Search

A wild adult Eurasian eagle owl was presented to a wildlife rehabilitation center and diagnosed with knemidokoptic mange, lice, and blood parasites. Clinical presentation included emaciation and dehydration coupled with skin edema, crusts, and feather loss on the legs. Knemidokoptiasis is rarely reported in wild owls, with only one instance documented in a closely related species, the great horned owl (Bubo virginianus). Although mange is sporadically encountered in wildlife facility patients, a thorough examination looking for a possible underlying immunosuppressive state or the presence of an additional parasitemia is not always conducted. This case was treated with oral ivermectin combined with a topical steroid and antibacterial-antifungal cream in an essential oil and green clay medium for the mite infestation and doxycycline for the treatment of blood parasites. Full recovery was noted 22 days post-admission, notably a shorter time in care than similar case studies described in the literature. This case demonstrates the importance of updating treatment protocols and arriving at a full clinical diagnosis in wild animal patients, as well as the need for performing a detailed parasitic examination to address any underlying issues and raising questions regarding the etiology of the condition. To the author's knowledge, this case study is the only reported instance of medically treating a wild owl of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasites are important, diverse, and abundant components of natural ecosystems and can influence the behaviour and health of their hosts, inter‐ and intraspecific interactions, and ultimately community structure. Coral reefs are one of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems, yet our understanding of the abundance, diversity, and composition of parasite communities of coral reef fishes is limited. Here, the authors aimed to compare the abundance, richness and composition of parasite communities among three co‐occurring herbivorous coral reef fishes (the barred rabbitfish Siganus doliatus, Ward's damsel Pomacentrus wardi and the obscure damsel Pomacentrus adelus) from an inshore reef of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). In total, 3978 parasites (3869 endoparasites and 109 ectoparasites) from 17 families were recovered from 30 individuals of each of the three fish species (mean = 44 ± 22 s.e. parasites per fish; range = 0–1947 parasites per fish). The parasite communities of P. wardi and P. adelus were characterised by pennellid copepods, derogenid and lecithasterid digeneans and were distinct from those of S. doliatus that were characterised by a higher abundance of atractotrematid and gyliauchenid digeneans. The abundance and family richness of all parasites were greatest in S. doliatus (abundance: 22.1 ± 5.0 parasites per fish; richness: 3.2 ± 0.3 families per fish), intermediate in P. wardi (abundance: 4.8 ± 1.1 parasites per fish; richness: 2.3 ± 0.3 families per fish) and lowest in P. adelus (abundance: 1.4 ± 0.4 parasites per fish; richness: 0.9 ± 0.2 families per fish). Similarly, the abundance of endoparasites was greatest in S. doliatus (19.7 ± 5.1 endoparasites per fish), intermediate in P. wardi (2.6 ± 0.7 endoparasites per fish) and lowest in P. adelus (1.2 ± 0.4 endoparasites per fish). Ectoparasite abundances were also lowest for P. adelus (0.2 ± 0.1 ectoparasites per fish), and S. doliatus and P. wardi had comparable abundances of ectoparasites (1.3 ± 0.3 and 2.1 ± 0.5 parasites per fish, respectively). Similarities between the parasite assemblages of the two pomacentrids may be related to their similar behaviours and/or diets vs. those of the larger‐bodied and more mobile rabbitfish. Investigating the causes and consequences of variation in parasite communities across a broader range of fish species will be critical to understand the potential role of parasites in coral reef ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Kosmos is the property of Polish Copernicus Society of Naturalists and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study aimed to determine the prevalence rate and to identify parasites (endoparasite and ectoparasite) on Java Langur and Silvery Gibbon, these primates are rehabilitated in The Aspinall Foundation Indonesia Program. This research was conducted from February until October 2020. The fecal examination methods used in this research were native method and ovatec flotation method, while the ectoparasite examination used native method, mounting method, and scraping method. Based on a total of 68 samples examined, the result showed that 10 samples were positive infected by Trichuris trichiura and 2 samples were infested by Pedicinus ancoratus. The conclusion of this study indicated that the prevalence rate of Trichuris trichiura was 21.1% and Pedicinus ancoratus was 5.3% on 19 West Java Langurs, the prevalence rate of Trichuris trichiura was 3.3% and Pedicinus ancoratus was 3.3% on 30 East Java Langurs, the prevalence rate of Trichuris trichiura was 26.3% and no infestation of Pedicinus ancoratus was found on 19 Silvery Gibbons.

