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Ito M, Minamikawa M, Kovba A, Numata H, Itoh T, Katada Y, Niwa S, Taya Y, Shiraki Y, Pandey GS, Kelava S, Nonaka N, Nakao R, Omori R, Ohari Y, Isoda N, Shimozuru M, Tsubota T, Matsuno K, Sashika M. Environmental and host factors underlying tick infestation in invasive raccoons (Procyon lotor) in Hokkaido, Japan. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102389. [PMID: 39142239 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2024.102389] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Revealing interactions between ticks and wild animals is vital for gaining insights into the dynamics of tick-borne pathogens in the natural environment. We aimed to elucidate the factors that determine tick infestation in wild animals by investigating ticks on invasive raccoons (Procyon lotor) in Hokkaido, Japan. We first examined the composition, intensity, and seasonal variation of ticks infesting raccoons in six study areas in Hokkaido from March 2022 to August 2023. In one study area, ticks infesting tanukis (raccoon dog, Nyctereutes procyonoides albus) were collected in May to July in both 2022 and 2023, and questing ticks were collected from the vegetation by flagging every other week in the same period. Next, we screened 17 environmental and host variables to determine factors that affect the number of ticks infesting raccoons using generalized linear (mixed) models. From 245 raccoons, we identified a total of 3,917 ticks belonging to eight species of two genera: the most prominent species were Ixodes ovatus (52.9 %), followed by Haemaphysalis megaspinosa (14.4 %), Ixodes tanuki (10.6 %), and Ixodes persulcatus (9.5 %). Ixodes ovatus was also predominant among questing ticks and ticks infesting tanukis. Although I. tanuki was frequently collected from raccoons and tanukis, it was rarely collected in the field. The variables that significantly affected the infestation on raccoons differed by genus, species and developmental stage of the tick. For instance, the infestation of adult I. ovatus was significantly affected by four variables: night-time temperature during nine days before capturing the raccoon, the size of forest area around the capture site, sex of the raccoon, and sampling season. The first two variables were also responsible for the infestation on raccoons of almost all species and stages of ticks. Our study revealed that the number and composition of ticks infesting raccoons can be affected not only by landscape of their habitats but also by weather conditions in several days before capturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mebuki Ito
- Laboratory of Wildlife Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo City 060-0818, Hokkaido, Japan; Division of Risk Analysis and Management, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Kita 20, Nishi 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo City 001-0020, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Miku Minamikawa
- Laboratory of Wildlife Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo City 060-0818, Hokkaido, Japan; Present Address: Center for Ecological Research, Kyoto University, 41-2 Kanrin, Inuyama 484-8506 Aichi, Japan
| | - Anastasiia Kovba
- Laboratory of Wildlife Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo City 060-0818, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Hideka Numata
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo City 060-0818, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Tetsuji Itoh
- Laboratory of Wildlife Management, Department of Environmental and Symbiotic Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Sciences, Rakuno Gakuen University, Bunkyodai Midorimachi 582, Ebetsu City 069-8501, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yuki Katada
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo City 060-0818, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Shiho Niwa
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo City 060-0818, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yurie Taya
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo City 060-0818, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yuto Shiraki
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo City 060-0818, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Gita Sadaula Pandey
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Graduate School of Infectious Diseases, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo City 060-0818, Hokkaido, Japan; National Cattle Research Program, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal
| | - Samuel Kelava
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo City 060-0818, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Nariaki Nonaka
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo City 060-0818, Hokkaido, Japan; Division of Parasitology, Veterinary Research Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Kita 20, Nishi 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo City 001-0020, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Ryo Nakao
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo City 060-0818, Hokkaido, Japan; Division of Parasitology, Veterinary Research Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Kita 20, Nishi 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo City 001-0020, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Omori
- Division of Bioinformatics, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Kita 20, Nishi 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo City 001-0020, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yuma Ohari
- Division of Risk Analysis and Management, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Kita 20, Nishi 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo City 001-0020, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Norikazu Isoda
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo City 060-0818, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Michito Shimozuru
- Laboratory of Wildlife Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo City 060-0818, Hokkaido, Japan; One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo City 060-0818, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Toshio Tsubota
- Laboratory of Wildlife Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo City 060-0818, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Keita Matsuno
- Division of Parasitology, Veterinary Research Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Kita 20, Nishi 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo City 001-0020, Hokkaido, Japan; One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo City 060-0818, Hokkaido, Japan; Institute for Vaccine Research and Development, HU-IVReD, Hokkaido University, Kita 21, Nishi 11, Kita-ku, Sapporo City 001-0021, Hokkaido, Japan; International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Kita 20, Nishi 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo City 001-0020, Hokkaido, Japan.
