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Sharma HP, Achhami B. Gastro-intestinal parasites of sympatric red panda and livestock in protected areas of Nepal. Vet Med Sci 2021; 8:568-577. [PMID: 34599791 PMCID: PMC8959333 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Disease transmission among humans, domestic animals and wildlife can have profound consequences in human health, wildlife conservation and maintenance of biodiversity. The issue of disease transmission can be particularly important for threatened wildlife species, yet such information remains scarce due to logistic constraints and government regulation on animal handlings. The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is one of the globally threatened species challenged with habitat fragmentation and human disturbance. In Nepal, livestock grazing is recognised as one of the major threats to the red panda. Aim We aimed to provide the first empirical data on gastro‐intestinal parasites for sympatric livestock and red panda from two geographically isolated regions in Nepal. Methods In this study, we systematically sampled, and examined the faecal of livestock and red panda in two separate protected areas to provide the first empirical data on their gastro‐intestinal parasite, including the prevalence, parasite richness and load. Results We documented 11 parasite taxa (7 nematodes, 2 cestodes, 1 trematode and 1 coccidian), of which 8 are shared by both livestock and red panda. Furthermore, parasite prevalence, parasite load and parasite richness were generally higher in the livestock than the red panda. Conclusion The data provided from this systematic survey on parasites of sympatric livestock and red panda in wild raises the concern about the potential role of livestock mediating disease dynamics in the red panda. Our study suggests that cross‐transmission of parasites between livestock and red panda are likely, and the livestock may be a competent agent bringing disease to both red panda and human. Therefore, managing human‐livestock‐wildlife contact to reduce disease risk to all groups should be a key component in conservation planning of protected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hari Prasad Sharma
- Central Department of ZoologyTribhuvan UniversityKirtipurKathmanduNepal
- Nepal Zoological SocietyKathmanduNepal
| | - Bishnu Achhami
- Central Department of ZoologyTribhuvan UniversityKirtipurKathmanduNepal
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Seguel M, Gottdenker N. The diversity and impact of hookworm infections in wildlife. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2017; 6:177-194. [PMID: 28765810 PMCID: PMC5526439 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Hookworms are blood-feeding nematodes that parasitize the alimentary system of mammals. Despite their high pathogenic potential, little is known about their diversity and impact in wildlife populations. We conducted a systematic review of the literature on hookworm infections of wildlife and analyzed 218 studies qualitative and quantitatively. At least 68 hookworm species have been described in 9 orders, 24 families, and 111 species of wild mammals. Black bears, red foxes, and bobcats harbored the highest diversity of hookworm species and Ancylostoma pluridentatum, A. tubaeforme, Uncinaria stenocephala and Necator americanus were the hookworm species with the highest host diversity index. Hookworm infections cause anemia, retarded growth, tissue damage, inflammation and significant mortality in several wildlife species. Anemia has been documented more commonly in canids, felids and otariids, and retarded growth only in otariids. Population- level mortality has been documented through controlled studies only in canines and eared seals although sporadic mortality has been noticed in felines, bears and elephants. The main driver of hookworm pathogenic effects was the hookworm biomass in a population, measured as prevalence, mean burden and hookworm size (length). Many studies recorded significant differences in prevalence and mean intensity among regions related to contrasts in local humidity, temperature, and host population density. These findings, plus the ability of hookworms to perpetuate in different host species, create a dynamic scenario where changes in climate and the domestic animal-human-wildlife interface will potentially affect the dynamics and consequences of hookworm infections in wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Seguel
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, 501 DW Brooks Dr, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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Bourguinat C, Keller K, Xia J, Lepage P, McTier TL, Woods DJ, Prichard RK. Genetic profiles of ten Dirofilaria immitis isolates susceptible or resistant to macrocyclic lactone heartworm preventives. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:504. [PMID: 29143652 PMCID: PMC5688420 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2428-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For dogs and cats, chemoprophylaxis with macrocyclic lactone (ML) preventives for heartworm disease is widely used in the United States and other countries. Since 2005, cases of loss of efficacy (LOE) of heartworm preventives have been reported in the U.S. More recently, ML-resistant D. immitis isolates were confirmed. Previous work identified 42 genetic markers that could predict ML response in individual samples. For field surveillance, it would be more appropriate to work on microfilarial pools from individual dogs with a smaller subset of genetic markers. METHODS MiSeq technology was used to identify allele frequencies with the 42 genetic markers previously reported. Microfilaria from ten well-characterized new isolates called ZoeKY, ZoeMI, ZoeGCFL, ZoeAL, ZoeMP3, ZoeMO, ZoeAMAL, ZoeLA, ZoeJYD-34, and Metairie were extracted from fresh blood from dogs. DNA were extracted and sequenced with MiSeq technology. Allele frequencies were calculated and compared with the previously reported susceptible, LOE, and resistant D. immitis populations. RESULTS The allele frequencies identified in the current resistant and susceptible isolates were in accordance with the allele frequencies previously reported in related phenotypes. The ZoeMO population, a subset of the ZoeJYD-34 population, showed a genetic profile that was consistent with some reversion towards susceptibility compared with the parental ZoeJYD-34 population. The Random Forest algorithm was used to create a predictive model using different SNPs. The model with a combination of three SNPs (NODE_42411_RC, NODE_21554_RC, and NODE_45689) appears to be suitable for future monitoring. CONCLUSIONS MiSeq technology provided a suitable methodology to work with the microfilarial samples. The list of SNPs that showed good predictability for ML resistance was narrowed. Additional phenotypically well characterized D. immitis isolates are required to finalize the best set of SNPs to be used for large scale ML resistance screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Bourguinat
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte Anne de Bellevue, QC, H9X3V9, Canada
| | - Kathy Keller
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte Anne de Bellevue, QC, H9X3V9, Canada
| | - Jianguo Xia
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte Anne de Bellevue, QC, H9X3V9, Canada.,Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte Anne de Bellevue, QC, Canada
| | - Pierre Lepage
- McGill University and Génome Québec Innovation Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Tom L McTier
- Zoetis, Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
| | - Debra J Woods
- Zoetis, Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
| | - Roger K Prichard
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte Anne de Bellevue, QC, H9X3V9, Canada.
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Henson LH, Songsasen N, Waddell W, Wolf KN, Emmons L, Gonzalez S, Freeman E, Maldonado J. Characterization of genetic variation and basis of inflammatory bowel disease in the Toll-like receptor 5 gene of the red wolf and the maned wolf. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2017. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Lesniak I, Heckmann I, Heitlinger E, Szentiks CA, Nowak C, Harms V, Jarausch A, Reinhardt I, Kluth G, Hofer H, Krone O. Population expansion and individual age affect endoparasite richness and diversity in a recolonising large carnivore population. Sci Rep 2017; 7:41730. [PMID: 28128348 PMCID: PMC5269671 DOI: 10.1038/srep41730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent recolonisation of the Central European lowland (CEL) by the grey wolf (Canis lupus) provides an excellent opportunity to study the effect of founder events on endoparasite diversity. Which role do prey and predator populations play in the re-establishment of endoparasite life cycles? Which intrinsic and extrinsic factors control individual endoparasite diversity in an expanding host population? In 53 individually known CEL wolves sampled in Germany, we revealed a community of four cestode, eight nematode, one trematode and 12 potential Sarcocystis species through molecular genetic techniques. Infections with zoonotic Echinococcus multilocularis, Trichinella britovi and T. spiralis occurred as single cases. Per capita endoparasite species richness and diversity significantly increased with population size and changed with age, whereas sex, microsatellite heterozygosity, and geographic origin had no effect. Tapeworm abundance (Taenia spp.) was significantly higher in immigrants than natives. Metacestode prevalence was slightly higher in ungulates from wolf territories than from control areas elsewhere. Even though alternative canid definitive hosts might also play a role within the investigated parasite life cycles, our findings indicate that (1) immigrated wolves increase parasite diversity in German packs, and (2) prevalence of wolf-associated parasites had declined during wolf absence and has now risen during recolonisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Lesniak
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ilja Heckmann
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Emanuel Heitlinger
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany.,Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Ecology and Evolution of Molecular Parasite Host Interactions, Philippstraße 13, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia A Szentiks
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten Nowak
- Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Clamecystrasse 12, 63571 Gelnhausen, Germany
| | - Verena Harms
- Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Clamecystrasse 12, 63571 Gelnhausen, Germany
| | - Anne Jarausch
- Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Clamecystrasse 12, 63571 Gelnhausen, Germany
| | - Ilka Reinhardt
- LUPUS Institute for Wolf Monitoring and Research in Germany, Dorfstraße 20, 02979 Spreewitz, Germany
