Prevalence Of Ectoparasites Research Articles

Factors associated with endoparasites and ectoparasites in domiciled dogs in the metropolitan area of Toluca, México

ResumenIntroducción. Los endoparásitos y ectoparásitos en perros son de distribución mundial. La estrecha relación entre los perros y el hombre implica un riesgo de transmisión de parasitosis zoonóticas, por lo cual es necesario conocer las especies que parasitan a los perros de esta zona y determinar los factores asociados.Objetivos. Estimar la prevalencia de endoparásitos y ectoparásitos, identificarlos en perros domiciliados de la zona metropolitana de Toluca, México, y determinar la prevalencia de Dipyilidium caninum en pulgas del género Ctenocephalides spp.Materiales y métodos. Se recolectaron muestras de 402 perros que fueron llevados a consulta en cuatro hospitales de referencia de Toluca. En el diagnóstico de endoparásitos, se utilizaron las técnicas coproparasitoscópicas de frotis directo, flotación y sedimentación; además, se recolectaron ectoparásitos para su identificación taxonómica. Por último, la detección de D. caninum en pulgas se hizo mediante la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR).Resultados. El 37,2 % de los perros resultó positivo para endoparásitos. Los géneros o especies identificados fueron Toxocara spp., Giardia spp., Ancylostoma spp., Cystoisospora spp., D. caninum, Taenia spp. y Trichuris vulpis. Se determinó una prevalencia de ectoparásitos de 13,13 %. Se identificaron pulgas de las especies Ctenocephalides felis y C. canis, en tanto que solo un animal presentó parasitosis por Rhipicephalus sanguineus y otro por Trichodectes canis. La prevalencia de D. caninum en pulgas fue del 9,5 %. Conclusión. La prevalencia de endoparásitos fue de 37,2 % y, la de ectoparásitos, de 13,1 %. Por primera vez en México se hizo un análisis de endoparásitos y ectoparásitos en una misma población de perros, así como el diagnóstico molecular de D. caninum.

THE DIVERSITY OF TREMATODES IN FISHES FROM THE MIDDLE COURSE OF THE RIVER SAVA (BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA)

UDK: 597:576.89(497.6) (282.249)
 The prevalence and intensity of trematodes ectoparasites in freshwater fish are presented in this paper. Parasitology researches were conducted during 2017 in the middle course of the river Sava near Orašje. All results from this study were tested with the use of nonparametric tests (χ2, Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman test of corellation) in the statistical package STATISTICA 7. The total of 400 sampled specimens of different fish species were parasitologically tested. The trematodes from the class Monogenea (Dactylogyrus, Gyrodactylus and Eudiplozoon nipponicum) and Digenea (Posthodiplostomum cuticola) were found on the skin and the gills of the fish. The genus Dactylogyrus was found on 27 specimens, or 6.75%. Intensity of the infection for the genus Dactylogyrus did not show any significant deviations during different seasons. Parasites from the genus Gyrodactylus were found on the skin and the gills of 40 infected specimens, dominantly found on the gills. The species Eudiplozoon nipponicum was found in low prevalence in the total ichthyo sample of 1.75%. The presence of the species Posthodiplostomum cuticola is established in 18 specimens and the prevalence of the infection in total sample was 4.5%.

First assessment of ectoparasite prevalence in Apennine populations of Eurasian red squirrel: does habitat fragmentation affect parasite presence?

Although habitat fragmentation is widely reported to affect species survival and distribution, its effect in terms of host-parasite interactions in small mammal communities is poorly studied yet. Using information collected from carcasses of 34 road-kill and two preyed-upon individuals, we present the first comprehensive study dealing with the relationship between habitat fragmentation and the presence of different ectoparasite species infecting a small Sciurus vulgaris population inhabiting the Apennine ridge. We predicted that the probability to find individuals infested by parasites would be lower in highly fragmented areas because of the trade-off effects over both mammal and ectoparasite communities. Our findings showed that the most frequent ectoparasites were the squirrel fleas Ceratophyllus sciurorum and hard ticks Ixodes ricinus. Males showed higher presence of ectoparasites than females, probably because of different behaviour in space use and higher hormone levels, which may compromise host’s resistance to infection. As to the relationship with habitat fragmentation, we did not find support that individuals in highly fragmented areas would be less susceptible to C. sciurorum infestation because of lower red squirrel relative density. The presence of highly suitable habitat patches in fragmented habitats may have favoured the presence of squirrels, hence promoting C. sciurorum transmission among specimens. Similarly, we did not find support that habitat fragmentation would have reduced the likelihood of generalist ectoparasites transmission among squirrels. This finding may be explained by the increasing tolerance of generalist ectoparasites towards habitat fragmentation because of the presence of species (e.g., roe deer Capreolus capreolus) able to better exploit ecotonal areas. We believe that our research provides interesting preliminary results on ectoparasites infesting red squirrels in the Apennine area, and of the potential impact which habitat fragmentation may have on them. Nevertheless, the effect of habitat fragmentation over parasite communities is still poorly considered, and further researches are needed.

