Age-related dynamics of protozoan and helminth infections in the red-legged partridge, Alectoris rufa, were studied in an intensive breeding aviary in the Czech Republic before releasing birds for hunting purposes. Pooled fecal samples (n = 900) were examined over 3 rearing seasons (2012-2014). A total of 4 protozoan species, Cryptosporidium baileyi, Cryptosporidium meleagridis, Eimeria kofoidi, and Eimeria legionensis, and 4 helminths, Capillaria phasianina, Eucoleus perforans, Heterakis gallinarum, and Syngamus trachea, was found. The most common parasite was S. trachea (prevalence 20-26%) in dead birds (n = 99), which represents a high risk for breeders. Co-occurrence of protozoans and helminths indicated similarities in infection dynamics throughout the 3 breeding seasons. Mixed infections of Cryptosporidium baileyi and C. meleagridis with other parasitic species are reported for the first time. Our findings provide new insights into breeding of A. rufa and may help to improve the efficacy of disease control strategies and prevention, especially with the potential for spreading of parasitic infections to wildlife through released birds into open areas.
- Klíčová slova
- Alectoris rufa, Capillaria, Cryptosporidium, Eimeria, Eucoleus, Heterakis, Syngamus, Birds, Czech Republic, Infection Dynamics, Red-Legged Partridge, Zoonotic Potential,
- MeSH
- Capillaria klasifikace izolace a purifikace MeSH
- cizopasní červi klasifikace izolace a purifikace MeSH
- Cryptosporidium klasifikace izolace a purifikace MeSH
- Eimeria klasifikace izolace a purifikace MeSH
- feces parazitologie MeSH
- Galliformes parazitologie MeSH
- helmintózy zvířat epidemiologie parazitologie přenos MeSH
- hlístice klasifikace izolace a purifikace MeSH
- nemoci ptáků epidemiologie parazitologie přenos MeSH
- prevalence MeSH
- protozoální infekce zvířat epidemiologie parazitologie přenos MeSH
- rizikové faktory MeSH
- Spirurida klasifikace izolace a purifikace MeSH
- Strongyloidea klasifikace izolace a purifikace MeSH
- věkové faktory MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Česká republika epidemiologie MeSH
BACKGROUND: Although avian trypanosomes are widespread parasites, the knowledge of their vectors is still incomplete. Despite biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are considered as potential vectors of avian trypanosomes, their role in transmission has not been satisfactorily elucidated. Our aim was to clarify the potential of biting midges to sustain the development of avian trypanosomes by testing their susceptibility to different strains of avian trypanosomes experimentally. Moreover, we screened biting midges for natural infections in the wild. RESULTS: Laboratory-bred biting midges Culicoides nubeculosus were highly susceptible to trypanosomes from the Trypanosoma bennetti and T. avium clades. Infection rates reached 100%, heavy infections developed in 55-87% of blood-fed females. Parasite stages from the insect gut were infective for birds. Moreover, midges could be infected after feeding on a trypanosome-positive bird. Avian trypanosomes can thus complete their cycle in birds and biting midges. Furthermore, we succeeded to find infected blood meal-free biting midges in the wild. CONCLUSIONS: Biting midges are probable vectors of avian trypanosomes belonging to T. bennetti group. Midges are highly susceptible to artificial infections, can be infected after feeding on birds, and T. bennetti-infected biting midges (Culicoides spp.) have been found in nature. Moreover, midges can be used as model hosts producing metacyclic avian trypanosome stages infective for avian hosts.
