RESUMEN
Histomoniasis, caused by the protozoan, Histomonas meleagridis, is an economically important disease of turkeys, and it also affects several other species of domesticated and wild Galliformes, including chickens. Under natural conditions, the parasite is transmitted through eggs of a nematode, Heterakis gallinarum, that shares its hosts with Hi. meleagridis. The protozoan infects tissues of both male and female He. gallinarum and eventually is carried within the worm egg. Histomonas meleagridis more readily infects and develops in chickens, and the proximity of chicken farms is a major risk factor for outbreaks in turkeys. Chemoprophylaxis had controlled Hi. meleagridis in turkeys very successfully, but histomoniasis has recently reemerged in turkeys because anti-histomonal drugs are no longer permitted by the United States Food and Drug Administration because of the concerns for residual toxins in poultry meat. Horizontal transmission of the protozoan in the absence of worm eggs remains a mystery because the flagellate trophozoite excreted in the feces of turkeys is not viable for any length of time. A proposed resistant stage of the protozoan has not yet been conclusively demonstrated. Here we review the discovery of the protozoan and the current status of the disease and its control.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales , Pavos , Animales , Pavos/parasitología , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/parasitología , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/historia , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/epidemiología , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/transmisión , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/epidemiología , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/parasitología , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/historia , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/transmisión , Estados Unidos/epidemiología , Historia del Siglo XX , Trichomonadida/aislamiento & purificación , Femenino , Masculino , Historia del Siglo XXIRESUMEN
Black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) are among the most bothersome blood-sucking dipterans causing severe irritation and distress to poultry, wild birds, animals, and humans globally. These insects are vectors of viruses, bacteria, parasitic protozoans, and nematodes of humans and animals. Parasitic protozoa belonging to Haemosporida (Apicomplexa) are distributed worldwide and black flies are the principal vectors of avian haemosporidian parasites of the genus Leucocytozoon, a common parasite of birds. Based on the detection of parasite DNA in insects, 13 black fly species were reported to be potential vectors of Leucocytozoon in Europe. Information about which species of Simulium can play a role in the transmission of Leucocytozoon parasites is insufficient and needs to be developed. The aim of our study was to determine which black fly species are involved in the transmission of Leucocytozoon parasites in the Eastern Europe. The black fly females were collected in Lithuania using entomological net. They were morphologically identified, dissected to prepare salivary glands preparations, and then screened for the presence of Leucocytozoon parasites using microscopy and PCR-based methods. In all, we collected 437 black fly females belonging to eight species. The DNA of Leucocytozoon (genetic lineage lCOCO18) was detected in one of analysed females identified as Simulium maculatum. All salivary gland preparations were negative for the presence of Leucocytozoon sporozoites. Our results included S. maculatum as a potential vector of Leucocytozoon parasites. Increasing the knowledge on vector ecology, behaviour and improving collection methods may be the key to understand the evolution and diversity of these parasites.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de las Aves/parasitología , Haemosporida/fisiología , Insectos Vectores/parasitología , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/transmisión , Simuliidae/parasitología , Animales , Enfermedades de las Aves/transmisión , Aves , ADN/aislamiento & purificación , ADN Protozoario/aislamiento & purificación , Femenino , Haemosporida/genética , Humanos , Lituania , Filogenia , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/parasitología , Glándulas Salivales/parasitologíaRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The aim was to review available data concerning the occurrence of protozoan parasites affecting carnivorous fur farm animals, such as: American mink, blue and silver foxes, and raccoon dogs. Although, many protozoan pathogens have been isolated in wild fur animals, some are still not recognised as relevant to particular fur farm animal species. Protozoans that have been isolated as causative agents of clinical cases and reported in these animals are: Cryptosporidium spp., Eimeria spp., Isospora spp., Leishmania infantum, Neospora caninum, Sarcocystis spp., and Toxoplasma gondii. Unfortunately, in most reports, neither clinical symptoms nor detailed pathogenicity and clinical pathology are satisfactory discriminated. This data is essential for preparing treatment and preventive measure protocols. Additionally, attempts to better understand the infections might be useful in the case of outbreaks. RESULTS: The results of the literature research revealed that some detected infections may have zoonotic potential, and are quite likely to be transmitted in both directions. The role of vectors, e.g. small rodents, birds, insects (sand-flies), or pets (cats and dogs), which might be involved in the transmission of various parasitic infections, is also discussed. The summarized list of protozoans involved can be used for further studies on the health and welfare aspects of fur farm animal breeding and public health issues.