Summary: Phytohormones may affect plant–nematode interactions directly as chemo‐attractants or ‐repellents, or indirectly through the root‐associated microbiome or through host defense mechanisms. However, the exact roles of phytohormones in these complex plant–soil–nematode interactions are not well understood.We used Arabidopsis thaliana mutants impaired in phytohormone synthesis or sensitivity to elucidate their role in root–nematode interactions. As root‐associated microorganisms may modulate these interactions, we explored correlations between the relative abundances of root‐associated nematodes, and bacteria and fungi using amplicon sequencing.We found distinct shifts in relative abundances of a range of nematode taxa in the A. thaliana phytohormone mutants. The root knot nematode Meloidogyne hapla, a sedentary endoparasitic species that is in intimate contact with the host, was highly enriched in JA‐, SA‐ and SL‐impaired lines, and in an ET‐insensitive line. Positive or negative correlations between specific microbial and nematode taxa were observed, but, as the inference of causal relationships between microbiome responses and effects on nematode communities is premature, this should be studied in detail in future studies.In conclusion, genetic derailment of hormonal balances generally rendered plants vulnerable to endoparasitic nematode attack. Furthermore, preliminary data suggest that this effect may be partially modulated by the associated microbiome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rabbits contain several parasites that can be harmful to their health as well as human being’s health due to the probability of causing parasitic zoonosis. The present research was designed to study ectoparasites and endoparasites of New Zealand White rabbits in North West of Iran and potential risks of parasitic zoonosis for researchers and owners. Methods: Totally, 50 rabbits were purchased from rabbit sellers and breeders in suburbs of Urmia and Tabriz between Jul and Dec 2016. The rabbits were assessed for ectoparasites by hair brushing, skin scraping, acetate tape preparation and othic swabs. They were euthanized and inspected for helminths and protozoa infection. Faecal sampling was carried out directly from recti and the oocysts or cysts were isolated using sedimentation and floatation techniques and the sporulated oocyst were identified based on morphological. Results: The following parasites, with their respective prevalence; Nematoda: Passalurus ambigus 54%, Trichostrongylus retortaeformis 42%, Nematodirus leporis 32%, Cestoda: Cysticercus pisiformis 26%, Protozoa: Eimeria steidae 44%, E. magna 30%, E. media 12% and Arthropoda: Sarcoptes scabiei 18% and Cheyletiella parasitivorax 38%. No significant difference was recorded in infection rate between male and female rabbits. Conclusion: Both domestic and wild rabbits are a potential source of human parasitic zoonosis, and strict hygienic practices are recommended during and after handling rabbits or in case of exposure to their feces.

This study was a preliminary survey for identification of parasites (endoparasites and ectoparasites) and their prevalence in domestic pigeons (Columba livia) in Tripoli; Libya. One hundred adult domestic pigeons were purchased from different markets of Tripoli. Blood smears were prepared from each bird and examined using light microscopy with oil immersion lens for the presence of blood parasites. Oropharyngeal swab was taken from each pigeon and were processed through direct smear method and staining with Giemsa to identify Trichomonas gallinae. Each pigeon was examined for ectoparasites. Moreover, intestinal parasites were investigated and all helminths were counted before being fixed in 70% ethyl alcohol for further identification. Out of 100 pigeons examined, 76% (76/100) were infected with Haemoproteus spp. and 55% (55/100) with T. gallinae. The overall prevalence of ecto–parasitic infestation was 89% (82% Columbicloa columbae, 18% Goniodes gallinae, 3% Menopon gallinae and 1% Pseudolynchia canariensis). The overall prevalence of intestinal helminths in examined pigeons were 56% (56/100). Three species of Cestoda (2% Raillietina tetragona, 32% R. echinobothrida and 4% R. cesticillus) and three species of Nematoda (18% Heterakis gallinarum., 22% Ascaridia galli and 4% Capillaria spp.) were identified. Also, this study revealed that the pigeons examined were found infected with mixed parasites. The study highlights that pigeons are hosts of helminths of veterinary importance and may act as an important source of infection for other avian host, which share the common parasitic fauna.

