1
|
Sui Y, Song P, Chen G, Zuo S, Liu H, Guo J, Chang Z, Dai H, Liu F, Dong H. Gut microbiota and Tritrichomonas foetus infection: A study of prevalence and risk factors based on pet cats. Prev Vet Med 2024; 226:106162. [PMID: 38518658 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Tritrichomonas foetus (T. foetus) is a protozoal pathogen that infects cats and constitutes a significant cause of chronic colitis and diarrhea. Perturbations in the gut microbiota (GM) are affected by Trichomonas infection. Furthermore, dysregulation of the host GM enhances Trichomonas pathogenicity. However, it remains unclear whether the occurrence of diarrhea is associated with a dysregulation in GM following T. foetus infection in cats. Hence, the primary objective of this investigation was to explore the correlation between T. foetus infection and dysregulation in GM by analyzing fecal samples obtained from pet cats in Henan Province, central China. We randomly collected 898 fecal samples from pet cats living in 11 prefectural cities within Henan Province, and T. foetus was screened with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification based on the 18 S rRNA gene. Subsequently, six T. foetus-positive and six T. foetus-negative samples underwent analysis through 16 S rRNA gene sequencing to evaluate the gut microbiota's composition. The overall prevalence of T. foetus infection among the collected samples was found to be 6.01% (54/898). Notably, a higher prevalence of infection was observed in young, undewormed, unimmunized, and diarrheic pet cats. T. foetus infection was found to significantly alter the composition of the pet cat fecal microbiota, leading to dysfunctions. Moreover, it resulted in a substantial increase in the abundance of Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Phascolarctobacterium spp., while decreasing the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B) and the abundance of Actinobacteria, Clostridiaceae_Clostridium spp., Phascolarctobacterium spp., SMB53 spp., and Blautia spp. We constructed ROC curves to assess the diagnostic value of specific bacterial taxa in discriminating T. foetus infection. The analysis revealed that Proteobacteria and Clostridiaceae_Clostridium spp. were the most reliable single predictors for T. foetus infection. This finding suggests that alterations in the GM may be strongly associated with T. foetus infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhen Sui
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengtao Song
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Guizhen Chen
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Shoujun Zuo
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Hu Liu
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinjie Guo
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhihai Chang
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyu Dai
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, People's Republic of China.
| | - Fang Liu
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, People's Republic of China.
| | - Haiju Dong
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Schumm YR, Lederer-Ponzer N, Masello JF, Quillfeldt P. High prevalence of haemosporidian parasites in Eurasian jays. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:182. [PMID: 38622257 PMCID: PMC11018679 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08170-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Avian haemosporidians are vector-borne parasites, infecting a great variety of birds. The order Passeriformes has the highest average infection probability; nevertheless, some common species of Passeriformes have been rather poorly studied. We investigated haemosporidians in one such species, the Eurasian jay Garrulus glandarius (Corvidae), from a forest population in Hesse, Central Germany. All individuals were infected with at least one haemosporidian genus (overall prevalence: 100%). The most common infection pattern was a mixed Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon infection, whereas no Plasmodium infection was detected. Results on lineage diversity indicate a rather pronounced host-specificity of Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon lineages infecting birds of the family Corvidae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne R Schumm
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Naemi Lederer-Ponzer
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Juan F Masello
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26, 35392, Giessen, Germany
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, 0950, Republic of South Africa
| | - Petra Quillfeldt
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sgarioni AZ, Serafini P, Pereira A, Emmerich T, Pontes TPD, Machado DC, Ribeiro PR, Amorim DBD, Klafke G, Reck J. Molecular Survey of Haemosporidian Parasites in Procellariiformes Sampled in Southern Brazil, 2013-22. J Wildl Dis 2024; 60:413-420. [PMID: 38294761 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-23-00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
The order Procellariiformes includes several species of seabirds that perform long-distance migrations crossing all the oceans. These movements may contribute to the dispersal and exchange of hemoparasites, such as haemosporidians. There is a lack of studies regarding the order Haemosporida in Procellariiformes, and, to date, only the genus Plasmodium has been reported. This survey investigated the occurrence of the three genera of haemosporidians, Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon, in samples collected between 2013 and 2022 from 95 individuals of 14 species of Procellariiformes from southern Brazil, including live animals in rehabilitation centers, individuals caught as incidental bycatch, and carcasses found along the coast. A total of 171 samples of blood and fragments of liver and spleen were analyzed, with extracted DNA being subjected to a nested PCR followed by phylogeny analysis. All animals were negative for Plasmodium spp. and Leucocytozoon spp., but one Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris) and one Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) specimen were positive for Haemoproteus spp. The sequences obtained from positive seabirds did not show 100% similarity with other known lineages available in the MalAvi database and thus were probably novel lineages. However, one sequence clustered together with Haemoproteus noctuae, a parasite from Strigiformes, while the other was grouped with Haemoproteus columbae, which is classically related to Columbiformes. These results suggest that both positive animals may have become infected when beached or in rehabilitation centers by a spillover of vectors from local birds. This highlights the importance of surveillance of the health of Procellariiformes regarding the possibility of dissemination of new pathogens in different bird populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annelise Zabel Sgarioni
- Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Estrada do Conde, 6000, Eldorado do Sul, 92990-000, RS, Brazil
| | - Patricia Serafini
- Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Aves Silvestres (CEMAVE), Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade (ICMBio), Rodovia Maurício Sirotski Sobrinho s/n, Florianópolis, 88053-700, SC, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biomarcadores de Contaminação Aquática e Imunoquímica (LABCAI), Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Rua João Pio Duarte Silva, 241, bloco F, Florianópolis, 88040-900, SC, Brazil
| | - Alice Pereira
- Projeto Albatroz, Rodovia SC 402, Km 2, Rio Vermelho, Florianópolis, 88061-500, SC, Brazil
| | - Tiffany Emmerich
- Unidade de Estabilização de Animais Marinhos, Universidade do Vale de Itajaí (UNIVALI), Avenida Itacolumi, 228, Penha, 88385-000, SC, Brazil
| | - Thamires Pires de Pontes
- Unidade de Estabilização de Animais Marinhos, Universidade do Vale de Itajaí (UNIVALI), Avenida Itacolumi, 228, Penha, 88385-000, SC, Brazil
| | - Douglas Coutinho Machado
- Unidade de Estabilização de Animais Marinhos, Universidade do Vale de Itajaí (UNIVALI), Avenida Itacolumi, 228, Penha, 88385-000, SC, Brazil
| | - Paula Reis Ribeiro
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, 90650-001, RS, Brazil
| | - Derek Blaese de Amorim
- Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, 90650-001, RS, Brazil
- Centro de Estudos Costeiros, Limnológicos e Marinhos (CECLIMAR), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Avenida Tramandaí, 976, Imbé, 95625-000, RS, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Klafke
- Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Estrada do Conde, 6000, Eldorado do Sul, 92990-000, RS, Brazil
| | - José Reck
- Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Estrada do Conde, 6000, Eldorado do Sul, 92990-000, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Harl J, Fauchois A, Puech MP, Gey D, Ariey F, Izac B, Weissenböck H, Chakarov N, Iezhova T, Valkiūnas G, Duval L. Novel phylogenetic clade of avian Haemoproteus parasites (Haemosporida, Haemoproteidae) from Accipitridae raptors, with description of a new Haemoproteus species. Parasite 2024; 31:5. [PMID: 38334685 PMCID: PMC10854483 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2023066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Avian haemosporidian parasites (order Haemosporida, phylum Apicomplexa) are blood and tissue parasites transmitted by blood-sucking dipteran insects. Three genera (Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon) have been most often found in birds, with over 270 species described and named in avian hosts based mainly on the morphological characters of blood stages. A broad diversity of Haemoproteus parasites remains to be identified and characterized morphologically and molecularly, especially those infecting birds of prey, an underrepresented bird group in haemosporidian parasite studies. The aim of this study was to investigate and identify Haemoproteus parasites from a large sample comprising accipitriform raptors of 16 species combining morphological and new molecular protocols targeting the cytb genes of this parasite group. This study provides morphological descriptions and molecular characterizations of two Haemoproteus species, H. multivacuolatus n. sp. and H. nisi Peirce and Marquiss, 1983. Haemoproteus parasites of this group were so far found in accipitriform raptors only and might be classified into a separate subgenus or even genus. Cytb sequences of these parasites diverge by more than 15% from those of all others known avian haemosporidian genera and form a unique phylogenetic clade. This study underlines the importance of developing new diagnostic tools to detect molecularly highly divergent parasites that might be undetectable by commonly used conventional tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josef Harl
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Veterinaerplatz 1 1210 Vienna Austria
| | - Anaïs Fauchois
- Département Adaptations du Vivant (AVIV), Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Microorganismes (MCAM, UMR 7245 CNRS), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, CP 52 57 rue Cuvier 75231 Cedex 05 Paris France
| | - Marie-Pierre Puech
- Hôpital de la faune sauvage des Garrigues et Cévennes – Goupil Connexion 34190 Brissac France
| | - Delphine Gey
- Département Adaptations du Vivant (AVIV), Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Microorganismes (MCAM, UMR 7245 CNRS), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, CP 52 57 rue Cuvier 75231 Cedex 05 Paris France
| | - Frédéric Ariey
- Université de Paris, INSERM 1016, Institut Cochin, Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie Hôpital Cochin Paris France
| | - Brigitte Izac
- Université de Paris, INSERM 1016, Institut Cochin, Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie Hôpital Cochin Paris France
| | - Herbert Weissenböck
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Veterinaerplatz 1 1210 Vienna Austria
| | - Nayden Chakarov
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University Konsequenz 45 33615 Bielefeld Germany
| | | | | | - Linda Duval
- Département Adaptations du Vivant (AVIV), Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Microorganismes (MCAM, UMR 7245 CNRS), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, CP 52 57 rue Cuvier 75231 Cedex 05 Paris France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Reinoso-Pérez MT, Dhondt KV, Dulcet H, Katzenstein N, Sydenstricker AV, Dhondt AA. Seasonal Variation in Detection of Haemosporidia in a Bird Community: A Comparison of Nested PCR and Microscopy. J Wildl Dis 2024; 60:105-115. [PMID: 37909407 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-23-00023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
In a 2-yr study on prevalence of Haemosporidia in an avian community in Ithaca, New York, USA, we tested the hypothesis that apparent seasonal variation in prevalence is influenced by the detection protocol. We confirmed a higher detection of Haemosporidia using a molecular diagnosis technique (PCR) than by microscopy; this further increased when the PCR test was triplicated. Microscopic examination and PCR techniques have different specificity and sensitivity and therefore different probabilities of detecting hemoparasites. Birds with chronic infections or sampled during winter often have very low parasitemia, and such infections may be missed by microscopy but detected by PCR. Haemosporidian prevalence was higher during the breeding season than during the nonbreeding season regardless of the method used. Detection of Leucocytozoon spp. infection from blood smears using microscopy was challenging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Teresa Reinoso-Pérez
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Fernow Hall, 226 Mann Dr., Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
- Laboratory of Ornithology, 59 Sapsucker Woods Rd., Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA
| | - Keila V Dhondt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, 602 Tower Rd., Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Holland Dulcet
- College of Veterinary Medicine, 602 Tower Rd., Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
- Present address: Westfield Veterinary Group, 562 Springfield Ave., Westfield, New Jersey 07090, USA
| | - Nina Katzenstein
- College of Veterinary Medicine, 602 Tower Rd., Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Agnes V Sydenstricker
- Department of Integrative Neurosciences, no. 230B, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York 13902, USA
- Present address: Microbiology & Immunology Department, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave., Bronx, New York 10461, USA
| | - André A Dhondt
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Corson/Mudd Hall, 215 Tower Rd., Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
- Laboratory of Ornithology, 59 Sapsucker Woods Rd., Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14853, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Haas M, Ploščicová L. Contribution to ecological environmental factors and the occurrence of haemosporidians in birds in Zhongar Alatau National Park, Kazakhstan. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:68. [PMID: 38135737 PMCID: PMC10746751 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08097-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
In addition to the presence of a suitable host and vector, the prevalence of haemosporidians is influenced by several important factors, including the environmental conditions of the habitat, which depend on broader geographic characteristics. The aim of this study is to perform a preliminarily assessment of the distribution of blood parasites in birds from the mountainous area of Zhongar Alatau NP and to find potential new sites for research on their ecology in Kazakhstan. The results of this research constitute the first report on the occurrence of blood parasites from this area. A total of 58 birds, from the order Passeriformes and one individual from the order Caprimulgiformes, were examined during the study. The overall prevalence of infections caused by haemosporidian parasites (Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon) was 18.6%. Neither the genus Plasmodium nor the presence of trypanosomes and microfilariae was detected in the birds examined. Three birds (5.1% prevalence) were infected with parasites of the genus Haemoproteus, in all eleven positive birds the analyses showed the presence of parasites of the genus Leucocytozoon (18.6% prevalence). The presence of parasites genus Haemoproteus was detected only in birds that were also infected with Leucocytozoon parasites. More infections with parasites of the genus Leucocytozoon are predicted due to the higher altitude and ecological factors at the capture sites, which are more favourable for the development of vectors of this genus. The species Haemoproteus majoris was detected in the host Emberiza cioides and species Haemoproteus minutus in host Turdus merula. Other species of this genus in the hosts Cyanistes cyanus and Turdus atrogularis were not determined. The species Leucocytozoon fringilinarum was detected in the hosts Cyanistes cyanus and Parus major, Leucocytozoon dubreuili was detected in Turdus atrogularis and Turdus merula. In the other host species Aegithalos caudatus, Emberiza cioides and Periparus aterus, it was not possible to dermine the species of the genus Leucocytozoon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Haas
- Institute of High Mountain Biology, Žilina University, Tatranská Javorina 7, 059 56, Tatranská Javorina, Slovakia.
