Potential Host Species Research Articles

Predicting Landscape Conversion Impact on Small Mammal Occurrence and the Transmission of Parasites in the Atlantic Forest

ABSTRACTAimChanges in landscape configuration significantly impact ecosystems and the services they provide, including disease regulation for both humans and wildlife. Land use conversion usually favors disturbed‐adapted species, which are often known reservoirs of zoonotic parasites, thereby potentially escalating spillover events (i.e., the transmission of parasites to new hosts, including humans). Here we aimed to investigate how alterations in landscape use and configuration influence the distribution and co‐occurrence of potential hosts of zoonotic and epizootic parasites.LocationBrazilian Atlantic Forest.Time PeriodData collection spanned from 1997 to 2019.Major taxa studied small mammals.MethodsWe integrated ecological network metrics and joint distribution models while accounting for phylogenetic relationships and functional traits to answer two main questions: (1) do small mammal species considered central hosts in the transmission of parasites exhibit a higher probability of occurrence in landscapes with reduced native vegetation areas? (2) Do small mammal hosts that share a higher number of parasites have higher co‐occurrence probabilities?ResultsOur results demonstrated that species identified as significant hosts in our centrality network analysis displayed an increased probability of occurrence in landscapes that are both more fragmented and have a higher proportion of farming areas, hence fewer native vegetation areas. Regarding the relationship between species co‐occurrence and parasite sharing, our findings indicated that most strong co‐occurrences were prevalent within groups with higher parasite fauna similarity, but not all species sharing parasites had a higher probability of co‐occurring.ConclusionsHere we highlight the effects of landscape conversion on small mammal species, including how different configurations of land use can influence both central and non‐central host occurrences. Besides, our results also indicate that parasite transmission may be overestimated when the co‐occurrence probability of potential host species is not considered. We highly recommend incorporating co‐occurrence data to estimate zoonotic risk.

Fishing for Estuarine Oomycetes

Oomycetes are water molds that are frequently isolated during a survey of waterways. Biodiversity of oomycetes in the estuary region of the Veleka River in Bulgaria was investigated in 2021. A total number of 32 isolates were derived using the baiting method. Species identification based on sequencing of the ITS region divided them into four different genera: Phytophthora (P.), Phytopythium (Pp.), Pythium (Py.) and Elongisporangium (E.). The most abundant species in the studied region was P. lacustris (sixteen isolates), followed by P. honggalleglyana (nine isolates). P. bilorbang and P. inundata were represented by only one isolate each and were recognized for the first time in Bulgaria. The genus Phytopythium was presented by two isolates that belong to different species, Pp. litorale and Pp. citrinum. In the obtained collection, the genera Pythium and Elongisporangium were represented by only one species each, Py. angustatum (one isolate) and E. anandrum (two isolates), respectively. Colony morphology of the eight collected oomycete species was characterized by cultivation of selected isolates on three different media. Potential host species of the isolated estuarine oomycetes were estimated by pathogenicity tests conducted with sixteen plants from ten diverse families. P. lacustris and P. honggalleglyana demonstrated a higher aggressiveness among Phytophthora isolates, whereas P. bilorbang and P. inundata showed less ability to infect the tested plant species. Similar pathogenicity and a potential host range for both Phytopythium species were observed. Less aggressive against analyzed plants in this study were Py. angustatum and E. anandrum.

Informing an investment case for Japanese encephalitis vaccine introduction in Bangladesh.

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a major threat to human health. Bangladesh is considering introducing a JEV vaccine; however, the investment case is hampered by a limited understanding of key aspects of JEV ecology. We conducted a seroprevalence study in a high-incidence region using an assay that limits cross-reactivity with dengue virus. We also trapped mosquitoes and collected information about potential host species. We used mathematical models to recover risk factors for infection and underlying probabilities of severe disease and death. We observed 19.0% [95% confidence interval (CI):17.1 to 21.1] of JEV antibodies. On average, 0.7% (95% CI: 0.2 to 2.0) of the susceptible population gets infected yearly, with pig proximity being the main human infection risk factor. Our traps captured 10 different mosquito species that have been linked with JEV transmission. We estimated that 1 in 1000 infections results in severe disease, 1 in 10,000 results in death, and 76% of severe cases are missed by surveillance.

