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Halajian A, Cuozzo FP, Heyne H, Sauther ML, Linden B, Linden J, Tordiffe AS, Rampedi KM, Hornok S. Hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) parasitizing bushbabies (Mammalia: Galagidae) in a biodiversity hotspot of northern South Africa. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102313. [PMID: 38278012 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2024.102313] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
South Africa has six species of primates, three of which are bushbabies (family Galagidae). Very little information is available on their parasites due to the lack of longitudinal studies, although Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Amblyomma hebraeum and Haemaphysalis elliptica were previously reported from the brown greater galago (Otolemur crassicaudatus) in South Africa. During 2014-2019, 83 O. crassicaudatus (70 live-trapped and 13 deceased animals) were checked for the presence of hard ticks, all from Limpopo Province, South Africa. Seventy-three of 83 (88 %) galagos were found to be tick-infested. Among ixodid genera, Haemaphysalis had the highest prevalence (46 % of the bushbabies), followed by Rhipicephalus (25 %) and Ixodes (18 %). In total, ten tick species were identified. Importantly, all infestations were monospecific. Ticks occurred on various body parts of bushbabies, thus no predilection site was noted. In conclusion, while previously only three ixodid species were known to infest bushbabies in South Africa, the present study showed that these animals can be parasitized by a much broader range of hard ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Halajian
- Research Administration and Development, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa.
| | - Frank P Cuozzo
- Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Heloise Heyne
- 3 Kappertjie Crescent, Doornpoort, Pretoria 0186 South Africa
| | - Michelle L Sauther
- Department of Anthropology, University of Colorado, Campus Box 233, Boulder, CO 80509, United States
| | - Birthe Linden
- SARChI Chair on Biodiversity Value and Change, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950 South Africa
| | - Jabu Linden
- P. O. Box 1536 Louis Trichardt Makhado, South Africa
| | - Adrian Sw Tordiffe
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa; Department of Research and Scientific Services, National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa; Centre for Human Metabolomics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | | | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary; HUN-REN-UVMB Climate Change: New Blood-sucking Parasites and Vector-borne Pathogens Research Group, 1078 Budapest, Hungary.
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Hornok S, Kontschán J, Takács N, Heyne H, Kovács ÁB, Plantard O, Keve G, Fedorov D, Gyuranecz M, Halajian A. Molecular-phylogenetic analyses of Ixodes species from South Africa suggest an African origin of bird-associated exophilic ticks (subgenus Trichotoixodes). Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:392. [PMID: 37898783 PMCID: PMC10612238 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05998-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae), the genus Ixodes comprises the highest number of species, which in turn are most numerous in the Afrotropical zoogeographic region. In South Africa extensive morphological studies have been performed on Ixodes species but only few reports included molecular analyses. METHODS In this study, 58 Ixodes spp. ticks, collected from ten mammalian and eight avian host species in South Africa, were molecularly and phylogenetically analyzed. In addition, a newly collected sample of the Palearctic Ixodes trianguliceps was included in the analyses. RESULTS Among the ticks from South Africa, 11 species were identified morphologically. The majority of ticks from mammals represented the Ixodes pilosus group with two species (n = 20), followed by ticks resembling Ixodes rubicundus (n = 18) and Ixodes alluaudi (n = 3). In addition, single specimens of Ixodes rhabdomysae, Ixodes ugandanus, Ixodes nairobiensis and Ixodes simplex were also found. Considering bird-infesting ticks, Ixodes theilerae (n = 7), Ixodes uriae (n = 4) and ticks most similar to Ixodes daveyi (provisionally named I. cf. daveyi, n = 2) were identified. Molecular analyses confirmed two species in the I. pilosus group and a new species (I. cf. rubicundus) closely related to I. rubicundus sensu stricto. Phylogenetic trees based on concatenated mitochondrial or mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences indicated that the subgenus Afrixodes forms a monophyletic clade with bird-associated exophilic ticks (subgenus Trichotoixodes). Ixodes trianguliceps clustered separately whereas I. alluaudi with their morphologically assigned subgenus, Exopalpiger. CONCLUSIONS Phylogenetic analyses shed new lights on the relationships of Ixodes subgenera when including multiple sequences from subgenus Afrixodes and African as well as Palearctic species of subgenera Trichotoixodes and Exopalpiger. Subgenera Afrixodes and bird-associated Trichotoixodes share common ancestry, suggesting that the latter might have also originated in Africa. Regarding the subgenus Exopalpiger, I. alluaudi is properly assigned as it clusters among different Australian Ixodes, whereas I. trianguliceps should be excluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary.