| | - Lenka Ploščicová
- Institute of High Mountain Biology, Žilina University, Tatranská Javorina 7, 059 56, Tatranská Javorina, Slovakia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Barbon H, Berthoud JL, Woog F, Musa S. Haemosporidian parasite infections of Malagasy Philepittidae and Nectariniidae are driven by phylogeny rather than ecology. Parasitology 2023; 150:1316-1329. [PMID: 38087861 PMCID: PMC10941219 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023001075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
The nectarivorous common sunbird asity (Neodrepanis coruscans) is phylogenetically closely related to the frugivorous velvet asity (Philepitta castanea), yet it shares similar habitat and foraging behaviour as the Malagasy sunbirds (Cinnyris spp.). As ecological factors have been shown to influence blood parasite prevalence, it should be tested whether parasite abundance, prevalence and diversity of N. coruscans are more similar to the sunbirds than to its relative. Therefore, blood samples (n = 156) and smears (n = 60) were tested for different blood parasites (Haemosporida, trypanosomes, filarioid nematodes) using molecular and microscopic methods. High prevalence of haemosporidian parasites was observed in all bird taxa, with rates ranging from 23% in N. coruscans to 84.6% in C. notatus. The Malagasy Cinnyris spp. exhibited a high occurrence of mixed haemosporidian infections (>76%) with various specialized lineages. Within the Philepittidae family, no Haemoproteus infection was detected and just a few cases of mixed infections. Nectariniidae species predominantly had specialized haemosporidian lineages, while Philepittidae had infections mainly caused by generalist lineages. These findings emphasize the diverse range of blood parasites in Nectariniidae, while additionally highlighting the high diversity of trypanosomes and filarioid nematodes in Philepittidae. Additionally, several newly discovered haemosporidian lineages, Trypanosoma isolates and filarioid nematode isolates were identified. Notably, Philepittidae exhibited a lower prevalence of avian haemosporidian parasites compared to Nectariniidae, possibly due to potential resistance mechanisms. Despite N. coruscans sharing similar habitat and behavioural ecology with both Cinnyris spp., it closely resembles its relative, P. castanea, in all aspects of haemosporidian parasitism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Barbon
- Department of Parasitology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | | | - Friederike Woog
- State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sandrine Musa
- Department of Parasitology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Dubiec A, Atamas N, Ledwoń M. Very low prevalence of haemosporidian parasites in two species of marsh terns. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:3063-3075. [PMID: 37907627 PMCID: PMC10667446 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07997-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Vector-transmitted haemosporidians are among the most common parasites in birds, but our knowledge of the inter-specific patterns of infection rates and the parasite community composition is far from complete because of the unequal distribution of the screening effort across bird families and genera. To assess infection rates and the diversity of haemosporidians from the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon in marsh terns, which represent poorly explored in this regard genus of the family gulls, terns, and skimmers (Laridae), we screened two species: the Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida) and the Black Tern (Chlidonias niger). We sampled these long-distance migratory birds on breeding grounds: the Whiskered Tern in south-central Poland and north-central Ukraine, and the Black Tern-in north-central Ukraine. We found that birds from both species were infected only sporadically, with prevalence at the population level not exceeding 3.4%. Only parasites from the genera Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon were detected. There was neither an inter-specific difference nor a difference between populations of the Whiskered Tern in infection rates. In total, we registered three lineages-one Plasmodium and two Leucocytozoon-that were previously recorded in other bird species, and two unidentified Plasmodium infections. One of the lineages (Leucocytozoon LARCAC02) represents a specialist parasite with the host range restricted to larids and geographic range restricted to Poland, and two others (Plasmodium SGS1 and Leucocytozoon CIAE02) represent generalist parasites with very broad host and geographic ranges. This study reinforces the existing evidence that terns host parasites from genera Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, and Leucocytozoon only sporadically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Dubiec
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wilcza 64, 00-679, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Natalia Atamas
- Department of Animal Monitoring and Conservation, Laboratory of Population Ecology, I. I. Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, B. Khmelnytskoho Str., 15, Kyiv, 01601, Ukraine
| | - Mateusz Ledwoń
- Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sławkowska 17, 31-016, Cracow, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Martinez V, Keith KD, Grace JK, Voelker G. Avian haemosporidians of breeding birds in the Davis Mountains sky-islands of west Texas, USA. Parasitology 2023; 150:1266-1276. [PMID: 38072659 PMCID: PMC10941211 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023001087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Avian haemosporidians are protozoan parasites transmitted by insect vectors that infect birds worldwide, negatively impacting avian fitness and survival. However, the majority of haemosporidian diversity remains undescribed. Quantifying this diversity is critical to determining parasite–host relationships and host-switching potentials of parasite lineages as climate change induces both host and vector range shifts. In this study, we conducted a community survey of avian haemosporidians found in breeding birds on the Davis Mountains sky islands in west Texas, USA. We determined parasite abundance and host associations and compared our results to data from nearby regions. A total of 265 birds were screened and infections were detected in 108 birds (40.8%). Most positive infections were identified as Haemoproteus (36.2%), followed by Plasmodium (6.8%) and Leucocytozoon (0.8%). A total of 71 haemosporidian lineages were detected of which 39 were previously undescribed. We found that regional similarity influenced shared lineages, as a higher number of lineages were shared with avian communities in the sky islands of New Mexico compared to south Texas, the Texas Gulf Coast and central Mexico. We found that migratory status of avian host did not influence parasite prevalence, but that host phylogeny is likely an important driver.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viridiana Martinez
- Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Katrina D Keith
- Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Jacquelyn K Grace
- Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Gary Voelker
- Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Vanstreels RET, Chagas CRF, Valkiūnas G, Dos Anjos CC, Parsons NJ, Roberts DG, Snyman A, Hurtado R, Kirchgatter K, Ludynia K, Pistorius PA. Haemoproteus jenniae (Haemoproteidae, Haemosporida) infects gulls ( Larus spp.) in South Africa, with redescription of Haemoproteus skuae. Parasitology 2023; 150:1286-1295. [PMID: 36951108 PMCID: PMC10941229 DOI: 10.1017/s003118202300029x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Haemoproteus spp. are dipteran-borne protozoa that infect erythrocytes and reticulo-endothelial cells of birds. These parasites are not usually transmitted between birds belonging to different orders. The suborder Lari (order Charadriiformes) comprises ~170 avian species, the majority of which are aquatic, including gulls, terns, auklets, murres and skuas, among others. In spite of the diversity of this avian group, there is limited known diversity of haemosporidian parasites, with only 4 recorded Haemoproteus morphospecies thus far. We examined the blood smears of 21 kelp gulls (Larus dominicanus) captured at a breeding colony in South Africa, as well as Haemoproteus-positive archival blood smears of 15 kelp gulls and 1 Hartlaub's gull (Larus hartlaubii) sampled while under care at seabird rehabilitation facilities in South Africa. Haemoproteus sp. infection was detected in 19% of wild-caught kelp gulls. All parasites from the gulls were morphologically identified as Haemoproteus jenniae, a species previously recorded in Lari birds at the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador), Rocas Atoll (Brazil) and Poland. Gene sequencing uncovered a new cytochrome b lineage, LARDOM01, which was closely related to the previously reported H. jenniae lineage CREFUR01. Additionally, we evaluated a hapantotype blood smear of Haemoproteus skuae, which had been described infecting a brown skua (Catharacta antarctica) in South Africa. We provide a redescription of H. skuae and discuss the morphological characters distinguishing it from H. jenniae. Further research is necessary to improve our knowledge about the host and geographic distribution, health effects and phylogeny of H. jenniae and H. skuae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ralph E T Vanstreels
- Marine Apex Predator Research Unit (MAPRU), Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa
| | | | | | - Carolina C Dos Anjos
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nola J Parsons
- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), Cape Town, South Africa
| | - David G Roberts
- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Albert Snyman
- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Renata Hurtado
- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Karin Kirchgatter
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto Pasteur, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Katrin Ludynia
- Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Pierre A Pistorius
- Marine Apex Predator Research Unit (MAPRU), Department of Zoology, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
de Angeli Dutra D, Khan AU, Ferreira FC, Beirão MV, Pichorim M, Moreira PA, Braga ÉM. Host phylogeny and seasonality shapes avian haemosporidian prevalence in a Brazilian biodiverse and dry forest: the Caatinga. Parasitology 2023; 150:1277-1285. [PMID: 37246557 PMCID: PMC10941212 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023000549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The relationships between host phylogenetics, functional traits and parasites in wildlife remain poorly understood in the Neotropics, especially in habitats with marked seasonal variation. Here, we examined the effect of seasonality and host functional traits on the prevalence of avian haemosporidians (Plasmodium and Haemoproteus) in the Brazilian Caatinga, a seasonally dry tropical forest. 933 birds were evaluated for haemosporidian infections. We found a high parasitism prevalence (51.2%), which was correlated with phylogenetic relatedness among avian species. Prevalence varied drastically among the 20 well-sampled species, ranging from 0 to 70%. Seasonality was the main factor associated with infections, but how this abiotic condition influenced parasite prevalence varied according to the host-parasite system. Plasmodium prevalence increased during the rainy season and, after excluding the large sample size of Columbiformes (n = 462/933), Plasmodium infection rate was maintained high in the wet season and showed a negative association with host body mass. No association was found between non-Columbiform bird prevalence and seasonality or body mass when evaluating both Plasmodium and Haemoproteus or only Haemoproteus infections. Parasite community was composed of 32 lineages including 7 new lineages. We evidenced that even dry domains can harbour a high prevalence and diversity of vector-borne parasites and pointed out seasonality as a ruling factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Asmat U Khan
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
- Department of Zoology, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Sheringal Dir Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Francisco C Ferreira
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Schubot Centre for Avian Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Marina V Beirão
- Departamento de Biodiversidade, Evolução e Meio Ambiente, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
| | - Mauro Pichorim
- Departamento de Botânica e Zoologia, Ciências de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Patrícia A Moreira
- Departamento de Biodiversidade, Evolução e Meio Ambiente, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
| | - Érika M Braga
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Agbemelo-Tsomafo C, Adjei S, Kusi KA, Deitsch KW, Amoah D, Obeng-Kyeremeh R, Sumabe AM, Aniweh Y. Prevalence of Leucocytozoon infection in domestic birds in Ghana. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294066. [PMID: 38019839 PMCID: PMC10686479 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Leucocytozoon is a haemosporidian parasite known to cause leucocytozoonosis in domestic and wild birds in most parts of the world. It is an important pathogen, as some species can be pathogenic, especially in domestic birds. One of the factors affecting poultry health management worldwide is parasitism. However, the study of haemosporidian parasites in Ghana is still lacking. This study sought to assess the prevalence and diversity of Leucocytozoon parasites in domestic birds in Ghana. Blood samples were collected from domestic birds in Ghana's Bono and Eastern regions to screen for Leucocytozoon parasites. Thin blood smears were prepared for microscopy and DNA was extracted from whole blood kept in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tubes for PCR. Due to the large number of samples, real-time PCR was performed to amplify the conserved rDNA gene. Two different nested PCR protocols were performed on the positive samples obtained from real-time PCR results, to amplify a partial region of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and the amplicons were sequenced. Sequencing revealed six new lineages of Leucocytozoon sp. recovered in 976 individual domestic birds and these sequences were deposited in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GenBank. An overall Leucocytozoon prevalence of 11.6% was reported in all birds sampled. The most prevalent lineage LGHA146 (GenBank accession no. OM643346) (93.8%) was found infecting 3 bird species, Gallus gallus, Meleagris gallopavo, and Anas platyrhynchos. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the new lineages (GenBank accession nos. OM643342, OM643343, OM643344, OM643345, OM643346, and OM643347), reported in this study were closely related to Leucocytozoon schoutedeni. We suggest that further studies be conducted to evaluate the effect of these parasite species on the general well-being of poultry in Ghana.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Constance Agbemelo-Tsomafo
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Animal Experimentation, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Samuel Adjei
- Department of Animal Experimentation, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kwadwo A. Kusi
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kirk W. Deitsch
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Daniel Amoah
- Department of Animal Experimentation, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Richard Obeng-Kyeremeh
- Department of Animal Experimentation, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ayishetu M. Sumabe
- Department of Animal Experimentation, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Yaw Aniweh
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zieman EA, Phillips VC, Jiménez FA, Nielsen CK. CLINICAL AND SUBCLINICAL CYTAUXZOON FELIS INFECTIONS IN DOMESTIC CATS FROM A RECENTLY IDENTIFIED ENDEMIC REGION. J Parasitol 2023; 109:525-529. [PMID: 37861238 DOI: 10.1645/23-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytauxzoon felis is a tick-transmitted intraerythrocytic apicomplexan infecting felids in the southeastern and midwestern United States. Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are the natural wildlife reservoir of C. felis, where in enzootic areas prevalence can reach 100%. Domestic cats can be subclinically infected with C. felis or can develop cytauxzoonosis. Two studies have documented the presence of C. felis in domestic cats in Illinois; these studies have shown a limited number of cases submitted to specialty labs. During 2014-2018, we obtained blood samples collected by veterinary staff from 514 cats that were apparently healthy and 74 cats that were suspected of cytauxzoonosis. These samples were screened using a sensitive, nested PCR to detect the presence of C. felis DNA. We herein document frequent occurrences of cytauxzoonosis (8-15 cases/year from 4 veterinary clinics) and 12.5% prevalence of subclinical infections in southern Illinois, a locality showing a sharp increase in cases of cytauxzoonosis. Our results suggest a high risk of cytauxzoonosis in southern Illinois, despite only recently being recognized in the area. We found no specific risk factors for cytauxzoonosis or subclinical infections in this location. In addition, cases of cytauxzoonosis occur every month of the year (with the highest frequency in summer) and therefore tick prevention should be used in domestic cats in enzootic regions throughout the year.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elliott A Zieman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eastern Illinois University, 600 Lincoln Ave., Charleston, Illinois 61920
