A new species of <i>Stilestrongylus</i> (Nematoda, Heligmonellidae) from the Atlantic Forest of Misiones, Argentina, parasitic in <i>Euryoryzomys russatus</i> (Cricetidae, Sigmodontinae)

A new species of Heligmonellidae (Trichostrongylina, Heligmosomoidea), Stilestrongylus kaaguyporai n. sp. is described from the small intestine of Euryoryzomys russatus (Rodentia, Cricetidae, Sigmodontinae) from the Argentine Atlantic Forest, in the Misiones province. The new species was found at Campo Anexo Manuel Belgrano, Reserva de Vida Silvestre Urugua-í and Parque Provincial Urugua-í, with a prevalence of 73% in 15 hosts examined. Stilestrongylus includes 24 Neotropical species, all parasitic in rodents, mostly Sigmodontinae. Stilestrongylus kaaguyporai n. sp. can be differentiated from its congeners by the following characters: caudal bursa dissymmetrical with right lobe larger and pattern of type1–4 in both lobes, rays 6 not forming a lateral trident with rays 4 and 5, rays 8 with dissymmetrical pathway, genital cone hypertrophied with a conspicuous hood-like projection and females with a marked dorso-ventral torsion of the posterior end. This report is the second record of a Stilestrongylus species in E. russatus, increasing to nine the number of parasitic species known from this host.Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y MuseoCentro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectore

New host and geographical records and morphological details for Echinuria skrjabiniensis (Nematoda, Acuariidae) from shorebirds in Argentina

The acuarioid nematode Echinuria skrjabiniensis Efimov in Skryabin, Sobolev et Ivashkin, 1965 was found in Calidris bairdii and C. fuscicollis (Aves, Scolopacidae) examined from several locations from Patagonia, Argentina. These constitute new host records as well as the first record of this parasite species in South America. Using both light and scanning electron microscopies, new morphological details are provided, including the description of the left spicule and the number and the arrangement of male caudal papillae. The taxonomic history of the species is summarized, corroborating its correct spelling and valid name.Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de VectoresFacultad de Ciencias Naturales y Muse

Interactions between West Nile Virus and the Microbiota of Culex pipiens Vectors: A Literature Review

The flavivirus West Nile virus (WNV) naturally circulates between mosquitoes and birds, potentially affecting humans and horses. Different species of mosquitoes play a role as vectors of WNV, with those of the Culex pipiens complex being particularly crucial for its circulation. Different biotic and abiotic factors determine the capacity of mosquitoes for pathogen transmission, with the mosquito gut microbiota being recognized as an important one. Here, we review the published studies on the interactions between the microbiota of the Culex pipiens complex and WNV infections in mosquitoes. Most articles published so far studied the interactions between bacteria of the genus Wolbachia and WNV infections, obtaining variable results regarding the directionality of this relationship. In contrast, only a few studies investigate the role of the whole microbiome or other bacterial taxa in WNV infections. These studies suggest that bacteria of the genera Serratia and Enterobacter may enhance WNV development. Thus, due to the relevance of WNV in human and animal health and the important role of mosquitoes ofthe Cx. pipiens complex in its transmission, more research is needed to unravel the role of mosquito microbiota and those factors affecting this microbiota on pathogen epidemiology. In this respect, we finally propose future lines of research lines on this topic.This research was funded by the MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 (grant number PID2020-118205GB-I00) and the Junta de Andalucía, Consejería de Universidad, Investigación e Innovación (grant number P21_00049). The current contracts of M. Garrigós and J.V. are financed by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (grant numbers PRE2021-098544 and FJC2021-048057-I, respectively). In addition, M. Garrido and J.V. were financed by the Spanish Ministry of Universities (Margarita Salas and María Zambrano programs, respectively). The APC was funded by University of Granada

New host and geographical records and morphological details for Echinuria skrjabiniensis (Nematoda, Acuariidae) from shorebirds in Argentina

The acuarioid nematode Echinuria skrjabiniensis Efimov in Skryabin, Sobolev et Ivashkin, 1965 was found in Calidris bairdii and C. fuscicollis (Aves, Scolopacidae) examined from several locations from Patagonia, Argentina. These constitute new host records as well as the first record of this parasite species in South America. Using both light and scanning electron microscopies, new morphological details are provided, including the description of the left spicule and the number and the arrangement of male caudal papillae. The taxonomic history of the species is summarized, corroborating its correct spelling and valid name.Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de VectoresFacultad de Ciencias Naturales y Muse

