Pub Date : 2025-12-06DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101174
Devinn M. Sinnott , Melissa A. Miller , Elizabeth VanWormer , Francesca Batac , Katherine Greenwald , Colleen Young , Pádraig J. Duignan , Margaret E. Martinez , Cara L. Field , Michael D. Harris , Heather Harris , Mary E. Gomes , Michael J. Murray , Karen Shapiro
The protozoal parasites Sarcocystis neurona and Toxoplasma gondii are important causes of mortality for threatened southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) in California. Sarcocystis neurona causes more sea otter deaths than T. gondii and has caused two mortality events, yet S. neurona is comparatively understudied. Little is known about the role of parasite genotype on the outcome of infection (fatal versus non-fatal) for S. neurona-infected sea otters. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of parasite genotype in addition to host and environmental factors (animal age, sex, location, and season of stranding) on disease outcome in S. neurona-infected sea otters. A multilocus sequence typing (MLST) approach was used to characterize the S. neurona genotype in fatal (n = 92) and non-fatal (n = 33) sea otter infections. In the northern study region, the IIg/j genotype was more likely to result in fatal infections. In the southern study region, the Ia and Ib/c/d/gg genotypes were the dominant genotypes implicated in fatal infections and were responsible for mortality events that occurred in 2004 (Ib/c/d/gg) and 2021 (Ia). Subadult sea otters were more likely to die from S. neurona than adults. Stranding during the California wet season during peak rainfall events that facilitate land-to-sea flow of infective sporocysts may also play a role in fatal infection outcomes. These findings suggest that parasite genotype, as well as certain host and environmental factors, all contribute to disease outcome following S. neurona infection in southern sea otters.
{"title":"Parasite genotype is a risk factor for Sarcocystis neurona-associated mortality in southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis)","authors":"Devinn M. Sinnott , Melissa A. Miller , Elizabeth VanWormer , Francesca Batac , Katherine Greenwald , Colleen Young , Pádraig J. Duignan , Margaret E. Martinez , Cara L. Field , Michael D. Harris , Heather Harris , Mary E. Gomes , Michael J. Murray , Karen Shapiro","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101174","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101174","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The protozoal parasites <em>Sarcocystis neurona</em> and <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> are important causes of mortality for threatened southern sea otters (<em>Enhydra lutris nereis</em>) in California. <em>Sarcocystis neurona</em> causes more sea otter deaths than <em>T. gondii</em> and has caused two mortality events, yet <em>S. neurona</em> is comparatively understudied. Little is known about the role of parasite genotype on the outcome of infection (fatal versus non-fatal) for <em>S. neurona</em>-infected sea otters. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of parasite genotype in addition to host and environmental factors (animal age, sex, location, and season of stranding) on disease outcome in <em>S. neurona</em>-infected sea otters. A multilocus sequence typing (MLST) approach was used to characterize the <em>S. neurona</em> genotype in fatal (n = 92) and non-fatal (n = 33) sea otter infections. In the northern study region, the IIg/j genotype was more likely to result in fatal infections. In the southern study region, the Ia and Ib/c/d/gg genotypes were the dominant genotypes implicated in fatal infections and were responsible for mortality events that occurred in 2004 (Ib/c/d/gg) and 2021 (Ia). Subadult sea otters were more likely to die from <em>S. neurona</em> than adults. Stranding during the California wet season during peak rainfall events that facilitate land-to-sea flow of infective sporocysts may also play a role in fatal infection outcomes. These findings suggest that parasite genotype, as well as certain host and environmental factors, all contribute to disease outcome following <em>S. neurona</em> infection in southern sea otters.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 101174"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145697907","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 : 2025-12-03DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101173
Hamidreza Hadipour Kelidsar, Mohammad Haseli
Adult nematodes of the genus Echinocephalus were recovered from the intestines of two batoid species—Pastinachus sephen, collected from both the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, and Urogymnus asperrimus, collected from the Persian Gulf. Detailed morphological analyses were conducted using light and scanning electron microscopy. Based on the number, arrangement, and size of caudal papillae, along with other morphological and quantitative traits, the specimens were clearly distinguishable from previously described congeners. Consequently, Echinocephalus persicus n. sp. is formally described and added to the genus. With this addition, the total number of valid Echinocephalus species rises to 13, four of which are known from the Indian Ocean, restricted to the coastal waters of India, Sri Lanka, and Iran. Notably, Urogymnus asperrimus hosts four of the four known Echinocephalus species from the Indian Ocean—including three from Sri Lankan waters and one from southern Iran—suggesting that this batoid may represent a species complex and thus warrants further taxonomic reassessment. In addition, the external anatomy of the amphid was discussed across the genus. Observations of fixed specimens of E. persicus n. sp. indicate that intraindividual comparisons of cervical sac length should be made with caution due to potential variability among the four sacs.
