1
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Regimbal NL, Baines CB. Cannibalism facilitated by parasite infection induces dispersal in a semi-aquatic insect. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230134. [PMID: 38913057 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Parasites are known to have direct effects on host dispersal ability and motivation. Yet, parasites have a variety of impacts on host populations, including shaping predation and cannibalism rates, and therefore may also have indirect effects on host dispersal; these indirect pathways have not been studied. We tested the hypothesis that parasites influence host dispersal through effects on cannibalism using backswimmers (Notonecta undulata) and Hydrachnidia freshwater mites. Mite parasitism impedes swimming in backswimmers, which we found increased their vulnerability to cannibalism. We imposed a manipulation that varied cannibalism rates across experimental populations consisting of a mix of backswimmers with and without simulated parasites. Using simulated parasites allowed us to examine the effects of cannibalism without introducing infection risk. We found that the odds of dispersal for infected backswimmers increased by 2.25× with every 10% increase in the risk of being cannibalized, and the odds of dispersal for healthy backswimmers increased by 2.34× for every additional infected backswimmer they consumed. Our results suggest that cannibalism was used as an energy source for dispersal for healthy individuals, while the risk of being eaten motivated dispersal in infected individuals. These results elucidate the complex ways that parasites impact host populations and strengthen our understanding of host-parasite interactions, including host and parasite population stability and spread. This article is part of the theme issue 'Diversity-dependence of dispersal: interspecific interactions determine spatial dynamics'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole L Regimbal
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks Street , Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B2, Canada
| | - Celina B Baines
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks Street , Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B2, Canada
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2
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Veloso-Frías J, Soto-Gamboa M, Mastromonaco G, Acosta-Jamett G. Seasonal Hair Glucocorticoid Fluctuations in Wild Mice ( Phyllotis darwini) within a Semi-Arid Landscape in North-Central Chile. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1260. [PMID: 38731264 PMCID: PMC11083726 DOI: 10.3390/ani14091260] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammals in drylands face environmental challenges exacerbated by climate change. Currently, human activity significantly impacts these environments, and its effects on the energy demands experienced by individuals have not yet been determined. Energy demand in organisms is managed through elevations in glucocorticoid levels, which also vary with developmental and health states. Here, we assessed how anthropization, individual characteristics, and seasonality influence hair glucocorticoid concentration in the Darwin's leaf-eared mouse (Phyllotis darwini) inhabiting two areas with contrasting anthropogenic intervention in a semi-arid ecosystem of northern Chile. Hair samples were collected (n = 199) to quantify hair corticosterone concentration (HCC) using enzyme immunoassays; additionally, sex, body condition, and ectoparasite load were recorded. There were no differences in HCC between anthropized areas and areas protected from human disturbance; however, higher concentrations were recorded in females, and seasonal fluctuations were experienced by males. The results indicate that animals inhabiting semi-arid ecosystems are differentially stressed depending on their sex. Additionally, sex and season have a greater impact on corticosterone concentration than anthropogenic perturbation, possibly including temporal factors, precipitation, and primary production. The influence of sex and seasonality on HCC in P. darwini make it necessary to include these variables in future stress assessments of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseline Veloso-Frías
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Austral University of Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile;
| | - Mauricio Soto-Gamboa
- Institute of Environmental and Evolutionary Sciences, Austral University of Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile;
| | | | - Gerardo Acosta-Jamett
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Austral University of Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile;
- Center for Surveillance and Evolution of Infectious Diseases (CSEID), Austral University of Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
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3
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Blubaugh CK, Jones CR, Josefson C, Scoles GA, Snyder WE, Owen JP. Omnivore diet composition alters parasite resistance and host condition. J Anim Ecol 2023; 92:2175-2188. [PMID: 37732627 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.14004] [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: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Diet composition modulates animals' ability to resist parasites and recover from stress. Broader diet breadths enable omnivores to mount dynamic responses to parasite attack, but little is known about how plant/prey mixing might influence responses to infection. Using omnivorous deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) as a model, we examine how varying plant and prey concentrations in blended diets influence resistance and body condition following infestation by Rocky Mountain wood ticks (Dermacentor andersoni). In two repeated experiments, deer mice fed for 4 weeks on controlled diets that varied in proportions of seeds and insects were then challenged with 50 tick larvae in two sequential infestations. The numbers of ticks successfully feeding on mice declined by 25% and 66% after the first infestation (in the first and second experiments, respectively), reflecting a pattern of acquired resistance, and resistance was strongest when plant/prey ratios were more equally balanced in mouse diets, relative to seed-dominated diets. Diet also dramatically impacted the capacity of mice to cope with tick infestations. Mice fed insect-rich diets lost 15% of their body weight when parasitized by ticks, while mice fed seed-rich diets lost no weight at all. While mounting/maintaining an immune response may be energetically demanding, mice may compensate for parasitism with fat and carbohydrate-rich diets. Altogether, these results suggest that a diverse nutritional landscape may be key in enabling omnivores' resistance and resilience to infection and immune stressors in their environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen K Blubaugh
- Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Cami R Jones
- Department of Entomology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | - Chloe Josefson
- Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
| | - Glen A Scoles
- Invasive Insect Biocontrol & Behavior Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - William E Snyder
- Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Jeb P Owen
- Department of Entomology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
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4
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Conrad H, Pollock NB, John‐Alder H. Chigger mite ( Eutrombicula alfreddugesi) ectoparasitism does not contribute to sex differences in growth rate in eastern fence lizards ( Sceloporus undulatus). Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10590. [PMID: 37829181 PMCID: PMC10565727 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10590] [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: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasitism is nearly ubiquitous in animals and is frequently associated with fitness costs in host organisms, including reduced growth, foraging, and reproduction. In many species, males tend to be more heavily parasitized than females and thus may bear greater costs of parasitism. Sceloporus undulatus is a female-larger, sexually size dimorphic lizard species that is heavily parasitized by chigger mites (Eutrombicula alfreddugesi). In particular, the intensity of mite parasitism is higher in male than in female juveniles during the period of time when sex differences in growth rate lead to the development of sexual size dimorphism (SSD). Sex-biased differences in fitness costs of parasitism have been documented in other species. We investigated whether there are growth costs of mite ectoparasitism, at a time coinciding with sex differences in growth rate and the onset of SSD. If there are sex-biased growth costs of parasitism, then this could suggest a contribution to the development of SSD in S. undulatus. We measured growth and mite loads in two cohorts of unmanipulated, field-active yearlings by conducting descriptive mark-recapture studies during the activity seasons of 2016 and 2019. Yearling males had consistently higher mid-summer mite loads and consistently lower growth rates than females. However, we found that growth rate and body condition were independent of mite load in both sexes. Furthermore, growth rates and mite loads were higher in 2019 than in 2016. Our findings suggest that juveniles of S. undulatus are highly tolerant of chigger mites and that any costs imposed by mites may be at the expense of functions other than growth. We conclude that sex-biased mite ectoparasitism does not contribute to sex differences in growth rate and, therefore, does not contribute to the development of SSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailey Conrad
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural ResourcesRutgers UniversityNew BrunswickNew JerseyUSA
- Present address:
Department of Biological SciencesVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburgVirginiaUSA
| | - Nicholas B. Pollock
- Graduate Program in Ecology and EvolutionRutgers UniversityNew BrunswickNew JerseyUSA
- Present address:
Department of BiologyUniversity of Texas at ArlingtonArlingtonTexasUSA
| | - Henry John‐Alder
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural ResourcesRutgers UniversityNew BrunswickNew JerseyUSA
- Rutgers Pinelands Field StationRutgers UniversityNew LisbonNew JerseyUSA
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5
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Born-Torrijos A, Riekenberg P, van der Meer MTJ, Nachev M, Sures B, Thieltges DW. Parasite effects on host's trophic and isotopic niches. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:749-759. [PMID: 37451950 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.06.003] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Wild animals are usually infected with parasites that can alter their hosts' trophic niches in food webs as can be seen from stable isotope analyses of infected versus uninfected individuals. The mechanisms influencing these effects of parasites on host isotopic values are not fully understood. Here, we develop a conceptual model to describe how the alteration of the resource intake or the internal resource use of hosts by parasites can lead to differences of trophic and isotopic niches of infected versus uninfected individuals and ultimately alter resource flows through food webs. We therefore highlight that stable isotope studies inferring trophic positions of wild organisms in food webs would benefit from routine identification of their infection status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Born-Torrijos
- Department of Coastal Systems, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, PO Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, Texel, The Netherlands.
