The occurrence of species flocks in the nematode genus Cloacina (Strongyloidea : Cloacininae), parasitic in the stomachs of kangaroos and wallabies

The occurrence of species flocks within the nematode genus Cloacina was examined using the criteria of host specificity, co-occurrence and monophyly. Species of Cloacina generally exhibited a high degree of host specificity, with most species occurring either in a single host species or in two closely related host species. The frequency distribution of numbers of component species of Cloacina per host species indicated that most host species harboured 2–4 species of nematodes, with an approximately exponential decline in the number of species of parasites to a maximum of 20 species of nematode per host species. Host species harbouring eight or more species of Cloacina were found within a single recent macropodid clade, but there was no correlation between evolutionary age of the host and the number of parasite species harboured. Sampling effort was significantly correlated with the number of nematode species found and, in partial regression analysis, subsumed the effects of host body size and geographic range, which were found to be significant correlates with the number of nematode species present in preliminary analyses. Analysis of co-occurrences of nematode species indicated significant variation between host species, with some hosts (e.g. Macropus agilis) most commonly harbouring a single species of Cloacina, while closely related host species (e.g. M. dorsalis) most commonly harboured numerous species. Parsimony analysis of species of Cloacina based on morphological data suggested that while small series of related nematode species could be identified within a single host species, the species flock in each host species is polyphyletic in origin. Species flocks contributed significantly to community richness in some host species.

Download Full-text

Revision of Coronostrongylus (Nematoda : Strongyloidea) parasitic in the stomachs of macropodid marsupials

Invertebrate Systematics ◽

10.1071/is02007 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 16 (6) ◽

pp. 893 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

I. Beveridge

Keyword(s):

Papua New Guinea ◽

Host Species ◽

Related Species ◽

New Guinea ◽

Nematode Species ◽

Closely Related Species ◽

Nematode Genus ◽

Eastern Australia ◽

Wide Range ◽

Species Occurrences

The monotypic nematode genus Coronostrongylus Johnston & Mawson, 1939 from the stomachs of macropodid marsupials was reviewed and was found to consist of a least seven closely related species. Coronostrongylus coronatus Johnston & Mawson, 1939 is found most commonly in Macropus rufogriseus, but occurs occasionally in M. dorsalis, M. parryi and Petrogale inornata. Coronostrongylus johnsoni, sp. nov. is most commonly found in M. dorsalis, but occurs also in M. rufogriseus, M. parma, Thylogale stigmatica, Petrogale godmani and P. brachyotis. Coronostrongylus barkeri, sp. nov. is most prevalent in Onychogalea unguifera, but occurs also in M. rufus, M. robustus and P. brachyotis. Coronostrongylus closei, sp. nov. is restricted to Petrogale persephone. Coronostrongylus sharmani, sp. nov. occurs only in rock wallabies from eastern Australia: P.�coenensis, P. godmani and P. mareeba; C. spratti, sp. nov. occurs in P. inornata and P. assimilis. Coronostrongylus spearei, sp. nov. is restricted to Papua New Guinea where it is found in Dorcopsulus vanhearni, Dorcopsis hageni and D. muelleri. Although all of the nematode species occur in one principal host species or a series of closely related host species, occurrences in geographically disjunct areas and in phylogenetically distant hosts are features of C. coronatus, C. barkeri, sp. nov. and C. johnsoni, sp. nov. The occurrence of seven closely related nematode species found in a wide range of macropodid host species is more readily accounted for by a hypothesis involving multiple colonisations of hosts than by the hypothesis of co-speciation.

Download Full-text

Host species of mistletoes (Loranthaceae and Viscaceae) in Australia

Australian Journal of Botany ◽

10.1071/bt19137 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 68 (1) ◽

pp. 1

Author(s):

Nicole F. Clark ◽

Jen A. McComb ◽

Andrew W. Taylor-Robinson

Keyword(s):

Alien Species ◽

Host Species ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Sampling Effort ◽

New Host ◽

Host Family ◽

Single Host ◽

New Hosts ◽

Host Families ◽

New Host Species

In order to study the relationships between mistletoes and their host species, comprehensive collections of both mistletoes and hosts are needed. The effect of sampling effort on the estimation of mistletoe host range was demonstrated in a comparison of an inventory of host mistletoe interactions published by Downey in 1998 and a 2019 inventory presented here, which is based on data from collections in the Australian Virtual Herbarium and information in the literature. New hosts were recorded for 93% of the 90 Australian mistletoes. There were 338 previously known hosts recorded to be parasitised by additional mistletoe species, and 317 new host species that were not previously known as mistletoe hosts (25 being alien species). These were from 78 new host genera and 13 new host families. The total number of host species was 1186 within 327 genera from 92 host families. A total of 63% of all Australian mistletoes parasitise species of either Eucalyptus or Acacia or both these genera. The large rise in host species recorded in less than two decades between inventories suggests that current knowledge of hosts is still incomplete, such that further new hosts will be discovered in future. Some mistletoe species show a strong preference to one host family or genus but due to insufficient collecting it is premature to conclude that any of the three species known from a single host are host specific.

