1
|
Nourani L, Aliabadian M, Mirshamsi O, Dinparast Djadid N. Prevalence of co-infection and genetic diversity of avian haemosporidian parasites in two rehabilitation facilities in Iran: implications for the conservation of captive raptors. BMC Ecol Evol 2022; 22:114. [PMID: 36209068 PMCID: PMC9547439 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-022-02068-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Various haemosporidian parasites infect raptors, especially captive hosts who may be more exposed. Diagnosis of threatening factors such as infectious diseases indirectly has a significant role in protecting endangered or threatened species that may boost the mortality or extinction resulting from declined reproduction. Few investigations have been performed in captive hosts to detect the prevalence of haemosporidian parasites and define genetic diversity in west Asia. For the first time, the current study was designed to determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of haemosporidian parasites in captive raptors by molecular methods in two rehabilitation facilities in North and North-east Iran and to define phylogenetic relationships of detected lineages circulating in raptors. Results Molecular characterization of the haemosporidian parasite was accomplished by PCR-based method and DNA sequencing in 62 captive raptors. The overall prevalence was ~ 36% with higher infection of Haemoproteus spp. than Leucocytozoon spp. Plasmodium infection was not detected in any host. Results showed that 22 individuals (of 10 species) were infected with unique lineages. Genus Haemoproteus was detected in 26.66% of examined individuals (of eight species) and Leucocytozoon was found in 10% of individuals (of four species). The molecular analysis could detect ten lineages (nine Haemoproteus spp. and one Leucocytozoon spp.) which were categorizes as new and six lineages which have been previously detected in the other investigations. Conclusions The Bayesian phylogenetic analysis derived from obtained data in the present study and published lineages in previous investigations indicated the probable host specificity of Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon parasites in several sub-clades at hosts’ order and genus level. As monitoring the parasite loads of captive birds when admitted reduce the risk of infecting hosts in captivity at those locations, we designed this study to determine infection prevalence and genetic diversity of blood parasites in raptors examined in Iran. These results allow mapping of haemosporidian distribution and shed light on the depth of their diversity in Iran to protect species by identification of risk in rehabilitation facilities. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12862-022-02068-9.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leila Nourani
- grid.420169.80000 0000 9562 2611Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran ,grid.411301.60000 0001 0666 1211Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mansour Aliabadian
- grid.411301.60000 0001 0666 1211Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran ,grid.411301.60000 0001 0666 1211Research Department of Zoological Innovations (RDZI), Institute of Applied Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Omid Mirshamsi
- grid.411301.60000 0001 0666 1211Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran ,grid.411301.60000 0001 0666 1211Research Department of Zoological Innovations (RDZI), Institute of Applied Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Navid Dinparast Djadid
- grid.420169.80000 0000 9562 2611Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Towards a more healthy conservation paradigm: integrating disease and molecular ecology to aid biological conservation †. J Genet 2021. [PMID: 33622992 PMCID: PMC7371965 DOI: 10.1007/s12041-020-01225-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Parasites, and the diseases they cause, are important from an ecological and evolutionary perspective because they can negatively affect host fitness and can regulate host populations. Consequently, conservation biology has long recognized the vital role that parasites can play in the process of species endangerment and recovery. However, we are only beginning to understand how deeply parasites are embedded in ecological systems, and there is a growing recognition of the important ways in which parasites affect ecosystem structure and function. Thus, there is an urgent need to revisit how parasites are viewed from a conservation perspective and broaden the role that disease ecology plays in conservation-related research and outcomes. This review broadly focusses on the role that disease ecology can play in biological conservation. Our review specifically emphasizes on how the integration of tools and analytical approaches associated with both disease and molecular ecology can be leveraged to aid conservation biology. Our review first concentrates on disease-mediated extinctions and wildlife epidemics. We then focus on elucidating how host–parasite interactions has improved our understanding of the eco-evolutionary dynamics affecting hosts at the individual, population, community and ecosystem scales. We believe that the role of parasites as drivers and indicators of ecosystem health is especially an exciting area of research that has the potential to fundamentally alter our view of parasites and their role in biological conservation. The review concludes with a broad overview of the current and potential applications of modern genomic tools in disease ecology to aid biological conservation.
