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Schoener ER, Tompkins DM, Howe L, Castro IC. New insight into avian malaria vectors in New Zealand. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:150. [PMID: 38519966 PMCID: PMC10958882 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06196-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mosquitoes (Culicidae) are vectors for most malaria parasites of the Plasmodium species and are required for Plasmodium spp. to complete their life cycle. Despite having 16 species of mosquitoes and the detection of many Plasmodium species in birds, little is known about the role of different mosquito species in the avian malaria life cycle in New Zealand. METHODS In this study, we used nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR to determine Plasmodium spp. prevalence and diversity of mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequences in wild-caught mosquitoes sampled across ten sites on the North Island of New Zealand during 2012-2014. The mosquitoes were pooled by species and location collected, and the thorax and abdomens were examined separately for Plasmodium spp. DNA. Akaike information criterion (AIC) modeling was used to test whether location, year of sampling, and mosquito species were significant predictors of minimum infection rates (MIR). RESULTS We collected 788 unengorged mosquitoes of six species, both native and introduced. The most frequently caught mosquito species were the introduced Aedes notoscriptus and the native Culex pervigilans. Plasmodium sp DNA was detected in 37% of matched thorax and abdomen pools. When considered separately, 33% of abdomen and 23% of thorax pools tested positive by nested PCR. The MIR of the positive thorax pools from introduced mosquito species was 1.79% for Ae. notoscriptus and 0% for Cx. quinquefasciatus, while the MIR for the positive thorax pools of native mosquito species was 4.9% for Cx. pervigilans and 0% for Opifex fuscus. For the overall MIR, site and mosquito species were significant predictors of Plasmodium overall MIR. Aedes notoscriptus and Cx. pervigilans were positive for malaria DNA in the thorax samples, indicating that they may play a role as avian malaria vectors. Four different Plasmodium lineages (SYAT05, LINN1, GRW6, and a new lineage of P (Haemamoeba) sp. AENOT11) were identified in the pooled samples. CONCLUSIONS This is the first detection of avian Plasmodium DNA extracted from thoraxes of native Culex and introduced Aedes mosquito species in New Zealand and therefore the first study providing an indication of potential vectors in this country.
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Affiliation(s)
- E R Schoener
- School of Natural Sciences (SNS), Ecology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- Laboklin-Labor Für Klinische Diagnostik GMBH& Co. KG, Abteilung Molekularbiologie, Bad Kissingen, Germany
| | - D M Tompkins
- Predator Free 2050 Limited, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - L Howe
- School of Veterinary Science, Tāwharau Ora, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
| | - I C Castro
- School of Natural Sciences (SNS), Ecology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Rodríguez‐Hernández K, Álvarez‐Mendizábal P, Chapa‐Vargas L, Escobar F, Dáttilo W, Santiago‐Alarcon D. Infection intensity shapes specialization and beta diversity of haemosporidian–bird networks across elevations. Ecosphere 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
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3
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David Forfuet F, Mayi MPA, Fru-Cho J, Kowo C, Nota Anong D, Esack Fonda A, Djomo C, Tchuinkam T, Brisco KK, Sehgal R, John Cornel A. Efficacy of Trapping Methods in the Collection of Eretmapodites (Diptera: Culicidae) Mosquitoes in an Afrotropical Rainforest Region, South western Cameroon. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:1394-1403. [PMID: 35640028 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Very little data exist on the biology of an afrotropical rainforest mosquito Eretmapodites (Er.) in a world undergoing dramatic changes due to deforestation. The aim was to assess the efficacy of different trapping methods in the collection of Er. mosquito in forested area. This was a longitudinal study involving collection of mosquitoes for over two years. Multiple collection methods (grouped into two categories), were used; i) net baited and un-baited traps to collect adults, ii) techniques that target immature stages subsequently reared to adults. All males were identified by genitalia dissection. Five thousand seven hundred and four mosquitoes representing 11 genera among which 2,334 Er. were identified. Mosquito abundance was highest in the net traps (n = 1276 (56.4%)) and sweep nets (n = 393(17.4%)) respectively. The abundance was highest in green colored net traps (435(34.09%)) with significant value of χ2= 40.000, P < 0.001 and in pigeons baited traps (473 (37.06%)) with significant value of χ2= 42.000, P = 0.003. The diversity ranges from H' = 2.65; DS = 0.84; SR = 24; ACE = 24.77 in sweep net to H' = 0; DS = 0; SR = 1; ACE = 1 in rock pool among males mosquitoes. While for females, H = 1.14; DS = 0.71; SR = 5; ACE = 5.16, in sweep net to H = 0; DS = 0; SR = 1; ACE = 1 in rock pool, tarpaulin, resting cage. Net traps, bamboo pot, and sweep netting are efficient in collecting high abundance of forest mosquitoes in the Talanagaye rainforest.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie Paul Audrey Mayi