| | - Mariko Sashika
- Laboratory of Wildlife Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo City 060-0818, Hokkaido, Japan.
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Rohner S, Boyi JO, Artemeva V, Zinke O, Kiendl A, Siebert U, Lehnert K. Back from Exile? First Records of Chewing Lice ( Lutridia exilis; Ischnocera; Mallophaga) in Growing Eurasian Otter ( Lutra lutra) Populations from Northern Germany. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12040587. [PMID: 37111473 PMCID: PMC10143350 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12040587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Arthropod ectoparasites of aquatic wildlife often have complex relationships with their host species that have developed over long evolutionary time scales. Specialist parasite occurrence might depend on these hosts' distributions. Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) populations are recovering in Northern German federal states, such as Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony. Chewing lice (Lutridia exilis; Ischnocera; Mallophaga) are considered otter-specific yet rare parasites in their known range. In 2022, they were recorded for the first time on nine otters found dead in Northern Germany. All otters originated from the years 2021-2022 and were dissected during population health monitoring programs in 2022. Females (n = 6) were 0-5.5 years old and showed signs of disease in five cases. Males (n = 3), in contrast, were 0-1.6 years old and showed disease in a single case. Individual lice intensity of infection ranged from 1 to 75 specimens per otter. No direct adverse health effects of chewing lice on the otters were noted. Lutridia exilis morphological characteristics were documented and measurements were taken to study specialized adaptations that allow lice to attach to semi-aquatic otters. In addition, morphology was compared between lice from different geographical regions and specimens from previous reports. A region of the COI mDNA was amplified to molecularly characterize L. exilis for the first time and detect genetic differences between otter lice populations in Germany. It is believed that specialist parasites reduce in numbers even before their host populations decline. Recovering otter populations in Northern Germany could be an example of a reverse effect, where the comeback of a host species results in the return of a specialist parasite, which reflects an ultimate boost in overall species biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Rohner
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Werftstrasse 6, 25761 Buesum, Germany
| | - Joy Ometere Boyi
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Werftstrasse 6, 25761 Buesum, Germany
| | - Valentina Artemeva
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Werftstrasse 6, 25761 Buesum, Germany
| | - Olaf Zinke
- Museum der Westlausitz Kamenz, 01717 Kamenz, Germany
| | - Astrid Kiendl
- Aktion Fischotterschutz e.V., Otterzentrum Hankensbüttel, 29386 Hankensbüttel, Germany
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Werftstrasse 6, 25761 Buesum, Germany
| | - Kristina Lehnert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Werftstrasse 6, 25761 Buesum, Germany
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Fusillo R, Romanucci M, Marcelli M, Massimini M, Della Salda L. Health and Mortality Monitoring in Threatened Mammals: A First Post Mortem Study of Otters ( Lutra lutra L.) in Italy. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12050609. [PMID: 35268178 PMCID: PMC8909196 DOI: 10.3390/ani12050609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Dead specimens provide valuable data for the conservation of threatened species, allowing investigations of mortality, health conditions, and demographic parameters. The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is a semiaquatic carnivore listed as endangered in Italy. In 2009, we started the first post mortem (PM) study of otters in Italy, through collaborative research between mammal ecologists and veterinary pathologists, using standardized protocols. Twenty-eight otters, mostly collected between 2009 and 2017, were examined. Most otters were males (67%), between 1 and 3 years old (64%), and predominantly in good nutritional condition. Adult males were significantly larger than adult females (p < 0.02), as expected for the species, although both sexes appeared to be smaller than otters examined in Central−northern