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Gomontean B, Jumpato W, Wongpakam K, Tangkawanit U, Wannasingha W, Thanee I, Ya’cob Z, Pramual P. Diversity, Distribution and Host Blood Meal Analysis of Adult Black Flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) from Thailand. INSECTS 2024; 15:74. [PMID: 38276823 PMCID: PMC10816295 DOI: 10.3390/insects15010074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the factors associated with the species diversity and distribution of insect vectors is critically important for disease epidemiology. Black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) are significant hematophagous insects, as many species are pests and vectors that transmit pathogens to humans and other animals. Ecological factors associated with black fly species distribution have been extensively examined for the immature stages but are far less well explored for the adult stage. In this study, we collected a total of 7706 adult black fly specimens from various locations in forests, villages and animal shelters in Thailand. The integration of morphology and DNA barcoding revealed 16 black fly taxa, including Simulium yvonneae, a species first found in Vietnam, which is a new record for Thailand. The most abundant species was the Simulium asakoae complex (n = 5739, 74%), followed by S. chumpornense Takaoka and Kuvangkadilok (n = 1232, 16%). The Simulium asakoae complex was dominant in forest (3786 of 4456; 85%) and village (1774 of 2077; 85%) habitats, while S. chumpornense predominated (857 of 1175; 73%) in animal shelter areas. The Simulium asakoae complex and S. nigrogilvum Summers, which are significant pests and vectors in Thailand, occurred at a wide range of elevations, although the latter species was found mainly in high (>1000 m) mountain areas. Simulium chumpornense, S. nodosum Puri and the S. siamense Takaoka and Suzuki complex occurred predominately in low (<800 m)-elevation areas. Simulium furvum Takaoka and Srisuka; S. phurueaense Tangkawanit, Wongpakam and Pramual; and S. nr. phurueaense were only found in high (>1000 m) mountain areas. A host blood meal analysis revealed that the S. asakoae; S. chamlongi Takaoka and Suzuki; S. nigrogilvum; S. chumpornense; and the S. striatum species group were biting humans. This is the first report of the latter two species biting humans. We also found that S. chumpornense was biting turkeys, and S. chamlongi was biting chickens, which are new host blood sources recorded for these species. In addition, we found that the S. feuerborni Edwards complex was biting water buffalo, which is the first report on the biting habits of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhuvadol Gomontean
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand; (B.G.); (W.J.); (W.W.); (I.T.)
| | - Waraporn Jumpato
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand; (B.G.); (W.J.); (W.W.); (I.T.)
| | - Komgrit Wongpakam
- Walai Rukhavej Botanical Research Institute, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand;
| | - Ubon Tangkawanit
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
| | - Wannachai Wannasingha
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand; (B.G.); (W.J.); (W.W.); (I.T.)
| | - Isara Thanee
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand; (B.G.); (W.J.); (W.W.); (I.T.)
| | - Zubaidah Ya’cob
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence, Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Pairot Pramual
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand; (B.G.); (W.J.); (W.W.); (I.T.)
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Honjo Y, Fukumoto S, Sakamoto H, Hikosaka K. New PCR primers targeting the cytochrome b gene reveal diversity of Leucocytozoon lineages in an individual host. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:3313-3320. [PMID: 36121563 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07667-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Avian haemosporidian parasites have received considerable attention in ecology and evolution as a result of their wide distribution and ease of detection. However, conventional PCR-based detection methods may sometimes underestimate haemosporidian mixed infections, which are frequent in natural populations. This underestimation is due to differences in PCR sensitivity for detection of lineages within the mixed infections. Therefore, we designed new primers to amplify sequences that were not detected by the conventional primers and examined if our primers were useful for accurate detection of mixed infections. Blood samples were collected from 32 wild birds captured in Hokkaido, and 16 of these were positive for Leucocytozoon using the conventional primers, while 15 were positive using our primers. All positively amplified samples were sequenced, and we found that the conventional primers detected 16% (5/32) of multiple infections and none of them was a novel lineage, whereas our primers detected 44% (14/32) of multiple infections and ten of them were novel lineages. A phylogenetic analysis showed that the new primers can detect a wide range of Leucocytozoon lineages compared with that detected by the conventional primers. The results indicate that our primers are particularly suitable for revealing unique strains from multiple infections. Highly variable multiple infections in the same population of birds at the same location were found for the first time. We revealed a higher diversity of Leucocytozoon lineages in nature than expected, which would provide more information to better understand parasite diversity and host-vector interactions in wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yui Honjo
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Shinya Fukumoto
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Sakamoto
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.,Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Hikosaka
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.
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Marzal A, Magallanes S, Garcia-Longoria L. Stimuli Followed by Avian Malaria Vectors in Host-Seeking Behaviour. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:726. [PMID: 35625454 PMCID: PMC9138572 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Vector-borne infectious diseases (e.g., malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever) result from a parasite transmitted to humans and other animals by blood-feeding arthropods. They are major contributors to the global disease burden, as they account for nearly a fifth of all infectious diseases worldwide. The interaction between vectors and their hosts plays a key role driving vector-borne disease transmission. Therefore, identifying factors governing host selection by blood-feeding insects is essential to understand the transmission dynamics of vector-borne diseases. Here, we review published information on the physical and chemical stimuli (acoustic, visual, olfactory, moisture and thermal cues) used by mosquitoes and other haemosporidian vectors to detect their vertebrate hosts. We mainly focus on studies on avian malaria and related haemosporidian parasites since this animal model has historically provided important advances in our understanding on ecological and evolutionary process ruling vector-borne disease dynamics and transmission. We also present relevant studies analysing the capacity of feather and skin symbiotic bacteria in the production of volatile compounds with vector attractant properties. Furthermore, we review the role of uropygial secretions and symbiotic bacteria in bird-insect vector interactions. In addition, we present investigations examining the alterations induced by haemosporidian parasites on their arthropod vector and vertebrate host to enhance parasite transmission. Finally, we propose future lines of research for designing successful vector control strategies and for infectious disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Marzal
- Department of Anatomy, Cellular Biology and Zoology, University of Extremadura, Avenida de Elvas s/n, 06006 Badajoz, Spain;
- Grupo de Investigación y Sostenibilidad Ambiental, Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal, Lima 15007, Peru
| | - Sergio Magallanes
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Biological Station (EBD-CSIC), Avda, Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain;
| | - Luz Garcia-Longoria
- Department of Anatomy, Cellular Biology and Zoology, University of Extremadura, Avenida de Elvas s/n, 06006 Badajoz, Spain;
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Lima-Neiva V, Toma HK, Abrantes Aguiar LM, Lopes CM, Dias LP, Monte Gonçalves TC, Costa J. The connection between Trypanosoma cruzi transmission cycles by Triatoma brasiliensis brasiliensis: A threat to human health in an area susceptible to desertification in the Seridó, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009919. [PMID: 34752464 PMCID: PMC8577756 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
An outbreak of Chagas disease, possibly involving its vector Triatoma brasiliensis brasiliensis, was identified in the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN). Given the historical significance of this vector in public health, the study aimed to evaluate its role in the transmission dynamics of the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi in an area undergoing desertification in the Seridó region, RN, Brazil. We captured triatomines in sylvatic and anthropic ecotopes. Natural vector infection was determined using parasitological and molecular methods and we identified discrete typing units (DTUs) of T. cruzi by analyzing the COII gene of mtDNA, 24Sα rDNA, and mini-exon gene. Their blood meals sources were identified by amplification and sequencing of the mtDNA cytochrome b gene. A total of 952 T. b. brasiliensis were captured in peridomestic (69.9%) and sylvatic ecotopes (30.4%). A wide range of natural infection rates were observed in peridomestic (36.0% - 71.1%) and sylvatic populations (28.6% - 100.0%). We observed the circulation of TcI and TcII DTUs with a predominance of Tcl in sylvatic and peridomestic environments. Kerodon rupestris, rocky cavy (13/39), Homo sapiens, human (8/39), and Bos taurus, ox (6/39) were the most frequently detected blood meals sources. Thus, Triatoma b. brasiliensis is invading and colonizing the human dwellings. Furthermore, high levels of natural infection, coupled with the detection of TcI and TcII DTUs, and also the detection of K. rupestris and H. sapiens as blood meals sources of infected T. b. brasiliensis indicate a risk of T. cruzi transmission to human populations in areas undergoing desertification. Chagas disease currently affects about six to seven million people worldwide, resulting in high morbidity, mortality, and economic burden in endemic countries of Latin America. Its etiological agent, Trypanosoma cruzi, circulates among a wide variety of mammalian and insect vectors. Triatoma brasiliensis brasiliensis is adapted to the dry and warm climate of the Caatinga biome, and is considered the main vector in the semi-arid areas of northeastern Brazil. Information on the infestation, natural infection rates, T. cruzi strains, and blood meals sources of this vector is crucial for understanding the dynamics of T. cruzi transmission in areas susceptible to desertification. Triatoma b. brasiliensis colonizes peridomestic structures, particularly in the stone walls of cattle corrals that emerge as a refuge for sylvatic populations where they access a variety of blood meals sources. The predominance of the TcI strain in the sylvatic and peridomestic environments shows an overlap of transmission cycles by T. cruzi mediated by T. b. brasiliensis. The high rates of natural infection and the evidence of their feeding on humans and the rodent K. rupestris are worrisome and indicate the threat this vector poses to human health in the area studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Lima-Neiva
- Laboratório de Biodiversidade Entomológica, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Helena Keiko Toma
- Laboratório de Diagnóstico Molecular e Hematologia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Catarina Macedo Lopes
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Vigilância Entomológica em Diptera e Hemiptera, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz /FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Letícia Paschoaletto Dias
- Laboratório de Biodiversidade Entomológica, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Teresa Cristina Monte Gonçalves
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Vigilância Entomológica em Diptera e Hemiptera, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz /FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jane Costa
- Laboratório de Biodiversidade Entomológica, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Nunn CL, Vining AQ, Chakraborty D, Reiskind MH, Young HS. Effects of host extinction and vector preferences on vector-borne disease risk in phylogenetically structured host-hector communities. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256456. [PMID: 34424937 PMCID: PMC8382198 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic disturbance impacts the phylogenetic composition and diversity of ecological communities. While changes in diversity are known to dramatically change species interactions and alter disease dynamics, the effects of phylogenetic changes in host and vector communities on disease have been relatively poorly studied. Using a theoretical model, we investigated how phylogeny and extinction influence network structural characteristics relevant to disease transmission in disturbed environments. We modelled a multi-host, multi-vector community as a bipartite ecological network, where nodes represent host and vector species and edges represent connections among them through vector feeding, and we simulated vector preferences and threat status on host and parasite phylogenies. We then simulated loss of hosts, including phylogenetically clustered losses, to investigate how extinction influences network structure. We compared effects of phylogeny and extinction to those of host specificity, which we predicted to strongly increase network modularity and reduce disease prevalence. The simulations revealed that extinction often increased modularity, with higher modularity as species loss increased, although not as much as increasing host specificity did. These results suggest that extinction itself, all else being equal, may reduce disease prevalence in disturbed communities. However, in real communities, systematic patterns in species loss (e.g. favoring high competence species) or changes in abundance may counteract these effects. Unexpectedly, we found that effects of phylogenetic signal in host and vector traits were relatively weak, and only important when phylogenetic signal of host and vector traits were similar, or when these traits both varied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles L. Nunn