Download Full-text

A meta-analysis of host specificity in Neotropical hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae)

Bulletin of Entomological Research ◽

10.1017/s0007485312000557 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 103 (2) ◽

pp. 216-224 ◽

Cited By ~ 39

Author(s):

S. Nava ◽

A.A. Guglielmone

Keyword(s):

Host Specificity ◽

Host Species ◽

Tick Species ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Single Species ◽

Sampling Effort ◽

Hard Tick ◽

Habitat Specificity ◽

Hard Ticks ◽

The Impact

AbstractHost specificity of Neotropical hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) was analyzed by using the number of hosts species for each tick species and the index of host specificity STD*, which integrates phylogenetic and ecological information. The analyses were based on 4172 records of hard ticks collected from wild and domestic tetrapods. Most tick species included in this study were associated with three to 20 host species. No tick species has been associated either with a single species or with a single genus of host. It was found that the number of host species is sensitive to sampling effort, but not the STD*. The most frequent values of STD* were between 2.5 and 3.5, which shows that the host species more frequently used by Neotropical hard tick species belong to different families or different orders. Immature stages tend to use a broader taxonomic range of hosts than adults, and the interpretation of both measures of host specificity used in this study led to the conclusion that the impact of non-endemic hosts does not alter the patterns of host specificity in Neotropical hard ticks. The index STD* showed that a high proportion of tick species has phylogenetically unrelated species as principal hosts. The conclusion reached in this work indicates that strict host specificity is not common among Neotropical hard ticks and suggests that the influence of tick ecology and evolution of habitat specificity, tick generation time, phenology, time spent off the host and the type of life-cycle could be more important than hosts species.

Download Full-text

The host-specificity of Theileria sp. (sable) and Theileria sp. (sable-like) in African Bovidae and detection of novel Theileria in antelope and giraffe

Parasitology ◽

10.1017/s003118201900132x ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 147 (2) ◽

pp. 213-224 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ronel Pienaar ◽

Antoinette Josemans ◽

Abdalla A. Latif ◽

Ben J. Mans

Keyword(s):

Host Specificity ◽

Host Species ◽

African Buffalo ◽

Black Wildebeest ◽

Single Host ◽

Related Genotype ◽

Vertebrate Hosts ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

Host Parasite ◽

Generation Sequencing

AbstractTick-borne diseases caused by Theileria are of economic importance in domestic and wildlife ruminants. The majority of Theileria infects a limited number of host species, supporting the concept of host specificity. However, some Theileria seem to be generalists challenging the host specificity paradigm, such as Theileria sp. (sable) reported from various vertebrate hosts, including African buffalo, cattle, dogs and different antelope species. We tested the hypothesis that T. sp. (sable) uses Bovidae as hosts in general using a real-time polymerase chain reaction assay specific for T. sp. (sable) and a closely related genotype: T. sp. (sable-like). Various antelope species from the Tragelaphini (black wildebeest, blesbuck, blue wildebeest, gemsbuck, sable and waterbuck) tested positive for either T. sp. (sable) or T. sp. (sable-like). However, no African buffalo (n = 238) or cattle (n = 428) sampled in the current study tested positive, suggesting that these latter species are not carrier hosts. The results were confirmed using next-generation sequencing which also indicated at least 13 new genotypes or species found in various antelope and giraffes. Genotypes were found in single host species or in evolutionarily related hosts, suggesting that host specificity in Theileria may be a lineage specific phenomenon likely associated with tick-host-parasite co-evolution.

