Ectoparasite presence and brood size manipulation interact to accelerate telomere shortening in nestling jackdaws.

Early-life conditions impact fitness, but whether the combined effect of extrinsic stressors is additive or synergistic is not well known. This is a major knowledge gap because exposure to multiple stressors is frequent. Telomere dynamics may be instrumental when testing how stressors interact because many factors affect telomere shortening, and telomere shortening predicts survival. We evaluated the effect of manipulated brood size and natural infestation by the carnid fly Carnus hemapterus on nestling growth and telomere shortening of wild jackdaws (Corvus monedula). Telomere length, measured in blood using TRF, shortened on average by 264 bp, and on average, Carnus infection induced more telomere shortening. Further analyses showed that in enlarged broods, nestlings' telomeres shortened more when parasitized, while in reduced broods there was no effect of infection on telomere shortening. We conclude that there is a synergistic effect of number of siblings and Carnus infection on telomere shortening rate: blood-sucking parasites may negatively impact telomeres by increasing cell proliferation and/or physiological stress, and coping with infection may be less successful in enlarged broods with increased sibling competition. Larger nestlings had shorter telomeres independent of age, brood manipulation or infection. Growth was independent of infestation but in enlarged broods, nestlings were lighter at fledging. Our findings indicate that (i) evaluating consequences of early-life environmental conditions in isolation may not yield a full picture due to synergistic effects, and (ii) effects of environmental conditions may be cryptic, for example, on telomeres, with fitness consequences expressed beyond the temporal framework of the study.

Shelter selection in the kissing bugs Triatoma infestans and Rhodnius prolixus: Intra- and inter-specific interactions and quality evaluation.

Triatomines display most of their activities during the night. Before sunrise, they search, select and occupy adequate shelters to stay during the photophase, avoiding exposure to diurnal predators. In this work, we first explored the interactions between individuals of the same or different species in the shelter selection process of Triatoma infestans (Klug 1834) and Rhodnius prolixus (Stål 1859). When two groups of insects (either of different nutritional status, nymphal instar or species) were released together over an experimental arena containing two identical shelters, all nymphs were distributed randomly, suggesting the absence of intra- and inters-pecific interactions. Secondly, we analysed their preferences for particular features of shelters by releasing one group of insects (either T. infestans or R. prolixus) over an arena containing two different refuges. Nymphs exhibited preferences for darker shelters with a vertical orientation of its substrate and elevated from the ground, highlighting the importance of such features in a shelter selection context. We conclude that these species disregard the presence of other individuals but evaluate certain characteristics of the shelters to choose them. This information may contribute to understanding the colonization/recolonization dynamic processes of these Chagas disease vectors.

A confirmed feeding attempt by the haematophagous horse fly Philoliche (Philoliche) rondani (Bertoloni, 1861) (Diptera: Tabanidae) on fresh carrion.

Background: Many flies have specially evolved feeding mechanisms to imbibe liquids of specific viscosities. Observations of feeding on atypical liquids are notable because of their rarity. New information: We report the first record of intrusive fluid feeding on vertebrate carrion by Philolicherondani.

Light sheet fluorescence microscopy for the investigation of blood-sucking arthropods dyed via artificial membrane feeding.

Physical methods to control pest arthropods are increasing in importance, but detailed knowledge of the effects of some of these methods on the target organisms is lacking. The aim of this study was to use light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) in anatomical studies of blood-sucking arthropods in vivo to assess the suitability of this method to investigate the morphological structures of arthropods and changes in these structures over time, using the human louse Pediculus humanus (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae) as sample organism. Plasma treatment was used as an example of a procedure employed to control arthropods. The lice were prepared using an artificial membrane feeding method involving the ingestion of human blood alone and human blood with an added fluorescent dye in vitro. It was shown that such staining leads to a notable enhancement of the imaging contrast with respect to unstained whole lice and internal organs that can normally not be viewed by transmission microscopy but which become visible by this approach. Some lice were subjected to plasma treatment to inflict damage to the organisms, which were then compared to untreated lice. Using LSFM, a change in morphology due to plasma treatment was observed.These results demonstrate that fluorescence staining coupled with LSFM represents a powerful and straightforward method enabling the investigation of the morphology-including anatomy-of blood-sucking lice and other arthropods.