- Vector Borne Diseases Laboratory of the Applied Biology and Ecology Research Unit (VBID-URBEA), Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Jerome Fru-Cho
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Cameroon
| | - Cyril Kowo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Cameroon
| | - Damian Nota Anong
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Cameroon
| | | | - Charlene Djomo
- Higher Institute of Environmental Science, Department of Environmental Health, PO Box 35460, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Timoleon Tchuinkam
- Vector Borne Diseases Laboratory of the Applied Biology and Ecology Research Unit (VBID-URBEA), Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Katherine K Brisco
- Mosquito Control Research Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Nematology and Vector Genetics Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California at Davis, Parlier, CA, USA
| | - Ravinder Sehgal
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Anthony John Cornel
- Mosquito Control Research Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Nematology and Vector Genetics Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California at Davis, Parlier, CA, USA
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Buxton M, Nyamukondiwa C, Wasserman RJ, Othenin-Girard V, Pigeault R, Christe P, Glaizot O. Surveillance Studies Reveal Diverse and Potentially Pathogenic-Incriminated Vector Mosquito Species across Major Botswana Touristic Hotspots. INSECTS 2021; 12:913. [PMID: 34680682 PMCID: PMC8537495 DOI: 10.3390/insects12100913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Vector mosquitoes contribute significantly to the global burden of diseases in humans, livestock and wildlife. As such, the spatial distribution and abundance of mosquito species and their surveillance cannot be ignored. Here, we surveyed mosquito species across major tourism hotspots in semi-arid Botswana, including, for the first time, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Our results reported several mosquito species across seven genera, belonging to Aedes, Anopheles, Culex, Mansonia, Mimomyia, Coquillettidia and Uranotaenia. These results document a significant species inventory that may inform early warning vector-borne disease control systems and likely help manage the risk of emerging and re-emerging mosquito-borne infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mmabaledi Buxton
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, P/Bag 016, Palapye 10071, Botswana; (C.N.); (R.J.W.)
| | - Casper Nyamukondiwa
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, P/Bag 016, Palapye 10071, Botswana; (C.N.); (R.J.W.)
| | - Ryan J. Wasserman
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, P/Bag 016, Palapye 10071, Botswana; (C.N.); (R.J.W.)
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Makhanda 6140, South Africa
| | - Victor Othenin-Girard
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (V.O.-G.); (R.P.); (P.C.); (O.G.)
| | - Romain Pigeault
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (V.O.-G.); (R.P.); (P.C.); (O.G.)
- EBI Ecologie & Biologie des Interactions (UMR 7267), Université de Poitiers, 86000 Poitiers, France
| | - Philippe Christe
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (V.O.-G.); (R.P.); (P.C.); (O.G.)
| | - Olivier Glaizot
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (V.O.-G.); (R.P.); (P.C.); (O.G.)
- Museum of Zoology, 1014 Lausanne, Switzerland
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Vector-Borne Blood Parasites of the Great-Tailed Grackle ( Quiscalus mexicanus) in East-Central Texas, USA. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9030504. [PMID: 33673608 PMCID: PMC7997132 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030504] [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: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Great-tailed grackles (Quiscalus mexicanus) have dramatically expanded into North America over the past century. However, little is known about the blood that parasites they support. Here, for the first time, we document an assemblage of trypanosome, haemosporida, and filarial nematodes co-circulating in invasive great-tailed grackles. Between February and July, 2015, 61 individuals were captured in an urban environment of College Station, Texas. Field microscopy and molecular diagnostics indicate that 52% (24/46) were visually infected with filarioid nematodes, 24% (11/46) with avian trypanosomes, and 73% (n = 44/60) with haemosporida parasites, such as Haemoproteus (Parahaemoproteus) and Plasmodium cathemerium. Overall, 87% of great-tailed grackles were infected with blood parasites. Although 50% of individuals hosted parasites from multiple phylum, no patterns of parasite assembly were observed. Results indicate that great-tailed grackles can support a relatively high level of blood parasitism. However, the consequences for avian health remain to be determined.