| | - Philip Riekenberg
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, PO Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, Texel, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel T J van der Meer
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, PO Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, Texel, The Netherlands
| | - Milen Nachev
- Department of Aquatic Ecology and Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr. 5, 45141 Essen, Germany
| | - Bernd Sures
- Department of Aquatic Ecology and Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr. 5, 45141 Essen, Germany; Research Center One Health Ruhr, Research Alliance Ruhr, University Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr. 5, 45141 Essen, Germany
| | - David W Thieltges
- Department of Coastal Systems, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, PO Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, Texel, The Netherlands; Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life-Sciences, GELIFES, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
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6
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Harbison CW, Breen MK, Hutchins CEC, Roberto DP. PHEROMONE COMMUNICATION IN FEATHER-FEEDING WING LICE (INSECTA: PHTHIRAPTERA). J Parasitol 2023; 109:333-339. [PMID: 37527274 PMCID: PMC10658871 DOI: 10.1645/23-29] [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] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Pheromone communication is central to the life history of insect parasites. Determining how pheromones affect parasite behavior can provide insights into host-parasite interactions and suggest novel avenues for parasite control. Lice infest thousands of bird and mammal species and feed on the host's feathers or blood. Despite the pervasiveness of lice in wild populations and the costs they exact on livestock and poultry industries, little is known about pheromone communication in this diverse group. Here, we test for pheromone communication in the wing lice (Columbicola columbae) of Rock Doves (Columba livia). Wing lice spend the majority of their lives on bird flight feathers where they hide from host preening by inserting their bodies between coarse feather barbs. To feed, wing lice must migrate to bird body regions where they consume the insulating barbs of contour feathers. We first show that wing lice readily form aggregations on flight feathers. Next, using a Y-tube olfactometer, we demonstrate that wing lice use pheromone communication to move toward groups of nearby conspecifics. This pheromone is likely an aggregation pheromone, as wing lice only produce the pheromone when placed on flight feathers. Finally, we found that when forced to choose between groups of male and female lice, male lice move toward male groups and females toward female groups, suggesting the use of multiple pheromones. Ongoing work aims to determine the chemical identity and function of these pheromones.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melissa K. Breen
- Biology Department, Siena College, 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, New York 12211
| | | | - Domenic P. Roberto
- Biology Department, Siena College, 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, New York 12211
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7
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Perles L, Bassini-Silva R, Jacinavicius FC, Barreto WTG, de Macedo GC, Martins FS, Herrera HM, Machado RZ, Barros-Battesti DM, André MR. Contribution to the knowledge of Neotrichodectes (Nasuicola) pallidus (Piaget, 1880) (Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae). Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 41:100877. [PMID: 37208084 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100877] [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: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The species in the genus Neotrichodectes (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) infest carnivores. Neotrichodectes (Nasuicola) pallidus (Piaget, 1880), which has been primarily found parasitizing Procyonidae mammals, has been recorded in ring-tailed coatis (Nasua nasua) in the Brazilian states of Minas Gerais, Pernambuco, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul and Pernambuco. We report a new record of N. pallidus in coatis in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, central-western Brazil, using morphological (Light and Scanning Electronic Microscopy) and molecular approaches (PCR, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis). Coatis were sampled in two peri-urban areas of Campo Grande city, Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil, between March 2018 and March 2019, as well as in November 2021. Lice were collected and examined under light and Scanning Electron Microscopy. DNA was also extracted from nymphs and adults and submitted to PCR assays based on the 18S rRNA and cox-1 genes for molecular characterization. One hundred and one coatis were sampled from 2018 to 2019 and 20 coatis in 2021 [when the intensity of infestation (II) was not accessed]. Twenty-six coatis (26/101-25.7%) were infested with at least one louse, with a total of 59 lice collected in 2018-2019. The II ranged from one to seven lice (mean 2.2 ± SD 1.7). The louse species was confirmed based on the following morphological characteristics: female gonapophyses rounded with the setae along anterior region but not in the medial margin; the male genitalia with a parameral arch not extending beyond the endometrial plate. The same ornamentation was observed on the abdomen of the females, males, and nymphs. The nymphs and the eggs were described in detail for the first time. The obtained 18S rRNA and cox1 sequences from N. pallidus clustered in a clade with other sequences of Ischnocera species. In the present study, a new record of the louse N. pallidus in central-western Brazil was provided, along with new insights into the morphological features of this species, with the first morphology contribution of nymphal and eggs stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lívia Perles
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Bassini-Silva
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Wanessa Teixeira Gomes Barreto
- Post Graduation Program of Ecology and Conservation, Mato Grosso do Sul Federal University, Campo Grande 13471-410, MS, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Carvalho de Macedo
- Laboratory of Parasitic Biology, Environmental Sciences and Farming Sustainability, Dom Bosco Catholic University, Campo Grande 13471-410, MS, Brazil
| | - Filipe Santos Martins
- Laboratory of Parasitic Biology, Environmental Sciences and Farming Sustainability, Dom Bosco Catholic University, Campo Grande 13471-410, MS, Brazil
| | - Heitor Miraglia Herrera
- Laboratory of Parasitic Biology, Environmental Sciences and Farming Sustainability, Dom Bosco Catholic University, Campo Grande 13471-410, MS, Brazil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Darci Moraes Barros-Battesti
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil.
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8
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Chewing lice of Procellaria aequinoctialis Linnaeus, 1758 in Brazil with a new host record. Parasitol Int 2023; 93:102718. [PMID: 36470341 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2022.102718] [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: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The white-chinned petrel (Procellaria aequinoctialis) is a seabird widely distributed in the circumpolar sub-Antarctic islands and subtropical regions, including Brazilian waters. Among the parasites present on the white-chinned petrel are the chewing lice. This seabird is parasitized by 4 known lice species to date. In this study we evaluated the ectoparasites of 2 white-chinned petrels rescued by an animal rehabilitation center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and recorded 4 species of chewing lice, of which 3 are already known for this host. One of the species however, has never been recorded in Brazil and another one has never been recorded parasitizing P. aequinoctialis, making this a new host record.
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Bush SE, Clayton DH. DOES PREENING BEHAVIOR REDUCE THE PREVALENCE OF AVIAN FEATHER LICE (PHTHIRAPTERA: ISCHNOCERA)? J Parasitol 2023; 109:145-147. [PMID: 37129982 DOI: 10.1645/23-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Animals defend themselves against parasites in many ways. Defenses, such as physiological immune responses, are capable of clearing some infections. External parasites that do not feed on blood, however, are not controlled by the physiological immune system. Instead, ectoparasites like feather-feeding lice (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) are primarily controlled by behavioral defenses such as preening. Here we test the hypothesis that birds able to preen are capable of clearing infestations of feather lice. We experimentally manipulated preening ability in a captive population of rock pigeons (Columba livia) that were infested with identical numbers of feather lice (Columbicola columbae or Campanulotes compar or both). We then monitored the feather louse infestations for 42 wk. Birds with impaired preening remained infested throughout the experiment; in contrast, the prevalence of lice on birds that could preen normally decreased by 50%. These data indicate that it is indeed possible for birds to clear themselves of feather lice, and perhaps other ectoparasites, by preening. We note, however, that captive birds spend more time preening than wild birds, and that they are less likely to be reinfested than wild birds. Thus, additional studies are necessary to determine under what circumstances wild birds can clear themselves of ectoparasites by preening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Bush
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
| | - Dale H Clayton
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
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10
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Wu NC. Pathogen load predicts host functional disruption: A meta‐analysis of an amphibian fungal panzootic. Funct Ecol 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.14245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas C. Wu
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment Western Sydney University Richmond New South Wales Australia
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11
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Museum-Based Research on the Lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera) Infestations of Hummingbirds (Aves: Trochilidae)—Prevalence, Genus Richness and Parasite Associations. DIVERSITY 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/d15010054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
We documented the presence/absence of the eggs of Trochiloecetes, Trochiliphagus, and Leremenopon lice on over 50,000 hummingbird specimens (representing 348 species plus 247 additional subspecies) in four museums in the USA. (i) We provide sample estimates of infestation prevalence. (ii) Sample estimates of parasite genus richness increased with increasing host sample size. (iii) Host body mass did not correlate with parasite genus richness, even when controlled for sample size effects. (iv) The prevalence of Trochiliphagus and Trochiloecetes infestations did not correlate with host body mass, while the prevalence of Leremenopon exhibited a marginally significant positive correlation with host body mass. (v) The prevalence of Trochiliphagus and Leremenopon infestations correlated strongly and positively across host taxa (i.e., species or subspecies). (vi) The co-occurrence of Trochiliphagus and Trochiloecetes within the few largest host samples—i.e., within particular host taxa—was significantly more frequent than expected by chance. This latter association might indicate a true ecological relationship or, alternatively, might have emerged as an artifact of our sampling method. (vii) We found no relationship between host sexual size dimorphism and the prevalence of any of the three louse genera, contrary to the interspecific prediction of the Hamilton–Zuk hypothesis.
