Elaeophora (Nematoda: Onchocercidae), a filarial nematode infecting the blood vessels of ruminants and horses, is transmitted by tabanid flies. Elaeophora elaphi was previously detected in wild sika deer in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan in 2009; however, detailed information on this species is scarce. In 2023, 26 Elaeophora worms were collected from the hepatic vasculature of eight deer in Nara, Mie, Kyoto and Gifu Prefectures of Japan and analyzed. Species identification was performed by morphological and genetic analyses. Additionally, multi-gene analysis of seven genes was performed to determine their taxonomic position within the family Onchocercidae. The specimens were identified as E. elaphi based on their morphological characteristics. Analyses of 18S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 genes revealed no variations, indicating that species belonged to the same lineage. Multi-gene analysis revealed that the species belonged to the subfamily Onchocercinae, showing a close relationship with the tick-borne filarial nematodes of the genera Monanema, Acanthocheilonema, Litomosoides, Cruorifilaria, Yatesia, and Cercopithifilaria. This study demonstrated the widespread distribution of E. elaphi in Japan and provided insights into its genetic relationship with other onchocercid species. Further research is necessary to determine the ecological and epidemiological implications of this parasite.
{"title":"A vascular filarial nematode in sika deer (Cervus nippon): Morphological and molecular characterization of Elaeophora (Nematoda: Onchocercidae) in Japan","authors":"Toshihiro Tokiwa , Keita Sakashita , Saki Miura , Hisashi Yoshimura , Shiro Matsuo , Toshiaki Yamamoto , Rie Maruko , Junji Moribe , Yasuhiro Takashima , Ayako Yoshida , Kayoko Matsuo","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101068","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101068","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Elaeophora</em> (Nematoda: Onchocercidae), a filarial nematode infecting the blood vessels of ruminants and horses, is transmitted by tabanid flies. <em>Elaeophora elaphi</em> was previously detected in wild sika deer in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan in 2009; however, detailed information on this species is scarce. In 2023, 26 <em>Elaeophora</em> worms were collected from the hepatic vasculature of eight deer in Nara, Mie, Kyoto and Gifu Prefectures of Japan and analyzed. Species identification was performed by morphological and genetic analyses. Additionally, multi-gene analysis of seven genes was performed to determine their taxonomic position within the family Onchocercidae. The specimens were identified as <em>E. elaphi</em> based on their morphological characteristics. Analyses of 18S rRNA and cytochrome <em>c</em> oxidase subunit 1 genes revealed no variations, indicating that species belonged to the same lineage. Multi-gene analysis revealed that the species belonged to the subfamily Onchocercinae, showing a close relationship with the tick-borne filarial nematodes of the genera <em>Monanema</em>, <em>Acanthocheilonema</em>, <em>Litomosoides</em>, <em>Cruorifilaria</em>, <em>Yatesia</em>, and <em>Cercopithifilaria</em>. This study demonstrated the widespread distribution of <em>E. elaphi</em> in Japan and provided insights into its genetic relationship with other onchocercid species. Further research is necessary to determine the ecological and epidemiological implications of this parasite.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"27 ","pages":"Article 101068"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143783178","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cymothoidae Leach, 1818 (Isopoda) are parasitic crustaceans that infest fish inhabiting marine, brackish, and freshwater environments. Few studies have examined the strategies Cymothoidae use to parasitize their hosts. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that Mothocya parvostis Bruce, 1986 (Isopoda: Cymothoidae) parasitizes its hosts by exploiting its feeding behavior. In our infestation experiments, juveniles of the black sea bream Acanthopagrus schlegelii (Bleeker, 1854) were infested with M. parvostis mancae in water tanks with and without nauplii of Artemia Leach (1819) (A. schlegelii feed). Overall, 46 of 100 A. schlegelii juveniles were parasitized, 36 of which were parasitized when they attempted to consume the mancae. The presence of Artemia resulted in a significantly lower infestation prevalence and a longer time to infestation. This may be attributed to the presence of Artemia diverting the attention of A. schlegelii juveniles and reducing their feeding on mancae. Mothocya parvostis exploits the feeding behavior of its host to increase its infestation success, similar to “lure fishing,” which may help maintain its high prevalence in hosts.
