (2.17%), Syngamus spp. (4.35%), and Amidostomum spp. (2.17%). The primary human factors that contribute to parasitic infection were poor hygiene, food contamination with parasites, and inappropriate deworming. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes in the zebra dove in the close cage system. Human factors played key roles as risk factors, and improves farming management will help reduce parasitic infections. However, these nematodes may contribute to poor health status and poor productivity of zebra doves. Further extensive studies on clinical signs and pathological changes should be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Watcharapol Suyapoh
- Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand; WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Control of Opisthorchiasis (Southeast Asian Liver Fluke Disease), Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Domechai Kaewnoi
- Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Pornphutthachat Sota
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Control of Opisthorchiasis (Southeast Asian Liver Fluke Disease), Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand; Biomedical Sciences Program, Graduate School, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Wichaya Thongtako
- Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Sutas Suttiprapa
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Control of Opisthorchiasis (Southeast Asian Liver Fluke Disease), Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand; Tropical Medicine Graduate Program, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
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Catalano S, La Morgia V, Molinar Min AR, Fanelli A, Meneguz PG, Tizzani P. Gastrointestinal Parasite Community and Phenotypic Plasticity in Native and Introduced Alien Lagomorpha. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12101287. [PMID: 35625133 PMCID: PMC9138120 DOI: 10.3390/ani12101287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The introduction of alien species outside their native range represents one of the main threats to biodiversity conservation and it is mainly driven by human activities. In this work, we used the introduction of an alien lagomorph (Sylvilagus floridanus) outside its natural range as a case study to describe and evaluate the long-term effects on the native lagomorph community. In particular, S. floridanus was host to different exotic parasites, which adapted to new biotic and abiotic conditions and, as a consequence, invaded and largely altered the parasite community of native Lagomorpha species. This work represents the first exploratory study on the ecological macro-community formed by native and alien host species and their parasitofauna. Further efforts are needed to fully understand the strategies and factors conditioning the evolution of these specific parasite communities, and more in general the factors influencing the effect and evolution of alien pathogens in a new geographic area. Abstract The Convention on Biological Diversity classifies “Invasive Alien Species” as those whose introduction and spread represents a threat for biodiversity. Introduction of alien pathogens, including parasites, is one of the main consequences of the introduction of invasive alien species. The objective of this work was to assess the parasite community composition in native lagomorphs (Lepus europaeus and Lepus timidus varronis) in sympatric and non-sympatric conditions with an alien lagomorph (Sylvilagus floridanus), and to evaluate the phenotypic traits of exotic parasites in such conditions. We firstly describe the characteristics of the parasite community in the different host species (richness, prevalence, abundance and intensity), and, secondly, the phenotypic traits of the observed parasite species in each host. Nine helminths were reported on: eight nematodes (Obeliscoides cuniculi, Trichostrongylus calcaratus, Trichostrongylus retortaeformis, Trichostrongylus affinis, Trichuris leporis, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Passalurus ambiguus, and Nematodirus sp.) and one unidentified cestode. In addition, exotic parasites showed significantly different phenotypic plasticity after spillover from S. floridanus to L. europaeus, whereas endemic parasite species were not isolated in the alien S. floridanus. Our results highlight that the community of autochthonous and allochthonous Lagomorpha in northwestern Italy represents an extremely interesting system for modelling ecological and evolutionary interactions between parasites and their hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Catalano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy;
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Penicuik EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Valentina La Morgia
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Via Ca’ Fornacetta 9, Ozzano Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Anna Rita Molinar Min
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, 10095 Turin, Italy; (A.R.M.M.); (P.G.M.)
| | - Angela Fanelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy;
| | - Pier Giuseppe Meneguz
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, 10095 Turin, Italy; (A.R.M.M.); (P.G.M.)
| | - Paolo Tizzani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, 10095 Turin, Italy; (A.R.M.M.); (P.G.M.)
- Correspondence:
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Magdálek J, Bourgoin G, Vadlejch J. Non-native Nematode Ashworthius sidemi Currently Dominates the Abomasal Parasite Community of Cervid Hosts in the Czech Republic. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:862092. [PMID: 35573405 PMCID: PMC9096835 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.862092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ashworthius sidemi is an abomasal nematode typical for Asiatic cervids such as sambar (Rusa unicolor) or sika deer (Cervus nippon). This non-native parasite was introduced into Europe via sika deer in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The current dynamic spread of this parasite amongst autochthonous wild cervids occurs independently of human activities, and A. sidemi has a negative impact on the health of wild ruminants and may pose a threat to the conservation of endangered wild ungulates and to livestock. This invasive parasite has been previously detected in the Czech Republic, but more accurate information on A. sidemi is required. Only limited information is generally available on the factors influencing the spread of abomasal nematodes in wild ruminants, so more information is necessary for planning effective strategies of parasite control. We therefore conducted a survey on the abomasal nematodes in cervids in both game reserves and hunting grounds across the Czech Republic, taking into account the hosts (species, age, sex) and environmental factors (monthly average temperature). The abomasa of 104 animals belonging to five cervid species originating from various locations of the country were collected. Data on host (species, sex, and age group) and the monthly average temperature in the region were obtained for each animal. The parasitological analyses indicated that 92% of the abomasa were infected by nematodes. Ashworthius sidemi was the most prevalent (72%) and abundant (80% of the total recovered individuals) nematode species and was detected in all cervid species except white-tailed deer. The intensity of A. sidemi was highest in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and fallow deer (Dama dama), but A. sidemi abundance did not depend substantially on the host or environmental factors. In contrast, the abundance of nematodes from the subfamily Ostertagiinae was influenced by the host species and temperature. Parasitic load was significantly higher in roe deer and during the warmer periods of the survey. We also detected another non-native nematode species, Spiculopteragia houdemeri. The results of our study suggest that the non-native nematode A. sidemi is now widespread amongst cervid hosts in the Czech Republic, probably due to the high sensitivity of autochthonous cervids to A. sidemi infections as well as adaptation of this parasite to the current climatic conditions of this country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Magdálek
