Pre-Columbian zoonotic enteric parasites: An insight into Puerto Rican indigenous culture diets and life styles.

The pre-Columbian Huecoid and Saladoid cultures were agricultural ethnic groups that supplemented their diets by fishing, hunting and scavenging. Archaeological deposits associated to these cultures contained a variety of faunal osseous remains that hinted at the cultures' diets. The present study identified zoonotic parasites that may have infected these two cultures as a result of their diets. We used metagenomic sequencing and microscopy data from 540-1,400 year old coprolites as well as the zooarchaeological data to recreate the possible interactions between zoonotic parasites and their hosts. Microscopy revealed Diphyllobothrium spp. and Dipylidium caninum eggs along with unidentified cestode and trematode eggs. DNA sequencing together with functional prediction and phylogenetic inference identified reads of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia intestinalis and Schistosoma spp. The complimentary nature of the molecular, microscopy and zooarchaeology data provided additional insight into the detected zoonotic parasites' potential host range. Network modeling revealed that rodents and canids living in close proximity to these cultures were most likely the main source of these zoonotic parasite infections.

New Records of Species of Macrovalvitrematidae Yamaguti, 1963 (Monogenea) from Puerto Rico Including One New Genus and Two New Species.

New records of Macrovalvitrematidae Yamaguti, 1963 are reported from Puerto Rico including Buccamagna archosarga n. gen., n. sp. from the western Atlantic sea bream Archosargus rhomboidalis, Pseudotagia pomadasys n. sp. from the roughneck grunt Pomadasys corvinaeformis, and new locality records for the species Neopterinotrematoides avaginata Suriano, 1975 and Macrovalvitrema argentinensis (Suriano, 1975) n. comb. from the whitemouth croaker Micropogonias furnieri . Buccamagna n. gen. is based on the anterior end and the oral disc being much larger and wider than width of the body proper, by having a pair of rectangular and sclerotized oral suckers, by lacking a pharynx, by having an excessive narrowness in the proximal area of both valves, and by having both valves of the 3 pairs of large clamps armed with several accessory sclerites. Pseudotagia pomadasys n. sp. is distinguished by the absence of serration of lateral sclerites and the relative size of the clamps, having the 2 larger pairs positioned centrally in the haptor and the 2 smaller pairs in the outer positions. Macrovalvitrematoides and Neomacrovalvitrema are synonymized with Macrovalvitrema, which is amended to include Macrovalvitrema micropogoni (Pearse, 1949) n. comb. and Macrovalvitrema argentinensis (Suriano, 1975) n. comb. based on recognition of identical clamp morphologies. In this study the clamp is emphasized as the key taxonomic character for macrovalvitrematid genera. Except for Pseudotagia, the Macrovalvitrematidae have distinctively longer than wide clamps (at least twice as long as wide); with the dorsal valve larger and with a more-complex skeletal structure (g1, g2, i, k, and f sclerites) than ventral valve (c and d sclerites); and 2 clamp morphologies. Characteristics not previously described but present in all macrovalvitrematid monogeneans except Pseudotagia included: (1) asymmetrical plate (plate b) along the ventral valve with a thin fissure on one side, and (2) mirror image arrangement of the pairs of clamps.

Parasitism in Pterois volitans (Scorpaenidae) from coastal waters of Puerto Rico, the Cayman Islands, and the Bahamas.

