Corrigendum: A revision of the trichostrongylid nematode Cooperia Ransom, 1907, from deer game: recent integrative research confirms the existence of the ancient host-specific species Cooperia ventricosa (Rudolphi, 1809).

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1346417.].

A revision of the trichostrongylid nematode Cooperia Ransom, 1907, from deer game: recent integrative research confirms the existence of the ancient host-specific species Cooperia ventricosa (Rudolphi, 1809).

The trichostrongylid roundworms of the genus Cooperia, which are important in veterinary medicine, currently comprise 19 valid species that parasitize the small intestine of both free-living and domestic ruminants. Only four Cooperia spp. have been reported in Europe, namely C. oncophora, C. punctata, C. curticei and C. pectinata. In 2018-2022, 25 red deer (Cervus elaphus) and 30 sika deer (Cervus nippon) of both sexes and various ages from several remote locations in the Czech Republic were parasitologically examined. Intestinal nematodes of the genus Cooperia were found only in two northern regions. Using the globally recognized key book on trichostrongylid nematodes, they were preliminarily identified as C. pectinata. However, a molecular analysis of cox2 and ITS rDNA gene sequences revealed that Cooperia sp. parasitizing Czech deer is a separate taxon that is more closely related to C. oncophora than to C. pectinata. A subsequent morphological analysis and literature survey confirmed the independence of deer Cooperia sp., which is similar but not identical to bovid C. pectinata. Previous long-term correct identifications of bovid C. pectinata and misidentifications of deer Cooperia species were caused by a fundamental error in the key book mentioned above. Interestingly, the ancient trichostrongylid nematode Strongylus ventricosus from the type host red deer (Cervus elaphus) shot near Greifswald (Germany) was described by Rudolphi in 1809. Rudolphi's type material (one male and four females) was deposited in the Museum für Naturkunde (Berlin). Later, the ancient species S. ventricosus was taken as a synonym for various Cooperia spp. Our current re-examination of the type male indicated that there is a relatively good agreement with our new material from Czech deer regarding the most important characteristics of S. ventricosus (i.e., the shape and size of the male spicules); however, Rudolphi's type material is in rather poor condition. The suggested resurrection of the deer Cooperia sp. in this study as Cooperia ventricosa (Rudolphi, 1809) requires verification by collecting and analyzing new nematode material from the type locality near Greifswald.

The Tengmalm's owl Aegolius funereus (Aves, Strigidae) as the definitive host of Sarcocystis funereus sp. nov. (Apicomplexa).

Background: Owls have been reported as definitive hosts, whereas wild small mammals (naturally and experimentally) as intermediate hosts of several species of Sarcocystis. Recently, dead fledglings were found infected by an unnamed species of Sarcocystis since its intermediate host was unknown. After collecting additional samples of owls and wild small mammals, the present study focused on elucidating the identity, potential intermediate host, and complete life cycle of the found Sarcocystis through experimentally infected rodents. The developmental stages' morphological and molecular characterizations (28S rRNA gene, ITS1 region) are presented herein. Methods: In total, 21 Tengmalm's owl carcasses (15 nestlings, 5 fledglings, and 1 adult male) were collected in Kauhava (west-central Finland) and parasitologically examined by wet mounts. Intestinal mucosa scrapings were used to isolate oocysts/sporocysts and employed for experimental infections in dexamethasone-immunosuppressed BALB/cOlaHsd mice. Additionally, sarcocysts were searched in the skeletal muscle of 95 samples from seven wild small mammal species. All these developmental stages were molecularly characterized by the 28S rRNA gene and ITS1 region. Experimental infections were carried out by using immunosuppressed female 8-week-old BALB/cOlaHsd mice, divided into three groups: (1) water with 15 µg/mL of dexamethasone, (2) water with 30 µg/mL of dexamethasone, (3) no dexamethasone treatment. Each group consisted of four individuals. In each group, two mice were infected with 1,000 sporocysts each, and the remaining two with 10,000 sporocysts each. All mice were euthanized on specific days post-infection. Results: The intestinal mucosa of 11 nestlings and 5 fledglings of the Tengmalm's owl were positive for Sarcocystis funereus sp. nov. The adult male owl and all owls' breast and heart muscles were negative for Sarcocystis. Two dexamethasone-immunosuppressed BALB/cOlaHsd mice (group 2) were positive to S. funereus sp. nov. in diaphragm and leg muscles after 22- and 24-day post-infection. Some sarcocysts were found in the wild small mammals. Molecular identification at 28S rRNA revealed sequences from naturally infected Tengmalm's owls, as well as sarcocysts of dexamethasone-immunosuppressed BALB/cOlaHsd mice were 99.87-100% similar to Sarcocystis sp. isolate Af1 previously found in the Tengmalm's owl. At the ITS1 region, the S. funereus sp. nov. isolates Af2 haplotype B and Af3 haplotype A were 98.77-100% identical to Sarcocystis sp. isolate Af1. The sequences from sarcocysts of naturally infected wild small mammals were 75.23-90.30% similar at ITS1 region to those of S. funereus sp. nov. Conclusion: The morphological and molecular characterizations and phylogenetic placement of S. funereus sp. nov. are presented here for the first time and support the erection of the new species.