Interactions between West Nile Virus and the microbiota of Culex pipiens vectors: a literature review

The flavivirus West Nile virus (WNV) naturally circulates between mosquitoes and birds, potentially affecting humans and horses. Different species of mosquitoes play a role as vectors of WNV, with those of the Culex pipiens complex being particularly crucial for its circulation. Different biotic and abiotic factors determine the capacity of mosquitoes for pathogen transmission, with the mosquito gut microbiota being recognized as an important one. Here, we review the published studies on the interactions between the microbiota of the Culex pipiens complex and WNV infections in mosquitoes. Most articles published so far studied the interactions between bacteria of the genus Wolbachia and WNV infections, obtaining variable results regarding the directionality of this relationship. In contrast, only a few studies investigate the role of the whole microbiome or other bacterial taxa in WNV infections. These studies suggest that bacteria of the genera Serratia and Enterobacter may enhance WNV development. Thus, due to the relevance of WNV in human and animal health and the important role of mosquitoes of the Cx. pipiens complex in its transmission, more research is needed to unravel the role of mosquito microbiota and those factors affecting this microbiota on pathogen epidemiology. In this respect, we finally propose future lines of research lines on this topic.Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectore

Heligmonéllidos sudamericanos: ¿cuánto sabemos de su distribución hospedatoria?

Los Heligmonéllidos son nematodes bursados parásitos casi exclusivos de Roedores. En Sudamérica están representados por los Pudicinae, endémicos, parásitos de caviomorfos, y los Nippostrongylinae, cosmopolitas, parásitos de muroideos por cuanto en Sudamérica aparecen parasitando a los sigmodontinos. Aquí intentamos sintetizar nuestro conocimiento de la distribución que presentan las especies de nipostrongilinos entre sus roedores hospedadores en el subcontinente.Asociación Parasitológica Argentin

Social perception on urban rodents and sanitary risk in neighborhoods from Gran La Plata, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los roedores sinantrópicos, representados por el ratón doméstico (Mus musculus), la rata parda (Rattus norvegicus) y la rata negra (Rattus rattus), representan un riesgo importante para la salud. En Sudamérica, la fragmentación socioeconómica se refleja en marcadas diferencias entre centros urbanos y áreas periféricas, y se asocia a un registro heterogéneo. El objetivo fue relevar datos por encuestas a los habitantes de dos barrios del Gran La Plata con características contrastantes para explorar, describir y evaluar la percepción en relación con la presencia de roedores en domicilio, peridomicilio y barrio como vehículos de transmisión de enfermedades. MÉTODOS: A partir de un diseño descriptivo exploratorio, se confeccionaron y realizaron encuestas siguiendo la técnica de muestreo estratificado. Se consideraron las variables género y grupo, de tal manera que la muestra tuviese la misma distribución. La información se transfirió a una base de datos y se analizó a través de IBM SPSS Statistics V25. RESULTADOS: Existe una preocupación común respecto al rol de los roedores urbanos como reservorios y fuentes de infección de patologías zoonóticas. En el barrio más vulnerable, la presencia de roedores fue más frecuente que en el centro de la ciudad. DISCUSIÓN: Este estudio provee un abordaje diferente en relación con roedores y patologías asociadas, considerando la percepción social y revelando su importancia para los programas de manejo y control.INTRODUCTION: Synanthropic rodents, which are represented by house mouse (Mus musculus), Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) and black rat (Rattus rattus), pose a high health risk. In South America, socioeconomic fragmentation generates marked differences between urban centers and peripheral areas and are associated with a heterogeneous record. The objective was to gather data by surveying inhabitants of two neighborhoods with contrasting features in Greater La Plata, province of Buenos Aires, in order to explore, describe and evaluate the perception on the presence of rodents in domicile, peridomicile and neighborhood as vehicles of disease transmission. METHODS: An exploratory descriptive design was used to make and conduct surveys following the technique of stratified sampling. The variables gender and group were considered to have the same distribution in the sample. The information was transferred to a database and analyzed through IBM SPSS Statistics V25. RESULTS: There is a common concern related to the role played by urban rodents as reservoirs and source of infection of zoonotic pathologies. The presence of rodents in the most vulnerable neighborhood was higher than in the center of the city. DISCUSSION: This study provides a different perspective related to rodents and pathologies associated, considering social perception and showing its importance for management and control programs.Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectore

Social perception on urban rodents and sanitary risk in neighborhoods from Gran La Plata, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los roedores sinantrópicos, representados por el ratón doméstico (Mus musculus), la rata parda (Rattus norvegicus) y la rata negra (Rattus rattus), representan un riesgo importante para la salud. En Sudamérica, la fragmentación socioeconómica se refleja en marcadas diferencias entre centros urbanos y áreas periféricas, y se asocia a un registro heterogéneo. El objetivo fue relevar datos por encuestas a los habitantes de dos barrios del Gran La Plata con características contrastantes para explorar, describir y evaluar la percepción en relación con la presencia de roedores en domicilio, peridomicilio y barrio como vehículos de transmisión de enfermedades. MÉTODOS: A partir de un diseño descriptivo exploratorio, se confeccionaron y realizaron encuestas siguiendo la técnica de muestreo estratificado. Se consideraron las variables género y grupo, de tal manera que la muestra tuviese la misma distribución. La información se transfirió a una base de datos y se analizó a través de IBM SPSS Statistics V25. RESULTADOS: Existe una preocupación común respecto al rol de los roedores urbanos como reservorios y fuentes de infección de patologías zoonóticas. En el barrio más vulnerable, la presencia de roedores fue más frecuente que en el centro de la ciudad. DISCUSIÓN: Este estudio provee un abordaje diferente en relación con roedores y patologías asociadas, considerando la percepción social y revelando su importancia para los programas de manejo y control.INTRODUCTION: Synanthropic rodents, which are represented by house mouse (Mus musculus), Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) and black rat (Rattus rattus), pose a high health risk. In South America, socioeconomic fragmentation generates marked differences between urban centers and peripheral areas and are associated with a heterogeneous record. The objective was to gather data by surveying inhabitants of two neighborhoods with contrasting features in Greater La Plata, province of Buenos Aires, in order to explore, describe and evaluate the perception on the presence of rodents in domicile, peridomicile and neighborhood as vehicles of disease transmission. METHODS: An exploratory descriptive design was used to make and conduct surveys following the technique of stratified sampling. The variables gender and group were considered to have the same distribution in the sample. The information was transferred to a database and analyzed through IBM SPSS Statistics V25. RESULTS: There is a common concern related to the role played by urban rodents as reservoirs and source of infection of zoonotic pathologies. The presence of rodents in the most vulnerable neighborhood was higher than in the center of the city. DISCUSSION: This study provides a different perspective related to rodents and pathologies associated, considering social perception and showing its importance for management and control programs.Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectore

Surveillance of avian malaria and related haemoparasites in common terns (Sterna hirundo) on the Atlantic coast of South America

Haemosporidia (Apicomplexa, Haemosporida) are protozoa that infect vertebrate blood cells and are transmitted by vectors. Among vertebrates, birds possess the greatest diversity of haemosporidia, historically placed in 3 genera: Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon and Plasmodium, the causative agent of avian malaria. In South America, existing data on haemosporidia are spatially and temporally dispersed, so increased surveillance is needed to improve the determination and diagnosis of these parasites. During the non-breeding season in 2020 and 2021, 60 common terns (Sterna hirundo) were captured and bled as part of ongoing research on the population health of migratory birds on the Argentinian Atlantic coast. Blood samples and blood smears were obtained. Fifty-eight samples were screened for Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon, as well as for Babesia parasites by nested polymerase chain reaction and by microscopic examination of smears. Two positive samples for Plasmodium were found. The cytochrome b lineages detected in the present study are found for the first time, and are close to Plasmodium lineages found in other bird orders. The low prevalence (3.6%) of haemoparasites found in this research was similar to those reported for previous studies on seabirds, including Charadriiformes. Our findings provide new information about the distribution and prevalence of haemosporidian parasites from charadriiforms in the southernmost part of South America, which remains understudied

Patrones de diversidad de helmintos en roedores sigmodontinos de la selva atlántica interior en Argentina

Tesis presentada para optar al Grado de Doctor en Ciencias NaturalesFil: Panisse, Guillermo. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo; Argentin