Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) on resident and migratory wild birds in Orinoquia region, Colombia.

Several species of hard ticks, including those of the genera Ixodes, Haemaphysalis, Amblyomma, and Rhipicephalus, are of medical and veterinary importance and have been reported in association with Neotropical wild birds. Colombia, known for its great bird diversity, has 57 confirmed tick species. However, there are few studies on the association between wild birds and ticks in Colombia. The Orinoquia region, a migratory center in Colombia, provides a unique opportunity to study wild bird-tick associations and their implications for tick-borne disease dynamics. Our study, conducted between October and December 2021, aimed to identify hard ticks infesting resident and migratory wild birds in the department of Arauca and to assess the presence of bacteria from the genera Anaplasma, Borrelia, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, and piroplasms. A total of 383 birds were examined, of which 21 were infested. We collected 147 ticks, including Amblyomma dissimile (larvae), Amblyomma longirostre (nymphs), Amblyomma mixtum (adults), and Amblyomma nodosum (larvae and nymphs). We did not detect bacterial DNA in the tested ticks; however, piroplasm DNA was detected in ticks from three of the infested birds. Of the 21 bird-tick associations, six are new to the Americas, and interesting documentation of piroplasm DNA in A. longirostre, A. nodosum, and A. dissimile ticks from wild birds in the region. This study provides valuable insights into the ticks associated with wild birds and their role in the dispersal of ticks and pathogens in Colombia, enhancing our understanding of tick life cycles and tick-borne disease dynamics.

Is Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Stricto in South America? First Molecular Evidence of Its Presence in Colombia.

The genus Borrelia encompasses spirochetal species that are part of three well-defined groups. Two of these groups contain pathogens that affect humans: the group causing Lyme disease (LDG) and the relapsing fever group (RFG). Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., which is distributed in the Northern Hemisphere, and relapsing fevers are caused by Borrelia spp., which are found in temperate and tropical countries and are an emerging but neglected pathogens. In some departments of Colombia, there are records of the presence of Borrelia sp. in humans and bats. However, little is known about the impact and circulation of Borrelia spp. in the country, especially in wildlife, which can act as a reservoir and/or amplifying host. In this context, the objective of our research was to detect and identify the Borrelia species present in wild mammals in the departments of Caldas and Risaralda in Colombia. For morphological detection, blood smears and organ imprints were performed, and molecular identification was carried out through a nested PCR directed on the flagellin B (flaB) gene. A total of 105 mammals belonging to three orders (Chiroptera, Didelphimorphia and Rodentia) were analyzed, of which 15.24% (n = 16) were positive for Borrelia. Molecularly, the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi s.s. in lung tissues of Thomasomys aureus and blood of Mus musculus (Rodentia) was detected, with 99.64 and 100% identity, respectively. Borrelia sp. genospecies from a clade branch of a bat-associated LDG sister group were identified in seven individuals of bat species, such as Artibeus lituratus, Carollia brevicauda, Sturnira erythromos, and Glossophaga soricina. Furthermore, two Borrelia genospecies from the RFG in seven individuals of bats (A. lituratus, Artibeus jamaicensis, Platyrrhinus helleri, Mesophylla macconnelli, Rhynchonycteris naso) and rodents (Coendou rufescens, Microryzomys altissimus) were documented. Additionally, the presence of a spirochete was detected by microscopy in the liver of a Sturnira erythromos bat specimen. These results contain the first molecular evidence of the presence of B. burgdorferi s.s. in South America, which merits the need for comprehensive studies involving arthropods and vertebrates (including humans) in other departments of Colombia, as well as neighboring countries, to understand the current status of the circulation of Borrelia spp. in South America.

Avian haemosporidian (Haemosporida: Plasmodium and Haemoproteus) in the department of Arauca, Colombian Orinoquia region.

