The Experts below are selected from a list of 267 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Charles F. Fulhorst - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Catarina virus, an arenaviral species principally associated with Neotoma micropus (southern plains woodrat
2016Co-Authors: Maria N. B. Cajimat, Robert D. Bradley, Mary Louise Milazzo, Charles F. FulhorstAbstract:Abstract. The purpose of this study was to define the taxonomic relationship of an arenavirus principally associated with the southern plains woodrat (Neotoma micropus) in southern Texas to other New World arenaviruses. The results of independent analyses of glycoprotein precursor amino acid sequences and nucleocapsid protein amino acid sequences indicated that the arenavirus in southern Texas is novel (proposed species name Catarina virus) and phylogenetically most closely related to Whitewater Arroyo virus, which is principally associated with the white-throated woodrat (Neotoma albigula) in northwestern New Mexico. Together, the close phylogenetic relationship between Catarina virus and Whitewater Arroyo virus and the association of these viral species with congeneric rodent species support the notion that the principal host relationships of some New World arenaviruses are a product of a long-term shared evolutionary relationship between the virus family Arenaviridae and the rodent family Cricetidae
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Research Transmission of an Arenavirus in
2013Co-Authors: White-throated Woodrats Albigula, Charles H. Calisher, Scott Nabity, Jeffery J. Root, Charles F. Fulhorst, Barry J. BeatyAbstract:105 female and 15 (26.8%) of 56 male N. albigula had antibodies against Whitewater Arroyo virus (WWAV). Sixteen female and three male N. albigula seroconverted during the study period, most of them during July-November, when population densities are highest. Analyses of longevity data, minimum numbers alive and infected, movements, and weight data suggest that the dominant mode of WWAV transmission among white-throated woodrats in Colorado is direct contact. WWAV was recently reported to cause fatal infection in humans. Our findings will lead to better assessment of the public health threat posed by infected woodrats and may be useful in predicting periods of increased risk for human infection. Arenaviruses (order Mononegavirales, family Arenaviridae, genus Arenavirus) are grouped into two complexes on the basis of phylogenetic analyses of viral RNA and serology: the Old World or lymphocytic choriomeningitis-Lassa virus complex viruses and the New World or Tacaribe complex viruses (1). The principal hosts of the Old World and New World arenaviruses are murine (subfamily Murinae) and sigmodontine (subfamily Sigmodontinae) rodents, respectively, of the order Rodentia, family Muridae. Arenaviruses establish chronic infections in their specific rodent hosts. In a recent study, antibody to arenaviruses was detected in Neotoma sp. rodents (2), suggesting that in the southern and western United States an unrecognized arenavirus was associated with woodrats, genus Neotoma. Fulhorst et al. (3) then isolated an arenavirus from a white-throated woodrat, Neotoma albigula, captured at Whitewater Arroyo, New Mexico. Whitewater Arroyo virus (WWAV) is antigenically and genetically most closely related to Tamiami virus, which was isolated from hispid cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) in Everglades National Park in south Florida and had been the only Tacaribe complex arenavirus known to occur in Nort
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Diversity among Tacaribe serocomplex viruses (family Arenaviridae) naturally associated with the Mexican woodrat (Neotoma mexicana).
Virus research, 2008Co-Authors: Maria N. B. Cajimat, Robert D. Bradley, Mary Louise Milazzo, Jeff N. Borchert, Ken D. Abbott, Charles F. FulhorstAbstract:The results of analyses of glycoprotein precursor and nucleocapsid protein gene sequences indicated that an arenavirus isolated from a Mexican woodrat (Neotoma mexicana) captured in Arizona is a strain of a novel species (proposed name Skinner Tank virus) and that arenaviruses isolated from Mexican woodrats captured in Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah are strains of Whitewater Arroyo virus or species phylogenetically closely related to Whitewater Arroyo virus. Pairwise comparisons of glycoprotein precursor sequences and nucleocapsid protein sequences revealed a high level of divergence among the viruses isolated from the Mexican woodrats captured in Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah and the Whitewater Arroyo virus prototype strain AV 9310135, which originally was isolated from a white-throated woodrat (Neotoma albigula) captured in New Mexico. Conceptually, the viruses from Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah and strain AV 9310135 could be grouped together in a species complex in the family Arenaviridae, genus Arenavirus.
