scholarly journals A Survey of Gopherus polyphemus Intestinal Parasites in South Florida

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica N. Huffman ◽  
Kent S. Haizlett ◽  
Dana K. Elhassani ◽  
Brian T. Cooney ◽  
Evelyn M. Frazier
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Habitat Management ◽  
Parasite Species ◽  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Parasite Prevalence ◽  
South Florida ◽  
Gopher Tortoise ◽  
Gopherus Polyphemus ◽  
Significant Health

Gopherus polyphemus populations are diminishing throughout their range due to urbanization, fragmentation, and poor habitat management. Increased population densities, poor habitat quality, and lack of fire may influence disease transmission. Parasite roles within wild tortoise populations are largely unknown; despite evidence these pathogens may pose significant health risks. This study provides a baseline of gopher tortoise intestinal parasites across South Florida and reports on how varying environmental and tortoise characteristics may affect intestinal parasite species prevalence and approximate loads. Tortoise fecal samples were taken from six tortoise populations across five South Florida sites. Seven species of intestinal parasites were discovered from 123 tortoises. Identified parasites include endohelminths such as cyathostomes, pinworms, ascarids, flukes, and protozoans including Eimeria, Cryptosporidium, and Amoeba species. Significant differences in parasite prevalence and loads were seen between sites, while parasitism among sex, size class, and habitat type remained relatively ubiquitous.

scholarly journals Domiciliary Cockroaches as Carriers of Human Intestinal Parasites in Lagos Metropolis, Southwest Nigeria: Implications for Public Health

2018 ◽  
pp. 141-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adedotun A Adenusi ◽  
Mary I Akinyemi ◽  
Dele Akinsanya
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Periplaneta Americana ◽  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Parasite Prevalence ◽  
Strongyloides Stercoralis ◽  
Housing Type ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Southwest Nigeria

Background: Domiciliary cockroaches are obnoxious pests of significant medical importance. We investigated the prevalence of human intestinal parasites in cockroaches and its attendant public health importance. Methods: Overall, 749 cockroaches (Periplaneta americana, 509, Blattella germanica, 240) caught by trapping from 120 households comprising 3 different housing types in Somolu, Lagos metropolis, southwest Nigeria, in 2015 were screened for human intestinal parasites using standard parasitological techniques. Results: The prevalence of human intestinal parasites in cockroaches was 96.4%. There was no statistically signifi­cant difference (P> 0.05) in parasite prevalences between P. americana (95.7%) and B. germanica (97.9%). Parasite species identified and their prevalence were as follows: Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (44.1%), E. coli (37.8%), Gi­ardia lamblia (18.7%), Cryptosporidium sp. (13.8%), Ascaris lumbricoides (61.3%), Trichuris trichiura (55.8%), hookworms (11.6%), Strongyloides stercoralis (11.7%), Taenia/Echinococcus spp. (10.5%), Enterobius vermicularis (17.2%) and Hymenolepis nana (11.6%). Parasite prevalence and burdens varied with housing type; the prevalence was significantly higher statistically (P< 0.05) in cockroaches from low-cost bungalow, LCB (100%) and low-cost, 2-storey, LC2-S (100%) houses than in medium-cost flats, MCF (81.3%). Parasite burdens were also significantly higher statistically (P< 0.05) in cockroaches from LCB or LC2-S than in cockroaches from MCF. Parasite preva­lences between cockroach gut and body surfaces were not statistically significant (P> 0.05) but mean parasite bur­dens in gut were significantly higher statistically (P< 0.05) than on body surfaces. Conclusion: Cockroaches types carry transmissive stages of human intestinal parasites and may act as reservoirs and potential mechanical vectors for disease transmission.

scholarly journals To Group or not to group: Group size dynamics and intestinal parasites in Indian peafowl populations

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priyanka Dange ◽  
Pranav Mhaisalkar ◽  
Dhanashree Paranjpe
Keyword(s):  
Group Size ◽  
Group Dynamics ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
Monsoon Season ◽  
Parasite Load ◽  
Parasite Prevalence ◽  
Post Monsoon ◽  
Pavo Cristatus ◽  
Food Provision

AbstractAnimals can form groups for various reasons that include safety from predators, breeding and benefits of allo-parental care. However, there are also costs associated with living in a group such as competition for food and/or mates with other members of the group, higher chances of disease transmission, etc. In the current study we explored the links between group size dynamics and intestinal parasites of Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) in the context of seasons and food provisioning. Data for group size was collected across three seasons- Pre-monsoon, Monsoon and Post-monsoon at three field sites- Morachi Chincholi, Nashik and Rajasthan. Individual and group sightings of peafowl were noted down along with group size and composition (no. of males, females, adults, juveniles, sub-adults). Faecal samples were collected from food provision and non-provision areas across three seasons- Pre-monsoon, Monsoon and Post-monsoon at same field sites. Parasite load in the samples was quantified using microscopic examination. Group size was significantly higher in Pre-Monsoon season as compared to Monsoon and Post-Monsoon seasons. While, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons had higher parasite prevalence and load as compared to pre-monsoon season. Interestingly, parasite load was significantly greater at food provision sites as compared to non-provision sites while parasite prevalence was comparable. Aggregation of individuals at the food provision sites may influence the parasite transmission and group dynamics in Indian Peafowl.

