Small subunit ribosomal metabarcoding reveals extraordinary trypanosomatid diversity in Brazilian bats

Background: Bats are a highly successful, globally dispersed order of mammals that occupy a wide array of ecological niches. They are also intensely parasitized and implicated in multiple viral, bacterial and parasitic zoonoses. Trypanosomes are thought to be especially abundant and diverse in bats. In this study, we used 18S ribosomal RNA metabarcoding to probe bat trypanosome diversity in unprecedented detail. Methodology/Principal Findings: Total DNA was extracted from the blood of 90 bat individuals (17 species) captured along Atlantic Forest fragments of Espírito Santo state, southeast Brazil. 18S ribosomal RNA was amplified by standard and/or nested PCR, then deep sequenced to recover and identify Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) for phylogenetic analysis. Blood samples from 34 bat individuals (13 species) tested positive for infection by 18S rRNA amplification. Amplicon sequences clustered to 14 OTUs, of which five were identified as Trypanosoma cruzi I, T. cruzi III/V, Trypanosoma cruzi marinkellei, Trypanosoma rangeli, and Trypanosoma dionisii, and seven were identified as novel genotypes monophyletic to basal T. cruzi clade types of the New World. Another OTU was identified as a trypanosome like those found in reptiles. Surprisingly, the remaining OTU was identified as Bodo saltans–closest non-parasitic relative of the trypanosomatid order. While three blood samples featured just one OTU (T. dionisii), all others resolved as mixed infections of up to eight OTUs. Conclusions/Significance: This study demonstrates the utility of next-generation barcoding methods to screen parasite diversity in mammalian reservoir hosts. We exposed high rates of local bat parasitism by multiple trypanosome species, some known to cause fatal human disease, others non-pathogenic, novel or yet little understood. Our results highlight bats as a long-standing nexus among host-parasite interactions of multiple niches, sustained in part by opportunistic and incidental infections of consequence to evolutionary theory as much as to public health. Author summary: Bats make up a mega-diverse, intensely parasitized order of volant mammals whose unique behavioural and physiological adaptations promote infection by a vast array of microorganisms. Trypanosomes stand out as ancient protozoan parasites of bats. As cryptic morphology, low parasitaemia and selective growth in culture have recurrently biased survey, we used 18S ribosomal RNA metabarcoding to resolve bat trypanosomatid diversity in Atlantic Forest fragments of southeast Brazil. Next to several unknown species, our deep sequence-based detection and assignment protocol recognized multiple known human-pathogenic trypanosomes, another linked to reptile hosts as well as a non-parasitic kinetoplastid in the blood of various phyllostomid bats. The striking permissivity exposed here, in a region where bat trypanosomes recently featured in a fatal case of Chagas disease, compels further research on bats’ role in the dispersal and spill-over of various microorganisms among humans and wildlife

Range extension of Lonchophylla peracchii (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) to Northeastern Brazil

Lonchophylla peracchii was recently described from Rio de Janeiro Atlantic Forest samples previously assigned to either L. bokermanni Sazima, Vizotto & Taddei, 1978 or L. mordax Thomas, 1903. The species is currently restricted to the Atlantic Forest of Southeastern Brazil. Based on museum specimens, we extend the species distribution to the Atlantic Forest of Northeastern Brazil. The specimens reported here were collected in Ilhéus, Bahia state, representing a range extension of ca. 500 km northward

High Trypanosoma spp. diversity is maintained by bats and triatomines in Espírito Santo state, Brazil

The aim of this study was to reevaluate the ecology of an area in the Atlantic Forest, southeast Brazil, where Chagas disease (CD) has been found to occur. In a previous study, immediately after the occurrence of a CD case, we did not observe any sylvatic small mammals or dogs with Trypanosoma cruzi cruzi infections, but Triatoma vitticeps presented high T. c. cruzi infection rates. In this study, we investigated bats together with non-volant mammals, dogs, and triatomines to explore other possible T. c. cruzi reservoirs/hosts in the area. Seventy-three non-volant mammals and 186 bats were captured at three sites within the Guarapari municipality, Espírito Santo state. Rio da Prata and Amarelos sites exhibited greater richness in terms of non-volant mammals and bats species, respectively. The marsupial Metachirus nudicaudatus, the rodent Trinomys paratus, and the bats Artibeus lituratus and Carollia perspicillata were the most frequently captured species. As determined by positive hemocultures, only two non-volant mammals were found to be infected by Trypanosoma species: Monodelphis americana, which was infected by T. cascavelli, T. dionisii and Trypanosoma sp., and Callithrix geoffroyi, which was infected by T. minasense. Bats presented T. c. cruzi TcI and TcIII/V, T. c. marinkellei, T. dionisii, T. rangeli B and D, and Trypanosoma sp. infections. Seven dogs were infected with T. cruzi based only on serological exams. The triatomines T. vitticeps and Panstrongylus geniculatus were found to be infected by trypanosomes via microscopy. According to molecular characterization, T. vitticeps specimens were infected with T. c. cruzi TcI, TcII, TcIII/V, and TcIV, T. c. marinkellei and T. dionisii. We observed high trypanosome diversity in a small and fragmented region of the Atlantic Forest. This diversity was primarily maintained by bats and T. vitticeps. Our findings show that the host specificity of the Trypanosoma genus should be thoroughly reviewed. In addition, our data show that CD cases can occur without an enzootic cycle near residential areas