Cross-sectional seasonal prevalence and relative risk of ectoparasitic infestations of rodents in North Sinai, Egypt.

Background and Aim:Rodents are ubiquitous animals that host ectoparasites and transmit zoonotic diseases. We conducted a cross-sectional study on the seasonal variation, period prevalence (Pp), and relative risk of ectoparasitic infestations in rodents collected in North Sinai, Egypt, from September 2019 to August 2020.Materials and Methods:We captured 380 rodents during the study period. Rodents were euthanized to perform species identification, and 2930 external parasites were collected and identified using light microscopic examination with systemic keys depending on morphological characters.Results:Rattus norvegicus (brown rat), Rattus rattus frugivorus (white-bellied rat), Rattus rattus alexandrines (gray-bellied rat), and Mus musculus domesticus (house mouse) were captured at the highest frequencies during summer (n=186), followed by spring (n=84), fall (n=71), and winter (n=39), with a higher proportion of males captured in all seasons. Analysis of the infestation Pp revealed highly significant increases (p<0.01) in ectoparasites during the winter. Temperature, humidity, and dew point were significantly (p<0.01) correlated with the numbers of captured and infested rodents. Parasitological examinations showed the higher risks of flea (Echidnophaga gallinacea, Xenopsylla cheopis, and Leptopsylla segnis) and lice (Hoplopleura hirsuta, Hoplopleura ocanthopus, Hoplopleura oenomydis, and Polyplax spinulosa) infestations during winter and mite (Laelaps nuttalli, Dermanyssus gallinae, Ornithonyssus bacoti, and Myobia musculi) infestations during summer.Conclusion:We conclude that ectoparasitic infestation prevalence and risk varies with predominating macroclimatic conditions. Strict preventive and biosecurity measures should be applied to combat rodent-related problems.

Prevalence and Intensity of Ectoparasites on Cultivated Catfish (Clarias sp.) in Aquaculture Ponds and Bioflocs System in Aceh Besar, Indonesia.

The purpose of this research is to determine the intensity and the prevalence of ectoparasites found in catfish biofloc aquaculture ponds and traditional catfish in Aceh Besar. The research was conducted at the Fish Quarantine Agency for Quality Control and Safety of Fishery Products (BPKIPM) Blang Bintang. This research used a descriptive method while the catfish samples were taken using a random sampling method. The sample of catfish is 100 samples which are devided into 50 catfish with biofloc system and 50 catfish using the traditional system. The organs observed in catfish are fins (back, chest, tail, anal, stomach), gills, and mucus. The results of this study indicate that there were 3 types of ectoparasites have been identified, Vorticella sp., Trichodina sp., and Dactylogyrus sp. The highest prevalence rate is infection parasite by Dactylogyrus sp. in Leubok village, Aceh Besar which use a traditional system, and it is categorized as “always” or “very severe infection” (100%) while for the biofloc system in the village of Reukih Dayah, Indrapuri, Aceh Besar it is categorized as “moderate or “moderate infection”(88%). For the lowest prevalence rate in ectoparasites is Vorticella sp. It is found in biofloc ponds and categorized as “rare” infections about (2%). The highest level of parasite intensity is infection with Dactylogyrus sp. Both media are categorized as “medium”. The differences in the intensity value of the two media are biofloc media has an intensity of 22.7 meanwhile the traditional has 11.3.