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Alexander Q. Vining
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Graduate Program in Animal Behavior, UC Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Debapriyo Chakraborty
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- INRAE ENVT IHAP, National Veterinary School of Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Michael H. Reiskind
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Hillary S. Young
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, United States of America
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Ferraguti M, Martínez-de la Puente J, Jiménez–Clavero MÁ, Llorente F, Roiz D, Ruiz S, Soriguer R, Figuerola J. A field test of the dilution effect hypothesis in four avian multi-host pathogens. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009637. [PMID: 34161394 PMCID: PMC8221496 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Dilution Effect Hypothesis (DEH) argues that greater biodiversity lowers the risk of disease and reduces the rates of pathogen transmission since more diverse communities harbour fewer competent hosts for any given pathogen, thereby reducing host exposure to the pathogen. DEH is expected to operate most intensely in vector-borne pathogens and when species-rich communities are not associated with increased host density. Overall, dilution will occur if greater species diversity leads to a lower contact rate between infected vectors and susceptible hosts, and between infected hosts and susceptible vectors. Field-based tests simultaneously analysing the prevalence of several multi-host pathogens in relation to host and vector diversity are required to validate DEH. We tested the relationship between the prevalence in house sparrows (Passer domesticus) of four vector-borne pathogens-three avian haemosporidians (including the avian malaria parasite Plasmodium and the malaria-like parasites Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon) and West Nile virus (WNV)-and vertebrate diversity. Birds were sampled at 45 localities in SW Spain for which extensive data on vector (mosquitoes) and vertebrate communities exist. Vertebrate censuses were conducted to quantify avian and mammal density, species richness and evenness. Contrary to the predictions of DEH, WNV seroprevalence and haemosporidian prevalence were not negatively associated with either vertebrate species richness or evenness. Indeed, the opposite pattern was found, with positive relationships between avian species richness and WNV seroprevalence, and Leucocytozoon prevalence being detected. When vector (mosquito) richness and evenness were incorporated into the models, all the previous associations between WNV prevalence and the vertebrate community variables remained unchanged. No significant association was found for Plasmodium prevalence and vertebrate community variables in any of the models tested. Despite the studied system having several characteristics that should favour the dilution effect (i.e., vector-borne pathogens, an area where vector and host densities are unrelated, and where host richness is not associated with an increase in host density), none of the relationships between host species diversity and species richness, and pathogen prevalence supported DEH and, in fact, amplification was found for three of the four pathogens tested. Consequently, the range of pathogens and communities studied needs to be broadened if we are to understand the ecological factors that favour dilution and how often these conditions occur in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Ferraguti
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Doñana Biological Station (EBD–CSIC), Seville, Spain
| | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Doñana Biological Station (EBD–CSIC), Seville, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Jiménez–Clavero
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA–CISA), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Llorente
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA–CISA), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Roiz
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Doñana Biological Station (EBD–CSIC), Seville, Spain
| | - Santiago Ruiz
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Diputación de Huelva, Área de Medio Ambiente, Servicio de Control de Mosquitos, Huelva, Spain
| | - Ramón Soriguer
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Ethology & Biodiversity Conservation, Doñana Biological Station (EBD–CSIC), Seville, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Doñana Biological Station (EBD–CSIC), Seville, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Chakarov N, Veiga J, Ruiz-Arrondo I, Valera F. Atypical behavior of a black fly species connects cavity-nesting birds with generalist blood parasites in an arid area of Spain. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:298. [PMID: 34082829 PMCID: PMC8173925 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04798-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The feeding behavior of bloodsucking insects determines the transmission, distribution, host spectrum and evolution of blood parasites in the wild. Conventional wisdom suggests that some vector groups (e.g. black flies, family Simuliidae) are consistently exophagous daytime biters. We aimed to understand more about the exceptions to this pattern by combining targeted trapping and molecular identification of parasites in vectors. METHODS In this study, we collected black flies in nest boxes used by European rollers Coracias garrulus in southeastern Spain. We molecularly analyzed 434 individual insects, identifying the black fly species caught in the nest boxes, their potential vertebrate blood meals, and the haemosporidian parasite lineages that they carried. RESULTS Only one black fly species, Simulium rubzovianum, appeared to enter the nest boxes of rollers. Among the trapped specimens, 15% contained vertebrate DNA, which always belonged to rollers, even though only half of those specimens were visibly engorged. Furthermore, 15% of all black flies contained Leucocytozoon lineages, indicating previous feeding on avian hosts but probably not on infected adult rollers. The known vertebrate hosts of the recorded Leucocytozoon lineages suggested that large and/or abundant birds are their hosts. Particularly represented were cavity-nesting species breeding in the vicinity, such as pigeons, corvids and owls. Open-nesting species such as thrushes and birds of prey were also represented. CONCLUSIONS Our data strongly suggest that S. rubzovianum bites uninfected roller nestlings and infected individuals of other species, potentially incubating adults, inside nest boxes and natural cavities. This simuliid does not appear to have a strong preference for specific host clades. Contrary to the general pattern for the group, and possibly enhanced by the harsh environmental conditions in the study area, this black fly appeared to intensively use and may even have a preference for confined spaces such as cavities for feeding and resting. Preferences of vectors for atypical microhabitat niches where hosts are less mobile may enable social and within-family transmission and parasite speciation in the long term. At the same time, a lack of host preference in concentrated multispecies communities can lead to host switches. Both processes may be underappreciated driving forces in the evolution of avian blood parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayden Chakarov
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Jesús Veiga
- Departamento de Ecología Funcional y Evolutiva, Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (EEZA-CSIC), Almería, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ruiz-Arrondo
- Centre for Rickettsiosis and Arthropod-Borne Diseases, Hospital Universitario San Pedro-CIBIR, Logroño, Spain
| | - Francisco Valera
- Departamento de Ecología Funcional y Evolutiva, Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (EEZA-CSIC), Almería, Spain
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Yan J, Gangoso L, Ruiz S, Soriguer R, Figuerola J, Martínez-de la Puente J. Understanding host utilization by mosquitoes: determinants, challenges and future directions. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:1367-1385. [PMID: 33686781 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Mosquito host utilization is a key factor in the transmission of vector-borne pathogens given that it greatly influences host-vector contact rates. Blood-feeding patterns of mosquitoes are not random, as some mosquitoes feed on particular species and/or individuals more than expected by chance. Mosquitoes use a number of cues including visual, olfactory, acoustic, and thermal stimuli emitted by vertebrate hosts to locate and identify their blood meal sources. Thus, differences in the quality/intensity of the released cues may drive host selection by mosquitoes at both inter- and intra-specific levels. Such patterns of host selection by mosquitoes in space and time can be structured by factors related to mosquitoes (e.g. innate host preference, behavioural plasticity), to hosts (e.g. emission of host-seeking cues, host availability) or to both (e.g. pathogen infection). In this study, we review current evidence, from phenomena to mechanisms, of how these factors influence host utilization by mosquitoes. We also review the methodologies commonly used in this research field and identify the major challenges for future studies. To bridge the knowledge gaps, we propose improvements to strengthen traditional approaches and the use of a functional trait-based approach to infer mosquito host utilization in natural communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayue Yan
- Doñana Biological Station, Spanish National Research Council (EBD-CSIC), C/Americo Vespucio 26, Seville, 41092, Spain.,Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois, 1816 S Oak St., Champaign, IL, 61821, U.S.A
| | - Laura Gangoso
- Doñana Biological Station, Spanish National Research Council (EBD-CSIC), C/Americo Vespucio 26, Seville, 41092, Spain.,Department of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, C/José Antonio Novais 2, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Santiago Ruiz
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 28029, Spain.,Service of Mosquito Control, Diputación Provincial de Huelva, Ctra. Hospital Infanta Elena s/n, Huelva, 21007, Spain
| | - Ramón Soriguer
- Doñana Biological Station, Spanish National Research Council (EBD-CSIC), C/Americo Vespucio 26, Seville, 41092, Spain.,CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Doñana Biological Station, Spanish National Research Council (EBD-CSIC), C/Americo Vespucio 26, Seville, 41092, Spain.,CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Doñana Biological Station, Spanish National Research Council (EBD-CSIC), C/Americo Vespucio 26, Seville, 41092, Spain.,CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Av. Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 28029, Spain.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada (UGR), Campus Universitario de Cartuja, Granada, 18.071, Spain
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9
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Reis S, Melo M, Covas R, Doutrelant C, Pereira H, Lima RD, Loiseau C. Influence of land use and host species on parasite richness, prevalence and co-infection patterns. Int J Parasitol 2020; 51:83-94. [PMID: 33045239 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Tropical forests are experiencing increasing impacts from a multitude of anthropogenic activities such as logging and conversion to agricultural use. These perturbations are expected to have strong impacts on ecological interactions and on the transmission dynamics of infectious diseases. To date, no clear picture of the effects of deforestation on vector-borne disease transmission has emerged. This is associated with the challenge of studying complex systems where many vertebrate hosts and vectors co-exist. To overcome this problem, we focused on an innately simplified system - a small oceanic island (São Tomé, Gulf of Guinea). We analyzed the impacts of human land-use on host-parasite interactions by sampling the bird community (1735 samples from 30 species) in natural and anthropogenic land use at different elevations, and screened individuals for haemosporidian parasites from three genera (Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon). Overall, Plasmodium had the highest richness but the lowest prevalence, while Leucocytozoon diversity was the lowest despite having the highest prevalence. Interestingly, co-infections (i.e. intra-host diversity) involved primarily Leucocytozoon lineages (95%). We also found marked differences between bird species and habitats. Some bird species showed low prevalence but harbored high diversity of parasites, while others showed high prevalence but were infected with fewer lineages. These infection dynamics are most likely driven by host specificity of parasites and intrinsic characteristics of hosts. In addition, Plasmodium was more abundant in disturbed habitats and at lower elevations, while Leucocytozoon was more prevalent in forest areas and at higher elevations. These results likely reflect the ecological requirements of their vectors: mosquitoes and black flies, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Reis
- CIBIO, Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO Associate Laboratory, Vairão, Portugal
| | - M Melo
- CIBIO, Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO Associate Laboratory, Vairão, Portugal; Natural History and Science Museum, University of Porto, Portugal; Fitzpatrick Institute, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - R Covas
- CIBIO, Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO Associate Laboratory, Vairão, Portugal; Fitzpatrick Institute, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - C Doutrelant
- CEFE, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - H Pereira
- CIBIO, Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO Associate Laboratory, Vairão, Portugal
| | - R de Lima
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, University of Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Portugal
| | - C Loiseau
- CIBIO, Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO Associate Laboratory, Vairão, Portugal; CEFE, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France.