Avian haemosporidian from the genera Haemoproteus and Plasmodium are a diverse and widely distributed group of vector-borne blood parasites. These parasites can have negative effects on bird survival by influencing several aspects of their life cycle, causing different clinical signs and even death. Colombia has the widest range of bird richness throughout the globe; however, the associations between haemosporidian parasites and wild birds in different ecosystems remain poorly explored. Within this frame of reference, the objective of the present study was to identify and understand haemosporidian associated with resident and migratory wild birds and their lineages in northeast Orinoquia region, Colombia. Birds were captured in 8 localities and blood samples were collected, identifying the presence of haemosporidian parasites through morphological and molecular analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Blood samples from 233 wild birds (86 species) were analyzed for haemosporidian parasites. Sixteen individuals (6.9%) from 15 resident and migratory species were positive for Haemoproteus or Plasmodium. Fourteen haemosporidian lineages were identified, five of them reported for the first time. These new lineages are reported in four resident birds and one boreal migratory bird (Parkesia noveboracensis). This study is the first developed in the department of Arauca and contributes to the knowledge of haemosporidian lineages and their interaction with wild birds in the Colombian Orinoquia region and South America.

Seroprevalence and detection of Rickettsia spp. in wild birds of Arauca, Orinoquia region, Colombia.

Wild birds have an important role as hosts of ticks infected by rickettsiae. However, the role of birds as reservoirs of tick-borne rickettsiae is unknown and poorly understood. This is particularly relevant in several tropical and subtropical areas, where migration influences the global spread of ectoparasites and pathogens of public health importance. This research aimed to detect and evaluate the exposure to spotted fever group rickettsiae in wild birds that could represent reservoirs in the Department of Arauca in the Colombian Orinoquia region. Sampling was conducted in three municipalities of the Department of Arauca (Colombia). Blood samples were collected from 255 birds and processed to obtain serum (n = 155) and DNA (n = 255) samples. The serum samples were processed for indirect immunofluorescence assays (IFA) for the detection of antibodies to Rickettsia rickettsii, Rickettsia parkeri, Rickettsia amblyommatis, Rickettsia rhipicephali, and Rickettsia bellii. Additionally, we investigated rickettsiae DNA in blood samples by amplification of the citrate synthase gene (gltA). The IFA results revealed seropositivity in 97 samples from 54 species of resident and migratory birds. No sample was positive for rickettsial DNA. The presence of antibodies in 62.5% of the sera indicates previous exposure of these birds to rickettsiae. The null detection of rickettsiae in the blood of seropositive birds is possibly due to a short period of bacteremia. Experimental studies are required to improve our understanding of the role of wild birds as sources of rickettsial infections in ticks.

Rickettsia spp. in ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) from wild birds in Caldas, Colombia.

Several bacteria belonging to the genus Rickettsia are recognized as causal agents of diseases in domestic and wild animals and humans. These bacteria are considered emerging or reemerging and are transmitted by ticks, fleas, and lice vectors. In recent decades, there have been reports of rickettsias in ticks of the genus Amblyomma, Ixodes, and Haemaphysalis collected from wild birds. Accordingly, birds play a plausible role in the transport and spread of ticks infected by Rickettsia spp. In this study, we performed molecular detection of Rickettsia species in ticks collected from wild birds in the department of Caldas, Colombia. We detected and identified Rickettsia amblyommatis, 'Candidatus Rickettsia colombianensi' and a Rickettsia sp. closely related to 'Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae' and Rickettsia canadensis. This study contributes to the knowledge on infection by Rickettsia in ticks collected from wild birds in Colombia. We also provide the first reports of infection by R. amblyommatis in the genus Ixodes collected from wild birds in South America and the presence of Rickettsia at elevations above 3000 m a.s.l.

