Latitudinal and seasonal variation in reproductive effort of the eastern fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus)

Geographic variation in life‐history traits among populations of wide‐ranging species is influenced by both spatial and temporal aspects of the environment. Rarely, however, are the effects of both aspects examined concurrently. We collected gravid female lizards (Sceloporus undulatus) from northern (Indiana), central (Mississippi) and southern (Florida) populations, spanning nearly the full latitudinal range of the species, to examine amongpopulation differences in strategies of reproductive energy allocation. Adult females from the southern population were smaller, and produced fewer and smaller eggs in their first clutches than did females from the more northern populations. Southern females were more likely to produce a second clutch, and second clutches were smaller than first clutches for females from the 2 northern populations. Together these trends eliminated population differences in overall reproductive output after accounting for body size. The trend for greater reproductive energy to be allocated to first clutches at higher latitudes, and to later clutches at lower latitudes is corroborated by published data from field studies on multiple populations. Distributing reproductive effort by producing more clutches of smaller eggs may be an adaptive response to the long season available for egg incubation and lizard activity in sub‐tropical southern environments. In contrast, allocating greater resources to early reproduction may enhance maternal fitness in the relatively short activity seasons that characterize more northern sites.     

Polystoma australis (Monogenea): Development and reproduction in neotenic parasites

Development and reproduction of neotenic Polystoma australis were investigated in natural anuran Kassina and Semnodactylus hosts in South Africa. Newly established parasites attached mainly inside the left branchial chamber. They then migrated so that parasites older than eight days occurred almost exclusively in the right branchial chamber. Mortality was high and continuous. In young worms age could be readily determined from haptoral structure. At 23°C the developing reproductive system was discernible at seven days. Egg production started at 16 days and could be maintained at constant rates of around 10-20 eggs/ parasite/day for up to 40 days. No crowding effect influencing parasite development or reproduction could be established. These developmental standards could be used to measure the success of parasites subjected to experimental conditions.     

The effect of the ovine host parasitaemia on the development of Babesia ovis (Babes, 1892) in the tick Rhipicephalus bursa (Canestrini and Fanzago, 1877)

Batches of Rhipicephalus bursa adult ticks were fed on two lambs with 10.0% (batch 1) and 0.3% (batch 2) Babesia ovis parasitaemia, respectively. Haemolymph and eggs were checked for parasites daily after detachment, before and after appearance of B. ovis in the lamb's blood.B. ovis kinetes were found in the haemolymph and eggs earlier in the engorged ticks detached before appearance of the parasite in the host blood. Rates of haemolymph and egg infection with B. ovis as well as the percentage of infected eggs were much higher in batch 1 (10% lamb parasitaemia) than in batch 2 ticks (0.3% lamb parasitaemia). In eggs incubated at 28 degrees C the optimal period to look for kinetes seems to be days 4-9. Heavily infected ticks laid fewer less eggs within a shorter oviposition period. Pre-oviposition, pre-hatching periods and egg hatchability were not affected. Various parasitic forms are described in the haemolymph and the eggs.     

An evidence‐based approach to equine parasite control: It ain't the 60s anymore

Most veterinarians continue to recommend anthelmintic treatment programmes for horses that derive from knowledge and concepts more than 40 years old. However, much has changed since these recommendations were first introduced and current approaches routinely fail to provide optimal or even adequate levels of parasite control. There are many reasons for this. Recent studies demonstrate that anthelmintic resistance in equine parasites is highly prevalent and multiple‐drug resistance is common in some countries, but few veterinarians take this into account when making treatment decisions or when recommending rotation of anthelmintics. Furthermore, the current approach of treating all horses at frequent intervals was designed specifically to control the highly pathogenic large strongyle, Strongylus vulgaris. But this parasite is now quite uncommon in managed horses in most of the world. Presently, the cyathostomins (small strongyles) are the principal parasitic pathogens of mature horses. The biology and pathogenesis of cyathostomins and S. vulgaris are very different and therefore require an entirely different approach. Furthermore, it is known that parasites are highly over‐dispersed in hosts, such that a small percentage of hosts harbour most of the parasites. The common practices of recommending the same treatment programme for all horses despite great differences in parasite burdens, recommending prophylactic treatment of all horses without indication of parasitic disease or knowing what species of parasites are infecting the horses, recommending use of drugs without knowledge of their efficacy and failing to perform diagnostic (faecal egg count) surveillance for estimating parasite burdens and determining treatment efficacy, are all incompatible with current standards of veterinary practice. Consequently, it is necessary that attitudes and approaches to parasite control in horses undergo a complete overhaul. This is best achieved by following an evidence‐based approach that takes into account all of these issues and is based on science, not tradition.     

