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Zhang Y, Liu J, Zhang K, Wang A, Sailikebieke D, Zhang Z, Ao T, Yan L, Zhang D, Li K, Huang H. Biological response to Przewalski's horse reintroduction in native desert grasslands: a case study on the spatial analysis of ticks. BMC Ecol Evol 2024; 24:61. [PMID: 38734637 PMCID: PMC11088120 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-024-02252-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reintroduction represents an effective strategy for the conservation of endangered wildlife, yet it might inadvertently impact the native ecosystems. This investigation assesses the impact of reintroducing endangered Przewalski's horses into the desert grassland ecosystem of the Kalamaili Nature Reserve (KNR), particularly its effect on the spatial distribution of ticks. In a 25 km2 core area of Przewalski's horse distribution, we set up 441 tick sampling sites across diverse habitats, including water sources, donkey trails, and grasslands, recording horse feces and characteristics to analyze the occurrence rate of ticks. Additionally, we gathered the data of 669 fresh feces of horses. To evaluate the spatial dynamics between these feces and ticks, we used methods such as Fixed Kernel Estimation (FKE), Moran's I spatial autocorrelation index, and Generalized Linear Models (GLM). RESULTS The dominant species of ticks collected in the core area were adult Hyalomma asiaticum (91.36%). Their occurrence rate was higher near donkey trails (65.99%) and water sources (55.81%), particularly in areas with the fresh feces of Przewalski's horses. The ticks' three risk areas, as defined by FKE, showed significant overlap and positive correlation with the distribution of Przewalski's horses, with respective overlap rates being 90.25% in high risk, 33.79% in medium risk, and 23.09% in low risk areas. Moran's I analysis revealed a clustering trend of the fresh feces of Przewalski's horses in these areas. The GLM confirmed a positive correlation between the distribution of H. asiaticum and the presence of horse fresh feces, alongside a negative correlation with the proximity to water sources and donkey trails. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals the strong spatial correlation between Przewalski's horses and H. asiaticum in desert grasslands, underlining the need to consider interspecific interactions in wildlife reintroductions. The findings are crucial for shaping effective strategies of wildlife conservation and maintaining ecological balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiawei Liu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Science, Xining, China
| | - Anqi Wang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Duishan Sailikebieke
- Xinjiang Fuyun County Kizillike Township Agricultural Development Center, Altay, China
| | - Zexin Zhang
- Tongliao Forestry Pest Control Station, Tongliao, China
| | - Tegen Ao
- Tongliao Control and Quarantine Station of Forest Pest, Tongliao, China
| | - Liping Yan
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.
| | - Heqing Huang
- Chongqing Academy of Environmental Science, Chongqing, China.
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Zhang Y, Zhang K, Wang M, Wu X, Liu J, Chu H, Zhang D, Li K, Huang H. Studies on the embryonic development and larval infection potential of the stomach bot flies, Gasterophilus pecorum. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 23:100917. [PMID: 38419737 PMCID: PMC10901080 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Endangered Przewalski's horses have faced severe infections from Gasterophilus pecorum (Diptera, Gastrophilidae) in Xinjiang's Kalamaili Nature Reserve (KNR). This study examines G. pecorum's development and infection patterns in embryonic and larval stages, crucial for understanding horse botfly disease in desert grasslands. For the incubation of G. pecorum fertilized eggs, we established the six distinct temperature gradients: 16 °C, 20 °C, 24 °C, 28 °C, 30 °C, and 32 °C. Using the least squares method, we calculated the correlation between the developmental threshold temperature of the eggs and their cumulative effective temperature. Furthermore, we meticulously recorded the survival duration of the larvae across a spectrum of temperature gradients (-20 °C, -10 °C, 4 °C, 10 °C, 20 °C, and 30 °C) and under varying conditions (dark and light). This method allows us to analyze and interpret the impact of these environmental factors on larval survival durations. 1) The formula for predicting the embryonic development period of G. pecorum was N = (182.7 ± 12.03)/[T-(3.191 ± 1.48)], where the developmental threshold temperature was 3.191 ± 1.48 °C, and the effective accumulated temperature was 182.7 ± 12.03 d°C 2) The model describing the relationship between the embryonic development rate and temperature was: y = 0.0001x2+0.0007x+0.0378, demonstrating a positive correlation between the development rate and temperature (R-sq = 0.989, p < 0.001). 3) Larvae in the dark group exhibited a longer survival time, with the longest being 9 months at 4 °C. The adaptation of G. pecorum's embryonic development to cold temperature, combined with the extended survival period of larvae in the egg state, significantly increases the infection potential of G. pecorum in colder climates. This discovery offers essential insights into the predominance of G. pecorum in the KNR region and provides a crucial biological basis for the prevention of myiasis and the conservation of vulnerable species, such as Przewalski's horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, College of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Science, Xining, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, College of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojia Wu
- Department of Biology Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jiawei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, College of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongjun Chu