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Catarina Virus, an Arenaviral Species Principally Associated with Neotoma micropus (Southern Plains Woodrat) in Texas
The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene, 2007Co-Authors: Maria N. B. Cajimat, Robert D. Bradley, Mary Louise Milazzo, Charles F. FulhorstAbstract:The purpose of this study was to define the taxonomic relationship of an arenavirus principally associated with the southern plains woodrat (Neotoma micropus) in southern Texas to other New World arenaviruses. The results of independent analyses of glycoprotein precursor amino acid sequences and nucleocapsid protein amino acid sequences indicated that the arenavirus in southern Texas is novel (proposed species name Catarina virus) and phylogenetically most closely related to Whitewater Arroyo virus, which is principally associated with the white-throated woodrat (Neotoma albigula) in northwestern New Mexico. Together, the close phylogenetic relationship between Catarina virus and Whitewater Arroyo virus and the association of these viral species with congeneric rodent species support the notion that the principal host relationships of some New World arenaviruses are a product of a long-term shared evolutionary relationship between the virus family Arenaviridae and the rodent family Cricetidae.
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Prevalence of antibodies to arenaviruses in rodents from the southern and western United States: evidence for an arenavirus associated with the genus Neotoma.
The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene, 1996Co-Authors: Michael Kosoy, Charles F. Fulhorst, Luanne H. Elliott, Thomas G. Ksiazek, Pierre E. Rollin, James E. Childs, James N. Mills, Gary O. Maupin, Clarence J. PetersAbstract:The objectives of this study were to extend our knowledge of the geographic distribution and rodent host range of arenaviruses in North America. Sera from wild rodents collected from the southern and western United States were tested for antibody against Tamiami, Pichinde, Junin, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis viruses, using an indirect fluorescent antibody test. Antibody to at least one arenavirus was found in 220 (3.1%) of 7,106 rodents tested. The antibody-positive animals included Mus musculus from Florida and Texas ; Neotoma albigula from Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico ; N. fuscipes and N. lepida from California : N. mexicana from Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah ; N. stephensi from Arizona and New Mexico ; and Oryzomys palustris and Sigmodon hispidus from Florida. Sigmodon hispidus seropositive for Tamiami virus were found only in Florida (156 [27.0%] of 578 tested), although 463 hispid cotton rats from outside that state were examined. High-titered antibodies to Tamiami virus were present in sera from S. hispidus, (geometric mean antibody titer [GMAT] of 1 :792), whereas sera from Neotoma spp. reacted at high titer to both Tamiami (GMAT = 1 :905) and Pichinde (GMAT = 1 :433) viruses. The results suggest that arenaviruses are widely distributed in the southern United States and that one or more indigenous arenaviruses are associated with Neotoma spp. in North America.
Michael J. Yabsley - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Parasites and vector-borne pathogens of southern plains woodrats (Neotoma micropus) from southern Texas
Parasitology Research, 2012Co-Authors: Roxanne A. Charles, Sonia Kjos, Angela E. Ellis, J. P. Dubey, Barbara C. Shock, Michael J. YabsleyAbstract:From 2008 to 2010, southern plains woodrats ( Neotoma micropus ) from southern Texas, were examined for parasites and selected pathogens. Eight helminth species were recovered from 97 woodrats including, Trichuris Neotomae from 78 (prevalence = 80%) , Ascarops sp. from 42 (43%), Nematodirus Neotoma from 31 (32%), Raillietina sp. from nine (9%), Taenia taeniaeformis larvae from eight (8%), and an unidentified spiurid, a Scaphiostomum sp . and a Zonorchis sp . each from a single woodrat. Besnotia neotomofelis was detected in three (3%) woodrats and microfilaria were detected in seven (7%). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of blood samples from 104 woodrats detected a novel Babesia sp. in one (1%) and Hepatozoon sp. in 17 (16%) woodrats. Partial 18S rRNA gene sequence of the Babesia was 94% similar to B. conradae . Histologic examination of tissues detected intestinal coccidia in seven of 104 (7%), Sarcocystis Neotomafelis in 26 (25%), Hepatozoon sp. in 21 (20%), and Dunnifilaria meningica in four (4%) woodrats. Three woodrats (5%) were seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii . Ectoparasites recovered included fleas ( Orchopeas sexdentatus and O. Neotomae ), ticks ( Ixodes woodi and Ornithodoros turicata), mites ( Trombicula sp. and Ornithonyssus (Bdellonyssus) bacoti ) and bot flies ( Cuterebra sp.). The only difference in prevalence related to gender was for N. Neotoma (males > females, p = 0.029). Prevalence of T. Neotomae and all intestinal parasites combined was significantly higher in adults compared with juveniles ( p = 0.0068 and p = 0.0004), respectively. Lesions or clinical signs were associated with Cuterebra and B. neotomofelis . Collectively, these data indicate that woodrats from southern Texas harbor several parasites of veterinary and/or medical importance.