| | - Gesa Kluth
- LUPUS Institute for Wolf Monitoring and Research in Germany, Dorfstraße 20, 02979 Spreewitz, Germany
| | - Heribert Hofer
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Krone
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
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Keiter DA, Cunningham FL, Rhodes OE, Irwin BJ, Beasley JC. Optimization of Scat Detection Methods for a Social Ungulate, the Wild Pig, and Experimental Evaluation of Factors Affecting Detection of Scat. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155615. [PMID: 27224453 PMCID: PMC4880348 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Collection of scat samples is common in wildlife research, particularly for genetic capture-mark-recapture applications. Due to high degradation rates of genetic material in scat, large numbers of samples must be collected to generate robust estimates. Optimization of sampling approaches to account for taxa-specific patterns of scat deposition is, therefore, necessary to ensure sufficient sample collection. While scat collection methods have been widely studied in carnivores, research to maximize scat collection and noninvasive sampling efficiency for social ungulates is lacking. Further, environmental factors or scat morphology may influence detection of scat by observers. We contrasted performance of novel radial search protocols with existing adaptive cluster sampling protocols to quantify differences in observed amounts of wild pig (Sus scrofa) scat. We also evaluated the effects of environmental (percentage of vegetative ground cover and occurrence of rain immediately prior to sampling) and scat characteristics (fecal pellet size and number) on the detectability of scat by observers. We found that 15- and 20-m radial search protocols resulted in greater numbers of scats encountered than the previously used adaptive cluster sampling approach across habitat types, and that fecal pellet size, number of fecal pellets, percent vegetative ground cover, and recent rain events were significant predictors of scat detection. Our results suggest that use of a fixed-width radial search protocol may increase the number of scats detected for wild pigs, or other social ungulates, allowing more robust estimation of population metrics using noninvasive genetic sampling methods. Further, as fecal pellet size affected scat detection, juvenile or smaller-sized animals may be less detectable than adult or large animals, which could introduce bias into abundance estimates. Knowledge of relationships between environmental variables and scat detection may allow researchers to optimize sampling protocols to maximize utility of noninvasive sampling for wild pigs and other social ungulates.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Keiter
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, United States of America
- D. B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Fred L. Cunningham
- National Wildlife Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Starkville, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Olin E. Rhodes
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, United States of America
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Brian J. Irwin
- U. S. Geological Survey, Georgia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, D. B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - James C. Beasley
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, South Carolina, United States of America
- D. B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
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Brzeski KE, Harrison RB, Waddell WT, Wolf KN, Rabon DR, Taylor SS. Infectious disease and red wolf conservation: assessment of disease occurrence and associated risks. J Mammal 2015; 96:751-761. [PMID: 32287383 PMCID: PMC7107507 DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyv080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases pose a significant threat to global biodiversity and may contribute to extinction. As such, establishing baseline disease prevalence in vulnerable species where disease could affect persistence is important to conservation. We assessed potential disease threats to endangered red wolves (Canis rufus) by evaluating regional (southeastern United States) disease occurrences in mammals and parasite prevalence in red wolves and sympatric coyotes (Canis latrans) in North Carolina. Common viral pathogens in the southeast region, such as canine distemper and canine parvovirus, and numerous widespread endoparasites could pose a threat to the red wolf population. The most prevalent parasites in red wolves and sympatric coyotes were heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis), hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum), and Ehrlichia spp.; several red wolves and coyotes were also positive for bacteria causing Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi). Coyotes had a more species-rich parasite community than red wolves, suggesting they could harbor more parasites and act as a disease reservoir. Species identity and sex did not significantly affect parasite loads, but young canids were less likely to have heartworm and more likely to have high levels of endoparasites. Continued disease monitoring is important for red wolf recovery because low levels of genetic variability may compromise the wolves' abilities to combat novel pathogens from closely related species, such as domestic dogs and coyotes.