While much attention has been paid to vector-borne filariasis, diseases that threaten millions of people in tropical and subtropical countries, the literature on host–parasite associations and transmission strategies of filarial nematodes in wildlife is scarce. Here, we report the co-occurrence of chigger mites (Eutrombicula alfreddugesi) and onchocercid nematodes (Oswaldofilaria chabaudi) parasitizing the lizard Tropidurus torquatus in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Examination of chiggers established, for the first time, the occurrence of microfilariae in trombiculid mites (Trombiculidae). These larvae were morphologically similar to those recovered from adult females of O. chabaudi. The current evidence suggests that chiggers do not play a role in the transmission of filarioid nematodes, but rather act as accidental or dead-end hosts. Nevertheless, considering the polyphagous nature of trombiculid mites, similar to blood-sucking insects involved in the transmission of several infectious diseases, further studies may shed light on the potential role of chiggers as vectors of filarioids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rabbits contain several parasites that can be harmful to their health as well as human being’s health due to the probability of causing parasitic zoonosis. The present research was designed to study ectoparasites and endoparasites of New Zealand White rabbits in North West of Iran and potential risks of parasitic zoonosis for researchers and owners. Methods: Totally, 50 rabbits were purchased from rabbit sellers and breeders in suburbs of Urmia and Tabriz between Jul and Dec 2016. The rabbits were assessed for ectoparasites by hair brushing, skin scraping, acetate tape preparation and othic swabs. They were euthanized and inspected for helminths and protozoa infection. Faecal sampling was carried out directly from recti and the oocysts or cysts were isolated using sedimentation and floatation techniques and the sporulated oocyst were identified based on morphological. Results: The following parasites, with their respective prevalence; Nematoda: Passalurus ambigus 54%, Trichostrongylus retortaeformis 42%, Nematodirus leporis 32%, Cestoda: Cysticercus pisiformis 26%, Protozoa: Eimeria steidae 44%, E. magna 30%, E. media 12% and Arthropoda: Sarcoptes scabiei 18% and Cheyletiella parasitivorax 38%. No significant difference was recorded in infection rate between male and female rabbits. Conclusion: Both domestic and wild rabbits are a potential source of human parasitic zoonosis, and strict hygienic practices are recommended during and after handling rabbits or in case of exposure to their feces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: European chub (Squalius cephalus) is a member of Cyprinidae family and is classified as fresh water fishes which live in a group in roaring rivers. Siahrood runs from the south east to the Caspian Sea. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this study was determination and identification of parasites of European chub in the Siahrood river. METHODS: In the current study, a total number of 96 fishes with average weight of 42 ± 3 gr and average length of 15 ± 1 cm were collected during winter, spring, summer and autumn 2015. The collected fishes were transported to parasitology lab with oxygenated plastic bags and were kept in aquarium till examination. Sample collection was conducted from skin, gills, fins and eyes and prepared wet mount was studied with optical microscope. Samples which are positive for presence of parasite were fixed and identified at the level of genus or species by biometric characterization and identification keys. RESULTS: In the present study, 6 species of endo parasites and ecto parasites were detected from different organs of Siahrood's European chubs that included: 2 protozoan species from gills, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis with the highest positive samples in summer; Trichodina sp. with the highest positive samples in spring; 1 Myxozoa species from the intestine, Myxobolus muelleri with the highest positive samples in winter; 3 Monogenea species, Dactylogyrus vistulae and Diplozoon paradoxum from the gills with highest positive samples at autumn and summer respectively; Gyrodactylus mutabilitas from the gills and the skin with the highest positive samples in summer. CONCLUSIONS: It seems the major factors affecting the variable presence of parasites in different seasons are ecological and environmental variation of the river in different seasons and the effects of these changes on fishes physiology and parasites life cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasites are ubiquitous in the environment, and can cause negative effects in their host species. Importantly, seabirds can be long-lived and cross multiple continents within a single annual cycle, thus their exposure to parasites may be greater than other taxa. With changing climatic conditions expected to influence parasite distribution and abundance, understanding current