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12
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Kleindorfer S, Colombelli‐Négrel D, Common LK, O’Connor JA, Peters KJ, Katsis AC, Dudaniec RY, Sulloway FJ, Adreani NM. Functional traits and foraging behaviour: avian vampire fly larvae change the beak and fitness of their Darwin’s finch hosts. Funct Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.14061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Kleindorfer
- College of Science and Engineering Flinders University Adelaide Australia
- Konrad Lorenz Research Center for Behavior and Cognition and Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | | | - Lauren K. Common
- College of Science and Engineering Flinders University Adelaide Australia
| | | | - Katharina J. Peters
- College of Science and Engineering Flinders University Adelaide Australia
- Evolutionary Genetics Group, Department of Anthropology University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
- School of Earth and Environment Christchurch New Zealand
| | - Andrew C. Katsis
- College of Science and Engineering Flinders University Adelaide Australia
| | | | | | - Nicolas M. Adreani
- Konrad Lorenz Research Center for Behavior and Cognition and Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology University of Vienna Vienna Austria
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13
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Hvas M, Bui S. Energetic costs of ectoparasite infection in Atlantic salmon. J Exp Biol 2021; 225:273811. [PMID: 34931653 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.243300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Parasites are widespread in nature where they affect energy budgets of hosts, and depending on the imposed pathogenic severity, this may reduce host fitness. However, the energetic costs of parasite infections are rarely quantified. In this study, we measured metabolic rates in recently seawater adapted Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) infected with the ectoparasitic copepod Lepeophtheirus salmonis and used an aerobic scope framework to assess the potential ecological impact of this parasite-host interaction. The early chalimus stages of L. salmonis did not affect either standard or maximum metabolic rates. However, the later mobile pre-adult stages caused an increase in both standard and maximum metabolic rate yielding a preserved aerobic scope. Notably, standard metabolic rates were elevated by 26%, presumably caused by increased osmoregulatory burdens and costs of mobilizing immune responses. The positive impact on maximum metabolic rates was unexpected and suggests that fish are able to transiently overcompensate energy production to endure the burden of parasites and thus allow for continuation of normal activities. However, infected fish are known to suffer reduced growth, and this suggests that a trade-off exists in acquisition and assimilation of resources despite of an uncompromised aerobic scope. As such, when assessing impacts of environmental or biotic factors, we suggest that elevated routine costs may be a stronger predictor of reduced fitness than the available aerobic scope. Furthermore, studying effects on parasitized fish in an ecophysiological context deserves more attention, especially considering interacting effects of other stressors in the Anthropocene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malthe Hvas
- Animal Welfare Research Group, Institute of Marine Research, Matre, Norway
| | - Samantha Bui
- Animal Welfare Research Group, Institute of Marine Research, Matre, Norway
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14
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Shutler D, Priest JM, Stewart DT, Boudreau M. Demographical and morphological differences among coyotes ( Canis latrans) relative to sampling method. CAN J ZOOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2020-0167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Collection methods can be biased, leading to misperceptions of population composition. We tested if collection method (footholds, snares, and shooting) gave different perceptions of demography or morphology of 3539 eastern coyotes (Canis latrans Say, 1823). We found no differences in sex ratios of animals among methods, but did find some evidence that younger, lighter, and smaller animals were more likely to be collected by footholds than with snares. Female reproductive histories (placental scars) did not differ among methods. In a subsample of 232 animals, we found no evidence of differences in helminth parasitism relative to collection method. Overall, our large sample for the non-parasite analyses facilitated finding statistical significance; the biological implications hinge on the precision required in estimating population composition and the focal characteristics being compared. For example, mass was 5.3% lower for coyotes caught with footholds versus snares and 10.4% lower for coyotes caught with footholds versus being shot, whereas linear trait measurements of coyotes caught with footholds were generally smaller by at most 4.5% compared with other methods (broadly consistent with linear versus volumetric measurements). Our study provides important baseline information for making inferences about populations of coyotes (and other species) sampled using only a single collection method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dave Shutler
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, 15 University Avenue, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Jenna M. Priest
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, 15 University Avenue, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
- Nova Scotia Department of Lands and Forestry, Wildlife Division, Kentville, NS B4N 4E5, Canada
| | - Donald T. Stewart
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, 15 University Avenue, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Michael Boudreau
- Nova Scotia Department of Lands and Forestry, Wildlife Division, Kentville, NS B4N 4E5, Canada
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15
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Physiological costs and age constraints of a sexual ornament: an experimental study in a wild bird. Behav Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/araa143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Sexual ornaments are often considered honest signals of quality because potential costs or constraints prevent their display by low-quality individuals. Testing for potential physiological costs of ornaments is difficult, as this requires experimentally forcing individuals to produce and display elaborate ornaments. We use this approach to test whether a sexually selected trait is physiologically costly to male superb fairy-wrens (Malurus cyaneus). Male fairy-wrens molt from brown to blue breeding plumage at different times of the year, and females strongly prefer the few males that are blue early, during winter. We used short-acting testosterone implants to stimulate males to produce “early-blue” plumage and assessed costs during and after molt using a panel of physiological indices. Testosterone-implanted, T-males molted in winter and produced blue plumage 6 weeks before control-implanted, C-males. T-males molted while in lower body condition, tended to have lower fat reserves, and were more likely to be parasitized by lice. However, we detected no negative effects on immune function, blood parasites, exposure to stressors, or survival. Juvenile males never naturally display early-blue plumage, but we found no evidence for increased costs paid by juvenile T-males. Instead, juvenile T-males molted later than adult T-males, suggesting that age presents an absolute constraint on ornament exaggeration that cannot be fully overcome by testosterone treatment. Together, these small costs and large, age-related constraints may enforce signal honesty, and explain female preference for early-blue males.
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16
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Antonello M, Menna-Barreto RFS, Leles D, Pires JR, Brener B. Chewing Lice of Fregata magnificens with First Record of Fregatiella aurifasciata (Phthiraptera: Amblycera) in Brazil. J Parasitol 2021; 106:828-834. [PMID: 33351946 DOI: 10.1645/19-184] [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] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Fregata includes 5 species, with 3 recorded in Brazil, with Fregata magnificens being the most abundant. However, its ectoparasitic fauna is still little known. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of ectoparasites of F. magnificens residing along the coast of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo collected by 2 animal rehabilitation centers. Samples were collected from 5 frigatebirds of the Instituto Argonauta in São Paulo and 10 frigatebirds of the Centro de Recuperação de Animais Selvagens (CRAS) in Rio de Janeiro. Species of lice were identified using both morphological and molecular methods. Scanning electron microscopy was also used for identification. Colpocephalum spineum, Fregatiella aurifasciata, and Pectinopygus fregatiphagus were identified. All 3 louse species have previously been recorded from this host outside Brazil, but only P. fregatiphagus has been recorded from Brazil. This paper reports the first occurrence of F. aurifasciata and C. spineum in Brazil. It is also the first record of P. fregatiphagus in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magda Antonello
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto Biomédico, UFF, 24210-130, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rubem F S Menna-Barreto
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, 21040-360, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Daniela Leles
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto Biomédico, UFF, 24210-130, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - J R Pires
- Centro de Recuperação de Animais Selvagens, Estácio, Campus Vargem Pequena, 22783-325, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Brener
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto Biomédico, UFF, 24210-130, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
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17
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Galloway TD, Lamb RJ. Population Dynamics of Chewing Lice (Phthiraptera) Infesting Birds (Aves). ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 66:209-224. [PMID: 33417821 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-041420-075608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In the past 25 years, studies on interactions between chewing lice and their bird hosts have increased notably. This body of work reveals that sampling of live avian hosts, collection of the lice, and the aggregated distributions of louse infestations pose challenges for assessing louse populations. The number of lice on a bird varies among host taxa, often with host size and social system. Host preening behavior limits louse abundance, depending on bill shape. The small communities of lice (typically one-four species) that live on individual birds show species-specific patterns of abundance, with consistently common and rare species, and lower year-to-year population variability than other groups of insects. Most species of lice appear to breed continuously on their hosts, with seasonal patterns of abundance sometimes related to host reproduction and molting. Competition may have led to spatial partitioning of the host by louse species, but seldom contributes to current patterns of abundance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry D Galloway
- Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada;
| | - Robert J Lamb
- Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2, Canada;
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18
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Rosso AA, Nicholson DJ, Logan ML, Chung AK, Curlis JD, Degon ZM, Knell RJ, Garner TWJ, McMillan WO, Cox CL. Sex-biased parasitism and expression of a sexual signal. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Given that sexual signals are often expressed more highly in one sex than the other, they can impose a sex-specific cost of reproduction through parasitism. The two primary paradigms regarding the relationship of parasites to sexual signals are the good genes hypothesis and the immunocompetence handicap hypothesis; however, there are other ecological, morphological and energetic factors that might influence parasite infections in a sex-specific fashion. We tested the relationship between expression of a sexual signal (the dewlap) and ecological, morphological and energetic factors mediating ectoparasite (mite) load between male and female Panamanian slender anoles (Anolis apletophallus). We found that males were more highly parasitized than females because of the preponderance of ectoparasites on the larger dewlap of males. Indeed, ectoparasite infection increased with both body size and dewlap size in males but not in females, and parasite infection was related to energy storage in a sex-specific fashion for the fat bodies, liver and gonads. Our work and previous work on testosterone in anoles suggests that this pattern did not arise solely from immunosuppression by testosterone, but that mites prefer the dewlap as an attachment site. Thus, the expression of this sexual signal could incur a fitness cost that might structure life-history trade-offs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam A Rosso
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Daniel J Nicholson
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Michael L Logan
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV, USA
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Panama
| | - Albert K Chung
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - John David Curlis
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Zachariah M Degon
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Robert J Knell
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - W Owen McMillan