Small mammal assemblages and their ectoparasite prevalence (Acarina) in mangrove forests of Peninsular Malaysia

The mangrove forest is located in the coastal intertidal zone and plays a vital role in buffering against erosion from storm surges, currents, waves, and tides. This ecosystem also serves for ecotourism due to its heterogeneous habitats, which supported a high diversity of plants and animals. Small mammals are among the abundant but poorly recognised inhabitants in mangrove forests. Apart from their role as primary consumer and prey, they are host to various ectoparasites, which potentially become the primary vector for tick-borne diseases among visitors. Therefore, this study aims to determine the small mammal assemblages and their ectoparasite prevalence in mangroves forests of Peninsular Malaysia. The capture-release method was applied for small mammal sampling, and each captured individual was screened and collected for ectoparasites before released. DNA barcoding using CO1 genes was performed for small mammal species verification, whereby ectoparasite identification was based on morphological identification and molecular verification using 16S rDNA genes. A total of 94 small mammals from 6 species were captured across sites, dominated by Rattus tiomanicus (n=74). From this number, 15 individuals (16% prevalence) were infested by ticks, 22 individuals (23%) were infested by mites, whereas 4 individuals (4%) were infested by both ticks and mites. Five species of ticks and one mite species were identified; Amblyomma cordiferum, Ixodes granulatus, Haemaphysalis hystricis, Dermacentor auratus, Dermacentor atrosignatus, and Laelaps echidninus. This study reveals a relatively poor diversity of small mammals in the mangroves forest, of which highly infested with a diversity of ectoparasites, elucidating the relationship of hostectoparasite associations in the riparian zone. This information is crucial to inform visitors to these areas, ultimately safeguard against ectoparasite-borne disease.

Ectoparasite diversity in pets and livestock from Puducherry, India

ABSTRACT Ectoparasites in livestock and pets are associated with the transmission of diseases of veterinary and public health importance. The paucity of data on the ectoparasite diversity of pet and domestic animals in Puducherry is the basis for our study. Ectoparasites in animals brought to the veterinary dispensaries in Puducherry were retrieved and identified morphologically. Molecular confirmation of the ectoparasites was done by amplifying and sequencing the genes cytochrome oxidase I (COI), 16s rRNA and 18s rRNA. A total of 792 animals were screened and 2625 ectoparasites were retrieved. The most common ectoparasite retrieved was ticks (n = 2140) followed by fleas (n = 326) and lice (n = 180). Eight tick species belonging to two genera were collected: Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rh. simus, Rh. bursa, Rh. (Boophilus) annulatus, R. (Boophilus) microplus, Rh. haemaphysaloides, Haemaphysalis intermedia and Ha. bispinosa. Three sucking lice, Haematopinus quadripertusus, H. tuberculatus, Linognathus africanus, and two chewing lice, Heterodoxus spiniger and Trichodectes canis were found infesting the animals. Ctenocephalides felis felis was the only flea species observed to infest the animals. Common grazing areas and stray animals contributed to wide dispersal of the ectoparasites on different hosts. A longitudinal study might uncover the influence of season on ectoparasite prevalence and diversity in Puducherry.

Associations between Afrotropical bats, eukaryotic parasites, and microbial symbionts.

Skin is the largest mammalian organ and the first defensive barrier against the external environment. The skin and fur of mammals can host a wide variety of ectoparasites, many of which are phylogenetically diverse, specialized, and specifically adapted to their hosts. Among hematophagous dipteran parasites, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are known to serve as important attractants, leading parasites to compatible sources of blood meals. VOCs have been hypothesized to be mediated by host‐associated bacteria, which may thereby indirectly influence parasitism. Host‐associated bacteria may also influence parasitism directly, as has been observed in interactions between animal gut microbiota and malarial parasites. Hypotheses relating bacterial symbionts and eukaryotic parasitism have rarely been tested among humans and domestic animals, and to our knowledge have not been tested in wild vertebrates. In this study, we used Afrotropical bats, hematophagous ectoparasitic bat flies, and haemosporidian (malarial) parasites vectored by bat flies as a model to test the hypothesis that the vertebrate host microbiome is linked to parasitism in a wild system. We identified significant correlations between bacterial community composition of the skin and dipteran ectoparasite prevalence across four major bat lineages, as well as striking differences in skin microbial network characteristics between ectoparasitized and nonectoparasitized bats. We also identified links between the oral microbiome and presence of malarial parasites among miniopterid bats. Our results support the hypothesis that microbial symbionts may serve as indirect mediators of parasitism among eukaryotic hosts and parasites.

