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.

Bacteria related to tick-borne pathogen assemblages in Ornithodoros cf. hasei (Acari: Argasidae) and blood of the wild mammal hosts in the Orinoquia region, Colombia.

Interest in research on soft ticks has increased in recent decades, leading to valuable insight into their role as disease vectors. The use of metagenomics-based analyses have helped to elucidate ecological factors involved in pathogen, vector, and host dynamics. To understand the main bacterial assemblages present in Ornithodoros cf. hasei and its mammalian hosts, 84 ticks and 13 blood samples from bat hosts (Chiroptera) were selected, and the 16S rRNA gene V4 region was sequenced in five pools (each one related to each host-tick pairing). Bacterial taxonomic assignment analyses were performed by comparing operational taxonomic units (OTUs) shared between ticks and their host blood. This analysis showed the presence of Proteobacteria (38.8%), Enterobacteriaceae (25%), Firmicutes (12.3%), and Actinobacteria (10.9%) within blood samples, and Rickettsiaceae (39%), Firmicutes (25%), Actinobacteria (13.1%), and Proteobacteria (9%) within ticks. Species related to potentially pathogenic genera were detected in ticks, such as Borrelia sp., Bartonella tamiae, Ehrlichia sp. and Rickettsia-like endosymbiont, and the presence of these organisms was found in all analyzed bat species (Cynomops planirostris, Molossus pretiosus, Noctilio albiventris), and O. cf. hasei. About 41-48.6% of bacterial OTUs (genera and species) were shared between ticks and the blood of bat hosts. Targeted metagenomic screening techniques allowed the detection of tick-associated pathogens for O. cf. hasei and small mammals for the first time, enabling future research on many of these pathogens.

Ticks (Acari: Ixodoidea) associated with mammals in Colombia: a historical review, molecular species confirmation, and establishment of new relationships.

Ticks are considered the second most important vectors of pathogens worldwide, after mosquitoes. This study provides a systematic review of vector-host relationships between ticks and mammals (domestic and wild) and consolidates information from studies conducted in Colombia between 1911 and 2020. Using the PRISMA method, 71 scientific articles containing records for 51 tick species (Argasidae and Ixodidae) associated with mammals are reported. The existing information on tick-mammal associations in Colombia is scarce, fragmented, or very old. Moreover, 213 specimens were assessed based on morphological and molecular analyses, which allowed confirming eight tick species associated with mammals: Amblyomma calcaratum, Amblyomma dissimile, Amblyomma mixtum, Amblyomma nodosum, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma varium, Ixodes luciae, and Ixodes tropicalis. Several tick species are molecularly confirmed for Colombia and nine new relationships between ticks and mammals are reported. This research compiles and confirms important records of tick-mammal associations in Colombia.

Effect of a Sepsis Educational Intervention on Hospital Stay.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate adherence to the sepsis bundle before and after an educational strategy and its impact on hospital stay. DESIGN: A prospective, analytic, before-and-after study of children with severe sepsis and septic shock who presented to the emergency department. SETTING: Carried out from January to December 2014 in the emergency department of a quaternary care hospital. PATIENTS: Of a total of 19,836 children who presented to the emergency department, 4,383 had an infectious pathology, with 203 of these showing severe sepsis and septic shock (124 pre intervention, and 79 post intervention). INTERVENTIONS: The healthcare providers caring for the patients in pediatric emergency received an educational intervention and an update on the bundle concepts proposed in 2010 by the Pediatric Advanced Life Support program of the American Heart Association and adapted by this study's investigators. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The main cause of sepsis in both groups was respiratory (59 vs 33; p = 0.72), without differences in the Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 score (7.23 vs 8.1; p = 0.23). The postintervention group showed a reduced hospital stay (11.6 vs 7.9 d; p = 0.01), a shorter time before ordering fluid boluses (247 vs 5 min; p = 0.001), the application of the first dose of antibiotic (343 vs 271 min; p = 0.03), and a decreased need for mechanical ventilation (20.1% vs 7.5%; p = 0.01). Postintervention adherence to the complete bundle was 19.2%, compared with the preintervention group, which was 27.7% (p = 0.17). CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to a bundle strategy is low following an educational intervention. However, when patients are managed after instruction in guideline recommendations, hospital stay may be significantly reduced.