- Institute of Forest Ecology, Xinjiang Academy of Forestry, Urumqi, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, College of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Li
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, College of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Heqing Huang
- Chongqing Academy of Environmental Science, Chongqing, China
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Tang L, Yan L, Jia H, Xiong Y, Ma X, Chu H, Sun Z, Wang L, Shalitanati M, Li K, Hu D, Zhang D. Gut microbial community structure and function of Przewalski's horses varied across reintroduced sites in China. Integr Zool 2023; 18:1027-1040. [PMID: 36606497 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12699] [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] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Host-associated microbiota can significantly impact host fitness. Therefore, naturally occurring variations in microbiota may influence the health and persistence of their hosts. This finding is particularly important in reintroduced animals, as they typically experience habitat changes during translocations. However, little is known about how microbiomes are altered in response to conservation translocation. Here, we accessed the gut microbiome of Przewalski's horse (Equus przewalskii) populations in China from three nature reserves (i.e. Xinjiang Kalamaili Nature Reserve, KNR; Dunhuang Xihu National Nature Reserve, DXNNR; and Anxi Extreme-arid Desert Nature Reserve, AENR) using 16s rRNA gene and metagenome sequencing. The results showed that the microbial composition and function differed significantly across locations, while a subset of core taxa was consistently present in most of the samples. The abundance of genes encoding microbe-produced enzymes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, especially for glycoside hydrolases, was significantly higher in open-spaced KNR populations than in more confined AENR individuals. This study offers detailed and significant differential characters related to the microbial community and metabolic pathways in various reintroduced sites of Przewalski's horse, which might provide a basis for future microecological and conservation research on endangered reintroduced animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Tang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Liping Yan
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Huiping Jia
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Xiong
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinping Ma
- Xinjiang Mountain Ungulate Nature Reserve Management Center, Urumqi, China
| | - Hongjun Chu
- Institute of Forestry Ecology, Xinjiang Academy of Forestry Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - Zhicheng Sun
- Administrative Bureau of Dunhuang Xihu National Nature Reserve, Dunhuang, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Administration of Gansu Anxi Extra-arid Desert National Nature Reserve, Guazhou, China
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Mubalake Shalitanati
- Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Wild Horse Breeding Research Center, Urumqi, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Defu Hu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
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Zhang K, Ju Z, Zhang Y, Wang C, Mubalake S, Hu D, Zhang D, Li K, Chu H. Developmental dynamics and survival characteristics of the common horse bot flies (Diptera, Gasterophilidae, Gasterophilus) in desert steppe. Vet Parasitol 2023; 315:109870. [PMID: 36701942 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.109870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The genus Gasterophilus (Diptera, Gastrophilidae) is an obligate parasite of the equine family that causes widespread myiasis in desert steppe. Based on four common naturally excreted Gasterophilus larvae collected systematically in the Karamaili Ungulate Nature Reserve from March to September 2021, this paper studies the population dynamics and ontogenetic laws of horse flies, and discuss the coexistence pattern and population dynamics prediction of horse flies. The results showed that the Gasterophilus larvae had obvious concentrated development period, and the time of population peaks was different, the earliest was G. nigricornis (late March), followed by G. pecorum-Ⅰ (mid-April), G. nasalis (late April), G. intestinalis (early May), G. pecorum-Ⅱ (mid-August). The order of development threshold temperature "Cnigricornis < Cpecorum-Ⅰ ≤ Cpecorum-Ⅱ < Cnasalis < Cintestinalis" is consistent with the peak order of different larval populations. The life history survival rate (L) was as follows: Lnigricornis (83.97%) ≥ Lintestinalis (81.25%) > Lnasalis (72.42%) ≥ Lpecorum-Ⅱ (71.65%) > Lpecorum-Ⅰ (39.23%). This study combined indoor experiments and field surveys revealed the development of horse fly populations with different life strategies in desert grasslands. Based on the different development threshold temperatures of several horse flies, the staggered population dynamics of Gasterophilus form continuous infection stress on the host. In addition, G. pecorum exhibited a univoltine bimodal population distribution in this area and led to two high-intensity host infections, which is one of the important reasons why it has become the dominant species of myiasis in desert steppe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Science, Xining 810008, Qinghai, China
| | - Zhongrui Ju
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Mt. Kalamaili Ungulate Nature Reserve, Changji 831100, Xinjiang, China
| | - Shalitanati Mubalake
- Xinjiang Research Centre for Breeding Przewalski's Horse, Urumqi 831700, Xinjiang, China
| | - Dini Hu
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Kai Li
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Hongjun Chu
- Institute of Forest Ecology, Xinjiang Academy of Forestry, Urumqi 830063, China.
