Browsing by Author "Massolo, Alessandro"
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- ItemOpen AccessAn Epidemiological Study of Gastrointestinal Parasitism in Dogs in an Urban Environment: Implications for Canid and Human Health(2015-02-10) Smith, Anya Fiona; Massolo, Alessandro; Neumann, NormanIn Calgary parks, dogs, coyotes and humans are sympatric, introducing the potential for cross species transmission of enteric parasites that may be significant for canid and public health. This study aimed to: 1) determine gastrointestinal (GI) parasites infecting dogs; 2) identify certain recreational and demographic risk factors for GI parasitism in park-attending and non-park-attending dogs, with a focus on Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp.; 3) determine the relationships among certain park-related recreational risk factors, demographics, and risk perceptions of parasite transmission and; 4) characterize the transmission potential of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. among dogs, coyotes, and humans. Surveys regarding dog-walking behaviour were administered in 2010 and 2012, with corresponding dog fecal samples collected (n=1215). Feces from coyotes inhabiting parks visited by dogs were provided by an affiliate researcher (n=194). GI parasite presence or absence and infection intensity were determined using sugar flotation and direct immunofluorescence microscopy techniques. Multivariate analyses were conducted on questionnaire and parasitological data to characterize associations among dog-walking behaviours, demographics, and parasitism, and risk perceptions of parasite transmission. Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. infecting coyotes and dogs were genotyped. There was a higher prevalence of Giardia spp., and Cryptosporidium spp. versus helminths in park-attending dogs. General GI parasitsm and Giardia spp. infection intensity were positively associated to visiting multiple parks, park visitation frequency, and off-leash activity. Perception of risk for GI parasite transmission among dogs and humans was moderate to low, and not associated to the degree of conducting high-risk activities. Park attendance was found to be a risk for Giardia spp. infection in dogs permitted off-leash and to swim. Human and dog age were negatively associated to participation in activities posing a risk for Giardia spp. infection. The majority of dogs and coyotes were infected with host-specific strains of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. Together, these results provide important information for the management of GI parasite transmission among wild and domestic canids. I encourage park attendance for both dogs and humans, but recommend education and management initiatives include both disease mitigation and health promotion strategies.
- ItemOpen AccessCanine Alveolar Echinococcosis: An Emerging and Costly Introduced Problem in North America(2023-02-21) Kolapo, Temitope U.; Hay, Allison; Gesy, Karen M.; Frey, Caroline F.; Rothenburger, Jamie L.; Joffe, Danny J.; Spotswood, Tim; Huang, Yanyun; Massolo, Alessandro; Peregrine, Andrew S.; Hill, Janet E.; Jenkins, Emily J.Alveolar echinococcosis (AE), caused by the metacestode of Echinococcus multilocularis, is emerging in both dogs and people in North America. Here, we review 27 cases of canine AE opportunistically reported since the index case was described in 2009 in Western Canada. We describe clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, outcome, and source of canine infection, based on genetics of the parasite isolated from some canine cases. Diagnosis of AE was by histopathology and/or PCR on DNA extracted from metacestodes. The median age of dogs at diagnosis was 4 years (range 1–12), which is low compared to neoplasia, the most common differential diagnosis. There was no sex predilection and different breeds were involved, but there were a disproportionate number of boxers and beagles relative to their representation in the general canine population. The most common potential risk factors included contact with wildlife and visits to off leash areas. Abdominal distension was the most common clinical sign at presentation, and medical imaging generally revealed an abdominal mass. On histopathology, protoscoleces were observed in 7 out of 14 dogs. In 7 cases, DNA sequences were most similar to European (versus North American) haplotypes, identical to those recently reported in coyotes as definitive hosts in North America, and different between eastern and western North America, implying multiple introduction events. Dogs that were not treated (n = 6) had 16% survival in the first 100 days in comparison with 82% survival of treated dogs (n = 11). Direct costs to the owner of treating canine AE ranged from 1,317 to 12,655 CAD depending on the situation at the onset of treatment. This study provides important clinical, epidemiological, and economic information for veterinary practitioners and regulators for importation of dogs, and for public health, as dogs with AE may serve as indicators of parasite range expansion and risk to humans.