Asunto(s)
Animales Domésticos/parasitología , Carnívoros/parasitología , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/parasitología , Animales , Humanos , Infecciones por Protozoos/parasitología , Infecciones por Protozoos/transmisión , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/transmisión , Zoonosis/parasitología , Zoonosis/transmisiónRESUMEN
Arthropod vectors are frequently exposed to a diverse assemblage of parasites, but the consequence of these infections on their biology and behavior are poorly understood. We experimentally evaluated whether the ingestion of a common protozoan parasite of avian hosts (Haemoproteus spp.; Haemosporida: Haemoproteidae) impacted the survivorship of Culex quinquefasciatus (Say) (Diptera: Culicidae). Blood was collected from wild northern cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) in College Station, Texas, and screened for the presence of Haemoproteus spp. parasites using microscopic and molecular methods. Experimental groups of Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes were offered Haemoproteus-positive cardinal blood through an artificial feeding apparatus, while control groups received Haemoproteus-negative cardinal blood or domestic canary (Serinus canaria domestica) blood. Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes exposed to Haemoproteus infected cardinal blood survived significantly fewer days than mosquitoes that ingested Haemoproteus-negative cardinal blood. The survival of mosquitoes fed on positive cardinal blood had a median survival time of 18 days post-exposure and the survival of mosquitoes fed on negative cardinal blood exceeded 50% across the 30 day observation period. Additionally, mosquitoes that fed on canary controls survived significantly fewer days than cardinal negative controls, with canary control mosquitoes having a median survival time of 17 days. This study further supports prior observations that Haemoproteus parasites can be pathogenic to bird-biting mosquitoes, and suggests that Haemoproteus parasites may indirectly suppress the transmission of co-circulating vector-borne pathogens by modulating vector survivorship. Our results also suggest that even in the absence of parasite infection, bloodmeals from different bird species can influence mosquito survivorship.
Asunto(s)
Culex/fisiología , Culex/parasitología , Haemosporida/fisiología , Mosquitos Vectores/fisiología , Mosquitos Vectores/parasitología , Passeriformes/parasitología , Animales , Enfermedades de las Aves/parasitología , Enfermedades de las Aves/transmisión , Canarios/sangre , Canarios/parasitología , ADN Protozoario/sangre , Passeriformes/sangre , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa/veterinaria , Probabilidad , Modelos de Riesgos Proporcionales , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/parasitología , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/transmisión , TexasRESUMEN
Avian blood parasites have been shown to have significant health effects on avifauna worldwide. Sri Lanka, a tropical island rich with resident and migratory birds, has not been properly evaluated for avian blood parasites or their vectors. We investigated the presence of avian haemoparasites in Sri Lankan birds and the potential mosquito vectors of those pathogens. Blood samples were collected from local/migratory birds captured by standard mist nets from Anawilundawa bird sanctuary, Hanthana mountain range, and the University of Peradeniya park. Mosquitoes were collected from Halgolla forest reserve and the forest patches in Kurunegala and Gampola areas in addition to the above mist-netting localities. Part of the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) gene was amplified and sequenced to detect the presence of haemoparasites from avian blood samples (86) and mosquito samples (480). Blood parasites of the two genera, i.e., Haemoproteus (4 species; Haemoproteus sp. 1-4) and Plasmodium (5 species; Plasmodium sp. 1-5) were identified from seven bird species (four resident and three migratory). Among these, three bird species (Red-vented bulbul (3/16), Asian Brown flycatcher (1/1), and India pitta (1/1)) were positive for Plasmodium spp., while four (Yellow-browed bulbul (1/4), oriental white-eye (1/4), brown-headed Barbet (1/4), and Indian blue robin (1/1)) were positive for Haemoproteus spp. Two mosquito species were also positive for Plasmodium (3) and Haemoproteus (1) species. Phylogenetic analysis and haplotype networks created using positive sequences of haemoparasites showed that a Plasmodium clade was shared by Cx nigropunctatus mosquitoes and the migratory bird, Indian pitta. The majority (85%) of the Plasmodium and Haemoproteus sequences of this study were not linked to the well-characterized species suggesting the distinct nature of the lineages. Associations between mosquito species and blood parasites of birds suggest the possible vector status of these mosquitoes.
