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Cunze S, Jourdan J, Klimpel S. Ecologically and medically important black flies of the genus Simulium: Identification of biogeographical groups according to similar larval niches. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 917:170454. [PMID: 38290683 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170454] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
The black fly genus Simulium includes medically and ecologically important species, characterized by a wide variation of ecological niches largely determining their distributional patterns. In a rapidly changing environment, species-specific niche characteristics determine whether a species benefits or not. With aquatic egg, larval and pupal stages followed by a terrestrial adult phase, their spatial arrangements depend upon the interplay of aquatic conditions and climatic-landscape parameters in the terrestrial realm. The aim of this study was to enhance the understanding of the distributional patterns among Simulium species and their ecological drivers. In an ecological niche modelling approach, we focused on 12 common black fly species with different ecological requirements. Our modelling was based on available distribution data along with five stream variables describing the climatic, land-cover, and topographic conditions of river catchments. The modelled freshwater habitat suitability was spatially interpolated to derive an estimate of the adult black flies' probability of occurrence. Based on similarities in the spatial patterns of modelled habitat suitability we were able to identify three biogeographical groups, which allows us to confirm old assessments with current occurrence data: (A) montane species, (B) broad range species and (C) lowland species. The five veterinary and human medical relevant species Simulium equinum, S. erythrocephalum, S. lineatum, S. ornatum and S. reptans are mainly classified in the lowland species group. In the course of climatic changes, it is expected that biocoenosis will slightly shift towards upstream regions, so that the lowland group will presumably emerge as the winner. This is mainly explained by wider ecological niches, including a higher temperature tolerance and tolerance to various pollutants. In conclusion, these findings have significant implications for human and animal health. As exposure to relevant Simulium species increases, it becomes imperative to remain vigilant, particularly in investigating the potential transmission of pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Cunze
- Department of Integrative Parasitology and Zoophysiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Jonas Jourdan
- Department Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Goethe University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sven Klimpel
- Department of Integrative Parasitology and Zoophysiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Senckenebrg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberg, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Branch Bioresources, Frauenhofer Institute for Molecular and Applied Ecology, Giessen, Germany
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Dubiec A, Atamas N, Ledwoń M. Very low prevalence of haemosporidian parasites in two species of marsh terns. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:3063-3075. [PMID: 37907627 PMCID: PMC10667446 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07997-y] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Vector-transmitted haemosporidians are among the most common parasites in birds, but our knowledge of the inter-specific patterns of infection rates and the parasite community composition is far from complete because of the unequal distribution of the screening effort across bird families and genera. To assess infection rates and the diversity of haemosporidians from the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon in marsh terns, which represent poorly explored in this regard genus of the family gulls, terns, and skimmers (Laridae), we screened two species: the Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida) and the Black Tern (Chlidonias niger). We sampled these long-distance migratory birds on breeding grounds: the Whiskered Tern in south-central Poland and north-central Ukraine, and the Black Tern-in north-central Ukraine. We found that birds from both species were infected only sporadically, with prevalence at the population level not exceeding 3.4%. Only parasites from the genera Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon were detected. There was neither an inter-specific difference nor a difference between populations of the Whiskered Tern in infection rates. In total, we registered three lineages-one Plasmodium and two Leucocytozoon-that were previously recorded in other bird species, and two unidentified Plasmodium infections. One of the lineages (Leucocytozoon LARCAC02) represents a specialist parasite with the host range restricted to larids and geographic range restricted to Poland, and two others (Plasmodium SGS1 and Leucocytozoon CIAE02) represent generalist parasites with very broad host and geographic ranges. This study reinforces the existing evidence that terns host parasites from genera Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, and Leucocytozoon only sporadically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Dubiec
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wilcza 64, 00-679, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Natalia Atamas
- Department of Animal Monitoring and Conservation, Laboratory of Population Ecology, I. I. Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, B. Khmelnytskoho Str., 15, Kyiv, 01601, Ukraine
| | - Mateusz Ledwoń
- Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sławkowska 17, 31-016, Cracow, Poland
