6 research outputs found
High prevalence of Plasmodium infection in fighting cocks in Thailand determined with a molecular method
No full textAvian malaria caused by Plasmodium and the malaria-like parasites of the genus Haemoproteus has been regularly described in multiple regions worldwide. These parasites significantly affect many avian taxa, including domestic chickens and fighting cocks. There are limited epidemiological studies of these blood parasites in vertebrate hosts, especially in Thailand
Population Genetic Structure and Population History of the Biting Midge Culicoides mahasarakhamense (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)
No full textSIMPLE SUMMARY: Biting midges are important blood sucking insects. Many species are pests of humans and other animals, including economically important livestock. A new biting midge species, Culicoides mahasarakhamense, was recently described in Thailand. This species is a pest and a potential vector of blood protozoa transmitted to domestic chickens and other avian species. Knowledge of genetic diversity and genetic differentiation among populations of vector species is of paramount importance as it can be used to design effective control programs. However, this information is lacking for C. mahasarakhamense. In this study, we used mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) sequences as genetic markers to evaluate the level of genetic diversity and the genetic structure of C. mahasarakhamense from Thailand. The level of genetic diversity was relatively high, but most populations were not genetically different. However, one population from northern Thailand was found to be genetically highly different from others. Historical population isolation and geographic distance separation are possible explanations for the high level of genetic differentiation. This information will help in monitoring the spread of the parasitic disease agents carried by C. mahasarakhamense from different populations. ABSTRACT: Biting midges of the genus Culicoides Latreille are significant pests and vectors of disease agents transmitted to humans and other animals. Understanding the genetic structure and diversity of these insects is crucial for effective control programs. This study examined the genetic diversity, genetic structure, and demographic history of Culicoides mahasarakhamense, a possible vector of avian haemosporidian parasites and Leishmania martiniquensis, in Thailand. The star-like shape of the median joining haplotype network, a unimodal mismatch distribution, and significant negative values for Tajima’s D and Fu’s F(S) tests indicated that populations had undergone recent expansion. Population expansion time was estimated to be 2000–22,000 years ago. Population expansion may have been triggered by climatic amelioration from cold/dry to warm/humid conditions at the end of the last glaciations, resulting in the increased availability of host blood sources. Population pairwise F(ST) revealed that most (87%) comparisons were not genetically different, most likely due to a shared recent history. The exception to the generally low level of genetic structuring is a population from the northern region that is genetically highly different from others. Population isolation in the past and the limitation of ongoing gene flows due to large geographic distance separation are possible explanations for genetic differentiation
Molecular survey and genetic diversity of Plasmodium sp. infesting domestic poultry in northeastern Thailand
No full textHaemosporidian parasites are prevalent worldwide and can cause economic losses in poultry production. These parasites are arousing interest in Thailand and are found in many avian species. There is insufficient information on the genetic diversity of these alveolates from the largest families – Plasmodidae, Haemoprotidae and Leucocytozoidae – specifically parasitising ducks, turkeys, and geese
Parasitic Helminth Infections and Intron Sequence Genotyping of Opisthorchis viverrini-like Eggs in Outdoor Domestic Cats and Dogs Across the Chi River Basin, Maha Sarakham Province, Thailand
