scholarly journals Wide Distribution and Diversity of Malaria-Related Haemosporidian Parasites (Polychromophilus spp.) in Bats and Their Ectoparasites in Eastern Europe

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 230
Author(s):  
Attila D. Sándor ◽  
Áron Péter ◽  
Alexandra Corduneanu ◽  
Levente Barti ◽  
István Csősz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eastern Europe ◽  
Plasmodium Species ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Parasite Diversity ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasite ◽  
High Genetic Diversity ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasites ◽  
Host Ecology ◽  
Wildlife Populations ◽  
Pcr Targeting

Malaria is responsible for major diseases of humans, while associated haemosporidians are important factors in regulating wildlife populations. Polychromophilus, a haemosporidian parasite of bats, is phylogenetically close to human-pathogenic Plasmodium species, and their study may provide further clues for understanding the evolutionary relationships between vertebrates and malarial parasites. Our aim was to investigate the distribution of Polychromophilus spp. in Eastern Europe and test the importance of host ecology and roost site on haemosporidian parasite infection of bats. We sampled bats and their ectoparasites at eight locations in Romania and Bulgaria. DNA was extracted from blood samples and ectoparasites and tested individually for the presence of DNA of Polychromophilus spp. using a nested PCR targeting a 705 bp fragment of cytB. Two species of Polychromophilus were identified: Po. melanipherus in Miniopterus schreibersii and associated ectoparasites and Po. murinus in rhinolophid and vespertilionid bats (6 species) and their ticks and nycteribiid flies. Only cave-dwelling bat species (and their ectoparasites) showed infections, and we found a strong correlation between infections with Polychromophilus parasites and Nycteribiidae prevalence. We report the high genetic diversity of Polychromophilus spp. in Eastern Europe, suggesting that the simultaneous presence of varied host and vector assemblages enhances bat haemosporidian parasite diversity.

scholarly journals Environmental determinants of haemosporidian parasite prevalence in a declining population of Tree swallows

Parasitology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 145 (7) ◽  
pp. 961-970 ◽  
Author(s):  
Audrey Turcotte ◽  
Marc Bélisle ◽  
Fanie Pelletier ◽  
Dany Garant
Keyword(s):  
Forest Cover ◽  
Agricultural Landscape ◽  
Parasite Prevalence ◽  
Landscape Composition ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Tree Swallows ◽  
Environmental Determinants ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasite ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasites

AbstractThe prevalence of vector-borne parasites such as haemosporidian species is influenced by several environmental factors. While the negative effects of parasitism on hosts are well documented, these can also be amplified by interactions with environmental stressors, many of which are anthropogenic. Yet, we know little about the possible effects of anthropogenic perturbations on parasite prevalence. The goals of this study were to assess the prevalence and environmental determinants of haemosporidian parasites in a declining population of Tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) living in an agricultural landscape in southern Québec, Canada. Overall, a low prevalence and a moderate lineage diversity were identified in both adults and nestlings, confirming that transmission can occur during the breeding period. Anthropic areas, extensive cultures (hayfields and pastures) and forest cover within 500 km of nest boxes, as well as daily temperature fluctuations, were all related to infection by haemosporidian parasites. These findings suggest that anthropogenic alterations of landscape composition can modulate the prevalence of haemosporidian parasites in Tree swallows. Our results represent a baseline for future comparative studies assessing haemosporidian parasite prevalence in human-modified landscapes.

Low diversity and high intra-island variation in prevalence of avian Haemoproteus parasites on Barbados, Lesser Antilles

Parasitology ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 136 (10) ◽  
pp. 1121-1131 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. MARIA ◽  
E. SVENSSON ◽  
ROBERT E. RICKLEFS
Keyword(s):  
Bird Species ◽  
Host Population ◽  
Genetic Differences ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasite ◽  
Pcr Screening ◽  
Limited Sampling ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasites ◽  
Free Region ◽  
Host Genetic ◽  
Coereba Flaveola

SUMMARYCommon bird species were screened during May and June 2007 on Barbados for haemosporidian parasites (Haemosporida) of the genera Haemoproteus and Plasmodium to determine whether the low parasite diversity reported in previous studies might have reflected limited sampling. PCR screening and DNA sequencing revealed a single predominant lineage of Haemoproteus identified as H. coatneyi. Sixty-two out of 257 birds were infected with Haemoproteus spp. on Barbados in 2007. Fifty-nine of the infections were identified as H. coatneyi (lineage HC), the only lineage recovered in the previous study in 1993. Two of the infections recovered from the bananaquit (Coereba flaveola) were identified as Haemoproteus spp. (lineage HD), which is the prevalent haemosporidian parasite in C. flaveola on Grenada. We discuss the possibility of infrequent colonization events and absence of vectors as explanations for Barbados's low avian haemosporidian diversity. In our study, the parasites were absent from the southeast of the island, whereas they were abundant in several host species in the northwest. Accordingly, environmental and host population genetic differences were also investigated between the areas with and without parasites. No host genetic differences were found between the parasite-free and the parasite-afflicted regions. However, the parasite-free region is slightly warmer and drier, and it supports less vegetation than the parasite-afflicted region. The influence that this harsher environment may have on vector survival is discussed.