Download Full-text

A review of the nematode genus Labiobulura (Ascaridida: Subuluridae) parasitic in bandicoots (Peramelidae) and bilbies (Thylocomyidae) from Australia and rodents (Murinae: Hydromyini) from Papua New Guinea with the description of two new species

Zootaxa ◽

10.11646/zootaxa.2209.1.1 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 2209 (1) ◽

pp. 1-27 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

LESLEY R. SMALES

Keyword(s):

Papua New Guinea ◽

Host Species ◽

Parasite Species ◽

Mouth Opening ◽

New Guinea ◽

Nematode Genus ◽

Two New Species ◽

Single Host ◽

First Time ◽

The Relationship

The nematode genus Labiobulura Skrjabin & Schikhobalova, presently known from bandicoots (Isoodon Desmarest and Perameles Geoffroy), and bilbies (Macrotis Reid) from Australia and rodents (Leptomys Thomas) from Papua New Guinea is revised. Diagnoses of Labiobulura, Labiobulura (Archeobulura) Quentin and Labiobulura (Labiobulura) Quentin and a key to all species of the genus are given. Five species are redescribed: L. (A.) leptomyidis Smales from L. paulus Musser, Helgen & Lunde, L. (A.) peragale Johnston & Mawson from M. leucura (Thomas), L. (L.) baylisi Mawson from I. macrourus (Gould) and P. nasuta Geoffroy, L. (L.) inglisi Mawson from I. obesulus (Shaw), P. bougainville Quoy & Gaimard and P. gunnii Gray, L. (L.) peramelis Baylis from I. macrourus and two are described as new: L. (A.) perditus from P. bougainville, L. (L.) quentini from I. obesulus and the identification of the hosts determined. The significance of the relationship between the placement of the amphids and cephalic papillae and the labial lobes is discussed and the denticles surrounding the mouth opening in the sub genus Labiobulura are described, both for the first time. There is evidence for host specificity in the Archeobulura with each parasite species limited to a single host species but less so for the Labiobulura with three of five species found in more than one host species.

Download Full-text

Present distribution of the genus Gnathostoma (Nematoda: Gnathostomatidae) in Mexico

Zootaxa ◽

10.11646/zootaxa.1930.1.3 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 1930 (1) ◽

pp. 39-55 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

YOLANDA PÉREZ-ÁLVAREZ ◽

LUIS GARCÍA-PRIETO ◽

DAVID OSORIO-SARABIA ◽

RAFAEL LAMOTHE-ARGUMEDO ◽

VIRGINIA LEÓN-RÈGAGNON

Keyword(s):

Data Base ◽

Geographic Distribution ◽

Host Species ◽

Nematode Species ◽

Nematode Genus ◽

Present Distribution

Three species of the nematode genus Gnathostoma are distributed in Mexico, namely G. binucleatum, G. lamothei, and G. turgidum. The knowledge of their geographic distribution is important because their potential to infect humans causing gnathostomiasis. In this study, we compile all available records in literature, as well as newly collected data in a data base of 238 records, in 82 localities of 14 sates in Mexico. Tabasco, Oaxaca, and Veracruz states show the largest concentration of localities positive to the infection by these nematode species. The number of host species infected with one of the species of Gnathostoma reaches a total of 80 and fish is the most numerous group with 39 parasitized species, distributed in 11 families.

Download Full-text

Host specificity and exchange of intestinal helminths among four species of grebes (Podicipedidae)

Canadian Journal of Zoology ◽

10.1139/z87-104 ◽

1987 ◽

Vol 65 (3) ◽

pp. 669-676 ◽

Cited By ~ 53

Author(s):

T. M. Stock ◽

John C. Holmes

Keyword(s):

Host Specificity ◽

Host Species ◽

Food Habits ◽

Rank Order ◽

Intestinal Helminths ◽

Large Fish ◽

Helminth Community ◽

Core Species ◽

Single Host ◽

Podiceps Grisegena

The infracommunities of intestinal helminths in 96 birds belonging to four species of grebes taken from lakes in Alberta were examined for patterns of species co-occurrence and relative abundance. Infracommunities were large (averages of 360–3640 worms) and complex (averages of 6.4–10.7 species). Three species of grebes (Aechmophorus occidentalis, Podiceps grisegena, P. nigricollis) had distinctive infracommunities, each characterized by a set (5–10) of frequent and numerous core helminth species, which regularly co-occurred with a consistent rank order of numbers. Infracommunities in Podiceps auritus overlapped those of the other two species of Podiceps and had few (2) core species. Most (11 of 14) core species are specialists in grebes, but only one was limited to a single host species. Most were shared among hosts, with the bulk of the population of each occurring in one host species. Sharing was particularly significant between the large, fish-eating grebes (A. occidentalis and P. grisegena) and between the smaller, mainly invertebrate-eating grebes (P. nigricollis and P. auritus). Host specificity and the pattern of exchange of helminths, mediated by the differentiated but overlapping host food habits, were important determinants of enteric helminth community structure.