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8
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Weinstein SB, Lafferty KD. How do humans affect wildlife nematodes? Trends Parasitol 2015; 31:222-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2015.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2014] [Revised: 12/14/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Bourguinat C, Lee ACY, Lizundia R, Blagburn BL, Liotta JL, Kraus MS, Keller K, Epe C, Letourneau L, Kleinman CL, Paterson T, Gomez EC, Montoya-Alonso JA, Smith H, Bhan A, Peregrine AS, Carmichael J, Drake J, Schenker R, Kaminsky R, Bowman DD, Geary TG, Prichard RK. Macrocyclic lactone resistance in Dirofilaria immitis: Failure of heartworm preventives and investigation of genetic markers for resistance. Vet Parasitol 2015; 210:167-78. [PMID: 25936435 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2014] [Revised: 03/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Macrocyclic lactone (ML) endectocides are used as chemoprophylaxis for heartworm infection (Dirofilaria immitis) in dogs and cats. Claims of loss of efficacy (LOE) of ML heartworm preventives have become common in some locations in the USA. We directly tested whether resistance to MLs exists in LOE isolates of D. immitis and identified genetic markers that are correlated with, and therefore can predict ML resistance. ML controlled studies showed that LOE strains of D. immitis established infections in dogs despite chemoprophylaxis with oral ivermectin or injectable moxidectin. A whole genome approach was used to search for loci associated with the resistance phenotype. Many loci showed highly significant differences between pools of susceptible and LOE D. immitis. Based on 186 potential marker loci, Sequenom(®) SNP frequency analyses were conducted on 663 individual parasites (adult worms and microfilariae) which were phenotypically characterized as susceptible (SUS), confirmed ML treatment survivors/resistant (RES), or suspected resistant/loss of efficacy (LOE) parasites. There was a subset of SNP loci which appears to be promising markers for predicting ML resistance, including SNPs in some genes that have been associated with ML resistance in other parasites. These data provide unequivocal proof of ML resistance in D. immitis and identify genetic markers that could be used to monitor for ML resistance in heartworms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Bourguinat
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Alice C Y Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, 602 Tower Rd, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Regina Lizundia
- Novartis Animal Health, Route de la Petite Glâne, St-Aubin 1566, Switzerland
| | - Byron L Blagburn
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, 1500 Wire Road, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Janice L Liotta
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, 602 Tower Rd, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Marc S Kraus
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, 602 Tower Rd, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Kathy Keller
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Christian Epe
- Novartis Animal Health, Route de la Petite Glâne, St-Aubin 1566, Switzerland
| | - Louis Letourneau
- McGill University and Génome Québec Innovation Centre, 740, Dr. Penfield Avenue, QC H3A 0G1, Canada
| | - Claudia L Kleinman
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research and Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, 3755 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC H3 T 1E2, Canada
| | - Tara Paterson
- School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, True Blue, St. George's, Grenada
| | - Elena Carreton Gomez
- Faculty of Veterinary, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Calle Juan de Quesada, 30, 35001 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - José Alberto Montoya-Alonso
- Faculty of Veterinary, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Calle Juan de Quesada, 30, 35001 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Hubert Smith
- Haywood Animal Hospital, 2538 N Washington Avenue, Brownsville, TN 38012, USA
| | - Aron Bhan
- Main West Animal Hospital, 1 Broadway, Welland, ON L3 C 5L2, Canada
| | - Andrew S Peregrine
- Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Gordon Street, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - James Carmichael
- Novartis Animal Health, 3200 Northline Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27408, USA
| | - Jason Drake
- Novartis Animal Health, 3200 Northline Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27408, USA
| | - Rudolf Schenker
- Novartis Animal Health, Route de la Petite Glâne, St-Aubin 1566, Switzerland
| | - Ronald Kaminsky
- Novartis Animal Health, Route de la Petite Glâne, St-Aubin 1566, Switzerland
| | - Dwight D Bowman
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, 602 Tower Rd, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Timothy G Geary
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Roger K Prichard
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada.
