Principal Host Research Articles

Interplay of human macrophage response and natural resistance of L. ( V .) panamensis to pentavalent antimony.

Drug resistance and treatment failure are increasingly recognized in human leishmaniasis. Investigation of resistance has predominantly focused on parasite-mediated mechanisms. This study examines the role of host macrophages in natural resistance to antimonial drug. Our findings reveal distinct responses by macrophages infected with Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis strains that are naturally resistant to antimonial drug versus sensitive strains, both in the presence and absence of the drug. Distinctively, resistant parasites induced regulatory pathways that modulate inflammatory responses and alter host cell transporter expression, potentially contributing to parasite survival under antimony exposure. The host cell-parasite interaction in the context of drug resistant intracellular infections presents opportunities for innovative therapeutic strategies targeting host cell responses. Clinical strains of L. (V . ) panamensis naturally resistant or sensitive to antimonial drug (SbV) induce different profiles of human macrophage activation. L. (V . ) panamensis strains with natural SbV resistance induce a significant interferon response in macrophages, accompanied by overexpression of the IDO1 / IL4I1 - Kyn - AHR pathways and SOD2 , associated with immune homeostasis and regulation of microbicidal activity. Homeostatic regulation by the IDO1 / IL4I1 - Kyn - AHR pathways, induced in macrophages by infection with naturally SbV-resistant strains of L. (V . ) panamensis , prevails despite significant modulation of macrophage activation by antimony exposure. Antimony treatment promotes a more anti-inflammatory (M-MØ) profile in macrophages infected with naturally resistant L. (V . ) panamensis strains, while macrophages infected with sensitive strains maintain a more proinflammatory profile (GM-MØ). Infection with the zym 2.3 strains in the presence of SbV leads to downregulation of specific macrophage transporter genes, supporting the capacity of these naturally SbV-resistant parasites to elicit macrophage responses that enable antimony resistance.

Field-portable X-ray fluorescence analyzer for chemical characterization of carbonate-bearing base metal tailings: case study from Namib Pb-Zn Mine, Namibia

Reprocessing of historic gold tailings is a common activity in South Africa, while base metal tailings offer similar reprocessing potential. The historic base metal tailings of the Namib Pb-Zn mine (Erongo Region, Namibia) still contain valuable resources of Pb and Zn in carbonate-rich matter. Micro-analysis of primary ore minerals identifies some galena as argentiferous and sphalerite as the principal host of Cd. This study demonstrates that knowledge of primary ore mineralogy helps to reveal the hosts of valuable commodities (Ag, Cd) and that field-portable X-ray fluorescence tools allow precise and accurate determinations of major and minor elements like Zn and Cd in such carbonate-rich material. Although there are limitations to directly determine the contents of certain element (i.e., As, Sb, In), linear correlations allow prediction of the likely abundance of these elements. Providing that the inter-mineral and inter-element relations are understood and there is consistency in sampling and analytical methodology, portable X-ray fluorescence analysis is an effective method to evaluate the chemical characteristics of base metal tailings for a range of major and trace elements.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Experimental Chagas Disease: An Unsolved Question.

Chagas disease is a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi with an acute, detectable blood parasites phase and a chronic phase, in which the parasitemia is not observable, but cardiac and gastrointestinal consequences are possible. Mice are the principal host used in experimental Chagas disease but reproduce the human infection depending on the animal and parasite strain, besides dose and route of administration. Lipidic mediators are tremendously involved in the pathogenesis of T.cruzi infection, meaning the prostaglandins and thromboxane, which participate in the immunosuppression characteristic of the acute phase. Thus, the eicosanoids inhibition caused by the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) alters the dynamic of the disease in the experimental models, both in vitro and in vivo, which can explain the participation of the different mediators in infection. However, marked differences are founded in the various NSAIDs existing because of the varied routes blocked by the drugs. So, knowing the results in the experimental models of Chagas disease with or without the NSAIDs helps comprehend the pathogenesis of this infection, which still needs a better understanding.

MORPHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF AMBLYOMMA SCUTATUM (ACARI: IXODIDAE) ACCIDENTALLY INTRODUCED IN ITALY.