- ItemOpen AccessClimate Change and Range Expansion of Protostrongylid Nematodes in the Canadian Arctic(2018-09-19) Kafle, Pratap; Kutz, Susan; Checkley, Sylvia L.; Massolo, Alessandro; Lejeune, ManigandanThrough this doctoral research, I aimed to determine the diversity, distribution and abundances of protostrongylids in muskoxen and caribou from several sites in Subarctic and Arctic Canada and investigate the northward range expansion of Umingmakstrongylus pallikuukensis and Varestrongylus eleguneniensis in relation to Arctic warming. I first developed morphological keys to differentiate the first stage larvae (L1) of U. pallikuukensis, V. eleguneniensis and Parelaphostrongylus andersoni. This enabled me to identify L1 to the species level and determine the intensity of infections. Secondly, I analyzed over 1600 muskox and caribou fecal samples, and 40 muskox lung samples to determine the diversity, distribution and abundance patterns of protostrongylids. I found that the diversity and abundance of protostrongylids varied geographically. Both U. pallikuukensis and V. eleguneniensis had expanded their ranges and increased in abundance on Victoria Island between 2013 and 2017, with U. pallikuukensis expanding its range faster than V. eleguneniensis. I also detected P. andersoni in the Dolphin and Union caribou herd. In the third part of the study, I determined the important life cycle parameters for U. pallikuukensis and V. eleguneniensis through lab experiments. I demonstrated that V. eleguneniensis has higher thermal requirements for larval development inside the intermediate host, a shorter prepatent and patent period, and lower fecundity than U. pallikuukensis. Based on these findings I hypothesized that higher thermal requirements and lower fecundity might be limiting the rate and extent of range expansion for V. eleguneniensis. Finally, to map the thermal niches of U. pallikuukensis and V. eleguneniensis from 1980 through to 2017, I parametrized a process-based mechanistic model (Degree-day model) using data derived from the lab experiments, the literature, and high-resolution temperature data from a regional climate model. Models indicated a substantial expansion in the zones of climatic suitability for both parasites during the study period with the realized niches of both parasites lagging behind the expansion of their thermal niches. This work contributes to the field of Arctic parasitology by providing simple and effective diagnostic tools for protostrongylids, and adding to the present knowledge on diversity, distribution, abundance as well as ecology of protostrongylid nematodes. Finally, by using a multifaceted approach to investigate the patterns of parasite emergence in the Arctic, this study contributes to the overall understanding of disease emergence in a rapidly changing ecosystem.
- ItemOpen AccessDeveloping a Systematic Sampling Framework for Terrestrial Gastropods in the Canadian Arctic(2016) Sullivan, Joshua; Kutz, Susan; Kutz, Susan; Ruckstuhl, Kathreen; Massolo, Alessandro; Nishi, JohnTwo protostrongylid parasites of Arctic ungulates, Umingmakstrongylus pallikuukensis and Varestrongylus eleguneniensis, were recently discovered in muskoxen on Victoria Island, Nunavut. The subsequent range expansion and increasing prevalence of these lungworms on the island suggested that the temperature-dependent rate of larval development in the gastropod intermediate host was no longer constraining their range to the Arctic mainland. Thus, to determine if the ecology of the gastropod intermediate host would facilitate or restrict the further expansion and establishment of these parasites, a better understanding of the distribution, diversity and abundance of terrestrial gastropods on Victoria Island was needed. However, a description of the efficacy of gastropod sampling techniques on the tundra was lacking. Therefore, my research describes the first strategic sampling framework for assessing gastropod ecology in the Arctic. Additionally, I analyzed the influence of extrinsic factors on gastropod capture rates and described new geographical records for the intermediate host, Deroceras laeve. Keywords: Arctic, Gastropod, Deroceras laeve, Intermediate Host, Protostrongylidae
