Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Samantha J. Chiew, Paul H. Hemsworth, Vicky Melfi, Sally L. Sherwen, Alicia Burns, Grahame J. Coleman
Summary: This study identified and compared the attitudes of visitors toward little penguins at two Australian zoos. Results showed that most participants had positive attitudes toward little penguins, penguin welfare, the enclosure, and visitor experience. However, whether these attitudes influenced visitor behavior toward the penguins remains unclear.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Natalie Petrovski, Grace J. Sutton, John P. Y. Arnould
Summary: Investigating foraging decisions helps understand how animals efficiently obtain and use food. This study used animal-borne cameras to examine predator-prey interactions in little penguins, discovering previously undocumented prey consumption and strategies. The study found that chase and handling times varied with prey type and that penguins consumed less profitable prey, suggesting a trade-off between minimizing energetic costs and increasing capture rates. These results demonstrate the importance of animal-borne video data loggers in studying foraging adaptations of marine predators.
ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Kym Campbell, Andrea Paparini, Adriana Botero Gomez, Belinda Cannell, Nahiid Stephens
Summary: Routine post mortems of deceased penguins from Penguin Island, Western Australia, found a temporal cluster of cases with characteristic gross and microscopic changes. Protozoan parasites were identified and molecular investigations gave inconsistent results. Toxoplasma gondii was confirmed as the cause of mortalities, with some cases also showing concurrent Haemoproteus infection.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
G. J. Sutton, J. P. Y. Arnould
Summary: Quantifying prey characteristics is important for understanding predator foraging behavior. In this study, animal-borne video data loggers were used to investigate the foraging behavior of little penguins in southeastern Australia. The results suggest that prey type and patch density influence foraging behavior, while breeding season constraints impact foraging trip distance and duration.
ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ida C. Lundback, Fiona K. McDougall, Peter Dann, David J. Slip, Rachael Gray, Michelle L. Power
Summary: This study found the presence of class 1 integrons in the little penguin, supporting the use of marine birds as sentinels of antimicrobial resistance in marine environments. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of class 1 integrons between wild and captive groups, and these genes were not detected in clinically relevant bacterial species Klebsiella pneumoniae or Escherichia coli isolated from penguin feces.
INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Samantha J. Chiew, Kym L. Butler, Kerry V. Fanson, Simon Eyre, Grahame J. Coleman, Sally L. Sherwen, Vicky Melfi, Paul H. Hemsworth
Summary: The study found that the increase in penguins avoiding the visitor viewing pier when the exhibit was open to visitors may be due to the fear-provoking nature of close contact with visitors, especially when visitors loom over the penguins.
NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Chloe Paulet Cargill, Alastair Gordon Judkins, Jody Suzanne Weir
Summary: This study reveals that suitable breeding habitat for little penguins along the greater Kaikoura coastline is limited and lacks data. The use of a Protected Species Detection Dog conducted the first comprehensive survey, locating little penguins in only 0.7% of the coastal stretch. The study highlights the importance of the breeding colony in South Bay and recommends the protection of existing habitat.
NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF MARINE AND FRESHWATER RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Claire Bonsergent, Marie-Charlotte de Carne, Nathalie de la Cotte, Francois Moussel, Veronique Perronne, Laurence Malandrin
Summary: This study focused on a case of babesiosis in a splenectomized patient in France, examining the genetic characteristics of the etiological agent named Babesia sp. FR1 in comparison to closely related parasites. The analysis confirmed the clear separation of B. divergens and B. capreoli, and identified Babesia sp. MO1-like parasites as a separate species with rabbits as its natural host. The natural host of Babesia sp. FR1 remains unknown.