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Hu D, Wang C, Ente M, Zhang K, Zhang D, Li X, Li K, Chu H. Assessment of Adaptation Status of Reintroduced Equus Przewalskii Based on Comparative Analysis of Fecal Bacteria with Those of Captive E. Przewalskii, Domestic Horse and Mongolian Wild Ass. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12202874. [PMID: 36290262 PMCID: PMC9598124 DOI: 10.3390/ani12202874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal microbiota play an important role in the survival of the host. However, no study to date has elucidated the adjustment of intestinal microbiota of the host during rewilding. Thus, this study aims to describe the intestinal bacterial community of reintroduced Przewalski’s horse (RPH) after being released into their original habitat for approximately 20 years in comparison with that of captive Przewalski’s horse (CPH), sympatric domestic horse (DH) and Mongolian wild ass (MWA) by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. The results showed that the prevalent bacterial communities were different among CPHs, RPHs, DHs and MWAs at the family level. NMDS and ANOSIM analysis showed that the pattern of bacterial community composition in captive equines was distinct from that in the wild groups. It is shown that some bacteria had significant differences among different taxa (p < 0.001), such as Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Armatimonadetes, Clostrida, Bacteroidia, Clostridiales, Bacteroidales, Rikenellaceae and Bacteroidales_UCG-001. These bacteria were associated with the transition from in captive to in the wild (CPH and RPH), which reflected the change of environmental conditions. Meanwhile, Proteobacteria, Clostridia, Bacilli, Negativicutes, Gammaproteobacteria, Clostridiales, Bacillales, Selenomonadales, Pseudomonadales and Planococcaceae were the changed groups among RPHs, MWAs and DHs, which are related to feeding habits and diseases. Our results clearly showed the differences between intestinal microbiota in reintroduced animals and wild animals and led us to understand the survival state of reintroduced animals in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dini Hu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Qinghua East Road No.35, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Xinjiang Kalamaili Ungulate Nature Reserve Management Center, Changji 831100, China
| | - Make Ente
- Xinjiang Research Centre for Breeding Przewalski’s Horse, Urumqi 831700, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Qinghua East Road No.35, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Qinghua East Road No.35, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xuefeng Li
- Xinjiang Research Centre for Breeding Przewalski’s Horse, Urumqi 831700, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Qinghua East Road No.35, Beijing 100083, China
- Correspondence: (K.L.); (H.C.)
| | - Hongjun Chu
- Institute of Forest Ecology, Xinjiang Academy of Forestry, Urumqi 830063, China
- Correspondence: (K.L.); (H.C.)
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Xu W, Li X, Wang Q, Zhang C, Yang M, Zhou T, Li K, Zhang D. Insights into the Antennal Characteristics and Olfactory Strategy of the Endangered Rhino Stomach Bot Fly Gyrostigma rhinocerontis (Diptera: Oestridae). INSECTS 2022; 13:889. [PMID: 36292837 PMCID: PMC9604252 DOI: 10.3390/insects13100889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Gyrostigma rhinocerontis (Diptera: Oestridae) is a rare obligate intestinal parasite of both white and black rhinoceroses, which can induce severe myiasis, cause secondary infection, and lead to enormous economic and scientific loss. Antennae are the main sensory organs of G. rhinocerontis, which may have evolved a series of specialized adaptive structures to facilitate the exploitation of their hosts. Here, we thoroughly examine the antennae of G. rhinocerontis via light and scanning electron microscopy. Only microtrichia and chaetic sensilla were observed on the scape and pedicel, and the latter is enlarged, half-enveloping the postpedicel. Four types of sensilla (trichoid sensilla, basiconic sensilla, coeloconic sensilla, and clavate sensilla) and sensory pits are detected on the postpedicel. A set of coeloconic sensilla and a chaetic sensillum are located on the arista. Distribution, type, size, and ultrastructure of antennal sensilla are presented. The antennae of G. rhinocerontis are the largest among Oestridae species, with the most sensilla and the most sensory pits. These antennal characteristics could be correlated to their adaptation for more sensitive and accurate olfactory organs, used to locate their rare and endangered hosts. Accordingly, this morphological evidence supports that the host is an important driving factor in the diversity of antennal morphology in the bot flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentian Xu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Qinghua East Road 35, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Qinghua East Road 35, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qike Wang
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Chenglin Zhang
- Beijing Zoo, Beijing 100044, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Captive Wildlife Technologies, Beijing Zoo, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Minghai Yang
- Beijing Zoo, Beijing 100044, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Captive Wildlife Technologies, Beijing Zoo, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Tongshan Zhou
- Yantai City Garden Construction and Maintenance Center, Yantai 264000, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Qinghua East Road 35, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Qinghua East Road 35, Beijing 100083, China
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Zhang K, Zhou R, Huang H, Ma W, Qi Y, Li B, Zhang D, Li K, Chu H. Host feces, olfactory beacon guiding aggregation of intestinal parasites Gasterophilus pecorum (Diptera: Gasterophilidae). Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2601-2613. [PMID: 35788769 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07577-6] [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: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify the aggregation sites and transmission characteristics of Gasterophilus pecorum, the dominant pathogen of endangered equines in desert steppe. Therefore, we tested with a four-arm olfactometer the olfactory response of the G. pecorum adults to the odors that have a great impact on their life cycle, and also investigated the occurrence sites of the adults in the area where the Przewalski's horse (Equus przewalskii) roam frequently during the peak period of G. pecorum infection. The results of four-directional olfactory test showed that the fresh horse feces had a stronger attraction rate on both male (50.4%) and female flies (38.2%). Stipa caucasica, the only oviposition plant where G. pecorum lay eggs, had a better attraction effect on females than that on males. And the attraction rates of S. caucasica to G. pecorum females in the early growth stage (Stipa I) and mid-growth stage (Stipa II) were 32.8% and 36.8%, respectively. In addition, the two-directional olfactory test showed that the attraction rate of males to fresh horse feces (68.90%) was higher than that to Stipa II (31.10%), and females also showed similar olfactory responses. Moreover, in our field investigation, 68.29% of G. pecorum adults were collected from around the horse feces. The results of laboratory test and field investigation implied that the location mechanism of G. pecorum aggregation for mating is related to the orientation of horse feces. The horse feces and the vicinity are the key contamination areas of G. pecorum, and it is also the areas where horses are seriously infected with G. pecorum. Those fresh feces, which gather abundant information about the host, naturally had the greatest chance of contacting with the host; G. pecorum adults create the opportunity to enter directly into the host's mouth and infect the host by laying eggs on S. caucasica, which is the most favorite plant of the host in this area. These characteristics are one of the main reasons why G. pecorum has become the dominant species under the condition of sparse vegetation in desert steppe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Science, Xining, 810001, China
| | - Ran Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Heqing Huang
- Chongqing Academy of Environmental Science, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Wei Ma
- Mt. Kalamaili Ungulate Nature Reserve, Changji, Xinjiang, 831100, China
| | - Yingjie Qi
- Mt. Kalamaili Ungulate Nature Reserve, Changji, Xinjiang, 831100, China
| | - Boling Li
- China National Environment Monitoring Center, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Kai Li
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Hongjun Chu
- Institute of Forest Ecology, Xinjiang Academy of Forestry, Urumqi, 830063, China.