Asunto(s)
Aves/parasitología , Mosquitos Vectores/parasitología , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/parasitología , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/transmisión , Animales , Aves/sangre , Aves/clasificación , Sangre/parasitología , Citocromos b/genética , Haemosporida/clasificación , Haemosporida/genética , Haemosporida/aislamiento & purificación , Mosquitos Vectores/clasificación , Filogenia , Plasmodium/clasificación , Plasmodium/genética , Plasmodium/aislamiento & purificación , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/epidemiología , Sri Lanka/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Culicoides biting midges (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae) are known vectors of avian Haemoproteus parasites. These parasites cause diseases, pathology and even mortality in birds. The diversity of biting midges in Europe is great, but only four Culicoides species are known to be vectors of avian Haemoproteus parasites. In general, our knowledge about the role of the particular Culicoides species in the transmission of Haemoproteus parasites remains insufficient. Information gaps hinder a better understanding of parasite biology and the epizootiology of parasite-caused diseases. The aim of this study was to determine new Culicoides species involved in the transmission of Haemoproteus parasites. METHODS: Biting midges were collected using a UV trap as well as sticky traps installed in bird nest boxes. Individual parous females were diagnosed for the presence of haemoproteids using both PCR-based and microscopic methods. RESULTS: We collected and dissected 232 parous Culicoides females from 9 species using a UV trap and 293 females from 11 species from bird nest boxes. Culicoides obsoletus was the dominant species collected using a UV trap, and Culicoides kibunensis dominated among midges collected in nest boxes. PCR-based screening showed that 5.2% of parous biting midges collected using a UV trap and 4.4% of midges collected from nest boxes were infected with avian haemosporidian parasites. Haemoproteid DNA was detected in C. kibunensis, Culicoides pictipennis, Culicoides punctatus, Culicoides segnis and Culicoides impunctatus females. The sporozoites of Haemoproteus minutus (genetic lineages hTURDUS2 and hTUPHI01) were detected in the salivary glands of two C. kibunensis females using microscopy, and this finding was confirmed by PCR. CONCLUSIONS: Culicoides kibunensis was detected as a new natural vector of Haemoproteus minutus (hTURDUS2 and hTUPHI01). Haemoproteid DNA was detected in females from five Culicoides species. This study contributes to the epizootiology of avian Haemoproteus infections by specifying Culicoides species as vectors and species that are likely to be responsible for the transmission of haemoproteids in Europe.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de las Aves/transmisión , Aves/parasitología , Ceratopogonidae/parasitología , Haemosporida/aislamiento & purificación , Insectos Vectores/parasitología , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/transmisión , Animales , Enfermedades de las Aves/parasitología , Citocromos b/genética , Femenino , Haemosporida/clasificación , Haemosporida/genética , FilogeniaRESUMEN
Many tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) are present in wildlife. The objective of this study is to reveal the role of wild bears in maintaining TBPs. A total of 49 brown bears (Ursus arctos yesoensis) from Hokkaido, and 18 Japanese black bears (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) from Tochigi, and 66 Japanese black bears from Nagano were examined by two molecular methods, reverse line blot (RLB) hybridization, and nested PCR. A total of 5 TBPs (Hepatozoon ursi, Babesia sp. UR2-like group, Cytauxzoon sp. UR1, Babesia sp. UR1, and Babesia microti) were detected from bear blood DNA samples. B. microti was detected from blood DNA samples of Japanese black bear for the first time, with the prevalence of 6.0% (5/84). Out of detected pathogens, H. ursi, Babesia sp. UR2-like pathogens, and Cytauxzoon sp. UR1 were considered as three of the most prevalent TBPs in bears. The prevalence of H. ursi were significantly higher in Japanese black bear (0% vs 96.4%) while that of Babesia sp. UR2-like group was higher in Hokkaido brown bears (89.8% vs 40.5%). The prevalence of Babesia sp. UR1 were significantly higher in Japanese black bears from Tochigi (44.4%), comparing with those from Nagano (18.2%). The prevalence of the detected TBPs were significantly higher in adult bears, comparing with those in younger bears. The present study suggests that Japanese bear species contribute in the transmission of several TBPs in Japan. The expanding distribution of bears might cause the accidental transmission of TBPs to humans and domestic animals.
