DECOMPOSITION OF RABBIT FECES: ROLE OF THE SCIARID FLY LYCORIELLA MALI (DIPTERA: SCIARIDAE) IN ENERGY TRANSFORMATIONS

1979 ◽  
Vol 111 (2) ◽  
pp. 213-217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ethel D. Helsel ◽  
D. T. Wicklow
Keyword(s):  
Larval Density ◽  
Grazing Pressure ◽  
Coprophilous Fungi ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Fecal Weight ◽  
Limited Variation ◽  
Fly Larvae ◽  
Lycoriella Mali ◽  
Rabbit Feces

AbstractGross decomposition (wt./cal) losses of rabbit feces colonized by larvae of the sciarid fly Lycoriella mali Fitch as contrasted with feces incubated without fly larvae were studied in the laboratory. Under conditions of high larval density and intense grazing pressure, fecal weight and calorie losses (30 days) were double those from fecal samples incubated without flies. Decomposition losses among the samples in a given treatment showed limited variation although the number of emergent adults varied greatly. Although published caloric values obtained for microflora and flies are significantly higher than those recorded for the rabbit feces used in this study (4837 cal/g), feces colonized by flies and feces incubated without flies had caloric values equivalent to that of the unincubated control. Larvae consumed both the mycelium and sporocarps of coprophilous fungi.

scholarly journals Genotyping pattern of the vacuolating cytotoxin A and cytotoxin associated gene A of the Helicobacter pylori strains detected in fecal samples of household dogs

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Asieh Bolandi ◽  
Saam Torkan ◽  
Iman Alavi
Keyword(s):  
Helicobacter Pylori ◽  
16S Rrna ◽  
16S Rrna Gene ◽  
Pcr Amplification ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
The Status ◽  
Cytotoxin Associated Gene A ◽  
H Pylori

In despite of the high clinical impact of Helicobacter pylori, its exact sources and routes of transmission are unknown. Dogs may play an imperative role in the transmission of H. pylori to humans. The current investigation was done to study the status of vacA and cagA genotypes in the H. pylori strains of dogs. One-hundred and fifty fecal samples were collected from healthy and complicated household dogs. Genomic DNA was extracted from fecal samples and presence of 16S rRNA gene was studied using the PCR amplification. Distribution of vacA and cagA genotypes were studied by the multiplex PCR. Thirteen out of 150 fecal samples (8.66%) were positive for H. pylori 16S rRNA gene. Prevalence of H. pylori in healthy and complicated dogs were 5.55% and 8.57%, respectively. Male had the higher prevalence of H. pylori (P=0.038). The most commonly detected genotypes among the H. pylori strains were vacAs1A (61.53%), cagA (38.46%), vacAm1a (38.46%), vacAs2 (30.76%) and vacAm2 (30.76%). The most commonly detected combined genotypes were s1aCagA (30.76%), s1am1a (23.07%), s2m1a (23.07%) and s2CagA (23.07%). Iranian household dogs harbor H. pylori in their fecal samples similar in genotypes of the vacA and cagA alleles which suggest that complicated and even healthy dogs may be the latent host of the H. pylori and its genotypes. However, supplementary studies are required to found the exact role of dogs as a definitive host of the H. pylori.

scholarly journals Metagenomic Profiling of Fecal-Derived Bacterial Membrane Vesicles in Crohn’s Disease Patients

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 2795
Author(s):  
Nader Kameli ◽  
Heike E. F. Becker ◽  
Tessa Welbers ◽  
Daisy M. A. E. Jonkers ◽  
John Penders ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crohn’S Disease ◽  
Crohn's Disease ◽  
Membrane Vesicles ◽  
Amplicon Sequencing ◽  
Size Exclusion ◽  
Bacterial Membrane ◽  
Microbial Composition ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Exclusion Chromatography

Background: In the past, many studies suggested a crucial role for dysbiosis of the gut microbiota in the etiology of Crohn’s disease (CD). However, despite being important players in host–bacteria interaction, the role of bacterial membrane vesicles (MV) has been largely overlooked in the pathogenesis of CD. In this study, we addressed the composition of the bacterial and MV composition in fecal samples of CD patients and compared this to the composition in healthy individuals. Methods: Fecal samples from six healthy subjects (HC) in addition to twelve CD patients (six active, six remission) were analyzed in this study. Fecal bacterial membrane vesicles (fMVs) were isolated by a combination of ultrafiltration and size exclusion chromatography. DNA was obtained from the fMV fraction, the pellet of dissolved feces as bacterial DNA (bDNA), or directly from feces as fecal DNA (fDNA). The fMVs were characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis and cryo-electron microscopy. Amplicon sequencing of 16s rRNA V4 hypervariable gene regions was conducted to assess microbial composition of all fractions. Results: Beta-diversity analysis showed that the microbial community structure of the fMVs was significantly different from the microbial profiles of the fDNA and bDNA. However, no differences were observed in microbial composition between fDNA and bDNA. The microbial richness of fMVs was significantly decreased in CD patients compared to HC, and even lower in active patients. Profiling of fDNA and bDNA demonstrated that Firmicutes was the most dominant phylum in these fractions, while in fMVs Bacteroidetes was dominant. In fMV, several families and genera belonging to Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were significantly altered in CD patients when compared to HC. Conclusion: The microbial alterations of MVs in CD patients particularly in Firmicutes and Proteobacteria suggest a possible role of MVs in host-microbe symbiosis and induction or progression of inflammation in CD pathogenesis. Yet, the exact role for these fMV in the pathogenesis of the disease needs to be elucidated in future studies.

