Disease attributed to Mycobacterium chelonae in South African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis)

The fast-growing nontuberculous mycobacterial species Mycobacterium chelonae was isolated from six captive South African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis) with chronic weight loss and nonhealing ulcerative skin lesions. Three of the M. chelonae isolates were evaluated to confirm the species identification using polymerase chain reaction restriction analysis. Disease associated with M. chelonae is reported mainly in people and in fish. To our knowledge, this is the first report of disease associated with M. chelonae in a colony of captive Xenopus sp.     

Mesostigmatid mite infestations of rodents in diverse biotopes of central and southern India

Examination of 165 rodents trapped in domestic, peridomestic, and feral biotopes of central and southern India revealed the presence of 1,359 mesostigmatid mites. Rodents in central India were infested with 1 species of mite, Laelaps nuttalli; 98% of these mites were recovered from the peridomestic rodent Bandicota bengalensis. Material from the burrow nest of a peridomestic rodent examined in central India revealed the mite, Hypoaspis miles. Rodents from the diverse biotopes of southern India were infested by 8 species of mites: L. nuttalli, Laelaps buxtoni, Laelaps myonyssognathus, Androlaelaps aduncus, Androlaelaps marshalli, Androlaelaps sp. A, Hypoaspis sp. 1, and Hypoaspis sp. 2. Sheep from nearby villages regularly graze in feral biotopes. From the hair of these sheep, 2 species of mesostigmatid mites were recovered, A. aduncus and A. marshalli. The sheep appeared to aid the dispersal of rodent-infesting mites passively. Laelaps nuttalli was the predominant mite species found on the peridomestic rodent B. bengalensis. In both central and southern India, the prevalence, mean intensity, and relative density of this mite were much higher on peridomestic rodents than on domestic and feral rodents. A significant negative correlation was found between the numbers of mites and fleas infesting rodents in central India. A highly significant positive association between A. marshalli and A. aduncus on the feral rodent Tatera indica was recorded. In southern India, the overall prevalence of the 8 species of mites was highest on Mus platythrix. However, the combined prevalence of these mites on 2 feral rodents T. indica and M. platythrix was lower than their prevalence on B. bengalensis. Similarly, the combined values for mean intensity and relative density of these mites on the 2 feral rodents were lower than on the peridomestic rodent B. bengalensis.     

Effects of available cover and feeding schedule on the behavior and growth of the juvenile African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis)

Though the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) is the most commonly used amphibian in biological research, there are no standard protocols for the husbandry of this species. With the goal of developing optimal conditions for raising these frogs, the authors assessed the effects of available cover and feeding schedule on post-metamorphic growth and behavior of juvenile X. laevis. Frogs, which were housed four per tank, had access to varying numbers of shelters (zero, two or four) and were fed either daily or episodically (three times per week) over a period of 6 months. Though X. laevis growth was not influenced by the availability of cover, frogs that were fed daily grew larger than frogs that were fed episodically. Additionally, frogs that were fed daily and had no access to cover were most likely to exhibit foraging behavior when disturbed. These results suggest that feeding frogs daily will promote growth and fecundity. Furthermore, although labs often provide frogs with hiding places, such cover does not enhance X. laevis growth.     

The marine mites Hyadesia sp. and Copidognathus sp. Associated with the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis

Two species of marine mites belonging to the families Hyadesiidae and Halacaridae, Hyadesia sp. and Copidognathus sp., respectively, were found associated with the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis from Baja California in NW México. The first species was found inside the mussel gut with an intensity ranging from one to six mites per mussel and their prevalence was from 20.0 to 46.7%; this species was also found living free in the sediment at a density of 0.7 mite/100 ml. The second species was found on the mantle and gills of the host with an intensity ranging from one to three mites per host and their prevalence was from 3.3 to 6.7%; this species was abundant (4.5 mites/100 ml) and living free in the sediment around mussel clumps. Hyadesia sp. was found alive and attached in the gut of the mussel. A histological analysis revealed this species in the lumen of intestine surrounded by mucus and attached to the epithelial cells of the intestine, where some disorder of epithelial cells was associated. Moreover, this mite may be encapsulated by hemocytes inside the digestive diverticulum, the reproductive follicle, or the connective tissue surrounding the diverticulum. No damages to branches or gills resulting from the presence of Copidognathus sp. were observed. The results suggest that these mites are occasional invaders of mussels; however, as a result of this infestation, Hyadesia sp. may produce damage in the host's tissues. This is the first record of marine mites inside the gut, reproductive follicles, branches, and mantle of a marine bivalve.     