Download Full-text

Subdividing the spectrum: quantifying host specialization in mistletoes

Botany ◽

10.1139/cjb-2019-0207 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 98 (9) ◽

pp. 533-543

Author(s):

Kirsty V. Milner ◽

Andrea Leigh ◽

William Gladstone ◽

David M. Watson

Keyword(s):

Host Specificity ◽

Host Species ◽

Resource Selection ◽

Species Turnover ◽

Sampling Bias ◽

Host Specialization ◽

Sampling Effort ◽

Host Use ◽

Host Interactions ◽

Preferred Hosts

Parasites necessarily depend on their hosts, but the number of host species used by a parasite varies from one to hundreds. Estimating host range and identifying the preferred host species that influence distributional boundaries and confer greater advantage to the parasite has proven elusive. As well as the confounding effects of sampling effort, characterising host specificity and preference has been hindered by considering host-use without accounting for availability. We selected three mistletoe species (Lysiana exocarpi, Amyema quandang, and Amyema lucasii) and sampled mistletoe–host interactions and host availability free from sampling bias. To quantify host specificity and identify preferred host species we applied specialist/generalist scores (G) and resource selection ratios (ω) respectively. Host specificity and preference were assessed at four scales. The generalist L. exocarpi was found to parasitise 31 plant species. Even at small scales, G values and host species turnover were high, with eight preferred hosts identified. Amyema quandang had a low G score with significant preference for half of its Acacia hosts. Amyema lucasii significantly preferred one host, consequently having low G values at all scales. By collecting potential host data and applying G scores and ω, the parasite host spectrum can be quantitatively estimated rather than qualitatively described.

Download Full-text

Morphometric and Molecular Analyses of Ostertagia leptospicularis Assadov, 1953 from Ruminants: Species Diversity or Host Influence?

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11010182 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 182

Author(s):

Anna Wyrobisz-Papiewska ◽

Jerzy Kowal ◽

Elżbieta Łopieńska-Biernat ◽

Paweł Nosal ◽

Iwona Polak ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Host Species ◽

Roe Deer ◽

Bos Taurus ◽

Capreolus Capreolus ◽

Nematode Species ◽

Molecular Techniques ◽

Systematic Classification ◽

Morphological Variations ◽

Wide Range ◽

Induced Changes

Ostertagia leptospicularis Assadov, 1953 was formally described in roe deer Capreolus capreolus and has been reported in a wide range of ruminants, including other Cervidae, as well as Bovidae. Nematode specimens derived from various host species exhibit morphological similarity; however, some differences can be observed. It is unclear if this is due to the differential reaction of one nematode species in different host species (i.e., host-induced changes) or because of distinct nematode species in these hosts (i.e., species complex). This paper focuses on specimens resembling O. leptospicularis f. leptospicularis and its closely related species (Ostertagia ostertagi f. ostertagi) collected from various hosts. Morphometric and molecular techniques were applied to assess host-induced changes in nematode morphology and to clarify its systematic classification. There was an overall effect of host species on measurements of nematodes resembling O. leptospicularis (both males and females), but the distinctiveness of the specimens from cattle Bos taurus were highlighted. The results obtained may suggest that the specimens of O. leptospicularis from cattle in Germany and cervids in central Europe belong to different strains. Furthermore, nematodes from the cervid strain appear to circulate within particular host species, which can be seen in the stated morphological variations.

Download Full-text

Co-extinct and critically co-endangered species of parasitic lice, and conservation-induced extinction: should lice be reintroduced to their hosts?

Oryx ◽

10.1017/s0030605313000628 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 49 (1) ◽

pp. 107-110 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

Lajos Rózsa ◽

Zoltán Vas

Keyword(s):

Endangered Species ◽

Host Specificity ◽

Host Species ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Iucn Red List ◽

Red List ◽

Published Data ◽

Common Phenomenon ◽

Global Extinction

AbstractThe co-extinction of parasitic taxa and their host species is considered a common phenomenon in the current global extinction crisis. However, information about the conservation status of parasitic taxa is scarce. We present a global list of co-extinct and critically co-endangered parasitic lice (Phthiraptera), based on published data on their host-specificity and their hosts’ conservation status according to the IUCN Red List. We list six co-extinct and 40 (possibly 41) critically co-endangered species. Additionally, we recognize 2–4 species that went extinct as a result of conservation efforts to save their hosts. Conservationists should consider preserving host-specific lice as part of their efforts to save species.

Download Full-text