Eight ticks were found in Comacchio (FE), Italy parasitizing a young black iguana (Ctenosaura similis) that had been accidentally transported in a commercial plant container from Costa Rica. Specimens were identified morphologically as Amblyomma scutatum and then confirmed by the barcoding of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene. Amblyomma scutatum is a common tick known to infest reptiles in Central America, Mexico, and Venezuela, but not in Europe. In Italy, the possibility for this tick to become endemic is unlikely because of the absence of its principal hosts. Nevertheless, this finding confirms the high risk of introducing exotic species that is linked with global commerce and therefore the need for veterinary control of shipments.

A new chromosome-scale duck genome shows a major histocompatibility complex with several expanded multigene families

BackgroundThe duck (Anas platyrhynchos) is one of the principal natural hosts of influenza A virus (IAV), harbors almost all subtypes of IAVs and resists to many IAVs which cause extreme virulence in chicken and human. However, the response of duck’s adaptive immune system to IAV infection is poorly characterized due to lack of a detailed gene map of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC).ResultsWe herein reported a chromosome-scale Beijing duck assembly by integrating Nanopore, Bionano, and Hi-C data. This new reference genome SKLA1.0 covers 40 chromosomes, improves the contig N50 of the previous duck assembly with highest contiguity (ZJU1.0) of more than a 5.79-fold, surpasses the chicken and zebra finch references in sequence contiguity and contains a complete genomic map of the MHC. Our 3D MHC genomic map demonstrated that gene family arrangement in this region was primordial; however, families such as AnplMHCI, AnplMHCIIβ, AnplDMB, NKRL (NK cell receptor-like genes) and BTN underwent gene expansion events making this area complex. These gene families are distributed in two TADs and genes sharing the same TAD may work in a co-regulated model.ConclusionsThese observations supported the hypothesis that duck’s adaptive immunity had been optimized with expanded and diversified key immune genes which might help duck to combat influenza virus. This work provided a high-quality Beijing duck genome for biological research and shed light on new strategies for AIV control.

Development of a qPCR Duplex Assay for simultaneous detection of Fascioloides magna and Galba truncatula in eDNA samples: Monitoring beyond boundaries

Parasites constitute a significant economic burden and highly impact environmental, public, and animal health. The emergence of many parasitic diseases is environmentally mediated and they share the same biogeography with humans and both domestic and wild animals. American liver fluke, Fascioloides magna – a trematode parasite of domestic and wild ungulates – is an example of the anthropogenic introduction of an “invasive alien species” in Italy and Europe. Multiple introductions to Europe have led to the biogeographical expansion of the parasite across the Danube region mainly provided by the presence of suitable habitats for all hosts involved in the parasite's life cycle, human-assisted transport, and drastic environmental events such as flooding. In Italy, it was introduced and established in La Mandria Regional Park (LMRP) near Turin in 1865 along with imported wapitis (Cervus elaphus canadensis) from North America (Bassi, 1875), but with no reported expansion to the surrounding areas. LMRP isolated F. magna focus, poses an important threat of possible expansion since the enclosed area is vulnerable to occasional bidirectional passage of roe deer. Additionally, tributary rivers to the Po river system, traversing the enclosed area, could further bolster the possibility of such spread. In this study, we developed a duplex qPCR assay for F. magna and its principal intermediate host Galba truncatula optimized for testing eDNA samples to meet the needs for surveillance of the parasite. Moreover, we validated the developed assay in natura by testing samples derived from filtered water and sediments collected inside and outside LMRP's fenced-off area. Our findings for the first time demonstrate the presence of F. magna's eDNA outside the park's internal fenced-off area.

