Marcin Popiołek

Dynamic formation of asexual diploid and polyploid lineages: multilocus analysis of Cobitis reveals the mechanisms maintaining the diversity of clones.

Given the hybrid genomic constitutions and increased ploidy of many asexual animals, the identification of processes governing the origin and maintenance of clonal diversity provides useful information about the evolutionary consequences of interspecific hybridization, asexuality and polyploidy. In order to understand the processes driving observed diversity of biotypes and clones in the Cobitis taenia hybrid complex, we performed fine-scale genetic analysis of Central European hybrid zone between two sexual species using microsatellite genotyping and mtDNA sequencing. We found that the hybrid zone is populated by an assemblage of clonally (gynogenetically) reproducing di-, tri- and tetraploid hybrid lineages and that successful clones, which are able of spatial expansion, recruit from two ploidy levels, i.e. diploid and triploid. We further compared the distribution of observed estimates of clonal ages to theoretical distributions simulated under various assumptions and showed that new clones are most likely continuously recruited from ancestral populations. This suggests that the clonal diversity is maintained by dynamic equilibrium between origination and extinction of clonal lineages. On the other hand, an interclonal selection is implied by nonrandom spatial distribution of individual clones with respect to the coexisting sexual species. Importantly, there was no evidence for sexually reproducing hybrids or clonally reproducing non-hybrid forms. Together with previous successful laboratory synthesis of clonal Cobitis hybrids, our data thus provide the most compelling evidence that 1) the origin of asexuality is causally linked to interspecific hybridization; 2) successful establishment of clones is not restricted to one specific ploidy level and 3) the initiation of clonality and polyploidy may be dynamic and continuous in asexual complexes.

Helminth infections in faecal samples of wolves Canis lupus L. from the western Beskidy Mountains in southern Poland

Eighty-nine samples of grey wolf (Canis lupus L.) faeces were collected between 2002 and 2004 from two areas in the western Beskidy Mts (south Poland). Helminth eggs were observed in 56.2% of faeces examined. These included: Alaria alata (2.2%), taeniid eggs (11.2%), Toxocara canis (5.6%), Toxascaris leonina (1.1%), Eucoleus aerophilus (14.6%), Ancylostoma caninum (12.3%), Uncinaria stenocephala (37%) and unidentified roundworm eggs of the family Strongyloididae (1.1%). Eucoleus aerophilus is recorded for the first time from Poland. The results are compared with the helminth fauna of other wolf populations in Europe.

Does meatiness of pigs depend on the level of gastro-intestinal parasites infection?

The aim of the present paper was to determine an influence of the presence and a level of intestine parasites infection on the quality of pork carcass expressed by the content of meat in carcass (meatiness) in pigs. The experimental part of the study was conducted on pigs farm produced in a closed cycle. The population in the study included 120 fattening pigs maintained in two keeping systems: group I--60 individuals kept on slatted floor, and group II--60 individuals kept on deep litter. All the experimental animals were treated in the same manner. The analysed fatteners were slaughtered in Meat Processing Plant when their body mass reached 110 kg, and the post-slaughter assessment was conducted according to the EUROP classification of pigs carcass using the Ultra-Fom 300 device. The study concerning the internal parasites were conducted basing on coproscopic quantitative McMaster method. As a results, the eggs of three nematode taxa were isolated and identified: Oesophagostomum spp., Ascaris suum and Strongyloides ransomi. Overall prevalence of infection of fatteners kept on litter was lower (25%±11.2) as compared to those kept on slatted floor (38.3%±12.6), however the differences were not statistically significant (χ(2)=2.465; df=1; P=0.116). The mean value of meatiness for pigs free from parasites was 53.68, while in the case of infected pigs the meatiness was statistically lower and was 52.12 (t=2.35; P=0.02). The analysed pigs were classified into three categories and conducted analysis of an influence of parasites on meatiness demonstrate the relationship that is statistically significant. The analysis of correlation between meatiness and an average number of helminth eggs also demonstrated the negative, statistically significant, relationship (F=5.52; P=0.020), i.e. in fatteners with higher EPG value the meatiness was lower.

Coprological Study on Helminth Fauna in Eurasian Lynx (Lynx lynx) From the Białowieża Primeval Forest in Eastern Poland

One hundred fecal samples were collected during research on Eurasian lynx ecology and food habits in the Polish part of the Białowieża Primeval Forest (BPF) from 2001 to 2006. Seventy-three percent of samples contained eggs or larvae of helminths. A total of 10 species of helminths was identified, including 3 Cestoda (Diphyllobothrium latum, Spirometra janickii, and unidentified species of Taeniidae), 1 Trematoda (Alaria alata), and 6 Nematoda (Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Ancylostoma tubaeforme, Eucoleus aerophilus, Metastrongylus sp., Nematodirus sp., and Toxocara cati). Alaria alata has not been reported previously in lynx. A statistical comparison of the 2 techniques used to isolate eggs, i.e., flotation and sedimentation, indicates that sedimentation was more effective.

Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in introduced raccoons (Procyon lotor)—first evidence from Poland and Germany

The raccoon (Procyon lotor) carnivore native to North America is a fast spreading, invasive species in the Europe now. At the moment, the highest population occupies areas near the German-Polish border. The data on the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. and microsporidia in raccoons is limited to North America’s territory and is totally lacking in the case of their introduction to Europe. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of microparasites, i.e., Cryptosporidium spp. and microsporidia in the introduced raccoons obtained from localities in Poland and Germany. A PCR-based approach that permitted genetic characterization via sequence analysis was applied to raccoon fecal samples (n = 49), collected during 2012–2014. All fecal samples were simultaneously tested with the use of genetic markers, and DNA of microsporidia and Cryptosporidium spp. was detected among the examined raccoons. The results of our research confirmed the presence of Cryptosporidium skunk genotype and Enterocytozoon bieneusi NCF2 genotype. The results suggest a possible role of raccoons in the contamination of the environment, including urban areas, with pathogens of zoonotic significance as well as their role in the transmission and introduction of new genotypes of microparasites in the areas where P. lotor has not been observed yet. To our knowledge, there has been no literature data on the above genotypes detected previously in humans or animals from the examined study sites so far.

Effect of Storage and Preservation of Horse Faecal Samples on the Detectability and Viability of Strongylid Nematode Eggs and Larvae

Abstract The aim of the study was to assess selected methods of storage and preservation of horse faecal samples on the detectability of eggs and survival rate of larvae of strongylid nematodes. Physical and chemical factors were found to have a significant effect on the egg detectability and survival of the larvae. The comparison of control and variously preserved samples revealed that each storage method affected the reliability of the results to some extent. Short-lasting, three-day freezing resulted in a decrease of detectability from 100% to 94.1%, with an equally significant decrease in the mean number of eggs per one gram of faeces, from 1,238.97 to 983.82. Extending the freezing period from 3 to 14 d had a highly significant effect on the prevalence, which was then 85.3%, while the EPG (eggs per gram) value decreased more than twice, compared to control samples, and was 503.68. Thirty-day freezing had no further effect on the parasitological indices, which did not differ significantly from those obtained after a fortnight of freezing. Storing samples in 4% formalin and 40% ethanol had a significantly more negative effect on the detectability of strongylid eggs. The prevalence in alcohol-preserved samples was 91.2% and the EPG was 247.79; the values for formalin-preserved samples were 88.2% and 153.68. The way of preserving faecal samples was also found to affect the viability of strongylid larvae.

Molecular Identification of Heterakis spumosa Schneider, 1866 (Nematoda: Ascaridida: Heterakidae) with Comparative Analysis of Its Occurrence in Two Mice Species

Abstract. Heterakis spumosa Schneider, 1866 is a typical and widespread parasite of Rattus sp. Recently published reports on its presence in rodents other than rats and house mice (e.g. Apodemus agrarius and A. flavicollis) may suggest acquisition of new host or the existence of two distinct species parasitising within the subfamily Murinae in Europe. The first aim of our study was to examine the taxonomic status of H. spumosa isolated from three host species (Rattus norvegicus, Apodemus agrarius and A. flavicollis) by analysing the partial sequence of small subunit (18S) of ribosomal DNA (rDNA). The second aim was to investigate the pattern of occurrence of H. spumosa within the two species of Apodemus. As a result of partial sequencing of 18S rDNA we obtained three sequences, 977 bp (A. agrarius), 867 bp (A. flavicollis) and 873 bp (Rattus norvegicus) long. Multiple alignment showed that the nucleotide composition of DNA from all the hosts was identical, which may suggest that the nematodes isolated from the three host species are conspecific. Parasitological and statistical analysis of H. spumosa showed a high prevalence of infection and lower degree of nematodes overdispersion in A. agrarius. Comparative analysis of aggregation level in infrapopulations and metapopulations of H. spumosa indicate that A. flavicollis is not typical host for this species. Our results showed that the factor affecting the presence of H. spumosa is the hosts age, but we did not observe any influence of the hosts sex or collecting season.

Brains of Native and Alien Mesocarnivores in Biomonitoring of Toxic Metals in Europe.

Mercury (Hg), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are involved in mammalian brain damage. However, little is known about Pb and Cd brain levels in wildlife that reflect the geochemical background. The aims of the study include the estimation of Hg, Pb and Cd concentrations, and the determination of relationships between these elements in the brains of 94 mesocarnivores. Road-killed or hunted animals were obtained from north-western Poland near the Polish-German border. The investigation covered the native Eurasian otter Lutra lutra, badger Meles meles, pine marten Martes martes, beech marten M. foina, European polecat Mustela putorius, red fox Vulpes vulpes, and alien species: feral and ranch American mink Neovison vison, raccoon Procyon lotor and raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides. Depending on the diet and environmental pollution, the carnivore brains accumulated toxic metals in varying amounts. The highest median Hg levels (in mg/kg dry weight, dw) were found in the piscivorous Eurasian otter and feral mink (2.44 and 3.96), Pb in the omnivorous raccoon (0.47), while Cd in minks (~0.06). We indicated that Pb-based ammunition is a significant source of the element in scavengers from hunting area, and we also found a significant correlation between Pb and Cd levels in the fox brain. Finally, this study is the first to suggest background levels for brain Pb and Cd in mesocarnivores (<0.50 and <0.04 mg/kg dw, respectively).

