Paleoparasitological analysis of a raptor pellet from southern Patagonia

Organic remains attributable to one regurgitated pellet were examined. The pellet, belonging to a bird of prey and collected from a cave of Southern Patagonia, was dated at 6,540 +/- 110 yr. With standard paleoparasitological procedures, eggs of Capillaria sp. and a mite, Demodex sp., were found. The parasites found in the pellet belong to a rodent ingested by the bird. The present report constitutes the first paleoparasitological study of a regurgitated pellet.     

Demodicosis in a mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus hemionus) from Saskatchewan, Canada

Infestation of deer with Demodex spp. mites has been described in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and in Columbian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) in North America, as well as in four species of deer in Europe. We describe Demodex sp. infestation in an adult female mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus hemionus) with skin lesions found dead near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. This is believed to be the first report of demodicosis in mule deer.     

Hair-loss syndrome in black-tailed deer of the Pacific Northwest

A widespread hair-loss syndrome (HLS) has affected Columbian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) in western Oregon and Washington (USA) since 1996. In order to better characterize the condition, 21 HLS-affected black-tailed deer (BTD) were necropsied, and body condition, parasite burdens, and significant lesions were noted. All deer were in poor body condition, and at least 17 had severe internal parasite burdens. A consistent finding was the presence of large numbers of chewing lice, identified as an indeterminate species of Damalinia (Cervicola). Four animals were infested with intrafollicular Demodex sp., the first report of this genus of mites in BTD. We postulate that the hair loss is largely due to ectoparasitism by a species of chewing louse that represents a new pathogen for BTD. This loss of pelage also may be an important contributor to the poor body condition of these animals.     

Diseases and parasites in wolves of the Riding Mountain National Park region, Manitoba, Canada

We examined wolf (Canis lupus) blood and fecal samples from the Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP) region of Manitoba, Canada. In 601 fecal samples collected during two study periods in RMNP and the Duck Mountain Provincial Park and Forest (DMPPF) we found gastrointestinal helminth eggs from Alaria sp. (15.5%), Capillaria sp. (1.0%), taeniid tapeworms (30.8%), Toxascaris sp. (1.7%), Toxocara sp. (0.2%), Trichuris sp. (2.2%), and Moniezia sp. (0.5%). In addition, we found Demodex sp. (0.2%) and the protozoal cysts/oocysts of Sarcocystis sp. (37.3%), Cryptosporidium sp. (1.2%), coccidia (Isospora sp. or Eimeria sp.) (1.7%), and Giardia sp. (29.5%). No fecal shedding of canine parvovirus (CPV, n=387) was detected. All 18 blood samples collected in RMNP showed CPV exposure and eight of 18 blood samples indicated canine distemper virus (CDV) exposure. One wolf died from CDV. Our results are consistent with previous findings on pathogens affecting wolves and with high Giardia sp. prevalence in wolves inhabiting agricultural regions.     

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.     

Transmission ofDemodex flagellurus (Acari: Demodicidae) in the house mouse,Mus musculus,under laboratory conditions

Transmission ofDemodex flagellurus Bukva, 1985 inhabiting the preputial and clitoral glands of the house mouse,Mus musculus L., was studied in mating experiments using pairs of infested, feralXmite-free, white laboratory mice. Spontaneous transfer of mites between sexually active hosts of the opposite sex, presumably through copulation, is reported for the first time for the hair-follicle mites under controlled conditions. Transfer of mites from host mother to her progeny was also proven. A comparatively low transmission effectiveness was observed in both modes of transmission, being 9.5% in adult-to-adult transmission and 14.8% in mother-to-young transmission.     

First record of Lipaphis pseudobrassicae Davis (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and its association with predator insects, parasitoids and ants in kale (Cruciferae) in Brazil

