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Chiggers are a group of ectoparasites and they are the vector of scrub typhus. Although the Ryukyu mouse (Mus caroli) is a common species of rodent in some outdoor habitats, few studies are about the mouse itself and its ectoparasites. To date, there has been no specific report on chiggers of M. caroli. Based on the field investigation in southwest China from 2001 to 2019, this paper reported the infestation and distribution of chiggers on M. caroli for the first time. Among the 91 sites investigated, 263 Ryukyu mice were captured at 18 sites, and 678 chiggers were collected from the mice. The collected chiggers were identified to be one family, two subfamilies, six genera, and 16 species with relatively low species diversity. The overall infestation prevalence (PM), mean abundance (MA), and mean intensity (MI) were PM = 27.38%, MA = 2.58 chiggers/per mouse, and MI = 9.42 chiggers/per mouse respectively. The dominant chigger species are Walchia ewingi and W. micropelta with a total constituent ratio of Cr = 94.10% (638/678), and they were of aggregated distribution among different individuals of the host M. caroli. The distribution of two dominant chigger species seemed to be mutually independent with the association coefficient V ≈ 0 (p < 0.001). The infestation (PM, MA, and MI) of M. caroli with chiggers greatly fluctuated in different geographical landscapes, altitudes, and latitudes with an obvious environmental heterogeneity. The male and adult M. caroli harbored much more chigger mites with significantly higher infestations (PM, MA and MI) than the female and juvenile mice. The theoretical curve of species abundance distribution of the chigger mite community on M. caroli was fitted by Preston lognormal distribution model with fitting goodness R2 = 0.77. Based on the iChao1 formula, the expected total number of chigger species on the mice was estimated to be 24 species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiggers are common ectoparasites and the exclusive vector of scrub typhus. Based on previous investigations from a unique geographical area in Yunnan Province of southwest China, the Three Parallel Rivers Area, we retrospectively studied the species diversity and related ecology of chiggers on rodents and other small mammals. A very high species diversity of 120 chigger species was identified. Five dominant chigger species accounted for 59.4% (5238/8965) of total chiggers, and among them Leptotrombidium scutellare is the second major vector of scrub typhus in China. Species diversity of the chigger community fluctuates greatly in different altitudinal and latitudinal gradients. There are significant differences in species composition, species diversity and dominant species of chiggers among hosts with apparent community heterogeneity. Based on the species abundance distribution, the expected total number of chigger species was estimated to be 170, 50 more than the number of actually collected species; this further indicates a very high chigger species diversity in this area. The bipartite ecological network analysis revealed the intricate relationships between chigger and host species—positive and negative correlations existed among some species of dominant and vector chiggers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In addition to causing dermatitis, some gamasid mites are also the vector or potential vector of some zoonotic diseases. Located in the northwest Yunnan Province of southwest China, the Three Parallel Rivers Area of China is one of the hotspots of biodiversity research in the world. Based on the previous field survey in the Three Parallel Rivers Area from 2001 to 2015, this paper reports the species diversity and basic community characteristics of gamasid mites on small mammals in this unique geographical area for the first time. From the body surface of 3830 small mammal hosts, 26,048 gamasid mites were collected and identified as 10 families, 21 genera and 82 species (excluding 847 unidentified specimens) with high species diversity. The species diversity of the gamasid mite community fluctuated greatly in different elevation gradients. The highest peaks of species richness and β diversity appeared at altitudes of 3000–3500 m (S = 42) and 1500–2000 m (β = 17.5), respectively. The species abundance distribution of the mites was successfully fitted by Preston's lognormal model, and the total number of gamasid mite species in the Three Parallel Rivers Area was estimated to be 153 species. (1) Background: Gamasid mites are a large group of arthropods, and some of them are of medical importance. Besides directly biting humans and causing dermatitis, some gamasid mites are the vector of rickettsialpox and potential vector of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). The Three Parallel Rivers Area of China is one of the hotspots of biodiversity research in the world, with complicated topographic landforms, different types of vegetation, special elevation gradients and high biodiversity. (2) Methods: Species richness (S): the Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H), Simpson dominance index (D) and Pielou evenness index (E) were used to analyze the basic community structure. The β diversity (Cody index) was used to reflect the diversity difference