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Kazakov DV, Khasnatinov MA, Antonovskaia AA, Gorobeyko UV. Bat ectoparasites: chigger mites ( Trombiculidae), ticks (Ixodidae and Argasidae), and bugs (Cimicidae) in the Eastern Palaearctic. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:83. [PMID: 38182821 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08093-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] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Nine species-level taxa of bat ectoparasites, three chigger mites (Trombiculidae), three hard (Ixodidae), and one soft tick (Argasidae) species, as well as two bug (Cimicidae) species from nine bat species hosts were detected in the Eastern Palaearctic. Trombiculid larvae of Leptotrombidium schlugerae, Leptotrombidium album, and Ascoschoengastia latyshevi were first recorded on bats in the temperate zone of eastern Russia. L. schlugerae was more abundant than A. latyshevi in the same study sites in Eastern Siberia, and the main hosts of both chigger species were Plecotus ognevi and Eptesicus nilssonii. Ixodid ticks Dermacentor marginatus, Ixodes simplex, and Ixodes sp. were sampled from bats in Kazakhstan, the Far East, and Eastern Siberia, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on Cox1, 16S rDNA, and ITS2 sequences of I. simplex showed that the specimens from the Far East grouped into a clade distributed in the Eastern Palaearctic and India. In turn, the specimen of Ixodes sp. from Eastern Siberia was most closely related to Ixodes soricis and Ixodes angustus with p-distance of 9.8-10.7% (Cox1), suggesting that this tick probably belongs to a new species. Argas vespertilionis larvae were collected from three widespread bat species in Kazakhstan. Two bug species, Cimex pipistrelli and Cimex aff. lectularius, were recorded in the Far East and Eastern Siberia, respectively. Specimens from Transbaikalia were morphologically identified as Cimex lectularius. However, they differed from the latter by 12.5-12.9% of Cox1 sequences, indicating that C. aff. lectularius may be a new species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis V Kazakov
- Institute of Environmental and Agricultural Biology (X-BIO), University of Tyumen, Volodarskogo, 6, 625003, Tyumen, Russia.
| | - Maxim A Khasnatinov
- Federal State Public Science Institution "Scientific Centre for Family Health and Human Reproduction Problems", Timiryazeva, 16, Irkutsk, 664003, Russia
| | - Anastasia A Antonovskaia
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, 1-12, Moscow, 119234, Russia
| | - Uliana V Gorobeyko
- Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 100-Letiya Vladivostoka, Vladivostok, 159, 690022, Russia
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Li B, Guo XG, Zhao CF, Zhang ZW, Fan R, Peng PY, Song WY, Ren TG, Zhang L, Qian TJ. Infestation of chigger mites on Chinese mole shrew, Anourosorex squamipes, in Southwest China and ecological analysis. Parasite 2022; 29:39. [PMID: 35900094 PMCID: PMC9331648 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2022038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
The Chinese mole shrew, Anourosorex squamipes Milne-Edwards, 1872, is a common species of insectivorous mammal in Southwest China. Based on field investigations between 2001 and 2019, the present study reports the infestation of chiggers (larvae of chigger mites) on the shrew in Southwest China and certain ecology parameters for the first time. A total of 3169 chiggers were collected from 1694 A. squamipes and they were identified into 72 species and 10 genera in the family Trombiculidae. The overall infestation prevalence (Pm), mean abundance (MA) and mean intensity (MI) of A. squamipes with chiggers reached 11.1%, 1.87 and 16.86, respectively. The species diversity, species composition and infestation of chiggers on A. squamipes fluctuated in different environments (latitudes, altitudes, habitats and landscapes) and on different sexes and ages of the shrew hosts with high heterogeneity and low species similarity. In the established linear regression equation (M* = 0.173 + 1.054 M) for dominant mite Leptotrombidium densipunctatum, both the α and β values (α = 0.173, β = 1.054) exceeded the boundary values (F = 4.67, p < 0.05), and therefore the spatial distribution pattern of this mite was determined as an aggregated distribution among different individuals of shrew hosts. The species abundance distribution of the chigger community on A. squamipes conformed to the lognormal distribution, and its curve showed a gradually descending tendency from the rare mite species to the dominant mite species. The curve tendency of species-sample relationship implies that more species of chiggers would be found if the host samples infinitely keep increasing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Li