- ItemOpen AccessEchinococcus multilocularis Infections in Domestic Dogs(2021-06-03) Toews, Emilie Anne Wylie; Massolo, Alessandro; Musiani, Marco; Checkley, Sylvia; Visscher, DarcyEchinococcus multilocularis, a parasitic helminth of the northern hemisphere, normally cycles through definitive (coyotes, foxes, wolves, raccoon dogs) and intermediate hosts (rodents and some lagomorphs). In urban areas, domestic dogs can also become hosts for this parasite, maintaining the E. multilocularis population in areas with less wild canids. Occasionally, this zoonotic parasite infects humans, resulting in alveolar echinococcosis, which is often lethal. Echinococcus multilocularis has been well-studied in wild definitive hosts throughout its known global distribution, but further investigation into the prevalence of this parasite in dogs is needed. I conducted a literature review and meta-analysis estimating the true prevalence and risk factors associated with E. multilocularis infections in dogs globally. Then, I attempted to fill gaps in the literature by investigating E. multilocularis in dogs living near several parks in Calgary, Alberta. Using qPCR on fecal samples collected in 2012, I determined the true prevalence of E. multilocularis in Calgary dogs. Associated risk factors were assessed using dog behaviour questionnaires submitted by owners. While intestinal E. multilocularis has not previously been found in dog population studies in Canada, I found the prevalence in Calgary in 2012 to be similar to Europe and Asia. Some risk factors for infection were confirmed but more work is warranted. Therefore, I also conducted a pilot study directed at Calgary vet clinics to provide an updated estimate of intestinal E. multilocularis presence and also, for the first time, alveolar echinococcosis prevalence in dogs. This study design and dog behaviour questionnaire are suitable for assessing risk factors for both types of infections and is intended to be applied to a larger future study. Understanding the role of dogs in both the maintenance of the E. multilocularis lifecycle and the transmission of the infection to humans is paramount as urbanization drives humans and their pets closer to wildlife populations.
- ItemOpen AccessEffect of adjuvanted and standard sublingual immunotherapy on respiratory function in pure rhinitis due to house dust mite over a 5-year period(2017-02-14) Marogna, Maurizio; Massolo, Alessandro; Passalacqua, GiovanniAbstract Background Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) still remains the only causal treatment for IgE mediated respiratory diseases (rhinitis/asthma) In addition to the observed clinical decrease in symptoms, AIT can provide a long-lasting and preventive effect. In particular it can modify the progression from rhinitis to asthma. Methods The study was observational, open, non randomized, controlled, prospective and performed in a real-life setting. Patients with pure mite-induced allergic rhinitis were followed-up, receiving adjuvanted SLIT (aSLIT), standard SLIT (sSLIT) or drug treatment alone, according to their preference starting between 2008 and 2009. The possible onset of asthma, changes in pulmonary function and bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) were assessed over a 5-year horizon. Also the onset of new sensitizations and symptoms-medication score (SMS) were evaluated. Results One hundred forty two patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were assessed at baseline, and 124 had the 5-year evaluation (age range 8–57, 69 male). After 5 years of treatment, new sensitizations appeared differentially among treatments with 58.1% of new sensitizations in the drug treatment group, 13.2% in the sSLIT patients, and 8.1% in the aSLIT patients. At the end of 5 years, SMS significantly changed (P < 0.001) in all groups, with a negative trend for controls, as compared to the SLIT treatments. The SMS decreased in both SLIT groups at 5 years, with no change in patients on drug treatment alone. The use of salbutamol (absent at baseline), showed an overall increase only in the group receiving drugs alone with a significant difference at 5 years (P < 0.001). Considering the MCh challenge, there was a difference among treatments (P < 0.001) in PD20 after 5 years: the control group had a lower PD20 at 5 years. No significant difference in PD20 was detected between sSLIT and aSLIT. The FEV1 significantly decreased in controls, with no change in the sSLIT group and a significant increase in aSLIT as compared to sSLIT. Discussion Despite the limitations inherent to a real-life setting study (absence of randomization and control, small sample size, lack of intermediate timepoint assessment) the results of this study evidenced that the investigated SLIT product, either adjuvanted or not, had a positive effect on the evolution of respiratory allergy due to house dust mite. Conclusion In the real life setting, considering a 5-year period, aSLIT and sSLIT reduced the onset of new sensistizations and maintained intact the pulmonary function, as compared to patients receiving drug treatment alone.