Parasitic prevalence in bat fauna captured from selected sites in northwestern Pakistan / Prevalência parasitária na fauna de morcegos capturados em locais selecionados no noroeste do Paquistão

Abstract Present study was conducted to record ecotoparasitic prevalence in bat fauna of the northwestern parts of Pakistan. A total of 204 bat specimens representing 14 species were captured during a two year survey, extending from June 2015 through May 2016. A species of soft ticks Argas vespertilionis was identified from 23 bat specimens. Similarly, members of the family Dermanyssoidae (dermanyssoid mites) were isolated from 10 bat specimens, that of Spinturnicidae (spinturnicid mites) from 3 and Streblidae (bat flies) from 2 bat specimens. These parasites were collected using entomological tweezers and were identified on morphological basis. Further studies on parasitic prevalence, molecular characterization of bat parasites and their control measures are recommended.

Resumo O presente estudo foi realizado para registrar a prevalência de ectoparasitas na fauna de morcegos em partes do noroeste do Paquistão. Um total de 204 espécimes de morcegos, representando 14 espécies, foi capturado durante uma pesquisa de dois anos, de junho de 2015 a maio de 2016. A espécie de carrapato Argas vespertilionis foi identificada em 23 espécimes de morcegos. Da mesma forma, os membros da família Dermanyssidae (ácaros dermanyssoid) foram isolados de 10 espécimes de morcego, os da Spinturnicidae (ácaros spinturnicid), de 3, e os da Streblidae (mosca de morcego), de 2 espécimes de morcego. Esses parasitas foram coletados com pinça entomológica e identificados com base morfológica. Estudos adicionais sobre prevalência parasitária, caracterização molecular de parasitas de morcego e suas medidas de controle devem ser realizados.

Mosquito Magnet® traps as a potential means of monitoring blackflies of medical and veterinary importance.

Mosquito Magnet® traps, deployed in widespread parts of England as part of nationwide mosquito surveillance projects, also caught blackflies. As many as 1242 blackflies were caught in a trapping session lasting 4 days. Principal among the species caught were Simulium equinum, Simulium lineatum and Simulium ornatum s.l. As S. ornatum s.l. is a vector that transmits Onchocerca linealis to cattle and S. equinum is responsible for dermatitis ('sweet itch') in cattle and horses, it is suggested that Mosquito Magnet® traps could be used to monitor and partially control these pests, as well as nuisance anthropophilic blackflies such as Simulium posticatum that can cause simuliidosis in southern England.

Transcriptomic analysis of the poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, across all stages of the lifecycle.

BACKGROUND: The blood feeding poultry red mite (PRM), Dermanyssus gallinae, causes substantial economic damage to the egg laying industry worldwide, and is a serious welfare concern for laying hens and poultry house workers. In this study we have investigated the temporal gene expression across the 6 stages/sexes (egg, larvae, protonymph and deutonymph, adult male and adult female) of this neglected parasite in order to understand the temporal expression associated with development, parasitic lifestyle, reproduction and allergen expression. RESULTS: RNA-seq transcript data for the 6 stages were mapped to the PRM genome creating a publicly available gene expression atlas (on the OrcAE platform in conjunction with the PRM genome). Network analysis and clustering of stage-enriched gene expression in PRM resulted in 17 superclusters with stage-specific or multi-stage expression profiles. The 6 stage specific superclusters were clearly demarked from each other and the adult female supercluster contained the most stage specific transcripts (2725), whilst the protonymph supercluster the fewest (165). Fifteen pairwise comparisons performed between the different stages resulted in a total of 6025 Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) (P > 0.99). These data were evaluated alongside a Venn/Euler analysis of the top 100 most abundant genes in each stage. An expanded set of cuticle proteins and enzymes (chitinase and metallocarboxypeptidases) were identified in larvae and underpin cuticle formation and ecdysis to the protonymph stage. Two mucin/peritrophic-A salivary proteins (DEGAL6771g00070, DEGAL6824g00220) were highly expressed in the blood-feeding stages, indicating peritrophic membrane formation during feeding. Reproduction-associated vitellogenins were the most abundant transcripts in adult females whilst, in adult males, an expanded set of serine and cysteine proteinases and an epididymal protein (DEGAL6668g00010) were highly abundant. Assessment of the expression patterns of putative homologues of 32 allergen groups from house dust mites indicated a bias in their expression towards the non-feeding larval stage of PRM. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first evaluation of temporal gene expression across all stages of PRM and has provided insight into developmental, feeding, reproduction and survival strategies employed by this mite. The publicly available PRM resource on OrcAE offers a valuable tool for researchers investigating the biology and novel interventions of this parasite.