- HUN-REN-UVMB Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Jenő Kontschán
- Plant Protection Institute, HUN-REN Centre for Agricultural Research, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Plant Sciences, Albert Kázmér Faculty of Mosonmagyaróvár, Széchenyi István University, Mosonmagyaróvár, Hungary
| | - Nóra Takács
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-UVMB Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Heloise Heyne
- Epidemiology, Parasites & Vectors (EPV), ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research (ARC-OVR), Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - Áron Botond Kovács
- HUN-REN Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary
- National Laboratory of Infectious Animal Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance, Veterinary Public Health and Food Chain Safety, HUN-REN Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Gergő Keve
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-UVMB Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Denis Fedorov
- HUN-REN-UVMB Climate Change: New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Miklós Gyuranecz
- HUN-REN Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary
- National Laboratory of Infectious Animal Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance, Veterinary Public Health and Food Chain Safety, HUN-REN Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary
- National Laboratory of Health Safety, HUN-REN Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ali Halajian
- Research Administration and Development, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa
- Department of Biodiversity, DSI-NRF SARChI Chair, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa
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Durden LA, Kessler SE, Radespiel U, Hasiniaina AF, Stekolnikov AA, Chalkowski K, Zohdy S. Host Associations of Ectoparasites of the Gray Mouse Lemur, Microcebus murinus, in Northwestern Madagascar. J Parasitol 2021; 107:108-114. [PMID: 33567091 DOI: 10.1645/20-145] [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: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Eight species of ectoparasites were collected during 225 gray mouse lemur, Microcebus murinus (J. F. Miller), captures, in Ankarafantsika National Park, Madagascar, in 2010-2011. The ixodid tick, Haemaphysalis lemuris Hoogstraal, was the most common ectoparasite and was mostly represented by nymphs. Other ectoparasites recorded include the polyplacid sucking louse, Lemurpediculus madagascariensis Durden, Kessler, Radespiel, Zimmermann, Hasiniaina, and Zohdy; the ixodid tick, Haemaphysalis simplex Neumann; an undescribed laelapid mite in the genus Aetholaelaps; another laelapid belonging to the genus Androlaelaps; the chigger mite Schoutedenichia microcebi Stekolnikov; an undescribed species of atopomelid mite in the genus Listrophoroides; and an undescribed species of psoroptid mite in the genus Cheirogalalges. Except for the 2 species of ticks and 1 species of chigger, these ectoparasites may be host-specific to M. murinus. Total tick (H. lemuris and H. simplex) infestation was significantly greater in August than October, whereas louse (L. madagascariensis) infestation was significantly greater in October. There was no significant difference in tick infestations between male and female lemurs, but male lemurs had significantly more lice than female lemurs. Reproductive status was not a significant predictor of tick infestation in males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance A Durden
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, 4324 Old Register Road, Statesboro, Georgia 30458
| | - Sharon E Kessler
- Department of Psychology, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, Scotland, United Kingdom.,Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
| | - Ute Radespiel
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Alida F Hasiniaina
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany.,Facultés des Sciences, Technologies et de l'Environnement, Université de Mahajanga, Rue Georges V - Immeuble KAKAL, Mahajanga Be, B.P. 652, Mahajanga 401, Madagascar
| | - Alexandr A Stekolnikov
- Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Universitetskaya embankment 1, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Kayleigh Chalkowski
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, College of Veterinary Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849
| | - Sarah Zohdy
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, College of Veterinary Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849