Significance of Intestinal Helminth Infection and Animal Sex for Mercury Concentrations in Two Rodent Species.

We compared the effects of animal gender, species, and intestinal helminth burden on mercury concentrations in rodents. Total mercury concentrations were determined in the liver and kidney tissues of 80 small rodents (44 yellow-necked mice, Apodemus flavicollis, and 36 bank voles, Myodes glareolus) captured in the Ore Mountains (northwest Bohemia, Czech Republic). Overall, 25/80 (32%) of animals were infected by intestinal helminths. The differences in mercury concentration between rodents infected and not infected with intestinal helminths were not statistically significant. Statistically significant differences in mercury concentrations were found only between voles and mice (that were not infected with intestinal helminths). This suggests the differences may be associated with host genetics. Apodemus flavicollis body tissues had significantly lower (P=0.01) mean Hg concentrations (0.032 mg/kg) than Myodes glareolus (0.279 mg/kg), provided that animals were not infected by intestinal helminths; if the animals were infected by intestinal helminths, the difference between both groups was insignificant. The effect of gender in this study was significant only for voles (without helminth infection); for mice (either with or without helminth infection) the differences between genders were not significant. Myodes glareolus males had significantly lower (P=0.03) Hg concentrations in liver and kidney tissues (0.050 mg/kg) than Myodes glareolus females (0.122 mg/kg). These results reveal the importance of considering species and gender when evaluating mercury concentrations.

Effects of genotype, sex, and feed restriction on the biochemical composition of chicken preen gland secretions and their implications for commercial poultry production.

Preen gland secretions spread on the feathers contain various chemical compounds dominated by fatty acids (FAs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals may significantly affect plumage condition, microbial and ectoparasitic load on feathers, and chemical communication of birds. However, how chemical composition of preen secretions varies in commercially produced chickens with respect to their genotype, sex, and feeding regime remain largely unknown, as well as the welfare implications for farmed poultry. We found that while polyunsaturated fatty acids in chicken preen secretions differed significantly with genotype (P << 0.001), saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids varied with genotype-dependent preen gland volume (P < 0.01). Chickens of meat-type fast-growing Ross 308 genotype had reduced preen gland volume and lower proportions of all FA categories in their preen secretions compared with dual-purpose slow-growing ISA Dual chickens. A total of 34 FAs and 77 VOCs with tens of unique FAs were detected in preen secretions of both genotypes. While differences in the relative proportion of 6 of the 10 most dominant VOCs in chicken preen gland secretions were related to genotype (P < 0.001), only 1 of the 10 most dominant VOCs showed a sex effect (P < 0.01), and only 2 of the 10 most dominant VOCs showed a genotype-dependent effect of feed restriction (P < 0.05). Feed restriction had no effect on the relative proportion of any of the FAs in chicken preen gland secretions. Moreover, we found that meat-type Ross 308 preen secretions were dominated by VOCs, which are proven attractants for poultry red mite and may also increase infestation with other ectoparasites and negatively influence overall odor-mediated intraspecific communication and welfare. This study shows that no feeding management, but long-term genetic selection in commercial breeding may be the main cause of the differences in the biochemistry and function of chicken preen secretions. This might have negative consequences for chemosignaling, antiparasitic, and antimicrobial potential of preen secretions and can lead to increased susceptibility to ectoparasites, plumage care disorders, and can affect the overall condition, welfare, and productivity of commercially bred chickens. Selection-induced preen gland impairments must therefore be considered and compensated by proper management of the chicken farm and increased care about animal well-being.