{"title":"“Lure fishing” strategies by Mothocya parvostis (Isopoda: Cymothoidae): Feeding behavior-mediated infestation on juveniles of black sea bream, Acanthopagrus schlegelii","authors":"Hiroki Fujita , Kentaro Kawai , Michitaka Shimomura , Tetsuya Umino","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101057","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101057","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cymothoidae Leach, 1818 (Isopoda) are parasitic crustaceans that infest fish inhabiting marine, brackish, and freshwater environments. Few studies have examined the strategies Cymothoidae use to parasitize their hosts. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that <em>Mothocya parvostis</em> Bruce, 1986 (Isopoda: Cymothoidae) parasitizes its hosts by exploiting its feeding behavior. In our infestation experiments, juveniles of the black sea bream <em>Acanthopagrus schlegelii</em> (Bleeker, 1854) were infested with <em>M. parvostis</em> mancae in water tanks with and without nauplii of <em>Artemia</em> Leach (1819) (<em>A. schlegelii</em> feed). Overall, 46 of 100 <em>A. schlegelii</em> juveniles were parasitized, 36 of which were parasitized when they attempted to consume the mancae. The presence of <em>Artemia</em> resulted in a significantly lower infestation prevalence and a longer time to infestation. This may be attributed to the presence of <em>Artemia</em> diverting the attention of <em>A. schlegelii</em> juveniles and reducing their feeding on mancae. <em>Mothocya parvostis</em> exploits the feeding behavior of its host to increase its infestation success, similar to “lure fishing,” which may help maintain its high prevalence in hosts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 101057"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143768841","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study aimed to molecularly identify Trichuris spp. in long-tailed macaques from two key habitats in Northeast Thailand: Dong Ling Don Chao Pu Park, Amnat Charoen Province, and Kumphawapi Monkey Garden, Udon Thani Province. Genomic DNA was extracted from 13 Trichuris spp. egg samples collected from 13 infected long-tailed macaques, and PCR amplification targeting partial sequences of the 18S rRNA gene and ITS2 region was performed for phylogenetic analysis. Of the 13 Trichuris spp. egg samples, the partial 18S rRNA gene was successfully amplified from six, while ITS2 amplification was unsuccessful. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that four specimens sequenced from Dong Ling Don Chao Pu Park were T. trichiura. In contrast, two specimens sequenced from Kumphawapi Monkey Garden clustered with the only confirmed T. ovis from goat, as well as unconfirmed Trichuris spp. from other ruminant hosts. These findings suggest that the Trichuris spp. in macaques are likely T.ovis; however, the evidence remains inconclusive. Therefore, accurate species identification in this region requires further molecular analysis using additional genetic markers. This study provides the first molecular identification of T. trichiura in long-tailed macaques from Northeast Thailand. Additionally, it is the first report suggesting the possible T. ovis infection in non-human primates. These findings highlight the potential for Trichuris spp. transmission across diverse host species, underscoring the need for enhanced surveillance of parasitic infections in wildlife and livestock, particularly in regions with close human-animal interactions. Continued molecular investigations are essential to elucidate Trichuris spp. transmission dynamics and zoonotic potential, aiding in public health risk mitigation.