level of infection, transmission pathways and population-level impacts are integral aspects for predicting ecosystem changes, and how climate change will affect seabird species. In particular, a range of micro- and macro-parasites can affect seabird species, including ticks, mites, helminths, viruses and bacteria in gulls, terns, skimmers, skuas, auks and selected phalaropes (Charadriiformes), tropicbirds (Phaethontiformes), penguins (Sphenisciformes), tubenoses (Procellariiformes), cormorants, frigatebirds, boobies, gannets (Suliformes), and pelicans (Pelecaniformes) and marine seaducks and loons (Anseriformes and Gaviiformes). We found that the seabird orders of Charadriiformes and Procellariiformes were most represented in the parasite-seabird literature. While negative effects were reported in seabirds associated with all the parasite groups, most effects have been studied in adults with less information known about how parasites may affect chicks and fledglings. We found studies most often reported on negative effects in seabird hosts during the breeding season, although this is also the time when most seabird research occurs. Many studies report that external factors such as condition of the host, pollution, and environmental conditions can influence the effects of parasites, thus cumulative effects likely play a large role in how parasites influence seabirds at both the individual and population level. With an increased understanding of parasite-host dynamics it is clear that major environmental changes, often those associated with human activities, can directly or indirectly affect the distribution, abundance, or virulence of parasites and pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was a preliminary survey for identification of parasites (endoparasites and ectoparasites) and their prevalence in domestic pigeons (Columba livia) in Tripoli; Libya. One hundred adult domestic pigeons were purchased from different markets of Tripoli. Blood smears were prepared from each bird and examined using light microscopy with oil immersion lens for the presence of blood parasites. Oropharyngeal swab was taken from each pigeon and were processed through direct smear method and staining with Giemsa to identify Trichomonas gallinae. Each pigeon was examined for ectoparasites. Moreover, intestinal parasites were investigated and all helminths were counted before being fixed in 70% ethyl alcohol for further identification. Out of 100 pigeons examined, 76% (76/100) were infected with Haemoproteus spp. and 55% (55/100) with T. gallinae. The overall prevalence of ecto-parasitic infestation was 89% (82% Columbicloa columbae, 18% Goniodes gallinae, 3% Menopon gallinae and 1% Pseudolynchia canariensis). The overall prevalence of intestinal helminths in examined pigeons were 56% (56/100). Three species of Cestoda (2% Raillietina tetragona, 32% R. echinobothrida and 4% R. cesticillus) and three species of Nematoda (18% Heterakis gallinarum., 22% Ascaridia galli and 4% Capillaria spp.) were identified. Also, this study revealed that the pigeons examined were found infected with mixed parasites. The study highlights that pigeons are hosts of helminths of veterinary importance and may act as an important source of infection for other avian host, which share the common parasitic fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erinaceus europaeus is experiencing population decline across the UK. The species is host to a variety of parasitic organisms. This study investigates and evaluates direct fecal smears as a diagnostic method for endoparasites. A number of Erinaceus europaeus (n = 47) were assessed on arrival at Prickles and Paws Hedgehog Rescue in Cornwall. Endoparasitic burden was determined via 10 direct fecal smears; ectoparasites were removed and counted. Minimum sample size required for representative burden estimate was determined. No significant difference was found in the mean number of eggs--larvae detected in 10 smears compared to two. No significant relationship was found between ectoparasites and endoparasites. Females had significantly greater burdens of Crenosoma striatum than males. This study provides new insight into gender bias in endoparasitic burdening and the relationship between endoparasitic and ectoparasitic burdening of rescued E. europaeus. It offers potential to influence husbandry protocols, welfare, and the success of rehabilitation, as well as increase efficiency and accuracy of endoparasite diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As there appeared to be no data available on parasite infection of Hedgehogs in the region and considering the potential threat of Hedgehogs for animal and public health, the present study was carried out using biological samples and necropsy findings collected from long-eared hedgehog captured in Mashhad city in the northeast of Iran. During the study 23 dead hedgehogs were collected randomly from different regions of Mashhad County. Following autopsy of these animals, observation for enteric parasites was carefully done. At the same