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan 671000, PR China
| | - Xian-Guo Guo
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan 671000, PR China
| | - Cheng-Fu Zhao
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan 671000, PR China
| | - Zhi-Wei Zhang
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan 671000, PR China
| | - Rong Fan
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan 671000, PR China
| | - Pei-Ying Peng
- Institute of Microbiology, Qujing Medical College, Qujing, Yunnan 655000, PR China
| | - Wen-Yu Song
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan 671000, PR China
| | - Tian-Guang Ren
- Nursing College of Dali University, Dali, Yunnan 671000, PR China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan 671000, PR China
| | - Ti-Jun Qian
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan 671000, PR China
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Kuo CC, Lee PL, Wang HC. Molecular identification of Rickettsia spp. in chigger mites in Taiwan. Med Vet Entomol 2022; 36:223-229. [PMID: 34846757 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The genus Rickettsia is the causative agent of several rickettsial diseases that are primarily transmitted by hard ticks. The occurrence of Rickettsia in chigger mites, which are vectors of scrub typhus in the western Pacific region, has been infrequently investigated. We identified Rickettsia spp. in chiggers collected from small mammals in six counties of Taiwan. Moreover, by capitalising on parallel Rickettsia detections on small mammals and their infested ticks and fleas, we were able to identify Rickettsia spp. that suggested more intimate associations with chigger mites. Rickettsia detection rates in 318 pools of chiggers were 21.7% and 22.3% when based on the ompB and gltA gene, respectively. Overall, we identified six (based on the ompB gene) and eight (gltA gene) Rickettsia species. Approximately half of the sequenced species were most similar to Rickettsia sp. clone MB74-1 (ompB gene) and Rickettsia sp. TwKM02 (gltA gene). Furthermore, both species were either infrequently or never identified in small mammals, ticks and fleas, which suggests that chigger mites might be the primary host of both rickettsiae. Whether both species are pathogenic to humans remains to be studied. They may also be microbial endosymbionts of chigger mites, with their potential effects on the pathogenicity of the aetiologic agent of scrub typhus deserving further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Chien Kuo
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Lung Lee
- Center for Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsi-Chieh Wang
- Center for Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
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Orlova MV, Doronin IV, Klimov PB, Anisimov NV. A review of mites and ticks parasitizing rock lizards (Lacertidae: Darevskia). J Vector Ecol 2022; 47:19-28. [PMID: 35366676 DOI: 10.52707/1081-1710-47.1.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Rock lizards of the genus Darevskia are interesting research models due to their asexual reproduction. Ectoparasitic mites and ticks of these lizards are poorly known, despite some of these chelicerates being vector pathogens of humans and wildlife. Here we document and curate previously known data on ectoparasitic Acari of rock lizards and, based on our extensive survey, provide an annotated list of these ectoparasitic arthropods (six tick species, one macronyssid species, and seven chigger species). We also provide new host records (Ixodes ricinus on Darevskia caucasica, D. dryada, D. mixta, and D. szczerbaki; Haemaphysalis sulcata on D. rudis; Odontacarus saxicolis on D. brauneri); and new geographical records (O. saxicolis in Russia and Georgia).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria V Orlova
- Tyumen State Medical University, Tyumen, Russia. National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russia,
| | - Igor V Doronin
- Zoological Institute of Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Pavel B Klimov
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Wales, United Kingdom
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Santibáñez P, Gallo E, Palomar AM, Portillo A, Carrillo JA, Oteo JA. Trombiculiasis in a Dog with Severe Neurologic Disorders, Spain. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 26:819-820. [PMID: 32187003 PMCID: PMC7101131 DOI: 10.3201/eid2604.191313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chiggers, the larvae of trombiculid mites, parasitize a wide variety of terrestrial vertebrates worldwide. Their bites cause seasonal trombiculiasis in humans and animals. Affected canines can have a variety of digestive and systemic clinical signs. We describe a case of canine trombiculiasis in a dog exhibiting severe neurologic symptoms.
