Multivariate study of lice (Insecta: Psocodea: Phthiraptera) assemblages hosted by hummingbirds (Aves: Trochilidae).

Lice were collected from 579 hummingbirds, representing 49 species, in 19 locations in Brazil, Costa Rica, Honduras, Paraguay and Peru, at elevations 0­3000 m above sea level. The following variables were included in an ecological analysis (1) host species' mean body mass, sexual size dimorphism, sexual dichromatism, migratory behaviour and dominance behaviour; (2) mean elevation, mean and predictability of temperature, mean and predictability of precipitation of the host species' geographic area; (3) prevalence and mean abundance of species of lice as measures of infestation. Ordination methods were applied to evaluate data structure. Since the traits are expressed at different scales (nominal, interval and ratio), a principal component analysis based on d-correlations for the traits and a principal coordinates analysis based on the Gower index for species were applied. Lice or louse eggs were found on 80 (13.8%) birds of 22 species. A total of 267 lice of 4 genera, Trochiloecetes, Trochiliphagus, Myrsidea and Leremenopon, were collected, with a total mean intensity of 4.6. There were positive interactions between migration behaviour and infestation indices, with elevational migrants having a higher prevalence and abundance of lice than resident birds. Further, we found weak negative correlations between host body mass and infestation indices and positive correlations between mean elevation and prevalence and abundance of Trochiliphagus. Thus, formerly unknown differences in the ecological characteristics and infestation measures of Trochiliphagus and Trochiloecetes lice were revealed, which allows a better understanding of these associations and their potential impacts on hummingbirds.

Multi-Drug Resistant Plasmids with ESBL/AmpC and mcr-5.1 in Paraguayan Poultry Farms: The Linkage of Antibiotic Resistance and Hatcheries.

Poultry represents a common source of bacteria with resistance to antibiotics including the critically important ones. Selective cultivation using colistin, cefotaxime and meropenem was performed for 66 chicken samples coming from 12 farms in Paraguay while two breeding companies supplied the farms. A total of 62 Escherichia coli and 22 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were obtained and representative isolates were subjected to whole-genome sequencing. Relatively high prevalence of phylogenetic group D and F was observed in E. coli isolates and several zoonotic sequence types (STs) including ST457 (14 isolates), ST38 (5), ST10 (2), ST117 (2) or ST93 (4) were detected. Isolates from three farms, which purchased chicken from a Paraguayan hatchery showed higher prevalence of mcr-5.1 and blaCTX-M-8 compared to the other nine farms, which purchased chickens from a Brazilian hatchery. Moreover, none of the K. pneumoniae isolates were linked to the Paraguayan hatchery. ESBL/AmpC and mcr-5-carrying multi-drug resistant (MDR) plasmids were characterized, and complete sequences were obtained for eight plasmids. The study shed light on Paraguayan poultry farms as a reservoir of antibiotic resistance commonly conferred via MDR plasmids and showed linkage between resistance and origin of the chickens at the hatcheries level.

A description of the male of Geckobiella donnae Paredes-León, Klompen et Pérez, 2012 (Acari: Pterygosomatidae) from captive iguanas in Honduras.

Mites of the family Pterygosomatidae are usually infesting lizards, geckos and iguanas. In this family, the genus Geckobiella Hirst, 1917 comprises 12 species including Geckobiella donnae Paredes-León, Klompen et Pérez, 2012. We collected 48 mites of G.donnae from 10 captive iguanas Ctenosaura bakeri Stejneger (Reptilia: Iguanidae) out of 23 examined individuals (prevalence 43% ) in Iguana Research and Breeding Station on Isla de Utila, Islas de la Bahía, Honduras on 1 September 2014. Males of G. donnae occurred together with females. The male of G. donnae is described here for the first time. We speculated that G. donnae is autochthonous on Isla de Utila with C. bakeri as a natural host or that it was transmitted to C. bakeri from Iguana iguana (Linnaeus) native to Utila or introduced to Utila from the North American/Central American mainland by a host kept as a pet.

The chiggers (Acari: Trombiculidae) on wild birds in Honduras.