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Mosquito-borne parasites in the Great Plains: searching for vectors of nematodes and avian malaria parasites. Acta Trop 2021; 213:105735. [PMID: 33159896 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases in the United States have recently increased as a result of the changing nature of vectors, hosts, reservoirs, parasite/pathogens, and the ecological and environmental conditions. While most focus has been on mosquito-borne pathogens affecting humans, little is known regarding parasites of companion animal, livestock and wildlife and their potential mosquito hosts in the United States. This study assessed the prevalence of mature infections of Dirofilaria immitis and avian malaria parasites (Haemosporida) within urban mosquito (Diptera, Culicidae) communities in Oklahoma. 2,620 pools consisting of 12,686 mosquitoes from 13 species collected over two summers were tested for the presence of filarioid and haemosporidian DNA. Dirofilaria immitis-infected mosquitoes were detected only in Aedes albopictus (MIR=0.18-0.22) and Culex pipiens complex (MIR=0.12) collected in cities in central and southern Oklahoma. Two other filarioid nematode species with 91-92% similarity with Onchocerca spp. and Mansonella spp. were also detected. Haemosporidian DNA was detected in 13 mosquito pools (0.9% of pools tested) from seven mosquito species out of 13 species tested. Plasmodium DNA in four species (Cx. coronator, Cx. pipiens complex, Cx. tarsalis, and Psorophora columbiae) had high homology with published sequences of avian Plasmodium species while DNA in four other species (Cx. nigripalpus, Ps. columbiae, Anopheles quadrimaculatus, and An. punctipennis) were closely related to Plasmodium species from deer. One pool of Cx. tarsalis was positive with a 100% sequence identity of Haemoproteus sacharovi. This study provides a baseline concerning the diversity of parasites in different mosquito species present in the southern Great Plains. These studies provide important information for understanding the factors of transmission involving the mosquito community, potential hosts, and different mosquito-borne parasites in this important region involved in livestock management and wildlife conservation.
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Tchoumbou MA, Mayi MPA, Malange ENF, Foncha FD, Kowo C, Fru-Cho J, Tchuinkam T, Awah-Ndukum J, Dorazio R, Nota Anong D, Cornel AJ, Sehgal RNM. Effect of deforestation on prevalence of avian haemosporidian parasites and mosquito abundance in a tropical rainforest of Cameroon. Int J Parasitol 2019; 50:63-73. [PMID: 31866311 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2019.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Habitat change caused by deforestation can modify the interactions of many biotic and abiotic factors, and in turn influence patterns of diseases in wild birds. Whether deforestation directly or indirectly affects the prevalence of avian haemosporidian parasites through their hosts and/or vectors is still not well understood. We sampled understory bird communities (insectivorous, frugivorous, granivorous and nectarivorous birds) and mosquitoes in three habitats showing a gradient of deforestation (pristine forest, fragmented forest, and young palm oil plantation), to assess the effects of habitat changes on avian haemosporidian (Plasmodium and Haemoproteus) prevalence and its relationship to bird feeding guilds and mosquito abundance. Blood samples of 845 individual birds belonging to 85 species and 27 families were collected in the three habitat types and screened using microscopy and PCR. Plasmodium infections were detected in 136 individuals (16.09%) and varied significantly among habitat types while Haemoproteus infections were detected in 98 individuals (11.60%) and did not vary significantly among habitat types. However, the prevalence of Plasmodium and Haemoproteus in bird feeding groups varied significantly among habitats. Nectarivorous and granivorous birds had the highest Plasmodium and Haemoproteus prevalence, respectively. The abundance of mosquitoes varied significantly among habitat types and the prevalence of Plasmodium significantly and positively correlated with mosquito abundance in fragmented forest. This study highlights the importance of host and mosquito determinants in the transmission dynamics of avian Plasmodium and Haemoproteus infections following habitat changes. Selective logging favored an increase in the prevalence of Plasmodium in insectivores, the prevalence of Haemoproteus in nectarivores and the abundance of female mosquitoes while, the establishment of the palm oil plantation favored an increase in the prevalence of Plasmodium in granivores and Haemoproteus in nectarivores. Species feeding behavior is also an important determinant to consider for a better understanding of patterns of parasite infections in a changing environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Adèle Tchoumbou
- Vector Borne Diseases Laboratory of the Applied Biology and Ecology Research Unit (VBID-URBEA), Department of Animal Biology, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 067, Dschang, Cameroon.