Recently, Pterois volitans, a Pacific species of lionfish, invaded the Atlantic Ocean, likely via the aquarium trade. We examined for internal and external parasites 188 individuals from 8 municipalities of Puerto Rico collected during 2009-2012, 91 individuals from Little Cayman, Cayman Islands, collected during the summers of 2010 and 2011, and 47 individuals from Lee Stocking Island, Bahamas, collected during the summer of 2009. In total, 27 parasite taxa were found, including 3 previously reported species from lionfish, the digenean Lecithochirium floridense, the leech Trachelobdella lubrica, and an Excorallana sp. isopod. We also report another 24 previously unreported parasite taxa from lionfish, including digeneans, monogeneans, cestodes, nematodes, isopods, a copepod, and an acanthocephalan. Among these parasites, several were previously unreported at their respective geographic origins: We report 5 new locality records from Puerto Rico, 9 from Cayman Islands, 5 from the Bahamas, 5 from the Caribbean, and 3 from the subtropical western Atlantic region. Three parasites are reported to associate with a fish host for the first time. The parasite faunas of P. volitans among our 3 study sites were quite different; most of the species infecting lionfish were generalists and/or species that infect carnivorous fishes. Although our study did not assess the impact of parasites on the fitness of invasive lionfish, it provides an important early step. Our results provide valuable comparative data for future studies at these and other sites throughout the lionfish's invaded range.

Does lymphocystis occur in pacora, Plagioscion surinamensis (Sciaenidae), from Colombia?

A lymphocystis-like condition produced hemorrhagic lesions over the bodies of pacora Plagioscion surinamensis (Bleeker) (Perciformes: Sciaenidae) held in freshwater aquaculture in northern Colombia and increased their sensitivity to handling stress. This disease eliminated this fish from a project evaluating its aquaculture potential. Lymphocystis disease is assumed to be less damaging to the host. This condition requires more study and histological evaluation.

Paleomicrobiology: revealing fecal microbiomes of ancient indigenous cultures.

Coprolites are fossilized feces that can be used to provide information on the composition of the intestinal microbiota and, as we show, possibly on diet. We analyzed human coprolites from the Huecoid and Saladoid cultures from a settlement on Vieques Island, Puerto Rico. While more is known about the Saladoid culture, it is believed that both societies co-existed on this island approximately from 5 to 1170 AD. By extracting DNA from the coprolites, followed by metagenomic characterization, we show that both cultures can be distinguished from each other on the basis of their bacterial and fungal gut microbiomes. In addition, we show that parasite loads were heavy and also culturally distinct. Huecoid coprolites were characterized by maize and Basidiomycetes sequences, suggesting that these were important components of their diet. Saladoid coprolite samples harbored sequences associated with fish parasites, suggesting that raw fish was a substantial component of their diet. The present study shows that ancient DNA is not entirely degraded in humid, tropical environments, and that dietary and/or host genetic differences in ancient populations may be reflected in the composition of their gut microbiome. This further supports the hypothesis that the two ancient cultures studied were distinct, and that they retained distinct technological/cultural differences during an extended period of close proximity and peaceful co-existence. The two populations seemed to form the later-day Taínos, the Amerindians present at the point of Columbian contact. Importantly, our data suggest that paleomicrobiomics can be a powerful tool to assess cultural differences between ancient populations.

New genus and species of fish blood fluke (Digenea: Aporocotylidae Odhner, 1912) from stoplight parrotfish, Sparisoma viride (Bonnaterre, 1788), (Labridae: Scarinae) in the Caribbean Sea.

Primisanguis caribbeanensis n. gen., n. sp. (Digenea: Aporocotylidae) infects the stoplight parrotfish, Sparisoma viride (Bonnaterre, 1788), (Labridae: Scarinae) in the Caribbean Sea off La Parguera (17°58'26" N, 67°02'47"W), Puerto Rico. It is most easily distinguished from other nominal aporocotylids by the combination of having an adult body that is approximately 5-10 times longer than wide, a sinistral posterolateral body protuberance, tegumental body spines that are straight (lacking recurved tip) and wrap dorsoventrally around the body margin, posterior ceca that are 2-5 times the anterior ceca length, a single testis that extends lateral to both the ceca and nerve cords, an ovary abutting the posterior margin of the testis, a symmetrical vitellarium and medial primary vitelline duct, a post-cecal and post-gonadal ootype, and a proximal uterus that is extensively convoluted posterior to the ootype and which functions as a uterine seminal receptacle. The new genus lacks a spinous anterior sucker, pharynx, auxiliary external seminal vesicle, cirrus stylet, oviducal seminal receptacle, and Laurer's canal. The new species is morphologically most similar to the other aporocotylids that have a posterolateral body protuberance, including species of Psettarium Goto and Ozaki, 1930, Aporocotyle Odhner, 1900, Ankistromeces Nolan and Cribb, 2004 , Phthinomita Nolan and Cribb, 2006, and Littorellicola Bullard, 2010, but it can be differentiated from them, at the least, by lack of a spinous anterior sucker in the adult and by the combination of having dorsoventral rows of tegumental spines, a testis dorsal to the posterior ceca, and a uterine seminal receptacle posterior to the ootype. The new species is the first aporocotylid reported from the Caribbean Sea or from a parrotfish of Sparisoma.