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.

Pathogens associated with ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) and mammals in the Orinoquia region of Colombia: An approach to understanding vector-pathogen-host interactions.

The hard tick clade (Ixodidae) currently comprises 762 species worldwide (266 Prostriata and 496 Metastriata). A quarter of hard ticks are found in the Neotropical region, and 42 species have been documented in Colombia. Ixodidae species are important vectors of pathogens such as bacteria, helminths, protozoa, and viruses. In tick-borne diseases, vertebrate hosts perform an important role in the transmission, maintenance, and spread of pathogens. Colombia ranks sixth among countries with the highest mammal biodiversity, with a total of 548 species, where some of these species may be involved in pathogen transmission cycles with ticks as vectors. This research evaluated the presence of two genera of bacteria (Borrelia and Rickettsia) and the protozoan (Babesia) in ticks and mammals in the Orinoquia region of Colombia, establishing interaction networks. The information comes from 734 mammals (655 wild and 79 domestic), belonging to 59 species. Tick infestation (n = 1,805) was found with 14.85 % (n = 109) of the examined mammals and corresponds to nine tick species confirmed morphologically and molecularly. To detect pathogens 272 ticks were collected while feeding on 96 mammals; samples from 93 mammals were analyzed. The presence of borreliae from the relapsing fever group (RFG) and the Lyme disease group (LDG) were detected. Rickettsia spp. was detected in ticks and mammals, while Babesia bigemina was only detected in ticks. This research is the first to address the prevalence of zoonotic pathogens in domestic and wild mammals infested with hard ticks in the Department of Arauca, Colombia. Considering that reporting cases of infections with Babesia, Borrelia, and Rickettsia in Colombia is not mandatory, their impact on public health cannot be estimated. This highlights the importance of continuously detecting, confirming, and identifying these and other important pathogens within the "One Health" framework, as they have a significant economic and medical-veterinary impact globally.

Bacterial community of ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) and mammals from Arauca, Colombian Orinoquia.

Ticks are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites of vertebrates and are relevant worldwide due to the number of bacterial and other pathogens they can transmit. To date, the knowledge about the microorganisms that ticks harbor and transmit to their hosts is incipient. In this study, 24 samples of mammals belonging to four taxonomic orders and ticks of the genera Amblyomma and Rhipicephalus from the Orinoco region of Colombia were analyzed to described and compare the bacterial microbiome. Genetic extraction was performed, and the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified by PCR. Libraries were created, and those samples with adequate quality indices were sequenced using Illumina MiSeq technology. Bacterial taxonomic assignment analyses were conducted through Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) and Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs). The results correspond to 16 samples that passed the quality filters, with 3218 OTUs (415 families). Although a considerable number of unknown bacteria was found, Enterobacteriaceae, Beijerinckiaceae, Moraxellaceae, and Burkholderiaceae are the most prevalent families, and the presence of the genera Coxiella, Escherichia-Shigella, Enterobacter, which can harbor pathogenic species was confirmed. In individuals of Amblyomma mixtum found actively feeding on Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, bacteria of the genera Escherichia-Shigella and Enterobacter were documented. Similarly, Rhipicephalus microplus found actively feeding on Odocoileus virginianus cariacou shared Escherichia-Shigella. Ralstonia was shared among the blood samples of H. hydrochaeris, while Anaplasma and Eubacterium were shared in blood and liver samples of O. v. cariacou. Shared bacteria between A. mixtum and R. microplus included Bacillus, Coxiella, and Escherichia-Shigella. The results highlight the need of additional studies in other natural regions of Colombia and other American countries where tick-borne diseases have been detected. Likewise, the recorded data are the first at the level of bacterial communities in ticks of the family Ixodidae and provide valuable knowledge for the understanding host-tick and pathogen interactions.

A new species of terrestrial toad of the Rhinellafestae group (Anura, Bufonidae) from the highlands of the Central Cordillera of the Andes of Colombia.