{"title":"Molecular identification of Trichuris species in long-tailed macaques from Dong Ling Don Chao Pu Park and Kumphawapi Monkey Garden, Northeast Thailand: First report suggesting possible Trichuris ovis infection in non-human primates","authors":"Issarapong Phosuk , Tongjit Thanchomnang , Julalak Banglua , Sakhone Laymanivong , Darunee Puangpronpitag , Jurairat Jongthawin","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101063","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101063","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to molecularly identify <em>Trichuris</em> spp. in long-tailed macaques from two key habitats in Northeast Thailand: Dong Ling Don Chao Pu Park, Amnat Charoen Province, and Kumphawapi Monkey Garden, Udon Thani Province. Genomic DNA was extracted from 13 <em>Trichuris</em> spp. egg samples collected from 13 infected long-tailed macaques, and PCR amplification targeting partial sequences of the 18S rRNA gene and ITS2 region was performed for phylogenetic analysis. Of the 13 <em>Trichuris</em> spp. egg samples, the partial 18S rRNA gene was successfully amplified from six, while ITS2 amplification was unsuccessful. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that four specimens sequenced from Dong Ling Don Chao Pu Park were <em>T. trichiura</em>. In contrast, two specimens sequenced from Kumphawapi Monkey Garden clustered with the only confirmed <em>T. ovis</em> from goat, as well as unconfirmed <em>Trichuris</em> spp. from other ruminant hosts. These findings suggest that the <em>Trichuris</em> spp. in macaques are likely <em>T.</em> <em>ovis</em>; however, the evidence remains inconclusive. Therefore, accurate species identification in this region requires further molecular analysis using additional genetic markers. This study provides the first molecular identification of <em>T. trichiura</em> in long-tailed macaques from Northeast Thailand. Additionally, it is the first report suggesting the possible <em>T. ovis</em> infection in non-human primates. These findings highlight the potential for <em>Trichuris</em> spp. transmission across diverse host species, underscoring the need for enhanced surveillance of parasitic infections in wildlife and livestock, particularly in regions with close human-animal interactions. Continued molecular investigations are essential to elucidate <em>Trichuris</em> spp. transmission dynamics and zoonotic potential, aiding in public health risk mitigation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"27 ","pages":"Article 101063"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143776341","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101066
Kaan Kumas, Carlota Marola Fernandez Gonzalez, Per Walter Kania, Kurt Buchmann
Populations of harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) in Danish marine areas have increased markedly during recent decades, but their associated parasite populations have remained unknown. In February 2024 we collected 13 harbour seals from the western part of Limfjorden (Denmark), a marine area connecting the North Sea with the Kattegat Sea. The animals were subjected to a parasitological examination (including morphological and molecular methods), which confirmed that this seal species acts as a definitive hosts for the gastrointestinal nematodes Contracaecum osculatum s.s., Anisakis simplex, Phocanema decipiens s.s. and P. krabbei; all nematodes were at prevalences of 100 %. The seals also harboured the intestinal acanthocephalan Corynosoma strumosum (100 % prevalence) and the cestode Dibothriocephalus schistochilus (7.7 % prevalence). The nematode intensities ranged from 4 to 1790 individuals per host, whereas acanthocephalans occurred in lower numbers (range 4–222 per host) and a single seal was infected with three cestodes. The reproductive potential of the nematodes was evaluated by counting mature eggs in female worms, which indicated that each of the female worms could release between 7202 and 72,810 eggs per day. Infection intensities revealed that a single harbour seal on average releases more than 3 × 105 eggs per day. In more heavily infected seals, the potential release of anisakid eggs to the environment exceeds 2.4 × 106 eggs per day, each of which, after hatching and invasion of the first paratenic host, represents a potential infection risk for fish and humans. Some of the anisakid parasites are potentially infective to human consumers, and we discuss the potential spread of infection to fish and humans at different infection levels and seal population sizes.