The preen gland is the largest sebaceous gland in birds, which produces a secretion that is spread on the feathers during comfort behavior. The secretion of the preen gland contains various chemical compounds that are responsible for mechanical, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic protection of the plumage and probably also for chemical communication between birds. However, there are only a limited number of studies on the composition and function of preen secretions in wild birds and only limited evidence in poultry. In this study, we compared the chemical composition of preen secretions in fast-growing meat-type and slow-growing dual-purpose chickens and evaluated the effect of sex, body condition, and feeding regime on preen secretion composition. Fast-growing meat-type chickens had smaller preen glands and lower proportions of all analyzed compounds in preen secretions compared to slow-growing dual-purpose chickens. In addition, compounds that are proven attractants for a poultry-threatening ectoparasite, poultry red mite, were predominant in the secretions of meat-type chickens. This study is the first to show that genetically distinct breeds of chickens can differ significantly in the biochemistry of preen secretions, which can influence susceptibility to ectoparasites, plumage care disorders, and can affect the overall condition, well-being, and productivity of commercially raised chickens.

Effects of excessive dietary zinc or zinc/cadmium and tapeworm infection on the biochemical parameters in rats.

The main objective of this study was to determine which biochemical blood parameters can serve as indicators of Zn or Zn/Cd burden and tapeworm infection. This study was performed on 44 Wistar male rats during a 6-week period, when rats were or were not fed a zinc/cadmium rich diet and were or were not infected with tapeworms (Hymenolepis diminuta). Total protein, albumin, urea, glucose, triacylglycerols, non-esterified fatty acids, cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, uric acid, Mg, Ca, P and Zn levels were analysed. Control rats with tapeworm infection had significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) total protein, urea and phosphorus concentrations than did rats unaffected by any experimental factor. Rats given overdoses of zinc lactate exhibited significantly lower glucose levels than did the other rats, especially those infected with tapeworms. Low glucose level in uninfected rats indicate a Zn overdose; high doses of zinc lactate likely decrease levels of glucose via cortisol, which is released during stress. Rats fed the Zn/Cd hyperaccumulating plant Arabidopsis halleri and infected with tapeworms had significantly higher (p ≤ 0.01) cholesterol and urea levels but lower zinc, triacylglycerol, and alkaline phosphatase levels than did rats fed the same diet but free of tapeworms. The increase of alkaline phosphatase level in uninfected rats may indicate both Zn/Cd burden and rat liver damage. Overall, this study not only supports the theory that H. diminuta can serve as a promising model for helminth therapy of the host mammal but also confirmed that this tapeworm is capable to protect somehow the host organism from the harmful effects of heavy metals.

Setaria cervi (Filarioidea, Onchocercidae) undressing in ungulates: altered morphology of developmental stages, their molecular detection and complete sequence cox1 gene.

This work introduces new morphological and molecular information on the filaroid nematode Setaria cervi (Rudolphi, 1819) obtained from 13 infected game ungulates out of 96 dissected. The hosts comprised the following: a single moose (Alces alces), ten red deer (Cervus elaphus) and two sika deer (Cervus nippon) originating from the western and northern regions of the Czech Republic. Based on the complete sequences of the gene encoding mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1), all 20 females and four males belonged to the species S. cervi. We detected three developmental female stages (adult fertile females, juvenile L5 females and L4 female larvae) differing in size and some morphological traits as the subtle structure of peribuccal crown and shape and features of tail knob. Such differences were described in detail for the first time. The phylogenetic relationships within the family Onchocercidae have been evaluated using new information on the cox1 sequence of S. cervi (maximum likelihood method, GTR + I + G model). In accordance with the latest phylogenetic studies, the present analysis confirmed the ancient separation of the subclass Setariinae from the remaining two onchocercid lineages Dirofilariinae and Onchocerinae.

How to become a successful invasive tapeworm: a case study of abandoned sexuality and exceptional chromosome diversification in the triploid carp parasite Atractolytocestus huronensis Anthony, 1958 (Caryophyllidea: Lytocestidae).