Fire reduces parasite load in a Mediterranean lizard.

Wildfires are a natural disturbance in many ecosystems. However, their effect on biotic interactions has been poorly studied. Fire consumes the vegetation and the litter layer where many parasites spend part of their life cycles. We hypothesize that wildfires reduce habitat availability for parasites with consequent potential benefits for hosts. We tested this for the lizard Psammodromus algirus and its ectoparasites in a Mediterranean ecosystem. We predicted that lizards in recently burned areas would have lower parasite load (cleaning effect) than those in unburned areas and that this phenomenon implies that lizards spending their entire lives in postfire conditions experience a lower level of parasitism than those living in unburned areas. We compared the ectoparasite load of lizards between eight paired burned/unburned sites, including recent (less than 1 year postfire) and older fires (2-4 years). We found that lizards' ectoparasites prevalence was drastically reduced in recently burned areas. Likewise, lizards in older burned areas showed less evidence of past parasitic infections. Fire disrupted the host-parasite interaction, providing the opportunity for lizards to avoid the negative effects of ectoparasites. Our results suggest that wildfires probably fulfil a role in controlling vector-borne diseases and pathogens, and highlight ecological effects of wildfires that have been overlooked.

The relationship between water quality and prevalence of ectoparasites on cultured Nile tilapia at two reservoirs in Central Java, Indonesia

Besides environmental impacts, climate change is likely to cause a profound disruption to aquatic organisms. Therefore, parasitic infections could become more detrimental to host fish due to climate change in the future. This study aims to assess the relationship between the prevalence of ectoparasites Gyrodactylus spp., Dactylogyrus spp., and Trichodina spp. on cultured Nile tilapia and the water quality parameters of the Gajah Mungkur and Cengklik reservoirs. The standard parasitological procedure was used to determine the prevalence of these ectoparasites species. The water quality parameters conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, transparency, ammonia level, and temperature were measured. The results showed a high prevalence of 73% recorded by protozoan Trichodina spp followed by 30.1% and 25.3 % for Dactylogyrus spp., and Gyrodactylus spp., respectively. Furthermore, the findings showed that the prevalence of ectoparasites correlated with water quality in different ways in each reservoir. The presence of ectoparasites in the Gajah Mungkur reservoir was primarily influenced by ammonia level and temperature. Besides, in the Cengklik reservoir, ectoparasites were the most influenced by water pH. There was no fish mortality recorded despite the parasitic infection. The water quality parameters were within the recommended range for tilapia culture under cage systems.

A Prevalence, Intensity, and Associated of Ectoparasitic Fauna Among Cave-Dwelling Bats from Lombok Island West Nusa Tenggara

The study aimed to observe the prevalence, intensity, and relationship of ectoparasites in bats in the southern region of Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara. The study was conducted in March 2018-February 2019. Bat samples were obtained from four caves in the southern part of Lombok Island. These caves include the Gale-gale Bangkang Cave, Buwun Cave, Semeti Cave, and the Raksasa Cave. Trapping bat samples for identification is done by using the Mist net. While taking ectoparasite samples is done by combing using a toothbrush. The organisms found were collected into sample bottles containing 70% alcohol. Analysis of the relationship between ectoparasites and bats was done by collecting data on ectoparasite species and ectoparasite abundance in each bat species, then further analysis was carried out to find the value of the Similarity Index (IS). The similarity index found is then cluster analysis. Cluster analysis aims to group based on similarity using Euclidean distance. The results of the study stated that based on the examination of 9 species of bats there were 14 species of ectoparasites identified. The value of the highest prevalence of ectoparasites in Gale-gale Cave Bangkang is found in Cyclopodia horsfieldii at 80% with an intensity value of 0.63, in Buwun cave is Amblyomma sp. of 100% with an intensity value of 1.50, in Cave Kenculit is Amblyomma sp. of 40% with an intensity value of 4.25 and in the Raksasa Cave is Cyclopodia horsfieldii of 70% with an intensity value of 0.71. While the relationship between the existence of ectoparasites in the bat's body states that the ectoparasite group in the body of bats can be grouped into 5 community groups. Group I consisted of the ectoparasite community in the Macroglossus minimus, and Rosettus an amplxicaudatus with Euclidean distance of 11,916. Group 2, the ectoparasite community was in Miniopterus pusillus, Rhinopoma microphyllum and Rhinolopus acuminatus with Euclidean distance of 15,362. Group 3 ectoparasite communities in the Chaerephon plicata and Taphozous melanopagon with Euclidean distances of 6,000. Group 4, the ectoparasite community only inhabited Eonycteris spelaea with Euclidean distance of 27,423. And group 5 also only inhabits Rhinolopus simplex with Euclidean distance of 46,293.