An independent Taiwanese lineage of powdery mildew on the endemic host species Koelreuteria henryi

BackgroundPowdery mildews (Erysiphaceae, Ascomycota) are common plant disease agents and also cause stress for forest and fruit trees worldwide as well as in Taiwan. The powdery mildew Erysiphe bulbouncinula on Koelreuteria host trees was considered an endemic species in China. While in China the host was K. paniculata and only the teleomorph stage found, the anamorph and the teleomorph were both recorded for the host in Taiwan, K. henryi. We aimed to clarify the relationship of the powdery mildews recorded under E. bulbouncinula with an apparently disjunct distribution.ResultsSpecimens of powdery mildew on K. henryi from Taiwan were characterized based on the anamorph morphology and DNA sequences. They revealed a new record of Sawadaea koelreuteriae for this host species and Taiwan and a new species of Erysiphe, E. formosana, sister to E. bulbouncinula from China.ConclusionsIn Erysiphe on Koelreuteria hosts, speciation of plant parasitic fungi seems to be correlated with disjunct host and geographic distribution possibly shaped by extinction of potential host species which are known only as fossils. Two of the three extant East Asian species of Koelreuteria are now known as hosts of specific Erysiphe species. We may predict a further not yet discovered Erysiphe species on the third East Asian species, K. bipinnata, in South and Southwest China. In the speciation in Sawadaea, the extinction events in Koelreuteria can be excluded from being involved.

Mapping of intermediate host snails for schistosomiasis in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a systematic review.

Schistosomiasis is a snail-borne disease that has a considerable impact on human and animal health, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The intermediate hosts of the schistosome parasites are freshwater snails of the genera Biomphalaria Preston, 1910 and Bulinus Müller, 1781. In order to identify existing gaps in the spread of the disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), this study compiled the available knowledge of the distribution, population dynamics and ecology of the intermediate hosts of schistosomiasis. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase and Scopus for all malacological studies on schistosoma intermediate hosts in DRC published between 1927 and October 2022. A total of 55 records were found, of which 31 met the inclusion criteria: these were published field and experimental studies conducted in the DRC and focused on snails as intermediate hosts of schistosomes. The analysis of these studies revealed that more up-to-date data on the distribution of snail intermediate hosts in the DRC are needed. Moreover, ecological factors have been less studied for Bulinus species than for Biomphalaria species. These factors play a crucial role in determining suitable snail habitats, and the lack of comprehensive information poses a challenge in snail control. This review makes it clear that there are no current malacological data in the DRC. There is a clear need for molecular and ecological research to update the exact species status and population dynamics of all potential intermediate host species. This will facilitate targeted snail control measures that complement drug treatment in the control of schistosomiasis in the country.

Potential of Ilhéus virus to emerge

Ilhéus virus (ILHV)(Flaviviridae:Orthoflavivirus) is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) endemic to Central and South America and the Caribbean. First isolated in 1944, most of our knowledge derives from surveillance and seroprevalence studies. These efforts have detected ILHV in a broad range of mosquito and vertebrate species, including humans, but laboratory investigations of pathogenesis and vector competence have been lacking. Here, we develop an immune intact murine model with several ages and routes of administration. Our model closely recapitulates human neuroinvasive disease with ILHV strain- and mouse age-specific virulence, as well as a uniformly lethal Ifnar−/− A129 immunocompromised model. Replication kinetics in several vertebrate and invertebrate cell lines demonstrate that ILHV is capable of replicating to high titers in a wide variety of potential host and vector species. Lastly, vector competence studies provide strong evidence for efficient infection of and potential transmission by Aedes species mosquitoes, despite ILHV's phylogenetically clustering with Culex vectored flaviviruses, suggesting ILHV is poised for emergence in the neotropics.

Exposure to Brucella Species, Coxiella burnetii, and Trichinella Species in Recently Imported Camels from Sudan to Egypt: Possible Threats to Animal and Human Health.