scholarly journals Blood parasites in vectors reveal a united blackfly community in the upper canopy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nayden Chakarov ◽  
Helge Kampen ◽  
Anja Wiegmann ◽  
Doreen Werner ◽  
Staffan Bensch
Keyword(s):  
Forest Canopy ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Blood Parasites ◽  
Avian Host ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasite ◽  
Host Group ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasites ◽  
Blood Sucking ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Host Parasite

Abstract Background: The behaviour of blood-sucking arthropods is a crucial determinant of blood protozoan distribution and hence of host-parasite coevolution, but it is very challenging to study in the wild. The molecular identification of parasite lineages in vectors can be a useful key to understand the behaviour and transmission patterns realised by these vectors. Methods: In this study, we collected blackflies around nests of three raptor species in the upper forest canopy in central Europe and examined the presence of vertebrate DNA and haemosporidian parasites in them. We molecularly analysed 156 blackfly individuals, their vertebrate blood meals, and the haemosporidian parasite lineages they carried. Results: We identified nine species of Simulium blackflies, largely belonging to the subgenera Nevermannia and Eusimulium. Only 1% of the collected specimens was visibly engorged, and only 4% contained remains of host DNA. However, in 29% of the blackflies Leucocytozoon lineages were identified, which is evidence of a previous blood meal on an avian host. Based on the known vertebrate hosts of the recorded Leucocytozoon lineages, we can infer that large and/or abundant birds, such as thrushes, crows, pigeons, birds of prey, owls and tits are the main targets of ornithophilic blackflies in the canopy. Blackfly species contained similar proportions of host group-specific parasite lineages and thus do not appear to be associated with particular host groups. Conclusions: The Leucocytozoon clade infecting thrushes, crows, and pigeons present in most represented blackfly species suggests a lack of association between hosts and blackflies, which can increase the probability of host switches of blood parasites. However, the composition of the simuliid species differed between nests of common buzzards, goshawks and red kites. This segregation can be explained by coinciding habitat preferences between host and vector, and may lead to the fast speciation of Leucocytozoon parasites. Thus, subtle ecological preferences and lack of host preference of vectors in the canopy may enable both parasite diversification and host switches, and enforce a habitat-dependent evolution of avian malaria parasites and related haemosporidia.

scholarly journals A broad-range survey of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato infection in small mammals in Yunnan Province, China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhihai He ◽  
Baogui Jiang ◽  
Zihou Gao ◽  
Zongti Shao ◽  
Yun Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Yunnan Province ◽  
23S Rrna ◽  
Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato ◽  
Tropical Region ◽  
Prevalence Rates ◽  
High Genetic Diversity ◽  
Landscape Types ◽  
Pcr Targeting

Abstract Background: Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (BBSL), is commonly found in wild and domestic mammals worldwide. In China, human cases of B. burgdorferi infections have been identified across a wide distribution, but little direct surveillance of potential small mammal reservoirs has been performed in Yunnan Province, a tropical region in southwestern China. Here we report a thorough investigation of BBSL in small mammals collected from 2011 to 2016 from this region.Methods: Small mammals were captured using snap traps in 23 counties located in Yunnan Province. DNA was extracted from spleen tissue using DNA blood and tissue kits. A nested PCR targeting the 5S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer gene of BBSL was used for pathogen detection. Amplicons of 252bp expected sizes were sequenced directly and analyzed using BLAST algorithm. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using MEGA software and statistical analysis were conducted using SPSS version 17.0.Results: Overall, 3659 mammals belonging to 57 species were captured at 159 sample sites located in 23 counties in Yunnan Province. Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. was found in 146 mammals (3.99%), from 30 different species, 20 of which represent the first reported detection in that species. Sequence analysis revealed five genotypes of B. burgdorferi s.l., including B. afzelii, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. japonica, B. garinii and B. valaisiana.Conclusions: Significant differences in prevalence rates of BBSL were observed at varying landscape types and altitudes. Small mammals in forested areas had higher prevalence rates than other landscape types, as did small mammals found at altitudes greater than 2500 meters. The five genotypes of BBSL detected, suggests high genetic diversity within this province.