Breeding biology in a population of Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis, Statius Müller, 1776) at different elevations in the Tropical Andes / Biología reproductiva en una población de Gorrión Copetón (Zonotrichia capensis, Statius Müller, 1776) a diferente elevación en los Andes tropicales

Abstract: Breeding biology in a population of Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis, Statius Müller, 1776) at different elevations in the Tropical Andes. Elevation strongly influences the evolution of life history traits associated with bird physiology and reproduction. Since life history traits in birds are modulated by environmental factors that vary with elevation, we expected to find changes in breeding biology traits of Z. capensis at different elevations. In this study, we compared the breeding biology (clutch size, egg volume, and reproductive activity) of a non-migratory population of Z. capensis in two localities at different elevations (low and high elevations, 1 800 m a.s.l., and 3 800 m a.s.l., respectively) and same latitude in the Colombian Tropical Andes for a one-year period. We found no differences in clutch size between the localities; however, egg volume was higher at high elevation. Furthermore, the reproductive activity differed significantly between localities. We propose that clutch size is likely conserved throughout the altitudinal distribution of Z. capensis since the species evolved in Tropical lowlands. On the other hand, the larger egg volume at high elevation could obey local environmental factors that may favor the reproductive success of the population.

Resumen: Biología reproductiva en una población de Gorrión Copetón (Zonotrichia capensis, Statius Müller, 1776) a diferente elevación en los Andes tropicales. La elevación influye fuertemente en la evolución de los rasgos de historia de vida asociados con la fisiología y reproducción de las aves. Dado que los rasgos de historia de vida en las aves están modulados por factores ambientales que varían con la elevación, esperábamos encontrar cambios en los rasgos de la biología reproductiva de Z. capensis a diferentes elevaciones. En este estudio, comparamos la biología reproductiva (tamaño de puesta, volumen del huevo y actividad reproductiva) de una población no migratoria de Z. capensis en dos localidades a diferente elevación (elevación baja 1 800 m snm, y elevación alta 3 800 m snm,) y a la misma latitud en los Andes tropicales colombianos por un período de un año. No encontramos diferencias en el tamaño de puesta entre las localidades; sin embargo, el volumen del huevo fue mayor en elevación alta. Además, la actividad reproductiva difirió entre las localidades. Proponemos que el tamaño de puesta probablemente se conserve en toda la distribución altitudinal de Z. capensis, ya que la especie evolucionó en las tierras bajas tropicales. Por otro lado, el mayor volumen del huevo a elevación alta podría obedecer a factores ambientales locales que pueden favorecer el éxito reproductivo de la población.

Associations between wild birds and hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in Colombia.

Ticks of the family Ixodidae are vectors of important pathogens in human and animal health. Birds are involved in long-distance transport and dispersion of hard ticks. Tick infestations on wild birds mostly involve species within the genera Amblyomma, Ixodes, and Haemaphysalis. In Colombia, tick research is scarce and there are no studies to date about the associations between wild birds and ticks. We aimed to contribute to the knowledge of the associations between wild birds and hard ticks based on the collection of 2314 wild birds belonging to 29 families in Caldas - Colombia between 2015 and 2019. In total, we collected 133 hard ticks that were found parasitizing 78 birds representing 45 species and 14 wild bird families. We report at least seven tick species on birds confirmed by morphological and molecular methods: Amblyomma longirostre, Amblyomma varium, Amblyomma dissimile, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma nodosum, Amblyomma calcaratum and Haemaphysalis leporispalustris. In addition, we recorded three Ixodes species, which yielded DNA sequences that did not have high identity (≤ 95 %) to any species in GenBank. Ticks were found infesting resident and migratory boreal birds. This is the first study addressing the associations between wild birds and hard ticks in Colombia. We describe new associations between birds and ticks in the Americas.

Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest in ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) of wild birds in Arauca, Orinoquia region of Colombia.

