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Moerman TM, Albon SD, Coulson SJ, Loe LE. Climate change effects on terrestrial parasitic nematodes: Where are the knowledge gaps? J Helminthol 2023; 97:e94. [PMID: 38047417 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x23000652] [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] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is expected to affect parasitic nematodes and hence possibly parasite-host dynamics and may have far-reaching consequences for animal health, livestock production, and ecosystem functioning. However, there has been no recent overview of current knowledge to identify how studies could contribute to a better understanding of terrestrial parasitic nematodes under changing climates. Here we screened almost 1,400 papers to review 57 experimental studies on the effects of temperature and moisture on hatching, development, survival, and behaviour of the free-living stages of terrestrial parasitic nematodes with a direct life cycle in birds and terrestrial mammals. Two major knowledge gaps are apparent. First, research should study the temperature dependency curves for hatching, development, and survival under various moisture treatments to test the interactive effect of temperature and moisture. Second, we specifically advocate for more studies that investigate how temperature, and its interaction with moisture, affect both vertical and horizontal movement of parasitic nematodes to understand infection risks. Overall, we advocate for more field experiments that test environmental effects on life-history traits and behaviour of parasitic nematodes in their free-living stages under natural and realistic circumstances. We also encourage studies to expand the range of used hosts and parasitic nematodes because 66% of results described in the available studies use sheep and cattle as hosts and 32% involve just three nematode species. This new comprehension brings attention to understudied abiotic impacts on terrestrial parasitic nematodes and will have broader implications for livestock management, wildlife conservation, and ecosystem functioning in a rapidly warming climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Moerman
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NO-1432 Ås, Norway
- The University Centre in Svalbard, P.O. Box 156, NO-9171 Longyearbyen, Norway
| | - S D Albon
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, AberdeenAB15 8QH, Scotland
| | - S J Coulson
- The University Centre in Svalbard, P.O. Box 156, NO-9171 Longyearbyen, Norway
| | - L E Loe
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, NO-1432 Ås, Norway
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Scott ME. Helminth-host-environment interactions: Looking down from the tip of the iceberg. J Helminthol 2023; 97:e59. [PMID: 37486085 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x23000433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
In 1978, the theory behind helminth parasites having the potential to regulate the abundance of their host populations was formalized based on the understanding that those helminth macroparasites that reduce survival or fecundity of the infected host population would be among the forces limiting unregulated host population growth. Now, 45 years later, a phenomenal breadth of factors that directly or indirectly affect the host-helminth interaction has emerged. Based largely on publications from the past 5 years, this review explores the host-helminth interaction from three lenses: the perspective of the helminth, the host, and the environment. What biotic and abiotic as well as social and intrinsic host factors affect helminths? What are the negative, and positive, implications for host populations and communities? What are the larger-scale implications of the host-helminth dynamic on the environment, and what evidence do we have that human-induced environmental change will modify this dynamic? The overwhelming message is that context is everything. Our understanding of second-, third-, and fourth-level interactions is extremely limited, and we are far from drawing generalizations about the myriad of microbe-helminth-host interactions.Yet the intricate, co-evolved balance and complexity of these interactions may provide a level of resilience in the face of global environmental change. Hopefully, this albeit limited compilation of recent research will spark new interdisciplinary studies, and application of the One Health approach to all helminth systems will generate new and testable conceptual frameworks that encompass our understanding of the host-helminth-environment triad.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Scott
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University (Macdonald Campus), 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Ste-Anne de Bellevue, QuebecH9X 3V9, Canada
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Frias H, Maraví C, Arista-Ruiz MA, Yari-Briones DI, Paredes-Valderrama JR, Bravo YR, Cortez JV, Segura GT, Ruiz RE, Lapa RML, Valderrama NLM. Prevalence, coinfection, and risk factors associated with Fasciola hepatica and other gastrointestinal parasites in cattle from the Peruvian Amazon. Vet World 2023; 16:546-553. [PMID: 37041847 PMCID: PMC10082736 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.546-553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Extensive cattle rearing is a major source of economy for the inhabitants of the Amazon region of Peru. Milk and meat production is generally affected by the prevalence of various parasites, including hepatic and gastrointestinal parasites, as these products provide ideal conditions for parasitic growth. This poses a serious public health threat. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence, coinfection, and risk factors associated with the liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) and other gastrointestinal parasites in cattle from the Amazon region of Peru. Materials and Methods Fecal samples obtained from 1450 bovine specimens were analyzed using flotation and sedimentation methods to identify parasites, including Eimeria spp., strongyle-type eggs (STEs), and F. hepatica. We collected information about the specimens, including age, sex, origin, breed, category, frequency of deworming, farm size, herd size, water sources, and rearing system by conducting simple inspections and interviewing owners. The data obtained were statistically evaluated using the Chi-square test (p < 0.05) to determine the association between the qualitative variables. We also calculated the odds ratio at a 95% confidence interval to identify the risk factors. Results We observed that F. hepatica, Eimeria spp., and STEs were 45.6%, 39.8%, and 35.3% prevalent, respectively. We found risk factors related to distomatosis in the animals from Huambo, where the drinking water sources are mainly streams, ditches, and rivers, while the specimens from Valle Chico were predisposed to coccidiosis. Further, the risk factors related to the presence of STEs in feces were age (61-90 months), origin (Valle Chico), herd size (<50 animals), and type of extensive rearing. Furthermore, significant coinfection was observed between Eimeria spp. and STEs. Conclusion The high percentages of parasites in cattle observed were related to epidemiological factors, such as the origin of the sample, water sources, age, herd size, and extensive breeding. Similarly, the presence of STEs was a risk factor for contracting coccidiosis. Our future goals include investigating these parasites using a larger sample size and identifying more risk factors using more sensitive and specific diagnostic tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Frias
- Academic Department of Zootechnics, Faculty of Zootechnical Engineering, Agribusiness and Biotechnology, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza, Amazonas, Perú
| | - César Maraví
- Academic Department of Zootechnics, Faculty of Zootechnical Engineering, Agribusiness and Biotechnology, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza, Amazonas, Perú
| | - Miguel A. Arista-Ruiz
- Laboratory of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases of Domestic Animals, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza, Amazonas, Perú
| | - Danitza I. Yari-Briones
- Livestock and Biotechnology Research Institute, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza, Amazonas, Perú
| | - Juan R. Paredes-Valderrama
- Research Unit, Instituto de Educación Superior Tecnológico Público Mache, La Libertad, Perú
- Corresponding author: Juan R. Paredes-Valderrama, e-mail: Co-authors: HF: , CM: , MAA: , DIY: , YRB: , JVC: , GTS: , RER: , RMLL: , NLMV:
| | - Yesica Rojas Bravo
- Laboratory of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases of Domestic Animals, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza, Amazonas, Perú
| | - J. V. Cortez
- Department of Science School Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - G. T. Segura
- Livestock and Biotechnology Research Institute, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza, Amazonas, Perú
| | - Ricardo Encina Ruiz
- Livestock and Biotechnology Research Institute, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza, Amazonas, Perú
| | - Rainer M. Lopez Lapa
- Livestock and Biotechnology Research Institute, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza, Amazonas, Perú
| | - Nilton Luis Murga Valderrama
- Livestock and Biotechnology Research Institute, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza, Amazonas, Perú
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Prevalences and Characteristics of Trichuris Spp. Infection in Sheep in Pastoral Areas of the Tianshan, Xinjiang, China. J Vet Res 2022; 66:591-597. [PMID: 36846028 PMCID: PMC9944990 DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2022-0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Nematodes of the Trichuris genus are commonly reported parasites that can cause trichuriasis in many animals, which leads to inflammation, intestinal bleeding and reductions of productivity in livestock. Knowledge of the prevalence of Trichuris infestation in the Tianshan ovine population and of the nematode species parasitising the population is not exhaustive, and this study aimed to expand the knowledge. Material and Methods A total of 1,216 sheep slaughtered in five pasture areas in the Tianshan Mountains of Xinjiang were investigated and a phylogenetic analysis based on the mitochondrial cox1 gene was performed to clarify the genetic relationships of the various Trichuris species. Results Sheep totalling 1,047 were infected with Trichuris spp. establishing the rate at 86.1%. Using a morphological protocol, six documented and one undefined species were identified, namely T. gazellae, T. lani, T. ovina, T. longispiculus, T. concolor, T. discolor and Trichuris sp. Among them, T. gazellae and T. lani were the dominant species, accounting for 34.5% and 31.0% of Trichuris spp., respectively. Phylogenetic analysis divided the detected species of Trichuris spp. into two genetic clades (clade I and clade II). The six documented species that can infect sheep and the undefined species were clustered into clade I, with inter- and intra-species genetic diversity apparent. Conclusion This survey described in detail the morphological characteristics of six known and one undefined species of Trichuris, which not only enriched the taxonomic information on record regarding Trichuris spp., but also provided valuable epidemiological data for the prevention and control of trichuriasis in sheep.
