Intestinal ciliate composition found in the feces of the Turk rahvan horse Equus caballus, Linnaeus 1758

Species composition and distribution of large intestinal ciliates were investigated in the feces from 15 Turk rahvan horses, living in the vicinity of Izmir, Turkey. Twenty-two ciliate genera consisting of 36 species were identified. This is the first report on intestinal ciliates in Turk rahvan horses and no previously unknown species were observed. The mean number of ciliates was 14.2 ± 13.9 × 10⁴ cells ml⁻¹ of feces and the mean number of ciliate species per host was 9.9 ± 7.1. No ciliates were observed in 2 horses. Bundleia and Blepharocorys were considered to be the major genera since these ciliates were constantly found in high proportions. In contrast, Paraisotricha, Didesmis and Gassovskiella were only observed at low frequencies. The ciliates found in this survey had almost the same characteristics as those described in previous reports, suggesting that there was no significant geographic variation in the intestinal ciliate fauna of equids.     

Intestinal ciliate composition found in the feces of the Cypriot wild donkey,Equus asinus Linnaeus, 1758

Species composition and distribution of large intestinal ciliates was investigated in the feces from 13 Cypriot wild donkeys, free-living in the Karpaz national park, Northern Cyprus. We identified 16 ciliate genera and 22 species. This is the first report on intestinal ciliates in Cypriot wild donkeys, and no endemic species were observed. The genus Cycloposthium occurred in all animals. The mean number of ciliates was 3.0±2.5×10⁴ cells ml^?1 of feces and the mean number of ciliate species per host was 6.5±4.8. Characteristics of the wild donkey ciliates was almost identical to those reported in other equids from various regions around the world. We thus conclude that there is no pronounced geographic variation in the intestinal ciliate fauna of equids.     

Intestinal ciliated protozoa of the Asian elephant Elephas maximus Linnaeus, 1758 with the description of Triplumaria izmirae n. sp.

Species composition and distribution of intestinal ciliates excreted in the feces of three Asian elephants living in Sasalı National Park, Izmir, Turkey, were investigated. Seven ciliate genera consisting of 36 species were identified. This is the first report on intestinal ciliates in elephants living in Turkey; one new species, T. izmirae n. sp., was described. This new species has a special macronucleus shape, skeletal rod plates with two wings and posterior contractile vacuole lying beneath the dorsal left base of the tail flap. The buccal infraciliary bands of T. izmirae are similar to those of T. selenica and T. suwako known from elephants. Triplumaria ovina and Raabena bella occurred in highest percentages in two elephants, whereas Latteuria polyfaria was highest in the third one. Ciliate densities in the three fecal samples were 3.5, 1.5 and 5.0 × 10⁴/mL.     

Intestinal ciliate fauna of the Asian elephant from Gaziantep,Turkey and the description of Brevitentaculum antebum n. g., n. sp.

The aims of this investigation were to identify and quantify ciliates inhabiting the large intestine of Asian elephants living in Gaziantep Zoo, Turkey, and to describe a new suctorian genus and species. Species composition and distribution of intestinal ciliates voided in the feces of two Asian elephants were examined. Fifteen species of intestinal ciliates, representing 7 genera, were identified. One new suctorian genus and species, Brevitentaculum antebum n. g., n. sp., was described. This new species has two short truncated terminal projections, with two longitudinally lined bands located between the two projections, near the convex surface of the cell. Short clavate-like tentacles are in two fascicles near each base of terminal projections on the flattened surface of the body. Ciliate densities in the two fecal samples were 4.5 × 10⁴ mL⁻¹ and 10 × 10⁴ mL⁻¹.     

Scanning electron microscopy of ciliary zones of the ciliate protozoa in the large intestine of the horse.

The surface structure of the ciliary zone in 13 species of ciliates found in the large intestine of the horse was observed by scanning electron microscopy. In Holophryoides ovalis many fine depressions considered to be a result of phagocytosis or pinocytosis in the naked cytostome were noticed. In Blepharocorys spp. a distinct section was present between the portion with cilia and that without cilia. It was not present, however, in some species of the family Buetschliidae, such as Bundleia postciliata and Didesmis spp. The species of Entodiniomorphida had a lip around the ciliary zone with cilia forming synciliary tufts. In Spirodinium equi and Tetratoxum unifasciculatum the ciliary zone revolved counter-clockwise in an en face view. Some differences in the surface structure of the ciliary zone between the entodiniomorphid and spirotrich ciliates are discussed.     