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Christian L Cox
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
- Institute of Environment and Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
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19
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Goodman GB, Conner SA, Bush SE, Clayton DH. Is Allopreening a Stimulus-Driven Defense Against Ectoparasites? J Parasitol 2020. [DOI: 10.1645/19-104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Graham B. Goodman
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
| | - Sarah A. Conner
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
| | - Sarah E. Bush
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
| | - Dale H. Clayton
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
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20
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Buck JC. Indirect Effects Explain the Role of Parasites in Ecosystems. Trends Parasitol 2019; 35:835-847. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2019.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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21
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Roth JD, Dobson FS, Criscuolo F, Uhlrich P, Zahariev A, Bergouignan A, Viblanc VA. Subtle short-term physiological costs of an experimental augmentation of fleas in wild Columbian ground squirrels. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 222:jeb.203588. [PMID: 31138632 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.203588] [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: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Parasites affect many aspects of host physiology and behavior, and thus are generally thought to negatively impact host fitness. However, changes in form of short-term parasite effects on host physiological markers have generally been overlooked in favor of fitness measures. Here, we studied flea (Oropsylla idahoensis and Oropsylla opisocroistis tuberculata) parasitism on a natural population of Columbian ground squirrels (Urocitellus columbianus) in Sheep River Provincial Park, AB, Canada. Fleas were experimentally added to adult female U. columbianus at physiologically demanding times, including birth, lactation and weaning of their young. The body mass of adult females, as well as their oxidative stress and immunity were recorded multiple times over the active season under flea-augmented and control conditions. We also measured the prevalence of an internal parasite (Trypanosoma otospermophili). Doubly labeled water (DLW) was intra-peritoneally injected at peak lactation to examine energy expenditure. Effects of parasites on oxidative stress were only observed after offspring were weaned. There was no direct effect of experimentally heightened flea prevalence on energy use. A short-term 24 h mass loss (-17 g) was detected briefly after parasite addition, likely due to U. columbianus preferentially allocating time for grooming. Our parasite augmentation did not strongly affect hosts and suggested that short-term physiological effects were unlikely to culminate in long-term fitness consequences. Columbian ground squirrels appear to rapidly manage parasite costs, probably through grooming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D Roth
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - F Stephen Dobson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - François Criscuolo
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC, UMR 7178, 67037 Strasbourg CEDEX 2, France
| | - Pierre Uhlrich
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC, UMR 7178, 67037 Strasbourg CEDEX 2, France
| | - Alexandre Zahariev
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC, UMR 7178, 67037 Strasbourg CEDEX 2, France
| | - Audrey Bergouignan
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC, UMR 7178, 67037 Strasbourg CEDEX 2, France
| | - Vincent A Viblanc
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC, UMR 7178, 67037 Strasbourg CEDEX 2, France
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22
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Kluever BM, Iles DT, Gese EM. Ectoparasite burden influences the denning behavior of a small desert carnivore. Ecosphere 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan M. Kluever
- United States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services National Wildlife Research Center Florida Field Station Gainesville Florida 32641‐6033 USA
| | - David T. Iles
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Woods Hole Massachusetts 02543 USA
| | - Eric M. Gese
- Department of Wildland Resources United States Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services National Wildlife Research Center Utah State University Logan Utah 84322‐5230 USA
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23
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Hicks O, Burthe SJ, Daunt F, Newell M, Butler A, Ito M, Sato K, Green JA. The energetic cost of parasitism in a wild population. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 285:rspb.2018.0489. [PMID: 29848646 PMCID: PMC5998108 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.0489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites have profound fitness effects on their hosts, yet these are often sub-lethal, making them difficult to understand and quantify. A principal sub-lethal mechanism that reduces fitness is parasite-induced increase in energetic costs of specific behaviours, potentially resulting in changes to time and energy budgets. However, quantifying the influence of parasites on these costs has not been undertaken in free-living animals. We used accelerometers to estimate energy expenditure on flying, diving and resting, in relation to a natural gradient of endo-parasite loads in a wild population of European shags Phalacrocorax aristotelis. We found that flight costs were 10% higher in adult females with higher parasite loads and these individuals spent 44% less time flying than females with lower parasite loads. There was no evidence for an effect of parasite load on daily energy expenditure, suggesting the existence of an energy ceiling, with the increase in cost of flight compensated for by a reduction in flight duration. These behaviour specific costs of parasitism will have knock-on effects on reproductive success, if constraints on foraging behaviour detrimentally affect provisioning of young. The findings emphasize the importance of natural parasite loads in shaping the ecology and life-history of their hosts, which can have significant population level consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Hicks
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GP, UK
| | - Sarah J Burthe
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0QB, UK
| | - Francis Daunt
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0QB, UK
| | - Mark Newell
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0QB, UK
| | - Adam Butler
- Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, James Clerk Maxwell Building, The King's Buildings, Peter Guthrie Tait Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FD, UK
| | - Motohiro Ito
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tokyo University, 1-1-1 Izumino, Itakura-machi, Ora-gun, Gunma 374-0193, Japan
| | - Katsufumi Sato
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture, 277-8564, Japan
| | - Jonathan A Green
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GP, UK
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24
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Khan JS, Provencher JF, Forbes MR, Mallory ML, Lebarbenchon C, McCoy KD. Parasites of seabirds: A survey of effects and ecological implications. ADVANCES IN MARINE BIOLOGY 2019; 82:1-50. [PMID: 31229148 PMCID: PMC7172769 DOI: 10.1016/bs.amb.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Parasites are ubiquitous in the environment, and can cause negative effects in their host species. Importantly, seabirds can be long-lived and cross multiple continents within a single annual cycle, thus their exposure to parasites may be greater than other taxa. With changing climatic conditions expected to influence parasite distribution and abundance, understanding current level of infection, transmission pathways and population-level impacts are integral aspects for predicting ecosystem changes, and how climate change will affect seabird species. In particular, a range of micro- and macro-parasites can affect seabird species, including ticks, mites, helminths, viruses and bacteria in gulls, terns, skimmers, skuas, auks and selected phalaropes (Charadriiformes), tropicbirds (Phaethontiformes), penguins (Sphenisciformes), tubenoses (Procellariiformes), cormorants, frigatebirds, boobies, gannets (Suliformes), and pelicans (Pelecaniformes) and marine seaducks and loons (Anseriformes and Gaviiformes). We found that the seabird orders of Charadriiformes and Procellariiformes were most represented in the parasite-seabird literature. While negative effects were reported in seabirds associated with all the parasite groups, most effects have been studied in adults with less information known about how parasites may affect chicks and fledglings. We found studies most often reported on negative effects in seabird hosts during the breeding season, although this is also the time when most seabird research occurs. Many studies report that external factors such as condition of the host, pollution, and environmental conditions can influence the effects of parasites, thus cumulative effects likely play a large role in how parasites influence seabirds at both the individual and population level. With an increased understanding of parasite-host dynamics it is clear that major environmental changes, often those associated with human activities, can directly or indirectly affect the distribution, abundance, or virulence of parasites and pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junaid S Khan
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Gatineau, QC, Canada
| | - Jennifer F Provencher
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Gatineau, QC, Canada.
| | - Mark R Forbes
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Mark L Mallory
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada
| | - Camille Lebarbenchon
- Université de La Réunion, UMR Processus Infectieux en Milieu Insulaire Tropical, INSERM 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, GIP CYROI, Saint Denis, La Réunion, France
| | - Karen D McCoy
- MIVEGEC, UMR 5290 CNRS-IRD-University of Montpellier, Centre IRD, Montpellier, France
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25
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Hicks O, Burthe SJ, Daunt F, Newell M, Chastel O, Parenteau C, Green JA. The role of parasitism in the energy management of a free-ranging bird. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:jeb.190066. [PMID: 30397174 PMCID: PMC6307876 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.190066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Parasites often prompt sub-lethal costs to their hosts by eliciting immune responses. These costs can be hard to quantify but are crucial to our understanding of the host's ecology. Energy is a fundamental currency to quantify these costs, as energetic trade-offs often exist between key fitness-related processes. Daily energy expenditure (DEE) comprises of resting metabolic rate (RMR) and energy available for activity, which are linked via the energy management strategy of an organism. Parasitism may play a role in the balance between self-maintenance and activity, as immune costs can be expressed in elevated RMR. Therefore, understanding energy use in the presence of parasitism enables mechanistic elucidation of potential parasite costs. Using a gradient of natural parasite load and proxies for RMR and DEE in a wild population of breeding European shags (Phalacrocorax aristotelis), we tested the effect of parasitism on maintenance costs as well as the relationship between proxies for RMR and DEE. We found a positive relationship between parasite load and our RMR proxy in females but not males, and no relationship between proxies for RMR and DEE. This provides evidence for increased maintenance costs in individuals with higher parasite loads and suggests the use of an allocation energy management strategy, whereby an increase to RMR creates restrictions on energy allocation to other activities. This is likely to have fitness consequences as energy allocated to immunity is traded off against reproduction. Our findings demonstrate that understanding energy management strategies alongside fitness drivers is central to understanding the mechanisms by which these drivers influence individual fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Hicks
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GP, UK
| | - Sarah J Burthe
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0QB, UK
| | - Francis Daunt
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0QB, UK
| | - Mark Newell
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0QB, UK
| | - Olivier Chastel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR 7372 - CNRS & Université de La Rochelle, FR-79360 Villiers en Bois, France
| | - Charline Parenteau
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR 7372 - CNRS & Université de La Rochelle, FR-79360 Villiers en Bois, France
| | - Jonathan A Green
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GP, UK
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26