| | - Victoria C Phillips
- School of Biological Sciences, Zoology, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 1125 Lincoln Dr., Carbondale, Illinois 62901-6501
| | - F Agustín Jiménez
- School of Biological Sciences, Zoology, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 1125 Lincoln Dr., Carbondale, Illinois 62901-6501
| | - Clayton K Nielsen
- Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory and Forestry Program, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 1205 Lincoln Dr., Carbondale, Illinois 62901
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Duc M, Himmel T, Ilgūnas M, Eigirdas V, Weissenböck H, Valkiūnas G. Exo-erythrocytic development of two Haemoproteus species (Haemosporida, Haemoproteidae), with description of Haemoproteus dumbbellus, a new blood parasite of bunting birds (Emberizidae). Int J Parasitol 2023; 53:531-543. [PMID: 37263375 PMCID: PMC7615398 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2023.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Avian haemosporidians are widespread parasites categorized into four families of the order Haemosporida (Apicomplexa). Species of the subgenus Parahaemoproteus (genus Haemoproteus) belong to the Haemoproteidae and are transmitted by Culicoides biting midges. Reports of death due to tissue damage during haemoproteosis in non-adapted birds have raised concerns about these pathogens, especially as their exo-erythrocytic development is known for only a few Haemoproteus spp. More research is needed to better understand the patterns of the parasites' development in tissues and their impact on avian hosts. Yellowhammers Emberiza citrinella (Emberizidae) and common house martins Delichon urbicum (Hirundinidae) were screened for Haemoproteus parasites by microscopic examination of blood films and PCR-based testing. Individuals with single infection were selected for histological investigations. H & E-stained sections were screened for detection and characterization of the exo-erythrocytic stages, while chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) and phylogenetic analysis were performed to confirm the Haemoproteus origin and their phylogenetic relationships. Haemoproteus dumbbellus n. sp. was discovered in Emberiza citrinella single-infected with the lineage hEMCIR01. Meronts of H. dumbbellus n. sp. developed in various organs of five of six tested individuals, a pattern which was reported in other Haemoproteus species clustering in the same clade, suggesting this could be a phylogenetic trait. By contrast, in Delichon urbicum infected with the Haemoproteus lineage hDELURB2, which was linked to the more distantly related parasite Haemoproteus hirundinis, only megalomeronts were found in the pectoral muscles of two of six infected individuals. All exo-erythrocytic stages were confirmed to be Haemoproteus parasites by CISH using a Haemoproteus genus-specific probe. While the development of meronts seems to be typical for species of the clade containing H. dumbbellus, further investigations and data from more species are needed to explore whether a phylogenetic pattern occurs in meront or megalomeront formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Duc
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Tanja Himmel
- Institute of Pathology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Mikas Ilgūnas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vytautas Eigirdas
- Ventės Ragas Ornithological Station, Marių 24, 99361 Ventė, Lithuania
| | - Herbert Weissenböck
- Institute of Pathology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Weerarathne P, Sanders TL, Kao YF, Cotey SR, Place JD, Fairbanks WS, Miller CA, Reichard MV. HIGH PREVALENCE OF CYTAUXZOON FELIS IN BOBCATS (LYNX RUFUS) ACROSS OKLAHOMA AND OCCURRENCE IN WEST TEXAS, USA. J Wildl Dis 2023; 59:432-441. [PMID: 37270185 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-22-00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Cytauxzoonosis is a fatal tick-borne disease in domestic cats caused by infection with the apicomplexan Cytauxzoon felis. Bobcats are the natural wild-vertebrate reservoirs for C. felis, and infections are typically subclinical and chronic in this species. The present study was done to determine the prevalence and geographic distribution of C. felis infection in wild bobcats from Oklahoma and the occurrence in northwestern Texas. Tongue samples from 360 bobcats were collected from 53 counties in Oklahoma and 13 samples from three counties in Texas. For DNA extracted from each tongue sample, a probe-based droplet digital PCR assay was performed targeting the C. felis mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit III (cox3). Prevalence of C. felis infection was calculated for each county sampled, and data from individual counties were combined according to geographic regions and compared using chi-square tests. Overall prevalence of C. felis in bobcats from Oklahoma was 80.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 75.6-83.8). The prevalence of infection was >90% for bobcats from central, northeastern, south-central, and southeastern regions of Oklahoma, but <68% for bobcats from northwestern and southwestern regions. Bobcats from central counties in Oklahoma were 25.693 times more likely to be infected with C. felis compared to all other bobcats sampled from the state. Higher prevalence estimates of C. felis in bobcats appeared to be in counties where known tick vectors are most common. Occurrence of C. felis in bobcats from northwestern Texas was 30.8% (95% CI, 12.4%-58.0%) based on 13 samples. Results of this study support the utilization of bobcats as sentinel animals to identify geographic areas with risk of C. felis infection to domestic cats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pabasara Weerarathne
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, USA
| | - Tiana L Sanders
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, USA
| | - Yun-Fan Kao
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, USA
| | - Stacy R Cotey
- College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Michigan Tech University, Houghton, Michigan 49931, USA
| | - Joshua D Place
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, USA
| | - W Sue Fairbanks
- Department of Natural Resources Ecology and Management, Division of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, USA
| | - Craig A Miller
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, USA
| | - Mason V Reichard
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Cadena-Ortiz H, Mantilla JS, Rivero de Aguilar J, Flores D, Bahamonde D, Matta NE, Bonaccorso E. Avian haemosporidian infections in rufous-collared sparrows in an Andean dry forest: diversity and factors related to prevalence and parasitaemia - CORRIGENDUM. Parasitology 2022; 149:1521-1522. [PMID: 35920314 PMCID: PMC11010568 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182022000932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Cadena-Ortiz
- Centro de Investigación de la Biodiversidad y Cambio Climático (BioCamb), Universidad Tecnológica Indoamérica, Machala y Sabanilla, Quito, Ecuador
- Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, 12 de Octubre y Roca, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Juan S Mantilla
- Departamento de Biología, Grupo de Investigación Caracterización Genética e Inmunología, Sede Bogotá-Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan Rivero de Aguilar
- Centro de Investigación de la Biodiversidad y Cambio Climático (BioCamb), Universidad Tecnológica Indoamérica, Machala y Sabanilla, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Diana Flores
- Centro de Investigación de la Biodiversidad y Cambio Climático (BioCamb), Universidad Tecnológica Indoamérica, Machala y Sabanilla, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Daniela Bahamonde
- Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, 12 de Octubre y Roca, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Nubia E Matta
- Departamento de Biología, Grupo de Investigación Caracterización Genética e Inmunología, Sede Bogotá-Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Elisa Bonaccorso
- Centro de Investigación de la Biodiversidad y Cambio Climático (BioCamb), Universidad Tecnológica Indoamérica, Machala y Sabanilla, Quito, Ecuador
- Present address: Instituto de Salud y Ambiente, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá- 110121, Colombia
- Laboratorio de Biología Evolutiva, Instituto BIOSFERA y Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Diego de Robles y Vía Interoceánica, 17-1200-841 Quito, Ecuador
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Alimam HMS, Moosa DA, Ajaj EA, Dahl MO, Al-Robaiee IA, Allah SFH, Al-Jumaa ZM, Hadi ED. Proportion and seasonality of blood parasites in animals in Mosul using the Veterinary Teaching Hospital Lab data. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264121. [PMID: 35192671 PMCID: PMC8863285 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Several local studies have examined evidence of blood parasites in different animals in Mosul; however, information about the most prevalent parasite and the seasonality of the infection remains limited. The objective of the study conducted here was to investigate the proportion and seasonality of blood parasites in animals in Mosul using the Veterinary Teaching Hospital Lab data. Laboratory records for a period of 25 months were used for data retrieval. In all included animals, Giemsa-stained blood smears were examined by an attending clinical pathologist for the presence of parasites. Seasons were assigned on a basis of examination date, and the seasonality was quantified by estimating season-to-season ratio. The results indicated that 61.77% of examined animals were tested positive for blood parasites. The most evident parasites were Trypanosoma spp., Theileria spp., Babesia spp., and then Anaplasma spp., with evidence of mixed infection. The odds of the infection did not significantly vary in different age groups. There was a marked linear pattern in the seasonality of the infection with Trypanosoma spp. and Anaplasma spp. An increase of the infection during spring and autumn with Theileria spp. and Babesia spp. was also evident. In conclusion, infection with blood parasites in different animals in Mosul is common with substantial burden, the effect of age-related infection is negligible, and the seasonality of the infection is evident.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hussam M. S. Alimam
- Department of Internal and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq
| | - Dhiyaa A. Moosa
- Department of Internal and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq
| | - Eva A. Ajaj
- Department of Internal and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq
| | - Mohammad O. Dahl
- Department of Internal and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq
- * E-mail:
| | - Israa A. Al-Robaiee
- Department of Internal and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq
| | - Semaa F. Hasab Allah
- Department of Internal and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq
- Office of Vice President for Scientific Affairs, University of Al-Hamdaniya, Bartella, Nineveh, Iraq
| | - Zahraa M. Al-Jumaa
- Department of Internal and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq
| | - Eman D. Hadi
- Department of Internal and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul, Mosul, Nineveh, Iraq
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Mackenzie AM, Dudenhoeffer M, Bangoura B, Sehgal RNM, Tell LA, Godwin BL, Ernest HB. Prevalence and diversity of haemosporidians in a migratory high-elevation hummingbird in North America. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:769-773. [PMID: 35048210 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07407-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Hummingbirds (Trochilidae) are sensitive to environmental changes because of their extraordinary ecology, metabolism, and the highest red blood cell counts found in any vertebrate. These physiological attributes may render hummingbirds particularly susceptible to the effects of haemosporidian (blood parasite) infections. Much of the research on haemosporidians in hummingbirds has been conducted in South America; less is known about haemosporidian diversity and prevalence in North America. We sought to determine the prevalence and diversity of haemosporidians in a high-elevation species, the Broad-tailed Hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus). Blood samples (N = 314) from 25 sites in Colorado and Wyoming were screened for haemosporidians using microscopy (n = 311) and PCR (n = 301). Both microscopy and sequencing diagnostic techniques detected haemosporidians in the same 5 hummingbirds, with an overall prevalence of 1.59%. Positive samples were sequenced at the cytochrome b gene and identified Haemoproteus archilochus and two Haemoproteus sp. not previously detected in North America. No parasites of the genera Plasmodium or Leucocytozoon were detected. Our study provides the first report of the prevalence and diversity of haemosporidians in Broad-tailed Hummingbirds in the Rocky Mountains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne M Mackenzie
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Wildlife Genomics and Disease Ecology Laboratory, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Megan Dudenhoeffer
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Wildlife Genomics and Disease Ecology Laboratory, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Berit Bangoura
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Ravinder N M Sehgal
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lisa A Tell
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Braden L Godwin
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Wildlife Genomics and Disease Ecology Laboratory, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Holly B Ernest
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Wildlife Genomics and Disease Ecology Laboratory, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abdullah HHAM, Amanzougaghene N, Dahmana H, Louni M, Raoult D, Mediannikov O. Multiple vector-borne pathogens of domestic animals in Egypt. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009767. [PMID: 34587171 PMCID: PMC8480906 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Vector Borne Diseases (VBDs) are considered emerging and re-emerging diseases that represent a global burden. The aim of this study was to explore and characterize vector-borne pathogens in different domestic animal hosts in Egypt. A total of 557 blood samples were collected from different animals using a convenience sampling strategy (203 dogs, 149 camels, 88 cattle, 26 buffaloes, 58 sheep and 33 goats). All samples were tested for multiple pathogens using quantitative PCR and standard PCR coupled with sequencing. We identified Theileria annulata and Babesia bigemina in cattle (15.9 and 1.1%, respectively), T. ovis in sheep and buffaloes (8.6 and 7.7%, respectively) and Ba. canis in dogs (0.5%) as well as Anaplasma marginale in cattle, sheep and camels (20.4, 3.4 and 0.7%, respectively) and Coxiella burnetii in sheep and goats (1.7 and 3%; respectively). New genotypes of An. centrale, An. ovis, An. platys-like and Borrelia theileri were found in cattle (1.1,3.4, 3.4 and 3.4%, respectively), An. platys-like in buffaloes (7.7%), An. marginale, An. ovis, An. platys-like and Bo. theileri in sheep (3.4, 1.7, 1.7 and 3.4%, respectively), An. platys, An. platys-like and Setaria digitata in camels (0.7, 5.4 and 0.7%, respectively) and Rickettsia africae-like, An. platys, Dirofilaria repens and Acanthocheilonema reconditum in dogs (1.5, 3.4, 1 and 0.5%, respectively). Co-infections were found in cattle, sheep and dogs (5.7, 1.7, 0.5%, respectively). For the first time, we have demonstrated the presence of several vector-borne zoonoses in the blood of domestic animals in Egypt. Dogs and ruminants seem to play a significant role in the epidemiological cycle of VBDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hend H. A. M. Abdullah
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Division, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Nadia Amanzougaghene
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Handi Dahmana
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Meriem Louni
