Search

Highlights • Sperm characters are described for Glypthelmins staffordi. • Present work constitutes the first study in the family Glypthelminthidae. • Great similitudes have been observed between the spermatozoon of G. staffordi and those of other plagiorchioideans. Abstract The present study describes the ultrastructural organization of the mature spermatozoon of the digenean Glypthelmins staffordi (Glypthelminthidae) by means of transmission electron microscopy. Live digeneans were collected from the Chinese edible frog (Hoplobatrachus rugulosus) in Udon Thani Province (Thailand). The ultrastructural study reveals that the mature spermatozoon of G. staffordi is a filiform cell, which is tapered at both extremities. It exhibits the Bakhoum et al.'s type IV of spermatozoon of digeneans characterized by the 9+'1' axonemes of trepaxonematan Platyhelminthes, the presence of the association "external ornamentation-cortical microtubules", the external ornamentation located in the posterior part of the anterior region, the arrangement of parallel cortical microtubules in two bundles and with its maximum number located in the anterior part of the sperm cell, and the presence of two mitochondria. Other characteristics are the presence of spine-like bodies, a posterior extremity containing only the nucleus, and the presence of a large amount of glycogen granules. Results of the present study are particularly compared with the existing data in other families of the Plagiorchioidea, namely the Brachycoeliidae, the Haematoloechidae, the Omphalometridae and the Plagiorchiidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding why some exotic species become widespread and abundant in their colonised range is a fundamental issue that still needs to be addressed. Among many hypotheses, newly established host populations may benefit from a parasite loss (“enemy release” hypothesis) through impoverishment of their original parasite communities or reduced infection levels. Moreover, the fitness of competing native hosts may be negatively affected by the acquisition of exotic taxa from invaders (“parasite spillover”) and/or by an increased transmission risk of native parasites due to their amplification by invaders (“parasite spillback”). We focused on gastrointestinal helminth communities to determine whether these predictions could explain the ongoing invasion success of the commensal house mouse ( Mus musculus domesticus ) and black rat ( Rattus rattus ), as well as the associated decrease in native Mastomys spp., in Senegal. For both invasive species, our results were consistent with the predictions of the enemy release hypothesis. A decrease in overall gastrointestinal helminth prevalence and infracommunity species richness was observed along the invasion gradients as well as lower specific prevalence/abundance ( Aspiculuris tetraptera in Mus musculus domesticus , Hymenolepis diminuta in Rattus rattus ) on the invasion fronts. Conversely, we did not find strong evidence of GIH spillover or spillback in invasion fronts, where native and invasive rodents co-occurred. Further experimental research is needed to determine whether and how the loss of gastrointestinal helminths and reduced infection levels along invasion routes may result in any advantageous effects on invader fitness and competitive advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of Opisthorchis viverrini, a fish-borne zoonotic trematode that can provoke cholangiocarcinoma, is high in the Northeast Thailand. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of O. viverrini metacercariae in the cyprinid fish and determine its association of O. viverrini infection among the consumers who regularly buy fish in the markets. A cross-sectional study was conducted in nine provinces covering 20 districts of Thailand, and we examined 778 cyprinoid fish specimens belonging to five species purchased from local markets. Pepsin-HCl digestion method was used to recover O. viverrini metacercariae from fish. In all districts surveyed, O. viverrini metacercariae-positive fish were found with the infection rates ranging from 3.9 to 21.1%. All five fish species studied were positive for O. viverrini metacercariae: Henicorhynchus siamensis (13.7%), Cyclocheilichtys spp. (12.7%), Hampala spp. (8.1%), Systomus spp. (6.9%) and Barbonymus goniatus (5.0%). An average prevalence of O. viverrini infection was 7.1% in the fish consumers surveyed in the markets. The source of fish was determined and our results showed that parasitized fish are sold in markets up to 100 km away from the point of capture, which contributes to the dispersion and maintenance of this helminthiasis. Our results point to the transmission of liver flukes via markets, in spite of many active programs of health education, elimination, prevention and control aimed to reduce O. viverrini infection and subsequent cholangiocarcinoma in the endemic areas of Thailand. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ultrastructural characters of spermiogenesis and the mature spermatozoon of Brachycoelium salamandrae are described by means of transmission electron microscopy. Spermiogenesis begins with the formation of a differentiation zone containing a nucleus, several mitochondria, and two centrioles associated with striated rootlets and with an intercentriolar body between them. The two centrioles originate two free flagella that grow orthogonally to the median cytoplasmic process before fusing with it. The final stage of spermiogenesis is characterized by a constriction of the ring of arched membranes and the liberation of the young spermatozoon. In this final stage a pear shaped electron-dense material appears at the level of centrioles. Spermatozoon of B. salamandrae exhibits two axonemes of different length with the 9+‘1’ trepaxonematan pattern, a nucleus, two mitochondria, two bundles of parallel cortical microtubules and granules of glycogen. Additionally, the spermatozoon of B. salamandrae shows external ornamentations of the plasma membrane and spinelike bodies. The most relevant spermatozoon characters of B. salamandrae are discussed and compared with those of other species belonging to the superfamily Gorgoderoidea. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Basic & Applied Ecology is the property of Urban & Fischer Verlag and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Because parasite data reveal essential information about the behavior and history of their hosts, it is possible to use them as tracers of host evolution. A table built from the analysis of the data contained in the book by Ashford and Crewe "The Parasites of Homo sapiens" allows counting and cross comparing the parasites according to the main descriptors used by the authors: Taxonomic groups , for each group number of parasites species identified in humans; Status , numbers of reported human cases and their dispersion; Geographic distribution , parasite specific richness recorded in biogeographic regions; Habitat , parasite location in or on the human body; Transmission , contamination pathways to man; Hosts , non-human hosts, which have a role in the maintenance of a parasite; Host-specificity status , relative role of man or other hosts in the maintenance of parasite populations. A strong positive correlation is observed between the number of parasites species recorded in humans and the global parasite species richness for each taxonomic group. About 74% of the parasites recorded in humans are rare, sporadic or nowhere common; 10% only are common or abundant worldwide. The Palearctic exhibits the highest parasite species diversity; the Oriental, Nearctic, Neotropical and Aethiopian regions have roughly similar richness values; the Australian Region is the poorest. Earliest domesticated animals, such as dog, cat, cattle or pig, share more parasite species with Humans than tardily domesticated as horse, rabbit or camel. More than one third of our parasites have elected our alimentary canal as a home and about two third are using the digestive tract path for contamination. Time of occupancy of new territories, diversity in feeding habits and commensalism with other animals, widely explain Human particular parasite richness. As suggested by the authors: "There must be few parasitic species which have never had the opportunity to infect a human". • A table built from "The Parasites of Homo sapiens" (2003) by Ashford & Crew is built and analyzed. • Reliably identified parasitic species reveal episodes of the human history. • Parasite data may be used as tracers of their host evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Syphacia obvelata is a common gastro-intestinal parasitic nematode of the house mouse (Mus musculus), a prime model rodent species. Investigations of the genetic structure, variability of parasite populations and other biological aspects of this host–parasite system are limited due to the lack of genetic resources for S. obvelata. To fill this gap, we developed a set of microsatellite markers for S. obvelata, using a 454 pyrosequencing approach. We designed three multiplex panels allowing genotyping of 10 polymorphic loci and scrutinized them on 42 samples from two different regions inhabited by two different house mouse subspecies (Mus musculus musculus and M. m. domesticus). The numbers of alleles ranged from 2 to 6 with mean observed heterozygosities 0.1476 and 0.2095 for domesticus and musculus worms, respectively. The described markers will facilitate further studies on population biology and co-evolution of this host–parasite system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, small-scale chicken farming is common. However, high levels of disease or mortality in such flocks impair economic development and challenge the livelihoods of many rural households. We investigated 61 diseased small-scale flocks (122 chickens) for evidence of infection with 5 bacteria, 4 viruses, and helminths. Serological profiles (ELISA) were also determined against 6 of these pathogens. The aims of this study were the following: (1) to investigate the prevalence of different pathogens and to compare the probability of detection of bacterial pathogens