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Ruiz-Arrondo I, Veiga J, Adler PH, Collantes F, Oteo JA, Valera F. Integrated taxonomy of black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) reveals unexpected diversity in the most arid ecosystem of Europe. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293547. [PMID: 37948378 PMCID: PMC10637677 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The family Simuliidae includes more than 2000 species of black flies worldwide. Their morphological uniformity creates difficulty for species identification, which limits our knowledge of their ecology and vectorial role. We investigated the systematics of black flies in a semi-arid area of the Iberian Peninsula, an ecologically harsh environment for these organisms. Sampling adult black flies in three different habitats (by means of CDC traps) and in avian nest boxes and collecting immature stages in high-salinity rills provided a representative sample of the component species. A combination of approaches, including morphological, chromosomal, and molecular (based on the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) genes) revealed five species: four common species (Simulium intermedium, S. petricolum, S. pseudequinum, and S. rubzovianum) and the first European record for S. mellah. Barcoding gap and phylogenetic analyses revealed that ITS2 is a key marker to identify the species, whereas the COI marker does not provide enough resolution to identify some species or infer their phylogenetic relationships. Morphological and chromosomal features are also provided to identify S. mellah unequivocally. Our study highlights the need for integrated studies of black flies in ecologically extreme habitats to increase our knowledge of their distribution, ecology, and potential risks for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Ruiz-Arrondo
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases (CRETAV), Infectious Diseases Department, San Pedro University Hospital-Center for Biomedical Research from La Rioja (CIBIR), Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Jesús Veiga
- Departamento de Ecología Funcional y Evolutiva, Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (EEZA-CSIC), Almería, Spain
- Departmento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- MEMEG, Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Peter H. Adler
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Francisco Collantes
- Departamento de Zoología y Antropología Física, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - José A. Oteo
- Center of Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases (CRETAV), Infectious Diseases Department, San Pedro University Hospital-Center for Biomedical Research from La Rioja (CIBIR), Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Francisco Valera
- Departamento de Ecología Funcional y Evolutiva, Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (EEZA-CSIC), Almería, Spain
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Winternitz J, Chakarov N, Rinaud T, Ottensmann M, Krüger O. High functional allelic diversity and copy number in both MHC classes in the common buzzard. BMC Ecol Evol 2023; 23:24. [PMID: 37355591 PMCID: PMC10290333 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-023-02135-9] [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: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The major histocompatibility complex (MHC), which encodes molecules that recognize various pathogens and parasites and initiates the adaptive immune response in vertebrates, is renowned for its exceptional polymorphism and is a model of adaptive gene evolution. In birds, the number of MHC genes and sequence diversity varies greatly among taxa, believed due to evolutionary history and differential selection pressures. Earlier characterization studies and recent comparative studies suggest that non-passerine species have relatively few MHC gene copies compared to passerines. Additionally, comparative studies that have looked at partial MHC sequences have speculated that non-passerines have opposite patterns of selection on MHC class I (MHC-I) and class II (MHC-II) loci than passerines: namely, greater sequence diversity and signals of selection on MHC-II than MHC-I. However, new sequencing technology is revealing much greater MHC variation than previously expected while also facilitating full sequence variant detection directly from genomic data. Our study aims to take advantage of high-throughput sequencing methods to fully characterize both classes and domains of MHC of a non-passerine bird of prey, the common buzzard (Buteo buteo), to test predictions of MHC variation and differential selection on MHC classes. RESULTS Using genetic, genomic, and transcriptomic high-throughput sequencing data, we established common buzzards have at least three loci that produce functional alleles at both MHC classes. In total, we characterize 91 alleles from 113 common buzzard chicks for MHC-I exon 3 and 41 alleles from 125 chicks for MHC-IIB exon 2. Among these alleles, we found greater sequence polymorphism and stronger diversifying selection at MHC-IIB exon 2 than MHC-I exon 3, suggesting differential selection pressures on MHC classes. However, upon further investigation of the entire peptide-binding groove by including genomic data from MHC-I exon 2 and MHC-IIA exon 2, this turned out to be false. MHC-I exon 2 was as polymorphic as MHC-IIB exon 2 and MHC-IIA exon 2 was essentially invariant. Thus, comparisons between MHC-I and MHC-II that included both domains of the peptide-binding groove showed no differences in polymorphism nor diversifying selection between the classes. Nevertheless, selection analysis indicates balancing selection has been acting on common buzzard MHC and phylogenetic inference revealed that trans-species polymorphism is present between common buzzards and species separated for over 33 million years for class I and class II. CONCLUSIONS We characterize and confirm the functionality of unexpectedly high copy number and allelic diversity in both MHC classes of a bird of prey. While balancing selection is acting on both classes, there is no evidence of differential selection pressure on MHC classes in common buzzards and this result may hold more generally once more data for understudied MHC exons becomes available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Winternitz