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Khumpim P, Chawengkirttikul R, Junsiri W, Watthanadirek A, Poolsawat N, Minsakorn S, Srionrod N, Anuracpreeda P. Molecular detection and genetic diversity of Leucocytozoon sabrazesi in chickens in Thailand. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16686. [PMID: 34404893 PMCID: PMC8370975 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96241-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Leucocytozoon sabrazesi is the intracellular protozoa of leucocytozoonosis, which is transmitted by the insect vectors and affects chickens in most subtropical and tropical regions of the globe, except South America, and causing enormous economic losses due to decreasing meat yield and egg production. In this study, L. sabrazesi gametocytes have been observed in the blood smears, and molecular methods have been used to analyse the occurrence and genetic diversity of L. sabrazesi in blood samples from 313 chickens raised in northern, western and southern parts of Thailand. The nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR) assay based on the cytb gene revealed that 80.51% (252/313) chickens were positive of L. sabrazesi. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that L. sabrazesi cytb gene is conserved in Thailand, showed 2 clades and 2 subclades with similarity ranged from 89.5 to 100%. The diversity analysis showed 13 and 18 haplotypes of the sequences from Thailand and from other countries, respectively. The entropy analyses of nucleic acid sequences showed 26 high entropy peaks with values ranging from 0.24493 to 1.21056, while those of amino acid sequences exhibited 5 high entropy peaks with values ranging from 0.39267 to 0.97012. The results; therefore, indicate a high molecular occurrence of L. sabrazesi in chicken blood samples with the associated factors that is statistically significant (p < 0.05). Hence, our results could be used to improve the immunodiagnostic methods and to find appropriate preventive control strategies or vaccination programs against leucocytozoonosis in order to mitigate or eliminate the harmful impact of this infection on chicken industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pacharaporn Khumpim
- Parasitology Research Laboratory (PRL), Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | | | - Witchuta Junsiri
- Parasitology Research Laboratory (PRL), Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Amaya Watthanadirek
- Parasitology Research Laboratory (PRL), Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Napassorn Poolsawat
- Parasitology Research Laboratory (PRL), Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Sutthida Minsakorn
- Parasitology Research Laboratory (PRL), Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Nitipon Srionrod
- Parasitology Research Laboratory (PRL), Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Panat Anuracpreeda
- Parasitology Research Laboratory (PRL), Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
Collapse
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:
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Khamesipour F, Taktaz‐Hafshejani T, Tebit KE, Razavi SM, Hosseini SR. Prevalence of endo- and ecto-parasites of equines in Iran: A systematic review. Vet Med Sci 2021; 7:25-34. [PMID: 32644306 PMCID: PMC7840198 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Equines are subject to infection with many parasites, which threaten their health. In the present study, we systematically reviewed existing literature on the prevalence of endo- and ectoparasites of equines in Iran. Major electronic databases, including PubMed, PubMed Central, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Scientific Information Database (SID), were searched (Last updated 11/05/2018) for relevant literature of parasites that have been identified from equines in Iran. Of the 1809 titles produced by bibliographic search, 38 were included in the review. Twenty-seven of the studies were on horses, six on donkeys, three on both horses and donkeys, and one study was on both horses and mules. Furthermore, 24 of the studies reported infections caused by protozoa, thirteen by helminths, two by ectoparasites, and one by both protozoa and helminths. The overall pooled prevalence of parasitic infection was 28.8% (95%CI: 22.9-35.7, I2 = 93.4%). Helminths were the most prevalent parasites 46.7% (95% CI: 24.1-70.7, I2 = 96.0%). Furthermore, donkeys were the most affected equine, with a prevalence of 70.7% (95% CI: 53.2-83.7, I2 = 92.5%). The protozoa frequently reported included nine species belonging to the genera: Neospora, Toxoplasma, Theileria, Babesia and Eimeria. Also, the helminths frequently reported included 21 species belonging to the genera: Strongylus, Dicrocoelium, Oxyuris, Habronema, Echinococcus, Dictyocaulus, Cyathostomum, Probstmayria, Anoplocephala, Setaria and Fasciola. Ticks were the only ectoparasites frequently reported. Parasitic fly species of the genera Gasterophilus were also reported. The study-level risk of bias was likely to be high because of differences in study design. Parasitic infections of equines in Iran are frequent and caused by a diversity of parasites, which threatens the health and well-being of these animals. Further research is needed in the area to identify the risk factors of infection for effective control of the parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faham Khamesipour
- Cellular and Molecular Research CenterSabzevar University of Medical SciencesSabzevarIran
- Department of PathobiologySchool of Veterinary MedicineShiraz UniversityShirazIran
| | - Taghi Taktaz‐Hafshejani
- Department of Clinical SciencesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineShahrekord BranchIslamic Azad UniversityShahrekordIran
| | - Kwenti E. Tebit
- Department of Microbiology and ParasitologyUniversity of BueaBueaCameroon
| | - Seyed Mostafa Razavi
- Department of PathobiologySchool of Veterinary MedicineShiraz UniversityShirazIran
| | - Seyed Reza Hosseini
- Department of PathobiologyFaculty of Veterinary MedicineShahrekord BranchIslamic Azad UniversityShahrekordIran
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Fecchio A, Ribeiro RM, Ferreira FC, de Angeli Dutra D, Tolesano-Pascoli G, Alquezar RD, Khan AU, Pichorim M, Moreira PA, Costa-Nascimento MJ, Monteiro EF, Mathias BS, Guimarães LO, Simões RF, Braga ÉM, Kirchgatter K, Dias RI. Higher infection probability of haemosporidian parasites in Blue-black Grassquits (Volatinia jacarina) inhabiting native vegetation across Brazil. Parasitol Int 2020; 80:102204. [PMID: 33045411 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Human induced changes on landscape can alter the biotic and abiotic factors that influence the transmission of vector-borne parasites. To examine how infection rates of vector-transmitted parasites respond to changes on natural landscapes, we captured 330 Blue-black Grassquits (Volatinia jacarina) in Brazilian biomes and assessed the prevalence and diversity of avian haemosporidian parasites (Plasmodium and Haemoproteus) across avian host populations inhabiting environment under different disturbance and climatic conditions. Overall prevalence in Blue-black Grassquits was low (11%) and infection rates exhibited considerable spatial variation, ranging from zero to 39%. Based on genetic divergence of cytochrome b gene, we found two lineages of Haemoproteus (Parahaemoproteus) and 10 of Plasmodium. We showed that Blue-black Grassquit populations inhabiting sites with higher proportion of native vegetation cover were more infected across Brazil. Other landscape metrics (number of water bodies and distance to urban areas) and climatic condition (temperature and precipitation) known to influence vector activity and promote avian malaria transmission did not explain infection probability in Blue-black Grassquit populations. Moreover, breeding season did not explain prevalence across avian host populations. Our findings suggest that avian haemosporidian prevalence and diversity in Blue-black Grassquit populations are determined by recent anthropogenic changes in vegetation cover that may alter microclimate, thus influencing vector activity and parasite transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alan Fecchio
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil.
| | - Rayanne M Ribeiro
- Faculdade de Ciências da Educação e Saúde, Centro Universitário de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Francisco C Ferreira
- Center for Conservation Genomics, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC, USA; Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; Departamento de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Daniela de Angeli Dutra
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Graziela Tolesano-Pascoli
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Renata D Alquezar
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília 70919-970, DF, Brazil
| | - Asmat U Khan
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil; Department of Zoology, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Sheringal, Dir (Upper) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Mauro Pichorim
- Departamento de Botânica e Zoologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Patrícia A Moreira
- Departamento de Biodiversidade, Evolução e Meio Ambiente, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Eliana F Monteiro
- Superintendência de Controle de Endemias/IMT-USP, São Paulo, SP 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Bruno S Mathias
- Superintendência de Controle de Endemias/IMT-USP, São Paulo, SP 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Lilian O Guimarães
- Superintendência de Controle de Endemias/IMT-USP, São Paulo, SP 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Roseli F Simões
- Superintendência de Controle de Endemias/IMT-USP, São Paulo, SP 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Érika M Braga
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Karin Kirchgatter
- Superintendência de Controle de Endemias/IMT-USP, São Paulo, SP 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Raphael I Dias
- Faculdade de Ciências da Educação e Saúde, Centro Universitário de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Zoologia, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Pu LH, Li Z, Wu J, Zhang YL, Chen JQ, Yang JF, Zou FC. Prevalence, molecular epidemiology and zoonotic risk of Entamoeba spp. from experimental macaques in Yunnan Province, southwestern China. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:2733-2740. [PMID: 32617726 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06762-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Amebiasis is a worldwide parasitic zoonosis, with symptoms of abdominal discomfort, indigestion, diarrhea, and even death. However, limited information about the prevalence of Entamoeba spp. in experimental nonhuman primates (NHPs) in southwestern China is available. The objective of the current study was to investigate the frequency and species identity of Entamoeba to evaluate potential zoonotic risk factors for Entamoeba spp. infection in experimental NHPs. A total of 505 fecal samples were collected from NHPs (macaques) and analyzed by PCR analysis the small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene of Entamoeba spp. Forty-seven specimens were positive for Entamoeba spp., and the prevalence of Entamoeba spp. was 9.31% (47/505). Significant differences in the prevalence rates among the three breeds (P = 0.002 < 0.01, df = 2, χ2 = 12.33) and feed types (P = 0.001 < 0.01, df = 1, χ2 = 10.12) were observed. Altogether, four Entamoeba species, including E. dispar (57.44%), E. chattoni (29.78%), E. histolytica (6.38%), and E. coli (6.38%), were identified by DNA sequence analysis. The results suggested a low prevalence but high diversity of Entamoeba species in experimental NHPs in Yunnan Province, southwestern China. Results of this study contribute to the knowledge of the genetic characteristics of Entamoeba spp. in NHPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Hua Pu
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao Li
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Wu
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Lin Zhang
- Kunming Primate Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Qi Chen
- Kunming Primate Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Fa Yang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Feng-Cai Zou
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Rahmati Moghaddam M, Zaeemi M, Razmi GR. Preliminary study of Cytauxzoon felis infection in outdoor cats in Mashhad, Iran. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:4177-4183. [PMID: 32583162 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06780-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of the current study were to assess the preliminary status of Cytauxzoon felis (C. felis) infection among outdoor cats in Mashhad, Iran and also to compare clinicopathological findings between C. felis infected and non-infected cats. Blood samples were collected from 100 outdoor domestic cats between April and September in 2019. Infection with C. felis was determined using microscopic observation of giemsa-stained blood smears and molecular analysis. The piroplasms was microscopically detected in 5 (5%) of the blood smears with low parasitemia. The presence of C. felis was confirmed in one positive microscopy sample by PCR. The molecular assay revealed that 19 cats (19%) were infected with C. felis. Hematological and some serum biochemical factors were evaluated in both of the infected and non-infected cats. There was no association between C. felis infection and age, gender, and laboratory findings except for hematocrit (Hct) and concentration of total protein and globulin. Clinical signs such as fever, dehydration, lethargy, and icterus were observed only in 15.78% (3/19) of the infected cats, while 84.22% (16/19) were asymptomatic. Laboratory findings such as non-regenerative anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutrophilic leukocytosis hyperproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperbilirubinemia were detected in the clinically infected cats. This study revealed the relatively high frequency of C. felis infection in outdoor domestic cats in Mashahd, Iran. The predominance of asymptomatic infection likely indicates that these cats may be infected with low-virulent strains of C. felis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mina Rahmati Moghaddam
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, PO Box 91775-1793, Azadi Sq., Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Zaeemi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, PO Box 91775-1793, Azadi Sq., Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Gholam Reza Razmi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Mohammad Rahimi H, Nemati S, Mirjalali H, Sharifdini M, Zali MR. Molecular characterization and identification of Blastocystis and its subtypes from raccoon (Procyon lotor) in north of Iran. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:2741-2745. [PMID: 32577820 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06770-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis is a zoonotic protozoan parasite frequently identified in the intestinal tract of humans and a vast variety of animals, worldwide. Here, we assessed the prevalence of Blastocystis and its subtypes in stool samples of raccoons. Stool samples from 30 raccoons were collected. Total DNA was extracted, and the barcoding region of the small subunit ribosomal rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene was amplified and sequenced. Specific fragment for Blastocystis was successfully amplified in five samples (16.66%). Sequencing analysis revealed ST1, ST2, and ST3 among 1, 2, and 2 Blastocystis-positive samples. Our results documented the presence of Blastocystis subtypes 1-3 in raccoons. Subtype 1 showed higher similarity to the human isolates of Blastocystis. However, it seems that raccoons may emerge as reservoirs for Blastocystis and may be linked to zoonotic transmission of the protist.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Mohammad Rahimi
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Nemati
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Meysam Sharifdini
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Masatani T, Hayashi K, Morikawa M, Ozawa M, Kojima I, Okajima M, Takano A, Shimoda H, Maeda K, Matsuu A, Yoshida A. Molecular detection of tick-borne protozoan parasites in sika deer (Cervus nippon) from western regions of Japan. Parasitol Int 2020; 79:102161. [PMID: 32569748 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The sika deer (Cervus nippon) is one of the most common species of wildlife in Japan. This study aimed to reveal the prevalence of tick-borne protozoan parasites in wild sika deer living in western Japan. We used nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the 18S rRNA gene of tick-borne apicomplexan parasites (Babesia, Theileria, and Hepatozoon spp.) from 276 blood and liver samples from sika deer captured in the Yamaguchi, Oita, Kagoshima, Okayama, Ehime, Kochi, and Tokushima Prefectures. In total, 259 samples (259/276; 93.8%) tested positive in the nested PCR screening. Gene sequencing revealed that 99.6% (258/259) of positive samples contained Theileria sp. (sika 1), while Theileria sp. (sika 2), another Theileria species, was detected in only 3 samples. We also found that one sample from a sika deer captured in Kagoshima contained the gene of an unidentified Babesia sp. related to Babesia sp. Kh-Hj42, which was previously collected from tick in western Siberia. In conclusion, we found a high prevalence of piroplasms in sika deer from western Japan, and DNA analysis revealed that Theileria sp. (sika 1) had the highest infection rate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatsunori Masatani
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Research Center, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan.