Collapse
|
3
|
Nourani L, Djadid ND, Rabiee K, Mezerji MS, Shakiba M, Bakhshi H, Shokrollahi B, Farahani RK. Detection of haemosporidian parasites in wild and domestic birds in northern and central provinces of Iran: Introduction of new lineages and hosts. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2020; 13:203-212. [PMID: 33209581 PMCID: PMC7658667 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Haemosporidian parasites characterize multi-host and multi-parasite structures which are prevalent among wild bird populations. Here, determination of host records, estimation of the prevalence and diversity of haemosporidian lineages were performed in wild and domestic birds in 11 provinces in Iran. To our knowledge, for the first time in this region, molecular characterization of haemosporidians in migratory water birds, raptors, and domestic birds was carried out: blood or tissue samples were collected from 246 birds belonging to 36 species, 12 families, and 11 orders. The prevalence of Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon were documented as 1.21%, 3.65%, and 0.4%, respectively. Of 36 birds' species inspected in this investigation, 13 individuals of 9 species were parasitized by blood parasites. To our knowledge, five lineages including hANACRE03, hAYTFER01, hAYTFER02, hAQUCYR01, and hSTAL06 were found as un-described lineages, while six known lineages of hLK03, pLK05, lTUSW04, pSW5, hMILANS02, and hHAECOL1 were recorded in hosts within novel geographical regions. Such results are required to fill the gaps in understanding the geographical distribution patterns of wildlife related vector-borne parasites in migratory birds as potential carriers, raptors with high vulnerability, and domestic birds as pet or with economic value. Molecular characterization of haemosporidians in migratory, raptors, and domestic birds. Eleven avian haemosporidian lineages discovered in new geographical regions of West Asia. Novelhost records of blood parasites in Iran.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leila Nourani
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid Dinparast Djadid
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Koros Rabiee
- Mazandaran Provincial Office of the Department of Environment, Sari, Iran
| | | | | | - Hasan Bakhshi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Borhan Shokrollahi
- Department of Animal Science, Veterinary School, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Reza Khaltabadi Farahani
- Department of Molecular Biology, Central Veterinary Laboratory, Iranian Veterinary Organization, Tehran, Iran.,Molecular Biology Department, Pastuer Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mitrus C, Mitrus J, Rutkowski R. Individual Heterozygosity Influences Arrival Times and Mating Success of Male Red-Breasted Flycatchers Ficedula parva. Zool Stud 2020; 59:e12. [PMID: 32760458 PMCID: PMC7396921 DOI: 10.6620/zs.2020.59-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
We examined the relationship between individual heterozygosity of male Red-breasted Flycatchers (Ficedula parva; a small long-distance migratory, socially monogamous bird species) and their mating success, arrival time and age. Using eight polymorphic microsatellite loci, we found that male heterozygosity is related to both mating success and arrival time, but not to age. Mated and earlier arriving males had higher heterozygosity than later arrivals and bachelors, but we did not find a relationship between age and individual heterozygosity of males. To our knowledge, this is the first study to provide evidence about the relationship between individual genetic diversity and arrival time, thus arrival time could be used as a signal of individual heterozygosity and quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cezary Mitrus
- Department of Vertebrate Ecology and Paleontology, Institute of Biology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego 38c, 51-631 Wrocław, Poland. E-mail: (C. Mitrus)
| | - Joanna Mitrus
- Department of Plant Physiology and Genetics, Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Prusa 12, 08-110 Siedlce, Poland. E-mail: (J. Mitrus)
| | - Robert Rutkowski
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wilcza 64, 00-679 Warsaw, Poland. E-mail: (Rutkowski)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Portanier E, Garel M, Devillard S, Maillard D, Poissant J, Galan M, Benabed S, Poirel MT, Duhayer J, Itty C, Bourgoin G. Both candidate gene and neutral genetic diversity correlate with parasite resistance in female Mediterranean mouflon. BMC Ecol 2019; 19:12. [PMID: 30836982 PMCID: PMC6402107 DOI: 10.1186/s12898-019-0228-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parasite infections can have substantial impacts on population dynamics and are accordingly a key challenge for wild population management. Here we studied genetic mechanisms driving parasite resistance in a large herbivore through a comprehensive approach combining measurements of neutral (16 microsatellites) and adaptive (MHC DRB1 exon 2) genetic diversity and two types of gastrointestinal parasites (nematodes and coccidia). RESULTS While accounting for other extrinsic and intrinsic predictors known to impact parasite load, we show that both neutral genetic diversity and DRB1 are associated with resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes. Intermediate levels of multi-locus heterozygosity maximized nematodes resistance, suggesting that both in- and outbreeding depression might occur in the population. DRB1 heterozygosity and specific alleles effects were detected, suggesting the occurrence of heterozygote advantage, rare-allele effects and/or fluctuating selection. On the contrary, no association was detected between genetic diversity and resistance to coccidia, indicating that different parasite classes are impacted by different genetic drivers. CONCLUSIONS This study provides important insights for large herbivores and wild sheep pathogen management, and in particular suggests that factors likely to impact genetic diversity and allelic frequencies, including global changes, are also expected to impact parasite resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Portanier