- Klíčová slova
- Avian parasite, Culicoides nubeculosus, Host specificity, Life-cycle, Transmission, Trypanosoma avium, Trypanosoma bennetti, Trypanosoma culicavium,
- MeSH
- Ceratopogonidae anatomie a histologie parazitologie MeSH
- gastrointestinální trakt parazitologie MeSH
- hmyz - vektory parazitologie MeSH
- hostitelská specificita MeSH
- kanáři parazitologie MeSH
- mikroskopie elektronová rastrovací MeSH
- nemoci ptáků parazitologie přenos MeSH
- polymerázová řetězová reakce MeSH
- ptáci parazitologie MeSH
- Trypanosoma klasifikace genetika fyziologie ultrastruktura MeSH
- trypanozomiáza diagnóza parazitologie přenos veterinární MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Overlapping distributions of hosts and parasites are critical for successful completion of multi-host parasite life cycles and even small environmental changes can impact on the parasite's presence in a host or habitat. The generalist Cardiocephaloides longicollis was used as a model for multi-host trematode life cycles in marine habitats. This parasite was studied to quantify parasite dispersion and transmission dynamics, effects of biological changes and anthropogenic impacts on life cycle completion. We compiled the largest host dataset to date, by analysing 3351 molluscs (24 species), 2108 fish (25 species) and 154 birds (17 species) and analysed the resultant data based on a number of statistical models. We uncovered extremely low host specificity at the second intermediate host level and a preference of the free-swimming larvae for predominantly demersal but also benthic fish. The accumulation of encysted larvae in the brain with increasing fish size demonstrates that parasite numbers level off in fish larger than 140mm, consistent with parasite-induced mortality at these levels. The highest infection rates were detected in host species and sizes representing the largest fraction of Mediterranean fishery discards (up to 67% of the total catch), which are frequently consumed by seabirds. Significantly higher parasite densities were found in areas with extensive fishing activity than in those with medium and low activity, and in fish from shallow lagoons than in fish from other coastal areas. For the first time, C. longicollis was also detected in farmed fish in netpens. Fishing generally drives declines in parasite abundance, however, our study suggests an enhanced transmission of generalist parasites such as C. longicollis, an effect that is further amplified by the parasite's efficient host-finding mechanisms and its alteration of fish host behaviour by larvae encysted in the brain. The anthropogenic impact on the distribution of trophically-transmitted, highly prevalent parasites likely results in a strong effect on food web structure, thus making C. longicollis an ideal bioindicator to compare food webs in natural communities versus those impacted by fisheries and aquaculture.
- Klíčová slova
- Cardiocephaloides longicollis, Fishery discards, Host specificity, Human-induced impact, Mediterranean, Trematodes,
- MeSH
- ekosystém MeSH
- hlemýždi parazitologie MeSH
- hostitelská specificita MeSH
- infekce červy třídy Trematoda parazitologie přenos veterinární MeSH
- lidské činnosti MeSH
- měkkýši klasifikace parazitologie MeSH
- nemoci ptáků parazitologie přenos MeSH
- nemoci ryb parazitologie přenos MeSH
- potravní řetězec MeSH
- ptáci MeSH
- ribozomální DNA chemie MeSH
- RNA ribozomální 28S genetika MeSH
- rybářství MeSH
- ryby anatomie a histologie klasifikace MeSH
- sekvenční analýza DNA veterinární MeSH
- stadia vývoje * MeSH
- Trematoda klasifikace genetika růst a vývoj MeSH
- velikost těla MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Černé moře MeSH
- Středozemní moře MeSH
- Názvy látek
- ribozomální DNA MeSH
- RNA ribozomální 28S MeSH
Sedentary bird species are suitable model hosts for identifying potential vectors of avian blood parasites. We studied haemosporidian infections in the Tengmalm's Owl (Aegolius funereus) in the Ore Mountains of the Czech Republic using molecular detection methods. Sex of owl nestlings was scored using molecular sexing based on fragment analysis of PCR-amplified CHD1 introns. Observed infection prevalences in nestlings and adult owls were 51 and 86 %, respectively. Five parasite lineages were detected. Most of the infections comprised the Leucocytozoon AEFUN02 and STOCC06 lineages that probably refer to distinct Leucocytozoon species. Other lineages were detected only sporadically. Mixed infections were found in 49 % of samples. The main factor affecting the probability of infection was host age. No effect of individual sex on infection probability was evidenced. The youngest infected nestling was 12 days old. High parasite prevalence in the Tengmalm's Owl nestlings suggests that insect vectors must enter nest boxes to transmit parasites before fledging. Hence, we placed sticky insect traps into modified nest boxes, collected potential insect vectors, and examined them for the presence of haemosporidian parasites using molecular detection. We trapped 201 insects which were determined as biting midges from the Culicoides genus and two black fly species, Simulium (Nevermannia) vernum and Simulium (Eusimulium) angustipes. Six haemosporidian lineages were detected in the potential insect vectors, among which the Leucocytozoon lineage BT2 was common to the Tengmalm's Owl and the trapped insects. However, we have not detected the most frequently encountered Tengmalm's Owl Leucocytozoon lineages AEFUN02 and STOCC06 in insects.