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Parasites and vector-borne pathogens of southern plains woodrats (Neotoma micropus) from southern Texas
Parasitology research, 2011Co-Authors: Roxanne A. Charles, Sonia Kjos, Angela E. Ellis, J. P. Dubey, Barbara C. Shock, Michael J. YabsleyAbstract:From 2008–2010, southern plains woodrats (Neotoma micropus) from southern Texas, were examined for parasites and selected pathogens. Eight helminth species were recovered from 97 woodrats including, Trichuris Neotomae from 78 (prevalence=80%), Ascarops sp. from 42 (43%), Nematodirus Neotoma from 31 (32%), Raillietina sp. from nine (9%), Taenia taeniaeformis larvae from eight (8%), and an unidentified spiurid, a Scaphiostomum sp. and a Zonorchis sp. each from a single woodrat. Besnotia neotomofelis was detected in three (3%) woodrats and microfilaria were detected in seven (7%). PCR testing of blood samples from 104 woodrats detected a novel Babesia sp. in one (1%) and Hepatozoon sp. in 17 (16%) woodrats. Partial 18S rRNA gene sequence of the Babesia was 94% similar to B. conradae. Histologic examination of tissues detected intestinal coccidia in 7 of 104 (7%), Sarcocystis Neotomafelis in 26 (25%), Hepatozoon sp. in 21 (20%), and Dunnifilaria meningica in four (4%) woodrats. Three woodrats (5%) were seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii. Ectoparasites recovered included fleas (Orchopeas sexdentatus and O. Neotomae), ticks (Ixodes woodi and Ornithodoros turicata), mites (Trombicula sp. and Ornithonyssus (Bdellonyssus) bacoti) and bot flies (Cuterebra sp.). The only difference in prevalence related to gender was for N. Neotoma (males > females, p=0.029). Prevalence of T. Neotomae and all intestinal parasites combined was significantly higher in adults compared with juveniles (p=0.0068 and p=0.0004), respectively. Lesions or clinical signs were associated with Cuterebra, T. gondii, and B. neotomofelis. Collectively, these data indicate that woodrats from southern Texas harbor several parasites of veterinary and/or medical importance.
M. Denise Dearing - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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An oak (Quercus agrifolia) specialist (Neotoma macrotis) and a sympatric generalist (Neotoma lepida) show similar intakes and digestibilities of oak.
Physiological and biochemical zoology : PBZ, 2008Co-Authors: Michele M. Skopec, Shannon Haley, Ann-marie Torregrossa, M. Denise DearingAbstract:Abstract Dietary specialization is thought to be rare in mammalian herbivores as a result of either a limitation in their detoxification system to metabolize higher doses of plant secondary compounds or deficiencies in nutrients present in a diet composed of a single species of plant. Neotoma macrotis is an oak specialist, whereas Neotoma lepida is a dietary generalist when sympatric with N. macrotis. We hypothesized that N. macrotis would have a higher tolerance for and digestibility of oak. We determined the two species' tolerances for oak by feeding them increasing concentrations of ground oak leaves until they could no longer maintain body mass. The highest concentration on which both species maintained body mass was 75% oak. There were no differences between the species in their abilities to digest dry matter, nitrogen, or fiber in the oak diets. The species' similar tolerances for oak were probably due to their similar abilities to digest and potentially assimilate the ground oak leaves.
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Effects of consumption of juniper (Juniperus monosperma) on cost of thermoregulation in the woodrats Neotoma albigula and Neotoma stephensi at different acclimation temperatures.