| | - Marie Paul Audrey Mayi
- Vector Borne Diseases Laboratory of the Applied Biology and Ecology Research Unit (VBID-URBEA), Department of Animal Biology, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 067, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Elikwo N F Malange
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Forfuet David Foncha
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Cyril Kowo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Jerome Fru-Cho
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Timoléon Tchuinkam
- Vector Borne Diseases Laboratory of the Applied Biology and Ecology Research Unit (VBID-URBEA), Department of Animal Biology, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 067, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Julius Awah-Ndukum
- Department of Animal Science, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 222, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Robert Dorazio
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University. 1600 Holloway Ave, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - Damian Nota Anong
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Anthony John Cornel
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, Mosquito Control Research Laboratory, University of California at Davis.9240 South Riverbend Ave, Parlier, CA 93648, USA
| | - Ravinder N M Sehgal
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University. 1600 Holloway Ave, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
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Mayi MPA, Foncha DF, Kowo C, Tchuinkam T, Brisco K, Anong DN, Ravinder S, Cornel AJ. Impact of deforestation on the abundance, diversity, and richness of Culex mosquitoes in a southwest Cameroon tropical rainforest. JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2019; 44:271-281. [PMID: 31729796 DOI: 10.1111/jvec.12359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Deforestation is a major threat to biodiversity but little data exist on how deforestation in real-time affects the overall mosquito species community despite its known role in the transmission of diseases. We compared the abundance and diversity of Culex mosquitoes before and after deforestation along a gradient of three different anthropogenic disturbance levels in a tropical rainforest in southwestern Cameroon. The collections were conducted in unlogged forest (January, 2016), selectively logged forest (January, 2017), and within a young palm plantation (October, 2017) using net traps, sweep nets, resting traps, and dipping for immature stages in water bodies. Mosquitoes were morphologically identified to subspecies, groups, and species. A total of 2,556 mosquitoes was collected of which 1,663 (65.06%) belong to the genus Culex, (n=427 (25.68%) in the unlogged forest; n=900 (54.12%) in the selectively logged forest; and n=336 (20.2%) in the young palm plantation) with a significant difference among the habitats. Diversity and richness of mosquitoes varied significantly among habitats with the highest values found in the selectively logged forest (H=2.4; DS=0.87; S=33) and the lowest value in the unlogged forest (H=1.37; DS=0.68; S=13). The results of this study showed that deforestation affects the abundance and diversity of Culex mosquitoes and favors the invasion of anthropophilic mosquitoes. Higher mosquito abundance and diversity in the selectively logged forest than in the pristine forest is notable and some explanations for these differences are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Paul Audrey Mayi
- Department of Animal Biology, Vector Borne Diseases Laboratory of the Applied Biology and Ecology Research Unit (VBID-URBEA), University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | | | - Cyril Kowo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Timoleon Tchuinkam
- Department of Animal Biology, Vector Borne Diseases Laboratory of the Applied Biology and Ecology Research Unit (VBID-URBEA), University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Katherine Brisco
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, Mosquito Control Research Laboratory, University of California, Parlier, CA 93648, U.S.A
| | - Damian Nota Anong
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Sehgal Ravinder
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA 94132, U.S.A
| | - Anthony John Cornel
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, Mosquito Control Research Laboratory, University of California, Parlier, CA 93648, U.S.A
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van Hoesel W, Marzal A, Magallanes S, Santiago-Alarcon D, Ibáñez-Bernal S, Renner SC. Management of ecosystems alters vector dynamics and haemosporidian infections. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8779. [PMID: 31217486 PMCID: PMC6584559 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45068-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of insect vectors is a key prerequisite for transmission of vector-borne disease such as avian haemosporidians. In general, the effects of land use change on Diptera vectors are not well studied; the response of vectors to forest management depends on vector species, as has been shown previously for the birds. We tested if abundance of insects from different Diptera families and haemosporidian infection are affected through alteration of habitat structural variables (measured by LiDAR) and forest management intensities. We identified higher large-scale variation of female insect abundance in northeastern than in southwestern Germany. Unmanaged forest stands had higher Diptera insect abundances. We found that abundance of female Diptera increased with the amount of forest gaps but decreased in forest plots with more south facing aspect, higher habitat structural heterogeneity, temperature and humidity. We found that haemosporidian infections in Diptera insects increased with increased management intensity and more canopy structural diversity (e.g., amount of edge habitat), but decreased with a denser shrub layer, deeper leaf litter and higher humidity (characteristics for unmanaged forest stands). Although higher forest management intensity decreased vector abundance, the haemosporidian infections in the vectors increased, indicating a significant effect of forest management on disease dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willem van Hoesel
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Gregor-Mendel-Straße 33, 1880, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alfonso Marzal
- Department of Zoology, University of Extremadura, Avenida de Elvas s/n, 06006, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Sergio Magallanes
- Department of Zoology, University of Extremadura, Avenida de Elvas s/n, 06006, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Diego Santiago-Alarcon
- Red de Biología y Conservación de Vertebrados, Instituto de Ecología, A.C. Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Sergio Ibáñez-Bernal
- Red de Ambiente y Sustentabilidad, Instituto de Ecología, A.C. Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Swen C Renner
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Gregor-Mendel-Straße 33, 1880, Vienna, Austria.
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Center, National Zoological Park, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA, 22630, USA.