Birds are important hosts for the development of the immature stages of several tick species that are vectors for disease-causing microorganisms in animals and humans. Colombia has the highest number of bird species worldwide; however, there is scarce data on the role of birds in the circulation of ticks and their associated pathogens, such as rickettsiae. The department of Arauca has a high diversity of resident and migratory (boreal and austral) birds and ticks associated with the transmission of Rickettsia. The objective of this research was to identify tick species parasitizing birds and to detect Rickettsia species in these ectoparasites. We conducted samplings in the municipalities of Arauca, Cravo Norte, and Tame between November of 2018 and August of 2019. Birds were captured using mist nets and examined for the presence of tick species. The collected ticks were morphologically and molecularly identified. Furthermore, we detected rickettsiae in ticks by amplifying fragments of the citrate synthase (gltA) and outer membrane protein (ompB) genes. We captured 606 birds belonging to 25 families and 115 species. Tick infestation rate was 3.3% (20/606) in the birds captured and eight new associations between wild birds and ticks are reported for the American continent. We identified four tick species: Amblyomma nodosum, Amblyomma longirostre, Amblyomma mixtum, and Amblyomma sp.. Moreover, we confirmed the presence of Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest in A. nodosum, a medically-relevant rickettsia due to cases of rickettsiosis in the American continent. This finding manifests the importance of wild birds as hosts and dispersal agents of ticks infected with pathogenic rickettsiae, as well as the need to monitor migratory birds in the Orinoquia and other regions of Colombia and America.

Bacteria from industrial waste: potential producers of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) in Manizales, Colombia.

Polymers are currently used in the industry as raw material, yet they are rapidly eliminated and largely contaminate the environment. To address this issue, there is a special interest in biodegradable polymers, namely, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), produced by microorganisms. This study identifies PHA-producing bacteria from two industrial wastewaters of Manizales, Colombia. The samples were cultured in mineral salt medium with glucose as the carbon source in the presence of Nile red stain. The fluorescent colonies were independently transferred to another medium and assessed through fluorescence microscopy with Nile blue stain. The fluorescent strains under Nile blue staining were purified in Nutrient Agar, and their morphological and microbiological characteristics were determined. The bacteria positive for red-orange fluorescence were purified in Nutrient Agar medium, and molecular analyses were performed by PCR amplification of a 650-bp fragment of the 16S ribosomal DNA gene. The bacteria were also assessed in terms of PHA production. We confirmed the identity of 12 out of 14 PHA-positive strains, which belonged to the following genera: Bacillus, Lactococcus, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, and Acinetobacter. Five of the isolates (Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter sp., Enterobacter ludwigii, Bacillus thuringiensis, and Bacillus safensis) are promising strains for PHA production, with production values ranging from 0.360 to 0.9960 g/L. Bacteria that produce more than 0.3 g/L are considered useful for the industrial manufacture of bioplastic. We recommend performing large-scale studies on these strains to assess their use for the industrial production of biopolymers, allowing to generate high-impact bioconversion processes of industrial interest.

A morphological, reproductive, and molt phenology database for 379 bird species from the Colombian Tropical Andes.

The Colombian Tropical Andes are one of the regions with highest bird diversity on Earth. However, information on bird morphology, reproductive phenology, and molt is particularly scarce in this region. Also, this region is heavily impacted by deforestation, and it is vulnerable to climate change. Hence, providing baseline information on life history and morphological traits will be essential to support future research on functional diversity, climate change effects, conservation, evolution, and phenology. To fill this gap, we have compiled information on bird distribution, morphology, molt, and reproductive phenology at 52 localities of the Department of Caldas, covering an elevation range between 148 and 3845 m. This compilation comprises a wide range of habitats, including native forests, forestry plantations, croplands, and paramo. Our database presents information for 3,398 records belonging to 379 bird species (representing 23 orders, 53 families, and 258 genera). From those records, 2,843 correspond to information collected in the field between 2008 and 2019, and the remaining 555 records correspond to specimens deposited in the Natural History Museum of the Caldas University, collected between 1969 and 2014. We measured nine morphological traits from all specimens: total culmen, gape, bill width, bill depth, tarsus, wing length, tail length, total length, and mass. We also have reproductive condition information for 257 species and molt information available for 378 species. The information contained in this data set represents ~20% of the Colombian avifauna and ~11% of the bird species richness in South America. This data set is released for non-commercial use only. Credits should be given to this paper (i.e., proper citation), and the products generated with this database should be shared under the same license terms (CC BY-NC-SA).