| | - Kei Hayashi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, 1-3 Ikoinooka, Imabari 794-8555, Ehime, Japan
| | - Momoko Morikawa
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Research Center, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Makoto Ozawa
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Research Center, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; Laboratory of Animal Hygiene, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Isshu Kojima
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Research Center, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Misuzu Okajima
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Research Center, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Ai Takano
- Laboratory of Veterinary Epidemiology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Shimoda
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
| | - Ken Maeda
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; Department of Veterinary Science, The National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Aya Matsuu
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Research Center, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Ayako Yoshida
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuen-Kibanadai-Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan; Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuen-Kibanadai-Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Nguyen AHL, Tiawsirisup S, Kaewthamasorn M. Low level of genetic diversity and high occurrence of vector-borne protozoa in water buffaloes in Thailand based on 18S ribosomal RNA and mitochondrial cytochrome b genes. Infect Genet Evol 2020; 82:104304. [PMID: 32247866 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) pose a great risk to ruminant production through significant economic losses. Several previous studies in Thailand have mainly been focused on the health of dairy and beef cattle. Water buffaloes are one of the important ruminants in the country, but studies on their infection with VBPs remains limited. We conducted a molecular survey on blood samples from 456 buffaloes obtained from eight provinces across different geographical locations of Thailand. The PCR diagnostics indicated that 116 (25.4%) and 59 (12.9%) of these 456 samples were positive for piroplasm and Plasmodium spp., respectively, and were found in six and all eight regions, respectively, across Thailand. Co-infections of piroplasm and Plasmodium spp. were observed in 24 cases (5.26%). Babesia spp. was not detected in any of the 12 sequenced piroplasm-positive samples in the present study. Genetic comparisons and phylogenetic analyses of within and between parasite populations, based on the 18S ribosomal (r)RNA and cytochrome b (cytb) genes for T. orientalis and P. bubalis, respectively, revealed that T. orientalis shared a high similarity within its population and could be divided into four distinct haplotypes. Haplotypes 1 and 4 were placed in the same clade with the samples previously isolated from cattle in Korea, Japan, Australia, and the USA. Haplotypes 2, and 3 were novel and were placed in a separate clade not shared with the other isolates. We also confirmed our previous investigation that at least three cytb haplotypes of P. bubalis were distributed in the country with a relatively high degree of genetic polymorphisms within its population (based on cytb sequences). Type II P. bubalis was phylogenetically closely related to P. caprae in goats in Zambia and Thailand. This study improves our current understanding on the distribution, intra- and inter-population genetic diversity, and genetic relationship of piroplasms and Plasmodium spp. in water buffaloes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anh H L Nguyen
- The International Graduate Course of Veterinary Science and Technology (VST), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Veterinary Parasitology Research Group, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Sonthaya Tiawsirisup
- Animal Vector-Borne Disease Research Unit, The Veterinary Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Morakot Kaewthamasorn
- Veterinary Parasitology Research Group, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Animal Vector-Borne Disease Research Unit, The Veterinary Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Nebel C, Harl J, Pajot A, Weissenböck H, Amar A, Sumasgutner P. High prevalence and genetic diversity of Haemoproteus columbae (Haemosporida: Haemoproteidae) in feral pigeons Columba livia in Cape Town, South Africa. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:447-463. [PMID: 31883048 PMCID: PMC6985069 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06558-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we explore blood parasite prevalence, infection intensity, and co-infection levels in an urban population of feral pigeons Columba livia in Cape Town. We analyze the effect of blood parasites on host body condition and the association between melanin expression in the host's plumage and parasite infection intensity and co-infection levels. Relating to the haemosporidian parasite itself, we study their genetic diversity by means of DNA barcoding (cytochrome b) and show the geographic and host distribution of related parasite lineages in pigeons worldwide. Blood from 195 C. livia individuals was collected from April to June 2018. Morphometric measurements and plumage melanism were recorded from every captured bird. Haemosporidian prevalence and infection intensity were determined by screening blood smears and parasite lineages by DNA sequencing. Prevalence of Haemoproteus spp. was high at 96.9%. The body condition of the hosts was negatively associated with infection intensity. However, infection intensity was unrelated to plumage melanism. The cytochrome b sequences revealed the presence of four Haemoproteus lineages in our population of pigeons, which show high levels of co-occurrence within individual birds. Three lineages (HAECOL1, COLIV03, COQUI05) belong to Haemoproteus columbae and differ only by 0.1% to 0.8% in the cytochrome b gene. Another lineage (COLIV06) differs by 8.3% from the latter ones and is not linked to a morphospecies, yet. No parasites of the genera Leucocytozoon and Plasmodium were detected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carina Nebel
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Josef Harl
- Institute of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Adrien Pajot
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Bordeaux Sciences Agro, 1 Cours du Général de Gaulle, Gradignan, France
| | | | - Arjun Amar
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Petra Sumasgutner
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Konrad Lorenz Forschungsstelle, Core Facility for Behaviour and Cognition, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Cabanellas-Reboredo M, Vázquez-Luis M, Mourre B, Álvarez E, Deudero S, Amores Á, Addis P, Ballesteros E, Barrajón A, Coppa S, García-March JR, Giacobbe S, Casalduero FG, Hadjioannou L, Jiménez-Gutiérrez SV, Katsanevakis S, Kersting D, Mačić V, Mavrič B, Patti FP, Planes S, Prado P, Sánchez J, Tena-Medialdea J, de Vaugelas J, Vicente N, Belkhamssa FZ, Zupan I, Hendriks IE. Tracking a mass mortality outbreak of pen shell Pinna nobilis populations: A collaborative effort of scientists and citizens. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13355. [PMID: 31527825 PMCID: PMC6746856 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49808-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A mass mortality event is devastating the populations of the endemic bivalve Pinna nobilis in the Mediterranean Sea from early autumn 2016. A newly described Haplosporidian endoparasite (Haplosporidium pinnae) is the most probable cause of this ecological catastrophe placing one of the largest bivalves of the world on the brink of extinction. As a pivotal step towards Pinna nobilis conservation, this contribution combines scientists and citizens' data to address the fast- and vast-dispersion and prevalence outbreaks of the pathogen. Therefore, the potential role of currents on parasite expansion was addressed by means of drift simulations of virtual particles in a high-resolution regional currents model. A generalized additive model was implemented to test if environmental factors could modulate the infection of Pinna nobilis populations. The results strongly suggest that the parasite has probably dispersed regionally by surface currents, and that the disease expression seems to be closely related to temperatures above 13.5 °C and to a salinity range between 36.5-39.7 psu. The most likely spread of the disease along the Mediterranean basin associated with scattered survival spots and very few survivors (potentially resistant individuals), point to a challenging scenario for conservation of the emblematic Pinna nobilis, which will require fast and strategic management measures and should make use of the essential role citizen science projects can play.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Cabanellas-Reboredo
- Oceanography and Global Change Department, Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (CSIC-UIB), Esporles, Mallorca, Spain
| | - Maite Vázquez-Luis
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Baptiste Mourre
- Balearic Islands Coastal Observing and Forecasting System (SOCIB), Palma, Spain
| | - Elvira Álvarez
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Salud Deudero
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares, Muelle de Poniente s/n, 07015, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Ángel Amores
- Oceanography and Global Change Department, Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (CSIC-UIB), Esporles, Mallorca, Spain
| | - Piero Addis
- University of Cagliari, Department of Environmental and Life Science, Via Fiorelli 1, 09126, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Enric Ballesteros
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes-CSIC, 17300, Blanes, Girona, Spain
| | - Agustín Barrajón
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua, Consejería de Medio Ambiente y Ordenación del Territorio, Junta de Andalucía, Spain
| | - Stefania Coppa
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche-Istituto per lo studio degli impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino (CNR - IAS), Oristano, Italy
| | - José Rafael García-March
- IMEDMAR-UCV, Institute of Environment and Marine Science Research, Universidad Católica de Valencia SVM, Calpe, Alicante, Spain
| | - Salvatore Giacobbe
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences (CHIBIOFARAM), University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres 31, 98166, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Louis Hadjioannou
- Enalia Physis Environmental Research Centre, Acropoleos 2, 2101, Aglantzia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | | | - Diego Kersting
- Working Group on Geobiology and Anthropocene Research, Institute of Geological Sciences, Freie Universität Berlin, 12249, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vesna Mačić
- Institute of marine biology, University of Montenegro, Kotor, Montenegro
| | - Borut Mavrič
- National Institute of Biology, Marine Biology Station, Piran, Slovenia
| | - Francesco Paolo Patti
- Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, Naples, Italy
| | - Serge Planes
- PSL Research University, EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, 52 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860, Perpignan, France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence CORAIL, BP 1013, 98729, Papetoai, Moorea, French Polynesia
| | - Patricia Prado
- IRTA-Marine and Continental Waters. Ctra. Poble Nou Km 5.5, 43540, Sant Carles de la Ràpita Tarragona, Spain
| | - Jordi Sánchez
- SUBMON: Divulgació, Estudi i Conservació de l'Entorn Natural, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Tena-Medialdea
- IMEDMAR-UCV, Institute of Environment and Marine Science Research, Universidad Católica de Valencia SVM, Calpe, Alicante, Spain
| | - Jean de Vaugelas
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR 7035 ECOSEAS, Parc Valrose 28, Avenue Valrose, 06108, Nice, France
| | - Nardo Vicente
- IMBE (Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d'Ecologie marine et continentale), Aix-Marseille Univ., Avignon Univ., CNRS, IRD; and Institut Océanographique Paul Ricard, Ile des Embiez, 83140-Six Fours les Plages, France, Ile des Embiez, France
| | - Fatima Zohra Belkhamssa
- Laboratory of Protection, Valorisation and Management of Marine and Littoral Resources & Molecular Systematics, Department of Marine Sciences and Aquaculture, Faculty of Natural Science and Life, Abdelhamid Ibn Badis University of Mostaganem, Mostaganem, 27000, PO Box 300, Algeria
| | - Ivan Zupan
- University of Zadar, Department of Ecology, Agronomy and Aquaculture, Zadar, Croatia
| | - Iris E Hendriks
- Oceanography and Global Change Department, Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (CSIC-UIB), Esporles, Mallorca, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Roegner AF, Daniels ME, Smith WA, Gottdenker N, Schwartz LM, Liu J, Campbell A, Fiorello CV. Giardia Infection and Trypanosoma Cruzi Exposure in Dogs in the Bosawás Biosphere Reserve, Nicaragua. Ecohealth 2019; 16:512-522. [PMID: 31414319 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-019-01434-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Indigenous Mayangna and Miskitu inhabit Nicaragua's remote Bosawás Biosphere Reserve, located in the North Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region. They are sedentary horticulturists who supplement their diet with wild game, hunting with the assistance of dogs. To test whether hunting dogs increased the risk of human exposure to protozoal zoonotic neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), we sampled dogs from three communities varying in population size and level of contact with other communities. We screened dog feces (n = 58) for Giardia and Cryptosporidium DNA and sera (n = 78) for Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies and DNA. Giardia DNA was detected in 22% (13/58) of samples; sequencing revealed the presence of both zoonotic genotypes (assemblages A and B) and dog-specific genotypes (assemblages C and D). Giardia shedding was associated with community and age. Older dogs and those in the two, more accessible communities had greater odds of shedding parasites. Seroprevalence of T. cruzi antibodies, indicating prior exposure, was 9% (7/78). These results contribute to the limited literature on NTDs in indigenous populations, and suggest hunting dogs can both serve as sentinels of environmental NTDs and pose zoonotic risk for their owners and communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amber F Roegner
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Miles E Daniels
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Woutrina A Smith
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Nicole Gottdenker
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Laura M Schwartz
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - James Liu
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- The Turtle Conservancy, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amanda Campbell
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Christine V Fiorello
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