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Smith MM, Van Hemert C, Handel CM. Evidence of Culiseta mosquitoes as vectors for Plasmodium parasites in Alaska. JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2019; 44:68-75. [PMID: 31124235 DOI: 10.1111/jvec.12330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Mosquito vectors play a crucial role in the distribution of avian Plasmodium parasites worldwide. At northern latitudes, where climate warming is most pronounced, there are questions about possible changes in the abundance and distribution of Plasmodium parasites, their vectors, and their impacts to avian hosts. To better understand the transmission of Plasmodium among local birds and to gather baseline data on potential vectors, we sampled a total of 3,909 mosquitoes from three locations in south-central Alaska during the summer of 2016. We screened mosquitoes for the presence of Plasmodium parasites using molecular techniques and estimated Plasmodium infection rates per 1,000 mosquitoes using maximum likelihood methods. We found low estimated infection rates across all mosquitoes (1.28 per 1,000), with significantly higher rates in Culiseta mosquitoes (7.91 per 1,000) than in Aedes mosquitoes (0.57 per 1,000). We detected Plasmodium in a single head/thorax sample of Culiseta, indicating potential for transmission of these parasites by mosquitoes of this genus. Plasmodium parasite DNA isolated from mosquitoes showed a 100% identity match to the BT7 Plasmodium lineage that has been detected in numerous avian species worldwide. Additionally, microscopic analysis of blood smears collected from black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) at the same locations revealed infection by parasites preliminarily identified as Plasmodium circumflexum. Results from our study provide the first information on Plasmodium infection rates in Alaskan mosquitoes and evidence that Culiseta species may play a role in the transmission and maintenance of Plasmodium parasites in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, U.S.A
| | - Caroline Van Hemert
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, U.S.A
| | - Colleen M Handel
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, U.S.A
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Ecology, not distance, explains community composition in parasites of sky-island Audubon’s Warblers. Int J Parasitol 2019; 49:437-448. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2018.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Egizi A, Martinsen ES, Vuong H, Zimmerman KI, Faraji A, Fonseca DM. Using Bloodmeal Analysis to Assess Disease Risk to Wildlife at the New Northern Limit of a Mosquito Species. ECOHEALTH 2018; 15:543-554. [PMID: 30242538 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-018-1371-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The historically southeastern mosquito species Culex erraticus has over the last 30 years undergone a marked expansion north. We evaluated this species' potential to participate in local disease cycles in the northeastern USA by identifying the vertebrate sources of blood in Cx. erraticus specimens from New Jersey. We found that the majority of bloodmeals (92.6%) were derived from birds, followed by 6.8% from mammals (of which half were human), and a single amphibian bloodmeal from a spring peeper (0.56%). Medium- and large-sized water birds from the order Pelecaniformes made up 60.4% of the bird species and 55.9% of all identified hosts. This group of birds is known enzootic hosts of arboviruses such as eastern equine encephalitis virus, for which Cx. erraticus is a competent vector. Additionally, we screened blooded mosquitoes for avian malaria parasites and identified three different lineages of Plasmodium, including what may represent a new Plasmodium species (likely a wetland bird specialist) in bloodmeals from Green Herons, a Great Egret, and a Double-Crested Cormorant. Our results support the utility of mosquito bloodmeals as sources of information about circulating wildlife pathogens and reveal the potential of range-expanding species to intensify local zoonoses and bridge enzootic pathogens to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Egizi
- Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Tick-Borne Disease Laboratory, Monmouth County Mosquito Control Division, Tinton Falls, NJ, 07724, USA
| | - Ellen S Martinsen
- Center for Conservation Genomics, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, 20013-7012, USA
| | - Holly Vuong
- Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- National Youth Science Forum, Acton, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Kelly I Zimmerman
- Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, 07043, USA
| | - Ary Faraji
- Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District, Salt Lake City, UT, 84116, USA
| | - Dina M Fonseca
- Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
- Center for Conservation Genomics, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, 20013-7012, USA.