Article
Parasitology
Thillaiampalam Sivakumar, Bumduuren Tuvshintulga, Davaajav Otgonsuren, Enkhbaatar Batmagnai, Believe Ahedor, Hemal Kothalawala, Singarayar Caniciyas Vimalakumar, Seekkuge Susil Priyantha Silva, Junya Yamagishi, Naoaki Yokoyama
Summary: The study revealed that Babesia sp. Mymensingh occupies a unique phylogenetic position distinct from existing Babesia species, identifying it as a distinct parasite species based on morphological and molecular data.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Ornithology
Emily C. Costello, Diane Colombelli-Negrel
Summary: The presence of humans at night has an impact on the behavior and numbers of Little Penguins on Granite Island in South Australia. The use of white light and the presence of dogs lead to later returns and more vocalizations by the penguins. Conversely, concerts have less of an effect. The COVID-19 pandemic has also significantly affected human activities and their impact on wildlife.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Shaun P. Collin, H. Barry Collin
Summary: This study provides the first description of the ultrastructure of the cornea in two different-sized Little Penguins, revealing a range of functional adaptations that reflect the amphibious lifestyle of this seabird. The corneas show unique features such as microprojections, varying epithelial cell densities, and a distinct attachment to the basement membrane. Overall, the corneal components in Little Penguins display specific adaptations to their environment and lifestyle.
JOURNAL OF ANATOMY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Felipe da Silva Krawczak, Ana Claudia Calchi, Lucianne Cardoso Neves, Sarah Alves Dias, Bianca Barbara Fonseca da Silva, Warley Vieira de Freitas Paula, Luiza Gabriella Ferreira de Paula, Mariana Avelar Tavares, Gracielle Teles Padua, Nicolas Jalowitzki de Lima, Ennya Rafaella Neves Cardoso, Daniel Graziani, Filipe Dantas-Torres, Marcos Rogerio Andre
Summary: Novel Piroplasmida clades and species were found in wild animals from Brazil. A putative new Babesia species was detected in capybaras and associated ticks through phylogenetic assessments based on distinct molecular markers. The phylogenetic analysis showed that this new species belonged to a new clade sister to the Babesia sensu stricto clade and the Theileria sensu stricto clade.
Article
Parasitology
Jerusha Bennett, Olivia McPherson, Bronwen Presswell
Summary: This study is the first to examine the gastrointestinal helminths of little blue penguins from southeastern South Island, New Zealand, revealing multiple helminth species and including new host and geographic records. The findings contribute to our understanding of the helminth community of New Zealand little blue penguins and provide new genetic data on helminth species for future comparisons.
PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Diane Colombelli-Negrel, Darfiana Nur, Hannah C. C. Auricht, Kenneth D. Clarke, Luke M. Mosley, Peter Dann
Summary: This study examined the impacts of the Millennium Drought on the population decline of the little penguin in Australia. The findings showed negative associations between penguin numbers and sea surface temperatures as well as river outflow, while annual penguin numbers were positively associated with southern garfish numbers and negatively associated with annual chlorophyll-a concentrations. These findings highlight the need for further research on the effects of hydrological droughts on seabird populations and improved river management.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Uday Kumar Mohanta, Boniface Chikufenji, Eloiza May Galon, Shengwei Ji, Zhuowei Ma, Shimaa Abd El-Salam El-Sayed, Aaron Edmond Ringo, Thanh Thom Do, Xuenan Xuan
Summary: This study screened the piroplasms in different livestock species in Bangladesh using molecular tools. It found the prevalence of Babesia bigemina, B. bovis, B. naoakii, B. ovis, Theileria annulata, and T. orientalis to be 49.28%, 0.72%, 1.09%, 32.26%, 6.52%, and 46.01%, respectively. The highest co-infection rate was observed with B. bigemina and T. orientalis. Additionally, this study provided the first molecular report on piroplasms in gayals and goats in Bangladesh.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Aricia Duarte-Benvenuto, Carlos Sacristan, Laura Reisfeld, Priscilla C. Santos-Costa, Natalia C. C. dA Fernandes, Rodrigo A. Ressio, Daniela M. D. Mello, Cintia Favero, Katia R. Groch, Josue Diaz-Delgado, Jose L. Catao-Dias
