Comparative Analysis of Parasite Load on Recently Established Invasive Pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus (Actinopterygii: Centrarchidae) in Europe.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was the comparative analysis of the parasite communities of new populations of invasive pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus) in western Ukraine with pumpkinseed from Czechia, where populations have rapidly expanded over the last two decades. METHODS: Sampling took place at three localities in the western part of Ukraine (i.e. Dobrotvir Reservoir (Vistula basin), Burshtyn Reservoir (Dniester basin), Mynai Pond (Danube basin)) and four in Czechia (i.e. Oxbow D2, Herspický Pond (Danube basin), and Kolín oxbow and Rímov Reservoir (Elbe basin). RESULTS: In total, 11 parasite taxa were recorded in Ukraine and 17 in Czechia. Four species were co-introduced from North America with their host, i.e. the myxosporean Myxobolus dechtiari, the monogeneans Onchocleidus dispar and Onchocleidus similis, and metacercariae of a trematode Posthodiplostomum centrarchi. High dominance indices were related to a high abundance of co-introduced parasites, i.e. O. similis in Mynai pond and P. centrarchi in Dobrotvir Reservoir. Overall abundance of acquired parasites was generally low. CONCLUSION: This study shows that parasite communities in recently established pumpkinseed populations in the western part of Ukraine and Czechia are less diverse than those established in Europe for decades. The generally low parasite load in these new populations may play an important role in their ability to successfully establish and create strong populations by providing a competitive advantage over local species.

The parasites of a successful invader: monogeneans of the Asian topmouth gudgeon Pseudorasbora parva, with description of a new species of Gyrodactylus.

Monogenean parasites are often co-introduced with their fish hosts into novel areas. This study confirmed co-introduction of two dactylogyrids, Dactylogyrus squameus Gusev, 1955 and Bivaginogyrus obscurus (Gusev, 1955), and a newly described gyrodactylid species, Gyrodactylus pseudorasborae n. sp. into Europe along with their fish host, the invasive topmouth gudgeon Pseudorasbora parva (Temminck & Schlegel) from East Asia. All three species were observed in the lower Dnieper and middle Danube basin regions and had slightly larger haptoral hard parts than the same parasites in their native range. While dactylogyrids occurred sporadically, we recorded regular infection by G. pseudorasborae n. sp. at relatively high prevalence and abundance. This latter species was observed in both the native and non-native range of topmouth gudgeon, and resembles Gyrodactylus parvae You et al., 2008 recently described from P. parva in China. Both species were distinguished based on genetic analysis of their ITS rDNA sequence (6.6% difference), and morphometric differences in the marginal hooks and male copulatory organ. Phylogenetic analysis of dactylogyrid monogeneans showed that B. obscurus clustered with Dactylogyrus species parasitising Gobionidae and Xenocyprididae, including D. squameus, supporting recent suggestions of a paraphyletic origin of the Dactylogyrus genus. In addition to co-introduced parasites, topmouth gudgeon was infected with a local generalist, G. prostae Ergens, 1964, increasing the number of monogeneans acquired in Europe to three species. Nevertheless, monogenean infections were generally lower in non-native host populations, potentially giving an advantage to invading topmouth gudgeon.