Applying resource-selection functions to assess host preference in the endemic endoparasite Pilostyles hamiltoniorum (Apodanthaceae) and its principal host Daviesia (Fabaceae)

Context Pilostyles are a genus of endoparasitic plants specific to the Fabaceae family. In Australia, three species are restricted to the South-west floristic region. Aims This study aimed to assess the use of resource-selection functions (RSFs) on populations of Pilostyles hamiltoniorum to understand host preference to the known host species of Daviesia. Methods Forty sites were chosen along the known distribution of P. hamiltoniorum, and infected and uninfected hosts were recorded at each site. The Manly resource-usage function was applied to the data to assess host use in populations of P. hamiltoniorum. Key results Only 9 of the 40 sites had populations large enough to assess host use. Out of these surveys, Pilostyles presented high preference for four hosts species, namely, Daviesia angulata, D. physodes, D. preisii and D. rhombifolia, with D. decurrens, observed to be the least favoured host. Conclusion Resource-selection indices showed to be a potential tool in understanding host preference within the genus Pilostyles, with evidence here indicating that host use is not equal within the environment. Implications The patterns of host use show that there are some unknown factors between each host affecting infection, along with the identification of strongly preferred hosts that could lead to future research in ex vitro cultivation.

Atmospheric antibiotic resistome driven by air pollutants

The atmosphere is an important reservoir and habitat for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and is a main pathway to cause potential health risks through inhalation and ingestion. However, the distribution characteristics of ARGs in the atmosphere and whether they were driven by atmospheric pollutants remain unclear. We annotated 392 public air metagenomic data worldwide and identified 1863 ARGs, mainly conferring to tetracycline, MLS, and multidrug resistance. We quantified these ARG's risk to human health and identified their principal pathogenic hosts, Burkholderia and Staphylococcus. Additionally, we found that bacteria in particulate contaminated air carry more ARGs than in chemically polluted air. This study revealed the influence of typical pollutants in the global atmosphere on the dissemination and risk of ARGs, providing a theoretical basis for the prevention and mitigation of the global risks associated with ARGs.

Cases of Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome in Russia during 2000–2022

During 2000–2022, a total of 69 of Russia’s 85 administrative regions reported 164,580 hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) cases, with an annual average rate of 4.9 cases/100,000 population (105 popul.). European Russia reported 162,045 (98.5%) cases in 53/60 regions with 9.7 cases/105 popul. Asian Russia reported 2535 (1.5%) cases in 16/25 regions with 0.6 cases/105 popul. In the same period, Russia reported 668 (0.4%) fatal HFRS cases, and 4030 (2.4%) cases among children under the age of 14 years. Most HFRS cases occurred during autumn and winter. The incidence among rural residents was 6.7 per 105 popul., higher than the urban 4.4 per 105 popul.; however, among HFRS patients, rural and urban residents account for 35% and 65%, respectively. Six hantaviruses, causing HFRS of different clinical severity, were recognized as pathogens: Hantaan (HTNV) and Amur (AMUV) of Orthohantavirus hantanense species, Seoul (SEOV) of Orthohantavirus seoulense species, Puumala (PUUV) of Orthohantavirus puumalaense species, and Kurkino (KURV) and Sochi (SOCV) of Orthohantavirus dobravaense species, with the principal hosts Apodemus agrarius coreae, Apodemus peninsulae, Rattus norvegicus, Myodes glareolus, Apodemus agrarius agrarius, and Sylvaemus ponticus, respectively. It was found that 97.7% of HFRS cases are caused by PUUV, therefore, this virus plays the main role in the HFRS morbidity structure in Russia.

Silicon and iron isotopes in components of enstatite chondrites: Implications for metal–silicate–sulfide fractionation in the solar nebula

