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Wooten MT, Witte C, Sutherland-Smith M, Gaffney PM, Conlon KC. A RETROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY IN ASSOCIATION WITH INFESTATION BY THE MITE STERNOSTOMA TRACHEACOLUM IN AN AVIARY-HOUSED POPULATION OF GOULDIAN FINCHES ( CHLOEBIA GOULDIAE). J Zoo Wildl Med 2024; 55:57-66. [PMID: 38453488 DOI: 10.1638/2023-0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The Rhynonyssid mesostigmatic mite, Sternostoma tracheacolum, is a well-documented endoparasitic hematophagous arthropod of the respiratory tracts of multiple avian species, particularly Estrildid finches and canaries. In this retrospective study, 175 medical and 278 pathology records for the Gouldian finch (Chloebia gouldiae) population (N = 377) at the San Diego Zoo between 2013 and 2021 were analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of ivermectin-based prophylaxis. A multivariable negative binomial regression model was constructed to evaluate the population effects of monthly treatments on morbidity or mortality associated with respiratory mites. While controlling for other factors in the model, the prophylactic treatment did not significantly reduce the monthly rate of mite-associated morbidity or mortality (IRR = 1.017, 95% CI: 0.997-1.036, P = 0.0759); however, low proportions of the population were prophylactically treated over time. Different factors were significant when separately evaluating adjusted associations with respiratory morbidity and mortality. The findings suggest increased rates of respiratory morbidity for each successive year of the study period (IRR = 1.180, 95% CI: 1.046-1.342, P = 0.0090) and increased rates of mite-associated mortality occurring annually between May and October (IRR = 1.697, 95% CI: 1.034-2.855, P = 0.0404) compared to the wet winter season. Our findings highlight the need to continually evaluate and optimize treatment regimens in zoological collections. Further investigations into this host-parasite relationship and potential treatments and preventive therapies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- McCaide T Wooten
- University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, Davis, CA 95616, USA,
- The University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Carmel Witte
- The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
- The DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
- Center for Wildlife Studies, South Freeport, ME 04078, USA
| | - Meg Sutherland-Smith
- The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
- The DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
| | - Patricia M Gaffney
- The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
- The DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
| | - Kathryn C Conlon
- University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- The University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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2
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Mistrick J, Veitch JSM, Kitchen SM, Clague S, Newman BC, Hall RJ, Budischak SA, Forbes KM, Craft ME. Effects of food supplementation and helminth removal on space use and spatial overlap in wild rodent populations. J Anim Ecol 2024. [PMID: 38415301 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.14067] [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: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Animal space use and spatial overlap can have important consequences for population-level processes such as social interactions and pathogen transmission. Identifying how environmental variability and inter-individual variation affect spatial patterns and in turn influence interactions in animal populations is a priority for the study of animal behaviour and disease ecology. Environmental food availability and macroparasite infection are common drivers of variation, but there are few experimental studies investigating how they affect spatial patterns of wildlife. Bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) are a tractable study system to investigate spatial patterns of wildlife and are amenable to experimental manipulations. We conducted a replicated, factorial field experiment in which we provided supplementary food and removed helminths in vole populations in natural forest habitat and monitored vole space use and spatial overlap using capture-mark-recapture methods. Using network analysis, we quantified vole space use and spatial overlap. We compared the effects of food supplementation and helminth removal and investigated the impacts of season, sex and reproductive status on space use and spatial overlap. We found that food supplementation decreased vole space use while helminth removal increased space use. Space use also varied by sex, reproductive status and season. Spatial overlap was similar between treatments despite up to threefold differences in population size. By quantifying the spatial effects of food availability and macroparasite infection on wildlife populations, we demonstrate the potential for space use and population density to trade-off and maintain consistent spatial overlap in wildlife populations. This has important implications for spatial processes in wildlife including pathogen transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Mistrick
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jasmine S M Veitch
- W.M. Keck Science Department, Claremont McKenna, Pitzer, and Scripps Colleges, Claremont, California, USA
| | - Shannon M Kitchen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Samuel Clague
- W.M. Keck Science Department, Claremont McKenna, Pitzer, and Scripps Colleges, Claremont, California, USA
| | - Brent C Newman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Richard J Hall
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
- Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Sarah A Budischak
- W.M. Keck Science Department, Claremont McKenna, Pitzer, and Scripps Colleges, Claremont, California, USA
| | - Kristian M Forbes
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Meggan E Craft
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
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3
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Holland CV. A walk on the wild side: A review of the epidemiology of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati in wild hosts. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 22:216-228. [PMID: 37964985 PMCID: PMC10641444 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.10.008] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Toxocara species are cosmopolitan nematode parasites of companion, domestic and wild hosts. Of the 26 known species of Toxocara, only Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati are definitively zoonotic. The significance of wild carnivores as definitive hosts of T. canis and T. cati respectively, has received far less attention compared to domestic dogs and cats. Complex environmental changes have promoted increasing contact between wildlife, domestic animals and humans that can enhance the risk of pathogen spillover. This review lists a total of 19 species of wild canid host that have been shown to act as definitive hosts for T. canis and a total of 21 species of wild felid host. In general, the number of publications focusing on felid host species is fewer in number, reflecting the general paucity of data on T. cati. The wild canids that have received the most attention in the published literature include the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), the wolf (Canis lupus), and the golden jackal (Canis aureus). The wild felid species that has received the most attention in the published literature is the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx). Some non-canid and non-felid hosts also act as definitive hosts of Toxocara species. Certainly, red foxes would appear to be the most significant wild species in terms of their potential to transmit Toxocara to domestic dogs and humans via environmental contamination. This can be explained by their increasing population densities, encroachment into urban areas and their dietary preferences for a wide range of potential paratenic hosts. However, a major challenge remains to assess the relative importance of wild hosts as contributors to environmental contamination with Toxocara ova. Furthermore, one major constraint to our understanding of the significance of wildlife parasitism is a lack of access to samples, particularly from rare host species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia V. Holland
- Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
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4
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Fenton A, Withenshaw SM, Devevey G, Morris A, Erazo D, Pedersen AB. Experimental assessment of cross-species transmission in a natural multihost-multivector-multipathogen community. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20231900. [PMID: 37964529 PMCID: PMC10646469 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1900] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Vector-borne pathogens, many of which cause major suffering worldwide, often circulate in diverse wildlife communities comprising multiple reservoir host and/or vector species. However, the complexities of these systems make it challenging to determine the contributions these different species make to transmission. We experimentally manipulated transmission within a natural multihost-multipathogen-multivector system, by blocking flea-borne pathogen transmission from either of two co-occurring host species (bank voles and wood mice). Through genetic analysis of the resulting infections in the hosts and vectors, we show that both host species likely act together to maintain the overall flea community, but cross-species pathogen transmission is relatively rare-most pathogens were predominantly found in only one host species, and there were few cases where targeted treatment affected pathogens in the other host species. However, we do provide experimental evidence of some reservoir-spillover dynamics whereby reductions of some infections in one host species are achieved by blocking transmission from the other host species. Overall, despite the apparent complexity of such systems, we show there can be 'covert simplicity', whereby pathogen transmission is primarily dominated by single host species, potentially facilitating the targeting of key hosts for control, even in diverse ecological communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Fenton
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Susan M. Withenshaw
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Godefroy Devevey
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Alexandra Morris
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
- School of Biological Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Diana Erazo
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
- Spatial Epidemiology Lab (SpELL), Université Libre de Bruxelles, B-1050 Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Amy B. Pedersen
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
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5
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Magdálek J, Škorpíková L, McFarland C, Vadlejch J. An alien parasite in a changing world - Ashworthius sidemi has lost its traditional seasonal dynamics. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1279073. [PMID: 38026660 PMCID: PMC10646533 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1279073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A non-native nematode Ashworthius sidemi has emerged in captive fallow deer in Central and Eastern Europe over the last decade. Although this parasite has been spreading in the wild outside it's native distributional range and colonising local European host species since the middle of the last century, limited information has been published on the seasonality of A. sidemi and its susceptibility to anthelmintics. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a study to investigate seasonal dynamics of the non-native parasite in the current Central European climate conditions. We collected freshly voided faecal pellets at four-week intervals from February 2018 to February 2020 at a fallow deer reserve with a known history of A. sidemi presence. The faecal pellets obtained were pooled after each site visit (n = 25) and coprocultured to obtain the third stage larvae of trichostrongylid nematodes at monthly intervals. Total genomic DNA was extracted from the recovered larvae. Using real-time multiplex PCR, A. sidemi DNA was detected in 17 out of 25 larval samples (68% prevalence). During the monitoring period, the annual administration of ivermectin based premix (Cermix) took place in January 2018, 2019, and 2020, and additionally a mixture of rafoxanide and mebendazole (Rafendazol) was administered once in spring 2019. The probability of parasite presence was significantly influenced by the time since the drug administration (p = 0.048) and the mean temperature at the location (p = 0.013). Larval samples negative for A. sidemi were always identified shortly after the drug administration. However, rapid pasture contamination by the parasite eggs from two to three months after Cermix administration and within one month after Rafendazol administration suggest only a short-lived efficacy of both administered drugs. The abundance of A. sidemi DNA was positively affected by mean temperature (p = 0.044) and remained relatively stable throughout the monitoring period, with the highest peak in August 2018 and 2019. Pasture contamination with A. sidemi eggs occurred almost all year round, with the exception of the beginning of 2018, 2019, and 2020. These findings indicate adaptation of a non-native parasite to the current climatic conditions of the Czech Republic resulted in negligible seasonal patterns of parasite egg shedding.