This study describes the fauna of predator insects, parasitoids and ants associated with aphids on kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala D.C.) in organic system. The aphid was identified as Lipaphis pseudobrassicae Davis, and this is the first record of the species attacking kale in Brazil. Primary parasitism by Diaeretiella sp. and Aphidius sp. and hyperparasitism by Aphydencyrtus sp., Alloxysta sp., Pachyneuron sp. and Syrphophagus sp. were observed. Twenty species of Coccinellidae were collected, and eight of them were observed in adult and larval stages attacking the aphid: Hyperaspis (Hyperaspis) festiva Mulsant, which was the most abundant (72.5% of all predator insects obtained), Cycloneda sanguinea (L.), Eriopis connexa Germar, Coleomegilla maculata DeGeer, Hippodamia convergens Guérin, Heterodiomus sp., Scymnus (Pullus) sp.1 and Scymnus (Pullus) sp.2. Aphidophagous Syrphidae larvae collected on leaves ofkale infested by L. pseudobrassicae belong to the species Allograpta exotica (Wiedemann) and Ocyptamus gastrostactus (Wiedemann). Larvae and pupae of Syrphidae were parasitized by Pachyneuron sp., Syrphophagus sp. and Diplazon laetatorius Fabricius. Larvae of Chrysopodes sp. were observed feeding on L. pseudobrassicae. Species of ants associated with the colony of this aphid were Ectatomma quadridens Fabricius and Pheidole sp.     

鲢对藻类摄食效应的室内模拟研究

为研究鲢(Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)对藻类的摄食作用, 采用小环藻(Cyclotella)、小球藻(Chlorella)、微囊藻(Microcystis)和东湖原水开展了小规格鱼种的养殖试验, 对鲢摄食和排泄物进行了研究。结果显示: 在3 种纯培养藻种投喂下鲢存活率从高到低依次是小环藻组 小球藻组 微囊藻组;相应地, 鲢对藻的平均摄食率排序也是小环藻组 小球藻组 微囊藻组。在显微镜下观察粪便发现大部分小环藻为空壳, 一部分小球藻外部形态结构不完整, 外部形态完整的小球藻则色泽暗淡、内部结构紊乱, 微囊藻没有明显变化;3 种藻类细胞的受损率分别为20.04%、7.13%和1.97%。叶绿素荧光活性显示, 粪便中小环藻基本失去光合活性, 小球藻活性极显著降低(P0.01), 微囊藻活性明显降低(P0.05), 东湖原水处理组光合活性较对照极显著降低(P0.01)。对东湖水饲喂试验组排泄物的检测发现, 浮鞘丝藻Planktolyngya、鱼腥藻Anabeana(有破损)、假鱼腥藻Pseudoanabaena 和颤藻Oscillatoria 细胞受损严重;空星藻Coelastrum 和盘星藻Pediastrum 细胞部分破损;针杆藻Synedra、小环藻、桥弯藻Cymbella 和舟形藻Navicula 多为空壳。鱼粪中平裂藻Merismopedia、微囊藻、浮鞘丝藻、鱼腥藻、颤藻、卵囊藻Oocystis、栅藻Scenedesmus 和衣藻Chlamydomonas 在重新培养后恢复了生长。本研究显示硅藻尤其是小环藻、针杆藻和舟形藻对鲢摄食最敏感;栅藻、卵囊藻和平裂藻对摄食压力不敏感。研究表明鲢捕食对藻类群落结构有明显的改变效应, 利用鲢的滤食进行藻类群落调节和水华防控具有可行性。       

Complete sequence analysis of 18S rDNA based on genomic DNA extraction from individual Demodex mites (Acari: Demodicidae)

The study for the first time attempted to accomplish 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) complete sequence amplification and analysis for three Demodex species (Demodex folliculorum, Demodex brevis and Demodex canis) based on gDNA extraction from individual mites. The mites were treated by DNA Release Additive and Hot Start II DNA Polymerase so as to promote mite disruption and increase PCR specificity. Determination of D. folliculorum gDNA showed that the gDNA yield reached the highest at 1 mite, tending to descend with the increase of mite number. The individual mite gDNA was successfully used for 18S rDNA fragment (about 900 bp) amplification examination. The alignments of 18S rDNA complete sequences of individual mite samples and those of pooled mite samples ( ≥ 1000mites/sample) showed over 97% identities for each species, indicating that the gDNA extracted from a single individual mite was as satisfactory as that from pooled mites for PCR amplification. Further pairwise sequence analyses showed that average divergence, genetic distance, transition/transversion or phylogenetic tree could not effectively identify the three Demodex species, largely due to the differentiation in the D. canis isolates. It can be concluded that the individual Demodex mite gDNA can satisfy the molecular study of Demodex. 18S rDNA complete sequence is suitable for interfamily identification in Cheyletoidea, but whether it is suitable for intrafamily identification cannot be confirmed until the ascertainment of the types of Demodex mites parasitizing in dogs.     