Caribbean corals in crisis: record thermal stress, bleaching, and mortality in 2005.

BACKGROUND: The rising temperature of the world's oceans has become a major threat to coral reefs globally as the severity and frequency of mass coral bleaching and mortality events increase. In 2005, high ocean temperatures in the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean resulted in the most severe bleaching event ever recorded in the basin. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Satellite-based tools provided warnings for coral reef managers and scientists, guiding both the timing and location of researchers' field observations as anomalously warm conditions developed and spread across the greater Caribbean region from June to October 2005. Field surveys of bleaching and mortality exceeded prior efforts in detail and extent, and provided a new standard for documenting the effects of bleaching and for testing nowcast and forecast products. Collaborators from 22 countries undertook the most comprehensive documentation of basin-scale bleaching to date and found that over 80% of corals bleached and over 40% died at many sites. The most severe bleaching coincided with waters nearest a western Atlantic warm pool that was centered off the northern end of the Lesser Antilles. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Thermal stress during the 2005 event exceeded any observed from the Caribbean in the prior 20 years, and regionally-averaged temperatures were the warmest in over 150 years. Comparison of satellite data against field surveys demonstrated a significant predictive relationship between accumulated heat stress (measured using NOAA Coral Reef Watch's Degree Heating Weeks) and bleaching intensity. This severe, widespread bleaching and mortality will undoubtedly have long-term consequences for reef ecosystems and suggests a troubled future for tropical marine ecosystems under a warming climate.

Helminth and arthropod parasites of the brown pelican, Pelecanus occidentalis, in Puerto Rico, with a compilation of all metazoan parasites reported from this host in the Western Hemisphere.

Seven species of helminths and six species of arthropods are reported from 23 of 40 brown pelicans, Pelecanus occidentalis, collected from various localities in Puerto Rico. Helminth parasites include three nematodes (Contracaecum multipapillatum, Contracaecum mexicanum, and Eustrongylides sp.), three trematodes (Galactosomum darbyi, Mesostephanus appendiculatoides, and Ribeiroia ondatrae), and one cestode (Tetrabothrium sulae). Arthropod parasites include Colpocephalum occidentalis, Neottialges apunctatus, Ornithodoros capensis, Phalacrodectus pelecani, Phalacrodectus punctatissimus, and Phalacrodectus sp. The presence of R. ondatrae in the brown pelican is a new species host record, and P. pelecani, P. punctatissimus and N. apunctatus are new subspecies host records. C. multipapillatum, C. mexicanum, G. darbyi and M. appendiculatoides are new locality records for Puerto Rico, and N. apunctatus, P. pelecani, P. punctatissimus and T. sulae are new locality records for the Caribbean. Necrosis produced by C. multipapillatum, C. mexicanum, and R. ondatrae may have contributed to the emaciation and death of the brown pelicans examined in the present study.