Amblyseius andersoni Chant (Acari: Phytoseiidae), a successful predatory mite on Rosa spp

Roses on commercial nurseries commonly suffer from attacks by the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, which have a negative influence on growth and quality. The aim of this project is to find natural enemies that are well adapted to roses, and may improve biological control. At different sites such as a plant collection garden, public parks and field boundaries, leaves were sampled from roses to identify the indigenous species of predatory mites. Amblyseius andersoni was amongst other species frequently found, which suggests that this species thrives well on roses. The possibility for biological control of spider mites with A. andersoni was investigated both in container roses outdoors and in glasshouses. In plots of outdoor roses artificially infested with spider mites, the following treatments were carried out: spider mites alone (untreated plot), Amblyseius andersoni Amblyseius andersoni and ice plants, Neoseiulus californicus, Neoseiulus californicus and ice plants. There were four replications of the treatments. The ice plants, Delosperma cooperi, were added to some treatments to supply pollen as extra food for the predatory mites. Natural enemies such as Chrysoperla spp., Conwentzia sp., Orius sp., Stethorus punctillum, and Feltiella acarisuga occurred naturally and contributed to the control of spider mites. After one month the spider mites were eradicated in all treatments. At the end of the trial, predatory mites were collected from all plots for identification. The ratio of Amblyseius andersoni to Neoseiulus californicus was approximately 9:1. There was no obvious effect of the ice plants on the number of predatory mites. On a nursery, where new roses are bred and selected, Amblyseius andersoni was released in three glasshouses after one early treatment with bifenazate against two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae. In two of these glasshouses Neoseiulus californicus was also released. Samples, which were taken in the summer months showed that the spider mites were kept at a very low level. Amblyseius andersoni was found, even if spider mites were absent. Rose plants infested with spider mites, that were brought in to the glasshouses later developed spider mite 'hotspots'. Phytoseiulus persimilis was introduced in the hot spots and contributed to the control along with Neoseiulus californicus, Amblyseius andersoni and naturally occurring Feltiella acarisuga. These observations showed that Amblyseius andersoni is a good candidate for preventing spider mite outbreaks, as it easily survives without spider mites. This predatory mite is able to survive on other food, including thrips and fungal spores.     

Newly identified Mycobacterium species in a Xenopus laevis colony

The University of Massachusetts Medical School maintains 3 separate research colonies of Xenopus laevis, with each colony located in a separate building on campus. After a 5-wk in-house quarantine period, 34 wild-caught X. laevis were transferred into one of the existing colonies. As a result, this colony grew from 51 to 85 frogs. All animals were housed in a recirculating frog housing system. During the first 2 mo, 6 frogs died suddenly, and health reports were generated for another 10 frogs in this colony. The majority of health reports were written in response to acute coelomic distention. These patterns continued until, after 1 y, only 25 of the original 85 animals remained. Necropsies performed showed large accumulations of serosanguinous fluid in the subcutaneous space or body cavity. Granulomatous inflammatory lesions with acid-fast bacilli were generally present in the liver, lung, or spleen. Culture of affected tissues grew Mycobacterium sp. within 40 d. Polymerase chain reaction analysis confirmed the isolated organism to be the same species of Mycobacterium (provisionally named M. liflandii) recently reported by 2 other groups. However, previous clinical publications suggested that this bacterium originated only from X. tropicalis. The cases we present highlight the rapidly lethal effects of M. liflandii in a colony of wild-caught X. laevis and illustrate the need to dedicate further attention to this emerging Xenopus disease.     

Assay, purification, properties and mechanism of action of γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase from the liver of the rat and Xenopus laevis

1. An improved radioassay for glutathione synthetase and gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase was developed. 2. Xenopus laevis liver gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase was purified 324-fold by saline-bicarbonate extraction, protamine sulphate precipitation, CM-cellulose and DEAE-cellulose column chromatography, and gel filtration. 3. Rat liver gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase was purified 11400-fold by a procedure similar to that employed for the Xenopus laevis enzyme. 4. Rat liver gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase activity was inhibited by GSH and activated by glycine. These effects, which were not found in the enzyme from Xenopus laevis, may have a regulatory significance. 5. Isotope-exchange experiments revealed fundamental differences in the partial reactions catalysed by the rat and Xenopus laevis synthetases. The enzyme from Xenopus laevis appears to follow a Bi Bi Uni Uni Ping Pong mechanism, with glutamyl-enzyme as intermediate before the addition of cysteine and the release of gamma-glutamylcysteine. The results for the rat liver enzyme are consistent with a Tri Tri sequential mechanism.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Quadroppia (Coronoquadroppia) sezeki</Emphasis> sp. n. (Acari: Oribatida), a new soil mite from Turkey

A new soil mite species, Quadroppia (Coronoquadroppia) sezeki sp. n., is described. Adult mites were recorded from moss under a pine tree from a pine forest. The new species differs from the other species of the subgenus by bearing epimera III+IV with a wide key hole shaped inner border and the shape of frontal appendage of rostrum. The morphological features of the new species are also compared with those present in closely related species.     