茅苍术内生真菌的分离鉴定及在组培苗中的回接

从茅苍术的叶、茎和根中分离鉴定内生真菌,并观测内生菌回接对茅苍术组培苗生长的影响。共获得茅苍术内生菌16株,其中叶片中14株,根茎中各获得一株。分别为交链孢霉、镰刀霉、小克银汉霉、青霉、茎点霉、小菌核菌、孔球孢霉和不产孢类。经内生菌和茅苍术快繁苗实验初筛,得到两株对植物无害的内生菌:小菌核菌和孔球孢霉,将它们回接到茅苍术组培苗中,可以从苗叶片中染色观察到菌丝。其中小菌核菌能提高茅苍术炼苗的存活率,接入内生菌的茅苍术叶片超氧化物歧化酶和过氧化物酶活性均高于未接菌的对照,脂肪酸不饱和指数基本不变,说明分离自茅苍术的内生菌回接后可以与宿主建立共生关系。     

Plant parasitic nematodes associated with ornamental plant Pseuderanthemum atropurpureum in Aligarh district of western Uttar Pradesh

A survey was conducted to determine the nematodes associated with the soil, substratum and roots of the ornamental plant, Pseuderanthemum atropurpureum, grown in the Aligarh district of western Uttar Pradesh, India. Ten genera of plant parasitic nematodes, viz. Meloidogyne spp., Helicotylenchus sp., Hemicriconemoides sp., Hoplolaimus sp., Xiphinema sp., Pratylenchus sp., Trichodorus sp., Tylenchorhynchus sp., Aphelenchoides sp. and Rotylenchus sp., were isolated from 345 soil samples collected from 15 different localities. Our study indicates that among the 10 genera of the plant parasitic nematodes, Meloidogyne spp. was widely spread in all the examined localities of Aligarh district, except at Khair. It was observed that the population density and diversity of nematodes in all the soil samples was not uniform. Meloidogyne spp. showed the highest absolute frequency and relative frequency followed by Helicotylenchus sp., Hemicriconemoides sp., Xiphinema sp., Hoplolaimus sp., Pratylenchus sp., Trichodorus sp., Tylenchorhynchus sp., Aphelenchoides sp. and Rotylenchus sp. Since no records are available in the literature related to the association of root-knot nematode in P. atropurpureum, it is worthy to note that this study may be considered as a new hope towards further study of the interaction between the root-knot nematode and ornamental plant P. atropurpureum if any.     

Risk factors and prevalence of Demodex mites in young adults

Demodex mites are ectoparasites often found in follicles of facial skin. Their role in human diseases is under investigation, and a growing number of studies indicated that they contribute to chronic inflammatory conditions of the skin, such as rosacea, blepharitis, otitis externa, alopecia and folliculitis. In our study we tested 96 healthy adults for the presence of Demodex mites. Risk factors influencing presence of mites and skin types of the tested individuals were evaluated. We found Demodex folliculorum or Demodex brevis in 17.7% of the samples, more frequently in males (21.9%) and in older adults (20%). Use of make-up seems to reduce the likelihood of Demodex carriage, while pet ownership, use of shared items and living in close contact with older adults had no significant influence of presence of mites. Demodex positive individuals described their skin to be drier, more prone to erythema, but less for folliculitis compared to Demodex negative subjects.     

Changes in the composition of an acid mine drainage microbial community upon successive transfers in medium containing low-grade copper sulfide

A consortium of microorganisms from acid mine drainage samples was cultured in modified 9 K medium containing low-grade copper sulfide. The culture was maintained for sixty days and then transferred to fresh medium. This process was repeated three more times and a final consortium exhibiting a copper extraction rate of 89.3% was obtained. RFLP and microarrays analysis of 16S rRNA sequences retrieved from the consortia showed that Acidithiobacilluscaldus, Leptospirillumferriphilum, Sulfobacillus sp., Acidiphilium sp., and Sulfolobus spp. were represented in higher numbers in the consortia obtained in the copper-containing medium than in the original consortium. In contrast, a decrease in Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, Alicyclobacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., and Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans was observed. The abundance of genes related to sulfur metabolism from At. caldus and Sulfolobus spp., iron oxidation from Leptospirillum sp. and metal resistance from most of the detected microorganisms increased as the consortium was successively transferred into fresh medium.     