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Ectoparasites of endemic and domestic animals in southwest Madagascar. Acta Trop 2019; 196:83-92. [PMID: 31082365 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Human encroachment of natural habitats bears the threat of disease transmission between native and introduced species that had not come into contact before, thus promoting the spread of new diseases in both directions. This is a matter of concern especially in areas where human-wildlife contact has not been intense in the recent past. In southwest Madagascar, we collected ectoparasites from various mammalian hosts and chicken, and examined their host preferences and their prevalence in relation to season and habitat degradation. Field-work took place in the northern portion of Tsimanampetsotsa National Park and the adjacent coastal strip (littoral) in the dry and in the rainy season of 2016/2017. Endemic mammals were trapped with live traps placed in habitats of different degrees of degradation: 1) relatively pristine forest, 2) degraded forest, 3) cultivated and shrub land. Rats and mice were also trapped in 4) villages. We identified 17 species of ectoparasites (296 individuals of ticks [5 species], 535 lice [7 spp.], 389 fleas [4 spp.] and 13 mites [1 sp.]) collected from 15 host species. There was no indication for seasonal or habitat effects on parasite infection. A large portion of the parasites was host-specific. Some ectoparasite species were shared either by several endemic or by several introduced species, but apart from the introduced flea species Echidnophaga gallinacea (collected from six different hosts including the endemic carnivore Galidictis grandidieri) no other ectoparasite species was shared between endemic and introduced host species.
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Klein A, Zimmermann E, Radespiel U, Schaarschmidt F, Springer A, Strube C. Ectoparasite communities of small-bodied Malagasy primates: seasonal and socioecological influences on tick, mite and lice infestation of Microcebus murinus and M. ravelobensis in northwestern Madagascar. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:459. [PMID: 30089527 PMCID: PMC6083607 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3034-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ectoparasitic infections are of particular interest for endangered wildlife, as ectoparasites are potential vectors for inter- and intraspecific pathogen transmission and may be indicators to assess the health status of endangered populations. Here, ectoparasite dynamics in sympatric populations of two Malagasy mouse lemur species, Microcebus murinus and M. ravelobensis, were investigated over an 11-month period. Furthermore, the animals' body mass was determined as an indicator of body condition, reflecting seasonal and environmental challenges. Living in sympatry, the two study species experience the same environmental conditions, but show distinct differences in socioecology: Microcebus murinus sleeps in tree holes, either solitarily (males) or sometimes in groups (females only), whereas M. ravelobensis sleeps in mixed-sex groups in more open vegetation. RESULTS Both mouse lemur species hosted ticks (Haemaphysalis sp.), lice (Lemurpediculus sp.) and mites (Trombiculidae gen. sp. and Laelaptidae gen. sp.). Host species, as well as temporal variations (month and year), were identified as the main factors influencing infestation. Tick infestation peaked in the late dry season and was significantly more often observed in M. murinus (P = 0.011), while lice infestation was more likely in M. ravelobensis (P < 0.001) and showed a continuous increase over the course of the dry season. Genetic analyses identified Lemurpediculus sp. infesting both mouse lemur species. Ticks morphologically conform to H. lemuris, but genetic analysis showed a clear differentiation of the specimens collected in this study, suggesting a potentially new tick species. Host body mass decreased from the early to the late dry season, indicating nutritional stress during this period, which may render individuals more susceptible to parasitic infections. CONCLUSIONS Seasonal differences and species-specific variations in sleeping site ecology in terms of sleeping site type and sociality were determined as key factors influencing ectoparasitism in M. murinus and M. ravelobensis. This needs to be taken into account when evaluating ectoparasite infestations at a given time point. The detection of the same parasite species on two closely related and sympatric host species furthermore indicates a potential pathway for disease transmission, not only within but also between lemur species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Klein
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Elke Zimmermann
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Ute Radespiel
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Frank Schaarschmidt
- Institute of Biostatistics, Leibniz University Hannover, Herrenhäuser Str. 2, 30419 Hanover, Germany
| | - Andrea Springer
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Christina Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