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Morgenbreede 45, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Nayden Chakarov
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Morgenbreede 45, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Tony Rinaud
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Morgenbreede 45, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Meinolf Ottensmann
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Morgenbreede 45, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Oliver Krüger
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Morgenbreede 45, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
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Valkiūnas G, Iezhova TA. Insights into the Biology of Leucocytozoon Species (Haemosporida, Leucocytozoidae): Why Is There Slow Research Progress on Agents of Leucocytozoonosis? Microorganisms 2023; 11:1251. [PMID: 37317225 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood parasites of the genus Leucocytozoon (Leucocytozoidae) only inhabit birds and represent a readily distinct evolutionary branch of the haemosporidians (Haemosporida, Apicomplexa). Some species cause pathology and even severe leucocytozoonosis in avian hosts, including poultry. The diversity of Leucocytozoon pathogens is remarkable, with over 1400 genetic lineages detected, most of which, however, have not been identified to the species level. At most, approximately 45 morphologically distinct species of Leucocytozoon have been described, but only a few have associated molecular data. This is unfortunate because basic information about named and morphologically recognized Leucocytozoon species is essential for a better understanding of phylogenetically closely related leucocytozoids that are known only by DNA sequence. Despite much research on haemosporidian parasites during the past 30 years, there has not been much progress in taxonomy, vectors, patterns of transmission, pathogenicity, and other aspects of the biology of these cosmopolitan bird pathogens. This study reviewed the available basic information on avian Leucocytozoon species, with particular attention to some obstacles that prevent progress to better understanding the biology of leucocytozoids. Major gaps in current Leucocytozoon species research are discussed, and possible approaches are suggested to resolve some issues that have limited practical parasitological studies of these pathogens.
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Fecchio A, Dias RI, De La Torre GM, Bell JA, Sagario MC, Gorosito CA, dos Anjos CC, Lugarini C, Piacentini VQ, Pinho JB, Kirchgatter K, Ricklefs RE, Schunck F, Cueto VR. Beta diversity, prevalence, and specificity of avian haemosporidian parasites throughout the annual cycle of Chilean Elaenia ( Elaenia chilensis), a Neotropical austral migrant. Parasitology 2022; 149:1760-1768. [PMID: 36165282 PMCID: PMC11010540 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182022001317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Migratory birds are implicated in dispersing haemosporidian parasites over great geographic distances. However, their role in sharing these vector-transmitted blood parasites with resident avian host species along their migration flyway is not well understood. We studied avian haemosporidian parasites in 10 localities where Chilean Elaenia, a long-distance Neotropical austral migrant species, spends part of its annual cycle to determine local parasite transmission among resident sympatric host species in the elaenia's distributional range across South America. We sampled 371 Chilean Elaenias and 1,818 birds representing 243 additional sympatric species from Brazilian wintering grounds to Argentinian breeding grounds. The 23 haemosporidian lineages found in Chilean Elaenias exhibited considerable variation in distribution, specialization, and turnover across the 10 avian communities in South America. Parasite lineage dissimilarity increased with geographic distance, and infection probability by Parahaemoproteus decreased in localities harbouring a more diverse haemosporidian fauna. Furthermore, blood smears from migrating Chilean Elaenias and local resident avian host species did not contain infective stages of Leucocytozoon, suggesting that transmission did not take place in the Brazilian stopover site. Our analyses confirm that this Neotropical austral migrant connects avian host communities and transports haemosporidian parasites along its distributional range in South America. However, the lack of transmissive stages at stopover site and the infrequent parasite lineage sharing between migratory host populations and residents at breeding and wintering grounds suggest that Chilean Elaenias do not play a significant role in dispersing haemosporidian parasites, nor do they influence local transmission across South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Fecchio
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Aves, Centro de Investigación Esquel de Montaña y Estepa Patagónica (CIEMEP), CONICET – Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco, Esquel, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Raphael I. Dias
- Faculdade de Ciências da Educação e Saúde, Centro Universitário de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Gabriel M. De La Torre
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia e Conservação, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Jeffrey A. Bell
- Department of Biology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - M. Cecilia Sagario