{"title":"Echinocephalus persicus n. sp. (Nematoda: Spirurida: Gnathostomatidae) from Two Batoid Hosts, Pastinachus sephen and Urogymnus asperrimus, off Southern Iran","authors":"Hamidreza Hadipour Kelidsar, Mohammad Haseli","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101173","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101173","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Adult nematodes of the genus <em>Echinocephalus</em> were recovered from the intestines of two batoid species—<em>Pastinachus sephen</em>, collected from both the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, and <em>Urogymnus asperrimus</em>, collected from the Persian Gulf. Detailed morphological analyses were conducted using light and scanning electron microscopy. Based on the number, arrangement, and size of caudal papillae, along with other morphological and quantitative traits, the specimens were clearly distinguishable from previously described congeners. Consequently, <em>Echinocephalus persicus</em> n. sp. is formally described and added to the genus. With this addition, the total number of valid <em>Echinocephalus</em> species rises to 13, four of which are known from the Indian Ocean, restricted to the coastal waters of India, Sri Lanka, and Iran. Notably, <em>Urogymnus asperrimus</em> hosts four of the four known <em>Echinocephalus</em> species from the Indian Ocean—including three from Sri Lankan waters and one from southern Iran—suggesting that this batoid may represent a species complex and thus warrants further taxonomic reassessment. In addition, the external anatomy of the amphid was discussed across the genus. Observations of fixed specimens of <em>E</em>. <em>persicus</em> n. sp. indicate that intraindividual comparisons of cervical sac length should be made with caution due to potential variability among the four sacs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article 101173"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145747574","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 : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101165
Attila J. Trájer , Alex Kummer
Glossina pallidipes, a major vector of African trypanosomiasis, plays a notable role in disease transmission across eastern and southern Africa due to its broad host range, ecological adaptability, and vectorial capacity. This study combined machine learning using 69 environmental, climatic, edaphic, and developmental variables and genetic analysis to delineate the environmental and phylogenetic structuring of G. pallidipes populations. Kernel density estimation revealed three primary hotspots in the Ethiopian and East African Highlands and the Northern Zimbabwe Lowveld, with a secondary focus along the Maasai Steppe. Most occurrences were associated with tropical savanna climates and sparsely populated natural and semi-natural landscapes. Ensemble modelling using five algorithms identified temperature seasonality, precipitation of the coldest quarter, and diurnal temperature range as the strongest predictors of occurrence, highlighting the dominant influence of thermal variability over precipitation metrics. Among developmental factors, larviposition and mortality rates during the dry quarter were most influential, reflecting the role of humidity in reproductive success. K-means Clustering revealed three ecologically distinct groups following an east–west gradient, shaped by elevation, aridity, and thermal variability. Decision tree analysis identified the Köppen Aridity Index and elevation as key discriminators among clusters. Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial COI sequences demonstrated clear geographic structuring, with a divergent Ethiopian lineage and high connectivity between Kenyan and Tanzanian populations. Frequent co-occurrence with the African buffalo and the common warthog further supports ecological continuity across savanna mosaics. These results reveal that G. pallidipes populations are primarily structured by climatic gradients and regional connectivity, informing targeted, region-specific vector control strategies.