Prevalence and Levels of Parasitemia of Hepatozoon sp. (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina) in Four Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) Populations of South FLORIDA, USA

2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 654
Author(s):  
Brian T. Cooney ◽  
Dana Elhassani ◽  
Arafat Bari ◽  
Jessica Huffman ◽  
Evelyn Frazier
Keyword(s):  
South Florida ◽  
Gopher Tortoise ◽  
Gopherus Polyphemus

scholarly journals The Prevalence of Endoparasites of Free Ranging Cats (Felis catus) from Urban Habitats in Southern Poland

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 748
Author(s):  
Izabela A. Wierzbowska ◽  
Sławomir Kornaś ◽  
Aleksandra M. Piontek ◽  
Kaja Rola
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Parasite Species ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Toxocara Cati ◽  
Suburban Areas ◽  
Urban Core ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Paratenic Hosts ◽  
Free Ranging

Growing urbanization leads to an increased risk of parasite spread in densely inhabited areas. Free-ranging cats can be locally numerous and come into frequent contact with both wildlife and humans. Cats are thus expected to contribute to parasitic disease transmission. In our study, we investigated the prevalence of endoparasites in free ranging cats in urban areas of Kraków city, based on necropsy of road-killed cats in relation to sex and diet of cat, season and habitat type. We found that 62% of 81 cats were infected with endoparasites with Toxocara cati being the most prevalent. In total, we identified seven parasite species. The number of parasite species was higher in suburban habitats and aside from Eucoleus aerophilus the prevalence of all parasites was higher in cats from suburban areas than in the individuals living in the city urban core. The prey of examined cats included mostly rodents, followed by soricomorphs and birds, which can all serve as paratenic hosts. Based on our results, we suggest that cats in urban areas should be considered as a serious potential zoonotic threat. Implementation of proper veterinary control and wider education on the topic is recommended.

Intestinal parasites of the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) from eight populations in Georgia

2013 ◽  
Vol 112 (12) ◽  
pp. 4205-4210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica L. McGuire ◽  
Elizabeth A. Miller ◽  
Terry M. Norton ◽  
Bonnie L. Raphael ◽  
Jeffrey S. Spratt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
Gopher Tortoise ◽  
Gopherus Polyphemus

scholarly journals Techniques for Estimating the Size of Low-Density Gopher Tortoise Populations

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 377-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan M. Stober ◽  
Rocio Prieto-Gonzalez ◽  
Lora L. Smith ◽  
Tiago A. Marques ◽  
Len Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Management ◽  
Distance Sampling ◽  
Probability Of Detection ◽  
Line Transect ◽  
Efficient Design ◽  
Gopher Tortoise ◽  
Gopherus Polyphemus ◽  
Line Transect Survey ◽  
Estimate Population Size ◽  
Survey Designs

Abstract Gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) are candidates for range-wide listing as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Reliable population estimates are important to inform policy and management for recovery of the species. Line transect distance sampling has been adopted as the preferred method to estimate population size. However, when tortoise density is low, it can be challenging to obtain enough tortoise observations to reliably estimate the probability of detection, a vital component of the method. We suggest a modification to the method based on counting usable tortoise burrows (more abundant than tortoises) and separately accounting for the proportion of burrows occupied by tortoises. The increased sample size of burrows can outweigh the additional uncertainty induced by the need to account for the proportion of burrows occupied. We demonstrate the method using surveys conducted within a 13,118-ha portion of the Gopher Tortoise Habitat Management Unit at Fort Gordon Army Installation, Georgia. We used a systematic random design to obtain more precise estimates, using a newly developed systematic variance estimator. Individual transects had a spatially efficient design (pseudocircuits), which greatly improved sampling efficiency on this large site. Estimated burrow density was 0.091 ± 0.011 burrows/ha (CV = 12.6%, 95% CI = 0.071–0.116), with 25% of burrows occupied by a tortoise (CV = 14.4%), yielding a tortoise density of 0.023 ± 0.004 tortoise/ha (CV = 19.0%, 95% CI = 0.016–0.033) and a population estimate of 297 tortoises (95% CI = 210–433). These techniques are applicable to other studies and species. Surveying burrows or nests, rather than animals, can produce more reliable estimates when it leads to a significantly larger sample of detections and when the occupancy status can reliably be ascertained. Systematic line transect survey designs give better precision and are practical to implement and analyze.

scholarly journals Comprehensive health assessment and blood analyte reference intervals of gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) in southeastern FL, USA

