Bidens Research Articles

Prevalence of Fleas and Gastrointestinal Parasites in Free-Roaming Cats in Central Mexico

The prevalence of fleas and gastrointestinal parasites in free-roaming and domestic cats in central Mexico was evaluated. Three hundred and fifty eight cats captured in the street or brought in by owners to the Animal Control Center Unit, a unit of State Government, from June 2010 to May 2011, were included in the study. All cats were examined for the presence of fleas and gastrointestinal worms. One-hundred and ninety (53%) cats were infested with at least one flea species. Single infestations were observed in 106 (30%) cats and mixed infestations in 84 (23%) cats. Four species of fleas were recovered: Ctenocephalides felis in 53% of the cats, C. canis in 18%, Echidnophaga gallinacea in 7% and Pulex irritans in 1%. One-hundred and sixty three (45%) cats were infected with one or more species of gastrointestinal parasites: 48 (13%) with nematodes, 145 (40%) with cestodes, and one animal presented Moniliformis moniliformis. Prevalences and mean intensity of infection were: Physaloptera praeputialis 7 and 18; T. cati 3 and 2; Ancylostoma tubaeforme 2.5 and 2; Toxascaris leonina 0.5 and 2; Dipylidium caninum 36 and 32; Taenia taeniformis 4 and 3 and Moniliformis moniliformis 0.3 and 106, respectively. There was significant association (P<0.01), between season and ectoparasites load, more fleas were obtained in the summer and autumn than in the winter and spring; however, no statistical difference was observed for endoparasites load (P>0.05). The correlation between the total number of ectoparasites and endoparasites was not significant (r = 0.089, P = 0.094).

Bidens pilosa L. Asteraceae (Compositae; subfamília Heliantheae)

Bidens pilosa, beggar tick, occurs in all the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. In Brazil it is mainly used popularly in the treatment of jaundice and malaria. Other diseases and conditions in which it is used include rheumatism, asthma e conjunctivitis, hypertension fever, for infections both by bacteria and fungi, against ulcers, allergies and as a healing agent. These uses, which all have experimental support, appear to be associated principally with the presence in the plant of polyacetylenes and flavonoids.

Competitive capacity of cassava with weeds: Implications on accumulation of dry matter

This work aimed to determine the competitive ability of two varieties of cassava against six weed species at initial growth stages, in relation to the allocation of dry mass in plants. The trial was conducted as a factorial experiment, with two cassava genotypes (IAC - 12 and Periquita) under competition with six weed species (Euphorbia heterophylla, Bidens pilosa, Cenchrus echinatus, Amaranthus spinosus, Commelina benghalensisand Brachiaria plantaginea), plus eight treatments corresponding to cassava varieties and weed species free from competition. The period of competition between cassava varieties and weeds was 75 days after crop emergence, when shoot and root mass were collected for evaluation of leaf area as well as, dry mass accumulation and distribution along plant organs (roots, leaves and stem). Cassava varieties presented smaller dry mass accumulation when under competition with weed species. Roots were the most affected organ by the competition. On the other hand, partition of dry mass in weeds was barely affected. In general terms, cassava variety Periquita was the most tolerant genotype to the competition and B. plantaginea was the weed species with higher competitive ability. Key words: Weed species, cassava genotypes, competition, dry matter accumulation.

Flavonoids and polyacetylenes from the aerial parts of Bidens tripartita

Fourteen flavonoids (1–14) and two polyacetylenes (15 and 16) were isolated from the aerial parts of Bidens tripartita. Thirteen compounds (1–7, 9, 11, 12, and 14–16) were isolated from this species for the first time, of which a flavonoid (11) was obtained for the first time from the genus Bidens. The chemotaxonomic significance of these compounds was summarized.

Smallholder pig production: Prevalence and risk factors of ectoparasites

A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Mbeya Region, Tanzania, with the aim of describing the distribution and diversity of ectoparasites on pigs, within confinement and free-range production systems of smallholder farms. A total of 128 farms were surveyed, with 96 practising confinement and 32 practising free-range production systems. The prevalence of ectoparasites on pigs within confinement and free-range production systems was 24% and 84%, respectively. Logistic regression analyses revealed that keeping pigs in a free-range system and the presence of neighbouring pigs were risk factors for ectoparasites. Within the confinement system, contact with neighbouring pigs and the time interval (in months) since last ectoparasitic treatment were additionally identified as risk factors. The prevalence of Haematopinus suis was 20% in confined pigs and 63% among free-range pigs. Free-ranging of pigs and presence of neighbouring pigs were also identified as risk factors for the presence of lice. Three species of fleas were identified; Tunga penetrans, Echidnophaga gallinacea and Ctenocephalides canis. The prevalence of fleas was 5% and 13% within confined and free-range, respectively. Two pigs (2%) were found infested with Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis. Ticks found belonged to four genera; Amblyomma spp., Rhipicephalus spp., Haemaphysalis spp., and Boophilus spp. The prevalence of hard ticks among the free-range pigs was 50%. Ectoparasites were more prevalent in the free-range system although highly prevalent within both production systems. Keeping pigs in a free-range system and contact with neighbouring pigs were main risk factors for the presence of ectoparasites. Confinement was highly effective as a preventive tool against hard ticks.