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Gómez A, Nichols E. Neglected wild life: Parasitic biodiversity as a conservation target. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2013; 2:222-7. [PMID: 24533340 PMCID: PMC3862516 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2013.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2013] [Revised: 07/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Parasites appropriate host resources to feed and/or to reproduce, and lower host fitness to varying degrees. As a consequence, they can negatively impact human and animal health, food production, economic trade, and biodiversity conservation. They can also be difficult to study and have historically been regarded as having little influence on ecosystem organization and function. Not surprisingly, parasitic biodiversity has to date not been the focus of much positive attention from the conservation community. However, a growing body of evidence demonstrates that parasites are extremely diverse, have key roles in ecological and evolutionary processes, and that infection may paradoxically result in ecosystem services of direct human relevance. Here we argue that wildlife parasites should be considered meaningful conservation targets no less relevant than their hosts. We discuss their numerical and functional importance, current conservation status, and outline a series of non-trivial challenges to consider before incorporating parasite biodiversity in conservation strategies. We also suggest that addressing the key knowledge gaps and communication deficiencies that currently impede broad discussions about parasite conservation requires input from wildlife parasitologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Gómez
- American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 10024, USA
| | - Elizabeth Nichols
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
- Department of Ecology, Institute of Bioscience, University of São Paulo, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Abstract
Obtaining information on wild mammal populations has been a long-standing logistical problem. However, an array of non-invasive techniques is available, including recently developed molecular genetic techniques for the analysis of feces (molecular scatology). A battery of non-invasive, molecular approaches can be used on feces, which in conjunction with conventional analysis are potentially useful for assesing genetic structure, demography and life history of mammals. Several technical problems reman before large-scale studies of feces can be undertaken productively, but already studies are providing insight into population subdivision, food habits, reproduction, sex ratio and parasitology of free-ranging populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H Kohn
- The Dept of Biology, University of California, 621 Circle Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1606, USA
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Moir ML, Vesk PA, Brennan KEC, Poulin R, Hughes L, Keith DA, McCarthy MA, Coates DJ. Considering extinction of dependent species during translocation, ex situ conservation, and assisted migration of threatened hosts. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2012; 26:199-207. [PMID: 22443127 DOI: 10.1111/j.1523-1739.2012.01826.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Translocation, introduction, reintroduction, and assisted migrations are species conservation strategies that are attracting increasing attention, especially in the face of climate change. However, preventing the extinction of the suite of dependent species whose host species are threatened is seldom considered, and the effects on dependent species of moving threatened hosts are unclear. There is no published guidance on how to decide whether to move species, given this uncertainty. We examined the dependent-host system of 4 disparate taxonomic groups: insects on the feather-leaf banksia (Banksia brownii), montane banksia (B. montana), and Stirling Range beard heath (Leucopogon gnaphalioides); parasites of wild cats; mites and ticks on Duvaucel's gecko (Hoplodactylus duvaucelii) and tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus); and internal coccidian parasites of Cirl Bunting (Emberiza cirlus) and Hihi (Notiomystis cincta). We used these case studies to demonstrate a simple process for use in species- and community-level assessments of efforts to conserve dependents with their hosts. The insects dependent on Stirling Range beard heath and parasites on tigers (Panthera tigris) appeared to represent assemblages that would not be conserved by ex situ host conservation. In contrast, for the cases of dependent species we examined involving a single dependent species (internal parasites of birds and the mite Geckobia naultina on Duvaucel's gecko), ex situ conservation of the host species would also conserve the dependent species. However, moving dependent species with their hosts may be insufficient to maintain viable populations of the dependent species, and additional conservation strategies such as supplementing populations may be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda L Moir