Brucellosis and coxiellosis/Q fever are bacterial infections caused by Brucella species and Coxiella burnetii, respectively; camels are highly susceptible to both pathogens. Trichinellosis is a parasitic infection caused by various Trichinella nematode species. Reportedly, camels are susceptible to experimental infection with Trichinella spp., but information on this potential host species is scarce. All three infections are of zoonotic nature and thus of great public health concern. The current study aimed to determine antibodies against the three pathogens in recently imported camels (n = 491) from Sudan at the two main ports for the entrance of camels into southern Egypt using commercial indirect ELISAs. Samples were collected in two sampling periods. The seropositivity rates of Brucella spp., C. burnetii, and Trichinella spp. were 3.5%, 4.3%, and 2.4%, respectively. Mixed seropositivity was found in 1% for Brucella spp. and C. burnetii. Marked differences were found between the two study sites and the two sampling periods for Brucella. A higher rate of seropositivity was recorded in the Red Sea/older samples that were collected between 2015 and 2016 (4.3%, 17/391; odds ratio = 9.4; p < 0.030) than in those collected in Aswan/recent samples that were collected between 2018 and 2021 (0/100). Concerning C. burnetii, samples collected during November and December 2015 had a significantly higher positivity rate than the other samples (13%, 13/100; OD = 4.8; p < 0.016). The same effect was observed for antibodies to Trichinella spp., with samples collected during November and December 2015 showing a higher positivity rate than the other samples (7%, 7/100; OD = 10.9; p < 0.001). This study provides valuable information on the seroprevalence of Brucella spp. and additional novel information on C. burnetii and Trichinella spp. in recently imported camels kept in quarantine before delivery to other Egyptian regions. This knowledge can be utilized to reduce health hazards and financial burdens attributable to brucellosis, Q fever, and trichinellosis in animals and humans in Egypt.

Nest architecture influences host use by avian brood parasites and is shaped by coevolutionary dynamics.

Brood (social) parasites and their hosts exhibit a wide range of adaptations and counter-adaptations as part of their ongoing coevolutionary arms races. Obligate avian brood parasites are expected to use potential host species with more easily accessible nests, while potential hosts are expected to evade parasitism by building more concealed nests that are difficult for parasites to enter and in which to lay eggs. We used phylogenetically informed comparative analyses, a global database of the world's brood parasites, their host species, and the design of avian host and non-host nests (approx. 6200 bird species) to examine first, whether parasites preferentially target host species that build open nests and, second, whether host species that build enclosed nests are more likely to be targeted by specialist parasites. We found that species building more accessible nests are more likely to serve as hosts, while host species with some of the more inaccessible nests are targeted by more specialist brood parasites. Furthermore, evolutionary-transition analyses demonstrate that host species building enclosed nests frequently evolve to become non-hosts. We conclude that nest architecture and the accessibility of nests for parasitism represent a critical stage of the ongoing coevolutionary arms race between avian brood parasites and their hosts.

Diving into Diversity: Copepod Crustaceans in Octocoral Associations

This research provides an extensive analysis of the biodiversity and distribution patterns of copepod crustaceans associated with octocoral species. A comprehensive dataset comprising 966 records pertaining to 233 copepod species, encompassing 54 genera, 18 families, and 3 orders, was compiled from 92 scientific papers published between 1858 and 2023, and updated as open data to GBIF. These copepods were found to be closely associated with 183 octocoral species, representing 72 genera and 28 families. The analysis revealed a total of 393 distinct interspecific associations between copepods, classified under the orders Cyclopoida, Harpacticoida, and Siphonostomatoida, and diverse octocorals. Approximately 60% of these associations were reported only once in the literature, which poses challenges to assessing the level of host specificity among the majority of copepod species linked with octocorals. Notably, over 91% of the recorded copepod species were found at depths not exceeding 30 m, with only four copepod species reported at greater depths surpassing 500 m. The presence of these symbiotic copepods was documented across 215 sampling sites situated within 8 of the 12 defined marine ecoregions, with particular attention to the Western Indo-Pacific, Central Indo-Pacific, and Temperate Northern regions. Despite the comprehensive examination of available data, this study highlights substantial gaps in our comprehension of copepod crustacean diversity and distribution in association with octocorals. Moreover, crucial information concerning symbiotic copepods is conspicuously absent for approximately 94% of potential octocoral host species. These disparities emphasize the imperative need for further scientific inquiry to unveil the intricacies of symbiotic relationships and to contribute to a more holistic understanding of copepod–octocoral associations.

Cross-Regional Pollination Behavior of Trichoplusia ni between China and the Indo-China Peninsula.