time, 38 live hedgehogs were captured at this region and after anesthetizing of them, their ectoparasites were removed. The captured animals were released after recovery. All of studied animals were found to be infected with at least one of the parasites. The endoparasites removed from dead hedgehogs were: Oliganthorhynchus erinacei, Nephridiorhynchus major, Hymenolepis erinacei and Crenosoma striatum. The ectoparasites found on live studied animals according to their abundance were Rhipicephalus turanicus, Haemaphysalis erinacei and Echidnophaga gallinacea. The results of this study will contribute to our understanding of the parasites infecting Hemiechinus auritus in Iran. These results also suggest that pet owners especially those keep hedgehog should be aware about hazards that may pose by these animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanisms underlying honest signal expression remain elusive and may involve the integration of social and physiological costs. Corticosterone is a socially modulated metabolic hormone that mediates energy investment and behavior and may therefore function to deter dishonest signal expression. We examined the relationship between corticosterone and green badge coloration in male sand lizards ( Lacerta agilis), hypothesizing that physiological and behavioral costs resulting from elevated baseline glucocorticoids function in maintenance of honest signal expression. We found that large-badged males had higher corticosterone titer, with this relationship apparent at the end of the season and absent early in the season. Large-badged males also suffered higher ectoparasite load (number of tick nymphs), despite being in better condition than small-badged males. Ectoparasite load was positively related to corticosterone titer early in the season at the time of badge formation. High-condition individuals had lower corticosterone and lower numbers of ectoparasites than low-condition individuals, suggestive of conditional variation in ability to withstand costs of corticosterone. We found an opposing negative relationship between corticosterone titer and endoparasite load. Corticosterone titer was also negatively associated with male mobility, a fitness-determining behavior in this species. Because badge size is involved in mediating agonistic social interactions in this species, our results suggest that badge-dependent variation in corticosterone is likely reflective of variation in social conditions experienced over the course of the season. Our results implicate corticosterone in maintenance of signal honesty, both early in the season through enforcement of physiological costs (ectoparasite load) and during the season through behavioral costs (male mobility). We propose that socially modulated variation in corticosterone critically functions in mediation of signal honesty without requiring a direct role for corticosterone in trait expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se recolectaron 19 muestras de excretas del tapir centroamericano (Tapirus bairdii) en la Reserva "La Sepultura" (marzo a julio de 1999), así como un muestreo directo a un tapir macho de la Reserva "Montes Azules" (Chiapas, México). Se analizaron con cinco técnicas (flotación, MacMaster, micrometría, sedimentación de Ritchie y cuantitativa de Ferreira). Además se recolectaron muestras en piel de animales capturados en en las dos reservas y en una pareja de zoológico proveniente de Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas. Se hallaron nematodos y protozoarios: Agriostomun sp., Lacandoria sp., Neomurshidia sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Strongylus sp., Brachylumus sp., y un ancilostomaideo aun por identificar. Además se informa la presencia de Eimeria sp., y Balantidium coli. Los ácaros hallados fueron; Dermacentor halli, Dermacentor latus, Amblyomma cajannense, Amblyomma coelebs, Amblyomma ovale, Anocentor nitens e Ixodes bicornis.Parasites of the Central American tapir Tapirus bairdii (Perissodactyla: Tapiridae) in Chiapas, Mexico. We analyzed 19 samples of Baird´s tapir feces from La Sepultura Biosphere Reserve, collected between March and July 1999. We also took samples directly from a male tapir captured at the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve. Both reserves are in Chiapas, Mexico. We used five techniques: flotation, MacMaster, micrometric, Ritchie’s sedimentation and Ferreira´s quantitative. In addition, we collected ectoparasites from animals captured in both reserves and from a captive couple from Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas. These nematodes and protozoans were found: Agriostomun sp., Lacandoria sp., Neomurshidia sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Strongylus sp., Brachylumus sp, and an unidentified species of ancilostomaide. We also found Eimeria sp. and Balantidium coli, as well as the mites Dermacentor halli, Dermacentor latus, Amblyomma cajannense, Amblyomma coelebs, Amblyomma ovale, Anocentor nitens and Ixodes bicornis. Rev. Biol. Trop. 54(2): 445-450. Epub 2006 Jun 01.