- Grupo de Ecología Terrestre de Neuquén, Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente (INIBIOMA–CONICET and UNComahue), and Centro de Ecología Aplicada del Neuquén (CEAN), Junín de los Andes, Neuquén, Argentina
| | - Cristian A. Gorosito
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Aves, Centro de Investigación Esquel de Montaña y Estepa Patagónica (CIEMEP), CONICET – Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco, Esquel, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Carolina C. dos Anjos
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Camile Lugarini
- Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Aves Silvestres, Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Vítor Q. Piacentini
- Departamento de Biologia e Zoologia & Programa de Pós-graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - João B. Pinho
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Karin Kirchgatter
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Superintendência de Controle de Endemias, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Robert E. Ricklefs
- Department of Biology, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Fabio Schunck
- Brazilian Committee for Ornithological Records – CBRO, Brazil
| | - Victor R. Cueto
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Aves, Centro de Investigación Esquel de Montaña y Estepa Patagónica (CIEMEP), CONICET – Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco, Esquel, Chubut, Argentina
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Honjo Y, Fukumoto S, Sakamoto H, Hikosaka K. New PCR primers targeting the cytochrome b gene reveal diversity of Leucocytozoon lineages in an individual host. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:3313-3320. [PMID: 36121563 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07667-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Avian haemosporidian parasites have received considerable attention in ecology and evolution as a result of their wide distribution and ease of detection. However, conventional PCR-based detection methods may sometimes underestimate haemosporidian mixed infections, which are frequent in natural populations. This underestimation is due to differences in PCR sensitivity for detection of lineages within the mixed infections. Therefore, we designed new primers to amplify sequences that were not detected by the conventional primers and examined if our primers were useful for accurate detection of mixed infections. Blood samples were collected from 32 wild birds captured in Hokkaido, and 16 of these were positive for Leucocytozoon using the conventional primers, while 15 were positive using our primers. All positively amplified samples were sequenced, and we found that the conventional primers detected 16% (5/32) of multiple infections and none of them was a novel lineage, whereas our primers detected 44% (14/32) of multiple infections and ten of them were novel lineages. A phylogenetic analysis showed that the new primers can detect a wide range of Leucocytozoon lineages compared with that detected by the conventional primers. The results indicate that our primers are particularly suitable for revealing unique strains from multiple infections. Highly variable multiple infections in the same population of birds at the same location were found for the first time. We revealed a higher diversity of Leucocytozoon lineages in nature than expected, which would provide more information to better understand parasite diversity and host-vector interactions in wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yui Honjo
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Shinya Fukumoto
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Sakamoto
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.,Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Hikosaka
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.
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A Survey on Native and Invasive Mosquitoes and Other Biting Dipterans in Northern Spain. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:867-877. [PMID: 35298775 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00529-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Haematophagous Diptera, such as mosquitoes (Culicidae), biting midges (Ceratopogonidae), and black flies (Simuliidae), are important insects for public and animal health due to their capacity to bite and transmit pathogens. Outdoor recreation areas are usually affected by biting species and provide suitable habitats to both adult and immature stages. This study aimed to determine the species diversity and larval sites of these Diptera groups in two golf courses. METHODS A multi-method collection approach using ultraviolet-CDC traps, human landing catches, collection in breeding sites, and ovitraps was implemented during summer 2020 in northern Spain. Insects were determined by morphological features accompanied by DNA barcoding. RESULTS A total of ten native mosquito species were recorded either as adults or as larval stages. The invasive species Aedes japonicus was collected only at egg or pupa stage in ovitraps. Culex pipiens s.l. and Culex torrentium were both common mosquito species accounting for 47.9% of the total larval site collections and their larvae might be found in a wide range of natural and artificial sites. Culiseta longiareolata specimens were also prominent (30.1% of the total) and occurred exclusively in man-made water-filled containers. A total of 13 Culicoides species were identified, 10 of which were captured by ultraviolet-CDC traps, particularly members of the Obsoletus complex (Culicoides obsoletus/Culicoides scoticus, 74.9%) and seven species by emergence traps, being the two most abundant C. kibunensis (44.8%) and C. festivipennis (34.9%). Simulium cryophilum was also collected hovering around the operator under field sampling. CONCLUSION A comprehensive representation of the blood-sucking Diptera fauna and their larval sites was obtained by the multi-method approach in two Spanish golf courses.