Physiological and biochemical zoology : PBZ, 2004Co-Authors: James D. Mclister, Jenifer S. Sorensen, M. Denise DearingAbstract:A study was done to test whether toxic plants that occur naturally in the diet affect thermoregulation in mammalian herbivores. The woodrats Neotoma albigula and Neotoma stephensi both consume juniper (Juniperus monosperma), a plant with high levels of toxic compounds. Body temperature (Tb), basal metabolic rate (BMR), and the minimum cost of thermogenesis (Cmin) were measured for both species on control and juniper diets following warm (25C) and cold (18C) acclimation. In N. albigula, diet had no uniform effect on Tb, BMR, or Cmin, but
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Intestinal capacity of P-glycoprotein is higher in the juniper specialist, Neotoma stephensi, than the sympatric generalist, Neotoma albigula
Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part A Molecular & integrative physiology, 2004Co-Authors: Adam K. Green, Shannon Haley, M. Denise Dearing, David M. Barnes, William H. KarasovAbstract:Permeability-glycoprotein (Pgp) is a membrane-bound, ATP-dependent, transport protein that excludes many cytotoxic compounds including plant metabolites and pollutants from the barrier epithelia of many tissues including the small intestine. We hypothesized that intestinal Pgp capacity would be higher in Neotoma stephensi, a specialist on Juniperus monosperma known to be high in plant toxins, than the sympatric generalist, Neotoma albigula, which consumes juniper in the field, but is unable to tolerate a high juniper diet. We measured Pgp activity as the difference in accumulation of a known Pgp substrate, digoxin, between everted sections of small intestine exposed to ethanol vehicle control and a maximal level of a known competitive inhibitor of Pgp, cyclosporin A. We estimated intestinal capacity by averaging Pgp activity along the intestine and multiplying by total small intestine mass. These first measures of Pgp in wild mammals show a significant difference among species with the juniper specialist, N. stephensi, exhibiting a 2.4 fold higher capacity than the generalist, N. albigula. This result suggests that Pgp may play a role in the ability of N. stephensi to tolerate juniper.
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Ingestion of juniper foliage reduces metabolic rates in woodrat (Neotoma) herbivores.
Zoology (Jena Germany), 2003Co-Authors: Rebecca Boyle, M. Denise DearingAbstract:Summary Ingestion of plant secondary compounds by herbivores is predicted to increase resting or basal metabolic rates. We tested this hypothesis with two species of woodrat herbivores, Neotoma stephensi and Neotoma albigula , consuming diets of juniper ( Juniperus monosperma ), which is rich in plant secondary compounds. In nature, N. stephensi specializes on juniper, whereas N. albigula consumes a variety of plant species including juniper. We measured resting metabolic rates (RMR) of woodrats on control, 25% juniper and a treatment containing the maximum tolerable dose of juniper (50% juniper for N. albigula and 70% juniper for N. stephensi ). Ingestion of a juniper diet resulted in decreased RMR in both species of woodrats. We propose several potential mechanisms for metabolic depression of Neotoma on juniper diets. Our novel results underscore the need for more studies utilizing plant-based diets to determine the general effect of plant secondary compounds on metabolic rates of herbivores.
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Prevalence of Hantavirus in Four Species of Neotoma from Arizona and Utah
Journal of Mammalogy, 1998Co-Authors: M. Denise Dearing, Antonio M. Mangione, William H. Karasov, Sergey P. Morzunov, Elmer W. Otteson, Stephen St. JeorAbstract:Sin Nombre virus (SNV), a hantavirus, can cause severe respiratory illness and death in humans. The primary carrier is the deer mouse, Peromyscus maniculatus , but other species of rodents may be infected with the virus. We screened four species of woodrats ( Neotoma ) for hantavirus using both enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. Woodrats were collected from a variety of habitats in Arizona and Utah. Only Neotoma lepida tested serologically positive in an ELISA assay for hantavirus and also contained SNV RNA. Moreover, across three distinct populations of N. lepida , individuals that tested serum positive were restricted to one population near Jericho, Utah. The prevalence of hantavirus in this population was 27% (4 of 15).