Influence of colony traits on ectoparasite infestation in birds breeding in mixed-species colonies.

Coloniality in birds is often associated with an increase in parasite burden, but whether the co-occurrence of several host species influences the prevalence and abundance of ectoparasites and their relationship with colony size or density remains poorly known. Here, we studied mixed-species breeding colonies formed after the provision of artificial breeding structures for restoring the lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni) population in Portugal, to investigate the influence of colony traits on ectoparasite infestation. We sampled four groups of ectoparasites (carnid flies, haematophagous mites, louse flies and chewing lice) in four hosts: lesser kestrels, European rollers (Coracias garrulus), feral pigeons (Columba livia) and spotless starlings (Sturnus unicolor). Each host species had a distinct infracommunity of ectoparasites, regardless of colony traits such as size, density or host richness. The abundance of the most common ectoparasite, Carnus hemapterus, was influenced by colony composition ­ number of nests of each host species ­ rather than by colony size or density, with its abundance being diluted with increasing numbers of less suitable hosts such as starlings. The increased contact between multiple species of hosts in breeding colonies may complexify host­parasite interactions and challenge our current knowledge on the ecological relationships between host sociality and parasitism.

Dataset on the diversity and distribution of biting flies collected from cattle farms in Peninsular Malaysia.

This dataset investigated the diversity, the geographic and spatial distribution of haematophagous flies collected from cattle farms in Peninsular Malaysia. Biting flies were trapped from 25 cattle farms over a one-year period. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to establish the presence/absence of statistical differences in the number of flies caught in relation to the different geographic distributions (zones). Three thousand eight hundred and eighty-nine haematophagous flies comprising of 36 different species, including Musca species (3189; 82.0%), Stomoxys species (588; 15.1%), Tabanus species (58; 1.5%), Chrysops species (19; 0.5%), Haematopota javana (3; 0.1%), Haematobosca species (29; 0.7%) and Haematobia exigua (3; 0.1%) were collected using three different types of fly traps. More biting flies were trapped in the southwest (1070; 27.5%) and south (1045; 26.9%) zones compared to other arbitrary zones of Peninsular Malaysia. Haematophagous flies were spatially distributed both in the inland and coastal parts of the country. The difference in the catch of Stomoxys species within zones was not significant (F = 1.299; df = 5; p = 0.306), although it was highest in the southwest zone. The number of Musca species caught was highest in the south zone compared to other zones, the differences was not significant (F = 0.770; df = 5; p = 0.583). Tabanidae fly species were most abundant in the southwest zone, the differences among zones was not significant (F = 1.179; df = 5; p = 0.356).

Integrated management of blood-feeding arthropods in veterinary teaching facilities - Part 3: proposal for a coherent and affordable control plan.

As reviewed in Part 1 of this publication series, numerous haematophagous arthropods have negative direct effects and are involved in the transmission of pathogens to either animals and/or humans in Western Europe. Their control is therefore essential to prevent vector-borne infections. Different control methods, either general or arthropod-specific, were presented in Part 2 of this publication series. Part 3 focuses on integrated management of arthropods and proposes a coherent and affordable plan for facilities housing sick animals in a veterinary faculty, i.e. small animals and large animals, with an educational farm. Control of arthropods should be part of a biosecurity plan, the effectiveness of which requires awareness raising and education of the different actors, i.e. staff, students and animal owners. The originality of the review lies in its specificity to a veterinary faculty and animal housing facilities, from a One Health point of view. As far as it could be ascertained, this is the first review focusing on arthropod control in this specific at-risk environment.

Comme les auteurs l'ont montré dans le premier article de cette série, nombre d'arthropodes hématophages ont des effets néfastes directs et interviennent dans la transmission d'agents pathogènes aussi bien aux animaux qu'aux humains en Europe occidentale. Il est donc essentiel de les contrôler afin de prévenir les infections à transmission vectorielle. Le deuxième article de cette série était consacré aux différentes méthodes de contrôle envisageables, tant générales que ciblant spécifiquement les arthropodes. Dans cette troisième partie, les auteurs traitent de la gestion intégrée des arthropodes et proposent un plan cohérent et peu coüteux destiné aux installations où sont maintenus les animaux malades au sein des établissements d'enseignement vétérinaire qui s'occupent aussi bien des petits animaux que des grands et qui sont donc dotés d'une ferme pédagogique. La lutte contre les arthropodes est une composante essentielle de tout plan de sécurité biologique, lequel sera d'autant plus efficace que l'ensemble des acteurs qui y participent (personnels, étudiants, propriétaires d'animaux) sont sensibilisés et formés. L'originalité de cette étude réside dans la spécificité, dans une perspective Une seule santé, des établissements d'enseignement vétérinaire et de leurs installations pour animaux. À la connaissance des auteurs, il s'agit de la première étude axée sur le contrôle des arthropodes dans cet environnement particulièrement à risque.