Epicarideans, parasitic isopods found in and on other crustaceans, are cryptic in nature. Detecting and collecting these parasites can be difficult and requires special techniques. The present paper reviews these techniques, providing helpful information on locating the isopods and isolating them from their hosts. In addition, information on preservation of these animals is provided. Using these methods, ecologists and other researchers could provide critical material for future studies on the life histories and evolutionary relationships of these parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual selection theory proposes that males suffer reduced immune function and increased parasitism as costs of expressing sexual signals. Life-history theory proposes that females suffer the same costs because of inherent trade-offs between reproduction and self-maintenance. Mechanistically, each theory invokes an energetic trade-off, although few experiments have directly compared these costs of reproduction between the sexes as a result of fundamental sex differences in the nature of reproductive investment and a tendency for each theory to focus on a single sex. To test whether males and females experience comparable costs of reproduction in terms of energetics, immune function, and parasitism, we used gonadectomy to eliminate most aspects of reproductive investment in wild brown anole lizards ( Anolis sagrei) of both sexes. We compared these nonreproductive males and females with intact, reproductive controls with respect to stored energy (fat bodies), immune function (swelling response to phytohemagglutinin), and the prevalence and intensity of infection by four types of parasite (gastric nematodes, intestinal nematodes, faecal coccidia, and ectoparasitic mites). Gonadectomized anoles experienced dramatic increases in fat storage that were accompanied by decreases in the prevalence of intestinal nematodes and in the intensity of coccidia infection. These costs of reproduction were comparable between males and females, although neither sex exhibited the predicted increase in immune function after gonadectomy. Our results suggest that, despite fundamental sex differences in the nature of reproductive investment, both male and female anoles experience similar costs of reproduction with respect to energy storage and some aspects of parasitism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Coastal sand dunes have a well-established abiotic gradient from beach to land and a corresponding spatial gradient of plant species representing succession in time. Here, we relate the distribution of plant-feeding nematodes with dominant plant species in the field to host specialization and impacts on plant species under controlled greenhouse conditions. Methods: We assessed plant-feeding nematodes in soil and roots of six plant species that dominate the vegetation at successional positions along the gradient. In controlled conditions, we determined performance of all plant-feeding nematodes on each plant species and their effects on plant biomass. Results: Specialist feeding type nematodes were confined to plant species in either foredunes or landward dunes. Generalist feeding type nematodes were found in highest numbers in the landward dunes. Most tested nematode species decreased root, but not shoot or rhizome biomass. Conclusions: Host plant suitability determined occurrence of some plant-feeding nematodes in dunes, but abiotic and biotic soil conditions may play a role as well. Generalist feeding type nematodes were able to reproduce on all plant species. Feeding specialists, which are more protected by plant roots, might prefer host plants in the foredunes for the same reason as their host plants: to escape from natural enemies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adaptation to different ecological environments is thought to drive ecological speciation. This phenomenon culminates in the radiations of cichlid fishes in the African Great Lakes. Multiple characteristic traits of cichlids, targeted by natural or sexual selection, are considered among the driving factors of these radiations. Parasites and pathogens have been suggested to initiate or accelerate speciation by triggering both natural and sexual selection. Three prerequisites for parasite-driven speciation can be inferred from ecological speciation theory. The first prerequisite is that different populations experience divergent infection levels. The second prerequisite is that these infection levels cause divergent selection and facilitate adaptive divergence. The third prerequisite is that parasite-driven adaptive divergence facilitates the evolution of reproductive isolation. Here we investigate the first and the second prerequisite in allopatric chromatically differentiated lineages of the rock-dwelling cichlid Tropheus spp. from southern Lake Tanganyika (Central Africa). Macroparasite communities were screened in eight populations belonging to five different colour morphs. Results: Parasite communities were mainly composed of acanthocephalans, nematodes, monogeneans, copepods, branchiurans, and digeneans. In two consecutive years (2011 and 2012), we observed significant variation across