Prevalence of ectoparasites in free-range backyard chicken flocks in northeast Algeria

Free-range backyard chicken breeding is gaining popularity in Algerian rural regions. Due to the natural rearing conditions, chickens are exposed a wide range of microbes and ectoparasites. Currently, little is known about the variety of ectoparasites infesting free-range chickens in Algeria. The present study was conducted over a two year period on 169 backyard chicken, with the aim of identifying and estimating the prevalence of ectoparasites on different body parts of the chickens, and their immediate environments in northeast Algeria. In total, 9943 ectoparasites were identified, and the seven most dominant species were: Menopon gallinae (82.84%), Goniodes dissimilis (15.97%), Menacanthus stramineus (13.60%), Goniocotes gallinae (6.50%), Lipeurus caponis (5.23%), Argas persicus (9.46%) and Dermanyssus gallinae (1.18%). Menopon gallinae was the most frequent isolated ectoparasite throughout the year. Soft ticks Argas persicus were isolated during spring and summer, mainly from crevices and cracks, while the chicken red mite Dermanyssus gallinae was detected in autumn with a low load on bird body parts and a high abundance in nests. These results list the most abundant ectoparasites in backyard chickens, which could facilitate the improvement of rearing management.

Oxidative status of blue tit nestlings varies with habitat and nestling size

Oxidative status has been proposed as an important ecological and evolutionary force given that pro-oxidant metabolites damage molecules, cells and tissues, with fitness consequences for organisms. Consequently, organisms usually face a trade-off between regulating their oxidative status and other physiological traits. However, environmental stressors and the availability of dietary-derived antioxidants vary according to local conditions and, thus, organisms inhabiting different habitats face different oxidative pressures. Still, there is little information on how different environmental conditions influence the oxidative status of animals inhabiting terrestrial environments. In this work, we examined the variation in oxidative status in the blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus), a bird species with hatching asynchrony. Specifically, we examined the oxidative status of the largest and the smallest nestlings in the brood, inhabiting four forests differing in food availability and ectoparasite prevalence. We measured lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde; MDA) as a marker of oxidative damage, total antioxidant capacity (Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity; TEAC) and antioxidant enzymatic activity (catalase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase) in blood samples. The glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity differed among the forests, being the highest in the pine forest and the lowest in a mixed oak (Quercus) forest in the most humid area. Lipid peroxidation was higher in larger nestlings, suggesting higher oxidative damage with an increasing growth rate. Neither brood size, laying date, nor ectoparasites were related to the oxidative status of nestlings. These results suggest that nest rearing conditions might shape the oxidative status of birds, having consequences for habitat-dependent variation in regulation of oxidative status.

Identification and Prevalence of Ectoparasites in Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Seeds From Central Local Fish Seed Center and Fish Farmers in West Koya Region

&lt;p&gt;The needed for carp in Jayapura City was greatly increasing along with the high growth and &lt;br /&gt;increase of population in Jayapura City. Cultivation of carp (Cyprinus carpio) can be done &lt;br /&gt;intensively and semi-intensively by taking into account the economic value. However, from &lt;br /&gt;cultivation activities, the problems that were often faced in cultivation activities were the attack of &lt;br /&gt;dangerous types of pathogens such as parasites. Parasite was a fish disease that occurs more &lt;br /&gt;frequently. Parasites were organisms that live on the body of other organisms and generally have a &lt;br /&gt;negative effect on their host. This study aimed to identify and the prevalence of ectoparasites to &lt;br /&gt;determine the type and level of ectoparasite attack on carp (C. carpio) seeds and to reduce the &lt;br /&gt;impact of ectoparasites which was feared to reduce the amount of carp production from cultivation. &lt;br /&gt;The method used was a direct survey to the Local Fish Seed Center and fish farmers in the Koya &lt;br /&gt;Barat area. The fish used were carp in the seed phase where the fish's immune system was still weak, &lt;br /&gt;making it more susceptible to contracting parasites. This study showed that there were 4 types of &lt;br /&gt;parasites found during the study that infected carp seeds, namely Dactylogyrus sp, Gyrodactylus sp, &lt;br /&gt;Trichodina sp, and Lernea sp. The average prevalence rate of Dactylogyrus sp. at stations I, II, III, &lt;br /&gt;and IV was 25%, Gyrodactylus sp. 8.3%, Trichodina sp. 8.3% and Lernea sp. 5% with the lowest &lt;br /&gt;prevalence rate.&lt;/p&gt;

Influence of colony traits on ectoparasite infestation in birds breeding in mixed-species colonies.

