Refine
Year of publication
Document Type
- Article (46)
- Contribution to a Periodical (2)
Has Fulltext
- yes (48)
Is part of the Bibliography
- no (48)
Keywords
- Invasive species (5)
- Ecological modelling (4)
- Species distribution modelling (4)
- Maxent (3)
- Antarctica (2)
- Asian tiger mosquito (2)
- Biodiversity (2)
- Biogeography (2)
- Climate change (2)
- Ecology (2)
- Evolutionary ecology (2)
- Host-parasite interaction (2)
- Land cover (2)
- Metazoan parasite fauna (2)
- Parasites (2)
- Predation (2)
- Tick-borne diseases (2)
- Trypanosoma cruzi (2)
- Zoonotic diseases (2)
- Acanthocephalan parasites (1)
- Aedes (1)
- Aedes aegypti (1)
- Aedes albopictus (1)
- Anguillicoloides crassus (1)
- Anisakid nematodes (1)
- Anisakidae (1)
- Antarctic parasites (1)
- Arboviruses (1)
- Asian bush mosquito (1)
- B chromosome (1)
- Bathydraconinae (1)
- Baylisascaris procyonis (1)
- Biogeography of disease (1)
- Borrelia (1)
- COI (1)
- COII (1)
- Canary Current (1)
- Carnivora (1)
- Castor bean tick (1)
- Cestode community (1)
- Chaenodraco wilsoni (1)
- Chagas disease (1)
- Champsocephalus gunnari (1)
- Channichthyidae (1)
- Chrysops (1)
- Climate (1)
- Climatic conditions (1)
- Climatic habitat suitability (1)
- Conservation biology (1)
- Contracaecum (1)
- Demersal fish (1)
- Dengue virus (1)
- Dikerogammarus villosus (1)
- Diseases (1)
- Dysgonomonas (1)
- Eastern boundary upwelling ecosystem (1)
- Ecological niche modelling (1)
- Ecological requirements (1)
- Ectoparasites (1)
- Envelope (1)
- Environmental health (1)
- Environmental impact (1)
- Feeding behavior (1)
- Food ecology (1)
- Food-web (1)
- Freshwater ecology (1)
- Freshwater invertebrates (1)
- Gerlachea australis (1)
- Gymnodraco acuticeps (1)
- Haematopota (1)
- Hantavirus (1)
- Hematophagous arthropods (1)
- Host specificity (1)
- Hyperparasitism (1)
- Infectious diseases (1)
- Intermediate host (1)
- Intestinal bacterial community (1)
- Invasive alien species (1)
- Invasive mosquitoes (1)
- Ixodes (1)
- Ixodes ricinus (1)
- Klebsiella (1)
- Life cycle strategy (1)
- Locomotion (1)
- Lyme borreliosis (1)
- Lyme disease (1)
- Marine biology (1)
- Marine food webs (1)
- Metabolomics (1)
- Metagenomic shotgun sequencing (1)
- Microbiota (1)
- Model (1)
- Myotis myotis (1)
- Nealotus tripes (1)
- Neogobius melanostomus (1)
- Neopagetopsis ionah (1)
- Niche (1)
- Organic micropollutants (1)
- Pagetopsis macropterus (1)
- Parachaenichthys charcoti (1)
- Parasite infection (1)
- Parasites of elasmobranchs (1)
- Parasitic infection (1)
- Plagiorchis muris (1)
- Population dynamics (1)
- Pseudochaenichthys georgianus (1)
- Pseudoterranova (1)
- Puumala virus (1)
- RNA interference (1)
- RNAi-based control (1)
- Raccoon () (1)
- Raccoon (Procyon lotor) (1)
- Raccoon dog (1)
- Racovitzia glacialis (1)
- Range expansion (1)
- Rhodnius prolixus (1)
- Robert Koch Institute (1)
- Rodent-associated infections (1)
- Roosting place (1)
- SARS-CoV-2 (1)
- Secondary metabolites (1)
- Sensitive species (1)
- Shark and ray conservation (1)
- Sibling species (1)
- Simuliidae (1)
- Southern Ocean (1)
- Spatio-temporal patterns (1)
- Spinturnix myoti (1)
- Spirochetes (1)
- Sublethal effects (1)
- Subtropical East-Atlantic (1)
- Supervised machine learning (1)
- Surface range (1)
- Tabanidae (1)
- Tabanus (1)
- Target product profiles (1)
- Thailand (1)
- Tick (1)
- Tiger mosquito (1)
- Triatominae (1)
- Trichiurus lepturus (1)
- Trypanosoma rangeli (1)
- Vector borne diseases (1)
- Vector insects (1)
- Vector-host-interaction (1)
- Vectorpathogen-host (1)
- Viral infection (1)
- Weather conditions (1)
- Wolbachia (1)
- Yellow fever mosquito (1)
