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Domenico Otranto - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Troglostrongylus brevior is the dominant Lungworm infecting feral cats in Jerusalem.
Parasitology research, 2020Co-Authors: Harold Salant, Domenico Otranto, Daniel Yasur-landau, Alicia Rojas, Monica L. Mazuz, Gad BanethAbstract:Feline Lungworms infect the respiratory tract of wild and domestic cats, causing infection often associated with clinical disease. Until recently, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus has been considered the most relevant species of Lungworm, while Troglostrongylus brevior was considered of less significance. Fecal samples of feral cats from Jerusalem, Israel, collected over a year, were examined for first stage Lungworm larvae (L1) using the Baermann method. Positive samples were morphologically identified, and their species identity was molecularly confirmed. Forty of 400 (10.0%) cats were Lungworm-positive, of which 38/40 (95.0%) shed Troglostrongylus brevior and 6/40 (15.0%) shed Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. Four cats (10.0%) had mixed infections with both Lungworm species. L1 shedding was associated with clinical respiratory signs in 11 (19.0%) T. brevior shedding cats of a total of 58 cats manifesting respiratory signs, while 23/342 (6.7%) cats without respiratory signs were L1-positive (p = 0.006). Non-respiratory clinical signs were also found to be more prevalent in L1 shedders (p = 0.012). A young kitten ≤ 4 weeks of age shed T. brevior L1 larvae. DNA sequences of both Lungworm species using the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) locus were > 99% similar to other sequences deposited in GenBank, suggesting that T. brevior and A. abstrusus ITS2 sequences are both highly conserved. In conclusion, L1 shedding in feral cats from Jerusalem were mostly caused by T. brevior with only a small proportion involving A. abstrusus, different from many studies from other geographical regions.
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Serological survey and risk factors of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus infection among owned cats in Italy
Parasitology Research, 2019Co-Authors: Maria Alfonsa Cavalera, Vito Colella, E. Brianti, Manuela Schnyder, Emily Katharina Gueldner, Tommaso Furlanello, Roberta Iatta, Christina Strube, Domenico OtrantoAbstract:Feline Lungworms affect the respiratory tract of domestic cats causing respiratory conditions of various degrees. In this study, we investigated the exposure of cats to feline Lungworm infections by detecting antibodies in a large population of animals from several regions of Italy. Sera of 1087 domestic cats living in regions of the north ( n = 700), the centre ( n = 227) and the south ( n = 160) of Italy were examined by a newly developed indirect ELISA conceived for detection of antibodies against the most frequently occurring feline Lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus . Individual cat data (i.e., age, sex, neutering status and provenience) were analysed as potential risk factors for exposure to Lungworm infections. Samples were additionally screened for feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) proviral DNAs. Overall, 9% (98/1087; 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.4–10.9%) of the animals tested seropositive to Lungworm antibodies. Positive cats were identified in the north (7.1%; CI 5.5–9.3%), in the centre (5.3%; CI 3.0–9.0%) and in the South (22.5%; CI 16.7–29.6%), with more seropositive animals in the latter area ( p
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serological survey and risk factors of aelurostrongylus abstrusus infection among owned cats in italy
Parasitology Research, 2019Co-Authors: Maria Alfonsa Cavalera, Vito Colella, E. Brianti, Manuela Schnyder, Emily Katharina Gueldner, Tommaso Furlanello, Roberta Iatta, Christina Strube, Domenico OtrantoAbstract:Feline Lungworms affect the respiratory tract of domestic cats causing respiratory conditions of various degrees. In this study, we investigated the exposure of cats to feline Lungworm infections by detecting antibodies in a large population of animals from several regions of Italy. Sera of 1087 domestic cats living in regions of the north (n = 700), the centre (n = 227) and the south (n = 160) of Italy were examined by a newly developed indirect ELISA conceived for detection of antibodies against the most frequently occurring feline Lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. Individual cat data (i.e., age, sex, neutering status and provenience) were analysed as potential risk factors for exposure to Lungworm infections. Samples were additionally screened for feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) proviral DNAs. Overall, 9% (98/1087; 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.4-10.9%) of the animals tested seropositive to Lungworm antibodies. Positive cats were identified in the north (7.1%; CI 5.5-9.3%), in the centre (5.3%; CI 3.0-9.0%) and in the South (22.5%; CI 16.7-29.6%), with more seropositive animals in the latter area (p < 0.05). The risk of Lungworm infection in cats was significantly associated with age less than 6 months (i.e. 24.4%, p < 0.05) and FIV infection (p < 0.05). This large-scale serological survey confirms the exposure of cats to Lungworm infections in Italy and that serological tests can be used to assess the distribution of Lungworm infections in large populations of animals.