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McAllister CT, Durden LA, Greiman SE. Euschoengastia pipistrelli (Acari: Trombiculidae) from American Perimyotis, Perimyotis subflavus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae): Novel Stereoscopic and Scanning Electron Microscopy. J Parasitol 2021; 107:125-128. [PMID: 33647984 DOI: 10.1645/20-139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The chigger, Euschoengastia pipistrelli Brennan, is a trombiculid mite that infests a variety of vespertilionid bats in North America. It has been reported from at least 9 species of bats from 18 U.S. states. However, nothing is available on the actual in situ infestation and ultrastructure of this chigger. Here we document some stereoscopic photographs of the infestation as well as a scanning electron micrograph of the mite from a common bat species. We also provide a summation of host and state records for this chigger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris T McAllister
- Science and Mathematics Division, Eastern Oklahoma State College, Idabel, Oklahoma 74745
| | - Lance A Durden
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia 30458
| | - Stephen E Greiman
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia 30458
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Ramilo DW, Costa P, Stekolnikov AA, Cláudio JM, Lourenço AM, Pereira da Fonseca I, Cardoso L. First report of Ericotrombidium ibericense in domestic dogs. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:253-258. [PMID: 32671730 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-020-00247-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Larval stages of trombiculid mites infest a wide variety of wild and domestic animals. The most common clinical signs related with the presence of these parasites are alopecia, crusts, erythema, excoriation, erosion, papules, pustules and vesicles. Most of trombiculid infestations may not be perceived by the clinician due to their small size. Although Ericotrombidium ibericense has been recorded on cats, it has not been found on dogs. METHODS In August 2019, three domestic dogs presenting pruritic dermatological lesions in the ventral area of the body and interdigital spaces were presented at a veterinary clinic in Santarém, central Portugal. Trombiculid mites were extracted from the skin and preserved in 70% ethanol. Specimens were prepared in slides with Hoyer's medium and observed with optical microscopy. RESULTS After morphological examination of the specimens, mites were identified as E. ibericense (Acariformes: Trombiculidae). CONCLUSIONS Most of the trombiculids recorded in European clinical practice are generally identified as Neotrombicula autumnalis by default, since, in most cases, mites are not examined morphologically. This is the first record of E. ibericense in domestic dogs. More studies are needed to evaluate the distribution of these mites in Portugal. Veterinary clinicians must be aware of this parasitosis, as trombiculids can cause exuberant clinical signs, but are often misdiagnosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Ramilo
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, CIISA - Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro Costa
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Alexandr A Stekolnikov
- Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Universitetskaya Embankment, 1, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russia
| | - João Martinho Cláudio
- São Francisco de Assis Veterinary Clinic, Praceta Capitão Varela Santos 14, 2000-016, Santarém, Portugal
| | - Ana Mafalda Lourenço
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, CIISA - Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pereira da Fonseca
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, CIISA - Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Luis Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, and Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
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Matthee S, Stekolnikov AA, van der Mescht L, Froeschke G, Morand S. The diversity and distribution of chigger mites associated with rodents in the South African savanna. Parasitology 2020; 147:1038-1047. [PMID: 32364099 PMCID: PMC10317680 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020000748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Chigger mites (Trombiculidae) are temporary habitat-specific ectoparasites that often occur on rodents. Little ecological data are available on chiggers associated with rodents in South Africa. The study aims were to (1) record the chigger species associated with rodents in the savanna, (2) assess if chigger species display parasitope preference on the rodent body and (3) compare the distribution of chigger species in natural, agricultural and urban habitats. Rodents (n = 314) belonging to eight genera were trapped in the savanna biome during 2014 and 2015. Twelve chigger species, of which five are recently described species, were recorded from 161 rodent hosts. The data include three new country locality records. Microtrombicula mastomyia was the most prevalent species across sampling seasons and habitat types. Significant parasitope preference was recorded for two species, with the ear, face and tail base some of the preferred attachment sites. Sampling season and habitat type had a significant effect on chigger communities with summer and agricultural habitats recording the highest species richness, while the highest species diversity was recorded in natural habitats. The study contributes to our current knowledge regarding rodent-associated chigger diversity and distribution in South Africa and further highlights the importance of environmental characteristics in shaping chigger communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Matthee
- Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, 7602 Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | | | - Luther van der Mescht
- Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, 7602 Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Götz Froeschke
- Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, 7602 Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Serge Morand
- CNRS – ISEM Montpellier University, Montpellier, France
