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Stayton E, Lineberry M, Thomas J, Bass T, Allen K, Chandrashekar R, Yost G, Reichard M, Miller C. Emergence of Babesia conradae infection in coyote-hunting Greyhounds in Oklahoma, USA. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:402. [PMID: 34391445 PMCID: PMC8364010 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04897-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Babesia species are intraerythrocytic Apicomplexan parasites that infect a wide range of vertebrate hosts. These pathogens are typically transmitted either by tick vectors or by direct blood-to-blood contact, and may cause life-threatening clinical disease, such as thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia and acute renal failure, in canine hosts. While Babesia vogeli and Babesia gibsoni infections have both been reported in Oklahoma, reports of Babesia conradae infections have been limited to California. METHODS Four separate kennels of coyote-hunting dogs were identified in Oklahoma after the kennels had consulted with Oklahoma State University Boren Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (antemortem cases) or the Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab (postmortem cases). Upon owner consent, every accessible dog from each of the four kennels was briefly examined for ectoparasites, particularly ticks, and whole blood samples were collected in EDTA tubes. Clinically ill dogs were examined by a practicing veterinarian, and clinical signs included anorexia, vomiting, lethargy, fever and anemia. DNA was extracted from each blood sample, and a nested PCR was performed using general apicomplexan primers for the partial 18S rRNA gene. PCR products were electrophoresed in agarose matrix, and appropriately sized amplicons were sequenced. Sequences were compared to reference 18S rRNA gene sequences available in GenBank, and samples with > 98% homology to B. conradae (GenBank: AF158702) were considered positive. Babesia conradae-positive dogs were then treated with atovaquone (13.5 mg/kg three times per day) and azithromycin (10 mg/kg once daily) for 10 days and retested at 30 and 60 days post-treatment by PCR. RESULTS Of 40 dogs tested, 15 (37.5%) were positive for B. conradae with 98-99% sequence homology to B. conradae from California. All positive cases were coyote-hunting Greyhounds. Ectoparasites were not identified on any of the dogs at the time of blood collection. Treatment of clinically ill dogs with atovaquone and azithromycin resulted in complete clinical recovery in all treated dogs with negative follow-up PCR at 30 and 60 days post-treatment. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, this study (i) documents the occurrence of B. conradae in Oklahoma, (ii) highlights this pathogen as a differential to be considered when clinical signs are present, (iii) supports the use of atovaquone and azithromycin as effective treatment in these cases and (iv) demonstrates chronic subclinical carrier dogs serving as potential reservoirs of B. conradae infection to naïve dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Stayton
- Oklahoma State University, 250 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Megan Lineberry
- Oklahoma State University, 250 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Jennifer Thomas
- Oklahoma State University, 250 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Tina Bass
- Vinita Veterinary Center, Vinita, OK, USA
| | - Kelly Allen
- Oklahoma State University, 250 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | | | - Gene Yost
- Crescent Veterinary Hospital, Crescent, OK, USA
| | - Mason Reichard
- Oklahoma State University, 250 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Craig Miller
- Oklahoma State University, 250 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK, USA.