Technical variability and required sample size of helminth egg isolation procedures

Measurements of parasite load are often very variable. This implies that little confidence can be attached to single measurements of parasite numbers and egg concentrations, and that many measurements are required for the detection of differences between groups of hosts or parasites. For studies that aim to detect these differences, it is important to increase the precision (closeness of repeated measures to each other) of parasite numbers, because it determines the number of samples that is needed to find significant differences among groups. In this study, sample sizes required to detect group differences were estimated using nematode egg counts of faecal samples of dairy cattle. They were found to be much lower for a centrifugation technique than for the widely used McMaster technique in replicate samples, in spite of a generally similar mean FEC. For example, the sample size required to detect FEC differences between groups of 10, 50, and 250 eggs per gram (EPG) were 46, 25, and 27 for the McMaster technique and 8, 5, and 12 for the SSF method, respectively. Interestingly, sample sizes required for faeces with a relatively high egg concentration (approximately 1000 EPG) were also considerably lower than for the McMaster technique in spite of a higher mean EPG of the latter method. This implies that technical variation can be reduced considerably by simple methods of egg isolation. Given that the range of egg concentration is similar for a number of nematodes of livestock and human helminths, a reduction of technical error will aid studies with many group comparisons such as vaccination strategies against parasites with typically low FECs and studies of the genetics of host resistance. It may also lead to improved guidelines for measures related to public health.     

Host social rank and parasites: plains zebra (Equus quagga) and intestinal helminths in Uganda

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the social hierarchy of plain zebra, Equus quagga, and the level of parasitism. For the study 141 fecal samples from the same number of animals were collected within the two major populations of E. quagga of Uganda (Lake Mburo Conservation Area and Kidepo Valley National Park). Quantitative (eggs per gram of feces) and qualitative parasite assessment were performed with standard methods. The relationship between parasite burden and individual host features was analyzed using Generalized Linear Models. Strongyles, cestodes, Strongyloides sp. and oxiurids where present in the examined samples. Social rank and age class significantly affect all parasites' abundance with dominant individuals being less parasitized than subordinate individuals, regardless of the parasite groups excluding oxiurids. Sex could not been shown to be related with any of the found parasites. Age was positively related with strongyles and oxiurids abundance and negatively related with cestodes and Strongyloides sp. The main result of the present study was the evidence that social status influences parasite level with dominant zebras shedding less parasite eggs than subordinate ones. Social rank appears, therefore, as an important factor giving rise to parasite aggregation in plain zebras.     

Global parasite and Rattus rodent invasions: The consequences for rodent‐borne diseases

We summarize the current knowledge on parasitism‐related invasion processes of the globally invasive Rattus lineages, originating from Asia, and how these invasions have impacted the local epidemiology of rodent‐borne diseases. Parasites play an important role in the invasion processes and successes of their hosts through multiple biological mechanisms such as “parasite release,” “immunocompetence advantage,” “biotic resistance” and “novel weapon.” Parasites may also greatly increase the impact of invasions by spillover of parasites and other pathogens, introduced with invasive hosts, into new hosts, potentially leading to novel emerging diseases. Another potential impact is the ability of the invader to amplify local parasites by spillback. In both cases, local fauna and humans may be exposed to new health risks, which may decrease biodiversity and potentially cause increases in human morbidity and mortality. Here we review the current knowledge on these processes and propose some research priorities.     