- Klíčová slova
- Avian malaria, Blood parasites, Molecular sexing of owls, Strigiformes, Transmission, Vectors, Wildlife diseases,
- MeSH
- Ceratopogonidae parazitologie MeSH
- Haemosporida genetika izolace a purifikace MeSH
- hmyz - vektory parazitologie MeSH
- nemoci ptáků epidemiologie parazitologie přenos MeSH
- polymerázová řetězová reakce MeSH
- prevalence MeSH
- protozoální infekce zvířat epidemiologie parazitologie přenos MeSH
- sexuální faktory MeSH
- Simuliidae parazitologie MeSH
- Stringiformes parazitologie MeSH
- věkové faktory MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Česká republika epidemiologie MeSH
It is well understood that Salmonella is carried by animals and in majority of cases as asymptomatic hosts. Surveillance efforts have focused on the role of agriculture and contamination points along the food chain as the main source of human infection; however, very little attention has been paid to the contribution of wildlife in the dissemination of Salmonella and what effect anthropogenic sources have on the circulation of antibiotic resistant Salmonella serovars in wildlife species. A purposive survey was taken of large corvids roosting yearly between November and March in Europe and North America. Two thousand and seven hundred and seventy-eight corvid faecal specimens from 11 countries were submitted for Salmonella spp. culture testing. Presumptive positive isolates were further serotyped, susceptibility tested and analysed for antibiotic resistance genes. Overall, 1.40% (39/2778) (CI = 1.01, 1.90) of samples were positive for Salmonella spp. Salmonella Enteritidis was the most prevalent serovar followed by S. Infantis, S. Montevideo and S. Typhimurium. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was found in the proportion of Salmonella recovered in Europe versus North America. The most variability of serovars within a site was in Kansas, USA with five different serovars recovered. European sites were significantly more likely to yield Salmonella resistant to more than one antibiotic (OR 71.5, P < 0.001, CI = 3.77, 1358) than North American sites, where no resistance was found. Resistance to nalidixic acid, a quinolone, was recovered in nine isolates from four serovars in four different sites across Europe. Large corvids contribute to the transmission and dissemination of Salmonella and resistance genes between human and animal populations and across great distances. This information adds to the knowledge base of zoonotic pathogen prevalence and antibiotic resistance ecology in wild birds.
