Columbicola Columbae Research Articles

NERVOUS SYSTEM OF A PIGEON SLENDER LOUSE COLUMBICOLA COLUMBAE (PHTHIRAPTERA: ISCHNOCERA)

The nervous system of a pigeon slender louse, Columbicola columbae, has been studied in greater detail. C. columbae is a permanent, obligatory, and wingless insect. The central nervous system consists of a series of ganglia that supply nerves to successive body segments. The three main ganglia in the head, protocerebrum, deutocerebrum, and tritocerebrum, are fused to form the brain or supraesophageal ganglion. The nervous system of the pigeon slender louse, C. columbae (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera), consists of a U-shaped compact cerebral ganglion, subesophageal ganglion, and three thoracic ganglia. The ventral nerve cord and subesophageal ganglion are also located in the head. The three thoracic ganglions are placed in pro-, meso-, and meta-thorax. The frontal ganglion is situated anterior to the brain at a considerable distance.. KEYWORDS :Brain, Columbicola columbae, Nervous system, Pigeon slender louse

Diversity of ectoparasites of Gallus domesticus, NGOU 1990 (Hens) and Numida meleagris, Linnaeus 1758 (Guinea fowl) reared in extensive system in the Commune of Loumbila, Burkina Faso

In addition to impacting Avian’s zootechnical performance, Ectoparasites, lead to economic declines in Avian’s production. They are also recognized as vectors of zoonotic diseases in humans. This research investigated the ectoparasites of two poultry species, namely Gallus domesticus and Numida meleagris, in a periurban area of Ouagadougou (Loumbila) in Burkina Faso. The study was done from November 2021 to March 2022. The stratified probabilistic method was used for poultry collection. Following each collection, the poultry received a meticulous examination of the body and feathers to detect any ectoparasites. Sixty-five poultry specimens were examined, yielding seven kinds of ectoparasites. The collected ectoparasites consist of two classes: Insects, which include six species (Menopon gallinae, Menacanthus stramineus, Goniodes gigas, Goniocotes gallinae, Lipeurus caponis, and Columbicola columbae). The Mite class was represented by a single species (Argas persicus). The host variety and reproduction mode did not correlate with parasitism. Nevertheless, the prevalence and range of parasitic organisms in poultry differed based on the rearing method. The phenomenon of polyparasitism was noticed in most poultry infected with multiple parasites. Therefore, this could negatively influence the zootechnical quality of chickens and promote the transmission of certain zoonotic diseases.

ECTOPARASITES OF DOMESTIC PIGEONS (Columba livia domestica) IN DIYARBAKIR PROVINCE IN TÜRKIYE

Ectoparasitic diseases have been observed in studies that have negative effects, especially on the development of pigeons. This study was conducted to determine the ectoparasite species found in domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in Diyarbakır city center. A total of 125 pigeons in Diyarbakır and its center were studied in terms of ectoparasites. It was determined that 66 (52.8%) of 125 pigeons examined during the study process in Diyarbakır were infested with various ectoparasite species at varying degrees. Columbicola columbae was found in 48% of the pigeons and Goniocotes bidentatus in 4.8%. One species was found in 60 (91%) of the infested pigeons and two species (C. Columbae + G.bidentatus) were found together in 6 (9%) of the infested pigeons.

Ecto- and helminths of <i>Columba livia</i> and <i>Streptopelia roseogrisea</i> in Alimosho community, Lagos State, Nigeria