- Albuquerque BioPark, 2000 Mountain Road NW, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Jones TM, Merrill L, Zachar SE, Brawn JD, Ward MP. Haemosporidian Parasite Infections In the Dickcissel ( Spiza americana): Prevalence and Costs. J Parasitol 2019; 105:232-236. [PMID: 30908117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Haemosporidian parasites are widespread in birds and are commonly used to evaluate ecological, evolutionary, and behavioral consequences of pathogen infection. While haemosporidian parasites may be important agents of selection, information on the incidence and outcomes of infection in many wild birds remains incomplete and warrants further inquiry. We examined the prevalence and costs of haemosporidian parasites in a wild population of dickcissels ( Spiza americana; n = 170) breeding in central Illinois. Over 2 breeding seasons, prevalence of haemosporidian parasites was 41% and was similar between sexes and years. Within each sex, there was no association between proxies of fitness (body condition and number of fledglings produced) and infection status. While we found no evidence that haemosporidian parasites have a direct, negative impact on dickcissels, we discuss how extra-pair paternity and changes across the life cycle of dickcissels and haemosporidian parasites may have masked or prevented detection of negative effects in our study. Ultimately our findings contribute to a growing literature providing improved clarity on how and when parasite infections can negatively impact wild host organisms and can aid in guiding future work examining such associations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Todd M Jones
- 1 Deparment of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1102 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, Illinois 61801
| | - Loren Merrill
- 2 Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1816 S. Oak St., Champaign, Illinois 61820
| | - Steven E Zachar
- 3 College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2001 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana, Illinois 61802
| | - Jeffrey D Brawn
- 1 Deparment of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1102 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, Illinois 61801
| | - Michael P Ward
- 1 Deparment of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1102 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, Illinois 61801
- 2 Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1816 S. Oak St., Champaign, Illinois 61820
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Luz Cunha AC, Pontinha VDA, de Castro MAM, Sühnel S, Medeiros SC, Moura da Luz ÂM, Harakava R, Tachibana L, Mello DF, Danielli NM, Dafre AL, Magalhães ARM, P Mouriño JL. Two epizootic Perkinsus spp. events in commercial oyster farms at Santa Catarina, Brazil. J Fish Dis 2019; 42:455-463. [PMID: 30659615 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.12958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Perkinsus spp. have been detected in various bivalve species from north-east Brazil. Santa Catarina is a South Brasil state with the highest national oyster production. Considering the pathogenicity of some Perkinsus spp., a study was carried out to survey perkinsosis in two oyster species cultured in this State, the mangrove oyster Crassostrea gasar and the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas. Sampling involved eight sites along the state coast, and oyster sampling was collected during the period between January 2013 and December 2014. For the detection of Perkinsus, Ray's fluid thioglycollate medium (RFTM) and histology were used, and for the identification of the species, PCR and DNA sequencing were used. Perkinsus spp. was found by RFTM in C. gigas and C. gasar from São Francisco do Sul. This pathology was also detected in C. gasar from Balneário Barra do Sul both, by RFTM and histology. Perkinsus marinus was identified in C. gigas and C. gasar from São Francisco do Sul and Perkinsus beihaiensis in C. gasar from Balneário Barra do Sul. This is the first report of P. marinus in C. gigas from South America. Results of this preliminary study suggest that both oyster species tolerate the species of Perkinsus identified, without suffering heavy lesions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana C Luz Cunha
- Department of Aquaculture, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Vitor de A Pontinha
- Department of Aquaculture, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | | | - Simone Sühnel
- Department of Aquaculture, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Sthefanie C Medeiros
- Department of Aquaculture, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Ângela M Moura da Luz
- Department of Aquaculture, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Harakava
- Biological Institute, Paulista Agency of Technology Agribusiness, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Tachibana
- Fishing Institute, Paulista Agency of Technology Agribusiness, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Danielle F Mello
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Naissa M Danielli
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Alcir L Dafre
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Aimê R M Magalhães
- Department of Aquaculture, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - José Luiz P Mouriño
- Department of Aquaculture, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Jones SRM, Long A. Host size influences prevalence and severity of Kudoa thyrsites (Cnidaria: Myxosporea) infection in Atlantic salmon Salmo salar. Dis Aquat Organ 2019; 133:99-105. [PMID: 31019134 DOI: 10.3354/dao03335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Kudoa thyrsites is a cosmopolitan myxozoan parasite of marine fish. The infection causes an economically important myoliquefaction in farmed Atlantic salmon in British Columbia, Canada. Laboratory exposure of Atlantic salmon smolts to infectious seawater was used to test the hypothesis that infection with K. thyrsites is more severe in age-matched, smaller salmon. In each of 2 trials approximately 4 mo apart, smolts were graded into small (80 and 68 g), medium (117 and 100 g) and large (142 and 157 g) initial weight groups (IWGs) and concurrently exposed to infectious seawater. The effects of IWG and time on fish size and infection severity were assessed by linear mixed-effects models. The fish were screened for infection by histological examination at intervals following exposure. Increases in mean length and weight were statistically significant in all IWG during both trials. The infection was detected in fish in both trials, and in Trial 2, the prevalence was significantly greater in larger fish 1000 degree-days (DD) after exposure. The severity of infection (plasmodia mm-2 muscle) was significantly higher in larger smolts: between medium and large IWGs at 2500 DD in Trial 1 and between small and medium IWGs at 1500 and 2000 DD in Trial 2. The hypothesis is rejected and possible explanations for the greater occurrence of K. thyrsites in larger smolts are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon R M Jones
- Pacific Biological Station, 3190 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9T 6N7, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Villar Couto CM, Cumming GS, Lacorte GA, Congrains C, Izbicki R, Braga EM, Rocha CD, Moralez-Silva E, Henry DAW, Manu SA, Abalaka J, Regalla A, da Silva AS, Diop MS, Del Lama SN. Avian haemosporidians in the cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) from central-western and southern Africa: High diversity and prevalence. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212425. [PMID: 30794584 PMCID: PMC6386389 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
We described the geographic distribution of 82 haemosporidian lineages (Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon) in the cattle egret sampled in five countries in central-western and southern Africa. Seventy-three lineages have not previously been reported. We determined the prevalence of three haemosporidians in the samples. We investigated the influence of the internal environment of the host and environmental variables on the Plasmodium diversity and whether environmental variables may explain spatial variations in the prevalence of Plasmodium. We screened DNA from 509 blood samples from nestlings in 15 African colonies for infection by sequencing the cytochrome b gene of parasites. The molecular phylogenetic analysis was performed using Bayesian methods and including sequences from the MalAvi and GeneBank databases. We found 62 new Plasmodium lineages in a clade with MYCAME02, which is a lineage described in waterbirds and recently identified in birds of prey as Plasmodium paranucleophilum. Two Haemoproteus lineages identified in cattle egret formed a distinct group with Haemoproteus catharti and MYCAMH1 (Haemoproteus spp.). Seven Leucocytozoon lineages found in the cattle egret clustered with Leucocytozoon californicus. We found different Plasmodium diversities among the colonies sampled, demonstrating that the internal environment of the host is not the primary determinant of diversity. A linear mixed-effects multivariate model showed that precipitation was positively associated with Plasmodium diversity when controlling for the effects of temperature, colony composition (mixed and non-mixed species) and country. Moreover, a generalized mixed model showed that temperature was positively associated with the prevalence of Plasmodium when controlling for precipitation, elevation and country. We conclude that the cattle egret is a good model for future haemosporidian studies, as we found a significant number of new lineages in this host, which occupies regions with different climate characteristics where environmental variables exert an influence on the diversity and prevalence of Plasmodium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia M. Villar Couto
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde,Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Graeme S. Cumming
- Percy FitzPatrick Institute, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gustavo A. Lacorte
- Departamento de Ciências e Linguagens, Instituto Federal de Minas Gerais, Bambuí, MG, Brazil
| | - Carlos Congrains
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde,Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafael Izbicki
- Departamento de Estatística, Centro de Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas,Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Sao Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Erika Martins Braga
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Cristiano D. Rocha
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde,Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Emmanuel Moralez-Silva
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde,Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Dominic A. W. Henry
- Percy FitzPatrick Institute, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Shiiwua A. Manu
- A.P Leventis Ornithological Research Institute, Laminga, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Jacinta Abalaka
- A.P Leventis Ornithological Research Institute, Laminga, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Aissa Regalla
- Instituto da Biodiversidade e das Áreas Protegidas (IBAP), Bissau, Rep. da Guiné-Bissau
| | | | | | - Silvia N. Del Lama
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde,Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Sudyka J, Podmokła E, Drobniak SM, Dubiec A, Arct A, Gustafsson L, Cichoń M. Sex-specific effects of parasites on telomere dynamics in a short-lived passerine-the blue tit. Naturwissenschaften 2019; 106:6. [PMID: 30701351 PMCID: PMC6353807 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-019-1601-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic infections potentially drive host's life-histories since they can have detrimental effects on host's fitness. Telomere dynamics is a candidate mechanism to underlie life-history trade-offs and as such may correlate with observed fitness reduction in infected animals. We examined the relationship of chronic infection with two genera of haemosporidians causing avian malaria and malaria-like disease with host's telomere length (TL) in a longitudinal study of free-ranging blue tits. The observed overall infection prevalence was 80% and increased with age, constituting a potentially serious selective pressure in our population. We found longer telomeres in individuals infected with a parasite causing lesser blood pathologies i.e. Haemoproteus compared to Plasmodium genus, but this only held true among males. Female TL was independent of the infection type. Our results indicate that parasitic infections could bring about other types of costs to females than to males with respect to TL. Additionally, we detected linear telomere loss with age, however a random regression analysis did not confirm significant heterogeneity in TL of first breeders and telomere shortening rates in further life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Sudyka
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2c, 02-097, Warszawa, Poland.
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Edyta Podmokła
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Szymon M Drobniak
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Anna Dubiec
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Wilcza 64, 00-679, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Aneta Arct
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Lars Gustafsson
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18 D, SE-752 36, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mariusz Cichoń
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Byadgi O, Beraldo P, Volpatti D, Massimo M, Bulfon C, Galeotti M. Expression of infection-related immune response in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) during a natural outbreak from a unique dinoflagellate Amyloodinium ocellatum. Fish Shellfish Immunol 2019; 84:62-72. [PMID: 30266602 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2018.09.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In the Mediterranean area, amyloodiniosis represents a major hindrance for marine aquaculture, causing high mortalities in lagoon-type based rearing sites during warm seasons. Amyloodinium ocellatum (AO) is the most common and important dinoflagellate parasitizing fish, and is one of the few fish parasites that can infest several fish species living within its ecological range. In the present study, A. ocellatum was recorded and collected from infected European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) during a summer 2017 outbreak in north east Italy. Histological observation of infected ESB gill samples emphasized the presence of round or pear-shaped trophonts anchored to the oro-pharingeal cavity. Molecular analysis for small subunit (SSU) rDNA of A. ocellatum from gill genomic DNA amplified consistently and yielded 248 bp specific amplicon of A. ocellatum, that was also confirmed using sequencing and NCBI Blast analysis. Histological sections of ESB gill samples were addressed to immunohistochemical procedure for the labelling of ESB igm, inos, tlr2, tlr4, pcna and cytokeratin. Infected gills resulted positive for igm, inos, pcna and cytokeratin but negative to tlr-2 and tlr-4. Furthermore, ESB immune related gene response (innate immunity, adaptive immunity, and stress) in the course of A. ocellatum infection using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qpcr) for infected gills and head kidney was analysed. Among the twenty three immune related gene molecules tested, cc1, il-8, il-10, hep, cox-2, cla, cat, casp9, and igt were significantly expressed in diseased fish. Altogether, these data on parasite identification and expression of host immune-related genes will allow for a better understanding of immune response in European sea bass against A. ocellatum and could promote the development of effective control measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omkar Byadgi
- Section of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy.