AbstractSilicon and iron isotope compositions of different physically separated components of enstatite chondrites (EC) were determined in this study to understand the role of nebular and planetary scale events in fractionating Si and Fe isotopes of the terrestrial planet‐forming region. We found that the metal–sulfide nodules of EC are strongly enriched in light Si isotopes (δ30Si ≥ −5.61 ± 0.12‰, 2SD), whereas the δ30Si values of angular metal grains, magnetic, slightly magnetic, and non‐magnetic fractions become progressively heavier, correlating with their Mg# (Mg/(Mg+Fe)). White mineral phases, composed primarily of SiO2 polymorphs, display the heaviest δ30Si of up to +0.23 ± 0.10‰. The data indicate a key role of metal–silicate partitioning on the Si isotope composition of EC. The overall lighter δ30Si of bulk EC compared to other planetary materials can be explained by the enrichment of light Si isotopes in EC metals along with the loss of isotopically heavier forsterite‐rich silicates from the EC‐forming region. In contrast to the large Si isotope heterogeneity, the average Fe isotope composition (δ56Fe) of EC components was found to vary from −0.30 ± 0.08‰ to +0.20 ± 0.04‰. A positive correlation between δ56Fe and Ni/S in the components suggests that the metals are enriched in heavy Fe isotopes whereas sulfides are the principal hosts of light Fe isotopes in the non‐magnetic fractions of EC. Our combined Si and Fe isotope data in different EC components reflect an inverse correlation between δ30Si and δ56Fe, which illustrates that partitioning of Si and Fe among metal, silicate, and sulfidic phases has significantly fractionated Si and Fe isotopes under reduced conditions. Such isotope partitioning must have occurred before the diverse components were mixed to form the EC parent body. Evaluation of diffusion coefficients of Si and Fe in the metal and non‐metallic phases suggests that the Si isotope compositions of the silicate fractions of EC largely preserve information of their nebular processing. On the other hand, the Fe isotopes might have undergone partial or complete re‐equilibration during parent body metamorphism. The relatively uniform δ56Fe among different types of bulk chondrites and the Earth, despite Fe isotope differences among their components, demonstrates that the chondrite parent bodies were not formed by random mixing of chondritic components from different locations in the disk. Instead, the chondrite components mostly originated in the same nebular reservoir and Si and Fe isotopes were fractionated either due to gas–solid interactions and associated changes in physicochemical environment of the nebular reservoir and/or during parent body processing. The heavier Si isotope composition of the bulk silicate Earth may require accretion of chondritic and/or isotopically heavier EC silicates along with cumulation of refractory forsterite‐rich heavier silicates lost from the EC‐forming region to form the silicate reservoir of the Earth.

Analysis of the tick communities associated to domestic mammals in rural areas of the Yungas montane forest from Argentina.

The aim of this work was to describe the tick community associated to domestic mammals in rural areas from the Yungas lower montane forest of Argentina. The circulation of tick-borne pathogens was also analyzed. Samples of ticks parasitizing cattle, horses, sheep and dogs were carried out in different seasons, and questing ticks were collected from vegetation and analyzed to detect the presence of Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, Borrelia and Babesia by a battery of different PCRs. The structure of the tick communities was analyzed through the Chao1 species richness estimator, the Shannon-Wiener index and the Horn index of community similarity. Eight tick species were collected in the study area: Amblyomma sculptum, Rhipicephalus microplus, Amblyomma hadanii, Dermacentor nitens, Amblyomma ovale, Haemaphysalis juxtakochi, Ixodes pararicinus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu stricto. However, A. sculptum was by far the dominant species in the tick assemblages analyzed, and this was reflected in the low diversity values obtained. Dermacentor nitens, A. sculptum and R. microplus were the three species associated to horses. The predominance of A. sculptum was also observed in the tick samples obtained from dogs, even on two tick species, namely A. ovale and R. sanguineus s.s., which have dogs as the principal domestic host. Rhipicephalus microplus and A. sculptum were the most abundant ticks on cattle, while few specimens of I. pararicinus, A. hadanii and D. nitens were found on bovines. Dermacentor nitens ticks were found to be infected with B. caballi, which indicate the circulation of this pathogen of horses in the Yungas area. The detection of a strain of Borrelia sp. belonging to the B. burgdorferi s.l. complex in I. pararicinus is consistent with previous findings made in Argentina, but the public health relevance of this vector-microorganism association is far from being similar to that occurs in the northern hemisphere because there are practically no records of these tick species parasitizing humans in South America. The tick community of rural areas of the Yungas lower montane forest is composed by species which are potential vectors of pathogenic microorganism with veterinary and public health importance, circulating in a human-wildlife-livestock interface.