Fifty wild columbids (25 each of Columba livia and Streptopelia roseogrisea) were trapped in Alimosho, Lagos State, Nigeria from January to June 2022 and examined for ectoparasites and intestinal helminths following standard procedures. Three (6%) of the birds were infested with two species of ectoparasites. Prevalence and mean intensity of infection were: Gonoides gigas 6% and 0.34±SD; Columbicola columbae 6% and 0.14±SD respectively. Thirty-two (64%) of the birds were infected with helminths, represented by three species of cestodes and one species of nematode. The prevalence and mean intensity of infection of the cestodes were as follows: Raillientina echinobothrida 50% and 25±SD), Raillientina tetragona 40% and 20±SD and Raillientina cesticillus 20% and 10±SD, while the nematode recovered was Ascarida galli with prevalence and mean intensity of infection of 4% and 2±SD. Only 9.4% of the birds studied harboured triple infections, while 6.3% of the birds had double infection. The prevalence of gastro intestinal helminths within Streptopelia roseogrisea was higher for cestodes (p< 0.05) and for ectoparasitic infestation, Gonoides gigas had the highest prevalence (6%; p< 0.05). The overall prevalence (64.00%) of parasitic infection among columbids in this study was high, with Raillientina sp, a zoonotic parasite, dominating the infections. This demands for control, considering the close proximity of pigeons to man.

PHEROMONE COMMUNICATION IN FEATHER-FEEDING WING LICE (INSECTA: PHTHIRAPTERA).

Pheromone communication is central to the life history of insect parasites. Determining how pheromones affect parasite behavior can provide insights into host-parasite interactions and suggest novel avenues for parasite control. Lice infest thousands of bird and mammal species and feed on the host's feathers or blood. Despite the pervasiveness of lice in wild populations and the costs they exact on livestock and poultry industries, little is known about pheromone communication in this diverse group. Here, we test for pheromone communication in the wing lice (Columbicola columbae) of Rock Doves (Columba livia). Wing lice spend the majority of their lives on bird flight feathers where they hide from host preening by inserting their bodies between coarse feather barbs. To feed, wing lice must migrate to bird body regions where they consume the insulating barbs of contour feathers. We first show that wing lice readily form aggregations on flight feathers. Next, using a Y-tube olfactometer, we demonstrate that wing lice use pheromone communication to move toward groups of nearby conspecifics. This pheromone is likely an aggregation pheromone, as wing lice only produce the pheromone when placed on flight feathers. Finally, we found that when forced to choose between groups of male and female lice, male lice move toward male groups and females toward female groups, suggesting the use of multiple pheromones. Ongoing work aims to determine the chemical identity and function of these pheromones.

Prevalence of chewing lice species on migratory birds in Razzaza lake

Chewing lice (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera and Amblycera) are permanent, obligate, and host-specific ectoparasites commonly found in birds. This study detects the types of chewing lice on living migratory birds. 436 birds were detected in Razzaza Lake that included lice and were captured during migration from October 2021 to February 2022 like Anas strepera, Anas crecca, Anas platyrhynchos, and Anas clypeata. The lice were soaked in 70% of ethyl alcohol and three species were found on 48 (10.98%) of four different bird species; Columbicola columbae, Campanulotes bidentatus, and Menacanthus camelinus. A new species is the M. camelinus that was found among new types of birds; A. platyrhynchos and A. clypeata, recording 1(2.04%). The prevalence sex of the infested birds and the lice species was A. strepera; 13(27.08%), 13(26.53%), A. crecca; 3(0.80%), 3(6.12%), A. platyrhynchos; 31(8.27%), 31(63.27%), A. clypeata; 1(0.27%), 2(4.08%), respectively. The Natural History Research Center and Museum at Baghdad University confirmed the parasite and type of birds. Migratory birds are one of the infectious resources for local and domestic birds that should be treated continuously to prevent pathogen transmission and preservation of bird flocks. The insecticide should be used on all bird flocks to prevent the completion concerning the stages of the cycle of life.