Morphological differences in a population of Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis, Statius Müller, 1776) (Passerine, Emberizidae) at different elevations in the Tropical Andes / Diferencias morfologicas en una poblacion de Copetón (Zonotrichia capensis, Emberizidae) a diferente altitud en los Andes tropicales

Abstract Populations that breed along steep elevation gradients show diverse physiological and morphological changes in response to the different environmental conditions. The latter has been discussed by Bergmann's and Allen's ecogeographic rules about body and appendage sizes and environmental temperature. We compared morphometric measures (mass, bill width, tarsus, wing, and tail length) of a Zonotrichia capensis population in two localities at different elevations with similar latitudes and photoperiods on the western slope of the Colombian Central Andes. We compared a Low Elevation locality (LE) at 1800 m a.s.l. and a High Elevation locality (HE) at 3853 m a.s.l. that have approximate wind speeds of 1.3 m/s and 8.4 m/s, respectively. During 12 months of sampling, we captured 46 adults using mist-nets; 26 in the LE and 20 in the HE. Each individual was sexed using molecular techniques at the Laboratory of Genetics of the Department of Biological Sciences of Universidad de Caldas. Individuals (males + females) from the HE had longer wings and tails than those from the LE (F1,44 = 5.93; P = 0.019). Also, wings of males in the HE were longer than those of females in both localities and tails of males in the HE were longer than those of LE males. Our results did not agree with what was expected according to Allen's and Bergmann's ecogeographic rules. Longer wings and tails increase sustainment, maneuverability, and balance in low atmospheric pressures and strong air currents and these conditions are found at high elevation habitats. Most likely, the longer wings found for HE males allow greater movement during territorial behavior. Further, these differences in morphological traits along elevational gradients could result from micro-evolutionary changes between localities or phenotypic plasticity of individuals exposed to different environmental conditions.

Resumen Las poblaciones que se reproducen en gradientes altitudinales, adoptan diversos cambios morfológicos para afrontar las condiciones ambientales. En el presente estudio se compararon las medidas morfológicas (peso corporal, longitud del tarso, ala, cola y culmen) de una población de Zonotrichia capensis, a diferente altitud en los Andes colombianos. Las localidades de tierra baja (TB) y alta (TA) se encuentran a 1800 m.s.n.m. y 3853 m.s.n.m., con velocidad aproximada del viento de 1.3 m/s y 8.4 m/s, respectivamente. Durante 12 meses se realizó la captura de 46 individuos (TB n=26, TA n=20) para la medición de los rasgos morfológicos. La longitud del ala de los individuos de TA fue mayor que en TB. Así mismo, en machos de TA la longitud del ala fue mayor que en hembras en general. Es posible que a las más grandes incrementen la eficiencia del vuelo en zonas ventosas y con baja presión atmosférica, como ocurre en TA. Probablemente la diferencia del tamaño del ala entre los machos de TA y las hembras, se deba a un mayor desplazamiento dentro de la conducta territorial. Estas diferencias podrían ser el resultado de cambios microevolutivos entre localidades o la plasticidad fenotípica de individuos expuestos a diferentes condiciones ambientales.

Contributions to the knowledge of hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in Colombia.