Assessing the diversity, host-specificity and infection patterns of apicomplexan parasites in reptiles from Oman, Arabia

Parasitology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 143 (13) ◽  
pp. 1730-1747 ◽  
Author(s):  
JOÃO P. MAIA ◽  
D. JAMES HARRIS ◽  
SALVADOR CARRANZA ◽  
ELENA GOMÉZ-DÍAZ
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Host Specificity ◽  
Quantitative Pcr ◽  
Parasite Diversity ◽  
Phylogenetic Clustering ◽  
Apicomplexan Parasites ◽  
Host Ecology ◽  
Phylogenetic Framework ◽  
Host Parasite ◽  
Wild Hosts

SUMMARYUnderstanding the processes that shape parasite diversification, their distribution and abundance provides valuable information on the dynamics and evolution of disease. In this study, we assessed the diversity, distribution, host-specificity and infection patterns of apicomplexan parasites in amphibians and reptiles from Oman, Arabia. Using a quantitative PCR approach we detected three apicomplexan parasites (haemogregarines, lankesterellids and sarcocystids). A total of 13 haemogregarine haplotypes were identified, which fell into four main clades in a phylogenetic framework. Phylogenetic analysis of six new lankesterellid haplotypes revealed that these parasites were distinct from, but phylogenetically related to, knownLankesterellaspecies and might represent new taxa. The percentage of infected hosts (prevalence) and the number of haemogregarines in the blood (parasitaemia) varied significantly between gecko species. We also found significant differences in parasitaemia between haemogregarine parasite lineages (defined by phylogenetic clustering of haplotypes), suggesting differences in host–parasite compatibility between these lineages. ForPristurus rupestris, we found significant differences in haemogregarine prevalence between geographical areas. Our results suggest that host ecology and host relatedness may influence haemogregarine distributions and, more generally, highlight the importance of screening wild hosts from remote regions to provide new insights into parasite diversity.

Diversity of avian haemosporidians in arid zones of northern Venezuela

Parasitology ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 139 (8) ◽  
pp. 1021-1028 ◽  
Author(s):  
NAYARA O. BELO ◽  
ADRIANA RODRÍGUEZ-FERRARO ◽  
ERIKA M. BRAGA ◽  
ROBERT E. RICKLEFS
Keyword(s):  
Avian Malaria ◽  
Arid Zones ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasite ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasites ◽  
Vector Abundance ◽  
Single Host ◽  
Host Identity ◽  
Avian Haemosporidians ◽  
Avian Malaria Parasite ◽  
Abundance And Diversity

SUMMARYArid zones of northern Venezuela are represented by isolated areas, important from an ornithological and ecological perspective due to the occurrence of restricted-range species of birds. We analysed the prevalence and molecular diversity of haemosporidian parasites of wild birds in this region by screening 527 individuals (11 families and 20 species) for parasite mitochondrial DNA. The overall prevalence of parasites was 41%, representing 17 mitochondrial lineages: 7 of Plasmodium and 10 of Haemoproteus. Two parasite lineages occurred in both the eastern and western regions infecting a single host species, Mimus gilvus. These lineages are also present throughout northern and central Venezuela in a variety of arid and mesic habitats. Some lineages found in this study in northern Venezuela have also been observed in different localities in the Americas, including the West Indies. In spite of the widespread distributions of some of the parasite lineages found in northern Venezuela, several, including some that are relatively common (e.g. Ven05 and Ven06), have not been reported from elsewhere. Additional studies are needed to characterize the host and geographical distribution of avian malaria parasite lineages, which will provide a better understanding of the influence of landscape, vector abundance and diversity, and host identity on haemosporidian parasite diversity and prevalence.

scholarly journals Survey of Hepatocystis parasites of fruit bats in the Amurum forest reserve, Nigeria, identifies first host record for Rousettus aegyptiacus

Parasitology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 146 (12) ◽  
pp. 1550-1554
Author(s):  
N. Atama ◽  
S. Manu ◽  
S. Ivande ◽  
S. P. Rosskopf ◽  
K. Matuschewski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Host Record ◽  
Fruit Bats ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasite ◽  
Distribution Maps ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Fruit Bat ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasites ◽  
Novel Host ◽  
Parasite Infections ◽  
Close Relatives

