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Jacinto-Maldonado M, García-Peña G, Paredes-León R, Saucedo B, Sarmiento-Silva R, García A, Martínez-Gómez D, Ojeda M, Del Callejo E, Suzán G. Chiggers (Acariformes: Trombiculoidea) do not increase rates of infection by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis fungus in the endemic Dwarf Mexican Treefrog Tlalocohyla smithii (Anura: Hylidae). Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2020; 11:163-173. [PMID: 32099787 PMCID: PMC7031141 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Amphibian populations are globally declining at an alarming rate, and infectious diseases are among the main causes of their decline. Two micro-parasites, the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and the virus Ranavirus (RV) have caused mass mortality of amphibians and population declines. Other, less understood epizootics are caused by macro-parasites, such as Trombiculoidea chiggers. Infection with chiggers can affect frog behavior and survival. Furthermore, synergistic effects of co-infection with both macro and micro-parasites may lead to higher morbidity. To better understand these potential synergies, we investigated the presence and co-infection by chiggers, Bd and RV in the endemic frog Tlalocohyla smithii (T. smithii). Co-infection of Bd, RV, and/or chiggers is expected in habitats that are suitable for their co-occurrence; and if infection with one parasite facilitates infection with the others. On the other hand, co-infection could decrease if these parasites were to differ in their micro-environmental requirements (i.e. niche apportionment). A total of 116 frogs of T. smithii were studied during 2014 and 2016 in three streams within the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve in Jalisco, Mexico. Our results show that 31% of the frogs were infected with Trombiculoidea chiggers (Hannemania sp. and Eutrombicula alfreddugesi); Hannemania prevalence increased with air temperature and decreased in sites with high canopies and with water pH values above 8.5 and below 6.7. Bd prevalence was 2.6%, RV prevalence was 0%, and none of the frogs infected with chiggers were co-infected with Bd. Together, this study suggests that chiggers do not facilitate infection with Bd, as these are apportioned in different micro-habitats. Nevertheless, the statistical power to assure this is low. We recommend further epidemiological monitoring of multiple parasites in different geographical locations in order to provide insight on the true hazards, risks and conservation options for amphibian populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Jacinto-Maldonado
- The Complexity Sciences Center C3 Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad, 3000, Mexico City, Mexico
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Av. Universidad, 3000, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - G.E. García-Peña
- The Complexity Sciences Center C3 Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad, 3000, Mexico City, Mexico
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Av. Universidad, 3000, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - R. Paredes-León
- National Mite Collection, Biology Institute, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico
| | - B. Saucedo
- Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, CB87UU, Newmarket, United Kingdom
| | - R.E. Sarmiento-Silva
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Av. Universidad, 3000, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - A. García
- Chamela Biological Station, Biology Institute, San Patricio Melaque, 48980, La Huerta, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - D. Martínez-Gómez
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Production, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana. Unit of Xochimilco. Prol, Canal de Miramontes, 3855, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - M. Ojeda
- National Mite Collection, Biology Institute, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico
| | - E. Del Callejo
- The Complexity Sciences Center C3 Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad, 3000, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - G. Suzán
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Av. Universidad, 3000, Mexico City, Mexico
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Longo AV, Rodríguez‐Gómez CA, Zegarra JP, Monzón O, Claudio‐Hernández HJ, Joglar RL, Zamudio KR, Burrowes PA, López‐Torres AL. Tick parasitism as a cost of sexual selection and male parental care in a Neotropical frog. Ecosphere 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ana V. Longo
- Department of Biology University of Florida P.O. Box 118525 Gainesville Florida 32605 USA
| | - Carlos A. Rodríguez‐Gómez
- Proyecto Coquí 120 La Sierra #132 San Juan 00926 Puerto Rico
- Para La Naturaleza P.O. Box 9023554 San Juan 00902‐3554 Puerto Rico
| | - Jan P. Zegarra
- Caribbean Ecological Services Field Office U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service P.O. Box 491 Boquerón 00622 Puerto Rico
| | - Omar Monzón
- Para La Naturaleza P.O. Box 9023554 San Juan 00902‐3554 Puerto Rico
| | | | - Rafael L. Joglar
- Proyecto Coquí 120 La Sierra #132 San Juan 00926 Puerto Rico
- Department of Biology University of Puerto Rico P.O. Box 23360 San Juan 00931‐3360 Puerto Rico
| | - Kelly R. Zamudio
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Cornell University E145 Corson Hall Ithaca New York 14853 USA
| | - Patricia A. Burrowes
- Department of Biology University of Puerto Rico P.O. Box 23360 San Juan 00931‐3360 Puerto Rico
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