Asunto(s)
Apicomplexa/aislamiento & purificación , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/parasitología , Ursidae/parasitología , Animales , Animales Salvajes/parasitología , Apicomplexa/clasificación , Apicomplexa/genética , ADN Protozoario/genética , Japón/epidemiología , Prevalencia , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/epidemiología , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/transmisión , Enfermedades por Picaduras de Garrapatas/epidemiología , Enfermedades por Picaduras de Garrapatas/parasitología , Enfermedades por Picaduras de Garrapatas/transmisión , Garrapatas/parasitologíaRESUMEN
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.
Asunto(s)
Entamoeba/genética , Entamebiasis/veterinaria , Macaca/parasitología , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/epidemiología , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/parasitología , Animales , Animales de Laboratorio , China/epidemiología , ADN Protozoario/genética , Entamoeba/clasificación , Entamoeba/aislamiento & purificación , Entamebiasis/epidemiología , Entamebiasis/parasitología , Entamebiasis/transmisión , Heces/parasitología , Epidemiología Molecular , Prevalencia , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/transmisión , ARN Ribosómico/genética , Subunidades Ribosómicas Pequeñas/genética , Análisis de Secuencia de ADNRESUMEN
Age-related dynamics of protozoan and helminth infections in the red-legged partridge, Alectoris rufa, were studied in an intensive breeding aviary in the Czech Republic before releasing birds for hunting purposes. Pooled fecal samples (n = 900) were examined over 3 rearing seasons (2012-2014). A total of 4 protozoan species, Cryptosporidium baileyi, Cryptosporidium meleagridis, Eimeria kofoidi, and Eimeria legionensis, and 4 helminths, Capillaria phasianina, Eucoleus perforans, Heterakis gallinarum, and Syngamus trachea, was found. The most common parasite was S. trachea (prevalence 20-26%) in dead birds (n = 99), which represents a high risk for breeders. Co-occurrence of protozoans and helminths indicated similarities in infection dynamics throughout the 3 breeding seasons. Mixed infections of Cryptosporidium baileyi and C. meleagridis with other parasitic species are reported for the first time. Our findings provide new insights into breeding of A. rufa and may help to improve the efficacy of disease control strategies and prevention, especially with the potential for spreading of parasitic infections to wildlife through released birds into open areas.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de las Aves/parasitología , Galliformes/parasitología , Helmintiasis Animal/epidemiología , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/epidemiología , Factores de Edad , Animales , Enfermedades de las Aves/epidemiología , Enfermedades de las Aves/transmisión , Capillaria/clasificación , Capillaria/aislamiento & purificación , Cryptosporidium/clasificación , Cryptosporidium/aislamiento & purificación , República Checa/epidemiología , Eimeria/clasificación , Eimeria/aislamiento & purificación , Heces/parasitología , Helmintiasis Animal/parasitología , Helmintiasis Animal/transmisión , Helmintos/clasificación , Helmintos/aislamiento & purificación , Nematodos/clasificación , Nematodos/aislamiento & purificación , Prevalencia , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/parasitología , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/transmisión , Factores de Riesgo , Espirúridos/clasificación , Espirúridos/aislamiento & purificación , Strongyloidea/clasificación , Strongyloidea/aislamiento & purificaciónRESUMEN
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.
Asunto(s)
Infecciones por Blastocystis/veterinaria , Blastocystis/aislamiento & purificación , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/parasitología , Mapaches/parasitología , Animales , Secuencia de Bases , Blastocystis/clasificación , Blastocystis/genética , Infecciones por Blastocystis/epidemiología , Infecciones por Blastocystis/parasitología , Infecciones por Blastocystis/transmisión , ADN Protozoario/genética , Heces/parasitología , Variación Genética , Genotipo , Irán/epidemiología , Prevalencia , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/epidemiología , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/transmisión , ARN Ribosómico/genética , Subunidades Ribosómicas Pequeñas/genéticaRESUMEN
Pathogens pose significant threats to pollinator health and food security. Pollinators can transmit diseases during foraging, but the consequences of plant species composition for infection is unknown. In agroecosystems, flowering strips or hedgerows are often used to augment pollinator habitat. We used canola as a focal crop in tents and manipulated flowering strip composition using plant species we had previously shown to result in higher or lower bee infection in short-term trials. We also manipulated initial colony infection to assess impacts on foraging behavior. Flowering strips using high-infection plant species nearly doubled bumble bee colony infection intensity compared to low-infection plant species, with intermediate infection in canola-only tents. Both infection treatment and flowering strips reduced visits to canola, but we saw no evidence that infection treatment shifted foraging preferences. Although high-infection flowering strips increased colony infection intensity, colony reproduction was improved with any flowering strips compared to canola alone. Effects of flowering strips on colony reproduction were explained by nectar availability, but effects of flowering strips on infection intensity were not. Thus, flowering strips benefited colony reproduction by adding floral resources, but certain plant species also come with a risk of increased pathogen infection intensity.