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Durden LA, Kessler SE, Radespiel U, Zimmermann E, Hasiniaina AF, Zohdy S. A New Species of Sucking Louse (Phthiraptera: Anoplura: Polyplacidae) From the Gray Mouse Lemur, Microcebus murinus (Primates: Cheirogaleidae), in Madagascar. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 55:910-914. [PMID: 29659934 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Lemurpediculus madagascariensis sp. nov. (Phthiraptera: Anoplura: Polyplacidae) is described from the Gray Mouse lemur, Microcebus murinus (J. F. Miller) (Primates: Cheirogaleidae), from Ankarafantsika National Park, Madagascar. Lemurs were trapped using Sherman Live Traps and visually inspected for lice, which were preserved in 90% ethanol. Adults of both sexes and the third-instar nymph of the new species are illustrated and distinguished from the four previously known species of Lemurpediculus: L. verruculosus (Ward); L. petterorum Paulian; L. claytoni Durden, Blanco, and Seabolt; and L. robbinsi Durden, Blanco, and Seabolt. It is not known if the new species of louse is a vector of any pathogens or parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance A Durden
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA
| | - Sharon E Kessler
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
| | - Ute Radespiel
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg, Hannover, Germany
| | - Elke Zimmermann
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg, Hannover, Germany
| | - Alida F Hasiniaina
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg, Hannover, Germany
- Facultés des Sciences, Technologies et de l'Environnement, Université de Mahajanga, Madagascar
| | - Sarah Zohdy
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, College of Veterinary Sciences, Auburn University, AL
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Qurollo BA, Larsen PA, Rakotondrainibe HH, Mahefarisoa K, Rajaonarivelo T, Razafindramanana J, Breitschwerdt EB, Junge RE, Williams CV. Molecular surveillance of novel tick-borne organisms in Madagascar's lemurs. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:672-677. [PMID: 29477959 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The discovery and characterization of emerging tick-borne organisms are critical for global health initiatives to improve animal and human welfare (One Health). It is possible that unknown tick-borne organisms underlie a subset of undiagnosed illness in wildlife, domesticated species, and humans. Our study lends support to the One Health concept by highlighting the prevalence of three blood-borne organisms in wild lemurs living in close proximity to domesticated species and humans. Previously, our team identified three novel, presumably tick-borne, intravascular organisms, belonging to the genera Babesia, Borrelia, and Neoehrlichia, circulating in two of Madagascar's lemur species. Here, we extend our previous observation by developing a targeted molecular surveillance approach aimed at determining the prevalence of these organisms in lemurs. Using quantitative PCR, we provide Babesia, Borrelia, and Neoehrlichia prevalence data for 76 individuals comprising four lemur species located in eastern Madagascar. Our results indicate a high prevalence (96%) of Babesia across sampled individuals with lower prevalences for Neoehrlichia (36%) and Borrelia (14.5%). In light of our results, we recommend additional studies of these tick-borne organisms to determine pathogenicity and assess zoonotic potency to other animals and humans in Madagascar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara A Qurollo
- Dept. Clinical Sciences-College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Peter A Larsen
- Dept. of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States; Duke Lemur Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Dept. Clinical Sciences-College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Randall E Junge
- Department of Animal Health, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Columbus, OH, United States
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Durden LA, Blanco MB, Seabolt MH. Two New Species of Sucking Lice (Phthiraptera: Anoplura: Polyplacidae) From Endangered, Hibernating Lemurs (Primates: Cheirogaleidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 54:568-575. [PMID: 28399297 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjw185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Lemurpediculus robbinsi sp. nov. is described from Crossley's dwarf lemur, Cheirogaleus crossleyi A. Grandidier, and Lemurpediculus claytoni sp. nov. is described from Sibree's dwarf lemur, Cheirogaleus sibreei Forsyth Major, from Madagascar. Both sexes of each new louse species are illustrated and distinguished from the two previously known species of Lemurpediculus: L. verruculosus (Ward) and L. petterorum Paulian. With the addition of two new species to the genus, an amended description of Lemurpediculus is provided. The two hosts of the new louse species are morphologically similar, endangered, obligately hibernating lemurs. These two species of lemurs are sometimes sympatric in rainforests in eastern Madagascar. Despite the morphological similarity of the two host species, their lice are morphologically distinct and are easiest to identify based on the shape of the subgenital plate of the female and the shape of the genitalia in the male. Both new species of lice should be considered to be endangered because their hosts are endangered. It is not known if either of the new species of lice are vectors of pathogens or parasites to their hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance A Durden