The chiggers (Acari: Trombiculidae) Blankaartia sinnamaryi (Floch et Fauran, 1956), Parasecia soucouyanti (Brennan et Yunker, 1966), Eutrombicula lipovskyana (Wolfenbarger, 1952) and Neoschoengastia dalmati Brennan, 1951 were found in Honduras on a total of twelve bird species. Parasecia soucouyanti was recorded parasitising birds for the first time. All these mites are here reported from Honduras for the first time.

New data on the taxonomy and distribution of ten Neotropical chewing lice of the genus Myrsidea (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae), including the description of a new species.

The new species Myrsidea alexanderi is described and illustrated ex Pheugopedius maculipectus (Troglodytidae) from Honduras. Redescriptions and illustrations are given for both sexes of Myrsidea chiapensis ex Calocitta formosa from Costa Rica, and the male of M. dissimilis ex Progne chalybea from Brazil. Also, seven other previously known species or subspecies of the louse genus Myrsidea are recorded and discussed from passerine birds of the Neotropical Region, as follows: Myrsidea antiqua, Myrsidea balteri, Myrsidea diffusa, Myrsidea nesomimi borealis, Myrsidea paleno, Myrsidea psittaci and Myrsidea serini. Our data increase knowledge of intraspecific morphological variability within these species, and also of their host and geographical distribution. New host-louse associations are: Agelaioides badius for M. psittaci; Basileuterus culicivorus and Myiothlypis leucoblephara for M. paleno; Mimus saturninus for M. nesomimi borealis; and Icterus dominicensis and Molothrus rufoaxillaris for Myrsidea sp.

Rickettsial infections in ticks from reptiles, birds and humans in Honduras.

Ticks were collected from captive reptiles, wild birds, and incidentally from humans at two locations in Honduras and part of these were tested for the presence of Rickettsia using polymerase chain reaction. The following species of ticks were found: Amblyomma dissimile on Iguanidae reptiles, Amblyomma longirostre and Amblyomma nodosum on birds, and Amblyomma mixtum (Amblyomma cajennense complex) on humans. A. dissimile was infected with Rickettsia sp. strain Colombianensi. Both A. longirostre and A. mixtum were infected with Candidatus 'Rickettsia amblyommii'. This study provides the first report of rickettsial infections in ticks from reptiles, birds and humans in Honduras. New host - Amblyomma tick associations are documented.

Bacteria of the genus Rickettsia in ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) collected from birds in Costa Rica.

The aim of this study was to document the presence of Rickettsia spp. in ticks parasitizing wild birds in Costa Rica. Birds were trapped at seven locations in Costa Rica during 2004, 2009, and 2010; then visually examined for the presence of ticks. Ticks were identified, and part of them was tested individually for the presence of Rickettsia spp. by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers targeting fragments of the rickettsial genes gltA and ompA. PCR products were DNA-sequenced and analyzed in BLAST to determine similarities with previously reported rickettsial agents. A total of 1878 birds were examined, from which 163 birds (9%) were infested with 388 ticks of the genera Amblyomma and Ixodes. The following Amblyomma (in decreasing order of abundance) were found in immature stages (larvae and nymphs): Amblyomma longirostre, Amblyomma calcaratum, Amblyomma coelebs, Amblyomma sabanerae, Amblyomma varium, Amblyomma maculatum, and Amblyomma ovale. Ixodes ticks were represented by Ixodes minor and two unclassified species, designated here as Ixodes sp. genotype I, and Ixodes sp. genotype II. Twelve of 24 tested A. longirostre ticks were found to be infected with 'Candidatus Rickettsia amblyommii', and 2 of 4 A. sabanerae were found to be infected with Rickettsia bellii. Eight of 10 larval Ixodes minor were infected with an endosymbiont (a novel Rickettsia sp. agent) genetically related to the Ixodes scapularis endosymbiont. No rickettsial DNA was found in A. calcaratum, A. coelebs, A. maculatum, A. ovale, A. varium, Ixodes sp. I, and Ixodes sp. II. We report the occurrence of I. minor in Costa Rica for the first time and a number of new bird host-tick associations. Moreover, 'Candidatus R. amblyommii' and R. bellii were found in A. longirostre and A. sabanerae, respectively, in Costa Rica for the first time.