The effect of host nutrition on itch mite, Psorergates ovis, populations and fleece derangement in sheep

Abstract. A group of thirty-two Merino sheep infested with itch mites (Psorergates ovis) and fed a maintenance diet which imposed moderate nutritional stress had a significantly higher mite population, significantly more skin scurf, and significantly more fleece damage or derangement (P < 0.05) than a second group of thirty-two infested sheep fed a diet designed for unrestricted body weight gain and wool growth. Histologically there were no significant differences between the groups in the numbers of mast cells, neutrophils or eosinophils observed in skin sections, but sheep that had high mite counts (>10 per 200 cm² of skin area) in both groups, had more dermal mast cells than sheep with fewer mites irrespective of the plane of nutrition. Skin thickness and greasy fleece weight in die group maintained on the low plane of nutrition were significantly less (P < 0.05) than in die well-nourished group, reflecting the difference in protein and energy content of the two diets. Within the nutritionally stressed group, the sheep with low mite counts had a significantly lower (P < 0.05) greasy fleece weight and a shorter mean staple length than the sheep with high mite counts. There was no significant difference in greasy fleece weight between sheep with low or high mite counts in the group fed on the high plane of nutrition.     

Spawning-related fungal infection of golden galaxias Galaxias auratus (Galaxiidae)

The occurrence of golden galaxias Galaxias auratus with dermal fungal lesions in two populations was effectively modelled by the progression of gonadal stages of development. Skin lesions were found to be characteristic of fungal dermatitis and a Saprolegnia sp. was identified as the causative agent. Infection is probably linked to spawning-related factors and it is probable that saprolegniasis is associated with seasonal mortality.     

Reprint of: Saprolegnia strains isolated from river insects and amphipods are broad spectrum pathogens

Saprolegnia species are destructive pathogens to many aquatic organisms and are found in most parts of the world. Reports based on phylogenetic analysis suggest that Saprolegnia strains isolated from aquatic animals such as crustaceans and frogs are close to Saprolegnia strains isolated from infected fish or fish eggs and vice versa. However, it has often been assumed that host specificity occurs for each individual isolate or strain. Here we demonstrate that Saprolegnia spp. can have multiple hosts and are thus capable of infecting different aquatic organisms. Saprolegnia delica, Saprolegnia hypogyna, and 2 strains of Saprolegnia diclina were isolated from aquatic insects and amphipods while S. delica, Saprolegnia ferax, Pythium pachycaule, and a Pythium sp. were isolated from the water of a medium to fast flowing river. The ITS region of the rRNA gene was sequenced for all isolates. In challenge experiments, all four isolates from insects were found to be highly pathogenic to eggs of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and embryos of the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis). We found that Saprolegnia spp. isolated from salmon eggs were also able to successfully establish infection in nymphs of stonefly (Perla bipunctata) and embryos of X. laevis). These results suggest that Saprolegnia spp. are capable of infecting multiple hosts, which may give them an advantage during seasonal variation in their natural environments.     

Chemical defenses shift with the seasonal vertical migration of a Panamanian poison frog

Dendrobatid poison frogs sequester lipophilic alkaloids from their arthropod prey to use as a form of chemical defense. Some dendrobatid frogs seasonally migrate between the leaf litter of the forest floor in the dry season to the canopy in the wet season, which may yield differences in prey (arthropods) and therefore alkaloid availability over space and time. Here, we document a seasonal vertical migration of Andinobates fulguritus (the yellow‐bellied poison frog) from ground to canopy between dry and wet seasons. We observed turnover in alkaloid composition between seasons and found that dry season frogs contained a lower relative quantity of alkaloids; however, there was no change in alkaloid richness between seasons. The 77 alkaloids of 13 structural classes identified in this population appear to be derived mostly from mites and ants, though the two most common alkaloids were mite derived. Our observed shifts in defensive profiles are consistent with well‐documented turnover in mite and ant communities between seasons and vertical strata. As climate change is expected to lengthen and strengthen dry seasons in many tropical regions, our results suggest that arboreal poison frogs forced to the ground for longer periods of time may see a shift in the abundance of alkaloids, possibly decreasing their defensive potential. This study provides further predictions for the wide‐reaching effects of climate change, even as nuanced as charismatic poison frogs losing their poisons. Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.     