- Zika virus (1)
- Zoonoses (1)
- biomod (1)
- breeding sites (1)
- carnivora (1)
- climate change-induced range shifts (1)
- differentially expressed genes (1)
- ecospat (1)
- ensemble forecasting consensus model (1)
- flesh flies (1)
- forensic entomology (1)
- genome assembly and annotation (1)
- genomics (1)
- human pathogenic Nematoda (1)
- invasive mammals (1)
- metabolomics (1)
- molecular identification (1)
- parasites (1)
- predator pressure (1)
- raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) (1)
- range expansion (1)
- seafood allergy (1)
- species distribution modeling (1)
- transcriptome (1)
Highlights
• Three ecological groups were identified based on distributional patterns.
• Old assessments were confirmed with the latest occurrence data.
• For each group, we derived different population trends in times of global change.
• Global change elevates importance of vector-borne diseases.
• Our results serve as base for effective Simuliidae monitoring.
Abstract
The black fly genus Simulium includes medically and ecologically important species, characterized by a wide variation of ecological niches largely determining their distributional patterns. In a rapidly changing environment, species-specific niche characteristics determine whether a species benefits or not. With aquatic egg, larval and pupal stages followed by a terrestrial adult phase, their spatial arrangements depend upon the interplay of aquatic conditions and climatic-landscape parameters in the terrestrial realm. The aim of this study was to enhance the understanding of the distributional patterns among Simulium species and their ecological drivers. In an ecological niche modelling approach, we focused on 12 common black fly species with different ecological requirements. Our modelling was based on available distribution data along with five stream variables describing the climatic, land-cover, and topographic conditions of river catchments. The modelled freshwater habitat suitability was spatially interpolated to derive an estimate of the adult black flies' probability of occurrence. Based on similarities in the spatial patterns of modelled habitat suitability we were able to identify three biogeographical groups, which allows us to confirm old assessments with current occurrence data: (A) montane species, (B) broad range species and (C) lowland species. The five veterinary and human medical relevant species Simulium equinum, S. erythrocephalum, S. lineatum, S. ornatum and S. reptans are mainly classified in the lowland species group. In the course of climatic changes, it is expected that biocoenosis will slightly shift towards upstream regions, so that the lowland group will presumably emerge as the winner. This is mainly explained by wider ecological niches, including a higher temperature tolerance and tolerance to various pollutants. In conclusion, these findings have significant implications for human and animal health. As exposure to relevant Simulium species increases, it becomes imperative to remain vigilant, particularly in investigating the potential transmission of pathogens.
One like all? Behavioral response range of native and invasive amphipods to neonicotinoid exposure
(2024)
Highlights
• Short-time neonicotinoid exposure causes behavioral responses in non-target species.
• Environmentally relevant concentrations can induce changes in invertebrate behavior.
• Different baseline activity of ecological similar crustacean amphipods.
• Species respond specifically to thiacloprid exposure.
• Acantocephalan infection affects locomotion of intermediate host Gammarus roeselii.