{"title":"Ecological zonation and phylogeographic structure of Glossina pallidipes (Diptera: Glossinidae) in eastern and southern Africa","authors":"Attila J. Trájer , Alex Kummer","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101165","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101165","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Glossina pallidipes</em>, a major vector of African trypanosomiasis, plays a notable role in disease transmission across eastern and southern Africa due to its broad host range, ecological adaptability, and vectorial capacity. This study combined machine learning using 69 environmental, climatic, edaphic, and developmental variables and genetic analysis to delineate the environmental and phylogenetic structuring of <em>G. pallidipes</em> populations. Kernel density estimation revealed three primary hotspots in the Ethiopian and East African Highlands and the Northern Zimbabwe Lowveld, with a secondary focus along the Maasai Steppe. Most occurrences were associated with tropical savanna climates and sparsely populated natural and semi-natural landscapes. Ensemble modelling using five algorithms identified temperature seasonality, precipitation of the coldest quarter, and diurnal temperature range as the strongest predictors of occurrence, highlighting the dominant influence of thermal variability over precipitation metrics. Among developmental factors, larviposition and mortality rates during the dry quarter were most influential, reflecting the role of humidity in reproductive success. K-means Clustering revealed three ecologically distinct groups following an east–west gradient, shaped by elevation, aridity, and thermal variability. Decision tree analysis identified the Köppen Aridity Index and elevation as key discriminators among clusters. Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial COI sequences demonstrated clear geographic structuring, with a divergent Ethiopian lineage and high connectivity between Kenyan and Tanzanian populations. Frequent co-occurrence with the African buffalo and the common warthog further supports ecological continuity across savanna mosaics. These results reveal that <em>G. pallidipes</em> populations are primarily structured by climatic gradients and regional connectivity, informing targeted, region-specific vector control strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101165"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145617138","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 : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101141
Salvatore Andrea Cafiero , Lucia Cenni , Chiara Rossi , Emily Louise Pascoe , Federica Obber , Graziana Da Rold , Carlo Vittorio Citterio , Adriano Casulli , Heidi Christine Hauffe , Alessandro Massolo
{"title":"Corrigendum to “Chasing intermediate hosts of Echinococcus multilocularis at the southern edge of its European distribution using red fox stomach content analysis” [Int. J. Parasitol. Parasite. Wildlife 27 (2025) 101095]","authors":"Salvatore Andrea Cafiero , Lucia Cenni , Chiara Rossi , Emily Louise Pascoe , Federica Obber , Graziana Da Rold , Carlo Vittorio Citterio , Adriano Casulli , Heidi Christine Hauffe , Alessandro Massolo","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101141","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101141","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101141"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145736699","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 : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101170
Gastón Moré , Pia Cigler , Pierre Bize , Andrew Hemphill , Saskia A. Keller , Caroline F. Frey , Walter Basso
Hippoboscidae diptera or louse flies are widely distributed blood-feeding ectoparasites that can transmit blood parasites to their host. Four species are recognized within the Crataerina genus, which are parasites of the bird orders Apodiformes and Passeriformes. Alpine swifts (Tachymarptis melba) are frequently parasitized by Crataerina louse flies during the nesting season. In Switzerland, an increase in Alpine swift nestling mortality has been associated with a Trypanosoma sp. infection. In this study, fixed and native specimens of Craterina louse-flies collected from Swiss Alpine swifts were analysed to reveal the species identity based on morphotypes and PCR-sequencing, and examined for the presence of Trypanosoma sp. using microscopy and PCR. Morphologically, all specimens belonged to the genus Crataerina. Based on wing types, both C. melbae and C. acutipennis, as well as mixed morphotypes, were recorded. Sequencing based on the cytochrome-oxidase 1 (COI) gene of 24 flies confirmed the presence of previously defined haplotypes of C. melbae and suggest that the morphotypes C. melbae and C. acutipennis likely constitute a single species. One louse-fly specimen was processed by scanning electron microscopy and elongated organisms resembling trypanosomes were observed on the ventral abdominal surface. Dissected intestines and abdominal surface swabs resulted positive by Trypanosoma sp. PCR. Microscopy of native specimens evidenced motile and actively multiplying trypanosomes in the midgut and rectum. All Trypanosoma sp. sequences from louse flies were identical to those obtained from tissues of infected Alpine swifts. This study suggests that C. melbae is a single species infecting Alpine swifts, regardless of the wing morphotype or sequence type, and that C. melbae acts as a competent vector for Trypanosoma sp. associated with nestling mortality. Further studies should be focused on environmentally sustainable ways to control C. melbae, with the goal to minimize transmission and the impact of trypanosomiasis in Alpine swift populations.