Detection,Prevalence and Phylogenetic Relationships of Demodex spp and further Skin Prostigmata Mites (Acari,Arachnida) in Wild and Domestic Mammals

This study was conceived to detect skin mites in social mammals through real-time qPCR, and to estimate taxonomic Demodex and further Prostigmata mite relationships in different host species by comparing sequences from two genes: mitochondrial 16S rRNA and nuclear 18S rRNA. We determined the mite prevalence in the hair follicles of marmots (13%) and bats (17%). The high prevalence found in marmots and bats by sampling only one site on the body may indicate that mites are common inhabitants of their skin. Since we found three different mites (Neuchelacheles sp, Myobia sp and Penthaleus sp) in three bat species (Miotis yumanensis, Miotis californicus and Corynorhinus townsendii) and two different mites (both inferred to be members of the Prostigmata order) in one marmot species (Marmota flaviventris), we tentatively concluded that these skin mites 1) cannot be assigned to the same genus based only on a common host, and 2) seem to evolve according to the specific habitat and/or specific hair and sebaceous gland of the mammalian host. Moreover, two M. yumanensis bats harbored identical Neuchelacheles mites, indicating the possibility of interspecific cross-infection within a colony. However, some skin mites species are less restricted by host species than previously thought. Specifically, Demodex canis seems to be more transmissible across species than other skin mites. D. canis have been found mostly in dogs but also in cats and captive bats. In addition, we report the first case of D. canis infestation in a domestic ferret (Mustela putorius). All these mammalian hosts are related to human activities, and D. canis evolution may be a consequence of this relationship. The monophyletic Demodex clade showing closely related dog and human Demodex sequences also supports this likely hypothesis.     

Comparison of ACE activity in amphibian tissues: Rana esculenta and Xenopus laevis

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is the dipeptidyl-carboxypeptidase of the renin-angiotensin system involved in the control of blood pressure and hydromineral metabolism. It converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, the biologically active octapeptide. Angiotensin converting enzyme-like activity has been demonstrated in a wide range of vertebrates. The presence of ACE was investigated in tissues of two amphibian species, the frog Rana esculenta and the toad Xenopus laevis. ACE activities were determined by specific substrate hydrolysis in gut, gonads, lung, kidney, heart, liver, skin, erythrocytes, and muscle homogenates and plasma by means of high performance liquid chromatography. Significant ACE activity was found in gut, gonads, lung and kidney, while that in heart, liver, skin, erythrocytes, muscle, and plasma was very low. Testis of toad contained the highest ACE activity, while that in erythrocytes of male and female frogs was notable.     

Overwintering Mite Diversity and Their Habitats in Apple and Pear Orchards of Korea with Emphasis on Phytoseiidae and Tetranychidae

Overwintering mite diversity and their habitats were studied in apple and pear orchards during 2002-2003 winter season. Twospotted spider mite was mostly found under the tree barks and fabric strips. European red mites were from crevices of twigs. Tydeid, tarsonemid and oribatid mites were mostly from soil and ground vegetation. Even in the protected overwintering habitat such as artificial fabric strip, twospotted spider mite suffered 81-91% mortality during winter. Predaceous phytoseiid mites found were Amblyseius womersleyi, A. makuwa, A. orientalis, A. rademacheri A. obtuserellus, and A. eharai. Amblyseius womersleyi was the most dominant species in both apple and pear orchards, followed by A. obtuserrellus in apple orchards and A. makuwa in pear orchards. Most phytoseiid mites were found on ground vegetation while their potential prey items were remained on the tree. Implication of the findings for conservation of beneficial mites and biological control of spider mite during season was further discussed.     

Tolerance induced by grafting semi-allogeneic adult skin to larval Xenopus laevis: Possible involvement of specific suppressor cell activity