AbstractParasites of the genus Hepatocystis are close relatives of Plasmodium that frequently infect epauletted fruit bats across West and East Africa. Our understanding of susceptible hosts and prevalence of infection of Hepatocystis remains fragmented. Non-invasive sampling of bat assemblages in representative habitats critically contribute to haemosporidian parasite distribution maps. Here, we report on a survey of Hepatocystis parasite infections in bats undertaken over two consecutive years in a protected area in Nigeria, where prevalence and diversity of bat-infecting haemosporidian parasites have not been studied. Microscopic examination of blood films in combination with PCR detection and sequencing revealed Hepatocystis infections with prevalences of 25% and 42% in the closely related epauletted fruit bats Epomophorus sp. and Micropteropus pusillus. For the first time, mature Hepatocystis gametocytes were identified in one Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus). This novel host record was confirmed by parasite and host genotyping and suggests that Hepatocystis parasites have a broader host distribution in African fruit bats than currently known.

scholarly journals About the Upper Border of the Кyiv Grivnas Usage

Archaeology ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 39-48
Author(s):  
Heorhii Kozubovskyi
Keyword(s):  
Eastern Europe ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Complete Disappearance ◽  
Absolute Majority ◽  
Global Catastrophe

The problem of the usage of silver payment ingots (Kyiv grivnas) after the Mongol invasion is analyzed in the article. Such silver ingots are dated by the ХІІ — first half of the ХІІІ c., until the invasion of 1239—1240 by majority of authors. However, historical and numismatic facts testify to the important role, which the grivnas of the «Kyiv type» played in the second half of the ХІІІ c. The grivnas of the «Kyiv type» are occasionally among the finds of the beginning of the ХІV c. The weight of most ingots was about 160 g (are kept in the well-known standards — 163,7 g). However, a part of them has the weight of 170—216 g. It was connected with a great extent of rise in price of bread and grain in the middle – second part of the XIII c. The analysis of certain part of grivnas of the «Kyiv type» indicate, that the content of silver in them was very different. Absolute majority of grivnas has high percentage of silver — 900—950/1000. However, the certain part of them has high content of copper and other metals (400 °, 600 °, 750 °, 800 °, 870 °) and also there are present copper grivnas of the «Kyiv type». Part of researchers considers copper grivnas as old or modern false ingots. Several copper grivnas show the presence of silver (4,14 %. 9,80 %). For the grivnas of the «Kyiv type» manufacturing there was used well-quality silver as well alloys with concentrations of copper and other metals. These several grivnas of the «Kyiv type» could be made from billon Byzantine and oriental coins of the XIII c. Copper Byzantine coins of the ХІІ—ХІV c. are fixed in the Eastern Europe among the objects found in hoards and occasionally. A wide distribution of the Byzantine copper coins in Rus gives a testimony to the fact that they intensively were used in the local commerce. Discoveries of copper oriental coins of the middle of the XIII c. have been fixed in Kyiv. Reduction of the silver ingots usage was connected with global catastrophe associated with the invasion of the hordes of Batu Khan and Mongol tribute. However, these facts didn’t cause the complete disappearance of grivnas in the middle of the ХІІІ c. The grivnas of the «Kyiv type» appeared to be the main currency and in the second half of the ХІІІ c. (Mongol tribute, ransoms and etc.) on the certain territory of Eastern Europe.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Genetic Diversity of Avian Haemosporidian Parasites in Southern Iran

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 645
Author(s):  
Vajiheh Ghaemitalab ◽  
Omid Mirshamsi ◽  
Gediminas Valkiūnas ◽  
Mansour Aliabadian
Keyword(s):  
Bird Species ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasite ◽  
New Host ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasites ◽  
Mitochondrial Cytochrome B ◽  
Base Pair Fragment ◽  
Avian Haemosporidians ◽  
Resident Bird ◽  
Local Transmission

Avian haemosporidians are widespread and diverse and are classified in the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon, and Fallisia. These species are known to cause haemosporidiosis and decreased fitness of their hosts. Despite the high diversity of habitats and animal species in Iran, only few studies have addressed avian haemosporidians in this geographic area. This study was performed in the south and southeast of Iran during the bird breeding seasons in 2017 and 2018, with the aim to partly fill in this gap. Blood samples of 237 passerine birds belonging to 41 species and 20 families were collected. Parasite infections were identified using a nested PCR protocol targeting a 479-base-pair fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) gene of Haemoproteus, Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon species. The overall prevalence of haemosporidian parasites was 51.1%, and 55 different lineages were identified, of which 15 cytb lineages were new globally. The lineages of Haemoproteus predominated (63.6% of all detected lineages), followed by Leucocytozoon and Plasmodium. Nineteen new host records of haemosporidian cytb lineages were identified, and the majority of them were found in resident bird species, indicating local transmission. Thirteen co-infections (9.8% of infected individuals) of Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon parasites in seven host species were observed. This study shows the presence of active local transmission of parasites to resident bird species in the southeast of Iran and contributes to the knowledge on haemosporidian parasite biodiversity in this poorly studied region of the world.

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