Abstract
Native and invasive species often occupy similar ecological niches and environments where they face comparable risks from chemical exposure. Sometimes, invasive species are phylogenetically related to native species, e.g. they may come from the same family and have potentially similar sensitivities to environmental stressors due to phylogenetic conservatism and ecological similarity. However, empirical studies that aim to understand the nuanced impacts of chemicals on the full range of closely related species are rare, yet they would help to comprehend patterns of current biodiversity loss and species turnover. Behavioral sublethal endpoints are of increasing ecotoxicological interest. Therefore, we investigated behavioral responses (i.e., change in movement behavior) of the four dominant amphipod species in the Rhine-Main area (central Germany) when exposed to the neonicotinoid thiacloprid. Moreover, beyond species-specific behavioral responses, ecological interactions (e.g. parasitation with Acanthocephala) play a crucial role in shaping behavior, and we have considered these infections in our analysis. Our findings revealed distinct baseline behaviors and species-specific responses to thiacloprid exposure. Notably, Gammarus fossarum exhibited biphasic behavioral changes with hyperactivity at low concentrations that decreased at higher concentrations. Whereas Gammarus pulex, Gammarus roeselii and the invasive species Dikerogammarus villosus, showed no or weaker behavioral responses. This may partly explain why G. fossarum disappears in chemically polluted regions while the other species persist there to a certain degree. But it also shows that potential pre-exposure in the habitat may influence behavioral responses of the other amphipod species, because habituation occurs, and potential hyperactivity would be harmful to individuals in the habitat. The observed responses were further influenced by acanthocephalan parasites, which altered baseline behavior in G. roeselii and enhanced the behavioral response to thiacloprid exposure. Our results underscore the intricate and diverse nature of responses among closely related amphipod species, highlighting their unique vulnerabilities in anthropogenically impacted freshwater ecosystems.
Evidence of predation pressure on sensitive species by raccoons based on parasitological studies
(2024)
Highlights
• Parasitological analyses were carried out on 108 free-ranging raccoons in Germany.
• Three endoparasite species were newly discovered, alongside 13 parasites already known.
• A high prevalence of the pathogenic nematode Baylisascaris procyonis was identified.
• Uncovering endoparasites provides insights into predation events from the past.
• Stomach contents show serious negative impact of raccoons on native amphibians.
Abstract
To demonstrate predation and potential impacts of raccoons on various species, a total of 108 raccoons from aquatic-associated nature reserves and natural areas in three federal states of Germany, Hesse (n = 36), Saxony-Anhalt (n = 36) and Brandenburg (n = 36), were investigated from a dietary ecological perspective in the present study. Fecal analyses and stomach content examinations were conducted for this purpose. Additionally, as a supplementary method for analyzing the dietary spectrum of raccoons, the parasite fauna was considered, as metazoan parasites, in particular, can serve as indicators for the species and origin of food organisms. While stomach content analyses allow for a detailed recording of trophic relationships solely at the time of sampling, parasitological examinations enable inferences about more distant interaction processes. With their different developmental stages and heteroxenous life cycles involving specific, sometimes obligate, intermediate hosts, they utilize the food web to reach their definitive host. The results of this study clearly demonstrate that spawning areas of amphibians and reptiles were predominantly utilized as food resources by raccoons in the study areas. Thus, common toad (Bufo bufo), common newt (Lissotriton vulgaris), grass frog (Rana temporaria), and grass snake (Natrix natrix) were identified as food organisms for raccoons. The detection of the parasite species Euryhelmis squamula, Isthmiophora melis, and Physocephalus sexalatus with partially high infestation rates also suggests that both amphibians and reptiles belong to the established dietary components of raccoons from an ecological perspective, as amphibians and reptiles are obligate intermediate hosts in the respective parasitic life cycles of the detected parasites. The study clearly demonstrates that raccoons have a significant impact on occurrence-sensitive animal species in certain areas and, as an invasive species, can exert a negative influence on native species and ecosystems.