A survey of entodiniomorphid ciliates in chimpanzees and bonobos

Intestinal entodiniomorphid ciliates are commonly diagnosed in the feces of wild apes of the genera Pan and Gorilla. Although some authors previously considered entodiniomorphid ciliates as possible pathogens, a symbiotic function within the intestinal ecosystem and their participation in fiber fermentation has been proposed. Previous studies have suggested that these ciliates gradually disappear under captive conditions. We studied entodiniomorphid ciliates in 23 captive groups of chimpanzees, three groups of captive bonobos and six populations of wild chimpanzees. Fecal samples were examined using Sheather's flotation and Merthiolate‐Iodine‐Formaldehyde Concentration (MIFC) methods. We quantified the number of ciliates per gram of feces. The MIFC method was more sensitive for ciliate detection than the flotation method. Ciliates of genus Troglodytella were detected in 13 groups of captive chimpanzees, two groups of bonobos and in all wild chimpanzee populations studied. The absence of entodiniomorphids in some captive groups might be because of the extensive administration of chemotherapeutics in the past or a side‐effect of the causative or prophylactic administration of antiparasitic or antibiotic drugs. The infection intensities of ciliates in captive chimpanzees were higher than in wild ones. We suppose that the over‐supply of starch, typical in captive primate diets, might induce an increase in the number of ciliates. In vitro studies on metabolism and biochemical activities of entodiniomorphids are needed to clarify their role in ape digestion. Am J Phys Anthropol 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

The effect of low- and high-fiber diets on the population of entodiniomorphid ciliates Troglodytella abrassarti in captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

Troglodytella abrassarti is an intestinal entodiniomorphid ciliate commonly diagnosed in the feces of wild and captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Entodiniomorphids could be considered to have a mutualistic relationship with the great apes, in that the ciliates benefit from the intestinal ecosystem of the host, while also contributing to the fiber fermentation process. We examined the effect of diet on the infection intensities of T. abrassarti in two captive chimpanzees in the Liberec Zoo, Czech Republic. The chimpanzees were fed a low-fiber diet (LFD) with 14% neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and a high-fiber diet (HFD; 26% NDF) for 10 days with one transition, and two 10-day adaptation periods. Fecal samples were examined coproscopically with the merthiolate-iodine-formaldehyde concentration (MIFC) technique, in order to quantify the number of ciliates per gram of feces. A significant trend of increasing T. abrassarti numbers was observed when the animals were fed the LFD, compared to when they were fed the HFD. Our results suggest, however, that infection intensities of T. abrassarti in captive chimpanzees are not influenced primarily by the amount of fiber in the diet, but rather by the dietary starch concentration (HFD: 1%; LFD: 8%).     

Rumen Ophryoscolecid Protozoa in the Hindgut of the Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)1

Rumen ophryoscolecid protozoa were observed in feces obtained from two capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) housed at the Columbus Zoo, Columbus, Ohio. Total numbers were 58.1 times 10⁴ and 19.0 times 10⁴ per gram of wet feces in a male and female capybara, respectively. Four common rumen species of Entodinium were observed in the feces from both animals, with low numbers of Eudiplodinium maggii and Elytroplastron bubali also occurring in the male. Establishment of rumen ophryoscolecid ciliates in the intestinal tract of non-ruminant herbivores has not been reported previously.     

Molecular profiling of Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Bifidobacterium species in feces of active racehorses

Diversity and compositions of the Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Bifidobacterium group in the feces of six healthy, actively racing horses (Thoroughbreds) were analyzed by using PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and real-time PCR with primer sets specific for each group. PCR-DGGE analysis of the feces showed that Lactobacillus equi, Lactobacillus johnsonii, a phylogenetic relative of Lactobacillus salivarius, a phylogenetic relative of Lactobacillus gastricus, and Weissella confusa were predominant in almost all of the feces tested, and Streptococcus bovis/Streptococcus equinus was predominant in the Streptococcus group. The Bifidobacterium group was not detected by single-PCR but atypical species of the group were found in three of the six Thoroughbreds tested by nested-PCR. Calculation and estimation of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria revealed that lactic acid bacteria were predominant in the feces and bifidobacteria were minor. These results indicate that the community of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria in horse feces are unique because of the presence of specific species for horse feces and a minority of the Bifidobacterium group. Repeated tests of the feces from the same horse over 3 months showed that the diversity and composition of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria in the feces was basically stable throughout the test period.     