{"title":"Crataerina melbae louse flies are competent vectors of Trypanosoma sp. associated with nestling mortality in Alpine swifts (Tachymarptis melba)","authors":"Gastón Moré , Pia Cigler , Pierre Bize , Andrew Hemphill , Saskia A. Keller , Caroline F. Frey , Walter Basso","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101170","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101170","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hippoboscidae diptera or louse flies are widely distributed blood-feeding ectoparasites that can transmit blood parasites to their host. Four species are recognized within the <em>Crataerina</em> genus, which are parasites of the bird orders Apodiformes and Passeriformes. Alpine swifts (<em>Tachymarptis melba</em>) are frequently parasitized by <em>Crataerina</em> louse flies during the nesting season. In Switzerland, an increase in Alpine swift nestling mortality has been associated with a <em>Trypanosoma</em> sp. infection. In this study, fixed and native specimens of <em>Craterina</em> louse-flies collected from Swiss Alpine swifts were analysed to reveal the species identity based on morphotypes and PCR-sequencing, and examined for the presence of <em>Trypanosoma</em> sp. using microscopy and PCR. Morphologically, all specimens belonged to the genus <em>Crataerina</em>. Based on wing types, both <em>C. melbae</em> and <em>C. acutipennis,</em> as well as mixed morphotypes, were recorded. Sequencing based on the cytochrome-oxidase 1 (<em>COI</em>) gene of 24 flies confirmed the presence of previously defined haplotypes of <em>C. melbae</em> and suggest that the morphotypes <em>C. melbae</em> and <em>C. acutipennis</em> likely constitute a single species. One louse-fly specimen was processed by scanning electron microscopy and elongated organisms resembling trypanosomes were observed on the ventral abdominal surface. Dissected intestines and abdominal surface swabs resulted positive by <em>Trypanosoma</em> sp. PCR. Microscopy of native specimens evidenced motile and actively multiplying trypanosomes in the midgut and rectum. All <em>Trypanosoma</em> sp. sequences from louse flies were identical to those obtained from tissues of infected Alpine swifts. This study suggests that <em>C. melbae</em> is a single species infecting Alpine swifts, regardless of the wing morphotype or sequence type, and that <em>C. melbae</em> acts as a competent vector for <em>Trypanosoma</em> sp. associated with nestling mortality. Further studies should be focused on environmentally sustainable ways to control <em>C. melbae</em>, with the goal to minimize transmission and the impact of trypanosomiasis in Alpine swift populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101170"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145617139","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 : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101154
Bernard J. Jordaan , Alessandro Alvaro , Giulia Cattaneo , Monique Barnard , Sara Epis , Edward C. Netherlands
Parasites of the genus Leishmania (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) are the etiological agents of leishmaniases, neglected tropical diseases that affect both humans and animals worldwide, ranking second only to malaria in terms of parasite-related human fatalities. In southern Africa, few cases have been reported, and data on the epidemiology and etiology of leishmaniases remain scarce. Moreover, almost nothing is known about the circulation of reptile-infecting Leishmania parasites of the subgenus Sauroleishmania in the region. These parasites are generally regarded as non-pathogenic to mammals, and one species, Leishmania (Sauroleishmania) tarentolae, is reported to elicit a protective immune response against pathogenic Leishmania species in mammals upon exposure. Nevertheless, Leishmania (Sauroleishmania) adleri is known to have caused infections in rodents and humans. Another significant knowledge gap in southern Africa concerns sand flies, vectors of Leishmania parasites, recorded only from occasional, small-scale surveys conducted primarily in South Africa. In the present study, to address this gap, sand flies and Bibron's thick-toed geckos (Chondrodactylus bibronii) were sampled and investigated within Bankfontein in the Free State province. We provide the first report of sand flies in the Free State, and, for the first time in South Africa, we molecularly characterized a species of Sauroleishmania with the supplementary description of Leishmania (Sauroleishmania) zuckermani, which has not been reported since its original description in 2001. The present study found an apparently low prevalence of the parasite, with two infected individuals of 40 geckoes screened over a three-year timeframe. One infected host was captively monitored and remained infected with the parasite for at least 415 days. Phylogenetic analysis recovered L. (S.) zuckermani as the sister clade of L. (S.) adleri. These findings highlight the need for further investigations into the diversity, distribution, and potential zoonotic risk of Sauroleishmania in southern Africa, alongside the need for more comprehensive sand flies' surveys.
