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Zung JL, Kotb SM, McBride CS. Exploring natural odour landscapes: A case study with implications for human-biting insects. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.08.539789. [PMID: 37398328 PMCID: PMC10312452 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.08.539789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
The natural world is full of odours-blends of volatile chemicals emitted by potential sources of food, social partners, predators, and pathogens. Animals rely heavily on these signals for survival and reproduction. Yet we remain remarkably ignorant of the composition of the chemical world. How many compounds do natural odours typically contain? How often are those compounds shared across stimuli? What are the best statistical strategies for discrimination? Answering these questions will deliver crucial insight into how brains can most efficiently encode olfactory information. Here, we undertake the first large-scale survey of vertebrate body odours, a set of stimuli relevant to blood-feeding arthropods. We quantitatively characterize the odour of 64 vertebrate species (mostly mammals), representing 29 families and 13 orders. We confirm that these stimuli are complex blends of relatively common, shared compounds and show that they are much less likely to contain unique components than are floral odours-a finding with implications for olfactory coding in blood feeders and floral visitors. We also find that vertebrate body odours carry little phylogenetic information, yet show consistency within a species. Human odour is especially unique, even compared to the odour of other great apes. Finally, we use our newfound understanding of odour-space statistics to make specific predictions about olfactory coding, which align with known features of mosquito olfactory systems. Our work provides one of the first quantitative descriptions of a natural odour space and demonstrates how understanding the statistics of sensory environments can provide novel insight into sensory coding and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. Zung
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA 08544
| | | | - Carolyn S. McBride
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA 08544
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2
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Land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program supports roosting ecology of the lesser prairie-chicken. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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3
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Khalil N, Little EAH, Akaratovic KI, Kiser JP, Abadam CF, Yuan KJ, Misencik MJ, Armstrong PM, Molaei G. Host Associations of Culex pipiens: A Two-Year Analysis of Bloodmeal Sources and Implications for Arboviral Transmission in Southeastern Virginia. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:961-972. [PMID: 34665047 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2021.0069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding vector-host interactions is crucial for evaluating the role of mosquito species in enzootic cycling and epidemic/epizootic transmission of arboviruses, as well as assessing vertebrate host contributions to maintenance and amplification in different virus foci. To investigate blood-feeding pattern of Culex pipiens, engorged mosquitoes were collected on a weekly basis at 50 sites throughout Suffolk, Virginia, using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention miniature light traps, BG-Sentinel traps, and modified Reiter gravid traps. Vertebrate hosts of mosquitoes were identified by amplifying and sequencing portions of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Of 281 Cx. pipiens bloodmeals successfully identified to species, 255 (90.7%) contained solely avian blood, 13 (4.6%) mammalian, 1 (0.4%) reptilian, and 12 (4.3%) both avian and mammalian blood. Nineteen avian species were identified as hosts for Cx. pipiens with American robin (n = 141, 55.3% of avian hosts) and northern cardinal (n = 57, 22.4%) as the most common hosts. More American robin feedings took place in areas of higher development. Three mammalian species were also identified as hosts for Cx. pipiens with Virginia opossum and domestic cat as the most common hosts in this class (each n = 6, 46.2% of mammalian hosts). There was no significant seasonal difference in the proportion of bloodmeals obtained from avian hosts, but there was a decrease in the proportion of bloodmeals from mammalian hosts from spring to fall. One engorged specimen of Cx. pipiens with Virginia opossum-derived bloodmeal tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV), and another with black-and-white warbler-derived bloodmeal tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis virus. Our findings, in conjunction with the results of vector competence studies and virus isolation from field-collected mosquitoes, lend additional support that Cx. pipiens serves as the principal enzootic vector and potential epizootic/epidemic vector of WNV in southeastern Virginia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelle Khalil
- Department of Environmental Sciences, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Eliza A H Little
- Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Entomology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Karen I Akaratovic
- Suffolk Mosquito Control, Department of Public Works, Suffolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Jay P Kiser
- Suffolk Mosquito Control, Department of Public Works, Suffolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Charles F Abadam
- Suffolk Mosquito Control, Department of Public Works, Suffolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Karen J Yuan
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Michael J Misencik
- Department of Environmental Sciences, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Philip M Armstrong
- Department of Environmental Sciences, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Goudarz Molaei
- Department of Environmental Sciences, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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4
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Wheeler SS, Taff CC, Reisen WK, Townsend AK. Mosquito blood-feeding patterns and nesting behavior of American crows, an amplifying host of West Nile virus. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:331. [PMID: 34158103 PMCID: PMC8220764 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04827-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although American crows are a key indicator species for West Nile virus (WNV) and mount among the highest viremias reported for any host, the importance of crows in the WNV transmission cycle has been called into question because of their consistent underrepresentation in studies of Culex blood meal sources. Here, we test the hypothesis that this apparent underrepresentation could be due, in part, to underrepresentation of crow nesting habitat from mosquito sampling designs. Specifically, we examine how the likelihood of a crow blood meal changes with distance to and timing of active crow nests in a Davis, California, population. Methods Sixty artificial mosquito resting sites were deployed from May to September 2014 in varying proximity to known crow nesting sites, and Culex blood meal hosts were identified by DNA barcoding. Genotypes from crow blood meals and local crows (72 nestlings from 30 broods and 389 local breeders and helpers) were used to match mosquito blood meals to specific local crows. Results Among the 297 identified Culex blood meals, 20 (6.7%) were attributable to crows. The mean percentage of blood meals of crow origin was 19% in the nesting period (1 May–18 June 2014), but 0% in the weeks after fledging (19 June–1 September 2014), and the likelihood of a crow blood meal increased with proximity to an active nest: the odds that crows hosted a Culex blood meal were 38.07 times greater within 10 m of an active nest than > 10 m from an active nest. Nine of ten crow blood meals that could be matched to a genotype of a specific crow belonged to either nestlings in these nests or their mothers. Six of the seven genotypes that could not be attributed to sampled birds belonged to females, a sex bias likely due to mosquitoes targeting incubating or brooding females. Conclusion Data herein indicate that breeding crows serve as hosts for Culex in the initial stages of the WNV spring enzootic cycle. Given their high viremia, infected crows could thereby contribute to the re-initiation and early amplification of the virus, increasing its availability as mosquitoes shift to other moderately competent later-breeding avian hosts.![]() Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04827-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah S Wheeler
- Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District, 8631 Bond Road, Elk Grove, CA, 95624, USA.