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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
| | - Lucie Škorpíková
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Christopher McFarland
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Jaroslav Vadlejch
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
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6
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Fischbach JR, Seguel M. A systematic review of the diversity and virulence correlates of metastrongyle lungworms in marine mammals. Parasitology 2023; 150:1178-1191. [PMID: 37859401 PMCID: PMC10801380 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023001014] [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: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Metastrongyle lungworms could be particularly detrimental for diving animals such as marine mammals; however, little is known of the drivers of pathogenic host–parasite relationships in this group. This systematic review analysed the diversity of metastrongyles in marine mammals and the host and parasite traits associated with virulence. There have been at least 40 species of metastrongyles described in 66 species of marine mammals. After penalization for study biases, Halocercus hyperoodoni, Otostrongylus circumlitus, Parafilaroides gymnurus, Halocercus brasiliensis and Stenurus minor were the metastrongyles with the widest host range. Most studies (80.12%, n = 133/166) reported that metastrongyles caused bronchopneumonia, while in the cardiovascular system metastrongyles caused vasculitis in nearly half of the studies (45.45%, n = 5/11) that assessed these tissues. Metastrongyles were associated with otitis in 23.08% (n = 6/26) of the studies. Metastrongyle infection was considered a potential contributory to mortality in 44.78% (n = 90/201) of the studies while 10.45% (n = 21/201) of these studies considered metastrongyles the main cause of death. Metastrongyle species with a wider host range were more likely to induce pathogenic effects. Metastrongyles can cause significant tissue damage and mortality in marine mammals although virulent host–parasite relationships are dominated by a few metastrongyle species with wider host ranges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared R. Fischbach
- College of Biological Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Mauricio Seguel
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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7
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Herman JM, Fiorini VD, Crudele I, Reboreda JC, Pladas SA, Watson AP, Bush SE, Clayton DH. Co-parasitism in the face of predation: Effects of natural enemies on a neotropical mockingbird. J Anim Ecol 2023; 92:1992-2004. [PMID: 37583129 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13991] [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: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Co-parasitism is ubiquitous and has important consequences for the ecology and evolution of wild host populations. Studies of parasite co-infections remain limited in scope, with few experimental tests of the fitness consequences of multiple parasites, especially in natural populations. We measured the separate and combined effects of Philornis seguyi nest flies and shiny cowbirds Molothrus bonariensis on the fitness of a shared host, the chalk-browed mockingbird (Mimus saturninus) in Argentina. Using a two-factor experimental approach, we manipulated the presence of nest flies and cowbirds in mockingbird nests and assessed their effects on mockingbird haemoglobin levels, begging and provisioning rates, body size, and fledging success. We also monitored rates of nest predation in relation to parasitism by flies and cowbirds. Nest flies reduced the haemoglobin concentration, body size, and fledging success of mockingbirds, likely because mockingbirds did not compensate for parasitism by begging more or feeding their nestlings more. Cowbirds also reduced the fledging success of mockingbirds, even though they had no detectable effect on haemoglobin or body size. Nests with cowbirds, which beg more than mockingbirds, attracted more nest predators. There was no significant interaction between the effects of flies and cowbirds on any component of mockingbird fitness. The combined effects of nest flies and cowbirds were strictly additive. In summary, we show that nest flies and cowbirds both reduce host fitness, but do not have interactive effects in co-parasitized nests. Our results further suggest that predators exacerbate the effects of nest flies and cowbirds on their hosts. Our study shows that the fitness consequences of co-parasitism are complex, especially in the context of community-level interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M Herman
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Vanina D Fiorini
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, IEGEBA-UBA-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ignacio Crudele
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, IEGEBA-UBA-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan C Reboreda
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, IEGEBA-UBA-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Shawn A Pladas
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana, USA
| | - André P Watson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Sarah E Bush
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Dale H Clayton
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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8
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Giergiel M, Campbell S, Giela A, Sharp E, Casali F, Śniegocki T, Sell B, Jedziniak P. Residues of an anthelmintic veterinary drug (closantel) detected in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Scotland. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 253:114651. [PMID: 36801542 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The contamination of the environment by some veterinary medicines and their impact on wild animals is of increasing concern. However, there is a lack of information about their residues in wildlife. The sentinel animals most commonly used for monitoring the level of environmental contamination are birds of prey, and information on other carnivores and scavengers scarce. This study examined the livers from 118 foxes for residues of a range of 18 veterinary medicines (16 anthelmintic agents and 2 metabolites) used on farm livestock. The samples were collected from foxes, primarily in Scotland, shot during legal pest control activities conducted between 2014 and 2019. Closantel residues were detected in 18 samples, and the concentrations found ranged from 6.5 µgkg-1 to 1383 µgkg-1. No other compounds were found in significant quantities. The results show a surprising frequency and level of closantel contamination, raising concerns about both the route of contamination and the potential impacts on wild animals and the environment, such as the potential for significant wildlife contamination to contribute to the development of closantel-resistant parasites. The results also suggest that red fox (Vulpes vulpes) could be a useful sentinel species for detecting and monitoring some veterinary medicine residues in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Giergiel
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantów 57 Street, 24-100 Puławy, Poland.
| | - Steve Campbell
- SASA, Roddinglaw Road, Edinburgh EH12 9FJ, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Giela
- The Scottish Government, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ, United Kingdom
| | | | - Fabio Casali
- University of Strathclyde, 16 Richmond St, Glasgow G1 1XQ, United Kingdom
| | - Tomasz Śniegocki
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantów 57 Street, 24-100 Puławy, Poland
| | - Bartosz Sell
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantów 57 Street, 24-100 Puławy, Poland
| | - Piotr Jedziniak
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantów 57 Street, 24-100 Puławy, Poland
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9
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Taki AC, Wang T, Nguyen NN, Ang CS, Leeming MG, Nie S, Byrne JJ, Young ND, Zheng Y, Ma G, Korhonen PK, Koehler AV, Williamson NA, Hofmann A, Chang BCH, Häberli C, Keiser J, Jabbar A, Sleebs BE, Gasser RB. Thermal proteome profiling reveals Haemonchus orphan protein HCO_011565 as a target of the nematocidal small molecule UMW-868. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1014804. [PMID: 36313370 PMCID: PMC9616048 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1014804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic roundworms (nematodes) cause destructive diseases, and immense suffering in humans and other animals around the world. The control of these parasites relies heavily on anthelmintic therapy, but treatment failures and resistance to these drugs are widespread. As efforts to develop vaccines against parasitic nematodes have been largely unsuccessful, there is an increased focus on discovering new anthelmintic entities to combat drug resistant worms. Here, we employed thermal proteome profiling (TPP) to explore hit pharmacology and to support optimisation of a hit compound (UMW-868), identified in a high-throughput whole-worm, phenotypic screen. Using advanced structural prediction and docking tools, we inferred an entirely novel, parasite-specific target (HCO_011565) of this anthelmintic small molecule in the highly pathogenic, blood-feeding barber’s pole worm, and in other socioeconomically important parasitic nematodes. The “hit-to-target” workflow constructed here provides a unique prospect of accelerating the simultaneous discovery of novel anthelmintics and associated parasite-specific targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya C. Taki
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Nghi N. Nguyen
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ching-Seng Ang
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael G. Leeming
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Shuai Nie
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Joseph J. Byrne
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Neil D. Young
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Yuanting Zheng
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Guangxu Ma
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Pasi K. Korhonen
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Anson V. Koehler
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicholas A. Williamson
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Bill C. H. Chang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Cécile Häberli
- Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Brad E. Sleebs
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Brad E. Sleebs, ; Robin B. Gasser,
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Brad E. Sleebs, ; Robin B. Gasser,
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10
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Wittman TN, Carlson TA, Robinson CD, Bhave RS, Cox RM. Experimental removal of nematode parasites increases growth, sprint speed, and mating success in brown anole lizards. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 337:852-866. [PMID: 35871281 PMCID: PMC9796785 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Parasites interact with nearly all free-living organisms and can impose substantial fitness costs by reducing host survival, mating success, and fecundity. Parasites may also indirectly affect host fitness by reducing growth and performance. However, experimentally characterizing these costs of parasitism is challenging in the wild because common antiparasite drug formulations require repeated dosing that is difficult to implement in free-living populations, and because the extended-release formulations that are commercially available for livestock and pets are not suitable for smaller animals. To address these challenges, we developed a method for the long-term removal of nematode parasites from brown anole lizards (Anolis sagrei) using an extended-release formulation of the antiparasite drug ivermectin. This treatment eliminated two common nematode parasites in captive adult males and dramatically reduced the prevalence and intensity of infection by these parasites in wild adult males and females. Experimental parasite removal significantly increased the sprint speed of captive adult males, the mating success of wild adult males, and the growth of wild juveniles of both sexes. Although parasite removal did not have any effect on survival in wild anoles, parasites may influence fitness directly through reduced mating success and indirectly through reduced growth and performance. Our method of long-term parasite manipulation via an extended-release formulation of ivermectin should be readily adaptable to many other small vertebrates, facilitating experimental tests of the extent to which parasites affect host phenotypes, fitness, and eco-evolutionary dynamics in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler N. Wittman
- Department of BiologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Torun A. Carlson
- Department of BiologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | | | - Rachana S. Bhave
- Department of BiologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
| | - Robert M. Cox
- Department of BiologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginiaUSA
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11
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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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12
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Unintentional Recovery of Parasitic Diversity Following Restoration of Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) in North-Western Italy. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12111433. [PMID: 35681897 PMCID: PMC9179837 DOI: 10.3390/ani12111433] [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: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In the early sixties, free ranging red deer (Cervus elaphus, L.) were absent in Piedmont. Human-driven translocations and spontaneous migration of red deer from Switzerland and France resulted in the successful redistribution of this wild ungulate. In parallel, host-specific parasites harbored by red deer populations disappeared in the same area until the restoration of red deer in north-western Italy. The parasitic community has been enriched with at least two species-specific taxa, Onchocerca jakutensis and Pharyngomyia picta, suggesting that the recovery of parasitic biodiversity could be included amongst future conservation goals of this intensively managed game. Abstract Red deer (Cervus elaphus) populations in north-western Italy have been remodeled in recent decades. Multiple translocations and the spontaneous migration from Switzerland and France resulted in the successful redistribution of the red deer after human-driven extirpation during the 18th century. The scarcely diverse parasitic community harbored by these cervids has been enriched with two species-specific taxa, Onchocerca jakutensis and Phayigomyia picta, suggesting that the recovery of parasitic biodiversity could be included amongst future conservation goals of this intensively managed game. Nodular onchocercosis was reported in three red deer populations since 2011, while nasal bots were reported since 2018. Hypoderma spp. larvae were identified for the first time in 1989, then a second record was made in 2014 in the province of Biella, where a yearling male in poor condition infested with Hypoderma diana was observed. In the perspective that the restoration of species-specific parasite communities of native mammals in Europe is increasingly perceived as a conservation target, with similar dignity as the conservation of their hosts, baseline data presented in this communication may give new insights for future parasite conservation efforts.