Survey and Prevalence of Lice Infestation the Pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in Kurdistan Region-Iraq

Many parasite species may damage domestic pigeons, which are from the most essential birds for human populations in every corner of the world. Ectoparasites can be found in almost every bird. Birds can be impacted by a number of health problems, but parasitic illnesses play a crucial role influence. They are a significant source of disease infection and transmission. Although domestic pigeon lice are not known to spread any avian infections, they are hazardous to young birds in particular and typically accompany poor poultry health that is due to other factors. where a lot of lice could keep you up at night. They consume their bodily fluids, such as blood, and feathers. Since lice have a chewing mouthpart and feed on dry skin scales, scab tissues, and feather parts in addition to irritating the host's skin and sucking blood, the effects of louse parasitism on birds are frequently severe and include stunted growth and susceptibility to other infections. From October 2017 to July 2018, 200 domestic pigeons were checked for pigeons chewing lice. Three urban locations were chosen at random for each of the three main governorates in the study area—Duhok, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah. Hands were picked clean of lice; Samples were kept in 96 percent ethanol-filled tubes before being examined and identified under a dissecting microscope. In the current study, 48% (96/200) of domestic pigeons were infected with one or more lice and three species of lice were recorded and identified by morphological characteristics: Companulatus compare, Columbicola columbae, and Hohorostilla lata.

Ectoparasitic fauna of poultry species in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

Ectoparasitic fauna of 397 conveniently sampled domestic birds consisting of 213 chickens, 128 turkeys, 21 ducks, 19 guinea fowls, 8 pigeons and 8 geese were investigated in Maiduguri, Borno State. A total of one hundred and fifty-two 152 (38.29%) birds were infested with one ectoparasitic species or the other comprising of 115 (54.00%) chickens, 33 (25.78%) turkeys, 1 (5.26%) guinea fowl and 3 (37.50%) pigeons. No infestation was encountered among geese and ducks examined. The infestation rate differed significantly based on sex and age (p<0.05), but not the management system. Similarly, the occurrence varied significantly (p<0.05) based on locations of sampling (p<0.00001) and species of poultry examined (p<0.000049). Furthermore, 116 (29.21%) of the total birds examined had a single infestation with either louse, tick or mite species, while 36(9.06%) birds had mixed infestation with species from two or more of these ectoparasitic groups. Among the parasites encountered, lice present on 146 (36.77%) birds were the most prevalent, followed by mites 28(7.05%) and ticks 15(3.78%). Nine different species of ectoparasites belonging to the orders Mallophaga and Acarina were identified in the study. Menopon gallinae, Lipeurus caponis, Menacanthus stramineus, Goniodes gigas, Goniocotes gallinae and Columbicola columbae were the lice identified, while Cnemidocoptes mutans and Ornithonyssus bursa were the only species of mite identified. The poultry tick, Argas persicus was the only tick species found. Conclusively, the study revealed a high but variable burden of ectoparasitic infestation among poultry species examined, and that ectoparasites are common in minor poultry species as they do occur in chickens under different management systems in the study area. The need to investigate the diverse effects of ectoparasitism on the different poultry species is suggested here.

Safety and Efficacy of Pure and a Nanosuspension of D-limonene for Controlling Pigeon Lice.

This study investigated the safety and efficacy of two forms of D-limonene (DL) against Columbicola columbae (pigeon feather lice); pure and a nanoemulsion formulation (DLN). The cell cytotoxicity of the prepared forms of DL/DLN was investigated using skin cell lines. In vitro and ex vivo bioassays were applied on lice. The ex vivo bioassay was done on cut feathers containing lice eggs. The in vivo experiment was conducted on pigeons naturally infested by lice. The infested pigeons were treated with DL, DLN, or deltamethrin (D) as a positive control. Both forms of D-limonene were found to be safe when applied to the normal human skin fibroblast cell line, but DLN was toxic to skin cell carcinoma. The in vitro and ex vivo results of both DL and DLN forms were similar. All eggs treated with DL, DLN, and D failed to hatch (100%). The in vivo results showed complete elimination of lice 24 h post-treatment (PT), and biochemical analysis showed that the treated birds retained normal kidney and liver functions. Treated groups also showed improved productivity in the 4 months PT. In conclusion, DL and DLN are safe and effective in controlling feather lice infestation in pigeons and successful treatment encourages bird productivity.