BACKGROUND: A cytogenetic analysis of the new local triploid population of the caryophyllidean tapeworm Atractolytocestus huronensis, a unique parthenogenetic species with the ability to colonise new regions, was performed to understand the inner structure of its chromosome complement. METHODS: A karyotype analysis was carried out using classical Giemsa staining and C-banding combined with fluorescent DAPI staining. A hypothesis that triplets are composed from three homologue chromosomes of approximately the same length and same centromere position was tested statistically for multiple dependent variables using a non-parametric Friedman's ANOVA. The chromosomal location of ribosomal DNA clusters within the nucleolar organization region (NORs) and telomeric (TTAGGG)n sequences were detected by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Chromosomes were subjected to AgNO3 staining in order to determine whether the rDNA sites represent active NORs. RESULTS: The cytogenetic analysis confirmed the karyotype composed from eight chromosome triplets (3n = 24) as well as the existence of a pair of NORs located on each chromosome of the second triplet. Six NORs varied their activity from cell to cell, and it was reflected in the numbers of nucleoli (from 1 to 5). A huge morphological diversification of homologue chromosomes was originally detected in six out of eight triplets; the homologue elements differed significantly either in length and/or morphology, and some of them carried discernible interstitial telomeric sequences (ITSs), while the end telomeres were minute. The heterochromatin bands with high AT content varied irregularly, and the course of aberrant spermatogenesis was evident. CONCLUSIONS: Diversification of homologues is a unique phenomenon very likely caused by the long-term absence of a recombination and consequential accumulation of chromosome rearrangements in the genome of A. huronensis during species evolution. Unalterable asexual reproduction of the tapeworm, along with international trade in its host (carp), is facilitating its ongoing spread.

Effects of tapeworm infection on absorption and excretion of zinc and cadmium by experimental rats.

The main objective of this study was to determine how rat tapeworms affect the excretion of zinc and cadmium through rat feces. Male rats (Rattus norvegicus var. alba) were divided into four groups, and the experiment was conducted over a 6-week period. The control groups (00; 0T) were provided with a standard ST-1 rodent mixture and received 10.5 mg of Zn/week. Groups P0 and PT were fed a mixture supplemented with the hyperaccumulating plant Arabidopsis halleri at a dosage of 123 mg Zn/week and 2.46 mg Cd/week. Groups 0T and PT were infected with the rat tapeworm (Hymenolepis diminuta). Fecal samples were collected 24 h post exposure. Zinc and cadmium concentrations in rat feces were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Tapeworm presence decreased the amount of metals excreted through the feces of the host throughout the entire experiment, with the exception of 1 week (control group). No statistically significant differences between zinc excretion rates in the control groups (00 and 0T) were detected at any time throughout the experiment. A statistically significant difference between zinc excretion rates (p < 0.05) in the exposed groups (P0 and PT) was detected in 2 of the 6 monitored weeks. Group PT excreted significantly less cadmium (p < 0.01) than group P0 did in three of the 6 weeks. Overall, our results indicate that tapeworms are able to influence the excretion of metals by their host. Tapeworms accumulate metals from intestinal contents. It is not clear whether tapeworms carry out this process before the host tissues absorb the metals from the intestines or the tapeworms accumulate metals excreted from the body of the host back to the intestines. Most likely, it is a combination of both phenomena.

Long-term occurrence of Trichuris species in wild ruminants in the Czech Republic.

The aim of this study was to identify Trichuris species in wild ruminants from 32 localities in the Czech Republic using morphological and molecular methods (ITS1-5.8S RNA-ITS2 region polymorphisms). Trichurids were obtained from 176 wild ruminants (roe deer, sika deer, red deer, fallow deer and mouflons) that were culled between 2009 and 2017. Trichuris discolor is the predominant trichurid of all of the above-mentioned wild ruminants, whereas Trichuris ovis was identified less frequently in roe deer, fallow deer, sika deer and mouflons. Red deer were parasitised exclusively by T. discolor. Young hosts under 1 year of age were more intensively infected by trichurids than were adults (χ2 = 32.02, p = 0.00). Trichurid prevalence results obtained through coprological methods and those based on parasitological dissections differed significantly (χ2 = 16.26, p = 0.00). The regression analysis indicated that the eggs per gram (EPG) threshold (20 EPG) was exceeded only if the host was parasitised by more than 7 trichurid females. Full concordance between the positive results obtained by the coprological methods and those obtained via direct dissections was achieved when the number of trichurid females per host exceeded 51.