| | - Paola Beraldo
- Section of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Donatella Volpatti
- Section of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Michela Massimo
- Section of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Chiara Bulfon
- Section of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Marco Galeotti
- Section of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Buss JJ, Wiltshire KH, Prowse TAA, Harris JO, Deveney MR. Bonamia in Ostrea angasi: Diagnostic performance, field prevalence and intensity. J Fish Dis 2019; 42:63-74. [PMID: 30324720 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.12906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Bonamia spp. parasites threaten flat oyster (Ostrea spp.) farming worldwide. Understanding test performance is important for designing surveillance and interpreting diagnostic results. Following a pilot survey which found low Bonamia sp. intensity in farmed Ostrea angasi, we tested further oysters (n = 100-150) from each of three farms for Bonamia sp. using heart smear, histology and qPCR. We used a Bayesian Latent Class Model to assess diagnostic sensitivity (DSe) and specificity (DSp) of these tests individually or in combination, and to assess prevalence. Histology was the best individual test (DSe 0.76, DSp 0.93) compared to quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) (DSe 0.69, DSp 0.93) and heart smear (DSe 0.61, DSp 0.60). Histology combined with qPCR and defining a positive from either test as an infected case maximized test performance (DSe 0.91, DSp 0.88). Prevalence was higher at two farms in a high-density oyster growing region than at a farm cultivating oysters at lower density. Parasite intensities were lower than in New Zealand and European studies, and this is probably contributed to differences in the performance of test when compared to other studies. Understanding diagnostic test performance in different populations can support the development of improved Bonamia surveillance programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J Buss
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, 5042, Australia
- South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) Aquatic Sciences and Marine Innovation Southern Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5024, Australia
| | - Kathryn H Wiltshire
- South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) Aquatic Sciences and Marine Innovation Southern Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5024, Australia
| | - Thomas A A Prowse
- School of Mathematical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - James O Harris
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Marty R Deveney
- South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) Aquatic Sciences and Marine Innovation Southern Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5024, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Rivero de Aguilar J, Castillo F, Moreno A, Peñafiel N, Browne L, Walter ST, Karubian J, Bonaccorso E. Patterns of avian haemosporidian infections vary with time, but not habitat, in a fragmented Neotropical landscape. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206493. [PMID: 30379912 PMCID: PMC6209335 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Habitat loss has the potential to alter vertebrate host populations and their interactions with parasites. Theory predicts a decrease in parasite diversity due to the loss of hosts in such contexts. However, habitat loss could also increase parasite infections as a result of the arrival of new parasites or by decreasing host immune defenses. We investigated the effect of habitat loss and other habitat characteristics on avian haemosporidian infections in a community of birds within a fragmented landscape in northwest Ecuador. We estimated Plasmodium and Haemoproteus parasite infections in 504 individual birds belonging to 8 families and 18 species. We found differences in infection status among bird species, but no relationship between forest fragment characteristics and infection status was observed. We also found a temporal effect, with birds at the end of the five-month study (which ran from the end of the rainy season thru the dry season), being less infected by Plasmodium parasites than individuals sampled at the beginning. Moreover, we found a positive relationship between forest area and Culicoides abundance. Taken as a whole, these findings indicate little effect of fragment characteristics per se on infection, although additional sampling or higher infection rates would have offered more power to detect potential relationships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Rivero de Aguilar
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Climático, Universidad Tecnológica Indoamérica, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
- * E-mail:
| | - Fernando Castillo
- Fundación para la Conservación de los Andes Tropicales, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
| | - Andrea Moreno
- Fundación para la Conservación de los Andes Tropicales, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
| | - Nicolás Peñafiel
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Climático, Universidad Tecnológica Indoamérica, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
| | - Luke Browne
- Fundación para la Conservación de los Andes Tropicales, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Scott T. Walter
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jordan Karubian
- Fundación para la Conservación de los Andes Tropicales, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Elisa Bonaccorso
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Climático, Universidad Tecnológica Indoamérica, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
- Instituto BIOSFERA y Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Chagas CRF, Bukauskaitė D, Ilgūnas M, Iezhova T, Valkiūnas G. A new blood parasite of leaf warblers: molecular characterization, phylogenetic relationships, description and identification of vectors. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:538. [PMID: 30286800 PMCID: PMC6172721 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3109-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood parasites of the genus Haemoproteus Kruse, 1890 are cosmopolitan, might be responsible for mortality in non-adapted birds, and often kill blood-sucking insects. However, this group remains insufficiently investigated in the wild. This is particularly true for the parasites of leaf warblers of the Phylloscopidae Alström, Ericson, Olsson & Sundberg the common small Old World passerine birds whose haemoproteid parasite diversity and vectors remain poorly studied. This study reports a new species of Haemoproteus parasitizing leaf warblers, its susceptible vector and peculiar phylogenetic relationships with other haemoproteids. METHODS Wood warblers (Phylloscopus sibilatrix Bechstein) were caught in Lithuania during spring migration, and blood films were examined microscopically. Laboratory reared Culicoides nubeculosus Meigen were exposed experimentally by allowing them to take blood meals on one individual harbouring mature gametocytes of the new Haemoproteus species (lineage hPHSIB2). To follow sporogonic development, the engorged insects were dissected at intervals. The parasite lineage was distinguished using sequence data, and morphological analysis of blood and sporogonic stages was carried out. Bayesian phylogeny was constructed in order to determine the phylogenetic relationships of the new parasite with other haemoproteids. RESULTS Haemoproteus (Parahaemoproteus) homopalloris n. sp. was common in wood warblers sampled after arrival to Europe from their wintering grounds in Africa. The new parasite belongs to a group of avian haemoproteid species with macrogametocytes possessing pale staining cytoplasm. All species of this group clustered together in the phylogenetic analysis, indicating that intensity of the cytoplasm staining is a valuable phylogenetic character. Laboratory-reared biting midges C. nubeculosus readily supported sporogony of new infections. Phylogenetic analysis corroborated vector experiments, placing the new parasite in the clade of Haemoproteus (Parahaemoproteus) parasites transmitted by biting midges. CONCLUSIONS Haemoproteus homopalloris n. sp. is the third haemoproteid, which is described from and is prevalent in wood warblers. Phylogenetic analysis identified a clade containing seven haemoproteids, which are characterised by pale staining of the macrogametocyte cytoplasm and with ookinetes maturing exceptionally rapidly (between 1 to 1.5 h after exposure to air). Both these features may represent valuable phylogenetic characters. Studies targeting mechanisms of sporogonic development of haemoproteids remain uncommon and should be encouraged. Culicoides nubeculosus is an excellent experimental vector of the new parasite species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Dovilė Bukauskaitė
- Institute of Ecology, Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 21, LT-09412 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Mikas Ilgūnas
- Institute of Ecology, Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 21, LT-09412 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Tatjana Iezhova
- Institute of Ecology, Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 21, LT-09412 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Gediminas Valkiūnas
- Institute of Ecology, Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 21, LT-09412 Vilnius, Lithuania
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Slowinski SP, Fudickar AM, Hughes AM, Mettler RD, Gorbatenko OV, Spellman GM, Ketterson ED, Atwell JW. Sedentary songbirds maintain higher prevalence of haemosporidian parasite infections than migratory conspecifics during seasonal sympatry. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201563. [PMID: 30133475 PMCID: PMC6104930 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-distance migrations influence the physiology, behavior, and fitness of migratory animals throughout their annual cycles, and fundamentally alter their interactions with parasites. Several hypotheses relating migratory behavior to the likelihood of parasitism have entered the literature, making conflicting, testable predictions. To assess how migratory behavior of hosts is associated with parasitism, we compared haemosporidian parasite infections between two closely related populations of a common North American sparrow, the dark-eyed junco, that co-occur in shared habitats during the non-breeding season. One population is sedentary and winters and breeds in the Appalachian Mountains. The other population is migratory and is found in seasonal sympatry with the sedentary population from October through April, but then flies (≥ 900 km) northwards to breed. The populations were sampled in the wild on the shared montane habitat at the beginning of winter and again after confining them in a captive common environment until the spring. We found significantly higher prevalence of haemosporidian parasite infections in the sedentary population. Among infected juncos, we found no difference in parasite densities (parasitemias) between the sedentary and migrant populations and no evidence for winter dormancy of the parasites. Our results suggest that long-distance migration may reduce the prevalence of parasite infections at the population level. Our results are inconsistent with the migratory exposure hypothesis, which posits that long-distance migration increases exposure of hosts to diverse parasites, and with the migratory susceptibility hypothesis, which posits that trade-offs between immune function and migration increase host susceptibility to parasites. However, our results are consistent with the migratory culling hypothesis, which posits that heavily infected animals are less likely to survive long-distance migration, and with the migratory escape hypothesis, which posits that long-distance migration allows host populations to seasonally escape areas of high infection risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel P. Slowinski
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Adam M. Fudickar
- Environmental Resilience Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States of America
| | - Alex M. Hughes
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States of America
| | - Raeann D. Mettler
- School of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, SD, United States of America
| | - Oxana V. Gorbatenko
- School of Natural Sciences, Black Hills State University, Spearfish, SD, United States of America
| | - Garth M. Spellman
- Zoology Department, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Denver, CO, United States of America
| | - Ellen D. Ketterson
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States of America
- Environmental Resilience Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States of America
| | - Jonathan W. Atwell
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Kegler K, Nufer U, Alic A, Posthaus H, Olias P, Basso W. Fatal infection with emerging apicomplexan parasite Hepatozoon silvestris in a domestic cat. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:428. [PMID: 30029688 PMCID: PMC6053781 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2992-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatozoon silvestris is an emerging apicomplexan parasite discovered in European wild cats from Bosnia and Herzegovina and blood samples of a domestic cat from Southern Italy in 2017. It has also been identified in Ixodes ricinus collected from a domestic cat in Wales, UK, in 2018. The clinical relevance, pathogenesis and epidemiology of this novel Hepatozoon species are not yet understood. Thus, the objective of this paper was to report and describe the first fatal case of an H. silvestris infection in a domestic cat. RESULTS The cat, which originated from Switzerland, died shortly after presenting clinical signs of lethargy, weakness and anorexia. At necropsy, no specific lesions were observed. Histopathology of the heart revealed a severe lympho-plasmacytic and histiocytic myocarditis. Mature and developing protozoal meronts morphologically compatible with Hepatozoon species were observed associated with the myocardial inflammation. No other lesions were present in any other organ evaluated, and the cat tested negative for retroviral and other immunosuppressive infectious agents. Polymerase chain reaction from the myocardium resulted in a specific amplicon of the Hepatozoon 18S rRNA gene. Sequencing and BLAST analysis revealed 100% sequence identity with H. silvestris. CONCLUSIONS The severity of the infection with fatal outcome in an otherwise healthy animal suggests a high virulence of H. silvestris for domestic cats. The presence of this emerging parasite in a domestic cat in Switzerland with no travel history provides further evidence for a geographical distribution throughout Europe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristel Kegler
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ursina Nufer
- Private Veterinary Clinic Dr. Usina Nufer, Meiringen, Switzerland
| | - Amer Alic
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Horst Posthaus
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Olias
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Walter Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Filho RBDO, Malta KC, Borges JDM, Oliveira PRFD, Filho GJDS, Nascimento GG, Mota RA, Júnior JWP. Prevalence and risk factors associated with Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cattle in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. Acta Parasitol 2018; 63:346-353. [PMID: 29654678 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2018-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Tritrichomonas foetus infection and to evaluate risk factors associated with this infection among cattle in the state of Paraíba in northeastern Brazil. Samples of cervicovaginal mucus from 290 females and smegma from 59 males [beef, 31; mixed aptitude (beef and dairy), 10; and dairy, 18] from 31 farms were collected. Modified Diamond's medium and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used for the laboratory diagnosis of T. foetus infection. Univariate analysis and logistic regression were performed to test for potential risk factors in addition to prevalence mapping. No sample was positive for T. foetus in culture, and the prevalence of T. foetus infection using PCR was 3.7% (13/349) [confidence interval (CI) 95%, 2.1%-6.4%]. In total, 19.3% (6/31) of the farms had at least one animal positive for T. foetus. The contact of females with males from other farms [Odds ratio, 5.9; 95% CI, 1.5-22.4; p = 0.009] was identified as a risk factor for T. foetus infection. This study demonstrates that T. foetus infection is prevalent among dairy cows in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. Sexual resting, removal of positive females, and avoiding contact of females with males from other farms are recommended to reduce the risk of infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruy Brayner de Oliveira Filho
- Student from the Graduate Program in Tropical Animal Science, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Dois Irmãos Campus, Av. Dom Manoel de Medeiros, unnumbered, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Karla Campos Malta
- Federal University of Paraiba (UFPB), Campus II, Center for Agricultural Sciences, University City, Areia, PB 58397-000, Brazil
| | - Jonas de Melo Borges
- Student from the Graduate Program in Tropical Animal Science, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Dois Irmãos Campus, Av. Dom Manoel de Medeiros, unnumbered, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Pollyanne Raysa Fernandes de Oliveira
- Student from the Graduate Program in Tropical Animal Science, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Dois Irmãos Campus, Av. Dom Manoel de Medeiros, unnumbered, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil
| | | | - Glaucia Grazielle Nascimento
- Student from the Graduate Program in Tropical Animal Science, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Dois Irmãos Campus, Av. Dom Manoel de Medeiros, unnumbered, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Rinaldo Aparecido Mota
- PhD, Department of Veterinary Medicine, UFRPE, Av. Dom Manoel, unnumbered, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil
| | - José Wilton Pinheiro Júnior
- PhD, Department of Veterinary Medicine, UFRPE, Av. Dom Manoel, unnumbered, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
This article has been prepared by David Welchman on behalf of the APHA Avian Expert Group and Anna Brzozowska of the APHA's Surveillance Intelligence Unit.