Asunto(s)
Abejas , Brassica napus , Flores , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales , Animales , Conducta Apetitiva/fisiología , Abejas/parasitología , Abejas/fisiología , Brassica napus/microbiología , Brassica napus/parasitología , Crithidia/patogenicidad , Ecosistema , Flores/parasitología , Flores/fisiología , Larva/fisiología , Polinización/fisiología , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/fisiopatología , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/transmisiónRESUMEN
Cytauxzoon felis is a pathogen responsible for cytauxzoonosis, a highly fatal disease in domestic cats. Although most studies of C. felis have focused on this parasite in domestic cats, bobcats are the reservoir host. In stark contrast, there is little information relative to the progression of C. felis infections in bobcats. We studied bobcats in southern Illinois during 2014-2017 to evaluate which environmental factors (i.e., ambient temperature; number of daylight hours; trapping year, month, and day) influenced C. felis parasitemia levels. Mean ambient temperature at 1 wk and 2 wk prior to sampling was associated with increased parasitemia levels. Vector activity intensifies with higher temperatures, suggesting that increased parasitemia levels are an adaptation to facilitate transmission.
Asunto(s)
Lynx/parasitología , Parasitemia/veterinaria , Piroplasmida/fisiología , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/parasitología , Animales , Vectores Arácnidos/parasitología , Dermacentor/parasitología , Reservorios de Enfermedades/parasitología , Reservorios de Enfermedades/veterinaria , Eritrocitos/parasitología , Modelos Lineales , Medio Oeste de Estados Unidos/epidemiología , Parasitemia/epidemiología , Parasitemia/parasitología , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/epidemiología , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/transmisión , Estaciones del AñoRESUMEN
Haemoproteus species (Haemosporida, Haemoproteidae) are cosmopolitan bird blood parasites, which often cause relatively benign infections in adapted avian hosts, but severe and even lethal haemoproteosis might develop due to internal organ damage if these pathogens inhabit non-adapted (wrong) hosts. Haemoproteids of swallows (Hirundinidae) remain fragmentarily investigated, with only two haemoproteid species reported in this bird family, which members are cosmopolitan, diverse and inhabit various terrestrial ecosystems, particularly in tropical countries. This study describes and provides molecular characterization of Haemoproteus parahirundinis n. sp. (cytochrome b lineage hHIRUS05), parasite of the most broadly distributed swallow, the Barn swallow Hirundo rustica. Gametocytes, gametes and ookinetes of the new species were examined and compared with other haemoproteids described in swallows. The phylogenetic analysis indicated the existence of a largely undescribed Haemoproteus species diversity in birds of the Hirundinidae and also suggests that all lineages of haemoproteids reported in swallows are transmitted by Culicoides biting midges, but not louse flies of the Hippoboscidae, which often inhabit their nests. The biting midges should be the first targets in vectors research of swallow haemoproteids. This study indicates existence of Haemoproteus species, which are readily distinct based on morphological characters of their blood and sporogonic stages, but differ only negligently in partial cytochrome b sequences, the main markers broadly used in molecular characterization of haemoproteids. That calls for further taxonomic research on haemoproteid in swallows, many species of which are endangered or even threatened with extinction because of habitat degradation.