Como se explica en la primera parte de esta serie de artículos, numerosos artrópodos hematófagos tienen efectos negativos directos y participan en la transmisión de patógenos a animales y/o personas en Europa Occidental. De ahí que su control sea esencial para prevenir infecciones transmitidas por vectores. En la segunda parte de la serie se exponen diferentes métodos de lucha, que pueden ser genéricos o ir dirigidos selectivamente contra los artrópodos. En esta tercera parte dedicada a la lucha integrada contra los artrópodos se propone un plan coherente y asequible para las granjas pedagógicas de las facultades de veterinaria, esto es, aquellas instalaciones destinadas a alojar a animales enfermos, grandes o pequeños. El control de las poblaciones de artrópodos debería formar parte de todo plan de seguridad biológica, cuya eficacia pasa necesariamente por la sensibilización y formación de los principales interesados, a saber, personal, estudiantes y propietarios de los animales. La originalidad del estudio estriba en referirse específicamente, desde el punto de vista de Una sola salud, a las facultades de veterinaria y las instalaciones donde están alojados los animales. Hasta donde es posible saber, se trata del primer estudio centrado en la lucha contra los artrópodos en este entorno de riesgo en particular.

Integrated management of blood-feeding arthropods in veterinary teaching facilities - Part 2: overview of control methods against adults and immature stages.

Numerous arthropod species are involved in the vector-borne transmission of pathogens either to animals and/or to humans. Part 1 of this paper was dedicated to a review of these species, and their role in the transmission of pathogens in North-western Europe. This part will discuss the different anti-arthropod control methods, which are either general, used as good management practices, or arthropod-specific. The majority of these measures are efficient against several arthropod groups. Management of the environment is crucial for controlling the immature stages of winged arthropods, fleas and lice, but also ticks. Spraying pesticides should be considered carefully, because of the risk of emergence of resistance and the negative impact on the environment and non-targeted insects. Monitoring of haematophagous arthropods is useful when considering its use in the validation of control measures, the follow-up of endemic populations, vigilance for emergence of new species, and the detection of pathogens and, indirectly, resistance to chemicals. Monitoring also helps to determine the most appropriate timing and location for implementing control measures. It is strongly advised to combine control methods targeting adults and others addressing immature stages. Even if challenging, their combination under an integrated pest management programme should be preferred. Indeed, integrated vector management aims at making vector control more efficient, cost-effective, ecologically sound and sustainable.

Nombre d'espèces d'arthropodes participent à la transmission vectorielle d'agents pathogènes aux animaux et/ou aux humains. Dans une première partie de leur étude, les auteurs ont donné une vue d'ensemble de ces espèces et expliqué le rôle qu'elles jouent dans la transmission d'agents pathogènes dans le nord de l'Europe occidentale. Cette deuxième partie est consacrée aux différentes méthodes de contrôle des arthropodes ; elles se répartissent entre d'une part, des méthodes générales qui correspondent aux bonnes pratiques de gestion, et d'autre part, des méthodes ciblant spécifiquement les arthropodes. La plupart de ces mesures sont efficaces contre plusieurs groupes d'arthropodes. Il est essentiel de respecter les principes de bonne gestion de l'environnement afin de parvenir à contrôler les stades immatures des arthropodes ailés tels que les puces et les poux, mais aussi les tiques. L'utilisation de pesticides par aérosols devrait être envisagée avec prudence en raison du risque d'émergence de résistances et de l'impact négatif de ces produits sur l'environnement et sur les insectes non-cibles. La surveillance des arthropodes hématophages présente un intérêt lorsqu'on l'applique pour la validation des mesures de contrôle, le suivi des populations endémiques, la veille face à l'émergence d'espèces nouvelles et la détection d'agents pathogènes, ainsi qu'indirectement pour détecter les résistances aux agents chimiques. La surveillance permet également de déterminer quand et où mettre en oeuvre les mesures de contrôle pour plus de résultats. Il est conseillé d'associer les méthodes ciblant les adultes et celles ciblant les stades immatures. Malgré les difficultés d'une telle association, il conviendra de la privilégier dans le cadre d'un programme intégré de gestion des nuisibles. En effet, la gestion intégrée des vecteurs vise à rendre la lutte anti-vectorielle à la fois plus efficace, plus rentable, plus rationnelle au plan écologique et plus durable.