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Hu D, Yang J, Qi Y, Li B, Li K, Mok KM. Metagenomic Analysis of Fecal Archaea, Bacteria, Eukaryota, and Virus in Przewalski's Horses Following Anthelmintic Treatment. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:708512. [PMID: 34490397 PMCID: PMC8416479 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.708512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal microbiota is involved in immune response and metabolism of the host. The frequent use of anthelmintic compounds for parasite expulsion causes disturbance to the equine intestinal microbiota. However, most studies were on the effects of such treatment on the intestinal bacterial microbes; none is on the entire microbial community including archaea and eukaryotic and viral community in equine animals. This study is the first to explore the differences of the microbial community composition and structure in Przewalski's horses prior to and following anthelmintic treatment, and to determine the corresponding changes of their functional attributes based on metagenomic sequencing. Results showed that in archaea, the methanogen of Euryarchaeota was the dominant phylum. Under this phylum, anthelmintic treatment increased the Methanobrevibacter genus and decreased the Methanocorpusculum genus and two other dominant archaea species, Methanocorpusculum labreanum and Methanocorpusculum bavaricum. In bacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla. Anthelmintic treatment increased the genera of Clostridium and Eubacterium and decreased those of Bacteroides and Prevotella and dominant bacteria species. These altered genera were associated with immunity and digestion. In eukaryota, anthelmintic treatment also changed the genera related to digestion and substantially decreased the relative abundances of identified species. In virus, anthelmintic treatment increased the genus of unclassified_d__Viruses and decreased those of unclassified_f__Siphoviridae and unclassified_f__Myoviridae. Most of the identified viral species were classified into phage, which were more sensitive to anthelmintic treatment than other viruses. Furthermore, anthelmintic treatment was found to increase the number of pathogens related to some clinical diseases in horses. The COG and KEGG function analysis showed that the intestinal microbiota of Przewalski's horse mainly participated in the carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. The anthelmintic treatment did not change their overall function; however, it displaced the population of the functional microbes involved in each function or pathway. These results provide a complete view on the changes caused by anthelmintic treatment in the intestinal microbiota of the Przewalski's horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dini Hu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianming Yang
- Xinjiang Research Centre for Breeding Przewalski's Horse, Urumqi, China
| | - Yingjie Qi
- Xinjiang Kalamaili Ungulate Nature Reserve Management Center, Changji, China
| | - Boling Li
- China National Environment Monitoring Centre, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Meng Mok
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Macau, Macao, China
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Huang H, Zhang K, Shao C, Wang C, Ente M, Wang Z, Zhang D, Li K. Spatial distribution of Gasterophilus pecorum (Diptera) eggs in the desert steppe of the Kalamaili Nature Reserve (Xinjiang, China). BMC Ecol Evol 2021; 21:169. [PMID: 34488639 PMCID: PMC8422714 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-021-01897-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The dominant Gasterophilus species in the desert steppe (Xinjiang, China) Gasterophilus pecorum poses a serious threat to the reintroduced Przewalski’s horses. We investigated the distribution pattern of G. pecorum eggs in June 2017. Methods Two sampling methods, transect and grid, were used, and the results were analyzed via geostatistics by semivariance. The nest quadrat was used to determine the optimal quadrat size. Results Eggs were found in 99 quadrats (63.1%) and 187 clusters (1.5%) of Stipa caucasica on the steppe. The mean oviposition count of a cluster was 3.8 ± 1.6. Three-eggs is the mode of which females oviposit on each ovigerous S. caucasica (22.0%). Semivariogram analysis revealed that the distance of spatial dependence for eggs was 921 m, 1233 m and 1097 m for transect 1, transect 2 and grid methods, respectively, while spatial continuity was 62%, 77% and 57.0% for transect 1, transect 2 and grid, respectively. The eggs showed a patchy, aggregated distribution pattern. This suggested the spherical model is most applicable. The proportion of ovigerous S. caucasica was significantly correlated with the distance from water resources (r = − 0.382, p = 0). Conclusion Our findings indicated that diversification of G. pecorum oviposition was a new adaptative strategy for its survival in the desert steppe ecological niche. This made it more efficient at infecting hosts in the local environment. Areas surrounding water resources, especially around the drinking paths of equids (500 m radius surrounding the water), were concentrated epidemic areas. It is suggested that more attention to be paid to the ecological characteristics of G. pecorum in order to develop control measures that would reduce the infection risk for Przewalski’s horses. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12862-021-01897-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heqing Huang
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China.,Chongqing Academy of Environmental Science, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Changliang Shao
- Mt. Kalamaili Ungulate Nature Reserve, Changji, 381100, Xinjiang, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Mt. Kalamaili Ungulate Nature Reserve, Changji, 381100, Xinjiang, China
| | - Make Ente
- Xinjiang Research Centre for Breeding Przewalski's Horse, Ürümqi, 831700, Xinjiang, China
| | - Zhenbiao Wang
- Xinjiang Research Centre for Breeding Przewalski's Horse, Ürümqi, 831700, Xinjiang, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Kai Li
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China.