- ItemOpen AccessElk Adopt An Anti-Predatory Strategy, Getting Closer To Hikers In Banff National Park(2008) Massolo, Alessandro; Coleshill, Jenny; Hebblewhite, Mark; Musiani, Marco
- ItemOpen AccessThe invasion process of the European strain of Echinococcus multilocularis in Western Canada(2022-02) Santa, Maria Alejandra; Musiani, Marco; Ruckstuhl, Kathreen; Gilleard, John; Massolo, AlessandroGenetic studies on Echinococcus multilocularis (Em), the causative agent of human alveolar echinococcosis (AE), are essential to understand the ecological and evolutionary processes underlying changes in the geographic distribution of this parasite, and to assess the potential impact on public health. The recent detection of European-like haplotypes circulating in wild hosts in Western Canada, and the unprecedented detection of human AE cases in Alberta, make it a priority to assess the extent of the distribution of this strain and its origin(s) into Canada. The overall aim of my thesis was to investigate the invasion process of the European strain of Em in Western Canada. I reviewed the invasions by parasites with complex-life cycles using the invasion of the European strain as a model to develop an ecological framework for investigating the invasion of parasites transmitted in predator-prey systems. Then, I developed a real-time PCR assay to detect co-infections of Em and E. canadensis in fecal and worm-mixed samples, providing the first evidence of co-infections of these two parasites in red foxes and coyotes, and the first molecularly confirmed record of E. canadensis (G10) in coyotes. When used along with an automated magnetic bead-based DNA extraction method, the real-time PCR test proved to have a high sensitivity to detect Em in fecal samples, increasing efficiency and throughput. The genetic analysis using deep amplicon sequencing and multiple mitochondrial and nuclear markers showed a lower intraspecific diversity and a higher abundance of the European-type haplotypes. Moreover, most genetic variants were closely related to the original European clade, with the dominance of one variant in each province and low genetic diversity of Em, supporting the hypothesis of a relatively recent introduction. The spatial analysis showed a genetic discontinuity between western provinces, suggesting different founder events and isolation by distance of some genetic variants. Finally, although the prevalence of Em infection was higher in red foxes than coyotes, there was a higher proportion of coyotes with high intensity of infection, even at lower population densities than red foxes. Therefore, coyotes might be considered the main spreaders of the European strain in Alberta.
- ItemOpen AccessInvestigating dispersal through molecular genomics: Sex-biased dispersal and phylogeography in aye-ayes (Daubentonia madagascariensis) in Madagascar(2017) Aylward, Megan L.; Johnson, Steig; Bender, Darren; Pavelka, Mary; Perry, George (PJ); Massolo, Alessandro; Ting, NelsonDispersal patterns within species have profound consequences for population dynamics and species’ evolutionary trajectories. Intraspecific interactions and habitat variability dictate dispersal trends. Given the rate at which habitat is altered globally by climatic and anthropogenic influences, it is important to understand historic dispersal trends to assess the impact these changes may have on biodiversity. Madagascar is of particular interest as it harbours unique biodiversity. The lemurs on Madagascar represent a distinct radiation of primates and make up 21% of the species in this order. Yet, the processes that have led to current species distributions across Madagascar remain unresolved. Aye-ayes have the widest geographic distribution of all lemurs and are found across multiple forest types on the island. However, their cryptic nature makes them especially elusive and therefore relatively little is known about their evolutionary history. I make use of innovations in the field of molecular genomics to sample genomic regions of this species to elucidate historic gene flow among populations. I developed a novel method of sampling mitochondrial DNA from aye-ayes’ distinct feeding traces to sample from two sites in south-east and west of Madagascar towards the extents of the aye-aye’s geographic distribution. These data supplemented sampling by Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership to provide the most geographically extensive genomic sampling of this species to date. I obtained genomic DNA to investigate the role of biogeographic processes and sex-biased dispersal in aye-ayes’ population genomic structure. I used different genomic markers to assess diversity and to resolve mechanisms that have led to aye-aye population genomic structure. I revealed matrilineal structure on the maternally inherited markers, whereas male-specific Y-chromosome marker systems showed weak structure, indicating male-mediated gene flow. Analysis of diversity in a phylogeographic context indicated that geographic distance drives genomic structure, yet I show some support for two biogeographic hypotheses which suggest that changes to riparian vegetation during the Pleistocene may have impacted connectivity among aye-aye populations. I provide interesting avenues for future research to better understand lemur biogeography and social organization, and findings can be integrated into conservation planning, particularly initiatives with focus on protecting genomic diversity in this species.