The Intestinal Entodiniomorph Ciliates of Wild Lowland Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) in Gabon,West Africa

Examination of 109 fecal samples from wild lowland gorillas revealed the presence of five species of entodiniomorph ciliates: Troglodytella ahrassarti, Troglodytella gorillae, and three unclassified species. These latter three species were also found in the feces of a captive gorilla in Gabon and are considered to be intestinal parasites or commensals.     

Effects of racing on equine fertility

Racing and fertility are connected with each other in many ways. Stress and increased body temperature induced by racing may have negative effects on fertility, but on the other hand, high quality nutrition and management of racing horses may have positive effects. Fertility may also be genetically associated with racing performance. The analysed data consisted of Finnish mating records of Standardbreds (n=33,679) and Finnhorses (n=32,731), from 1991 to 2005, and the harness racing records of both mares and stallions. Fertility was measured by foaling outcome, and racing performance was measured by best time and number of races. We used racing results from the mating year and from the entire career, to study both short-term and long-term effects of racing on fertility. The analyses were conducted with a linear mixed model, where racing was fitted as a fixed factor. In a separate bivariate analysis we measured the genetic correlation of racing and fertility, applying a threshold model for the fertility trait. For mares, racing after the first mating or more than 10 times during the mating year diminished the foaling outcome. However, racing only before the first mating or 1-5 times during the mating year had positive effects on mare fertility. Stallion fertility did not suffer from racing during the mating year. The mares with the best career racing records had the highest foaling rates, but this was probably due to preferential treatment. The genetic correlation between best racing record and fertility was favourable but weak in the Finnhorse (-0.24±0.08), and negligible in the Standardbred (-0.15±0.11).     

Rumen ciliates of domestic cattle (Bos taurus taurus) in Kastamonu,Turkey, with the description of a new species

Species composition and distribution of ciliates were investigated in the rumen contents of 25 domestic cattle (Bos taurus taurus L.) living in Kastamonu, Turkey. Forty-seven species and 37 morphotypes representing 15 genera were identified. Of them, a new species of Ostracodinium was recognized and described as Ostracodinium anatolicum n. sp. This new species has two caudal lobes. The dorsal lobe is small and rounded and the ventral lobe is triangular shaped and bent toward the dorsal side like a thick hook. Furthermore, the anterior end of the macronucleus (1/5 of the length) is bent toward the left like a hook. The density of rumen ciliates in cattle was 96.8 ± 43.3 × 10⁴ cells mL⁻¹ and the mean number of ciliate species per host was 14.2 ± 4.4. Entodinium longinucleatum, E. nanellum, E. simulans and Isotricha prostoma were the most abundant species, each with a prevalence of 88%. Entodinium chatterjeei, E. bifidum m. monospinosum, Hsiungia triciliata, Oligoisotricha bubali, Ostracodinium dogieli, O. mammosum and O. munham are new host records for cattle from Turkey.     

Rumen ophryoscolecid protozoa in the hindgut of the capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)

Rumen ophryoscolecid protozoa were observed in feces obtained from two capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) housed at the Columbus Zoo, Columbus, Ohio. Total numbers were 58.1 X 10(4) and 19.0 X 10(4) per gram of wet feces in a male and female capybara, respectively. Four common rumen species of Entodinium were observed in the feces from both animals, with low numbers of Eudiplodinium maggii and Elytroplastron bubali also occurring in the male. Establishment of rumen ophryoscolecid ciliates in the intestinal tract of non-ruminant herbivores has not been reported previously.     

Evolution of anaerobic ciliates from the gastrointestinal tract: phylogenetic analysis of the ribosomal repeat from Nyctotherus ovalis and its relatives

The 18S and 5.8S rDNA genes and the internal transcribed spacers ITS-1 and ITS-2 of ciliates living in the hindgut of frogs, millipedes, and cockroaches were analyzed in order to study the evolution of intestinal protists. All ciliates studied here belong to the genus Nycrotherus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these ciliates from a monophyletic group that includes the distantly related anaerobic free-living heterotrichous ciliates Metopus palaeformis and Metopus contortus. The intestinal ciliates from the different vertebrate and invertebrate hosts are clearly divergent at the level of their rDNA repeats. This argues for the antiquity of the associations and a predominantly vertical transmission. This mode of transmission seems to be controlled primarily by the behavior of the host. The different degrees of divergence between ciliates living in different strains of one and the same cockroach species most likely reflect the different geographical origins of the hosts. In addition, host switches must have occurred during the evolution of cockroaches, since identical ciliates were found only in distantly related hosts. These phenomena prevent the reconstruction of potential cospeciation events.      