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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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14
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Dunlop JA, Watson MJ. The hitchhiker's guide to Australian conservation: A parasitological perspective on fauna translocations. AUSTRAL ECOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.13171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Judy A. Dunlop
- School of Agriculture and Environment University of Western Australia Perth Western Australia Australia
- Western Australian Feral Cat Working Group Perth Western Australia Australia
- Institute for Land, Water & Society Charles Sturt University Albury New South Wales Australia
- Western Australian Biodiversity Science Institute 2/133 St George's Terrace Perth Western Australia 6000 Australia
| | - Maggie J. Watson
- Institute for Land, Water & Society Charles Sturt University Albury New South Wales Australia
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15
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Rasmussen SL, Hallig J, van Wijk RE, Petersen HH. An investigation of endoparasites and the determinants of parasite infection in European hedgehogs ( Erinaceus europaeus) from Denmark. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2021; 16:217-227. [PMID: 34703761 PMCID: PMC8524744 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The European hedgehog population is declining in Europe. It is therefore important to investigate the causes for the decline and monitor the general health of the species. We investigated the endoparasite occurrence in 299 dead European hedgehogs. Of these, endoparasites were detected in 69% of the individuals tested. We identified Crenosoma striatum, Capillaria aerophila (syn. Eucoleus aerophilus), Capillaria spp., coccidia, Cryptosporidium spp., Brachylaemus spp. and Capillaria hepatica. We also examined the hedgehogs for Giardia spp. and Echinococcus multilocularis but all were negative. Coccidia (n = 7, 2.5%) and Cryptosporidium spp. (n = 14, 5.2%) were only detected in individuals from Zealand, Lolland and Jutland south of the Limfjord. Single cases of Brachylaemus spp. (n = 1, 0.4%) and Capillaria hepatica (n = 1, 1.1%) were exclusively discovered in Jutland south and north of the Limfjord, respectively. These results indicate a regional difference in endoparasite species carried by European hedgehogs in Denmark. This stresses the need for hedgehogs to be cared for locally when admitted to wildlife rehabilitation centres, and to be released within their area of origin, to prevent spread of endoparasite infections among hedgehogs. Additionally, we explored the following possible determinants of parasite infection in the hedgehogs: sex, age, mortality category (in-care, natural and roadkill), infection with MRSA, genetic heterozygosity, month of death, geographical location and habitat type, and found that only age had a statistically significant effect on endoparasite prevalence, as we detected a lower occurrence of endoparasites in juvenile hedgehogs (<1 year) compared to the other age classes. However, pairwise comparisons of geographical regions did show significant differences in endoparasite occurrence: Zealand vs. Jutland south of the Limfjord and Zealand vs. Falster. We conclude that, in line with previous studies of European hedgehogs throughout their range in Western Europe, endoparasite infections are common and a natural part of their ecology. We investigated the endoparasites of 299 dead European hedgehogs from Denmark. We found that 69% (n = 206) of the hedgehogs hosted endoparasites. We detected Crenosoma, Capillaria, Cryptosporidium, Brachylaemus and coccidia spp. We explored possible determinants of overall endoparasite occurrence. We conclude that only age and geography significantly affected endoparasite occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Lund Rasmussen
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Abingdon, OX13 5QL, UK.,Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Jakob Hallig
- Centre for Diagnostics, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 2800, Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Rien E van Wijk
- Van Wijk Eco Research, Bagsværddal 7 st tv, 2880, Bagsværd, Denmark
| | - Heidi Huus Petersen
- Centre for Diagnostics, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 2800, Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark
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16
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Sweeny AR, Albery GF, Becker DJ, Eskew EA, Carlson CJ. Synzootics. J Anim Ecol 2021; 90:2744-2754. [PMID: 34546566 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Ecologists increasingly recognise coinfection as an important component of emergent epidemiological patterns, connecting aspects of ecoimmunology, behaviour, ecosystem function and even extinction risk. Building on syndemic theory in medical anthropology, we propose the term 'synzootics' to describe co-occurring enzootic or epizootic processes that produce worse health outcomes in wild animals. Using framing from syndemic theory, we describe how the synzootic concept offers new insights into the ecology and evolution of infectious diseases. We then recommend a set of empirical criteria and lines of evidence that can be used to identify synzootics in nature. We conclude by exploring how synzootics could indirectly drive the emergence of novel pathogens in human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy R Sweeny
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Gregory F Albery
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Daniel J Becker
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Evan A Eskew
- Department of Biology, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, Washington, USA
| | - Colin J Carlson
- Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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17
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Eleftheriou A. Implications for One Health of Anthelmintic Use in Wildlife Conservation Programs. ECOHEALTH 2021; 18:280-282. [PMID: 34601702 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-021-01556-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Eleftheriou
- Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive, FOR 109, Missoula, MT, 59812, USA.
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18
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Sweeny AR, Albery GF, Venkatesan S, Fenton A, Pedersen AB. Spatiotemporal variation in drivers of parasitism in a wild wood mouse population. Funct Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amy R. Sweeny
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
| | | | - Saudamini Venkatesan
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
| | - Andy Fenton
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences University of Liverpool Liverpool UK
| | - Amy B. Pedersen
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK
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19
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Albery GF, Morris A, Morris S, Kenyon F, Nussey DH, Pemberton JM. Fitness Costs of Parasites Explain Multiple Life-History Trade-Offs in a Wild Mammal. Am Nat 2021; 197:324-335. [PMID: 33625970 DOI: 10.1086/712633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AbstractReproduction in wild animals can divert limited resources away from immune defense, resulting in increased parasite burdens. A long-standing prediction of life-history theory states that these parasites can harm the reproductive individual, reducing its subsequent survival and fecundity, producing reproduction-fitness trade-offs. Here, we examined associations among reproductive allocation, immunity, parasitism, and subsequent survival and fecundity in a wild population of individually identified red deer (Cervus elaphus). Using path analysis, we investigated whether costs of lactation in terms of downstream survival and fecundity were mediated by changes in strongyle nematode count and mucosal antibody levels. Lactating females exhibited increased parasite counts, which were in turn associated with substantially decreased fitness in the following year in terms of overwinter survival, fecundity, subsequent calf weight, and parturition date. This study offers observational evidence for parasite regulation of multiple life-history trade-offs, supporting the role of parasites as an important mediating factor in wild mammal populations.