Title: Les parasites d'un envahisseur à succès : les monogènes du goujon asiatique Pseudorasbora parva, avec description d'une nouvelle espèce de Gyrodactylus. Abstract: Les parasites monogènes sont souvent co-introduits avec leurs hôtes poissons dans de nouvelles zones. Cette étude a confirmé la co-introduction de deux Dactylogyridae, Dactylogyrus squameus Gusev, 1955 et Bivaginogyrus obscurus (Gusev, 1955), et d'une espèce de Gyrodactylidae nouvellement décrite, Gyrodactylus pseudorasborae n. sp. en Europe, en même temps que leur hôte poisson, le goujon envahissant Pseudorasbora parva (Temminck & Schlegel) qui vient d'Asie de l'Est. Les trois espèces ont été observées dans les régions du bas Dniepr et du bassin moyen du Danube et avaient des parties sclérifiées haptorales légèrement plus grandes que les mêmes parasites dans leur aire de répartition d'origine. Alors que les Dactylogyridae étaient rares, nous avons enregistré une infection régulière par G. pseudorasborae n. sp. à une prévalence et une abondance relativement élevées. Cette dernière espèce a été observée à la fois dans l'aire de répartition indigène et non indigène du goujon asiatique et ressemble à Gyrodactylus parvae You et al., 2008 récemment décrit chez P. parva en Chine. Les deux espèces ont été distinguées sur la base de l'analyse génétique de leur séquence ITS de l'ADNr (différence de 6,6 %) et des différences morphométriques dans les crochets marginaux et l'organe copulateur mâle. L'analyse phylogénétique des monogènes Dactylogyridae a montré que B. obscurus se regroupait avec des espèces de Dactylogyrus parasitant les Gobionidae et les Xenocyprididae, y compris D. squameus, soutenant les suggestions récentes d'une origine paraphylétique du genre Dactylogyrus. En plus des parasites co-introduits, le goujon asiatique était infecté par un généraliste local, G. prostae Ergens, 1964, portant le nombre de monogènes acquis en Europe à trois espèces. Néanmoins, les infections par les monogènes étaient généralement plus faibles dans les populations d'hôtes non indigènes, donnant potentiellement un avantage à l'invasion du goujon asiatique.

Response of Parasite Community Composition to Aquatic Pollution in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.): A Semi-Experimental Study.

The response of parasite communities to aquatic contamination has been shown to vary with both type of pollutant and parasite lifestyle. In this semi-experimental study, we examined uptake of pharmaceutical compounds in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) restocked from a control pond to a treatment pond fed with organic pollution from a sewage treatment plant and assessed changes in parasite community composition and fish biometric parameters. The parasite community of restocked fish changed over the six-month exposure period, and the composition of pharmaceutical compounds in the liver and brain was almost the same as that in fish living in the treatment pond their whole life. While fish size and weight were significantly higher in both treatment groups compared to the control, condition indices, including condition factor, hepatosomatic index, and splenosomatic index, were significantly higher in control fish. Parasite diversity and species richness decreased at the polluted site, alongside a significant increase in the abundance of a single parasite species, Gyrodactylus sprostonae. Oviparous monogeneans of the Dactylogyridae and Diplozoidae families and parasitic crustaceans responded to pollution with a significant decrease in abundance, the reduction in numbers most likely related to the sensitivity of their free-living stages to pollution.

Population genetic structure, parasite infection and somatic condition of pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus (Actinopterygii: Centrarchidae) in the Oder river basin.

In Poland, distribution of non-native pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus (Centrarchidae) is strictly limited to the Oder river basin, where it was introduced in the early 20th century. Recently, several populations have been found in waterbodies adjacent to the Oder, particularly in its lower reaches. In this study, we compare the genetic relatedness of populations in the Oder basin with other European populations using nuclear (microsatellite) and mitochondrial (partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I; cox1) markers. Microsatellite analysis indicated that four populations in the lower Oder form a separate cluster, while one in the middle Oder clustered with Danubian populations, from where probably having been introduced. Microsatellite data suggested that the lower Oder populations differ from other non-native European populations, making it impossible to estimate the source of introduction. Nevertheless, analysis of cox1 indicated that Oder pumpkinseeds belong to the same haplotype as the vast majority of European populations. Parasitological examination confirmed the presence of two North American species, the monogenean Onchocleidus dispar and trematode Posthodiplostomum centrarchi, in the lower Oder, both previously unknown in the region. Fifteen other parasite species were acquired, including glochidia of invasive Sinanodonta woodiana. In the middle Oder, parasite infection was more limited. Fish from the Gryfino Canal, considered one of the most invasive populations in Europe, showed the highest parasite abundance and diversity, and the highest somatic condition and growth rate due to warm water released from the Dolna Odra power plant. Our results highlight significant differences in somatic condition and parasite infection in long-established non-native pumpkinseed populations in the same river system, reflecting mainly environmental conditions.

Low-level pathogen transmission from wild to farmed salmonids in a flow-through fish farm.