| | - Conor C Taff
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - William K Reisen
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Andrea K Townsend
- Department of Biology, Hamilton College, 198 College Hill Rd, Clinton, NY, 13323, USA
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Delancey CD, Islam K. Analysis of microhabitat characteristics at roost sites of Cerulean Warblers. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241501. [PMID: 33141873 PMCID: PMC7608899 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Little information exists on songbird roosting habits and the types of habitats that songbirds select. To better understand a species’ habitat requirements, all aspects of its biology should be studied. The Cerulean Warbler (Setophaga cerulea, Wilson) is a Nearctic-Neotropical migrant that is a species of conservation concern across its range. It is one of the fastest declining species of wood-warbler (Parulidae) in North America. Since 2007, a breeding population of Cerulean Warblers has been monitored in southern Indiana, as part of the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment. The Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment is a 100 yr project that studies the effects of different forest management practices on plant and animal communities. During the 2017 breeding season, 10 male Cerulean Warblers were tracked to roost locations. Roost sites selected by male Cerulean Warbler were characterized with less basal area, higher canopy cover, greater grapevine (Vitis spp., L.) presence, less shrubs, steeper slopes, and less white oak (Quercus alba, L.) abundance. With this new knowledge we can incorporate additional features of habitat in the formulation of a management plan for this declining species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clayton D. Delancey
- Department of Biology, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Kamal Islam
- Department of Biology, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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6
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Ganser C, Monadjem A, McCleery RA, Ndlela T, Wisely SM. Is it best on the nest? Effects of avian life-history on haemosporidian parasitism. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2020; 13:62-71. [PMID: 32884900 PMCID: PMC7452475 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.07.014] [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: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Infectious diseases vary in prevalence and pathology among host species. Species may differ in prevalence of infection due to varying exposure and susceptibility to disease agents throughout their lifetime, which may be attributable to underlying differences in their phenology, physiology and behavior. A recently growing body of literature has focused on the utility of host life-history traits to provide mechanistic explanations for interspecific variation in host-parasite associations. In this study, we utilized diverse avian and haemosporidian assemblages in an African savanna to evaluate the link between haemosporidia prevalence (Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon) and avian life-history traits such as body size, mating system, nest care and nest structure. We found that variation of haemosporidia prevalence was consistent with life-history traits that pertain to the reproduction of avian host. Nest care was the single most important predictor of infection status. In birds with shared and female-only nest care, the expected rates of parasitism were between 8- and 12-fold higher than in avian brood parasites that provide no nest care. This finding supports the hypothesis that parental care is an evolutionarily costly life-history trait that increases species' risk of infection with vector-borne diseases. The influence of other host traits (nest structure, body size) was less consistent suggesting that differences in the vectors’ ecology and host-seeking behavior produce variable patterns of parasitism among haemosporidia genera. Nest structure influenced infection with Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon only. Leucocytozoon infections were associated with ground-nesting birds, while Haemoproteus infections were associated with birds that build open nest structures. Body size was an important predictor of Leucocytozoon infections, particularly large-bodied birds like guineafowl and doves, which exhibited high prevalences. Variation in infection prevalence was consistent with reproductive traits in avian hosts. Avian species that invested less in nest care had lower infection rates than species with other nest care strategies. Leucocytozoon infections were high in ground-nesting birds; birds with open nests had higher Haemoproteus infections. Birds like guineafowl and doves with larger body size had more Leucocytozoon infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Ganser
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, 110 Newins-Ziegler Hall, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Ara Monadjem
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eswatini, Kwaluseni, Eswatini.,Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Robert A McCleery
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, 110 Newins-Ziegler Hall, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Thandeka Ndlela
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eswatini, Kwaluseni, Eswatini
| | - Samantha M Wisely
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, 110 Newins-Ziegler Hall, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
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Skinner EB, Murphy A, Jansen CC, Shivas MA, McCallum H, Onn MB, Reid SA, Peel AJ. Associations Between Ross River Virus Infection in Humans and Vector-Vertebrate Community Ecology in Brisbane, Australia. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 20:680-691. [PMID: 32366183 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmission of vector-borne pathogens can vary in complexity from single-vector, single-host systems through to multivector, multihost vertebrate systems. Understanding the dynamics of transmission is important for disease prevention efforts, but is dependent on disentangling complex interactions within coupled natural systems. Ross River virus (RRV) is a multivector multihost pathogen responsible for the greatest number of notified vector-borne pathogen infections in humans in Australia. Current evidence suggests that nonhuman vertebrates are critical for the maintenance and spillover of RRV into mosquito populations. Yet, there is a limited knowledge of which mosquito vector species and amplifying vertebrate host species are most important for transmission of RRV to humans. We conducted field surveys of nonhuman vertebrates and mosquitoes in the RRV endemic city of Brisbane, Australia, to assess the effect of vector and host community structure on human RRV notifications. Six suburbs were selected across a gradient of human disease notification rates. Differences in vertebrate and mosquito compositions were observed across all suburbs. Suburbs with higher RRV notification rates contained greater vertebrate biomass (dominated by the presence of horses) and higher mosquito abundances. This study suggests that horse-mosquito interactions should be considered in more detail and that vertebrate biomass and mosquito abundance be incorporated into future RRV modeling studies and considered in public health strategies for RRV management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloise B Skinner
- Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Amanda Murphy
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Mosquito Control Laboratory, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Cassie C Jansen
- Communicable Diseases Branch, Queensland Health, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Martin A Shivas
- Brisbane City Council, Field Services, Brisbane CBD, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hamish McCallum
- Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael B Onn
- Brisbane City Council, Field Services, Brisbane CBD, Queensland, Australia
| | - Simon A Reid
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alison J Peel
- Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
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8
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Dinh ETN, Cauvin A, Orange JP, Shuman RM, Wisely SM, Blackburn JK. Living la Vida T-LoCoH: site fidelity of Florida ranched and wild white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus) during the epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) transmission period. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2020; 8:14. [PMID: 32257219 PMCID: PMC7076934 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-020-00200-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) is a pathogen vectored by Culicoides midges that causes significant economic loss in the cervid farming industry and affects wild deer as well. Despite this, its ecology is poorly understood. Studying movement and space use by ruminant hosts during the transmission season may elucidate EHDV ecology by identifying behaviors that can increase exposure risk. Here we compared home ranges (HRs) and site fidelity metrics within HRs using the T-LoCoH R package and GPS data from collared deer. METHODS Here, we tested whether white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) roaming within a high-fenced, private deer farm (ranched) and native deer from nearby state-managed properties (wild) exhibited differences in home range (HR) size and usage during the 2016 and 2017 EHDV seasons. We captured male and female individuals in both years and derived seasonal HRs for both sexes and both groups for each year. HRs were calculated using a time-scale distance approach in T-LoCoH. We then derived revisitation and duration of visit metrics and compared between years, sexes, and ranched and wild deer. RESULTS We found that ranched deer of both sexes tended to have smaller activity spaces (95% HR) and revisited sites within their HR more often but stayed for shorter periods than wild deer. However, core area (25% HR) sizes did not significantly differ between these groups. CONCLUSIONS The contrast in our findings between wild and ranched deer suggest that home range usage, rather than size, in addition to differences in population density, likely drive differences in disease exposure during the transmission period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily T. N. Dinh
- Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Allison Cauvin
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Jeremy P. Orange
- Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Rebecca M. Shuman
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Samantha M. Wisely
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Jason K. Blackburn
- Spatial Epidemiology & Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
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9
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Uelmen JA, Brokopp C, Patz J. A 15 Year Evaluation of West Nile Virus in Wisconsin: Effects on Wildlife and Human Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E1767. [PMID: 32182764 PMCID: PMC7084944 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17051767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is the most important and widespread mosquito-borne virus in the United States (U.S.). WNV has the ability to spread rapidly and effectively, infecting more than 320 bird and mammalian species. An examination of environmental conditions and the health of keystone species may help predict the susceptibility of various habitats to WNV and reveal key risk factors, annual trends, and vulnerable regions. Since 2002, WNV outbreaks in Wisconsin varied by species, place, and time, significantly affected by unique climatic, environmental, and geographical factors. During a 15 year period, WNV was detected in 71 of 72 counties, resulting in 239 human and 1397 wildlife cases. Controlling for population and sampling efforts in Wisconsin, rates of WNV are highest in the western and northwestern rural regions of the state. WNV incidence rates were highest in counties with low human population densities, predominantly wetland, and at elevations greater than 1000 feet. Resources for surveillance, prevention, and detection of WNV were lowest in rural counties, likely resulting in underestimation of cases. Overall, increasing mean temperature and decreasing precipitation showed positive influence on WNV transmission in Wisconsin. This study incorporates the first statewide assessment of WNV in Wisconsin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnny A. Uelmen
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin, 610 Walnut Street, 707 WARF Building, Madison, WI 53726, USA; (C.B.); (J.P.)
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois, 2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Charles Brokopp
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin, 610 Walnut Street, 707 WARF Building, Madison, WI 53726, USA; (C.B.); (J.P.)
- Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, 2601 Agriculture Drive, P.O. Box 7904, Madison, WI 53718, USA
| | - Jonathan Patz
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin, 610 Walnut Street, 707 WARF Building, Madison, WI 53726, USA; (C.B.); (J.P.)