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Analysis of volatiles from feces of released Przewalski's horse (Equus przewalskii) in Gasterophilus pecorum (Diptera: Gasterophilidae) spawning habitat. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15671. [PMID: 34341455 PMCID: PMC8329074 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95162-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The absolute dominant species that infests wild population of Przewalski’s horse (Equus przewalskii) is Gasterophilus pecorum, and feces of released Przewalski’s horse, a habitat odor, plays an important role in mating and ovipositing locations of G. pecorum. To screen out unique volatiles for attracting G. pecorum, volatiles from fresh feces of released horses at stages of pre-oviposition (PREO), oviposition (OVIP), and post-oviposition (POSO) of G. pecorum, and feces with three different freshness states (i.e., Fresh, Semi-fresh, and Dry) at OVIP were collected by dynamic headspace adsorption and determined by automatic thermal desorption GC–MS. Results show that there were significant differences in fecal volatiles within both test conditions. Of the five most abundant volatiles from the five individual samples, the most important volatile was ammonium acetate at OVIP/Fresh, followed by acetophenone (Semi-fresh), toluene (PREO, OVIP and POSO), butanoic acid (OVIP and Semi-fresh), acetic acid (PREO, POSO and Semi-fresh), 1,6-octadiene,3,7-dimethyl-,(S)- (PREO, OVIP and POSO), 1,5,9-undecatriene,2,6,10-trimethyl-,(Z)- (PREO and Semi-fresh) and caprolactam (all conditions), which seem to be critical substances in oviposition process of G. pecorum. The findings may be beneficial to development of G. pecorum attractants, facilitating prevention and control of infection by G. pecorum to released Przewalski’s horse.
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11
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Huang H, Zhang K, Zhang B, Liu S, Chu H, Qi Y, Zhang D, Li K. Analysis on the relationship between winter precipitation and the annual variation of horse stomach fly community in arid desert steppe, Northwest China (2007-2019). Integr Zool 2021; 17:128-138. [PMID: 34254452 PMCID: PMC9291967 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Gasterophilus spp. have been found to be widespread in reintroduced Przewalski's horses in the Kalamaili Nature Reserve (Northwest China). However, data on the annual variation in Gasterophilus infections are lacking. To analyze the epidemiological features and determine the cause of the annual variation in Gasterophilus infections, we treated 110 Przewalski's horses with ivermectin and collected Gasterophilus larvae from fecal samples each winter from 2007 to 2019. All 110 Przewalski's horses studied were found to be infected by Gasterophilus spp., and a total of 141 379 larvae were collected. Six species of Gasterophilus were identified with the following prevalence: G. pecorum (100%), G. nasalis (96.36%), G. nigricornis (94.55%), G. haemorrhoidalis (56.36%), G. intestinalis (59.09%), and G. inermis (3.64%). The mean infection intensity of Gasterophilus spp. larvae in Przewalski's horses was 1285 ± 653. G. pecorum (92.96% ± 6.71%) was the most abundant species. The intensity of Gasterophilus spp. (r = –0.561, P < 0.046) was significantly correlated with winter precipitation. Our findings confirmed that, in the Kalamaili Nature Reserve, gasterophilosis is a severe parasitic disease in Przewalski's horses. Winter precipitation at the beginning of the year can indirectly affect the intensity and composition of Gasterophilus spp. in Przewalski's horses at the end of the year. Therefore, the water‐related ecological regulation should be carried out to help reduce the parasite infection of Przewalski's horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heqing Huang
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.,Chongqing Academy of Environmental Science, Chongqing, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Boru Zhang
- Qinhuangdao Forestry Bureau, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Shanhui Liu
- Office of Educational Administration, Beijing Language and Culture University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongjun Chu
- Institute of Forest Ecology, Xinjiang Academy of Forestry, Urumqi, China
| | - Yingjie Qi
- Mt. Kalamaili Ungulate Nature Reserve, Changji, Xinjiang, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Li
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
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12
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Hu D, Chao Y, Zhang B, Wang C, Qi Y, Ente M, Zhang D, Li K, Mok KM. Effects of Gasterophilus pecorum infestation on the intestinal microbiota of the rewilded Przewalski's horses in China. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251512. [PMID: 33974667 PMCID: PMC8112688 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Horse botflies have been a threat to the Przewalski’s horses in the Kalamaili Nature Reserve in Xinjiang of China since their reintroduction to the original range. As larvae of these parasites could infest the intestine of a horse for months, they could interact with and alter the structure and composition of its intestinal microbiota, affecting adversely its health. Nonetheless, there are no such studies on the rewilded Przewalski’s horses yet. For the first time, this study characterizes the composition of the intestinal microbiota of 7 rewilded Przewalski’s horses infected severely by Gasterophilus pecorum following and prior to their anthelmintic treatment. Bioinformatics analyses of the sequence data obtained by amplicon high throughput sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes showed that G. pecorum infestation significantly increased the richness of the intestinal microbial community but not its diversity. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were found the dominant phyla as in other animals, and the parasitic infestation decreased the F/B ratio largely by over 50%. Large reduction in relative abundances of the two genera Streptococcus and Lactobacillus observed with G. pecorum infestation suggested possible changes in colic and digestion related conditions of the infected horses. Variations on the relative abundance of the genus groups known to be pathogenic or symbiotic showed that adverse impact of the G. pecorum infestation could be associated with reduction of the symbiotic genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium that are probiotics and able to promote immunity against parasitic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dini Hu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuzhu Chao
