03914nas a2200301 4500008004100000022001400041245012700055210006900182260001600251300001000267490000700277520302700284653000903311653001403320653002303334653000903357653001703366653001103383653001503394653001703409653001403426653001303440100002203453700001803475700001703493700001603510856008603526 2022 eng d a1756-330500aDipylidium caninum in the twenty-first century: epidemiological studies and reported cases in companion animals and humans0 aDipylidium caninum in the twentyfirst century epidemiological st cMay-10-2022 a13 pp0 v153 a

Background Dipilidiosis is a parasitic disease caused by the tapeworm Dipylidium caninum. Fleas and, less frequently, lice act as an intermediate host, and their ingestion is required for infection to occur. While the disease mainly affects domestic and wild carnivores, it is also considered a zoonotic disease, with most human cases reported in children. Dipylidium caninum is considered to be the most common tapeworm infesting companion animals, but dipilidosis in humans is rare. The aims of this review were to improve current understanding of the epidemiology of this parasitosis and its management by the medical and veterinary community.

Methods A comprehensive review of the published literature during the last 21 years (2000–2021) on the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prevention measures of D. caninum infection and dipilidiosis in companion animals and humans was conducted.

Results Using predefined eligibility criteria for a search of the published literature, we retrieved and screened 280 publications. Of these, 161 (141 epidemiological studies, 20 case reports [16 human cases]) were considered for inclusion in this review. This parasitosis is present worldwide; however, despite being the most frequent cestode infection in animals, it is often underdiagnosed using common coprological techniques. Its diagnosis in humans has also proved challenging, being frequently confused with pinworm infection, leading to inappropriate treatment and to the persistence of the disease over time. Prevention measures include control of ectoparasites in animals and the environment, as well as regular deworming of animals, most commonly with praziquantel.

Conclusions The diagnosis of dipilidiosis remains challenging in both animals and humans, primarily due to the low sensitivity of the diagnostic methods currently available and a lack of knowledge of the morphological characteristics of the parasite. Although treatment with the appropriate anti-cestode compounds is well tolerated and results in resolution of the infection, indiscriminate use of these compounds may predispose to an increase in resistance. Given the worldwide distribution of this parasite, it is essential to act on several fronts, with a focus on health education for children and animal owners and the control of intermediate hosts, both in animals and in the surrounding environment. Graphical Abstract

10aCats10aDiagnosis10aDipylidium caninum10adogs10aepidemiology10ahumans10aprevention10aSiphonaptera10aTreatment10azoonosis1 aRousseau, Julieta1 aCastro, Andry1 aNovo, Teresa1 aMaia, Carla uhttps://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-022-05243-503339nas a2200277 4500008004100000022001400041245011700055210006900172260001600241300000900257490000700266520243000273653003502703653001702738653002302755653001502778653002402793653002602817100002002843700001802863700002102881700002802902700002302930700002202953856008602975 2022 eng d a1756-330500aPhylogenetic relationship between the endosymbiont “Candidatus Riesia pediculicola” and its human louse host0 aPhylogenetic relationship between the endosymbiont Candidatus Ri cMar-05-2022 a9 pp0 v153 a

Background The human louse (Pediculus humanus) is a haematophagous ectoparasite that is intimately related to its host. It has been of great public health concern throughout human history. This louse has been classified into six divergent mitochondrial clades (A, D, B, F, C and E). As with all haematophagous lice, P. humanus directly depends on the presence of a bacterial symbiont, known as “Candidatus Riesia pediculicola”, to complement their unbalanced diet. In this study, we evaluated the codivergence of human lice around the world and their endosymbiotic bacteria. Using molecular approaches, we targeted lice mitochondrial genes from the six diverged clades and Candidatus Riesia pediculicola housekeeping genes.

Methods The mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (cytb) of lice was selected for molecular analysis, with the aim to identify louse clade. In parallel, we developed four PCR primer pairs targeting three housekeeping genes of Candidatus Riesia pediculicola: ftsZ, groEL and two regions of the rpoB gene (rpoB-1 and rpoB-2).

Results The endosymbiont phylogeny perfectly mirrored the host insect phylogeny using the ftsZ and rpoB-2 genes, in addition to showing a significant co-phylogenetic congruence, suggesting a strict vertical transmission and a host–symbiont co-speciation following the evolutionary course of the human louse.

Conclusion Our results unequivocally indicate that louse endosymbionts have experienced a similar co-evolutionary history and that the human louse clade can be determined by their endosymbiotic bacteria. Graphical Abstract

10aCandidatus Riesia pediculicola10aco-evolution10aHousekeeping genes10ahuman lice10aMitochondrial genes10aPhylogenetic analysis1 aHammoud, Alissa1 aLouni, Meriem1 aMisse, Dorothée1 aCortaredona, Sébastien1 aFenollar, Florence1 aMediannikov, Oleg uhttps://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-022-05203-z03602nas a2200313 4500008004100000022001400041245008600055210006900141260001600210300001000226490000700236520260200243653001302845653001802858653001802876653001702894653002002911653001502931653001602946653002602962100003502988700003203023700003003055700003503085700002903120700002503149700002803174856008603202 2022 eng d a1756-330500aHistorical overview and update on relapsing fever group Borrelia in Latin America0 aHistorical overview and update on relapsing fever group Borrelia cJun-08-2022 a15 pp0 v153 a

tRelapsing fever group Borrelia (RFGB) are motile spirochetes transmitted to mammalian or avian hosts through the bite of hematophagous arthropods, such as soft ticks (Argasidae), hard ticks (Ixodidae) and the human clothing lice. RFGB can infect pets such as dogs and cats, as well as birds, cattle and humans. Borrelia recurrentis, B. anserina and B. theileri are considered to have worldwide distribution, affecting humans, domestic birds and ruminants, respectively. Borrelia spp. associated with soft ticks are transmitted mainly by Ornithodoros ticks and thrive in endemic foci in tropical and subtropical latitudes. Nowadays, human cases of soft tick-borne relapsing fever remain neglected diseases in several countries, and the impact these spirochetes have on the health of wild and domestic animals is largely understudied. Human infection with RFGB is difficult to diagnose, given the lack of distinguishing clinical features (undifferentiated febrile illness). Clinically, soft tick or louse-borne relapsing fever is often confused with other etiologies, such as malaria, typhoid or dengue. In Latin America, during the first half of the twentieth century historical documents elaborated by enlightened physicians were seminal, and resulted in the identification of RFGB and their associated vectors in countries such as Mexico, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru and Argentina. Almost 80 years later, research on relapsing fever spirochetes is emerging once again in Latin America, with molecular characterizations and isolations of novel RFGB members in Panama, Bolivia, Brazil and Chile. In this review we summarize historical aspects of RFGB in Latin America and provide an update on the current scenario regarding these pathogens in the region. To accomplish this, we conducted an exhaustive search of all the published literature for the region, including old medical theses deposited in libraries of medical academies. RFGB were once common pathogens in Latin America, and although unnoticed for many years, they are currently the focus of interest among the scientific community. A One Health perspective should be adopted to tackle the diseases caused by RFGB, since these spirochetes have never disappeared and the maladies they cause may be confused with etiologies with similar symptoms that prevail in the region. Graphical Abstract

10aBorrelia10aclothing lice10aLatin America10aOrnithodoros10aRelapsing Fever10asoft ticks10aSpirochetes10aTick‑borne diseases1 aFaccini-Martínez, Álvaro, A.1 aSilva-Ramos, Carlos, Ramiro1 aSantodomingo, Adriana, M.1 aRamírez-Hernández, Alejandro1 aCosta, Francisco, Borges1 aLabruna, Marcelo, B.1 aMuñoz-Leal, Sebastián uhttps://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-022-05289-503813nas a2200289 4500008004100000022001400041245010700055210006900162260001600231300001000247490000700257520288600264653001703150653001803167653001703185653002203202653000903224653002203233653001003255100003403265700003103299700002303330700002403353700002803377700003203405856008603437 2023 eng d a1756-330500aCo-infection patterns in the ectoparasitic community affecting the Iberian ibex Capra pyrenaica0 aCoinfection patterns in the ectoparasitic community affecting th cMay-30-2023 a12 pp0 v163 a

Background Sarcoptic mange is one of the main parasitic diseases affecting the Iberian ibex Capra pyrenaica. Scabietic animals suffer a decline in body condition and reproductive fitness and in severe cases may die. Although several previous studies of the pathology of this disease and the physiological changes it produces in ibex have been carried out in recent years, our knowledge of the relationship between Sarcoptes scabiei and other ectoparasites of this host is still limited.