Asunto(s)
Haemosporida/genética , Golondrinas/parasitología , Animales , Enfermedades de las Aves/transmisión , Citocromos b/genética , Haemosporida/clasificación , Filogenia , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/transmisiónRESUMEN
Haemoproteus species (Haemoproteidae) are widespread blood parasites and are transmitted by Culicoides biting midges and Hippoboscidae louse flies. Although these pathogens may cause morbidity or mortality, the vectors and patterns of transmission remain unknown for the great majority of avian haemoproteids. Haemoproteus nucleocondensus has been frequently reported in Europe in great reed warblers Acrocephalus arundinaceus after their arrival from African wintering grounds, but this infection has not been found in juveniles at the breeding sites. The factors that prevent its transmission remain unclear. This study was designed to test whether the sporogony of H. nucleocondensus (lineage hGRW8) can be completed in Culicoides impunctatus, one of the most abundant European biting midge species. Wild-caught females were infected with H. nucleocondensus from great reed warblers. Microscopic examination and PCR-based methods were used to detect sporogonic stages and to confirm species identity. This study showed that H. nucleocondensus completes sporogony in C. impunctatus, suggesting that there are no obstacles to its transmission from the point of view of vector availability and average temperature in Northern Europe. We discuss other ecological factors which should be considered to explain why the transmission of H. nucleocondensus and some other Southern origin haemosporidians are interrupted in North Europe.
Asunto(s)
Ceratopogonidae/parasitología , Coccidiosis/transmisión , Haemosporida/genética , Passeriformes/parasitología , África/epidemiología , Migración Animal , Animales , Enfermedades de las Aves/transmisión , Citocromos b/genética , Europa (Continente)/epidemiología , Genes Protozoarios , Haemosporida/aislamiento & purificación , Insectos Vectores/parasitología , Filogenia , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/transmisiónRESUMEN
This study aimed to investigate the presence of the natural transovarial transmission of tick-borne pathogens in unfed larvae obtained from engorged female ticks from domestic animals in Turkey. Larvae (nâ¯=â¯4530, 151 pools) obtained from 75 engorged female ticks and female carcasses were screened for the presence of certain tick-borne pathogens by PCR. The presence of transovarial transmission of Babesia occultans was detected in Hyalomma marginatum and Hy. excavatum, while Ba. ovis in Rhipicephalus bursa. Theileria annulata was detected only in Hy. excavatum and Rh. turanicus female carcasses, but not in their examined progenies. Additionally, Rickettsia aeschlimannii and Rickettsia raoultii were detected in Hy. marginatum and Dermacentor marginatus females, respectively, and all their examined larvae. Besides, Ri. slovaca was detected in a De. marginatus female carcass and its one of two examined larvae pools. The presence of mixed Ba. occultans and Ri. aeschlimannii infection was also determined in an Hy. marginatum female and its larvae. This is the first demonstration of transovarial transmission of Ba. occultans in naturally infected Hy. excavatum. These data suggested that Hy. excavatum may act as vector in the natural cycle of Ba. occultans.
Asunto(s)
Infecciones Bacterianas/veterinaria , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/transmisión , Enfermedades por Picaduras de Garrapatas/veterinaria , Garrapatas/microbiología , Garrapatas/parasitología , Animales , Animales Domésticos/microbiología , Animales Domésticos/parasitología , Infecciones Bacterianas/microbiología , Infecciones Bacterianas/transmisión , ADN Bacteriano/genética , ADN Protozoario/genética , Femenino , Larva/microbiología , Larva/parasitología , Ovario/microbiología , Ovario/parasitología , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/parasitología , Enfermedades por Picaduras de Garrapatas/microbiología , Enfermedades por Picaduras de Garrapatas/parasitología , Enfermedades por Picaduras de Garrapatas/transmisión , TurquíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Haemoproteus (Parahaemoproteus) species (Haemoproteidae) are widespread blood parasites that can cause disease in birds, but information about their vector species, sporogonic development and transmission remain fragmentary. This study aimed to investigate the complete sporogonic development of four Haemoproteus species in Culicoides nubeculosus and to test if phylogenies based on the cytochrome b gene (cytb) reflect patterns of ookinete development in haemosporidian parasites. Additionally, one cytb lineage of Haemoproteus was identified to the species level and the in vitro gametogenesis and ookinete development of Haemoproteus hirundinis was characterised. METHODS: Laboratory-reared C. nubeculosus were exposed by allowing them to take blood meals on naturally infected birds harbouring single infections of Haemoproteus belopolskyi (cytb lineage hHIICT1), Haemoproteus hirundinis (hDELURB2), Haemoproteus nucleocondensus (hGRW01) and Haemoproteus lanii (hRB1). Infected insects were dissected at intervals in order to detect sporogonic stages. In vitro exflagellation, gametogenesis and ookinete development of H. hirundinis were also investigated. Microscopic examination and PCR-based methods were used to confirm species identity. Bayesian phylogenetic inference was applied to study the relationships among Haemoproteus lineages. RESULTS: All studied parasites completed sporogony in C. nubeculosus. Ookinetes and sporozoites were found and described. Development of H. hirundinis ookinetes was similar both in vivo and in vitro. Developing ookinetes of this parasite possess long outgrowths, which extend longitudinally and produce the apical end of the ookinetes. A large group of closely related Haemoproteus species with a similar mode of ookinete development was determined. Bayesian analysis indicates that this character has phylogenetic value. The species identity of cytb lineage hDELURB2 was determined: it belongs to H. hirundinis. CONCLUSIONS: Culicoides nubeculosus is susceptible to and is a likely natural vector of numerous species of Haemoproteus parasites, thus worth attention in haemoproteosis epidemiology research. Data about in vitro development of haemoproteids provide valuable information about the rate of ookinete maturation and are recommended to use as helpful step during vector studies of haemosporidian parasites, particularly because they guide proper dissection interval of infected insects for ookinete detection during in vivo experiments. Additionally, in vitro studies readily identified patterns of morphological ookinete transformations, the characters of which are of phylogenetic value in haemosporidian parasites.