- Klíčová slova
- Europe, North America, Salmonella, antibiotic resistance, corvids, wild birds,
- MeSH
- bakteriální léková rezistence genetika MeSH
- feces mikrobiologie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mikrobiální testy citlivosti MeSH
- nemoci ptáků epidemiologie mikrobiologie přenos MeSH
- prevalence MeSH
- Salmonella účinky léků genetika izolace a purifikace MeSH
- salmonelová infekce u zvířat epidemiologie mikrobiologie přenos MeSH
- salmonelóza farmakoterapie epidemiologie mikrobiologie MeSH
- vrány mikrobiologie MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Evropa epidemiologie MeSH
- Severní Amerika epidemiologie MeSH
The prevalences of heteroxenous parasites are influenced by the interplay of three main actors: hosts, vectors, and the parasites themselves. We studied blood protists in the nesting populations of raptors in two different areas of the Czech Republic. Altogether, 788 nestlings and 258 adult Eurasian sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus) and 321 nestlings and 86 adult common buzzards (Buteo buteo) were screened for parasites by the microscopic examination of blood smears and by cultivation. We examined the role of shared vectors and parasite phylogenetic relationships on the occurrence of parasites. In different years and hosts, trypanosome prevalence ranged between 1.9 and 87.2 %, that of Leucocytozoon between 1.9 and 100 %, and Haemoproteus between 0 and 72.7 %. Coinfections with Leucocytozoon and Trypanosoma, phylogenetically distant parasites but both transmitted by blackflies (Simuliidae), were more frequent than coinfections with Leucocytozoon and Haemoproteus, phylogenetically closely related parasites transmitted by different vectors (blackflies and biting midges (Ceratopogonidae), respectively). For example, 16.6 % buzzard nestlings were coinfected with Trypanosoma and Leucocytozoon, while only 4.8 % with Leucocytozoon and Haemoproteus and 0.3 % with Trypanosoma and Haemoproteus. Nestlings in the same nest tended to have the same infection status. Furthermore, prevalence increased with the age of nestlings and with Julian date, while brood size had only a weak negative/positive effect on prevalence at the individual/brood level. Prevalences in a particular avian host species also varied between study sites and years. All these factors should thus be considered while comparing prevalences from different studies, the impact of vectors being the most important. We conclude that phylogenetically unrelated parasites that share the same vectors tend to have similar distributions within the host populations of two different raptor species.
- MeSH
- dravci parazitologie MeSH
- Falconiformes parazitologie MeSH
- fylogeneze MeSH
- Haemosporida klasifikace genetika izolace a purifikace fyziologie MeSH
- hmyz - vektory parazitologie fyziologie MeSH
- hostitelská specificita MeSH
- nemoci ptáků epidemiologie parazitologie přenos MeSH
- prevalence MeSH
- protozoální infekce zvířat epidemiologie parazitologie přenos MeSH
- ptáci parazitologie MeSH
- Simuliidae parazitologie fyziologie MeSH
- Trypanosoma klasifikace genetika izolace a purifikace fyziologie MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Česká republika epidemiologie MeSH
Cercarial dermatitis (swimmer's itch) is a condition caused by infective larvae (cercariae) of a species-rich group of mammalian and avian schistosomes. Over the last decade, it has been reported in areas that previously had few or no cases of dermatitis and is thus considered an emerging disease. It is obvious that avian schistosomes are responsible for the majority of reported dermatitis outbreaks around the world, and thus they are the primary focus of this review. Although they infect humans, they do not mature and usually die in the skin. Experimental infections of avian schistosomes in mice show that in previously exposed hosts, there is a strong skin immune reaction that kills the schistosome. However, penetration of larvae into naive mice can result in temporary migration from the skin. This is of particular interest because the worms are able to migrate to different organs, for example, the lungs in the case of visceral schistosomes and the central nervous system in the case of nasal schistosomes. The risk of such migration and accompanying disorders needs to be clarified for humans and animals of interest (e.g., dogs). Herein we compiled the most comprehensive review of the diversity, immunology, and epidemiology of avian schistosomes causing cercarial dermatitis.
- MeSH
- biodiverzita MeSH
- epidemický výskyt choroby MeSH
- hostitelská specificita MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nemoci ptáků parazitologie přenos MeSH
- parazitární onemocnění kůže epidemiologie imunologie parazitologie prevence a kontrola MeSH
- ptáci MeSH
- schistosomóza epidemiologie imunologie parazitologie prevence a kontrola MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
- Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural MeSH
- Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S. MeSH
Avian blowflies are obligatory blood-sucking parasite larvae that typically pupariate in bird nests. The empty puparia are diagnostically important, as they are usually the only evidence for the presence of these parasites in nests. Compared to the Nearctic region, very little is known about puparia of Palearctic species. Here, we provide the first description of puparia of Protocalliphora nourtevai from nests of 2 bird species, namely, Phoenicurus phoenicurus and Phoenicurus ochruros from Finland. Puparia possessed irregular pronounced folds in the hyper-, meso-, and hypostigmatal region, and no spines were present in the entire stigmatal area. There are just 2 distinct spine bands on the ventral surface of the puparia. The medial band is absent. There are no plaques or spines in the medial region.