- CIRAD – Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Katsetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Kumlert R, Pawestri AR, Linsuwanon P, Morand S. Innovative Distance Learning Tool for Morphological Identification of Chigger Mites (Actinotrichida) as Vectors of Scrub Typhus: A Pilot Study. Trop Med Infect Dis 2020; 5:tropicalmed5020055. [PMID: 32260591 PMCID: PMC7345848 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed5020055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Scrub typhus, a disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, affects more than one billion people globally with an average fatality rate of 6%. Humans are accidentally infected through the bite of trombiculid mite larvae (chiggers). Chiggers feed on hosts’ extracellular fluid for survival and development. O. tsutsugamushi is maintained throughout the chigger’s lifespan and over several generations. Although disease-related knowledge is essential in designing effective control strategies, many personnel in related sectors are unfamiliar with this disease and its vector. To tackle this issue, we developed a distance learning tool using educational videos on scrub typhus- and vector-related topics. The learning method is facilitated online, and students and tutors are not required to be physically present at the same place and time, thus allowing flexibility and accessibility. Knowledge improvement of 34 participants from related sectors was evaluated by pre- and post-test questionnaires. Although 54% of participants had prior knowledge of scrub typhus, 76.5% still lack basic knowledge of vector identification. After the distance learning, the average score increased significantly from the baseline (p < 0.05). Most participants showed interest in the topic and learning method. These results suggest that the distance learning method was promising in distributing health-related information and might be applied to other diseases and communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rawadee Kumlert
- The Office of Disease Prevention and Control 12, Songkhla Province (ODPC12), Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Songkhla 90000, Thailand;
| | - Aulia Rahmi Pawestri
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University (FTM, MU), Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang 65145, Indonesia
| | - Piyada Linsuwanon
- United States Medical Directorate-Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (US-AFRIMS), Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
| | - Serge Morand
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University (FTM, MU), Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
- Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution—Montpellier University—National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS)—French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), 34090 Montpellier, France
- Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart Univesity, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +66-8-7040-5616
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Ramilo DW, Monteiro C, Carreira M, Pereira da Fonseca I, Cardoso L. First report of Neotrombicula inopinata infestation in domestic cats from Portugal. Vet Parasitol 2019; 267:1-3. [PMID: 30878078 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Trombiculids parasitize a wide variety of terrestrial vertebrates, including domestic animals, throughout the world. They are parasites only during their larval stages, causing several dermatological lesions on their hosts, such as acute dermatitis, erythema, excoriation, erosion, papules, crusts and alopecia on the ear margins, face, interdigital spaces and abdomen. Neotrombicula is one of the several genera in Trombiculidae family, which cause trombiculosis. The most common species implicated in clinical cases is Neotrombicula autumnalis. However, several reports have shown that Neotrombicula inopinata (Oudemans, 1909) can also play a role in trombiculosis. Here, we describe the first case of N. inopinata infestation in domestic cats from mainland Portugal. Since nucleic acids of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi have been found in Neotrombicula autumnalis and Rickettsia spp. in Neotrombicula inopinata, a correct taxonomical identification is essential to understand the role of these mite species as possible vectors of pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Ramilo
- CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carla Monteiro
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marrion Carreira
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pereira da Fonseca
- CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, and Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
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Moniuszko H, Felska M, Mąkol J. Evidence for co-invasion events: different chigger species (Actinotrichida, Trombidioidea: trombiculidae) share a host. Exp Appl Acarol 2018; 76:29-39. [PMID: 30206798 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-018-0293-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Received: 07/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Cases of co-invasion of various chigger species parasitizing murids and cricetids in various habitats were analysed using morphological and molecular approaches. Here we provide evidence for 25 new cases of co-parasitism of chigger mites on rodent hosts (Myodes glareolus, Apodemus flavicollis, Apodemus agrarius) accounting for 8.6% of all host-parasite associations observed in this study. The results confirm higher incidence of co-parasitism in vertebrate-associated Parasitengona mites compared to arthropod-associated ones. Among factors influencing the occurrence of co-parasitism in Trombiculidae the body constitution and year-round availability of hosts associated with lower host specificity of larvae should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Moniuszko
- Department of Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology, Institute of Biology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska 5b, 51-631, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Magdalena Felska
- Department of Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology, Institute of Biology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska 5b, 51-631, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Joanna Mąkol
- Department of Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology, Institute of Biology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Kożuchowska 5b, 51-631, Wrocław, Poland.