Germination and Emergence Characteristics of Common Beggar's-Tick (Bidens alba)

Common beggar's-tick is an annual weed commonly found in citrus groves in Florida. A series of laboratory and greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the germination response of common beggar's-tick to various environmental factors that influence seed survival, germination, and dormancy. The results suggest that common beggar's-tick germinated over a wide range of temperatures (15 to 40 C) and in both alternating light and dark and dark conditions. New seeds (collected in 2010) germinated better than the old seeds (collected in 2007) at 15/10 C; however, at temperatures above 35 C, the old seeds germinated better. The highest germination was 95% at 25 to 30 C with old seeds compared to 78 to 86% at 20 to 30 C with new seeds. Germination of common beggar's-tick was inhibited at osmotic potential above −0.6 MPa and salt concentrations of 320 mM. Highest germination in common beggar's-tick was found under neutral conditions (pH 7); germination decreased sharply under increasing acidity and alkalinity. Emergence decreased as depth of sowing increased, with greatest germination (89 to 91%) occurring when sown at the surface (0 cm) regardless of seed age. No germination was observed when seeds were buried at 10 cm. Results of this study suggest that favorable temperature and soil pH, and adequate moisture in Florida ensures the germination and continued presence of common beggar's-tick.

Rickettsia felisin Fleas, Southern Ethiopia, 2010

<i>Rickettsia felis</i>in Fleas, Southern Ethiopia, 2010

Seasonality of parasitism in free range chickens from a selected ward of a rural district in Zimbabwe

A study to investigate the intensity of ectoparasites and gastro-intestinal tract worms of chickens in winter and summer was conducted in Ward 28 of Murehwa District in Zimbabwe. Sixty chickens given to local farmers to rear under the free-range system were examined for parasites; 30 in summer of 2009 and the other 30 in winter of 2010. In both seasons, ectoparasites collected were Argas persicus, Echidnophaga gallinacea, Dermanyssus gallinae and Cnemidocoptes mutans. The intensities of A. persicus (t= 2.54, p= 0.012) and E. gallinacea (t= 4.146, p= 0.000) were significantly higher in summer. There was no significant difference in seasonal intensity of D. gallinae (t= 0.631, p= 0.532) and C. mutans (t= 0.024, p= 0.978). The intensity of the nematode, Ascaridia galli (t= 3.889, p= 0.001) and the cestode, Choataenia infundibulum(t= 3.286, p= 0.004) were significantly higher in summer. There were no significant differences in the intensities of Allodapa suctoria (t= 0.031, p= 0.971), Heterakis gallinarum (t= 1.176, p= 0.248), Capillaria obsignata (t= 0.141, p= 0.890), Tetrameres americana (t= 0.514, p= 0.603), Hymenolepis spp. (t= 0.770, p= 0.464) and Amoebotaenia cuneata (t= 0.569, p= 0.579). Chickens were generally parasitised in Murehwa District. There is need to intensify parasite prevention and control, but more specifically, the control of A. persicus, E. gallinacea, A. galli and C. infundibulum in summer. Key words: Ectoparasite, gastro-intestinal tract worm, free range system, poultry, prevalence.

한국산 가막사리속(국화과)의 미기록 귀화식물: 왕도깨비바늘

We report a newly naturalized species of the genus Bidens L. (Asteraceae) in Korea, specifically Bidens subalternans DC. var. subalternans. This naturalized plant was discovered Geumjung-gu in Busan; Gyeongsan-si, Jillyang-eup in Gyeongbuk-do; and in Buk-gu in Daegu. Bidens subalternans var. subalternans is distinguishable from other Bidens in Korea by the following combination of characteristics: an odd-pinnate leaf, deeply lobed, narrow lanceolate, four lobes in the corolla, an oblong achene shape. This taxon is termed `Wang-do-kka-bi-ba-neul` as a common Korean name based on its large size (in particular, the size of leaf). The key for all taxa of the genus Bidens in Korea is also provided here.