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Dyková I, Žák J, Reichard M, Součková K, Slabý O, Blažek R. Swim bladder as a primary site of mycobacterial infection in Nothobranchius 'belly sliders'. Dis Aquat Organ 2021; 145:111-117. [PMID: 34196281 DOI: 10.3354/dao03601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The swim bladder inflates early after fish hatching via its interconnection with the digestive tract (ductus pneumaticus). This interconnection may serve as a portal to foreign particles, including bacteria, causing deficiencies in primary swim bladder inflation. We histologically examined 134 African annual killifish (genus Nothobranchius) with secondary loss of swim bladder function ('belly sliders'). We demonstrate that these fish lost the ability of air regulation in their swim bladders likely due to Mycobacterium spp. infection at an individual-specific age. Nearly all examined belly sliders had thickened swim bladder walls, and their swim bladder was filled with material containing mycobacteria, cell debris, young monocytic cells and phagocyting macrophages. Mycobacterial infection was restricted to the swim bladder in juveniles, where mycobacteria likely enter the host through the ductus pneumaticus. Infection in adults was systemic and mycobacteria were present in all examined organs. Presence of mycobacteria in the epithelial lining and submucosal layers of the digestive tract of adults suggests that it may also serve as the entrance site of infection. We suspect 2 sources of Mycobacterium contamination: dietary (with bloodworms) and/or contaminated hatching substrate. These sources of contamination may be eliminated by use of laboratory dry feed and egg disinfection prior to hatching.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Dyková
- Institute of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno 611 37, Czech Republic
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Panait LC, Mihalca AD, Modrý D, Juránková J, Ionică AM, Deak G, Gherman CM, Heddergott M, Hodžić A, Veronesi F, Reichard M, Zieman EA, Nielsen CK, Jiménez-Ruiz FA, Hrazdilová K. Three new species of Cytauxzoon in European wild felids. Vet Parasitol 2021; 290:109344. [PMID: 33465567 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Protists of the genus Cytauxzoon infect a wide variety of wild and domestic felids worldwide. While the American Cytauxzoon felis has been well described, data on the European isolates of Cytauxzoon are still scant. The aim of the current study was to determine the genetic diversity of European Cytauxzoon spp. in wild felids across Europe by analyzing one nuclear and two mitochondrial genes, along with representative complete mitochondrial genomes. Overall, 106 biological samples from wild felids (92 from Felis silvestris and 14 from Lynx lynx) from Germany, Romania, Czech Republic, and Luxembourg were collected and screened for the presence of Cytauxzoon spp. using nested PCR protocols, targeting the highly conserved 18S rDNA, mitochondrial cytochrome b (CytB) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) genes. Furthermore, 18 previously confirmed wild felid biological samples from Europe, and comparative material from USA positive for C. felis, were included in the study. In 18S rDNA sequences analyses, Cytauxzoon spp. from felids formed two separate clades of New World and Old World isolates, with a low inner diversity of the European clade. In contrast to 18S rDNA, the phylogenetic analyses of CytB and COI genes affirmatively revealed three highly supported clades, resulting in three defined genotypes. Similar intra- and interspecific variability of CytB and COI genes was observed in the case of different Babesia spp. Considering geography, host species and analyses of three genes, we conclude that the three detected genotypes of Cytauxzoon in European wild felids represent three new species, which we herein describe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Cătălina Panait
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania.
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania.
| | - David Modrý
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Brno, 61242, Brno, Czech Republic; Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 61137, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Jana Juránková
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Brno, 61242, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania; CDS-9, "Regele Mihai I Al României" Life Science Institute, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania.
| | - Georgiana Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania.
| | - Călin Mircea Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania.
| | - Mike Heddergott
- Museum of Natural History, 25 Rue Munster, 2160, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.
| | - Adnan Hodžić
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Fabrizia Veronesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Mason Reichard
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, 74078, Stillwater, OK, United States.
| | - Elliott A Zieman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eastern Illinois University, 61920-3099, Charleston, IL, United States.
| | - Clayton K Nielsen
- Department of Forestry and Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 62901-6501, Carbondale, IL, United States.
| | | | - Kristýna Hrazdilová
- CEITEC VFU, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Brno, 61242, Brno, Czech Republic; Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Biomedical Center, Charles University, 32300, Plzeň, Czech Republic.