Methods We analysed 430 Iberian ibex skin samples. Ectoparasites were removed, counted and identified. Mite (S. scabiei) numbers were obtained after digesting the skin samples in a 5% KOH solution. We modelled mite numbers in terms of host sex and age, site, year, season and the presence of other ectoparasites such as ticks and lice using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) and ectoparasite co-occurrence patterns using two different models: the probabilistic model species co-occurrence and the generalized linear latent variable model (GLLVM).

Results The ectoparasite community was mainly composed of S. scabiei, six ticks (Haemaphysalis sulcata, Haemaphysalis punctata, Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus turanicus, Dermacentor marginatus and Ixodes ricinus) and two lice (Bovicola crassipes and Linognathus stenopsis). Adult male ibex harboured more mites than females. Mite numbers varied greatly spatially and seasonally and increased with the presence of other parasites. Some positive co-occurrence relationships between pairs of different ectoparasites were observed, particularly between ticks. The presence of S. scabiei negatively affected lice and H. sulcata numbers.

Conclusions Sarcoptic mange has spread above all in ibex populations in and around the Mediterranean Basin, where it is now found in almost a third of its host’s range. Mite numbers varied seasonally and spatially and were higher in male hosts. The presence of S. scabiei had a negative effect on lice numbers but favoured the presence of ticks. Graphical Abstract

10aco-infection10aectoparasites10aepidemiology10aIberian Peninsula10alice10aSarcoptes scabiei10aticks1 aFernández-Muñoz, María, J.1 aCastillo-Contreras, Raquel1 aPérez, Jesús, M.1 aGranados, José, E.1 aMárquez, Francisco, J.1 aLópez-Montoya, Antonio, J. uhttps://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-023-05797-y03375nas a2200253 4500008004100000022001400041245014800055210006900203260001600272300001000288490000700298520255700305653001802862653001502880653000902895653001502904653002102919100001802940700001702958700002002975700002002995700002003015856008603035 2021 eng d a1756-330500aCharacterization of nit sheath protein functions and transglutaminase-mediated cross-linking in the human head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis0 aCharacterization of nit sheath protein functions and transglutam cAug-24-2021 a11 pp0 v143 a

Background:Head louse females secrete liquid glue during oviposition, which is solidified to form the nit sheath over the egg. Recently, two homologous proteins, named louse nit sheath protein (LNSP) 1 and LNSP 2, were identified as adhesive proteins but the precise mechanism of nit sheath solidification is unknown.

Methods:We determined the temporal transcriptome profiles of the head louse accessory glands plus oviduct, from which putative major structural proteins and those with functional importance were deduced. A series of RNA interference (RNAi) experiments and treatment of an inhibitor were conducted to elucidate the function and action mechanism of each component.

Results:By transcriptome profiling of genes expressed in the louse accessory glands plus uterus, the LNSP1 and LNSP2 along with two hypothetical proteins were confirmed to be the major structural proteins. In addition, several proteins with functional importance, including transglutaminase (TG), defensin 1 and defensin 2, were identified. WhenLNSP1was knocked down via RNA interference, most eggs became nonviable via desiccation, suggesting its role in desiccation resistance. Knockdown ofLNSP2, however, resulted in oviposition failure, which suggests that LNSP2 may serve as the basic platform to form the nit sheath and may have an additional function of lubrication. Knockdown ofTGalso impaired egg hatching, demonstrating its role in the cross-linking of nit sheath proteins. The role of TG in cross-linking was further confirmed by injecting or hair coating of GGsTop, a TG inhibitor.

Conclusions:Both LNSP1 and LNSP2 are essential for maintaining egg viability besides their function as glue. The TG-mediated cross-linking plays critical roles in water preservation that are essential for ensuring normal embryogenesis. TG-mediated cross-linking mechanism can be employed as a therapeutic target to control human louse eggs, and any topically applied TG inhibitors can be exploited as potential ovicidal agents.Graphical abstract

10aCross-linking10aHead louse10aLNSP10aNit sheath10aTransglutaminase1 aKim, Ju-Hyeon1 aLee, Do, Eun1 aPark, Sang-Youn1 aClark, Marshall1 aLee, Si, Hyeock uhttps://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-021-04914-z03373nas a2200277 4500008004100000022001400041245016600055210006900221260001600290300001000306490000700316520239000323653003902713653001502752653001202767653002002779653001402799653003002813653003302843653001102876100003602887700003502923700003002958700002102988856008603009 2021 eng d a1756-330500aPediculus humanus capitis: a study of the male genitalia using a combined stereoscopic, confocal laser scanning, and scanning electron microscopy approach0 aiPediculus humanus capitisi a study of the male genitalia using  cNov-17-2021 a10 pp0 v143 a

Background The male genital structures of arthropods are key features in the taxonomic and phylogenetic study of these organisms. The male genitalia of the head louse Pediculus humanus capitis are complex organs which are partly composed of structures that dynamically extrude during copulation.

Methods Here, we describe the morphology of the genitalia of P. humanus capitis at the copulation stage, and at rest, by using stereoscopic microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results CLSM and SEM images revealed that the vesica is composed of two distinct anatomical parts, the proximal lobe and the distal lobe. Both lobes have short and narrow spines, as well as long and wide scales with either sharp or rounded tips. The rounded scales vary in size and have a wavy base and rounded tips, and thus resemble a tongue in appearance. We identified a gland-like area on the penis with 11 shallow circular depressions, and a flat area with 14–16 exit orifices. The apical end of the penis has a foliaceous trifurcation and serves to expel the contents of the ejaculatory duct. These characteristics were recorded for all the specimens analyzed, indicating that these structures are highly conserved; to our knowledge, they have not been previously reported for any suborder of lice.

Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, our results reveal for the first time the morphological details, and complexity, of the male genitalia of the head louse P. humanus capitis at different stages of copulation. The new approach described here provided information that should be taken into consideration in future research on the genitalia of lice. Application of this approach will also impact the taxonomic and phylogenetic study of other insect taxa. Graphical Abstract

10aConfocal laser scanning microscopy10acopulation10aDilator10aGenital chamber10agenitalia10aPediculus humanus capitis10ascanning electron microscopy10aVesica1 aÁlvarez-Fernández, Blanca, E.1 aMorales-Suárez-Varela, María1 aNogueda-Torres, Benjamín1 aValero, Maria, A uhttps://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-021-05082-w03293nas a2200265 4500008004100000022001400041245012500055210006900180260001600249300001000265490000700275520246700282653001402749653002302763653002502786653002602811100001202837700001602849700001402865700002002879700001402899700001102913700001702924856008602941 2021 eng d a1756-330500aHighly rearranged mitochondrial genome in Falcolipeurus lice (Phthiraptera: Philopteridae) from endangered eagles0 aHighly rearranged mitochondrial genome in iFalcolipeurusi lice P cMay-20-2021 a11 pp0 v143 a

Background Fragmented mitochondrial (mt) genomes and extensive mt gene rearrangements have been frequently reported from parasitic lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera). However, relatively little is known about the mt genomes from the family Philopteridae, the most species-rich family within the suborder Ischnocera.