{"title":"Gastrointestinal parasites of harbour seal (Phoca vitulina L.) in Danish marine waters: Prevalence, abundance, intensity and reproductive potential","authors":"Kaan Kumas, Carlota Marola Fernandez Gonzalez, Per Walter Kania, Kurt Buchmann","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101066","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101066","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Populations of harbour seal (<em>Phoca vitulina</em>) in Danish marine areas have increased markedly during recent decades, but their associated parasite populations have remained unknown. In February 2024 we collected 13 harbour seals from the western part of Limfjorden (Denmark), a marine area connecting the North Sea with the Kattegat Sea. The animals were subjected to a parasitological examination (including morphological and molecular methods), which confirmed that this seal species acts as a definitive hosts for the gastrointestinal nematodes <em>Contracaecum osculatum s.s.</em>, <em>Anisakis simplex</em>, <em>Phocanema decipiens s.s.</em> and <em>P. krabbei</em>; all nematodes were at prevalences of 100 %. The seals also harboured the intestinal acanthocephalan <em>Corynosoma strumosum</em> (100 % prevalence) and the cestode <em>Dibothriocephalus schistochilus</em> (7.7 % prevalence). The nematode intensities ranged from 4 to 1790 individuals per host, whereas acanthocephalans occurred in lower numbers (range 4–222 per host) and a single seal was infected with three cestodes. The reproductive potential of the nematodes was evaluated by counting mature eggs in female worms, which indicated that each of the female worms could release between 7202 and 72,810 eggs per day. Infection intensities revealed that a single harbour seal on average releases more than 3 × 10<sup>5</sup> eggs per day. In more heavily infected seals, the potential release of anisakid eggs to the environment exceeds 2.4 × 10<sup>6</sup> eggs per day, each of which, after hatching and invasion of the first paratenic host, represents a potential infection risk for fish and humans. Some of the anisakid parasites are potentially infective to human consumers, and we discuss the potential spread of infection to fish and humans at different infection levels and seal population sizes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"27 ","pages":"Article 101066"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143768407","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Amphistomosis is a poorly understood trematode disease of domestic and wild ruminants whose effect has been underestimated. To date, there is limited information on the taxonomic status of amphistome species, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa which is home to diverse species infecting domestic and wild ruminants. In view of this, a survey was conducted in wildlife conservancies and national parks located in Beitbridge, Nyamandlovu, and Hwange in the Matebeleland region of Zimbabwe during the 2019–2021 game hunting seasons. Gastrointestinal tract of 329 carcasses of wild ruminants were examined for amphistome infections and 33/329 (10 %) of the animals were infected and the highest prevalence per locality was in Hwange (35 %; 7/20). A high prevalence of 63 % was recorded in Kobus ellipsiprymnus (waterbuck) from Beitbridge, accompanied with a high parasitic burden of more than 10 000 parasites per animal. The lowest parasitic burden was observed in Connochaetes taurinus taurinus (blue wildebeest) and Hippotragus niger (sable), each with less than 10 amphistomes. A total of 86 amphistome specimens from Syncerus caffer (African buffalo) (n = 27), Aepyceros melampus (impala) (n = 17), Tragelaphus strepsiceros (kudu) (n = 16), waterbuck (n = 10), sable (n = 7), Redunca arundinum (reedbuck) (n = 7), and Connochaetes taurinus taurinus (blue wildebeest) (n = 2) were randomly selected for morphological and molecular identification. Using a combination of both histological technique and ITS-2 rDNA marker, the following seven amphistome species were identified; Leiperocotyle (L.) gretillati, Calicophoron (C.) microbothrium, C. raja, C. clavula, C. phillerouxi, Gigantocotyle (Gi.) symmeri, and Gastrothylax (G.) crumenifer which are pouched amphistome species. Orthocoelium dicranocoelium identification was based on morphological characters only. Although the ITS-2 is a widely used marker, it may not be useful in discriminating cryptic species in the Calicophoron genus. Orthocoelium (O.) dicranocoelium, G. crumenifer and L. gretillati are first records in wild ruminants in Zimbabwe.
{"title":"Morphological and molecular identification of amphistomes of wild ruminants from selected conservancies of Matebeleland region of Zimbabwe","authors":"Madeline Siyazisiwe Sibula , Mokgadi Pulane Malatji , Ignore Nyagura , Pinky Ndlovu , Thulani Jele , Mukhululi Ndlovu , Samson Mukaratirwa","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101065","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101065","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Amphistomosis is a poorly understood trematode disease of domestic and wild ruminants whose effect has been underestimated. To date, there is limited information on the taxonomic status of amphistome species, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa which is home to diverse species infecting domestic and wild ruminants. In view of this, a survey was conducted in wildlife conservancies and national parks located in Beitbridge, Nyamandlovu, and Hwange in the Matebeleland region of Zimbabwe during the 2019–2021 game hunting seasons. Gastrointestinal tract of 329 carcasses of wild ruminants were examined for amphistome infections and 33/329 (10 %) of the animals were infected and the highest prevalence per locality was in Hwange (35 %; 7/20). A high prevalence of 63 % was recorded in <em>Kobus ellipsiprymnus</em> (waterbuck) from Beitbridge, accompanied with a high parasitic burden of more than 10 000 parasites per animal. The lowest parasitic burden was observed in <em>Connochaetes taurinus taurinus</em> (blue wildebeest) and <em>Hippotragus niger</em> (sable), each with less than 10 amphistomes. A total of 86 amphistome specimens from <em>Syncerus caffer</em> (African buffalo) (n = 27), <em>Aepyceros melampus</em> (impala) (n = 17), <em>Tragelaphus strepsiceros</em> (kudu) (n = 16), waterbuck (n = 10), sable (n = 7), <em>Redunca arundinum</em> (reedbuck) (n = 7), and <em>Connochaetes taurinus taurinus</em> (blue wildebeest) (n = 2) were randomly selected for morphological and molecular identification. Using a combination of both histological technique and ITS-2 rDNA marker, the following seven amphistome species were identified; <em>Leiperocotyle (L.) gretillati, Calicophoron (C.) microbothrium</em>, <em>C. raja</em>, <em>C. clavula</em>, <em>C. phillerouxi, Gigantocotyle</em> (<em>Gi</em>.) <em>symmeri</em>, and <em>Gastrothylax</em> (<em>G.</em>) <em>crumenifer</em> which are pouched amphistome species. <em>Orthocoelium dicranocoelium</em> identification was based on morphological characters only. Although the ITS-2 is a widely used marker, it may not be useful in discriminating cryptic species in the <em>Calicophoron</em> genus. <em>Orthocoelium (O.) dicranocoelium</em>, <em>G. crumenifer and L. gretillati</em> are first records in wild ruminants in Zimbabwe.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"27 ","pages":"Article 101065"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143791148","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-26DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101061
Zachary Low , Telleasha L. Greay , Swaid Abdullah , Phoebe A. Chapman , Viviana Gonzalez-Astudillo
This case series provides the first published record of a myxozoan parasite in Murray River turtles (Emydura macquarii) in Australia. Thirteen turtles were captured for an eco-toxicology study and underwent postmortem examinations. From these, three were found to have interstitial nephritis and spores within the affected renal tubules. Molecular characterisation was performed with PCR which yielded positive results for myxozoan DNA in the three infected samples. DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of 18S rRNA sequences positioned the unknown species in a distinct clade, closely related to, but separate from, histozoic clades II and III. This discovery contributes significantly to the understanding of myxozoan diversity and ecology, highlighting a potential new threat to the health of Murray River turtle populations and possibly other aquatic reptiles. The discovery of this myxozoan species not only broadens the known host range of myxozoans but also raises concerns about the conservation of affected turtle populations due to its possible pathogenic nature.
本系列病例首次公开记录了澳大利亚墨累河海龟（Emydura macquarii）体内的一种粘虫寄生虫。在一项生态毒理学研究中捕获了 13 只海龟，并对它们进行了尸检。其中三只龟被发现患有间质性肾炎，受影响的肾小管内有孢子。通过聚合酶链反应（PCR）进行了分子鉴定，结果显示这三个受感染样本中的肌孢子 DNA 呈阳性。对 18S rRNA 序列进行的 DNA 测序和系统进化分析将该未知物种定位为一个独特的支系，与组织虫支系 II 和 III 密切相关，但又相互独立。这一发现极大地促进了人们对粘孢子虫多样性和生态学的了解，凸显了墨累河海龟种群以及其他水生爬行动物的健康可能面临的新威胁。这种粘孢子虫的发现不仅扩大了粘孢子虫的已知宿主范围，而且由于其可能具有致病性，还引起了人们对受影响海龟种群保护问题的关注。
{"title":"Renal myxosporidiosis by an unknown Bivalvulidan myxozoan parasite in Murray River turtles (Emydura macquarii) in Australia","authors":"Zachary Low , Telleasha L. Greay , Swaid Abdullah , Phoebe A. Chapman , Viviana Gonzalez-Astudillo","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101061","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101061","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This case series provides the first published record of a myxozoan parasite in Murray River turtles (<em>Emydura macquarii</em>) in Australia. Thirteen turtles were captured for an eco-toxicology study and underwent postmortem examinations. From these, three were found to have interstitial nephritis and spores within the affected renal tubules. Molecular characterisation was performed with PCR which yielded positive results for myxozoan DNA in the three infected samples. DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of 18S rRNA sequences positioned the unknown species in a distinct clade, closely related to, but separate from, histozoic clades II and III. This discovery contributes significantly to the understanding of myxozoan diversity and ecology, highlighting a potential new threat to the health of Murray River turtle populations and possibly other aquatic reptiles. The discovery of this myxozoan species not only broadens the known host range of myxozoans but also raises concerns about the conservation of affected turtle populations due to its possible pathogenic nature.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"27 ","pages":"Article 101061"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143735005","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-26DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101062