Parasitic zoonoses in Papua New Guinea

Relatively few species of zoonotic parasites have been recorded in humans in Papua New Guinea. A greater number of potentially zoonotic species, mostly nematodes, occur in animals but are yet to be reported from humans. Protozoa is the best represented group of those infecting man, with Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium parvum, Cyclospora cayetanesis, Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis spp., Entamoeba polecki, Balantidium coli and, possibly, Blastocystis hominis. The only zoonotic helminths infecting humans include the trematode Paragonimus westermani, the cestodes Hymenolepis nana, H. diminuta and the sparganum larva of Spirometra erinacea, and the nematodes Trichinella papuae and Angiostrongylus cantonensis and, possibly, Ascaris suum. Other groups represented are Acanthocephala (Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus)), insects (Chrysomya bezziana, Cimex sp., Ctenocephalides spp.), and mites (Leptotrombidium spp. and, possibly Sarcoptes scabiei, and Demodex sp.). One leech (Phytobdella lineata) may also be considered as being zoonotic. The paucity of zoonotic parasite species can be attributed to long historical isolation of the island of New Guinea and its people, and the absence until recent times of large placental mammals other than pig and dog. Some zoonotic helminths have entered the country with recent importation of domestic animals, in spite of quarantine regulations, and a few more (two cestodes, one nematode and one tick) are poised to enter from neighbouring countries, given the opportunity. Improvement in water supplies, human hygiene and sanitation would reduce the prevalence of many of these parasites, and thorough cooking of meat would lessen the risk of infection by some others.     

A preliminary study of parasites and diseases of perch in an intensive culture system

The recent development of intensive rearing of European perch Perca fluviatilis in warm water effluents revealed important pathological problems. This study gives a preliminary overview of parasites and diseases encountered in experimental perch farming. No virus has been recorded since the beginning of the experiments in 1993. By contrast, mass mortality caused by bacterial disease alone or associated with other pathogens were frequently observed. The main identified bacterial species were: Aeromonas sp., A. veronii, A. hydrophila, Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Vibrio fluviatilis and Enterobacter agglomerans. Protozoans were the most common parasites observed on cultured P. fluviatilis. High mortality rate due to Ichthyobodo necator and Trichodina sp. may take place at different stages of perch rearing. In contrast, the infestation by Ambiphrya sp. and Heteropolaria sp. was size- or age-related; these two ciliates infested perch weighing < 1 g and > 20 g, respectively. In spite of the presence of other parasites such as Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Hexamita spp., Gyrodactylus sp. and Argulus sp. in the rearing system P. fluviatilis does not appear to be affected. Further abnormalities or diseases inherent to intensive culture systems are also described.     

Diurnal variation in airborne pollen concentrations of the selected taxa in Zagreb, Croatia

The number of individuals allergic to plant pollen has recently been on a constant increase. The knowledge of diurnal distribution and abundance of allergenic pollen types, their patterns and response to source position and weather is useful to correlate hay fever symptoms with the presence of allergenic pollen in the atmosphere. The aim of this study was to determine diurnal distribution of total airborne pollen, pollen of particular allergenic taxa, possible variation in diurnal pollen distribution at measuring sites placed at different heights, and effect of some meteorological parameters on airborne pollen concentrations. A 7-day Hirst-type volumetric pollen trap was used for pollen sampling. Qualitative and quantitative pollen analysis was performed under a light microscope (magnification x400). Total pollen of all plant taxa (Ambrosia sp., Betula sp., Cupressaceae, Urticaceae, Poaceae, Quercus sp., Fraxinus sp., Alnus sp., Corylus sp., Populus sp., Pinus sp., Picea sp.) observed showed a regular diurnal distribution at both sampling sites in both study years, with a rise in the pollen concentration recorded after 4.00 a.m. and 6.00 a.m., respectively. The peak pollen concentration occurred between 12.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m., and the lowest diurnal pollen concentrations were recorded overnight. About 50% of the 24-h pollen concentration were released to the atmosphere between 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. The timing and size of diurnal peaks were closely related to high temperature, low humidity and south-west maximum wind direction.     