The bat fauna (Mammalia: Chiroptera) of Carlos Botelho State Park, Atlantic Forest of Southeastern Brazil, including new distribution records for the state of São Paulo

Carlos Botelho State Park (PECB) is a large remnant of Atlantic Forest in Southeastern Brazil, with more than 37,000 ha. As its bat fauna is still unknown, we performed the first bat survey on PECB, to provide data on the distribution, natural history and taxonomy of the species. Fieldwork was conducted monthly, from October 2016 to September 2017. Captures were made using ground-level mist-nets (39600 m2.h), canopy mist-nets (2017.5 m2.h) and searches for roosts (42 hours).We captured 412 bats from 34 species of Phyllostomidae, Molossidae and Vespertilionidae. A total of 11 species were captured only in ground-level mist-nets, five in canopy mist-nets, and seven in roosts. Dermanura cinerea Gervais, 1856, Eptesicus taddeii Miranda, Bernardi & Passos, 2006, Glyphonycteris sylvestris Thomas, 1896 and Lampronycteris brachyotis (Dobson, 1879) are rare on surveys conducted in the Atlantic Forest of São Paulo and were captured in canopy mist-nets. Micronycteris schmidtorum Sanborn, 1935 and Molossus currentium Thomas, 1901 constitute the first record for the state of São Paulo, and were captured in canopy mist-nets and roosts, respectively. The species richness registered for PECB surpasses other surveys conducted in Atlantic Forest localities that use only ground-level mist-nets. Our results reinforce the importance of employing mixed capture methods, such as elevated mist-nets and searches for roosts

Argentinean Myotis (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae), including the description of a new species from the Yungas

Myotis is the most speciose genus of mammals in the world and recent taxonomic revisions have revealed an impressive diversity of species in South America. Even so, the phenotypic conservatism of some taxa makes taxonomic delimitation difficult. We perform a taxonomic review of Myotis from Argentina based on qualitative and quantitative morphological characters. Our results confirm the occurrence of 12 species (M. albescens, M. chiloensis, M. dinellii, M. izecksohni, M. keaysi, M. lavali, M. levis, M. nigricans, M. oxyotus, M. riparius, M. ruber, and M. cf. simus) and revealed an additional new species for the Yungas Forest. The new species is small to medium (forearm length ~ 35 mm) and can be distinguished from its congeners by a set of characters that includes forearm length, cranial measurements, discrete craniodental characters, and fur color. This review does not exhaust the need for new systematic studies with Argentinean Myotis, considering the possibility of occurrence of new species and the great morphological variation found for some complex taxa

Rediscovery of Histiotus alienus Thomas, 1916 a century after its description (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae): distribution extension and redescription

Histiotus is a Neotropical genus of bat that currently includes 11 species. The systematics of Histiotus has been the focus of several studies over the last decades. However, no broad systematic revision has been made, and taxonomic issues such as synonymies, use of subspecies, and specimens that do not fit the description of valid species still persist, as pointed out by several authors. Histiotus alienus was described in 1916 and is known only by the holotype. Here we present a second record of H. alienus and an amended diagnosis of this species. We use qualitative, quantitative, and morphometric analyses based on data from 184 specimens of Histiotus and almost all valid species. Our amended diagnosis establishes the taxonomic limits of H. alienus, as well as a comprehensive comparison with congeners. We also explore new diagnostic characters for H. alienus and provide a few notes on the natural history of this species. Our results highlight skull similarities among Histiotus species and reinforce the usefulness of external morphology for their correct identification. Despite our new insights into the taxonomy of the genus, several taxonomic issues remain, and a comprehensive revision of the genus is needed