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the european wildcats felis silvestris silvestris as reservoir hosts of troglostrongylus brevior strongylida crenosomatidae Lungworms
Veterinary Parasitology, 2014Co-Authors: Luigi Falsone, E. Brianti, Alessio Giannelli, Ettore Napoli, Gabriella Gaglio, Stefano Anile, Egidio Mallia, Giovanni Poglayen, S Giannetto, Domenico OtrantoAbstract:a b s t r a c t The increasing reports of Troglostrongylus brevior Lungworm in domestic cats from Italy and Spain raised questions on its factual distribution and on the role wildcats play as reservoirs of these parasites. Carcasses of 21 wildcats were collected in natural parks of southern Italy (i.e., Catania, Sicily n = 5 and Matera, Basilicata n = 16) and biometrically and genetically identified as Felis silvestris silvestris, but two as hybrids. Troglostrongylus brevior and Eucoleus aerophilus Lungworms were found in 15 (71.4%) and 7 (33.3%) individuals, respectively, being five (23.8%) co-infected by the two species. Both Lungworms showed an aggregated distribution in the host population, assessed by k-index (i.e., 0.69 for T. brevior and 0.42 for E. aerophilus). Although no statistical significant difference was recorded among age, gender and geographical location of wildcats, a larger rate of infection by T. brevior was assessed in yearlings (85.7%) than adults (64.3%). This is the first epidemiological study reporting T. brevior infection in the European wildcat and discusses the potential threat this may represent for the conservation of this endangered species of felids. In addition, given the large frequency of Lungworm infection herein recorded, the role of wildcats as reservoir hosts of these parasites to domestic cats is discussed. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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new insights on metastrongyloid Lungworms infecting cats of sardinia italy
Veterinary Parasitology, 2014Co-Authors: Claudia Tamponi, Domenico Otranto, E. Brianti, Antonio Varcasia, Anna Paola Pipia, V Frau, M Pinna L Parpaglia, G Sanna, G Garippa, A ScalaAbstract:In addition to the well-known Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Strongylida: Angiostrongylidae), Troglostrongylus brevior (Strongylida: Crenosomatidae) has recently been diagnosed as a causative agent of bronco-pulmonary infections of cats in Spain and Italy. However, information concerning the impact of this species of Lungworm on feline population is limited to a few case reports. From July 2011 to May 2013 an epidemiological survey was carried out on Sardinia island (Italy), where 107 individual faecal samples were examined by Baermann technique, and first-stage larvae were identified based on their morphology and characterization of molecular markers. The 29.9% (32/107) of cats examined were infested by broncho-pulmonary nematodes and, although A. abstrusus was the most frequently detected (n=27; 25.2%), larvae of T. brevior were also found (n=7; 6.5%). In addition, two cats (1.9%) were co-infested by both species. Overall metastrongyloid infection was higher in female cats (n=22; 38.6%) than in males (n=10; 20%) (χ(2)=4.39; p=0.036). The mean age of positive animals was 21.1 (±29.8) months, being infected animals from 2 months to 10 years of age. Of the 32 animals that scored positive for Lungworms only 6 (18.8%) displayed a respiratory condition associated with Lungworm infestations. Biomolecular characterization confirmed the morphological diagnosis of A. abstrusus. Positive samples that were identified at genus level as Troglostrongylus spp. were molecularly characterized as T. brevior. This study represents the first epidemiological survey on metastrongyloid Lungworms of domestic cats in Sardinia and the first report of T. brevior on this island.