Collapse
|
45
|
Greay TL, Zahedi A, Krige AS, Owens JM, Rees RL, Ryan UM, Oskam CL, Irwin PJ. Endemic, exotic and novel apicomplexan parasites detected during a national study of ticks from companion animals in Australia. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:197. [PMID: 29558984 PMCID: PMC5859549 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2775-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Apicomplexan tick-borne pathogens that cause disease in companion animals include species of Babesia Starcovici, 1893, Cytauxzoon Neitz & Thomas, 1948, Hepatozoon Miller, 1908 and Theileria Bettencourt, Franca & Borges, 1907. The only apicomplexan tick-borne disease of companion animals that is known to occur in Australia is babesiosis, caused by Babesia canis vogeli Reichenow, 1937 and Babesia gibsoni Patton, 1910. However, no molecular investigations have widely investigated members of Apicomplexa Levine, 1980 in Australian ticks that parasitise dogs, cats or horses, until this present investigation. RESULTS Ticks (n = 711) removed from dogs (n = 498), cats (n = 139) and horses (n = 74) throughout Australia were screened for piroplasms and Hepatozoon spp. using conventional PCR and Sanger sequencing. The tick-borne pathogen B. vogeli was identified in two Rhipicephalus sanguineus Latreille ticks from dogs residing in the Northern Territory and Queensland (QLD). Theileria orientalis Yakimov & Sudachenkov, 1931 genotype Ikeda was detected in three Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann ticks from dogs in New South Wales. Unexpectedly, the exotic tick-borne pathogen Hepatozoon canis James, 1905 was identified in an Ixodes holocyclus Neumann tick from a dog in QLD. Eight novel piroplasm and Hepatozoon species were identified and described in native ticks and named as follows: Babesia lohae n. sp., Babesia mackerrasorum n. sp., Hepatozoon banethi n. sp., Hepatozoon ewingi n. sp., Theileria apogeana n. sp., Theileria palmeri n. sp., Theileria paparinii n. sp. and Theileria worthingtonorum n. sp. Additionally, a novel cf. Sarcocystidae sp. sequence was obtained from Ixodes tasmani Neumann but could not be confidently identified at the genus level. CONCLUSIONS Novel species of parasites in ticks represent an unknown threat to the health of companion animals that are bitten by these native tick species. The vector potential of Australian ticks for the newly discovered apicomplexans needs to be assessed, and further clinical and molecular investigations of these parasites, particularly in blood samples from dogs, cats and horses, is required to determine their potential for pathogenicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Telleasha L. Greay
- Vector and Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
- Western Australian State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
| | - Alireza Zahedi
- Vector and Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
| | - Anna-Sheree Krige
- Vector and Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
| | - Jadyn M. Owens
- Vector and Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
| | - Robert L. Rees
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria Australia
| | - Una M. Ryan
- Vector and Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
| | - Charlotte L. Oskam
- Vector and Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
| | - Peter J. Irwin
- Vector and Waterborne Pathogens Research Group, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Australia
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Coker KE, Lim JJ, Schleisman RL, Vosloo C, French HM, Samper JC, Callanan JJ, Gilbert RO, Sithole F, Yao C, Chapwanya A. Freedom from Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cattle in St. Kitts. Trop Anim Health Prod 2018; 50:1171-1173. [PMID: 29430608 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-018-1537-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Trichomonosis is an endemic disease in cattle that are reared under extensive conditions and bred by natural mating. It causes profound economic losses to the producers by increasing calving interval, increasing embryo losses, and decreasing pregnancy rates. The aim of this study was to determine whether Tritrichomonas foetus infections were absent from cattle in St. Kitts. Using the modified hypergeometric method, preputial samples from bulls (n = 78) were tested using the InPouch™ culture for presence of T. foetus. Results highlighted an absence of trichomoniasis in bulls on St. Kitts with a 95% confidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly E Coker
- Ross University School Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, West Indies, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Joseph J Lim
- Ross University School Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, West Indies, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Rebecca L Schleisman
- Ross University School Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, West Indies, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Christopher Vosloo
- Ross University School Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, West Indies, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Hilari M French
- Ross University School Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, West Indies, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Juan C Samper
- Ross University School Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, West Indies, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - John J Callanan
- Ross University School Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, West Indies, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Robert O Gilbert
- Ross University School Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, West Indies, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Fortune Sithole
- Ross University School Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, West Indies, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Chaoqun Yao
- Ross University School Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, West Indies, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
| | - Aspinas Chapwanya
- Ross University School Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, West Indies, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Shurulinkov P, Spasov L, Stoyanov G, Chakarov N. Blood parasite infections in a wild population of ravens (Corvus corax) in Bulgaria. Malar J 2018; 17:33. [PMID: 29338711 PMCID: PMC5771030 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2179-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood parasites have been studied intensely in many families of avian hosts, but corvids, a particularly cosmopolitan family, remain underexplored. Haemosporidian parasites of the common raven (Corvus corax) have not been studied, although it is the largest, most adaptable, and widespread corvid. Genetic sequence data from parasites of ravens can enhance the understanding of speciation patterns and specificity of haemosporidian parasites in corvids, and shed light how these hosts cope with parasite pressure. METHODS A baited cage trap was used to catch 86 ravens and a nested PCR protocol was used to amplify a 479 bp fragment of the haemosporidian cytochrome b gene from the samples. The obtained sequences were compared with the MalAvi database of all published haemosporidian lineages and a phylogenetic tree including all detected raven parasites was constructed. An examination of blood smears was performed for assessment of infection intensity. RESULTS Twenty blood parasite lineages were recovered from ravens caught in a wild population in Bulgaria. The prevalence of generalist Plasmodium lineages was 49%, and the prevalence of Leucocytozoon lineages was 31%. Out of 13 detected Leucocytozoon lineages six were known from different corvids, while seven others seem to be specific to ravens. A phylogenetic reconstruction suggests that Leucocytozoon lineages of ravens and other corvids are not monophyletic, with some groups appearing closely related to parasites of other host families. CONCLUSIONS Several different, morphologically cryptic groups of Leucocytozoon parasites appear to infect corvids. Ravens harbour both generalist corvid Leucocytozoon as well as apparently species-specific lineages. The extraordinary breeding ecology and scavenging lifestyle possibly allow ravens to evade vectors and have relatively low blood parasite prevalence compared to other corvids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Shurulinkov
- National Museum of Natural History, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | | | | | - Nayden Chakarov
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Bielefeld University, 33501, Bielefeld, Germany.
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab, Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Moreira M, Schrama D, Soares F, Wulff T, Pousão-Ferreira P, Rodrigues P. Physiological responses of reared sea bream (Sparus aurata Linnaeus, 1758) to an Amyloodinium ocellatum outbreak. J Fish Dis 2017; 40:1545-1560. [PMID: 28449283 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.12623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Amyloodiniosis represents a major bottleneck for semi-intensive aquaculture production in Southern Europe, causing extremely high mortalities. Amyloodinium ocellatum is a parasitic dinoflagellate that can infest almost all fish, crustacean and bivalves that live within its ecological range. Fish mortalities are usually attributed to anoxia, associated with serious gill hyperplasia, inflammation, haemorrhage and necrosis in heavy infestations; or with osmoregulatory impairment and secondary microbial infections due to severe epithelial damage in mild infestation. However, physiological information about the host responses to A. ocellatum infestation is scarce. In this work, we analysed the proteome of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) plasma and relate it with haematological and immunological indicators, in order to enlighten the different physiological responses when exposed to an A. ocellatum outbreak. Using 2D-DIGE, immunological and haematological analysis and in response to the A. ocellatum contamination we have identified several proteins associated with acute-phase response, inflammation, lipid transport, homoeostasis, and osmoregulation, wound healing, neoplasia and iron transport. Overall, this preliminary study revealed that amyloodiniosis affects some fish functional pathways as revealed by the changes in the plasma proteome of S. aurata, and that the innate immunological system is not activated in the presence of the parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Moreira
- IPMA - Portuguese Institute for the Ocean and Atmosphere, EPPO - Aquaculture Research Station, Olhão, Portugal
| | - D Schrama
- CCMAR - Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - F Soares
- IPMA - Portuguese Institute for the Ocean and Atmosphere, EPPO - Aquaculture Research Station, Olhão, Portugal
| | - T Wulff
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - P Pousão-Ferreira
- IPMA - Portuguese Institute for the Ocean and Atmosphere, EPPO - Aquaculture Research Station, Olhão, Portugal
| | - P Rodrigues
- CCMAR - Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Mizuno S, Urawa S, Miyamoto M, Saneyoshi H, Hatakeyama M, Koide N, Ueda H. Epizootiology of the ectoparasitic protozoans Ichthyobodo salmonis and Trichodina truttae on wild chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta. Dis Aquat Organ 2017; 126:99-109. [PMID: 29044040 DOI: 10.3354/dao03162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Infestations of the ectoparasitic flagellate Ichthyobodo salmonis and the ciliate Trichodina truttae have caused acute mortalities of hatchery-reared juvenile chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta in Hokkaido, northern Japan. This study examined the epizootiology of I. salmonis and T. truttae on wild chum salmon as a possible infection source of the 2 parasitic protozoans in hatcheries. Infestations by both ectoparasites were detected on freshwater-adapted adult and juvenile chum salmon in all 4 rivers examined. This is the first study of an anadromous Pacific salmonid to report infestation of I. salmonis and T. truttae in adults returning for spawning. Among the marine-inhabiting phase of chum salmon, infestation with I. salmonis, but not T. truttae, was observed on adults and juveniles. The 2 protozoans were experimentally transmitted at the same time from wild to hatchery-reared chum salmon juveniles, and caused a high rate of mortality in the hatchery fish. In freshwater, the proliferation rate of T. truttae was greater than that of I. salmonis. These observations show that the euryhaline ectoparasite I. salmonis can infest chum salmon throughout their life cycle, in both river and ocean habitats, whereas T. truttae is able to infest these salmonids only in freshwater. Furthermore, wild chum salmon were shown to be a potential infestation source for both T. truttae and I. salmonis in hatchery fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Mizuno
- Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute, Hokkaido Research Organization, Eniwa, Hokkaido 061-1433, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Megía-Palma R, Martínez J, Paranjpe D, D’Amico V, Aguilar R, Palacios MG, Cooper R, Ferri-Yáñez F, Sinervo B, Merino S. Phylogenetic analyses reveal that Schellackia parasites (Apicomplexa) detected in American lizards are closely related to the genus Lankesterella: is the range of Schellackia restricted to the Old World? Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:470. [PMID: 29017602 PMCID: PMC5633878 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2405-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Species of Schellackia Reichenow, 1919 have been described from the blood of reptiles distributed worldwide. Recently, Schellackia spp. detected in European and Asian lizards have been molecularly characterised. However, parasites detected in American lizard hosts remain uncharacterised. Thus, phylogenetic affinities between the Old and New World parasite species are unknown. METHODS In the present study, we characterised morphologically and molecularly the hemococcidian parasites (sporozoites) that infect three lizard hosts from North America and two from South America. RESULTS In total, we generated 12 new 18S rRNA gene sequences of hemococcidian parasites infecting New World lizard hosts. By the microscopic examination of the smears we identified Schellackia golvani Rogier & Landau, 1975 (ex Anolis carolinensis Voigt) and Schellackia occidentalis Bonorris & Ball, 1955 (ex Uta stansburiana Baird & Girard and Sceloporus occidentalis Baird & Girard) in some samples, but the phylogenetic analysis indicated that all 18S rDNA sequences are distant from Schellackia species found in Old World lizards. In fact, the hemococcidian parasites detected in the New World lizards (including S. occidentalis and S. golvani) were closely related to the genus Lankesterella Labbé, 1899. Consequently, we suggest these two species to be included within the genus Lankesterella. CONCLUSIONS Life history traits of hemococcidian parasites such as the type of host blood cells infected, host species or number of refractile bodies are not valid diagnostic characteristics to differentiate the parasites between the genera Schellackia and Lankesterella. Indeed, lankesterellid parasites with a different number of refractile bodies had a close phylogenetic origin. Based on the phylogenetic results we provide a systematic revision of the North American hemococcidians. Our recommendation is to include the species formerly described in the genus Schellackia that infect American lizards into Lankesterella (Lankesterellidae) as Lankesterella golvani (Rogier & Landau, 1975) n. comb and L. occidentalis (Bonorris & Ball, 1955) n. comb.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Megía-Palma
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Martínez
- Departamento de Biomedicina y Biotecnología, Área de Parasitología, Universidad de Alcalá de Henares, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Dhanashree Paranjpe
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064 USA
- Department of Biodiversity, Abasaheb Garware College, Pune, India
| | - Verónica D’Amico
- Grupo de Ecofisiología Aplicada al Manejo y Conservación de la Fauna Silvestre, Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos, Centro Nacional Patagónico, Puerto Madryn, Chubut Argentina
| | - Rocío Aguilar
- Instituto Argentino de Zonas Áridas, Grupo de Investigaciones de la Biodiversidad CONICET MENDOZA, Mendoza, Argentina
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - María Gabriela Palacios
- Grupo de Ecofisiología Aplicada al Manejo y Conservación de la Fauna Silvestre, Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos, Centro Nacional Patagónico, Puerto Madryn, Chubut Argentina
| | - Robert Cooper
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064 USA
| | - Francisco Ferri-Yáñez
- Departamento de Biogeografía y Cambio Global, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Barry Sinervo
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064 USA
| | - Santiago Merino
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|