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Polačik M, Reichard M, Smith C, Blažek R. Parasitic cuckoo catfish exploit parental responses to stray offspring. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 374:20180412. [PMID: 30967084 PMCID: PMC6388028 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2018.0412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Interspecific brood parasitism occurs in several independent lineages of birds and social insects, putatively evolving from intraspecific brood parasitism. The cuckoo catfish, Synodontis multipunctatus, the only known obligatory non-avian brood parasite, exploits mouthbrooding cichlid fishes in Lake Tanganyika, despite the absence of parental care in its evolutionary lineage (family Mochokidae). Cuckoo catfish participate in host spawning events, with their eggs subsequently collected and brooded by parental cichlids, though they can later be selectively rejected by the host. One scenario for the origin of brood parasitism in cuckoo catfish is through predation of cichlid eggs during spawning, eventually resulting in a spatial and temporal match in oviposition by host and parasite. Here we demonstrate experimentally that, uniquely among all known brood parasites, cuckoo catfish have the capacity to re-infect their hosts at a late developmental stage following egg rejection. We show that cuckoo catfish offspring can survive outside the host buccal cavity and re-infect parental hosts at a later incubation phase by exploiting the strong parental instinct of hosts to collect stray offspring. This finding implies an alternative evolutionary origin for cuckoo catfish brood parasitism, with the parental response of host cichlids facilitating its evolution. This article is part of the theme issue 'The coevolutionary biology of brood parasitism: from mechanism to pattern'.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Polačik
- The Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - M. Reichard
- The Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - C. Smith
- The Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Ecology and Vertebrate Zoology, University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
- School of Biology and Bell-Pettigrew Museum of Natural History, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9TS, UK
| | - R. Blažek
- The Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic
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Nagamori Y, Payton M, Coburn L, Thomas JE, Reichard M. Nymphal engorgement weight predicts sex of adult Amblyomma americanum, Amblyomma maculatum, Dermacentor andersoni, Dermacentor variabilis, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks. Exp Appl Acarol 2019; 77:401-410. [PMID: 30758802 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-019-00346-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The engorgement weights of laboratory-raised nymphs of five common ticks in the USA, Amblyomma americanum, Amblyomma maculatum, Dermacentor andersoni, Dermacentor variabilis, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus, experimentally fed to repletion on an adult sheep (Ovis aries) were evaluated to determine the sex of molted adult ticks. Length of feeding period of nymphs, molting success and durations, and sex ratios between tick species were also compared. Individual replete nymphs were weighed and allowed to molt to adults in a humidity chamber. Length of feeding duration was different by species (F4,7785 = 1963.79; P < 0.0001); R. sanguineus nymphs became replete fastest, followed by A. americanum, D. variabilis, A. maculatum, and D. andersoni. Significant difference in molting success was not detected. The mean body weight of engorged nymphs of A. americanum (t = 32.3; df = 662), A. maculatum (t = - 9.70; df = 255), D. variabilis (t = 15.7; df = 751), and R. sanguineus (t = 5.17; df = 560; all P < 0.0001) molting into females was greater than that of nymphs molting into males, whereas heavier D. andersoni engorged nymphs became males (t = 8.71; df = 480; P < 0.0001). Amblyomma maculatum nymphs that molted to females fed to repletion faster (t = 3.33; df = 265; P ≤ 0.001) than nymphs that molted to males and a higher proportion (χ2 = 48.4; df = 1, P < 0.0001) of A. maculatum and D. andersoni (χ2 = 8.19; df = 1, P = 0.004) molted to females than males. Our study demonstrated biological and behavioral differences in and between engorging nymphs of five ixodid species. These findings may aid in studies evaluating the role of tick sex in transmission of tick-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoko Nagamori
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA.