between any two adjacent elevation gradients. The method based on Preston's lognormal model for species abundance distribution was used to estimate the total number of gamasid mite species. (3) Results: A total of 3830 small mammal hosts captured from the nine survey sites were identified as 44 species, 27 genera and nine families in five orders. Apodemus chevrieri, Eothenomys miletus and A. draco were the dominant host species with a total constituent ratio Cr = 52.037%. From the body surface of the hosts, 26,048 gamasid mites were collected and identified as 10 families, 21 genera and 82 species (excluding 847 unidentified specimens) with high species richness (S = 82) and diversity (H = 2.33). The three dominant mite species were Dipolaelaps anourosorecis, Laelaps nuttalli and L. echidninus, with a total Cr = 64.46% (16,791/26,048). There are significant differences in the species composition, species diversity and dominant species of gamasid mites on different hosts. The species diversity of the mite community fluctuated greatly in different elevation gradients. The highest peaks of species richness and β diversity appeared at altitudes of 3000–3500 m (S = 42) and 1500–2000 m (β = 17.5), respectively. The species abundance distribution of the mites was successfully fitted by Preston's lognormal model with S ^ (R) = 19 e − [ 0.22 (R − 0) ] 2 (α = 0.22, R2 = 0.9879). Based on fitting the theoretical curve by Preston's model, the total number of gamasid mite species was estimated to be 153 species. (4) Conclusions: Gamasid mites on small mammals are abundant with complex community structures and high species diversity in the Three Parallel Rivers Area of China. There is an apparent community heterogeneity of the mites on different hosts and in different environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bartonella species has been validated as blood-borne bacteria in mammals and has a substantial opportunity to be harbored by a variety of hematophagous arthropod vectors. Bats, along with their ectoparasites, are recognized worldwide as one of the natural reservoir hosts for these bacteria. However, there have been few investigations of Bartonella bacteria toward a broad range of obligated bat ectoparasites in China. Here, molecular detection of Bartonella species was performed to survey the infection among bat ectoparasites and follow-up phylogenetic analyses to further characterize the evolutionary relationships of the genus. A total of 434 bat ectoparasites involving four types of arthropods, namely, bat mites, bat tick, bat fleas, and bat flies (further divided into traditionally fly-like bat flies and wingless bat flies) were collected in 10 trapping sites in Yunnan Province, southwestern China. Bartonella was detected by PCR amplification and sequencing through four gene target fragments (gltA, ftsZ, rpoB, and ITS). Accordingly, diverse Bartonella species were discovered, including both the validated species and the novel genotypes, which were characterized into several geographical regions with high prevalence. Phylogenetic analyses based on gltA and multi-locus concatenated sequences both demonstrated strong phylogeny–trait associations of Bartonella species from bats and their parasitic arthropods, suggesting the occurrence of host switches and emphasizing the potential connecting vector role of these ectoparasites. Nevertheless, the maintenance and transmission of Bartonella in both bat and hemoparasite populations have not been fully understood, as well as the risk of spillage to humans, which warrants in-depth experimental studies focusing on these mammals and their ectoparasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood feeding ectoparasites of bats have been found to contain insect-specific and vertebrate-infecting viruses of agricultural and medical importance. While it is plausible that some of these are of bat origin, those would be sourced either from the bat exterior or their blood meal. Bats, in addition to their regular diets, consume numerous ectoparasites during grooming. All microbes on and in the ectoparasites would then be introduced into the bat gut upon ingestion of the ectoparasites. To investigate the potential impact of bat ectoparasite viromes on the gut viral microbiome of bats, we compared virus sequences from bats and their blood feeding ectoparasites collected from Yunnan Province, China. Although all the co-occurring viruses were bacteriophages, we observed that bats contained a larger set of viruses than their ectoparasites, and that the set of predicted viruses present in the bats were more diverse than those present in bat ectoparasites. Our analysis suggests that despite a heavy influx of ectoparasites into the digestive tract of bats through consumption, there are only few co-occurring/shared viruses between bats and their ectoparasites, and that these ectoparasites may not be a major driver of bat virome diversity. Our findings provide necessary preliminary data for the evaluation of bat ectoparasites as a potential source of bat infecting viruses., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Bartonella species are facultative intracellular bacteria and recognized worldwide as emerging zoonotic pathogens. Bartonella were isolated or identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in