The genus Rhinella (Bufonidae) comprises 92 species of Neotropical toads. In Colombia, Rhinella is represented by 22 recognized species, of which nine belong to the Rhinellafestae group. Over the past decade, there has been increasing evidence of cryptic diversity within this group, particularly in the context of Andean forms. Specimens of Rhinella collected in high Andean forests on both slopes of the Central Cordillera in Colombia belong to an undescribed species, Rhinellakumandaysp. nov. Genetic analyses using the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene indicated that the individuals belong to the festae species group. However, they can be distinguished from other closely related species such as Rhinellaparaguas and Rhinellatenrec by a combination of morphological traits including the presence of tarsal fold, a moderate body size, and substantial genetic divergence in the 16S rRNA gene (> 5%). Through this integrative approach, the specimens from the Central Cordillera of Colombia are considered an evolutionary divergent lineage that is sister to R.paraguas, and described as a new species. Rhinellakumandaysp. nov. is restricted to the Central Cordillera of Colombia inhabiting both slopes in the departments of Caldas and Tolima, in an elevational range between 2420 and 3758 m. With the recognition of this new species, the genus Rhinella now comprises 93 species with 23 of them found in Colombia, and ten species endemic to the country.

Confirming the presence of Lasiurusfrantzii (Peters, 1870) (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) in South America: more questions than answers.

The western or desert red bat, Lasiurusfrantzii, is a cryptic insectivore species distributed in the Neotropics from Mexico south through Central America to Panama. L.frantzii was long considered a subspecies of the red bat, Lasiurusblossevillii, but recently it was elevated to full-species status based on genetic information. Here we present evidence of the presence of L.frantzii in the Andean Region of Colombia, confirming the species' presence in South America; the new record, from 3836 m a.s.l., is also the highest elevation known for the species. We suggest that L.frantzii might be widely distributed in trans-Andean areas of Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and perhaps Peru and Bolivia. However, a review and exploration of additional morphological traits to identify the species are necessary because of the uncertainty of the distribution of L.frantzii.

Revising the diversity within the Dwarf Dog-faced Bat, Molossopstemminckii (Chiroptera, Molossidae), with the revalidation of the endangered Molossopsgriseiventer.

The genus Molossops includes two monotypic species of insectivore bats distributed in South America: Molossopsneglectus and Molossopstemminckii. Both can be differentiated, based on sizes, M.temminckii being smaller (forearm less than 33 mm). Despite being monotypic, at least two additional subspecies have been described for M.temminckii, of which M.temminckiigriseiventer from the inter-Andean Valley of the Magdalena River in Colombia might represent a valid taxon. To test the taxonomic status of M.t.griseiventer, we reviewed specimens of M.temminckii from cis- and trans-Andean localities in Colombia. We used Cytochrome-b and Cytochrome Oxidase I comparisons to test the phylogenetic position of cis- and trans-Andean samples and compared qualitative morphology, morphometric and bioacoustics. Our results show that M.t.griseiventer is differentiated from cis-Andean specimens, providing further evidence of its validity at the species level. Furthermore, M.temminckii (sensu stricto) is also distributed in Colombia, but both M.griseiventer and M.temminckii are allopatric, with the Andes acting as a barrier. The specific identity of the specimens from the Caribbean Region of Colombia needs a new evaluation, but our results clearly show that the diversity of Molossops is underestimated.

Morphological and molecular confirmation of Ornithodoros hasei (Schulze, 1935) (Acari: Argasidae) in Colombia.