Numerosas especies de artrópodo participan en la transmisión vectorial de patógenos a animales o personas. En la primera parte de esta serie de artículos se hace un repaso de estas especies y se explica el papel que cumplen en la transmisión de patógenos en el noroeste de Europa. En esta segunda parte se examinan los diferentes métodos de lucha contra los artrópodos, que pueden ser genéricos, esto es, utilizados como buena práctica de gestión, o ir dirigidos selectivamente contra artrópodos. La mayoría de estas medidas son eficaces contra varios grupos de artrópodos. La gestión de las condiciones del entorno es crucial para combatir a las fases inmaduras de artrópodos alados, pulgas y piojos, así como a las garrapatas. El rociado con plaguicidas es un recurso que conviene estudiar con detenimiento, dado el riesgo de que surjan resistencias y su negativo impacto en el medio ambiente y en otros insectos que no se pretende dañar. La vigilancia de las poblaciones de artrópodos hematófagos resulta útil cuando se contempla su uso para la validación de medidas de lucha, el seguimiento de poblaciones endémicas, la vigilancia de la aparición de nuevas especies o la detección de patógenos e, indirectamente, la resistencia a productos químicos. La vigilancia también ayuda a determinar el momento y lugar idóneos para aplicar medidas de lucha. Se aconseja vivamente combinar métodos de lucha dirigidos contra los adultos con otros que combatan a las fases inmaduras. La aplicación de este tipo de planteamiento combinado, por dificultosa que resulte, será siempre la opción preferible para formar parte de un programa de gestión integrada de plagas. La lucha integrada contra los vectores, en efecto, tiene por objetivo hacer más eficaz, rentable, ecológicamente sensata y sostenible la lucha contra los vectores.

Integrated management of blood-feeding arthropods in veterinary teaching facilities - Part 1: overview of haematophagous arthropods of interest in North-western Europe.

Numerous arthropod species negatively affect animal and human health through physical attacks, by generating allergic reactions and as potential vectors of pathogens. Their control is essential to prevent vector-borne diseases and reduce their negative direct effect. Climate change militates for appropriate preparedness towards invasive species, their establishment and their involvement in new potential vector-pathogen-host cycles. This paper reviews the main blood-feeding arthropods of veterinary/zoonotic interest and their role in the transmission of infections in North-western Europe. It is the first part of an approach aimed at proposing a coherent and affordable vector control programme for facilities housing healthy and sick animals in a veterinary faculty, from a global health point of view. It is the first review focusing on this topic in such a specific and at-risk environment. Indeed, considering its multi-disciplinary and multi-species context and the importance of animal welfare, a veterinary faculty should attach great importance to vector control.

Nombre d'espèces d'arthropodes ont un impact négatif sur la santé animale et humaine, soit lors d'attaques directes, soit en déclenchant des réactions allergiques ou encore en tant que vecteurs potentiels d'agents pathogènes. Il est essentiel de contrôler ces espèces afin de prévenir les maladies à transmission vectorielle et de réduire leurs effets négatifs directs. Le changement climatique intensifie le problème des espèces envahissantes, ce qui milite en faveur d'une préparation appropriée face à leur introduction, leur installation et leur probable participation à des cycles vecteur-pathogène-hôte inédits. Les auteurs font le point sur les principales espèces d'arthropodes hématophages d'intérêt vétérinaire et/ou zoonotique ainsi que sur leur rôle dans la transmission de maladies infectieuses dans le nord de l'Europe occidentale. Il s'agit du premier volet d'une approche visant à proposer un programme cohérent et peu coüteux de lutte anti-vectorielle afin de faciliter le maintien dans les installations des établissements d'enseignement vétérinaire d'animaux en bonne santé mais aussi d'animaux malades, dans une perspective sanitaire globale. Il s'agit de la première étude d'ensemble traitant de ce sujet dans un environnement aussi spécifique et à risque. En effet, compte tenu de la nature pluridisciplinaire des établissements d'enseignement vétérinaire, de leur axe pluri-espèces et de l'importance qu'y revêt le bien-être animal, ces institutions devraient attacher une importance majeure à la lutte anti-vectorielle.