- MeSH
- bydlení zvířat MeSH
- Diptera anatomie a histologie růst a vývoj MeSH
- kukla anatomie a histologie MeSH
- myiáza parazitologie přenos veterinární MeSH
- nemoci ptáků parazitologie přenos MeSH
- Passeriformes parazitologie MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Finsko MeSH
Bird schistosomes have been in focus as causative agents of cercarial dermatitis of humans in the last years; however, our knowledge of their species spectrum and intermediate host specificity is still insufficient. Our study focused on bird schistosomes developing in planorbid snails that have been less studied so far. From 2001 to 2010, cercariae of bird schistosomes were found in four snail species (Gyraulus albus, Segmentina nitida, Anisus vortex and Planorbis planorbis) from seven localities in the Czech Republic. Based on morphology and results of molecular analysis, the isolates found belong to at least six species. Five of them are probably undescribed species, and one species appears to be identical with Gigantobilharzia vittensis Reimer, 1963 (syn. G. suebica Dönges, 1964). The finding from S. nitida represents the first report of a bird schistosome from this snail.
- MeSH
- cerkárie MeSH
- dermatitida parazitologie MeSH
- DNA helmintů chemie genetika MeSH
- fylogeneze MeSH
- hlemýždi parazitologie MeSH
- hostitelská specificita MeSH
- infestace ektoparazity parazitologie přenos veterinární MeSH
- kachny MeSH
- kur domácí MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- molekulární sekvence - údaje MeSH
- myši inbrední BALB C MeSH
- myši MeSH
- nemoci ptáků parazitologie přenos MeSH
- pěnkavovití MeSH
- ribozomální DNA chemie genetika MeSH
- Schistosoma anatomie a histologie klasifikace genetika izolace a purifikace MeSH
- schistosomóza parazitologie přenos veterinární MeSH
- sekvence nukleotidů MeSH
- sekvenční analýza DNA MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- myši MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Česká republika MeSH
- Názvy látek
- DNA helmintů MeSH
- ribozomální DNA MeSH
The section of habitat used by particular bloodsucking insects when seeking bloodmeals may influence the spectrum of hosts to which they have access and consequently the diseases they transmit. The vertical distribution of ornithophilic bloodsucking Diptera (Culicidae, Simuliidae and Ceratopogonidae) was studied using bird-baited traps set at both ground and tree canopy levels. In total, 1240 mosquito females of eight species, 1201 biting midge females of 11 species, and 218 blackfly females of two species were captured during 2003-2005. Culex pipiens (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) was found to prefer ground-level habitats, whereas Anopheles plumbeus (Stephens) (Diptera: Culicidae), biting midges [Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)] and Eusimulium angustipes (Edwards) (Diptera: Simuliidae) preferred the canopy. The results of this study with regard to Cx. pipiens behaviour differ from those of most previous studies and may indicate different spatial feeding preferences in geographically separate populations. The occurrence of E. angustipes in the canopy is concordant with its role in the transmission of avian trypanosomes. These findings may be important for surveillance programmes focusing on ornithophilic Diptera which transmit various pathogenic agents.
- MeSH
- Ceratopogonidae parazitologie fyziologie MeSH
- chování zvířat MeSH
- Culicidae parazitologie fyziologie MeSH
- ekosystém MeSH
- hmyz - vektory parazitologie fyziologie MeSH
- nemoci ptáků epidemiologie parazitologie přenos MeSH
- ptáci parazitologie MeSH
- Simuliidae parazitologie fyziologie MeSH
- stravovací zvyklosti MeSH
- Trypanosoma fyziologie MeSH
- trypanozomiáza epidemiologie parazitologie přenos MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Česká republika MeSH