populations for infection with acanthocephalans, nematodes, monogeneans of the genera Gyrodactylus and Cichlidogyrus, and the copepod Ergasilus spp. Overall, parasite community composition differed significantly between populations of different colour morphs. Differences in parasite community composition were stable in time. The genetic structure of Tropheus populations was strong and showed a significant isolation-by-distance pattern, confirming that spatial isolation is limiting host dispersal. Correlations between parasite community composition and Tropheus genetic differentiation were not significant, suggesting that host dispersal does not influence parasite community diversification. Conclusions: Subject to alternating episodes of isolation and secondary contact because of lake level fluctuations, Tropheus colour morphs are believed to accumulate and maintain genetic differentiation through a combination of vicariance, philopatric behaviour and mate discrimination. Provided that the observed contrasts in parasitism facilitate adaptive divergence among populations in allopatry (which is the current situation), and promote the evolution of reproductive isolation during episodes of sympatry, parasites might facilitate speciation in this genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leeches have been making a remarkable come-back in medical practice in recent years, particularly in reconstructive surgery. This paper opens with a brief review of the historical aspects of the medicinal use of leeches and their recent renaissance in modern medical practice. We then embark on a journey through the murky waters of leech infestation and the potentially life-threatening complications arising from close encounters with these extraordinary creatures. Finally, we get to grips with the tricky issue of safely apprehending and removing uninvited hangers-on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out between March 2010-April 2011 aimed to investigate the helminth fauna of Squalius cephalus living in Susurluk Creek.during the study period, totally 140 chubs had been caught monthly. The species analysis had been done by ecto and endo parasites of the fish were investigated. In end of the study, in chubs, Dactylogyrus folkmonovae, Dactylogyrus vistulae and Paradiplozoon megan from Monogenea as ectoparasite, and Eustrongylides sp. from Nematoda as endoparasite had been determined. The most common parasite species in chub specimens infected is Dactylogyrus vistulae (43 specimens, % 30.7). Respectively, this was followed by Dactylogyrus folkmanovae (39 specimens, % 27.8), Paradiplozoon megan (32 specimens, % 22.8) ve Eustrongylides sp. larvae (6 specimens, % 4.28). From these parasites, Eustrongylides sp. is a first record for chub from Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a cross-sectional study which examined the prevalence of ecto, endo and hemoparasites among slaughtered dogs in two different areas of Maiduguri metropolis. Most dogs harbor parasites that are transmissible to human and other domestic animals which cause cutaneous and visceral larva migrans, mange, hydatidosis and tungiasis. Several factors contributing to increased risk of exposure to zoonotic diseases transmitted by dogs include the variation of the clinical signs of parasite infections, insufficient information by dog keepers about the risks of transmission, control of stray dogs and poor hygiene level.

Parasites can be detrimental to the health, longevity, and reproduction of their hosts, but these costs are rarely quantified in nature. We removed ectoparasites and endoparasites from Cape ground squirrels (Xerus inauris), a highly social sciurid in southern Africa. Parasites were removed for 3 months during the dry winter season, when fewer resources are available and the impact of parasites may be greatest. We examined changes in female body mass, reproduction, grooming, and burrow use. Female body mass did not increase with parasite removal, but reproductive success (number of offspring raised to emergence) was nearly 4 times higher for treated females. Rates of allogrooming were lower for treated females, but we were unable to detect a significant change in burrow movements, perhaps because factors other than parasites (e.g., predator avoidance) affect such movements. Gestation and lactation are the most physiologically stressful processes that females undergo, and the dramatic increase in reproductive success in treated females suggests that parasites drain resources that would otherwise be allocated to reproduction. Our results suggest that nonparasitized females put the extra energy into reproduction rather than into their own body weight, which appears to enhance juvenile survival. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this research, metazoan parasites of nase (Chondrostoma nasus L., 1758) in Tahtalı Dam Lake were studied from July 2007 to June 2008. During the study, total 111 nase were caught monthly and 3 species of parasites were recorded: Dactylogyrus sp. (Monogenea), Contracaecum sp. larvae (Nematoda) and Lernaea cyprinacea (Crustacea). The parasite species were new records for Chondrostoma nasus in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]