{"title":"Unveiling Sauroleishmania in southern Africa: An investigation and supplementary description of Leishmania (Sauroleishmania) zuckermani from the gecko host Chondrodactylus bibronii","authors":"Bernard J. Jordaan , Alessandro Alvaro , Giulia Cattaneo , Monique Barnard , Sara Epis , Edward C. Netherlands","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101154","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101154","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Parasites of the genus <em>Leishmania</em> (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) are the etiological agents of leishmaniases, neglected tropical diseases that affect both humans and animals worldwide, ranking second only to malaria in terms of parasite-related human fatalities. In southern Africa, few cases have been reported, and data on the epidemiology and etiology of leishmaniases remain scarce. Moreover, almost nothing is known about the circulation of reptile-infecting <em>Leishmania</em> parasites of the subgenus <em>Sauroleishmania</em> in the region. These parasites are generally regarded as non-pathogenic to mammals, and one species, <em>Leishmania</em> (<em>Sauroleishmania</em>) <em>tarentolae</em>, is reported to elicit a protective immune response against pathogenic <em>Leishmania</em> species in mammals upon exposure. Nevertheless, <em>Leishmania</em> (<em>Sauroleishmania</em>) <em>adleri</em> is known to have caused infections in rodents and humans. Another significant knowledge gap in southern Africa concerns sand flies, vectors of <em>Leishmania</em> parasites, recorded only from occasional, small-scale surveys conducted primarily in South Africa. In the present study, to address this gap, sand flies and Bibron's thick-toed geckos (C<em>hondrodactylus bibronii</em>) were sampled and investigated within Bankfontein in the Free State province. We provide the first report of sand flies in the Free State, and, for the first time in South Africa, we molecularly characterized a species of <em>Sauroleishmania</em> with the supplementary description of <em>Leishmania</em> (<em>Sauroleishmania</em>) <em>zuckermani,</em> which has not been reported since its original description in 2001. The present study found an apparently low prevalence of the parasite, with two infected individuals of 40 geckoes screened over a three-year timeframe. One infected host was captively monitored and remained infected with the parasite for at least 415 days. Phylogenetic analysis recovered <em>L.</em> (<em>S.</em>) <em>zuckermani</em> as the sister clade of <em>L.</em> (<em>S.</em>) <em>adleri</em>. These findings highlight the need for further investigations into the diversity, distribution, and potential zoonotic risk of <em>Sauroleishmania</em> in southern Africa, alongside the need for more comprehensive sand flies' surveys.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101154"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145617137","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 : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101166
Russell Q-Y. Yong , Olena Kudlai , Anja Vermaak , Nico J. Smit
Novel records of marine fish-infecting blood flukes (Aporocotylidae Odhner, 1912) were obtained from several locations across the South African coastline. These constitute the first records of aporocotylid flukes from the region. A new genus, Paraskoulekia, is proposed for two new species of aporocotylids found in the hearts of Hottentot seabream, Pachymetopon blochii (Valenciennes) and bronze seabream, Pachymetopon grande Günther (Sparidae). The two species show close morphological affinities to the sparid-infecting genus Skoulekia Alama-Bermejo, Montero, Raga & Holzer, 2011 and are phylogenetically sister to species of that genus, but are genetically distant from them and differ in key aspects of morphology, namely in having a medially-positioned ovary, the uterine coils not lateral or anterior to the ovary and the cirrus-sac being posterior or at least lateral to the rest of the genitalia. Cardicola mediterraneus Palacios-Abella, Montero, Merella, Mele, Raga & Repullés-Albelda, 2021 is reported from the heart of zebra seabream, Diplodus hottentotus (Smith) (Sparidae), and Skoulekia meningialis Alama-Bermejo, Montero, Raga & Holzer, 2011 from the eyes of musselcracker seabream, Sparodon durbanensis (Castelnau) (Sparidae), marking the first time these species have been reported outside the western Mediterranean Sea. In addition, a species of Deontacylix Linton, 1910) is recorded from blue seachub, Kyphosus cinerascens (Forsskål) (Kyphosidae) and is contextualised within the global understanding of species of that genus.