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20
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Wilkinson V, Takano K, Nichols D, Martin A, Holme R, Phalen D, Mounsey K, Charleston M, Kreiss A, Pye R, Browne E, Næsborg-Nielsen C, Richards SA, Carver S. Fluralaner as a novel treatment for sarcoptic mange in the bare-nosed wombat (Vombatus ursinus): safety, pharmacokinetics, efficacy and practicable use. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:18. [PMID: 33407820 PMCID: PMC7789169 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04500-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sarcoptic mange causes significant animal welfare and occasional conservation concerns for bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus) throughout their range. To date, in situ chemotherapeutic interventions have involved macrocytic lactones, but their short duration of action and need for frequent re-administration has limited treatment success. Fluralaner (Bravecto®; MSD Animal Health), a novel isoxazoline class ectoparasiticide, has several advantageous properties that may overcome such limitations. Methods Fluralaner was administered topically at 25 mg/kg (n = 5) and 85 mg/kg (n = 2) to healthy captive bare-nosed wombats. Safety was assessed over 12 weeks by clinical observation and monitoring of haematological and biochemical parameters. Fluralaner plasma pharmacokinetics were quantified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Efficacy was evaluated through clinical assessment of response to treatment, including mange and body condition scoring, for 15 weeks after topical administration of 25 mg/kg fluralaner to sarcoptic mange-affected wild bare-nosed wombats (n = 3). Duration of action was determined through analysis of pharmacokinetic parameters and visual inspection of study subjects for ticks during the monitoring period. Methods for diluting fluralaner to enable ‘pour-on’ application were compared, and an economic and treatment effort analysis of fluralaner relative to moxidectin was undertaken. Results No deleterious health impacts were detected following fluralaner administration. Fluralaner was absorbed and remained quantifiable in plasma throughout the monitoring period. For the 25 mg/kg and 85 mg/kg treatment groups, the respective means for maximum recorded plasma concentrations (Cmax) were 6.2 and 16.4 ng/ml; for maximum recorded times to Cmax, 3.0 and 37.5 days; and for plasma elimination half-lives, 40.1 and 166.5 days. Clinical resolution of sarcoptic mange was observed in all study animals within 3–4 weeks of treatment, and all wombats remained tick-free for 15 weeks. A suitable product for diluting fluralaner into a ‘pour-on’ was found. Treatment costs were competitive, and predicted treatment effort was substantially lower relative to moxidectin. Conclusions Fluralaner appears to be a safe and efficacious treatment for sarcoptic mange in the bare-nosed wombat, with a single dose lasting over 1–3 months. It has economic and treatment-effort-related advantages over moxidectin, the most commonly used alternative. We recommend a dose of 25 mg/kg fluralaner and, based on the conservative assumption that at least 50% of a dose makes dermal contact, Bravecto Spot-On for Large Dogs as the most appropriate formulation for adult bare-nosed wombats. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicky Wilkinson
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
| | - Kotaro Takano
- The University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Dr, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - David Nichols
- Central Science Laboratory, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 74, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Alynn Martin
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Roz Holme
- Cedar Creek Wombat Rescue Inc, PO Box 538, Cessnock, NSW, Australia
| | - David Phalen
- The University of Sydney, C01A, JI Shute, Camden, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kate Mounsey
- The University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Dr, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Michael Charleston
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Alexandre Kreiss
- Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, 593 Briggs Rd, Brighton, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Ruth Pye
- Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, 593 Briggs Rd, Brighton, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Browne
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | | | - Shane A Richards
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Scott Carver
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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Brandimarti ME, Gray R, Hilton ZJ, Keeley T, Murray ‘KP, Herbert CA. The effect of testosterone suppression on health and parasite burden in male eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus). AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/am21017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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22
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Sweeny AR, Thomason CA, Carbajal EA, Hansen CB, Graham AL, Pedersen AB. Experimental parasite community perturbation reveals associations between Sin Nombre virus and gastrointestinal nematodes in a rodent reservoir host. Biol Lett 2020; 16:20200604. [PMID: 33353521 PMCID: PMC7775983 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2020.0604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals are often co-infected with several parasite species, yet measuring within-host interactions remains difficult in the wild. Consequently, the impacts of such interactions on host fitness and epidemiology are often unknown. We used anthelmintic drugs to experimentally reduce nematode infection and measured the effects on both nematodes and the important zoonosis Sin Nombre virus (SNV) in its primary reservoir (Peromyscus spp.). Treatment significantly reduced nematode infection, but increased SNV seroprevalence. Furthermore, mice that were co-infected with both nematodes and SNV were in better condition and survived up to four times longer than uninfected or singly infected mice. These results highlight the importance of investigating multiple parasites for understanding interindividual variation and epidemiological dynamics in reservoir populations with zoonotic transmission potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy R Sweeny
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Centre of Infection, School of Biological Sciences, Kings Buildings, Ashworth Laboratories, Charlotte Auerbach Road, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Courtney A Thomason
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Edwin A Carbajal
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Christina B Hansen
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Andrea L Graham
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Amy B Pedersen
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Centre of Infection, School of Biological Sciences, Kings Buildings, Ashworth Laboratories, Charlotte Auerbach Road, Edinburgh, UK
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Facilitative priority effects drive parasite assembly under coinfection. Nat Ecol Evol 2020; 4:1510-1521. [PMID: 32868915 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-020-01289-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Host individuals are often coinfected with diverse parasite assemblages, resulting in complex interactions among parasites within hosts. Within hosts, priority effects occur when the infection sequence alters the outcome of interactions among parasites. Yet, the role of host immunity in this process remains poorly understood. We hypothesized that the host response to the first infection could generate priority effects among parasites, altering the assembly of later-arriving strains during epidemics. We tested this by infecting sentinel host genotypes of Plantago lanceolata with strains of the fungal parasite Podosphaera plantaginis and measuring susceptibility to subsequent infection during experimental and natural epidemics. In these experiments, prior infection by one strain often increased susceptibility to other strains, and these facilitative priority effects altered the structure of parasite assemblages, but this effect depended on host genotype, host population and parasite genotype. Thus, host genotype, spatial structure and priority effects among strains all independently altered parasite assembly. Using a fine-scale survey and sampling of infections on wild hosts in several populations, we then identified a signal of facilitative priority effects, which altered parasite assembly during natural epidemics. Together, these results provide evidence that within-host priority effects of early-arriving strains can drive parasite assembly, with implications for how strain diversity is spatially and temporally distributed during epidemics.
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Martinez-Guijosa J, Casades-Marti L, González-Barrio D, Aranaz A, Fierro Y, Gortázar C, Ruiz-Fons F. Tuning oral-bait delivery strategies for red deer in Mediterranean ecosystems. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-020-01389-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Roznik EA, Surbaugh KL, Cano N, Rohr JR. Elucidating mechanisms of invasion success: effects of parasite removal on growth and survival rates of invasive and native frogs. J Appl Ecol 2020; 57:1078-1088. [PMID: 33071307 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Identifying the mechanisms underlying biological invasions can inform the management of invasive species. The enemy release hypothesis (ERH) suggests that invasive species have a competitive advantage in their introduced range because they leave behind many of their predators and parasites from their native range, allowing them to shift resources from defenses to growth, reproduction, and dispersal. Many studies have demonstrated that invasive species have fewer parasites than their native counterparts, but few studies have tested whether the loss of these natural enemies appears to be a primary driver of the invasion process.To test the ERH, we conducted a mark-recapture study in which we used an anthelmintic drug to successfully reduce parasitic worms in invasive Cuban treefrogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis) and native treefrogs (Hyla spp.) at half of 12 wetlands, marking nearly 4,200 frogs. If the ERH is supported, we would expect that treating for parasitic worms would have a greater benefit to native than invasive hosts.Growth and survival rates of invasive and native treefrogs responded similarly to the anthelmintic treatment, suggesting that the Cuban treefrog's release from parasitic worms does not appear to significantly contribute to its invasiveness in established areas. Instead, it appears that the overall faster rates of growth and maturation, higher survival rates, and larger body sizes of Cuban treefrogs that we observed may contribute to their expansion and proliferation.Synthesis and applications. Although Cuban treefrogs have a lower diversity of parasitic worms in their invasive than native range, this does not appear to significantly contribute to their invasion success in areas where they have been established for more than 20 years. This suggests that any manipulation of parasites in invasive or native hosts would not be an effective method of controlling Cuban treefrogs or reducing their impacts. Further research into other hypotheses is needed to explain the Cuban treefrog's success and help guide management actions to reduce their spread and negative impacts. Our study demonstrates that enemy release may not be a primary driver of invasiveness, highlighting the need for more experimental tests of the enemy release hypothesis to examine its generality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Roznik
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, USA.,Department of Conservation and Research, Memphis Zoo, Memphis, Tennessee 38112, USA
| | - Kerri L Surbaugh
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, USA
| | - Natalia Cano
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, USA
| | - Jason R Rohr
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, USA
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Rynkiewicz EC, Fenton A, Pedersen AB. Linking community assembly and structure across scales in a wild mouse parasite community. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:13752-13763. [PMID: 31938479 PMCID: PMC6953566 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding what processes drive community structure is fundamental to ecology. Many wild animals are simultaneously infected by multiple parasite species, so host-parasite communities can be valuable tools for investigating connections between community structures at multiple scales, as each host can be considered a replicate parasite community. Like free-living communities, within-host-parasite communities are hierarchical; ecological interactions between hosts and parasites can occur at multiple scales (e.g., host community, host population, parasite community within the host), therefore, both extrinsic and intrinsic processes can determine parasite community structure. We combine analyses of community structure and assembly at both the host population and individual scales using extensive datasets on wild wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) and their parasite community. An analysis of parasite community nestedness at the host population scale provided predictions about the order of infection at the individual scale, which were then tested using parasite community assembly data from individual hosts from the same populations. Nestedness analyses revealed parasite communities were significantly more structured than random. However, observed nestedness did not differ from null models in which parasite species abundance was kept constant. We did not find consistency between observed community structure at the host population scale and within-host order of infection. Multi-state Markov models of parasite community assembly showed that a host's likelihood of infection with one parasite did not consistently follow previous infection by a different parasite species, suggesting there is not a deterministic order of infection among the species we investigated in wild wood mice. Our results demonstrate that patterns at one scale (i.e., host population) do not reliably predict processes at another scale (i.e., individual host), and that neutral or stochastic processes may be driving the patterns of nestedness observed in these communities. We suggest that experimental approaches that manipulate parasite communities are needed to better link processes at multiple ecological scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn C. Rynkiewicz
- Department of Science and MathematicsFashion Institute of TechnologyState University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology & Centre for Immunity, Infection and EvolutionSchool of Biological ScienceUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Andy Fenton
- Institute of Integrative BiologyUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - Amy B. Pedersen