bats and their ectoparasites worldwide, whereas the association between them was scarce, especially in Asia. In this study, a retrospective analysis with frozen samples was carried out to identify the genetic diversity of Bartonella in bats and their ectoparasites and to investigate the relationships of Bartonella carried by bats and their ectoparasites. Bats and their ectoparasites (bat flies and bat mites) were collected from caves in Hubei Province, Central China, from May 2018 to July 2020. Bartonella were screened by PCR amplification and sequencing of three genes (gltA, rpoB, and ftsZ). Bats, bat flies, and bat mites carried diverse novel Bartonella genotypes with a high prevalence. The sharing of some Bartonella genotypes between bats and bat flies or bat mites indicated a potential role of bat flies and bat mites as vectors of bartonellae, while the higher genetic diversity of Bartonella in bat flies than that in bats might be due to the vertical transmission of this bacterium in bat flies. Therefore, bat flies might also act as reservoirs of Bartonella. In addition, human‐pathogenic B. mayotimonesis was identified in both bats and their ectoparasites, which expanded our knowledge on the geographic distribution of this bacterium and suggested a potential bat origin with bat flies and bat mites playing important roles in the maintenance and transmission of Bartonella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disgust has long been viewed as a primary motivator of defensive responses to threats posed by both microscopic pathogens and macroscopic ectoparasites. Although disgust can defend effectively against pathogens encountered through ingestion or incidental contact, it offers limited protection against ectoparasites, which actively pursue a host and attach to its surface. Humans might, therefore, possess a distinct ectoparasite defence system--including cutaneous sensory mechanisms and grooming behaviours--functionally suited to guard the body's surface. In two US studies and one in China, participants (N = 1079) viewed a range of ectoparasite- and pathogen-relevant video stimuli and reported their feelings, physiological sensations, and behavioural motivations. Participants reported more surface-guarding responses towards ectoparasite stimuli than towards pathogen stimuli, and more ingestion/contamination-reduction responses towards pathogen stimuli than towards ectoparasite stimuli. Like other species, humans appear to possess evolved psychobehavioural ectoparasite defence mechanisms that are distinct from pathogen defence mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theileria species, with a broad geographic distribution, infect a wide range of both domestic and wild animals and are transmitted by ixodid ticks. Currently, there is no comprehensive report regarding the distribution of Theileria spp. in the eastern Tibetan Plateau, especially in Ganze Tibetan autonomous prefecture (153,700 km2) and Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang autonomous prefecture (84,242 km2) of Sichuan province, China. In this study, we collected blood samples from yaks (n = 144) (Bos grunniens), Tibetan sheep (n = 92), and Tibet horses (n = 142) in Ganze and Ngawa. Theileria sinensis, T. luwenshuni, and T. equi were the dominant Theileria species detected in yaks, Tibetan sheep, and horses with the total infection rates of 25.7% (37/144), 75.0% (69/92), and 51.4% (73/142), respectively. For ectoparasites, T. luwenshuni was the only Theileria species detected in sheep keds (Melophagus ovinus) with an infection rate of 30.8% (8/26). The total infection rates of T. sinensis in Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis, Dermacentor everestianus, and Rhipicephalus microplus were 34.6% (36/104), 34.0% (17/50), and 51.3% (58/113), respectively. Theileria spp., belonging to T. sergenti/buffeli/orientalis group, were only detected in R. microplus collected in Danba county of Ganze with a total infection rate of 39.9% (19/48). Our results provide important data of the epidemiology of Theileria spp. in livestock and ectoparasites and will assist with the implementation of measures to control theileriosis transmission in eastern Tibetan Plateau, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, two parasites on the fins of Homatula variegata were recorded from March to September 2016. A dissection mirror was used to examine the distribution and quantity of the ectoparasitic Gyrodactylus sp. and Paragyrodactylus variegatus on the host Homatula variegata in different seasons. The present study explored possible explanations for the site specificity of gyrodactylid parasites in 442 Homatula variegata infected with 4307 Gyrodactylus sp. (species identification is incomplete, only characterized to the genus level) and 1712 Paragyrodactylus variegatus. These two gyrodactylid parasites were collected from fish fins, and the fish were harvested in China's Qinling Mountains.The results indicated that the highest number of Gyrodactylus sp., which was numerically the dominant species, appeared on the fish fins in April, while the highest number of Paragyrodactylus variegatus was found on the fish fins in March. The two parasite species appeared to be partitioned spatially, with Gyrodactylus sp. occurring more frequently on pectoral and