- ItemOpen AccessInvestigating Perceptions of Well Water Quality in Rural Alberta(2019-07-17) Munene, Abraham; Hall, David C.; Checkley, Sylvia L.; Lockyer, Jocelyn M.; Massolo, AlessandroAdequate access to safe drinking water is important in maintaining public health. Over 400,000 rural Albertans use well water for domestic purposes. The current policy on the management of private water wells requires well owners be responsible for their own water well management and well water quality. Therefore, the decision of when to test well water, what to test for, and what treatments to use to safeguard or improve water quality, lies with well owners. The purpose of this thesis was to 1. Describe the perceptions, knowledge, and beliefs rural Albertan residents have of well water quality and whether they associate livestock farming with water well contamination. 2. Identify the barriers faced by water well owners with respect to implementing well water stewardship practices. 3. Identify factors associated with water well stewardship practices (i.e., testing and treatment). A mixed methods study was completed which included a systematic review, interviews with well owners, a questionnaire survey of well owners, and collection of well water samples to assess for microbiological indicators of drinking water contamination. Thematic analyses were used to understand factors shaping perceptions of well water quality and identify factors influencing water testing behaviour as viewed through the lens of the Health Belief Model. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were used to understand the characteristics of well owners, well use, well stewardship practices, as well as investigate associations between independent variables and well stewardship practices. Barriers to treatment included a lack of awareness of what treatments to use. Increased education and awareness may be important to increase the adoption of well stewardship practices. Several factors were found to influence perceptions of well water quality. Furthermore, well owners described issues such as low perceived susceptibility to water well contamination and logistical barriers when submitting water samples for testing.
- ItemOpen AccessProbability distribution maps for the arbovirus vector Culicoides sonorensis in southern Alberta and Montana under current and future climate scenarios.(2013-08-01) Zuliani, Anna; Cork, Susan Catherine; Massolo, AlessandroCulicoides sonorensis transmits Bluetongue and Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease viruses to ruminants in western North America. This study was conducted to model the current and future distribution of C. sonorensis in Southern Alberta (Canada) and Montana (USA). Data on C. sonorensis, collected from 2002 to 2011, and environmental and climatic variables, chosen based on the ecology of Culicoides spp., were used in the analysis. Under current climatic conditions, the best MaxEnt model selected with the Akaike Information Criterion was built using 50 C. sonorensis presence records and four variables (Elevation, Land Cover, mean Precipitation of May and mean Vapour Pressure Deficit of July). Under future climate scenarios, constructed relying on three Representative Concentration Pathways, a northward expansion of C. sonorensis was predicted by the 2030s and 2050s. Our models can provide information for the development of future vector surveillance and the assessment of disease transmission risk in the region.