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Virgin EE, Rosvall KA. Endocrine-immune signaling as a predictor of survival: A prospective study in developing songbird chicks. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 267:193-201. [PMID: 30099034 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Immune function varies with an animal's endocrine physiology and energy reserves, as well as its abiotic and biotic environment. This context-dependency is thought to relate to adaptive trade-off resolution that varies from one context to the next; however, it is less clear how state- and environmentally-dependent differences in endocrine-immune signaling relate to survival in natural populations. We begin to address this question in a prospective study on a free-living passerine bird, the tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), by capitalizing upon naturally-occurring variation in ectoparasitism in 12-day old chicks. We measured body mass, hematological gene expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) as well as corticosterone (CORT) secretion at baseline and in response to 30 min of handling. We found that chicks with ectoparasites had smaller body mass and higher levels of IL-6 gene expression at this critical stage of post-natal growth and development. Mass and IL-6 were positively correlated, but only among parasitized chicks, suggesting that larger chicks mount stronger immune responses when necessary, i.e. in the presence of ectoparasites that are known to induce inflammation. IL-6 mRNA expression was negatively correlated with stress-induced CORT levels, suggesting that this proxy of inflammation may be co-regulated with or coordinated by glucocorticoids. More importantly, these endocrine-immune parameters predicted survival to fledging, which was positively associated with IL-6 mRNA abundance and, to a lesser degree, CORT reactivity. These results suggest a link between endocrine-immune interactions and performance in nature, and as a consequence, they shed light on the potentially adaptive, context-dependent interplay between body mass, immunity, and endocrine physiology during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Virgin
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior (CISAB), Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Kimberly A Rosvall
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior (CISAB), Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
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27
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Frantz A, Perga M, Guillard J. Parasitic versus nutritional regulation of natural fish populations. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:8713-8725. [PMID: 30271539 PMCID: PMC6157692 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although parasites are expected to affect their host's fitness, quantitative proof for impacts of parasitism on wild populations is hampered by confounding environmental factors, including dietary resource. Herein, we evaluate whether the physiological conditions of European perch (Perca fluviatilis) in three large peri-alpine lakes (Geneva, Annecy, and Bourget) depend on (a) the nutritional status of the juvenile fish, as revealed by stable isotope and fatty acid compositions, (b) the prevalence of the tapeworm Triaenophorus nodulosus, a parasite transmitted to perch through copepod preys, or (c) interactive effects of both factors. At the scale of lake populations, the deficit in growth and fat storage of juvenile perch during their first summer coincides with a high parasite prevalence and also a low quality of dietary resource. Yet, at the individual level, parasites had no evident effect on the growth of the juvenile perch, while impacts on fat storage appeared only at the highest prevalence of the most infected lake. Fatty acid and stable isotope analyses of fish tissue do not reveal any impact of T. nodulosus on diet, physiology, and feeding behaviour of fish within lakes. Overall, we found a low impact of parasitism on the physiological condition and trophic status of juvenile perch at the end of their first summer. We find instead that juvenile perch growth and fat storage, both factors tied to their winter survival, are under strong nutritional constraints. However, the coinciding nutritional constraints and parasite prevalence of perch juveniles in these three lakes may result from the indirect effect of lake nutrient concentrations, which, as a major control of zooplankton communities, simultaneously regulate both the dietary quality of fish prey and the host-parasite encounter rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amélie Frantz
- UMR 042 CARRTELINRA – University Savoie Mont BlancThonon‐les‐BainsFrance
| | - Marie‐Elodie Perga
- UMR 042 CARRTELINRA – University Savoie Mont BlancThonon‐les‐BainsFrance
- Institute of Earth Surface DynamicsUniversity of LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Jean Guillard
- UMR 042 CARRTELINRA – University Savoie Mont BlancThonon‐les‐BainsFrance
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28
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Ancillotto L, Studer V, Howard T, Smith VS, McAlister E, Beccaloni J, Manzia F, Renzopaoli F, Bosso L, Russo D, Mori E. Environmental drivers of parasite load and species richness in introduced parakeets in an urban landscape. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:3591-3599. [PMID: 30167793 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6058-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Introduced species represent a threat to native wildlife worldwide, due to predation, competition, and disease transmission. Concurrent introduction of parasites may also add a new dimension of competition, i.e. parasite-mediated competition, through spillover and spillback dynamics. Urban areas are major hotspots of introduced species, but little is known about the effects of urban habitat structure on the parasite load and diversity of introduced species. Here, we investigated such environmental effects on the ectoparasite load, richness, and occurrence of spillback in two widespread invasive parakeets, Psittacula krameri and Myiopsitta monachus, in the metropolitan area of Rome, central Italy. We tested 231 parakeets and found that in both species parasite load was positively influenced by host abundance at local scale, while environmental features such as the amount of natural or urban habitats, as well as richness of native birds, influenced parasite occurrence, load, and richness differently in the two host species. Therefore, we highlight the importance of host population density and habitat composition in shaping the role of introduced parakeets in the spread of both native and introduced parasites, recommending the monitoring of urban populations of birds and their parasites to assess and manage the potential occurrence of parasite-mediated competition dynamics as well as potential spread of vector-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Ancillotto
- Wildlife Research Unit, Dipartimento di Agraria, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - V Studer
- Centro Recupero Fauna Selvatica Lipu Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - T Howard
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum of London, London, UK
| | - V S Smith
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum of London, London, UK
| | - E McAlister
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum of London, London, UK
| | - J Beccaloni
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum of London, London, UK
| | - F Manzia
- Centro Recupero Fauna Selvatica Lipu Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - F Renzopaoli
- Centro Recupero Fauna Selvatica Lipu Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - L Bosso
- Wildlife Research Unit, Dipartimento di Agraria, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - D Russo
- Wildlife Research Unit, Dipartimento di Agraria, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy. .,School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, UK.
| | - E Mori
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100, Siena, Italy.,Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, Palazzo Corsini, Via della Lungara 10, 00165, Rome, Italy
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Ferguson JA, Northfield TD, Lach L. Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) Pollen Foraging Reflects Benefits Dependent on Individual Infection Status. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2018; 76:482-491. [PMID: 29380027 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-018-1147-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Parasites often modify host foraging behavior, for example, by spurring changes to nutrient intake ratios or triggering self-medication. The gut parasite, Nosema ceranae, increases energy needs of the European or Western honey bee (Apis mellifera), but little is known about how infection affects foraging behavior. We used a combination of experiments and observations of caged and free-flying individual bees and hives to determine how N. ceranae affects honey bee foraging behavior. In an experiment with caged bees, we found that infected bees with access to a high-quality pollen were more likely to survive than infected bees with access to a lower quality pollen or no pollen. Non-infected bees showed no difference in survival with pollen quality. We then tested free-flying bees in an arena of artificial flowers and found that pollen foraging bees chose pollen commensurate with their infection status; twice as many infected bees selected the higher quality pollen than the lower quality pollen, while healthy bees showed no preference between pollen types. However, healthy and infected bees visited sucrose and pollen flowers in the same proportions. Among hive-level observations, we found no significant correlations between N. ceranae infection intensity in the hive and the proportion of bees returning with pollen. Our results indicate that N. ceranae-infected bees benefit from increased pollen quality and will selectively forage for higher quality while foraging for pollen, but infection status does not lead to increased pollen foraging at either the individual or hive levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade A Ferguson
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, PO Box 6811, Cairns, Queensland, 4870, Australia
| | - Tobin D Northfield
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, PO Box 6811, Cairns, Queensland, 4870, Australia
| | - Lori Lach
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, PO Box 6811, Cairns, Queensland, 4870, Australia.
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Chaousis S, Leusch FDL, van de Merwe JP. Charting a path towards non-destructive biomarkers in threatened wildlife: A systematic quantitative literature review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 234:59-70. [PMID: 29156442 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.11.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Threatened species are susceptible to irreversible population decline caused by adverse sub-lethal effects of chemical contaminant exposure. It is therefore vital to develop the necessary tools to predict and detect these effects as early as possible. Biomarkers of contaminant exposure and effect are widely applied to this end, and a significant amount of research has focused on development and validation of sensitive and diagnostic biomarkers. However, progress in the use biomarkers that can be measured using non-destructive techniques has been relatively slow and there are still many difficulties to overcome in the development of sound methods. This paper systematically quantifies and reviews studies that have aimed to develop or validate non-destructive biomarkers in wildlife, and provides an analysis of the successes of these methods based on the invasiveness of the methods, the potential for universal application, cost, and the potential for new biomarker discovery. These data are then used to infer what methods and approaches appear the most effective for successful development of non-destructive biomarkers of contaminant exposure in wildlife. This review highlights that research on non-destructive biomarkers in wildlife is severely lacking, and suggests further exploration of in vitro methods in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Chaousis
- Griffith School of Environment, Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Qld, 4222 Australia.
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Griffith School of Environment, Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Qld, 4222 Australia
| | - Jason P van de Merwe
- Griffith School of Environment, Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Qld, 4222 Australia
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Wu NC, Cramp RL, Franklin CE. Body size influences energetic and osmoregulatory costs in frogs infected with Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3739. [PMID: 29487313 PMCID: PMC5829222 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22002-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sloughing maintains the skins integrity and critical functionality in amphibians. Given the behavioural, morphological and osmoregulatory changes that accompany sloughing, this process is likely to be physiologically costly. Chytridiomycosis, a cutaneous disease of amphibians caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), disrupts skin function and increases sloughing rates. Moreover, mortality rates from chytridiomycosis are significantly higher in juveniles and so we hypothesised that smaller individuals maybe more susceptible to chytridiomycosis because of allometric scaling effects on the energetic and osmoregulatory costs of sloughing. We measured in-vivo cutaneous ion loss rates and whole animal metabolic rate (MR) of Green tree frogs, Litoria caerulea, over a range of body sizes both infected and uninfected frogs during sloughing. Infected animals had a greater rate of ion loss and mass-specific MR during non-sloughing periods but there were no additional effects of sloughing on either of these parameters. There were also significant interactions with body size and Bd load indicating that smaller animals with higher Bd loads have greater rates of ion loss and higher energetic demands. Our results shed light on why smaller Bd-infected anurans often exhibit greater physiological disruption than larger individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas C Wu
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Rebecca L Cramp
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Craig E Franklin
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia.
