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Mackenzie LS, Lambin X, Bryce E, Davies CL, Hassall R, Shati AAM, Sutherland C, Telfer SE. Patterns and drivers of vector-borne microparasites in a classic metapopulation. Parasitology 2023; 150:866-882. [PMID: 37519240 PMCID: PMC10577662 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023000677] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Many organisms live in fragmented populations, which has profound consequences on the dynamics of associated parasites. Metapopulation theory offers a canonical framework for predicting the effects of fragmentation on spatiotemporal host–parasite dynamics. However, empirical studies of parasites in classical metapopulations remain rare, particularly for vector-borne parasites. Here, we quantify spatiotemporal patterns and possible drivers of infection probability for several ectoparasites (fleas, Ixodes trianguliceps and Ixodes ricinus) and vector-borne microparasites (Babesia microti, Bartonella spp., Hepatozoon spp.) in a classically functioning metapopulation of water vole hosts. Results suggest that the relative importance of vector or host dynamics on microparasite infection probabilities is related to parasite life-histories. Bartonella, a microparasite with a fast life-history, was positively associated with both host and vector abundances at several spatial and temporal scales. In contrast, B. microti, a tick-borne parasite with a slow life-history, was only associated with vector dynamics. Further, we provide evidence that life-history shaped parasite dynamics, including occupancy and colonization rates, in the metapopulation. Lastly, our findings were consistent with the hypothesis that landscape connectivity was determined by distance-based dispersal of the focal hosts. We provide essential empirical evidence that contributes to the development of a comprehensive theory of metapopulation processes of vector-borne parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xavier Lambin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Emma Bryce
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Claire L. Davies
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Richard Hassall
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Ali A. M. Shati
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Chris Sutherland
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Sandra E. Telfer
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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González MG, González J, Valcárcel F, Sánchez M, Tercero JM, Barrios L, Olmeda AS. Seasonal Dynamics of Fleas (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae, Ceratophyllidae and Leptopsyllidae) on Oryctolagus cuniculus in a Meso-Mediterranean Area of Central Spain. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:1740-1749. [PMID: 33822180 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Flea infestations of wild rabbits were examined monthly in central Spain in a meso-Mediterranean area for 5 yr. A total of 1,180 wild rabbits were trapped and 7,022 fleas were collected from them. Overall, the prevalence was 74.1% with a mean flea index of 5.95 fleas per rabbit. Four flea species were identified: Spilopsyllus cuniculi (Dale, 1878) was the most abundant species (accounting for 74.3% of fleas collected) followed by Xenopsylla cunicularis (Smit, 1957), Odontopsyllus quirosi (Gil Collado, 1934), and Nosopsyllus fasciatus (Bosc, 1800) (18.9, 6.7, and 0.1%, respectively). The highest prevalence was observed in S. cuniculi (48.6%) followed by X. cunicularis, O. quirosi, and N. fasciatus (34.3, 20.0, and 0.6%, respectively). Odontopsyllus quirosi and S. cuniculi were mainly collected from autumn to spring with the peak of infestation in winter, while X. cunicularis was mainly found from spring to autumn with maximum levels of infestation during the summer months. The relevance of these findings is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G González
- Villamagna S.A., Finca 'La Garganta', 14440 Villanueva de Córdoba, Spain
- Grupo de Parasitología Animal, Animalario del Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA, Madrid, Spain
| | - J González
- Villamagna S.A., Finca 'La Garganta', 14440 Villanueva de Córdoba, Spain
- Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - F Valcárcel
- Grupo de Parasitología Animal, Animalario del Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Sánchez
- Villamagna S.A., Finca 'La Garganta', 14440 Villanueva de Córdoba, Spain
- Grupo de Parasitología Animal, Animalario del Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA, Madrid, Spain
| | - J M Tercero
- Villamagna S.A., Finca 'La Garganta', 14440 Villanueva de Córdoba, Spain
| | - L Barrios
- Statistics Department, Computing Center, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - A S Olmeda
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, UCM, Madrid, Spain