A New Rickettsia Species Found in Fleas Collected from Human Dwellings and from Domestic Cats and Dogs in Senegal

The insects of the order Siphonaptera, commonly named fleas, are vectors of pathogens around the world. Our previous studies showed that 4.4% of acute febrile diseases in the Sine-Saloum region of Senegal were due to Rickettsia felis. The aim of this study was to explain the high prevalence of R. felis infections in two rural Senegalese populations by an entomological, systematic monitoring protocol. A total of 232 fleas from three species (Ctenocephalides felis, Echidnophaga gallinacea, and Synosternus pallidus) were collected by candle trapping and manually from pets in the villages of Dielmo and Ndiop during the year 2010. The fleas were then tested for the presence of Bartonella and Rickettsia species. No fleas were found to be positive for any Bartonella species or R. felis. Surprisingly, we found that 91.4% of S. pallidus were infected by a new Rickettsia species, which, based on sequence analysis of gltA, ompB, and two fragments of rpoB, was found to be closely related to R. felis. The results from this study did not explain the high incidence of R. felis infections in these Senegalese populations.

Studies on fingerprint of bidens bipinnata L.by HPLC

Objective The fingerprint method based on high-performance liquid chromatography for the quality control of bidens bipinnata L were firstly described and optimized. Methods HPLC system was used to obtain the fingerprint spectrum of bidens bipinnata L. The chromatography condition was ODS C18 column (4. 6mm×255mm,25μm),mobile phase Methanol-0. 2% HAc,and flow speed 1. 0ml ? min-1, detection wavelength 363nm.Results In this experiment,the standard fingerprint had been established and the similitude degree of 10 batches bidens bipinnata L. has also been obtained(0.941～0.999). Conclusion The method was accurate,reliable,good reproducibility, strong characteristic and could be used for the standard of general judgement and the quality estimation about the bidens bipinnata L. Key words: Bidens; HPLC; Fingerprint

Introduction to Botany of the Marquesas Islands: new taxa and combinations papers

Introduction to Botany of the Marquesas Islands: new taxa and combinations papers

Seasonal and among-site variation in the occurrence and abundance of fleas on California ground squirrels (Otospermophilus beecheyi)

An improved understanding of the ecology of fleas on California ground squirrels, Otospermophilus beecheyi, is warranted given the role of fleas in the transmission, and perhaps persistence, of the plague-causing bacterium Yersinia pestis. We sampled O. beecheyi on a seasonal basis from three study sites, each representing a different land use type (preserve, pasture, and agriculture) in the San Joaquin Valley, CA. Overall, the abundance of fleas on squirrels was greatest in spring at the preserve site, in summer at the agriculture and pasture sites, and in winter at the pasture site. Hoplopsyllus anomalus, the species most frequently found on squirrels, was most abundant in spring at the preserve site and in summer at the agriculture and pasture sites. Oropsylla montana was most abundant in winter at the pasture site and on adult squirrels. Echidnophaga gallinacea was most abundant in fall on juvenile squirrels at the preserve site. All three flea species we encountered are known to be potential vectors of Y. pestis. Future efforts to predict flea species occurrence and abundance (and plague risk) at sites of concern should consider seasonal microclimatic conditions and the potential influence of human land use practices.

Effects of Drugs of Plant Origin on the Development of the Immune Response

The effects of extracts from licorice (Glycyrrhisa glabra), great nettle (Urtica dioica), common burdock (Arctium lappa), and bur marigold (Bidens tripartite) on the humoral and cellular immune response and nonspecific resistance in mice were studied. Burdock and bur marigold extracts stimulated the humoral immune response, nettle and licorice extracts stimulated cellular response and nonspecific resistance, their effects being superior to those of pharmacopoeial Echinacea purpurea tincture.

Effect of pumpkin root exudates on ex situ polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) phytoextraction by pumpkin and weed species

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine if Cucurbita pepo ssp. pepo (pumpkin) root exudates could increase the uptake of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) into plants. Contaminated soil was pre-treated with pumpkin root exudates by first growing pumpkins in the soil. Plants (pumpkins and weeds) were grown in the pre-treated (root exudate group) and non-treated (control group) contaminated soils. Seeds from five weed species collected from two contaminated sites were germinated in sufficient quantities (n ≥ 6) for three seedlings to be planted in two groups. Plants from both the control group and the root exudate group extracted a combined total of ∼1.2% PCBs from soil. Differences in root concentrations between groups were observed for Bidens cernua (beggar's tick) and in total PCBs extracted into the roots for pumpkins. This is the first report of significant changes in the PCB phytoextraction ability of multiple plant species due to the presence of root exudates. In addition, slight differences were also observed for root and shoot concentrations and extractions by several other species, though these were not statistically different at α = 0.05. While the mechanism of phytoextraction is still unknown, this study indicates that the root exudates of C. pepo ssp. pepo can affect the uptake and transport of contaminants within specific plant species.