scholarly journals The urban and rural capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) as reservoir of Salmonella in the western Amazon, Brazil

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Itacir O. Farikoski ◽  
Luciana S. Medeiros ◽  
Yuri K. Carvalho ◽  
David A. Ashford ◽  
Eduardo E. S. Figueiredo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Area ◽  
Rural Area ◽  
Salmonella Spp ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Enrichment Broth ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Zoonotic Infections ◽  
Hydrochoerus Hydrochaeris ◽  
Pcr Targeting

ABSTRACT: The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the largest rodent in the world. In the state of Acre, Brazil, populations of capybaras have been increasing significantly. The role of capybaras in the transmission of certain bacterial zoonotic infections is not well understood, including bacteria of the genus Salmonella. Salmonella spp. generally cause enteritis or septicemia in mammals, however many mammalian species can carry the bacteria asymptomatically and shed it in their feces. To better understand the possible role of capybaras as reservoirs of Salmonella spp., we conducted a study of Salmonella within fecal samples from capybara in Acre. In a convenience sample, 54 capybaras from two urban and two rural areas of Acre were captured and kept for three to four days for sampling. None of the animals were symptomatic of any intestinal illness. Three separate fecal samples were collected from each animal, during their stays in captivity. Each sample was cultured for the presence of Salmonella spp. at the bacteriology laboratory of the Veterinary College of the Federal University of Acre. Samples were seeded in tetrationate pre-enrichment broth and in pre-enrichment broth peptone. After a 24 hour of incubation all samples were streaked on MacConkey Agar (MC) and Salmonella-Shigella Agar (SS). Suggestive colonies were submitted to biochemical analysis. Salmonella compatible colonies according to biochemical profile were submitted to serotyping (Sorokit for Salmonella - Probac do Brasil). In addition, the first sample from each of the 54 capybara was tested for Salmonella spp. using PCR targeting gene hilA. Eight (5%) of the 162 samples examined by bacterial culture were positive for Salmonella spp., while four (7%) of the 54 examined by PCR were positive. From the eight positive animals on culture, five were from urban area and three from rural area. On PCR, only one positive animal was from urban area and four were from rural area. Overall, by either test, one of the 54 animals was positive. All samples were collected in free - living animals with no apparent clinical signs of salmonellosis, indicating the potential of capybara as reservoir on this ecosystem.

scholarly journals Use of Mini-FLOTAC and Fill-FLOTAC for rapidly diagnosing parasitic infections in zoo mammals

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 168-171
Author(s):  
Michele Capasso ◽  
Maria Paola Maurelli ◽  
Davide Ianniello ◽  
Leucio Camara Alves ◽  
Alessandra Amadesi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gastrointestinal Nematodes ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Gastrointestinal Infections ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Eimeria Spp ◽  
Flotac Technique

Abstract Animals reared in restricted environments are highly susceptible to gastrointestinal infection by helminths and protozoa and therefore zoos are characterized as being parasite-rich environments. Successful implementation of control programs of these parasites in zoo environment depends upon precise and rapid diagnosing of gastrointestinal infections. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the role of the Mini-FLOTAC technique in combination with Fill-FLOTAC for rapidly diagnosing parasitic infections in zoo mammals. Fecal samples were collected from 70 animals in four different zoos located in central and southern Italy. All the samples were analyzed using Mini-FLOTAC in combination with Fill-FLOTAC. Out of the 70 pooled samples examined, 80% (24/30) were positive for at least one parasite. Among the gastrointestinal nematodes, Strongyles were the most frequent (40%), followed by Trichuris spp. (23.3%), Parascaris spp. (13.3%) and Capillaria spp. (3.3%). Among the protozoa, Blastocystis spp., Giardia spp. and Eimeria spp. were detected in 6.6%, 3.3% and 3.3%, respectively. These results show that Mini-FLOTAC in combination with Fill-FLOTAC can be used, not only for rapidly diagnosing parasitic infections in zoo mammals, but also for monitoring control programs in which large numbers of fecal samples need to be examined rapidly and reliably.