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Development of a multiplex quantitative PCR assay for eyeworm (Oxyspirura petrowi) and caecal worm (Aulonocephalus pennula) detection in Northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) of the Rolling Plains Ecoregion, Texas. Vet Parasitol 2018; 253:65-70. [PMID: 29605006 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The Northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) is an economically significant gamebird that has experienced a decline throughout the Rolling Plains ecoregion of Texas. Recent surveys of this area have revealed a high prevalence in eyeworm (Oxyspirura petrowi) and caecal worm (Aulonocephalus pennula) infection that may contribute to this decline. In order to further understand these parasites role in bobwhite populations, a time-, and cost-effective multiplex quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay was developed in this study to detect eyeworm and caecal worm infection through egg detection using the ITS2 and COX1 gene region, respectively. Method validation for the qPCR involved bobwhite fecal samples from the Rolling Plains as well as samples spiked with eyeworm, caecal worm, and bobwhite DNA. Results showed an observed increasing qPCR parasite egg detection with increasing worm burdens. Future uses with this assay can also provide insight to seasonal parasite infection and the life cycles of eyeworm and caecal worm.
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Jerem P, Jenni-Eiermann S, Herborn K, McKeegan D, McCafferty DJ, Nager RG. Eye region surface temperature reflects both energy reserves and circulating glucocorticoids in a wild bird. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1907. [PMID: 29382942 PMCID: PMC5789886 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20240-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Body temperature of endotherms shows substantial within- and between-individual variation, but the sources of this variation are not fully understood in wild animals. Variation in body temperature can indicate how individuals cope with their environment via metabolic or stress-induced effects, both of which may relate to depletion of energy reserves. Body condition can reflect heat production through changes to metabolic rate made to protect energy reserves. Additionally, changes in metabolic processes may be mediated by stress-related glucocorticoid secretion, which is associated with altered blood-flow patterns that affect regional body temperatures. Accordingly, both body condition and glucocorticoid secretion should relate to body temperature. We used thermal imaging, a novel non-invasive method of temperature measurement, to investigate relationships between body condition, glucocorticoid secretion and body surface temperature in wild blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus). Individuals with lower body condition had lower eye-region surface temperature in both non-breeding and breeding seasons. Eye-region surface temperature was also negatively correlated with baseline circulating glucocorticoid levels in non-breeding birds. Our results demonstrate that body surface temperature can integrate multiple aspects of physiological state. Consequently, remotely-measured body surface temperature could be used to assess such aspects of physiological state non-invasively in free-living animals at multiple life history stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Jerem
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | | | - Katherine Herborn
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,Institute of Neurobiology, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Dorothy McKeegan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Dominic J McCafferty
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ruedi G Nager
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Rajemison FI, Lalarivoniaina OSN, Andrianarimisa A, Goodman SM. Host-Parasite Relationships between a Malagasy Fruit Bat (Pteropodidae) and Associated Bat Fly (Diptera: Nycteribiidae): Seasonal Variation of Host Body Condition and the Possible Impact of Parasite Abundance. ACTA CHIROPTEROLOGICA 2017. [DOI: 10.3161/15081109acc2017.19.2.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Faneva I. Rajemison
- Association Vahatra, BP 3972, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
- Mention Zoologie et Biodiversité Animale, Université d'Antananarivo, BP 906, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
| | - Oliva S. Noroalintseheno Lalarivoniaina
- Association Vahatra, BP 3972, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
- Mention Zoologie et Biodiversité Animale, Université d'Antananarivo, BP 906, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
| | - Aristide Andrianarimisa
- Mention Zoologie et Biodiversité Animale, Université d'Antananarivo, BP 906, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
| | - Steven M. Goodman
- Association Vahatra, BP 3972, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
- Field Museum of Natural History, 1400 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60605, USA
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36
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Ahmed H, Naz M, Mustafa I, Khan MR, Asif S, Afzal MS, Arshad M, Naveed M, Ali S, Simsek S. Impact of epidemiological factors on the prevalence, intensity and distribution of ectoparasites in pigeons. J Parasit Dis 2017; 41:1074-1081. [PMID: 29114144 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-017-0936-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was carried out on domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) from September (2014) to June (2015) to determine the prevalence, intensity and species of ectoparasites in Sargodha region, east of Pakistan. A total of 200 domestic pigeons were inspected from the study area. Parasites were collected by forceps and stored in 70% ethanol. The epidemiological information e.g. health condition, color of plumage, mode of living, breed, intensity etc. were recorded in the form of questionnaire. The overall prevalence of ectoparasites in pigeon was 90.5% (181/200). Of the total of 200 (83 males and 117 females) domestic pigeons inspected, 73 (87.95%) and 108 (92.30%) were infected, respectively. The ectoparasites spp. were identified as Columbicola columbae (Linnaeus, 1758) and Colpocephalum turbinatum (Denny, 1842). The Qasid breed showed highest infestation rate (91.25%) as compared to other two observed breeds. Pigeon of white color were more infested (91%) as compared to other colors. Thus color and breed factors showing the random differences. In medicated birds the rate of infestation of ectoparasites was 87% reflecting that drugs are unable to control or might be due to resistance. There was significant difference between the number of parasites on tail, neck, chest and wings within different breeds, as well as in the months. The mean intensity of parasites was in urban areas (28.5), rural areas (14.98), and sub-rural areas (23.55). In conclusion the prevalence of ectoparasites in pigeons is very high in north-east region of Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haroon Ahmed
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT), Park Road, Chakh Shahzad, Islamabad Pakistan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Firat, 23119 Elazig, Turkey
| | - Mehmoona Naz
- Department of Zoology, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Irfan Mustafa
- Department of Zoology, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Mobushir Riaz Khan
- Department of Remote Sensing and GIS, PMAS-University of Arid Agriculture, Muree Road, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Saira Asif
- Department of Botany, PMAS-University of Arid Agriculture, Muree Road, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Sohail Afzal
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Science, University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Arshad
- Department of Zoology, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Naveed
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Gujrat, Sailkot-Campus, Sailkot, Pakistan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Gujrat, Gujrat, Pakistan
| | - Shahzad Ali
- Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sami Simsek
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Firat, 23119 Elazig, Turkey
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Diakou A, Pedroso Couto Soares JB, Alivizatos H, Panagiotopoulou M, Kazantzidis S, Literák I, Sychra O. Chewing lice from wild birds in northern Greece. Parasitol Int 2017; 66:699-706. [PMID: 28711426 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2017.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Greece represents an important area for wild birds due to its geographical position and habitat diversity. Although the bird species in Greece are well recorded, the information about the chewing lice that infest them is practically non-existent. Thus, the aim of the present study was to record the species of lice infesting wild birds in northern Greece and furthermore, to associate the infestation prevalence with factors such as the age, sex, migration and social behaviour of the host as well as the time of the year. In total 729 birds, (belonging to 9 orders, 32 families and 68 species) were examined in 7 localities of northern Greece, during 9 ringing sessions from June 2013 until October 2015. Eighty (11%) of the birds were found to be infested with lice. In 31 different bird species, 560 specimens of lice, belonging to 33 species were recorded. Mixed infestations were recorded in 11 cases where birds were infested with 2-3 different lice species. Four new host-parasite associations were recorded i.e. Menacanthus curuccae from Acrocephalus melanopogon, Menacanthus agilis from Cettia cetti, Myrsidea sp. from Acrocephalus schoenobaenus, and Philopretus citrinellae from Spinus spinus. Moreover, Menacanthus sinuatus was detected on Poecile lugubris, rendering this report the first record of louse infestation in this bird species. The statistical analysis of the data collected showed no association between parasitological parameters (prevalence, mean and median intensity and mean abundance) in two different periods of the year (breeding vs post-breeding season). However, there was a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of infestation between a) migrating and sedentary passerine birds (7.4% vs 13.2%), b) colonial and territorial birds (54.5% vs 9.6%), and c) female and male birds in breeding period (2.6% vs 15.6%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Diakou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - José Bernardo Pedroso Couto Soares
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Savas Kazantzidis
- Forest Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization "DEMETER", Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ivan Literák
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Oldřich Sychra
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic.
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Molecular identification and characterization of partial COX1 gene from caecal worm ( Aulonocephalus pennula) in Northern bobwhite ( Colinus virginianus) from the Rolling Plains Ecoregion of Texas. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2017; 6:195-201. [PMID: 28765811 PMCID: PMC5526437 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Aulonocephalus pennula is a nematode living in the caeca of the wild Northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) present throughout the Rolling Plains Ecoregion of Texas. The cytochrome oxidase 1 (COX 1) gene of the mitochondrial genome was used to screen A. pennula in wild quail. Through BLAST analysis, similarity of A. pennula to other nematode parasites was compared at the nucleotide level. Phylogenetic analysis of A. pennula COX1 indicated relationships to Subuluridae, Ascarididae, and Anisakidae. This study on molecular characterization of A. pennula provides new insight for the diagnosis of caecal worm infections of quail in the Rolling plains Ecoregion of Texas.