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Boru Zhang
- Qinhuangdao Forestry Bureau, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Altay Management Station of Mt. Kalamaili Ungulate Nature Reserve, Altay, China
| | - Yingjie Qi
- Altay Management Station of Mt. Kalamaili Ungulate Nature Reserve, Altay, China
| | - Make Ente
- Xinjiang Research Centre for Breeding Przewalski’s Horse, Urumqi, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (KL); (KMM)
| | - Kai Meng Mok
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Macau, Macao, China
- * E-mail: (KL); (KMM)
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13
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Zhang K, Huang H, Zhou R, Zhang B, Wang C, Ente M, Li B, Zhang D, Li K. The impact of temperature on the life cycle of Gasterophilus pecorum in northwest China. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:129. [PMID: 33648570 PMCID: PMC7923332 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04623-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The departure of the mature larvae of the horse stomach bot fly from the host indicates the beginning of a new infection period. Gasterophilus pecorum is the dominant bot fly species in the desert steppe of the Kalamaili Nature Reserve (KNR) of northwest China as a result of its particular biological characteristics. The population dynamics of G. pecorum were studied to elucidate the population development of this species in the arid desert steppe. Methods Larvae in the freshly excreted feces of tracked Przewalski’s horses (Equus przewalskii) were collected and recorded. The larval pupation experiments were carried out under natural conditions. Results There was a positive correlation between the survival rate and the number of larvae expelled (r = 0.630, p < 0.01); the correlation indicated that the species had characteristic peaks of occurrence. The main periods during which mature larvae were expelled in the feces were from early April to early May (peak I) and from mid-August to early September (peak II); the larval population curve showed a sudden increase and gradual decrease at both peaks. Under the higher temperatures of peak II, the adults developing from the larvae had a higher survival rate, higher pupation rate, higher emergence rate and shorter eclosion period than those developing from peak I larvae. Although G. pecorum has only one generation per year, its occurrence peaked twice annually, i.e. the studied population has a bimodal distribution, which doubles parasitic pressure on the local host. This phenomenon is very rarely recorded in studies on insect life history, and especially in those on parasite epidemiology. Conclusion The period during which G. pecorum larvae are naturally expelled from the host exceeds 7 months in KNR, which indicates that there is potentially a long period during which hosts can become infected with this parasite. The phenomenon of two annual peaks of larvae expelled in feces is important as it provides one explanation for the high rate of equine myiasis in KNR. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Heqing Huang
- Chongqing Academy of Environmental Science, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Ran Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Boru Zhang
- Qinhuangdao Forestry Bureau, Qinhuangdao, 066004, Hebei, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Mt. Kalamaili Ungulate Nature Reserve, Changji, 381100, Xinjiang, China
| | - Make Ente
- Xinjiang Research Centre for Breeding Przewalski's Horse, Urumqi, 831700, Xinjiang, China
| | - Boling Li
- China National Environment Monitoring Centre, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Kai Li
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China.
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14
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Abuowarda M, Amer M, Shamaa A, Shehab G, Abdallah A, Hassan M. A preliminary study of endoscopic diagnosis of gastric ulcer in Egyptian donkeys (Equus asinus) parasitised by Gasterophilus intestinalis (Diptera: Oestridae). BULGARIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.15547/bjvm.2320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is a communal broad problem in equines but in donkeys, the disease is a subclinical disorder which leads to economic losses. Gasterophilus intestinalis larvae are the most predominant parasitic infestation in donkeys. The present study was planned to facilitate the early and efficient diagnosis of gastric ulceration in donkeys through gastroscopic examination. The study was conducted on 120 adult Egyptian donkeys (Equus asinus) from both sexes after a one-month acclimatisation period. Gastroscopic examination was used to evaluate the presence of gastric lesions. In the majority of infested donkeys, G. intestinalis larvae were in the non-glandular part of the stomach. The prevalence of Gastrophilus larvae in animals reached 96.66%. The infestation percentage among jennets (97.5%) was slightly higher than that among jacks (96.25%). After morphological identification of the 3rd instar of larvae, all donkeys were found to be infested by G. intestinalis larvae. The histopathological examination of the affected stomach revealed severe necrosis of the gastric mucosa. Gastroscopic examination is the main diagnostic tool for examination of gastric lesions in the donkeys, so it is necessary as a routine diagnostic tool in donkeys’ examinations.