While the potential effects of pathogens spread from farmed fish to wild populations have frequently been studied, evidence for the transmission of parasites from wild to farmed fish is scarce. In the present study, we evaluated natural bacterial and parasitic infections in brown trout (Salmo trutta m. fario) collected from the Cerná Opava river (Czech Republic) as a potential source of infections for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) reared in a flow-through farm system fed by the same river. The prevalence of bacterial and protozoan infections in farmed fish was comparable, or higher, than for riverine fish. Despite this, none of the infected farmed fish showed any signs of severe diseases. Substantial differences in metazoan parasite infections were observed between wild and farmed fish regarding monogeneans, adult trematodes, nematodes, the myxozoan Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae found in riverine fish only, and larval eye-fluke trematodes sporadically found in farmed fish. The different distribution of metazoan parasites between brown and rainbow trout most probably reflects the availability of infected intermediate hosts in the two habitats. Despite the river being the main water source for the farm, there was no significant threat of parasite infection to the farmed fish from naturally infected riverine fish.

The role of the non-indigenous pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus (Actinopterygii: Centrarchidae) in the life cycle of Bothriocephalus claviceps (Cestoda: Bothriocephalidae) in Europe.

Infection of non-indigenous pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus, Centrarchidae) with the bothriocephalidean cestode Bothriocephalus claviceps (Cestoda: Bothriocephalidae) was confirmed at several sites in the lower Oder river basin in Poland. The preferred host for this cestode species is the European eel (Anguilla anguilla), with a wide range of other fish species serving as paratenic hosts. The pumpkinseed showed a relatively high prevalence and abundance of larvae, along with several mature and gravid specimens, thereby confirming development of B. claviceps to the adult stage in an alternative host. As such, the pumpkinseed may represent an additional definitive host for this cestode, in addition to its role as a paratenic host, as previously recorded in other European regions. Our results indicate that inclusion of pumpkinseed as an additional definitive host in the cestode's life cycle, high infection of pumpkinseed with B. claviceps larvae and inclusion of pumpkinseed in the eel's diet could potentially lead to increased parasite pressure on native fish hosts. Further comparative studies or experimental testing will be required to confirm this.

Morphometric and genetic evidence for cryptic diversity in Gyrodactylus (Monogenea) infecting non-native European populations of Ameiurus nebulosus and A. melas.

Gyrodactylid parasites were observed on non-native populations of North-American freshwater catfishes, Ameiurus nebulosus and Ameiurus melas (Siluriformes: Ictaluridae), at several sites in the Elbe River basin, Czech Republic, Europe. Using a combination of morphological and genetic analyses, the parasites infecting A. nebulosus were determined to be Gyrodactylus nebulosus, a North American parasite co-introduced to Europe along with its Ameiurus fish hosts. Subtle morphometrical differences, as well as seasonal variations, were observed among parasites collected from A. nebulosus and A. melas. The host-related variation was further supported through genetic analysis of the partial 18S rDNA, ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 and COI, showing 0.2, 3.0 and 4.8% divergence, respectively. Consistent genetic differences indicated there were two distinct genotypes. Subtle morphological differences associated with the shape of sickle toe, anchor root and ventral bar membrane, according to host species, also supported the description of a new cryptic species, Gyrodactylus melas n. sp., infecting A. melas. Multivariate morphometrical analysis of haptoral hard parts showed significant differences between the anchor lengths of G. nebulosus and G. melas n. sp. However, the measurements of the haptoral hard structures partially overlapped between species, limiting the usage of these parameters for species delineation.

Gyrodactylus ginestrae n. sp. (Monogenea: Gyrodactylidae), a parasite of the big-scale sand smelt, Atherina boyeri Risso, 1810 (Actinopterygii: Atherinidae) from the Black Sea.

We describe a new species, Gyrodactylus ginestrae n. sp., a parasite of the big-scale sand smelt (Atherina boyeri) from the Black Sea. This is the third monogenean species known from this fish host, found at 70% prevalence, but at relatively low abundance (1.9), on fish gills and fins. The new species is, both morphologically and genetically, most similar to G. salinae, which parasitizes the killifish Aphanius fasciatus (Cyprinodontidae) in the Mediterranean region. These species differ in the size of the haptoral hard parts and the number of small spines of the male copulatory organ. For molecular characterization, the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), 5.8S rRNA gene, and the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) were sequenced, completed by a fragment of the COII gene, thereby representing the first molecularly characterized gyrodactylid species from the Black Sea. Phylogenetic reconstruction based on the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequence data indicated the position of G. ginestrae n. sp. in the marine "rugiensis" group of G. (Paranephrotus) and G. (Neonephrotus) subgenera which is part of the monophyletic "long ITS1" group. Taking into account the similarity of G. ginestrae n. sp. to several monogeneans from the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions, we suggest the Boreal-Atlantic origin of this species.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Apatemon sp. infecting killifish in Mozambique.

