Redescripción de Trichuris ovis (Nematoda) (Abildgaard, 1795) parásito de Ovis aries (Linné, 1758) y Capra hircus...

Los estudios taxonómicos previos llevados a cabo en el género Trichuris. confirman la sinon imia de Trichuris avis (Abildgaard, 1795) y Trichuris glabulasa (Von Linstow, 1901), aceptándose como única especie válida a Trichuris avis (Abildgaard, 1795). Es por ello que hemos querido realizar una redescripción de esta especie parásita de ovinos, teniendo en cuenta las características morfológicas y biométricas citadas hasta el momento en la bibliografía consultada, incluyendo aquellos datos isoenzimáricos y moleculares característicos para esta especieThe synonymy of Trichuris avis (Abildgaard, 1795) and Trichuris glabulasa (Von Linstow, 190 1), has been confirmed by previous studies, and Thchuris avis (Abi ldgaard, 1795) has been accepted as the unique valid species. A redescription of Trichuris avis has been carried out, attending to the morphological and biometricaJ characteristics cited by different authors. Futihermore, isoenzymatic and molecular data for T. ovis have been include

Combination of nuclear and mitochondrial markers as a useful tool to identify Ctenophthalmus species and subspecies (Siphonaptera: Ctenophthalmidae)

Ctenophthalmus is considered the largest genus within the Order Siphonaptera. From a morphological point of view, only males of this genus can be identified at species and subspecies levels using morphological keys, whereas there are no morphological criteria in order to classify females at these taxonomical levels. Furthermore, the amount of available molecular and phylogenetic data for this genus is quite scarce so far. The main objective of this work was to assess the utility of the combination of nuclear and mitochondrial markers with respect to their ability to differentiate among different subspecies within the Ctenophthalmus genus. With this purpose, we carried out a comparative morphological and molecular study of three different subspecies (Ctenophthalmus baeticus arvernus, Ctenophthalmus nobilis dobyi, and Ctenophthalmus andorrensis catalaniensis) in order to clarify and discuss its taxonomic status. In addition, our study complemented the molecular data previously provided for Ctenophthalmus baeticus boisseauorum and Ctenophthalmus apertus allani subspecies. We sequenced five different molecular markers: EF1-α, ITS1, ITS2, cox1, and cytb. Our results confirmed that morphological data by themselves are not able to discriminate among Ctenophthalmus female taxa; however, the combination of the nuclear marker EF1-α together with mtDNA markers cytb and cox1 constituted a useful taxonomical and phylogenetic tool to solve this issue. Based on these results, we consider that the use of this molecular approach should be gradually used within Ctenophthalmus genus in order to complement its classical taxonomy and clarifying the complex taxonomy of other congeneric species of fleas.Universidad de SevillaConsejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasConferencia de Rectores de las Universidades Española

Trichuris trichiura (Linnaeus, 1771) From Human and Non-human Primates: Morphology, Biometry, Host Specificity, Molecular Characterization, and Phylogeny

Human trichuriasis is a Neglected Tropical Disease, which affects hundreds of millions of persons worldwide. Several studies have reported that non-human primates (NHP) represent important reservoirs for several known zoonotic infectious diseases. In this context, Trichuris infections have been found in a range of NHP species living in natural habitats, including colobus monkeys, macaques, baboons, and chimpanzees. To date, the systematics of the genus Trichuris parasitizing humans and NHP is unclear. During many years, Trichuris trichiura was considered as the whipworm present in humans and primates. Subsequently, molecular studies suggested that Trichuris spp. in humans and NHP represent several species that differ in host specificity. This work examines the current knowledge of T. trichiura and its relationship to whipworm parasites in other primate host species. A phylogenetic hypothesis, based on three mitochondrial genes (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, cytochrome b, and large subunit rRNA-encoding gene) and two fragments of ribosomal DNA (Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 and 2), allowed us to define a complex of populations of T. trichiura hosting in a large variety of NHP species, in addition to humans. These populations were divided into four phylogenetic groups with a different degree of host specificity. From these data, we carry out a new morphological and biometrical description of the populations of Trichuris based on data cited by other authors as well as those provided in this study. The presence of T. trichiura is analyzed in several NHP species in captivity from different garden zoos as possible reservoir of trichuriasis for humans. This study contributes to clarify questions that lead to identification of new taxa and will determine parasite transmission routes between these primates, allowing the implementation of appropriate control and prevention measures.FEDER/Ministry of Science and Innovation CGL2017- 83057Junta de Andalucía BIO-33

Differentiation of Trichuris species using a morphometric approach

Trichuris trichiura is a nematode considered as the whipworm present in humans and primates. The systematics of the genus Trichuris is complex. Morphological studies of Trichuris isolated from primates and humans conclude that the species infecting these hosts is the same. Furthermore, numerous molecular studies have been carried out so far to discriminate parasite species from humans and Non-Human Primates using molecular techniques, but these studies were not performed in combination with a parallel morphological study. The hypothesised existence of more species of Trichuris in primates opens the possibility to revise the zoonotic potential and host specificity of T. trichiura and other putative new species of whipworms. In the present work, a study of Trichuris Roederer, 1761 (Nematoda:Trichuridae) parasitizing C. g. kikuyensis, P. ursinus, Macaca sylvanus, Pan troglodytes, and Sus scrofa domestica has been carried out using modern morphometric techniques in order to differentiate populations of Trichuris isolated from four species of captive NHP from different geographical regions, and swine, respectively. The results obtained revealed strong support for geometrical morphometrics as a useful tool to differentiate male Trichuris populations. Therefore, morphometrics in combination with other techniques, such as molecular biology analyses, ought to be applied to further the differentiation of male populations. On the other hand, morphometrics applied to female Trichuris species does not seem to contribute new information as all the measurements combinations of obtained from females always showed similar resultsMinistry of Economy,Industry and Competitiveness(CGL2017-83057)FEDER funds, the Junta de Andalucía (BIO-338)V Plan Propio de Investigación of the University of Sevill

Flea (Insecta: Siphonaptera) Family Diversity

This overview of extant Siphonaptera lists 19 families with major hosts and their general distribution, estimated numbers of genera, species, and subspecies, with a brief taxonomic and phylogenetic review. With around 10 new species described annually, extant flea fauna comprises an estimated 249 genera, 2215 species, and 714 subspecies globally, mostly mammal parasites, but 5% of species are on birds. Host specificity varies from euryxenous (i.e., infesting two or more host orders) (e.g., cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis felis) to monoxenous (e.g., rabbit fleas, Spilopsyllus cuniculi). The largest family is the paraphyletic Hystrichopsyllidae, making up a third of all flea species. The largest monophyletic family, Ceratophyllidae (rodent and bird fleas), comprises another 20% and has dispersed to every continent, including Antarctica. Fleas descend from scorpionflies (Mecoptera), possibly snow scorpionflies (Boreidae) or Nannochoristidae, and even giant fossils found from the Mesozoic could be Siphonaptera. The diversification of fleas shows evidence of taxon cycles. “Relict” families, such as helmet fleas (Stephanocircidae), have a disjunct distribution reflecting the breakup of Gondwanaland 70 million years ago. “Niche specialists” include nest fleas (Anomiopsyllus), bat fleas (Ischnopsyllidae), and burrowing fleas, such as chigoes (Tungidae). By contrast, Ceratophyllidae fleas could be considered “great speciators”. Cat fleas and several other synanthropic flea species are invasive “supertramps”. Although those species are intensively studied, many flea species and their hosts require urgent surveys and conservation.Fil: Bossard, Robert L.. No especifíca;Fil: Lareschi, Marcela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores; ArgentinaFil: Urdapilleta, Mara. Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán". Instituto Nacional de Medicina Tropical; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste; ArgentinaFil: Cutillas, Cristina. Universidad de Sevilla; EspañaFil: Zurita, Antonio. Universidad de Sevilla; Españ

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of a New Trichuris Species (Nematoda- Trichuridae), and Phylogenetic Relationships of Trichuris Species of Cricetid Rodents from Argentina

Populations of Trichuris spp. isolated from six species of sigmodontine rodents from Argentina were analyzed based on morphological characteristics and ITS2 (rDNA) region sequences. Molecular data provided an opportunity to discuss the phylogenetic relationships among the Trichuris spp. from Noth and South America (mainly from Argentina). Trichuris specimens were identified morphologically as Trichuris pardinasi, T. navonae, Trichuris sp. and Trichuris new species, described in this paper. Sequences analyzed by Maximum Parsimony, Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian inference methods showed four main clades corresponding with the four different species regardless of geographical origin and host species. These four species from sigmodontine rodents clustered together and separated from Trichuris species isolated from murine and arvicoline rodents (outgroup). Different genetic lineages observed among Trichuris species from sigmodontine rodents which supported the proposal of a new species. Moreover, host distribution showed correspondence with the different tribes within the subfamily Sigmodontinae.Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de VectoresFacultad de Ciencias Veterinaria