- Nelson Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Wisconsin, 258 Enzyme Institute, 1710 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53726, USA
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Kilpatrick AM, Wheeler SS. Impact of West Nile Virus on Bird Populations: Limited Lasting Effects, Evidence for Recovery, and Gaps in Our Understanding of Impacts on Ecosystems. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 56:1491-1497. [PMID: 31549723 PMCID: PMC6821264 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The introduction of West Nile virus to North America in 1999 had profound impacts on human and wildlife health. Here, we review studies of WNV impacts on bird populations and find that overall impacts have been less than initially anticipated, with few species showing sustained changes in population size or demographic rates across multiple regions. This raises four questions: 1) What is the evidence for WNV impact on bird populations and how can we strengthen future analyses? We argue that future studies of WNV impacts should explicitly incorporate temporal variation in WNV transmission intensity, integrate field data with laboratory experimental infection studies, and correct for multiple comparisons. 2) What mechanisms might explain the relatively modest impact of WNV on most bird populations? We suggest that spatial and temporal variation in WNV transmission moderates WNV impacts on species that occur in multiple habitats, some of which provide refugia from infection. 3) Have species recovered from the initial invasion of WNV? We find evidence that many species and populations have recovered from initial WNV impact, but a few have not. 4) Did WNV cause cascading effects on other species and ecosystems? Unfortunately, few studies have examined the cascading effects of WNV population declines, but evidence suggests that some species may have been released from predation or competition. We close by discussing potentially overlooked groups of birds that may have been affected by WNV, and one highlight species, the yellow-billed magpie (Pica nutalli Audubon, 1837 [Passeriformes: Corvidae]), that appears to have suffered the largest range-wide impact from WNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Marm Kilpatrick
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
| | - Sarah S Wheeler
- Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District, Elk Grove, CA
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Ayadi T, Hammouda A, Beck C, Boulinier T, Lecollinet S, Selmi S. Flaviviruses in migratory passerines during spring stopover in a desert oasis. Zoonoses Public Health 2019; 66:495-503. [PMID: 31090178 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Bird migration has long been hypothesized as the main mechanism for long-distance dispersal of flaviviruses, but the role of migratory birds in flaviviruses spillover is not well documented. In this study, we investigated the eco-epidemiology of West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) in trans-Saharan passerines during their spring stopover in southern Tunisian oases. To do, we combined oral swab analysis and serological tools to assess whether migratory birds could be reaching these stopover sites while infectious or have been previously exposed to viruses. All sampled birds tested negative for oral swab analysis. However, anti-WNV and anti-USUV antibodies were detected in 32% and 1% of tested birds, respectively. Among WNV-seropositive species, the Golden oriole (Oriolus oriolus) showed the highest anti-WNV occurrence probability. In this species, anti-WNV occurrence was twice larger in males than females. Inter-specific and intraspecific morphological, physiological and behavioural differences could explain these results. Although our findings did not show evidence for passerines migrating while infectious, they did not exclude an existing enzootic WNV transmission cycle in Tunisian oases. Further investigations including larger samples of migratory birds are needed for a better understanding of this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasnim Ayadi
- Unité de Recherche 'Ecologie de la Faune Terrestre', UR17ES44, Faculté des Sciences, Université de Gabès, Gabès, Tunisia
| | - Abdesslem Hammouda
- Unité de Recherche 'Ecologie de la Faune Terrestre', UR17ES44, Faculté des Sciences, Université de Gabès, Gabès, Tunisia
| | - Ceclie Beck
- UPE, ANSES, Laboratoire de Santé Animale de Maisons-Alfort, UMR1161 Virologie, INRA, ANSES, ENVA, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Thierry Boulinier
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, CNRS-Université de Montpellier UMR 5175, Montpellier, France
| | - Sylvie Lecollinet
- UPE, ANSES, Laboratoire de Santé Animale de Maisons-Alfort, UMR1161 Virologie, INRA, ANSES, ENVA, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Slaheddine Selmi
- Unité de Recherche 'Ecologie de la Faune Terrestre', UR17ES44, Faculté des Sciences, Université de Gabès, Gabès, Tunisia
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12
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Hannon ER, Jackson KC, Biggerstaff BJ, Raman V, Komar N. Bloodmeal Host Selection of Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 56:603-608. [PMID: 30668743 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) and West Nile virus (WNV) have recently emerged in the southwestern United States. Surveillance for arboviruses in Las Vegas, NV, detected a surge of SLEV activity in the southern house mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus Say) during 2016. To identify candidate avian amplifiers, we assessed the identification, viral infection, and immune status of vertebrate hosts for 195 blood-engorged Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes collected in August and September 2016. Bloodmeals were identified from 164 engorged abdomens, representing 19 species of birds and three species of mammals. No SLEV or WNV viremia was detected, but one mosquito tested positive for Culex flavivirus. House finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) (Muller) was the most common bloodmeal, followed by domestic chicken (Gallus gallus) (Linnaeus), American robin (Turdus migratorius) L., house sparrow (Passer domesticus) (L.), great-tailed grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) (Gmelin), northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) (L.) and mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) (L.). SLEV-reactive antibodies were detected in six identified bloodmeals and WNV-reactive antibodies were detected in 33. House sparrow and house finch were the most likely hosts to show previous exposure to SLEV and WNV, respectively. Over-utilization by Cx. quinquefasciatus for bloodmeal hosts was observed primarily among robin, finch and sparrow, all species that roost communally. House finch stands out as a candidate important amplifier for both SLEV and WNV because of its preference by mosquito vectors, and high competence for closely related virus strains. While implicated in previous outbreaks as an important mosquito vector, Cx. quinquefasciatus feeds infrequently on mammals in Las Vegas, indicating a low risk for bridge transmission to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Hannon
- Arbovirus Diseases Branch, Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Katelin C Jackson
- Arbovirus Diseases Branch, Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Brad J Biggerstaff
- Arbovirus Diseases Branch, Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Vivek Raman
- Southern Nevada Health District, Las Vegas, NV
| | - Nicholas Komar
- Arbovirus Diseases Branch, Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO
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McMillan JR, Marcet PL, Hoover CM, Mead D, Kitron U, Vazquez-Prokopec GM. Feeding Success and Host Selection by Culex quinquefasciatus Say Mosquitoes in Experimental Trials. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2019; 19:540-548. [PMID: 30964426 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2018.2381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Arthropod vector feeding preferences are defined as an overutilization of a particular host species given its abundance in relationship to other species in the community. Numerous methods exist to quantify vector feeding preferences; however, controlled host choice experiments are generally an underutilized approach. In this report, we present results from controlled vector host choice experiments using Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes and wild avian hosts identified as important contributors to West Nile virus (WNv) transmission in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. In each experiment, we allowed lab-reared F1 Cx. quinquefasciatus to feed freely overnight on two avian individuals of a different species (i.e., northern cardinals, American robins, blue jays, brown thrashers, and gray catbirds). We then estimated WNv transmission potential using vectorial capacity and R0. We found that mosquito blood feeding success was extremely variable among experimental replicates and that patterns of host choice only occasionally aggregated to a particular bird species. Vectorial capacity was highest for American robins and blue jays due to these species' higher reservoir competence for WNv and greater probabilities of mosquito selection of these species. Despite species-specific differences in vectorial capacity, total community capacity was similar among species pairs. R0 estimates were qualitatively similar to capacity, and R0 was below and above unity across species pairs. Our results provide empirical evidence that C. quinquefasciatus is an opportunistic blood feeder and highlight how variability in vector-host contact rates as well as host community composition can influence the likelihood of WNv transmission in avian communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R McMillan