Diversity and functional analysis of rumen and fecal microbial communities associated with dietary changes in crossbreed dairy cattle.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of varying roughage and concentrate proportions, in diet of crossbreed dairy cattle, on the composition and associated functional genes of rumen and fecal microbiota. We also explored fecal samples as a proxy for rumen liquor samples. Six crossbred dairy cattle were reared on three diets with an increasing concentrate and reducing roughage amount in three consecutive 10-day periods. After each period, individual rumen liquor and fecal samples were collected and analyzed through shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Average relative abundance of identified Operational Taxonomic Units (OTU) and microbial functional roles from all animals were compared between diets and sample types (fecal and rumen liquor). Results indicated that dietary modifications significantly affected several rumen and fecal microbial OTUs. In the rumen, an increase in dietary concentrate resulted in an upsurge in the abundance of Proteobacteria, while reducing the proportions of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. Conversely, changes in microbial composition in fecal samples were not consistent with dietary modification patterns. Microbial functional pathway classification identified that carbohydrate metabolism and protein metabolism pathways dominated microbial roles. Assessment of dietary effects on the predicted functional roles of these microbiota revealed that a high amount of dietary concentrate resulted in an increase in central carbohydrate metabolism and a corresponding reduction in protein synthesis. Moreover, we identified several microbial stress-related responses linked to dietary changes. Bacteroides and Clostridium genera were the principal hosts of these microbial functions. Therefore, the roughage to concentrate proportion has more influence on the microbial composition and microbial functional genes in rumen samples than fecal samples. As such, we did not establish a significant relationship between the rumen and fecal metagenome profiles, and the rumen and fecal microbiota from one animal did not correlate more than those from different animals.

Potential distribution of the silver stripped skipper (Leptalina unicolor) and maiden silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis) under climate change in South Korea

AbstractGlobally, changes in the climate and in land cover are the most prominent factors affecting the distribution of flora and fauna, including butterflies. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the impact of climate and land cover changes on the potential habitat of the endangered butterfly Leptalina unicolor and its principal host, Miscanthus sinensis, in South Korea. We developed a species distribution model using the maximum entropy modeling approach and evaluated the current and future potential distributions of both species. Currently, the potential habitat of L. unicolor is predicted to be located along the Baekdudaegan mountain range and some isolated patches of its western and southern regions, covering an area of approximately 16,865 km2. However, due to future climate change, its potential habitat would decrease on a large scale (by up to 80.39%), thus limiting its existence to the northeastern region. On the other hand, the host plant (M. sinensis) was estimated to live in all parts of the country under both current and future climate conditions, covering up to 50.45% of the country. Our results showed that future climate and land cover changes will critically reduce the habitat of L. unicolor and limit its existence to relatively cold areas. This study suggests that, in addition to the host habitat, climate and land cover changes also play important roles in the future distribution of L. unicolor. This study predicted the current and future potential habitats of L. unicolor and M. sinensis to help develop management policies for the conservation of this endangered butterfly in South Korea.

Distribution of Phloeosinus tacubayae Hopkins, 1905 (Curculionidae, Scolytinae), the Cypress Bark Beetle, and new records from potential distribution models

We evaluated the biotic and abiotic conditions related to the presence of Phloeosinus tacubayae Hopkins, 1905, to update its distribution and explore new areas to collect the species from potential distribution models and establish its host range. Our results support that P. tacubayae is an oligophagous species distributed mostly in five provinces from the Mexican Transition Zone; its distribution pattern belongs to the Nearctic cenocron and is related to the distribution pattern of its principal host. The modeling and distribution of its hosts suggest invadable zones where new records may exist.

Distribution and seasonal abundance of Biomphalaria snails and their infection status with Schistosoma mansoni in and around Lake Tana, northwest Ethiopia