| | - Mark Payton
- Department of Statistics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Lisa Coburn
- Entomology & Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Jennifer E Thomas
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Mason Reichard
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
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Polačik M, Smith C, Reichard M. Maternal source of variability in the embryo development of an annual killifish. J Evol Biol 2017; 30:738-749. [DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Polačik
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology; Czech Academy of Sciences; Brno Czech Republic
| | - C. Smith
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology; Czech Academy of Sciences; Brno Czech Republic
- School of Biology; University of St Andrews; St Andrews United Kingdom
- Bell-Pettigrew Museum of Natural History; University of St Andrews; St Andrews United Kingdom
| | - M. Reichard
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology; Czech Academy of Sciences; Brno Czech Republic
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Lanés LEK, Godoy RS, Maltchik L, Polačik M, Blažek R, Vrtílek M, Reichard M. Seasonal dynamics in community structure, abundance, body size and sex ratio in two species of Neotropical annual fishes. J Fish Biol 2016; 89:2345-2364. [PMID: 27607142 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Seven ephemeral pools on the coastal plain of southern Brazil were found to be inhabited by three annual and 22 non-annual fish species. Two common annual species (Austrolebias minuano and Cynopoecilus fulgens) exhibited clear seasonal dynamics, with the appearance of young fishes in the austral autumn (May to June) and a decline in abundance over the seasonal cycle. The third annual species, Austrolebias wolterstorffii, was rare. No seasonal dynamics were observed in non-annual fishes. The relative abundance of non-annual fishes compared with annual fishes increased over the seasonal cycle, but they coexisted widely. The size structure of annual fishes suggested the presence of a single age cohort in most pools though a second age cohort was registered in one pool in August, coinciding with a large flooding. Strong sexual dimorphism in body size was found in C. fulgens throughout the seasonal cycle, while no sexual dimorphism in body size was found in A. minuano. Female-biased sex ratios were recorded in both common annual fish species in the last three sampling dates (in spring), but not during the first two sampling dates (in winter). The natural lifespan of annual fishes was <8 months. Annual fishes disappeared before habitat desiccation in half of the pools, while non-annual fishes were still present.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E K Lanés
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação de Ecossistemas Aquáticos-LECEA, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos-UNISINOS, Bairro Cristo Rei, São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Instituto Pró-Pampa-IPPAMPA, Bairro Centro, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - R S Godoy
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação de Ecossistemas Aquáticos-LECEA, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos-UNISINOS, Bairro Cristo Rei, São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - L Maltchik
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação de Ecossistemas Aquáticos-LECEA, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos-UNISINOS, Bairro Cristo Rei, São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - M Polačik
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Květná 8, 603 65, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - R Blažek
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Květná 8, 603 65, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - M Vrtílek
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Květná 8, 603 65, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - M Reichard
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Květná 8, 603 65, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Little S, Adolph C, Downie K, Snider T, Reichard M. High Prevalence of Covert Infection With Gastrointestinal Helminths in Cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2015; 51:359-64. [DOI: 10.5326/jaaha-ms-6221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Fecal flotation is routinely used to identify feline helminth infections in clinical practice, but it is known to have limitations of sensitivity, particularly for cestodes. To determine the prevalence of helminths in a contemporary population of cats and evaluate the ability of fecal flotation to detect these infections, helminths were recovered from intestinal tracts removed from 116 adult cats humanely euthanized by an animal control shelter in northeastern Oklahoma. Results were compared to those of fecal flotation performed using both passive and centrifugal techniques. Helminths were identified in 78/116 (67.2%) cats, including Toxocara cati (48/116; 41.4%), Ancylostoma tubaeforme (8/116; 6.9%), Dipylidium caninum (40/116; 34.5%), and Taenia taeniaeformis (30/116; 25.9%). Cats with T. cati were significantly more likely to harbor T. taeniaeformis (P = .001) than cats without ascarids. Centrifugal fecal flotation with sugar solution identified 37/48 (77.1%) T. cati infections, 8/30 (26.7%) T. taeniaeformis infections, and no D. caninum infections. Proglottids were detected on external examination in 19.0% (12/63) of cats with cestodes. Cestodes were present in over half of the cats examined in this study, but the majority of these infections were not evident by the detection of external proglottids or recovery of characteristic stages on fecal flotation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Little
- From the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK (S.L., K.D., T.S., M.R.); and the Southpark Veterinary Hospital, Broken Arrow, OK (C.A.)
| | - Chris Adolph
- From the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK (S.L., K.D., T.S., M.R.); and the Southpark Veterinary Hospital, Broken Arrow, OK (C.A.)
| | - Kathryn Downie
- From the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK (S.L., K.D., T.S., M.R.); and the Southpark Veterinary Hospital, Broken Arrow, OK (C.A.)
| | - Tim Snider
- From the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK (S.L., K.D., T.S., M.R.); and the Southpark Veterinary Hospital, Broken Arrow, OK (C.A.)
| | - Mason Reichard
- From the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK (S.L., K.D., T.S., M.R.); and the Southpark Veterinary Hospital, Broken Arrow, OK (C.A.)