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
- Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage, Unité Ongulés Sauvages, 5 allée de Bethléem, Z.I. Mayencin, 38610 Gières, France
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, 1 Avenue Bourgelat, BP 83, 69280 Marcy l’Etoile, France
| | - Mathieu Garel
- Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage, Unité Ongulés Sauvages, 5 allée de Bethléem, Z.I. Mayencin, 38610 Gières, France
| | - Sébastien Devillard
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Daniel Maillard
- Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage, Unité Ongulés Sauvages, 5 allée de Bethléem, Z.I. Mayencin, 38610 Gières, France
| | - Jocelyn Poissant
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Maxime Galan
- CBGP, INRA, CIRAD, IRD, Montpellier SupAgro, Université de Montpellier, 34980 Montferrier Sur Lez, France
| | - Slimania Benabed
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, 1 Avenue Bourgelat, BP 83, 69280 Marcy l’Etoile, France
| | - Marie-Thérèse Poirel
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, 1 Avenue Bourgelat, BP 83, 69280 Marcy l’Etoile, France
| | - Jeanne Duhayer
- Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage, Unité Ongulés Sauvages, 5 allée de Bethléem, Z.I. Mayencin, 38610 Gières, France
| | - Christian Itty
- Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage, Unité Ongulés Sauvages, 5 allée de Bethléem, Z.I. Mayencin, 38610 Gières, France
| | - Gilles Bourgoin
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, 1 Avenue Bourgelat, BP 83, 69280 Marcy l’Etoile, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Townsend AK, Taff CC, Wheeler SS, Weis AM, Hinton MG, Jones ML, Logsdon RM, Reisen WK, Freund D, Sehgal RNM, Saberi M, Suh YH, Hurd J, Boyce WM. Low heterozygosity is associated with vector‐borne disease in crows. Ecosphere 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Conor C. Taff
- Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology Ithaca New York 14850 USA
| | - Sarah S. Wheeler
- Sacramento‐Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District Elk Grove California 95624 USA
| | - Allison M. Weis
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction School of Veterinary Medicine 100K Pathogen Genome Project University of California Davis California 95616 USA
| | - Mitch G. Hinton
- Animal Behavior Graduate Group University of California Davis California 95616 USA
| | - Melissa L. Jones
- Avian Sciences Graduate Group University of California Davis California 95616 USA
| | - Ryane M. Logsdon
- Animal Behavior Graduate Group University of California Davis California 95616 USA
| | - William K. Reisen
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology School of Veterinary Medicine University of California Davis California 95616 USA
| | - David Freund
- Department of Biology San Francisco State University San Francisco California 94132 USA
| | - Ravinder N. M. Sehgal
- Department of Biology San Francisco State University San Francisco California 94132 USA
| | - Mojan Saberi
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology University of California Davis California 95616 USA
| | - Young Ha Suh
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Cornell University Ithaca New York 14853 USA
| | - Jacqueline Hurd
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology University of California Davis California 95616 USA
| | - Walter M. Boyce
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology School of Veterinary Medicine University of California Davis California 95616 USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cassin Sackett L. Does the host matter? Variable influence of host traits on parasitism rates. Int J Parasitol 2018; 48:27-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
8
|
Savage AE, Becker CG, Zamudio KR. Linking genetic and environmental factors in amphibian disease risk. Evol Appl 2015; 8:560-72. [PMID: 26136822 PMCID: PMC4479512 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
A central question in evolutionary biology is how interactions between organisms and the environment shape genetic differentiation. The pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has caused variable population declines in the lowland leopard frog (Lithobates yavapaiensis); thus, disease has potentially shaped, or been shaped by, host genetic diversity. Environmental factors can also influence both amphibian immunity and Bd virulence, confounding our ability to assess the genetic effects on disease dynamics. Here, we used genetics, pathogen dynamics, and environmental data to characterize L. yavapaiensis populations, estimate migration, and determine relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors in predicting Bd dynamics. We found that the two uninfected populations belonged to a single genetic deme, whereas each infected population was genetically unique. We detected an outlier locus that deviated from neutral expectations and was significantly correlated with mortality within populations. Across populations, only environmental variables predicted infection intensity, whereas environment and genetics predicted infection prevalence, and genetic diversity alone predicted mortality. At one locality with geothermally elevated water temperatures, migration estimates revealed source-sink dynamics that have likely prevented local adaptation. We conclude that integrating genetic and environmental variation among populations provides a better understanding of Bd spatial epidemiology, generating more effective conservation management strategies for mitigating amphibian declines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Savage