Noctuid moths, a group of "non-bee" pollinators, are essential but frequently underappreciated. To elucidate their roles in cross-regional pollination, this study selected the agriculturally significant species, cabbage looper (CL) Trichoplusia ni, as a representative model. From 2017 to 2021, this study was conducted on Yongxing Island, situated at the center of the South China Sea. We investigated the flower-visiting activities of CL, including its occurrence, potential host species, and geographic distribution in the surrounding areas of the South China Sea. First, the potential transoceanic migratory behavior and regional distribution of CL were systematically monitored through a comprehensive integration of the data obtained from a searchlight trap. The transoceanic migratory behavior of CL was characterized by intermittent occurrence, with the major migratory periods and the peak outbreak yearly. Furthermore, trajectory analysis confirmed the ability of CL to engage in periodic, round-trip, migratory flights between Southeast Asian countries and China. More importantly, an observation of pollen on the body surface demonstrated that 95.59% (130/136) of the migrating individuals carried pollen. The proboscis and compound eyes were identified as the primary pollen-carrying parts, with no observable gender-based differences in pollen-carrying rates. Further, identifying the pollen carried by CL using morphological and molecular methods revealed a diverse range of pollen types from at least 17 plant families and 31 species. Notably, CL predominantly visited eudicot and herbaceous plants. In conclusion, this pioneering study has not only revealed the long-distance migration activities of these noctuid moths in the East Asian region but also provided direct evidence supporting their role as potential pollinators. These findings offer a critical theoretical basis to guide the development of scientific management strategies.

Molecular Characterization of Lyssaviruses Originating from Domestic and Wild Cats Provides an Insight on the Diversity of Lyssaviruses and a Risk of Rabies Transmission to Other Susceptible Mammals and Humans in South Africa.

Rabies is one of the most significant public and veterinary health problems, causing approximately 59,000 human deaths annually in the developing countries of Asia and Africa. The aetiologic agent, a viral species of the Lyssavirus genus, is highly neurotropic and has a wide host range, including terrestrial mammals and several Chiropteran species. The Lyssavirus mokola (MOKV) was first isolated in the late 1960s from organ pools of shrews (Crocidura flavescens manni) in the Mokola forest (Nigeria). To date, at least 30 MOKV isolations have been confirmed, all exclusively from Africa, with 73% from southern Africa. There is limited knowledge about the epidemiology of MOKV, and the reservoir host species is unknown. Here, we report on the molecular characterization of rabies viruses originating from both domestic and African wild cats. A partial region of the lyssavirus genome, encoding the nucleoprotein, was amplified and sequenced. Nucleotide sequence analysis demonstrated that 98% of cats were infected with both the canid and mongoose rabies virus variants, as well as a rare lyssavirus, Lyssavirus mokola, from a domestic cat from Eswatini. Furthermore, the nucleotide sequence divergence between the recently identified MOKV isolate and the historical Lyssavirus mokola isolates ranged from 6.8% to 8.3%. This study further highlights the association between the potential host species of Lyssavirus mokola and the domestic cat as an incidental host, and the important role cats may play in rabies transmission dynamics in the country. Therefore, continuous vaccination of domestic cats against rabies is crucial, even after the elimination of dog-mediated rabies, as spillover related to sylvatic rabies cycles is likely to occur.

Molecular epidemiology of Megalocytivirus in freshwater angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) from Johor, Malaysia.

Malaysia has more than 630 culturists who are involved in the ornamental fish industry and culture 250 species, including local and exotic species. Among these viruses, megalocytiviruses have been associated with severe systemic diseases and economic losses in ornamental fish. The intensity of Megalocytivirus infection in Pterophyllum scalare in Malaysia remains unknown. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the occurrence of Megalocytivirus while discovering its associated risk factors and the genotypes of its causative agents in an ornamental fish farm in Malaysia. Seven broodstock pairs of P. scalare were used in this study to follow the life stages of fish, from egg to market size. Water samples and other samples, such as mucus swabs, gill swabs, P. scalare eggs, fries, juveniles, snails, snail eggs, live feed (Tubifex worms and Moina spp.), sediment samples, and wild fish, were collected periodically for initial environmental sampling from day 0 to day 60. Nested polymerase chain reaction amplifications were performed for megalocytivirus-related sequences. The phylogenetic tree, including the sampled causative agents of megalocytiviruses, was inferred from the major capsid protein genes of all known Iridoviridae species. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the strength of the correlation between the presence of megalocytiviruses in P. scalare samples and the associated risk factors. A total of 312 out of 935 pooled and individual samples tested positive for the presence of Megalocytivirus-related sequences, except snail eggs and wild fish (Poecilia reticulata). No clinical symptoms were observed in any fish samples. Megalocytivirus-associated viruses detected in water samples indicate horizontal transmission of the virus. All the nucleotide sequences found in this study had high nucleotide identities of 95%-99 % and were closely related to Megalocytivirus genotype I infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus. Risk factors associated with Megalocytivirus include water temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, and the life stages of P. scalare. High Megalocytivirus infection was detected when the water temperature, DO, and pH were high in P. scalare, high water temperature and nitrate in the water samples, and the same rate of Megalocytivirus infection in P. scalare fry and juveniles. This is the first study to confirm the existence of different possible routes of megalocytivirus distribution in ornamental fish farms in Malaysia. Nevertheless, the connection between the mode of transmission and the risk factors for this virus needs to be explored further to recognize the evolution and potential new host species.