A large number of tick species are proven vectors for the transmission of bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. Soft ticks (Acari: Argasidae) in South America have been found to be the most frequent carriers of borreliae of the relapsing fever group (RFG); however, there are several information gaps specially on the taxonomy and distribution of some tick species. Here, we used light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and PCR amplification of a fragment of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene to evaluate 174 larvae of Ornithodoros (Argasidae) collected from three bat species (Eptesicus orinocensis, Molossus rufus and Noctilio albiventris) in the Orinoquia Region of Colombia. The morphological and molecular results confirmed that all the analyzed larvae corresponded to Ornithodoros hasei. Comparisons of mitochondrial 16S rDNA sequences showed low genetic divergence (0% - 0.3%) between larvae of the Department of Arauca in the Orinoquia Region and higher genetic divergence (3.4 - 4.7%) in sequences from other American countries. Our work represents the most recent collection of this species in Colombia and provides a molecular evaluation for the first time. Moreover, a new association of O. hasei with bats such as E. orinocensis is documented. Considering the wide distribution of O. hasei in the American Continent, and its putative role as vector for Borrelia, integrative studies that involve morphological, morphometric, molecular data and experimental crosses are needed to determine if the higher genetic distances are associated with cryptic speciation, as detected in other tick complexes, or represent genetic divergences among geographically different populations of O. hasei.

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.

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.

Infestation, histology, and molecular confirmation of Sarcoptes scabiei in an Andean porcupine (Coendou quichua) from the Central Andes of Colombia.

Sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious, worldwide disease that affects the skin of mammals, including humans. It is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, however, the information available in wild mammal populations in the world, and particularly in Colombia is limited. Here, we document a new case of sarcoptic mange in an Andean porcupine (Coendou quichua) from the Andean region of Colombia. We morphologically and molecularly confirmed the mite as S. scabiei and documented the histopathology associated with scabies, and show the different stages of the life cycle of S. scabiei from the Andean porcupine skin samples. Our review of reports of additional cases of scabies in wild mammal species in South America showed 15 species, mostly carnivores, artiodactyls, and rodents. Considering the limited information in Colombia, it is urgent to evaluate the risk of this condition on mammals which would contribute to the epidemiological knowledge and the potential implications of sarcoptic mange in the ecology and conservation of wild mammals in the country.

Extension of the distribution of Amblyomma triste Koch, 1844: Morphological and molecular confirmation of Morphotype I in Colombia.

Ticks of the Amblyomma maculatum (Acari: Ixodidae) group are represented by three species: Amblyomma maculatum, Amblyomma tigrinum, and Amblyomma triste. This group is widely distributed throughout the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, from the United States of America (USA) to Argentina. They parasitize several vertebrates, including domestic mammals and humans. Nonetheless, the identification and distribution of the species within the group have been controversial but can be solved with integrative studies on their taxonomy and ecology. In Colombia, a Neotropical country from which up to 58 tick species have been reported, only Amblyomma maculatum Koch, 1844 (sensu stricto - s.s.) - morphotype II - has been molecularly confirmed. Here, specimens of the A. maculatum group from three departments of Colombia were examined by morphological and molecular analyses. The results confirmed the wide distribution of A. maculatum s.s. in Colombia. Furthermore, the presence of A. triste s.s. - morphotype I was confirmed for the first time at the molecular level, which broadens the distribution of this species in the American continent. Considering that both taxa are vectors of pathogens such as Rickettsia parkeri s.s., additional taxonomic, reproductive compatibility and niche distribution studies are needed, as well as the application of new molecular markers due to the controversial taxonomy. This will allow us to explore cryptic diversity within the recently established putative groups.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Detection of Rickettsia spp. in ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) of domestic animals in Colombia.

Rickettsiosis are emerging or re-emerging diseases, with a worldwide distribution associated to transmission by arthropod vectors. Rickettsia species belong to the spotted fever group (SFG) and are transmitted by hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) that may act as vectors and reservoirs. This study carried out a molecular detection of Rickettsia from 7 species of the family Ixodidae collected from domestic hosts by PCR amplification of fragments of the citrate synthase "gltA" gene and outer membrane protein "ompA" gene. Of the 204 samples analyzed, 11.3% (23) were positive for rickettsial infection. Three Rickettsia species belonging to the SFG were found, constituting the first reports of Rickettsia rickettsii in 2 departments of Colombia. Furthermore, we confirmed the first occurrence of Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae in Colombia, a species with an unknown pathogenic role in humans. These results raise awareness regarding the need to increase epidemiological control measures, as well as to consider new endemic regions in Colombia for Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF).