Pub Date : 2025-09-25DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101142
Denise C. Wawman , Borja Milá
A new species of louse fly in the genus Ornithomya Latreille, 1802 (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) Ornithomya palmae sp. n. is described from the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands. Unlike other species of Ornithomya, this species has a series of horizontal ridges running across the scutellum. Otherwise, the most obvious differences between O. palmae sp. n. and the most closely related species Ornithomya chloropus Bergroth, 1901 are the arrangement of the wing veins and the lack of dark markings on the lateral gena and mesothoracic basisternum in the new species.
{"title":"Ornithomya palmae species nova (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) a new species of louse fly from the Canary Islands","authors":"Denise C. Wawman , Borja Milá","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101142","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101142","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A new species of louse fly in the genus <em>Ornithomya</em> Latreille, 1802 (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) <em>Ornithomya palmae</em> sp. n. is described from the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands. Unlike other species of <em>Ornithomya</em>, this species has a series of horizontal ridges running across the scutellum. Otherwise, the most obvious differences between <em>O. palmae</em> sp. n. and the most closely related species <em>Ornithomya chloropus</em> Bergroth, 1901 are the arrangement of the wing veins and the lack of dark markings on the lateral gena and mesothoracic basisternum in the new species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101142"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145320244","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-22DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101140
Sinah Lückner , Gastón Moré , Iris Marti , Caroline F. Frey , Javier E. Fernandez , Chahrazed Belhout , Walter Basso
Sarcocystis spp. (Apicomplexa: Coccidia) are obligate heteroxenous protozoa that infect a wide range of host species. Transmission follows a predator-prey cycle involving an intermediate host (IH) and a definitive host (DH). For many species, only IHs have been identified, while DHs remain unknown. DHs can be infected with multiple Sarcocystis spp. at the same time, which complicates species identification. We aimed to determine the prevalence and species diversity of Sarcocystis infections in free-ranging wolves in Switzerland using both coprological and molecular methods. A further goal was to evaluate the utility of Third-generation sequencing for resolving mixed infections. A total of 87 wolf intestinal content samples were collected between 2017 and 2023 and analyzed coproscopically by a sedimentation-flotation method. Sarcocystis oocysts/sporocysts were detected in 76 % (66/87). DNA was obtained from 57/66 positive samples and 55/57 resulted positive in a Sarcocystis 18S rRNA screening PCR. Additionally, mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene PCR and a real-time PCR targeting S. cruzi were performed. PCR products from conventional PCRs were submitted for Sanger sequencing. Monoinfections were identified in 16 % (9/55) and mixed infections in 84 % (46/55) of the samples. A subset of five samples was analyzed by Third-generation sequencing (Pacific Biosciences) of the 18S rRNA full-length and COI fragment PCR products. BLAST and phylogenetic analysis were used to validate taxonomic classification. Molecular analysis identified nine known Sarcocystis species: S. tenella, S. arieticanis, S. capreolicanis, S. linearis, S. gracilis, S. cruzi, S. capracanis, S. iberica, and S. venatoria. Newly developed pipelines for the Third-generation sequencing data provided high-resolution species-level identification in samples with mixed infections. These findings confirm the Eurasian wolf as natural DH for multiple Sarcocystis species for the first time, including S. linearis, S. iberica, and S. venatoria. Further complementary studies on prey species are needed to clarify host-parasite dynamics.
{"title":"High prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. in the Eurasian wolf (Canis lupus lupus): Third-generation sequencing resolves mixed infections","authors":"Sinah Lückner , Gastón Moré , Iris Marti , Caroline F. Frey , Javier E. Fernandez , Chahrazed Belhout , Walter Basso","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101140","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101140","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Sarcocystis</em> spp. (Apicomplexa: Coccidia) are obligate heteroxenous protozoa that infect a wide range of host species. Transmission follows a predator-prey cycle involving an intermediate host (IH) and a definitive host (DH). For many species, only IHs have been identified, while DHs remain unknown. DHs can be infected with multiple <em>Sarcocystis</em> spp. at the same time, which complicates species identification. We aimed to determine the prevalence and species diversity of <em>Sarcocystis</em> infections in free-ranging wolves in Switzerland using both coprological and molecular methods. A further goal was to evaluate the utility of Third-generation sequencing for resolving mixed infections. A total of 87 wolf intestinal content samples were collected between 2017 and 2023 and analyzed coproscopically by a sedimentation-flotation method. <em>Sarcocystis</em> oocysts/sporocysts were detected in 76 % (66/87). DNA was obtained from 57/66 positive samples and 55/57 resulted positive in a <em>Sarcocystis 18S</em> rRNA screening PCR. Additionally, mitochondrial cytochrome <em>c</em> oxidase subunit I (<em>COI</em>) gene PCR and a real-time PCR targeting <em>S. cruzi</em> were performed. PCR products from conventional PCRs were submitted for Sanger sequencing. Monoinfections were identified in 16 % (9/55) and mixed infections in 84 % (46/55) of the samples. A subset of five samples was analyzed by Third-generation sequencing (Pacific Biosciences) of the <em>18S</em> rRNA full-length and <em>COI</em> fragment PCR products. BLAST and phylogenetic analysis were used to validate taxonomic classification. Molecular analysis identified nine known <em>Sarcocystis</em> species: <em>S. tenella, S. arieticanis, S. capreolicanis, S. linearis, S. gracilis, S. cruzi, S. capracanis, S. iberica,</em> and <em>S. venatoria</em>. Newly developed pipelines for the Third-generation sequencing data provided high-resolution species-level identification in samples with mixed infections. These findings confirm the Eurasian wolf as natural DH for multiple <em>Sarcocystis</em> species for the first time, including <em>S. linearis</em>, <em>S. iberica</em>, and <em>S. venatoria</em>. Further complementary studies on prey species are needed to clarify host-parasite dynamics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101140"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145120884","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-17DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101139
Zaida Rentería-Solís , Luis Flores , Torsten Langner , Sandra Gawlowska , Thomas Grochow , Simone Fietz , Stefan Birka , Nina Król , Anna Obiegala
With exception of the Northeast, the raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis) is widespread in Germany. This zoonotic parasite can cause neurological disease in paratenic and aberrant hosts, like humans. As the name indicates, raccoons are the definitive host of B. procyonis. However, and despite the successful expansion of the raccoon population, parasite and host ranges do not always overlap. B. procyonis has been largely absent from the northeastern part of the country, notwithstanding the stable presence of raccoons in this area. In this study, faecal and intestinal samples were opportunistically collected from 166 free-ranging raccoons from 9 federal states in Germany. In 68 animals (41.0 %), B. procyonis was identified either through PCR or morphological identification of adult worms. The positive raccoons originated from 6 federal states, including for the first time animals from the northern state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The results of this study highlight the dissemination of the parasite in the north of the country, while maintaining its presence in the rest of Germany.
{"title":"The conquest of the north continues: Baylisascaris procyonis in free-ranging invasive raccoons (Procyon lotor) from Germany, including a first report in the northeastern state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania","authors":"Zaida Rentería-Solís , Luis Flores , Torsten Langner , Sandra Gawlowska , Thomas Grochow , Simone Fietz , Stefan Birka , Nina Król , Anna Obiegala","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101139","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101139","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>With exception of the Northeast, the raccoon roundworm (<em>Baylisascaris procyonis</em>) is widespread in Germany. This zoonotic parasite can cause neurological disease in paratenic and aberrant hosts, like humans. As the name indicates, raccoons are the definitive host of <em>B. procyonis</em>. However, and despite the successful expansion of the raccoon population, parasite and host ranges do not always overlap. <em>B. procyonis</em> has been largely absent from the northeastern part of the country, notwithstanding the stable presence of raccoons in this area. In this study, faecal and intestinal samples were opportunistically collected from 166 free-ranging raccoons from 9 federal states in Germany. In 68 animals (41.0 %), <em>B. procyonis</em> was identified either through PCR or morphological identification of adult worms. The positive raccoons originated from 6 federal states, including for the first time animals from the northern state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The results of this study highlight the dissemination of the parasite in the north of the country, while maintaining its presence in the rest of Germany.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101139"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145095030","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-16DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101138
Joan Martí-Carreras , Johan Espunyes , Laura Carrera-Faja , Carlotta Pasetto , Maria Magdalena Alcover Amengual , Sarah Chavez-Fisa , Marina Carrasco-Martin , Xavier Roura , Olga Francino , Lluís Ferrer
Leishmania tarentolae and Leishmania infantum are two sympatric parasites of significant ecological and epidemiological interest in the Mediterranean basin. This study investigated the PCR prevalence of L. tarentolae and L. infantum in two gecko species (Tarentola mauritanica and Hemidactylus turcicus) present on Mallorca Island, Spain, using duplex quantitative PCR. A total of 59 geckos were sampled across the island, including 53 T. mauritanica and six H. turcicus. Tissue and blood samples were screened by PCR for both parasites. The results revealed the prevalence of Leishmania infection in adult T. mauritanica, with 10/49 (20.41 %) testing PCR positive for L. tarentolae only and with 1/49 (2.04 %) for L. infantum only. Coinfection with both parasites was detected in 3/49 geckos (6.12 %). No positives were identified in H. turcicus, probably due to small sample size. Regarding PCR positivity by tissues, coleomic organs were more likely to be positive for L. tarentolae in adult T. mauritanica than blood, with a slighter PCR positivity in the liver, spleen and lung. This study provides further insight into the interaction between Leishmania and geckos in leishmaniosis-endemic areas such as Mallorca.
{"title":"Leishmania tarentolae and Leishmania infantum in geckos from Mallorca Island, Spain","authors":"Joan Martí-Carreras , Johan Espunyes , Laura Carrera-Faja , Carlotta Pasetto , Maria Magdalena Alcover Amengual , Sarah Chavez-Fisa , Marina Carrasco-Martin , Xavier Roura , Olga Francino , Lluís Ferrer","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101138","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101138","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Leishmania tarentolae</em> and <em>Leishmania infantum</em> are two sympatric parasites of significant ecological and epidemiological interest in the Mediterranean basin. This study investigated the PCR prevalence of <em>L. tarentolae</em> and <em>L. infantum</em> in two gecko species (<em>Tarentola mauritanica</em> and <em>Hemidactylus turcicus</em>) present on Mallorca Island, Spain, using duplex quantitative PCR. A total of 59 geckos were sampled across the island, including 53 <em>T. mauritanica</em> and six <em>H. turcicus</em>. Tissue and blood samples were screened by PCR for both parasites. The results revealed the prevalence of <em>Leishmania</em> infection in adult <em>T. mauritanica</em>, with 10/49 (20.41 %) testing PCR positive for <em>L. tarentolae</em> only and with 1/49 (2.04 %) for <em>L. infantum</em> only. Coinfection with both parasites was detected in 3/49 geckos (6.12 %). No positives were identified in <em>H. turcicus</em>, probably due to small sample size. Regarding PCR positivity by tissues, coleomic organs were more likely to be positive for <em>L. tarentolae</em> in adult <em>T. mauritanica</em> than blood, with a slighter PCR positivity in the liver, spleen and lung. This study provides further insight into the interaction between <em>Leishmania</em> and geckos in leishmaniosis-endemic areas such as Mallorca.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101138"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145109610","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-13DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101137
Lioba Hilsmann , Markus Krischke , Martin J. Mueller , Sarah Manzer , Ricarda Scheiner
Pollinators are essential for global agriculture and ecosystem stability, yet many populations are declining due to parasites and pathogens. Among these, the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor is one of the most critical challenges to honey bees (Apis mellifera). Conventional treatment approaches use frequent interventions to keep mite levels as low as possible, whereas other approaches aim to promote natural selection by omitting treatments. A possible compromise lies in reducing treatments while maintaining colony survival through targeted interventions. This approach may allow adaptive responses under temporary mite pressure. In this study, we compared two beekeeping strategies: 1) Conventional beekeeping practice involving regular drone brood removal during mating season, formic acid treatment in summer, and oxalic acid treatment in winter. 2) An innovative approach where drone brood is left in the colony and a summer brood interruption is induced, followed by an oxalic acid treatment. Winter treatment is only applied if Varroa pressure exceeds three naturally dropped mites per day shortly before winter treatment. We investigated Varroa infestation and its consequences for honey bee foraging behavior, homing ability, juvenile hormone III levels, pollen protein content, and honey yield. Bees from innovatively managed colonies started foraging earlier and had elevated juvenile hormone levels at young ages. Orientation ability was unaffected, but these bees performed longer foraging trips and collected pollen with higher protein content. They also stopped foraging earlier, likely reflecting a reduced lifespan due to increased Varroa pressure. Nevertheless, colony productivity did not differ between the two beekeeping approaches. Our findings suggest that reduced Varroa treatments and temporarily high mite pressure do not have negative effects on colony performance. Such approaches may offer a potential middle ground between intensive conventional management and selection-based strategies, balancing colony vitality and the possibility of fostering resistance traits through controlled exposure of parasite and host.
{"title":"Balancing Varroa management and honey bee resilience: Behavioral and physiological consequences of temporarily high mite pressure","authors":"Lioba Hilsmann , Markus Krischke , Martin J. Mueller , Sarah Manzer , Ricarda Scheiner","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101137","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101137","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pollinators are essential for global agriculture and ecosystem stability, yet many populations are declining due to parasites and pathogens. Among these, the ectoparasitic mite <em>Varroa destructor</em> is one of the most critical challenges to honey bees (<em>Apis mellifera</em>). Conventional treatment approaches use frequent interventions to keep mite levels as low as possible, whereas other approaches aim to promote natural selection by omitting treatments. A possible compromise lies in reducing treatments while maintaining colony survival through targeted interventions. This approach may allow adaptive responses under temporary mite pressure. In this study, we compared two beekeeping strategies: 1) Conventional beekeeping practice involving regular drone brood removal during mating season, formic acid treatment in summer, and oxalic acid treatment in winter. 2) An innovative approach where drone brood is left in the colony and a summer brood interruption is induced, followed by an oxalic acid treatment. Winter treatment is only applied if <em>Varroa</em> pressure exceeds three naturally dropped mites per day shortly before winter treatment. We investigated <em>Varroa</em> infestation and its consequences for honey bee foraging behavior, homing ability, juvenile hormone III levels, pollen protein content, and honey yield. Bees from innovatively managed colonies started foraging earlier and had elevated juvenile hormone levels at young ages. Orientation ability was unaffected, but these bees performed longer foraging trips and collected pollen with higher protein content. They also stopped foraging earlier, likely reflecting a reduced lifespan due to increased <em>Varroa</em> pressure. Nevertheless, colony productivity did not differ between the two beekeeping approaches. Our findings suggest that reduced <em>Varroa</em> treatments and temporarily high mite pressure do not have negative effects on colony performance. Such approaches may offer a potential middle ground between intensive conventional management and selection-based strategies, balancing colony vitality and the possibility of fostering resistance traits through controlled exposure of parasite and host.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101137"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145095031","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-11DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101136
Peihang Hong , Sijia Yu , Chao-Min Wang , Chung-Hung Lai , Toshihiro Tokiwa , Shyun Chou
Coccidia of amphibians remain poorly studied despite high host diversity, with critical gaps in integrative taxonomic documentation. This study describes Batrachospora jiunnshiowi n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae), a novel coccidian parasite infecting the Asian black-spined toad (Duttaphrynus cf. melanostictus) in Taiwan. Morphological characterization revealed sporulated oocysts (mean L × W = 15.9 × 14.1 μm; L/W ratio = 1.1; n = 50) with ellipsoidal sporocysts (10.8 × 8.0 μm; L/W = 1.35; n = 66) lacking Stieda bodies and containing unique drop-shaped sporozoites—an autapomorphy distinguishing it from congeners. Phylogenetic analyses of all datasets (18S ribosomal RNA, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, concatenated sequences) robustly placed within the subfamily Hyaloklossinae, demonstrating paraphyly relative to B. caeruleae despite morphological conformity to Batrachospora diagnostic criteria. Prevalence was 13.3 % (2/15 hosts) in the eastern lineage of D. melanostictus, representing the first molecularly characterized coccidian in this host. The integrative taxonomic approach combining morphometrics, host specificity, and multi-locus phylogenetics validates its status as a new species. The discovery underscores significant undocumented coccidian diversity in synanthropic amphibians and advocates expanded surveillance to clarify host-parasite coevolution.
{"title":"A new Batrachospora species (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) from Duttaphrynus toad in Taiwan","authors":"Peihang Hong , Sijia Yu , Chao-Min Wang , Chung-Hung Lai , Toshihiro Tokiwa , Shyun Chou","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101136","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101136","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Coccidia of amphibians remain poorly studied despite high host diversity, with critical gaps in integrative taxonomic documentation. This study describes <em>Batrachospora jiunnshiowi</em> n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae), a novel coccidian parasite infecting the Asian black-spined toad (<em>Duttaphrynus</em> cf. <em>melanostictus</em>) in Taiwan. Morphological characterization revealed sporulated oocysts (mean L × W = 15.9 × 14.1 μm; L/W ratio = 1.1; <em>n</em> = 50) with ellipsoidal sporocysts (10.8 × 8.0 μm; L/W = 1.35; <em>n</em> = 66) lacking Stieda bodies and containing unique drop-shaped sporozoites—an autapomorphy distinguishing it from congeners. Phylogenetic analyses of all datasets (18S ribosomal RNA, cytochrome <em>c</em> oxidase subunit 1, concatenated sequences) robustly placed within the subfamily Hyaloklossinae, demonstrating paraphyly relative to <em>B. caeruleae</em> despite morphological conformity to <em>Batrachospora</em> diagnostic criteria. Prevalence was 13.3 % (2/15 hosts) in the eastern lineage of <em>D. melanostictus</em>, representing the first molecularly characterized coccidian in this host. The integrative taxonomic approach combining morphometrics, host specificity, and multi-locus phylogenetics validates its status as a new species. The discovery underscores significant undocumented coccidian diversity in synanthropic amphibians and advocates expanded surveillance to clarify host-parasite coevolution.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101136"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145048846","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Toxoplasma gondii is a parasitic protozoan for which family Felidae serves as the definitive hosts. In regions where native felids are absent, introduced domestic cats (Felis catus) act as reservoirs of T. gondii, posing a threat of infection to various wildlife population. A population of feral cats has been identified on Amami-Oshima Island located in the southern part of the Japanese Archipelago, and molecular examination confirmed that the T. gondii they harbour has spread to endemic mammals. In this study, we aimed to detect T. gondii in the Amami Woodcock (Scolopax mira), a bird species endemic to Amami-Oshima Island. DNA was extracted from the brain tissue of twenty-two birds, and molecular detection of T. gondii was performed using a commercial T. gondii detection kit based on real-time polymerase chain reaction. Two birds (9.1%) tested positive. The determined nucleotide sequences were 100% identical to that of the T. gondii reference sequence. Histopathological examination and ultrastructural analyses revealed terminal colonies in the cardiomyocytes of one bird, which were immunohistochemically confirmed as T. gondii. Here, we report the first record of T. gondii infection in the Amami Woodcock. Given its endangered status, ongoing research on the prevalence and pathogenicity of T. gondii is warranted.
{"title":"Toxoplasma gondii infection in the endangered Amami Woodcock, Scolopax mira (Aves: Charadriiformes)","authors":"Ryotaro Suzuki , Toshihiro Tokiwa , Keiko Ito , Ryouta Torimoto , So Shinya , Makoto Haritani , Masami Yamamoto , Hisashi Yoshimura","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101135","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101135","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> is a parasitic protozoan for which family Felidae serves as the definitive hosts. In regions where native felids are absent, introduced domestic cats (<em>Felis catus</em>) act as reservoirs of <em>T. gondii</em>, posing a threat of infection to various wildlife population. A population of feral cats has been identified on Amami-Oshima Island located in the southern part of the Japanese Archipelago, and molecular examination confirmed that the <em>T. gondii</em> they harbour has spread to endemic mammals. In this study, we aimed to detect <em>T. gondii</em> in the Amami Woodcock (<em>Scolopax mira</em>), a bird species endemic to Amami-Oshima Island. DNA was extracted from the brain tissue of twenty-two birds, and molecular detection of <em>T</em>. <em>gondii</em> was performed using a commercial <em>T. gondii</em> detection kit based on real-time polymerase chain reaction. Two birds (9.1%) tested positive. The determined nucleotide sequences were 100% identical to that of the <em>T. gondii reference sequence</em>. Histopathological examination and ultrastructural analyses revealed terminal colonies in the cardiomyocytes of one bird, which were immunohistochemically confirmed as <em>T. gondii</em>. Here, we report the first record of <em>T. gondii</em> infection in the Amami Woodcock. Given its endangered status, ongoing research on the prevalence and pathogenicity of <em>T. gondii</em> is warranted.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101135"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145094978","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-05DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101134
Kaylee R. Kipp , Elizabeth M. Redman , Joe L. Luksovsky , Dani Claussen , Lee C. Jones , Danielle E. Buttke , Christine M. Budke , Walter E. Cook , John S. Gilleard , Guilherme G. Verocai
Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) live in complex communities within American plains bison (Bison bison), a keystone ungulate species of North American prairie ecosystems. These trichostrongylid nematode species vary in their level of pathogenicity and can cause disease ranging from subclinical to clinical. However, the GIN species diversity and distribution of North American bison are understudied, especially in conservation herds in the United States. Fecal samples from conservation bison were collected from six herds in 2022, with five of those herds resampled in 2023 across six states (Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma). Fecal samples from a herd of longhorn cattle that co-graze with a bison herd from Oklahoma were also collected in both years. Following fecal egg counts and coproculture, third-stage larvae were processed using ITS2 rDNA metabarcoding to determine the trichostrongylid species composition and screened for the 200Y (TTC > TAC) polymorphisms of the isotype-1 β-tubulin gene to assess possible benzimidazole resistance. Alpha diversity was determined for each herd using the Shannon and the inverse Simpson diversity Index. The Beta diversity was assessed between herds using the Bray-Curtis dissimilarity index. The three most common species found were Haemonchus placei, Ostertagia ostertagi, and Cooperia oncophora. The herds with the highest parasite species diversity were in Oklahoma, Iowa, and North Dakota. The herd in Colorado showed the least diverse parasite communities. Over the course of the two-year study, moderate to high GIN species diversity was observed across several of the conservation bison herds. Additionally, different parasite species proportions were determined between co-grazing bison and cattle herds. Lastly, low frequencies of the 200Y (TTC > TAC) polymorphisms, associated with benzimidazole resistance, were detected. Our study reveals differences in species diversity and richness among conservation bison herds across the United States and provides the first evidence of benzimidazole resistance markers in wild bison in North America.
{"title":"Nemabiome metabarcoding of wild conservation bison herds and co-grazing cattle reveals different species compositions and low-level benzimidazole resistance","authors":"Kaylee R. Kipp , Elizabeth M. Redman , Joe L. Luksovsky , Dani Claussen , Lee C. Jones , Danielle E. Buttke , Christine M. Budke , Walter E. Cook , John S. Gilleard , Guilherme G. Verocai","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101134","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101134","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) live in complex communities within American plains bison (<em>Bison bison</em>), a keystone ungulate species of North American prairie ecosystems. These trichostrongylid nematode species vary in their level of pathogenicity and can cause disease ranging from subclinical to clinical. However, the GIN species diversity and distribution of North American bison are understudied, especially in conservation herds in the United States. Fecal samples from conservation bison were collected from six herds in 2022, with five of those herds resampled in 2023 across six states (Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma). Fecal samples from a herd of longhorn cattle that co-graze with a bison herd from Oklahoma were also collected in both years. Following fecal egg counts and coproculture, third-stage larvae were processed using ITS2 rDNA metabarcoding to determine the trichostrongylid species composition and screened for the 200Y (TTC > T<u>A</u>C) polymorphisms of the isotype-1 β-tubulin gene to assess possible benzimidazole resistance. Alpha diversity was determined for each herd using the Shannon and the inverse Simpson diversity Index. The Beta diversity was assessed between herds using the Bray-Curtis dissimilarity index. The three most common species found were <em>Haemonchus placei</em>, <em>Ostertagia ostertagi</em>, and <em>Cooperia oncophora</em>. The herds with the highest parasite species diversity were in Oklahoma, Iowa, and North Dakota. The herd in Colorado showed the least diverse parasite communities. Over the course of the two-year study, moderate to high GIN species diversity was observed across several of the conservation bison herds. Additionally, different parasite species proportions were determined between co-grazing bison and cattle herds. Lastly, low frequencies of the 200Y (TTC > T<u>A</u>C) polymorphisms, associated with benzimidazole resistance, were detected. Our study reveals differences in species diversity and richness among conservation bison herds across the United States and provides the first evidence of benzimidazole resistance markers in wild bison in North America.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101134"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145018878","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-05DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101133
Inge A. Adams , Natasha Roussouw , Cecile Reed , Gin Swen Ham , Stephanie Plön
Although investigations of stranded and bycaught cetaceans have been conducted since the 1970s, little is known about parasites infecting the 25 species found in the South African subregion. For this study, we retrospectively identified parasites from eight bycaught and stranded odontocete species along the south-eastern coast of South Africa between 1970 and 2015 to produce a list of parasite species affecting southern African odontocetes and examine patterns of infection in host species with regards to age, sex, time intervals and collection method. Parasites were identified in 192 out of the 2599 individuals examined. Previously unreported parasite species were found for several southern African odontocete species, underscoring the importance of museum collections for biological research. Offshore and stranded odontocetes generally had a higher prevalence of parasites, although there were a few exceptions. Binomial logistic regression models showed significantly higher probability of parasitic presence (p < 0.05) in stranded Delphinus delphis than bycaught individuals, and significantly lower probability of parasitic presence (p < 0.05) in neonates and calves of stranded Tursiops aduncus and Stenella coeruleoalba than adult animals. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was detected between the sexes of all odontocete species investigated (p > 0.05). Parasitic prevalence was highest during the most recent years (2000–2015) for half of the odontocete species investigated, in agreement with the models. Accurate morphological identification of parasites affecting marine mammals is essential for comprehending disease epidemiology, assessing the health of cetacean populations, and developing effective conservation and management strategies.