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology & Centre for Immunity, Infection and EvolutionSchool of Biological ScienceUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
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Grab KM, Hiller BJ, Hurlbert JH, Ingram ME, Parker AB, Pokutnaya DY, Knutie SA. Host tolerance and resistance to parasitic nest flies differs between two wild bird species. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:12144-12155. [PMID: 31832149 PMCID: PMC6854101 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hosts have developed and evolved defense strategies to limit parasite damage. Hosts can reduce the damage that parasites cause by decreasing parasite fitness (resistance) or without affecting parasite fitness (tolerance). Because a parasite species can infect multiple host species, determining the effect of the parasite on these hosts and identifying host defense strategies can have important implications for multi-host-parasite dynamics.Over 2 years, we experimentally manipulated parasitic flies (Protocalliphora sialia) in the nests of tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) and eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis). We then determined the effects of the parasites on the survival of nestlings and compared defense strategies between host species. We compared resistance between host species by quantifying parasite densities (number of parasites per gram of host) and measured nestling antibody levels as a mechanism of resistance. We quantified tolerance by determining the relationship between parasite density and nestling survival and blood loss by measuring hemoglobin levels (as a proxy of blood recovery) and nestling provisioning rates (as a proxy of parental compensation for resources lost to the parasite) as potential mechanisms of tolerance.For bluebirds, parasite density was twice as high as for swallows. Both host species were tolerant to the effects of P. sialia on nestling survival at their respective parasite loads but neither species were tolerant to the blood loss to the parasite. However, swallows were more resistant to P. sialia compared to bluebirds, which was likely related to the higher antibody-mediated immune response in swallow nestlings. Neither blood recovery nor parental compensation were mechanisms of tolerance.Overall, these results suggest that bluebirds and swallows are both tolerant of their respective parasite loads but swallows are more resistant to the parasites. These results demonstrate that different host species have evolved similar and different defenses against the same species of parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstine M. Grab
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and BehaviorUniversity of Minnesota Twin CitiesSt. PaulMNUSA
| | | | | | | | - Alexandra B. Parker
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and BehaviorUniversity of Minnesota Twin CitiesSt. PaulMNUSA
| | | | - Sarah A. Knutie
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of ConnecticutStorrsCTUSA
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Dallas TA, Laine AL, Ovaskainen O. Detecting parasite associations within multi-species host and parasite communities. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 286:20191109. [PMID: 31575371 PMCID: PMC6790755 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.1109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the role of biotic interactions in shaping natural communities is a long-standing challenge in ecology. It is particularly pertinent to parasite communities sharing the same host communities and individuals, as the interactions among parasites-both competition and facilitation-may have far-reaching implications for parasite transmission and evolution. Aggregated parasite burdens may suggest that infected host individuals are either more prone to infection, or that infection by a parasite species facilitates another, leading to a positive parasite-parasite interaction. However, parasite species may also compete for host resources, leading to the prediction that parasite-parasite associations would be generally negative, especially when parasite species infect the same host tissue, competing for both resources and space. We examine the presence and strength of parasite associations using hierarchical joint species distribution models fitted to data on resident parasite communities sampled on over 1300 small mammal individuals across 22 species and their resident parasite communities. On average, we detected more positive associations between infecting parasite species than negative, with the most negative associations occurring when two parasite species infected the same host tissue, suggesting that parasite species associations may be quantifiable from observational data. Overall, our findings suggest that parasite community prediction at the level of the individual host is possible, and that parasite species associations may be detectable in complex multi-species communities, generating many hypotheses concerning the effect of host community changes on parasite community composition, parasite competition within infected hosts, and the drivers of parasite community assembly and structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tad A. Dallas
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, University of Helsinki, PO Box 65, Helsinki 00014, Finland
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Anna-Liisa Laine
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, University of Helsinki, PO Box 65, Helsinki 00014, Finland
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zürich, Zürich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Otso Ovaskainen
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, University of Helsinki, PO Box 65, Helsinki 00014, Finland
- Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics, Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim 7491, Norway
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Carlsson AM, Curry P, Elkin B, Russell D, Veitch A, Branigan M, Campbell M, Croft B, Cuyler C, Côté SD, Leclerc LM, Tryland M, Nymo IH, Kutz SJ. Multi-pathogen serological survey of migratory caribou herds: A snapshot in time. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219838. [PMID: 31365561 PMCID: PMC6668789 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogens can impact host survival, fecundity, and population dynamics even when no obvious disease is observed. Few baseline data on pathogen prevalence and diversity of caribou are available, which hampers our ability to track changes over time and evaluate impacts on caribou health. Archived blood samples collected from ten migratory caribou herds in Canada and two in Greenland were used to test for exposure to pathogens that have the potential to effect population productivity, are zoonotic or are emerging. Relationships between seroprevalence and individual, population, and other health parameters were also examined. For adult caribou, the highest overall seroprevalence was for alphaherpesvirus (49%, n = 722), pestivirus (49%, n = 572) and Neospora caninum (27%, n = 452). Lower seroprevalence was found for parainfluenza virus type 3 (9%, n = 708), Brucella suis (2%, n = 758), and Toxoplasma gondii (2%, n = 706). No animal tested positive for antibodies against West Nile virus (n = 418) or bovine respiratory syncytial virus (n = 417). This extensive multi-pathogen survey of migratory caribou herds provides evidence that caribou are exposed to pathogens that may have impacts on herd health and revealed potential interactions between pathogens as well as geographical differences in pathogen exposure that could be linked to the bio-geographical history of caribou. Caribou are a keystone species and the socio-economic cornerstone of many indigenous cultures across the North. The results from this study highlight the urgent need for a better understanding of pathogen diversity and the impact of pathogens on caribou health.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. M. Carlsson
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - P. Curry
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - B. Elkin
- Environment and Natural Resources, Government of the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife, Alberta, Canada
| | - D. Russell
- CircumArctic Rangifer Monitoring and Assessment Network, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
| | - A. Veitch
- Environment and Natural Resources, Government of the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife, Alberta, Canada
| | - M. Branigan
- Environment and Natural Resources, Government of the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife, Alberta, Canada
| | - M. Campbell
- Department of Environment, Government of Nunavut, Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada
| | - B. Croft
- Environment and Natural Resources, Government of the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife, Alberta, Canada
| | - C. Cuyler
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Nuuk, Greenland
| | - S. D. Côté
- Caribou Ungava, Département de Biologie and Centre d’études nordiques, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - L-M Leclerc
- Department of Environment, Government of Nunavut, Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada
| | - M. Tryland
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromso, Norway
| | - I. H. Nymo
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromso, Norway
| | - S. J. Kutz
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Northover AS, Thompson RCA, Lymbery AJ, Wayne AF, Keatley S, Ash A, Elliot AD, Morris K, Godfrey SS. Altered parasite community structure in an endangered marsupial following translocation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2019; 10:13-22. [PMID: 31334028 PMCID: PMC6617222 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fauna translocations play an integral role in the management of threatened wildlife, though we are limited by our understanding of how the host-parasite community changes during translocation. During this longitudinal field-based study, we monitored gastrointestinal, blood-borne and ectoparasite taxa infecting woylies (Bettongia penicillata) for up to 12 months following two fauna translocations to supplement existing wild woylie populations in three different sites (Dryandra, Walcott and Warrup East) within the south-west of Western Australia. We aimed to (a) identify changes in parasite community structure of both translocated and resident woylies following translocation; and (b) evaluate the efficacy of ivermectin treatment in translocated hosts. Destination site and time since translocation had the strongest effects on parasite prevalence and mean faecal egg counts following translocation. Ivermectin treatment did not significantly reduce parasite prevalence or mean faecal egg counts in treated hosts. Prior to translocation, parasite community composition differed significantly between woylies selected for translocation and resident woylies within each release site. Following translocation, the parasite communities of translocated and resident hosts converged to become more similar over time, with loss of parasite taxa and novel host-parasite associations emerging. This is the first study to examine changes to the broader parasite community in translocated and resident animals following translocation. The dominant site-specific response of parasites following translocation reinforces the importance of incorporating parasite studies to enhance our fundamental understanding of perturbations in host-parasite systems during translocation, in particular the site-level drivers of parasite dynamics. Perturbations to host-parasite systems during translocation are poorly understood. Parasite dynamics were strongly impacted by site and time since translocation. The parasite communities of translocated and resident hosts converged over time. Ivermectin treatment had no significant impact on target parasites. Translocation protocols should consider the intrinsic biodiversity value of parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy S Northover
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - R C Andrew Thompson
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Alan J Lymbery
- Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Adrian F Wayne
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Brain Street, Manjimup, Western Australia, 6258, Australia
| | - Sarah Keatley
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Amanda Ash
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Aileen D Elliot
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Keith Morris
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Wildlife Place, Woodvale, Western Australia, 6946, Australia
| | - Stephanie S Godfrey
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, 362 Leith Street, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
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Felici E, Wang CC, Casado C, Vicario A, Pereyra V, Gómez MR. Preconcentration and post-column fluorescent derivatization for the environmental water monitoring of an antihelmintic macrocyclic drug used in livestock. Heliyon 2019; 5:e02025. [PMID: 31312734 PMCID: PMC6609821 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, a green analytical methodology based on fluorescence derivatization is proposed for the anti-helminthic drug monitoring ivermectin as environmental emergent contaminant. After sample clean-up, ivermectin was converted into a highly fluorescent derivative through a catalytic oxidation process followed by dehydration and tautomerization. Under optimal experimental conditions, a linear response was obtained for ivermectin within the range 0.38–600 μg L−1, with detection and quantification limits of 0.11 and 0.38 μg L−1, both values are lower than other previously reported. This method has been applied for ivermectin determination in environmental water samples at trace levels, showing its potential for contamination monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiliano Felici
- Instituto de Química de San Luis (CCT-San Luis) – Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Laboratorio de Control de Calidad de Medicamentos, Bloque I, Ejército de los Andes 950, San Luis, CP5700, Argentina
| | - Chien C. Wang
- Instituto de Química de San Luis (CCT-San Luis) – Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Laboratorio de Control de Calidad de Medicamentos, Bloque I, Ejército de los Andes 950, San Luis, CP5700, Argentina
| | - Cristian Casado
- Centro de Excelencia en Productos y Procesos de Córdoba, CEPROCOR, Santa María de Punilla, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ana Vicario
- Instituto de Química de San Luis (CCT-San Luis) – Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Laboratorio de Control de Calidad de Medicamentos, Bloque I, Ejército de los Andes 950, San Luis, CP5700, Argentina
- Instituto de Física Aplicada, Avenida Ejército de los Andes 950, 5700, San Luis, Argentina
| | - Víctor Pereyra
- Instituto de Matemática de San Luis (CCT-San Luis), Av. Italia 1556, 5700, San Luis, Argentina
| | - María R. Gómez
- Instituto de Química de San Luis (CCT-San Luis) – Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Laboratorio de Control de Calidad de Medicamentos, Bloque I, Ejército de los Andes 950, San Luis, CP5700, Argentina
- Corresponding author.