- 1 Program in Population Biology, Ecology and Evolution, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Paula L Marcet
- 2 Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Entomology Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Christopher M Hoover
- 3 Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health, Berkeley, California
| | - Daniel Mead
- 4 Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Uriel Kitron
- 1 Program in Population Biology, Ecology and Evolution, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.,5 Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Gonzalo M Vazquez-Prokopec
- 1 Program in Population Biology, Ecology and Evolution, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.,5 Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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Komar N, Panella NA, Burkhalter KL. Focal amplification and suppression of West Nile virus transmission associated with communal bird roosts in northern Colorado. JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2018; 43:220-234. [PMID: 30408295 PMCID: PMC7083205 DOI: 10.1111/jvec.12306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
To explain the patchy distribution of West Nile virus (WNV), we propose that avian immunity encountered by Culex vectors regulates WNV transmission, particularly at communal bird roosts. To test this hypothesis, we selected two test sites with communally roosting American robins (Turdus migratorius) and two control sites that lacked communal roosts. The density of vector-vertebrate contacts, represented by engorged Culex pipiens, was 23-fold greater at test sites compared to control sites, and the density of blood-engorged Cx. pipiens measured in resting mosquito traps correlated positively with the presence of robins and negatively with the presence of other birds, confirming an attraction to robins for blood feeding. WNV transmission was alternately up-regulated (amplification) and down-regulated (suppression) at both test sites. At one test site, infection in resting Cx. pipiens surged from zero to 37.2 per thousand within four weeks, and robin immunity rose from 8.4% to 64% before reducing to 33%. At this site, ten potentially infectious contacts between vector and vertebrates (including nine robins and a mourning dove [Zenaida macroura]) were documented. Infectious vector-vertebrate contacts were absent from control sites. The use of infectious vector-vertebrate contacts, rather than infected mosquitoes, to evaluate a transmission focus is novel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Komar
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Arbovirus Diseases Branch, Fort Collins, CO 80521, U.S.A
| | - Nicholas A Panella
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Arbovirus Diseases Branch, Fort Collins, CO 80521, U.S.A
| | - Kristen L Burkhalter
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Arbovirus Diseases Branch, Fort Collins, CO 80521, U.S.A
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16
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Yan J, Broggi J, Martínez-de la Puente J, Gutiérrez-López R, Gangoso L, Soriguer R, Figuerola J. Does bird metabolic rate influence mosquito feeding preference? Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:110. [PMID: 29471885 PMCID: PMC5824498 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2708-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Host selection by mosquitoes plays a central role in the transmission of vector-borne infectious diseases. Although interspecific variation in mosquito attraction has often been reported, the mechanisms underlying intraspecific differences in hosts' attractiveness to mosquitoes are still poorly known. Metabolic rate is related to several physiological parameters used as location cues by mosquitoes, and so potentially affect host-vector contact rates. Therefore, individual hosts with higher metabolic rates should be more attractive to host-seeking mosquitoes. Here, we experimentally investigated the role of bird metabolic rate in the feeding preferences of Culex pipiens (Linnaeus), a widespread mosquito vector of many pathogens affecting human and wildlife health. RESULTS Passer domesticus (Linnaeus) pairs containing one bird treated with 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) and the other injected with phosphate-buffered saline solution (PBS) (i.e. control) were simultaneously exposed overnight to mosquitoes. The treatment did not affect the proportion of mosquitoes biting on each individual. However, mosquito feeding preference was negatively associated with bird resting metabolic rate but positively with bird body mass. These two variables explained up to 62.76% of the variations in mosquito feeding preference. CONCLUSIONS The relationships between mosquito feeding preferences and individual host characteristics could be explained by enhanced anti-mosquito behaviour associated with higher metabolic rates. The potential role of cues emitted by hosts is also discussed. Thus, individuals with high metabolism may actively avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, despite releasing more attractant cues. Since metabolic rates can be related to individual differences in personality and life history traits, differences in mosquitoes' feeding preferences may be related to intraspecific differences in exposure to vector-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayue Yan
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio, 26, E-41092, Seville, Spain.
| | - Juli Broggi
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio, 26, E-41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio, 26, E-41092, Seville, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBER ESP), Seville, Spain
| | - Rafael Gutiérrez-López
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio, 26, E-41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Laura Gangoso
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio, 26, E-41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Ramón Soriguer
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio, 26, E-41092, Seville, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBER ESP), Seville, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio, 26, E-41092, Seville, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBER ESP), Seville, Spain
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17
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Yan J, Gangoso L, Martínez-de la Puente J, Soriguer R, Figuerola J. Avian phenotypic traits related to feeding preferences in two Culex mosquitoes. Naturwissenschaften 2017; 104:76. [PMID: 28856384 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-017-1497-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Host choice by mosquitoes affects the transmission dynamics of vector-borne infectious diseases. Although asymmetries in mosquito attraction to vertebrate species have been reported, the relative importance of host characteristics in mosquito blood-feeding behavior is still poorly studied. Here, we investigate the relationship between avian phenotypic traits-in particular, morphometry, plumage coloration, and nesting and roosting behavior-and the blood-feeding patterns in two common Culex mosquito species on a North American avian community. Forage ratios of the mosquito species were unrelated to the phylogenetic relationships among bird species. Culex pipiens fed preferably on birds with lighter-colored plumage and longer tarsi; furthermore, solitary roosting avian species were both bitten by Cx. pipiens and Cx. restuans more often than expected. These associations may be explained by greater mosquito attraction towards larger birds with a greater color contrast against the background. Although communally roosting birds may release more cues and attract more mosquitoes, individuals may in fact receive fewer bites due to the encounter-dilution effect. Mosquito feeding behavior is a highly complex phenomenon, and our results may improve understanding of the non-random interaction between birds and mosquitoes in natural communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayue Yan
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Seville, Spain.