{"title":"Fish blood flukes (digenea: Aporocotylidae) from marine fishes of South Africa, including proposal of a new genus","authors":"Russell Q-Y. Yong , Olena Kudlai , Anja Vermaak , Nico J. Smit","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101166","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101166","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Novel records of marine fish-infecting blood flukes (Aporocotylidae Odhner, 1912) were obtained from several locations across the South African coastline. These constitute the first records of aporocotylid flukes from the region. A new genus, <em>Paraskoulekia</em>, is proposed for two new species of aporocotylids found in the hearts of Hottentot seabream, <em>Pachymetopon blochii</em> (Valenciennes) and bronze seabream, <em>Pachymetopon grande</em> Günther (Sparidae). The two species show close morphological affinities to the sparid-infecting genus <em>Skoulekia</em> Alama-Bermejo, Montero, Raga & Holzer, 2011 and are phylogenetically sister to species of that genus, but are genetically distant from them and differ in key aspects of morphology, namely in having a medially-positioned ovary, the uterine coils not lateral or anterior to the ovary and the cirrus-sac being posterior or at least lateral to the rest of the genitalia. <em>Cardicola mediterraneus</em> Palacios-Abella, Montero, Merella, Mele, Raga & Repullés-Albelda, 2021 is reported from the heart of zebra seabream, <em>Diplodus hottentotus</em> (Smith) (Sparidae), and <em>Skoulekia meningialis</em> Alama-Bermejo, Montero, Raga & Holzer, 2011 from the eyes of musselcracker seabream, <em>Sparodon durbanensis</em> (Castelnau) (Sparidae), marking the first time these species have been reported outside the western Mediterranean Sea. In addition, a species of <em>Deontacylix</em> Linton, 1910) is recorded from blue seachub, <em>Kyphosus cinerascens</em> (Forsskål) (Kyphosidae) and is contextualised within the global understanding of species of that genus.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101166"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145684225","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 : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101172
Renata Fernandes-Santos , Jessica Whinfield , Mariel Fulham , Gilad Bino , Tahneal Hawke , Rebecca Vaughan-Higgins , Larry Vogelnest , Kristin S. Warren , Michelle Power
The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is a unique monotreme endemic to eastern Australia, yet little is known about the prevalence and impact of protozoan infections in wild populations. This study investigated the occurrence of protozoan parasites and associated health parameters in wild platypuses from New South Wales (NSW), Australia, with a focus on seasonal variation and demographic risk factors. A total of 90 sampling events (79 individuals and 11 recaptures) yielded 72 blood and 81 faecal samples for parasitological screening through targeted molecular techniques. Theileria ornithorhynchi was detected in 100 % of blood samples (95 % CI: 95.01–100), confirming its widespread distribution and high prevalence in NSW platypuses. Trypanosoma spp. were identified in 40.3 % of blood samples (95 % CI: 28.88–52.50), and sequencing confirmed the presence of Trypanosoma binneyi, reported here for the first time in NSW. Toxoplasma gondii was detected in one sub-adult male (1.39 %, 95 % CI: 0.04–7.50). No blood samples tested positive for Plasmodium spp. (0 %, 95 % CI: 0–4.99). In addition, all faecal samples tested negative for Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia sp. (0 %, 95 % CI: 0–4.45). Boosted Regression Tree (BRT) analysis identified season as the primary risk factor for Tr. binneyi infection (RI 89.5 %), with higher prevalence in summer. Males were also at increased risk (RI 10.5 %), while age class and location (river catchment) had no measurable influence. Season also significantly affected physiological parameters, including tail volume index (TVI) and packed cell volume (PCV). These findings expand the known distribution of protozoan parasites and provide new insights into the seasonal dynamics of parasitic infections in wild platypuses. This study contributes to the understanding of platypus health ecology and highlights the importance of long-term, seasonally informed monitoring programs.
{"title":"Targeted molecular screening for protozoan parasites in wild platypuses (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) and associated risk factors for infection","authors":"Renata Fernandes-Santos , Jessica Whinfield , Mariel Fulham , Gilad Bino , Tahneal Hawke , Rebecca Vaughan-Higgins , Larry Vogelnest , Kristin S. Warren , Michelle Power","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101172","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101172","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The platypus (<em>Ornithorhynchus anatinus</em>) is a unique monotreme endemic to eastern Australia, yet little is known about the prevalence and impact of protozoan infections in wild populations. This study investigated the occurrence of protozoan parasites and associated health parameters in wild platypuses from New South Wales (NSW), Australia, with a focus on seasonal variation and demographic risk factors. A total of 90 sampling events (79 individuals and 11 recaptures) yielded 72 blood and 81 faecal samples for parasitological screening through targeted molecular techniques. <em>Theileria ornithorhynchi</em> was detected in 100 % of blood samples (95 % CI: 95.01–100), confirming its widespread distribution and high prevalence in NSW platypuses. <em>Trypanosoma</em> spp. were identified in 40.3 % of blood samples (95 % CI: 28.88–52.50), and sequencing confirmed the presence of <em>Trypanosoma binneyi</em>, reported here for the first time in NSW. <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> was detected in one sub-adult male (1.39 %, 95 % CI: 0.04–7.50). No blood samples