Lactate-transport activity in RBCs of trained and untrained individuals from four racing species

In red blood cells (RBC) of horses, both lactate-transport activity and lactate accumulation during races vary interindividually. To study whether similar variation in lactate transport is apparent also in RBCs of other racing species, blood samples were collected from 21 reindeer, 40 horses, 31 humans, and 38 dogs. Total lactate-transport activity was measured at 10 and 30 mM concentrations, and the roles of the monocarboxylate-transporter (MCT) and the inorganic anion-exchange transporter (band-3 protein) were studied with inhibitors. In the reindeer and in one-third of the horses, lactate transport was low and mediated mainly by band-3 protein and nonionic diffusion. In the humans, dogs, and the remaining two-thirds of the horses, lactate transport was high and MCT was the main transporter. No correlation existed between MCT activity and the athleticism of the species. In the horses and humans, training had no effect on lactate transport, but in the reindeer and sled dogs, training increased total lactate transport. These results show that among the racing species studied, only in horses was the distribution of lactate-transport activity bimodal, and the possible connection between RBC lactate and performance capacity, especially in this species, warrants further studies.     

Ciliated intestinal protozoa of black (Diceros bicornis michaeli) and white rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum simum) in Kenya

The aim of this study was to survey ciliated intestinal protozoa of the black rhinoceros ( Diceros bicornis michaeli ) and white rhinoceros ( Ceratotherium simum simum ) in Kenyan National Parks. Faecal samples from 28 rhinoceroses that were chemically immobilized for translocation were opportunistically collected. Presence of ciliates was assessed using faecal floatation and sedimentation techniques. The ciliates were identified using cellular morphological features. Ophryoscoleciidae, Cycloposthiidae and Blepharocrythiidae were the three ciliate families represented. Ophryoscoleciidae had nine genera, Cycloposthiidae six genera and Blepharocorythiidae 1 genus. The dominant ciliate genus in all the rhinoceroses that were sampled was entodinium . It was found that the nutrient composition of the diet influences the diversity and numbers of intestinal ciliates, which in turn regulates the nutrient available to the animal. This interplay of nutrient composition of diet, ciliate diversity and nutritional benefits to the host has been used as an index to assess the nutritional state of ruminants. Because of the occurrence of rumenal ciliates in the hindgut fermentative chamber of the rhinoceros, such an index can be used to guide the formulation of feed mixtures for rhinoceros in captivity and remote nutritional assessments of rhinoceros both in free-range and in captivity.     

2007年10月南海北部浮游纤毛虫的丰度和生物量

报道2007年10月南海北部海域(21°25.47′N 17°24.95′N,109°28.86′E 113°13.01′E)纤毛虫丰度和生物量的水平分布及砂壳纤毛虫的种丰富度。包括了13个断面的82个站位,Rosette采水器采水,水深低于15 m的站位采0,5 m和10 m;小于30 m站位,采0,10 m和底层;大于30 m的站位,采0,10,30 m和底层。纤毛虫丰度为0 5757 ind./L,平均(848±776)ind./L。无壳纤毛虫占绝对优势,其丰度占纤毛虫总丰度的比例平均为(91.9±9)%;纤毛虫生物量为0 12.09μg C/L,平均是(1.2±1.54)μg C/L,无壳纤毛虫的生物量平均为(0.94±1.27)μg C/L,占纤毛虫总生物量的78.6%。共发现砂壳纤毛虫16个属,49种,拟铃虫最多,具有一定的季节性。纤毛虫水体(40 m到表层)丰度为6.4×1069.1×107ind./m2,平均是(3.6×106±1.4×106)ind./m2;水体生物量3.6 195.8 mg C/m2,平均(48.1±33.7)mg C/m2。纤毛虫多分布于近岸浅水区(高温低盐,高Chl a),最大丰度要高于我国其他海区,不是Chl a最高的地方纤毛虫的丰度也最大,纤毛虫丰度最大时Chl a偏低。     