Biomphalaria snails, namely B. pfeifferi and B. sudanica, are the principal intermediate hosts for Schistosoma mansoni infection in Ethiopia. Epidemiological studies of Biomphalaria snails and their infection status with S. mansoni is vital for public health planning. This study aimed to assess the spatial and seasonal abundance of Biomphalaria snails as well as their infection status with S. mansoni around Lake Tana, northwest Ethiopia. Malacological survey was conducted from January 2021 to December 2021 in ten different collection sites in and around Lake Tana. Snail collection was performed for 20 min from each collection site seasonally (four times in a year) using a standard scoop and handpicking from aquatic vegetation. All collected snails were carefully examined based on their morphological features and all live Biomphalaria snails were subjected to cercariae shedding experiment. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the prevalence of S. mansoni infection and its relationship with snail collection sites and seasons. A total of 3886 freshwater snails were collected from ten collection sites around Lake Tana. Out of the total snails collected, 1606 (41.3%; 95% CI 39.77–42.89%) were Biomphalaria spp. The highest (374) and the lowest numbers (98) of Biomphalaria snails were collected from Shinne River and Qunzela Lakeshore, respectively. Out of the 1375 live Biomphalaria snails, 14.4% (95% CI 12.59–16.37%) snails shed cercariae, but only 4.87% (95% CI 3.79–6.15%) were cercariae of S. mansoni. The infection prevalence of S. mansoni ranged from 10.59% at the Cherechera site to 1.49% at Gumara River. Biomphalaria snail infections with S. mansoni cercariae were observed throughout the season, the highest and the lowest infection rates being in the spring and summer seasons. Significant differences in the prevalence of S. mansoni infection in Biomphalaria snails were observed across study sites and seasons (p < 0.05). Biomphalaria snails were the most abundant freshwater snails found in nearly all of snail collection sites throughout the year. It was revealed that nearly five percent of Biomphalaria snails were infected with S. mansoni cercariae. This study highlights the importance of appropriate snail control strategies to support the ongoing prevention and control of schistosomiasis around Lake Tana.

Resolution of cryptic species complexes within the genus Metagonimus (Trematoda: Heterophyidae) in Japan, with descriptions of four new species.

A nationwide fish survey was conducted in Japan to detect metacercariae of the genus Metagonimus (Trematoda: Heterophyidae). The metacercariae were subjected to DNA barcoding for molecular species identification. A phylogeny inferred from the sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) prompted us to recognize three cryptic species complexes (i.e., the M. miyatai complex, the M. takahashii complex, and the M. katsuradai complex). Each complex included one or two undescribed species. For morphological description, adult flukes of each species were raised through the experimental infections of immunosuppressed mice. We propose M. saitoi n. sp., M. kogai n. sp., M. shimazui n. sp., and M. kinoi n. sp., based on their phylogeny, morphology, biogeography, and ecology (host-parasite relationships). The originally described species, M. miyatai, was split into M. miyatai sensu stricto and M. saitoi n. sp. The former is distributed mainly in eastern Japan and uses the sweetfish (Plecoglossus altivelis) and daces (Pseudaspius hakonensis and Ps. sachalinensis) as principal second intermediate hosts, while the latter is in western Japan and its principal fish hosts are the dark chub (Nipponocypris temminckii) and the pale chub (Opsariichthys platypus). The present survey resolves a long-standing controversy on the microtaxonomy of Metagonimus in Japan since the first discovery of Metagonimus yokogawai in 1912, and shows that 10 species of Metagonimus are still distributed in Japan, although human metagonimiasis is almost eradicated.

SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, and Reproduction: Effects on Fertility, Pregnancy, and Neonatal Life.

Since its discovery in Wuhan, China, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread over the world, having a huge impact on people’s lives and health. The respiratory system is often targeted in people with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The virus can also infect many organs and tissues in the body, including the reproductive system. The consequences of the SARS-CoV-2 infection on fertility and pregnancy in hosts are poorly documented. Available data on other coronaviruses, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV) and Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) coronaviruses, identified pregnant women as a vulnerable group with increased pregnancy-related complications. COVID-19 was also shown to impact pregnancy, which can be seen in either the mother or the fetus. Pregnant women more likely require COVID-19 intensive care treatment than non-pregnant women, and they are susceptible to giving birth prematurely and having their newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a key player of the ubiquitous renin-angiotensin system (RAS), is the principal host cellular receptor for SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. ACE2 is involved in the regulation of both male and female reproductive systems, suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated RAS dysfunction could affect reproduction. Herein, we review the current knowledge about COVID-19 consequences on male and female fertility, pregnant women, and their fetuses. Furthermore, we describe the effects of COVID-19 vaccination on reproduction.