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Salvadori C, Formenti N, Trogu T, Lanfranchi P, Rossi L, Citterio C, Obber F, Poli A. Pathology and Distribution of Trombiculosis in Northern Chamois ( Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra) in the Italian Alps. J Wildl Dis 2019; 55:183-8. [PMID: 30161018 DOI: 10.7589/2018-01-020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Trombiculosis has been reported in some wild ruminant species. We investigated the occurrence of trombiculosis in the northern chamois ( Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra) in the Western Italian Alps, and we describe the related histopathologic changes. Superficial scrapes and skin samples were taken from 191 chamois from the Lombardy and Piedmont regions during the hunting season in September-December 2015. Numbers of eosinophils, mast cells, cluster of differentiation (CD)3-, CD79α-, CD68-positive cells were determined on immunohistochemically stained skin sections using a semiautomatic analysis system. Forty (20.9, 40/191) chamois were positive for trombiculid larvae on skin scrapings. Of the positive animals, 15 were from Lombardy and 25 from Piedmont, with similar prevalences. Macroscopic lesions were light with involvement of body regions that had contact with the ground, especially head (pinnae and areas around eyes and mouth) and limbs, where stylostome was easily formed due to thin skin. Histologically, trombiculosis caused a focal moderate dermatitis with epidermal necrosis, thin crusts, and hyperkeratosis. Inflammatory infiltrates were suggestive of a granulomatous reaction centered on a stylostome, formed by mite saliva and necrotic host tissue debris. However, we detected some difference in cutaneous immune response with some chamois showing a prevalent T-cell response and others having an increased B-cell count associated with a higher number of eosinophils, mast cells and a lower number of T cells.
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Regolin AL, Furnari N, de Castro Jacinavicius F, Linardi PM, de Carvalho-Pinto CJ. Ectoparasites of the critically endangered insular cavy, Cavia intermedia (Rodentia: Caviidae), southern Brazil. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2015; 4:37-42. [PMID: 25830106 PMCID: PMC4356876 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2014.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 09/22/2014] [Revised: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Cavia intermedia is a rodent species critically endangered and is found only on a 10 hectare island off the southern Brazilian coast. To identify the ectoparasites of C. intermedia, 27 specimens (14 males and 13 females), representing approximately 65% of the estimated total population, were captured and examined. A total of 1336 chewing lice of two species were collected: Gliricola lindolphoi (Amblycera: Gyropidae) and Trimenopon hispidum (Amblycera: Trimenoponidae). In addition, chiggers Arisocerus hertigi (Acari: Trombiculidae) and Eutrombicula sp. (Acari: Trombiculidae) were collected from the ears of all captured animals. This low species richness compared to those for other Cavia species is expected for island mammals. Although the results presented here are not conclusive about the relationship between C. intermedia and ectoparasites, this low species richness found might be reflected in a low level of investment by the hosts in the basal immune defense, since investments in white blood cell production by mammals are influenced by the diversity of parasites in the environment. Additionally, considering that it might result in host vulnerability to other parasites that might be introduced through exotic or migratory host species, the monitoring of C. intermedia, including parasitological and immunological assessments, is recommended as a key component of conservation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Luis Regolin
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97110-970, Brazil
| | - Nina Furnari
- Departamento de Psicologia Experimental, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-030, Brazil
| | | | - Pedro Marcos Linardi
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Carlos José de Carvalho-Pinto
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
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Lutermann H, Fagir DM, Bennett NC. Complex interactions within the ectoparasite community of the eastern rock sengi (Elephantulus myurus). Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2015; 4:148-58. [PMID: 25830115 PMCID: PMC4356872 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Revised: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
We monitored and manipulated the ectoparasite community of rock sengis over 3 years. We found a number of facilitating interactions between tick species. Inter-taxon interactions were mostly antagonistic. Experimental manipulation had long-term effects on the ectoparasite community.