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University Ithaca, NY, USA ; Department of Biology, University of Central Florida 4110 Libra Drive, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
| | - Carlos G Becker
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University Ithaca, NY, USA ; Department of Zoology, State University of Sao Paulo Av. 24A No. 1515, Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil
| | - Kelly R Zamudio
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University Ithaca, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gutiérrez-López R, Gangoso L, Martínez-de la Puente J, Fric J, López-López P, Mailleux M, Muñoz J, Touati L, Samraoui B, Figuerola J. Low prevalence of blood parasites in a long-distance migratory raptor: the importance of host habitat. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:189. [PMID: 25889120 PMCID: PMC4381668 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0802-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The low prevalence of blood parasites in some bird species may be related to the habitats they frequent, the inexistence of the right host-parasite assemblage or the immunological capacity of the host. Here, we assess the parasite load of breeding populations of Eleonora's falcon (Falco eleonorae), a medium-sized long-distance migratory raptor that breeds on small isolated islets throughout the Mediterranean basin and overwinters in inland Madagascar. METHODS We examined the prevalence and genetic diversity of the blood parasites belonging to the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon in Eleonora's falcon nestlings from five colonies and in adults from two colonies from nesting sites distributed throughout most of the species' breeding range. RESULTS None of the 282 nestlings analysed were infected by blood parasites; on the other hand, the lineages of Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon were all found to infect adults. Our results support the idea of no local transmission of vector-borne parasites in marine habitats. Adult Eleonora's falcons thus may be infected by parasites when on migration or in their wintering areas. CONCLUSION The characteristics of marine environments with a lack of appropriate vectors may thus be the key factor determining the absence of local transmission of blood parasites. By comparing the parasite lineages isolated in this species with those previously found in other birds we were able to infer the most likely areas for the transmission of the various parasite lineages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Gutiérrez-López
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), C/Américo Vespucio, s/n, E-41092, Seville, Spain.
| | - Laura Gangoso
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), C/Américo Vespucio, s/n, E-41092, Seville, Spain.
| | | | - Jakob Fric
- Hellenic Ornithological Society, Themistokleous str. 80, 10681, Athens, Greece.
| | - Pascual López-López
- Vertebrates Zoology Research Group, University of Alicante, E-03080, Alicante, Spain.
| | - Mélanie Mailleux
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), C/Américo Vespucio, s/n, E-41092, Seville, Spain.
| | - Joaquín Muñoz
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), C/Américo Vespucio, s/n, E-41092, Seville, Spain.
| | - Laïd Touati
- Biology and Ecology Department, University of Constantine, 25017, Constantine, Algeria.
| | - Boudjema Samraoui
- Laboratoire de Recherche et de Conservation des Zones Humides, University of Guelma, 24000, Guelma, Algeria. .,Centre of Excellence for Research in Biodiversity, King Saud University, 12643, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), C/Américo Vespucio, s/n, E-41092, Seville, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fourcade Y, Keišs O, Richardson DS, Secondi J. Continental-scale patterns of pathogen prevalence: a case study on the corncrake. Evol Appl 2014; 7:1043-55. [PMID: 25553066 PMCID: PMC4231594 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogen infections can represent a substantial threat to wild populations, especially those already limited in size. To determine how much variation in the pathogens observed among fragmented populations is caused by ecological factors, one needs to examine systems where host genetic diversity is consistent among the populations, thus controlling for any potentially confounding genetic effects. Here, we report geographic variation in haemosporidian infection among European populations of corncrake. This species now occurs in fragmented populations, but there is little genetic structure and equally high levels of genetic diversity among these populations. We observed a longitudinal gradient of prevalence from western to Eastern Europe negatively correlated with national agricultural yield, but positively correlated with corncrake census population sizes when only the most widespread lineage is considered. This likely reveals a possible impact of local agriculture intensity, which reduced host population densities in Western Europe and, potentially, insect vector abundance, thus reducing the transmission of pathogens. We conclude that in the corncrake system, where metapopulation dynamics resulted in variations in local census population sizes, but not in the genetic impoverishment of these populations, anthropogenic activity has led to a reduction in host populations and pathogen prevalence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoan Fourcade
- Université d'Angers, GECCOAngers, France
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation, School of Biological Sciences, University of East AngliaNorwich, UK