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annie Page-Karjian ◽  
Kathleen Rafferty ◽  
Clerson Xavier ◽  
Nicole I Stacy ◽  
Jon A Moore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Protein ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Keystone Species ◽  
Reference Intervals ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Gopher Tortoise ◽  
Gopherus Polyphemus ◽  
Baseline Information ◽  
Mycoplasma Spp

Abstract The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), a keystone species, is declining throughout its geographic range. Lack of knowledge with respect to the potential infectious diseases present within wild populations creates a dilemma for wildlife biologists, conservationists and public policy makers. The objective of this study was to conduct a health assessment of two previously unstudied gopher tortoise aggregations located at two sites in southeastern FL. Samples were collected from 91 tortoises (48 adults, 35 juveniles, 8 hatchlings) captured at Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, in Fort Pierce, FL, USA in 2019, and Loggerhead Park in Juno Beach, FL, USA, during 2018–2019. Samples of blood, nasal swabs and oral/cloacal swabs were analyzed for hematology, plasma protein electrophoretic profiles and infectious disease testing including Mycoplasma spp. serology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for Ranavirus, Herpesvirus and Anaplasma spp. Hematological and plasma protein electrophoresis reference intervals are presented for adult and juvenile tortoises from both sites combined. Clinical signs consistent with upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) were observed in 18/91 (20%) tortoises, and antibodies to Mycoplasma agassizii were detected in 33/77 (42.9%) tortoises. Adult tortoises were significantly more likely than juveniles to have URTD clinical signs, and statistically significant, positive relationships were observed between the presence of antibodies to Mycoplasma spp. and carapace length, packed cell volume and plasma globulin concentrations. Anaplasma spp. inclusions were observed in 8/82 (10%) tortoises, but PCR detected Anaplasma sp. in 21/83 (25%) tortoises. Herpesvirus and Ranavirus were not detected in any blood or swab samples. This work contributes important baseline information on the health of gopher tortoises toward the southern end of the species’ range.

scholarly journals Stopped Dead in Their Tracks: The Impact of Railways on Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) Movement and Behavior

Copeia ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 106 (1) ◽  
pp. 135-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rhett M. Rautsaw ◽  
Scott A. Martin ◽  
Bridget A. Vincent ◽  
Katelyn Lanctot ◽  
M. Rebecca Bolt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gopher Tortoise ◽  
Gopherus Polyphemus ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Xyleborus volvulus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): Biology and Fungal Associates

2019 ◽  
Vol 85 (19) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luisa F. Cruz ◽  
Octavio Menocal ◽  
Julio Mantilla ◽  
Luis A. Ibarra-Juarez ◽  
Daniel Carrillo
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Yeast Species ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
South Florida ◽  
Potential Vector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Raffaelea Lauricola ◽  
Fungal Associates ◽  
Gallery Development ◽  
Mutualistic Association

ABSTRACT The ambrosia beetle Xyleborus volvulus Fabricius has been reported as a potential vector of the plant pathogen Raffaelea lauricola T.C. Harr., Fraedrich & Aghayeva that is affecting avocado orchards in South Florida. In this study, we examined its life cycle, process of gallery formation, gallery structure, and fungal associates by rearing one generation on avocado sawdust medium under control conditions. The adult foundress excavated a vertical tunnel that constituted the main gallery with a length of 2.5 cm, followed by the construction of up to six secondary galleries with a total length of 4.4 cm. The time period for one generation (egg to adult) was 28 days. Teneral males emerged 3 days after the emergence of the first females. The F1 generation did not significantly contribute to gallery expansion. Four species of Raffaelea and nine yeast species were recovered from galleries and beetles. Raffaelea arxii and Candida berthetii were the most frequent symbionts recovered from new adults and galleries. Candida berthetii dominated during the early stages of the gallery development, whereas R. arxii was most frequent in later stages. Other Raffaelea species were inconsistently isolated from galleries, which suggests a strong association between Xyleborus volvulus and both R. arxii and C. berthetii. These results suggest that R. arxii is the primary nutritional symbiont of X. volvulus and that yeast species may be pioneer colonizers that assist with the growth of fungal symbionts. IMPORTANCE Ambrosia beetles cultivate fungi in tunnels bored into weakened host trees. This obligate interaction is required for their survival as beetles feed on these symbiotic fungi, and the fungi benefit from transportation by the beetles. Xyleborus volvulus carries many nonpathogenic symbionts; however, recently the acquisition of Raffaelea lauricola (the causal agent of a lethal vascular disease of lauraceous trees) by this beetle has altered its status from wood degrader to potential pest in avocado. We conducted a study to understand the relationship of this beetle and its fungal associates. Our results show that X. volvulus has a multipartite flexible association with different Raffaelea species. The lack of fidelity in the mutualistic association may explain the acquisition of R. lauricola. Knowing the beetle biology and its mutualistic interactions furthers an understanding of the beetle’s role as a potential vector and in disease transmission.

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