Concomitant infection with more than one parasite species is the rule in nature. Since co-infecting parasites are exploiting the same host, interspecific interactions at the infracommunity level are likely. The nature of such interactions can be expected to affect the distribution of parasites within host populations. Intraspecific interactions within the infracommunity are not easily discernible from cross-sectional studies and the focus of most of these studies lies on relationships between endoparasitic micro- and macroparasites. In the current study of the ectoparasite community of wild eastern rock sengis (Elephantulus myurus) we experimentally reduced tick and flea infestations and monitored ectoparasite burdens over the course of three years. We found a number of within-taxon facilitating interactions between tick species that might be the result of decreasing immune responses with increasing tick burden. In contrast, inter-taxon relationships appeared to be dominated by antagonistic relationships likely to be linked to competition over feeding sites. Only one of the observed interspecific interactions was reciprocal. Our experimental manipulation revealed additional antagonistic relationships that cross-sectional studies would not have captured. In addition, we found substantial long-term changes in the sengi ectoparasite community as a result of our experimental manipulation suggesting carry-over effects of our treatment. This study is the first that evaluates interspecific interactions within the entire ectoparasite community exploiting a mammalian host in Africa and highlights the complexity of interspecific interactions within an ectoparasite community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Lutermann
- Corresponding author. Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa. Tel.: +27 12 420 4872; fax: +27 12 362 5242.
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Ren TG, Guo XG, Jin DC, Wu D, Fletcher QE. A new species of chigger mite (acari: trombiculidae) from rodents in southwest China. Korean J Parasitol 2014; 52:63-7. [PMID: 24623884 PMCID: PMC3948996 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2014.52.1.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2013] [Revised: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes a new species of chigger mite (Acari: Trombiculidae), Gahrliepia cangshanensis n. sp., from rodents in southwest China. The specimens were collected from Yunnan red-backed voles, Eothenomys miletus (Thomas, 1914), and a Chinese white-bellied rat, Niviventer confucianus (Milne-Edwards, 1871) in Yunnan Province. The new species is unique mainly in its number of dorsal setae (n=21), and it has the following features: fT (formula of palpotarsus)=4B (B=branched), fp (formula of palpal seta)=B/N/N/N/B (N=naked), a broad tongue-shaped scutum with an almost straight posterior margin, and 17 PPLs (posterior posterolateral seta) with a length of 36-43 µm. This chigger mite may also infect other rodent hosts and may be distributed in other localities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Guang Ren
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University (The Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Region), Guiyang 550025, P. R. China. ; Vector Laboratory, Institute of Pathogens and Vectors (Branch of Key Laboratory for Preventing and Controlling Plague of Yunnan Province), Dali University, Dali, Yunnan Province 671000, P.R. China
| | - Xian-Guo Guo
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University (The Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Region), Guiyang 550025, P. R. China. ; Vector Laboratory, Institute of Pathogens and Vectors (Branch of Key Laboratory for Preventing and Controlling Plague of Yunnan Province), Dali University, Dali, Yunnan Province 671000, P.R. China
| | - Dao-Chao Jin
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University (The Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Region), Guiyang 550025, P. R. China
| | - Dian Wu
- Vector Laboratory, Institute of Pathogens and Vectors (Branch of Key Laboratory for Preventing and Controlling Plague of Yunnan Province), Dali University, Dali, Yunnan Province 671000, P.R. China
| | - Quinn E Fletcher
- Département de Biologie, Chimie et Géographie, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, QC G5L 3A1, Canada
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