- ItemOpen AccessRemote Sensing of Understory Plant Phenology: A Framework for Monitoring and Projecting the Impacts of Climate Change(2017) Laskin, David; McDermid, Gregory; Marshall, Shawn; Nielsen, Scott; Massolo, Alessandro; Piwowar, JosephPhenology is an integrative environmental science used to examine recurring biological events in nature. The emphasis is in observing recurring plant and animal life cycle stages, especially their timing and relationship with weather and climate. Examples include wildlife migrations, spawning, or the flowering and fruiting of plants. At higher latitudes, temperature has strong physiological control over rates of vegetation development. Variability in seasonal temperature can therefore influence the timing of vegetation phenology and all of the interrelated ecosystem processes that rely on it. Shifts in phenology are one of the first observed impacts of climate change. Increasing temperatures are advancing the timing of spring onset which in turn alters species movement and interactions, increasing the risk of trophic mismatches. Satellite remote sensing provides an efficient means of uncovering broad-scale phenology patterns, however monitoring the comprehensive development of an individual plant species remains a significant challenge. These complexities are exacerbated in forest ecosystems due to interference from overstory canopies on the remote detection of understory vegetation. This research exploits the physiological nexus between plants and temperature as a window through which understory phenology can be observed. A framework was developed to produce daily maps of understory plant phenology using satellite-derived estimates of understory air temperature. It examines the scales at which phenological relationships operate and how they vary in space and time in the southern Rocky Mountains of Canada. It also explores the projected impacts of climate change on phenological timing through mapped scenarios and experimental warming in climate-controlled growth chambers. The framework provides global extensibility to monitor intra- and interannual phenology patterns for any species with distinct seasonal phenology; providing near-real-time ecosystem monitoring for a dynamic alternative to traditionally static, niche-based approaches of environmental modeling.
- ItemOpen AccessSpatiotemporal Clusters of GPS Locations and Prediction of Grizzly Bear Behaviour(2017) Kermish-Wells, Joseph; Musiani, Marco; Hall-Beyer, Mryka; Massolo, Alessandro; Stenhouse, GordonChanges to grizzly bears foraging patterns caused by natural or anthropogenic alterations in their environment could have substantial consequences for both ungulate populations of prey and for bears in Alberta, where the species is considered as “Threatened”. I developed a method for identifying foraging sites of bears fitted with Geographic Positioning System collars, which allowed downloads of locations through satellites. Using spatiotemporal collar data and landscape data I created logistic regression models to predict occurrence of bedding, predation, and other foraging behaviours. I was therefore able to precisely identify sites where grizzly bears concentrated their activity and also increased the predictability of predation event locations by 2.75 times, compared to visits of random GPS-collar locations. My study also determined the natural and human factors influencing bear behavioural patterns, prominently forestry operations and human infrastructure; i.e. factors to be considered in conservation planning for grizzly bears.
- ItemOpen AccessSPATIOTEMPORAL FACTORS INFLUENCING THE DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE OF GRIZZLY BEARS (URSUS ARCTOS) INHABITING THE BARREN-GROUNDS OF THE CENTRAL CANADIAN ARCTIC(2017) Jessen, Tyler; Musiani, Marco; Galpern, Paul; Massolo, Alessandro; McDermid, GregSpatially-explicit capture-recapture (SCR) methods can be used for estimating animal density and testing biogeographic hypotheses about the influence of landscape heterogeneity on animal space use. I used SCR to estimate the density of grizzly bears inhabiting the tundra of the central Canadian Arctic and extended the SCR framework to estimate their multi-scale habitat selection in relation to the spatiotemporal variation of food sources. Grizzly bear density was estimated to be 4.56 bears/1,000km2, which is slightly higher than estimates from 15-20 years ago. Berries and the spatial distribution of migratory caribou had the largest effect on the large scale selection patterns of bears. Food abundance had less of an effect on the resource selection of grizzlies within their home ranges. The results of this thesis indicate that grizzly bear density in the tundra is dependent upon food sources, with other factors such as intraspecific competition governing finer-scale selection patterns.