Identifying breeding hosts of Ixodes ricinus ticks using stable isotope analysis of their larvae – Proof of concept

Ticks are important vectors of zoonotic pathogens. Ticks are parasites that are dependent on their hosts for blood meal to develop and reproduce. The abundance of ticks is dependent on the availability of suitable breeding hosts, often medium- and large-sized mammals. So far there has been a shortage of direct methods identifying the breeding hosts for the female ticks. In this study, we introduce a stable isotope analysis (SIA) method that enables us to identify the trophic group of the breeding host, i.e. the host on which the tick mother fed, by sampling larval ticks from the field. We established a reference database on the stable isotope (SI) values (δ13C and δ15N) of the blood of potential tick host species, and of larvae from Ixodes ricinus females, which have fed on known hosts. By comparing the SI values from field collected larval ticks to our reference data, we can determine their most likely host species group. Our results show that the isotopic signatures of I. ricinus tick larvae reflect the diet of the breeding host of the mother tick. SIA proved reliable in categorizing the breeding hosts of I. ricinus into two distinguishable trophic groups; herbivores and carni-omnivores. To our knowledge, this is the first time that stable isotope analyses have been applied to detect transovarial (i.e. over-generational) traces of a blood meal in ticks. The method provides an efficient, novel tool for directly identifying tick breeding hosts by sampling field collected larvae. Ixodes ricinus is the most important vector of TBPs (tick-borne pathogens) in Europe, and to predict and mitigate against the future risks that TBPs pose, it is crucial to have detailed knowledge on the hosts that support tick reproduction in nature.

Viral community composition ofhypersaline lakes.

Despite their widespread distribution and remarkable antiquity no RNA viruses definitively associated with the domain Archaea have been identified. In contrast, 17 families of DNA viruses are known to infect archaea. In an attempt to uncover more of the elusive archaeal virosphere, we investigated the metatranscriptomes of hypersaline lakes that are a rich source of archaea. We sequenced RNA extracted from water filter samples of Lake Tyrrell (Victoria, Australia) and cultures seeded from four lakes in Antarctica. To identify highly divergent viruses in these data, we employed a variety of search tools, including Hidden Markov models (HMMs) and position-specific scoring matrices (PSSMs). From this, we identified 12 highly divergent, RNA virus-like candidate sequences from the virus phyla Artverviricota, Duplornaviricota, Kitrinoviricota, Negarnaviricota, and Pisuviricota, including those with similarity to the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). An additional analysis with an artificial intelligence (AI)-based approach that utilises both sequence and structural information identified seven putative and highly divergent RdRp sequences of uncertain phylogenetic position. A sequence matching the Pisuviricota from Deep Lake in Antarctica had the strongest RNA virus signal. Analyses of the dinucleotide representation of the virus-like candidates in comparison to that of potential host species were in some cases compatible with an association to archaeal or bacterial hosts. Notably, however, the use of archaeal CRISPR spacers as a BLAST database failed to detect any RNA viruses. We also described DNA viruses from the families Pleolipoviridae, Sphaerolipoviridae, Halspiviridae, and the class Caudoviricetes. Although we were unable to provide definitive evidence the existence of an RNA virus of archaea in these hypersaline lakes, this study lays the foundations for further investigations of highly divergent RNA viruses in natural environments.

Amplification and Identification of Vertebrate Host Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit I (COI) DNA Barcoding Templates from Mosquito Blood Meals.