Europe. The youngest sexually mature female was 3 years old. Road traffic collisions were the major cause of death, especially in young individuals, and mainly occurred in autumn−winter, particularly for females. Investigations of the scene of death contributed to revealing factors forcing otters to travel out of the water and move over the road, suggesting appropriate measures to reduce vehicle collision risk. Other causes of death included blunt chest trauma of uncertain origin, dog and conspecific attacks, or diseases of infectious or non-infectious origin, such as ulcerative gastritis, pleuropneumonia and peritonitis. Other diagnosed diseases included lymphoma. Ecto- and endoparasites were rarely detected, although we report the first documentation of heartworm and Ixodes hexagonus infestation in Italian otters. It is important to continue comprehensive, standardized PM investigations of otters in Italy to define baseline health, biometric and demographic parameters, collect biological samples for comparative analyses, and to reduce road-kill mortality. The present study suggests that the timely collection of carcasses and collaborative and coordinated research efforts are essential for obtaining useful data for the conservation of otters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina Fusillo
- LUTRIA sas Wildlife Research and Consulting, 00173 Roma, Italy;
- Correspondence: (R.F.); (L.D.S.)
| | - Mariarita Romanucci
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Manlio Marcelli
- LUTRIA sas Wildlife Research and Consulting, 00173 Roma, Italy;
| | - Marcella Massimini
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Leonardo Della Salda
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.R.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence: (R.F.); (L.D.S.)
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Rohner S, Wohlsein P, Prenger-Berninghoff E, Ewers C, Waindok P, Strube C, Baechlein C, Becher P, Wilmes D, Rickerts V, Siebert U. Pathological Findings in Eurasian Otters ( Lutra lutra) Found Dead between 2015-2020 in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Animals (Basel) 2021; 12:59. [PMID: 35011165 PMCID: PMC8749874 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In times of massive biodiversity loss and ongoing environmental crises, it is extremely important to ensure long-term conservation efforts of threatened species like Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra). To gain insights into the status of Northern Germany's otter population, 92 otters found dead in Schleswig-Holstein between 2015-2020 were collected and underwent detailed dissection with the aim to establish a monitoring program for this population. Examinations followed a protocol especially designed for otters, including various biological data assessments and extended sampling. The finding sites showed a clear concentration in the Continental region. Seasonal concentration differed among the years, yet peaks were seen from fall to winter. Overall, more males than females were found, although this differed among the years. The majority of otters that could be aged were between 1-3 years. Placental scars and pregnancy were recorded in only few females. Nutritional status was good in most cases. Infectious diseases found included Vagococcus lutrae, Toxoplasma gondii, and Emmonsia spp. A major cause of death was roadkill. Known sample bias in studies focusing on roadkill was considered in the finding interpretation. Continuation of the population health investigations is mandatory to analyze potential trends and to establish an actual monitoring program for Eurasian otters in Schleswig-Holstein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Rohner
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Peter Wohlsein
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Ellen Prenger-Berninghoff
- Institute of Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35390 Giessen, Germany; (E.P.-B.); (C.E.)
| | - Christa Ewers
- Institute of Hygiene and Infectious Diseases of Animals, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35390 Giessen, Germany; (E.P.-B.); (C.E.)
| | - Patrick Waindok
- Centre for Infection Medicine, Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (P.W.); (C.S.)
| | - Christina Strube
- Centre for Infection Medicine, Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (P.W.); (C.S.)
| | - Christine Baechlein
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (C.B.); (P.B.)