Richard Shine - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the costs of parasite infection effects of removing Lungworms on performance growth and survival of free ranging cane toads
Functional Ecology, 2018Co-Authors: Patrick B Finnerty, Richard Shine, Gregory P BrownAbstract:Summary 1.Most research on the effects of parasites on their hosts has focused on the parasites of mammals or birds (especially, domesticated taxa) rather than systems in which the hosts are ectothermic wildlife species. 2.We used experimental methods (antihelminthic drugs) to quantify the effects of Lungworms (Rhabdias pseudosphaerocephala) on their anuran hosts, the invasive cane toad (Rhinella marina). 3.In captivity, eradicating Lungworms enhanced toad activity (measures of boldness and level of spontaneous activity), performance (locomotor speed, climbing ability), and foraging success (feeding rate). 4.In free-ranging toads (n = 123) at a site in tropical Australia, eradicating Lungworm infection increased rates of host survival by 8%, movement by 20%, growth by 28% and elaboration of male secondary sexual characteristics by 30%. The presence of the Lungworm thus has a substantial negative effect on fitness-related traits of the host. 5.Given their long shared evolutionary history and the mild inflammatory and immune response elicited by the parasite in the host, the magnitude of the effects of parasite removal were surprising. Parasites may impose hidden costs, related to modification of host behaviour or metabolism. Experimental removal of parasites can be a useful means of quantifying costs of infection. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Using experimental de-worming to measure the immunological and pathological impacts of Lungworm infection in cane toads
Elsevier, 2017Co-Authors: Patrick B Finnerty, Catherine M Shilton, Richard Shine, Gregory P BrownAbstract:The immunological and pathological consequences of parasite infection can be more rigorously assessed from experimental manipulation than from correlational studies of natural infections. We used anthelmintic treatment to experimentally decrease intensities of Lungworm infection in captive and free-ranging wild cane toads to assess parasite impacts on host immune responses. First, we administered the anthelmintic drug Ivermectin to both infected and uninfected toads, to distinguish drug effects per se from the impacts of killing Lungworms. Worms began dying and decomposing
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The impact of Lungworm parasites on rates of dispersal of their anuran host, the invasive cane toad
Biological Invasions, 2016Co-Authors: Gregory P Brown, Crystal Kelehear, Ligia Pizzatto, Richard ShineAbstract:Translocation of native-range parasites to control invasive species is effective only if the parasite substantially impairs either the viability or dispersal rate of the invasive host. Lungworms ( Rhabdias pseudosphaerocephala ) of cane toads ( Rhinella marina ) were introduced to Australia from the toad’s native range, along with the toads, and have been suggested as a potential biocontrol of invasive toads due to various negative impacts on toad viability. We conducted two radio-telemetry studies on a tropical floodplain to specifically assess the parasite’s impact on toad dispersal. First, a retrospective correlative analysis of data from field-collected animals showed that toads infected with Lungworms moved farther, not less, than uninfected conspecifics. Second, an experimental study (comparing movements of experimentally infected toads vs. uninfected controls) showed that Lungworms did not modify rates of toad dispersal. In addition, experimental infection with Lungworms did not elicit an immune response substantial enough to influence dispersal behaviour. Thus, we conclude that increasing Lungworm densities at the invasion front as an attempt at biocontrol would not slow down the spread of cane toads.
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host parasite interactions during a biological invasion the fate of Lungworms rhabdias spp inside native and novel anuran hosts
International journal for parasitology. Parasites and wildlife, 2015Co-Authors: Felicity B L Nelson, Gregory P Brown, Catherine M Shilton, Richard ShineAbstract:The cane toad invasion in Australia provides a robust opportunity to clarify the infection process in co-evolved versus de novo host–parasite interactions. We investigated these infection dynamics through histological examination following experimental infections of metamorphs of native frogs (Cyclorana australis) and cane toads (Rhinella marina) with Rhabdias hylae (the Lungworm found in native frogs) and Rhabdias pseudosphaerocephala (the Lungworm found in cane toads). Cane toads reared under continuous exposure to infective larvae of the frog Lungworm were examined after periods of 2, 6, 10 and 15 days. Additionally, both toads and frogs were exposed for 24 h to larvae of either the toad or the frog Lungworm, and examined 2, 5, 10 and 20 days post-treatment. R. hylae (frog) Lungworms entered cane toads and migrated through the body but were not found in the target tissue, the lungs. Larvae of both Lungworm species induced inflammation in both types of hosts, although the immune response (relative numbers of different cell types) differed between hosts and between parasite species. Co-evolution has modified the immune response elicited by infection and (perhaps for that reason) has enhanced the parasite's ability to survive and to reach the host's lungs.
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Helpful invaders: Can cane toads reduce the parasite burdens of native frogs?