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Busari LO, Adeleke MA, Surakat OA, Akindele AA, Fasasi KA, Ojurongbe O. Black flies and Onchocerciasis: Knowledge, attitude and practices among inhabitants of Alabameta, Osun State, Southwestern, Nigeria. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010320. [PMID: 35446859 PMCID: PMC9022862 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives
This study reports knowledge of residents of Alabameta community, Osun State, Nigeria on the bioecology and socio-economic burden of black flies and onchocerciasis.
Methods
Using structured questionnaires and Focus Group Discussion (FGD), a total of 150 community respondents participated in the study.
Results
The knowledge of the residents on the existence of black flies in the community was significant (p<0.05) as all the 150 respondents confirmed the presence of black flies with the local name ‘Amukuru’ i.e causing itching. However, their lack of knowledge of the flies breeding site (104) (69%), prevention (134) (89%), cause (132) (88%), and treatment (133) (89%) of onchocerciasis was profound. Majority 147(98%) of the respondents reported that flies bite more in the wet season as against dry season 3(2%) and have a higher affinity (124) (82%) for biting the leg than any other part of the body. A larger percentage (89%) of the respondents are unaware of any medication for the treatment of onchocerciasis while 11% are aware. There had been no sensitization on onchocerciasis according to 89% of the respondents.
Conclusion
Due to lack of resident’s knowledge on black flies bioecology which may continuously expose them to the bite of the flies and ultimately infection, it is paramount that the Osun State government and the NTD implementing partner map out new public health education strategies during routine Mass Administration of Medicines with Ivermectin with a view to preventing onchocerciasis infection as well as man-vector contact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lateef O. Busari
- Department of Zoology, Osun State University, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
- * E-mail:
| | | | | | - Akeem A. Akindele
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Kamilu Ayo Fasasi
- Department of Zoology, Osun State University, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Olusola Ojurongbe
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria
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Vinagre‐Izquierdo C, Bodawatta KH, Chmel K, Renelies‐Hamilton J, Paul L, Munclinger P, Poulsen M, Jønsson KA. The drivers of avian-haemosporidian prevalence in tropical lowland forests of New Guinea in three dimensions. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8497. [PMID: 35222943 PMCID: PMC8844478 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Haemosporidians are among the most common parasites of birds and often negatively impact host fitness. A multitude of biotic and abiotic factors influence these associations, but the magnitude of these factors can differ by spatial scales (i.e., local, regional and global). Consequently, to better understand global and regional drivers of avian-haemosporidian associations, it is key to investigate these associations at smaller (local) spatial scales. Thus, here, we explore the effect of abiotic variables (e.g., temperature, forest structure, and anthropogenic disturbances) on haemosporidian prevalence and host-parasite networks on a horizontal spatial scale, comparing four fragmented forests and five localities within a continuous forest in Papua New Guinea. Additionally, we investigate if prevalence and host-parasite networks differ between the canopy and the understory (vertical stratification) in one forest patch. We found that the majority of Haemosporidian infections were caused by the genus Haemoproteus and that avian-haemosporidian networks were more specialized in continuous forests. At the community level, only forest greenness was negatively associated with Haemoproteus infections, while the effects