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39
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Binning SA, Shaw AK, Roche DG. Parasites and Host Performance: Incorporating Infection into Our Understanding of Animal Movement. Integr Comp Biol 2017; 57:267-280. [DOI: 10.1093/icb/icx024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
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40
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The first data on the infestation of the parti-coloured bat, Vespertilio murinus (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae), with gamasid mites, Steatonyssus spinosus (Mesostigmata, Gamasina, Macronyssidae). RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF THERIOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.15298/rusjtheriol.16.1.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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41
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Laverty C, Brenner D, McIlwaine C, Lennon JJ, Dick JT, Lucy FE, Christian KA. Temperature rise and parasitic infection interact to increase the impact of an invasive species. Int J Parasitol 2017; 47:291-296. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2016.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Revised: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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42
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Dunham NR, Henry C, Brym M, Rollins D, Helman RG, Kendall RJ. Caecal worm, Aulonocephalus pennula, infection in the northern bobwhite quail, Colinus virginianus. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2017; 6:35-38. [PMID: 28289602 PMCID: PMC5338897 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes that infect quail have been understudied and long been dismissed as a problem in quail management. Within the Rolling Plains ecoregion of Texas, an area that has experienced quail population “boom and bust” cycles and ultimately a general decline, the need to determine why Northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) populations are diminishing has increased in priority. Previously, caecal parasites have been documented to cause inactivity, weight loss, reduced growth, inflammation to the caecal mucosa, and even death. The caecal worm Aulonocephalus pennula is an intestinal nematode parasite that is commonly found within the caecum of quail, as well as many other avian species. In the Rolling Plains ecoregion, A. pennula has been documented to have as high as a 98% prevalence in bobwhite quail samples; however, the effect it has on its host is not well understood. The present study documents A. pennula causes no pathological changes within the caeca of the Northern bobwhite. However, there is concern for disruption of digestion and the possible implications of infection for wild bobwhite quail survival are discussed. A. pennula found in all samples. No significant changes in the caecal wall in infected bobwhites. Minimal digesta found in A. pennula infection bobwhites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R Dunham
- The Wildlife Toxicology Laboratory, Texas Tech University, Box 43290, Lubbock, TX, 79409-3290, USA
| | - Cassandra Henry
- The Wildlife Toxicology Laboratory, Texas Tech University, Box 43290, Lubbock, TX, 79409-3290, USA
| | - Matthew Brym
- The Wildlife Toxicology Laboratory, Texas Tech University, Box 43290, Lubbock, TX, 79409-3290, USA
| | - Dale Rollins
- Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch, 1262 U.S. Highway 180 W., Rotan, Texas, 79546, USA
| | - R Gayman Helman
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, 6610 Amarillo Blvd. West, Amarillo, TX, 79106, USA
| | - Ronald J Kendall
- The Wildlife Toxicology Laboratory, Texas Tech University, Box 43290, Lubbock, TX, 79409-3290, USA
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Choi CY, Takekawa JY, Prosser DJ, Smith LM, Ely CR, Fox AD, Cao L, Wang X, Batbayar N, Natsagdorj T, Xiao X. Chewing Lice of Swan Geese ( Anser cygnoides): New Host-Parasite Associations. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2016; 54:685-691. [PMID: 27853128 PMCID: PMC5127540 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2016.54.5.685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Chewing lice (Phthiraptera) that parasitize the globally threatened swan goose Anser cygnoides have been long recognized since the early 19th century, but those records were probably biased towards sampling of captive or domestic geese due to the small population size and limited distribution of its wild hosts. To better understand the lice species parasitizing swan geese that are endemic to East Asia, we collected chewing lice from 14 wild geese caught at 3 lakes in northeastern Mongolia. The lice were morphologically identified as 16 Trinoton anserinum (Fabricius, 1805), 11 Ornithobius domesticus Arnold, 2005, and 1 Anaticola anseris (Linnaeus, 1758). These species are known from other geese and swans, but all of them were new to the swan goose. This result also indicates no overlap in lice species between older records and our findings from wild birds. Thus, ectoparasites collected from domestic or captive animals may provide biased information on the occurrence, prevalence, host selection, and host-ectoparasite interactions from those on wild hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Yong Choi
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019,
USA
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, San Francisco Bay Estuary Field Station, Vallejo, California 94592,
USA
| | - John Y. Takekawa
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, San Francisco Bay Estuary Field Station, Vallejo, California 94592,
USA
| | - Diann J. Prosser
- U.S. Geological Survey, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Beltsville, Maryland 20705,
USA
| | - Lacy M. Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, San Francisco Bay Estuary Field Station, Vallejo, California 94592,
USA
| | - Craig R. Ely
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, Alaska 99508,
USA
| | - Anthony D. Fox
- Department of Bioscience, University of Aarhus, Kalø, Rønde, DK-8410,
Denmark
| | - Lei Cao
- Department of Environmental Bio-Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085,
People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Environmental Bio-Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085,
People’s Republic of China
| | | | - Tseveenmayadag Natsagdorj
- Ornithology Laboratory, Institute of Biology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 210351,
Mongolia
| | - Xiangming Xiao
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma 73019,
USA
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44
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Teixeira AAM, Brito SV, Teles DA, Ribeiro SC, Araujo-Filho JA, Lima VF, Pereira AMA, Almeida WO. Helminths of the Lizard Salvator merianae (Squamata, Teiidae) in the Caatinga, Northeastern Brazil. BRAZ J BIOL 2016; 77:312-317. [PMID: 27579974 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.13515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The lizard Salvator merianae is a widely distributed species in South America, occurring from southern Amazonia to the eastern Andes and northern Patagonia. Studies on the parasitic fauna of this lizard have revealed that it is a host for helminths in various Brazilian biomes. The present work provides new parasitological data on the gastrointestinal nematodes associated with the lizard S. merianae. Sixteen specimens were analyzed from nine different locations in a semi-arid region in northeastern Brazil. Five species of nematodes were identified. Oswaldofilaria petersi was first recorded as a parasite of the S. merianae, thus increasing the knowledge of the fauna of parasites that infect large Neotropical lizards.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A M Teixeira
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas (Zoologia), Departamento de Sistemática e Ecologia - DSE, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza - CCEN, Universidade Federal da Paraíba - UFPB, Cidade Universitária, Campus I, CEP 58059-900, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | - S V Brito
- Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Ambientais e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Maranhão - UFMA, Boa Vista, CEP 65500-000, Chapadinha, MA, Brazil
| | - D A Teles
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas (Zoologia), Departamento de Sistemática e Ecologia - DSE, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza - CCEN, Universidade Federal da Paraíba - UFPB, Cidade Universitária, Campus I, CEP 58059-900, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | - S C Ribeiro
- Instituto de Formação de Educadores - IFE, Universidade Federal do Cariri - UFCA, Rua Olegário Emílio de Araújo, s/n, Campus Brejo Santo, CEP 63260-000, Brejo Santo, CE, Brazil
| | - J A Araujo-Filho
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas (Zoologia), Departamento de Sistemática e Ecologia - DSE, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza - CCEN, Universidade Federal da Paraíba - UFPB, Cidade Universitária, Campus I, CEP 58059-900, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | - V F Lima
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Bioprospecção Molecular, Departamento de Química Biológica, Universidade Regional do Cariri - URCA, Rua Cel. Antônio Luiz, 1161, Campus do Pimenta, CEP 63105-000, Crato, CE, Brazil
| | - A M A Pereira
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Bioprospecção Molecular, Departamento de Química Biológica, Universidade Regional do Cariri - URCA, Rua Cel. Antônio Luiz, 1161, Campus do Pimenta, CEP 63105-000, Crato, CE, Brazil
| | - W O Almeida
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Regional do Cariri - URCA, Rua Cel. Antônio Luiz, 1161, Campus do Pimenta, CEP 63105-000, Crato, CE, Brazil
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45
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Orlofske SA, Belden LK, Hopkins WA. Effects of Echinostoma trivolvis metacercariae infection during development and metamorphosis of the wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2016; 203:40-48. [PMID: 27543422 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Revised: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Many organisms face energetic trade-offs between defense against parasites and other host processes that may determine overall consequences of infection. These trade-offs may be particularly evident during unfavorable environmental conditions or energetically demanding life history stages. Amphibian metamorphosis, an ecologically important developmental period, is associated with drastic morphological and physiological changes and substantial energetic costs. Effects of the trematode parasite Echinostoma trivolvis have been documented during early amphibian development, but effects during later development and metamorphosis are largely unknown. Using a laboratory experiment, we examined the energetic costs of late development and metamorphosis coupled with E. trivolvis infection in wood frogs, Lithobates [=Rana] sylvaticus. Echinostoma infection intensity did not differ between tadpoles examined prior to and after completing metamorphosis, suggesting that metacercariae were retained through metamorphosis. Infection with E. trivolvis contributed to a slower growth rate and longer development period prior to the initiation of metamorphosis. In contrast, E. trivolvis infection did not affect energy expenditure during late development or metamorphosis. Possible explanations for these results include the presence of parasites not interfering with pronephros degradation during metamorphosis or the mesonephros compensating for any parasite damage. Overall, the energetic costs of metamorphosis for wood frogs were comparable to other species with similar life history traits, but differed from a species with a much shorter duration of metamorphic climax. Our findings contribute to understanding the possible role of energetic trade-offs between parasite defense and host processes by considering parasite infection with simultaneous energetic demands during a sensitive period of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Orlofske
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
| | - Lisa K Belden
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - William A Hopkins
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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46