No full textThis study investigates the prevalence of parasitic helminths in free-ranging domestic cats and dogs near the Chi River and natural reservoirs in Maha Sarakham Province, Thailand. Fecal samples from 39 cats and 148 dogs were analyzed using a modified formalin-ether concentration technique (FECT). The overall prevalence of helminth infections was 64.1% in cats and 51.4% in dogs. Common parasites were detected including soil-transmitted species like Ancylostoma sp. (hookworm), Toxocara spp., and Strongyloides sp., as well as foodborne helminths such as Taenia sp., Hymenolepis sp., Spirometra sp., and Opisthorchis sp. Multiple parasitic infections were commonly found in dogs (57.9%) and cats (46.2%). Our findings suggest that domestic cats and dogs act as important reservoirs for zoonotic helminths in the region. Notably, Opisthorchis viverrini-like eggs were found exclusively in cats, with a prevalence of 23.1%. The intron 5 of domain 1 of the taurocyamine kinase gene (TkD1Int5) was used for genotyping O. viverrini-like eggs. All O. viverrini-like egg samples with TkD1Int5 haplotypes (Ov116–Ov123) were uniquely found in cats. Genetic analysis revealed that TkD1Int5 haplotypes were similar to those previously reported for Opisthorchis viverrini in various species of cyprinid fish across opisthorchiasis-endemic regions in Thailand and Lao PDR. Three TkD1Int5 haplogroups (I–III) were classified, with O. viverrini-like eggs from cats distributed across all haplogroups. Notably, one haplotype (Ov118) was genetically distinct from the others and did not cluster into any haplogroup. These findings highlight the crucial role of cats as reservoir hosts and their potential contribution to the transmission of the zoonotic liver fluke O. viverrini, posing a notable public health concern
Diversity, Abundance and Host Blood Meal Analysis of Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from Cattle Pens in Different Land Use Types from Thailand
No full textBiting midges of the genus Culicoides Latreille are significant pests and vectors that transmit pathogens to humans and other animals. Cattle are among the important livestock that can potentially be severely affected by Culicoides. In this study, we examined the species diversity, abundance, and host blood meal identification of biting midges in cattle pens located in three different land use types: villages, agricultural areas, and the forest edge. A total of 12,916 biting midges were collected, and most of these were from cattle pens located in villages (34%) and agricultural land (52%). Morphological identification revealed 29 Culicoides species. The most common species were C. oxystoma, C. mahasarakhamense, C. peregrinus, and C. shortti; taken together, these species represented >80% of all specimens collected. Despite midges being less numerous (14% of the total collection), cattle pens located near the forest showed greater diversity (23) than those from villages and agricultural areas. More diverse immature habitats and host blood sources from wildlife in nearby forests possibly explain the greater diversity in the cattle pens near the forest edge. Host blood meal analysis revealed that most (65%) biting midges had fed on buffalo despite the fact that this animal was much less numerous than cows or chickens. Relatively larger size and black-colored skin could be factors that make buffalo more attractive to biting midges than other host species. In this study, we also provided 67 DNA barcoding sequences of 13 species, three of which (C. flaviscutatus, C. geminus, and C. suzukii) were first reported from Thai specimens. DNA barcode analysis indicated cryptic diversity within C. hegneri and C. flavescens in Thailand, and thus, further investigation is required to resolve their species status
Metamasius atwoodi Anderson, new species
No full text<i>Metamasius atwoodi</i> Anderson, new species <p>(Figs. 51­52, 57­62)</p> <p> Identification.— <i>Metamasius atwoodi</i> is endemic to Cocos Island off the southwestern coast of Costa Rica. This distinctive species is easily distinguished by its strongly dorsoventrally compressed form and almost planar dorsal and ventral surfaces (Fig. 52); pronotum with punctures uniformly dense and small, extended from disc onto flanks and prosternum; rostrum very narrow, subcylindrical, evenly curved (Figs. 51, 57­58); pygidium with a distinct tuft of elongate golden setae arising from the apical one­half of the midline (Figs. 61­62); legs short, the hind femora only reaching the apex of ventrite 3; and femora with outer faces uniformly densely punctate. The only other species of <i>Metamasius</i> recorded from Cocos Island is <i>M. hebetatus</i>.</p> <p>Description.— Male, length, 9.5 mm; width, 3.4 mm. Female, length, 9.0­ 11.4 mm; width, 3.3­4.3 mm. Color red with black; head black, rostrum red to slightly infuscate; pronotal disc red, with infuscate anterior margin and variously developed narrow median line; elytra red with black laterally, in variously black to infuscate anteromedian band or spot, subapically at more or less posterior one­quarter in some specimens, and in a variously infuscate sutural margin; legs red, apices of femora infuscate. Venter red, sutures variously infuscate.