tested positive for <em>Plasmodium</em> spp. (0 %, 95 % CI: 0–4.99). In addition, all faecal samples tested negative for <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. and <em>Giardia</em> sp. (0 %, 95 % CI: 0–4.45). Boosted Regression Tree (BRT) analysis identified season as the primary risk factor for <em>Tr. binneyi</em> infection (RI 89.5 %), with higher prevalence in summer. Males were also at increased risk (RI 10.5 %), while age class and location (river catchment) had no measurable influence. Season also significantly affected physiological parameters, including tail volume index (TVI) and packed cell volume (PCV). These findings expand the known distribution of protozoan parasites and provide new insights into the seasonal dynamics of parasitic infections in wild platypuses. This study contributes to the understanding of platypus health ecology and highlights the importance of long-term, seasonally informed monitoring programs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101172"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145684227","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 : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101160
Shokoofeh Shamsi, Diane P. Barton
There is growing recognition that excluding parasites from ecological and behavioural studies is a significant oversight, given their crucial roles in host health, energy allocation, and ecosystem function. Yet, the parasitic fauna of the great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), a globally distributed apex predator, remains poorly understood. This review consolidates current knowledge of parasites infecting the great white shark and explores their potential ecological and physiological impacts. A synthesis of published literature and selected museum records revealed 116 parasite records, predominantly cestodes and copepods, with almost all studies being taxonomic in focus. Cestodes, known for their high reproductive output and metabolic demands, may influence growth, reproduction, and energy allocation, in their host, including great white sharks. Additionally, given that great white sharks acquire cestodes via prey infected with larval or infectious stages, parasite-induced changes in prey behaviour or vulnerability could bias dietary studies, an aspect largely overlooked in great white shark trophic ecology. Copepods, another frequently reported group, are known to cause tissue damage, respiratory inefficiency, and erratic swimming in fish, often requiring veterinary intervention in aquaculture. In sharks, behaviours such as breaching and tail-slapping have been speculatively linked to parasite removal, yet these assumptions overlook copepod biology and attachment mechanisms. Unsubstantiated interpretations risk perpetuating misconceptions and may hinder integration of parasitology into shark conservation strategies. This review also highlights critical knowledge gaps. For instance, several prey species consumed by great white sharks are known intermediate hosts of Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite capable of altering host behaviour and transmitting between intermediate hosts. Although unprovoked aggression has occasionally been reported in sharks, there are currently no data on the presence or potential effects of T. gondii in these apex predators as a potential intermediate/paratenic host. Clarifying such potential associations, alongside neglected areas such as embryonic infections (e.g., trebiid copepods), remains an important direction for future research. By identifying these critical knowledge gaps, we advocate for the integration of parasitological research into ecological and conservation frameworks to better understand apex predator health and ensure marine biodiversity protection.
{"title":"How much do we know about the parasites of great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) and why they matter?","authors":"Shokoofeh Shamsi, Diane P. Barton","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101160","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101160","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>There is growing recognition that excluding parasites from ecological and behavioural studies is a significant oversight, given their crucial roles in host health, energy allocation, and ecosystem function. Yet, the parasitic fauna of the great white shark (<em>Carcharodon carcharias</em>), a globally distributed apex predator, remains poorly understood. This review consolidates current knowledge of parasites infecting the great white shark and explores their potential ecological and physiological impacts. A synthesis of published literature and selected museum records revealed 116 parasite records, predominantly cestodes and copepods, with almost all studies being taxonomic in focus. Cestodes, known for their high reproductive output and metabolic demands, may influence growth, reproduction, and energy allocation, in their host, including great white sharks. Additionally, given that great white sharks acquire cestodes via prey infected with larval or infectious stages, parasite-induced changes in prey behaviour or vulnerability could bias dietary studies, an aspect largely overlooked in great white shark trophic ecology. Copepods, another frequently reported group, are known to cause tissue damage, respiratory inefficiency, and erratic swimming in fish, often requiring veterinary intervention in aquaculture. In sharks, behaviours such as breaching and tail-slapping have been speculatively linked to parasite removal, yet these assumptions overlook copepod biology and attachment mechanisms. Unsubstantiated interpretations risk perpetuating misconceptions and may hinder integration of parasitology into shark conservation strategies. This review also highlights critical knowledge gaps. For instance, several prey species consumed by great white sharks are known intermediate hosts of <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em>, a