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Gilles Bourgoin
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup – Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, Marcy l'Etoile, France
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, CNRS, UMR 5558, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Jaroslav Vadlejch
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Jaroslav Vadlejch
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Zalewski A, Kołodziej-Sobocińska M, Bartoń KA. A tale of two nematodes: Climate mediates mustelid infection by nematodes across the geographical range. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 17:218-224. [PMID: 35242528 PMCID: PMC8883794 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Parasites have the potential to negatively affect host populations, if infection intensity is high. For parasites in which part of life cycle takes place outside the host, host infection intensity is likely affected by climate condition. Therefore, the parasite's impact on the host populations could be related to climatic conditions and may be altered with climate change. The aim of our study was to analyse the prevalence and infection intensity of two nematodes (Aonchotheca putorii and Molineus patens) from the Northern Hemisphere in relation to variations in climatic conditions. We reviewed 54 published studies on the occurrence of these two nematode species in 7 mustelid hosts. For A. putorii, infection parameters were higher when the stomach was included in the analyses compared to M. patens. The seasonality of precipitation influenced the prevalence the most, and the mean temperature of the warmest quarter had the strongest influence on infection intensity. The predicted prevalence of M. patens increased with increasing seasonal variation in precipitation, while the prevalence of A. putorii decreased. The predicted infection intensity of M. patens decreased with increasing precipitation seasonality, whereas the intensity of A. putorii infection did not change much. A. putorii infection intensity significantly decreased with increasing mean temperature of the warmest quarter, while the infection intensity of M. patens was not significantly related to this variable. Prevalence and infection intensity varied over the geographic range for both parasites, broadly with higher levels in northern latitudes for A. putorii and in southern latitudes for M. patens. Our study highlights the differences between these two nematode species and shows that the severity of host infection by these parasites is complex and mediated by climatic conditions. The results suggest that current climate change may potentially modify susceptibility and exposure to parasitic infections in mustelids. Analyses of the infection intensity of two nematodes on seven mustelid species on a large geographical scale. Climate modulates the infection parameters of the studied nematodes. Climatic conditions have contrasting effects on the two nematode species. The different effect of climate on parasite infection intensity is related to differences in their life cycles. Climate change may modify parasite infections and parasite impacts on wild carnivores.
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Hewavithana DK, Wijesinghe MR, Udagama PV. Gastrointestinal parasites of six large mammals in the Wasgomuwa National Park, Sri Lanka. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 17:1-6. [PMID: 34934617 PMCID: PMC8654610 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites may impose detrimental consequences on wildlife populations due to their capacity to cause mortality and reduce fitness. Additionally, wild animals play an important role in the transmission of zoonoses. Despite this importance, information on GI parasites of tropical wild mammals is critically lacking. The present study aimed to document GI parasites of six wild-dwelling large mammal taxa in Sri Lanka: Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), civet (Paradoxurus sp.), Leopard (Panthera pardus), Grey langur (Semnopithecus priam) and buffalo (Bubalus sp). Fresh faecal samples (n = 56) collected from the Wasgomuwa National Park, Sri Lanka were subjected to coprological examination using faecal smears, and the brine floatation technique followed by microscopic identification; quantitative data were accrued using the formol-ether method. The survey revealed a high prevalence of GI parasites, where 86% (48/56) of faecal samples screened positive for parasitic infections. Faecal samples of the civet, buffalo and Leopard recorded 100% prevalence, while the lowest (40%) was recorded for the Grey langur. Eight types of GI parasites were documented: protozoan cysts, platyhelminth ova (three types of digenean and a single cyclophillidean type), nematode ova (strongyle, strongyloid, ascarid, and trichuroid types) and rhabditiform larvae. The buffaloes and civets had a comparatively high number and diversity of GI parasites (buffalo: 7 types, H’ = 1.02; civet: 6 types, H’ = 1.52), whilst only a single type (digenean) was detected in the Grey langur. Likewise, parasite loads were also highly variable; highest in the bear (486 per g faeces) and lowest in the monkey (10 per g faeces). The outcome of this survey is important on two accounts; i) to fill the knowledge gap on GI parasites of tropical wild mammals, and ii) the revelation of many first-time parasite-host records for some of the threatened wild-dwelling large mammals in Sri Lanka. GI parasites of six native large mammals from the wild recorded from Sri Lanka. Novel GI parasite records of locally and globally endangered large mammals reported. High prevalence (86%) of infected fecal samples; eight GI parasite types identified. Buffaloes and civets had high parasite diversity; highest parasite load in the Sloth bear. GI parasite diversity and prevalence differed between wild and captive mammals.
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High Toxocara cati prevalence in wild, free-ranging Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Finland, 1999–2015. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 17:205-210. [PMID: 35198374 PMCID: PMC8850750 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In Finland, free-ranging Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) population has grown from 30 to 40 individuals to 2800 individuals since the species became partly protected in 1962. Changes in host population size are known to have an impact on host-parasite dynamics, and the Eurasian lynx population in Finland provides a unique opportunity for studying the potential effects of dramatic population increase and expansion of a solitary apex predator on their parasite prevalence and abundance. Toxocara cati is a zoonotic gastrointestinal parasite infecting domestic cats and wild felids worldwide. We studied T. cati infection prevalence and worm burden in 2756 Eurasian lynx individuals from Finland, covering the years 1999–2015. Toxocara cati worms that had been collected from intestinal contents were identified based on morphology. We performed regression analyses to investigate possible associations of age, sex, and host population density with T. cati infection. We found T. cati from 2324 (84.3%, 95% confidence interval 82.9–86.0) of the examined lynx. Each year, the infection prevalence was higher than 75% and not density dependent. The parasites were strongly aggregated, with older individuals harboring fewer T. cati than younger ones did. Old females aged 9–15 years had higher T. cati abundance than males of the same age group. Our results indicate that T. cati was a common and abundant parasite of Eurasian lynx throughout the study period, regardless of the changing population size and density. 84% of 2756 Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) from Finland had Toxocara cati infection. The prevalence was high throughout 1999–2015, while lynx population size tripled. Old female lynx had significantly higher Toxocara cati abundance than old males.