- School of Botany, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
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Theis JH, Kass PH, Davis E, Stevens F, Wojdak W. Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs from underserved, Native American reservations in the United States. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2011; 47:179-84. [PMID: 21498591 DOI: 10.5326/jaaha-ms-5598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Blood samples from 1,822 dogs residing on Native American reservations in 10 states were collected between February 2004 and August 2007. Samples were examined using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) antigen capture test. All ELISA-positive samples were subsequently examined for microfilaremia. All dogs were asymptomatic for Dirofilaria immitis infection, resided outside (except for winter in the Northern latitudes), not on prophylaxis for D. immitis, and had not traveled off of the reservation. Reservations were characterized by degrees of north latitude, true prevalence of D. immitis, and a reproductive index calculated by multiplying the number of months of the year in which infective stage larvae (L(3)) could develop in 30 days or less for each reservation by the 30 yr mean annual rainfall in centimeters recorded for that community. The prevalence of heartworm was directly related to the reproductive index on each reservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerold H Theis
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
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Aonuma H, Yoshimura A, Perera N, Shinzawa N, Bando H, Oshiro S, Nelson B, Fukumoto S, Kanuka H. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification applied to filarial parasites detection in the mosquito vectors: Dirofilaria immitis as a study model. Parasit Vectors 2009; 2:15. [PMID: 19284882 PMCID: PMC2670822 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-2-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2008] [Accepted: 03/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite recent advances in our understanding of the basic biology behind transmission of zoonotic infectious diseases harbored by arthropod vectors these diseases remain threatening public health concerns. For effective control of vector and treatment, precise sampling indicating the prevalence of such diseases is essential. With an aim to develop a quick and simple method to survey zoonotic pathogen-transmitting vectors, LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification) was applied to the detection of filarial parasites using a filarial parasite-transmitting experimental model that included one of the mosquito vectors, Aedes aegypti, and the canine heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis. Results LAMP reactions amplifying the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene demonstrated high sensitivity when a single purified D. immitis microfilaria was detected. Importantly, the robustness of the LAMP reaction was revealed upon identification of an infected mosquito carrying just a single parasite, a level easily overlooked using conventional microscopic analysis. Furthermore, successful detection of D. immitis in wild-caught mosquitoes demonstrated its applicability to field surveys. Conclusion Due to its simplicity, sensitivity, and reliability, LAMP is suggested as an appropriate diagnostic method for routine diagnosis of mosquito vectors carrying filarial parasites. This method can be applied to the survey of not only canine filariasis but also lymphatic filariasis, another major public health problem. Therefore, this method offers great promise as a useful diagnostic method for filarial parasite detection in endemic filariasis regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroka Aonuma
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
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Nakagaki K, Suzuki T, Hayama SI, Kanda E. Prevalence of dirofilarial infection in raccoon dogs in Japan. Parasitol Int 2000; 49:253-6. [PMID: 11426580 DOI: 10.1016/s1383-5769(00)00049-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus) is known to acquire canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection. We surveyed the prevalence of heartworm infection in free-ranging raccoon dogs in the Nishi-Tama (Tokyo) and Kanagawa areas of Japan. A total of 75 raccoon dog carcasses, including 29 animals from the Nishi-Tama area and 46 from the Kanagawa area, were necropsied between 1992 and 1993. Eight out of 75 raccoon dogs were found to be infected (overall 10.7%). The prevalence of infection was 6 and 16% in Nishi-Tama and Kanagawa, respectively. Microfilarial production was observed in the uterus of one female adult dog.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Nakagaki
- Laboratory for Wildlife Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nippon Jui-Chikusan University, Musashino, Tokyo, Japan.
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