Methods Herein, we use next-generation sequencing to decode the mt genome of Falcolipeurus suturalis and compare it with the mt genome of F. quadripustulatus. Phylogenetic relationships within the family Philopteridae were inferred from the concatenated 13 protein-coding genes of the two Falcolipeurus lice and members of the family Philopteridae using Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods.

Results The complete mt genome of F. suturalis is a circular, double-stranded DNA molecule 16,659 bp in size that contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and three non-coding regions. The gene order of the F. suturalis mt genome is rearranged relative to that of F. quadripustulatus, and is radically different from both other louse species and the putative ancestral insect. Phylogenetic analyses revealed clear genetic distinctiveness between F. suturalis and F. quadripustulatus (Bayesian posterior probabilities = 1.0 and bootstrapping frequencies = 100), and that the genus Falcolipeurus is sister to the genus Ibidoecus (Bayesian posterior probabilities = 1.0 and bootstrapping frequencies = 100).

Conclusions These datasets help to better understand gene rearrangements in lice and the phylogenetic position of Falcolipeurus and provide useful genetic markers for systematic studies of bird lice. 

10aBird lice10aGene rearrangement10aMitochondrial genome10aPhylogenetic analyses1 aNie, Yu1 aFu, Yi-Tian1 aZhang, Yu1 aDeng, Yuan-Ping1 aWang, Wei1 aTu, Ya1 aLiu, Guo-Hua uhttps://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-021-04776-503885nas a2200241 4500008004100000022001400041245012500055210006900180260001600249300001000265490000700275520308800282653001403370653001403384653002603398653002603424653001603450100003003466700002103496700001803517700002203535856008603557 2020 eng d a1756-330500aDiversity of mitochondrial genes and predominance of Clade B in different head lice populations in the northwest of Iran0 aDiversity of mitochondrial genes and predominance of Clade B in  cSep-23-2020 a12 pp0 v133 a

Background The head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis, is the most important ectoparasite causing many health problems. Several linkages are presented for this parasite, each representing a particular geographical distribution, prevalence rate, vector competence, susceptibility to pediculicides, and infestation rate. Determining the genetic nature of these linkages is necessary to identify the population structure and also to develop and monitor control programmes against head lice. This study was designed to analyse cox1 and cytb genes and determine the mitochondrial clades in head lice populations in the northwest of Iran.

Methods Adult head lice were collected from infested females of Ardabil, East and West Azerbaijan, and Zanjan Provinces from 2016 to 2018. Partial fragments of the mitochondrial genes cox1 and cytb were amplified by PCR and some of the amplicons were sequenced. All confirmed sequences were analysed, and the frequency of each mitochondrial clade was determined in the studied areas.

Results A total of 6410 females were clinically examined, and 897 adult head lice were collected from 562 infested cases. Genomic DNA was extracted from 417 samples, and fragments of cox1 and cytb genes were amplified in 348 individuals. Analysis of the 116 sequences showed the 632-bp and 495-bp fragments for cox1 and cytb genes, respectively. The nucleotide and haplotype diversities of cytb and cox1 genes were 0.02261 and 0.589 and 0.01443 and 0.424, respectively. Sequence analysis indicated 6 haplotypes clustered in two clades, A and B. The relative prevalence of clade B was 73% for cytb and 82% for cox1 gene. Haplotypes of clade B were found in all the studied areas, while those of clade A were observed only in rural and suburban areas.

Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study investigated deeply the field populations of Pediculus and documented two clades in the Middle East. The considerable prevalence of pediculosis in the studied areas requires authorities’ attention to establish effective control and preventive measures. Given the role of cytb in monitoring population groups, application of this marker is suggested for future epigenetic studies to evaluate the factors affecting the abundance of these clades.

10acox1 gene10acytb gene10aMitochondrial clade A10aMitochondrial clade B10aPediculosis1 aGhavami, Mohammad, Bagher1 aGhanbari, Maryam1 aPanahi, Sanaz1 aTaghilou, Behrooz uhttps://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-020-04364-z03461nas a2200217 4500008004100000022001400041245011900055210006900174260001600243300000900259490000700268520275400275653002503029653002603054653001403080100001603094700001203110700001803122700001703140856008603157 2020 eng d a1756-330500aVariation of mitochondrial minichromosome composition in Hoplopleura lice (Phthiraptera: Hoplopleuridae) from rats0 aVariation of mitochondrial minichromosome composition in Hoplopl cOct-06-2020 a9 pp0 v133 a

Background The family Hoplopleuridae contains at least 183 species of blood-sucking lice, which widely parasitize both mice and rats. Fragmented mitochondrial (mt) genomes have been reported in two rat lice (Hoplopleura kitti and H. akanezumi) from this family, but some minichromosomes were unidentified in their mt genomes. 

Methods We sequenced the mt genome of the rat louse Hoplopleura sp. with an Illumina platform and compared its mt genome organization with H. kitti and H. akanezumi.

Results Fragmented mt genome of the rat louse Hoplopleura sp. contains 37 genes which are on 12 circular mt minichromosomes. Each mt minichromosome is 1.8–2.7 kb long and contains 1–5 genes and one large non-coding region. The gene content and arrangement of mt minichromosomes of Hoplopleura sp. (n = 3) and H. kitti (n = 3) are different from those in H. akanezumi (n = 3). Phylogenetic analyses based on the deduced amino acid sequences of the eight protein-coding genes showed that the Hoplopleura sp. was more closely related to H. akanezumi than to H. kitti, and then they formed a monophyletic group.

Conclusions Comparison among the three rat lice revealed variation in the composition of mt minichromosomes within the genus Hoplopleura. Hoplopleura sp. is the first species from the family Hoplopleuridae for which a complete fragmented mt genome has been sequenced. The new data provide useful genetic markers for studying the population genetics, molecular systematics and phylogenetics of blood-sucking lice.

Preprint version see https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-42350/v1 and the title of preprint version is "Variation in mitochondrial minichromosome composition among Hoplopleura lice (Phthiraptera: Hoplopleuridae) from rats"

 

10aFragmented mt genome10aPhylogenetic analyses10aRat louse1 aFu, Yi-Tian1 aNie, Yu1 aDuan, De-Yong1 aLiu, Guo-Hua uhttps://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-020-04381-y03913nas a2200277 4500008004100000022001400041245010500055210006900160260001300229300000900242490000700251520299500258653002303253653001803276653001003294653001403304100003703318700002203355700002603377700003703403700003503440700001903475700003203494700002303526856008603549 2020 eng d a1756-330500aMolecular identification of head lice collected in Franceville (Gabon) and their associated bacteria0 aMolecular identification of head lice collected in Franceville G cAug-2020 a8 pp0 v133 a

Background Pediculus humanus, which includes two ecotypes (body and head lice), is an obligate bloodsucking parasite that co-evolved with their human hosts over thousands of years, thus providing a valuable source of information to reconstruct the human migration. Pediculosis due to head lice occurred each year throughout the world and several pathogenic bacteria, which are usually associated with body lice, are increasingly detected in them. In Gabon, where this pediculosis is still widespread, there is a lack of data on genetic diversity of head lice and their associated bacteria.

Methods This study aimed to investigate the phylogeny of head lice collected in Gabon and their associated bacteria, using molecular tools. Between 26 March and 11 April 2018, 691 head lice were collected from 86 women in Franceville. We studied the genetic diversity of these lice based on the cytochrome b gene, then we screened them for DNA of Bartonella quintana, Borrelia spp., Acinetobacter spp., Yersinia pestis, Rickettsia spp., R. prowazekii, Anaplasma spp. and C. burnetii, using real time or standard PCR and sequencing.

Results Overall 74.6% of studied lice belonged to Clade A, 25.3% to Clade C and 0.1% to Clade E. The phylogenetic analysis of 344 head lice yielded 45 variable positions defining 13 different haplotypes from which 8 were novel. Bacterial screening revealed the presence of Borrelia spp. DNA in 3 (0.4%) of 691 head lice belonging to Clade A and infesting one individual. This Borrelia is close to B. theileri (GenBank: MN621894). Acinetobacter spp. DNA has been detected in 39 (25%) of the 156 screened lice; of these 13 (8.3%) corresponded to A. baumannii. Acinetobacter nosocomialis (n = 2) and A. pittii (n = 1) were also recorded.