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Buńkowska-Gawlik K, Hildebrand J, Popiołek M, Merta D, Perec-Matysiak A. Copro-Molecular Identification of Tapeworms in Introduced Invasive Carnivores in Poland. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11020110. [PMID: 35215054 PMCID: PMC8876669 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The raccoon (Procyon lotor) and the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) were introduced to Europe and, in the past decades, their populations have increased and adapted to synanthropic environments across Europe. In view of their possible further spread in Europe, the invasive species should be examined as potential reservoirs for helminths, including tapeworms. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and diversity of tapeworms in introduced wild carnivores in Poland by identifying cestode species based on copro-DNA analysis. A total of 214 individual fecal samples from non-native invasive carnivores, i.e., raccoons and raccoon dogs, and additionally 47 samples from native carnivores, i.e., European badgers (Meles meles), were analyzed for the presence of cestodes. PCR analysis of fecal samples targeting a fragment of mitochondrial (mt) 12S rRNA gene revealed the presence of cestode DNA in 19 of 103 (18.4%) raccoons, in 13 of 111 (11.7%) raccoon dogs and in 23 of 47 (48.9%) badgers. Sequence analysis demonstrated the presence of Mesocestoides litteratus in raccoons and raccoon dogs, while Mesocestoides lineatus was identified only in two samples derived from raccoon dogs. Moreover, in this study, Atriotaenia incisa was for the first time molecularly characterized by using fragments of mt 12S rRNA gene, and the DNA of this cestode species was detected in the fecal samples of all the examined host species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Buńkowska-Gawlik
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław, 51-148 Wrocław, Poland; (J.H.); (M.P.); (A.P.-M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Joanna Hildebrand
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław, 51-148 Wrocław, Poland; (J.H.); (M.P.); (A.P.-M.)
| | - Marcin Popiołek
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław, 51-148 Wrocław, Poland; (J.H.); (M.P.); (A.P.-M.)
| | - Dorota Merta
- Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection, Institute of Biology, Pedagogical University of Kraków, 30-084 Kraków, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Perec-Matysiak
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław, 51-148 Wrocław, Poland; (J.H.); (M.P.); (A.P.-M.)
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Christensen KA, Rondeau EB, Sakhrani D, Biagi CA, Johnson H, Joshi J, Flores AM, Leelakumari S, Moore R, Pandoh PK, Withler RE, Beacham TD, Leggatt RA, Tarpey CM, Seeb LW, Seeb JE, Jones SJM, Devlin RH, Koop BF. The pink salmon genome: Uncovering the genomic consequences of a two-year life cycle. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255752. [PMID: 34919547 PMCID: PMC8682878 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) adults are the smallest of the five Pacific salmon native to the western Pacific Ocean. Pink salmon are also the most abundant of these species and account for a large proportion of the commercial value of the salmon fishery worldwide. A two-year life history of pink salmon generates temporally isolated populations that spawn either in even-years or odd-years. To uncover the influence of this genetic isolation, reference genome assemblies were generated for each year-class and whole genome re-sequencing data was collected from salmon of both year-classes. The salmon were sampled from six Canadian rivers and one Japanese river. At multiple centromeres we identified peaks of Fst between year-classes that were millions of base-pairs long. The largest Fst peak was also associated with a million base-pair chromosomal polymorphism found in the odd-year genome near a centromere. These Fst peaks may be the result of a centromere drive or a combination of reduced recombination and genetic drift, and they could influence speciation. Other regions of the genome influenced by odd-year and even-year temporal isolation and tentatively under selection were mostly associated with genes related to immune function, organ development/maintenance, and behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kris A. Christensen
- West Vancouver, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail: (KAC); (BFK)
| | - Eric B. Rondeau
- West Vancouver, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Pacific Biological Station, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Dionne Sakhrani
- West Vancouver, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Carlo A. Biagi
- West Vancouver, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hollie Johnson
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jay Joshi
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Anne-Marie Flores
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sreeja Leelakumari
- Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Richard Moore
- Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Pawan K. Pandoh
- Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ruth E. Withler
- Pacific Biological Station, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Terry D. Beacham
- Pacific Biological Station, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Carolyn M. Tarpey
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Lisa W. Seeb
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - James E. Seeb
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Steven J. M. Jones
- Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Robert H. Devlin
- West Vancouver, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ben F. Koop
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail: (KAC); (BFK)
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Komnenou AT, Gkafas GA, Kofidou E, Sarantopoulou J, Exadactylos A, Tounta E, Koemtzopoulos K, Dendrinos P, Karamanlidis AA, Gulland F, Papadopoulos E. First Report of Uncinaria hamiltoni in Orphan Eastern Mediterranean Monk Seal Pups in Greece and Its Clinical Significance. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10121581. [PMID: 34959536 PMCID: PMC8708642 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10121581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is classified by the IUCN as “endangered,” with a global population estimated to number fewer than 800 individuals. Our understanding of the biology and health status of the species is still limited, rendering every medical case a challenge for conservationists and veterinary clinicians. Although studying and managing disease in wild marine hosts is complex and challenging, studying and mitigating the effects of any disease to the Mediterranean monk seal is of utmost importance for conservation. The aim of this study was to document for the first time the presence of the hookworm Uncinaria hamiltoni in rehabilitated Mediterranean monk seal pups in Greece. A detailed examination protocol was followed for all pups that live-stranded over 30 years in 22 different locations, including physical, parasitological, and other examinations. Hookworms (adults and/or eggs) were detected in all the fecal samples, from all animals. Molecular identification using MtDNA (COI) and ribosomal DNA (D2/D3 28S and internal transcribed spacer [ITS] regions) identified the nematode species as Uncinaria hamiltoni. The clinical impacts and the benefits of anthelmintic treatment as a tool for the conservation management of the species are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Th. Komnenou
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54627 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.T.K.); (E.K.)
- MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal, 10682 Athens, Greece; (E.T.); (K.K.); (P.D.); (A.A.K.)
| | - George A. Gkafas
- Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment, School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Thessaly, 38446 Volos, Greece; (G.A.G.); (J.S.); (A.E.)
| | - Evangelia Kofidou
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54627 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.T.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Joanne Sarantopoulou
- Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment, School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Thessaly, 38446 Volos, Greece; (G.A.G.); (J.S.); (A.E.)
| | - Athanasios Exadactylos
- Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment, School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Thessaly, 38446 Volos, Greece; (G.A.G.); (J.S.); (A.E.)
| | - Eleni Tounta
- MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal, 10682 Athens, Greece; (E.T.); (K.K.); (P.D.); (A.A.K.)
| | - Kimon Koemtzopoulos
- MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal, 10682 Athens, Greece; (E.T.); (K.K.); (P.D.); (A.A.K.)
| | - Panagiotis Dendrinos
- MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal, 10682 Athens, Greece; (E.T.); (K.K.); (P.D.); (A.A.K.)
| | - Alexandros A. Karamanlidis
- MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal, 10682 Athens, Greece; (E.T.); (K.K.); (P.D.); (A.A.K.)
| | - Frances Gulland
- Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Heath Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
- Marine Mammal Commission, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54627 Thessaloniki, Greece; (A.T.K.); (E.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-6944882872
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An Update on Cephenemyiosis in the European Roe Deer: Emergent Myiasis in Spain. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11123382. [PMID: 34944159 PMCID: PMC8697868 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cephenemyia stimulator is a Palearctic species developing in the nasal cavity and pharynx of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). It is widely spread in the range of distribution of this ungulate in Europe. Since the first report of C. stimulator in Spain in 2001, a rapid geographic expansion has been observed, first in the north of the country, with high prevalence and intensities of infestation that caused some mortal cases, and, lately, also in Extremadura and Andalucía, the southernmost populations of European roe deer. These observations suggest an adaptation of this parasite to different ecosystems of the Iberian Peninsula. Almost simultaneously, C. stimulator is also expanding its range to northern Europe, with the first cases being reported in Sweden. Thus, Cephenemyia stimulator may be an example of a parasite currently displaying distributional changes along its southernmost and northernmost range margins. Thus, it is of the utmost importance to unravel all the epidemiological and clinical aspects of this myiasis, as well as implementing surveillance measures including reliable and non-invasive diagnostic techniques to monitor its expansion and adaptation to different ecosystems and/or hosts and to reduce the negative impact on roe deer populations.
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Simultaneous Infection of Elaphostrongylus Nematode Species and Parasite Sharing between Sympatrically Occurring Cervids: Moose, Roe Deer, and Red Deer in Poland. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10101344. [PMID: 34684292 PMCID: PMC8540609 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
It is important to assess the distribution of parasite species across wildlife populations, to design strategies for game management and effective disease control in nature. In this project we quantified the prevalence of Elaphostrongylus species in eight moose populations. We used molecular methods for identification of parasite species and host individual genotypes from fecal samples. We also demonstrated sharing of parasite species between three cervid hosts sympatrically occurring in the Biebrza River valley, North-Eastern Poland, which is occupied by the largest autochthonous, non-harvested moose population in Central Europe. Nematode species from the genus Elaphostrongylus are ubiquitous in the studied moose populations. The presence of a single parasite species (e.g., E. alces) in moose individuals was more common than simultaneous infection with E. alces and E. cervi. The prevalence of both E. alces and E. cervi was higher in males than females. The distribution of E. alces and E. cervi prevalence in moose, roe deer, and red deer were in accordance with the membership of a host to a subfamily. Simultaneous occurrences of both Elaphostrongylus species were significantly more frequently noted in red deer fecal samples than those collected from moose or roe deer. Thus, we consider red deer to play a dominant role in sharing of those nematodes to other cervids. Our findings promote applications of molecular methods of identifying parasite species and the assessment of the exchange of parasite community between wild ruminant species in management and health monitoring of game animal populations.