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Alstedt U, Voigt K, Jäger MC, Knubben-Schweizer G, Zablotski Y, Strube C, Wenzel C. Rumen and Liver Fluke Infections in Sheep and Goats in Northern and Southern Germany. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12070876. [PMID: 35405863 PMCID: PMC8997043 DOI: 10.3390/ani12070876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Little is known about the distribution of rumen and liver flukes in sheep and goats in Germany or about the occurring rumen fluke species. These fluke infections can be detected by the parasite’s eggs in the host animal’s feces. Therefore, fecal samples from 223 sheep farms and 143 goat farms from northern and southern Germany were examined. The eggs of rumen flukes were detected on 2.2% of the samples, the eggs of common liver flukes on 2.7%, and the eggs of small liver flukes on 21.1% of the examined sheep farms. The rumen flukes were identified as the emerging species Calicophoron daubneyi. No rumen fluke eggs were detected on any of the goat farm samples, but common and small liver fluke eggs were detected in 5.6% and 7.0% of the goat herds, respectively. Differences in the geographical distribution of rumen and liver flukes between and within the two regions were identified. Rumen flukes were more frequently found in the north, while the two liver fluke species were more frequently found in the south of Germany. Sheep sharing the pasture with other ruminants were more likely to be infected with rumen flukes. Abstract Paramphistomidosis has recently been identified as an emerging parasitosis in Europe. This study estimated the prevalence of rumen flukes, Fasciola hepatica and Dicrocoelium dendriticum, in small ruminants in Germany and identified occurring rumen fluke species and potential predictors for fluke infections. Pooled fecal samples from 223 sheep farms and 143 goat farms in northern and southern Germany were examined by the sedimentation technique, and molecular species identification was performed on rumen-fluke-positive samples. In sheep, a flock prevalence of 2.2% was detected for rumen flukes. Calicophoron daubneyi was identified on four of five positive farms, while species identification failed in one flock. No rumen fluke eggs were detected in the examined goat herds. F. hepatica eggs were detected in 2.7% of the sheep flocks, while the herd prevalence was 5.6% in goats. Higher prevalence values of 21.1% (sheep) and 7.0% (goats) were observed for D. dendriticum. Mixed grazing with other ruminants and previously identified infections with rumen flukes and/or F. hepatica were identified as predictors for paramphistomidosis. The distribution of the three trematode species followed a geographical pattern associated with conditions favoring the relevant intermediate hosts. C. daubneyi is an established parasite in German sheep at a currently low prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uta Alstedt
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany; (U.A.); (K.V.); (G.K.-S.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Katja Voigt
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany; (U.A.); (K.V.); (G.K.-S.); (Y.Z.)
| | | | - Gabriela Knubben-Schweizer
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany; (U.A.); (K.V.); (G.K.-S.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yury Zablotski
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany; (U.A.); (K.V.); (G.K.-S.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Christoph Wenzel
- Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany; (U.A.); (K.V.); (G.K.-S.); (Y.Z.)
- Correspondence:
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