Do swallows (Hirundo daurica) use the visual cue of hatchling down‐feathers to discriminate parasite alien nestlings?

Egg recognition is a variable but common anti‐parasitism defense among different species of birds with brood parasites. In contrast, nestling recognition is rare. Very few studies have found nestling recognition in brood parasite hosts and determined the rejection mechanism behind this behavior. Hosts may use the number of hatchling down‐feathers to reject parasite nestlings. We tested whether hatchling down‐feathers is a visual cue for the red‐rumped swallow, a host that can recognize and reject parasite nestlings. Our results indicated that red‐rumped swallows do not recognize foreign nestlings based on hatchling down‐feathers. The closed nest structure and hatchling morph may explain the absence of such a mechanism. None of the rejection mechanisms found in previous studies could explain the nestling recognition in swallows. Olfactory cues, tactile cues, or other visual cues, except for single nestling or hatchling down‐feathers, may provide nestling recognition in red‐rumped swallows. More study is needed to evaluate these possibilities.     

Polystoma umthakathi (Monogenea): establishment,mortality and reproduction of neotenic parasites in experimentally infected Natalobatrachus bonebergi tadpoles

The development of Polystoma umthakathi oncomiracidia were studied in experimentally infected Natalobatrachus bonebergi tadpoles to establish a normal reference of parasite performance in the natural host. The anteroventral body wall is transparent in these tadpoles and it was possible to follow the destiny of each parasite throughout its life span of neotenic development. Success of establishment was 27,9% and mean parasite intensity 2,1 at 48 h. After parasite larvae initially attached to the gills on the left side, they gradually migrated to the right side and mature parasites only occurred inside the right branchial chamber. Parasite mortality was high, prevalence had declined to 72,4% after 12 days and 48,3% after 20 days while mean parasite intensity had declined to 1,8 and 1,6 during the same period. Egg production was around 13 to 15 eggs/parasite/day for parasites in burdens of one and two but significantly lower (5,24) in the case of three-parasite burdens. Tadpoles harbouring two or more parasites became anaemic but recovered when most or all parasites were lost.     

Ecological basis of parasite control: Trematodes with special reference to fascioliasis

In this paper the main ecological components of selected animal trematode infection cycles are considered with regard to the possibilities of control. The geographical distributions of Fasciola hepatica, F. gigantica, Paramphistomum microbothrium, Schistosoma bovis and S. mattheei are compared in relation to the distribution patterns of their snail intermediate hosts. In order to constitute an effective lifecycle host, intermediate host and the eggs and freeliving stages of the parasite overlap in the effective biotope. Comparing the biotopes of the different trematodiases it becomes evident that they have much in common particularly as the snail intermediate hosts occupy identical niches in a food-chain in which the pollution by the host species results in abundant food for the snail. Moreover, the physical activaties of herbivores, e.g. trampling down the turf, create favourable habitats for the intermediate host.The dynamic nature of the freshwater snail habitats characteristic for trematodiasis, regularly results in a complete disappearance of the effective biotopes in the field. With regard to the parasite these effects are overcome by a long life-expectancy of egg producing parasites in the host population. Small scale changes in availability of appropriate hosts for successful cercarial establishment are compensated by the extended period of cercarial shedding from the snail population.These features in combination with the survival of eggs and the grazing and drinking behaviour characteristics of the hosts tend to stabilize the potential oscillations in transmission rate. Because of the complicated nature of interdependency within the host-trematode-intermediate host complex, the ecological base with regard to practical measures is fundamentally wide. However, the pressure upon the situation by social and economic conditions limits operative possibilities considerably.     