pelvic fins, and P. variegatus occurring more frequently on caudal fins. However, Gyrodactylus sp. appeared to occur on fish of all lengths, while P. variegatus tended to occur more abundantly on shorter fish rather than on longer fish. At lower Gyrodactylus sp. infection levels (<100), the pelvic and pectoral fins were the main locations of attachment, followed by the dorsal fin. For infections of more than 100 parasites, more samples of Gyrodactylus sp. were located on the pectoral fin. For a low number of Paragyrodactylus variegatus infections (<100), the pelvic and pectoral fins were the preferred locations of attachment, followed by the caudal fin. Between April and September, there were many monogenean parasites on fish fins, and the fish size was within the range of 5–10 cm. However, when a fish was longer than 10 cm long, the number of parasites on its fins greatly decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gyrodactylus konovalovi is an ectoparasite on the Amur minnow (Rhynchocypris lagowskii) that is widely distributed in the cold fresh waters of East Asia. In the present study, the phylogeography and demographic history of G. konovalovi and the distribution of its host in the Qinling Mountains are examined. A total of 79 individual parasites was sequenced for a 528 bp region of the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 (ND5) gene, and 25 haplotypes were obtained. The substitution rate (dN/dS) was 0.068 and indicated purifying selection. Haplotype diversity (h) and nucleotide diversity (π) varied widely in the Qinling Mountains. Phylogenetic trees based on Bayesian inference (BI), maximum likelihood (ML), and maximum parsimony (MP) methods and network analysis revealed that all haplotypes were consistently well‐supported in three different lineages, indicating a significant geographic distribution pattern. There was a significant positive correlation between genetic differentiation (Fst) and geographic distance. The results of mismatch distribution, neutrality test and Bayesian skyline plot analyses showed that whole populations underwent population contraction during the Pleistocene. Based on the molecular clock calibration, the most common ancestor was estimated to have emerged in the middle Pleistocene. Our study suggests for the first time that a clearly phylogeography of G. konovalovi was shaped by geological events and climate fluctuations, such as orogenesis, drainage capture changes, and vicariance, during the Pleistocene in the Qinling Mountains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yersinia pestis is transmitted from fleas to rodents when the bacterium develops an extensive biofilm in the foregut of a flea, starving it into a feeding frenzy, or, alternatively, during a brief period directly after feeding on a bacteremic host. These two transmission modes are in a trade-off regulated by the amount of biofilm produced by the bacterium. Here by investigating 446 global isolated Y. pestis genomes, including 78 newly sequenced isolates sampled over 40 years from a plague focus in China, we provide evidence for strong selection pressures on the RNA polymerase ω-subunit encoding gene rpoZ. We demonstrate that rpoZ variants have an increased rate of biofilm production in vitro, and that they evolve in the ecosystem during colder and drier periods. Our results support the notion that the bacterium is constantly adapting—through extended phenotype changes in the fleas—in response to climate-driven changes in the niche. Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, can change its biofilm production to influence the dynamics of flea-borne transmission. Here, the authors sequence Y. pestis isolates sampled over 40 years in China and show evidence for climate-associated selection on rpoZ to increase biofilm production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tachaea chinensis Thielemann, 1910 (Isopoda: Corallanidae) is a branchial ectoparasite that attaches onto shrimps and prawns. However, the distribution of T. chinensis in China, especially its epidemiology, remains unclear. We determined the prevalence of T. chinensis on the ridgetail white prawn (Exopalaemon carinicauda Holthuis, 1950) in Jiangsu Province. Fifty ponds in 10 shrimp farms were assessed. Isopod species were identified by morphological features and mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene analysis. A literature review was performed to determine the geographical distribution of T. chinensis in China. Published data revealed that T. chinensis was geographically distributed throughout five provinces in China, including Liaoning, Tianjin, Henan, Hubei, and Guangxi. A total of 998 T. chinensis were collected from 50 ridgetail white prawn ponds in Yancheng City and Rudong County. Tachaea chinensis prevalence ranged from 0.98% to 4.42% in Yancheng City and 0.62% to 0.92% in Rudong County. This is the first study to investigate the geographical distribution of T. chinensis in China and determine the prevalence of T. chinensis on the ridgetail white prawn in Jiangsu Province. Overall, we provide available data that fill gaps in the epidemiology of T. chinensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bats serve as natural hosts for various infectious agents that can affect both humans and animals, and they are