Coloniality in birds is often associated with an increase in parasite burden, but whether the co-occurrence of several host species influences the prevalence and abundance of ectoparasites and their relationship with colony size or density remains poorly known. Here, we studied mixed-species breeding colonies formed after the provision of artificial breeding structures for restoring the lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni) population in Portugal, to investigate the influence of colony traits on ectoparasite infestation. We sampled four groups of ectoparasites (carnid flies, haematophagous mites, louse flies and chewing lice) in four hosts: lesser kestrels, European rollers (Coracias garrulus), feral pigeons (Columba livia) and spotless starlings (Sturnus unicolor). Each host species had a distinct infracommunity of ectoparasites, regardless of colony traits such as size, density or host richness. The abundance of the most common ectoparasite, Carnus hemapterus, was influenced by colony composition – number of nests of each host species – rather than by colony size or density, with its abundance being diluted with increasing numbers of less suitable hosts such as starlings. The increased contact between multiple species of hosts in breeding colonies may complexify host–parasite interactions and challenge our current knowledge on the ecological relationships between host sociality and parasitism.

Prevalence, intensity, and dominance of ectoparasites in gourami (Osphronemus goramy) reared in floating net cage in Cirata Reservoir, West Java, Indonesia

The aimed of the study was to determine the prevalence, intensity and dominance of ectoparasites that infected gourami (Osphronemus goramy) which cultivated in floating net cages in Cirata reservoir, West Java. Present results showed that there were 22 gouramis infected with ectoparasites from 30 observed fish. The ectoparasites (Prevalence, Intensity and Dominance) found were Trichodina sp. (13.33%, 8.15 32.62%), Ichthyobodo sp. (3.33%, 1.00, 0.31%) Microsporadia (6.67%, 1.00, 0.31%), Carchesium granulatum (6.67%, 34.00, 20.92%), Cichligogyrus sp. (3.33%, 7.00, 2.15%), Dacthylogyrus sp. (20.00%, 2.00, 3.69%), Centrocestus sp. (6.67%, 3.00, 1.85%), Argulus sp. (56.67%, 6.94, 36.31%), Lerneae sp. (3.33%, 3.00, 0,92%), Gnatia sp. (3.33%, 1.00, 0.31%) and Hatschekia sp (3.33%, 1.00, 0.31%). The Argulus sp. had the highest prevalence with a percentage of 73.33% and becames the most dominant species with a percentage value of 36,31%. Meanwhile, Carchesium granulatum was an ectoparasite species that demonstrated the highest intensity of 34. Based on the diversity of ectoparasites, it was found as positive case that gourami cultivated in the Cirata reservoir have been infected with ectoparasites, especially from the species Argulus sp.

Do latitudinal and bioclimatic gradients drive parasitism in Odonata?

Prevalence of parasites in wild animals may follow ecogeographic patterns, under the influence of climatic factors and macroecological features. One of the largest scale biological patterns on Earth is the latitudinal diversity gradient; however, latitudinal gradients may also exist regarding the frequency of interspecific interactions such as the prevalence of parasitism in host populations. Dragonflies and damselflies (order Odonata) are hosts of a wide range of ecto- and endoparasites, interactions that can be affected by environmental factors that shape their occurrence and distribution, such as climatic variation, ultraviolet radiation and vegetation structure. Here, we retrieved data from the literature on parasites of Odonata, represented by 90 populations infected by ectoparasites (water mites) and 117 populations infected by endoparasites (intestinal gregarines). To test whether there is a latitudinal and bioclimatic gradient in the prevalence of water mites and gregarines parasitizing Odonata, we applied Bayesian phylogenetic comparative models. We found that prevalence of ectoparasites was partially associated with latitude, showing the opposite pattern from our expectations – prevalence was reduced at lower latitudes. Prevalence of endoparasites was not affected by latitude. While prevalence of water mites was also positively associated with vegetation biomass and climatic stability, we found no evidence of the effect of bioclimatic variables on the prevalence of gregarines. Our study suggests that infection by ectoparasites of dragonflies and damselflies is driven by latitudinal and bioclimatic variables. We add evidence of the role of global-scale biological patterns in shaping biodiversity, suggesting that parasitic organisms may prove reliable sources of information about climate change and its impact on ecological interactions.