Mosquitoes take blood meals from a diverse range of host animals and their host associations vary by species. Characterizing these associations is an important element of the transmission dynamics of mosquito-vectored pathogens. To characterize mosquito host associations, various molecular techniques have been developed, which are collectively referred to as blood meal analysis. DNA barcoding has diverse biological applications and is well-suited to mosquito blood meal analysis. The standard DNA barcoding marker for animals is a 5' fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene. A major advantage of this marker is its taxonomic coverage in DNA sequence reference databases, making it feasible to identify a wider range of mosquito host species than with any other gene. However, the COI gene contains high sequence variation at potential priming sites between vertebrate orders. Coupled with the need for primer sequences to be mismatched with mosquito priming sites so that annealing to mosquito DNA is inhibited, it can be difficult to design primers suitable for blood meal analysis applications. Several primers are available that perform well in mosquito blood meal analysis, annealing to priming sites for most vertebrate host taxa, but not to those of mosquitoes. Because priming site sequence variation among vertebrate taxa can cause amplification to fail, a hierarchical approach to DNA barcoding-based blood meal analysis can be applied. In such an approach, no single primer set is expected to be effective for 100% of potential host species. If amplification fails in the initial reaction, a subsequent reaction is attempted with primers that anneal to different priming sites, and so on, until amplification is successful.

Fledgling discrimination in the hoopoe, a potential host species of the great spotted cuckoo

Obligate brood parasites lay their eggs in nests of other species, with host parents bearing the cost of raising their offspring. These costs imposed on hosts select for the evolution of host defenses against parasitism at all stages of the reproductive cycle. The most effective defense is egg rejection at early stages of the breeding cycle, with later-stage defenses (nestling and fledgling discrimination) being less common. In this study, we tested whether the hoopoe (Upupa epops), a potential host of the great spotted cuckoo (Clamator glandarius) without egg rejection ability, presents defenses after the egg stage. We experimentally parasitized hoopoe nests with great spotted cuckoo nestlings creating mixed broods (with hoopoe and cuckoo nestlings) and broods with only cuckoo nestlings and measured parental feeding behavior and survival of nestlings and fledglings of both species. Cuckoo fledglings were fed fewer often than hoopoe fledglings in mixed broods, and adults approached more often to feed hoopoe fledglings than cuckoo fledglings. Consequently, the survival of cuckoo fledglings in both mixed and only-cuckoo-broods, was significantly lower than that of hoopoe fledglings. These results suggest that hoopoes would discriminate great spotted cuckoo fledglings, with or without direct comparison with their own fledglings. However, the survival of some cuckoos suggests that hoopoes have not reached highly efficient defenses so, other life history traits hindering parasitism by cuckoos may explain low parasitism rates and low levels of defenses in this species.Significance statementBrood parasites lay their eggs in nests of other species, tricking hosts into raising their parasitic offspring. However, hosts may fight back impeding successful parasitism by developing defences at any of the stages of their breeding cycle. We investigated why the hoopoe is not parasitized by the great spotted cuckoo despite this potential host apparently does not show such anti-parasitic defenses. We found that hoopoes have evolved the less common host defense: discrimination of parasite fledglings, even in the absence of their own fledgling for comparison. Our study supports the idea that discrimination during the later stages of the nesting cycle (i.e. nestling and fledgling periods) may be more common that previously assumed.

Niche differentiation of Mucoromycotinian and Glomeromycotinian arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi along a 2-million-year soil chronosequence

Current literature suggests ecological niche differentiation between co-occurring Mucoromycotinian arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (M-AMF) and Glomeromycotinian AMF (G-AMF), but experimental evidence is limited. We investigated the influence of soil age, water availability (wet and dry), and plant species (native Microlaena stipoides and exotic Trifolium subterraneum) on anatomical root colonisation and DNA profiles of M-AMF and G-AMF under glasshouse conditions. We grew seedlings of each species in soils collected from the four stages of a soil chronosequence, where pH decreases from the youngest to oldest stages, and phosphorus (P) is low in the youngest and oldest, but high in the intermediate stages. We scored the percentage of root length colonised and used DNA metabarcoding to profile fungal richness and community composition associated with treatment combinations. Soil age, water availability, and plant species were important influencers of root colonisation, although no M-AMF were visible following staining of M. stipoides roots. Soil age and host plant influenced fungal richness and community composition. However, response to soil age, potential host species, and water availability differed between M-AMF and G-AMF. Root colonisation of T. subterraneum by M-AMF and G-AMF was inversely correlated with soil P level. Community composition of M-AMF and G-AMF was structured by soil age and, to a lesser extent, plant species. Richness of M-AMF and G-AMF was negatively, and positively, correlated with available P, respectively. These findings are experimental evidence of ecological niche differentiation of M-AMF and G-AMF and invite further exploration into interactive effects of abiotic and biotic factors on their communities along successional trajectories.