geographically widespread. In recent years, the prevalence of bat-associated pathogens has surged on a global scale, consequently generating significant interest in bats and their ectoparasites. In this study, we specifically selected the Miniopterus fuliginosus as the host and conducted bat captures in Nanjian Yi Autonomous County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, and the other in Mouding Township, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, located in Yunnan Province, China. Ectoparasites were meticulously collected from the bat body surface, alongside blood samples for subsequent analyses. Following collection, the ectoparasites were methodically identified and subjected to comprehensive ecological analysis. Additionally, DNA was extracted from both the bat blood and bat flies, with conventional PCR techniques utilized for molecular screening of four pathogens: Anaplasma sp., Babesia sp., Hepatozoon sp., and Bartonella sp. The capture efforts yielded a total of 37 M. fuliginosus, from which 388 ectoparasites were recovered, including 197 gamasid mites (C r  = 50.77%, P M  = 94.59%, M A  = 5.32, M I  = 5.63) and 191 bat flies (C r  = 49.23%, P M  = 75.68%, M A  = 5.16, M I  = 6.82). Notably, Steatonyssus nyctali (Y = 0.28, m*/m = 2.44) and Nycteribia allotopa (Y = 0.23,m*/m = 1.54) predominated among different individuals of M. fuliginosus, exhibiting an aggregated distribution pattern. The infection rates of Bartonella sp. were identified to be 18.92% (7/37) among bats and 37.17% (71/191) among bat flies, based on the testing of 37 bats and 191 bat flies. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the Bartonella sequences exhibited similarity to those found in bats and bat flies within China and South Korea. This study not only contributes to our comprehension of ectoparasite infection in M. fuliginosus but also establishes a foundation for potential exploration of their role as vectors., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Diseases caused by ectoparasitic ciliates can be a threat to yellow catfish, Tachysurus fulvidraco, an economically important fish in China. However, limited data are available regarding ectoparasitic ciliates from T. fulvidraco. In June 2015, a mass mortality event which may have been caused by ectoparasitic ciliates occurred in a population of juvenile T. fulvidraco cultured in Chidong Lake. Air‐dried smears isolated from the body surface of fish were impregnated with silver nitrate for morphological identification. In total, six known ciliate species, including four species belonging to the genus Trichodina (Trichodina acuta, Trichodina maritinkae, Trichodina nobilis, and Trichodina heterodentata) and two chilodonellids, namely, Chilodonella uncinata and Chilodonella hexasticha, and unidentified sessilids were found. Morphological descriptions of the known trichodinids and chilodonellids are provided based on silver nitrate‐impregnated specimens. Histopathological analysis revealed that trichodinids and chilodonellids could adhere to the epithelium firmly by adhesive discs and the ventral bodies, respectively, resulting in massive mucus production and epithelial hyperplasia and desquamation. This study confirmed that T. fulvidraco is a previously unrecognized host for T. acuta, T. heterodentata, T. nobilis and C. hexasticha. Although C. uncinata was also present in this study, histopathological analysis suggests that C. uncinata may be a commensal and not a true pathogen in T. fulvidraco. To our knowledge, this work is the first investigation regarding ectoparasitic ciliates on cultured T. fulvidraco in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bartonella are vector borne gram-negative facultative intracellular bacteria. Bartonella species are associated with rodents and their flea parasites worldwide. The genetic variation and distribution of Bartonella species in rodents are not clear in China. We investigated the presence and genetic diversity of Bartonella species in rodents from eastern China. We captured rodents from 2015 to 2016 in Jiaonan County, Shandong Province, and detected Bartonella species in the spleen of rodents by PCR amplification of the citrate synthase (gltA) gene and RNA polymerase beta subunit (rpoB) gene. We found that 8.38% (16/191) of the rodents were Bartonella positive by PCR for both gltA and rpoB genes; that Bartonella sequences from the rodents were phylogenetically divided into five clades, which were closely related to B. tribocorum, B. rattimassiliensis, B. grahamii, B. fuyuanensis, and B. queenslandensis, respectively; and that each Bartonella species is rodent species-specific with B. rattimassiliensis and B. tribocorum for Rattus norvegicus, B. grahamii for Tscherskia triton, B. fuyuanensis for Apodemus agrarius, and B. queenslandensis for Niviventer confucianus. This study indicated that Bartonella organisms have a broad distribution and a variety of genotypes in rodents in eastern China and the threats to public health by these Bartonella species should be monitored in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Alataw Pass, near the Ebinur Lake Wetland (northwest of China) and Taldykorgan (east of Kazakhstan), is a natural habitat for wild rodents. To date, little has been done on the surveillance of Bartonella spp. and Wolbachia