Three anomalies: A scythebill in the Greater Antillean Grackle (blackbird), a crown pattern in the Rock Beauty (angelfish), and a double spot in the Butter Hamlet (grouper), and their possible genetic significance / Tres anomalías: un pico de guadaña en Greater Antillean Grackle (mirlo), un patrón de corona en Rock Beauty (pez ángel) y una mancha doble en Butter Hamlet (mero), y su posible significado genético

Three anomalies are described: a scythebill in Greater Antillean Grackle, Quiscalus niger (Boddaert) (Passeriformes: Emberizidae), a crown color pattern in Rock Beauty, Holacanthus tricolor (Bloch) (Perciformes: Pomacanthidae), and a double-spot color pattern in Butter Hamlet, Hypoplectrus unicolor (Walbaum) (Perciformes: Pomacanthidae). Bill anomalies are generally thought to be genetic in origin and genetic changes in bill shape can occur rapidly in a population. The scythebill anomally demonstrates how quickly a drastic bill modification may occur. The crown color pattern anomaly is similar to distinctive markings found in other members of this genus [Queen Angelfish, H. ciliaris (Linnaeus) and hybrid Townsend Angelfish H. ciliaris X H. bermudensis Goode] in the tropical western Atlantic. It suggests how quickly this pattern could have originated in the other species, and/or some propensity of this pattern in the genus. The distinct double-spot color pattern anomaly suggests how quickly new color patterns can originate in genus Hypoplectrus. This is important because species in this genus are distinguished almost solely on the basis of color pattern and speciation may be occurring rapidly. Anomalies should be recorded because they may give us some hints at the genetic origin of species characters and some could represent potentially inheritable characters. We suggest these potentially inheritable characters could be recognized and described when they first arise in an individual and before they become inherited by a population. Following these potentially inheritable characters could help to explain how such characters enter into a population. This approach to the study of inherited characters could fill a void in our knowledge of evolution and speciation. Rev. Biol. Trop. 54 (Suppl. 3): 161-169. Epub 2007 Jan. 15.

Se describen tres anomalías: el pico de guadaña en el chinchilín, Quiscalus niger (Boddaert) (Passeriformes: Emberizidae), un patrón de color de corona en el isabelita medioluto, Holacanthus tricolor (Bloch) (Perciformes: Pomacanthidae), y un patrón de color de doble mancha en el vaca blanca, Hypoplectrus unicolor (Walbaum) (Perciformes: Pomacanthidae). Generalmente se piensa que las anomalías en el pico son de origen genético y que los cambios genéticos en la forma del pico pueden ocurrir rápidamente en una población. La anomalía del pico de guadaña demuestra cuan rápido puede ocurrir una modificación drástica del pico. La anomalía del patrón de color de corona es similar a otras marcas distintivas encontradas en otros miembros de este género [isabelita reina, H. ciliaris (Linnaeus) y el híbrido isabelita azul H. ciliaris X H. bermudensis Goode] en el Atlántico occidental tropical y también indica cambios rápidos. Esto es importante porque las especies de este género se distinguen casi solamente por patrones de color. Las anomalías deberían ser registradas ya que podrían darnos algunas pistas acerca del origen genético de las características de las especies. Proponemos que los caracteres potencialmente heredables pueden reconocerse y describirse cuando aparecen en un individuo, antes de que sean heredados a la población, llenando un vacío en nuestro conocimiento de la evolución y la especiación.

New records of parasites for culture Cobia, Rachycentron canadum (Perciformes: Rachycentridae) in Puerto Rico / Nuevos registros de parásitos para cultivo Cobia, Rachycentron canadum (Perciformes: Rachycentridae) en Puerto Rico