| | - Laura Gangoso
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Seville, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBEResp), Seville, Spain
| | - Ramón Soriguer
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBEResp), Seville, Spain.,Department of Ethology and Biodiversity Conservation, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Seville, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBEResp), Seville, Spain
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18
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Evans BS, Kilpatrick AM, Hurlbert AH, Marra PP. Dispersal in the Urban Matrix: Assessing the Influence of Landscape Permeability on the Settlement Patterns of Breeding Songbirds. Front Ecol Evol 2017. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2017.00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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19
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Mérő TO, Žuljević A, Lengyel S. Negative effect of roosting starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) on clutch survival in the great reed warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus). Biologia (Bratisl) 2016. [DOI: 10.1515/biolog-2016-0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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20
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Eshun O, Gerry A, Hayes WK. Mosquito Capture Rate Using CO2-Baited Traps in Relation to Distance From Water and Height: Implications for Avian Disease Transmission. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 53:1378-1384. [PMID: 27493249 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjw120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that enzootic transmission of pathogens such as West Nile virus (WNV) by mosquitoes is governed by host-bird interactions, including mosquito preferences for specific species and developmental stages of host birds, host bird availability, and host defensive behavior. Here, we examined how the attack rate of five mosquito species in southern California was influenced by the position of CO2-baited traps in relation to distance from water and trap height. We identified 44,207 female mosquitoes representing five species: Aedes vexans Meigen, Anopheles franciscanus McCracken, Anopheles hermsi Barr & Guptavanij, and the two most abundant species which are also WNV vectors, Culex erythrothorax Dyar and Culex tarsalis Coquillett. Mosquito captures decreased markedly with trap height, and also decreased with distance from a riparian area but not with distance from an open water source lacking a vegetated border. The results of this study suggest that WNV-competent ornithophilic mosquitoes may amplify the virus especially in reservoir birds that roost or nest close to the ground and near riparian vegetation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Eshun
- Department of Earth and Biological Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350 (; )
| | - Alec Gerry
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521
| | - William K Hayes
- Department of Earth and Biological Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350 (; )
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21
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Medeiros MCI, Ricklefs RE, Brawn JD, Ruiz MO, Goldberg TL, Hamer GL. Overlap in the Seasonal Infection Patterns of Avian Malaria Parasites and West Nile Virus in Vectors and Hosts. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2016; 95:1121-1129. [PMID: 27621305 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple vector-borne pathogens often circulate in the same vector and host communities, and seasonal infection dynamics influence the potential for pathogen interactions. Here, we explore the seasonal infection patterns of avian malaria (Haemosporida) parasites (Plasmodium and Haemoproteus) and West Nile virus (WNV) in birds and mosquitoes in suburban Chicago. We show that both pathogens vary seasonally in Culex mosquitoes and avian hosts, but that patterns of covariation are complex. Different putative Plasmodium species varied asynchronously across the season in mosquitoes and birds, suggesting that different forces may govern their transmission. Infections of Culex mosquitoes with Plasmodium parasites were positively associated with WNV infections in pools of individuals aggregated from the same time and site, suggesting that these pathogens respond to common environmental drivers and co-circulate among the same host and vector populations. Future research should focus on these common drivers, and whether these pathogens interact in vectors and hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert E Ricklefs
- Department of Biology, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jeffrey D Brawn
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Marilyn O Ruiz
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Tony L Goldberg
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Gabriel L Hamer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
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22
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Victoriano Llopis I, Tomassone L, Grego E, Serrano E, Mosca A, Vaschetti G, Andrade D, Rossi L. Evaluating the feeding preferences of West Nile virus mosquito vectors using bird-baited traps. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:479. [PMID: 27580694 PMCID: PMC5006430 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1744-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The total contact rates (TCRs) between mosquito vectors and their potential hosts have a serious impact on disease transmission dynamics. Culex pipiens (sensu stricto) (s.s.) is considered the main vector of the West Nile Virus (WNV) in Europe and birds are the reservoir hosts. The results of our previous study showed that WNV seroreactors are significantly more prevalent among raptors compared to a range of other wild avian groups. The current study aims to assess the role of bird type (raptor vs others) and bird size on mosquito feeding preferences in a free-choice experiment using bird-baited traps. Methods From July to September 2014, a battery of six bird-baited traps was operated in twelve mosquito capture sessions. Eight bird species, belonging to five different orders, including raptors, were used. After each session, the trapped mosquitoes were collected and identified using standard keys. Two sets of independent generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) were used to assess mosquito vector feeding preferences (MFp) among different bird species and types. Results A total of 304 mosquitoes belonging to seven taxa were collected, C. pipiens being by far the most abundant (84.2 % of the total mosquito catch). Most C. pipiens were engorged (83.59 %). The selected model showed that 25.6 % of the observed variability of MFp is explained by the interaction between bird size and bird type, with C. pipiens preferring to feed on large birds, especially raptors. The proportion of engorged mosquitoes was 1.9-fold higher in large (22.88 %; range 0–42 %) than in medium-sized raptors (11.71 %; range 0–33 %), and was nearly the same in medium-sized (9.08 %; range 0–26 %) and large (8.5 %; 6–24 %) non-raptor species. Conclusion Culex pipiens showed an obvious preference for large raptors, which concurs with the higher seroprevalence to WNV in our previous study. The appreciable feeding by C. pipiens on large raptors makes them useful alternative sentinels to poultry for WNV surveillance. Thus, wildlife parks and rehabilitation centers can contribute to surveillance efforts to a greater extent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Tomassone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Elena Grego