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Hoye BJ, Munster VJ, Huig N, de Vries P, Oosterbeek K, Tijsen W, Klaassen M, Fouchier RAM, van Gils JA. Hampered performance of migratory swans: intra- and inter-seasonal effects of avian influenza virus. Integr Comp Biol 2016; 56:317-29. [PMID: 27252210 PMCID: PMC5007603 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icw038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The extent to which animal migrations shape parasite transmission networks is critically dependent on a migrant's ability to tolerate infection and migrate successfully. Yet, sub-lethal effects of parasites can be intensified through periods of increased physiological stress. Long-distance migrants may, therefore, be especially susceptible to negative effects of parasitic infection. Although a handful of studies have investigated the short-term, transmission-relevant behaviors of wild birds infected with low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIV), the ecological consequences of LPAIV for the hosts themselves remain largely unknown. Here, we assessed the potential effects of naturally-acquired LPAIV infections in Bewick's swans, a long-distance migratory species that experiences relatively low incidence of LPAIV infection during early winter. We monitored both foraging and movement behavior in the winter of infection, as well as subsequent breeding behavior and inter-annual resighting probability over 3 years. Incorporating data on infection history we hypothesized that any effects would be most apparent in naïve individuals experiencing their first LPAIV infection. Indeed, significant effects of infection were only seen in birds that were infected but lacked antibodies indicative of prior infection. Swans that were infected but had survived a previous infection were indistinguishable from uninfected birds in each of the ecological performance metrics. Despite showing reduced foraging rates, individuals in the naïve-infected category had similar accumulated body stores to re-infected and uninfected individuals prior to departure on spring migration, possibly as a result of having higher scaled mass at the time of infection. And yet individuals in the naïve-infected category were unlikely to be resighted 1 year after infection, with 6 out of 7 individuals that never resighted again compared to 20 out of 63 uninfected individuals and 5 out of 12 individuals in the re-infected category. Collectively, our findings indicate that acute and superficially harmless infection with LPAIV may have indirect effects on individual performance and recruitment in migratory Bewick's swans. Our results also highlight the potential for infection history to play an important role in shaping ecological constraints throughout the annual cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany J Hoye
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life & Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vincent J Munster
- Department of Virosciences, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Naomi Huig
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter de Vries
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kees Oosterbeek
- SOVON Texel, Dutch Center for Field Ornithology, Den Burg (Texel), The Netherlands
| | - Wim Tijsen
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Klaassen
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life & Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ron A M Fouchier
- Department of Virosciences, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan A van Gils
- Department of Coastal Systems, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, and Utrecht University, Den Burg (Texel), The Netherlands
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47
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Murillo AC, Chappell MA, Owen JP, Mullens BA. Northern fowl mite (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) effects on metabolism, body temperatures, skin condition, and egg production as a function of hen MHC haplotype. Poult Sci 2016; 95:2536-2546. [PMID: 27208153 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pew175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The northern fowl mite, Ornithonyssus sylviarum, is the most damaging ectoparasite on egg-laying hens in the United States. One potential strategy for management is breeding for mite resistance. Genes of white leghorn chickens linked to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) were previously identified as conferring more (B21 haplotype) or less (B15 haplotype) mite resistance. However, immune responses can be energetically costly to the host and affect the economic damage incurred from mite infestations. We tested energy costs (resting metabolic rate) of mite infestations on egg-laying birds of both MHC B-haplotypes. Resting metabolic rates were documented before (pre-) mite infestation, during (mid-) infestation, and after peak (late) mite infestation. Mite scores, economic parameters (egg production, feed consumption), and physiological aspects such as skin inflammation and skin temperature were recorded weekly. Across experiments and different infestation time points, resting metabolic rates generally were not affected by mite infestation or haplotype, although there were instances of lower metabolic rates in infested versus control hens. Skin temperatures were recorded both at the site of mite feeding damage (vent) and under the wing (no mites), which possibly would reflect a systemic fever response. Ambient temperatures modified skin surface temperature, which generally was not affected by mites or haplotype. Feed conversion efficiency was significantly worse (4.9 to 17.0% depending on trial) in birds infested with mites. Overall egg production and average egg weight were not affected significantly, although there was a trend toward reduced egg production (2 to 8%) by infested hens. The MHC haplotype significantly affected vent skin inflammation. Birds with the mite-resistant B21 haplotype showed earlier onset of inflammation, but a reduced overall area of inflammation compared to mite-susceptible B15 birds. No significant differences in resting energy expenditure related to mite infestation or immune responses were detected. Potential breeding for resistance to mite infestation using these two haplotypes appears to be neutral in terms of impact on hen energy costs or production efficiency, and may be an attractive option for future mite control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy C Murillo
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521
| | - Mark A Chappell
- Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521
| | - Jeb P Owen
- Department of Entomology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164
| | - Bradley A Mullens
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521
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Body size and meta-community structure: the allometric scaling of parasitic worm communities in their mammalian hosts. Parasitology 2016; 143:880-893. [PMID: 27001526 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182015001444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
In this paper we derive from first principles the expected body sizes of the parasite communities that can coexist in a mammal of given body size. We use a mixture of mathematical models and known allometric relationships to examine whether host and parasite life histories constrain the diversity of parasite species that can coexist in the population of any host species. The model consists of one differential equation for each parasite species and a single density-dependent nonlinear equation for the affected host under the assumption of exploitation competition. We derive threshold conditions for the coexistence and competitive exclusion of parasite species using invasion criteria and stability analysis of the resulting equilibria. These results are then used to evaluate the range of parasites species that can invade and establish in a target host and identify the 'optimal' size of a parasite species for a host of a given body size; 'optimal' is defined as the body size of a parasite species that cannot be outcompeted by any other parasite species. The expected distributions of parasites body sizes in hosts of different sizes are then compared with those observed in empirical studies. Our analysis predicts the relative abundance of parasites of different size that establish in the host and suggests that increasing the ratio of parasite body size to host body size above a minimum threshold increases the persistence of the parasite population.
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49
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Sarcoptes scabiei: The Mange Mite with Mighty Effects on the Common Wombat (Vombatus ursinus). PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149749. [PMID: 26943790 PMCID: PMC4778766 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitism has both direct and indirect effects on hosts. Indirect effects (such as behavioural changes) may be common, although are often poorly described. This study examined sarcoptic mange (caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei) in the common wombat (Vombatus ursinus), a species that shows severe symptoms of infection and often causes mortality. Wombats showed alterations to above ground behaviours associated with mange. Infected wombats were shown to be active outside of the burrow for longer than healthy individuals. Additionally, they spent more time scratching and drinking, and less time walking as a proportion of time spent above ground when compared with healthy individuals. They did not spend a higher proportion of time feeding, but did have a slower feeding rate and were in poorer body condition. Thermal images showed that wombats with mange lost considerably more heat to the environment due to a diminished insulation layer. Infection status did not have an effect on burrow emergence time, although this was strongly dependent on maximum daily temperature. This study, through the most detailed behavioural observations of wombats to date, contributes to a broader understanding of how mange affects wombat health and abundance, and also to our understanding of the evolution of host responses to this parasite. Despite being globally dispersed and impacting over 100 species with diverse intrinsic host traits, the effects of mange on hosts are relatively poorly understood, and it is possible that similar effects of this disease are conserved in other host species. The indirect effects that we observed may extend to other pathogen types.
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50
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Tomás A, Palma RL, Rebelo MT, da Fonseca IP. Chewing lice (Phthiraptera) from wild birds in southern Portugal. Parasitol Int 2016; 65:295-301. [PMID: 26899014 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2016.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Revised: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This study was carried out to determine chewing louse species of wild birds in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, located in southern Portugal. In addition, the hypothesis that bird age, avian migration and social behaviour have an impact on the louse prevalence was tested. Between September and December of 2013, 122 birds (belonging to 10 orders, 19 families, 31 genera and 35 species) captured in scientific ringing sessions and admitted to the Wildlife Rehabilitation and Investigation Centre of Ria Formosa were examined for lice. Twenty-six (21.3%) birds were found to be infested with at least one chewing louse species. The chewing lice identified include 18 species. Colonial birds (34.9%) and migratory birds (29.5%) had statistically significant higher prevalence than territorial birds (6.8%) and resident birds (13.1%), respectively. This paper records 17 louse species for the first time in southern Portugal: Laemobothrion maximum, Laemobothrion vulturis, Actornithophilus piceus lari, Actornithophilus umbrinus, Austromenopon lutescens, Colpocephalum heterosoma, Colpocephalum turbinatum, Eidmanniella pustulosa, Nosopon casteli, Pectinopygus bassani, Pseudomenopon pilosum, Trinoton femoratum, Trinoton querquedulae, Craspedorrhynchus platystomus, Degeeriella fulva, Falcolipeurus quadripustulatus, Lunaceps schismatus. Also a nymph of the genus Strigiphilus was collected from a Eurasian eagle-owl. These findings contribute to the knowledge of avian chewing lice from important birds areas in Portugal.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Tomás
- Center for Environmental and Marine Studies/Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Ricardo L Palma
- Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, P.O. Box 467, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
| | - Maria Teresa Rebelo
- Center for Environmental and Marine Studies/Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pereira da Fonseca
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Research on Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
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