Robert D. Bradley - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Catarina virus, an arenaviral species principally associated with Neotoma micropus (southern plains woodrat
2016Co-Authors: Maria N. B. Cajimat, Robert D. Bradley, Mary Louise Milazzo, Charles F. FulhorstAbstract:Abstract. The purpose of this study was to define the taxonomic relationship of an arenavirus principally associated with the southern plains woodrat (Neotoma micropus) in southern Texas to other New World arenaviruses. The results of independent analyses of glycoprotein precursor amino acid sequences and nucleocapsid protein amino acid sequences indicated that the arenavirus in southern Texas is novel (proposed species name Catarina virus) and phylogenetically most closely related to Whitewater Arroyo virus, which is principally associated with the white-throated woodrat (Neotoma albigula) in northwestern New Mexico. Together, the close phylogenetic relationship between Catarina virus and Whitewater Arroyo virus and the association of these viral species with congeneric rodent species support the notion that the principal host relationships of some New World arenaviruses are a product of a long-term shared evolutionary relationship between the virus family Arenaviridae and the rodent family Cricetidae
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Systematics of the Neotoma mexicana species group (Mammalia: Rodentia: Cricetidae) in Mesoamerica: new molecular evidence on the status and relationships of N. ferruginea Tomes, 1862
Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington, 2014Co-Authors: Nicté Ordóñez-garza, Cody W. Thompson, Margaret K. Unkefer, Cody W. Edwards, James G. Owen, Robert D. BradleyAbstract:Abstract Analyses of the mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene were used to determine levels of genetic differentiation and patterns of relationship among members of the Neotoma mexicana (Mexican woodrat) species group in Mesoamerica. Three well-supported clades were obtained that conform to the species N. ferruginea Tomes, 1862, N. mexicana Baird, 1855, and N. picta Goldman, 1904. Neotoma ferruginea is the senior name for the clade that contains samples from southern Mexico and Nuclear Central America previously identified as N. isthmica Goldman, 1904, or as subspecies of N. mexicana (chamula Goldman, 1909; vulcani Sanborn, 1935). The phylogeographic pattern observed within the N. mexicana species group resembles that reported for other vertebrates co-distributed in mountains to the west (Trans-Mexican Neovolcanic Belt, Oaxacan sierras) and east (highlands of Chiapas, Mexico, and Nuclear Central America) of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.
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Diversity among Tacaribe serocomplex viruses (family Arenaviridae) naturally associated with the Mexican woodrat (Neotoma mexicana).
Virus research, 2008Co-Authors: Maria N. B. Cajimat, Robert D. Bradley, Mary Louise Milazzo, Jeff N. Borchert, Ken D. Abbott, Charles F. FulhorstAbstract:The results of analyses of glycoprotein precursor and nucleocapsid protein gene sequences indicated that an arenavirus isolated from a Mexican woodrat (Neotoma mexicana) captured in Arizona is a strain of a novel species (proposed name Skinner Tank virus) and that arenaviruses isolated from Mexican woodrats captured in Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah are strains of Whitewater Arroyo virus or species phylogenetically closely related to Whitewater Arroyo virus. Pairwise comparisons of glycoprotein precursor sequences and nucleocapsid protein sequences revealed a high level of divergence among the viruses isolated from the Mexican woodrats captured in Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah and the Whitewater Arroyo virus prototype strain AV 9310135, which originally was isolated from a white-throated woodrat (Neotoma albigula) captured in New Mexico. Conceptually, the viruses from Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah and strain AV 9310135 could be grouped together in a species complex in the family Arenaviridae, genus Arenavirus.
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Catarina Virus, an Arenaviral Species Principally Associated with Neotoma micropus (Southern Plains Woodrat) in Texas
The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene, 2007Co-Authors: Maria N. B. Cajimat, Robert D. Bradley, Mary Louise Milazzo, Charles F. FulhorstAbstract:The purpose of this study was to define the taxonomic relationship of an arenavirus principally associated with the southern plains woodrat (Neotoma micropus) in southern Texas to other New World arenaviruses. The results of independent analyses of glycoprotein precursor amino acid sequences and nucleocapsid protein amino acid sequences indicated that the arenavirus in southern Texas is novel (proposed species name Catarina virus) and phylogenetically most closely related to Whitewater Arroyo virus, which is principally associated with the white-throated woodrat (Neotoma albigula) in northwestern New Mexico. Together, the close phylogenetic relationship between Catarina virus and Whitewater Arroyo virus and the association of these viral species with congeneric rodent species support the notion that the principal host relationships of some New World arenaviruses are a product of a long-term shared evolutionary relationship between the virus family Arenaviridae and the rodent family Cricetidae.
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MOLECULAR SYSTEMATICS OF THE GENUS Neotoma BASED ON DNA SEQUENCES FROM INTRON 2 OF THE ALCOHOL DEHYDROGENASE GENE
Journal of mammalogy, 2006Co-Authors: Lisa K. Longhofer, Robert D. BradleyAbstract:Phylogenetic relationships were evaluated among 13 species of Neotoma based on DNA sequences from intron 2 of the nuclear alcohol dehydrogenase gene 1 (Adh1-I2). Sequences were analyzed using parsimony, likelihood, and Bayesian methods. Three major clades (I–III) consistently were recovered and relationships among taxa within 2 of the clades remained unchanged between analyses; however, relationships within clade III were largely unresolved. Average genetic divergence values were 2.12% among species, 4% between subgenera (Teonoma and Neotoma), and 5.1% between genera (Hodomys and Neotoma). Adh1-I2 sequences were concatenated with mitochondrial cytochrome-b sequences generated from the same individuals. Examination of the combined data resulted in a phylogeny whose topology was similar to that based only on cytochrome-b sequences.