Alternative methods for the control of gastrointestinal parasites in horses with a special focus on nematode predatory fungi: a review

Abstract The paper describes a review of alternative methods of horse parasite control. Horses serve as hosts for a wide array of parasites, among which strongylid nematodes (Strongylidae) constitute considerable pathogens. Due to the short and monoxenous life cycle of these parasites and also the resistance to benzimidazole and other drugs, the control strategies are often ineffective. Thus, the treatment of strongylids constitutes a priority aiming at the improvement of animal welfare, with special attention paid to the stable and pasture organization. The treatment carried out in the stable should consider the frequent exchange of horse bedding at regular time intervals, periodic disinfection of stalls and maximum limitation of contact of feed and water with the stable substratum. An application of feed supplements, i.e. plants or plant extracts, which act as natural dewormers, also constitutes an important factor in the control of parasitic infections. Among the treatments applied to the pasture, the regular removal of waste, quarter pasturing, as well as an alternate pasturing with other animal species, are of special importance. The use of deworming properties of fungi, which constitute a natural component of green growth in pasture, seems to be the next method of nematode control, already confirmed by several studies. Streszczenie Praca opisuje przegląd alternatywnych (niefarmakologicznych) metod kontroli pasożytów u koni. Konie są żywicielami wielu gatunków pasożytów, z których nicienie zaliczane do tzw. słupkowców (Strongylidae) stanowią jedną z najważniejszych grup. Nicienie te są potencjalnym zagrożeniem dla zdrowia koni, a w ekstremalnych przypadkach także dla ich życia. Ponieważ cechują się prostym cyklem rozwojowym, a niektóre z ich także postępującą lekoopornością, ich zwalczanie często okazuje się nieefektywne. W konsekwencji kontrola słupkowców powinna być prowadzona na wielu płaszczyznach, które w szczególności powinny skupiać się na poprawie szeroko rozumianych warunków zoohigienicznych, w których przebywają zwierzęta, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem organizacji stajni oraz pastwiska. Spośród zabiegów prowadzonych w stajni szczególną uwagę zwraca się na regularne i częste usuwanie ściółki, okresową dezynfekcję boksów czy maksymalne ograniczanie kontaktu pokarmu i wody zwierząt z podłożem stajni. Ważnym elementem kontroli inwazji pasożytów okazało się także stosowanie suplementów paszowych w postaci roślin lub ich wyciągów o potwierdzonych właściwościach odrobaczających. Do ważniejszych zabiegów prowadzonych na pastwisku należy cykliczne usuwanie odchodów, wypas kwaterowy oraz wypas naprzemienny koni z innymi gatunkami zwierząt. Dodatkową, potwierdzoną już wieloma badaniami, możliwością kontroli nematodoz koni okazało się także wykorzystywanie nicieniobójczego działania naturalnie występujących w runi pastwiskowej grzybów.

Parasites of lake minnow, Eupallasella percnurus (Pall.): The state of knowledge and threats

Parasites of lake minnow, Eupallasella percnurus (Pall.): The state of knowledge and threats The lake minnow, Eupallasella percnurus (Pall.), has not been subject to any comprehensive ichthyoparasitological study; most information on its parasites comes from studies focused on other fish species. The knowledge of the geographical distribution of its parasites is especially incomplete. This paper presents the most up-to-date list of E. percnurus parasites throughout its distribution range. Most of the trematodes, tapeworms, and nematodes found in this host are larval forms. This means that the parasites use the E. percnurus mainly as an intermediate or paratenic host, and not the definitive host, which is important in light of potential parasite pathogenicity. Pasożyty strzebli błotnej Eupallasella percnurus (Pall.) - stan zbadania i zagrożenia Strzebla błotna jest przykładem ryby, która nie doczekała się jak dotąd żadnego kompleksowego opracowania ichtioparazytologicznego, a większość informacji o jej pasożytach pochodzi z badań, których głównymi obiektami były inne gatunki ryb. Szczególnie niekompletna jest wiedza o rozmieszczeniu geograficznym pasożytów tego żywiciela. W pracy przedstawiono możliwie najbardziej aktualną listę pasożytów strzebli błotnej z całego areału jej występowania. Zwrócono uwagę na fakt, że zdecydowana większość stwierdzonych u tego żywiciela przywr, tasiemców i nicieni stanowiło formy larwalne. Oznacza to, iż dla pasożytów strzebla błotna pełni przede wszystkim rolę żywiciela pośredniego lub paratenicznego, a nie głównego żywiciela ostatecznego, a cecha ta wydaje się być istotna w odniesieniu do potencjalnej patogenności pasożytów.