of abiotic variables on parasite prevalence differed between bird species. Haemoproteus prevalence levels were significantly higher in the canopy, and an opposite trend was observed for Plasmodium. This implies that birds experience distinct parasite pressures depending on the stratum they inhabit, likely driven by vector community differences. These three-dimensional spatial analyses of avian-haemosporidians at horizontal and vertical scales suggest that the effect of abiotic variables on haemosporidian infections are species specific, so that factors influencing community-level infections are primarily driven by host community composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Vinagre‐Izquierdo
- Natural History Museum of DenmarkUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Section for Ecology and EvolutionDepartment of BiologyUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Conservation and Evolutionary Genetics GroupEstación Biológica de Doñana – CSICSevillaSpain
| | - Kasun H. Bodawatta
- Natural History Museum of DenmarkUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Kryštof Chmel
- Department of ZoologyFaculty of SciencesUniversity of South BohemiaČeské BudějoviceCzech Republic
- Biology CentreCzech Academy of SciencesČeské BudějoviceCzech Republic
| | | | - Luda Paul
- New Guinea Binatang Research CentreMadangPapua New Guinea
| | - Pavel Munclinger
- Department of ZoologyFaculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Michael Poulsen
- Section for Ecology and EvolutionDepartment of BiologyUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Knud A. Jønsson
- Natural History Museum of DenmarkUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
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11
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Žiegytė R, Bernotienė R. Contribution to the knowledge on black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) as vectors of Leucocytozoon (Haemosporida) parasites in Lithuania. Parasitol Int 2021; 87:102515. [PMID: 34781013 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) are among the most bothersome blood-sucking dipterans causing severe irritation and distress to poultry, wild birds, animals, and humans globally. These insects are vectors of viruses, bacteria, parasitic protozoans, and nematodes of humans and animals. Parasitic protozoa belonging to Haemosporida (Apicomplexa) are distributed worldwide and black flies are the principal vectors of avian haemosporidian parasites of the genus Leucocytozoon, a common parasite of birds. Based on the detection of parasite DNA in insects, 13 black fly species were reported to be potential vectors of Leucocytozoon in Europe. Information about which species of Simulium can play a role in the transmission of Leucocytozoon parasites is insufficient and needs to be developed. The aim of our study was to determine which black fly species are involved in the transmission of Leucocytozoon parasites in the Eastern Europe. The black fly females were collected in Lithuania using entomological net. They were morphologically identified, dissected to prepare salivary glands preparations, and then screened for the presence of Leucocytozoon parasites using microscopy and PCR-based methods. In all, we collected 437 black fly females belonging to eight species. The DNA of Leucocytozoon (genetic lineage lCOCO18) was detected in one of analysed females identified as Simulium maculatum. All salivary gland preparations were negative for the presence of Leucocytozoon sporozoites. Our results included S. maculatum as a potential vector of Leucocytozoon parasites. Increasing the knowledge on vector ecology, behaviour and improving collection methods may be the key to understand the evolution and diversity of these parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Žiegytė
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, Vilnius 21, LT-09412, Lithuania
| | - Rasa Bernotienė
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, Vilnius 21, LT-09412, Lithuania.