Strigeid trematodes of the genus Apatemon Szidat, 1928 are intestinal parasites of fish-eating birds, utilizing various fish species as second intermediate hosts. In this study, we report morphometrical and molecular characterization of Apatemon sp. metacercariae parasitizing killifish Nothobranchius furzeri (Cyprinodontiformes: Nothobranchiidae) in south-east Mozambique. Metacercariae obtained from the cerebral cavity of killifish and two adult individuals isolated from experimentally infected ducklings were used for detailed morphological and molecular description, both resulting in generic affiliation to Apatemon. This is the first molecularly confirmed record of this trematode genus in Africa. Considering the morphological variability and wide host range of individual Apatemon species, the combination of both morphological and molecular analyses is indispensable for valid identification of this parasite. The results of our molecular analysis together with phylogenetic reconstruction indicated the presence of a new African lineage, reflecting potentially high diversity within the genus Apatemon comparable with other digenean genera.

Non-native parasitic copepod Neoergasilus japonicus (Harada, 1930) utilizes non-native fish host Lepomis gibbosus (L.) in the floodplain of the River Dyje (Danube basin).

The parasitic copepod Neoergasilus japonicus (Harada, 1930) (Ergasilidae), native to east Asia, is widely distributed in Asia, Europe, and North and Central America. Recently, this species appeared in lentic water bodies of the River Dyje floodplain (Danube basin, Czech Republic). It was first recorded in 2015 and in 2 years it reached a 100% prevalence in recently expanding non-native fish host, Lepomis gibbosus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Centrarchidae, native to North America) at two borrow pits. Abundance of N. japonicus increased with fish length, with maximum intensity of infection reaching 99 parasites per fish. The parasite was most frequently found attached to the dorsal and anal fins of fish, while preference for the dorsal fin was more evident with lower infection intensities. Utilization of expanding fish hosts in water bodies that are regularly interconnected via natural or managed flooding may support the rapid dispersal of this non-native parasite.

Methodological issues affecting the study of fish parasites. III. Effect of fish preservation method.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of preservation method on the results of parasite community studies. Two host species, European perch Perca fluviatilis and European bitterling Rhodeus amarus, were examined for parasites after having been subjected to 4 different storage treatments: freezing, preservation in 4% formaldehyde or 70% ethanol and transportation of live (fresh) fish as a control. Preservation prior to dissection resulted in a loss of information, leading to incomplete quantitative data (all preservation treatments), qualitative data (ethanol and formaldehyde preservation) and a lowered ability to determine parasites to species level based on morphology compared to dissecting fresh fish. Of the more abundant taxa, only crustaceans and acanthocephalans provided relatively even results between treatments. We conclude that preservation media, such as ethanol or formaldehyde, significantly affects the ability to obtain precise parasite community data; hence, we recommend the use of freshly sacrificed fish for parasite community studies whenever possible. Alternatively, freezing may prove acceptable for evaluating parasite community taxonomic composition.

European distribution for metacercariae of the North American digenean Posthodiplostomum cf. minimum centrarchi (Strigeiformes: Diplostomidae).

Metacercariae of a North American digenean Posthodiplostomum cf. minimum centrarchi (Strigeiformes: Diplostomidae), have been reported from seven localities in Europe, with cysts recorded in the mesentery and internal organs of two invasive non-indigenous fishes (Lepomis gibbosus and Micropterus salmoides) from sites in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Portugal. Analysis of rDNA locus ITS1-ITS2-28S confirmed a closer relationship to the American Posthodiplostomum species than the common European species P. cuticola or P. brevicaudatum. Our data indicate limited potential of this parasite for switch to local fish fauna and confirm the occurrence at distant sites across Europe, suggesting that birds as definitive parasite hosts may play an important role for parasite dispersal. Further detailed studies are needed to confirm the actual means of introduction to Europe.

Methodological issues affecting the study of fish parasites. II. Sampling method affects ectoparasite studies.

In this study, we assessed the impact of sampling method on the results of fish ectoparasite studies. Common roach Rutilus rutilus were sampled from the same gravel pit in the River Dyje flood plain (Czech Republic) using 3 different sampling methods, i.e. electrofishing, beach seining and gill-netting, and were examined for ectoparasites. Not only did fish caught by electrofishing have more of the most abundant parasites (Trichodina spp., Gyrodactylus spp.) than those caught by beach seining or gill-netting, they also had relatively rich parasite infracommunities, resulting in a significantly different assemblage composition, presumably as parasites were lost through handling and 'manipulation' in the net. Based on this, we recommend electrofishing as the most suitable method to sample fish for parasite community studies, as data from fish caught with gill-nets and beach seines will provide a biased picture of the ectoparasite community, underestimating ectoparasite abundance and infracommunity species richness.

Methodological issues affecting the study of fish parasites. I. Duration of live fish storage prior to dissection.

We tested the ability of parasite species to respond quickly to artificial conditions (e.g. by changing abundance or even decreasing to extinction) while host fish species were being held alive prior to dissection. Prussian carp Carassius gibelio were sampled by electrofishing from 2 ponds alongside the River Dyje (Czech Republic) during 'cold' and 'warm' seasons. All fish were transported to the laboratory in aerated pond water and kept in a 1 m3 outdoor basin with aged tap water for 6 d. Twenty fish were dissected on consecutive days (total 120 fish for each site). Our results indicated that there was little change in parasite loading over the first 3 d of holding, suggesting no impact on parasitological studies undertaken over this period. From the fourth day, however, overall parasite abundance increased due to rapid reproduction of some parasite species, especially gyrodactylids in the cold season and dactylogyrids in the warm season. Parasite diversity appeared less stable in the warm season, with significant differences being registered as early as the second day. In addition to holding period, environmental conditions during fish holding will also play an important role in parasite community shifts.

Gyrodactylus proterorhini in its non-native range: distribution and ability to host-switch in freshwaters.

Successful co-introduction of a parasite and its host relies not only on presence of the parasite on host individuals in the founder population but also on the ability of both host and parasite to persist in the new area. Gyrodactylus proterorhini (Monogenea) has been successfully co-introduced with its Ponto-Caspian goby hosts (Babka gymnotrachelus, Neogobius fluviatilis, Neogobius melanostomus, Ponticola kessleri, Proterorhinus semilunaris) to many freshwater systems in Europe and is now widely distributed over four large European river basins (Danube, Rhine, Scheldt and Vistula). Within Europe, higher infection levels are documented in sites further from the native host range. In North America, however, G. proterorhini appears to be absent. Host specificity of G. proterorhini tested under natural conditions showed accidental host-switching onto local fish species (native Perca fluviatilis and non-native Perccottus glenii) in the river Vistula. Further examination of host-switching under experimental conditions, however, showed that G. proterorhini were unable to survive on non-gobiid hosts longer than 24 h. Our results indicate extremely low potential for host-switching of introduced G. proterorhini to non-gobiid hosts, at least in the freshwater systems of Central and Western Europe.

Non-native gobies facilitate the transmission of Bucephalus polymorphus (Trematoda).

BACKGROUND: Introduced species can modify local host-parasite dynamics by amplifying parasite infection which can 'spill-back' to the native fauna, whether they are competent hosts for local parasites, or by acting as parasite sinks with 'dilution' of infection decreasing the parasite burden of native hosts. Recently infection by the trematode Bucephalus polymorphus has increased in several European rivers, being attributed to the introduction of intermediate host species from the Ponto-Caspian region. Using a combination of field and experimental data, we evaluated the competence of non-native and native fish as intermediate hosts for B. polymorphus and its role for parasite development in a definitive host. METHODS: The density of 0+ juvenile fish (the second intermediate hosts for B. polymorphus) was measured in the River Morava, Czech Republic and fish were screened for natural metacercariae infection. The stomach contents of predatory fish that are definitive hosts of B. polymorphus were examined to assess the importance of non-native gobies for parasite transmission. In semi-natural conditions, parasite establishment, initial survival, and maturity rates in experimentally infected definitive hosts pikeperch Sander lucioperca were measured in flukes recovered from native white bream Abramis bjoerkna and non-native tubenose goby Proterorhinus semilunaris and round goby Neogobius melanostomus. Adult fluke size and egg production was also measured to evaluate the potential effect of intermediate host species on parasite fitness. RESULTS: We detected high natural infection parameters of B. polymorphus in native cyprinids and non-native gobies compared to data from the period prior to goby establishment. Both fish groups are consumed by predatory fish and represent a major component of the littoral fish community. Parasite establishment and adult size in definitive hosts was equivalent among the second intermediate host species, despite a lower size of metacercariae recovered from round gobies. However, development in the definitive host of flukes recovered from gobies was reduced, showing higher mortality, delayed maturity and lower egg production, in comparison with parasites from native hosts. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial 'spill-back' of B. polymorphus due to higher transmission rates after establishment of non-native gobies was partially buffered by decreased fitness of B. polymorphus that underwent development in gobies.