using PCR and culture; (2) to investigate the relationship between detection of organisms in birds' tissues and the observed morbidity and mortality, as well as their antibody profile; and (3) to characterize risk factors for infection with specific viral or bacterial pathogens. We used PCR to test for viral (viruses causing infectious bronchitis [IB], highly pathogenic avian influenza [HPAI], Newcastle disease, and infectious bursal disease [IBD]) and bacterial pathogens (Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Pasteurella multocida, Avibacterium paragallinarum, and Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale [ORT]). The latter two were also investigated in respiratory tissues by conventional culture. Colisepticemic Escherichia coli was investigated by liver or spleen culture. In 49 of 61 (80.3%) flocks, at least one bacterial or viral pathogen was detected, and in 29 (47.5%) flocks, more than one pathogen was detected. A. paragallinarum was detected in 62.3% flocks, followed by M. gallisepticum (26.2%), viruses causing IBD (24.6%) and IB (21.3%), septicemic E. coli (14.8%), ORT (13.1%), and HPAI viruses (4.9%). Of all flocks, 67.2% flocks were colonized by helminths. Mortality was highest among flocks infected with HPAI (100%, interquartile range [IQR]: 81.6–100%) and lowest with flocks infected with ORT (5.3%, IQR: 1.1–9.0%). The results indicated slight agreement (kappa ≤ 0.167) between detection by PCR and culture for both A. paragallinarum and ORT, as well as between the presence of cestodes and ORT infection (kappa = 0.317). Control of A. paragallinarum, viruses causing HPAI, IBD, and IB, M. gallisepticum, and gastrointestinal helminths should be a priority in small-scale flocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Fourteen hemoplasma genotypes were detected in 231 wild carnivores of 10 species. • Detected in wolf, red fox, badger, pine and stone marten, weasel, wildcat and genet. • Four genotypes showed 98–100% identity with species from domestic carnivores. • Four were related to genotypes reported from Japanese badgers and American raccoons. • Three were 99–100% similar to two different sequences from Spanish bats. Abstract Two-hundred and thirty-one wild carnivores belonging to 10 species of in Spain were analyzed for the presence of DNA of hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) by means of a universal real-time PCR targeting a 16S rRNA gene fragment. Positive reactions were found for wolf (Canis lupus : 6/37), fox (Vulpes vulpes : 1/41), Eurasian badger (Meles meles : 49/85), pine marten (Martes martes : 11/23), stone marten (Martes foina : 6/9), least weasel (Mustela nivalis : 4/4), European wildcat (Felis s. silvestris : 1/2) and common genet (Genetta genetta : 7/27). Sixty-four readable sequences were obtained, resulting in 14 nucleotide sequence types (ntST). The highest diversity was detected in badger (6 ntST) and pine marten (5 ntST). The sequencing of a fragment of the RNase P gene showed that all positive reactions in wolves corresponded to Mycoplasma haemocanis. Three ntST showed an identity between 98–100% with Candidatus M. haemominutum, C. M. turicensis and C. M. haematoparvum, respectively. Four ntST were closely related to C. M. haemomeles and/or diverse genotypes reported from raccoons (Procyon lotor) in the USA. One ntST from a badger showed only 88% similarity to the closest published sequence and was phylogenetically unrelated to any other hemoplasma sequence reported. Three ntST were 99–100% similar to two different sequences reported in Spanish bats. This study confirms the widespread nature and the high genetic diversity of hemoplasma infection in carnivores. Wild carnivores might be natural hosts of some hemoplasmas infecting dogs and cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Multimammate mice were trapped in Morogoro (Tanzania) and checked for pathogens • Helminths, Bartonella, Anaplasma and Hepatozoon were detected and linked to host factors • Infection probability of Anaplasma and Bartonella was higher in adults than juveniles • Less explorative mice had a higher infection probability with Bartonella • Mice infected with Bartonella are more likely to be co-infected with helminths Advances in experimental and theoretical work increasingly suggest that parasite interactions within a single host can affect the spread and severity of wildlife diseases. Yet empirical data to support predicted co-infection patterns are limited due to the practical challenges of gathering convincing data from animal populations and the stochastic nature of parasite transmission. Here, we investigated co-infection patterns between micro- (bacteria and protozoa) and macroparasites (gastro-intestinal helminths) in natural populations of the multimammate mouse (Mastomys natalensis). Fieldwork was performed in Morogoro (Tanzania), where we trapped 211 M. natalensis and tested their behaviour using a modified open-field arena. All animals were checked for the presence of helminths in their gastro-intestinal tract, three bacteria (Anaplasma, Bartonella, and