Asunto(s)
Haemosporida/clasificación , Haemosporida/fisiología , Filogenia , Animales , Teorema de Bayes , Enfermedades de las Aves/parasitología , Citocromos b/genética , Femenino , Insectos Vectores/parasitología , Masculino , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/transmisiónRESUMEN
Since 2012, frequent outbreaks of Hematodinium diseases have significantly impacted sustainable culture of marine crabs Portunus trituberculatus in the coastal areas of Shandong Peninsula. The mechanisms of the Hematodinium parasite epizootics in polyculture pond systems remain to be explored and alternate crustacean hosts are speculated to play important roles in transmission and epizootiology of the disease. To investigate their possible role in transmission, the common wild mudflat crabs Helice tientsinensis were sampled from the waterway connecting to polyculture ponds in Huangdao, Qingdao, China and diagnosed for Hematodinium infection. Hematodinium infection was found in H. tientsinensis collected in the waterway from April-November 2018, with a prevalence of 5.8-31.7%. In addition, 23.1% of H. tientsinensis sampled from the adjacent polyculture pond were infected during the peak of the Hematodinium epizootic in July. Amoeboid trophonts or prespores were observed in the hemolymph of the Hematodinium-infected crabs and histopathological changes were observed in major organs (e.g. hepatopancreas, heart, gill and muscle). The ITS1 rRNA of Hematodinium sp. infecting H. tientsinensis shared 99-100% similarity to isolates infecting P. trituberculatus and Penaeus monodon in local polyculture ponds, and are included in a monophylogenetic clade, Hematodinium perezi genotype II, in the phylogenetic tree. The results further showed that this generalist parasite was infecting various types of marine crustaceans in the coastal waters of China, and that mudflat crabs H. tientsinensis may serve as an important alternate host during epizootics of Hematodinium parasites in the polyculture system.
Asunto(s)
Braquiuros/parasitología , Dinoflagelados , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/epidemiología , Mariscos/parasitología , Animales , Acuicultura , China , Prevalencia , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/transmisiónRESUMEN
Heterakis gallinarum is a widely distributed cecal nematode that parasitizes gallinaceous birds including chickens and turkeys. H. gallinarum infection poses a problem for the poultry industry as the nematode egg serves as a vector for the protozoan parasite, Histomonas meleagridis, the causative agent of histomonosis. The only means of detecting H. gallinarum in the environment is microscopic identification of the eggs in soil or feces; however, H. gallinarum eggs are often mistaken for those of Ascaridia galli. Three primer sets were designed from sequences cloned from the H. gallinarum genome to develop a diagnostic PCR. Each of these primer sets amplified a single product from H. gallinarum, but were unable to amplify DNA from H. meleagridis, Ascaridia galli, or Cestode sp. H. gallinarum DNA was amplified from Lumbricus sp. (earthworms) and Alphitobius diaperinus (darkling beetles), confirming that the earthworm acts as a paratenic host for H. gallinarum and suggesting that the darkling beetle may be a carrier for this nematode.