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García-Bocanegra I, Camacho-Sillero L, Caballero-Gómez J, Agüero M, Gómez-Guillamón F, Manuel Ruiz-Casas J, Manuel Díaz-Cao J, García E, José Ruano M, de la Haza R. Monitoring of emerging myxoma virus epidemics in Iberian hares (Lepus granatensis) in Spain, 2018-2020. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:1275-1282. [PMID: 32786107 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Myxomatosis is an infectious disease caused by the myxoma virus (MYXV), which has very high mortality rates in European wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). While sporadic cases of myxomatosis have also been reported in some hare species, these lagomorphs are considered to have a low susceptibility to MYXV infection. In the present study, we describe the spatiotemporal evolution and main epidemiological findings of novel hare MYXV (ha-MYXV or MYXV-Tol) epidemics in Iberian hares (Lepus granatensis) in Spain. In the period 2018-2020, a total of 487 hares from 372 affected areas were confirmed to be MYXV-infected by PCR. ha-MYXV outbreaks were detected in most of the Spanish regions where the Iberian hare is present. The spatial distribution was not homogeneous, with most outbreaks concentrated in the southern and central parts of Spain. Consecutive outbreaks reported in the last two years suggest endemic circulation in Spain of this emerging virus. A retrospective study carried out just after the first epidemic period (2018-2019) revealed that the virus could have been circulating since June 2018. The number of outbreaks started to rise in July, peaked during the first half of August and October and then decreased sharply until January 2019. The apparent mean mortality rate was 55.4% (median: 70%). The results indicated high susceptibility of the Iberian hare to ha-MYXV infection, but apparent resistance in the sympatric hare species present in Spain and less infectivity in European rabbits. The novel ha-MYXV has had significant consequences on the health status of Iberian hare populations in Spain, which is of animal health and conservation concern. The present study contributes to a better understanding of ha-MYXV emergence and will provide valuable information for the development of control strategies. Further research is warranted to assess the impact of this emerging virus on wild lagomorph populations and to elucidate its ecological implications for Iberian Mediterranean ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leonor Camacho-Sillero
- Programa Vigilancia Epidemiológica Fauna Silvestre (PVE), Consejería Agricultura, Ganadería, Pesca y Desarrollo Sostenible, Junta de Andalucía, Málaga, Spain
| | - Javier Caballero-Gómez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Grupo de Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Reina Sofía, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Montserrat Agüero
- Laboratorio Central de Veterinaria (LCV), Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación, , Madrid, Spain
| | - Félix Gómez-Guillamón
- Programa Vigilancia Epidemiológica Fauna Silvestre (PVE), Consejería Agricultura, Ganadería, Pesca y Desarrollo Sostenible, Junta de Andalucía, Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan Manuel Ruiz-Casas
- Consejería de Agricultura, Agua y Desarrollo Rural, Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
| | - José Manuel Díaz-Cao
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Elena García
- Área de Epidemiología, Subdirección General de Sanidad e Higiene Animal y Trazabilidad, Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación, Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Ruano
- Laboratorio Central de Veterinaria (LCV), Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación, , Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael de la Haza
- Área de Epidemiología, Subdirección General de Sanidad e Higiene Animal y Trazabilidad, Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación, Madrid, Spain
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Márquez FJ. Detection of Bartonella alsatica in European wild rabbit and their fleas (Spilopsyllus cuniculi and Xenopsylla cunicularis) in Spain. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:56. [PMID: 25623800 PMCID: PMC4311413 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0664-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bartonella alsatica has been formerly isolated from the blood of wild European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and identified as causative agent of human endocarditis and lymphadenitis. Fleas are known biological vectors for Bartonella sp. This report details the specific detection of B. alsatica in three flea species commonly associated with the European wild rabbit in Southern Iberian Peninsula (Odontopsyllus quirosi, Spylopsyllus cuniculi and Xenopsylla cunicularis). Methods In the present study we have tested the presence of Bartonella alsatica in 26 European wild rabbit specimens and the fleas that they carrying at the moment of capture. Together to rabbits, captured from different localities of Andalusia (Jaen, Granada and Cordoba provinces), we evaluated three of fleas species that parasitize it usually using molecular techniques [PCR amplification and sequencing of intergenic transcribed spacer (ITS) 16S-23S rRNA]. Results Over a sample of 26 wild rabbits carrying fleas, positive PCR amplicons for B. alsatica were obtained from 10 rabbits. All positive flea pools for B. alsatica were collected from positive rabbits [33.33% (8/24 pools) of S. cuniculi, 33.33% (5/15 pools) of X. cunicularis and 0% (0/7 pools) of O. quirosi]. In three positive rabbits, a pool of S. cuniculi and two pools of X. cunicularis respectively were negative. After sequencing, only B. alsatica (Genbank accession AF312506) was found in the rabbits sampled as well as in S. cuniculi and X. cunicularis within the respective fleas. Conclusions This research confirms the implication of two pulicidae flea species, S. cuniculi and X. cunicularis in the maintenance of infection by B. alsatica in wild rabbit populations throughout the year. The zoonotic character of this bartonellosis emphasizes the need to alert public health authorities and the veterinary community for the risk of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Márquez
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Biología Vegetal y Ecología. Facultad Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas s/n, 23071, Jaén, Spain.