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Řežucha R, Reichard M. Strategic exploitation of fluctuating asymmetry in male Endler's guppy courtship displays is modulated by social environment. J Evol Biol 2014; 28:356-67. [PMID: 25491203 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Lateral asymmetry in signalling traits enables males to strategically exploit their best side. In many animals, both body colouration and fluctuating asymmetry are signals of male attractiveness. We demonstrated experimentally that even sexually naïve male Poecilia wingei were able to identify their most attractive side (i.e. that with a higher proportion of carotenoid pigmentation) and use it preferentially during courtship. Notably, males retained their strategic signalling in a male-biased social environment, whereas they ceased to signal strategically in a female-biased environment. The degree of asymmetry in colouration did not affect overall courtship activity. Strategic lateralization in courtship displays was strongest and most repeatable in the male-biased social environment where males competed with rivals for matings. Individual asymmetry in colouration changed considerably over a period of 3 months. This suggests that colouration is a dynamic feature during adulthood and that males are capable of tracking and strategically exploiting their lateral asymmetry in accordance with their social environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Řežucha
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Brno, Czech Republic
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Smith C, Warren M, Rouchet R, Reichard M. The function of multiple ejaculations in bitterling. J Evol Biol 2014; 27:1819-29. [DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Revised: 05/04/2014] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Smith
- School of Biology; University of St Andrews; St Andrews UK
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology; Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Brno Czech Republic
| | - M. Warren
- School of Biology; University of St Andrews; St Andrews UK
| | - R. Rouchet
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology; Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Brno Czech Republic
- Institute of Botany; Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Brno Czech Republic
| | - M. Reichard
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology; Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Brno Czech Republic
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Polačik M, Blažek R, Řežucha R, Vrtílek M, Terzibasi Tozzini E, Reichard M. Alternative intrapopulation life-history strategies and their trade-offs in an African annual fish. J Evol Biol 2014; 27:854-65. [DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2013] [Revised: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Polačik
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology; Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Brno Czech Republic
| | - R. Blažek
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology; Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Brno Czech Republic
| | - R. Řežucha
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology; Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Brno Czech Republic
- Department of Botany and Zoology; Masaryk University; Brno Czech Republic
| | - M. Vrtílek
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology; Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Brno Czech Republic
- Department of Botany and Zoology; Masaryk University; Brno Czech Republic
| | | | - M. Reichard
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology; Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Brno Czech Republic
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Casalini M, Reichard M, Phillips A, Smith C. Male choice of mates and mating resources in the rose bitterling (Rhodeus ocellatus). Behav Ecol 2013. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/art050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Reichard M, Weiss H, Tiedge M, Guthoff RF, Stachs O, Baltrusch S. Manifestation einer Neuropathie im kornealen Nervenplexus diabetischer NOD Mäuse. DIABETOL STOFFWECHS 2012. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1314587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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14
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Douda K, Vrtílek M, Slavík O, Reichard M. The role of host specificity in explaining the invasion success of the freshwater mussel Anodonta woodiana in Europe. Biol Invasions 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-011-9989-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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15
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Abstract
The age structures of populations of African annual Nothobranchius spp. were examined for the first time. Daily increments in sagittal otoliths of Nothobranchius furzeri, Nothobranchius kadleci, Nothobranchius orthonotus and Nothobranchius rachovii from southern and central Mozambique were used for age determination. Four hypotheses were tested: (1) timing of hatching is consistent with the calendar onset of the rainy season, (2) hatching is synchronized within a population in a pool, (3) there is a difference in hatching date between geographical regions differing in mean total annual precipitation and (4) sympatric Nothobranchius spp. hatch at the same time. The results show that daily increment analysis represents an applicable method for age determination in Nothobranchius spp. Despite a significant positive relationship between age and size of fishes, a pronounced variation in fish size at an age precluded the use of fish size as a valid age marker. Timing of hatching was not consistent with the calendar onset of the rainy season. Interpopulation variability was observed in the degree of hatching date synchronization within a population. Hatching dates were relatively uniform in some populations, while there was considerable variability in others. Differences in timing of hatching date were found in only 1 of 2 years within the three regions investigated (Chefu, lower Limpopo and Sofala regions), each of which differed in mean total annual rainfall. The hatching dates of sympatric Nothobranchius spp. were marginally different, but further testing on a larger sample is needed for conclusive results.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Polačik
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic.