The devil is in the details—Host disease and co‐infections are associated with zoonotic pathogen carriage in Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Traditionally, zoonotic pathogen ecology studies in wildlife have focused on the interplay among hosts, their demographic characteristics and their pathogens. But pathogen ecology is also influenced by factors that traverse the hierarchical scale of biological organization, ranging from within‐host factors at the molecular, cellular and organ levels, all the way to the host population within a larger environment. The influence of host disease and co‐infections on zoonotic pathogen carriage in hosts is important because these factors may be key to a more holistic understanding of pathogen ecology in wildlife hosts, which are a major source of emerging infectious diseases in humans. Using wild Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) as a model species, the purpose of this study was to investigate how host disease and co‐infections impact the carriage of zoonotic pathogens. Following a systematic trap and removal study, we tested the rats for the presence of two potentially zoonotic bacterial pathogens (Bartonella tribocorum and Leptospira interrogans) and assessed them for host disease not attributable to these bacteria (i.e., nematode parasites, and macroscopic and microscopic lesions). We fitted multilevel multivariable logistic regression models with pathogen status as the outcome, lesions and parasites as predictor variables and city block as a random effect. Rats had significantly increased odds of being infected with B. tribocorum if they had a concurrent nematode infection in one or more organ systems. Rats with bite wounds, any macroscopic lesion, cardiomyopathy or tracheitis had significantly increased odds of being infected with L. interrogans. These results suggest that host disease may have an important role in the ecology and epidemiology of rat‐associated zoonotic pathogens. Our multiscale approach to assessing complex intrahost factors in relation to zoonotic pathogen carriage may be applicable to future studies in rats and other wildlife hosts.     

Transfer of infection-induced immune protection to Toxocara canis in a mouse model

Groups of mice were vaccinated twice with soluble extracts of embryonated eggs, females or males of Toxocara canis, or horse serum, and infected with 2,000 homologous embryonated eggs. Recovery of larvae on the fifth day by digestion of mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, lung, brain, and carcass revealed a slight but nonsignificant protection elicited by the parasite materials. Other groups were immunized by homologous infections. A single, 200-day-old infection increased importantly the number of larvae resulting from a challenge, possibly by inducing an immunosuppression in the host. Two infections given within 11 months protected partially against the larvae of a challenge, particularly by trapping the parasites in the liver. Transfer of mesenteric lymph node cells from twice infected mice reduced the total number of parasites, and the liver and lung parasitism of a challenge in the recipients, whereas transfer of serum decreased the total number of parasites and the brain and carcass parasitism. The combination of cells and serum acted synergistically in lungs and brain but antagonistically in liver and carcass.     

Intestinal parasites of baboons (Papio cynocephalus anubis) and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) in Gombe National Park.

A survey of gastrointestinal parasites of nonhuman primates in Gombe National Park, Tanzania, was conducted during July and August 1989. Fresh fecal samples collected from 35 baboons (Papio cynocephalus anubis) and 20 chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) were analyzed for intestinal parasites. Parasite identifications were based upon the size and appearance of eggs and larvae on both direct and fecal flotation examinations. Seven species of helminths and three species of protozoa were noted in the chimpanzees, and seven species of helminths, two species of trematodes, and one species of protozoa were noted in baboons. An unidentified parasite, with a thick egg shell similar to that of ascarids, was noted in both the chimpanzee and baboon population. Unfortunately a definitive identification of this parasite could not be made based upon egg size and morphology alone and insufficient numbers of larva were present to aid identification. One previously unreported parasite, Schistosoma mansoni, was identified in the baboon population. This is the first report of a schistosome in Gombe's nonhuman primate population.     

Studies on ticks of veterinary importance in Nigeria XI. Observations on the biology of ticks detached from the red-flanked duiker (Cephamophys rufulatus) and parasites encountered in their blood

Some aspects of the biology of Amblyomma variegatum and Boophilus decoloratus detached from red-flanked duikers were studied. Smears were also made from the blood of the duikers and examined for the presence of parasites.Anaplasma marginale was the only blood parasite found in the blood smears. Compared with ticks detached from cattle, duiker ticks produced a greater number of eggs. The lengths and breadths of eggs produced by duiker ticks were greater than those of cattle ticks and unlike A. variegatum detached from cattle, the lengths and breadths of eggs of earlier and later ovipositions of this species detached from duiker were similar. Whereas deformed eggs characterized by circular shape and small size constituted a small percentage of eggs of cattle ticks, none was found among eggs of duiker ticks. The pre-oviposition, oviposition and eclosion periods, microscopic egg structure, embryonic development, hatching patterns and mortality rates of the eggs of ticks from both hosts were similar.     