Seasonal population dynamics of the common chewing lice Columbicola columbae infesting the domestic pigeon Columba livia

ABSTRACT The biological and ecological factors experienced across the lifespan by the bird hosts affect the seasonal dynamics of their ectoparasites. The seasonal population of Columbicola columbae which infests the domestic pigeon Columba livia domestica, in Egypt was studied across four seasons in Cairo, Egypt. 25 pairs (25 ♀ and 25 ♂) of Columba livia domestica were visually assessed for chewing lice infestation, twice a month for one year from March 1st 2019 to February 28th, 2020. Life stages (nymphs and adults) of C. columbae were represented across the four seasons. Environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity play a significant role in shaping the population dynamic of this ectoparasite. The intensity rate of C. columbae displayed the highest peak of 78.65 ± 15.28 in autumn, followed by 59.67 ± 20.58 in summer, 26.65 ± 16.66 in winter, and finally 18.65 ± 7.41 in spring. The infestation level of lice was much higher on females (93.64 ± 7.53) than males (81.40 ± 8.70) pigeons. The fluctuations in C. columbae population intensity on pigeons could be related to external environmental factors and host-related factors, which are affected by the season.

D-limonene nanoemulsion: lousicidal activity, stability, and effect on the cuticle of Columbicola columbae.

The current study was conducted to investigate the efficacy and stability of D-limonene (DL) and its nanoemulsion (DLN) against pigeon feather lice (Columbicola columbae) and their mode of action. DL pure form and DLN were prepared and characterized freshly and after storage for 50 days. In vitro bioassay on live lice was conducted with different concentrations of DL, DLN, and deltamethrin (DM). The results revealed significant mortality rates in the DL-, DLN-, DM-treated groups when compared with the control (p < 0.05). The scanning electron micrographs of lice treated with DL and DLN revealed collapsed bodies with destruction in the cuticle of the mouthparts and damaged antennae. The 50 days stored DLN showed stability in their effectiveness when compared with the freshly prepared formulation. DL and DLN caused significant inhibition (p ≤ 0.05) in acetylcholinesterase activity (AchE). Malondialdehyde level (MDA) was significantly increased while glutathione was significantly decreased in DL- and DLN-treated lice. In conclusion, DL and DLN have significant lousicidal activities. DLN showed better stability than DL after storage for 50 days. In addition, the mode of action of DL may associate with its effect on the cuticle of the lice body, inhibition of AchE, and increasing oxidative stress in the treated lice.

Population characteristics of louse Columbicola columbae Linn. 1758 (Phthiraptera: Insecta) on pigeons in Uttar Pradesh, India

Population characteristics of the pigeon louse, Columbicola columbae were recorded on 360 pigeons in the district Meerut, Uttar Pradesh during 2017. Parasitic infestation was 70 per cent with mean intensity of 58.5, with a range of 1-200. The louse exhibited skewed distribution on host body (variance/ mean = 44.5; index of discrepancy = 0.54; exponent of negative binomial = 0.34), however the frequency distribution pattern could not conform to negative binomial model. Sex ratio and adult nymph ratio of the louse were also skewed (M: F = 1: 1.3; A: N = 1: 1.2). Mean monthly prevalence and mean intensity of infestation exhibited significant positive correlation with the environmental temperature and photoperiod but not with relative humidity.

Columbicola columbae bacillus

This datasheet on Columbicola columbae bacillus covers Identity, Distribution, Hosts/Species Affected.