Diel movement of brown trout, Salmo trutta, is reduced in dense populations with high site fidelity.

The movement of individuals within preferred areas is reduced by a high availability of food and information about its distribution, while high number of competitors promotes increased movement. Experienced animals use information about social and physical environment to improve resources exploitation, tended to maintain positions within the preferred areas and reuse the environment that is often referred to as site fidelity. In this study, radio-telemetry was used to observe the movements of 98 adult brown trout, Salmo trutta, in oligotrophic streams with different population densities; to determine subpopulation site fidelity, 5,195 conspecifics from 14 subpopulations were individually tagged during spring and autumn. During a 7-year-long field study, we tested the hypothesis that brown trout individuals from subpopulations with high site fidelity would display lower movement. The hypothesis was supported, and reduced movement was further related to high subpopulation density in association with high slope indicating the physical environment-influenced movement. The probability of contact between individuals increased with subpopulation site fidelity and subpopulation density. No influence of food abundance on brown trout movement was found. Furthermore, increased body size predicted higher movement (and vice versa). The least movement occurred during the day and during the full moons. Our study tended to show that individuals reused preferred areas and needed less movement to exploit available resources.

How tapeworm infection and consumption of a Cd and Zn hyperaccumulating plant may affect Cu, Fe, and Mn concentrations in an animal-a plant consumer and tapeworm host.

This study evaluated the effects of a hyperaccumulator plant (Arabidopsis halleri), containing surplus of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) and being an admixture to the rat feed, on concentrations of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) in the tissues of experimental rats infected/uninfected with the tapeworm (Hymenolepis diminuta). Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups (00, P0, and PT); the P0 and PT animals were fed a standard mixture for rats (ST-1) supplemented with the plant A. halleri at a weekly Zn and Cd dosage of 123 and 1 mg, respectively. Moreover, rats from the group PT were infected with the tapeworm. The group 00 served as control animals fed only ST-1 having no tapeworm infection. Rats were euthanized after 6 weeks, and Cu, Fe, and Mn levels were determined in rat and tapeworm tissues. The results indicated that both the consumption of hyperaccumulator plant and/or presence of tapeworms did have significant effect on Cu, Fe, and Mn concentrations in the host tissues. Concentrations of all the elements were higher in the rat liver and partially kidneys than in the tapeworms, and the concentrations of Cu, Fe, and Mn were affected by the consumption of Cd/Zn hyperaccumulator plants. Particularly, Fe concentrations in all rat tissues were significantly increased by consumption of A. halleri while decreased by the presence of tapeworms. Overall, the consumption of a Cd/Zn hyperaccumulator plant and tapeworm infection cause an imbalance in Cu, Fe, and Mn concentrations in the tissues of a consumer (experimental rats).

Seasonal dynamics of endoparasitic infections at an organic goat farm and the impact of detected infections on milk production.

This study evaluated patterns and species composition of parasitic infections detected over a 1-year period at an organic goat farm. As a result of coprological examination, the overall prevalence of observed strongylids (99%), coccidia of the genus Eimeria (98%), and Muellerius capillaris lungworms (93%) was calculated. The most prevalent strongylids recovered from incubated fecal samples were Haemonchus contortus (42%), genera Trichostrongylus (23%), Oesophagostomum columbianum (13%), and Teladorsagia circumcincta (11%). A maximum intensity of coccidia infection 5150 oocysts per gram, strongylids infection 9900 eggs per gram and lungworm infection 867.26 larvae per gram were detected. The various effects (including environment, host, and parasites) on milk yield, lactose, protein, and fat were evaluated using generalized linear mixed models. Milk yield (P < 0.0001), milk fat (P < 0.01), and lactose (P < 0.0001) were affected by month, i.e., these parameters were influenced by the month of the year, regardless of the individual goat. With the intensity of infection detected in our study, only protein content was affected (P < 0.01) by parasitic infection (exclusively caused by strongylids). Correlation between measurements from one individual revealed that the goat itself can substantially decrease protein content but has much less of an effect on fat, milk yield, and lactose. Based on our results, we can conclude that a low intensity of parasitic infections does not significantly affect milk yield and the qualitative parameters of milk.