Borrelia) and two protozoan genera (Babesia and Hepatozoon). Besides the presence of eight different helminth genera (reported earlier), we found that 19% of M. natalensis were positive for Anaplasma, 10% for Bartonella, and 2% for Hepatozoon species. Hierarchical modelling of species communities was used to investigate the effect of the different host-related factors on these parasites' infection probability and community structure. Our results show that the infection probability of Bartonella increased with the host's age, while the infection probability of Anaplasma peaked when individuals reached adulthood. We also observed that less explorative and stress-sensitive individuals had a higher infection probability with Bartonella. Finally, we found limited support for within-host interactions between micro-and macroparasites, as most co-infection patterns could be attributed to host exposure time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The common cat tapeworm Hydatigera taeniaeformis is a complex of three morphologically cryptic entities, which can be differentiated genetically. To clarify the biogeography and the host spectrum of the cryptic lineages, 150 specimens of H. taeniaeformis in various definitive and intermediate hosts from Eurasia, Africa and Australia were identified with DNA barcoding using partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene sequences and compared with previously published data. Additional phylogenetic analyses of selected isolates were performed using nuclear DNA and mitochondrial genome sequences. Based on molecular data and morphological analysis, Hydatigera kamiyai n. sp. Iwaki is proposed for a cryptic lineage, which is predominantly northern Eurasian and uses mainly arvicoline rodents (voles) and mice of the genus Apodemus as intermediate hosts. Hydatigera taeniaeformis sensu stricto (s.s.) is restricted to murine rodents (rats and mice) as intermediate hosts. It probably originates from Asia but has spread worldwide. Despite remarkable genetic divergence between H. taeniaeformis s.s. and H. kamiyai , interspecific morphological differences are evident only in dimensions of rostellar hooks. The third cryptic lineage is closely related to H. kamiyai , but its taxonomic status remains unresolved due to limited morphological, molecular, biogeographical and ecological data. This Hydatigera sp. is confined to the Mediterranean and its intermediate hosts are unknown. Further studies are needed to classify Hydatigera sp. either as a distinct species or a variant of H. kamiyai . According to previously published limited data, all three entities occur in the Americas, probably due to human-mediated introductions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] First report of confirmed Leishmania major infection in hedgehogs. [•] We detect Leishmania in skin and spleen tissues by high sensitive qPCR. [•] Serological methods detect specific Leishmania antibodies in hedgehogs. [•] The molecular methods used allow identifying the species involved as L. major. [•] We find out that hedgehogs could be reservoirs of L. major. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A new Oxyurid genus and species are described in a rodent recently discovered in Lao PDR: Laonastes aenigmamus which happens to be the single survivor of the Diatomyidae, a family considered to be extinct since the Miocene. The morphological characters of the new parasite species allow classifying it within the Syphaciinae Railliet, 1916, a subfamily whose members are exclusively parasites of Lagomorpha and Rodents. Male Syphaciinae have developed several types of ventral cuticular ornamentation used to firmly grip the female during mating. The ornamental characters observed in the new species include a finger like appendix, which, until now, has not been described in the subfamily. The originality of this apparatus justifies the creation of a new genus and a new species for the pinworm parasite of Laonastes. Using morphological characters, the new species is analyzed phylogenetically to describe its affinities with representatives of the main groups distinguished within the Syphaciinae. The phylogenetic study produces a cladogram similar to the phylogeny recently proposed for the hosts of the subfamily and in agreement with a close association of the Diatomyidae with the Ctenodactylidae. Such a phenomenon of cophylogeny is interpreted as the result of the existence of a strict specificity between the Syphaciinae and their respective hosts, due to the very close adaptation of their life cycle with the behaviors of their hosts. In Lagomorpha and Rodents, caecotrophy and grooming activities allow a direct transmission of the parasite eggs and favor successive self-infestations, increasing the chances for the parasite to maintain itself in the same host species but decreasing the probability of host switching. The resulting high host specificity allowed the Syphaciinae to out-compete other pinworms and maintain themselves in their specific host over millions of years. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]