| | - Oskars Keišs
- Laboratory of Ornithology, Institute of Biology, University of LatviaSalaspils, Latvia
| | - David S Richardson
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation, School of Biological Sciences, University of East AngliaNorwich, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ferrer ES, García-Navas V, Sanz JJ, Ortego J. Individual genetic diversity and probability of infection by avian malaria parasites in blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus). J Evol Biol 2014; 27:2468-82. [PMID: 25264126 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the importance of host genetic diversity for coping with parasites and infectious diseases is a long-standing goal in evolutionary biology. Here, we study the association between probability of infection by avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum) and individual genetic diversity in three blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) populations that strongly differ in prevalence of this parasite. For this purpose, we screened avian malaria infections and genotyped 789 blue tits across 26 microsatellite markers. We used two different arrays of markers: 14 loci classified as neutral and 12 loci classified as putatively functional. We found a significant relationship between probability of infection and host genetic diversity estimated at the subset of neutral markers that was not explained by strong local effects and did not differ among the studied populations. This relationship was not linear, and probability of infection increased up to values of homozygosity by locus (HL) around 0.15, reached a plateau at values of HL from 0.15 to 0.40 and finally declined among a small proportion of highly homozygous individuals (HL > 0.4). We did not find evidence for significant identity disequilibrium, which may have resulted from a low variance of inbreeding in the study populations and/or the small power of our set of markers to detect it. A combination of subtle positive and negative local effects and/or a saturation threshold in the association between probability of infection and host genetic diversity in combination with increased resistance to parasites in highly homozygous individuals may explain the observed negative quadratic relationship. Overall, our study highlights that parasites play an important role in shaping host genetic variation and suggests that the use of large sets of neutral markers may be more appropriate for the study of heterozygosity-fitness correlations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E S Ferrer
- Grupo de Investigación de la Biodiversidad Genética y Cultural, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos - IREC (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain; Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales, Facultad de Ciencias Ambientales y Bioquímica, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ruiz-López MJ, Monello RJ, Gompper ME, Eggert LS. The effect and relative importance of neutral genetic diversity for predicting parasitism varies across parasite taxa. PLoS One 2012; 7:e45404. [PMID: 23049796 PMCID: PMC3458861 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0045404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2012] [Accepted: 08/22/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding factors that determine heterogeneity in levels of parasitism across individuals is a major challenge in disease ecology. It is known that genetic makeup plays an important role in infection likelihood, but the mechanism remains unclear as does its relative importance when compared to other factors. We analyzed relationships between genetic diversity and macroparasites in outbred, free-ranging populations of raccoons (Procyon lotor). We measured heterozygosity at 14 microsatellite loci and modeled the effects of both multi-locus and single-locus heterozygosity on parasitism using an information theoretic approach and including non-genetic factors that are known to influence the likelihood of parasitism. The association of genetic diversity and parasitism, as well as the relative importance of genetic diversity, differed by parasitic group. Endoparasite species richness was better predicted by a model that included genetic diversity, with the more heterozygous hosts harboring fewer endoparasite species. Genetic diversity was also important in predicting abundance of replete ticks (Dermacentor variabilis). This association fit a curvilinear trend, with hosts that had either high or low levels of heterozygosity harboring fewer parasites than those with intermediate levels. In contrast, genetic diversity was not important in predicting abundance of non-replete ticks and lice (Trichodectes octomaculatus). No strong single-locus effects were observed for either endoparasites or replete ticks. Our results suggest that in outbred populations multi-locus diversity might be important for coping with parasitism. The differences in the relationships between heterozygosity and parasitism for the different parasites suggest that the role of genetic diversity varies with parasite-mediated selective pressures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María José Ruiz-López