Reliable molecular differentiation of Trichuris ovis and Trichuris discolor from sheep (Ovis orientalis aries) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and morphological characterisation of their females: morphology does not work sufficiently.

The main aim of the study was to evaluate associations between morphological variability of Trichuris females from sheep and roe deer and their rDNA polymorphism in whipworm populations from the Czech Republic. The results introduced the use of new molecular markers based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS)1-5.8S RNA-ITS2 region polymorphisms, as useful tools for the unambiguous differentiation of congeners Trichuris ovis and Trichuris discolor. These markers revealed both parasites in roe deer and in sheep; however, T. ovis females predominated in sheep while T. discolor females occurred mostly in roe deer. Additional analysis of ITS1-5.8 rRNA-ITS2 discovered the genetic uniformity of the analysed T. discolor but high haplotype variation of T. ovis. Simultaneously, molecularly designated female individuals of both species were categorised into four morphotypes (MT) on the basis of morphology of genital pore area. MT1 and MT4 (vulvar opening on everted vaginal appendage/on visible cuticular bulge) occurred only in T. ovis, MT2 (uneverted vagina-vulvar opening without any elevation) was identified only in T. discolor and MT3 (transient type of vulvar opening on a small swelling) was observed in both species. Statistical analysis of biometric data confirmed that morphology of vulva is not a reliable marker for the species determination. On the basis of the ITS1-5.8S RNA-ITS2 region variability, we carried out a phylogenetic analysis (maximum likelihood method, Hasegawa-Kishino-Yano model) which showed that T. ovis haplotypes from the Czech Republic and Ireland and T. discolor haplotypes from the Czech Republic, Spain, Iran and Japan are sister OTUs.

Efficacy and persistent activity of moxidectin against natural Muellerius capillaris infection in goats and pathological consequences of muelleriosis.

The effect of moxidectin against natural Muellerius capillaris infection in goats was evaluated in this study. Long-acting moxidectin at a single dose of 1 mg kg(-1) body weight was administered to an entire flock (n=10) of goats. The individual faecal larval count reduction was applied as an indicator of treatment efficacy. A significant reduction (>98%) in larval counts was observed in all surveyed animals 14 days after drug administration. Moxidectin demonstrated persistent activity in this study; the mean faecal larval count reduction was 99.1% ± 1.8 on day 77 of the treatment. Macroscopic abnormalities and histological changes in the lungs of two infected goats were evident during the post-mortem examination. The pathological consequences of M. capillaris infection were observed even three months after parasite elimination. The results of this study indicate that moxidectin is a highly effective anthelmintic agent for the control of muelleriosis in goats. This drug provides animals with fifteen weeks of protections against M. capillaris reinfection.

Haemosporidian infections in the Tengmalm's Owl (Aegolius funereus) and potential insect vectors of their transmission.

Sedentary bird species are suitable model hosts for identifying potential vectors of avian blood parasites. We studied haemosporidian infections in the Tengmalm's Owl (Aegolius funereus) in the Ore Mountains of the Czech Republic using molecular detection methods. Sex of owl nestlings was scored using molecular sexing based on fragment analysis of PCR-amplified CHD1 introns. Observed infection prevalences in nestlings and adult owls were 51 and 86 %, respectively. Five parasite lineages were detected. Most of the infections comprised the Leucocytozoon AEFUN02 and STOCC06 lineages that probably refer to distinct Leucocytozoon species. Other lineages were detected only sporadically. Mixed infections were found in 49 % of samples. The main factor affecting the probability of infection was host age. No effect of individual sex on infection probability was evidenced. The youngest infected nestling was 12 days old. High parasite prevalence in the Tengmalm's Owl nestlings suggests that insect vectors must enter nest boxes to transmit parasites before fledging. Hence, we placed sticky insect traps into modified nest boxes, collected potential insect vectors, and examined them for the presence of haemosporidian parasites using molecular detection. We trapped 201 insects which were determined as biting midges from the Culicoides genus and two black fly species, Simulium (Nevermannia) vernum and Simulium (Eusimulium) angustipes. Six haemosporidian lineages were detected in the potential insect vectors, among which the Leucocytozoon lineage BT2 was common to the Tengmalm's Owl and the trapped insects. However, we have not detected the most frequently encountered Tengmalm's Owl Leucocytozoon lineages AEFUN02 and STOCC06 in insects.