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-homozygous Xenopus laevis were rendered tolerant to semi-allogeneic antigens by grafting skins of adult frogs during larval stages (larvally induced tolerance), and this tolerant state was compared with the tolerance induced in early thymectomized frogs by the grafting of semi-allogeneic nonlymphoid thymuses (thymus-reconstituted tolerance). In contrast to a total inability of thymus-reconstituted frogs both to reject skins and to exhibit a mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR) against the semi-allogeneic donor, larvally induced tolerant frogs showed a strong MLR against leukocytes of the tolerizing skin donor (split tolerance). Breakdown of the tolerant state in thymus-reconstituted frogs were easily accomplished by inoculation with syngeneic splenocytes, but this breakdown was extremely difficult to achieve in frogs with larvally induced tolerance. The injection of splenocytes from larvally induced tolerant frogs into normal frogs significantly suppressed semi-allogeneic graft rejection in the latter group; no suppression was obtained when splenocytes from thymus-reconstituted frogs were used. In addition, in the thymectomized frogs, recovery of allograft rejection capacity against the pertinent semi-allogeneic antigens were suppressed by the injection of splenocytes from larvally induced tolerant frogs, with the degree of suppression depending on the splenocyte dose. These results indicate that the larvally induced tolerant state is maintained by specifically induced suppressor cells affecting the in vivo allograft response but not the MLR.     

Nephroblastoma in the clawed frog Xenopus laevis.

One 2.5-3 year old female clawed frog (Xenopus laevis), out of a consignment of 4,000 frogs, was found to have an abnormal abdominal growth, weighing 7.9 g. The growth was examined histologically and on the basis of the abundant stroma and serially-arranged tubules nephroblastoma was diagnosed. The growth is not considered to be transmissible.     

Acarological diagnostic research at the Diagnostic Centre for Plants during the period 2004-2006

During the period 2004-2006, 1691 samples of different origin were examined at the Diagnostic Centre for Plants. We received 1046 samples of imported plant material for detection and identification of quarantine organisms. More than 200 samples were checked on mites and insects to get a phytosanitary certificate for export and 391 samples were investigated for diagnostic reason. The Berlese-funnel and dissecting microscopy technique were used to separate mites from the samples. For identification, the mites were slide mounted in Berlese-Hoyer's medium and examined by using phase-contrast microscopy. In 3% of the samples examined on the presence of quarantine organisms, phytophagous mites belonging to the superfamily Tetranychoidea were found, but none with the quarantine status in accordance with the EPPO A1/A2 list. Besides Tetranychus urticae detected on different crops, the cassava green mite Mononychellus progresivus was found on cassava (import Cameroon) in 2006. Tenuipalpus elegans (Tenuipalpidae) was found on cut foliage (import South Africa) in 2004. In 19.9% of the investigated samples for diagnostic reason mites were found. In 47.7% of the infested samples mites were definitely the reason for the damage; in 15.9% mites were secondary and in 36.4% the occurrence of mites was not relevant for the injury. An overview of the determined mites will be given. During this 3 years diagnostic research a few new pest mites belonging to families Tetranychidae and Eriophyidae can be reported. In 2006 Panonychus citri was found on Prunus laurocerasus and later on Eleaegnus sp. and Skimmia sp.. Aceria silvicola was determined on Rubus idaeus in 2006 and Aculus ulae and Aceria carpini on Carpinus betulus in 2005. Besides new pest mites, never seen problems with the broad mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Fam. Tarsonemidae) occurred in tree-nurseries in 2005 and 2006. Also 20 samples coming from private persons were investigated. The main problems indoor were caused by Dermanyssus gallinae and Bryobia praetiosa. In gardens especially spider mite problems occurred. Eurytetranychus buxi, Oligonychus ununguis, Eotetranychus carpini and Eotetranychus tiliarium caused considerable damage in topiary and formal fences.     

Interspecific variation in the emetic response of anurans.

1. The emetic response of seven species (four genera) of frogs to apomorphine hydrochloride, copper sulfate, antimonyl potassium tartrate and mechanical stimulation at the esophageal orifice was surveyed. Xenopus laevis and Rhacophorus schlegelii were more sensitive to systemically administered apomorphine than were the other species tested. 2. The sensitivity of Rana rugosa to apomorphine varied with the season. 3. All of the species showed vigorous vomiting behavior after the oral administration of either copper sulfate or antimonyl potassium tartrate. 4. Mechanical stimulation also induced vomiting in all species. Although the species differed in sensitivity to the different emetic stimulants, the adaptive significance of this interspecific variation is not known. 5. From the stand point of the mechanics for ejecting gastric contents, there is little difference between frogs and mammals. 6. Frogs, particularly Xenopus laevis, may be a useful non-mammalian model for studying emesis.     

Demodectic mange in a tamarin (Saguinus geoffroyi)

A young female tamarin (Saguinus geoffroyi) developed erythema, alopecia, and papule formation on the skin of the limbs, tail, and head. Examination of skin scrapings and a biopsy specimen revealed mites identified as Demodex sp. Histologically the mites were found in hair follicles, and they were associated with focal degenerative and inflammatory changes in the skin. Successful treatment included topical application of 1% ronnel solution and rotenone ointment.