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Darries-Vallier A, Ausset A, Besrest P. Experimental Implantation Trials of Xenopsylla cunicularis Smit (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) in Northern France with the Objective to Use it as Vaccine Vector. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE 2013; 5:10.4137_IJIS.S11804. [PMID: 35241945 PMCID: PMC8848073 DOI: 10.4137/ijis.s11804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
To combat animal diseases, we propose that Xenopsylla cunicularis Smit (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae), a specific flea of the European wild rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus L. (Lagomorpha), can be used to carry a vaccine into wild rabbit populations to protect them against lethal diseases. Oryctolagus cuniculus is widespread throughout Europe, but X. cunicularis occurs naturally only in drier areas of Morocco, Spain, and southwestern France, raising questions about the flea's general use and the subsequent risk of uncontrolled proliferation outside its natural distribution. To evaluate this risk, fleas were released in five experimental enclosures containing rabbits (four in northern France and one in southwestern France as a control). Approximately one year later, adult and immature fleas were recovered from rabbits and warrens. The climate during the experiments was recorded and warren substrate granulometry was defined. Our results showed that northern France is not suitable for persistence of X. cunicularis because low temperatures reduce flea development and high rainfall all over the year keeps the soil damp, which is asphyxic for fleas, even on a sandy substrate. These implantation trials suggest that uncontrolled proliferation and permanent establishment of fleas are unlikely in northern France.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Darries-Vallier
- BIO ESPACE, Laboratoire d'Entomologie, Mas des 4 Pilas, Route de Bel-Air, 34570 Murviel-les-Montpellier, France
| | - Aurélien Ausset
- BIO ESPACE, Laboratoire d'Entomologie, Mas des 4 Pilas, Route de Bel-Air, 34570 Murviel-les-Montpellier, France
| | - Pierre Besrest
- BIO ESPACE, Laboratoire d'Entomologie, Mas des 4 Pilas, Route de Bel-Air, 34570 Murviel-les-Montpellier, France
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Renwick AR, Lambin X. Host-parasite interactions in a fragmented landscape. Int J Parasitol 2012; 43:27-35. [PMID: 23160021 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2012.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Revised: 10/09/2012] [Accepted: 10/09/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Theory suggests that habitat fragmentation should reduce the risk of being parasitised due to reduced size and increased isolation of the host population. It is predicted that a threshold host population size exists, below which parasites will not be able to persist. Small mammals were trapped and their ecto-parasites removed in 14 field margins of varying widths over 2 years in a highly fragmented agro-ecosystem. No evidence to suggest the presence of a threshold in parasite prevalence was found, which may be due to the high rate of host movement and transiency within the system. Contrary to expectation, the probability of infestation decreased with host abundance and the abundance of alternative hosts, suggesting a dilution effect. The relatively long life cycle of small mammal specialist tick and flea species present under the prevailing environmental conditions may have left the parasites unable to keep up with the rate of reproduction and dispersal of the host. It is important to consider changes in the behaviour of the host and the presence of alternative hosts when predicting the effects of habitat fragmentation on disease spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Renwick
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom.