Hay numerosas especies de artrópodo que perjudican la salud de personas y animales por las reacciones alérgicas que provoca su ataque físico o porque pueden actuar como vectores de patógenos. La lucha contra esas especies es básica para prevenir enfermedades de transmisión vectorial y reducir sus efectos perjudiciales directos. El cambio climático aconseja una adecuada preparación para hacer frente a las especies invasoras, su implantación y su intervención en eventuales nuevos ciclos vector-patógeno-hospedador. Los autores pasan revista a los principales artrópodos hematófagos de interés veterinario y/o zoonótico y exponen su función en la transmisión de infecciones en el noroeste de Europa. Se trata del primer capítulo de una reflexión encaminada a proponer, desde el punto de vista de la salud mundial, un programa coherente y asequible de lucha antivectorial que se aplique a las instalaciones de las facultades de veterinaria que alojan a animales sanos o enfermos. Se trata del primer trabajo en la materia que se centra específicamente en este tipo de entorno, tan particular como expuesto a riesgo. Toda facultad de veterinaria, en efecto, teniendo en cuenta su contexto pluridisciplinar y multiespecífico y lo importante que es el bienestar animal, debería otorgar suma importancia a la lucha contra los vectores.

Distribution and prevalence of ticks on livestock population in endemic area of Kyasanur forest disease in Western Ghats of Kerala, South India.

Tick borne zoonotic diseases are one of the major emerging threats to live stock and public health in India, especially in Western Ghats of south India. Since livestock and wild animals share habitats and grasslands, it is important to know the species composition of major tick parasitism on live stock as well as their geographical distribution for effective control of tick and tick borne diseases. This study provides basic knowledge that is necessary to initiate Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) prevention programs in these areas. Ticks were sampled from Wayanad districts of Kerala from domestic animals and identified morphologically. A total of 195 cattle searched, in which 168 (86.15%) cattle were infested with ticks and a total of 3633 ticks comprising three genera and seven species were collected, Rhipicephalus microplus (52.71%) was prevalent species followed by Haemaphysalis bispinosa (16.9%), Rhipicephalus decoloratus (15.77%), Haemaphysalis turturis (11.42%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (1.32%), Amblyomma integrum (1.15%) and Haemaphysalis spinigera (0.71%) were identified based on their morphological characters. As R. microplus was the prevalent species, the risk of transmission of babesiosis and anaplasmosis to cattle increases and the presence of Haemaphysalis sp. point out the risk of KFD in among the tribal colony people and it can be reduced by applying with acaricides on domestic animals.

Spatiotemporal distribution of a non-haematophagous bat community and rabies virus circulation: a proposal for urban rabies surveillance in Brazil.

In Brazil, rabies surveillance is based on monitoring domestic and wild animals, although the most prevalent lineage of the rabies virus (RABV) currently diagnosed in Brazil is associated with bats, particularly non-haematophagous bats. Disease control is based on the mass vaccination of dogs and cats. We used data collected by the passive surveillance system of the city of Campinas from 2011 to 2015, to describe the temporal and geographic distributions of the bat specimens and RABV and discuss the current rabies surveillance with the advent of the declaration of canine and feline rabies-free areas in Brazil. We described the species, locations and health statuses of the collected bat specimens. Moreover, all samples were submitted for RABV diagnosis. Then, we performed a time series decomposition for each bat family. Additionally, we determined the spatiotemporal relative risk for RABV infection using the ratio of the kernel-smoothed estimates of spatiotemporal densities of RABV-positive and RABV-negative bats. From the 2537 bat specimens, the most numerous family was Molossidae (72%), followed by Vespertilionidae (14%) and Phyllostomidae (13%). The bat families behaved differently in terms of seasonal and spatial patterns. The distribution of bats varied geographically in the urban environment, with Molossidae and Phyllostomidae being observed downtown and Vespertilionidae being observed in peripheral zones. Concurrently, a significant relative risk of RABV infection was observed downtown for Vespertilionidae and in peripheral zones for Molossidae. No RABV-positive sample clusters were observed. As a result of the official declaration of RABV-free areas in southern Brazil, mass dog and cat vaccinations are expected to halt in the near future. This stoppage would make most dog and cat populations susceptible to other RABV lineages, such as those maintained by non-haematophagous bats. In this scenario, all information available on bats and RABV distribution in urban areas is essential. Currently, few studies have been conducted. Some local health authorities, such as that in Campinas, are spontaneously basing their surveillance efforts on bat rabies, which is the alternative in reality scenario of increased susceptibility to bat-associated RABV that is developing in Brazil.