世界今生砂壳纤毛虫名录

砂壳纤毛虫隶属于纤毛门、旋毛纲、环毛亚纲、砂壳目.本文总结了自Kofoid和Campbell(1929)以来的分类学资料,参照Lynn(2008)的分类系统,整理成世界砂壳纤毛虫新名录.厘清砂壳纤毛虫共有15科69属954种,其中海洋种为15科69属925种,淡水种为3科5属29种.在所有属中,以拟铃虫属(Tintinnopsis包含物种最多,为137种,其中海洋种为118种.我国水体共记录有13科36属164种,海洋种13科36属144种,淡水种2科3属20种.除杯形铃壳虫(Codonella cratera)、湖泊领细壳虫(Stenosemella lacustris)、蜉蝣筒壳虫(Tintinnidium ephemeridum)、蝌蚪筒壳虫(Tintinnidium ranunculi)、半缘筒壳虫(Tintinnidium semiciliatum)、纺锤拟铃虫(Tintinnopsis fusiformis)、伊利诺拟铃虫(Tintinnopsis illinoisensis)、卵圆拟铃虫(Tintinnopsis ovalis)、圆柱拟铃虫(Tintinnopsis cylindrata)、这9个种外,其他淡水种在我国都有记录.该名录中,除了已有中文名的159种外,其余的种我们给出了中文译名,并将部分译为似铃虫属(Tintinnopsis)的中文名统一为拟铃虫属,部分译为麻铃虫属(Leprotintinnus)的中文名统一为薄铃虫属,将截短角口虫(Salpingella decurtata)改为截短号角虫,将冰生拟铃壳虫(Codonellopsis glacialis)改为冰生类铃虫.     

Phylogeny of Intestinal Ciliates,Including Charonina ventriculi,and Comparison of Microscopy and 18S rRNA Gene Pyrosequencing for Rumen Ciliate Community Structure Analysis

The development of high-throughput methods, such as the construction of 18S rRNA gene clone or pyrosequencing libraries, has allowed evaluation of ciliate community composition in hundreds of samples from the rumen and other intestinal habitats. However, several genera of mammalian intestinal ciliates have been described based only on morphological features and, to date, have not been identified using molecular methods. Here, we isolated single cells of one of the smallest but widely distributed intestinal ciliates, Charonina ventriculi, and sequenced its 18S rRNA gene. We verified the sequence in a full-cycle rRNA approach using fluorescence in situ hybridization and thereby assigned an 18S rRNA gene sequence to this species previously known only by its morphology. Based on its full-length 18S rRNA gene sequence, Charonina ventriculi was positioned within the phylogeny of intestinal ciliates in the subclass Trichostomatia. The taxonomic framework derived from this phylogeny was used for taxonomic assignment of trichostome ciliate 18S rRNA gene sequence data stemming from high-throughput amplicon pyrosequencing of rumen-derived DNA samples. The 18S rRNA gene-based ciliate community structure was compared to that obtained from microscopic counts using the same samples. Both methods allowed identification of dominant members of the ciliate communities and classification of the rumen ciliate community into one of the types first described by Eadie in 1962. Notably, each method is associated with advantages and disadvantages. Microscopy is a highly accurate method for evaluation of total numbers or relative abundances of different ciliate genera in a sample, while 18S rRNA gene pyrosequencing represents a valuable alternative for comparison of ciliate community structure in a large number of samples from different animals or treatment groups.     

Ciliates from the intestine of Yakut horse (Equus caballus)

Endobiotic ciliates of native Yakut horse are investigated. 57 ciliate species have been found. From 17 up to 43 species of ciliates have been revealed in each host specimen. The specimens of Alloiozona trizona Hsiung, 1930 and Triadinium caudatum Fiorentini, 1890 were present in 100 % of the horses. The endemic genus and species of allantosomides, Strelkowella urunbasiensis Kornilova, 2004, has been found in 11 horses. Allantoxena japonensis (Imai, 1979) and Cycloposthium ishikawai Gassovsky, 1919 being recorded previously in Japan only were found for the first time in Russia. The species Cycloposthium ponomarevi Kornilova, 2001 peculiar to the Turkmenistan koulan has been found in the Yakut horses.