Hand force symmetry during breaststroke swimming

Hand force symmetry during breaststroke swimming The aim of this study was to analyze the hand force symmetry during the breaststroke and its relationship with swimmers’ performance. Seventeen breaststroke and/or medley specialists participated (12 men and 5 women, 19.5 ± 5.2 years and average performance of 73.4 ± 7% of the 50 m breaststroke world record). Each swimmer performed three repetitions of 25 m breaststroke swimming at maximal speed. Pressure sensors from Aquanex acquisition system were placed in both swimmers’ hands and Mean Force (Fmean) and Maximal Force (Fmax) were measured. The symmetry index proposed by Sanders was calculated and the time of a 50-m breaststroke trial at maximum speed (T50m) was used as a performance indicator. The variables were compared between hands using tests for dependent samples, and the relationship between variables were investigated using Spearman correlation test. The Fmean applied was 47.9 ± 16.7 N and 47.9 ± 14.5 N for right and left hands, respectively. The Fmean corresponded to 120.7 ± 43.6 N e 112.8 ± 35.7 N for right and left hand, respectively. No signifi cant differences were observed for none of the variables between right and left hands. Analyzing the subjects individually, it was possible to observe asymmetries levels up to 30.6% for Fmean and 35.9% for Fmax, however the relationship between symmetry indexes and the 50 m breaststroke performance was not statistically signifi cant.Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar a simetria da força aplicada durante a braçada do nado peito e a sua relação com o desempenho de nadadores. Participaram do estudo 17 nadadores especialistas em nado peito e medley (12 homens e 5 mulheres, 19,5 ± 5,2 anos, melhor tempo pessoal correspondente a 73,4 ± 7,0 % do recorde mundial dos 50 m peito). Cada sujeito realizou três repetições de 25 m peito em máxima velocidade. Sensores de pressão do Sistema Aquanex foram posicionados na mão direita e na mão esquerda dos nadadores, possibilitando a aquisição das variáveis Força Média (Fmed) e Força Máxima (Fmax). Calculou-se o índice de simetria conforme proposto por Sanders e utilizou-se o tempo de uma execução de 50 m peito em velocidade máxima (T50m) como indicador de desempenho. A comparação das variáveis entre a mão direita e a mão esquerda foi realizada através de testes para amostras dependentes, e a relação entre as variáveis foi investigada através da correlação de Spearman (p < 0,05). A Fmed aplicada foi de 47,9 ± 16,7 N e de 47,9 ± 14,5 N para as mãos direita e esquerda, respectivamente. A Fmax correspondeu a 120,7 ± 43,6 N e 112,8 ± 35,7 N para as mãos direita e esquerda, respectivamente. Não foram encontradas diferenças signifi cativas quando comparadas as mãos direita e esquerda. Uma análise individual e descritiva das variáveis permitiu observar assimetrias de até 30,6% para a Fmed e de até 35,9% para a Fmax. Entretanto, parece não haver relação entre os índices de simetria com o desempenho no nado peito em 50 m

EARLY COMPLICATIONS OF SURGICAL TREATMENT OF CERVICAL SPONDYLOTIC MYELOPATHY

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the early postoperative complications associated with the surgical approach of the cervical spine of patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), comparing the anterior surgical, the posterior surgical, and the combined approaches. Methods: This is a retrospective study based on a database with 169 patients. Demographic data, such as gender and age, and surgical data, such as surgical approach, number of segments with arthrodesis, surgical time, and complications, were evaluated. Complications were divided into major (deep surgical wound infection, intercurrence with the implant, early new compression, and heart failure) and minor (dysphagia, superficial infection, pain, urinary intercurrence, neuropraxia of the C5 root, acute confusional state, and surgical wound hematoma). Results: This included 169 patients, 57 women (33.7%) and 112 men (66.2%). Age ranged from 21 to 87 years, with a mean of 56.48 (± 11) years. Of these, 52 (30.8%) underwent the anterior approach; 111 (65.7%), the posterior approach; and 6 (3.5%), the combined approach. Conclusion: As in the literature, we evinced dysphagia, pain, and superficial infection of the surgical wound as the most frequent postoperative complications. However, it was impossible to establish a statistical relationship between the incidence of complications and surgical time, access route, and number of fixed segments. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective Comparative Study

Checklist of Brazilian bats, with comments on original records

Lists of Brazilian bats have been compiled since the late 19th century, with remarkable variation in the criteria for species inclusion and use of nomenclature. To update the list of extant bat species that occur in Brazil, the Brazilian Bat Research Society created the Committee of the List of Brazilian Bats. Here we report the first result of the work of this Committee: a list with nine families, 68 genera, and 178 species with documented occurrence in Brazil, including nomenclatural comments. We also present two additional species lists: one with doubtful records (10 species) and other with erroneous records (six species). Since the beginning of the 21st century, 35 new bat species have been recorded for Brazil, and we anticipate that more species will be uncovered over the next years. © 2014 Check List and Authors