Study of Ectoparasite Prevalence and Intensity on Mud Crab (Scylla serrata) in Mangrove Area of Wonorejo Surabaya

This study aims to know various types, prevalence, and intensity of ectoparasite on mud crab (Scylla serrata) in Mangrove Forest Wonorejo, Surabaya. This study used survey method with random sampling to collect the data. This study was conducted in November 2020. Ectoparasite in this study collected by smear method. In-situ water quality measurement were applied in this study. Mud crab (Scylla serrata) in this study was obtained from local fisherman that consist of 30 crabs. There are 3 types of ectoparasite was infected mud crab there are Octolasmis sp. (208 ind), Zoothamnium sp. (93 ind), dan Epistylis sp. (116 ind). Those ectoparasite was found in mud crabs gills. The highest prevalence was Octolasmis sp. (70%), Epistylis sp. (30%), Zoothamnium sp. (23%). The highest intensity was Zoothamnium sp (13,29 ind/crab), Epistylis sp. (12,89 ind/crab), dan Octolasmis sp. (9,90 ind/crab). Based on Ministerial Decree of Ministry Environment and Forestry No. 1 of 2004 water quality in Wonorejo Mangrove Forest was still optimal for life cycle of mud crab with average of temperature is 31,20°C, Dissolved Oxygen 5,53 mg/l, salinity 11 ppt, and pH 7,40.

Corellation of water quality to the prevalence of ectoparasite in milkfish (Chanos chanos) in Sedati District, Sidoarjo

The management of fish aquaculture need to be considered. The poor quality of water can cause fish being easily stressed, so that can lead a disease in fish. This study aims to determine the prevalence of ectoparasites and knows the correlation between ectoparasites prevalence in milkfish, with the quality of the water contained in Sedati District, like Segoro Tambak Village, Banjar Kemuning, and Tambak Cemandi. The method is descriptive method which determined by specific criteria (purposive sampling). The sampling method was random sampling on each farm. The main parameter is water quality, such as temperature, salinity, pH, brightness, dissolved oxygen, and ammonia. Supporting parameters was the clinical symptoms of milkfish. The results showed that one ectoparasite species infested milkfish, namely Chilodonella with 0.2% total prevalence value of the three villages in Sedati District, the highest prevalence was in Tambak Cemandi, the lowest was in Segoro Tambak 0%, the measurement of water quality in the three villages ranged from temperature 26-27°C, salinity 12-22 ppt, pH 8-8.5, brightness 23-28 cm, dissolved oxygen 2-5 mg / L, ammonia 0.03-0.15 mg / L. There is a positive correlation between temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, and brightness with the prevalence of Chilodonella.

Correlation between water quality with prevalence of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) infested by ectoparasite protozoa in traditional ponds of Wonorejo, Surabaya

This research is intended to know the prevalence of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) were infested with ectoparasites protozoa and correlation with water quality in traditional ponds Wonorejo Surabaya. The method of this research is survey method with simple random sampling at five different locations ponds. The main parameters observed was the prevalence of ectoparasites that infested black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon). The supporting parameters was observed water quality parameters included pH, temperature, DO, salinity, brightness and ammonia content. The results of research showed that the prevalence of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) infested by protozoa ectoparasite in traditional ponds subdistrict Wonorejo Surabaya was 16.67% included in the category often. Correlation was shown indicated in the parameters of temperature, ammonia content and turbidity, that the higher the temperature, the ammonia content and turbidity, the higher the prevalence of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) infested by protozoa ectoparasite. Correlation was shown in the parameters of dissolved oxygen and pH, that the lower the dissolved oxygen and pH the higher the prevalence of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) infested by protozoa ectoparasite. Parameter salinity did not show any correlation because the correlation coefficient of R = 0.064, less the correlation coefficient (R) of less than 0.2.