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Natalini MB, Cuervo PF, Gennuso MS, Romero VL, Jouliá RB, Beldomenico PM, Kowalewski MM. Influence of extraordinary floods on wildlife parasites: the case of gastrointestinal helminths and protozoa of wild canids from the Iberá Ecoregion, Argentina. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:3827-3835. [PMID: 34604932 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07330-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Parasites are natural components of ecosystems and play a significant role in the dynamics of wild animal populations. Although the environment of parasites is primarily defined by the host, most life cycles involve stages that must endure external conditions. Rainfall and flooding events are important factors that might influence the transport of parasitic stages, altering soil moisture levels, and resulting in a favorable environment for parasite survival and development. We assessed whether an extraordinary flood event modified the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites (nematodes and protozoa) in wild canids in two protected areas in northern Argentina. From 2016 to 2018, we collected fecal samples of two fox species, Lycalopex gymnocercus and Cerdocyon thous, and examined the presence of nematodes and protozoa. We assessed changes in the occurrence of these parasites after a flood event, while adjusting for potential confounders (i.e., monthly average temperature, season, host species, site). In a second stage of the analysis, we evaluated whether part of the effect was caused by changes in soil moisture, by adding normalized difference water index as an independent variable. We found that the presence of nematodes in foxes was higher after flooding than before flooding, and this association was not explained by changes in the soil moisture. On the other hand, the flood event was not relevant for protozoa. Stronger and long-lasting flood events are expected due to the effect of global warming on El Niño events, and this may increase and intensify the spread of some parasites affecting wildlife, which could also be of public health concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- M B Natalini
- Estación Biológica Corrientes (EBCo), CECOAL, CONICET, Nuestra Señora de Lourdes 1200, 3401, San Cayetano, Corrientes, Argentina.
| | - P F Cuervo
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICIVET Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (UNL-CONICET), RP Kreder 2805, 3080, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Av. Vicent Andres Estelles s/n, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - M S Gennuso
- Estación Biológica Corrientes (EBCo), CECOAL, CONICET, Nuestra Señora de Lourdes 1200, 3401, San Cayetano, Corrientes, Argentina
| | - V L Romero
- Estación Biológica Corrientes (EBCo), CECOAL, CONICET, Nuestra Señora de Lourdes 1200, 3401, San Cayetano, Corrientes, Argentina
| | - R Bay Jouliá
- Estación Biológica Corrientes (EBCo), CECOAL, CONICET, Nuestra Señora de Lourdes 1200, 3401, San Cayetano, Corrientes, Argentina
| | - P M Beldomenico
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICIVET Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (UNL-CONICET), RP Kreder 2805, 3080, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - M M Kowalewski
- Estación Biológica Corrientes (EBCo), CECOAL, CONICET, Nuestra Señora de Lourdes 1200, 3401, San Cayetano, Corrientes, Argentina
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Aminikhah M, Forsman JT, Koskela E, Mappes T, Sane J, Ollgren J, Kivelä SM, Kallio ER. Rodent host population dynamics drive zoonotic Lyme Borreliosis and Orthohantavirus infections in humans in Northern Europe. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16128. [PMID: 34373474 PMCID: PMC8352996 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95000-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic diseases, caused by pathogens transmitted between other vertebrate animals and humans, pose a major risk to human health. Rodents are important reservoir hosts for many zoonotic pathogens, and rodent population dynamics affect the infection dynamics of rodent-borne diseases, such as diseases caused by hantaviruses. However, the role of rodent population dynamics in determining the infection dynamics of rodent-associated tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme borreliosis (LB), caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato bacteria, have gained limited attention in Northern Europe, despite the multiannual abundance fluctuations, the so-called vole cycles, that characterise rodent population dynamics in the region. Here, we quantify the associations between rodent abundance and LB human cases and Puumala Orthohantavirus (PUUV) infections by using two time series (25-year and 9-year) in Finland. Both bank vole (Myodes glareolus) abundance as well as LB and PUUV infection incidence in humans showed approximately 3-year cycles. Without vector transmitted PUUV infections followed the bank vole host abundance fluctuations with two-month time lag, whereas tick-transmitted LB was associated with bank vole abundance ca. 12 and 24 months earlier. However, the strength of association between LB incidence and bank vole abundance ca. 12 months before varied over the study years. This study highlights that the human risk to acquire rodent-borne pathogens, as well as rodent-associated tick-borne pathogens is associated with the vole cycles in Northern Fennoscandia, yet with complex time lags.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Aminikhah
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, University of Oulu, PO Box 3000, 90014, Oulu, Finland.
| | - Jukka T Forsman
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), University of Oulu, Paavo Havaksen tie 3, 90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Esa Koskela
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, 40014, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Tapio Mappes
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, 40014, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Jussi Sane
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka Ollgren
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sami M Kivelä
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, University of Oulu, PO Box 3000, 90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Eva R Kallio
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, 40014, Jyväskylä, Finland.