The Use of MALDI-TOF MS as a Diagnostic Tool for Adult Trichuris Species

Trichuriasis is considered a neglected tropical disease, being the second most common helminthiasis in humans. Detection of Trichuris in routine diagnosis is usually done by microscopic detection of eggs in fecal samples. Other molecular analyses are more reliable and could be used, but these analyses are not routinely available in clinical microbiology laboratories. The use of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) is increasing since the last decades due to its recent evidence as a potential role for reliable identification of microorganisms and a few nematodes. But, for parasites detection, normalized protocols and the acquisition and introduction of new species to the database are required. We carried out a preliminary study confirming the usefulness of MALDI-TOF MS for the rapid and reliable identification of Trichuris suis used as control and the creation of an internal database. To create main spectra profiles (MSPs), the different parts of five whipworms (esophagus and intestine) were used, developing different tests to verify the repeatability and reproducibility of the spectra. Thus, to validate the new internal database, 20 whipworms, separating the esophagus and intestine, were used, of which 100% were accurately identified as T. suis, but could not distinguish between both parts of the worm. Log score values ranged between 1.84 and 2.36, meaning a high-quality identification. The results confirmed that MALDI-TOF MS was able to identify Trichuris species. Additionally, a MALDI-TOF MS profile of T. suis proteome was carried out to develop the first internal database of spectra for the diagnosis of trichuriasis and other Trichuris spp.España MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 Grant (CGL2017- 83057

Differentiation of Trichuris species eggs from non-human primates by geometric morphometric analysis

Human trichuriasis is a neglected tropical disease which affects millions of people worldwide, mostly living in low socio-economic conditions. Numerous studies have been conducted over the past 10 years to compare the different techniques for T. trichiura eggs detection. Our study provides the first geometric morphometric analysis for the specific detection of eggs of Trichuris sp. isolated from stools of macaque (M. sylvanus), colobus (C. g. kikuyensis), grivets (C. aethiops) and the Brazza's monkey (C. neglectus) from zoos in Spain. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) arises as an efficient method to determine Trichuris spp. eggs. The selected measurements to be included in the PCA were proposed for the first time in the present work, as far as we know, as we could not find previous studies reporting standardized parameters.Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness (CGL2017-83057), which included FEDER fundsJunta de Andalucía (BIO-338)V Plan Propio de Investigacion of the University of Sevill

Flebotomos de las Islas Canarias (España)

La ausencla de datos acerca de la fauna de Phlebotominae en el archiplelago Canario, nos ha llevado B realizar iiltimnmente varlos muestreos en las lslas de Oran Canaria y Tenerlfe. Para los mencionados muestreos se emple6 siempre la técnica del papel adhesivo. En Oran Canaria. de un total de €dete estaciones, s610 hubo capturas en una de ellas En Tenerife se recolectaron ejemplares en un total de slete estaciones pero el numero de capturas fue muy bajo. Los caracteres de los ejemplares machos y hembras capturados son : Macho: Pompa genltal en el tercer Segmento abdominal. Filamentos genitales muy largos, que sobrepasan las valvas del pene. Estas son troncoc6nicas con prolongaci6n basa1 muy desarrollada de aspecto semilunar. El estilo (con cinco esplnasi, coxito y l6bulo lateral no presentan particularidad notable. Hembra: Faringe con tres zonas definidas: la posterior, más ancha que las dos anteriores, ocupa un tercio de esta estructura Espermateca tubullforme con paredes lisas y conductos espermáticos extremadamente largos; el cuerpo. ligeramente más ancho que los conductos, se continua en un cuello cuyo diámetro es similar al de la cabeza, la cual esta rodeada de una corona de pelos. Este conjunto de caracteres confieren a los eiemplares procedentes de las islas Canarias peculiaridades propia

Trichuris trichiura isolated from Macaca sylvanus: morphological, biometrical, and molecular study

Background Recent studies have reported the existence of a Trichuris species complex parasitizing primate. Nevertheless, the genetic and evolutionary relationship between Trichuris spp. parasitizing humans and Non-Human Primates (NHP) is poorly understood. The hypothesised existence of different species of Trichuris in primates opens the possibility to evaluate these primates as reservoir hosts of human trichuriasis and other putative new species of whipworms. Results In this paper, we carried out a morphological, biometrical and molecular study of Trichuris population parasitizing Macaca sylvanus from Spain based on traditional morpho-biometrical methods, PCA analysis and ribosomal (ITS2) and mitochondrial (cox1 and cob) DNA sequencing. Morphological results revealed that Trichuris sp. from M. sylvanus is Trichuris trichiura. Ribosomal datasets revealed that phylogenetic relationships of populations of Trichuris sp. from M. sylvanus were unresolved. The phylogeny inferred on mitochondrial datasets (partitioned and concatenated) revealed similar topologies; Thus, phylogenetic trees supported the existence of clear molecular differentiation between individuals of Trichuris sp. from M. sylvanus appearing in two different subclades. Conclusions Based on morphological parameters, biometrical measurements, and molecular sequence analysis, we conclude that the whipworms isolated from M. sylvanus were T. trichiura. Further, the evolutionary relationship showed that these worms belonged to two genotypes within the T. trichiura lineage. Since T. trichiura is of public health importance, it is important to carry out further studies to improve the understanding of its hosts range, evolution and phylogeography.Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness (CGL2017–83057) and FEDER fundsJunta de Andalucía (BIO-338)V and VI Plan Propio de Investigación of the University of Sevill