Fabiana E. Sosa , Melina Anello , Hebe del Valle Ferreyra , Diego M. Medina , Juan F. Micheloud , Hugo M. Borsetti , Nancy Hernández , Mónica Florin-Christensen , Sandra R. Romero
Sarcoptic mange, caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, is a highly contagious and potentially fatal skin disease that affects a wide range of mammals, including South American Camelids (SAC). Although the presence of mange has been described in vicuñas and llamas in northwestern Argentina, there are no previous records documenting its presence in guanacos (Lama guanicoe) of this region. We here describe a case of S. scabiei in a free-ranging guanaco in the Department of Tilcara, Jujuy Province. The animal presented alopecic, erythematous and hyperkeratotic lesions with abundant crusts in the ventral region of the body and limbs. Histopathology revealed periadnexal dermatitis with inflammatory infiltrate, severe hyperemia, orthokeratotic and parakeratotic epidermal hyperplasia, and stratum corneum thickening. The etiological agent was identified as S. scabiei by microscopic examination of adult mites. This result was confirmed by sequencing of a cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene fragment, that showed 100 % identity with sequences of isolates from SAC and other mammals. Genotyping of three mites isolated from different parts of the guanaco's body using a set of ten microsatellite markers indicated the infection with a single genetic variant that showed a similar profile to those found in S. scabiei isolates from vicuñas and llamas of the same region. However, genetic differences with guanaco isolates from midwestern Argentina were observed. This work presents the first record of sarcoptic mange in a guanaco in Jujuy Province and in the northwestern region of Argentina, as well as the molecular characterization of the etiological agent. The case highlights an uncertain scenario regarding the health situation of the guanaco population in this region, which is small, fragmented, and locally categorized as endangered. Epidemiological surveillance programs for guanacos and further research on the impact of sarcoptic mange on the conservation of this species are needed.
{"title":"Sarcoptic mange in a guanaco (Lama guanicoe) of northwestern Argentina: Clinical, histopathological and molecular studies","authors":"Fabiana E. Sosa , Melina Anello , Hebe del Valle Ferreyra , Diego M. Medina , Juan F. Micheloud , Hugo M. Borsetti , Nancy Hernández , Mónica Florin-Christensen , Sandra R. Romero","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101062","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101062","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sarcoptic mange, caused by the mite <em>Sarcoptes scabiei</em>, is a highly contagious and potentially fatal skin disease that affects a wide range of mammals, including South American Camelids (SAC). Although the presence of mange has been described in vicuñas and llamas in northwestern Argentina, there are no previous records documenting its presence in guanacos (<em>Lama guanicoe</em>) of this region. We here describe a case of <em>S. scabiei</em> in a free-ranging guanaco in the Department of Tilcara, Jujuy Province. The animal presented alopecic, erythematous and hyperkeratotic lesions with abundant crusts in the ventral region of the body and limbs. Histopathology revealed periadnexal dermatitis with inflammatory infiltrate, severe hyperemia, orthokeratotic and parakeratotic epidermal hyperplasia, and stratum corneum thickening. The etiological agent was identified as <em>S. scabiei</em> by microscopic examination of adult mites. This result was confirmed by sequencing of a cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene fragment, that showed 100 % identity with sequences of isolates from SAC and other mammals. Genotyping of three mites isolated from different parts of the guanaco's body using a set of ten microsatellite markers indicated the infection with a single genetic variant that showed a similar profile to those found in <em>S. scabiei</em> isolates from vicuñas and llamas of the same region. However, genetic differences with guanaco isolates from midwestern Argentina were observed. This work presents the first record of sarcoptic mange in a guanaco in Jujuy Province and in the northwestern region of Argentina, as well as the molecular characterization of the etiological agent. The case highlights an uncertain scenario regarding the health situation of the guanaco population in this region, which is small, fragmented, and locally categorized as endangered. Epidemiological surveillance programs for guanacos and further research on the impact of sarcoptic mange on the conservation of this species are needed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"27 ","pages":"Article 101062"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143785454","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-24DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101060