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da Cruz CEF, Marques SMT, Andretta I. Endoparasites observed within invertebrates used as live food items for captive wild birds: Overview and potential risks. Zoo Biol 2019; 38:384-388. [PMID: 31206830 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
To monitor and evaluate potential risks to birds' health, invertebrate species that have been used as live food items had their body contents searched for endoparasites. The contents of approximately 10,000 invertebrates were analyzed. A principal component analysis was performed to study the relationship between the presence/absence of endoparasites and the characteristics of the invertebrates. In most of them, including the species preferred by birds such as caterpillars, waxworms, mealworms, most grasshoppers, and spiders, no organism was identified. Such findings suggest a low potential for parasite transmission associated with its consumption by birds. Although they had unknown or even unlikely implications for the birds' health, gregarines, oxyurides Leidynema sp., and digenetic trematodes Monolecithotrema sp. were found in samples from woodlice, cockroaches, and centipedes, respectively. The only avian parasites observed in this study were Heterakis gallinarum in samples from earthworms and Acuaria spiralis from woodlice. Suggestively, soil invertebrates showed a higher prevalence of endoparasites and may represent a higher potential risk in comparison to the other categories of invertebrates sampled herein. Detritivory and collected origin were also explanatory variables related to the presence of endoparasites in the current study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudio Estêvão Farias da Cruz
- Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Centro de Estudos em Manejo de Aves Silvestres, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Sandra Márcia Tietz Marques
- Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Laboratório de Parasitologia, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Inês Andretta
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Laboratório de Ensino Zootécnico, Faculdade de Agronomia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Northover AS, Godfrey SS, Keatley S, Lymbery AJ, Wayne AF, Cooper C, Pallant L, Morris K, Thompson RCA. Increased Trypanosoma spp. richness and prevalence of haemoparasite co-infection following translocation. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:126. [PMID: 30898141 PMCID: PMC6427866 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3370-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Understanding how fauna translocation and antiparasitic drug treatment impact parasite community structure within a host is vital for optimising translocation outcomes. Trypanosoma spp. and piroplasms (Babesia and Theileria spp.) are known to infect Australian marsupials, including the woylie (Bettongia penicillata). However relatively little is known about these haemoparasites, or how they respond to management practices such as translocation. We monitored haemoparasites infecting woylies for up to 12 months during two fauna translocations to supplement existing woylie populations in three different sites (Dryandra, Walcott and Warrup East) within south-western Australia between 2014 and 2016, with the aim of investigating (i) how haemoparasite prevalence, Trypanosoma spp. richness and Trypanosoma spp. community composition varied over time and between different sites following translocation; and (ii) whether ivermectin treatment indirectly impacts haemoparasite prevalence. Using molecular methods, 1211 blood samples were screened for the presence of trypanosomes, and a subset of these samples (n = 264) were also tested for piroplasms. Results Trypanosomes and piroplasms were identified in 55% and 94% of blood samples, respectively. We identified five Trypanosoma species, two Theileria species, a single species of Babesia and a novel Bodo species. Trypanosoma spp. richness and the prevalence of haemoparasite co-infection increased after translocation. Prior to translocation, Trypanosoma spp. community composition differed significantly between translocated and resident woylies within Walcott and Warrup East, but not Dryandra. Six months later, there was a significant difference between translocated and resident woylies within Dryandra, but not Walcott or Warrup East. The response of haemoparasites to translocation was highly site-specific, with predominant changes to the haemoparasite community in translocated woylies occurring within the first few months following translocation. Ivermectin treatment had no significant effect on haemoparasite prevalence. Conclusions This study contributes to our understanding of haemoparasite dynamics in woylies following translocation. The highly site-specific and rapid response of haemoparasites to translocation highlights the need to better understand what drives these effects. Given that haemoparasite prevalence and composition of translocated and resident animals changed significantly following translocation, we propose that parasite monitoring should form an essential component of translocation protocols, and such protocols should endeavour to monitor translocated hosts and cohabiting species. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3370-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy S Northover
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.
| | - Stephanie S Godfrey
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, 362 Leith Street, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Keatley
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Alan J Lymbery
- Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Adrian F Wayne
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Brain Street, Manjimup, Western Australia, 6258, Australia
| | - Crystal Cooper
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Louise Pallant
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Keith Morris
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Wildlife Place, Woodvale, Western Australia, 6946, Australia
| | - R C Andrew Thompson
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
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What do we know about parasites of wildlife in high biodiversity areas with anthropogenic disturbance? The special case of Mexico. Anim Health Res Rev 2019; 19:155-161. [DOI: 10.1017/s1466252318000087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe continual rise of anthropogenic disturbance of ecosystems has been associated with an increasing incidence of emerging diseases. The largest amount of data on emerging diseases relates to bacterial and viral pathogens, but there is a lack of parasite data, especially from wildlife. Monitoring wildlife parasitic diseases should be considered a priority, especially in high biodiversity regions with strong anthropogenic impacts, like Mexico, where the wildlife/livestock/human interface is associated with increased risk of disease transmission. Mexico belongs to the top-ten megadiverse countries and is located between two biogeographic regions. This situation makes Mexico a favourable region for the spillover of animal pathogens to human beings, causing pandemics, such as the one recently caused by influenza virus A (H1N1). The current state of knowledge of Mexican wildlife parasites is scarce and focuses mainly in Neotropical fauna. Moreover, this knowledge is heterogeneous for different parasite groups, especially concerning their pathologic effects and epidemiology. The goals of this review are to compile information on Mexican wildlife parasites and to identify knowledge gaps in order to stimulate research on pending epidemiological, public health, ecological and pathological areas, and to encourage the creation of more specialized groups from the perspective of the One-Health concept.
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Müller-Klein N, Heistermann M, Strube C, Morbach ZM, Lilie N, Franz M, Schülke O, Ostner J. Physiological and social consequences of gastrointestinal nematode infection in a nonhuman primate. Behav Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/ary168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Müller-Klein
- Department for Behavioral Ecology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Michael Heistermann
- Endocrinology Laboratory, German Primate Centre, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Zina M Morbach
- Department for Behavioral Ecology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Roehampton, Parkstead House, Whitelands, London, UK
| | - Navina Lilie
- Department for Behavioral Ecology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Department for Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Mathias Franz
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Schülke
- Department for Behavioral Ecology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Primate Social Evolution, German Primate Centre, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Julia Ostner
- Department for Behavioral Ecology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Primate Social Evolution, German Primate Centre, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
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36
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Halliday FW, Umbanhowar J, Mitchell CE. A host immune hormone modifies parasite species interactions and epidemics: insights from a field manipulation. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 285:rspb.2018.2075. [PMID: 30404885 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.2075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasite epidemics can depend on priority effects, and parasite priority effects can result from the host immune response to prior infection. Yet we lack experimental evidence that such immune-mediated priority effects influence epidemics. To address this research gap, we manipulated key host immune hormones, then measured the consequences for within-host parasite interactions, and ultimately parasite epidemics in the field. Specifically, we applied plant immune-signalling hormones to sentinel plants, embedded into a wild host population, and tracked foliar infections caused by two common fungal parasites. Within-host individuals, priority effects were altered by the immune-signalling hormone, salicylic acid (SA). Scaling up from within-host interactions, hosts treated with SA experienced a lower prevalence of a less aggressive parasite, increased burden of infection by a more aggressive parasite, and experienced fewer co-infections. Together, these results indicate that by altering within-host priority effects, host immune hormones can drive parasite epidemics. This study therefore experimentally links host immune hormones to within-host priority effects and parasite epidemics, advancing a more mechanistic understanding of how interactions among parasites alter their epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fletcher W Halliday
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - James Umbanhowar
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Curriculum for the Environment and Ecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Charles E Mitchell
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Curriculum for the Environment and Ecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Huyvaert KP, Russell RE, Patyk KA, Craft ME, Cross PC, Garner MG, Martin MK, Nol P, Walsh DP. Challenges and Opportunities Developing Mathematical Models of Shared Pathogens of Domestic and Wild Animals. Vet Sci 2018; 5:E92. [PMID: 30380736 PMCID: PMC6313884 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci5040092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Diseases that affect both wild and domestic animals can be particularly difficult to prevent, predict, mitigate, and control. Such multi-host diseases can have devastating economic impacts on domestic animal producers and can present significant challenges to wildlife populations, particularly for populations of conservation concern. Few mathematical models exist that capture the complexities of these multi-host pathogens, yet the development of such models would allow us to estimate and compare the potential effectiveness of management actions for mitigating or suppressing disease in wildlife and/or livestock host populations. We conducted a workshop in March 2014 to identify the challenges associated with developing models of pathogen transmission across the wildlife-livestock interface. The development of mathematical models of pathogen transmission at this interface is hampered by the difficulties associated with describing the host-pathogen systems, including: (1) the identity of wildlife hosts, their distributions, and movement patterns; (2) the pathogen transmission pathways between wildlife and domestic animals; (3) the effects of the disease and concomitant mitigation efforts on wild and domestic animal populations; and (4) barriers to communication between sectors. To promote the development of mathematical models of transmission at this interface, we recommend further integration of modern quantitative techniques and improvement of communication among wildlife biologists, mathematical modelers, veterinary medicine professionals, producers, and other stakeholders concerned with the consequences of pathogen transmission at this important, yet poorly understood, interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn P Huyvaert
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - Robin E Russell
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI 53711, USA.