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13
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Carlson JS, Nelms B, Barker CM, Reisen WK, Sehgal RNM, Cornel AJ. Avian malaria co-infections confound infectivity and vector competence assays of Plasmodium homopolare. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:2385-2394. [PMID: 29845414 PMCID: PMC6061047 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5924-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Currently, there are very few studies of avian malaria that investigate relationships among the host-vector-parasite triad concomitantly. In the current study, we experimentally measured the vector competence of several Culex mosquitoes for a newly described avian malaria parasite, Plasmodium homopolare. Song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) blood infected with a low P. homopolare parasitemia was inoculated into a naïve domestic canary (Serinus canaria forma domestica). Within 5 to 10 days post infection (dpi), the canary unexpectedly developed a simultaneous high parasitemic infection of Plasmodium cathemerium (Pcat6) and a low parasitemic infection of P. homopolare, both of which were detected in blood smears. During this infection period, PCR detected Pcat6, but not P. homopolare in the canary. Between 10 and 60 dpi, Pcat6 blood stages were no longer visible and PCR no longer amplified Pcat6 parasite DNA from canary blood. However, P. homopolare blood stages remained visible, albeit still at very low parasitemias, and PCR was able to amplify P. homopolare DNA. This pattern of mixed Pcat6 and P. homopolare infection was repeated in three secondary infected canaries that were injected with blood from the first infected canary. Mosquitoes that blood-fed on the secondary infected canaries developed infections with Pcat6 as well as another P. cathemerium lineage (Pcat8); none developed PCR detectable P. homopolare infections. These observations suggest that the original P. homopolare-infected songbird also had two un-detectable P. cathemerium lineages/strains. The vector and host infectivity trials in this study demonstrated that current molecular assays may significantly underreport the extent of mixed avian malaria infections in vectors and hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny S Carlson
- Department of Entomology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
| | | | - Christopher M Barker
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - William K Reisen
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Ravinder N M Sehgal
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Anthony J Cornel
- Department of Entomology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA.,Vector Genetics Laboratory, Dept. Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA.,Adjunct Appointment, School of Health Systems & Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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14
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Martínez-de la Puente J, Ferraguti M, Ruiz S, Roiz D, Soriguer RC, Figuerola J. Culex pipiens forms and urbanization: effects on blood feeding sources and transmission of avian Plasmodium. Malar J 2016; 15:589. [PMID: 27931226 PMCID: PMC5146868 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1643-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The wide spread mosquito Culex pipiens pipiens have two forms molestus and pipiens which frequently hybridize. The two forms have behavioural and physiological differences affecting habitat requirements and host selection, which may affect the transmission dynamic of Cx. p. pipiens-borne diseases. Methods During 2013, blood engorged Cx. p. pipiens mosquitoes were captured in urban, rural and natural areas from Southern Spain. In 120 mosquitoes, we identified the blood meal origin at vertebrate species/genus level and the mosquito form. The presence and molecular lineage identity of avian malaria parasites in the head-thorax of each mosquito was also analysed. Results Mosquitoes of the form pipiens were more frequently found in natural than in urban areas. The proportion of Cx. pipiens form molestus and hybrids of the two forms did not differ between habitat categories. Any significant difference in the proportion of blood meals on birds between forms was found. Birds were the most common feeding source for the two forms and their hybrids. Among mammals, dogs and humans were the most common hosts. Two Plasmodium and one Haemoproteus lineages were found in mosquitoes, with non-significant differences between forms. Conclusion This study supports a differential distribution of Cx. p. pipiens form pipiens between urban and natural areas. Probably due to the similar feeding sources of both mosquito forms and their hybrids here, all of them may frequently interact with avian malaria parasites playing a role in the transmission of Plasmodium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda Américo Vespucio s/n, 41092, Seville, Spain. .,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Martina Ferraguti
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda Américo Vespucio s/n, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Santiago Ruiz
- Servicio de Control de Mosquitos, Diputación de Huelva, Huelva, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - David Roiz
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda Américo Vespucio s/n, 41092, Seville, Spain.,Infectious Diseases and Vectors: Ecology, Genetics, Evolution and Control, IRD (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement), Montpellier, France
| | - Ramón C Soriguer
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda Américo Vespucio s/n, 41092, Seville, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda Américo Vespucio s/n, 41092, Seville, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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15
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Ferreira FC, Rodrigues RA, Sato Y, Borges MAZ, Braga ÉM. Searching for putative avian malaria vectors in a Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest in Brazil. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:587. [PMID: 27852326 PMCID: PMC5112751 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1865-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Haemosporidian parasites of the genera Plasmodium and Haemoproteus can have detrimental effects on individual birds and populations. Despite recent investigations into the distribution and richness of these parasites and their vertebrate hosts, little is known about their dipteran vectors. The Neotropics has the highest diversity of mosquitoes in the world, but few studies have tried to identify vectors in this area, hampering the understanding of the ecology of avian malaria in the highly diverse Neotropical environments. Methods Shannon traps and active collection were used to capture 27,110 mosquitoes in a Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest in southeastern Brazil, a highly endangered ecosystem. Results We screened 17,619 mosquito abdomens from 12 different species and several unidentified specimens of Culex, grouped into 1,913 pools, for the presence of haemosporidians. Two pools (out of 459) of the mosquito Mansonia titillans and one pool (out of 29) of Mansonia pseudotitillans were positive for Plasmodium parasites, with the detection of a new parasite lineage in the former species. Detected Plasmodium lineages were distributed in three different clades within the phylogenetic tree revealing that Mansonia mosquitoes are potential vectors of genetically distant parasites. Two pools of Culex spp. (out of 43) were positive for Plasmodium gallinaceum and closely related lineages. We found a higher abundance of these putative vectors in pasture areas, but they were also distributed in areas at intermediate and late successional stages. One pool of the mosquito Psorophora discrucians (out of 173) was positive for Haemoproteus. Conclusions The occurrence of different Plasmodium lineages in Mansonia mosquitoes indicates that this genus encompasses potential vectors of avian malaria parasites in Brazil, even though we did not find positive thoraces among the samples tested. Additional evidence is required to assign the role of Mansonia mosquitoes in avian malaria transmission and further studies will add information about evolutionary and ecological aspects of avian haemosporidia and untangle the diversity of their vectors in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco C Ferreira
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - Raquel A Rodrigues
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Yukita Sato
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Nihon University, Kameino 1866, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
| | - Magno A Z Borges
- Laboratório de Controle Biológico, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros, Campus Universitário Professor Darcy Ribeiro, Montes Claros, MG, 39401-089, Brazil
| | - Érika M Braga
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
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16
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Ellis VA, Medeiros MCI, Collins MD, Sari EHR, Coffey ED, Dickerson RC, Lugarini C, Stratford JA, Henry DR, Merrill L, Matthews AE, Hanson AA, Roberts JR, Joyce M, Kunkel MR, Ricklefs RE. Prevalence of avian haemosporidian parasites is positively related to the abundance of host species at multiple sites within a region. Parasitol Res 2016; 116:73-80. [PMID: 27709356 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5263-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Parasite prevalence is thought to be positively related to host population density owing to enhanced contagion. However, the relationship between prevalence and local abundance of multiple host species is underexplored. We surveyed birds and their haemosporidian parasites (genera Plasmodium and Haemoproteus) at multiple sites across eastern North America to test whether the prevalence of these parasites in a host species at a particular site is related to that host's local abundance. Prevalence was positively related to host abundance within most sites, although the effect was stronger and more consistent for Plasmodium than for Haemoproteus. In contrast, prevalence was not related to variation in the abundance of most individual host species among sites across the region. These results suggest that parasite prevalence partly reflects the relative abundances of host species in local assemblages. However, three nonnative host species had low prevalence despite being relatively abundant at one site, as predicted by the enemy release hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo A Ellis
- Department of Biology, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63121, USA. .,Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Matthew C I Medeiros
- Department of Biology, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63121, USA.,Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | | | - Eloisa H R Sari
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Elyse D Coffey
- Department of Biology, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63121, USA
| | - Rebecca C Dickerson
- Department of Biology, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63121, USA.,College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Camile Lugarini
- Department of Biology, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63121, USA.,Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Aves Silvestres, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Jeffrey A Stratford
- Department of Biology and Health Sciences, Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18766, USA
| | - Donata R Henry
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA
| | - Loren Merrill
- Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, 61820, USA
| | - Alix E Matthews
- Department of Biology, Rhodes College, Memphis, TN, 38112, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, State University, Jonesboro, AR, 72467, USA
| | - Alison A Hanson
- Department of Biology, Rhodes College, Memphis, TN, 38112, USA.,Department of Geography, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Jackson R Roberts
- Department of Biology, Rhodes College, Memphis, TN, 38112, USA.,School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Michael Joyce
- Department of Biology, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63121, USA
| | - Melanie R Kunkel
- Department of Biology, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63121, USA.,College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Robert E Ricklefs
- Department of Biology, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63121, USA
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17
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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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18