Two new species of the feather mite family Gabuciniidae (Acariformes: Pterolichoidea) from wrens (Passeriformes: Troglodytidae).

Two new species of the feather mite family Gabucinidae (Acari: Astigmata) are described from birds of the family Troglodytidae (Passeriformes) from Central America: Piciformobia cinnycerthiae sp. nov. from Cinnycerthia unirufa (Lafresnaye) in Ecuador, and P. henicorhinae sp. nov. from Henicorhina leucosticte (Cabanis) in Costa Rica. These are the first records of mites of the genus Piciformobia Gaud et Atyeo, 1975 from passerine hosts. A renewed diagnosis of the genus Piciformobia and key to all known species are provided.

Rickettsial infections in ticks from wild birds in Paraguay.

Ticks were collected from wild birds at 3 locations in Paraguay during the South American winter in August and September 2012. In total, 480 birds belonging to 106 species were examined. Overall, 31 (6.5%) birds representing 21 species were found parasitized by ticks which were identified as Amblyomma calcaratum Neumann (2 larvae, 20 nymphs), Amblyomma longirostre (Koch) (17 larvae, 3 nymphs), Amblyomma parvum Aragão (7 nymphs), Amblyomma aureolatum (Pallas) (1 nymph), Amblyomma ovale Koch (1 nymph), Amblyomma tigrinum Koch (1 larva), and Amblyomma spp. (4 larvae). Ticks collected accidentally on humans at the study locations during field work included 1 nymph of Amblyomma coelebs Neumann and 54 nymphs of Amblyomma cajennense (Fabricius). Most ticks were individually tested for the presence of Rickettsia species by polymerase chain reaction targeting rickettsial genes gltA and ompA and by amplicon sequencing. Two (12%) out of 17 A. longirostre larvae were found infected with Candidatus 'Rickettsia amblyommii', and 2 (33%) out of 6 A. parvum nymphs were infected with Candidatus 'Rickettsia andeanae'. This study provides the first report of rickettsial infections in Paraguayan ticks.

Eye trematode infection in small passerines in Peru caused by Philophthalmus lucipetus, an agent with a zoonotic potential spread by an invasive freshwater snail.

Until now, four species of eye trematodes have been found in South America. Of them, Philophthalmus lucipetus (synonymized with Philophthalmus gralli) displays a broad host spectrum, with at least 30 bird species (prevalently large water birds), five mammal species and humans serving as definitive hosts, and with snails Fagotia (Microcolpia) acicularis, Amphimelania holandri, Melanopsis praemorsa and Melanoides tuberculata serving as intermediate hosts. When examining a total of 50 birds of ten species in the wetland of Pantanos de Villa, Lima, Peru in July 2011, eye trematodes were identified visually in the edematous conjunctival sac of 11 (48%) out of 23 resident many-colored rush tyrants Tachuris rubrigastra. Based on morphometric characteristics, the trematodes were identified as P. lucipetus. ITS2 and CO1 gene of the examined specimens combined showed a 99% similarity to an Iranian isolate of Philophthalmus sp. from the intermediate host Melanoides tuberculata, an invasive freshwater snail, suggesting that these two isolates represent the same species with a wide geographical range. Moreover, the prevalence of infection with the philophthalmid cercariae was 31% in 744 Melanoides tuberculata examined in Pantanos de Villa in 2010. It is evident that P. lucipetus occurs throughout the world as well as locally, including Eurasia and South America. Here we report this trematode for the first time in Peru, and we were the first to sequence any of the South American eye trematodes. Low host specificity of P. lucipetus and the invasive character of Melanoides tuberculata as a competent intermediate host suggest that eye trematodosis caused by P. lucipetus may emerge frequently in various parts of the world, especially in the tropics. Increase of the zoonotic potential of the P. lucipetus associated with this invasive snail spreading across the world is predictable and should be of interest for further research.

Specific association between the mites Androlaelaps fahrenholzi (Acari: Laelapidae) and birds Premnoplex brunnescens in Costa Rica: possible evidence of a recent host switch.