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (LAVES), Food and Veterinary Institute Braunschweig/Hannover, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Paul Becher
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (C.B.); (P.B.)
| | - Dunja Wilmes
- Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (D.W.); (V.R.)
| | - Volker Rickerts
- Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (D.W.); (V.R.)
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
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Rooman M, Assad Y, Tabassum S, Sultan S, Ayaz S, Khan MF, Khan SN, Ali R. A cross-sectional survey of hard ticks and molecular characterization of Rhipicephalus microplus parasitizing domestic animals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255138. [PMID: 34351948 PMCID: PMC8341592 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In tropical and subtropical countries, tick infestation causes major public health problems and considerable financial losses to the livestock industry. This study was aimed to assess the species composition of richness and analyze the phylogeny of Rhipicephalus microplus in the District Bannu of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. METHODS Collected ticks were identified morphologically and DNA extracted from R. microplus was amplified and subjected to sequencing. RESULTS A total of 3,600 animals were examined among them 1,494 animals were found to be infested with ticks, including 669 cows, 476 buffaloes, 163 goats, and 186 sheep (p = 0.001). Tick infestation was significantly high (43.58%) in animals of age group (<1 year) (p-value = 0.027). Female animals were more (44.05%) infested with ticks than males (34.43%) (p = 0.001). The intensity of infestation was significantly higher in summer (77.49%) (p = 0.001). A total of 5,557 ticks were collected comprising three genera and six species. R. microplus was predominantly prevalent (n = 1,474; 26.52%), followed by Rhipicephalus annulatus (n = 1,215; 21.86%), Hyalomma anatolicum (n = 1,139; 20.49%), Hyalomma marginatum (n = 1,086; 19.54%), and Rhipicephalus turanicus (n = 761; 13.69%), while the least common was Haemaphysalis aciculifer (n = 80; 1.43%) (p = 0.001). Morphologically identified R. microplus species were also analyzed genetically by using two genetic markers 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) genes. The phylogenetic study revealed that R. microplus is genetically diversified and clustered in clade B with R. microplus species from China, India, and Pakistan. CONCLUSION Ticks infestation was significantly correlated with various factors including age, sex, season, and animal type. R. microplus genetically resembled species reported from India and China. However, major knowledge gaps concerning various species of ticks exist and many areas are still unexplored in Pakistan. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the epidemiological and molecular aspects of various tick species in other regions of southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Rooman
- Department of Zoology, Hazara University Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Yasir Assad
- Department of Zoology, Hazara University Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Sadia Tabassum
- Department of Zoology, Hazara University Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Samia Sultan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Garden Campus Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Sultan Ayaz
- College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Abdul Wali Khan University Garden Campus Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Fiaz Khan
- Department of Zoology, Hazara University Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Shahid Niaz Khan
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Rehman Ali
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
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Ghafar A, Gasser RB, Rashid I, Ghafoor A, Jabbar A. Exploring the prevalence and diversity of bovine ticks in five agro-ecological zones of Pakistan using phenetic and genetic tools. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101472. [PMID: 32723634 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Tick infestation is a leading cause of tick-worry and tick-borne diseases in livestock and associated economic losses in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The cattle and buffalo populations in Pakistan are exposed to tick infestation throughout the year, but very little is known about the biology, diversity and distribution of tick species across different agro-ecological zones (AEZ) of the country. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence (number of bovines infested with ticks out of the investigated population) and diversity of hard ticks infesting bovines in 30 villages located in five distinct AEZs (i.e. Arid, Indus delta, Northern irrigated plain, Sandy desert and Southern irrigated plain). We collected a total of 774 ticks (adult and nymphs) from cattle (n = 116) and water buffaloes (n = 88) on small-holder dairy farms (with <10 bovids per establishment) from September to November 2017. The overall tick prevalence was 46.1% (cattle: 47.9%; buffaloes: 44%), which varied significantly from 22.2% in the Indus delta to 70.5% in the Sandy desert. Tick prevalence was slightly higher in female (46.5%) than male animals (45%), and higher in calves (i.e. ≤ 1 year of age) (55%) than in young animals (i.e. up to 3 years of age) (39%) and adults (48%). Five tick species - Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma hussaini, Hyalomma scupense, Rhipicephalus microplus and Rhipicephalus annulatus - were identified morphologically and then genetically. Genetic identification, achieved using the sequences of two mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and 16S) and one nuclear ribosomal (second internal transcribed spacer) regions, was consistent with the morphological findings. Phylogenetic analyses of the DNA sequence data sets showed that the five species of tick identified here were closely related to the same species or closely related species from within and outside of Pakistan. Of five presently recognised taxa within the R. microplus complex, two were identified herein, including the R. microplus clade C and R. annulatus. This investigation provides the first genetic evidence of the occurrence of R. annulatus in Pakistan as well as Hy. hussaini and Hy. scupense in bovines specifically in the provinces of Sindh and Punjab, respectively. The present findings emphasise the importance of combining morphological and molecular approaches to study the diversity of ticks. Further longitudinal studies are required to establish seasonal variations in the prevalence and distribution of bovine ticks in different AEZs of Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Ghafar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Imran Rashid
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Aamir Ghafoor
- University Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Ali A, Khan MA, Zahid H, Yaseen PM, Qayash Khan M, Nawab J, Ur Rehman Z, Ateeq M, Khan S, Ibrahim M. Seasonal Dynamics, Record of Ticks Infesting Humans, Wild and Domestic Animals and Molecular Phylogeny of Rhipicephalus microplus in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. Front Physiol 2019; 10:793. [PMID: 31379587 PMCID: PMC6646419 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Although ticks prevalent in various agro-systems of Pakistan are associated with economic losses, information is still missing about the tick's diversity, hosts they infest, seasonal dynamics and molecular phylogeny of Rhipicephalus microplus in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Pakistan. This study for the first time enlisted ticks infesting diverse hosts including humans in various regions of KP. A total of 8,641 ticks were collected across the northern, southern and central regions of KP and were morpho-taxonomically categorized into six genera comprising 17 species, R. microplus (n = 3,584, 42%), Hyalomma anatolicum (n = 2,253, 27%), Argas persicus (n = 1,342, 16%), Hya. impeltatum (n = 586, 7%), R. turanicus (n = 161, 2%), R. haemaphysaloides (n = 142, 2%), R. annulatus (n = 132, 2%), Hae. montgomeryi (n = 123, 1.4%), Hya. marginatum (n = 110, 1.3%), R. sanguineus (n = 34, 0.4%), and Hae. longicornis (n = 31, 0.4%). Ticks infesting wild animals included Amblyomma gervaisi, Amb. exornatum, Amb. latum, Dermacentor marginatus, and Hae. indica, while ticks collected from humans included R. microplus, R. annulatus, Hya. anatolicum, Hya. marginatum, and Hae. punctata. The overall prevalence of ticks infesting domestic animals was 69.4% (536/772). Among animal hosts, cattle were found highly infested (87.2%, 157/180) followed by buffalos (79%, 91/114), domestic fowls (74.7%, 112/150), goats (68.3%, 82/120), dogs (66.7%, 32/48), horses (61.3%, 49/80), and sheep (16.3%, 13/80). Analysis revealed that the tick burden significantly differed among domestic animals and was found to be high in cattle, followed by buffalos, goats, sheep, domestic fowl, dogs, and horses. Seasonal patterns of ticks distribution showed highest prevalance in July, August, and September due to the prevailing high temperature and humidity during these months. The phylogenetic analysis of cattle tick R. microplus based on partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COX1), 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences, revealed that R. microplus prevalent in this region belongs to clade C which include ticks originating from Bangladesh, Malaysia, and India. Further large scale studies across the country are necessary to explore the molecular and cross breeding aspects at the geographical overlapping of various tick species and their associated pathogens to facilitate designing control strategies as well as awareness against tick infestation in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Munsif Ali Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Hafsa Zahid
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Pir Muhammad Yaseen
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Qayash Khan
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Javed Nawab
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Zia Ur Rehman
- Department of Microbiology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ateeq
- Department of Chemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Sardar Khan