The influence of Dermanyssus gallinae and different lighting regimens on selected blood proteins, corticosterone levels and egg production in layer hens.

Egg production in battery cage systems in commercial poultry farms promotes uncontrolled growth of poultry ectoparasite Dermanyssus gallinae. Intermittent lighting regimens provided a promising alternative for controlling D. gallinae invasions. The study analysed the influence of D. gallinae invasions on selected blood protein fractions (albumin, α-, ß-, γ-globulin), corticosterone levels and egg production in Hy-Line Brown layer hens exposed to two lighting regimens: A (16 L:8D) and B (intermittent (4 L:2D); L-light, D-dark). Blood samples were collected from a total of 48 hens (divided into uninfested - UF, and infested - IF groups for each lighting regimen). The concentrations of protein fractions were analysed by electrophoresis on Cormay Gel Protein 100, and corticosterone levels were determined in a radioimmunoassay. The results of the study revealed concentrations of ß-globulin and corticosterone levels were significantly higher in IF than UF groups in both lighting regimens. However, both parameters were higher in hens exposed to lighting regimen B than lightening regimen A. Gamma-globulin concentrations were significantly lower in IF than UF groups in both lighting regimens. Egg production was significantly lower in all groups than commercial standard. D. gallinae and intermittent lightening regimen had interaction effect on the corticosterone level in hens. Strong decreasing (negative) linear relationship between corticosterone levels and egg production (r = -0.911) was reported.

Off-host longevity of the winged dispersal stage of Carnus hemapterus (Insecta: Diptera) modulated by gender, body size and food provisioning.

Highlighting the dispersal ecology of parasites is important for understanding epidemiological, demographic and coevolutionary aspects of host-parasite interactions. Yet, critical aspects of the dispersal stage of parasites, such as longevity and the factors influencing it, are poorly known. Here we study the lifespan of the dispersal stage of an ectoparasitic dipteran, Carnus hemapterus, and the impact of gender, body size and food provisioning on longevity. We found that freshly emerged imagoes survive at most less than 4 days. Longevity increased with body size and, since this parasite exhibits sexual size dimorphism, the bigger females lived longer than males. However, controlling for body size suggests that males lived relatively longer than females. Furthermore, a humid environment and food provisioning (flowers) significantly increased individual life spans. We discuss the relative importance of spatial and temporal dispersal in relation to the infectious potential of this parasite.

Debugging diversity - a pan-continental exploration of the potential of terrestrial blood-feeding leeches as a vertebrate monitoring tool.

The use of environmental DNA (eDNA) has become an applicable noninvasive tool with which to obtain information about biodiversity. A subdiscipline of eDNA is iDNA (invertebrate-derived DNA), where genetic material ingested by invertebrates is used to characterize the biodiversity of the species that served as hosts. While promising, these techniques are still in their infancy, as they have only been explored on limited numbers of samples from only a single or a few different locations. In this study, we investigate the suitability of iDNA extracted from more than 3,000 haematophagous terrestrial leeches as a tool for detecting a wide range of terrestrial vertebrates across five different geographical regions on three different continents. These regions cover almost the full geographical range of haematophagous terrestrial leeches, thus representing all parts of the world where this method might apply. We identify host taxa through metabarcoding coupled with high-throughput sequencing on Illumina and IonTorrent sequencing platforms to decrease economic costs and workload and thereby make the approach attractive for practitioners in conservation management. We identified hosts in four different taxonomic vertebrate classes: mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, belonging to at least 42 different taxonomic families. We find that vertebrate blood ingested by haematophagous terrestrial leeches throughout their distribution is a viable source of DNA with which to examine a wide range of vertebrates. Thus, this study provides encouraging support for the potential of haematophagous terrestrial leeches as a tool for detecting and monitoring terrestrial vertebrate biodiversity.

pH control in the midgut of Aedesaegypti under different nutritional conditions.