Androlaelaps fahrenholzi is a common, cosmopolitan mite constituting a species complex. This mite is found in nests or on mammal hosts and occasionally on birds. The specific host association between A. fahrenholzi-like mites and Premnoplex brunnescens in Costa Rica is reported here. Adults (females and males), deutonymphs and protonymphs were found on 14 P. brunnescens examined (prevalence was 100 %) with mean abundance 42 (2-222). The nest environment plays an important role in the evolution of parasites and could explain the evolutionary path of Laelapinae towards parasitism. We hypothesize that the colonization of P. brunnescens took place in this context quite recently, from sympatrically living rodents. Morphology and ecology of A. fahrenholzi from P. brunnescens may constitute at least a new variation of A. fahrenholzi, and possibly a new species.

A Rickettsia parkeri-like agent infecting Amblyomma calcaratum nymphs from wild birds in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

In total, 142 birds, mostly passerines, belonging to 42 species were examined for the presence of ticks in 3 locations in Mato Grosso do Sul Brazil during 2006. Seven birds (5%) were infested with 4 nymphs of Amblyomma calcaratum (Ramphocelus carbo, 3 infested/12 examined) and 5 larvae of Amblyomma sp. (Furnarius rufus, 2/5; Turdus leucomelas, 1/6; and Paroaria capitata, 1/8). All 4 nymphs of A. calcaratum tested by polymerase chain reaction targeting rickettsial genes gltA and ompA and by amplicon sequencing were found to be infected with a Rickettsia sp. strain NOD, a Rickettsia parkeri-like agent. A. calcaratum infected with a rickettsial bacterium was found for the first time.

Chewing lice of genus Myrsidea (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) from Turdidae (Passeriformes) of Costa Rica, with descriptions of seven new species.

A total of 166 individuals from 10 bird species belonging to the family Turdidae were examined for chewing lice in Costa Rica during 2004, 2009 and 2010. A total of 12 species of the louse genus Myrsidea were collected from 54 birds, including four previously named, seven new undescribed species, and one identified as Myrsidea sp. Names, descriptions and illustrations are given for the seven new species of Myrsidea. They and their type hosts are: Myrsidea assimilis sp. nov. ex Turdus assimilis (Cabanis, 1850), M. cerrodelamuertensis sp. nov. ex Catharus gracilirostris (Salvin, 1865). M. hrabaki sp. nov. ex Myadestes melanops (Salvin, 1865), M. obsoleti sp. nov. ex Turdus obsoletus (Lawrence, 1862), M. quinchoi sp. nov. ex Catharus frantzii (Cabanis, 1861), M. tapanti sp. nov. ex Catharus fuscater (Lafresnaye, 1845), and M. tapetapersi sp. nov. ex Turdus nigrescens (Cabanis, 1861). Records of four named and one unidentified species of Myrsidea from other Costa Rican thrushes are also given and discussed.

Rickettsia bellii in ticks Amblyomma varium Koch, 1844, from birds in Peru.

Amazonian birds were caught and examined for the presence of ectoparasites in the Allpahuayo Mishana National Reserve near Iquitos, Peru, from 13 to 16 August 2011. A total of 40 birds representing 16 species were examined. Two birds (5%) were infested with 2 larvae of Amblyomma varium Koch, 1844, and one nymph of A. calcaratum Neumann, 1899. The 2 larvae of A. varium were infected with Rickettsia bellii. This is the first report of R. bellii in A. varium and also the first record of this rickettsia in Peru. In addition, an immature A. calcaratum is reported from Peru for the first time.

A new feather mite species of the genus Picalgoides Cerný, 1974 (Astigmata: Psoroptoididae) from a passerine host in Costa Rica.

A new feather mite species, Picalgoides giganteus n. sp. (Psoroptoididae: Pandalurinae), is described from the tawny-throated leaftosser Sclerurus mexicanus Sclater (Passeriformes: Furnariidae) in Costa Rica. Among the 10 species of Picalgoides Cerný, 1974, including the new one, this is the third recorded from a passerine host; the remaining seven nominal species are associated with hosts of the order Piciformes. Brief data on the host-parasite associations of Picalgoides spp. are provided. Megninia megalixus Trouessart, 1885 from the short-tailed green magpie Cissa thalassina (Temminck) is transferred to Picalgoides as P. megalixus (Trouessart, 1885) n. comb.