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Emmanuel Serrano
- CESAM, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.,Servei d' Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge, Departamento de Medicina y Cirugia Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Mosca
- Istituto per le Piante da Legno e l'Ambiente, IPLA spa, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Andrade
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Luca Rossi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Little E, Campbell SR, Shaman J. Development and validation of a climate-based ensemble prediction model for West Nile Virus infection rates in Culex mosquitoes, Suffolk County, New York. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:443. [PMID: 27507279 PMCID: PMC4979155 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1720-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background West Nile Virus (WNV) is an endemic public health concern in the United States that produces periodic seasonal epidemics. Underlying these outbreaks is the enzootic cycle of WNV between mosquito vectors and bird hosts. Identifying the key environmental conditions that facilitate and accelerate this cycle can be used to inform effective vector control. Results Here, we model and forecast WNV infection rates among mosquito vectors in Suffolk County, New York using readily available meteorological and hydrological conditions. We first validate a statistical model built with surveillance data between 2001 and 2009 (m09) and specify a set of new statistical models using surveillance data from 2001 to 2012 (m12). This ensemble of new models is then used to make predictions for 2013–2015, and multimodel inference is employed to provide a formal probabilistic interpretation across the disparate individual model predictions. The findings of the m09 and m12 models align; with the ensemble of m12 models indicating an association between warm, dry early spring (April) conditions and increased annual WNV infection rates in Culex mosquitoes. Conclusions This study shows that real-time climate information can be used to predict WNV infection rates in Culex mosquitoes prior to its seasonal peak and before WNV spillover transmission risk to humans is greatest. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1720-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza Little
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Scott R Campbell
- Arthropod-Borne Disease Laboratory, Suffolk County Department of Health Services, Yaphank, NY, USA
| | - Jeffrey Shaman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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24
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Rizzoli A, Bolzoni L, Chadwick EA, Capelli G, Montarsi F, Grisenti M, de la Puente JM, Muñoz J, Figuerola J, Soriguer R, Anfora G, Di Luca M, Rosà R. Understanding West Nile virus ecology in Europe: Culex pipiens host feeding preference in a hotspot of virus emergence. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:213. [PMID: 25888754 PMCID: PMC4411713 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0831-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding wildlife disease ecology is becoming an urgent need due to the continuous emergence and spread of several wildlife zoonotic diseases. West Nile Virus (WNV) is the most widespread arthropod-borne virus in the world, and in recent decades there has been an increase both in geographic range, and in the frequency of symptomatic infections in humans and wildlife. The principal vector for WNV in Europe is the common house Culex pipiens mosquito, which feeds on a wide variety of vertebrate host species. Variation in mosquito feeding preference has been described as one of the most influential parameters driving intensity and timing of WNV infection in the United States, but feeding preferences for this species have been little studied in Europe. METHODS Here, we estimated feeding preference for wild Cx. pipiens in northern Italy, using molecular analysis to identify the origin of blood meals, and avian census to control host abundance variations. Additionally, we used host bird odour extracts to test experimentally mosquito preferences in the absence of environmental variations. RESULTS For the first time, we demonstrate a clear feeding preference for the common blackbird (Turdus merula), both for wild collected specimens and in the lab, suggesting a potential important role for this species in the WNV epidemiology in Europe. A seasonal decrease in abundance of blackbirds is associated with increased feeding on Eurasian magpies (Pica pica), and this may be linked to seasonal emergence of WNV in humans. Feeding preferences on blackbirds are more marked in rural areas, while preference for magpies is higher in peridomestic areas. Other species, such as the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) appear to be selected by mosquitoes opportunistically in relation to its abundance. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide new insights into the ecology of Cx. pipiens in Europe and may give useful indications in terms of implementing targeted WNV surveillance plans. However, a clearer understanding of spatio-temporal variations of Cx. pipiens feeding preferences, and targeted studies on reservoir competence for WNV for these species are therefore now urgently needed as this is essential to describe disease dynamics and quantify virus transmission risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annapaola Rizzoli
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Via E. Mach. 1, 38010 San Michele all'Adige, Trento, Italy.
| | - Luca Bolzoni
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Via E. Mach. 1, 38010 San Michele all'Adige, Trento, Italy.
- Direzione Sanitaria - Servizio di Analisi del Rischio, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Via dei Mercati 13, 43100, Parma, Italy.
| | - Elizabeth A Chadwick
- Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Biomedical Science Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, United Kingdom.
| | - Gioia Capelli
- Laboratory of Parasitology - Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro (Padova), Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Montarsi
- Laboratory of Parasitology - Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro (Padova), Italy.
| | - Michela Grisenti
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Via E. Mach. 1, 38010 San Michele all'Adige, Trento, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Torino, Italy.
| | - Josue Martínez de la Puente
- Department of Wetland Ecology Estación Biológica Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Avda. Americo Vespucio s/n, 41092, Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Joaquin Muñoz
- Department of Wetland Ecology Estación Biológica Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Avda. Americo Vespucio s/n, 41092, Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Department of Wetland Ecology Estación Biológica Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Avda. Americo Vespucio s/n, 41092, Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Ramon Soriguer
- Department of Wetland Ecology Estación Biológica Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Avda. Americo Vespucio s/n, 41092, Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Gianfranco Anfora
- Department of Sustainable Ecosystems and Bioresources, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Via E. Mach. 1, 38010 San Michele all'Adige, Trento, Italy.
| | - Marco Di Luca
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Roberto Rosà
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Via E. Mach. 1, 38010 San Michele all'Adige, Trento, Italy.