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Clough D, Kappeler PM, Walter L. Genetic regulation of parasite infection: empirical evidence of the functional significance of an IL4 gene SNP on nematode infections in wild primates. Front Zool 2011; 8:9. [PMID: 21501512 PMCID: PMC3104205 DOI: 10.1186/1742-9994-8-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2010] [Accepted: 04/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Susceptibility to parasite infection affects fitness-related processes, such as mate choice and survival, yet its genetic regulation remains poorly understood. Interleukin-4 (IL4) plays a central role in the humoral immune defence against nematode parasite infections, inducing IgE switch and regulation of worm expulsion from the intestines. The evolutionary and functional significance of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL4-genes is known, yet empirical information on the effect of IL4 SNPs on gastro-intestinal infections is lacking. Using samples from a population of wild red-fronted lemurs (Eulemur fulvus rufus, Primates: Lemuridae), from western Madagascar, we explored the association of IL4-gene promoter polymorphisms with nematode infections and investigated a possible functional role of the IL4 polymorphism on male reproductive success. RESULTS Using sequence analyses of lemur DNA we detected a new SNP in the IL4 gene promoter area. Carriers of the genotype T/T showed higher nematode infection intensities than individuals of genotypes C/T and C/C. Genetic population analyses using data from more than 10 years, suggested higher reproductive success of T/T males than expected. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest a regulatory effect of an IL4 gene promoter polymorphism on the intensity of parasite infections in a natural population of red-fronted lemurs, with a seemingly disadvantageous genotype represented in low frequencies. Long-term population analyses, however, point in the direction of a negative frequency-dependent association, giving a fitness advantage to the rare genotype. Due to low frequencies of the genotype in question conclusive evidence of a functional role of IL4 polymorphism cannot be drawn here; still, we suggest the use of IL4 polymorphism as a new molecular tool for quick assessment of individual genetic constitution with regard to nematode infection intensities, contributing to a better understanding of the actual components of the immune response that mediate protection against gastro-intestinal parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dagmar Clough
- Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit, German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
- Dept. of Anthropology / Sociobiology, University of Göttingen, Kellnerweg 6, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Peter M Kappeler
- Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit, German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
- Dept. of Anthropology / Sociobiology, University of Göttingen, Kellnerweg 6, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lutz Walter
- Primate Genetics Laboratory, German Primate Center, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Garamszegi LZ. The Sensitivity of Microscopy and PCR-Based Detection Methods Affecting Estimates of Prevalence of Blood Parasites in Birds. J Parasitol 2010; 96:1197-203. [DOI: 10.1645/ge-2531.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- László Zsolt Garamszegi
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana-CSIC, c/ Americo Vespucio, s/n, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Knowles SCL, Wood MJ, Alves R, Wilkin TA, Bensch S, Sheldon BC. Molecular epidemiology of malaria prevalence and parasitaemia in a wild bird population. Mol Ecol 2010; 20:1062-76. [PMID: 21073677 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2010.04909.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Avian malaria (Plasmodium spp.) and other blood parasitic infections of birds constitute increasingly popular model systems in ecological and evolutionary host-parasite studies. Field studies of these parasites commonly use two traits in hypothesis testing: infection status (or prevalence at the population level) and parasitaemia, yet the causes of variation in these traits remain poorly understood. Here, we use quantitative PCR to investigate fine-scale environmental and host predictors of malaria infection status and parasitaemia in a large 4-year data set from a well-characterized population of blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus). We also examine the temporal dynamics of both traits within individuals. Both infection status and parasitaemia showed marked temporal and spatial variation within this population. However, spatiotemporal patterns of prevalence and parasitaemia were non-parallel, suggesting that different biological processes underpin variation in these two traits at this scale. Infection probability and parasitaemia both increased with host age, and parasitaemia was higher in individuals investing more in reproduction (those with larger clutch sizes). Several local environmental characteristics predicted parasitaemia, including food availability, altitude, and distance from the woodland edge. Although infection status and parasitaemia were somewhat repeatable within individuals, infections were clearly dynamic: patent infections frequently disappeared from the bloodstream, with up to 26% being lost between years, and parasitaemia also fluctuated within individuals across years in a pattern that mirrored annual population-level changes. Overall, these findings highlight the ecological complexity of avian malaria infections in natural populations, while providing valuable insight into the fundamental biology of this system that will increase its utility as a model host-parasite system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C L Knowles