The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus is currently spreading across Europe, facilitated by climate change and global transportation. It is a vector of arboviruses causing human diseases such as chikungunya, dengue hemorrhagic fever and Zika fever. For the majority of these diseases, no vaccines or therapeutics are available. Options for the control of Ae. albopictus are limited by European regulations introduced to protect biodiversity by restricting or phasing out the use of pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or products of genome editing. Alternative solutions are thus urgently needed to avoid a future scenario in which Europe faces a choice between prioritizing human health or biodiversity when it comes to Aedes-vectored pathogens. To ensure regulatory compliance and public acceptance, these solutions should preferably not be based on chemicals or GMOs and must be cost-efficient and specific. The present review aims to synthesize available evidence on RNAi-based mosquito vector control and its potential for application in the European Union. The recent literature has identified some potential target sites in Ae. albopictus and formulations for delivery. However, we found little information concerning non-target effects on the environment or human health, on social aspects, regulatory frameworks, or on management perspectives. We propose optimal designs for RNAi-based vector control tools against Ae. albopictus (target product profiles), discuss their efficacy and reflect on potential risks to environmental health and the importance of societal aspects. The roadmap from design to application will provide readers with a comprehensive perspective on the application of emerging RNAi-based vector control tools for the suppression of Ae. albopictus populations with special focus on Europe.
The raccoon is listed among the invasive alien species of EU concern requiring management actions. Projections of its global distribution have been mainly based on climatic variables so far. In this study, we aim to address the impact of land cover (LC) on the raccoon distribution in North America and Europe. First, we identified the LC types in which the observation sites are predominantly located to derive preferred LC types. Second, we used an ecological niche modelling (ENM) approach to evaluate the predictive power of climatic and LC information on the current distribution patterns of raccoons in both ranges. Raccoons seem to be more often associated to forested areas and mixed landscapes, including cropland and urban areas, but underrepresented in vegetation-poor areas, with patterns largely coinciding in both ranges. In order to compare the predictive power of climate variables and land cover variables, we conducted principal component analyses of all variables in the respective variable sets (climate variables and land cover variables) and used all PC variables that together explain 90% of the total variance in the respective set as predictors. Land cover only models resulted in patchy patterns in the projected habitat suitabilities and showed a higher performance compared to the climate only models in both ranges. In Europe, the land cover habitat suitability seems to exceed the current observed occurrences, which could indicate a further spread potential of the raccoon in Europe. We conclude that information on land cover types are important drivers, which explain well the spatial patterns of the raccoon. Consideration of land cover could benefit efforts to control invasive carnivores and contribute to better management of biodiversity, but also human and animal health.
Highlights
• Stomach content analyses, parasitological and fecal examinations were performed on 73 raccoon dogs from Germany.
• 9 ecto- and 11 endoparasitic species could be identified of which 6 endoparasitic species have a human pathogenic potential.
• Stomach content was composed of one-third vegetable and two-thirds animal components.
• Invasive alien species can have negative impact on native animal species and can act as a carrier of various parasites.
Abstract
Originally from Asia, the raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides is an invasive alien species in Europe, listed since 2019 on the List of invasive alien species of Union concern. The raccoon dog is considered to have negative impact on native biodiversity, as well as a crucial role in hosting and transmitting diverse parasites and pathogens of human and veterinary importance. In the present study, stomach content analyses and parasitological examinations were performed on 73 raccoon dogs from Germany. In addition, fecal samples were analyzed. The results of the study confirm the assumption that the examined raccoon dogs were infested with a various ecto- and endoparasite fauna. A total of 9 ecto- and 11 endoparasites were detected, with 6 of the endoparasites having human pathogenic potential. Trichodectes canis (P = 53.42%), Toxocara canis (P = 50.68%) and Uncinaria stenocephala (P = 68.49%) were the most abundant parasite species. The stomach contents consisted of approximately one-third vegetable and two-thirds animal components, composed of various species of amphibians, fish, insects, mammals and birds. Among them were specially protected or endangered species such as the grass frog Rana temporaria. The study shows that the raccoon dog exerts predation pressure on native species due to its omnivorous diet and, as a carrier of various parasites, poses a potential risk of infection to wild, domestic and farm animals and humans.
Highlights
• 234 raccoons were dissected, 23 parasite species could be detected.
• 14 new parasite species have been identified for raccoons in Europe.