Asunto(s)
Infecciones por Ascaridida/veterinaria , Ascarídidos/genética , Monitoreo del Ambiente/métodos , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa/veterinaria , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/diagnóstico , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/parasitología , Animales , Ascarídidos/parasitología , Infecciones por Ascaridida/diagnóstico , Escarabajos/parasitología , ADN de Helmintos/genética , Oligoquetos/parasitología , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/transmisión , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/transmisión , Suelo/parasitología , Trichomonadida/fisiologíaRESUMEN
Avian haemosporidian parasites are particularly diverse and widespread. To date, more than 3,000 distinct cytochrome b lineages have been recorded, of which some present extremely wide geographical distributions, even including multiple continents. Whether these isolates represent one or several cryptic species remains unknown. Here we carried out a case study of SISKIN1, a common haemosporidian parasite lineage belonging to the morphologically described species Haemoproteus tartakovskyi. To shed light on its evolutionary origin, we investigated the divergence between SISKIN1 isolates obtained from siskins and redpolls in Europe (Russia and Sweden) and house finches in North America (Mexico). First, we used sequence capture of a small data set (2 Russian isolates and 1 Mexican isolate) to investigate the genetic structure based on the full-length mitochondrial genome and â¼1,000 genes. The mitochondrial genomes of Russian isolates were identical with each other but differed from the Mexican one at 6 positions. The nuclear divergence between Russian and Mexican isolates was on average 2.8%, close to what has been observed between 2 species of malaria parasites that respectively infect humans (Plasmodium falciparum) and gorillas (Plasmodium praefalciparum). Second, we used the expanded data set (15 samples in total) to investigate the genetic structure in 3 genes known to be involved in host invasion. The European isolates were identical across all sequenced genes, whereas the Mexican isolates were highly diverse. The lack of shared alleles between European and Mexican populations suggests that they might have diverged in isolation without gene flow. From the MalAvi database we examined the lineages most similar to the SISKIN1 barcode fragment (part of the cyt b gene) and found that most of them had been recorded in North and South America. This suggests that the lineage SISKIN1 originated in North America and subsequently spread to Europe. Our analyses support that the cyt b gene barcoding region is a useful marker for identification of avian haemosporidian lineages that can classify them into clusters of closely related parasites, but to further investigate species limits and evolutionary history, molecular data from multiple faster-evolving genes are required.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de las Aves/parasitología , Citocromos b/genética , Genoma Mitocondrial/genética , Haemosporida/clasificación , Passeriformes/parasitología , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/parasitología , Secuencia de Aminoácidos , Animales , Secuencia de Bases , Teorema de Bayes , Enfermedades de las Aves/transmisión , Dípteros/parasitología , Pinzones/parasitología , Haemosporida/genética , Haemosporida/aislamiento & purificación , Insectos Vectores/parasitología , México , Filogenia , Filogeografía , Infecciones Protozoarias en Animales/transmisión , Federación de Rusia , Alineación de Secuencia/veterinaria , SueciaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Haemoproteus and Plasmodium species are widespread avian blood parasites. Several Plasmodium species are known for their high virulence and have caused significant declines in naïve bird populations. The impact of closely related Haemoproteus parasites is largely unknown. Recently we reported a lethal disease in two parrot aviaries caused by Haemoproteus parasites. RESULTS: Here we show that the causative pathogen Haemoproteus minutus is responsible for further 17 lethal outbreaks in parrot aviaries in Denmark, Germany and Great Britain. All affected parrots are endemic to Australasia and South America. We sequenced the cytochrome b gene from megalomeront-infected muscle tissue of 21 parrots and identified the two lineages TUPHI01 and TURDUS2 as causative agents, commonly naturally infecting the common blackbird (Turdus merula) and the song thrush (Turdus philomelos), respectively, in the Palaearctic. No intraerythrocytic parasite stages were found in any of the parrots. We failed to detect H. minutus in invasive Indian ring-necked parakeets (Psittacula krameri) in Germany. Together this suggests that abortive infections with two virulent lineages of H. minutus are lethal for naïve parrot species from Australasia and South America. We asked whether we could detect H. minutus in New Zealand, where its Turdus hosts were introduced in the 1800s. We therefore tested invasive blackbirds and song thrushes, and the co-existing endemic red-fronted parakeet (Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae) population on three New Zealand islands. No Haemoproteus spp. DNA was detected in all blood samples, indicating absence of transmission. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that captive parrots in Europe are threatened by two lineages of an otherwise benign parasite of Turdus spp. Aviary collections of parrots should be protected from Culicoides spp. vectors in Europe. Animal trade and climate changes extending the current vector and parasite distribution have to be considered as potential risk factors for the introduction of the disease in naïve parrot populations.