- Department of Zoology, Edward Grey Institute, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zajitschek SRK, Zajitschek F, Brooks RC. Demographic costs of inbreeding revealed by sex-specific genetic rescue effects. BMC Evol Biol 2009; 9:289. [PMID: 20003302 PMCID: PMC2797806 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2148-9-289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2009] [Accepted: 12/10/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inbreeding can slow population growth and elevate extinction risk. A small number of unrelated immigrants to an inbred population can substantially reduce inbreeding and improve fitness, but little attention has been paid to the sex-specific effects of immigrants on such "genetic rescue". We conducted two subsequent experiments to investigate demographic consequences of inbreeding and genetic rescue in guppies. RESULTS Populations established from pairs of full siblings that were descended either from two generations of full-sibling inbreeding or unrelated outbred guppies did not grow at different rates initially, but when the first generation offspring started breeding, outbred-founded populations grew more slowly than inbred-founded populations. In a second experiment, adding two outbred males to the inbred populations resulted in significantly faster population growth than in control populations where no immigrants were added. Adding females resulted in growth at a rate intermediate to the control and male-immigrant treatments. CONCLUSION The slower growth of the outbred-founded than inbred-founded populations is the opposite of what would be expected under inbreeding depression unless many deleterious recessive alleles had already been selectively purged in the inbreeding that preceded the start of the experiment, and that significant inbreeding depression occurred when the first generation offspring in outbred-founded populations started to inbreed. The second experiment revealed strong inbreeding depression in the inbred founded populations, despite the apparent lack thereof in these populations earlier on. Moreover, the fact that the addition of male immigrants resulted in the highest levels of population growth suggests that sex-specific genetic rescue may occur in promiscuous species, with male rescue resulting in higher levels of outbreeding than female rescue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne RK Zajitschek
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
- Station d'Ecologie Expérimentale du CNRS à Moulis, USR 2936, 09200 Moulis, France
| | - Felix Zajitschek
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
- Station d'Ecologie Expérimentale du CNRS à Moulis, USR 2936, 09200 Moulis, France
| | - Robert C Brooks
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Pujolar JM, Bevacqua D, Capoccioni F, Ciccotti E, De Leo GA, Zane L. Genetic variability is unrelated to growth and parasite infestation in natural populations of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla). Mol Ecol 2009; 18:4604-16. [PMID: 19840264 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2009.04390.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Positive correlations between individual genetic heterozygosity and fitness-related traits (HFCs) have been observed in organisms as diverse as plants, marine bivalves, fish or mammals. HFCs are not universal and the strength and stability of HFCs seem to be variable across species, populations and ages. We analysed the relationship between individual genetic variability and two different estimators of fitness in natural samples of European eel, growth rate (using back-calculated length-at-age 1, 2 and 3) and parasite infestation by the swimbladder nematode Anguillicola crassus. Despite using a large data set of 22 expressed sequence tags-derived microsatellite loci and a large sample size of 346 individuals, no heterozygote advantage was observed in terms of growth rate or parasite load. The lack of association was evidenced by (i) nonsignificant global HFCs, (ii) a Multivariate General Linear Model showing no effect of heterozygosity on fitness components, (iii) single-locus analysis showing a lower number of significant tests than the expected false discovery rate, (iv) sign tests showing only a significant departure from expectations at one component, and, (v) a random distribution of significant single-locus HFCs that was not consistent across fitness components or sampling sites. This contrasts with the positive association observed in farmed eels in a previous study using allozymes, which can be explained by the nature of the markers used, with the allozyme study including many loci involved in metabolic energy pathways, while the expressed sequence tags-linked microsatellites might be located in genes or in the proximity of genes uncoupled with metabolism/growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J M Pujolar
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Padova, Via G. Colombo 3, I-35131, Padova, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Factors associated with the geographic distribution of leucocytozoa parasitizing nestling eagle owls (Bubo bubo): a local spatial-scale analysis. CONSERV GENET 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s10592-009-9978-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
19
|
Fellous S. Positive Correlation Between Hemosporidian Parasitemia and Likelihood of PCR Detection in Co-Infected Birds. J Parasitol 2009; 95:472-3. [DOI: 10.1645/ge-1539.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2007] [Accepted: 04/23/2008] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
|
20
|
McCallum H. Tasmanian devil facial tumour disease: lessons for conservation biology. Trends Ecol Evol 2008; 23:631-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2008.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2008] [Revised: 06/02/2008] [Accepted: 07/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
21
|