Intensive aquaculture sometimes provides conditions favorable for parasites that are not ordinarily found on culture fishes in the wild, and the use of introduced stocks sometimes introduces non-indigenous species to the habitat. When officially asked about the culture of Cobia Rachycentron canadum (Linnaeus) in Puerto Rico, the authors responded that it was unlikely to cause harm. It was assumed that a well-known culture facility in Florida would assure parasite-free stocks. Subsequent examinations of stocked juveniles surprisingly found parasites new to this fish. An outbreak of Slime-blotch disease, Brooklynella hostilis Lom & Nigrilli, 1970 (Dysteriida: Hartmannulidae) occurred in juvenile Cobia after they were shipped from Florida and stocked. This apparently represents a local parasite that took advantage of the weakened and/or crowded fish. The universal aquarium and culture superparasite, Marine Ich, Cryptocaryon irritans Brown, 1951 (Colpodia: Ichthyophthiriidae) was introduced with a shipment of juvenile Cobia from Florida. This may not be serious, since the parasite occurs worldwide, unless it represents a new strain to Puerto Rico. Marine Costia, Ichthyobodo sp. (Kinetoplastida: Bodonidae) was introduced into Puerto Rico with juvenile Cobia shipped from Florida. This parasite has caused some severe problems in aquaculture hatcheries in Hawaii and Texas after it was introduced with cultured organisms. Thus far, it has not caused any problems locally, but Puerto Rico lacks the marine hatchery facilities where such outbreaks would occur. The question of whether it is established locally will have to wait the development of similar facilities in Puerto Rico. These three species of parasites represent new host records for Cobia. The non-indigenous Ichthyobodo sp. represents new locality records for the tropical Atlantic, Caribbean, and Florida and Puerto Rico. Cobia mature more quickly in culture than in the wild and thus female Cobia apparently mature sufficiently before harvest to attract wild male Cobia to the net pen culture facilities. This represents a potential source of parasite and disease infection for the cultured and wild fish. Rev. Biol. Trop. 54 (Suppl. 3): 1-7. Epub 2007 Jan. 15.

En un criadero del pez Rachycentron canadum establecido en Puerto Rico a partir de especímenes de Florida hallamos parásitos nuevos. La enfermedad causada por Brooklynella hostilis Lom and Nigrilli, 1970 (Dysteriida: Hartmannulidae) podría indicar que un parásito local tomó ventaja de los peces debilitados y/o hacinados. También hallamos Cryptocaryon irritans Brown, 1951 (Colpodia: Ichthyophthiriidae), parásito cosmopolita. También llegó de Florida Ichthyobodo sp. (Kinetoplastida: Bodonidae), el cual hasta ahora no ha causado ningún problema localmente, pero es un nuevo registro para el Atlántico tropical, el Caribe, Florida y Puerto Rico. Los tres parásitos son huéspedes nuevos de R. canadum. Aparentemente, antes de la cosecha las hembras maduran lo suficiente para atraer machos salvajes hacia los cultivos. Esto representa una potencial fuente de infección.

Isopods (Isopoda: Aegidae, Cymothoidae, Gnathiidae) associated with Venezuelan marine fishes (Elasmobranchii, Actinopterygii) / Isópodos (Isopoda: Aegidae, Cymothoidae, Gnathiidae) asociados a peces marinos venezolanos (Elasmobranchii, Actinopterygii)

The parasitic isopod fauna of fishes in the southern Caribbean is poorly known. In examinations of 12 639 specimens of 187 species of Venezuelan fishes, the authors found 10 species in three families of isopods (Gnathiids, Gnathia spp. from Diplectrum radiale *, Heteropriacanthus cruentatus *, Orthopristis ruber * and Trachinotus carolinus *; two aegids, Rocinela signata from Dasyatis guttata *, H. cruentatus *, Haemulon aurolineatum *, H. steindachneri * and O. ruber ; and Rocinela sp. from Epinephelus flavolimbatus *; five cymothoids: Anilocra haemuli from Haemulon boschmae *, H. flavolineatum * and H. steindachneri *; Anilocra cf haemuli from Heteropriacanthus cruentatus *; Haemulon bonariense*, O. ruber*, Cymothoa excisa in H. cruentatus *; Cymothoa oestrum in Chloroscombrus chrysurus, H. cruentatus* and Priacanthus arenatus ; Cymothoa sp. in O. ruber; Livoneca sp. from H. cruentatus *; and Nerocila fluviatilis from H. cruentatus * and P. arenatus *). The Rocinela sp. and A. cf haemuli in the southern Caribbean could represent new species. The abundance of A. cf haemuli appears to have drastically reduced from 1994 to 1999 in the Gulf of Cariaco. The Cymothoa sp. represents an undescribed species that is apparently host specific to O. ruber . It does not occur in the Gulf of Cariaco, but is relatively abundant on the Caribbean coast of Sucre State, Venezuela. The Livoneca sp. is an undescribed species host specific to Diapterus rhombeus, Cymothoa excisa and C. oestrum were thought to have distinct host preferences, but both infected the Heteropriacanthus cruentatus in the present study.Gnathia spp. are reported from Venezuelan waters for the first time. Twenty new host records* are noted. The fish-associated isopod fauna is much more extensive and important than has previously been suspected. Rev. Biol. Trop. 54 (Suppl. 3): 175-188. Epub 2007 Jan. 15.