scholarly journals Xylanase, and the role of digestibility and hindgut fermentation in pigs on energetic differences among high and low energy corn samples1

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (10) ◽  
pp. 4293-4297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy L Petry ◽  
Helen V Masey O’Neill ◽  
John F Patience
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Fiber ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Low Energy ◽  
Total Dietary Fiber ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Ileal Digestibility ◽  
Collection Period ◽  
Dietary Treatments

Abstract The experimental objective was to evaluate the digestibility and fermentation differences between high and low energy corn samples and their response to xylanase supplementation. Four corn samples, 2 with higher DE content (HE-1 and HE-2; 3.74 and 3.75 Mcal DE/kg DM, respectively) and 2 with a lower DE content (LE-1 and LE-2; 3.63 and 3.56 Mcal DE/kg DM, respectively) were selected based upon a previous digestibility trial. Sixteen individually housed barrows (PIC 359 × C29; initial BW = 34.8 ± 0.23kg) were surgically fitted with an ileal T-cannula and randomly allotted to treatments in an 8 × 4 Youden square design. Dietary treatments were arranged in a 4 × 2 factorial: HE-1, HE-2, LE-1, and LE-2, with and without xylanase supplementation. Diets were formulated using one of the 4 corn samples, casein, vitamins, minerals, and 0.4% chromic oxide as an indigestible marker. Feed intake was established at approximately 3 times the estimated energy required for maintenance (NRC 2012) based upon the average initial BW of the pigs at the start of each collection period, which consisted of 9 d adaptation, 2 d of fecal, and 3 d of ileal collections. Diets, ileal, and fecal samples were analyzed for DM, GE, and total dietary fiber (TDF), to determine apparent total tract (ATTD), hindgut fermentation (HF), apparent ileal digestibility (AID) coefficients. A diet × enzyme interaction was not observed for any of the measured variables (P > 0.10). The HE-1 and HE-2 diets had greater ATTD of GE, and HE-2 diet had greater ATTD of DM (P < 0.001 and P = 0.007, respectively). Xylanase, independent of diet, improved the ATTD of GE and DM (84.8 vs. 83.6% for GE with and without enzyme, respectively, P = 0.008; and 84.2 and 83.0% with and without enzyme, respectively, P = 0.007). The energetic differences among these corn samples appeared to be driven by fermentability in the hindgut. Supplementing xylanase improves digestibility irrespective of the digestibility energy content of corn.

Facing the future: the importance of substratum features for ecological engineering of artificial habitats in the rocky intertidal

2016 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise B. Firth ◽  
Freya J. White ◽  
Meredith Schofield ◽  
Mick E. Hanley ◽  
Michael T. Burrows ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Trend ◽  
Ecological Engineering ◽  
Grazing Pressure ◽  
Rocky Intertidal ◽  
Taxon Richness ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Artificial Habitats ◽  
Warming Climate ◽  
North And South

Coastal defences are proliferating in response to climate change, leading to the creation of more vertical substrata. Efforts are being made to mitigate their impacts and create novel habitats to promote biodiversity. Little is known about the effect of aspect (i.e. north–south directionality) and inclination on intertidal biodiversity in artificial habitats. Artificial and natural habitats were compared to assess the role of aspect and substratum inclination in determining patterns of biodiversity at two tidal heights (high and mid). We also compared grazing activity between north- and south-facing surfaces in natural habitats to examine the potential for differential grazing pressure to affect community structure and functioning. Results were variable but some clear patterns emerged. Inclination had no effect on biodiversity or abundance. There was a general trend towards greater taxon richness and abundance on north-facing than south-facing substrata in natural and artificial habitats. On natural shores, the abundance and grazing activity of ‘southern’ limpets (i.e. Patella depressa) was greater on south-facing than north-facing substrata, with possible implications for further range-expansion. These results highlight the importance of incorporating shaded habitats in the construction of artificial habitats. These habitats may represent an important refuge from grazing pressure and thermal and desiccation stress in a warming climate.

DESCRIPTION OF THE IMMATURE STAGES OF LEUCOPIS SP. NR. ALBIPUNCTA (DIPTERA: CHAMAEMYIIDAE) AND THEIR ROLE AS PREDATORS OF THE APPLE APHID, APHIS POMI (HOMOPTERA: APHIDIDAE)

1983 ◽  
Vol 115 (7) ◽  
pp. 735-742 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin T. Tracewski
Keyword(s):  
New Hampshire ◽  
Larval Density ◽  
The State ◽  
Immature Stages ◽  
Larval Instars ◽  
Aphis Pomi ◽  
Growing Region ◽  
Aphid Populations