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10
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Ganser C, Monadjem A, McCleery RA, Ndlela T, Wisely SM. Is it best on the nest? Effects of avian life-history on haemosporidian parasitism. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2020; 13:62-71. [PMID: 32884900 PMCID: PMC7452475 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Infectious diseases vary in prevalence and pathology among host species. Species may differ in prevalence of infection due to varying exposure and susceptibility to disease agents throughout their lifetime, which may be attributable to underlying differences in their phenology, physiology and behavior. A recently growing body of literature has focused on the utility of host life-history traits to provide mechanistic explanations for interspecific variation in host-parasite associations. In this study, we utilized diverse avian and haemosporidian assemblages in an African savanna to evaluate the link between haemosporidia prevalence (Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon) and avian life-history traits such as body size, mating system, nest care and nest structure. We found that variation of haemosporidia prevalence was consistent with life-history traits that pertain to the reproduction of avian host. Nest care was the single most important predictor of infection status. In birds with shared and female-only nest care, the expected rates of parasitism were between 8- and 12-fold higher than in avian brood parasites that provide no nest care. This finding supports the hypothesis that parental care is an evolutionarily costly life-history trait that increases species' risk of infection with vector-borne diseases. The influence of other host traits (nest structure, body size) was less consistent suggesting that differences in the vectors’ ecology and host-seeking behavior produce variable patterns of parasitism among haemosporidia genera. Nest structure influenced infection with Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon only. Leucocytozoon infections were associated with ground-nesting birds, while Haemoproteus infections were associated with birds that build open nest structures. Body size was an important predictor of Leucocytozoon infections, particularly large-bodied birds like guineafowl and doves, which exhibited high prevalences. Variation in infection prevalence was consistent with reproductive traits in avian hosts. Avian species that invested less in nest care had lower infection rates than species with other nest care strategies. Leucocytozoon infections were high in ground-nesting birds; birds with open nests had higher Haemoproteus infections. Birds like guineafowl and doves with larger body size had more Leucocytozoon infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Ganser
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, 110 Newins-Ziegler Hall, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Ara Monadjem
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eswatini, Kwaluseni, Eswatini.,Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Robert A McCleery
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, 110 Newins-Ziegler Hall, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Thandeka Ndlela
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Eswatini, Kwaluseni, Eswatini
| | - Samantha M Wisely
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, 110 Newins-Ziegler Hall, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
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11
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Chakarov N, Kampen H, Wiegmann A, Werner D, Bensch S. Blood parasites in vectors reveal a united blackfly community in the upper canopy. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:309. [PMID: 32539849 PMCID: PMC7296761 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04177-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The behaviour of blood-sucking arthropods is a crucial determinant of blood protozoan distribution and hence of host-parasite coevolution, but it is very challenging to study in the wild. The molecular identification of parasite lineages in vectors can be a useful key to understand the behaviour and transmission patterns realised by these vectors. Methods In this study, we collected blackflies around nests of three raptor species in the upper forest canopy in central Europe and examined the presence of vertebrate DNA and haemosporidian parasites in them. We molecularly analysed 156 blackfly individuals, their vertebrate blood meals, and the haemosporidian parasite lineages they carried. Results We identified nine species of Simulium blackflies, largely belonging to the subgenera Nevermannia and Eusimulium. Only 1% of the collected specimens was visibly engorged, and only 4% contained remains of host DNA. However, in 29% of the blackflies Leucocytozoon lineages were identified, which is evidence of a previous blood meal on an avian host. Based on the known vertebrate hosts of the recorded Leucocytozoon lineages, we can infer that large and/or abundant birds, such as thrushes, crows, pigeons, birds of prey, owls and tits are the main targets of ornithophilic blackflies in the canopy. Blackfly species contained similar proportions of host group-specific parasite lineages and thus do not appear to be associated with particular host groups. Conclusions The Leucocytozoon clade infecting thrushes, crows, and pigeons present in most represented blackfly species suggests a lack of association between hosts and blackflies, which can increase the probability of host switches of blood parasites. However, the composition of the simuliid species differed between nests of common buzzards, goshawks and red kites. This segregation can be explained by coinciding habitat preferences between host and vector, and may lead to the fast speciation of Leucocytozoon parasites. Thus, subtle ecological preferences and lack of host preference of vectors in the canopy may enable both parasite diversification and host switches, and enforce a habitat-dependent evolution of avian malaria parasites and related haemosporidia.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayden Chakarov
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany. .,Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab, Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Helge Kampen
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Anja Wiegmann
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Doreen Werner
- Research Area 2 'Land Use and Governance', Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Muencheberg, Germany
| | - Staffan Bensch
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab, Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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12
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Ellis VA, Huang X, Westerdahl H, Jönsson J, Hasselquist D, Neto JM, Nilsson J, Nilsson J, Hegemann A, Hellgren O, Bensch S. Explaining prevalence, diversity and host specificity in a community of avian haemosporidian parasites. OIKOS 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.07280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo A. Ellis
- Dept of Biology, Lund Univ., Ecology Building SE‐223 62 Lund Sweden
- Dept of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, Univ. of Delaware Newark DE 19716 USA
| | - Xi Huang
- Dept of Biology, Lund Univ., Ecology Building SE‐223 62 Lund Sweden
- College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal Univ. Beijing PR China
| | | | - Jane Jönsson
- Dept of Biology, Lund Univ., Ecology Building SE‐223 62 Lund Sweden
| | | | - Júlio M. Neto
- Dept of Biology, Lund Univ., Ecology Building SE‐223 62 Lund Sweden
| | - Jan‐Åke Nilsson
- Dept of Biology, Lund Univ., Ecology Building SE‐223 62 Lund Sweden
| | - Johan Nilsson
- Dept of Biology, Lund Univ., Ecology Building SE‐223 62 Lund Sweden
| | - Arne Hegemann
- Dept of Biology, Lund Univ., Ecology Building SE‐223 62 Lund Sweden
| | - Olof Hellgren
- Dept of Biology, Lund Univ., Ecology Building SE‐223 62 Lund Sweden
| | - Staffan Bensch
- Dept of Biology, Lund Univ., Ecology Building SE‐223 62 Lund Sweden
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13
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Evolutionary ecology, taxonomy, and systematics of avian malaria and related parasites. Acta Trop 2020; 204:105364. [PMID: 32007445 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Haemosporidian parasites of the genera Plasmodium, Leucocytozoon, and Haemoproteus are one of the most prevalent and widely studied groups of parasites infecting birds. Plasmodium is the most well-known haemosporidian as the avian parasite Plasmodium relictum was the original transmission model for human malaria and was also responsible for catastrophic effects on native avifauna when introduced to Hawaii. The past two decades have seen a dramatic increase in research on avian haemosporidian parasites as a model system to understand evolutionary and ecological parasite-host relationships. Despite haemosporidians being one the best studied groups of avian parasites their specialization among avian hosts and variation in prevalence amongst regions and host taxa are not fully understood. In this review we focus on describing the current phylogenetic and morphological diversity of haemosporidian parasites, their specificity among avian and vector hosts, and identifying the determinants of haemosporidian prevalence among avian species. We also discuss how these parasites might spread across regions due to global climate change and the importance of avian migratory behavior in parasite dispersion and subsequent diversification.