Alcaide M, Serrano D, Negro JJ, Tella JL, Laaksonen T, Müller C, Gal A, Korpimäki E. Population fragmentation leads to isolation by distance but not genetic impoverishment in the philopatric Lesser Kestrel: a comparison with the widespread and sympatric Eurasian Kestrel. Heredity (Edinb) 2008; 102:190-8. [PMID: 18854856 DOI: 10.1038/hdy.2008.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Population fragmentation is a widespread phenomenon usually associated with human activity. As a result of habitat transformation, the philopatric and steppe-specialist Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni underwent a severe population decline during the last century that increased population fragmentation throughout its breeding range. In contrast, the ubiquitous Eurasian Kestrel Falco tinnunculus did not suffer such adverse effects, its breeding range still remaining rather continuous. Using microsatellites, we tested the effects of population fragmentation on large-scale spatial patterns of genetic differentiation and diversity by comparing these two sympatric and phylogenetically related species. Our results suggest that habitat fragmentation has increased genetic differentiation between Lesser Kestrel populations, following an isolation-by-distance pattern, while the population of Eurasian Kestrels is panmictic. Contrary to expectations, we did not detect significant evidence of reduced genetic variation or increased inbreeding in Lesser Kestrels. Although this study reports genetic differentiation in a species that has potential for long-distance dispersal but philopatry-limited gene flow, large enough effective population sizes and migration may have been sufficient to mitigate genetic depauperation. A serious reduction of genetic diversity in Lesser Kestrels would, therefore, only be expected after severe population bottlenecks following extreme geographic isolation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Alcaide
- Departamentos de Ecología Evolutiva y Biología de la Conservación, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Sevilla, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Tollenaere C, Bryja J, Galan M, Cadet P, Deter J, Chaval Y, Berthier K, Ribas Salvador A, Voutilainen L, Laakkonen J, Henttonen H, Cosson JF, Charbonnel N. Multiple parasites mediate balancing selection at two MHC class II genes in the fossorial water vole: insights from multivariate analyses and population genetics. J Evol Biol 2008; 21:1307-20. [PMID: 18624885 DOI: 10.1111/j.1420-9101.2008.01563.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the factors mediating selection acting on two MHC class II genes (DQA and DRB) in water vole (Arvicola scherman) natural populations in the French Jura Mountains. Population genetics showed significant homogeneity in allelic frequencies at the DQA1 locus as opposed to neutral markers (nine microsatellites), indicating balancing selection acting on this gene. Moreover, almost exhaustive screening for parasites, including gastrointestinal helminths, brain coccidia and antibodies against viruses responsible for zoonoses, was carried out. We applied a co-inertia approach to the genetic and parasitological data sets to avoid statistical problems related to multiple testing. Two alleles, Arte-DRB-11 and Arte-DRB-15, displayed antagonistic associations with the nematode Trichuris arvicolae, revealing the potential parasite-mediated selection acting on DRB locus. Selection mechanisms acting on the two MHC class II genes thus appeared different. Moreover, overdominance as balancing selection mechanism was showed highly unlikely in this system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Tollenaere
- INRA-EFPA, UMR CBGP (INRA/IRD/Cirad/Montpellier SupAgro), Campus International de Baillarguet, Montferrier-sur-Lez cedex, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
ORTEGO JOAQUÍN, CALABUIG GUSTAU, APARICIO JOSÉMIGUEL, CORDERO PEDROJ. Genetic consequences of natal dispersal in the colonial lesser kestrel. Mol Ecol 2008; 17:2051-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2008.03719.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
24
|
Blanchet S, Rey O, Berthier P, Lek S, Loot G. Evidence of parasite-mediated disruptive selection on genetic diversity in a wild fish population. Mol Ecol 2008; 18:1112-23. [PMID: 19222748 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2009.04099.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Identifying the processes maintaining genetic variability in wild populations is a major concern in conservation and evolutionary biology. Parasite-mediated selection may strongly affect genetic variability in wild populations. The inbreeding depression theory predicts that directional selection imposed by parasites should act against the most inbred hosts, thus favouring genetic diversity in wild populations. We have tested this prediction by evaluating the strength and shape of the relationship between the load of a harmful fin-feeder ectoparasite (Tracheliastes polycolpus) and the genome-wide genetic diversity (i.e. heterozygosity measured at a set of 15 microsatellites) of its fish host, the rostrum dace (Leuciscus leuciscus). Contrary to expectation, we found a nonlinear relationship between host genetic diversity and ectoparasite load, with hosts that were either homozygous or heterozygous harbouring significantly fewer parasites than hosts with an intermediate level of heterozygosity. This relationship suggests that parasites could increase the variance of global heterozygosity in this host population through disruptive selection on genetic diversity. Moreover, when genetic diversity was measured at each locus separately, we found two very strong positive associations between host genetic diversity and the ectoparasite load. This latter result has three main implications: (i) genome-wide effect cannot alone explain the nonlinear relationship between global heterozygosity and ectoparasite load, (ii) negative non-additive allelic interactions (i.e. underdominance) may be a mechanism for resisting ectoparasite infection, and (iii) ectoparasites may favour homozygosity at some loci in this host population.
Collapse
|