spp. from fleas in the region. Here we molecularly detected Bartonella spp. and Wolbachia spp. in wild rodent fleas during January and October of 2016 along the Alataw Pass-Kazakhstan border. A total of 1,706 fleas belonging to 10 species were collected from 6 rodent species. Among the 10 flea species, 4 were found to be positive for Wolbachia, and 5 flea species were positive for Bartonella. Molecular analysis indicated that i) B. rochalimae was firstly identified in Xenopsylla gerbilli minax and X. conforms conforms, ii) B. grahamii was firstly identified in X. gerbilli minax, and iii) B. elizabethae was firstly detected in Coptopsylla lamellifer ardua, Paradoxopsyllus repandus, and Nosopsyllus laeviceps laeviceps. Additionally, 3 Wolbachia endosymbionts were firstly found in X. gerbilli minax, X. conforms conforms, P. repandus, and N. laeviceps laeviceps. BLASTn analysis indicated 3 Bartonella species showed genotypic variation. Phylogenetic analysis revealed 3 Wolbachia endosymbionts were clustered into the non-Siphonaptera Wolbachia group. These findings extend our knowledge of the geographical distribution and carriers of B. rochalimae, B. grahamii, B. elizabethae, and Wolbachia spp. In the future, there is a need for China-Kazakhstan cooperation to strengthen the surveillance of flea-borne pathogens in wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Haemaphysalis longicornis is an important ectoparasite of domestic and wild animals that can transmit many pathogens including viruses, fungi, bacteria and protozoa. Materials and methods: In this study, we examined genetic variation and population genetics in three mitochondrial (mt) genes [cox1 (cytochrome c subunit 1), rrnL (large subunit ribosomal RNA) and nad5 (NADH dehydrogenase 5)] among four H. longicornis populations from China. Results: The sizes of the partial sequences of cox1, rrnL and nad5 were 776 bp, 409 bp, 510 bp, respectively. Among the obtained sequences, we identified 22 haplotypes for cox1, 2 haplotypes for rrnL and 17 haplotypes for nad5. Low gene flow and significant genetic differentiation (66.2%) were detected among H. longicornis populations. There was no rapid expansion event in the demographic history of four H. longicornis populations in China. In addition, phylogenetic analyses confirmed that all the Haemaphysalis isolates were H. longicornis which were segregated into two major clades. Conclusion: The mt DNA genes provide a potential novel genetic marker for molecular epidemiology of H. longicornis and assist in the control of tick and tick-borne diseases in humans and animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Discussion section, a correction is needed for the first sentence in paragraph 1; the original sentence "... I B. vogeli i was found in three of 203 cats in China [20], ..." should be replaced with "... I B. vogeli i was found in three of 203 cats in China [22], ..." In the Discussion section, a correction is needed for the last sentence in paragraph 1; the original sentence "For the presence of I B. gibsoni i in cat, there was just one reported in St Kitts [21], and I B. gibsoni i ..." should be replaced with "For the presence of I B. gibsoni i in cats, there were related reports in China, Singapore and St Kitts [21,33]. Text Correction In the Simple Summary section, the original sentence "...and the first case in China of I Babesia gibsoni i in cats was detected" should be replaced with "...and I Babesia gibsoni i was detected". In the Abstract section, the original sentence "This is the first report of I B. gibsoni i in cats in China" should be deleted. [Extracted from the article]

Dactylogyrus formosus Kulwiec, 1927 (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae), widely distributed across Eurasia, is considered as one of the most frequently encountered ectoparasites of goldfish ( Carassius auratus). In the present study, D. formosus on gills of cultured goldfish was reported in central China for the first time, using the methods of morphological characters and molecular markers. It was characterized by 'Anchoratoid-Wegeneri' type anchor with elongate inner and unobvious outer root. The morphology of the opisthaptoral hard parts of D. formosus superficially resembles species of D. arcuatus Yamaguti, 1942 parasitized crucian carp, using light and scanning electron microscopy. However, the anchor total length of D. arcuatus (range 90-102) is almost double the size of D. formosus (range 43.7-57.1) which allows for their rapid discrimination from each other; on the other hand, the two species also can be easily separated by the shape of the male copulatory organ. The morphological description of D. formosus is supplemented with phylogenetic analysis of a reference DNA sequence spanning 18S rDNA and ITS1. What is more, this study also redescribes comprehensively D. formosus, providing for the first time a full ten point-to-point morphometric measurements of the hard parts, and importantly, a photographic record of the armature of the haptor and the male copulatory organ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ticks, as obligate blood-sucking ectoparasites, attack a broad range of vertebrates and transmit a great diversity of pathogenic microorganisms. They are considered second only to mosquitoes as vectors of human disease, and