| | - Kelly A Patyk
- Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health, United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA.
| | - Meggan E Craft
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA.
| | - Paul C Cross
- U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Bozeman, MT 59715, USA.
| | - M Graeme Garner
- European Commission for the Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease-Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 00153 Roma RM, Italy.
| | - Michael K Martin
- Livestock Poultry Health Division, Clemson University, Columbia, SC 29224, USA.
| | - Pauline Nol
- Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health, United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA.
| | - Daniel P Walsh
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI 53711, USA.
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Trade-off between tolerance and resistance to infections: an experimental approach with malaria parasites in a passerine bird. Oecologia 2018; 188:1001-1010. [PMID: 30377770 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-018-4290-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Avian malaria parasites are known to have negative effects on their hosts, including consequences for reproductive success and survival. However, the outcome of disease may vary greatly among individuals, due to their particular genetic background, their past history of exposure to infections, or the way they respond to infections at the physiological level. We experimentally reduced parasitemia in naturally infected birds to examine individual-level variation in physiological parameters involved in anti-parasite defense, focusing specifically on disease resistance and tolerance. As a measure of disease resistance, we used circulating levels of IgY, and as a measure of disease tolerance, we estimated haptoglobin concentrations. Our results show individual consistency in the physiological parameters studied during the experiment, that was statistically significant for body condition, and marginally significant for IgY levels, and a trade-off between physiological mechanisms involved in resistance and tolerance that seem to be mediated by parasitemia. The medication experiment with primaquine was successful in reducing parasite intensity, but was not sufficient to clear the infection, and there was a generalized improvement in body condition in all birds maintained in captivity during the experiment. We suggest that the observed changes in the association between resistance and tolerance estimates may be due to the decrease in parasitemia attained through medication, to the improved nutritional status observed during the experiment or to the combined effect of both. Our study adds to the understanding of how wild animals cope with the diseases they are exposed to in their natural environment, and ultimately the consequences of parasitism at the individual level.
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Coulson G, Cripps JK, Garnick S, Bristow V, Beveridge I. Parasite insight: assessing fitness costs, infection risks and foraging benefits relating to gastrointestinal nematodes in wild mammalian herbivores. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 373:20170197. [PMID: 29866912 PMCID: PMC6000135 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2017.0197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian herbivores are typically infected by parasitic nematodes, which are acquired through direct, faecal-oral transmission. These parasites can cause significant production losses in domestic livestock, but much less is known about impacts on wild mammalian hosts. We review three elements of parasitism from the host's perspective: fitness costs of infection, risks of infection during foraging and benefits of nutritious pasture. The majority of wildlife studies have been observational, but experimental manipulation is increasing. Treatment with anthelmintics to manipulate parasite load has revealed varied impacts of parasites on fitness variables across host species, but has not produced consistent evidence for parasite-induced anorexia or impaired body condition. Some experimental studies of infection risk have manipulated faecal contamination and detected faecal avoidance by hosts. Only two field studies have explored the trade-off between infection risk and nutritional benefit generated by avoidance of contaminated patches. Overall, field studies of costs, risks and benefits of the host-parasite relationship are limited and few have examined more than one of these elements. Parasitism has much in common with predation, and future insights into anti-parasite responses by wild hosts could be gained from the conceptual and technical developments in research on anti-predator behaviour.This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Evolution of pathogen and parasite avoidance behaviours'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graeme Coulson
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Jemma K Cripps
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Veterinary Clinical Centre, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, 123 Brown Street, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| | - Sarah Garnick
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Verity Bristow
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Veterinary Clinical Centre, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia
| | - Ian Beveridge
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Veterinary Clinical Centre, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia
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Christie MR, Searle CL. Evolutionary rescue in a host-pathogen system results in coexistence not clearance. Evol Appl 2018; 11:681-693. [PMID: 29875810 PMCID: PMC5979755 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolutionary rescue of host populations may prevent extinction from novel pathogens. However, the conditions that facilitate rapid evolution of hosts, in particular the population variation in host susceptibility, and the effects of host evolution in response to pathogens on population outcomes remain largely unknown. We constructed an individual-based model to determine the relationships between genetic variation in host susceptibility and population persistence in an amphibian-fungal pathogen (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) system. We found that host populations can rapidly evolve reduced susceptibility to a novel pathogen and that this rapid evolution led to a 71-fold increase in the likelihood of host-pathogen coexistence. However, the increased rates of coexistence came at a cost to host populations; fewer populations cleared infection, population sizes were depressed, and neutral genetic diversity was lost. Larger adult host population sizes and greater adaptive genetic variation prior to the onset of pathogen introduction led to substantially reduced rates of extinction, suggesting that populations with these characteristics should be prioritized for conservation when species are threatened by novel infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Redpath Christie
- Department of Biological SciencesPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteINUSA
- Department of Forestry and Natural ResourcesPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteINUSA
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Carlsson AM, Albon SD, Coulson SJ, Ropstad E, Stien A, Wilson K, Loe LE, Veiberg V, Irvine RJ. Little impact of over‐winter parasitism on a free‐ranging ungulate in the high Arctic. Funct Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Morven Carlsson
- Lancaster Environment CentreLancaster University Lancaster UK
- The James Hutton Institute Aberdeen UK
- Department of Arctic BiologyUniversity Centre in Svalbard Longyearbyen Norway
| | | | - Stephen J. Coulson
- Department of Arctic BiologyUniversity Centre in Svalbard Longyearbyen Norway
| | - Erik Ropstad
- School of Veterinary ScienceNorwegian University of Life Sciences Oslo Norway
| | - Audun Stien
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA)Fram Centre Tromsø Norway
| | - Kenneth Wilson
- Lancaster Environment CentreLancaster University Lancaster UK
| | - Leif Egil Loe
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA)Norwegian University of Life Sciences Åas Norway
| | - Vebjørn Veiberg
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) Trondheim Norway
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42
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Friant S, Ziegler TE, Goldberg TL. Changes in physiological stress and behaviour in semi-free-ranging red-capped mangabeys (Cercocebus torquatus) following antiparasitic treatment. Proc Biol Sci 2017; 283:rspb.2016.1201. [PMID: 27466454 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2016.1201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites are ubiquitous in wildlife populations, but physiological and behavioural responses of hosts to infection are difficult to measure. We experimentally treated semi-free-ranging red-capped mangabeys (Cercocebus torquatus) in Nigeria with antiparasitic drugs and examined subsequent changes in glucocorticoid production and individual behaviour. Because both parasites and stress impact energy balance and health, we measured (i) behavioural time re-allocation via activity budgets, (ii) social relationships (e.g. social connectivity and dominance hierarchy stability) and (iii) body condition. We collected triplicate faecal samples (n = 441) from 49 individuals prior to and following treatment. Cortisol levels fluctuated in parallel with parasite abundance. Elevations in cortisol, but not parasitism, were related to reduced body condition. Behaviour also shifted according to infection status, with uninfected individuals spending more time foraging and less time resting and vigilant compared with when they were infected. Time spent feeding, travelling or socializing did not differ between pre- and post-treatment time periods. Group cohesion, but not dominance stability, changed following treatment, suggesting parasite-induced social avoidance. Together, these findings show a coordinated response to infection that promotes host tolerance through stress and energy conservation, reduces transmission risk and increases protection when infected hosts are vulnerable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagan Friant
- Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin--Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin--Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Toni E Ziegler
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Centre, University of Wisconsin--Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Tony L Goldberg
- Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin--Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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43
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Eads DA, Biggins DE, Eads SL. Grooming behaviors of black‐tailed prairie dogs are influenced by flea parasitism, conspecifics, and proximity to refuge. Ethology 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David A. Eads
- U. S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center Fort Collins CO USA
| | - Dean E. Biggins
- U. S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center Fort Collins CO USA
| | - Samantha L. Eads
- U. S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center Fort Collins CO USA
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44
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Budischak SA, O'Neal D, Jolles AE, Ezenwa VO. Differential host responses to parasitism shape divergent fitness costs of infection. Funct Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Budischak
- Odum School of EcologyUniversity of Georgia Athens GA USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Princeton NJ USA
| | - Dawn O'Neal
- Odum School of EcologyUniversity of Georgia Athens GA USA
- Huyck Preserve & Biological Research Station Rensselaerville NY USA
| | - Anna E. Jolles
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Integrative BiologyOregon State University Corvallis OR USA
| | - Vanessa O. Ezenwa