Mike Heddergott , Rainer Hunold , Natalia Osten-Sacken
Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic, globally distributed, obligate intracellular protozoan. Within the context of the ‘One Health’ approach, studies on toxoplasmosis are essential as it affects humans as well as domestic and wild animals, including birds. The Eurasian blackbird (Turdus merula) is one of the most common songbird species in Germany and previous studies have shown that they can be infected with T. gondii. The aim of the present study was to analyze T. gondii exposure in an urban blackbird population in Germany. Between 2018 and 2022, we collected fresh blackbird carcasses from an urban population in Heilbad Heiligenstadt, a small town in the German state of Thuringia. Altogether 112 blackbirds were analyzed for the presence of antibodies using a commercial indirect modified agglutination test (MAT) and parasite DNA (qPCR; brain and heart). The present study reports a high T. gondii seroprevalence as antibodies were detected in 50.9 % (57/112; 95 % CI: 41.6–60.2 %) of the urban blackbirds. However, T. gondii DNA was not detected in any of the samples analyzed. Body weight was identified as a risk factor, with heavier birds, both juveniles and adults, being more likely to test positive. Additionally, there was a significant interaction between body weight and sex. Our results suggest that T. gondii infection is widespread in the urban blackbird population, indicating a high parasite circulation in the environment.
{"title":"Exposure of Eurasian blackbird (Turdus merula) to Toxoplasma gondii in an urban area in Thuringia, Germany","authors":"Mike Heddergott , Rainer Hunold , Natalia Osten-Sacken","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101060","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101060","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> is a zoonotic, globally distributed, obligate intracellular protozoan. Within the context of the ‘One Health’ approach, studies on toxoplasmosis are essential as it affects humans as well as domestic and wild animals, including birds. The Eurasian blackbird (<em>Turdus merula</em>) is one of the most common songbird species in Germany and previous studies have shown that they can be infected with <em>T. gondii</em>. The aim of the present study was to analyze <em>T. gondii</em> exposure in an urban blackbird population in Germany. Between 2018 and 2022, we collected fresh blackbird carcasses from an urban population in Heilbad Heiligenstadt, a small town in the German state of Thuringia. Altogether 112 blackbirds were analyzed for the presence of antibodies using a commercial indirect modified agglutination test (MAT) and parasite DNA (qPCR; brain and heart). The present study reports a high <em>T. gondii</em> seroprevalence as antibodies were detected in 50.9 % (57/112; 95 % CI: 41.6–60.2 %) of the urban blackbirds. However, <em>T. gondii</em> DNA was not detected in any of the samples analyzed. Body weight was identified as a risk factor, with heavier birds, both juveniles and adults, being more likely to test positive. Additionally, there was a significant interaction between body weight and sex. Our results suggest that <em>T. gondii</em> infection is widespread in the urban blackbird population, indicating a high parasite circulation in the environment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"27 ","pages":"Article 101060"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143760576","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-21DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101058
Michael H. Buoni , Ashley C. Kennedy , Virginia Hughes , Esther Biswas-Fiss
Tick-borne pathogens are responsible for most vector-borne human diseases in the United States. With the growing recognition of tick-borne diseases and the expanding range of ticks, it is imperative to understand which pathogens, and in what prevalence, are carried by tick species in areas populated by humans. Few studies exist surveying the presence and distribution of tick-borne pathogens in the state of Delaware. The goal of this study was to create multiplex real-time PCR assays to identify Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Babesia microti, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, and Ehrlichia ewingii from their respective tick vectors collected across the state of Delaware.
Two multiplex, real-time PCR assays were developed and tested on 1027 ticks comprising Ixodes scapularis and Amblyomma americanum, two species of ticks commonly encountered in Delaware. The results showed that in a sample of 500 Ixodes scapularis ticks, 30.20 % were positive for Borrelia burgdorferi, 2.60 % were positive for Babesia microti, and 1 % were positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Testing of 527 A. americanum ticks showed that 4.74 % were positive for E. chaffeensis and 1.14 % were positive for E. ewingii. These findings suggest that these five tick-borne pathogens are present across the state of Delaware and therefore pose a risk to the public.