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Sitko J, Heneberg P. Long-term dynamics of trematode infections in common birds that use farmlands as their feeding habitats. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:383. [PMID: 34353362 PMCID: PMC8344216 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04876-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The biodiversity of farmland habitats is witnessing unprecedented change, mostly in declines and simplification of assemblages that were established during centuries of the use of traditional agricultural techniques. In Central Europe, conspicuous changes are evident in populations of common farmland birds, in strong contrast to forest birds in the same region. However, there is a lack of information on longitudinal changes in trematodes that are associated with common farmland birds, despite the fact that diversity of trematodes is directly linked to the preservation of long-established food webs and habitat use adaptations of their hosts. Methods We analyzed the population trends of trematodes for the period 1963–2020 in six bird species that use Central European farmlands as their predominant feeding habitats. Namely, we examined Falco tinnunculus, Vanellus vanellus, winter populations of Buteo buteo, Ciconia ciconia, extravilan population of Pica pica, and Asio otus, all originating from the Czech Republic. Results We observed dramatic population losses of all trematode species in C. ciconia and V. vanellus; the changes were less prominent in the other examined hosts. Importantly, the declines in prevalence and intensity of infection affected all previously dominant species. These included Tylodelphys excavata and Chaunocephalus ferox in C. ciconia, Lyperosomum petiolatum in P. pica, Strigea strigis in A. otus, Neodiplostomum attenuatum and Strigea falconis in B. buteo (χ2 test P < 0.001 each), and Echinoparyphium agnatum and Uvitellina adelpha in V. vanellus (completely absent in 2011–2000). In contrast, the frequency and spectrum of isolated records of trematode species did not change to any large extent except those in V. vanellus. Conclusions The analysis of six unrelated common bird species that use farmlands as their feeding habitats revealed a previously unreported collapse of previously dominant trematode species. The previously dominant trematode species declined in terms of both prevalence and intensity of infection. The causes of the observed declines are unclear; of note is, however, that some of the broadly used agrochemicals, such as azole fungicides, are well known for their antihelminthic activity. Further research is needed to provide direct evidence for effects of field-realistic concentrations of azole fungicides on the survival and fitness of trematodes. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04876-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiljí Sitko
- Comenius Museum, Moravian Ornithological Station, Přerov, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Heneberg
- Charles University, Third Faculty of Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Yoshimura H, Hirata S, Kinoshita K. Plant-eating carnivores: Multispecies analysis on factors influencing the frequency of plant occurrence in obligate carnivores. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:10968-10983. [PMID: 34429895 PMCID: PMC8366844 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant-eating behavior is one of the greatest mysteries in obligate carnivores. Despite unsuitable morphological and physiological traits for plant consumption, the presence of plants in scat or stomach contents has been reported in various carnivorous species. However, researchers' interpretations of this subject are varied, and knowledge about it is scarce, without any multispecies studies. This study assessed the extent of variation in the frequency of plant occurrence in scat and stomach contents, as well as its relationship with various factors in 24 felid species using data from 213 published articles. Since the frequency of plant occurrence has not always been reported, we created two-part models and estimated parameters in a Bayesian framework. We found a significant negative relationship between the frequency of plant occurrence and body mass. This may be because plant-eating behavior reduces the energy loss caused by parasites and increases the efficiency of energy intake, which has a greater importance in smaller animals that have relatively high metabolic rates. This exploratory study highlights the importance of considering plant consumption in dietary studies on carnivorous species to understand the adaptive significance of this behavior and the relationship between obligate carnivores and plants.
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Tripovich JS, Popovic G, Elphinstone A, Ingwersen D, Johnson G, Schmelitschek E, Wilkin D, Taylor G, Pitcher BJ. Born to Be Wild: Evaluating the Zoo-Based Regent Honeyeater Breed for Release Program to Optimise Individual Success and Conservation Outcomes in the Wild. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2021.669563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Evaluating the effectiveness of captive breeding programs is central to improving conservation outcomes in released animals. However, few studies have assessed the impact of the strategies and trade-offs involved in husbandry decisions and the selection of traits on the success of breeding programs. This study evaluated a range of husbandry features including an animal's environment, health, and traits of the released individual and its parents involved in the zoo-based Regent Honeyeater breed for release program to optimise individual reproductive success and survivability, leading to improved conservation outcomes in the wild. We analysed 285 birds using a penalised Cox proportional hazard model to assess survival and an ordinal logistic model to evaluate the reproductive success of zoo bred birds released to the wild. Key features identified by the study highlight the importance of having parents that are successful breeders and parents that have an overall higher lifetime reproductive output. However, there were associated quantity-quality trade-offs, as the success of young (i.e., released birds) produced by parents was negatively associated to the number of clutches per year (where one clutch per year was found optimal). The study demonstrated the importance of considering the parental effects on the traits of its offspring beyond its pedigree information and found there was an associated decline in fitness of its offspring with older fathers. Song tutoring using wild Regent Honeyeaters was also important for increased survival post-release. Other important factors are discussed within the review. In general, the study recommended that a multi-faceted approach in the assessment and evaluation of the captive breeding program, to identify markers that will improve conservation outcomes of future releases.
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Gippet JM, Colin T, Grangier J, Winkler F, Haond M, Dumet A, Tragust S, Mondy N, Kaufmann B. Land-cover and climate factors contribute to the prevalence of the ectoparasitic fungus Laboulbenia formicarum in its invasive ant host Lasius neglectus. FUNGAL ECOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funeco.2021.101045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Parija SC, Poddar A. Molecular diagnosis of infectious parasites in the post-COVID-19 era. Trop Parasitol 2021; 11:3-10. [PMID: 34195053 PMCID: PMC8213111 DOI: 10.4103/tp.tp_12_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The endemicity of several parasitic diseases across the globe and recent evidence of distress among COVID-19 patients with preexisting parasitic infections requires strengthening One Health framework and advanced strategies for parasitic detection. Owing to the greater sensitivity and accuracy, molecular technologies such as conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, nested PCR, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and xMAP technology have been extensively studied for parasitic diagnosis. Varieties of genes have been targeted for primer development where 18S rRNA, internal transcribed spacer regions, and mitochondrial DNAs coding for cytochrome, and other enzymes have been widely used. More recent, low-cost sequencing and advances in big data management have resulted in a slow but steady rise of next-generation sequencing-based approaches for parasite diagnosis. However, except for few parasites of global concerns such as Plasmodium and Entamoeba, most of the molecular tools and technologies are yet to witness bench to bedside and field translations. This review looks into some of the advancements in the molecular diagnosis of parasites that have potential relevance to clinical purposes and may pave the way toward disease management in an efficient and timely manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abhijit Poddar
- Scientist, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Puducherry, India
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Filip-Hutsch K, Czopowicz M, Barc A, Demiaszkiewicz AW. Gastrointestinal Helminths of a European Moose Population in Poland. Pathogens 2021; 10:456. [PMID: 33920333 PMCID: PMC8070461 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10040456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic infections have a negative impact on the fecundity and survival of wild ruminants, particularly moose; however, despite being more susceptible to parasitic diseases than other wild cervids, they remain poorly examined in this regard. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify gastrointestinal and liver helminth species of the moose population in central Europe, assess the factors contributing to infection intensities and examine their impact on moose health. Abomasum, small intestine, caecum and liver samples were collected from 46 moose in Poland and evaluated for helminth parasite fauna and histopathological changes. Additionally, 289 moose fecal samples were analyzed for the presence of eggs, oocysts and larvae of parasites. In total, 19 parasite taxa were identified. The most prevalent were Mazamastrongylus dagestanica and Ostertagia antipini, which are typical nematodes of moose, together with Spiculopteragia boehmi and O. leptospicularis, characteristic also of other cervids. Parasite species diversity and abomasal parasitic infection intensity were higher in adult moose than in yearlings and calves. The numbers of histopathological lesions depended on the intensity of parasitic infections, and were most severe in the livers of moose infected with Parafasciolopsis fasciolaemorpha. The analysis of fecal samples revealed several regional differences in the levels of parasite eggs, oocysts and larvae shedding. Our findings indicate an accumulation of parasite infections over time in moose, which may be related to high environmental parasite pressure, possibly connected with high moose density and the presence of wetlands; they also serve as the most comprehensive study of moose parasites in central Europe to date.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michał Czopowicz
- Division of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences–SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159c, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Barc
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory ALAB bioscience, Krucza 13, 05-090 Rybie, Poland;
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Wild whale faecal samples as a proxy of anthropogenic impact. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5822. [PMID: 33712645 PMCID: PMC7955090 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84966-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of protozoan parasite, bacterial communities, organic pollutants and heavy metals was investigated in free-ranging species of fin (Balaenoptera physalus, n. 2) and sperm (Physeter macrocephalus, n. 2) whales from the Pelagos Sanctuary, Corsican-Ligurian Provencal Basin (Northern-Western Mediterranean Sea). Out of four faecal samples investigated, two from fin whales and one from sperm whale were found positive to Blastocystis sp. A higher number of sequences related to Synergistetes and Spirochaetae were found in sperm whales if compared with fin whales. Moreover, As, Co and Hg were found exclusively in sperm whale faecal samples, while Pb was found only in fin whale faecal samples. The concentration of both PAH and PCB was always below the limit of detection. This is the first report in which the presence of these opportunistic pathogens, bacteria and chemical pollutants have been investigated in faecal samples of free-ranging whale species and the first record of Blastocystis in fin and sperm whales. Thus, this study may provide baseline data on new anthropozoonotic parasite, bacterial records and heavy metals in free-ranging fin and sperm whales, probably as a result of an increasing anthropogenic activity. This survey calls for more integrated research to perform regular monitoring programs supported by national and/or international authorities responsible for preservation of these still vulnerable and threatened whale species in the Mediterranean Sea.
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Digestive tract nematode infections in non-native invasive American mink with the first molecular identification of Molineus patens. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2020; 14:48-52. [PMID: 33437614 PMCID: PMC7787951 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Parasites may negatively affect hosts condition, especially when infection intensity is high. Species introduced to a new habitat are often less exposed to a parasite pressure but may accumulate parasites in time. American mink (Neovison vison) introduced to Europe, Asia, and South America is an example of such invasive species. We analysed nematode prevalence and digestive tract infection intensity in 796 feral American mink from Poland. The analyses were performed separately for stomach, duodenum, small intestine and large intestine. Parasite species identification was performed using molecular methods based on highly conserved nuclear 18S rRNA gene and supplemented with morphological analysis. In total, we collected 26,852 nematodes and 98.6% of them were isolated from mink stomachs. We found positive association between infection intensity in stomach and other parts of digestive tract. Nematode prevalence was estimated at 63.8% and average infection intensity per one American mink at 52.9 (range from 1 to 1118). If the stomach results were theoretically and intentionally omitted the prevalence was 5 times lower (12.7%) and infection intensity 14 times lower (3.7; range 1-50). We identified two nematode species in digestive tracts of American mink: Aonchotheca putorii and Molineus patens. The 18S rRNA gene sequence of Molineus patens has been reported for the first time. The results showed that Aonchotheca putorii is a dominating nematode in the invasive American mink and that it inhabits stomach intensively and preferably.
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The enemy release hypothesis and Callosciurus erythraeus in Argentina: combining community and biogeographical parasitological studies. Biol Invasions 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-020-02339-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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The Nematodes Thelazia gulosa Railiet and Henry, 1910 and Thelazia skrjabini Erschov, 1928 as a Cause of Blindness in European Bison (Bison bonasus) in Poland. Acta Parasitol 2020; 65:963-968. [PMID: 32613456 PMCID: PMC7679292 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-020-00243-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The nematodes of the genus Thelazia are the cause of eye diseases of wild and domestic ruminants throughout the world. The aim of the study was to describe clinical cases of thelasiosis in European bison (Bison bonasus) in Poland, and provide morphometrical features of Thelazia gulosa Railiet and Henry, 1910 and Thelazia skrjabini Erschov, 1928 regarded as potentially useful for species differentiation METHODS: The conjunctival sacs, tear ducts, the surface of the cornea and nicitating membrane collected from bison were rinsed with saline solution. Any nematodes isolated from the sediment were subjected to morphometric analysis. RESULTS Thirteen of the 16 examined European bison were infected with Thelazia nematodes, belonging to the species T. gulosa and T. skrjabini. The intensity of infection ranged from one to six (mean intensity 5), and four to 29 (mean intensity 14) nematodes T. skrjabini and T. gulosa respectively. Congestion of conjunctival sac, keratitis and corneal opacity, corneal ulceration and perforation as well as purulent eyeball inflammation were observed in infected animals. CONCLUSIONS Thelazia gulosa and T. skrjabini can be identified by morphometrical features. As thelasiosis might be a serious threat for protected population of European bison, further studies are needed of the epidemiology and pathology of this emerging parasitosis in Poland.
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Kondzior E, Kowalczyk R, Tokarska M, Borowik T, Zalewski A, Kołodziej-Sobocińska M. Multispecies reservoir of Spirometra erinaceieuropaei (Cestoda: Diphyllobothridae) in carnivore communities in north-eastern Poland. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:560. [PMID: 33168087 PMCID: PMC7654582 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04431-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Spirometra erinaceieuropaei is a diphylobothriid tapeworm with a complex life-cycle including definitive, intermediate and paratenic (transport) hosts. Multiple routes of parasite transmission often make it impossible to determine what type of host a specific infected animal is considered to be. Spargana larvae cause sparganosis, a severe food- and water-borne disease mainly found in Asia. In Poland, Spirometra sp. was reported in large carnivores in Białowieża Primeval Forest for the first time in the 1940s and was recently confirmed as S. erinaceieuropaei in several mammals and snakes using molecular methods. Methods In total, 583 carcasses of 9 carnivore species were necropsied between 2013 and 2019 in north-eastern (NE) Poland. The larvae of S. erinaceieuropaei (spargana) were isolated from subcutaneous tissue, counted, and preserved for genetic analyses. We calculated the prevalence and intensity of infection. To assess spatial variation in S. erinaceieuropaei infection probability in NE Poland, we applied a generalized additive model (GAM) with binomial error distribution. To confirm the species affiliation of isolated larvae, we amplified a partial fragment of the 18S rRNA gene (240 bp in length). Results Spirometra larvae were found in the subcutaneous tissue of 172 animals of 7 species and confirmed genetically as S. erinaceieuropaei. The overall prevalence in all studied hosts was 29.5% with a mean infection intensity of 14.1 ± 33.8 larvae per individual. Native European badgers and invasive raccoon dogs were characterized by the highest prevalence. An analysis of parasite spread showed a spatially diversified probability of infection with the highest values occurring in the biodiversity hot spot, Białowieża Primeval Forest. Conclusions Our study revealed that various mammal species (both native and non-native) can serve as S. erinaceieuropaei reservoirs. The frequency and level of infection may differ between selected hosts and likely depend on host diversity and habitat structure in a given area. Further studies are needed to assess the distribution of the parasite throughout Europe and the environmental and biological factors influencing infection severity in wild mammals.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza Kondzior
- Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Stoczek 1, 17-230, Białowieża, Poland. .,Faculty of Biology, University of Białystok, Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245, Białystok, Poland.
| | - Rafał Kowalczyk
- Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Stoczek 1, 17-230, Białowieża, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Tokarska
- Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Stoczek 1, 17-230, Białowieża, Poland
| | - Tomasz Borowik
- Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Stoczek 1, 17-230, Białowieża, Poland
| | - Andrzej Zalewski
- Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Stoczek 1, 17-230, Białowieża, Poland
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Abstract
Degradation and habitat loss of natural grasslands in Southern Brazil has a negative impact on native organisms, potentially including the composition of anuran helminth communities. Here, we characterized the richness, abundance, taxonomic composition, prevalence and intensity of helminth infection in four anuran species. Host anurans were collected in 34 ponds (19 in native grasslands with livestock and 15 in agricultural cultivation) from the highland grasslands in the Brazilian states of Santa Catarina and Paraná. Our results showed a significant difference between native grasslands with livestock and agricultural cultivation regarding the structure of helminth communities for the hosts Aplastodiscus perviridis and Pseudis cardosoi. We also found a greater prevalence and intensity of infection in anurans in areas of agricultural cultivation than in native grasslands with livestock. We found that the environmental descriptors (local and landscape) seem to explain most of the differences in anuran parasitism recorded between native grasslands with livestock and agricultural areas. Thus, we emphasized that the loss of grassy habitat due to conversion to agricultural cultivation can alter helminth communities in anurans, with further work needed to understand the mechanisms involved.
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Arrabal JP, Pérez MG, Arce LF, Kamenetzky L. First identification and molecular phylogeny of Sparganum proliferum from endangered felid ( Panthera onca) and other wild definitive hosts in one of the regions with highest worldwide biodiversity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2020; 13:142-149. [PMID: 33083226 PMCID: PMC7554206 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
After decades of being neglected, broad tapeworms now attract growing attention thanks to the increasing number of reports from humans but also thanks to many advancements achieved by application of molecular methods in diagnosis and epidemiological studies. Regarding sparganosis, unfortunately general uniformity of most species, their high intraspecific variability and lack of agreement among researchers has led to confusion about the classification of Spirometra/Sparganum species. For the first time we determined adult, eggs and plerocercoid life cycle stages and the molecular phylogeny of Sparganum proliferum obtained from endangered wild felids (Panthera onca, Leopardus pardalis, Leopardus guttulus and Herpailurus yagoauroundi) in one of the largest continuous remnants of worldwide biodiversity, the Atlantic Forest from South America. Our results showed that at least 57% of total species of wild felids in this natural area could act as definitive hosts of Sparganum proliferum. We conclude that the availability of more morphological characteristics are needed in order to secure reliable characterization and diagnosis of sparganosis. The integration of these data with molecular analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequences will be useful for species discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Pablo Arrabal
- INMet, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Neuquén y Jujuy S/n (3370), Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina.,Asociación Civil Centro de Investigaciones del Bosque Atlántico (CeIBA), Bertoni 85, CP 3370, Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina
| | - Matías Gastón Pérez
- IMPAM-UBA-CONICET, Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica, Facultad de Medicina - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, piso 13 (1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucas Federico Arce
- IMPAM-UBA-CONICET, Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica, Facultad de Medicina - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, piso 13 (1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura Kamenetzky
- IMPAM-UBA-CONICET, Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica, Facultad de Medicina - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, piso 13 (1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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