• Compared to literature, a very high prevalence (95%) of B. procyonis was detected.
• The human pathogenic trematode P. muris was detected in raccoons for the first time.
Abstract
The invasive raccoon (Procyon lotor) is an abundant carnivore and considered as an important potential vector of infectious diseases and parasites in Europe. Raccoons show a broad, opportunistic, omnivorous food spectrum. Food supply and habitat quality in urban areas are very attractive for the generalist raccoon. This inevitably leads to increased interaction with humans, domestic animals and livestock, making the raccoon a potentially suitable zoonosis vector. In its autochthonous range, especially in the Eastern and Midwestern United States, the raccoon has been studied very intensively since the beginning of the 20th century. Whereas, basic field biology and parasitology studies in Germany and Europe are lacking and have only been conducted sporadically, regionally and on small sample sizes. In the presented study 234 raccoons from central Germany were comprehensively examined for their metazoan parasite fauna. The present study shows for the first time an extremely diverse parasite fauna in raccoons outside their native range and proves their essential role as intermediate hosts and hosts for ecto- and endoparasites. A total of 23 different parasite species were identified, five of which are human pathogens, 14 of which are new for the parasite fauna of raccoons in Europe. The human pathogenic raccoon roundworm Baylisascaris procyonis is the most common parasite species in this study, with a prevalence of up to 95%. The digenetic trematode Plagiorchis muris, another human pathogenic parasite species, was detected for the first time in raccoons. The ongoing spread of invasive carnivores and the associated spread and transmission of their parasites and other pathogens increases the potential health risk of wild and farmed animals as well as humans. An increase in parasitic diseases in humans (e.g. raccoon roundworm) is to be expected, especially in urban areas, where raccoons are becoming more and more abundant.
Tick-borne diseases are a major health problem worldwide and could become even more important in Europe in the future. Due to changing climatic conditions, ticks are assumed to be able to expand their ranges in Europe towards higher latitudes and altitudes, which could result in an increased occurrence of tick-borne diseases.
There is a great interest to identify potential (new) areas of distribution of vector species in order to assess the future infection risk with vector-borne diseases, improve surveillance, to develop more targeted monitoring program, and, if required, control measures.
Based on an ecological niche modelling approach we project the climatic suitability for the three tick species Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus and Dermacentor marginatus under current and future climatic conditions in Europe. These common tick species also feed on humans and livestock and are vector competent for a number of pathogens.
For niche modelling, we used a comprehensive occurrence data set based on several databases and publications and six bioclimatic variables in a maximum entropy approach. For projections, we used the most recent IPCC data on current and future climatic conditions including four different scenarios of socio-economic developments.
Our models clearly support the assumption that the three tick species will benefit from climate change with projected range expansions towards north-eastern Europe and wide areas in central Europe with projected potential co-occurrence.
A higher tick biodiversity and locally higher abundances might increase the risk of tick-borne diseases, although other factors such as pathogen prevalence and host abundances are also important.
The recent advances in molecular methods and data processing have facilitated research on anisakid nematodes. While most research efforts were made regarding the genus Anisakis, since this genus is held responsible for the majority of reported clinical signs, there is still a demand for data on the genus Pseudoterranova. Several case studies of severe invasive anisakidosis affecting various organs caused by species of the P. decipiens complex have been described. To better understand the way these parasites might infest their fish host, we examined whether parasite location within the fish host affects gene expression. A de novo assembly of the transcriptome of Pseudoterranova bulbosa, isolated from North Atlantic cod, was analysed for patterns of differential gene expression between samples taken from liver and viscera. We additionally searched for homologs to known nematode allergens, to give a first estimate of the potential allergenicity of P. bulbosa. There was a subtle difference in the gene expression of samples taken from liver and viscera. Seventy genes were differentially expressed, 32 genes were upregulated in parasites isolated from liver and 38 genes were upregulated in parasites from viscera. Homologs of five nematode allergens were identified among the genes expressed by P. bulbosa. Our transcriptome of P. bulbosa will be a valuable resource for further meta-analyses and resequencing projects.