Elsevier, 2015Co-Authors: Felicity B L Nelson, Gregory P Brown, Catherine M Shilton, Richard ShineAbstract:Many invading species have brought devastating parasites and diseases to their new homes, thereby imperiling native taxa. Potentially, though, invaders might have the opposite effect. If they take up parasites that otherwise would infect native taxa, but those parasites fail to develop in the invader, the introduced species might reduce parasite burdens of the native fauna. Similarly, earlier exposure to the other taxon's parasites might ‘prime’ an anuran's immune system such that it is then able to reject subsequent infection by its own parasite species. Field surveys suggest that Lungworm counts in native Australian frogs decrease after the arrival of invasive cane toads (Rhinella marina), and laboratory studies confirm that native Lungworm larvae enter, but do not survive in, the toads. In laboratory trials, we confirmed that the presence of anurans (either frogs or toads) in an experimental arena reduced uptake rates of Lungworm larvae by anurans that were later added to the same arena. However, experimental exposure to Lungworms from native frogs did not enhance a toad's ability to reject subsequent infection by its own Lungworm species
E. Brianti - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Serological survey and risk factors of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus infection among owned cats in Italy
Parasitology Research, 2019Co-Authors: Maria Alfonsa Cavalera, Vito Colella, E. Brianti, Manuela Schnyder, Emily Katharina Gueldner, Tommaso Furlanello, Roberta Iatta, Christina Strube, Domenico OtrantoAbstract:Feline Lungworms affect the respiratory tract of domestic cats causing respiratory conditions of various degrees. In this study, we investigated the exposure of cats to feline Lungworm infections by detecting antibodies in a large population of animals from several regions of Italy. Sera of 1087 domestic cats living in regions of the north ( n = 700), the centre ( n = 227) and the south ( n = 160) of Italy were examined by a newly developed indirect ELISA conceived for detection of antibodies against the most frequently occurring feline Lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus . Individual cat data (i.e., age, sex, neutering status and provenience) were analysed as potential risk factors for exposure to Lungworm infections. Samples were additionally screened for feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) proviral DNAs. Overall, 9% (98/1087; 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.4–10.9%) of the animals tested seropositive to Lungworm antibodies. Positive cats were identified in the north (7.1%; CI 5.5–9.3%), in the centre (5.3%; CI 3.0–9.0%) and in the South (22.5%; CI 16.7–29.6%), with more seropositive animals in the latter area ( p
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serological survey and risk factors of aelurostrongylus abstrusus infection among owned cats in italy
Parasitology Research, 2019Co-Authors: Maria Alfonsa Cavalera, Vito Colella, E. Brianti, Manuela Schnyder, Emily Katharina Gueldner, Tommaso Furlanello, Roberta Iatta, Christina Strube, Domenico OtrantoAbstract:Feline Lungworms affect the respiratory tract of domestic cats causing respiratory conditions of various degrees. In this study, we investigated the exposure of cats to feline Lungworm infections by detecting antibodies in a large population of animals from several regions of Italy. Sera of 1087 domestic cats living in regions of the north (n = 700), the centre (n = 227) and the south (n = 160) of Italy were examined by a newly developed indirect ELISA conceived for detection of antibodies against the most frequently occurring feline Lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. Individual cat data (i.e., age, sex, neutering status and provenience) were analysed as potential risk factors for exposure to Lungworm infections. Samples were additionally screened for feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) proviral DNAs. Overall, 9% (98/1087; 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.4-10.9%) of the animals tested seropositive to Lungworm antibodies. Positive cats were identified in the north (7.1%; CI 5.5-9.3%), in the centre (5.3%; CI 3.0-9.0%) and in the South (22.5%; CI 16.7-29.6%), with more seropositive animals in the latter area (p < 0.05). The risk of Lungworm infection in cats was significantly associated with age less than 6 months (i.e. 24.4%, p < 0.05) and FIV infection (p < 0.05). This large-scale serological survey confirms the exposure of cats to Lungworm infections in Italy and that serological tests can be used to assess the distribution of Lungworm infections in large populations of animals.