Ectoparasites in an urban population of big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) in Colorado

Ectoparasites of an urban population of big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) in Fort Collins, Colorado, were investigated during summers 2002, 2003, and 2004. Eleven species of ectoparasites were found (the macronyssid mite Steatonyssus occidentalis, the wing mite Spinturnix bakeri, the myobiid mites Acanthophthirius caudata and Pteracarus aculeus, the chirodiscid mite Alabidocarpus eptesicus, the demodicid mite Demodex sp., the chigger Leptotrombidium myotis, the soft tick Carios kelleyi, the batfly Basilia forcipata, the batbug Cimex pilosellus, and the flea Myodopsylla borealis). Five species were analyzed by prevalence and intensity (C. pilosellus, M. borealis, L. myotis, S. bakeri, and S. occidentalis) based on 2161 counts of 1702 marked individual bats over the 3 summer study periods. We investigated 4 factors potentially influencing prevalence and intensity: age class of the host, reproductive status of adult female hosts, roosts in which the hosts were found, and abiotic conditions during the year sampled. The macronyssid mite, S. occidentalis, was the most prevalent and abundant ectoparasite. Adult big brown bats had more ectoparasites than volant juveniles for most of the species analyzed. In a sample of known age bats at 1 large colony, bats of 4 yr of age or greater had higher ectoparasite loads of S. occidentalis and S. bakeri when compared with younger bats. Lactating female bats had the highest prevalence and intensities of most ectoparasites. Annual differences in ectoparasite prevalence and intensity were related to temperature and humidity, which can affect the nidicolous species of ectoparasites. Residents of 2 buildings sprayed insecticides in response to Cimex sp., and this appeared to reduce ectoparasitism of S. occidentalis and C. pilosellus present at these buildings. Intensity of S. occidentalis had no influence on annual survival of big brown bats.     

Effects of the lampricide, 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM) on the macroinvertebrates of Wilmot Creek

The effects of the lampricide, TFM, on the abundance of macroinvertebrates in the benthos of Wilmot Creek, a hardwater tributary to Lake Ontario, was examined over 1 year. Drifting macroinvertebrates were also collected before, during and after TFM treatment. Significant decreases in benthic abundance were exhibited by Dolophilodes sp., Tubificoidea, Cricotopus sp. and Macrotendipes sp. throughout the 350 days following treatment. Only the decrease in abundance of Dolophilodes sp. and Tubificoidea could be attributed to TFM treatment. Increases in drift abundance observed during treatment were generally an accurate indicator of TFM-sensitive macroinvertebrates. The most sentive taxa (Dolophilodes sp., Dugesia sp. and Tubificoidea) responded immediately following the introduction of TFM. Branchiobdellida, Diamesa sp., Dicranota sp., Lumbricidae and Nemouridae exhibited increases in drift abundance 8–10 h after the introduction of TFM, however, were considered less sensitive than the former taxa because a decline in their abundance in the benthos was not detected.The response of the benthic invertebrates found in this hardwater creek was similar to those observed during studies of softwater streams. Only the most severely affected taxa were not present in the benthos 350 days after treatment.     

Studies on epiphytic flora of a tropical rain forest in Southwestern Nigeria

Bark microflora of 12 rainforest trees were examined. Crustose, foliose, and fruticose forms of lichens were observed. Bacillus sp., Erwinia sp., Micrococcus sp., Proteus sp., and Pseudomonas sp. were the five genera of bacteria recorded while three genera of Cyanobacteria; Entophysalis, Gleocapsa and Stigonema were observed. In the algal division, three genera of Chlorophyta found are Chlorococcum, Pleurococcus and Physolinum. Only one diatom, Cocconeis sp. was present on just one tree. Most of the epiphytic microflora found are mainly terrestrial and their spores might have been deposited on the barks by air, or dust-currents. While moisture is regarded as the most critical factor in growth of bark microflora, other factors like texture of the bark, insolation and especially chemical characteristics of the barks may play a key role in occurrence and distribution of micro-organisms on them.     

人体正常皮肤蠕形螨生态分布的研究

本文报道了大连地区人体正常皮肤蠕形螨的生态分布。共检查551人,阳性153人,定居率为27.8％,检出毛囊螨和皮脂螨共两种。用透明胶带定量计数检查法,研究蠕形螨在面部的分布,结果表明蠕形螨主要分布于颏、鼻、颊和额部位。对10例阳性者,在面部检出毛囊螨和皮脂螨共85只,其中颏31、鼻26、颊17、额11只螨,总定居度为每条胶带(6cm~2)2.1只螨,定居度以颏部位为最高,鼻、颊、额次之。