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12
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Wiegmann A, Springer A, Rinaud T, Ottensmann M, Legler M, Krüger O, Fehr M, Chakarov N, Strube C. The prevalence of Leucocytozoon spp. in nestlings of three wild raptor species including implications on haematological and blood chemistry values. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2021; 16:236-243. [PMID: 34760619 PMCID: PMC8567326 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Leucocytozoonosis is a vector-borne infection of birds, caused by members of the haemosporidian genus Leucocytozoon. The clinical presentation may range from asymptomatic to severe disease. Consequences of Leucocytozoon infection on blood profiles remain to be described, especially for different host species in the wild. In the current study, the prevalence of Leucocytozoon infection was determined in wild nestlings of three European raptor species, the common buzzard (Buteo buteo, n = 464), red kite (Milvus milvus, n = 46) and northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis, n = 18). Among 528 nestlings, 51.9% (n = 274) were infected with Leucocytozoon spp., whereby the highest prevalence was found in common buzzards (54.9%), followed by red kites (32.6%) and northern goshawks (22.2%). For a subset of 87 individuals (50 common buzzards, 29 red kites, 8 northern goshawks), a detailed analysis of differential leukocyte counts and several blood chemistry parameters in response to infection was conducted: AP (alkaline phosphatase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), GLDH (glutamate dehydrogenase), LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), GGT (gamma glutamyl transferase), CK (creatine kinase), BuChE (butyrylcholinesterase), BA (bile acids), ALB (albumin) and TP (total protein). Even though in the physiological range, infected nestlings displayed significantly increased levels of heterophils, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, bile acids and butyrylcholinesterase, but decreased lymphocyte and monocyte values compared to uninfected ones. Furthermore, significant species differences with regard to blood parameters, but no sex differences were found. Overall, obtained results show a high prevalence, but a low pathogenicity of Leucocytozoon spp. in wild raptor chicks, presumably resulting from coevolutionary adaptation, but show signatures of infection in the haematological and blood chemistry profiles. Leucocytozoon prevalence in nestlings of three wild raptor species was 52%. Common buzzards (Buteo buteo) showed the highest prevalence (55%). Examined blood parameter values varied with species, age and infection status. Leucocytozoon infections were associated with increased AST and BuChE. Leucocytozoon infections in Accipitridae nestlings seem to be of minor pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Wiegmann
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Andrea Springer
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Tony Rinaud
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Meinolf Ottensmann
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Marko Legler
- Clinic for Small Mammals, Reptiles and Birds, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 9, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Oliver Krüger
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Michael Fehr
- Clinic for Small Mammals, Reptiles and Birds, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 9, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nayden Chakarov
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559, Hannover, Germany
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13
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Chakarov N, Veiga J, Ruiz-Arrondo I, Valera F. Atypical behavior of a black fly species connects cavity-nesting birds with generalist blood parasites in an arid area of Spain. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:298. [PMID: 34082829 PMCID: PMC8173925 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04798-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The feeding behavior of bloodsucking insects determines the transmission, distribution, host spectrum and evolution of blood parasites in the wild. Conventional wisdom suggests that some vector groups (e.g. black flies, family Simuliidae) are consistently exophagous daytime biters. We aimed to understand more about the exceptions to this pattern by combining targeted trapping and molecular identification of parasites in vectors. METHODS In this study, we collected black flies in nest boxes used by European rollers Coracias garrulus in southeastern Spain. We molecularly analyzed 434 individual insects, identifying the black fly species caught in the nest boxes, their potential vertebrate blood meals, and the haemosporidian parasite lineages that they carried. RESULTS Only one black fly species, Simulium rubzovianum, appeared to enter the nest boxes of rollers. Among the trapped specimens, 15% contained vertebrate DNA, which always belonged to rollers, even though only half of those specimens were visibly engorged. Furthermore, 15% of all black flies contained Leucocytozoon lineages, indicating previous feeding on avian hosts but probably not on infected adult rollers. The known vertebrate hosts of the recorded Leucocytozoon lineages suggested that large and/or abundant birds are their hosts. Particularly represented were cavity-nesting species breeding in the vicinity, such as pigeons, corvids and owls. Open-nesting species such as thrushes and birds of prey were also represented. CONCLUSIONS Our data strongly suggest that S. rubzovianum bites uninfected roller nestlings and infected individuals of other species, potentially incubating adults, inside nest boxes and natural cavities. This simuliid does not appear to have a strong preference for specific host clades. Contrary to the general pattern for the group, and possibly enhanced by the harsh environmental conditions in the study area, this black fly appeared to intensively use and may even have a preference for confined spaces such as cavities for feeding and resting. Preferences of vectors for atypical microhabitat niches where hosts are less mobile may enable social and within-family transmission and parasite speciation in the long term. At the same time, a lack of host preference in concentrated multispecies communities can lead to host switches. Both processes may be underappreciated driving forces in the evolution of avian blood parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayden Chakarov