Summary: Four species of eared seals have been reported as occasional or frequent vagrants along the coast of Brazil. However, limited information is available on the sanitary aspects of stranded seals in Brazil. An increased number of fur seal strandings were recorded during the 2018 winter season. Pathological examinations revealed various lesions, predominantly hemodynamic disturbances, endoparasitism, and inflammatory disease processes. Molecular analyses detected herpesvirus infections and other parasites in the seals. The most likely causes of stranding and/or death were starvation, aspiration pneumonia, asphyxia, predator attack, and infectious diseases.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Matthew L. Aardema, Michael G. Campana, Nicole E. Wagner, Francisco C. Ferreira, Dina M. Fonseca
Summary: Understanding patterns of diversification, genetic exchange, and pesticide resistance in arthropod disease vectors is crucial for effective population management. This study developed a gene-based assay for surveying genetic diversity and population structure in mosquito vectors, which proved to be effective for examining taxonomic divergence and geographic clustering within mosquito complexes. The assay also successfully identified genetic variation associated with insecticide resistance. Overall, this enrichment protocol is important for future studies on the evolution of disease vectors.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Ana Carolina Ewbank, Aricia Duarte-Benvenuto, Roberta Zamana-Ramblas, Irene Sacristan, Samira Costa-Silva, Vitor L. Carvalho, Daniela Magalhaes Drummond de Mello, Vera Maria Ferreira da Silva, Jose Luiz Catao-Dias, Carlos Sacristan
Summary: This study detected herpesvirus and adenovirus in blood samples of wild West Indian and Amazonian manatees in Brazil. Herpesvirus DNA was found in one West Indian manatee and four Amazonian manatees, while no adenovirus was detected. This is the first detection of herpesvirus in manatees from South America and the first detection worldwide in West Indian and Amazonian manatees.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Francisco C. Ferreira, Elin Videvall, Christa M. Seidl, Nicole E. Wagner, A. Marm Kilpatrick, Robert C. Fleischer, Dina M. Fonseca
Summary: This study analyzed the transcriptional responses of mosquitoes to malaria parasites in non-mammalian systems for the first time. The results showed that there were reduced gene expression levels in Hawaiian Culex mosquitoes during ookinete invasion and relatively small transcriptional changes during oocyst development. This suggests that the fitness costs of avian Plasmodium infection in Culex mosquitoes are low.
Article
Parasitology
Victor Aguiar de Souza Penha, Fabricius Maia Chaves Bicalho Domingos, Alan Fecchio, Jeffrey A. Bell, Jason D. Weckstein, Robert E. Ricklefs, Erika Martins Braga, Patricia de Abreu Moreira, Leticia Soares, Steven Latta, Graziela Tolesano-Pascoli, Renata Duarte Alquezar, Kleber Del-Claro, Lilian Tonelli Manica
Summary: This study explored the relationship between avian life-history traits, climate, and the prevalence of Plasmodium and Parahaemoproteus parasites. The results showed that species inhabiting open habitats and species with longer incubation periods had higher parasite prevalence. Additionally, species without migratory behavior, engaging in mixed-species flocks, and with an omnivorous or animal-derived diet had higher prevalence of Plasmodium infection.
Article
Microbiology
N. O. Belo, D. de Angeli Dutra, D. Rodello, N. P. C. C. Crispim, A. S. G. Silva, H. L. G. Coelho, J. L. R. Cunha, N. R. S. Martins, E. M. Braga
Summary: The common infections of wild and domestic birds in anthropologically modified environments highlight the potential spillover of Salmonella pathogens among these birds, which could harm the health of native and domestic species.