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16
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Abstract
The seasonal dynamics of biological traits in a population of European bitterling Rhodeus amarus from a small river in central Europe (River Kyjovka, Czech Republic) were investigated from April 2007 to March 2008. The reproductive season lasted from early April to mid-June, with a peak in late April when > 50% of females possessed ripe eggs in their ovaries. The sex ratio was female-biased, with a higher bias following the peak in reproduction, suggesting higher mortality of males than females over the reproductive period. The population was effectively annual, with a major decrease in adult fish abundance at the end of the reproductive period. Highest relative lipid content and condition factor were observed in February, both decreasing with an increase in investment into gonads. Seasonal dynamics in somatic condition, relative lipid content and gonad mass, and their comparison with other R. amarus populations, suggest that the study population allocated a disproportionally high level of resources to reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Konečná
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Květná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic
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17
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Abstract
The diet patterns of three Nothobranchius species (N. furzeri, N. orthonotus and N. rachovii), small, short-lived annual killifish from temporary pools in African savannah were investigated. Four sites with contrasting fish density and water surface area were sampled in 2008 and 2009 in southern Mozambique. Stomach content analysis showed that all the species examined were generalists, with diets largely based on aquatic invertebrates. The same invertebrate prey categories were consumed by all three species, but their relative proportions varied across species. The largest species, N. orthonotus, showed the most distinct diet and consumed vertebrates (juvenile lungfish Protopterus annectens and larval Amphibia) and a relatively high proportion of Odonata, Coleoptera and Ephemeroptera larvae. The diet of the other two species (N. furzeri and N. rachovii) showed a stronger overlap, did not include vertebrates, but was rich in small crustaceans (Cladocera, Copepoda, Ostracoda and Conchostraca). Mosquito (Diptera) larvae formed only a negligible part of the diet of all the three species.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Polacik
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Kvetná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic.
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18
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Konecná M, Jurajda P, Reichard M. River discharge drives recruitment success of the European bitterling Rhodeus amarus in a regulated river in central Europe. J Fish Biol 2009; 74:1642-1650. [PMID: 20735661 DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8649.2009.02207.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
A 15 year data set revealed that the abundance of 0+ year Rhodeus amarus in a regulated river was negatively associated with mean river discharge, while mean standard length was positively related to the cumulative number of degree-days > or =10 degrees C. Results are discussed in the context of the recent invasion success of R. amarus.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Konecná
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Kvetná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic
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19
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Reichard M, Polacik M, Sedlácek O. Distribution, colour polymorphism and habitat use of the African killifish Nothobranchius furzeri, the vertebrate with the shortest life span. J Fish Biol 2009; 74:198-212. [PMID: 20735533 DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8649.2008.02129.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Intensive collection in southern Mozambique across and outside the potential range of Nothobranchius furzeri, the species with the shortest recorded life span among vertebrates used as a model in ageing research, revealed that, contrary to previous data, it is a widespread species. It occurs in small freshwater pools south of the Save River and north of the Incomati River, including basins of the Limpopo, Changane, Chefu, Mazimechopes and Vaneteze Rivers. During collection in February 2008 (the second part of the rainy season), populations were strongly female biased (mean, 28% of males across 19 populations), and there was a spatial pattern in female bias among metapopulations. Populations varied in the proportion of male colour morphs. Fourteen populations were composed exclusively of the red male phenotype, three populations of the yellow male phenotype and 12 populations were mixed. Overall, the red phenotype was more common, but there was strong geographical variation in morph proportion, with yellow males more abundant at the periphery and red male dominance in the centre of the range of N. furzeri in the Limpopo basin. Nothobranchius furzeri was sympatric with Nothobranchius orthonotus (35% of investigated pools) and Nothobranchius rachovii (27% of sites). Analysis of habitat use of N. furzeri is presented; N. furzeri was associated with pools containing a soft muddy substratum and turbid water.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Reichard
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Kvetná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic.