Conclusions To of our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the genetic diversity of head lice from Gabon. It appears that Clade C is the second most important clade in Gabon, after Clade A which is known to have a global distribution. The detection of Borrelia spp. DNA in these lice highlight the potential circulation of these bacteria in Gabon.

10aAcinetobacter spp.10aBorrelia spp.10aGabon10ahead lice1 aBoumbanda-Koyo, Celia, Scherelle1 aMediannikov, Oleg1 aAmanzougaghene, Nadia1 aOyegue-Liabagui, Sandrine, Lydie1 aImboumi-Limoukou, Roméo, Karl1 aRaoult, Didier1 aLekana-Douki, Jean, Bernard1 aFenollar, Florence uhttps://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-020-04293-x02948nas a2200241 4500008004100000245011800041210006900159260001200228300001000240490000700250520214300257653003102400653001402431100002002445700001702465700003802482700002302520700002002543700002102563700001802584700001802602856008602620 2021 eng d00aThe seal louse (Echinophthirius horridus) in the Dutch Wadden Sea: investigation of vector-borne pathogens0 aseal louse iEchinophthirius horridusi in the Dutch Wadden Sea in c02-2021 a10 pp0 v143 a

Background:  Belonging to the anopluran family Echinophthiriidae, Echinophthirius horridus, the seal louse, has been reported to parasitise a broad range of representatives of phocid seals. So far, only a few studies have focused on the vector function of echinophthiriid lice, and knowledge about their role in pathogen transmission is still scarce. The current study aims to investigate the possible vector role of E. horridus parasitising seals in the Dutch Wadden Sea.

Methods: E. horridus seal lice were collected from 54 harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) and one grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) during their rehabilitation period at the Sealcentre Pieterburen, The Netherlands. DNA was extracted from pooled seal lice of individual seals for molecular detection of the seal heartworm Acanthocheilonema spirocauda, the rickettsial intracellular bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and the cell wall-less bacteria Mycoplasma spp. using PCR assays.

Results: Seal lice from 35% of the harbour seals (19/54) and from the grey seal proved positive for A. spirocauda. The seal heartworm was molecularly characterised and phylogenetically analysed (rDNA, cox1). A nested PCR was developed for the cox1 gene to detect A. spirocauda stages in seal lice. A. phagocytophilum and a Mycoplasma species previously identified from a patient with disseminated ‘seal finger’ mycoplasmosis were detected for the first time, to our knowledge, in seal lice.

Conclusions: Our findings support the potential vector role of seal lice in the transmission of A. spirocauda and reveal new insights into the spectrum of pathogens occurring in seal lice. Studies on vector competence of E. horridus, especially for bacterial pathogens, are essentially needed in the future as these pathogens might have detrimental effects on the health of seal populations. Furthermore, studies on the vector role of different echinophthiriid species infecting a wide range of pinniped hosts should be conducted to extend the knowledge of vector-borne pathogens.

10aMarine mammal parasitology10aPinnipeds1 aHirzmann, Jörg1 aEbmer, David1 aSánchez-Contreras, Guillermo, J.1 aRubio-García, Ana1 aMagdowski, Gerd1 aGärtner, Ulrich1 aTaubert, Anja1 aHermosilla, C uhttps://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-021-04586-903461nas a2200265 4500008004100000245012900041210006900170260001400239300000900253490000700262520258500269653001302854653002702867653000802894653001502902653003902917100001902956700002202975700002002997700002103017700002603038700001703064700002803081856008603109 2020 eng d00aFirst evidence of the mutations associated with pyrethroid resistance in head lice (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae) from Honduras0 aFirst evidence of the mutations associated with pyrethroid resis cJune-2020 a7 pp0 v133 a

Background:The human head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis, is a cosmopolitan blood‑sucking ectoparasite affect‑ing mostly schoolchildren in both developed and developing countries. In Honduras, chemical pediculicides are the first line of treatment, with permethrin as their main active ingredient. Despite the extended use of these products, there is currently no research investigating insecticide resistance in Honduran head lice. In head lice, the most com‑mon mechanism is knockdown resistance (kdr), which is the result of two point mutations and the associated amino acid substitutions, T917I and L920F, within the voltage‑sensitive sodium channel (VSSC).

Methods:Genomic DNA was extracted from 83 head lice collected in the localities of San Buenaventura and La Hicaca, Honduras. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify a 332‑bp fragment of the VSSC gene that contains a site affected by C/T mutation which results in a T917I amino acid substitution on each human head louse genomic DNA fragments.

Results:The C/T non‑synonymous mutation which results in the T917I kdr amino acid substitution was detected in both head lice populations at frequencies ranging between 0.45–0.5. Globally, the frequency of this substitution was 0.47. Of these, 5 (6.1%) were homozygous susceptible and 78 (93.9%) were heterozygotes. The kdr‑resistant homozy‑gote (RR) was not detected in the studied populations. Thus, 93.9% of the head lice collected in Honduras harbored only one T917I allele. Exact test for the Hardy‑Weinberg equilibrium for both localities showed that genotype frequen‑cies differed significantly from expectation. In addition, San Buenaventura and La Hicaca populations had an inbreed‑ing coefficient  (Fis) < 0, suggesting an excess of heterozygotes.

Conclusions:To our knowledge, this is the first study showing the presence of the C/T mutation responsible of the T917I kdr allele associated with pyrethroid resistance in P. h. capitis from Honduras. The PCR‑restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) employed here has demonstrated to be a reliable, economic, and reproducible assay that can be used to accurately genotype individual head lice for the mutation encoding the resistance‑conferring T917I amino acid substitution. This highlights the necessity of proactive resistance management programmes designed to detect pyrethroid mutations before they become established within populations of head lice.

10aHonduras10aInsecticide resistance10akdr10aPyrethroid10aVoltage‑sensitive sodium channel1 aLarkin, Kelsey1 aRodríguez, Carol1 aJamani, Shabana1 aFronza, Georgina1 aRoca-Acevedo, Gonzalo1 aSanchez, Ana1 aToloza, Ariel, Ceferino uhttps://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-020-04183-203345nas a2200265 4500008004100000022001400041245017900055210006900234260001200303300000900315490000600324520247800330653001502808653000902823653001502832653000902847653001102856653002102867100002002888700002602908700002002934700002202954700002102976856008202997 2014 eng d a1756-330500aThe Namaqua rock mouse (Micaelamys namaquensis) as a potential reservoir and host of arthropod vectors of diseases of medical and veterinary importance in South Africa0 aNamaqua rock mouse iMicaelamys namaquensisi as a potential reser c08-2014 a11pp0 v73 a

Background The role of endemic murid rodents as hosts of arthropod vectors of diseases of medical and veterinary significance is well established in the northern hemisphere. In contrast, endemic murids are comparatively understudied as vector hosts in Africa, particularly in South Africa. Considering the great rodent diversity in South Africa, many of which may occur as human commensals, this is unwarranted.

Methods In the current study we assessed the ectoparasite community of a widespread southern African endemic, the Namaqua rock mouse (Micaelamys namaquensis), that is known to carry Bartonella spp. and may attain pest status. We aimed to identify possible vectors of medical and/or veterinary importance which this species may harbour and explore the contributions of habitat type, season, host sex and body size on ectoparasite prevalence and abundance.

Results Small mammal abundance was substantially lower in grasslands compared to rocky outcrops. Although the small mammal community comprised of different species in the two habitats, M. namaquensis was the most abundant species in both habitat types. From these 23 ectoparasite species from four taxa (fleas, ticks, mites and lice) were collected. However, only one flea (Xenopsylla brasiliensis) and one tick species (Haemaphysalis elliptica) have a high zoonotic potential and have been implicated as vectors for Yersinia pestis and Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia conorii, respectively. The disease status of the most commonly collected tick (Rhipicephalus distinctus) is currently unknown. Only flea burdens differed markedly between habitat types and increased with body size. With the exception of lice, all parasite taxa exhibited seasonal peaks in abundance during spring and summer.