The cat flea (Ctenocephalides f. felis) is the dominant flea on domestic dogs and cats in Australian veterinary practices

This study was undertaken to determine the flea diversity on urban dogs and cats in Australia in 2009-2010. A total of 2530 fleas were recovered from 291 animals (151 dogs, 69 cats and 71 uncategorised dogs or cats) from veterinary clinics across five states of Australia. The majority of specimens were from coastal areas. The cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis felis) was the most frequent flea species identified (98.8%, 2500/2530). The only other flea species identified was the stickfast flea (Echidnophaga gallinacea) from Western Australia. Sequencing of the cytochrome oxidase subunit II mtDNA revealed a single haplotype across Australia within a subset of C. f. felis (n=19). Our study demonstrated dominance and haplotype homogeneity of C. f. felis on dogs and cats. Although Ctenocephalides canis was recovered from a feral fox, it was not identified from the sample of fleas analysed. This suggests that, under current conditions, it is unlikely that foxes are reservoirs of C. canis for domestic dogs or cats residing in coastal Australia, as previously speculated.

Removal effects of Bidens frondosa on pollutants in swine wastewater

Removal effects of Bidens frondosa on pollutants in swine wastewater

Flea Diversity on Small Carnivores in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa

Small carnivores are parasitized by various ectoparasites that include fleas (Siphonaptera). To date few parasite studies in South Africa, and especially the Northern Cape, have focused on fleas, while those that have are biased by small sample sizes. In an attempt to address the paucity of information fleas were collected from five small carnivore species trapped at Loxton and Kimberley in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa. The aim of the study was to contribute to current data on the flea diversity found on various small carnivore species. Small carnivores were trapped and while anesthetized the fleas were manually removed from the fur of the animals. In total 48 small carnivores were trapped of which 30 harboured fleas. Of the five flea species that were recorded the most numerous and prevalent was Echidnophaga gallinacea followed by Ctenocephalides connatus and Ctenocephalides damarensis. Fleas were more numerous and prevalent on the small-spotted cat, Felis nigripes, followed by the yellow mon...

Flea diversity on small carnivores in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa

Small carnivores are parasitized by various ectoparasites that include fleas (Siphonaptera). To date few parasite studies in South Africa, and especially the Northern Cape, have focused on fleas, while those that have are biased by small sample sizes. In an attempt to address the paucity of information fleas were collected from five small carnivore species trapped at Loxton and Kimberley in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa. The aim of the study was to contribute to current data on the flea diversity found on various small carnivore species. Small carnivores were trapped and while anesthetized the fleas were manually removed from the fur of the animals. In total 48 small carnivores were trapped of which 30 harboured fleas. Of the five flea species that were recorded the most numerous and prevalent was Echidnophaga gallinacea followed by Ctenocephalides connatus and Ctenocephalides damarensis. Fleas were more numerous and prevalent on the small-spotted cat, Felis nigripes, followed by the yellow mongoose, Cynictispenicillata. The flea community on the small carnivores consisted of fleas that prefer carnivores as principal hosts and also fleas that prefer rodents. The latter maybe acquired through predation on rodents.

Effects of External Parasites on the Productivity of Poultry in the Traditional Rearing System in the Sub-humid Zone of Burkina Faso

4 Abstract: This study was designed to identify the external parasites and to evaluate their effects on mortality, growth and reproduction of poultry in the traditional rearing system in the sub-humid zone of Burkina Faso. Identification of external parasites was done on 500 of each species of chicken, guinea fowls and turkeys. For the evaluation of the effects of external parasites on the productivity of poultry, 324 chicks that were 6 weeks of age were randomly divided into 12 groups of 27 chicks each. Four of the groups was assigned at random to receive a treatment against external parasites (ET), 4 other groups were similarly assigned to receive a treatment against external parasites and another treatment against internal parasites (EIT). The 4 remaining groups were not treated against parasites (NT). Two mice species Liperus gallinae and Monopon gallinae have been found on both chicken and turkeys while Goniodes gigas was the only mice species parasiting chicken. The lice Echidnophaga gallinacea and the tick Argas persicus have been found to parasite chicken. Results of productivity trial showed that mortality due to effects of external parasites amounted to 13.9% of non treated poultry. Live weight of male birds increased from the base line of 850 g of the non-treated birds by 9.8% (950±164.3 g) due to treatment against external parasites and by 44.5% (1250±133.1g) due to treatments against both external and internal parasites. Live weight of female birds increased similarly from 952.5±238.7 g by only 3.8% (980.5±36.2 g) due to treatment against external parasites and then by 13.5% (1081.6±160.2 g) due to treatment against both external and internal parasites. Likewise, age at first egg decreased from 28 weeks to 25 weeks with treatment against external parasites and further to 24 weeks with both treatments. Egg weight also increased from 47 to 48.0g due to treatment against external parasites and further to 48.5g due to both treatments. External parasites increase mortality rate and reduce growth rate of chicken.