{"title":"Statewide surveillance of tick-borne pathogens in ticks collected in Delaware using novel multiplex PCR assays","authors":"Michael H. Buoni , Ashley C. Kennedy , Virginia Hughes , Esther Biswas-Fiss","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101058","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101058","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tick-borne pathogens are responsible for most vector-borne human diseases in the United States. With the growing recognition of tick-borne diseases and the expanding range of ticks, it is imperative to understand which pathogens, and in what prevalence, are carried by tick species in areas populated by humans. Few studies exist surveying the presence and distribution of tick-borne pathogens in the state of Delaware. The goal of this study was to create multiplex real-time PCR assays to identify <em>Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Babesia microti, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia chaffeensis,</em> and <em>Ehrlichia ewingii</em> from their respective tick vectors collected across the state of Delaware.</div><div>Two multiplex, real-time PCR assays were developed and tested on 1027 ticks comprising <em>Ixodes scapularis</em> and <em>Amblyomma americanum</em>, two species of ticks commonly encountered in Delaware. The results showed that in a sample of 500 <em>Ixodes scapularis</em> ticks, 30.20 % were positive for <em>Borrelia burgdorferi</em>, 2.60 % were positive for <em>Babesia microti</em>, and 1 % were positive for <em>Anaplasma phagocytophilum</em>. Testing of 527 <em>A. americanum</em> ticks showed that 4.74 % were positive for <em>E. chaffeensis</em> and 1.14 % were positive for <em>E. ewingii</em>. These findings suggest that these five tick-borne pathogens are present across the state of Delaware and therefore pose a risk to the public.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 101058"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143704778","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-19DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101056
Xingyi Jiang , Wei Liang , Yanyun Zhang
Brood parasitism reduces the reproductive success of hosts and many host birds have evolved a range of anti-parasitism strategies, including egg recognition and egg rejection. Recent studies have shown that host egg rejection behavior can vary according to personality traits and parasitism risk. However, these relationships have not been clearly determined. The aim of this study was to further investigate the influence of seasonal parasitism pressure and host personality traits on egg rejection behavior in the azure-winged magpie (Cyanopica cyanus). Our results showed no significant difference in the proportion of egg rejection between hosts with low (before the arrival of cuckoos) and high (after the arrival of cuckoos) parasitism pressure. In addition, no significant difference was detected in the proportion of egg rejection between bold individuals (shorter flight initiation distance, FID) and shy individuals (longer FID). We hypothesized that the relatively weak effect of the presence or absence of cuckoos on this species could be attributed to their inherently strong egg recognition abilities. Moreover, the quantification of host behavior along a single personality axis (boldness-shyness) may be insufficient to capture behavioral differences that arise from the combined effects of various personality traits. Our study provides novel insights into the influence of seasonal parasitism risk and personality traits on host egg rejection behavior.
{"title":"Host personality and seasonal parasitism risk do not account for egg rejection behavior in the azure-winged magpie","authors":"Xingyi Jiang , Wei Liang , Yanyun Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101056","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101056","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Brood parasitism reduces the reproductive success of hosts and many host birds have evolved a range of anti-parasitism strategies, including egg recognition and egg rejection. Recent studies have shown that host egg rejection behavior can vary according to personality traits and parasitism risk. However, these relationships have not been clearly determined. The aim of this study was to further investigate the influence of seasonal parasitism pressure and host personality traits on egg rejection behavior in the azure-winged magpie (<em>Cyanopica cyanus</em>). Our results showed no significant difference in the proportion of egg rejection between hosts with low (before the arrival of cuckoos) and high (after the arrival of cuckoos) parasitism pressure. In addition, no significant difference was detected in the proportion of egg rejection between bold individuals (shorter flight initiation distance, FID) and shy individuals (longer FID). We hypothesized that the relatively weak effect of the presence or absence of cuckoos on this species could be attributed to their inherently strong egg recognition abilities. Moreover, the quantification of host behavior along a single personality axis (boldness-shyness) may be insufficient to capture behavioral differences that arise from the combined effects of various personality traits. Our study provides novel insights into the influence of seasonal parasitism risk and personality traits on host egg rejection behavior.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 101056"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143682784","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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