Conclusion M. namaquensis is the dominant small mammal species irrespective of habitat type. Despite the great ectoparasite diversity harboured by M. namaquensis, only a small number of these are known as vectors of diseases of medical and/or veterinary importance but occur at high prevalence and/or abundance. This raises concern regarding the potential of this host as an endemic reservoir for zoonotic diseases. Consequently, additional sampling throughout its distributional range and research addressing the role of M. namaquensis as a reservoir for zoonotic diseases in southern Africa is urgently needed.

10aBartonella10aflea10aRickettsia10aTick10avector10aZoonotic disease1 aFagir, Dina, M.1 aUeckermann, Eddie, A.1 aHorak, Ivan, G.1 aBennett, Nigel, C1 aLutermann, Heike uhttp://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1756-3305-7-36602883nas a2200277 4500008004100000245010900041210006900150260001200219300000900231490000700240520203500247653001502282653001002297653002102307653001302328653001102341100002502352700002002377700002102397700002102418700002102439700002302460700001902483700001802502856008502520 2019 eng d00aReport of the human body louse (Pediculus humanus) from clothes sold in a market in central Italy0 aReport of the human body louse iPediculus humanusi from clothes  c12-2019 a6 pp0 v123 a

Background: Pediculus humanus, the human body louse, is widespread where overcrowding and lack of hygiene are present, in areas of the world affected by poverty, war, famine and presence of refugees. It has recently been considered re-emerging among homeless populations in developed countries. In Italy, it was last reported in 1945. Pediculus humanus is a vector of highly relevant human pathogens.

Methods: In October 2018, a woman found small insects on a T-shirt bought second-hand in a local street market in a village 35 km south of Rome (central Italy). Insects were identified both morphologically and by molecular analysis. Moreover, they were analyzed molecularly for the presence of Rickettsia prowazekii, Borrelia recurrentis, Bartonella quintana, Coxiella burnetii and Yersinia pestis.

Results: Morphological and molecular analyses of the insects identified them as 26 lice (12 females, 10 males and 4 nymphs) of the species P. humanus. Many nits were found on the T-shirt seams. DNA of the investigated pathogens was not detected in any of the lice.

Conclusions: The exceptionality of the described case lies both in the report of P. humanus from a country where it had not been reported since 1945, and in its finding from second-hand clothes for sale in a market, constituting a potential source of infection for people buying this type of goods. The question arises, how did adults and nits of P. humanus infest clothes for sale on a market stall in a country where it had not been reported for decades. Given that the body louse requires frequent blood meals to survive and develop, its arrival on clothes imported from abroad is highly improbable. Hence, it must be presumed that people infected with the human body louse are present in Italy. This report points out a serious regulatory problem regarding the management of second-hand clothes prior to sale and, more generally, of controls in street markets.

10abody louse10aItaly10amarketed clothes10aparasite10avector1 ade Liberato, Claudio1 aMagliano, Adele1 aRomiti, Federico1 aMenegon, Michela1 aMancini, Fabiola1 aCiervo, Alessandra1 adi Luca, Marco1 aToma, Luciano uhttps://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-019-3458-z02947nas a2200277 4500008004100000245013100041210006900172260001200241300000900253490000700262520200500269653002802274653002302302653001202325653003302337653001402370100003702384700002602421700002102447700002002468700003202488700001902520700002202539700002302561856008502584 2019 eng d00aGenetic diversity of human head lice and molecular detection of associated bacterial pathogens in Democratic Republic of Congo0 aGenetic diversity of human head lice and molecular detection of  c06-2019 a9 pp0 v123 a

Background: Head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis, is an obligatory blood-sucking ectoparasite, distributed worldwide. Phylogenetically, it occurs in five divergent mitochondrial clades (A-E); each exhibiting a particular geographical distribution. Recent studies suggest that, as in the case of body louse, head louse could be a disease vector. We aimed to study the genetic diversity of head lice collected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) and to screen for louse-borne pathogens in these lice.

Methods: A total of 181 head lice were collected from 27 individuals at the Monkole Hospital Center located in Kinshasa. All head lice were genotyped and screened for the presence of louse-borne bacteria using molecular methods. We searched for Bartonella quintana, Borrelia recurrentis, Rickettsia prowazekii, Anaplasma spp., Yersinia pestis, Coxiella burnetii and Acinetobacter spp.

Results: Among these head lice, 67.4% (122/181) belonged to clade A and 24.3% (44/181) belonged to clade D. Additionally, for the first time in this area, we found clade E in 8.3% (15/181) of tested lice, from two infested individuals. Dual infestation with clades A and D was observed for 44.4% individuals. Thirty-three of the 181 head lice were infected only by different bacterial species of the genus Acinetobacter. Overall, 16 out of 27 individuals were infested (59.3%). Six Acinetobacter species were detected including Acinetobacter baumannii (8.3%), Acinetobacter johnsonii (1.7%), Acinetobacter soli (1.7%), Acinetobacter pittii (1.7%), Acinetobacter guillouiae (1.1%), as well as a new potential species named "Candidatus Acinetobacter pediculi".

Conclusions: To our knowledge, this study reports for the first time, the presence of clade E head lice in DR Congo. This study is also the first to report the presence of Acinetobacter species DNAs in human head lice in DR Congo.

10aAcinetobacter baumannii10aAcinetobacter spp.10aclade E10aDemocratic Republic of Congo10ahead lice1 aBoumbanda-Koyo, Celia, Scherelle1 aAmanzougaghene, Nadia1 aDavoust, Bernard1 aTshilolo, Léon1 aLekana-Douki, Jean, Bernard1 aRaoult, Didier1 aMediannikov, Oleg1 aFenollar, Florence uhttps://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-019-3540-602267nas a2200277 4500008004100000245008100041210006900122260001200191300001000203490000600213520144900219653001801668653001001686653002201696653000901718653001001727653001001737100003001747700003401777700002201811700003001833700002301863700003001886700001801916856005501934 2015 eng d00aEctoparasites of murids in peninsular Malaysia and their associated diseases0 aEctoparasites of murids in peninsular Malaysia and their associa c04-2015 a10 pp0 v83 a

A considerable number of rat-borne ectoparasite studies have been conducted since the early 1930s in the Malayan Peninsula (now known as peninsular Malaysia). The majority of studies were field surveys and collections of specimens across the region, and were conducted primarily to catalogue the ectoparasite host distribution and discover novel species. This has generated a signification amount of information, particularly on the diversity and host distribution; other aspects such as morphology, host distribution and medical significance have also been investigated. Amongst the four main groups (mites, fleas, ticks, lice), rat-borne mites have received the most attention with a particular emphasis on chiggers, due to their medical importance. More recent studies have examined the distribution of ectoparasites in rats from different habitat type simplicating a high prevalence of zoonotic species infesting rat populations. Despite being capable of transmitting dangerous pathogens to human, the health risks of rat-borne ectoparasites appear to be small with no serious outbreaks of diseases recorded. Although an extensive number of works have been published, there remain gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed, such as, the distribution of under studied ectoparasite groups (listrophorids and myobiids), determining factors influencing infestation, and understanding changes to the population distribution over time.