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14
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Bernotienė R, Žiegytė R, Vaitkutė G, Valkiūnas G. Identification of a new vector species of avian haemoproteids, with a description of methodology for the determination of natural vectors of haemosporidian parasites. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:307. [PMID: 31215486 PMCID: PMC6582567 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3559-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Haemosporidian parasites are transmitted by dipteran blood-sucking insects but certain vectors remain unidentified for the great majority of described species. Sensitive PCR-based methods are often used for the detection of haemosporidian infection in wild-caught insects. However, this approach alone cannot distinguish between different sporogonic stages and thus is insufficient to demonstrate that the parasites produce the infective stage (sporozoite), which is essential for transmission. To prove that PCR-positive insects could act as vectors, the record of sporozoites is needed. We developed a methodology for the determination of natural vectors of avian Haemoproteus species and other haemosporidians. The essence of this approach is to apply PCR-based and microscopic diagnostic tools in parallel for sporozoite detection in insects. METHODS Culicoides biting midges transmit avian Haemoproteus parasites, but certain insect species, which are involved in transmission, remain insufficiently investigated. Biting midges were collected in the wild and identified; parous females were dissected and preparations of thorax content containing salivary glands were prepared. Remnants of the dissected midges were screened using PCR-based methods. Only thorax preparations of PCR-positive biting midges were examined microscopically. RESULTS In total, 460 parous females belonging to 15 species were collected and dissected. DNA of haemosporidians was detected in 32 (7%) of dissected insects belonging to 7 species. Of the thorax samples PCR-positive for Haemoproteus parasites, two preparations were microscopically positive for sporozoites. Both biting midges were Culicoides kibunensis. Haemoproteus pallidus (hPFC1) was identified, indicating that transmission of this infection occurs at the study site. It was proved that seven species of biting midges take bird blood meals naturally in the wild. CONCLUSIONS Culicoides kibunensis is a new vector species of avian haemoproteids and is a natural vector of H. pallidus. Numerous studies have identified vectors of Haemoproteus parasites experimentally; however, this is the first direct identification of a natural vector of Haemoproteus infection in the Old World. We suggest using the described methodology for vector research of Haemoproteus and other haemosporidians in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasa Bernotienė
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Rita Žiegytė
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
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15
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Gangoso L, Gutiérrez-López R, Martínez-de la Puente J, Figuerola J. Louse flies of Eleonora's falcons that also feed on their prey are evolutionary dead-end hosts for blood parasites. Mol Ecol 2019; 28:1812-1825. [PMID: 30710395 PMCID: PMC6850589 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Host shifts are widespread among avian haemosporidians, although the success of transmission depends upon parasite‐host and parasite‐vector compatibility. Insular avifaunas are typically characterized by a low prevalence and diversity of haemosporidians, although the underlying ecological and evolutionary processes remain unclear. We investigated the parasite transmission network in an insular system formed by Eleonora's falcons (the avian host), louse flies that parasitize the falcons (the potential vector), and haemosporidians (the parasites). We found a great diversity of parasites in louse flies (16 Haemoproteus and 6 Plasmodium lineages) that did not match with lineages previously found infecting adult falcons (only one shared lineage). Because Eleonora's falcon feeds on migratory passerines hunted over the ocean, we sampled falcon kills in search of the origin of parasites found in louse flies. Surprisingly, louse flies shared 10 of the 18 different parasite lineages infecting falcon kills. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that all lineages found in louse flies (including five new lineages) corresponded to Haemoproteus and Plasmodium parasites infecting Passeriformes. We found molecular evidence of louse flies feeding on passerines hunted by falcons. The lack of infection in nestlings and the mismatch between the lineages isolated in adult falcons and louse flies suggest that despite louse flies’ contact with a diverse array of parasites, no successful transmission to Eleonora's falcon occurs. This could be due to the falcons’ resistance to infection, the inability of parasites to develop in these phylogenetically distant species, or the inability of haemosporidian lineages to complete their development in louse flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gangoso
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain
| | | | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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16
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Harvey JA, Voelker G. Host associations and climate influence avian haemosporidian distributions in Benin. Int J Parasitol 2019; 49:27-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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17
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Verocai GG, Nelson KJ, Callahan RT, Wekesa JW, Hassan HK, Hoberg EP. A cryptic species of Onchocerca (Nematoda: Onchocercidae) in blackflies (Simulium spp.) from southern California, USA. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:547. [PMID: 30326946 PMCID: PMC6192150 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3133-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Entomological surveillance for pathogens based on molecular screening of putative arthropod vectors such as blackflies (Diptera: Simuliidae) is becoming increasingly important. Surveillance provides a means to understand host and geographical patterns of underestimated biodiversity among North American species of Onchocerca and a pathway to identify and track expanding emergence of the zoonotic Onchocerca lupi. Herein, we have screened two blackfly species, Simulium tescorum and Simulium vittatum (s.l.), from Los Angeles County, southern California, USA for DNA of filarioid nematodes to better understand species richness and limits within the genus Onchocerca. Methods A total of 1056 and 378 female blackflies was collected using CO2-baited mosquito traps from March to November of 2015 and 2016, respectively. All blackflies during 2015 were individually processed for DNA extraction and PCR targeting of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Specimens of S. tescorum collected in 2016 were processed individually with heads and bodies extracted separately, whereas those of S. vittatum (s.l.) were processed in pooled samples with heads and bodies extracted separately. A subset of filarioid-positive samples from 2015 and all samples from 2016 were screened using a PCR targeting the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 (nad5) gene (mtDNA). Results In 2015, 356 S. tescorum (33.7%) and 683 S. vittatum (s.l.) (64.7%) were collected, and an additional 17 specimens were not assessed morphologically. In 2016, a total of 378 blackflies was collected. Of these, 43 (11.6%) were S. tescorum and 327 (88.4%) were S. vittatum (s.l.), and an additional 8 specimens were not assessed morphologically. In 2015, Onchocerca sequences were detected in 4.8% (n = 17) of S. tescorum samples, and only one S. vittatum (0.15%). In 2016, only a single S. vittatum pool was positive for the same cryptic Onchocerca species. In phylogenetic comparisons based on nad5, the Onchocerca sequences from California formed a clade with those isolates in white-tailed deer from upstate New York, suggesting these belong to a single widespread cryptic species. Conclusions An uncharacterized species of Onchocerca associated with cervid hosts was found in blackflies from southern California. Sequence data demonstrated it is likely conspecific with an unnamed species of Onchocerca previously found in white-tailed deer from upstate New York. Current data support recognition of a broad geographical distribution across North America for an apparently cryptic species of Onchocerca that is discrete from O. cervipedis, considered to be a typical filarioid among cervids. Our data suggest that this cryptic species of Onchocerca may infect subspecies of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), and mule and black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus) at temporal latitudes. The blackflies Simulium tescorum and S. vittatum (s.l.) (presumably, S. tribulatum) are putative vectors. Discovery of a cryptic complex indicates that species diversity and putative associations for definitive hosts and vectors of Onchocerca species in North America must be reassessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme G Verocai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, 501 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA, 30602, USA. .,Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Boulevard, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
| | - Kimberly J Nelson
- San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, 1145 N. Azusa Canyon Rd, West Covina, CA, 91790, USA
| | - R Trey Callahan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, 501 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Joseph Wakoli Wekesa
- Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, 43420 Trader Place, Indio, CA, 92201, USA
| | - Hassan K Hassan
- Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Boulevard, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Eric P Hoberg
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
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18
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Veiga J, Martínez-de la Puente J, Václav R, Figuerola J, Valera F. Culicoides paolae and C. circumscriptus as potential vectors of avian haemosporidians in an arid ecosystem. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:524. [PMID: 30269688 PMCID: PMC6166282 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3098-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Haemosporidians are the most important vector-borne parasites due to their cosmopolitan distribution and their wide range of hosts, including humans. Identification of their vectors is critical to highlight ecologically and epidemiologically relevant features such as host specificity or transmission routes. Biting midges of the genus Culicoides are considered the main vectors of Haemoproteus spp., yet important information on aspects such as vector feeding preferences or vector-host specificity involving haemosporidian parasites is frequently missing. METHODS We assessed the abundance of Culicoides circumscriptus and C. paolae and blood sources of the latter at the nests of cavity-nesting bird species (mainly the European roller Coracias garrulus) and in their surroundings. We also explored the prevalence and genetic diversity of avian haemosporidians in parous females of both species. RESULTS Both C. circumscriptus and C. paolae were abundant in the study area and common at European roller nests. Culicoides paolae had a diverse ornithophilic diet, feeding on at least seven bird species. Human DNA was also detected in the blood meal of some individuals. Four Haemoproteus lineages, including a new one reported here for the first time, were isolated from parous females of both biting midges. CONCLUSIONS Culicoides circumscriptus and C. paolae can play a locally important role in the transmission dynamics of Haemoproteus parasites in a community of cavity-nesting bird species in an arid ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Veiga
- Departamento de Ecología Funcional y Evolutiva, Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (EEZA-CSIC), Ctra. de Sacramento s/n, La Cañada de San Urbano, E-04120, Almería, Spain.
| | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Departamento de Ecología de Humedales, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Radovan Václav
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, SK-84506, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Departamento de Ecología de Humedales, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Valera
- Departamento de Ecología Funcional y Evolutiva, Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (EEZA-CSIC), Ctra. de Sacramento s/n, La Cañada de San Urbano, E-04120, Almería, Spain
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19
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Yan J, Broggi J, Martínez-de la Puente J, Gutiérrez-López R, Gangoso L, Soriguer R, Figuerola J. Does bird metabolic rate influence mosquito feeding preference? Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:110. [PMID: 29471885 PMCID: PMC5824498 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2708-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Host selection by mosquitoes plays a central role in the transmission of vector-borne infectious diseases. Although interspecific variation in mosquito attraction has often been reported, the mechanisms underlying intraspecific differences in hosts' attractiveness to mosquitoes are still poorly known. Metabolic rate is related to several physiological parameters used as location cues by mosquitoes, and so potentially affect host-vector contact rates. Therefore, individual hosts with higher metabolic rates should be more attractive to host-seeking mosquitoes. Here, we experimentally investigated the role of bird metabolic rate in the feeding preferences of Culex pipiens (Linnaeus), a widespread mosquito vector of many pathogens affecting human and wildlife health. RESULTS Passer domesticus (Linnaeus) pairs containing one bird treated with 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) and the other injected with phosphate-buffered saline solution (PBS) (i.e. control) were simultaneously exposed overnight to mosquitoes. The treatment did not affect the proportion of mosquitoes biting on each individual. However, mosquito feeding preference was negatively associated with bird resting metabolic rate but positively with bird body mass. These two variables explained up to 62.76% of the variations in mosquito feeding preference. CONCLUSIONS The relationships between mosquito feeding preferences and individual host characteristics could be explained by enhanced anti-mosquito behaviour associated with higher metabolic rates. The potential role of cues emitted by hosts is also discussed. Thus, individuals with high metabolism may actively avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, despite releasing more attractant cues. Since metabolic rates can be related to individual differences in personality and life history traits, differences in mosquitoes' feeding preferences may be related to intraspecific differences in exposure to vector-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayue Yan
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio, 26, E-41092, Seville, Spain.
| | - Juli Broggi
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio, 26, E-41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio, 26, E-41092, Seville, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBER ESP), Seville, Spain
| | - Rafael Gutiérrez-López
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio, 26, E-41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Laura Gangoso
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio, 26, E-41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Ramón Soriguer
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio, 26, E-41092, Seville, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBER ESP), Seville, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio, 26, E-41092, Seville, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBER ESP), Seville, Spain
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Environmental determinants of haemosporidian parasite prevalence in a declining population of Tree swallows. Parasitology 2017; 145:961-970. [PMID: 29166965 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017002128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of vector-borne parasites such as haemosporidian species is influenced by several environmental factors. While the negative effects of parasitism on hosts are well documented, these can also be amplified by interactions with environmental stressors, many of which are anthropogenic. Yet, we know little about the possible effects of anthropogenic perturbations on parasite prevalence. The goals of this study were to assess the prevalence and environmental determinants of haemosporidian parasites in a declining population of Tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) living in an agricultural landscape in southern Québec, Canada. Overall, a low prevalence and a moderate lineage diversity were identified in both adults and nestlings, confirming that transmission can occur during the breeding period. Anthropic areas, extensive cultures (hayfields and pastures) and forest cover within 500 km of nest boxes, as well as daily temperature fluctuations, were all related to infection by haemosporidian parasites. These findings suggest that anthropogenic alterations of landscape composition can modulate the prevalence of haemosporidian parasites in Tree swallows. Our results represent a baseline for future comparative studies assessing haemosporidian parasite prevalence in human-modified landscapes.
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21
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Yan J, Gangoso L, Martínez-de la Puente J, Soriguer R, Figuerola J. Avian phenotypic traits related to feeding preferences in two Culex mosquitoes. Naturwissenschaften 2017; 104:76. [PMID: 28856384 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-017-1497-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Host choice by mosquitoes affects the transmission dynamics of vector-borne infectious diseases. Although asymmetries in mosquito attraction to vertebrate species have been reported, the relative importance of host characteristics in mosquito blood-feeding behavior is still poorly studied. Here, we investigate the relationship between avian phenotypic traits-in particular, morphometry, plumage coloration, and nesting and roosting behavior-and the blood-feeding patterns in two common Culex mosquito species on a North American avian community. Forage ratios of the mosquito species were unrelated to the phylogenetic relationships among bird species. Culex pipiens fed preferably on birds with lighter-colored plumage and longer tarsi; furthermore, solitary roosting avian species were both bitten by Cx. pipiens and Cx. restuans more often than expected. These associations may be explained by greater mosquito attraction towards larger birds with a greater color contrast against the background. Although communally roosting birds may release more cues and attract more mosquitoes, individuals may in fact receive fewer bites due to the encounter-dilution effect. Mosquito feeding behavior is a highly complex phenomenon, and our results may improve understanding of the non-random interaction between birds and mosquitoes in natural communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayue Yan
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Seville, Spain.
| | - Laura Gangoso
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Seville, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBEResp), Seville, Spain
| | - Ramón Soriguer
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBEResp), Seville, Spain.,Department of Ethology and Biodiversity Conservation, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Seville, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBEResp), Seville, Spain
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22
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Larson DA, Goddard J, Outlaw DC. Mosquito Vectors of Avian Malaria in Mississippi: A First Look. J Parasitol 2017; 103:683-691. [PMID: 28766991 DOI: 10.1645/17-66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The vectors of avian malaria (Haemosporida) are an understudied component of wildlife disease ecology. Most studies of avian malaria have focused on the intermediate bird hosts. This bias leaves a significant gap in our knowledge and understanding of the insect hosts. This study investigates the diversity of malaria parasites carried by mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicidae) in the state of Mississippi. With the use of molecular techniques, haemosporidian infection rates were determined and parasites were identified. A total of 27,157 female mosquitoes representing 15 species were captured. Five of those species tested positive for malaria parasites with an overall infection rate of 4 per 1,000 mosquitoes infected. Mosquitoes were shown to harbor Plasmodium and Haemoproteus ( Parahaemoproteus) parasites. A unique lineage of parasites was discovered in Anopheles mosquitoes, potentially representing a new genus of haemosporidian parasites, reinforcing the need to continue investigating this diverse group of parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Larson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762
| | - Jerome Goddard
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762
| | - Diana C Outlaw
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762
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23
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Pepinelli M, Currie DC. The identity of giant black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) in Baltic amber: insights from large-scale photomicroscopy, micro-CT scanning and geometric morphometrics. Zool J Linn Soc 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlx021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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24
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Picky eaters are rare: DNA-based blood meal analysis of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) species from the United States. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:169. [PMID: 28376843 PMCID: PMC5381053 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2099-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biting midges in the genus Culicoides (Diptera; Ceratopogonidae) have been implicated in the transmission of a number of parasites and highly pathogenic viruses. In North America, the complete transmission cycles of many of these pathogens need further elucidation. One way to increase our knowledge about the evolution and ecology of Culicoides species and the pathogens they transmit is to document the diversity of vertebrate hosts that Culicoides feed upon. Our objective was to identify the diversity of Culicoides hosts in the United States. RESULTS We sequenced two vertebrate mitochondrial genes (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and cytochrome b) from blood-engorged Culicoides to identify Culicoides species and their blood meals. We detected the mitochondrial DNA of 12 host species from seven different Culicoides species from three states. The majority of the identified blood meals were from the C. variipennis species complex in California. The hosts included both mammals and birds. We documented new host records for some of the Culicoides species collected. The majority of the mammalian hosts were large ungulate species but we also detected a lagomorph and a carnivore. The bird species that were detected included house finch and emu; the latter is evidence that the species in the C. variipennis species complex are not strictly mammalophilic. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that Culicoides will feed on multiple classes of vertebrates and may be more opportunistic in regards to host choice than previously thought. This knowledge can help with identification of susceptible host species, pathogen reservoirs, and new vector species which, in turn, will improve disease outbreak risk assessments.
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25
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Lamberton PHL, Cheke RA, Walker M, Winskill P, Crainey JL, Boakye DA, Osei-Atweneboana MY, Tirados I, Wilson MD, Tetteh-Kumah A, Otoo S, Post RJ, Basañez MG. Onchocerciasis transmission in Ghana: the human blood index of sibling species of the Simulium damnosum complex. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:432. [PMID: 27494934 PMCID: PMC4975878 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1703-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vector-biting behaviour is important for vector-borne disease (VBD) epidemiology. The proportion of blood meals taken on humans (the human blood index, HBI), is a component of the biting rate per vector on humans in VBD transmission models. Humans are the definitive host of Onchocerca volvulus, but the simuliid vectors feed on a range of animals and HBI is a key indicator of the potential for human onchocerciasis transmission. Ghana has a diversity of Simulium damnosum complex members, which are likely to vary in their HBIs, an important consideration for parameterization of onchocerciasis control and elimination models. Methods Host-seeking and ovipositing S. damnosum (sensu lato) (s.l.) were collected from seven villages in four Ghanaian regions. Taxa were morphologically and molecularly identified. Blood meals from individually stored blackfly abdomens were used for DNA profiling, to identify previous host choice. Household, domestic animal, wild mammal and bird surveys were performed to estimate the density and diversity of potential blood hosts of blackflies. Results A total of 11,107 abdomens of simuliid females (which would have obtained blood meal(s) previously) were tested, with blood meals successfully amplified in 3,772 (34 %). A single-host species was identified in 2,857 (75.7 %) of the blood meals, of which 2,162 (75.7 %) were human. Simulium soubrense Beffa form, S. squamosum C and S. sanctipauli Pra form were the most anthropophagic (HBI = 0.92, 0.86 and 0.70, respectively); S. squamosum E, S. yahense and S. damnosum (sensu stricto) (s.s.)/S. sirbanum were the most zoophagic (HBI = 0.44, 0.53 and 0.63, respectively). The degree of anthropophagy decreased (but not statistically significantly) with increasing ratio of non-human/human blood hosts. Vector to human ratios ranged from 139 to 1,198 blackflies/person. Conclusions DNA profiling can successfully identify blood meals from host-seeking and ovipositing blackflies. Host choice varies according to sibling species, season and capture site/method. There was no evidence that HBI is vector and/or host density dependent. Transmission breakpoints will vary among locations due to differing cytospecies compositions and vector abundances. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1703-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poppy H L Lamberton
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine (St Mary's campus), Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK.,Present address: Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine; Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Robert A Cheke
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine (St Mary's campus), Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK.,Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich at Medway, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4 TB, UK
| | - Martin Walker
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine (St Mary's campus), Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Peter Winskill
- MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling. Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine (St Mary's campus), Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - J Lee Crainey
- Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rua Terezina 476, Adrianopolis, AM, 69057-070, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Daniel A Boakye
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, PO Box LG581, Accra, Ghana
| | - Mike Y Osei-Atweneboana
- Department of Environmental Biology and Health, Water Research Institute, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, PO Box M32, Accra, Ghana
| | - Iñaki Tirados
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Michael D Wilson
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, PO Box LG581, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Sampson Otoo
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, PO Box LG581, Accra, Ghana
| | - Rory J Post
- School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AH, UK
| | - María-Gloria Basañez
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine (St Mary's campus), Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK.
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26
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Freund D, Wheeler SS, Townsend AK, Boyce WM, Ernest HB, Cicero C, Sehgal RNM. Genetic sequence data reveals widespread sharing of Leucocytozoon lineages in corvids. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:3557-65. [PMID: 27189064 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5121-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Leucocytozoon, a widespread hemosporidian blood parasite that infects a broad group of avian families, has been studied in corvids (family: Corvidae) for over a century. Current taxonomic classification indicates that Leucocytozoon sakharoffi infects crows and related Corvus spp., while Leucocytozoon berestneffi infects magpies (Pica spp.) and blue jays (Cyanocitta sp.). This intrafamily host specificity was based on the experimental transmissibility of the parasites, as well as slight differences in their morphology and life cycle development. Genetic sequence data from Leucocytozoon spp. infecting corvids is scarce, and until the present study, sequence data has not been analyzed to confirm the current taxonomic distinctions. Here, we predict the phylogenetic relationships of Leucocytozoon cytochrome b lineages recovered from infected American Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos), yellow-billed magpies (Pica nuttalli), and Steller's jays (Cyanocitta stelleri) to explore the host specificity pattern of L. sakharoffi and L. berestneffi. Phylogenetic reconstruction revealed a single large clade containing nearly every lineage recovered from the three host species, while showing no evidence of the expected distinction between L. sakharoffi and L. berestneffi. In addition, five of the detected lineages were recovered from both crows and magpies. This absence of the previously described host specificity in corvid Leucocytozoon spp. suggests that L. sakharoffi and L. berestneffi be reexamined from a taxonomic perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dave Freund
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94132, USA.
| | - Sarah S Wheeler
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Andrea K Townsend
- Department of Biology, Hamilton College, 198 College Hill Rd., Clinton, NY, 13323, USA
| | - Walter M Boyce
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Holly B Ernest
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University Avenue, Laramie, WY, 82071, USA
| | - Carla Cicero
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, 3101 Valley Life Sciences Building, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Ravinder N M Sehgal
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94132, USA
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27
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Lotta IA, Pacheco MA, Escalante AA, González AD, Mantilla JS, Moncada LI, Adler PH, Matta NE. Leucocytozoon Diversity and Possible Vectors in the Neotropical highlands of Colombia. Protist 2016; 167:185-204. [DOI: 10.1016/j.protis.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Revised: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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28
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Malmqvist B, Adler PH, Kuusela K, Merritt RW, Wotton RS. Black flies in the boreal biome, key organisms in both terrestrial and aquatic environments: A review. ECOSCIENCE 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/11956860.2004.11682824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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29
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Adler PH, Kúdelová T, Kúdela M, Seitz G, Ignjatović-Ćupina A. Cryptic Biodiversity and the Origins of Pest Status Revealed in the Macrogenome of Simulium colombaschense (Diptera: Simuliidae), History's Most Destructive Black Fly. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147673. [PMID: 26808274 PMCID: PMC4726606 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The European black fly Simulium (Simulium) colombaschense (Scopoli), once responsible for as many as 22,000 livestock deaths per year, is chromosomally mapped, permitting its evolutionary relationships and pest drivers to be inferred. The species is 12 fixed inversions removed from the standard sequence of the subgenus Simulium. Three of these fixed inversions, 38 autosomal polymorphisms, and a complex set of 12 X and 6 Y chromosomes in 29 zygotic combinations uniquely characterize S. colombaschense and reveal 5 cytoforms: 'A' in the Danube watershed, 'B' in Italy's Adige River, 'C' in the Aliakmonas River of Greece, 'D' in the Aoös drainage in Greece, and 'E' in the Belá River of Slovakia. 'C' and 'D' are reproductively isolated from one another, and 'B' is considered a cytotype of 'A,' the probable name bearer of colombaschense. The species status of 'E' cannot be determined without additional collections. Three derived polytene sequences, based on outgroup comparisons, place S. colombaschense in a clade of species composed of the S. jenningsi, S. malyschevi, and S. reptans species groups. Only cytoforms 'A' and 'B' are pests. Within the Simuliidae, pest status is reached through one of two principal pathways, both of which promote the production of large populations of blood-seeking flies: (1) colonization of the world's largest rivers (habitat specialization) or (2) colonization of multiple habitat types (habitat generalization). Evolutionary acquisition of the ability to colonize large rivers by an ancestor of the S. jenningsi-malyschevi-reptans clade set the scene for the pest status of S. colombaschense and other big-river members of the clade. In an ironic twist, the macrogenome of S. colombaschense reveals that the name associated with history's worst simuliid pest represents a complex of species, two or more of which are nonpests potentially vulnerable to loss of their limited habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter H. Adler
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, United States of America
| | - Tatiana Kúdelová
- Department of Zoology, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Matúš Kúdela
- Department of Zoology, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Gunther Seitz
- District Government of Lower Bavaria, Landshut, Germany
| | - Aleksandra Ignjatović-Ćupina
- Department for Environmental and Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
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Esquivel LA, Moncada LI, Panza CA, Camacho IG, Colorado FA, Matta NE. The relationship between ovarioles number and female size in blackflies of the high Andes of Colombia. NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2015; 44:92-97. [PMID: 26013017 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-014-0253-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Fitness of a single species is often measured in terms of the number of viable offspring produced. We explore the relationship between the number of ovarioles and the size of females in five species of Simuliidae in two páramo regions of Colombia. Individuals of seven species of female blackflies that landed on animals were collected from mules in the Ucumarí Regional Park (RPNU) and from cattle in the Chingaza Natural National Park (ChNNP). The ovarioles of the five most abundant species were dissected out and counted, and a one-factor ANOVA was performed to explore differences in the mean number of ovarioles produced by different female size categories. Simulium ignescens Roubaud and S. ignescens-like species were collected in RPNU and S. ignescens, Simulium muiscorum Bueno et al, Simulium cormonsi Wygodzinsky and Simulium pautense Coscarón & Takaoka, in ChNNP. In addition, we also analyzed the Pearson product-moment correlation between the mean number of ovarioles per blackfly and female size within species using those which more than 20 individuals were collected. Ovarioles were meroistic-polytrophic type. A multiple range test (least significant difference) indicated that the largest size group had the largest mean number of ovarioles per female. In the other size groups, there were approximately equal numbers of ovarioles per female. Pearson's correlation coefficient was separately measured and indicated a 50% correlation between female size and ovariole number in S. ignescens. Although ovariole number is probably a genetically driven feature, other environmental and physiological conditions, including infections, can influence the number of eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Esquivel
- Depto de Salud Pública, Fac de Medicina, Univ Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
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Abstract
The malaria parasites (Apicomplexa: Haemosporida) of birds are believed to have diversified across the avian host phylogeny well after the origin of most major host lineages. Although many symbionts with direct transmission codiversify with their hosts, mechanisms of species formation in vector-borne parasites, including the role of host shifting, are poorly understood. Here, we examine the hosts of sister lineages in a phylogeny of 181 putative species of malaria parasites of New World terrestrial birds to determine the role of shifts between host taxa in the formation of new parasite species. We find that host shifting, often across host genera and families, is the rule. Sympatric speciation by host shifting would require local reproductive isolation as a prerequisite to divergent selection, but this mechanism is not supported by the generalized host-biting behavior of most vectors of avian malaria parasites. Instead, the geographic distribution of individual parasite lineages in diverse hosts suggests that species formation is predominantly allopatric and involves host expansion followed by local host-pathogen coevolution and secondary sympatry, resulting in local shifting of parasite lineages across hosts.
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32
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Matta NE, Lotta IA, Valkiūnas G, González AD, Pacheco MA, Escalante AA, Moncada LI, Rodríguez-Fandiño OA. Description of Leucocytozoon quynzae sp. nov. (Haemosporida, Leucocytozoidae) from hummingbirds, with remarks on distribution and possible vectors of leucocytozoids in South America. Parasitol Res 2013; 113:457-68. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3675-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Calvignac-Spencer S, Leendertz FH, Gilbert MTP, Schubert G. An invertebrate stomach's view on vertebrate ecology: certain invertebrates could be used as "vertebrate samplers" and deliver DNA-based information on many aspects of vertebrate ecology. Bioessays 2013; 35:1004-13. [PMID: 23913504 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201300060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that vertebrate genetic material ingested by invertebrates (iDNA) can be used to investigate vertebrate ecology. Given the ubiquity of invertebrates that feed on vertebrates across the globe, iDNA might qualify as a very powerful tool for 21st century population and conservation biologists. Here, we identify some invertebrate characteristics that will likely influence iDNA retrieval and elaborate on the potential uses of invertebrate-derived information. We hypothesize that beyond inventorying local faunal diversity, iDNA should allow for more profound insights into wildlife population density, size, mortality, and infectious agents. Based on the similarities of iDNA with other low-quality sources of DNA, a general technical framework for iDNA analyses is proposed. As it is likely that no such thing as a single ideal iDNA sampler exists, forthcoming research efforts should aim at cataloguing invertebrate properties relevant to iDNA retrieval so as to guide future usage of the invertebrate tool box.
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Kent RJ. Molecular methods for arthropod bloodmeal identification and applications to ecological and vector-borne disease studies. Mol Ecol Resour 2013; 9:4-18. [PMID: 21564560 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-0998.2008.02469.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
DNA-based methods have greatly enhanced the sensitivity and specificity of hematophagous arthropod bloodmeal identification. A variety of methods have been applied to study the blood-feeding behaviour of mosquitoes, ticks, black flies and other blood-feeding arthropods as it relates to host-parasite interactions and pathogen transmission. Overviews of the molecular techniques used for bloodmeal identification, their advantages, disadvantages and applications are presented for DNA sequencing, group-specific polymerase chain reaction primers, restriction fragment length polymorphism, real-time polymerase chain reaction, heteroduplex analysis, reverse line-blot hybridization and DNA profiling. Technical challenges to bloodmeal identification including digestion and analysis of mixed bloodmeals are discussed. Analysis of bloodmeal identification results remains a challenge to the field, particularly with regard to incorporation of vertebrate census and ecology data. Future research directions for molecular analysis of arthropod bloodmeals are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah J Kent
- Arbovirus Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-borne and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3150 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
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35
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Medeiros MCI, Hamer GL, Ricklefs RE. Host compatibility rather than vector-host-encounter rate determines the host range of avian Plasmodium parasites. Proc Biol Sci 2013; 280:20122947. [PMID: 23595266 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2012.2947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood-feeding arthropod vectors are responsible for transmitting many parasites between vertebrate hosts. While arthropod vectors often feed on limited subsets of potential host species, little is known about the extent to which this influences the distribution of vector-borne parasites in some systems. Here, we test the hypothesis that different vector species structure parasite-host relationships by restricting access of certain parasites to a subset of available hosts. Specifically, we investigate how the feeding patterns of Culex mosquito vectors relate to distributions of avian malaria parasites among hosts in suburban Chicago, IL, USA. We show that Plasmodium lineages, defined by cytochrome b haplotypes, are heterogeneously distributed across avian hosts. However, the feeding patterns of the dominant vectors (Culex restuans and Culex pipiens) are similar across these hosts, and do not explain the distributions of Plasmodium parasites. Phylogenetic similarity of avian hosts predicts similarity in their Plasmodium parasites. This effect was driven primarily by the general association of Plasmodium parasites with particular host superfamilies. Our results suggest that a mosquito-imposed encounter rate does not limit the distribution of avian Plasmodium parasites across hosts. This implies that compatibility between parasites and their avian hosts structure Plasmodium host range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C I Medeiros
- Department of Biology, University of Missouri-St Louis, One University Boulevard, St Louis, MO 63121-4499, USA.
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36
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King RS, Trutwin JJ, Hunter TS, Varner DM. Effects of environmental stressors on nest success of introduced birds. J Wildl Manage 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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37
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Abortive long-lasting sporogony of two Haemoproteus species (Haemosporida, Haemoproteidae) in the mosquito Ochlerotatus cantans, with perspectives on haemosporidian vector research. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:2159-69. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3375-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Accepted: 02/28/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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38
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Videvall E, Bensch S, Ander M, Chirico J, Sigvald R, Ignell R. Molecular identification of bloodmeals and species composition in Culicoides biting midges. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2013; 27:104-112. [PMID: 22882691 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2915.2012.01038.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Investigations of host preferences in haematophagous insects, including Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), are critical in order to assess transmission routes of vector-borne diseases. In this study, we collected and morphologically identified 164 blood-engorged Culicoides females caught in both light traps and permanent 12-m high suction traps during 2008-2010 in Sweden. Molecular analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene in the biting midges was performed to verify species classification, discern phylogenetic relationships and uncover possible cryptic species. Bloodmeal analysis using universal vertebrate cytochrome b primers revealed a clear distinction in host selection between mammalophilic and ornithophilic Culicoides species. Host sequences found matches in horse (n = 59), sheep (n = 39), cattle (n = 26), Eurasian elk (n = 1) and 10 different bird species (n = 18). We identified 15 Culicoides species previously recorded in Scandinavia and four additional species haplotypes that were distinctly different from the described species. All ornithophilic individuals (n = 23) were caught exclusively in the suction traps, as were, interestingly, almost all mammalophilic species (n = 41), indicating that many biting midge species may be able to cover long distances after completing a bloodmeal. These results add new information on the composition of Culicoides species and their host preferences and their potential long-distance dispersal while blood-engorged.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Videvall
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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39
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Tuten HC, Bridges WC, Paul KS, Adler PH. Blood-feeding ecology of mosquitoes in zoos. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2012; 26:407-416. [PMID: 22390304 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2915.2012.01012.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
To determine if the unique host assemblages in zoos influence blood-feeding by mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae), a sampling programme was conducted in Greenville and Riverbanks Zoos, South Carolina, U.S.A., from April 2009 to October 2010. A total of 4355 female mosquitoes of 14 species were collected, of which 106 individuals of nine species were blood-fed. The most common taxa were Aedes albopictus (Skuse), Aedes triseriatus (Say), Anopheles punctipennis (Say), Culex erraticus (Dyar & Knab), Culex pipiens complex (L.) and Culex restuans (Theobald). Molecular analyses (cytochrome b) of bloodmeals revealed that mosquitoes fed on captive animals, humans and wildlife, and took mixed bloodmeals. Host species included one amphibian, 16 birds, 10 mammals (including humans) and two reptiles. Minimum dispersal distances after feeding on captive hosts ranged from 15.5 m to 327.0 m. Mosquito-host associations generally conformed to previous accounts, indicating that mosquito behaviour inside zoos reflects that outside zoos. However, novel variation in host use, including new, exotic host records, warrants further investigation. Zoos, thus, can be used as experiment environments in which to study mosquito behaviour, and the findings extrapolated to non-zoo areas, while providing medical and veterinary benefits to zoo animals, employees and patrons.
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Affiliation(s)
- H C Tuten
- Department of Entomology, Soils and Plant Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, U.S.A.
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40
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Jonsson M, Strasevicius D, Malmqvist B. Influences of river regulation and environmental variables on upland bird assemblages in northern Sweden. Ecol Res 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s11284-012-0974-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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41
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Tomás G, Merino S, Martínez-de la Puente J, Moreno J, Morales J, Lobato E, Rivero-de Aguilar J, del Cerro S. Interacting effects of aromatic plants and female age on nest-dwelling ectoparasites and blood-sucking flies in avian nests. Behav Processes 2012; 90:246-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2012.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2011] [Revised: 02/14/2012] [Accepted: 02/16/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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42
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Santiago-Alarcon D, Palinauskas V, Schaefer HM. Diptera vectors of avian Haemosporidian parasites: untangling parasite life cycles and their taxonomy. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2012; 87:928-64. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-185x.2012.00234.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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43
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Swanson DA, Adler PH, Malmqvist B. Spatial stratification of host-seeking Diptera in boreal forests of northern Europe. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2012; 26:56-62. [PMID: 21592156 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2915.2011.00963.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The stratification of haematophagous Diptera was assessed in two boreal forests in northern Sweden by placing traps baited with carbon dioxide at 1.5 m, 5.0 m and 10.0 m above the ground. More than 40 000 specimens were captured, including 617 biting midges (Ceratopogonidae), 4029 mosquitoes (Culicidae) and 36 092 black flies (Simuliidae). Catches at the various trap heights reflected the general vertical distribution of the preferred hosts, with mammalophilic flies predominating (68.6%) in catches at 1.5 m and ornithophilic flies (42.4%) in catches at 10.0 m; however, most flies that use host birds at ground level were caught in the lowest traps (e.g. 85.1% of Simulium annulus were collected at 1.5 m). Within-species variation in vertical patterns between forests suggests plasticity in responses to environmental factors such as vegetative structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Swanson
- Department of Entomology, Soils and Plant Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, U.S.A.
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44
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Silva-Iturriza A, Ketmaier V, Tiedemann R. Profound population structure in the Philippine Bulbul Hypsipetes philippinus (Pycnonotidae, Aves) is not reflected in its Haemoproteus haemosporidian parasite. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2012; 12:127-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2011.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2011] [Revised: 10/19/2011] [Accepted: 10/26/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Abstract
Parasite prevalence is an important variable in many evolutionary and ecological studies. In birds, haemosporidian blood parasites have been in focus of many comparative analyses. Because low prevalence is difficult to estimate precisely and that studies finding low prevalence are more likely to remain unpublished, our knowledge of parasite prevalence is biased towards highly infected taxa. Species with naturally low levels of infection are nonetheless interesting as they may provide models for studying the evolution of pathogen resistance. In the present study we show that the prevalence of Haemoproteus parasites is markedly lower in several taxa within the widely distributed chiffchaff species-complex compared to other species within the genus Phylloscopus. Since chiffchaffs, P. collybita, commonly coexists in the same habitat as congeners frequently infected with Haemoproteus parasites, immediate ecological variables like abundance of vectors can hardly explain this difference. Some of the parasites infecting coexisting congeners are broad host generalists leaving it enigmatic why chiffchaffs are almost free of Haemoproteus infections. We propose that detailed infection experiments are needed to illuminate whether chiffchaffs possess a genetic immunity against Haemoproteus parasites or if other more subtle ecological processes, like anti-vector behaviour, play a role in its generally low level of infestation.
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Jenkins T, Thomas GH, Hellgren O, Owens IPF. Migratory behavior of birds affects their coevolutionary relationship with blood parasites. Evolution 2011; 66:740-751. [PMID: 22380437 DOI: 10.1111/j.1558-5646.2011.01470.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Host traits, such as migratory behavior, could facilitate the dispersal of disease-causing parasites, potentially leading to the transfer of infections both across geographic areas and between host species. There is, however, little quantitative information on whether variation in such host attributes does indeed affect the evolutionary outcome of host-parasite associations. Here, we employ Leucocytozoon blood parasites of birds, a group of parasites closely related to avian malaria, to study host-parasite coevolution in relation to host behavior using a phylogenetic comparative approach. We reconstruct the molecular phylogenies of both the hosts and parasites and use cophylogenetic tools to assess whether each host-parasite association contributes significantly to the overall congruence between the two phylogenies. We find evidence for a significant fit between host and parasite phylogenies in this system, but show that this is due only to associations between nonmigrant parasites and their hosts. We also show that migrant bird species harbor a greater genetic diversity of parasites compared with nonmigrant species. Taken together, these results suggest that the migratory habits of birds could influence their coevolutionary relationship with their parasites, and that consideration of host traits is important in predicting the outcome of coevolutionary interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Jenkins
- NERC Centre for Population Biology & Division of Biology, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY, United Kingdom E-mail: and Molecular Population Genetics, Institute for Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 6, CH-3012 Bern, SwitzerlandSchool of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Woodland Road, Bristol BS8 IUG, United KingdomDepartment of Animal Ecology Animal Ecology Building Lund University, SE-22362 Lund, Sweden
| | - Gavin H Thomas
- NERC Centre for Population Biology & Division of Biology, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY, United Kingdom E-mail: and Molecular Population Genetics, Institute for Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 6, CH-3012 Bern, SwitzerlandSchool of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Woodland Road, Bristol BS8 IUG, United KingdomDepartment of Animal Ecology Animal Ecology Building Lund University, SE-22362 Lund, Sweden
| | - Olof Hellgren
- NERC Centre for Population Biology & Division of Biology, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY, United Kingdom E-mail: and Molecular Population Genetics, Institute for Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 6, CH-3012 Bern, SwitzerlandSchool of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Woodland Road, Bristol BS8 IUG, United KingdomDepartment of Animal Ecology Animal Ecology Building Lund University, SE-22362 Lund, Sweden
| | - Ian P F Owens
- NERC Centre for Population Biology & Division of Biology, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY, United Kingdom E-mail: and Molecular Population Genetics, Institute for Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 6, CH-3012 Bern, SwitzerlandSchool of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Woodland Road, Bristol BS8 IUG, United KingdomDepartment of Animal Ecology Animal Ecology Building Lund University, SE-22362 Lund, Sweden
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Olias P, Schade B, Mehlhorn H. Molecular pathology, taxonomy and epidemiology of Besnoitia species (Protozoa: Sarcocystidae). INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2011; 11:1564-76. [PMID: 21906696 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2011.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2011] [Revised: 08/04/2011] [Accepted: 08/07/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Until recently, besnoitiosis has been a neglected disease of domestic animals. Now, a geographic expansion of the causing protozoan parasite Besnoitia besnoiti in livestock has been recognized and the disease in cattle is considered emerging in Europe. Bovine besnoitiosis leads to significant economic losses by a decline in milk production, sterility, transient or permanent infertility of bulls, skin lesions and increase of mortality in affected cattle population. Phylogenetically, the Besnoitia genus is closest related to the well studied and medically important protozoans, Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. In contrast, discriminative molecular markers to type and subtype large mammalian Besnoitia species (B. besnoiti, B. caprae, B. tarandi, B. bennetti) on a relevant level of species and strains are lacking. Similarly, these cyst-forming parasites may use two hosts to fulfill their life cycle, but this has not been proven for all large mammalian Besnoitia species yet. Most important though, the final hosts and transmission routes of these Besnoitia species remain mysterious. Here, we review aspects of parasite's pathology, speciation, phylogeny, epidemiology and transmission with a special focus on recent molecular studies of all to date known Besnoitia species. Using an integrated approach, we have tried to highlight some promising directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Olias
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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48
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Jenkins T, Owens IPF. Biogeography of avian blood parasites (Leucocytozoon spp.) in two resident hosts across Europe: phylogeographic structuring or the abundance-occupancy relationship? Mol Ecol 2011; 20:3910-20. [PMID: 21880082 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2011.05221.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Relationships between hosts and parasites represent complex co-evolving systems that can vary both temporally and spatially. This variation may result in different phylogeographic outcomes, ranging from highly geographically structured parasite populations comprised of specialist lineages that are locally abundant but have restricted global occupancy to geographically unstructured parasite populations consisting of widespread parasites. Here, we present results from a large biogeographic study of the Leucocytozoon blood parasites of two nonmigrant bird species, conducted at nine sites across Europe. The aim was to determine whether the parasite lineages of the two hosts were phylogeographically structured across Europe. Employing molecular methods, we found a large diversity of parasites, and although overall prevalence varied greatly, the parasites were not genetically structured. Several measures of local parasite abundance were associated with the number of sites that the lineage occurred in, which is consistent with the macroecological phenomenon of the abundance-occupancy relationship. Taken together, our results show that parasite dispersal is somewhat uncoupled to that of the host in this system: we suggest that broad host and/or vector preference may play an important role in determining the distribution of these parasites and in affecting host-parasite coevolution in this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Jenkins
- NERC Centre for Population Biology and Division of Biology, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7PY, UK.
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49
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Szöllosi E, Cichoń M, Eens M, Hasselquist D, Kempenaers B, Merino S, Nilsson JÅ, Rosivall B, Rytkönen S, Török J, Wood MJ, Garamszegi LZ. Determinants of distribution and prevalence of avian malaria in blue tit populations across Europe: separating host and parasite effects. J Evol Biol 2011; 24:2014-24. [PMID: 21726328 DOI: 10.1111/j.1420-9101.2011.02339.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Although avian malarial parasites are globally distributed, the factors that affect the geographical distribution and local prevalence of different parasite lineages across host populations or species are still poorly understood. Based on the intense screening of avian malarial parasites in nine European blue tit populations, we studied whether distribution ranges as well as local adaptation, host specialization and phylogenetic relationships can determine the observed prevalences within populations. We found that prevalence differed consistently between parasite lineages and host populations, indicating that the transmission success of parasites is lineage specific but is partly shaped by locality-specific effects. We also found that the lineage-specific estimate of prevalence was related to the distribution range of parasites: lineages found in more host populations were generally more prevalent within these populations. Additionally, parasites with high prevalence that were also widely distributed among blue tit populations were also found to infect more host species. These findings suggest that parasites reaching high local prevalence can also realize wide distribution at a global scale that can have further consequences for host specialization. Although phylogenetic relationships among parasites did not predict prevalence, we detected a close match between a tree based on the geographic distance of the host populations and the parasite phylogenetic tree, implying that neighbouring host populations shared a related parasite fauna.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Szöllosi
- Behavioural Ecology Group, Department of Systematic Zoology and Ecology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
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50
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Loiseau C, Zoorob R, Robert A, Chastel O, Julliard R, Sorci G. Plasmodium relictum infection and MHC diversity in the house sparrow (Passer domesticus). Proc Biol Sci 2011; 278:1264-72. [PMID: 20943698 PMCID: PMC3049082 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2010.1968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2010] [Accepted: 09/22/2010] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Antagonistic coevolution between hosts and parasites has been proposed as a mechanism maintaining genetic diversity in both host and parasite populations. In particular, the high level of genetic diversity usually observed at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is generally thought to be maintained by parasite-driven selection. Among the possible ways through which parasites can maintain MHC diversity, diversifying selection has received relatively less attention. This hypothesis is based on the idea that parasites exert spatially variable selection pressures because of heterogeneity in parasite genetic structure, abundance or virulence. Variable selection pressures should select for different host allelic lineages resulting in population-specific associations between MHC alleles and risk of infection. In this study, we took advantage of a large survey of avian malaria in 13 populations of the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) to test this hypothesis. We found that (i) several MHC alleles were either associated with increased or decreased risk to be infected with Plasmodium relictum, (ii) the effects were population specific, and (iii) some alleles had antagonistic effects across populations. Overall, these results support the hypothesis that diversifying selection in space can maintain MHC variation and suggest a pattern of local adaptation where MHC alleles are selected at the local host population level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Loiseau
- Laboratoire Parasitologie Evolutive, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, CNRS UMR 7103, 7, quai St Bernard, Case 237, 75252 Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - Rima Zoorob
- Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire et Intégration des Fonctions Cellulaires, CNRS FRE 2937, 7 rue Guy Mocquet, 94801 Villejuif Cedex, France
| | - Alexandre Robert
- Laboratoire Conservation des Espèces, Restauration et Suivi des Populations, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, UMR 5173 CNRS-MNHN-UPMC 55 rue Buffon, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Olivier Chastel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologique de Chizé, CNRS UPR 1934, 79360 Beauvoir-sur-Niort, France
| | - Romain Julliard
- Laboratoire Conservation des Espèces, Restauration et Suivi des Populations, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, UMR 5173 CNRS-MNHN-UPMC 55 rue Buffon, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Gabriele Sorci
- BioGéoSciences, Université de Bourgogne, CNRS UMR 5561, 6 Boulevard Gabriel, 21000 Dijon, France
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