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15
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Hu D, Chao Y, Li Y, Peng X, Wang C, Wang Z, Zhang D, Li K. Effect of Gender Bias on Equine Fecal Microbiota. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 97:103355. [PMID: 33478764 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Many studies on human intestinal microbiota indicate that gender difference is one of the key factors influencing microbial community composition. To date, the degree of influence that gender has on equid intestinal microbiota has not been reported. Thus, microbiota was analyzed in feces of seven female Przewalski's horses (FRPHs) and seven male Przewalski's horses (MRPHs) in this study, determining which microbiota characteristics respond to gender biases. The microbial community composition and structure were explored by 16S rRNA sequencing, followed by diversity analysis and difference analysis. Female Przewalski's horses showed higher Shannon diversity than MRPHs, no difference in Simpson diversity, and displayed difference in beta diversity. Although gender had little effect on the overall microbiota, it significantly changed the dominant microbial community in each classification level. Male Przewalski's horses contained significantly higher amounts of microorganisms related with diseases, including spirochetes (phylum), deltaproteobacteria (class), fibrobacteria (class), spirochaetia (class), desulfovibrionales (order), fibrobacterales (order), spirochaetales (order), and spirochaetaceae (family). Female Przewalski's horses showed less than MRPHs in the top 10 genera. To our knowledge, this study is the first to document the gender-related intestinal microbiota profile in equines and discovered notable differences between the gender, which suggests that gender should be considered as a biological variable in future microbiota studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dini Hu
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuzhu Chao
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Youlin Li
- Central College, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Xiangqian Peng
- Xinjiang Kalamaili Mountain Ungulate Nature Reserve Management Center, Urumqi, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Xinjiang Kalamaili Mountain Ungulate Nature Reserve Management Center, Urumqi, China
| | - Zhenbiao Wang
- Xinjiang Research Center for Breeding Przewalski's Horse, Urumqi, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China.
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16
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Identification of volatile components from oviposition and non-oviposition plants of Gasterophilus pecorum (Diptera: Gasterophilidae). Sci Rep 2020; 10:15731. [PMID: 32978441 PMCID: PMC7519042 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72378-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oviposition by Gasterophilus pecorum on shoot tips of Stipa caucasica is a key determinant of its severe infection of the reintroduced Przewalski’s horse (Equus przewalskii). Volatiles in shoots of grasses on which Przewalski’s horse feeds, including S. caucasica at preoviposition, oviposition, and postoviposition stages of G. pecorum, S. caucasica, Stipa orientalis, and Ceratoides latens at the oviposition stage, and S. caucasica in various growth periods, were collected by dynamic headspace adsorption and analyzed by automatic thermal desorption gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Among five volatiles with highest relative contents under three sets of conditions, caprolactam and 3-hexen-1-ol,(Z)- were common to all samples. Caprolactam was highest in C. latens at oviposition stage of G. pecorum and lowest in S. caucasica at postoviposition stage, and that of 3-hexen-1-ol,(Z)- was lowest in C. latens and highest in S. caucasica at its oviposition stage. Particularly, in S. caucasica during the three oviposition phenological stages of G. pecorum, 3-hexen-1-ol,acetate,(Z)-, 2(5H)-furanone,5-ethyl-, and 3-hexen-1-ol,acetate,(E)- were unique, respectively, to the preoviposition, oviposition, and postoviposition stages; in three plant species during the oviposition stage of G. pecorum, 3-hexen-1-ol,acetate,(Z)-, 3-hexenal, and 1-hexanol were unique to S. orientalis, acetic acid, hexanal, and 2(5H)-furanone,5-ethyl- to S. caucasica, and 1,3,6-octatriene,3,7-dimethyl-, cis-3-hexenyl isovalerate, and acetic acid hexyl ester to C. latens; in S. caucasica, 2-undecanone,6,10-dimethyl- was unique to the early growth period, acetic acid and 2(5H)-furanone,5-ethyl- to the flourishing growth period, and 3-hexen-1-ol,acetate,(Z)- and 1,3,6-octatriene,3,7-dimethyl- to the late growth period. Furthermore, substances specific to S. orientalis and C. latens were also present in S. caucasica, except at oviposition stage. Our findings will facilitate studies on G. pecorum’s adaptation to the arid desert steppe and its future control.