- ItemOpen AccessSpecies and genotypes belonging to Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato complex causing human cystic echinococcosis in Europe (2000–2021): a systematic review(2022-03-28) Casulli, Adriano; Massolo, Alessandro; Saarma, Urmas; Umhang, Gérald; Santolamazza, Federica; Santoro, AzzurraAbstract Background This study aimed to fill a gap of knowledge by providing a quantitative measure of molecularly identified species and genotypes belonging to Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.) causing human cystic echinococcosis (CE) in Europe during the period 2000–2021. As these species and genotypes are characterized by genetic, animal host and geographical differences, studying the E. granulosus s.l. complex is epidemiologically relevant. Methods A systematic review (SR) was conducted on the basis of both scientific and grey literature considering primary studies between 2000 and 2021 in four databases. From a total of 1643 scientific papers, 51 records were included in the SR. The main inclusion criterion for this study was the molecular confirmation of E. granulosus s.l. at the genotype/species level as a causative agent of human CE cases in selected European countries. Results Relevant data were obtained from 29 out of 39 eligible European countries. This SR identified 599 human molecularly confirmed echinococcal cysts: 460 (76.8%) identified as E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.), 130 (21.7%) as E. canadensis cluster (G6/7 and G10), 7 (1.2%) as E. ortleppi (G5), and 2 as E. vogeli (0.3%). Three geographical hotspots of human CE caused by different species of the E. granulosus s.l. complex were identified: (1) E. granulosus s.s. in Southern and South-eastern Europe (European-Mediterranean and Balkan countries); (2) E. canadensis (G6/7) in Central and Eastern Europe; (3) E. ortleppi in Central and Western Europe. This SR also identified data gaps that prevented a better definition of the geographical distribution of the Echinococcus granulosus s.l. species complex in Europe: western Balkan countries, part of Central Europe, and Baltic countries. Conclusions These results mandate longitudinal, multi-centre, intersectoral and transdisciplinary studies which consider both molecular and clinical epidemiology in animals and humans. Such studies would be valuable for a better understanding of the transmission of the E. granulosus s.l. species complex and their potential clinical impact on humans. Graphical Abstract
- ItemOpen AccessThe transmission ecology of Echinococcus multilocularis in a North American urban landscape(2015-01-28) Liccioli, Stefano; Ruckstuhl, Kathreen; Massolo, AlessandroThe cestode Echinococcus multilocularis is a trophically-transmitted parasite that is typically maintained in a sylvatic cycle involving wild canid definitive hosts and small mammal intermediate hosts. As etiological agent of Alveolar Echinococcosis in humans, the cestode is currently the third most impacting food-borne parasite globally. Understanding E. multilocularis transmission ecology, combined with reliable diagnostic and surveillance of parasite infection in wild hosts, is crucial for disease prevention and risk management. In Calgary, Canada, E. multilocularis was found to infect 29.5% (n = 61) of road-killed urban coyotes (Canis latrans) collected in 2009-2010. For the detection of E. multilocularis eggs in coyote feces, sugar fecal flotation showed lower sensitivity than the ZnCl2 centrifugation and sedimentation protocol (0.46 vs. 0.75). The latter technique is therefore recommended for screening of canid hosts. This study provided the first evidence of an urban sylvatic cycle of E. multilocularis in North America. Parasite prevalence in coyote feces was shown to vary temporally (10.5-43.5%) and spatially (5.3-61.5%) across five city parks, and infection of small mammal intermediate hosts was documented in three competent species (prevalence ranging between 0.7 and 1.4%). Genotyping coyote feces (n = 142) at 4-6 microsatellite loci allowed to correct for repeated sampling of individuals, and to estimate an overall parasite prevalence of 25.0%. Importantly, individual patterns of infection (i.e., parasite egg intensity in feces) allowed to observe temporal variations in parasite transmission that were not detected when examining fecal samples of unknown identity. By looking at the recovery of parasite eggs in genotyped feces over time, a re-infection rate of 57% (n =7) was estimated for coyotes in an area of parasite hyper-endemicity. Winter was a crucial period for E. multilocularis transmission, as the encounter rate of coyote with the parasite (number of infected hosts ingested) was higher than any other season (95% CI: 1.0-22.4). Voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus and Myodes gapperi) were consumed by coyotes proportionally more than their availability, and likely played a key role for the maintenance of the urban sylvatic life-cycle of E. multilocularis in this urban landscape.