10aectoparasites10afleas10aHost distribution10alice10amites10aticks1 aMohd_Zain, Siti_Nursheena1 aSyed_Khalil_Amdan, Syed_Arnez1 aBraima, Kamil, A.1 aAbdul-Aziz, Noraishah, M.1 aWilson, John-James1 aSithambaran, Paramesvaran1 aJeffery, John uhttp://www.parasitesandvectors.com/content/8/1/25400753nas a2200133 4500008004100000245009700041210006900138260001200207300000800219490000600227520027600233100002800509856008200537 2011 eng d00aReview of The Biogeography of Host-Parasite Interactions by Serge Morand and Boris R Krasnov0 aReview of The Biogeography of HostParasite Interactions by Serge c03-2011 a2pp0 v43 a

Book review of :

Morand, S and Krasnov, B.R.The Biogeography of Host-Parasite Interactions. Oxford University Press; 2010. 277pages, ISBN 978-0-19-956134-6 (Hbk.), 978-0-19-956135-3 (Pbk.).

1 aGuégan, Jean-François uhttps://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1756-3305-4-3403016nas a2200217 4500008004100000245016600041210006900207260001300276300001000289490000700299520226000306653003202566653002102598653001302619653001202632653001702644100001402661700002202675700001602697856008502713 2020 eng d00aRapid host expansion of an introduced parasite, the spiny rat louse Polyplax spinulosa (Psocodea: Phthiraptera: Polyplacidae), among endemic rodents in Australia0 aRapid host expansion of an introduced parasite the spiny rat lou cFeb-2020 a15 pp0 v133 a

Background: Historical European exploration and colonization resulted in the introduction of four species of rodents to the Australian continent from Eurasia: the brown rat, Rattus norvegicus, the black rat, R. rattus, the Pacific rat, R. exulans, and the house mouse, Mus musculus. The spread of these rodents created opportunities for their co-introduced sucking lice to parasitize and adapt to endemic rodents in Australia.
Methods: We collected sucking lice from rodent specimens in seven museums across Australia. We  identified the spiny rat louse, Polyplax spinulosa, based on morphology. We sequenced the mitochondrial cox1 and rrnL genes of P. spinulosa specimens and constructed a phylogenetic tree with rrnL sequences.
Results: We examined 989 rodent specimens of 54 species and collected 2111 adult sucking lice and 1064 nymphal sucking lice. We found that P. spinulosa had nearly doubled its host range by parasitizing at least six endemic rodent species in Australia. The other two introduced lice, P. serrata and Hoplopleura pacifica, however, have apparently failed to expand to any endemic rodents in Australia. Our analysis of mitochondrial rrnL gene sequences divided P. spinulosa into two genotypes (European vs Southeast Asian), which differ by 7.5%; both genotypes were introduced into Australia and then expanded their host ranges to include endemic rodents.
Conclusions: The earliest record of a European ship landing in Australia was in 1606, followed by British settlement in 1788. The expansion of P. spinulosa to at least six endemic rodent species in Australia has therefore occurred in the time frame of 200 to 400 years, which is extremely rapid relative to its host expansion to eight native rat species in Eurasia in ~ 16 million years since it diverged from P. serrata. The host expansion of P. spinulosa is remarkable for a blood-sucking louse and is in stark contrast to the absence of host expansion by P. serrata and H. pacifica. Comparison among these three introduced sucking lice indicated that both louse-specific factors and host-specific factors can contribute to the success or failure of host expansion.

10ahost-parasite relationships10aInvasive species10aPsocodea10arodents10asucking lice1 aWang, Wei1 aDurden, Lance, A.1 aShao, Renfu uhttps://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-020-3957-y02792nas a2200277 4500008004100000022001400041245014300055210006900198260001200267300000900279490000600288520191300294653002302207653001302230653001402243653001402257100002602271700002602297700002702323700002002350700002202370700002102392700002202413700002402435856005502459 2015 eng d a1756-330500aMolecular survey of the head louse Pediculus humanus capitis in Thailand and its potential role for transmitting Acinetobacter spp.0 aMolecular survey of the head louse iPediculus humanus capitisi i c05-2015 a7 pp0 v83 a

Background: Head louse infestation, which is caused by Pediculus humanus capitis, occurs throughout the world. With the advent of molecular techniques, head lice have been classified into three clades. Recent reports have demonstrated that pathogenic organisms could be found in head lice. Head lice and their pathogenic bacteria in Thailand have never been investigated. In this study, we determined the genetic diversity of head lice collected from various areas of Thailand and demonstrated the presence of Acinetobacter spp. in head lice.
Methods: Total DNA was extracted from 275 head louse samples that were collected from several geographic regions of Thailand. PCR was used to amplify the head louse COI gene and for detection of Bartonella spp. and Acinetobacter spp. The amplified PCR amplicons were cloned and sequenced. The DNA sequences were analyzed via the neighbor-joining method using Kimura’s 2-parameter model.
Results: The phylogenetic tree based on the COI gene revealed that head lice in Thailand are clearly classified into two clades (A and C). Bartonella spp. was not detected in all the samples, whereas Acinetobacter spp. was detected in 10 samples (3.62%), which consisted of A. baumannii (1.45%), A. radioresistens (1.45%), and A. schindleri (0.72%). The relationship of Acinetobacter spp. and the head lice clades showed that Acinetobacter spp. was found in clade A and C.
Conclusions: Head lice in Thailand are classified into clade A and B based on the COI gene sequences. Pathogenic Acinetobacter spp. was detected in both clades. The data obtained from the study might assist in the development of effective strategies for head lice control in the future. Detection of pathogenic bacteria in head lice could raise awareness of head lice as a source of nosocomial bacterial infections.

10aAcinetobacter spp.10aCOI gene10agltA gene10arpoB gene1 aSunantaraporn, Sakone1 aSanprasert, Vivornpun1 aPengsakul, Theerakamol1 aPhumee, Atchara1 aBoonserm, Rungfar1 aTawatsin, Apiwat1 aThavara, Usavadee1 aSiriyasatien, Padet uhttp://www.parasitesandvectors.com/content/8/1/12702975nas a2200301 4500008004100000245011200041210006900153260001400222300000900236490000700245520197500252653002102227653001202248653001702260653000902277653000902286100002902295700002302324700003802347700002802385700003102413700002802444700001902472700003202491700003002523700003502553856008502588 2018 eng d00aPrevalence and risk factors associated with ectoparasite infestation of buffaloes in an Amazonian ecosystem0 aPrevalence and risk factors associated with ectoparasite infesta cJune 2018 a9 pp0 v113 a

Background: The water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is well adapted in some regions of the Amazon. Of all Brazilian states, Pará contains the largest number of this species, with 510,000 animals, approximately 38% of the Brazilian buffaloes. Despite the socioeconomic importance of bubaline farming in the northern region, little is known about the prevalence of ectoparasites that affect buffalo herds. This study aimed to identify the species of buffalo ectoparasites in the municipality of Santarém, Pará, and to determine possible risk factors related to ectoparasitic infestation. A cross-sectional study was conducted by sampling 60 rural properties and 621 buffaloes for ectoparasites. When present, ectoparasites were collected for subsequent identification.
Results: Of all the animals sampled, 18.5% (115/621) had ectoparasites, 7.8% (49/621) had ticks from the species Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and Amblyomma cajennense (sensu stricto), and 11.5% (72/621) had lice from the Haematopinus tuberculatus species. Six animals presented mixed infestations of ticks and lice. Among the sampled farms, 51.6% (31/60) had at least one animal infested with ectoparasites. The prevalence of ticks and lice on buffaloes was associated with the farm site, with higher prevalence (11.5% ticks, 15.4% lice) in animals at dry land (OR: 16.7 and 5.7 for ticks and lice, respectively) when compared with floodplains (0.5% ticks, 3.4% lice). Buffaloes aged 1 to 12 months had more ticks whereas buffaloes aged 13 to 24 months had more lice (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: Buffaloes bred in the municipality of Santarém present different levels of tick and lice infestation according to the direct influence of Amazon ecosystem characteristics. The floodplain environment, widely used for buffalo farming, contributes toward minor ectoparasite infestations in these animals.