Spatial variation in the parasite communities and genomic structure of urban rats in New York City

Brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) are a globally distributed pest. Urban habitats can support large infestations of rats, posing a potential risk to public health from the parasites and pathogens they carry. Despite the potential influence of rodent‐borne zoonotic diseases on human health, it is unclear how urban habitats affect the structure and transmission dynamics of ectoparasite and microbial communities (all referred to as “parasites” hereafter) among rat colonies. In this study, we use ecological data on parasites and genomic sequencing of their rat hosts to examine associations between spatial proximity, genetic relatedness and the parasite communities associated with 133 rats at five sites in sections of New York City with persistent rat infestations. We build on previous work showing that rats in New York carry a wide variety of parasites and report that these communities differ significantly among sites, even across small geographical distances. Ectoparasite community similarity was positively associated with geographical proximity; however, there was no general association between distance and microbial communities of rats. Sites with greater overall parasite diversity also had rats with greater infection levels and parasite species richness. Parasite community similarity among sites was not linked to genetic relatedness of rats, suggesting that these communities are not associated with genetic similarity among host individuals or host dispersal among sites. Discriminant analysis identified site‐specific associations of several parasite species, suggesting that the presence of some species within parasite communities may allow researchers to determine the sites of origin for newly sampled rats. The results of our study help clarify the roles that colony structure and geographical proximity play in determining the ecology of R. norvegicus as a significant urban reservoir of zoonotic diseases. Our study also highlights the spatial variation present in urban rat parasite communities, indicating that rats across New York City are not reservoirs for a homogenous set of parasites and pathogens. As a result, the epidemiological risks may be similarly heterogeneous for people in urban habitats.     

Steroid hormone related male biased parasitism in chamois, Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra

Parasites are linked with their host in a trophic interaction with implications for both hosts and parasites. Interaction stretches from the host's immune response to the structuring of communities and the evolution of biodiversity. As in many species sex determines life history strategy, response to parasites may be sex-specific. Males of vertebrate species tend to exhibit higher rates of parasites than females. Sex-associated hormones may influence immunocompetence and are hypothesised to lead to this bias. In a field study, we tested the prediction of male biased parasitism (MBP) in free ranging chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra), which are infested intensely by gastrointestinal and lung helminths. We further investigated sex differences in faecal androgen (testosterone and epiandrosterone), cortisol and oestrogen metabolites using enzyme immunoassays (EIA) to evaluate the impact of these hormones on sex dependent parasite susceptibility. Non-invasive methods were used and the study was conducted throughout a year to detect seasonal patterns. Hormone levels and parasite counts varied significantly throughout the year. Male chamois had a higher output of gastrointestinal eggs and lungworm larvae when compared to females. The hypothesis of MBP originating in sex related hormone levels was confirmed for the elevated output of lungworm larvae, but not for the gastrointestinal nematodes. The faecal output of lungworm larvae was significantly correlated with androgen and cortisol metabolite levels. Our study shows that sex differences in steroid levels play an important role to explain MBP, although they alone cannot fully explain the phenomenon.     

The occurrence of Contracaecum sp. larvae (Nematoda: Anisakidae) in the catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell) from Lake Chivero, Zimbabwe

Clarias gariepinus were collected from Lake Chivero, Zimbabwe, and examined for nematode parasites from November 2000 to May 2002. Of the 202 specimens collected, 42.6% were infected with third-stage larvae of Contracaecum sp. in the body cavity. The intensity of the infection was 1-7 worms per fish (mean intensity = 2.2). Seasonal variation in the prevalence of the parasite was not obvious and there was no significant difference in the prevalence of infection between males and females (chi 2 = 2.228; P > 0.05). No significant relationship between host size and prevalence was established. There was also no significant relationship between intensity and the body condition factor (r = 0.11; P > 0.05). The low parasite prevalence may have been caused by the disruption of the infection cycle since piscivorous birds, which are the final hosts of the parasite, do not feed on C. garieplnus in Lake Chivero.     