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Parasite prevalence corresponds to host life history in a diverse assemblage of afrotropical birds and haemosporidian parasites. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0121254. [PMID: 25853491 PMCID: PMC4390322 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Avian host life history traits have been hypothesized to predict rates of infection by haemosporidian parasites. Using molecular techniques, we tested this hypothesis for parasites from three haemosporidian genera (Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon) collected from a diverse sampling of birds in northern Malawi. We found that host life history traits were significantly associated with parasitism rates by all three parasite genera. Nest type and nest location predicted infection probability for all three parasite genera, whereas flocking behavior is an important predictor of Plasmodium and Haemoproteus infection and habitat is an important predictor of Leucocytozoon infection. Parasite prevalence was 79.1% across all individuals sampled, higher than that reported for comparable studies from any other region of the world. Parasite diversity was also exceptionally high, with 248 parasite cytochrome b lineages identified from 152 host species. A large proportion of Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon parasite DNA sequences identified in this study represent new, previously undocumented lineages (n = 201; 81% of total identified) based on BLAST queries against the avian malaria database, MalAvi.
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Komar N, Colborn JM, Horiuchi K, Delorey M, Biggerstaff B, Damian D, Smith K, Townsend J. Reduced West Nile Virus Transmission Around Communal Roosts of Great-Tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus). ECOHEALTH 2015; 12:144-51. [PMID: 25480320 PMCID: PMC4786297 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-014-0993-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Revised: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
West Nile virus has caused several outbreaks among humans in the Phoenix metropolitan area (Arizona, southwest USA) within the last decade. Recent ecologic studies have implicated Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex tarsalis as the mosquito vectors and identified three abundant passerine birds-great-tailed grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus), house sparrow (Passer domesticus), and house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)-as key amplifiers among vertebrates. Nocturnal congregations of certain species have been suggested as critical for late summer West Nile virus amplification. We evaluated the hypothesis that house sparrow (P. domesticus) and/or great-tailed grackle (Q. mexicanus) communal roost sites (n = 22 and n = 5, respectively) in a primarily suburban environment were spatially associated with West Nile virus transmission indices during the 2010 outbreak of human neurological disease in metropolitan Phoenix. Spatial associations between human case residences and communal roosts were non-significant for house sparrows, and were negative for great-tailed grackle. Several theories that explain these observations are discussed, including the possibility that grackle communal roosts are protective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Komar
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, USA,
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Seroprevalence screening for the West Nile virus in Malaysia's Orang Asli population. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:597. [PMID: 25515627 PMCID: PMC4311511 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-014-0597-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background West Nile virus (WNV) infection is an emerging zoonotic disease caused by an RNA virus of the genus Flavivirus. WNV is preserved in the environment through cyclic transmission, with mosquitoes, particularly Culex species, serving as a vector, birds as an amplifying host and humans and other mammals as dead-end hosts. To date, no studies have been carried out to determine the prevalence of the WNV antibody in Malaysia. The aim of this study was to screen for the seroprevalence of the WNV in Malaysia’s Orang Asli population. Methods Serum samples of 742 Orang Asli were collected in seven states in peninsular Malaysia. The samples were assessed to determine the seroprevalence of WNV immunoglobulin (Ig)G with the WNV IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. For each individual, we documented the demographic factors. Anti-dengue and anti-tick-borne encephalitis virus IgG ELISA were also performed to rule out a cross reaction. All statistical analyses were performed using the GraphPad Prism 6 (GraphPad Software, Inc.); p values of less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results The serosurvey included 298 men (40.16%) and 444 women (59.84%) of Malaysia’s Orang Asli. Anti-WNV IgG was found in 9 of the 742 samples (1.21%). The seroprevalence was 0.67% (2 of 298) in men and 1.58% (7 of 444) in women. The presence of anti-WNV IgG was found not to be associated with gender but, however, did correlate with age. The peak seroprevalence was found to be 2.06% (2 of 97) in individuals between 30 to 42 years of age. Conclusions No previous studies have examined the seroprevalence of the WNV antibody in the human population in Malaysia, and no clinical reports of infections have been made. Screening for the WNV seroprevalence is very significant because of many risk factors contribute to the presence of WNV in Malaysia, such as the abundance of Culex mosquitoes as the main vector and a high degree of biodiversity, including migratory birds that serve as a reservoir to the virus.
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Krebs BL, Anderson TK, Goldberg TL, Hamer GL, Kitron UD, Newman CM, Ruiz MO, Walker ED, Brawn JD. Host group formation decreases exposure to vector-borne disease: a field experiment in a 'hotspot' of West Nile virus transmission. Proc Biol Sci 2014; 281:20141586. [PMID: 25339722 PMCID: PMC4213639 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2014.1586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals can decrease their individual risk of predation by forming groups. The encounter-dilution hypothesis extends the potential benefits of gregariousness to biting insects and vector-borne disease by predicting that the per capita number of insect bites should decrease within larger host groups. Although vector-borne diseases are common and can exert strong selective pressures on hosts, there have been few tests of the encounter-dilution effect in natural systems. We conducted an experimental test of the encounter-dilution hypothesis using the American robin (Turdus migratorius), a common host species for the West Nile virus (WNV), a mosquito-borne pathogen. By using sentinel hosts (house sparrows, Passer domesticus) caged in naturally occurring communal roosts in the suburbs of Chicago, we assessed sentinel host risk of WNV exposure inside and outside of roosts. We also estimated per capita host exposure to infected vectors inside roosts and outside of roosts. Sentinel birds caged inside roosts seroconverted to WNV more slowly than those outside of roosts, suggesting that social groups decrease per capita exposure to infected mosquitoes. These results therefore support the encounter-dilution hypothesis in a vector-borne disease system. Our results suggest that disease-related selective pressures on sociality may depend on the mode of disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany L Krebs
- School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Tavis K Anderson
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA
| | - Tony L Goldberg
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Gabriel L Hamer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2475, USA
| | - Uriel D Kitron
- Department of Environmental Studies, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Christina M Newman
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Marilyn O Ruiz
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Edward D Walker
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI 48824-4320, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Brawn
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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