the most important vector of pathogens of domestic and wild animals. Of the 117 described species in the Chinese tick fauna, 60 are known to transmit one or more diseases: 36 species isolated within China and 24 species isolated outside China. Moreover, 38 of these species carry multiple pathogens, indicating the potentially vast role of these vectors in transmitting pathogens. Spotted fever is the most common tick-borne disease, and is carried by at least 27 tick species, with Lyme disease and human granulocytic anaplasmosis ranked as the second and third most widespread tick-borne diseases, carried by 13 and 10 species, respectively. Such knowledge provides us with clues for the identification of tick-associated pathogens and suggests ideas for the control of tick-borne diseases in China. However, the numbers of tick-associated pathogens and tick-borne diseases in China are probably underestimated because of the complex distribution and great diversity of tick species in this country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Fleas are a group of highly specialized blood-feeding ectoparasites whose early evolutionary history is poorly known [1, 2]. Although several recent discoveries have shed new light on the origin of the group [3, 4], a considerable gap exists between stem fleas and crown fleas. Here we report a new transitional flea, Saurophthirus exquisitus sp. nov., assigned to a new family Saurophthiridae fam. nov., from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation of northeastern China. Saurophthirids are more similar to crown fleas than other stem fleas in having a relatively small body size, relatively short and slender piercing-sucking stylet mouthparts, comparably short and compact antennae, rows of short and stiff bristles on the thorax, and highly elongated legs. The new finding greatly improves our understanding of the morphological transition to the highly specialized body plan of extant fleas. However, saurophthirids also display several features unknown in other fleas, and some of these features are suggestive of a possible ectoparasitic relationship to contemporaneous pterosaurs, though other possibilities exist. The new fossils, in conjunction with previous discoveries, highlight a broad diversity of ectoparasitic insects in the mid-Mesozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on ectoparasitic chigger mites found on small mammals in Yunnan Province, southwest China. Data were accumulated from 19 investigation sites (counties) between 2001 and 2009. A total of 10 222 small mammal hosts were captured and identified; these represented 62 species, 34 genera and 11 families in five orders. From the body surfaces of these 10 222 hosts, a total of 92 990 chigger mites were collected and identified microscopically. These represented 224 species, 22 genera and three subfamilies in the family Trombiculidae (Trombidiformes). Small mammals were commonly found to be infested by chigger mites and most host species harboured several species of mite. The species diversity of chigger mites in Yunnan was much higher than diversities reported previously in other provinces of China and in other countries. A single species of rodent, Eothenomys miletus (Rodentia: Cricetidae), carried 111 species of chigger mite, thus demonstrating the highest species diversity and heaviest mite infestation of all recorded hosts. This diversity is exceptional compared with that of other ectoparasites. Of the total 224 mite species, 21 species accounted for 82.2% of all mites counted. Two species acting as major vectors for scrub typhus (tsutsugamushi disease), Leptotrombidium scutellare and Leptotrombidium deliense, were identified as the dominant mite species in this sample. In addition to these two major vectors, 12 potential or suspected vector species were found. Most species of chigger mite had a wide range of hosts and low host specificity. For example, L. scutellare parasitized 30 species of host. The low host specificity of chigger mites may increase their probability of encountering humans, as well as their transmission of scrub typhus among different hosts. Hierarchical clustering analysis showed that similarities between different chigger mite communities on the 18 main species of small mammal host did not accord with the taxonomic affinity of the hosts. This suggests that the distribution of chigger mites may be strongly influenced by the environment in which hosts live. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three species of the genus Trichodina Ehrenberg, 1838 and one species of the genus Chilodonella Strand, 1926 were collected from gills of Carassius auratus. They are Trichodina luzhoues sp. n., Trichodina mutabilis Kazubski and Migala, 1968, Trichodina reticulata Hirschman and Partsch, 1955, and Chilodonella hexasticha Kiernik, 1909. T. luzhoues sp. n. is a medium-sized trichodinid, and its denticles are very distinctive: the blade is narrow rhombus shaped, the section connecting the blade and central part is long and very thin; the section connecting the central part and ray is short and very thick. Ch. hexasticha is a new record in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the ectoparasitic mite loads (Macronyssus: Macronyssidae: Acarina) on 2 species of flat-headed bats, Tylonycteris pachypus and