- Odum School of EcologyUniversity of Georgia Athens GA USA
- Department of Infectious DiseasesUniversity of Georgia Athens GA USA
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45
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Aivelo T, Norberg A. Parasite-microbiota interactions potentially affect intestinal communities in wild mammals. J Anim Ecol 2017; 87:438-447. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tuomas Aivelo
- Institute of Biotechnology; University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
| | - Anna Norberg
- Mathematical Biology Group; Metapopulation Research Centre; Department of Biosciences; University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
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46
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Blanco G, Cardells J, Garijo-Toledo MM. Supplementary feeding and endoparasites in threatened avian scavengers: Coprologic evidence from red kites in their wintering stronghold. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 155:22-30. [PMID: 28183038 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Many obligate and facultative avian scavengers are increasingly dependent on food provided in supplementary feeding stations (SFS), which are managed for the conservation of these species. Deliberate feeding can influence disease-related host demography and population dynamics through physiological changes and density-dependent parasite acquisition and transmission, but information on this threat to avian scavengers is scarce. Due to their effects on host aggregation and density, we hypothesised that the predictability and concentration of food in SFS can exacerbate parasite infection. This hypothesis was tested by comparing the prevalence, richness, abundance and mixed infection of endoparasites (coccidia and helminths) in red kites Milvus milvus foraging on livestock carcasses (mostly of pigs and poultry) in overcrowded and confined conditions at SFS, relative to those foraging alone or in small groups on wild prey unevenly randomly distributed within large areas during winter, mostly wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). No clear differences were found between areas with and without SFS in the prevalence and abundance of oocyst of Eimeria. This coccidian genus appears to include parasites of the prey rather than the raptors, thus representing parasite transport or pseudo-parasitism rather than actual parasitism in the kites. A higher prevalence and richness of helminths, as well as mixed infections with several phyla, was found in kites exploiting SFS than in those feeding on wild prey in the area without SFS. The unsanitary conditions derived from the stack of livestock carcasses and the contamination of carrion with the faeces of multiple scavenger hosts can increase the accumulation and persistence of helminths eggs and intermediate hosts. The regular use and frequent confinement of large numbers of red kites at SFS can promote the spread of parasites to a large proportion of the European breeding population distributed across Spain during the winter. We encourage that carcasses of free roaming livestock can be left in the countryside, as well as the conservation management of wildlife exploited as food by red kites (especially wild rabbits), to attempt avoiding overcrowded and confined conditions at SFS. Further research is required to assess the impact of deliberate feeding on the spread of parasites and other disease agents in the threatened species SFS are intended to favour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Blanco
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Jesús Cardells
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Sanidad Animal y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales y de la Salud, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, Avenida Seminario S/N, 46113 Moncada, Valencia, Spain
| | - María M Garijo-Toledo
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Sanidad Animal y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales y de la Salud, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, Avenida Seminario S/N, 46113 Moncada, Valencia, Spain
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47
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Shaner PL, Yu A, Ke L, Li S. Spacing behaviors and spatial recruitment of a wild rodent in response to parasitism. Ecosphere 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.1780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pei‐Jen L. Shaner
- Department of Life Science National Taiwan Normal University No. 88, Sec. 4, Tingzhou Road Taipei 11677 Taiwan
| | - Ai‐Yun Yu
- Department of Life Science National Taiwan Normal University No. 88, Sec. 4, Tingzhou Road Taipei 11677 Taiwan
| | - Linghua Ke
- Department of Life Science National Taiwan Normal University No. 88, Sec. 4, Tingzhou Road Taipei 11677 Taiwan
| | - Shou‐Hsien Li
- Department of Life Science National Taiwan Normal University No. 88, Sec. 4, Tingzhou Road Taipei 11677 Taiwan
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48
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Northover AS, Godfrey SS, Lymbery AJ, Morris K, Wayne AF, Thompson RCA. Evaluating the Effects of Ivermectin Treatment on Communities of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Translocated Woylies (Bettongia penicillata). ECOHEALTH 2017; 14:117-127. [PMID: 26719294 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-015-1088-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Wildlife species are often treated with anti-parasitic drugs prior to translocation, despite the effects of this treatment being relatively unknown. Disruption of normal host-parasite relationships is inevitable during translocation, and targeted anti-parasitic drug treatment may exacerbate this phenomenon with inadvertent impacts on both target and non-target parasite species. Here, we investigate the effects of ivermectin treatment on communities of gastrointestinal parasites in translocated woylies (Bettongia penicillata). Faecal samples were collected at three time points (at the time of translocation, and 1 and 3 months post-translocation) and examined for nematode eggs and coccidian oocysts. Parasite prevalence and (for nematodes) abundance were estimated in both treated and untreated hosts. In our study, a single subcutaneous injection of ivermectin significantly reduced Strongyloides-like egg counts 1 month post-translocation. Strongyle egg counts and coccidia prevalence were not reduced by ivermectin treatment, but were strongly influenced by site. Likewise, month of sampling rather than ivermectin treatment positively influenced body condition in woylies post-translocation. Our results demonstrate the efficacy of ivermectin in temporarily reducing Strongyloides-like nematode abundance in woylies. We also highlight the possibility that translocation-induced changes to host density may influence coinfecting parasite abundance and host body condition post-translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy S Northover
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia.
| | - Stephanie S Godfrey
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Alan J Lymbery
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Keith Morris
- Science and Conservation Division, Western Australian Department of Parks and Wildlife, Woodvale, WA, 6946, Australia
| | - Adrian F Wayne
- Science and Conservation Division, Western Australian Department of Parks and Wildlife, Manjimup, WA, 6258, Australia
| | - R C Andrew Thompson
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
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49
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Forbes KM, Mappes T, Sironen T, Strandin T, Stuart P, Meri S, Vapalahti O, Henttonen H, Huitu O. Food limitation constrains host immune responses to nematode infections. Biol Lett 2016; 12:rsbl.2016.0471. [PMID: 27677814 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2016.0471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Trade-offs in the allocation of finite-energy resources among immunological defences and other physiological processes are believed to influence infection risk and disease severity in food-limited wildlife populations. However, this prediction has received little experimental investigation. Here we test the hypothesis that food limitation impairs the ability of wild field voles (Microtus agrestis) to mount an immune response against parasite infections. We conducted a replicated experiment on vole populations maintained in large outdoor enclosures during boreal winter, using food supplementation and anthelmintic treatment of intestinal nematodes. Innate immune responses against intestinal parasite infections were compared between food-supplemented and non-supplemented voles. Voles with high food availability mounted stronger immune responses against intestinal nematode infections than food-limited voles. No food effects were seen in immune responses to intracellular coccidian parasites, possibly owing to their ability to avoid activation of innate immune pathways. Our findings demonstrate that food availability constrains vole immune responses against nematode infections, and support the concept that spatio-temporal heterogeneity in food availability creates variation in infectious disease susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tapio Mappes
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Tarja Sironen
- Department of Virology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tomas Strandin
- Department of Virology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Peter Stuart
- Department of Zoology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Seppo Meri
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland Immunobiology Reseach Programme, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- Department of Virology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heikki Henttonen
- Forest and Animal Ecology, Natural Resources Institute Finland, Vantaa, Finland
| | - Otso Huitu
- Forest and Animal Ecology, Natural Resources Institute Finland, Vantaa, Finland
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Haddaway NR, Watson MJ. On the benefits of systematic reviews for wildlife parasitology. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2016; 5:184-91. [PMID: 27617203 PMCID: PMC5005428 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2016.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Revised: 05/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are widely accepted as the best means to synthesise quantitative or qualitative scientific evidence. Many scientific fields have embraced these more rigorous review techniques as a means to bring together large and complex bodies of literature and their data. Unfortunately, due to perceived difficulties and unfamiliarity with processes, other fields are not using these options to review their literature. One way to provide guidance for a specific field is to examine critically recent reviews and meta-analyses and to explain the advantages and disadvantages of the various review techniques. In this paper, we examine review papers in the emerging field of wildlife parasitology and compare five different literature review types-configurative narrative review, aggregative scoping review, aggregative literature review, aggregative meta-analysis, and aggregative systematic review. We found that most literature reviews did not adequately explain the methodology used to find the literature under review. We also found that most literature reviews were not comprehensive nor did they critically appraise the literature under review. Such a lack severely reduces the reliability of the reviews. We encourage all authors to consider using systematic reviews in the future, and for authors and peer-reviewers to be aware of the limitations of non-systematic reviews.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal R. Haddaway
- MISTRA EviEM, Stockholm Environment Institute, Box 24218, 104 51 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maggie J. Watson
- Institute for Land Water and Society, Charles Sturt University, Albury, NSW 2640, Australia
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