10aAmazon ecosystem10abuffalo10aectoparasite10alice10aTick1 aBatista, Helder, Ribeiro1 aSarturi, Cristiane1 aStelmachtchuk, Felipe, Nascimento1 aOliveira, Daniel, Rocha1 aMorini, Adriana, Caroprezo1 aGennari, Solange, Maria1 aMarcili, Arlei1 aBastos, Fernanda, Aparecida1 aBarata, Lauro, Euclides S1 aMinervino, Antonio, Humberto H uhttps://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-018-2917-203462nas a2200277 4500008004100000245022200041210006900263260001600332300001000348490000700358520249300365653001802858653001802876653001602894653001102910653001602921653001702937653001802954100001902972700002102991700001903012700002503031700002103056700002203077856008503099 2018 eng d00aEctoparasite communities of small-bodied Malagasy primates: seasonal and socioecological influences on tick, mite and lice infestation of Microcebus murinus and M. ravelobensis in northwestern Madagascar0 aEctoparasite communities of smallbodied Malagasy primates season cAugust 2018 a18 pp0 v113 a

Background: Ectoparasitic infections are of particular interest for endangered wildlife, as ectoparasites are potential vectors for inter- and intraspecific pathogen transmission and may be indicators to assess the health status of endangered populations. Here, ectoparasite dynamics in sympatric populations of two Malagasy mouse lemur species, Microcebus murinus and M. ravelobensis, were investigated over an 11-month period. Furthermore, the animals’ body mass was determined as an indicator of body condition, reflecting seasonal and environmental challenges. Living in sympatry, the two study species experience the same environmental conditions, but show distinct differences in socioecology: Microcebus murinus sleeps in tree holes, either solitarily (males) or sometimes in groups (females only), whereas M. ravelobensis sleeps in mixed-sex groups in more open vegetation.
Results: Both mouse lemur species hosted ticks (Haemaphysalis sp.), lice (Lemurpediculus sp.) and mites (Trombiculidae gen. sp. and Laelaptidae gen. sp.). Host species, as well as temporal variations (month and year), were identified as the main factors influencing infestation. Tick infestation peaked in the late dry season and was significantly more often observed in M. murinus (P = 0.011), while lice infestation was more likely in M. ravelobensis (P < 0.001) and showed a continuous increase over the course of the dry season. Genetic analyses identified Lemurpediculus sp. infesting both mouse lemur species. Ticks morphologically conform to H. lemuris, but genetic analysis showed a clear differentiation of the specimens collected in this study, suggesting a potentially new tick species. Host body mass decreased from the early to the late dry season, indicating nutritional stress during this period, which may render individuals more susceptible to parasitic infections.
Conclusions: Seasonal differences and species-specific variations in sleeping site ecology in terms of sleeping site type and sociality were determined as key factors influencing ectoparasitism in M. murinus and M. ravelobensis. This needs to be taken into account when evaluating ectoparasite infestations at a given time point. The detection of the same parasite species on two closely related and sympatric host species furthermore indicates a potential pathway for disease transmission, not only within but also between lemur species.

10aectoparasites10ahaemaphysalis10aLaelaptidae10aLemurs10aseasonality10aSocioecology10aTrombiculidae1 aKlein, Annette1 aZimmermann, Elke1 aRadespiel, Ute1 aSchaarschmidt, Frank1 aSpringer, Andrea1 aStrube, Christina uhttps://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-018-3034-y03521nas a2200301 4500008004100000245010300041210006900144260001300213300001000226490000700236520259400243653002302837653001202860653002202872653001402894653002302908653002302931653002702954653001802981100001802999700002603017700001303043700002303056700001903079700001403098700002203112856008503134 2018 eng d00aDetection of bacterial pathogens in clade E head lice collected from Niger’s refugees in Algeria0 aDetection of bacterial pathogens in clade E head lice collected  cJun 2018 a11 pp0 v113 a

Background: Head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis, are obligate blood-sucking parasites. Phylogenetically, they occur in five divergent mitochondrial clades (A, D, B, C and E), each having a particular geographical distribution. Recent studies have revealed that head lice, as is the case of body lice, can act as a vector for louse-borne diseases. Here, we aimed to study the genetic diversity of head lice collected from Niger’s refugees (migrant population) arriving in Algeria, northern Africa, and to look for louse-borne pathogens. Comparative head lice samples collected from indigenous population of schoolchildren (non-immigrant) were also analyzed to frame the study.
Results: In this study, 37 head lice samples were collected from 31 Nigerien refugees, as well as 45 head lice from 27 schoolchildren. The collection was established in three localities of eastern Algiers, north Algeria. Quantitative real-time PCR screening of pathogens bacteria and the genetic characterisation of the head lice satut were performed. Through amplification and sequencing of the cytb gene, results showed that all head lice of Nigerien refugees 37/82 (45.12%) belonged to clade E with the presence of four new haplotypes, while, of the 45 head lice of schoolchildren, 34/82 lice (41.46%) belonged to clade A and 11/82 (13.41%) belonged to clade B. Our study is the first to report the existence of clade E haplogroup in Nigerien head lice. DNA of Coxiella burnetii was detected in 3/37 (8.10%) of the head lice collected from 3 of the 31 (9.67%) migrant population. We also revealed the presence of Acinetobacter DNA in 20/37 (54.05%) of head lice collected from 25/31 (80.64%) of the Nigerien refugees, and in 25/45 (55.55%) head lice collected from 15/27 (55.55%) schoolchildren. All positive Nigerien-head lice for Acinetobacter spp. were identified as A. baumannii, while positive schoolchildren-head lice were identified as A. johnsonii 15/25 (60%), A. variabilis 8/25 (32%) and A. baumannii 2/25 (8%).
Conclusions: Based on these findings from head lice collected on migrant and non-migrant population, our results show, for the first time, that head lice from Niger belong to haplogroup E, and confirm that the clade E had a west African distribution. We also detected, for the first time, the presence of C. burnetii and A. baumannii in these Nigerien head lice. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to determine whether the head lice can transmit these pathogenic bacteria from one person to another.

10aAcinetobacter spp.10aAlgeria10aCoxiella burnetii10ahead lice10aMigrant population10aNiger’s refugees10aNon-migrant population10aScholchildren1 aLouni, Meriem1 aAmanzougaghene, Nadia1 aMANA, N.1 aFenollar, Florence1 aRaoult, Didier1 aBITAM, I.1 aMediannikov, Oleg uhttps://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-018-2930-503304nas a2200325 4500008004100000245014600041210007100187260001600258300000900274490000700283520232700290653001702617653002102634653000802655653001302663653001302676653001502689653000902704653000902713653001502722653001202737100002602749700001702775700001902792700001902811700002102830700002002851700002302871856008402894 2017 eng d00aEfficacy of fluralaner (Bravecto™ chewable tablets) for the treatment of naturally acquired Linognathus setosus infestations on dogs0 aEfficacy of fluralaner Bravecto™ chewable tablets for the treatm cJan-12-2017 a7 pp0 v103 a

Background: The clinical efficacy of fluralaner chewable tablets (BravectoTM, MSD Animal Health) against naturally acquired Linognathus setosus infestations on dogs was evaluated compared with permethrin (Exspot®, MSD Animal Health) treatment.
Methods: Privately-owned dogs naturally infested with L. setosus from 21 different households were randomly allocated to two treatment groups. Fourteen dogs were treated once orally with fluralaner and ten dogs were treated once topically with permethrin, at the recommended label dose. Live L. setosus on all dogs were counted before treatment and 1, 7, 28 (both groups) and 84 (fluralaner group) days post-treatment according to a coat parting technique at pre-specified locations and lice species were confirmed microscopically. At the same time points, a veterinary dermatology severity score and an owner’s perceived pruritus score were recorded.
Results: Percentage reduction in geometric mean L. setosus counts, comparing post- with pre-treatment counts within each group, were 85.7% (day 1), 96.8% (day 7) and 100% (days 28 and 84) for the fluralaner (two-sided two-sample t-test, P ≤ 0.0088 for days 1–84) and 67.5% (day 1), 90.3% (day 7) 99.1% (day 28) for the permethrin group (two-sided two-sample t-test, P ≤ 0.0014 for days 7–28). No lice were seen on fluralaner-treated dogs 28 and 84 days post-treatment. In contrast, two permethrin-treated dogs were re-treated at 7 and 28 days after initial treatment because of observed lice. Owner’s perceived pruritus scores were reduced compared to pre-treatment levels by 23.8% (day 1), 31.1% (day 7), 70.4% (day 28) and 99.5% (day 84) after fluralaner treatment and 21.3% (day 1), 45.8% (day 7), and 78.1% (day 28) after permethrin treatment. Dermatological signs were improved compared to pre-treatment levels in both treatment groups.
Conclusions: Single oral fluralaner treatment eliminated natural L. setosus infestation on dogs within 28 days and led to complete dermatological recovery that was maintained until the study end on day 84. Single topical permethrin treatment reduced the number of L. setosus by 99.1% at day 28 although two animals required unscheduled re-treatment.