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the european wildcats felis silvestris silvestris as reservoir hosts of troglostrongylus brevior strongylida crenosomatidae Lungworms
Veterinary Parasitology, 2014Co-Authors: Luigi Falsone, E. Brianti, Alessio Giannelli, Ettore Napoli, Gabriella Gaglio, Stefano Anile, Egidio Mallia, Giovanni Poglayen, S Giannetto, Domenico OtrantoAbstract:a b s t r a c t The increasing reports of Troglostrongylus brevior Lungworm in domestic cats from Italy and Spain raised questions on its factual distribution and on the role wildcats play as reservoirs of these parasites. Carcasses of 21 wildcats were collected in natural parks of southern Italy (i.e., Catania, Sicily n = 5 and Matera, Basilicata n = 16) and biometrically and genetically identified as Felis silvestris silvestris, but two as hybrids. Troglostrongylus brevior and Eucoleus aerophilus Lungworms were found in 15 (71.4%) and 7 (33.3%) individuals, respectively, being five (23.8%) co-infected by the two species. Both Lungworms showed an aggregated distribution in the host population, assessed by k-index (i.e., 0.69 for T. brevior and 0.42 for E. aerophilus). Although no statistical significant difference was recorded among age, gender and geographical location of wildcats, a larger rate of infection by T. brevior was assessed in yearlings (85.7%) than adults (64.3%). This is the first epidemiological study reporting T. brevior infection in the European wildcat and discusses the potential threat this may represent for the conservation of this endangered species of felids. In addition, given the large frequency of Lungworm infection herein recorded, the role of wildcats as reservoir hosts of these parasites to domestic cats is discussed. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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new insights on metastrongyloid Lungworms infecting cats of sardinia italy
Veterinary Parasitology, 2014Co-Authors: Claudia Tamponi, Domenico Otranto, E. Brianti, Antonio Varcasia, Anna Paola Pipia, V Frau, M Pinna L Parpaglia, G Sanna, G Garippa, A ScalaAbstract:In addition to the well-known Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Strongylida: Angiostrongylidae), Troglostrongylus brevior (Strongylida: Crenosomatidae) has recently been diagnosed as a causative agent of bronco-pulmonary infections of cats in Spain and Italy. However, information concerning the impact of this species of Lungworm on feline population is limited to a few case reports. From July 2011 to May 2013 an epidemiological survey was carried out on Sardinia island (Italy), where 107 individual faecal samples were examined by Baermann technique, and first-stage larvae were identified based on their morphology and characterization of molecular markers. The 29.9% (32/107) of cats examined were infested by broncho-pulmonary nematodes and, although A. abstrusus was the most frequently detected (n=27; 25.2%), larvae of T. brevior were also found (n=7; 6.5%). In addition, two cats (1.9%) were co-infested by both species. Overall metastrongyloid infection was higher in female cats (n=22; 38.6%) than in males (n=10; 20%) (χ(2)=4.39; p=0.036). The mean age of positive animals was 21.1 (±29.8) months, being infected animals from 2 months to 10 years of age. Of the 32 animals that scored positive for Lungworms only 6 (18.8%) displayed a respiratory condition associated with Lungworm infestations. Biomolecular characterization confirmed the morphological diagnosis of A. abstrusus. Positive samples that were identified at genus level as Troglostrongylus spp. were molecularly characterized as T. brevior. This study represents the first epidemiological survey on metastrongyloid Lungworms of domestic cats in Sardinia and the first report of T. brevior on this island.
Francisco Javier Aznar - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Determinants of Lungworm specificity in five cetacean species in the western Mediterranean
Parasites & Vectors, 2021Co-Authors: Rachel Pool, Clara Romero-rubira, Juan Antonio Raga, Mercedes Fernández, Francisco Javier AznarAbstract:Background Current data about Pseudaliidae show contrasting patterns of host specificity between congeneric species. We investigated how both contact and compatibility between hosts and parasites contributed to the patterns of Lungworm infection observed in a community of five species of cetaceans in the western Mediterranean. Methods The lungs of 119 striped dolphins Stenella coeruleoalba , 18 bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus , 7 Risso’s dolphins Grampus griseus , 7 long-finned pilot whales Globicephala melas , and 6 common dolphins Delphinus delphis were analysed for Lungworms. Parasites were identified by morphology and analysis of ITS2 sequences using both maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods. Body length was used as a proxy for Lungworm species fitness in different hosts and compared with Kruskal-Wallis tests. Infection parameters were compared between cetacean species using Fisher’s exact tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Phylogenetic specificity was explored by collating the overall Lungworm species prevalence values in hosts from previous surveys in various localities. To explore the relative importance of vertical and horizontal transmission, Spearman’s rank correlation was used to look for an association between host size and Lungworm burden. A Mantel test was used to explore the association between Lungworm species similarity and prey overlap using dietary data. Results Halocercus delphini had higher infection levels in striped dolphins and common dolphins; Stenurus ovatus had higher infection levels in bottlenose dolphins; and Stenurus globicephalae had higher infection levels in long-finned pilot whales. These results are congruent with findings on a global scale. Morphometric comparison showed that the larger nematodes were found in the same host species that had the highest parasite burden. Lungworms were found in neonatal striped dolphins and a Risso’s dolphin, and there was a weak but significant correlation between host size and parasite burden in striped dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. There was also a weak but significant association between prey overlap and Lungworm species similarity. Conclusions Data indicate that phylogenetic specificity has an important role in governing host–parasite associations, as indicated by the higher infection levels and larger nematode size in certain hosts. However, diet can also influence infection patterns in these preferred hosts and contribute to less severe infections in other hosts.