Invading the Occupied Niche: How a Parasitic Copepod of Introduced Oysters Can Expel a Congener From Native Mussels

In species introductions, non-native species are often confronted with new niches occupied by more specialized natives, and for introduced parasites this conflict can be amplified because they also face novel hosts. Despite these obstacles, invasions of introduced parasites occur frequently, but the mechanisms that facilitate parasite invasion success are only rarely explored. Here, we investigated how the parasitic copepod Mytilicola orientalis, that recently spilled over from its principal host - the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas, managed to invade the niche of blue mussel Mytilus edulis intestines, which is densely occupied by its specialist congener, Mytilicola intestinalis. From field observations demonstrating invasion dynamics in nature, we designed a series of experiments addressing potential mechanisms facilitating a successful occupation of the new niche. As expected the specialist M. intestinalis can only infect mussel hosts, but displayed higher infection success there than M. orientalis in both principal host species combined. In the absence of direct competitive interactions M. orientalis compensated its lower infection success (1) by recurrent spill-over from its high-fitness reservoir oyster host, and (2) by active aggregation interference enhancing its own mating success while limiting that of M. intestinalis. The introduced parasite could thus avoid direct competition by changing its own epidemiology and indirectly decreasing the reproductive success of its competitor in the new host. Such mechanisms outside of direct competition have seldom been considered, but are crucial to understand invasion success, parasite host range and community assembly in the context of species introductions.

Antibodies induced by an ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strain that cross-neutralize variants from Alpha to Omicron BA.1.

Neutralizing antibodies that recognize the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein are the principal host defense against viral invasion. Variants of SARS-CoV-2 bear mutations that allow escape from neutralization by many antibodies, especially those belonging to classes widely distributed in the human population. Identifying antibodies that neutralize these variants of concern and determining their prevalence are important goals for understanding immune protection. To determine the Delta- and Omicron BA.1-variant specificity of B cell repertoires established by an initial Wuhan strain infection, we measured neutralization potencies of 73 antibodies from an unbiased survey of the early memory B cell response. Antibodies recognizing each of three, previously defined, epitopic regions on the spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) varied in neutralization potency and variant-escape resistance. The ACE2 binding surface (“RBD-2”) harbored the binding sites of the neutralizing antibodies with highest potency but with the greatest sensitivity to viral escape; two other epitopic regions on the RBD (“RBD-1 and “RBD-3”) bound antibodies of more modest potency but greater breadth. The structures of several Fab:spike complexes that neutralized all five variants of concern tested, including one Fab each from the RBD-1, -2 and -3 clusters, illustrated the determinants of broad neutralization and showed that B cell repertoires can have specificities that avoid immune escape driven by widely distributed (“public”) antibodies. The structure of the RBD-2-binding, broad neutralizer shows why it retains neutralizing activity for Omicron BA.1, unlike most others in the same public class. Our results correlate with real-world data on vaccine efficacy, which indicate mitigation of disease caused by Omicron BA.1.

Size Relationship of the Ectoparasite Tachaea chinensis in the Host Shrimp Palaemon paucidens From Shiga Prefecture, Japan.

Monthly sampling of freshwater shrimps infested by the corallanid ectoparasite Tachaea chinensis was conducted at an agricultural canal of the Etsura River system, Shiga Prefecture, Japan, from April 2018 through December 2019. A total of 944 Palaemon paucidens and 279 Neocaridina spp. were collected, and 203 immature T. chinensis were found attached to the carapace of these hosts. Mean prevalence was 23.1% for P. paucidens and 6.4% for Neocaridina spp. Newly hatched T. chinensis ectoparasitizing P. paucidens were detected in August 2018 (minimum body length of parasite 3.2 mm) and appeared continually until June 2019 (maximum body length of 10.3 mm) and were not observed in July. In contrast, T. chinensis on Neocaridina spp. were first detected in August of each year (with minimum body length of 2.0 mm) and were observed until September in 2018 and to November in 2019 (maximum body length of 5.8 mm). Ratios of the body length of T. chinensis to the carapace length of the host shrimp were almost constant (0.8-0.9) with the host species and parasite growth. Although infestation by early-life-stage individuals of T. chinensis was observed on both shrimp species, P. paucidens appeared to be the principal host for individuals larger than 6 mm in body length.