Tetramorium albenae Salata, van Delft & Borowiec n. sp. (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) – a new inquiline ant species from the Balkan Peninsula

Tetramorium Mayr, 1855 is a worldwide distributed and hyperdiverse ant genus consisting of almost 600 taxa manifesting various life history strategies. Species of the Tetramorium inquilinum species-group represents one of the most extreme forms of parasitism and consist of degenerate workerless social parasites of several Tetramorium species. So far, its members have been recorded in the Palearctic from montane to alpine zones and reveal an interesting disjunction in host selection observed between eastern-Mediterranean and western-Mediterranean species. We describe a fifth member of the Tetramorium inquilinum species-group: Tetramorium albenae Salata, van Delft & Borowiec sp. n. The species morphologically differs from the remaining members of the group by the combination of the following characters: dense and erect pilosity of appendages and the whole body, smooth head sculpture, predominantly smooth anepisternum and katepisternum, lack of blunt teeth on propodeum, and presence of distinct carianae on the dorsolateral margins of the propodeum. Tetramorium albenae Salata, van Delft & Borowiec sp. n. was collected in a lowland olive grove, a site so far not associated with the Tetramorium inquilinum species-group, from a nest of Tetramorium kephalosi (a new host species for the group). The data presented in this paper provide new insights into the habitat preferences of the species of the Tetramorium inquilinum species-group and extend our knowledge on the potential host species of these parasites. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:62610BFE-7BF4-44E7-ADB5-3DD6A9B759C0

Investigating intermediate hosts of Echinococcus multilocularis throughout Turkey: Focus on voles.

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE), caused by Echinococcus multilocularis, is one of the most important zoonotic diseases. The parasite has a heterogeneous life cycle; more than 40 small mammal species have been determined to be potential intermediate hosts worldwide. Turkey is one of the highest endemic countries for AE, but only limited information is available concerning the transmission biology of E.multilocularis. The study aimed to provide data on potential intermediate host species (focus on genus Microtus) across Turkey involved in E.multilocularis transmission to foxes, which is a risk for public health. Trapping sites have been specially selected considering field voles' habitats and ecological requirements. In total, 843 rodents were collected from 141 locations. The metacestodes and lesions of AE were identified as macroscopy and microscopy and confirmed by PCR and DNA sequencing. Seventeen (2.0%) small mammals from 13 (9.2%) locations were found infected with E.multilocularis. Infected individuals were identified as Microtus irani, Microtus mystacinus, Microtus hartingi, Microtus guentheri, Cricetulus migratorius and Mus macedonicus. M.hartingi and M.macedonicus are documented for the first time as intermediate hosts of E.multilocularis. In conclusion, 15 of 17 infected small mammals were found in the Microtus genus. Therefore, the genus Microtus, which inhabits fields near villages and is potential prey for foxes, could be considered an important intermediate host for E.multilocularis across Turkey.

Epidemiological tools to assess the spread of Fascioloides magna

The giant liver fluke (Fascioloides magna) has four continuously expanding focus endemics in Europe. The parasite is considered an invasive species in our continent and could affect the local host populations or, after host switching, it can infect other potential host species. Therefore it is important to track this alien species' presence. The authors compared the gold standard test with the effectiveness of two potential screening tests, the conventional sedimentation method and an illustrated guideline-based approach, which could be applicable in the field. The gold standard test was based on the necropsy detection of adult flukes in the liver tissue of hunted animals (N=319). Besides applying the linear regression, the sensitivity and specificity were determined in both approaches. The analysis showed that the shed egg number was moderately associated with the fluke burden (R2=0.5679; p&lt;0.0001) and the flukes' dry mass (R2=0.6016; p&lt;0.0001). The final results of sensitivity (100%; CI95%: 97.2 – 100) and specificity (96.3%; CI95%: 92.5 – 98.5) confirmed that the illustrated guideline-based approach is a capable method for monitoring the F. magna expansion in endemic areas.