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Li XY, Pape T, Zhang D. Taxonomic review of Gasterophilus (Oestridae, Gasterophilinae) of the world, with updated nomenclature, keys, biological notes, and distributions. Zookeys 2019; 891:119-156. [PMID: 31802974 PMCID: PMC6882926 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.891.38560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A taxonomic review of Gasterophilus is presented, with nine valid species, 51 synonyms and misspellings for the genus and the species, updated diagnoses, worldwide distributions, and a summary of biological information for all species. Identification keys for adults and eggs are elaborated, based on a series of new diagnostic features and supported by high resolution photographs for adults. The genus is shown to have its highest species richness in China and South Africa, with seven species recorded, followed by Mongolia, Senegal, and Ukraine, with six species recorded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yu Li
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Qinghua east road 35, Beijing 10083, ChinaBeijing Forestry UniversityBeijingChina
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, Copenhagen, DenmarkUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Thomas Pape
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, Copenhagen, DenmarkUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Dong Zhang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Qinghua east road 35, Beijing 10083, ChinaBeijing Forestry UniversityBeijingChina
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Li XY, Pape T, Zhang D. Gasterophilus flavipes (Oestridae: Gasterophilinae): A horse stomach bot fly brought back from oblivion with morphological and molecular evidence. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0220820. [PMID: 31404100 PMCID: PMC6690546 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Species of Gasterophilus Leach are obligate parasites in domestic and wild equids and responsible for cosmopolitan gasterophilosis. Although with only eight species known so far, they have received considerable attention because of their significant veterinary and economic importance. Surprisingly, we found that G. flavipes (Olivier) is a valid species based on morphological characters from male, female and the egg, after spending half a century as a synonym of G. haemorrhoidalis (Linnaeus). In the present study, G. flavipes, G. haemorrhoidalis and G. inermis (Brauer), which are the three closely related species possessing a remarkable mixture of shared morphological characters, are diagnosed and comparatively redescribed; the key to separate adults and eggs are provided, together with a series of high-resolution photographs from all the body parts. COI barcodes do not allow for a separation of G. flavipes, G. haemorrhoidalis and G. inermis, but showed a closer relationship between G. flavipes and G. haemorrhoidalis than the other two combinations, which is consistent with the morphological evidence. Geographically, G. flavipes seems to be common and widespread in the warmer parts of the Palaearctic region. Thus, the epidemiology of gasterophilosis where G. flavipes is known or supposed to occur calls for a more careful veterinarian re-assessment. A decline in the populations of Gasterophilus spp. has been noticed in Europe, but all seven Palaearctic species of Gasterophilus appear to maintain stable populations in Xinjiang (China), which may be explained by a higher biodiversity of equids and less use of anti-parasitic treatments in Xinjiang than in Europe. Our study shows that morphological characters still provide the solid backbone in classification of Gasterophilus at species-level, and updated diagnoses and a key is provided to distinguish G. flavipes, G. haemorrhoidalis and G. inermis, and to facilitate studies of epidemiology, phylogeny and host-parasite co-evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-yu Li
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Pape
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Non-Invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
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Yan L, Zhang M, Tang L, Ente M, Ma X, Chu H, Li K, Hu D, Zhang D. First reports of nasal and traumatic myiasis infection in endangered Przewalski's horses ( Equus ferus przewalskii). Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2019; 9:21-24. [PMID: 30976513 PMCID: PMC6441744 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Myiasis has great economic and medical importance. However, myiasis in wildlife that is caused by oestroid flies is relatively rarely recorded compared with that in humans and domestic animals. Recently, during our research on the conservation of Przewalski's horse (PH), we observed two new records of oestroid flies parasitizing wildlife in China. The first is the horse nasal bot fly, Rhinoestrus sp. (Diptera: Oestridae), found in a dead PH from Kalamaili Nature Reserve. One morphotype (R. purpureus-like) was identified. The second is the Wohlfahrt's wound myiasis fly, Wohlfahrtia magnifica (Schiner, 1862) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), which was collected from an open wound of a PH in the Wild Horse Breeding Research Centre. These observations extend the records of known hosts of these two oestroid myiasis agents. To the knowledge of the authors, infestation by Rhinoestrus and Wohlfahrtia larvae causing myiasis in wildlife has not been reported in China previously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Yan
- School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Liping Tang
- School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Make Ente
- Xinjiang Research Centre for Breeding Przewalski's Horse, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xinping Ma
- Xinjiang Research Centre for Breeding Przewalski's Horse, Xinjiang, China
| | - Hongjun Chu
- Wildlife Conservation Office of Altay Prefecture, Altay, Xinjiang, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Defu Hu
- School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
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Attia MM, Khalifa MM, Mahdy OA. The prevalence of Gasterophilus intestinalis (Diptera: Oestridae) in donkeys ( Equus asinus) in Egypt with special reference to larvicidal effects of neem seed oil extract ( Azadirachta indica) on third stage larvae. Open Vet J 2018; 8:423-431. [PMID: 30538934 PMCID: PMC6243205 DOI: 10.4314/ovj.v8i4.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Gasterophiline larvae are of veterinary and medical importance caused specific equine intestinal myiasis. Gasterophilus intestinalis (Botfly larvae) had a wide geographical distribution. The present study explores the prevalence rate of G. intestinalis 3rd stage larvae in Egypt from January- December 2017; besides, in vitro trials to control of this larvae and evaluation of this trial using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and histopathology of treated larvae. In the present study, the 3rd larval stage of G. intestinalis was found in clusters in the epithelium of the investigated stomach and infested with prevalence rate 97.2%. The highest collected numbers of larvae were found in two months; March and August (570 & 520 larvae) and lowest numbers (200 larvae) were collected in October, November, and December. The calculated LC50 and LC90 values of neem seed extract were 707.9 ppm and 1090.7 ppm. The different alteration was recorded after exposure to oil extract which showed some destruction on cuticle surface as folded and corrugated cuticle, destruction of maxillae with pits on its surface, disfigure and irregularity of cephalic spines. Histopathology of exposed G. intestinalis larvae showed different changes as thinning of cuticle at the different level (exocuticle, endocuticle, cell layers), degeneration of epithelial cells of the gut and different degree of necrosis was described. Life cycle of G.intestinalis was followed up after treatment with neem seed extract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa M Attia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, P.O. Box 12211, Egypt
| | - Marwa M Khalifa
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, P.O. Box 12211, Egypt
| | - Olfat A Mahdy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, P.O. Box 12211, Egypt
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Li XY, Chen YO, Wang QK, Li K, Pape T, Zhang D. Molecular and morphological characterization of third instar Palaearctic horse stomach bot fly larvae (Oestridae: Gasterophilinae, Gasterophilus). Vet Parasitol 2018; 262:56-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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