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20
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Petrosino JF, Xiang Q, Karpathy SE, Jiang H, Yerrapragada S, Liu Y, Gioia J, Hemphill L, Gonzalez A, Raghavan TM, Uzman A, Fox GE, Highlander S, Reichard M, Morton RJ, Clinkenbeard KD, Weinstock GM. Chromosome rearrangement and diversification of Francisella tularensis revealed by the type B (OSU18) genome sequence. J Bacteriol 2006; 188:6977-85. [PMID: 16980500 PMCID: PMC1595524 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00506-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The gamma-proteobacterium Francisella tularensis is one of the most infectious human pathogens, and the highly virulent organism F. tularensis subsp. tularensis (type A) and less virulent organism F. tularensis subsp. holarctica (type B) are most commonly associated with significant disease in humans and animals. Here we report the complete genome sequence and annotation for a low-passage type B strain (OSU18) isolated from a dead beaver found near Red Rock, Okla., in 1978. A comparison of the F. tularensis subsp. holarctica sequence with that of F. tularensis subsp. tularensis strain Schu4 (P. Larsson et al., Nat. Genet. 37:153-159, 2005) highlighted genetic differences that may underlie different pathogenicity phenotypes and the evolutionary relationship between type A and type B strains. Despite extensive DNA sequence identity, the most significant difference between type A and type B isolates is the striking amount of genomic rearrangement that exists between the strains. All but two rearrangements can be attributed to homologous recombination occurring between two prominent insertion elements, ISFtu1 and ISFtu2. Numerous pseudogenes have been found in the genomes and are likely contributors to the difference in virulence between the strains. In contrast, no rearrangements have been observed between the OSU18 genome and the genome of the type B live vaccine strain (LVS), and only 448 polymorphisms have been found within non-transposase-coding sequences whose homologs are intact in OSU18. Nonconservative differences between the two strains likely include the LVS attenuating mutation(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph F Petrosino
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, BCM280, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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21
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Reichard M, Ondracková M, Przybylski M, Liu H, Smith C. The costs and benefits in an unusual symbiosis: experimental evidence that bitterling fish (Rhodeus sericeus) are parasites of unionid mussels in Europe. J Evol Biol 2006; 19:788-96. [PMID: 16674575 DOI: 10.1111/j.1420-9101.2005.01051.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Interspecific symbiotic relationships involve a complex network of interactions, and understanding their outcome requires quantification of the costs and benefits to both partners. We experimentally investigated the costs and benefits in the relationship between European bitterling fish (Rhodeus sericeus) and freshwater mussels that are used by R. sericeus for oviposition. This relationship has hitherto been thought mutualistic, on the premise that R. sericeus use mussels as foster parents of their embryos while mussels use R. sericeus as hosts for their larvae. We demonstrate that R. sericeus is a parasite of European mussels, because it (i) avoids the cost of infection by mussel larvae and (ii) imposes a direct cost on mussels. Our experiments also indicate a potential coevolutionary arms race between bitterling fishes and their mussel hosts; the outcome of this relationship may differ between Asia, the centre of distribution of bitterling fishes, and Europe where they have recently invaded.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Reichard
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Brno, Czech Republic.