Nesting ecology of Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca in north-eastern Algeria

The status of waterbirds breeding in protected areas in North Africa needs constant monitoring because of a naturally fluctuating environment and permissive attitudes towards illegal activities likely to negatively affect population dynamics of threatened species. We present the results of a study conducted at a protected site, Lake Tonga, north-eastern Algeria, on a breeding population of Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca, a Near-Threatened duck subjected to considerable pressure from egg-pilfering and illegal hunting. Two distinct habitats within the lake were used by Ferruginous Duck: an Alder carr (Alnus glutinosa) and floating islets across the lake. The mean clutch size was 9.51±1.84 eggs (N = 51 clutches) with hatching rate of 80.7% for successful clutches. Breeding success was low (37%) with predation (33%) and clutch desertion (17%) accounting for the majority of failed nests. The probabilities of nest failure and nest desertion increased with a delayed onset of egg laying. Predation was not significantly associated with egg laying date and vegetation cover, but late breeders nesting in dense vegetation seemed to suffer less predation. Conspecific brood parasitism was positively associated with nest size, whereas interspecific brood parasitism was marginally associated with water depth. We discuss different hypotheses concerning nest desertion, and argue that illegal hunting and disturbance may best explain why birds desert their nests.     

Detection of Myxobolus cerebralis in Rainbow Trout and Oligochaete Tissues by Using a Nonradioactive in Situ Hybridization (ISH) Protocol

Abstract

A nonradioactive in situ hybridization (ISH) protocol was developed to detect Myxobolus cerebralis, the causative organism of whirling disease, in its primary host, rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, and in its alternate oligochaete host, Tubifex tubifex. A cocktail of three oligonucleotide primers (derived from the small subunit ribosomal DNA sequence) directed at target sequences of the parasite DNA was tailed at the 3′ end with digoxigenin-labeled deoxyuridine triphosphate (DIG-dUTP). Labeled probes were hybridized to parasite DNA present in deparaffinized tissue sections from infected trout and oligochaetes. The bound probes were visualized after modifications of existing ISH protocols. By using the new ISH procedure, the parasite was found in target tissues of subclinically and clinically infected fish and tubificid oligochaetes after exposures of these hosts to triactinomyxons and mature spores, respectively. The probe did not bind with salmonid tissues infected with two other myxosporean parasites, Ceratomyxa shasta or the PKX organism, or to a Myxobolus sp. infecting the cartilage of plain sculpin Myoxocephalus jaok. These initial results indicate that ISH is an effective and specific test for detecting Myxobolus cerebralis in its fish and oligochaete hosts.     

寄生虫的抗原变异

文章对寄生虫的抗原变异情况和消除抗原变异对免疫预防影响的主要方面进行了评述，许多种类寄生虫绝大部分表面怕变异频繁，从而逃避了宿主动物的免疫作用，变异最频繁的是各种寄生于人和哺乳动物的锥虫，其次是寄生于人和灵长类动物的几种疟原虫，再其次是寄生于哺乳动物和人的巴贝斯虫，还有几种属鞭毛虫纲、孢子虫纲和蠕虫的寄生虫，一般认为导致抗原变异的作用机制是表达抗原的基因发生了改变，正在表达的基因停止表达，而同时另一个基因却活化了，对于某些寄生虫抗原变异的规律虽已有揭示，但尚未揭示清全部主要规律，另一些种类寄生虫的抗原变异规律尚不清楚，基因活化的调控亦不甚清楚。抗原变异逃避了宿主动物的免疫，人们已提出了多种克服了的方法与设想，有些已在实验试验中出现端倪，但尚未形成临床上实用的技术，文章对它们也进行了讨论。