{"title":"Long-term host parasite dynamics in eight odontocete species from south-eastern South Africa","authors":"Inge A. Adams , Natasha Roussouw , Cecile Reed , Gin Swen Ham , Stephanie Plön","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101133","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101133","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Although investigations of stranded and bycaught cetaceans have been conducted since the 1970s, little is known about parasites infecting the 25 species found in the South African subregion. For this study, we retrospectively identified parasites from eight bycaught and stranded odontocete species along the south-eastern coast of South Africa between 1970 and 2015 to produce a list of parasite species affecting southern African odontocetes and examine patterns of infection in host species with regards to age, sex, time intervals and collection method. Parasites were identified in 192 out of the 2599 individuals examined. Previously unreported parasite species were found for several southern African odontocete species, underscoring the importance of museum collections for biological research. Offshore and stranded odontocetes generally had a higher prevalence of parasites, although there were a few exceptions. Binomial logistic regression models showed significantly higher probability of parasitic presence (<em>p</em> < 0.05) in stranded <em>Delphinus delphis</em> than bycaught individuals, and significantly lower probability of parasitic presence (<em>p</em> < 0.05) in neonates and calves of stranded <em>Tursiops aduncus</em> and <em>Stenella coeruleoalba</em> than adult animals. No significant difference (<em>p</em> > 0.05) was detected between the sexes of all odontocete species investigated (<em>p</em> > 0.05). Parasitic prevalence was highest during the most recent years (2000–2015) for half of the odontocete species investigated, in agreement with the models. Accurate morphological identification of parasites affecting marine mammals is essential for comprehending disease epidemiology, assessing the health of cetacean populations, and developing effective conservation and management strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101133"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145095029","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-02DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101132
Itainara Taili , Jongseung Kim , Sungryong Kim , Dong-Hyuk Jeong , Ki-Jeong Na
Hepatozoon canis is a tick-borne apicomplexan parasite that primarily infects domestic and wild canids. While its presence has been documented globally, previous studies have reported its absence in raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in Europe, and its status in Asian populations remains unclear. This study presents the first molecular detection of H. canis in raccoon dogs in South Korea. Between 2021 and 2023, blood samples from 275 raccoon dogs admitted to 9 wildlife centers were analyzed using PCR targeting a partial sequence of the 18S rRNA gene. Overall, 21.5 % of samples tested positive, with the highest prevalence observed in the southern region (38.2 %) and the lowest in the north (8.8 %) in South Korea. Sequencing of amplicons revealed high similarity to H. canis found in a Japanese hard tick (Ixodes nipponensis) also from South Korea. Remarkably, the infection rate in raccoon dogs was significantly higher than previously reported in Korean domestic dogs (0.2–0.9 %) and ticks (0.09 %), indicating raccoon dogs may function as key sylvatic reservoirs. These findings suggest the possibility of alternative transmission pathways including predation or vertical transmission. Given the expanding raccoon dog population and thus increasing contact with domestic animals and shared habitats, their role in the ecology of H. canis and other tick-borne pathogens merits attention. This study underscores the importance of wildlife disease surveillance within the One Health framework and highlights the need for further research into host–vector dynamics and potential spillover risks at the wildlife–domestic animal interface.
{"title":"First description of Hepatozoon canis in raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides)","authors":"Itainara Taili , Jongseung Kim , Sungryong Kim , Dong-Hyuk Jeong , Ki-Jeong Na","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101132","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101132","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Hepatozoon canis</em> is a tick-borne apicomplexan parasite that primarily infects domestic and wild canids. While its presence has been documented globally, previous studies have reported its absence in raccoon dogs (<em>Nyctereutes procyonoides</em>) in Europe, and its status in Asian populations remains unclear. This study presents the first molecular detection of <em>H. canis</em> in raccoon dogs in South Korea. Between 2021 and 2023, blood samples from 275 raccoon dogs admitted to 9 wildlife centers were analyzed using PCR targeting a partial sequence of the 18S rRNA gene. Overall, 21.5 % of samples tested positive, with the highest prevalence observed in the southern region (38.2 %) and the lowest in the north (8.8 %) in South Korea. Sequencing of amplicons revealed high similarity to <em>H. canis</em> found in a Japanese hard tick (<em>Ixodes nipponensis</em>) also from South Korea. Remarkably, the infection rate in raccoon dogs was significantly higher than previously reported in Korean domestic dogs (0.2–0.9 %) and ticks (0.09 %), indicating raccoon dogs may function as key sylvatic reservoirs. These findings suggest the possibility of alternative transmission pathways including predation or vertical transmission. Given the expanding raccoon dog population and thus increasing contact with domestic animals and shared habitats, their role in the ecology of <em>H. canis</em> and other tick-borne pathogens merits attention. This study underscores the importance of wildlife disease surveillance within the One Health framework and highlights the need for further research into host–vector dynamics and potential spillover risks at the wildlife–domestic animal interface.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101132"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144996363","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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