Myrsidea povedai (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae), a new species of chewing louse from Phainoptila melanoxantha (Passeriformes: Bombycillidae).

A description and illustrations are given for Myrsidea povedai n. sp. from the black-and-yellow silky-flycatcher Phainoptila melanoxantha. The female of M. povedai is distinguished from those of other species of Myrsidea from Costa Rican passerine hosts by a unique combination of the following characteristics: (1) well-developed hypopharynx, (2) well-defined median gap in the rows of tergal setae and another gap between groups of setae on lateral side of tergites II-VII and the most central seta, and (3) enlarged metanotum with at least 23 setae. These characters place M. povedai close to Myrsidea campestris from Euneornis campestris and Myrsidea marini from Pezopetes capitalis (both from the Emberizidae). The female of M. povedai can be easily separeted from both aforementioned species by the abdomen without conspicuously enlarged tergites. Moreover, the male of M. povedai is characterized by a unique male genital sclerite, which is quite long (0.13-0.15), tapered apically, with a long median line, and without subapical processes. This is the first record of a chewing louse from this host and the first record of Myrsidea from the passerine family Bombycillidae. All 7 birds examined in Costa Rica in 2010 were parasitized with M. povedai. Mean abundance was 11.6, with intensity range 4-27 lice per bird.

Chewing lice (Phthiraptera) on manakins (Passeriformes: Pipridae) from Costa Rica, with description of a new species of the genus Tyranniphilopterus (Phthiraptera: Philopteridae).

One hundred and seventy individuals of five species of manakins (Passeriformes: Pipridae) were examined for chewing lice (Phthiraptera) in Costa Rica. Six species of chewing lice were identified. Chewing lice or their eggs were found on 26% individuals (28 positive/109 examined) of Long-tailed Manakins (Chiroxiphia linearis), the most numerous manakin species examined. There were significant differences in prevalences and intensities of infestation between males and females. No lice were found on females (n = 28) compared to 35% (24 positive/69 examined) prevalence in males. In older males, the higher prevalence and mean intensity of infestation was found. Description and illustrations are given for a new species of the genus Tyranniphilopterus Mey, 2004 from Long-tailed Manakin-Tyranniphilopterus toledo Sychra, sp. n. Both sexes of Tyranniphilopterus bruneri (Carriker, 1903) are redescribed. New host records are Long-tailed Manakin and White-collared Manakin (Manacus candei) for Ricinus invadens; White-ruffed Manakin (Corapipo altera) for Ricinus pessimalis; Long-tailed Manakin for Myrsidea andyolsoni. These are the first louse records from Long-tailed Manakin.

Chewing lice of the genus Myrsidea waterston (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) from the emberizidae and thraupidae (Passeriformes) in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

This paper presents the first record of three chewing lice species of the genus Myrsidea collected from one emberizid and two thraupid hosts in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Morphological characters of M. seminuda are added for the last redescription of this species and a new key to males of 'bonariensis species group' is presented.

Chewing lice of the genus Myrsidea waterston (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) from the emberizidae and thraupidae (Passeriformes) in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil / Malófagos do gênero Myrsidea waterston (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) de emberizidae e thraupidae (Aves: Passeriformes) no Mato Grosso do Sul

This paper presents the first record of three chewing lice species of the genus Myrsidea collected from one emberizid and two thraupid hosts in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Morphological characters of M. seminuda are added for the last redescription of this species and a new key to males of 'bonariensis species group' is presented.

O presente trabalho registra pela primeira vez três espécies de malófagos do gênero Myrsidea coletadas de um emberezídeo e dois traupídeos no Mato Grosso do Sul. Caracteres morfológicos de M. seminuda são adicionados para a última redescrição da espécie e uma nova chave para identificação de machos do grupo de espécies "bonariensis" é apresentada.