Se conoce muy poco acerca de la fauna de isópodos parásitos de peces en el Caribe Sur. Tras examinar 12 639 especímenes de 187 especies de peces de Venezuela, los autores encontraron 10 especies de isópodos distribuidos en tres familias. Los asteriscos indican nuevos registros (Gnátidos, Gnathia spp. en Diplectrum radiale*, Heteropriacanthus cruentatus*; Orthopristis ruber* y Trachinotus carolinus*; dos aégidos, Rocinela signata en Dasyatis guttata*, H. cruentatus*, Haemulon aurolineatum*, H. steindachneri * y O. ruber ; y Rocinela sp. en Epinephelus flavolimbatus*; cinco cimotoidos: Anilocra haemuli en Haemulon boschmae*, H. flavolineatum* y H.steindachneri*; Anilocra cf haemuli en Heteropriacanthus cruentatus*; Haemulon bonariense*, O. ruber*; Cymothoa excise in H. cruentatus*; Cymothoa oestrum en Chloroscombrus chrysurus, H. cruentatus* y Priacanthus arenatus; Cymothoa sp. en O. ruber; Livoneca sp. en H. cruentatus*; y Nerocila fluviatilis en H. cruentatus* y P. arenatus*). Las especies Rocinela sp.y A.cf haemuli en el Caribe sur podrían representar especies distintas. La abundancia de A. cf haemuli en el Golfo de Coriaco parece haberse reducido drásticamente entre 1994 a 1999. Cymothoa sp.es una especie no descrita que aparentemente parasita específicamente a O. ruber. No se le encuentra en el Golfo de Cariaco, pero es relativamente abundante en la costa Caribe del Estado de Sucre, Venezuela. Livoneca sp. (especie sin describir) parasita específicamente a Diapterus rhombeus. Anteriormente se pensaba que Cymothoa excisa y C. oestrum tenían distintas preferencias de hospedero, pero ambas infectan a Heteropriacanthus cruentatus. Gnathia spp. Son además primer registro en aguas venezolanas. Se informan en total 20 nuevos registros. La fauna de isópodos asociados a peces es mucho más extensa e importante de lo que se sospechaba.

New geographic records of Hamlets, Hypoplectrus spp. (Serranidae), in the Caribbean Sea / Nuevos registros geográficos de Hamlets, Hypoplectrus spp. (Serranidae), en el Mar Caribe

The exact number of species of hamlets, Hypoplectrus spp., in the Caribbean is controversial and the geographic distributions of these species/forms are poorly documented. We report Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles, as a new locality for the Barred Hamlet, H. puella (Cuvier), and Shy Hamlet, H. guttavarius (Poey); and St. John and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, for the Tan Hamlet, Hypoplectrus sp. The Black Hamlet, H. nigricans (Poey), has previously been reported from Curaçao, but we did not see it there. Rev. Biol. Trop. 54 (Suppl. 3): 171-173. Epub 2007 Jan. 15.

En el Caribe, el número exacto de especies de pez vaca, Hypoplectrus spp., es controversial y la distribución geográfica de estas especies/variedades está pobremente documentada. Presentamos Curaçao, Antillas Holandesas, como nueva localidad para el pez vaca de barras, H. puella (Cuvier) y el vaca bicolor, H. guttavarius (Poey). Agregamos St. John y St. Thomas, Islas Vírgenes de los EUA, al ámbito del "Tan Hamlet", Hypoplectrus sp. Anteriormente se dijo que en Curaçao se halla el pez vaca negra, H. nigricans (Poey), pero no lo vimos en nuestros muestreos.