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Determinants of Lungworm specificity in five cetacean species in the western Mediterranean.
Parasites & vectors, 2021Co-Authors: Rachel Pool, Clara Romero-rubira, Juan Antonio Raga, Mercedes Fernández, Francisco Javier AznarAbstract:Current data about Pseudaliidae show contrasting patterns of host specificity between congeneric species. We investigated how both contact and compatibility between hosts and parasites contributed to the patterns of Lungworm infection observed in a community of five species of cetaceans in the western Mediterranean. The lungs of 119 striped dolphins Stenella coeruleoalba, 18 bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus, 7 Risso's dolphins Grampus griseus, 7 long-finned pilot whales Globicephala melas, and 6 common dolphins Delphinus delphis were analysed for Lungworms. Parasites were identified by morphology and analysis of ITS2 sequences using both maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods. Body length was used as a proxy for Lungworm species fitness in different hosts and compared with Kruskal-Wallis tests. Infection parameters were compared between cetacean species using Fisher's exact tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Phylogenetic specificity was explored by collating the overall Lungworm species prevalence values in hosts from previous surveys in various localities. To explore the relative importance of vertical and horizontal transmission, Spearman's rank correlation was used to look for an association between host size and Lungworm burden. A Mantel test was used to explore the association between Lungworm species similarity and prey overlap using dietary data. Halocercus delphini had higher infection levels in striped dolphins and common dolphins; Stenurus ovatus had higher infection levels in bottlenose dolphins; and Stenurus globicephalae had higher infection levels in long-finned pilot whales. These results are congruent with findings on a global scale. Morphometric comparison showed that the larger nematodes were found in the same host species that had the highest parasite burden. Lungworms were found in neonatal striped dolphins and a Risso's dolphin, and there was a weak but significant correlation between host size and parasite burden in striped dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. There was also a weak but significant association between prey overlap and Lungworm species similarity. Data indicate that phylogenetic specificity has an important role in governing host-parasite associations, as indicated by the higher infection levels and larger nematode size in certain hosts. However, diet can also influence infection patterns in these preferred hosts and contribute to less severe infections in other hosts.
Luigi Falsone - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the european wildcats felis silvestris silvestris as reservoir hosts of troglostrongylus brevior strongylida crenosomatidae Lungworms
Veterinary Parasitology, 2014Co-Authors: Luigi Falsone, E. Brianti, Alessio Giannelli, Ettore Napoli, Gabriella Gaglio, Stefano Anile, Egidio Mallia, Giovanni Poglayen, S Giannetto, Domenico OtrantoAbstract:a b s t r a c t The increasing reports of Troglostrongylus brevior Lungworm in domestic cats from Italy and Spain raised questions on its factual distribution and on the role wildcats play as reservoirs of these parasites. Carcasses of 21 wildcats were collected in natural parks of southern Italy (i.e., Catania, Sicily n = 5 and Matera, Basilicata n = 16) and biometrically and genetically identified as Felis silvestris silvestris, but two as hybrids. Troglostrongylus brevior and Eucoleus aerophilus Lungworms were found in 15 (71.4%) and 7 (33.3%) individuals, respectively, being five (23.8%) co-infected by the two species. Both Lungworms showed an aggregated distribution in the host population, assessed by k-index (i.e., 0.69 for T. brevior and 0.42 for E. aerophilus). Although no statistical significant difference was recorded among age, gender and geographical location of wildcats, a larger rate of infection by T. brevior was assessed in yearlings (85.7%) than adults (64.3%). This is the first epidemiological study reporting T. brevior infection in the European wildcat and discusses the potential threat this may represent for the conservation of this endangered species of felids. In addition, given the large frequency of Lungworm infection herein recorded, the role of wildcats as reservoir hosts of these parasites to domestic cats is discussed. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