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22
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Reichard M, Bryja J, Ondracková M, Dávidová M, Kaniewska P, Smith C. Sexual selection for male dominance reduces opportunities for female mate choice in the European bitterling (Rhodeus sericeus). Mol Ecol 2005; 14:1533-42. [PMID: 15813791 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2005.02534.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Sexual selection involves two main mechanisms: intrasexual competition for mates and intersexual mate choice. We experimentally separated intrasexual (male-male interference competition) and intersexual (female choice) components of sexual selection in a freshwater fish, the European bitterling (Rhodeus sericeus). We compared the roles of multiple morphological and behavioural traits in male success in both components of sexual competition, and their relation to male reproductive success, measured as paternity of offspring. Body size was important for both female choice and male-male competition, though females also preferred males that courted more vigorously. However, dominant males often monopolized females regardless of female preference. Subordinate males were not excluded from reproduction and sired some offspring, possibly through sneaked ejaculations. Male dominance and a greater intensity of carotenoid-based red colouration in their iris were the best predictors of male reproductive success. The extent of red iris colouration and parasite load did not have significant effects on female choice, male dominance or male reproductive success. No effect of parasite load on the expression of red eye colouration was detected, though this may have been due to low parasite prevalence in males overall. In conclusion, we showed that even though larger body size was favoured in both intersexual and intrasexual selection, male-male interference competition reduced opportunities for female choice. Females, despite being choosy, had limited control over the paternity of their offspring. Our study highlights the need for reliable measures of male reproductive success in studies of sexual selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Reichard
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Brno, Czech Republic.
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23
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Reichard M, Smith C, Jordan WC. Genetic evidence reveals density-dependent mediated success of alternative mating behaviours in the European bitterling (Rhodeus sericeus). Mol Ecol 2004; 13:1569-78. [PMID: 15140099 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2004.02151.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The reproductive success of alternative mating behaviours may vary within and among populations in relation to environmental factors and demographic parameters. We used behavioural and genetic data to investigate how male density affects reproductive success of territoriality and sneaking in the European bitterling (Rhodeus sericeus, Cyprinidae), a freshwater fish that spawns on the gills of living freshwater mussels. Keeping the number of spawning sites constant, we manipulated male densities in laboratory and mesocosm experiments. We showed that sneaked fertilizations were common in R. sericeus, and that they increased significantly with male density. Territorial mating was almost 17 times more successful than sneaking at the lowest male density treatment, and still 2-3 times more successful at intermediate densities. However, both behaviours conferred the same fitness pay-off at the highest male density. While the success of territorial males declined with male density, the success of individual sneaking males remained constant across densities. Notably, the capacity of territorial males to outcompete sneakers by preoviposition sperm loading was the best predictor of male reproductive success, rather than aggression, body size or postoviposition ejaculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Reichard
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Kvetná 8, 603 65 Brno, Czech Republic.
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24
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Reichard M, Jurajda P, Vaclavik R. Drift of larval and juvenile fishes: a comparison between small and large lowland rivers. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2001. [DOI: 10.1127/lr/12/2001/373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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25
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Mersch J, Reichard M. In Situ Investigation of Trace Metal Availability in Industrial Effluents Using Transplanted Aquatic Mosses. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 1998; 34:336-341. [PMID: 9543502 DOI: 10.1007/s002449900327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Three species of aquatic mosses, Rhynchostegium riparioides, Fontinalis antipyretica, and Cinclidotus danubicus, were collected from the same reference location and exposed in five industrial effluents. The purpose was to test their suitability for assessing trace metal contamination under adverse and contrasted environmental conditions. Two distinct experiments of 16 and 11 days were conducted. In spite of short residence times in the effluents, the bryophytes were considerably affected at several sites, showing a light green to yellowish color, brown-edged leaves, and even dead strands. Cinclidotus danubicus was the most resistant whereas Fontinalis antipyretica was the most sensitive species. The observed physiological damage had no obvious incidence on the accumulation capacity of the mosses. The biomonitors provided time-integrated patterns of trace metal bioavailability (copper, chromium, nickel, lead, and zinc) in the effluents with a clear discrimination between poorly, moderately, and heavily polluted sites. Compared to water analyses, these more reliable indications could be obtained with a considerably reduced sampling design. When substantial accumulation occurred in mosses, the highest concentrations were systematically found in Rhynchostegium riparioides and the lowest in Cinclidotus danubicus. As only quantitative, not qualitative, differences were observed, all investigated moss species can be recommended for the assessment of trace metals in effluents at their discharge into the natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Mersch
- Université de Metz, Centre de Recherches Ecologiques, B.P. 4116, 57040 Metz Cedex 01, France
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26
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Gardiner JF, Reichard M. Professional dental organization in antebellum America. Bull Hist Dent 1977; 25:11-20. [PMID: 346092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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