Roxanne A. Charles - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Parasites and vector-borne pathogens of southern plains woodrats (Neotoma micropus) from southern Texas
Parasitology Research, 2012Co-Authors: Roxanne A. Charles, Sonia Kjos, Angela E. Ellis, J. P. Dubey, Barbara C. Shock, Michael J. YabsleyAbstract:From 2008 to 2010, southern plains woodrats ( Neotoma micropus ) from southern Texas, were examined for parasites and selected pathogens. Eight helminth species were recovered from 97 woodrats including, Trichuris Neotomae from 78 (prevalence = 80%) , Ascarops sp. from 42 (43%), Nematodirus Neotoma from 31 (32%), Raillietina sp. from nine (9%), Taenia taeniaeformis larvae from eight (8%), and an unidentified spiurid, a Scaphiostomum sp . and a Zonorchis sp . each from a single woodrat. Besnotia neotomofelis was detected in three (3%) woodrats and microfilaria were detected in seven (7%). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of blood samples from 104 woodrats detected a novel Babesia sp. in one (1%) and Hepatozoon sp. in 17 (16%) woodrats. Partial 18S rRNA gene sequence of the Babesia was 94% similar to B. conradae . Histologic examination of tissues detected intestinal coccidia in seven of 104 (7%), Sarcocystis Neotomafelis in 26 (25%), Hepatozoon sp. in 21 (20%), and Dunnifilaria meningica in four (4%) woodrats. Three woodrats (5%) were seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii . Ectoparasites recovered included fleas ( Orchopeas sexdentatus and O. Neotomae ), ticks ( Ixodes woodi and Ornithodoros turicata), mites ( Trombicula sp. and Ornithonyssus (Bdellonyssus) bacoti ) and bot flies ( Cuterebra sp.). The only difference in prevalence related to gender was for N. Neotoma (males > females, p = 0.029). Prevalence of T. Neotomae and all intestinal parasites combined was significantly higher in adults compared with juveniles ( p = 0.0068 and p = 0.0004), respectively. Lesions or clinical signs were associated with Cuterebra and B. neotomofelis . Collectively, these data indicate that woodrats from southern Texas harbor several parasites of veterinary and/or medical importance.
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Parasites and vector-borne pathogens of southern plains woodrats (Neotoma micropus) from southern Texas
Parasitology research, 2011Co-Authors: Roxanne A. Charles, Sonia Kjos, Angela E. Ellis, J. P. Dubey, Barbara C. Shock, Michael J. YabsleyAbstract:From 2008–2010, southern plains woodrats (Neotoma micropus) from southern Texas, were examined for parasites and selected pathogens. Eight helminth species were recovered from 97 woodrats including, Trichuris Neotomae from 78 (prevalence=80%), Ascarops sp. from 42 (43%), Nematodirus Neotoma from 31 (32%), Raillietina sp. from nine (9%), Taenia taeniaeformis larvae from eight (8%), and an unidentified spiurid, a Scaphiostomum sp. and a Zonorchis sp. each from a single woodrat. Besnotia neotomofelis was detected in three (3%) woodrats and microfilaria were detected in seven (7%). PCR testing of blood samples from 104 woodrats detected a novel Babesia sp. in one (1%) and Hepatozoon sp. in 17 (16%) woodrats. Partial 18S rRNA gene sequence of the Babesia was 94% similar to B. conradae. Histologic examination of tissues detected intestinal coccidia in 7 of 104 (7%), Sarcocystis Neotomafelis in 26 (25%), Hepatozoon sp. in 21 (20%), and Dunnifilaria meningica in four (4%) woodrats. Three woodrats (5%) were seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii. Ectoparasites recovered included fleas (Orchopeas sexdentatus and O. Neotomae), ticks (Ixodes woodi and Ornithodoros turicata), mites (Trombicula sp. and Ornithonyssus (Bdellonyssus) bacoti) and bot flies (Cuterebra sp.). The only difference in prevalence related to gender was for N. Neotoma (males > females, p=0.029). Prevalence of T. Neotomae and all intestinal parasites combined was significantly higher in adults compared with juveniles (p=0.0068 and p=0.0004), respectively. Lesions or clinical signs were associated with Cuterebra, T. gondii, and B. neotomofelis. Collectively, these data indicate that woodrats from southern Texas harbor several parasites of veterinary and/or medical importance.