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Kuo CC, Huang JL, Lin TE, Wang HC. Detection of Rickettsia spp. and host and habitat associations of fleas (Siphonaptera) in eastern Taiwan. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2012; 26:341-350. [PMID: 22390200 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2915.2012.01009.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Rickettsia typhi and Rickettsia felis (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) are two rickettsiae principally transmitted by fleas, but the detection of either pathogen has rarely been attempted in Taiwan. Of 2048 small mammals trapped in eastern Taiwan, Apodemus agrarius Pallas (24.5%) and Mus caroli Bonhote (24.4%) (both: Rodentia: Muridae) were the most abundant, and M. caroli hosted the highest proportion of fleas (63.9% of 330 fleas). Two flea species were identified: Stivalius aporus Jordan and Rothschild (Siphonaptera: Stivaliidae), and Acropsylla episema Rothschild (Siphonaptera: Leptopsyllidae). Nested polymerase chain reaction targeting parts of the ompB and gltA genes showed six fleas to be positive for Rickettsia spp. (3.8% of 160 samples), which showed the greatest similarity to R. felis, Rickettsia japonica, Rickettsia conorii or Rickettsia sp. TwKM01. Rickettsia typhi was not detected in the fleas and Rickettsia co-infection did not occur. Both flea species were more abundant during months with lower temperatures and less rainfall, and flea abundance on M. caroli was not related to soil hardness, vegetative height, ground cover by litter or by understory layer, or the abundance of M. caroli. Our study reveals the potential circulation of R. felis and other rickettsiae in eastern Taiwan, necessitating further surveillance of rickettsial diseases in this region. This is especially important because many novel rickettsioses are emerging worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- C C Kuo
- Research and Diagnostic Centre, Centres for Disease Control, Taipei, Taiwan
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Myxomatosis in wild rabbit: Design of control programs in Mediterranean ecosystems. Prev Vet Med 2010; 93:42-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2009.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2008] [Revised: 08/27/2009] [Accepted: 09/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Gortázar C, Ferroglio E, Höfle U, Frölich K, Vicente J. Diseases shared between wildlife and livestock: a European perspective. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-007-0098-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Bossard RL. MAMMAL AND FLEA RELATIONSHIPS IN THE GREAT BASIN DESERT: FROM H. J. EGOSCUE'S COLLECTIONS. J Parasitol 2006; 92:260-6. [PMID: 16729681 DOI: 10.1645/ge-3545.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Host-parasite association among 58 flea species parasitizing 40 mammal species in the Great Basin Desert of the western United States was investigated. Increased flea species richness was correlated with larger geographic ranges and stable locomotion of hosts. Hosts from habitats of moderately low productivity (sage and grass) and of Peromyscus maniculatus size, 10-33 g, had the highest flea species richness. Larger hosts had fewer flea species, but fleas were more prevalent. Increased host species richness correlated with flea species eye size. Mammals clustered into 3 major and 1 minor ecological groups, and fleas clustered into 2 major groups among rodents, and 6 minor groups, forming 12 host-parasite biocenoses. Factors producing biocenoses were shared burrows of mice and rats; food chains of hares, rabbits, squirrels, and their predators; keystone mammals: Lagurus curtatus, Neotoma lepida, Ochotona princeps, and Spermophilus townsendii; keystone fleas: Megabothris abantis, and Meringis hubbardi; or host isolation, Neotoma cinerea with Oropsylla montana, Sorex vagrans with Corrodopsylla curvata, and Tadarida brasiliensis with Sternopsylla distincta. Although host relatedness accounted for flea prevalence, host sociality explained the presence or absence of mammal-flea relationships.
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Christodoulopoulos G, Theodoropoulos G. Infestation of dairy goats with the human flea, Pulex irritans, in central Greece. Vet Rec 2003; 152:371-2. [PMID: 12678264 DOI: 10.1136/vr.152.12.371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G Christodoulopoulos
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon St, Karditsa GR 43100, Greece
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