</p> <p>Rostrum subequal to length pronotum; elongate, subcylindrical, very narrow, evenly curved, very finely shallowly punctate only at extreme base; base of rostrum abruptly expanded in dorsal view; in lateral view slightly wider at base, expansion gradual, basal expanded area short, about one­sixth total rostral length. Rostrum glabrous ventrally; peduncle flat. Scrobe with posterior margin about width of base of scape from anterior margin of eyes. Antenna with scape more or less one­half length rostrum; club slightly laterally compressed, oval; apical pilose part subequal to length basal glabrous part. Pronotum with lateral margins subparallel in basal one­half, convergent subapically, tubulate to apex; disc and flanks uniformly moderately deeply punctate throughout; uniformly flat, with imperceptible subbasal impression. Pronotum with length slightly greater than width. Elytra with length one and two­thirds times length pronotum; intervals finely punctate in two or three irregular rows, flat; striae with distinct, moderately deep, small punctures, punctures of striae 7­9 larger and merged with punctures of adjacent striae. Scutellum elongate, “U” shaped, length about twice width at base, flat. Pygidium flat to slightly convex, not tumescent; coarsely deeply irregularly punctate throughout; apex subtruncate; apical one­half of midline with dense elongate golden setae forming prominent tuft. Ventrally with front coxae separated by from one­fourth to one­third width of coxa; prosternum densely, regularly punctate, flat between and anterior to front coxae. Lateral portions of meso­, metasternum and ventrites 3 to 5 moderately deeply, densely punctate; punctures larger, deeper laterally on ventrites 1 and 2; last ventrite flat. Legs short, densely regularly punctate, especially on outer face of femora; femora slightly clavate, short, hind femur only reaching apex of ventrite 3; inner margins of middle and hind tibiae of male very slightly inwardly expanded subbasally, straight in female; with setae in apical three­quarters, setae of more or less uniform length, short, stout. Tarsi each with third article very widely dilated, completely pilose ventrally; front tarsus with third article symmetrical, third article of middle and hind tarsi asymmetrical, outer lobe noticeably wider than inner lobe, especially on hind tarsus; apical margin of third articles very slightly emarginate.</p> <p>Variation.—There is very slight variation in the color pattern of this species, mainly in the extent of black on the elytra.</p> <p>Sexual dimorphism.—The single male specimen examined has less dense and shorter setae on the pygidium and has the scape proportionally longer than in the female. Also, in males, the hind tibiae have the inner margins very slightly inwardly expanded near the base.</p> <p> Material examined.—Male HOLOTYPE labelled “ Costa Rica. Prov. Puntarenas. / P.N. Isla del Coco. Bahia Wafer. / 1 m. Oct 1994. J.F. Quesada / Long:­ 87:03:30_Lat:5:32:45 #3314”, INBio barcode 2544733 (INBC). Female ALLOTYPE labelled as holotype, INBio barcode 2544728 (INBC). PARATYPES (9). Labelled as holotype (7; 2544723, 2544726, 2544727, 2544731, 2544732, 2544734, 2544735). COSTA RICA. PUNTARENAS PROVINCE. Isla del Coco, Bahia Chatan, 5­9 Fev 1993. (1; 1851696). Mirador, 11.II.1984, 1530', T.W. Sherry, T.K. Warner, <i>Rooseveltia</i> palm tree fall (1). Paratypes in CMNC, CWOB, INBC.</p> <p>Distribution.— Costa Rica (Puntarenas [Isla del Coco]).</p> <p> Natural history.—Adults were collected near sea level, likely on or near the coast. A single specimen has a fibrous pupal cell mounted along with the adult. This suggests this specimen was collected in the pupal cell or had recently emerged from it. The source plant of this fibrous material is unknown to me but one additional specimen was collected from a <i>Rooseveltia</i> (= <i>Euterpe</i> Mart.) palm tree fall and this might be the plant in question. No other information is available on natural history.</p> <p>Derivation of specific name. In recognition of the support of noted Canadian author Margaret Atwood for systematics research, at her request, this species is named after her late father, Dr. Carl Atwood (1906-1993), a forest entomologist, most recently at the University of Toronto, where he was a professor from 1946-1972. Dr. Atwood was an active conservationist and one of the first to caution about the widespread use of insecticides to combat forestry pests because of detrimental effects, not only on the target pest, but on populations of the pest insects natural predators. Ms. Atwood was invited as the honourary recipient of the first name to be offered in support of the Nature Discovery Program and Fund, coordinated by the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa.</p>Published as part of <i>Anderson, Robert S., 2002, The Dryophthoridae of Costa Rica and Panama: Checklist with keys, new synonymy and descriptions of new species of Cactophagus, Mesocordylus, Metamasius and Rhodobaenus (Coleoptera; Curculionoidea), pp. 1-94 in Zootaxa 80</i> on pages 50-52, DOI: <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/156033">10.5281/zenodo.156033</a>