T. robustula (Mammalia: Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in 2 counties of Guangxi Province, southern China, from 2002 to 2005. In Longzhou County both species of bat occur sympatrically, but only T. pachypus occurs in Ningming County. Individuals of the smaller species (T. pachypus) harbored significantly more mites than did those of T. robustula. In both species males harbored more mites than nonreproductive females, pregnant females had more mites than lactating and nonreproductive females, and juveniles harbored more mites than adults. Mite load on both species of bats showed significant seasonal variation, declining from spring to winter. No correlation was found between mite load and size of the host colony. We discuss our findings in relation to the ecology and biology of both hosts and parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the ectoparasite communities on Tupaia belangeri (T. belangeri) in the surrounding areas of Erhai Lake and their potential importance in medical and veterinary science. Methods: Different locations in surrounding areas of Erhai Lake in Yunnan were selected as the investigation spots. T. belangeri were randomly captured with baited mouse cages and then brought to the laboratory for identification according to their body shape, size and color, and measurements such as the lengths of their body, ear and hind feet. Ectoparasites on them were collected and identified to determine the species under microscope after specimens were mounted on slides, with the clearing and drying process completed. The constituent ratio (C), prevalence (P) and average ectoparasite abundance (A) were used to test the prevalence and density of ectoparasites; Non-parametric Mann-Whitney {/-tests were used to test the differences in the abundance and richness of ectoparasites between female and male hosts; Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between ectoparasites and the body parameters of hosts. Results: There was very high species diversity of ectoparasites found on T. belangeri and some species of ectoparasites were reported associated with human diseases. A high proportion (88%) of 107 T. belangeri was found to be infested with ectoparasites. A total of 75 species of ectoparasites on them were collected, including 58 species of chigger mite, 12 species of gamasid mite, 4 species of flea and 1 species of sucking louse. Within this ectoparasite complex, 13 species were previously reported to be vectors of human disease agents. Non-parametric Mann-Whitney U-tests showed significant differences between male and female T. belangeri in terms of the abundance and richness of total ectoparasites. However, the species richness and abundance of chigger mites, sucking lice, fleas or gamasid mites presented no significant differences between male and female hosts. Spearman correlation analysis showed that none of correlations were observed between host body parameters with abundance and richness of total ectoparasites, chigger mites, sucking lice, fleas or gamatid mites. Conclusion: The results suggest that there is very high species diversity of ectoparasites on T. belangeri, consisting mainly of communities of sucking lice, fleas, chiggers and gamasid mites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Chevrier’s field mouse, Apodemus chevrieri Milne−Edwards (Rodentia: Muridae), has been identified as the main wild reservoir of plague in the sylvatic plague focus of Yunnan Province, southwest China. Here, the ectoparasite communities of A. chevrieri and the potential medical and veterinary importance of these ectoparasites are described. A high proportion (66%) of 321 mice were found to be infested with ectoparasites. A total of 81 species of ectoparasite, including 48 species of chigger mite, 25 species of mesostigmatid (gamasid) mite, six species of flea and two species of sucking louse were collected. Most species of ectoparasite were relatively uncommon, but a few were abundant. Within this ectoparasite complex, 16 species have previously been reported to be vectors of human disease agents. Apodemus chevrieri would appear therefore to be a natural reservoir for plague bacilli and epidemic haemorrhagic fever (Korean haemorrhagic fever) viruses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Viruses were surveyed in Varroa destructor and Varroa underwoodi in Apis cerana colonies. • Six RNA viruses were detected in V. destructor while five in V. underwoodi. • Apis mellifera filamentous virus was found in both V. destructor and V. underwoodi. • Multiple viruses in single ectoparasitic mite of A. cerana are common. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of honeybee viruses in Varroa destructor and Varroa underwoodi infesting Apis cerana colonies in China. Deformed wing virus (DWV) was the most prevalent virus in these two mite species, followed by Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV), Black queen cell virus (BQCV), Kashmir bee virus (KBV), Chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV), Apis mellifera filamentous virus (AmFV) and Sacbrood virus (SBV) in V. destructor , while in V. underwoodi , it was followed by CBPV, AmFV, BQCV, IAPV and KBV. In addition, multiple viruses were commonly detectable in both mite species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]