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Carlson JS, Giannitti F, Valkiūnas G, Tell LA, Snipes J, Wright S, Cornel AJ. A method to preserve low parasitaemia Plasmodium-infected avian blood for host and vector infectivity assays. Malar J 2016; 15:154. [PMID: 26969510 PMCID: PMC4787182 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1198-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Avian malaria vector competence studies are needed to understand more succinctly complex avian parasite-vector-relations. The lack of vector competence trials may be attributed to the difficulty of obtaining gametocytes for the majority of Plasmodium species and lineages. To conduct avian malaria infectivity assays for those Plasmodium spp. and lineages that are refractory to in vitro cultivation, it is necessary to obtain and preserve for short periods sufficient viable merozoites to infect naïve donor birds to be used as gametocyte donors to infect mosquitoes. Currently, there is only one described method for long-term storage of Plasmodium spp.—infected wild avian blood and it is reliable at a parasitaemia of at least 1 %. However, most naturally infected wild-caught birds have a parasitaemia of much less that 1 %. To address this problem, a method for short-term storage of infected wild avian blood with low parasitaemia (even ≤0.0005 %) has been explored and validated. Methods To obtain viable infective merozoites, blood was collected from wild birds using a syringe containing the anticoagulant and the red blood cell preservative citrate phosphate dextrose adenine solution (CPDA). Each blood sample was stored at 4 °C for up to 48 h providing sufficient time to determine the species and parasitaemia of Plasmodium spp. in the blood by morphological examination before injecting into donor canaries. Plasmodium spp.—infected blood was inoculated intravenously into canaries and once infection was established, Culex stigmatosoma, Cx. pipiens and Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes were then allowed to feed on the infected canaries to validate the efficacy of this method for mosquito vector competence assays. Results Storage of Plasmodium spp.—infected donor blood at 4 °C yielded viable parasites for 48 h. All five experimentally-infected canaries developed clinical signs and were infectious. Pathologic examination of three canaries that later died revealed splenic lesions typical of avian malaria infection. Mosquito infectivity assays demonstrated that Cx. stigmatosoma and Cx. pipiens were competent vectors for Plasmodium cathemerium. Conclusions A simple method of collecting and preserving avian whole blood with malaria parasites of low parasitaemia (≤0.0005 %) was developed that remained viable for further experimental bird and mosquito infectivity assays. This method allows researchers interested in conducting infectivity assays on target Plasmodium spp. to collect these parasites directly from nature with minimal impact on wild birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny S Carlson
- Mosquito Control Research Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Nematology, Kearney Agriculture Center, University of California, Parlier, Davis, USA.
| | - Federico Giannitti
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Veterinary Population Medicine Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, USA.,Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay.,California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, USA
| | | | - Lisa A Tell
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Joy Snipes
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Stan Wright
- Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito Vector and Control District, Elk Grove, USA
| | - Anthony J Cornel
- Mosquito Control Research Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Nematology, Kearney Agriculture Center, University of California, Parlier, Davis, USA.,Vector Genetics Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, USA
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19
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Plasmodium prevalence across avian host species is positively associated with exposure to mosquito vectors. Parasitology 2015; 142:1612-20. [PMID: 26394656 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182015001183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of vector-borne parasites varies greatly across host species, and this heterogeneity has been used to relate infectious disease susceptibility to host species traits. However, a few empirical studies have directly associated vector-borne parasite prevalence with exposure to vectors across hosts. Here, we use DNA sequencing of blood meals to estimate utilization of different avian host species by Culex mosquitoes, and relate utilization by these malaria vectors to avian Plasmodium prevalence. We found that avian host species that are highly utilized as hosts by avian malaria vectors are significantly more likely to have Plasmodium infections. However, the effect was not consistent among individual Plasmodium taxa. Exposure to vector bites may therefore influence the relative number of all avian Plasmodium infections among host species, while other processes, such as parasite competition and host-parasite coevolution, delimit the host distributions of individual Plasmodium species. We demonstrate that links between avian malaria susceptibility and host traits can be conditioned by patterns of exposure to vectors. Linking vector utilization rates to host traits may be a key area of future research to understand mechanisms that produce variation in the prevalence of vector-borne pathogens among host species.
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20
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Sehgal RN. Manifold habitat effects on the prevalence and diversity of avian blood parasites. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2015; 4:421-30. [PMID: 26835250 PMCID: PMC4699977 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Revised: 08/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Habitats are rapidly changing across the planet and the consequences will have major and long-lasting effects on wildlife and their parasites. Birds harbor many types of blood parasites, but because of their relatively high prevalence and ease of diagnosis, it is the haemosporidians – Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon – that are the best studied in terms of ecology and evolution. For parasite transmission to occur, environmental conditions must be permissive, and given the many constraints on the competency of parasites, vectors and hosts, it is rather remarkable that these parasites are so prevalent and successful. Over the last decade, a rapidly growing body of literature has begun to clarify how environmental factors affect birds and the insects that vector their hematozoan parasites. Moreover, several studies have modeled how anthropogenic effects such as global climate change, deforestation and urbanization will impact the dynamics of parasite transmission. This review highlights recent research that impacts our understanding of how habitat and environmental changes can affect the distribution, diversity, prevalence and parasitemia of these avian blood parasites. Given the importance of environmental factors on transmission, it remains essential that researchers studying avian hematozoa document abiotic factors such as temperature, moisture and landscape elements. Ultimately, this continued research has the potential to inform conservation policies and help avert the loss of bird species and threatened habitats. Review of recent literature studying habitat effects on avian blood parasites. Habitat affects the prevalence, parasitemia, distribution and diversity of avian hematozoa. Environmental conditions must be permissive for parasite transmission to occur. Anthropogenic environmental changes will affect host–vector–parasite interactions.
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