AbstractThe role of Leucopis sp. nr. albipuncta larvae in controlling outbreaks of the apple aphid, Aphis pomi De Geer, was studied in five New Hampshire orchards. There was significant correlation of larval density with changes in the density of apple aphid populations, and larvae were widely distributed throughout the apple growing region of the state. The egg, three larval instars, and puparium are described and illustrated.

scholarly journals SIMULATION OF THE EFFECT OF HEATING ON DISINFESTATION PROTOCOLS FOR PAPAYA

HortScience ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 679d-679 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Seltenrich ◽  
W.G. Laidlaw ◽  
Harvey T. Chan ◽  
C.F. Hayes
Keyword(s):  
Pest Control ◽  
Fruit Fly ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Fixed Temperature ◽  
Rate Laws ◽  
Rate Expression ◽  
Hot Air ◽  
Fruit Damage ◽  
Fly Larvae

The disinfestation protocol for fruit often requires a delicate balance between suppression of the pest and avoidance of fruit damage. In Hawaii both hot-water and hot-air treatments are used for papaya destined for export. A computer simulation of the heat flow can be used to obtain the temperature Tα(x,t) at every point x in the papaya and every time t for any given heating protocol α. The activity of the ethylene forming enzyme (EFE) has been used as a measure of fruit damage and the “kill” of fruit-fly larvae/eggs as a measure of pest control. The degradation of the EFE measured experimentally for a fixed temperature T and at several times t can be analyzed to yield a rate expression R1(T,t). Similarly the survival of fruit-fly larvae/eggs can be used to establish a rate expression R2(T,t). The temperature space-time expression, Tα(x,t), for a chosen heating protocol α, and the rate laws R1(T,t) and R2(T,t) can be used to calculate the effect on EFE activity, EFEα(x,t), and pest control, PCα(x,t), at every point in the fruit and time of the protocol. For example the effect of different heating schedules, different heating fluids or even the role of “pre-conditioning” can be assessed.

scholarly journals Protozoan pathogens Blastocystis and Giardia spp. in roof-harvested rainwater: the need to investigate the role of the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) and other potential sources of zoonotic transmission

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 780-785
Author(s):  
Edward Waters ◽  
Warish Ahmed ◽  
Kerry Ann Hamilton ◽  
Deniss Plaksins ◽  
Damian Stark
Keyword(s):  
Entamoeba Histolytica ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Brushtail Possum ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Dientamoeba Fragilis ◽  
Cryptosporidium Spp ◽  
Blastocystis Spp ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Abstract Globally, protozoan pathogens are an increasingly important cause of reported disease outbreaks, with the majority of documented outbreaks between 2004 and 2010 reported in Australia. While the microbiological contamination of roof-harvested rainwater (RHRW) has been well studied, limited information is available regarding contamination with protozoan pathogens. In this study, rainwater (n = 134) and possum fecal samples (n = 20) were screened for the presence of several protozoan pathogens, including Blastocystis spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., Dientamoeba fragilis, and Entamoeba histolytica using the multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction. While Cryptosporidium spp. was only detected in two possum fecal samples (10%) and Giardia spp. was only detected in three RHRW samples (2.23%, n = 134), Blastocystis spp. was detected in both possum feces (25%) and RHRW (5.22%) samples. Dientamoeba fragilis and Entamoeba histolytica were not detected in any samples. These findings highlight protozoan pathogens as a potentially important area of focus for rainwater quality assessment. Furthermore, while possums are suggested as a potential source of Blastocystis spp. in RHRW, sources of this pathogen in RHRW warrant further investigation.

scholarly journals Impact of Protozoan Grazing on Nitrification and the Ammonia-And-Nitrite-Oxidizing Bacterial Communities in Activated Sludge

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Jean Pogue
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Ammonia Oxidation ◽  
Heterotrophic Bacteria ◽  
Grazing Pressure ◽  
Batch Reactors ◽  
Protozoan Grazing ◽  
Nitrite Oxidizing Bacteria ◽  
Nitrogen Concentrations ◽  
Nitrite Nitrate

The effect of protozoan grazing on nitrification rates under different conditions was examined. The spatial distribution of ammonia -and nitrite- oxidizing bacteria (AOB and NOB) in activated sludge was also examined using FISH/CSLM. Batch reactors were monitored for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and total nitrogen concentrations and bacterial numbers in the presence and absence of cycloheximide, a protozoan inhibitor. In the absence of protozoan grazing, rates of nitrification were lower than in batches with protozoa. Spatially, both AOB and NOB were found clustered within the floc and neither inhibiting the protozoa or inhibiting ammonia oxidation appeared to lower the amount of AOB and NOB present or their position. These results suggest that a reduction in protozoan grazing pressure allowed the heterotrophic bacteria to proliferate which caused a corresponding decrease in the rate of nitrification. These results suggest that AOB and NOB are less active in the absence of protozoa and indicates the role of protozoa in the cycling of nitrogen.

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