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, 4324 Old Register Rd., Statesboro, GA 30458 (; )
| | | | - Matthew H Seabolt
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, 4324 Old Register Rd., Statesboro, GA 30458 (; )
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Che Lah EF, Yaakop S, Ahamad M, George E, Md Nor S. Precise identification of different stages of a tick, Ixodes granulatus Supino, 1897 (Acari: Ixodidae). Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtb.2016.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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Rodriguez IA, Rasoazanabary E, Godfrey LR. Seasonal variation in the abundance and distribution of ticks that parasitize Microcebus griseorufus at the Bezà Mahafaly Special Reserve, Madagascar. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2015; 4:408-13. [PMID: 26767168 PMCID: PMC4683571 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2015.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Revised: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
At Bezà Mahafaly Special Reserve (BMSR), Madagascar, mouse lemurs (Microcebus griseorufus) are parasitized by multiple species of haemaphysaline ticks. At present we know little about the role ticks play in wild lemur populations and how they can alter interspecies relationships within communities or impact host fitness. In order to better understand these dynamics at BMSR, we examined parasite-host interactions as well as the ecology of mouse lemurs and their infesting ticks, Haemaphysalis lemuris and H. sp. cf. simplex. We show that season, host sex, and habitat influence the relative abundance of ticks on mouse lemurs. Specifically, infestations occur only during the dry season (May–October), are higher in males, and are higher at the study site with the most ground cover and with greater density of large-bodied hosts. Microcebus likely experience decreased susceptibility to tick infestations during the wet season because at that time they rarely if ever descend to the ground. Similarly, male mouse lemurs have higher infestation rates than females because of the greater time they spend traveling and foraging on the ground. During the dry season, Microcebus likely serve as hosts for the tenrec tick, H. sp. cf. simplex, when tenrecs hibernate. In turn, during the wet season when mouse lemurs rarely descend to the ground, other small mammals at the reserve may serve as maintenance hosts for populations of immature ticks. The synchronous development of larvae and nymphs could present high risk for vector-borne disease in Microcebus. This study also provides a preliminary description of the ecology and life cycle of the most common lemur tick, H. lemuris. Parasite-host interactions and ecology of Microcebus and their ticks were examined. Microcebus carry ticks only during the dry season when they travel more on the ground. Other small mammals at the reserve may be reservoirs for immature ticks in wet season. Habitat, host sex and number of large-bodied hosts influence tick abundance on lemurs. The possible life cycle of the most common lemur tick, H. lemuris, is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laurie R Godfrey
- Department of Anthropology, 240 Hicks Way, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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Klompen H, Junge RE, Williams CV. Ectoparasites of Propithecus diadema (Primates: Indriidae) With Notes on Unusual Attachment Site Selection by Haemaphysalis lemuris (Parasitiformes: Ixodidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2015; 52:315-319. [PMID: 26334804 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjv032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/28/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
An examination of ectoparasite loads in two populations of wild diademed sifakas, Propithecus diadema Bennett, yielded seven species-four mite species, a louse, a hippoboscid fly, and a leech. Prevalence of the tick Haemaphysalis lemuris Hoogstraal, the mites Liponyssella madagascariensis (Hirst) and Lemuralges propithecus Bochkov et al., and the louse Trichophilopterus babakotophilus Stobbe was quite high, at least 20%. H. lemuris was the most common ectoparasite in one population, while completely absent in a second one. When present, the most common attachment site for H. lemuris males was in the nares of their hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Klompen
- Acarology Laboratory, Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43212.
| | - Randall E Junge
- Department of Animal Health, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Columbus, OH 43065
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