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Jesús Veiga
- Departamento de Ecología Funcional y Evolutiva, Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (EEZA-CSIC), Almería, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ruiz-Arrondo
- Centre for Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital Universitario San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain
| | - Francisco Valera
- Departamento de Ecología Funcional y Evolutiva, Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (EEZA-CSIC), Almería, Spain
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14
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Chakarov N, Blanco G. Blood Parasites in Sympatric Vultures: Role of Nesting Habits and Effects on Body Condition. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:2431. [PMID: 33801498 PMCID: PMC7967578 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052431] [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: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Avian haemosporidians are a common and widespread group of vector-borne parasites capable of infecting most bird species around the world. They can negatively affect host condition and fitness. Vultures are assumed to have a very low prevalence of these blood parasites, likely due to their strong immunity; however, factors contributing to variation in host exposure and susceptibility to haemosporidians are complex, and supporting evidence is still very limited. We analyzed blood samples collected from nestlings of three vulture species in Spain over 18 years, and used updated nested-PCR protocols capable of detecting all haesmosporidian cytochrome b lineages typical for diurnal birds of prey (Accipitriformes). Similarly to previous studies, we found low haemosporidian prevalence in cliff-breeding species, with Leucocytozoon as the only represented blood parasite genus: 3.1% in griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) (n = 128) and 5.3% in Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus) (n = 114). In contrast, the tree-breeding cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus) had a substantially higher prevalence: 10.3% (n = 146). By far the most common lineage in Spanish scavenging raptors was the Leucocytozoon lineage CIAE02. No effects of nestling age and sex, or temporal trends in prevalence were found, but an effect of nest habitat (tree-nest vs. cliff-nest) was found in the griffon vulture. These patterns may be explained by a preference of vectors to forage in and around trees rather than on cliffs and wide open spaces. We found an apparent detrimental effect of haemosporidians on body mass of nestling cinereous vultures. Further research is needed to evaluate the pathogenicity of each haemosporidian lineage and their interaction with the immune system of nestlings, especially if compromised due to pollution with pharmaceuticals and infection by bacterial and mycotic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayden Chakarov
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Konsequenz 45, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Guillermo Blanco
- Department of Evolutionary, Ecology, National Museum of Natural Sciences, CSIC. José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain;
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15
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Prevalence and genetic diversity of avian haemosporidian parasites in wild bird species of the order Columbiformes. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:1405-1420. [PMID: 33521839 PMCID: PMC7940316 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07053-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Diseases can play a role in species decline. Among them, haemosporidian parasites, vector-transmitted protozoan parasites, are known to constitute a risk for different avian species. However, the magnitude of haemosporidian infection in wild columbiform birds, including strongly decreasing European turtle doves, is largely unknown. We examined the prevalence and diversity of haemosporidian parasites Plasmodium, Leucocytozoon and subgenera Haemoproteus and Parahaemoproteus in six species of the order Columbiformes during breeding season and migration by applying nested PCR, one-step multiplex PCR assay and microscopy. We detected infections in 109 of the 259 screened individuals (42%), including 15 distinct haemosporidian mitochondrial cytochrome b lineages, representing five H. (Haemoproteus), two H. (Parahaemoproteus), five Leucocytozoon and three Plasmodium lineages. Five of these lineages have never been described before. We discriminated between single and mixed infections and determined host species-specific prevalence for each parasite genus. Observed differences among sampled host species are discussed with reference to behavioural characteristics, including nesting and migration strategy. Our results support previous suggestions that migratory birds have a higher prevalence and diversity of blood parasites than resident or short-distance migratory species. A phylogenetic reconstruction provided evidence for H. (Haemoproteus) as well as H. (Parahaemoproteus) infections in columbiform birds. Based on microscopic examination, we quantified parasitemia, indicating the probability of negative effects on the host. This study provides a large-scale baseline description of haemosporidian infections of wild birds belonging to the order Columbiformes sampled in the northern hemisphere. The results enable the monitoring of future changes in parasite transmission areas, distribution and diversity associated with global change, posing a potential risk for declining avian species as the European turtle dove.
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Stanicka A, Zając KS, Jefimow M, Wojciechowski MS. Diplotriaena obtusa (Nematoda: Filariidae) infection in first-year Sylvia atricapilla from Poland – molecular evidence. THE EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2021.1998679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A. Stanicka
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Parasitology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - K. S. Zając
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - M. Jefimow
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - M. S. Wojciechowski
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology and Ecology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
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