The known tick fauna of Colombia includes 58 species (15 Argasidae and 43 Ixodidae). To add to the knowledge of the biology of ticks in Colombia, hard ticks (Ixodidae) were collected from domestic animals or vegetation during 2014-2016 in 10 of Colombia's Departments. Ticks were identified to species through morphological examinations. Taxonomic identification was confirmed for some specimens by molecular methods, including phylogenetic analyses inferred from three tick genes (cytochrome c oxidase, 16S rDNA, second internal transcribed spacer). A total of 1745 tick specimens encompassing 8 species were collected. Overall, 5 tick species were recorded on cattle [Amblyomma dissimile, Amblyomma mixtum, Dermacentor nitens, Rhipicephalus microplus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.)], 5 on dogs (Amblyomma maculatum, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma varium, R. microplus, R. sanguineus s.l.), 3 on horses (A. mixtum, D. nitens, R. sanguineus s.l.), 3 on donkeys (A. mixtum, D. nitens, R. microplus), 1 on pig (D. nitens), and 2 from vegetation (A. mixtum, A. dissimile). This included the first records of A. mixtum from two Colombian Departments, indicating that the distribution of this tick in Colombia may be broader than currently known. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed that R. sanguineus s.l. specimens from 8 Departments belong to the "tropical species". Moreover, Colombian specimens of A. maculatum formed a large clade with GenBank sequences of A. maculatum and A. triste, although some Colombian specimens grouped with A. maculatum from the United States while others grouped with A. triste from Brazil. Significant polymorphisms were observed between specimens of A. ovale or D. nitens; for the former species, it is noteworthy that two distinct clades were observed. Our study provides new records for 8 tick species parasitizing domestic animals in Colombia, including species with veterinary and medical importance in the Neotropical region, such as R. microplus, R. sanguineus, D. nitens, A. mixtum, and A. maculatum. Noteworthy, we provide the first record of A. varium infesting a domestic mammal.

Genotoxic effects and gene expression in Danio rerio (Hamilton 1822) (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) exposed to mining-impacted tributaries in Manizales, Colombia.

The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is one of the most studied aquatic organisms for water biomonitoring, due to its sensitivity to environmental degradation and resistance to toxic substances. This study determined the presence of micronuclei and nuclear abnormalities in peripheral blood erythrocytes, and assessed the gene expression of caspase-3 (CASP-3) and metallothionein 1 (MT-1) in the gills and liver of D. rerio. The study fish (n = 45) were exposed to water collected from two stations with mining impact (E2 and E3) and a reference station without evident mining contamination (E1), all located in La Elvira stream (Manizales-Colombia). In addition, a positive control (PC) with HgCl2 (50 µg/L) and negative control (NC) with tap water were included. The fish from the PC and E2 and E3 treatments displayed genotoxic effects and changes in gene expression, with significant differences in micronuclei formation and the presence of blebbed nuclei. The cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene was used as reference and proved to be stable compared to the ß-actin and 28S ribosomal RNA (28S) genes. In gills, CASP-3 expression was higher in the PC, and MT-1 expression was higher in the PC and E3 treatment. In liver, CASP-3 was expressed in the E2 treatment, and MT-1 expression was low. These results show that the genotoxic effects and differential gene expression observed in fish exposed to water from La Elvira stream could also be affecting the organisms present in this habitat.

Baseline corticosterone and stress response in the Thorn-tailed Rayadito (Aphrastura spinicauda) along a latitudinal gradient.

Glucocorticoids are essential for life and their secretion is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA). The HPA axis is often divided into two components: baseline glucocorticoids levels and stress response glucocorticoids levels, which are affected by changes in ambient temperature and productivity among others factors. An approximation to evaluate how a species copes with these changes is to evaluate differences of this hormone amongst populations of the same species that inhabit places ideally presenting all the possible combinations of temperature and productivity. We aimed to evaluate whether environmental temperature or productivity, represent challenges in terms of stress in the Thorn-tailed Rayadito (Aphrastura spinicauda). We examined circulating baseline levels of CORT and stress responses from three populations, covering the whole geographic distribution of the species across large gradients in weather conditions. If low temperature influences baseline CORT levels, we expect higher levels of this hormone in the southernmost population (higher latitude). However, if productivity is the factor that influences baseline CORT levels, we expect the contrary pattern, that is, lower values of this hormone in the southernmost population (more productive environment). We observed that baseline CORT levels presented lower values in the southernmost population, supporting the environmental productivity hypothesis. Secondly, we tested the hypothesis that individuals breeding at higher latitudes should have a lower stress response than individuals breeding at lower latitudes. Contrary to our expectations, we found that stress response did not vary among populations in any of the three years. We concluded that low environmental temperatures did not represent a stress situation for the Thorn-tailed Rayadito if food abundance was sufficient to support energetic demands.