10aBravecto ™10aChewable tablets10adog10aefficacy10aExspot®10aFluralaner10alice10aoral10aPermethrin10atopical1 aKohler-Aanesen, Heike1 aSaari, Seppo1 aArmstrong, Rob1 aPéré, Karine1 aTaenzler, Janina1 aZschiesche, Eva1 aHeckeroth, Anja, R uhttp://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-017-2344-902493nas a2200205 4500008004100000245026000041210006900301260001600370300000800386490000700394520168300401653001602084653001302100100001402113700002302127700001402150700002202164700001602186856008502202 2018 eng d00aA new species of sucking louse Hoplopleura villosissima n. sp. (Psocodea: Phthiraptera: Hoplopleuridae) and a new host record of the spiny rat louse Polyplax spinulosa Burmeister, 1839 (Psocodea: Phthiraptera: Polyplacidae) from the long-haired rat Rattus0 anew species of sucking louse Hoplopleura villosissima n sp Psoco cJan-12-2018 a8pp0 v113 a

Full title : A new species of sucking louse Hoplopleura villosissima n. sp. (Psocodea: Phthiraptera: Hoplopleuridae) and a new host record of the spiny rat louse Polyplax spinulosa Burmeister, 1839 (Psocodea: Phthiraptera: Polyplacidae) from the long-haired rat Rattus villosissimus Waite (Rodentia: Muridae) in Australia

Background: The sucking louse fauna of endemic Australian rodents has been under-studied for decades. Sixty-five species of native rodents have been recorded in Australia. However, only 11 species of lice have been reported from 11 species of endemic Australian rodents.

Results: We describe a new species of sucking louse, Hoplopleura villosissima Wang (Psocodea: Phthiraptera: Hoplopleuridae), and report a new host record of the spiny rat louse, Polyplax spinulosa Burmeister, 1839 (Psocodea: Phthiraptera: Polyplacidae), from the long-haired rat, Rattus villosissimus Waite (Rodentia: Muridae), which is endemic to Australia.

Conclusions: This study is the first record of sucking louse from R. villosissimus and the first record of a species of Polyplax Enderlein, 1904 from an endemic Australian rodent. This study brings the total number of sucking louse species in endemic Australian rodents from 11 to 13. Previously, only the introduced brown rat, Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout and the black rat, Rattus rattus Linnaeus were recorded as the hosts of P. spinulosa in Australia. Because R. villosissimus overlaps with R. rattus in distribution but not with R. norvegicus, we propose that P. spinulosa transferred to R. villosissimus from R. rattus.

10anew species10aPsocodea1 aWang, Wei1 aWeaver, Haylee, J.1 aSong, Fan1 aDurden, Lance, A.1 aShao, Renfu uhttps://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-018-3037-802557nas a2200217 4500008004100000245009600041210006900137300001000206490000600216520185900222653001702081653002202098653001702120653001602137653001802153100002002171700002002191700002202211700002102233856008502254 2016 eng d00aEvidence for interspecific interactions in the ectoparasite infracommunity of a wild mammal0 aEvidence for interspecific interactions in the ectoparasite infr a11 pp0 v93 a

Background: Co-infection with multiple parasite species is commonly observed in nature and interspecific interactions are likely to occur in parasite infracommunities. Such interactions may affect the distribution of parasites among hosts but also the response of infracommunities to perturbations. However, the response of infracommunities to perturbations has not been well studied experimentally for ectoparasite communities of small mammal hosts.
Methods: In the current study we used experimental perturbations of the ectoparasite infracommunity of sengis from Africa. We suppressed tick recruitment by applying an acaride and monitored the effects on the ectoparasite community.
Results: Our treatment affected the target as well as two non-target species directly. The experimental removal of the dominant tick (Rhipicephalus spp.) resulted in increases in the abundance of chiggers and lice. However, while these effects were short-lived in chiggers, which are questing from the environment, they were long-lasting for lice which spend their entire life-cycle on the host. In addition, the recruitment rates of some ectoparasite species were high and did not always correspond to total burdens observed.
Conclusion: These findings indicate that infracommunity interactions may contribute to patterns of parasite burdens. The divergent responses of species with differing life-history traits suggest that perturbation responses may be affected by parasite life-history and that the ectoparasite infracommunity of sengis may lack resilience to perturbations. The latter observation contrasts with the high resilience reported previously for endoparasite communities and also suggests that anti-parasite treatments can affect the distribution of non-target species.

10aco-infection10aCommunity ecology10aectoparasite10aInteraction10aRhipicephalus1 aHoffmann, Sasha1 aHorak, Ivan, G.1 aBennett, Nigel, C1 aLutermann, Heike uhttps://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-016-1342-702899nas a2200265 4500008004100000245009100041210006900132260001600201490000600217520204400223653002002267653002202287653002302309653002002332653002202352100002002374700002202394700002502416700002402441700002302465700001802488700002002506700002302526856008402549 2016 eng d00aSarcoptes scabiei infestation does not alter the stability of ectoparasite communities0 aSarcoptes scabiei infestation does not alter the stability of ec cJan-12-20160 v93 a

Background: The host represents a heterogeneous ecosystem where multiple parasite species co-occur and interact with each other for space and resources. Although these interactions may rule the features of an infracommunity and may shape the infracommunity response to external perturbations, the resilience of ectoparasite communities to new infestations remains poorly explored.
Methods: We analysed the composition of the ectoparasite communities found on 214 individual Iberian ibexes (Capra pyrenaica) inhabiting the Sierra Nevada Natural Space, southern Spain. Using classification and regression trees, we explored how the presence of Sarcoptes scabiei (a highly contagious mite), the off-host environment and the host sex govern the prevalence and abundance of lice and ticks. Null model analysis was applied to assess the impact of S. scabiei on the structure of the ectoparasite communities.
Results: Our results suggest that S. scabiei infestation acts in tandem with off-host environment and host sex to define the prevalence and abundance of lice and ticks. We also provided evidence for differences in species co-occurrence only at the early stages of S. scabiei infestation. Regarding species diversity, we recorded that ectoparasite communities in scabietic ibexes reached a high richness faster than those in healthy individuals.
Conclusions: Even though we show that ectoparasite burden is correlated with S. scabiei infestation, off-host environment and host sex, the species response to S. scabiei infestation and climate seem to be highly variable and influenced by ectoparasite life-history traits. Ectoparasite communities also appear resilient to perturbations which is in agreement with what was previously reported for endoparasites. Future refinement of sample collection and the incorporation of ecological and epidemiological-related variables may allow us to establish causal effects and deepen the knowledge about the mechanisms and consequences of ectoparasite interactions.

10aCapra pyrenaica10aCommunity ecology10aEcosystem engineer10aMultiparasitism10aSarcoptes scabiei1 aCarvalho, João1 aSerrano, Emmanuel1 aPettorelli, Nathalie1 aGranados, José, E.1 aHabela, Miguel, A.1 aOlmeda, Sonia1 aFonseca, Carlos1 aPérez, Jesús, M. uhttp://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-016-1659-2