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Mohammad Ibrahim
- Department of Chemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
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8
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Porto LMV, Maestri R, Duarte LDS. Evolutionary relationships among life-history traits in Caninae (Mammalia: Carnivora). Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blz069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Over the last few years, a debate about the relative roles of distinct factors on the evolution of lineages has gained prominence. The family Canidae is an excellent group for exploring this idea, owing to its rich fossil history. One of the most intriguing traits in canids is social organization, which varies from highly social to solitary species. However, we do not have a complete understanding of how sociality evolved in this clade. Here, we use a combination of phylogenetic analyses, ancestral character reconstructions and comparative methods on the only extant subfamily, Caninae, to understand how traits expressing ecological features evolved over the last 12.6 Myr. Our findings suggest that the evolution of low, medium and high sociality forms was abrupt and highly correlated with the evolution of hypo-, meso- and hypercarnivorous forms, respectively. In addition, our results suggest that the evolution of phenotypic traits in Caninae occurred through a sequential cause–effect relationship, where changes in habitat use and body size probably triggered changes in social behaviour, which in turn drove the evolution of diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Marafina Vieira Porto
- Laboratório de Ecomorfologia e Macroevolução, Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Renan Maestri
- Laboratório de Ecomorfologia e Macroevolução, Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Leandro Da Silva Duarte
- Laboratório de Ecologia Filogenética e Funcional, Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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9
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Papatheodoulou M, Jimenez C, Petrou A, Thasitis I. Endobiotic communities of Marine Sponges in Cyprus (Levantine Sea). Heliyon 2019; 5:e01392. [PMID: 30976679 PMCID: PMC6439280 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sponges host cryptic endobionts within their network of canals, with representatives from all major animal phyla. This study investigates the endobiotic community of four sponge species (Spongia officinalis, Sarcotragus spinosulus, Ircinia cf. variabilis and Ircinia oros) that were collected during scientific trawl surveys in the coastal area of Cyprus. Moreover, it examines the endobiotic community composition of S. spinosulus in relation to sponges' volume, and various environmental variables. In general, the four sponge endobiotic communities were similar; S. officinalis had a significantly different community composition to I. cf. variabilis and I. oros. The phyla identified followed the general infauna composition of sponges, with the relative abundances of the dominant phyla, Arthropoda and Annelida, ranging from 66.9 - 83.7 % and 4.8-26.5 %, respectively. The highest intensity (I) corresponded to the isopod Cymodoce truncata in S. officinalis (I = 85 individuals/sponge) and S. spinosulus (I = 27.2 individuals/sponge). A general linear model also suggested that distance from shore influenced the total endobiotic abundance of S. spinosulus. This is the first sponge endobiotic community baseline study that covers the whole coastal area of the Republic of Cyprus and is particularly important due to potential changes of Eastern Mediterranean endobiotic communities due to the invasion through the Suez Canal of non-indigenous species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalene Papatheodoulou
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, G12 8QQ, UK
- Enalia Physis Environmental Research Centre (ENALIA), 2101, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Carlos Jimenez
- Enalia Physis Environmental Research Centre (ENALIA), 2101, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Energy, Environment and Water Research Centre (EEWRC), The Cyprus Institute, 1645, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Antonis Petrou
- Enalia Physis Environmental Research Centre (ENALIA), 2101, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Ioannis Thasitis
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (DFMR), Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, 2033, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Santoro M, D’Alessio N, Cerrone A, Lucibelli MG, Borriello G, Aloise G, Auriemma C, Riccone N, Galiero G. The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) as a potential host for rickettsial pathogens in southern Italy. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0173556. [PMID: 28267780 PMCID: PMC5340359 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis and rickettsiosis are zoonotic tick-borne diseases of canids caused by the intracellular obligate bacteria Ehrlichia canis and Rickettsia species respectively. In this study, we investigated using standard and real-time PCR and sequencing, the occurrence and molecular characterization of E. canis and Rickettsia species in the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) from the southern Italian population. Samples were screened by using molecular assays also for Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, Clamydophyla spp., Coxiella burnetii, Leishmania spp., Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia spp. detection, and helminths were studied by traditional methods. Out of six carcasses tested, three were positive for E. canis and co-infection with Rickettsia sp. occurred in one of those. Sequences of the 16S rRNA E. canis gene were identical to each other but differed from most of those previously found in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and wolves (Canis lupus) from southern Italy. Helminths included just cystacanths of Sphaerirostris spp. from the intestine of two Eurasian otters and the nematode Angiostrongylus vasorum from the lungs of a single Eurasian otter. None of the samples was positive for the other investigated selected pathogens. This study is the first report on the evidence of infection by rickettsial pathogens in the Eurasian otter. The present result prompts some inquiries into the pathogenic role of those bacteria for the isolated sub-populations of the endangered Eurasian otter in southern Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Santoro
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici (Naples), Italy
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Nicola D’Alessio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici (Naples), Italy
| | - Anna Cerrone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici (Naples), Italy
| | | | - Giorgia Borriello
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici (Naples), Italy
| | - Gaetano Aloise
- Museo di Storia Naturale della Calabria e Orto Botanico, Università della Calabria, Rende (Cosenza), Italy
| | - Clementina Auriemma
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici (Naples), Italy
| | - Nunzia Riccone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici (Naples), Italy
| | - Giorgio Galiero
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici (Naples), Italy
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D'Amico G, Dumitrache MO, Matei IA, Ionică AM, Gherman CM, Sándor AD, Modrý D, Mihalca AD. Ixodid ticks parasitizing wild carnivores in Romania. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2017; 71:139-149. [PMID: 28124749 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-017-0108-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In Romania, data regarding hard-tick diversity and tick-host associations in wild carnivores are scarce. We aimed to identify tick species in wild carnivores and to establish reliable data on tick-host associations. The study was conducted in various Romanian localities from all five ecoregions found in the country. Fourteen species of wild carnivores were examined. Immature and adult ticks were collected and identified using the morphological keys. The frequency and mean intensity of tick infestation, overall and differentiated by species, developmental stage and host were calculated. Of 202 wild carnivores, 68 were parasitized by seven tick species (predominantly Ixodes ricinus, I. hexagonus and Dermacentor reticulatus). The mean intensity of tick infestation was similar in males (6.97, BCa 95% CI 5.15-9.88) and females (5.76, BCa 95% CI 4.15-9.17). The highest prevalence of infested animals was recorded in the pannonian and steppic ecoregions, 66.7 and 52.7%, respectively. In the continental ecoregion the prevalence was 26.7%, whereas in the pontic ecoregion it was 28%. The lowest value, 16.7% was recorded in the alpine ecoregion. In total 430 ticks were collected, and 24.8% (n = 50) of the animals were infested with more than one tick species. Fourteen new tick-host associations were recorded. Our results suggest that anthropogenic changes of the environment lead to the diminishing of the boundaries, between wild and domestic animals, increasing the exposure for both animals and humans, to infective agents, including tick-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca D'Amico
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mirabela Oana Dumitrache
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Adriana Matei
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Călin Mircea Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Attila David Sándor
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého tř. 1/3, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
- CEITEC-VFU, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Palackého tř. 1/3, 612 42, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăştur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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12
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Sherrard-Smith E, Chadwick EA, Cable J. Climatic variables are associated with the prevalence of biliary trematodes in otters. Int J Parasitol 2013; 43:729-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2013.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2012] [Revised: 04/22/2013] [Accepted: 04/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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