The prevalence and intensity of external parasites in domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in Egypt with special reference to the role of deltamethrin as insecticidal agent

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and intensity of external parasites in domestic pigeons in Giza, Egypt, from January 2020 to December 2020. A total of 300 domestic pigeons (25 pigeons per month) were examined. The birds were divided into groups based on their age. The oxidative stress parameters; serum zinc concentration, serum malondialdehyde (MDA), and serum Nitric oxide were evaluated in single and mixed external parasitic infestations. The prevalence of external parasites in examined pigeons was 80.3%. The detected parasites werePseudolynchia canariensis (P. canariensis),Hippobosca equina (H. equina),Columbicola columbae (C. columbae),Menopon gallinae (M. gallinae), Knemidocoptes species (spp.) andDermanyssus gallinae (D. gallinae);their incidences were 41.6, 26, 7, 5,0.33 and 0.33%, respectively. The highest infestation was recorded in both spring and summer. . The incidence of disease was higher in squabs and young birds than in adults. The mixed external parasitic infestation was recorded in this study. The infected birds showed decreased serum zinc concentration and elevated MDA and serum Nitric oxide levels. In conclusion, regular monthly treatment with deltamethrin is recommended as an effective drug in the treatment of the infested birds and succeeded in reducing the incidence of externalparasites in the treated birds; in addition, pigeon management measures must be implemented to reduce the risk of external parasites.

Investigation of parasitic infection of Merops apiaster Bird

The current study was conducted in Al-Hawija district, 60 km west of Kirkuk city, and extended from September 2019 to September 2020, where 104 birds of European bee-eaters (Merops Apiaster) were collected and the results were as follows: two species of lice were diagnosed, namely Columbicola columbae and Hohorstiella lata and one species of tapeworm Rllietina tetragona. The results of the diagnosis of ectoparasites showed that the overall infection rate was 41.34%, and 14.42%for endoparasites. The results showed significant differences in the infection rates according to the different months of the study, as the highest significant infection rates were 28.57% .The results showed that weight group 41-50 gm recorded the highest rates of significant infection, with rates of 48.05 and 15.58% for Ectoparasitic and endoparasitic, respectively.

The Prevalence of Parasites in the Domestic Pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in Zakho City, Kurdistan-Iraq

Pigeons have accompanied humans since ancient time because they are used as a source of food, pets, hobby, and religious symbols. Pigeons have shown high prevalence rate of infection with gastrointestinal helminths and protozoan. This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of parasitic infections in the domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica) from October, 2017 to April, 2018, purchased from bird market of Zakho City, Kurdistan region. The samples were taken from 50 adult pigeons (28 males and 22 females). The birds were transferred to Parasitology Laboratory, Faculty of Science, Zakho University. In the laboratory, each bird was sacrificed and immediately the feather and skin of under wings, chest and the rest of the body was examined for ectoparasites. The collected ectoparasites were preserved in 70% alcohol for further study. The sacrificed birds were dissected and their intestine and contained were examined for the presence of parasites. The results revealed a total rate of 76% of infection with ectoparasites, which included three species of lice, namely: Columbicola columbae (56%), Companulotes compar (36%) and Hohorstiella lata (10%). Regarding helminths, cestodes were the only helminths found in this study with a rate of 16% (8/50). Three species of cestodes were recorded, they included: Raillietina cesticillus(14%), Raillietina echinobothrida(4%) and Choanotaenia infundibulum (2%). Further studies are required to evaluate the effect of the recovered parasites on this host and their transmission to other poultry flocks and human. Keywords: Pigeon, Ectoparasites, Cestodes, Prevalence.

Management and treatment procedure of windpuff caused by lice infestation in domestic pigeon: A case report

A rare case of windpuff was diagnosed in 7 months old two domestic pigeons due to itching and scratching with inanimate objects caused by lice infestation reported in Begumganj upazila hospital, Noakhali district, Bangladesh. This is the first case of domestic pigeon recorded in Bangladesh and the aim of this case study is to determine the causal agent, treatment and management procedure of windpuff. Parasitological examination of feathers revealed the presence of Columbicola columbae, a dorso-ventrally flattened biting type louse. Using needle puncture was able to release the ballooning condition and the pigeons were treated with antimicrobial drug (Enrofloxacin @10mg/kg body weight) through drinking water along with multivitamin and ectoparasiticidal drug (Ivermectin @0.4mg/kg body weight). Both the pigeon was successfully recovered without any further complications within four days.