Aedes aegypti is one of the most important disease vectors in the world. Because their gut is the first site of interaction with pathogens, it is important to understand A. aegypti gut physiology. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of pH control in the midgut of A. aegypti females under different nutritional conditions. We found that unfed females have an acidic midgut (pH âˆ¼6). The midgut of unfed insects is actively maintained at pH 6 regardless of the ingestion of either alkaline or acidic buffered solutions. V-ATPases are responsible for acidification after ingestion of alkaline solutions. In blood-fed females, the abdominal midgut becomes alkaline (pH 7.54), and the luminal pH decreases slightly throughout blood digestion. Only ingested proteins were able to trigger this abrupt increase in abdominal pH. The ingestion of amino acids, even at high concentrations, did not induce alkalinisation. During blood digestion, the thoracic midgut remains acidic, becoming a suitable compartment for carbohydrate digestion, which is in accordance with the higher alpha-glucolytic activity detected in this compartment. Ingestion of blood releases alkalising hormones in the haemolymph, which induce alkalinisation in ex vivo preparations. This study shows that adult A. aegypti females have a very similar gut physiology to that previously described for Lutzomyia longipalpis It is likely that all haematophagous Nematocera exhibit the same type of physiological behaviour.

Microarchitecture of the tsetse fly proboscis.

BACKGROUND: Tsetse flies (genus Glossina) are large blood-sucking dipteran flies that are important as vectors of human and animal trypanosomiasis in sub-Saharan Africa. Tsetse anatomy has been well described, including detailed accounts of the functional anatomy of the proboscis for piercing host skin and sucking up blood. The proboscis also serves as the developmental site for the infective metacyclic stages of several species of pathogenic livestock trypanosomes that are inoculated into the host with fly saliva. To understand the physical environment in which these trypanosomes develop, we have re-examined the microarchitecture of the tsetse proboscis. RESULTS: We examined proboscises from male and female flies of Glossina pallidipes using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Each proboscis was removed from the fly head and either examined intact or dissected into the three constituent components: Labrum, labium and hypopharynx. Our light and SEM images reaffirm earlier observations that the tsetse proboscis is a formidably armed weapon, well-adapted for piercing skin, and provide comparative data for G. pallidipes. In addition, the images reveal that the hypopharynx, the narrow tube that delivers saliva to the wound site, ends in a remarkably ornate and complex structure with around ten finger-like projections, each adorned with sucker-like protrusions, contradicting previous descriptions that show a simple, bevelled end like a hypodermic needle. The function of the finger-like projections is speculative; they appear to be flexible and may serve to protect the hypopharynx from influx of blood or microorganisms, or control the flow of saliva. Proboscises were examined after colonisation by Trypanosoma congolense savannah. Consistent with the idea that colonisation commences in the region nearest the foregut, the highest densities of trypanosomes were found in the region of the labrum proximal to the bulb, although high densities were also found in other regions of the labrum. Trypanosomes were visible through the thin wall of the hypopharynx by both light microscopy and SEM. CONCLUSIONS: We highlight the remarkable architecture of the tsetse proboscis, in particular the intricate structure of the distal end of the hypopharynx. Further work is needed to elucidate the function of this intriguing structure.

What does heat tell a mosquito? Characterization of the orientation behaviour of Aedes aegypti towards heat sources.

The use of heat as a cue for the orientation of haematophagous insects towards hot-blooded hosts has been acknowledged for many decades. In mosquitoes, thermoreception has been studied at the molecular, physiological and behavioural levels, and the response to heat has been evaluated in multimodal contexts. However, a direct characterization of how these insects evaluate thermal sources is still lacking. In this study we characterize Aedes aegypti thermal orientation using a simple dual choice paradigm, providing direct evidence on how different attributes of heat sources affect their choice. We found that female mosquitoes, but not males, are able to discriminate among heat sources that are at ambient, host-range and deleterious temperatures when no other stimuli are present, eliciting a positive response towards host-range and an avoidance response towards deleterious temperatures. We also tested the preference of females according to the size and position of the sources. We found that females do not discriminate between heat sources of different sizes, but actively orientate towards closer sources at host temperature. Furthermore, we show that females cannot use IR radiation as an orientation cue. Orientation towards a host involves the integration of cues of different nature in distinct phases of the orientation. Although such integration might be decisive for successful encounter of the host, we show that heat alone is sufficient to elicit orientation behaviour. We discuss the performance of mosquitoes' thermal behaviour compared to other blood-sucking insects.