12 research outputs found
Occurrence and molecular identification of zoonotic microsporidia in pet budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) in Turkey.
Encephalitozoon spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are well-knownmicrosporidian pathogens, recently classified as fungi, infecting humans and reptiles, mammals, and birds. Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulates) are the most preferred captive pet birds in the households. Prevalence and molecular data on microsporidian species in budgerigars are scarce worldwide. The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence and genotypes of Encephalitozoon spp. and E. bieneusi in budgerigars, and to reveal their zoonotic potential. A total of 143 fecal samples were collected from owned healthy budgerigars in Turkey. Encephalitozoon spp. and E. bieneusi were examined by nested PCR targeting the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and sequenced for identifying Encephalitozoon spp. and E. bieneusi. The overall prevalence of E. hellem and E. bieneusi was 14.7% ( 21/143) and 3.5% (5/143), respectively. Two genotypes of E. hellem were identified, including one known 1A (n = 18) and a novel TURK1B (n = 3). In addition, we determined two E. bieneusi genotypes, including one known N (n = 2) and a novel TURKM1 (n = 3). E. hellem 1A and novel TURK1B clustered as a sister taxon, and genotype N and novel TURKM1 genotypes fall into group 2 of E. bieneusi in the phylogenetic tree. Novel genotypes of E. hellem and E. bieneusi were described for the first time in the avian host. Moreover, E. bieneusi genotype N was first detected in avian hosts in the present study. This study contributes to the current knowledge on the molecular epidemiology and transmission dynamics of E. hellem and E. bieneusi
Behavioural adaptations of argulid parasites (Crustacea: Branchiura) to major challenges in their life cycle
Fish lice (Argulus spp.) are obligate ectoparasites, which contrary to most aquatic parasites, retain the ability to swim
freely throughout the whole of their life. In fish farms, they can quickly increase in numbers and without effective
control cause argulosis, which results in the reduced growth and survival of their fish hosts. The morphology of
Argulus spp, including their sensory organs, is suitable for both parasitism and free-swimming. By spending a
considerable amount of time away from their host, these parasites risk being excessively dispersed, which could
endanger mating success. Here we present a review of recent studies on the behaviour of Argulus spp, especially
the aggregative behaviour that mitigates the dilution of the parasite population. Aggregation of parasites, which is
especially important during the period of reproduction, occurs on different scales and involves both the
aggregation of the host and the aggregation of the parasites on the host. The main behavioural adaptations of
Argulus spp, including searches for hosts and mates, host manipulation and host choice, are all focused on the fish.
As these ectoparasites repeatedly change hosts and inflict skin damage, they can act as vectors for fish pathogens.
The development of environmentally friendly measures for the control and prevention of argulosis needs to take
into account the behaviour of the parasites.peerReviewe