parasite capable of altering host behaviour and transmitting between intermediate hosts. Although unprovoked aggression has occasionally been reported in sharks, there are currently no data on the presence or potential effects of <em>T. gondii</em> in these apex predators as a potential intermediate/paratenic host. Clarifying such potential associations, alongside neglected areas such as embryonic infections (e.g., trebiid copepods), remains an important direction for future research. By identifying these critical knowledge gaps, we advocate for the integration of parasitological research into ecological and conservation frameworks to better understand apex predator health and ensure marine biodiversity protection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101160"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145684226","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 : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101171
Yin Fu , Pitambar Dhakal , Zi Yan , Mengyao Yang , Chaofeng Ma , Yayun Wu , Jiahui Wang , Qinglin Wang , Longxian Zhang
Small wild mammals are major carriers of ticks in the field, yet their tick-carrying status in China remains inadequately studied. To access tick infestations on small mammals, we collected 1908 ticks from 267 rodents, 27 hedgehogs and 4 hog badgers in the northern foot of Dabie Mountain, China. We identified five tick species including: Haemaphysalis hystricis, H. flava, H. longicornis, Ixodes granulatus, and Amblyomma testudinarium. Notably, this represents the first recorded occurrence of H. hystricis, I. granulatus, and A. testudinarium in the study region, expanding their known geographical distribution, which can serve as evidence of its expansion towards the north China. The tick species exhibited distinct seasonal activity patterns: Adult H. hystricis demonstrated activity from June to August (July peak), the larval and nymphal were present from March through December, peaking in October and September separately. For H. flava, adults were found from April to September (August peak), while nymphs were recorded in May, July, and September (September peak), and Larvae were detected exclusively in July. Adult H. longicornis peaked in July (May–September). Adult I. granulatus were present from June to October (June peak), and nymphal appeared in March, October, and November (November peak), with larval restricted to March and November. The nymphal of A. testudinarium were collected during June and August (August peak). Ticks showed clear host preferences: The larvae and nymphs of H. hystricis exclusively infested rodents (particularly Niviventer and Rattus), while adults primarily parasitized hog badgers. Both H. longicornis and H. flava infested mainly burdens on hedgehogs. Moreover, the I. granulatus, and A. testudinarium only in rodents and hedgehogs separately. The study reminds us that ticks may be more widely distributed in Chinese wildlife, therefore, more attention needs to be paid to ticks on wild animals in the future.
{"title":"Tick species diversity, seasonality and feeding behavior in small wild mammals in the northern foothills of the Dabie Mountains, China","authors":"Yin Fu , Pitambar Dhakal , Zi Yan , Mengyao Yang , Chaofeng Ma , Yayun Wu , Jiahui Wang , Qinglin Wang , Longxian Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101171","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101171","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Small wild mammals are major carriers of ticks in the field, yet their tick-carrying status in China remains inadequately studied. To access tick infestations on small mammals, we collected 1908 ticks from 267 rodents, 27 hedgehogs and 4 hog badgers in the northern foot of Dabie Mountain, China. We identified five tick species including: <em>Haemaphysalis hystricis</em>, <em>H. flava</em>, <em>H</em>. <em>longicornis</em>, <em>Ixodes granulatus</em>, and <em>Amblyomma testudinarium</em>. Notably, this represents the first recorded occurrence of <em>H. hystricis</em>, <em>I. granulatus</em>, and <em>A. testudinarium</em> in the study region, expanding their known geographical distribution, which can serve as evidence of its expansion towards the north China. The tick species exhibited distinct seasonal activity patterns: Adult <em>H</em>. <em>hystricis</em> demonstrated activity from June to August (July peak), the larval and nymphal were present from March through December, peaking in October and September separately. For <em>H. flava</em>, adults were found from April to September (August peak), while nymphs were recorded in May, July, and September (September peak), and Larvae were detected exclusively in July. Adult <em>H. longicornis</em> peaked in July (May–September). Adult <em>I. granulatus</em> were present from June to October (June peak), and nymphal appeared in March, October, and November (November peak), with larval restricted to March and November. The nymphal of <em>A. testudinarium</em> were collected during June and August (August peak). Ticks showed clear host preferences: The larvae and nymphs of <em>H. hystricis</em> exclusively infested rodents (particularly <em>Niviventer</em> and <em>Rattus</em>), while adults primarily parasitized hog badgers. Both <em>H. longicornis</em> and <em>H. flava</em> infested mainly burdens on hedgehogs. Moreover, the <em>I. granulatus</em>, and <em>A. testudinarium</em> only in rodents and hedgehogs separately. The study reminds us that ticks may be more widely distributed in Chinese wildlife, therefore, more attention needs to be paid to ticks on wild animals in the future.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54278,"journal":{"name":"International Journal for Parasitology-Parasites and Wildlife","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article 101171"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145617140","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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