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Daniela de Angeli Dutra, Asmat U. Khan, Francisco C. Ferreira, Marina V. Beirao, Mauro Pichorim, Patricia A. Moreira, Erika M. Braga
Summary: This study examined the relationship between the prevalence of avian haemosporidians and seasonality and host functional traits in the Brazilian Caatinga. The results showed that parasite prevalence was correlated with phylogenetic relatedness among avian species and varied greatly among different species. Seasonality was found to be the main factor associated with infections, but the influence of this factor varied depending on the host-parasite system. The study also revealed that even in dry regions, a high prevalence and diversity of vector-borne parasites can exist.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Danny Fuentes-Castillo, Daniela Castro-Tardon, Fernanda Esposito, Ingrith Neves, Larissa Rodrigues, Herrison Fontana, Bruna Fuga, Jose L. Catao-Dias, Nilton Lincopan
Summary: A study found ESBL-producing Escherichia coli in wild birds from a remote island in Chilean Patagonia, indicating the potential transhemispheric movement of international clones of critical priority ESBL-producing pathogens. These strains carried a wide range of resistance and virulence genes associated with human and animal infections.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Virology
Yasmin da Silva Santos, Thais Helena Martins Gamon, Marcela Santiago Pacheco de Azevedo, Bruna Larotonda Telezynski, Edmarcia Elisa de Souza, Danielle Bruna Leal de Oliveira, Jamille Gregorio Dombrowski, Livia Rosa-Fernandes, Giuseppe Palmisano, Leonardo Jose de Moura Carvalho, Maria Cecilia Rui Luvizotto, Carsten Wrenger, Dimas Tadeu Covas, Rui Curi, Claudio Romero Farias Marinho, Edison Luiz Durigon, Sabrina Epiphanio
Summary: Since December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has been affecting the world, and now multiple variants are emerging. This study compared the effects of the wild-type (Wt) (Wuhan) strain, P.1 (Gamma) variant, and Delta variant in infected K18-hACE2 mice. The P.1-infected mice showed more severe clinical manifestations and weight loss compared to the other groups. The respiratory capacity was also reduced in P.1-infected mice. Pulmonary histological findings revealed a more aggressive disease with P.1 and Delta variants compared to the Wt strain.
Article
Parasitology
Lis Marques de C. Vieira, Pedro Henrique O. Pereira, Daniel Ambrozio da Rocha Vilela, Irene Landau, M. Andreina Pacheco, Ananias A. Escalante, Francisco C. Ferreira, Erika Martins Braga
Summary: This study characterizes a new Leucocytozoon species infecting a non-migratory red-legged seriema in Brazil using morphological and molecular data. The bird was coinfected with Haemoproteus and a Bayesian phylogenetic analysis was conducted. The study also discusses the taxonomy of avian Haemosporida.
Letter
Immunology
Samira Costa-Silva, Carlos Sacristan, Rodrigo M. Soares, Vitor L. Carvalho, Pedro V. Castilho, Marta J. Cremer, Ana Carolina Ewbank, Aricia Duarte-Benvenuto, Thalita Faita, Pedro E. Navas-Suarez, Jenyffer V. Vieira, Leticia G. Pereira, Carolina F. Alves, Gabriela C. Souza, Giulia G. Lemos, Natalia Silvestre-Perez, Jose L. Catao-Dias, Lara B. Keid
Summary: A pilot whale CeMV strain was discovered in three short-finned pilot whales stranded in Brazil between July and October 2020. This finding confirms the presence of the virus in this cetacean species.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Jamille Gregorio Dombrowski, Holly Acford-Palmer, Monica Campos, Erika Paula Machado Separovic, Sabrina Epiphanio, Taane Gregory Clark, Susana Campino, Claudio Romero Farias Marinho
Summary: Approximately 92 million pregnant women are at risk of contracting malaria each year, with P. vivax infection causing adverse pregnancy outcomes. In the State of Acre, Brazil, high transmission increases the risk of malaria and recurrences in pregnant women. Studying the genetic diversity of P. vivax and its association with pregnancy effects is crucial for disease control.
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-AMERICAS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Scarlet A. Shifflett, Francisco C. Ferreira, Julia Gonzalez, Alvaro Toledo, Dina M. Fonseca, Vincenzo A. Ellis
Summary: Interactions among pathogen genotypes with varying host specificity can impact transmission dynamics in multi-host systems. By using metagenomics, researchers found that mixed infections were common and certain alleles of pathogen genes were exclusive to specific host species, suggesting a potential role in reducing host capacity as reservoirs for human infectious alleles.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2023)