- ItemOpen AccessUrbanizing the Wild: Urban Coyote Dynamic Functional Connectivity in the City of Calgary, Alberta, and the Development of a Novel Fuzzy Logic Expert Consensus Approach to Ecological Modeling(2015-04-30) Lamy, Karina; Massolo, AlessandroThe rapid development and expansion of cities prompts significant species declines and changes in wildlife population, behavior, and genetic flow. In some fragmenting landscapes, conservation managers have engaged in functional connectivity (FC) initiatives as a countermeasure. It can help identify areas to focus de-fragmentation and area characteristics (width, composition) that are crucial for animal dispersal through cities. However, its application in urban environments for this purpose is very recent. In this study, the trends of FC for urban wildlife were reviewed; a GIS-multicriteria fuzzy logic expert consensus approach for modeling expert knowledge to form group consensus opinions was developed; and seasonal changes in FC for coyotes in the city of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, were evaluated. The suitability models produced from the consensus approach were validated with empirical data and used to assess FC for urban coyotes. FC validated with road mortality data was only significant during the dispersal period and not during pup-rearing or breeding. This dispersal period network likely reflected transient and disperser connectivity not resident. Priority areas and their connectivity contributions identified from this study can help inform the direction of City of Calgary urban green infrastructure development.
- ItemOpen AccessWhat makes behaviours spread? Social and behavioural modulators of nonconscious mimicry and contagion(2021-11) McDougall, Petra Lynne; Ruckstuhl, Kathreen; Massolo, Alessandro; Melin, Amanda; Cartar, Ralph; Lingle, Susan; Palagi, ElizabettaSocial species stay in groups by constantly adjusting their behaviours to match those of neighbouring individuals. This nonconscious transmission of behaviour keeps specific individuals together and relays information between them. Despite the central importance of behavioural mimicry and contagion, we cannot yet predict when it will occur. What makes behaviours spread in some situations but not in others? My thesis compares rates of mimicry across different social variables (e.g., age, proximity, rank) and characteristics of the behaviour (e.g., duration, intensity) to determine which factors contribute to behavioural transmission. Using a habituated population of bighorn sheep, I compare mimicry of vigilance (head raising during grazing) across several social and behavioural conditions. Results support the idea that vigilance transmission is modulated more by social factors than by characteristics of the behaviour itself. Specifically, mimicry is more common when neighbours are closer physically, more familiar with one another, and posturally aligned. Interestingly, behavioural characteristics of vigilance itself do not appear to influence transmission; however, a related behaviour (chewing/not chewing whilst vigilant) is a strong predictor of vigilance contagion that may contribute to information transfer. Integrating these findings with other studies is challenging due to the multidisciplinary nature of this field and the use of different terms (e.g., mimicry vs. contagion) to describe this phenomenon. My thesis further addresses this issue in a terminology review. From a review of the literature, I propose that behavioural mimicry and behavioural contagion appear to investigate the same phenomenon from different perspectives. That is, behavioural contagion examines attributes of the behaviour that contribute to its spread, whereas behavioural mimicry focuses on the observer of the behaviour and that individual’s relationship with the actor or the group. Both perspectives likely influence behavioural transmission simultaneously. Fitting these collective findings into the existing literature, I propose a theoretical framework to predict when behavioural mimicry/contagion should occur. The framework identifies five conditions that must be met for behaviour to spread: perception, attention, ability, affiliation, and net benefit, and provides an overview of representative research topics within each condition. This framework will aid the design of further research and create a unified multidisciplinary theory of behavioural mimicry/contagion.