Can the Hyperaccumulating Plant Arabidopsis halleri in Feed Influence a Given Consumer Organism (Rattus norvegicus var. alba)?

Zinc and cadmium concentrations in rat (Rattus norvegicus var. alba) tissues were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Rats were fed the zinc and cadmium hyperaccumulating plant, Arabidopsis halleri. When compared to the control group, a Cd increase in all tissues (liver, kidneys, small intestine, spleen, testes, muscle), with the exception of bone tissue was observed. In comparison to the control group, the kidneys, liver and small intestine contained 375, 162, and 80 times more Cd, respectively. Differences between zinc concentrations in rats fed with A. halleri and those of the control group were significant only in the small intestine and kidney tissues. Results suggest using the hyperaccumulating plant A. halleri as a feed stresses the consumer organism not through its Zn content, but through its Cd content.

Bioaccessibility versus bioavailability of essential (Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) and toxic (Pb) elements from phyto hyperaccumulator Pistia stratiotes: potential risk of dietary intake.

Aquatic weeds are widely used as animal feed in developing countries. However, information about element bioavailability from these plants is lacking. A combination of an in vitro method [physiologically based extraction test (PBET)] and an in vivo feeding trial was used in this study to investigate potential element bioaccessibility and estimated bioavailability of Pistia stratiotes (PS). Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Pb concentrations in PS biomass, artificial gastrointestinal fluids, and rat tissues were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal atomization and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. PS exhibited elevated Fe, Mn, and Pb levels. The PBET revealed high bioaccessibility of all monitored elements from PS biomass. The results of the in vivo trial were inconsistent with those of the PBET, because animals fed PS exhibited low levels of essential elements in the tissues. The consumption of a PS-supplemented diet significantly decreased total Fe levels and increased the total level of accumulation of Pb in exposed animals. Significantly reduced amounts of essential elements in the intestinal walls indicated a potential disruption in nutrient gastrointestinal absorption in animals fed PS.

Heavy metal concentrations in the small intestine of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) with and without Echinococcus multilocularis infection.

Heavy metal (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) levels in red fox small intestine samples with or without Echinococcus multilocularis infection were studied. The red foxes were taken from the open countryside of northwest Bohemia (CR). Red foxes with E. multilocularis infection had lower levels of toxic metals (Cd, Pb); cadmium levels in infected foxes (0.0052 mg/kg) were twice as low as in uninfected foxes (0.0106 mg/kg). This was the same case for lead: 0.0288 mg/kg infected red foxes (inf.) and 0.0413 mg/kg uninfected (uninf.). Conversely, red foxes with E. multilocularis infection yielded higher concentrations in comparison to their uninfected counterparts: Cr (0.0087 mg/kg uninf. and 0.0116 mg/kg inf.), Cu (0.2677 mg/kg uninf. and 0.3205 mg/kg inf.), Fe (6.46 mg/kg uninf. and 10.89 mg/kg inf.), Mn (0.1966 mg/kg uninf. and 0.2029 mg/kg inf.), Ni (0.0415 mg/kg uninf. and 0.064 mg/kg inf.) and Zn (16.71 mg/kg uninf. and 20.25 mg/kg inf). This could support the hypothesis that tapeworms are able to absorb toxic heavy metals from the host body into their tissues, as well as to modify other element concentrations in the host body.

Arrested development of experimental Cyathostominae infections in ponies in Czech republic.

Nine ponies, aged 12 months at the time of infection, were randomly allocated to one of three groups. Each pony was infected with 30,000 infective cyathostome larvae stored 4 weeks under the natural environmental conditions of the Czech Republic. Horses of Group A were infected with larvae conditioned from August 16 to September 12 (the first phase of the experiment). Horses of Group B were inoculated with larvae conditioned from October 10 to November 4 (the second phase of the experiment). In the third phase, horses from Group C received larvae stored under natural conditions (from 8.11 to 18.11.2011). The larvae were then kept under laboratory conditions (5 °C, the light reduction according to the nature condition). In the first and second phase of the experiment, 98.57% and 95.48% of adult nematodes were found, respectively. However, only 29.07% of adults were found in the third phase of experiment, and the proportion of arrested larvae (EL3) was 67.73%. The share of these larvae in the cecum during last phase of the experiment comprised 92.59% of all cyathostomes.