Isolation and Diagnosis of Different Parasitic Groups from Some Species of Wild Birds in Daquq Distnet,Kirkuk Province

In the present study number(187) birds were collected, examined and dissected and the results revealed the presence of the following parasites: Parasitic protozoa: The Pterocles olchata and Columba Livia were found infected with Haemoproteus and this protozoa was recorded for the first time in Ptercle olchata.Plasmodium was found in blood of Cotunix coturnix and the Eimeria was found in Cotunix coturnix and pterocles olchata whereas Cryptosporidium and Giardia were found in Ptercles olchata and Mergus serrator. Cestoda: The genus Metadilepis and genus Cotugina were found in Columba livia and Mergus serrator, respectively. Nematode: The genus Ascarida hermaphrodite was found in Columba livia and Mergus serrator whereas genus Acuaria laticepiا was found in Sturnus vulgaris. Lice: Columbicola columbae and Companulotez compare were found in Columba livia whereas (Laemobothrion maximum, Craspedorrhynchus platystomus and Degeeriella leucopleura were found in Aquila chrysaetos. These louse species were new recods in lraq.

The assembled and annotated genome of the pigeon louse Columbicola columbae, a model ectoparasite.

The pigeon louse Columbicola columbae is a longstanding and important model for studies of ectoparasitism and host-parasite coevolution. However, a deeper understanding of its evolution and capacity for rapid adaptation is limited by a lack of genomic resources. Here, we present a high-quality draft assembly of the C. columbae genome, produced using a combination of Oxford Nanopore, Illumina, and Hi-C technologies. The final assembly is 208 Mb in length, with 12 chromosome-size scaffolds representing 98.1% of the assembly. For gene model prediction, we used a novel clustering method (wavy_choose) for Oxford Nanopore RNA-seq reads to feed into the MAKER annotation pipeline. High recovery of conserved single-copy orthologs (BUSCOs) suggests that our assembly and annotation are both highly complete and highly accurate. Consistent with the results of the only other assembled louse genome, Pediculus humanus, we find that C. columbae has a relatively low density of repetitive elements, the majority of which are DNA transposons. Also similar to P. humanus, we find a reduced number of genes encoding opsins, G protein-coupled receptors, odorant receptors, insulin signaling pathway components, and detoxification proteins in the C. columbae genome, relative to other insects. We propose that such losses might characterize the genomes of obligate, permanent ectoparasites with predictable habitats, limited foraging complexity, and simple dietary regimes. The sequencing and analysis for this genome were relatively low cost, and took advantage of a new clustering technique for Oxford Nanopore RNAseq reads that will be useful to future genome projects.

Nest building, dimension, and selection of aromatic and medicinal twigs to repel ectoparasites in the European Turtle dove

Studies incorporating the nesting behavior and ecology of parasite disease in the European turtle dove during breeding periods are rare. This research examined nest features and nesting materials in Turtle doves to characterize nest dimensions, build, and incorporate vegetation, mainly aromatic and medicinal plants. In parallel, we estimated the ectoparasite load on chicks to verify an eventual relation between odorant plants and pathogen loads. The study was carried in apple orchards at Okhaja Ait Ayach, Midelt province Morocco, during 2015 and 2016. The obtained results demonstrate that the Turtle dove constructs a medium nest, compared to its body size, using several plant species, including medicinal and aromatic species known for their toxicity against pathogens. The inhibition capacity of nesting materials is reflected in parasite loads since only 8% of chicks were infested with Columbicola columbae and Dermanyssus gallinae. Repellent materials in nests are a successful behavioral strategy for this declining game to protect nestlings against pathogens.