Expression profile of C19MC microRNAs in placental tissue in pregnancy-related complications.

To demonstrate that pregnancy-related complications are associated with alterations in placental microRNA expression. Gene expression of 15 C19MC microRNAs (miR-512-5p, miR-515-5p, miR-516-5p, miR-517-5p, miR-518b, miR-518f-5p, miR-519a, miR-519d, miR-519e-5p, miR-520a-5p, miR-520h, miR-524-5p, miR-525, miR-526a, and miR-526b) was assessed in placental tissues, compared between groups (21 gestational hypertension [GH], 63 preeclampsia, 36 fetal growth restriction [FGR], and 42 normal pregnancies), and correlated with the severity of the disease with respect to clinical signs, delivery date, and Doppler ultrasound parameters. The expression profile of microRNAs was different between pregnancy-related complications and controls. The downregulation of 4 of 15 (miR-517-5p, miR-519d, miR-520a-5p, and miR-525), 6 of 15 (miR-517-5p, miR-518f-5p, miR-519a, miR-519d, miR-520a-5p, and miR-525), and 11 of 15 (miR-515-5p, miR-517-5p, miR-518b, miR-518f-5p, miR-519a, miR-519d, miR-520a-5p, miR-520h, miR-524-5p, miR-525, and miR-526a) microRNAs was associated with GH, FGR, and preeclampsia, respectively. Sudden onset of severe preeclampsia requiring immediate termination of gestation and mild forms of preeclampsia (persisting for several weeks) were associated with similar microRNA expression profile (downregulation of miR-517-5p, miR-520a-5p, miR-524-5p, and miR-525). In addition, miR-519a was found to be associated with severe preeclampsia. The longer the pregnancy-related disorder lasted, the more extensive was the downregulation of microRNAs (miR-515-5p, miR-518b, miR-518f-5p, miR-519d, and miR-520h). The downregulation of some C19MC microRNAs is a common phenomenon shared between GH, preeclampsia, and FGR. On the other hand, some of the C19MC microRNAs are only downregulated just in preeclampsia.

Circulating C19MC microRNAs in preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and fetal growth restriction.

The objective of the study was to identify the profile of circulating C19MC microRNAs (miR-516-5p, miR-517*, miR-518b, miR-520a*, miR-520h, miR-525, and miR-526a) in patients with established preeclampsia (n = 63), fetal growth restriction (n = 27), and gestational hypertension (n = 23). We examined the correlation between plasmatic concentrations and expression levels of microRNAs and the severity of the disease with respect to clinical signs, requirements for the delivery, and Doppler ultrasound parameters. Using absolute and relative quantification approaches, increased extracellular C19MC microRNA levels (miR-516-5p, P = 0.037, P = 0.009; miR-517*, P = 0.033, P = 0.043; miR-520a*, P = 0.001, P = 0.009; miR-525, P = 0.026, P = 0.01; miR-526a, P = 0.03, P = 0.035) were detected in patients with preeclampsia. The association analysis pointed to no relationship between C19MC microRNA plasmatic concentrations and expression profile and identified risk factors for a poorer perinatal outcome. However, the dependence between the levels of plasmatic C19MC microRNAs and the pulsatility index in the middle cerebral artery and the values of cerebroplacental ratio was demonstrated. The study brought the interesting finding that the upregulation of miR-516-5p, miR-517*, miR-520a*, miR-525, and miR-526a is a characteristic phenomenon of established preeclampsia.

Does invasive Chondrostoma nasus shift the parasite community structure of endemic Parachondrostoma toxostoma in sympatric zones?

BACKGROUND: The composition of parasite communities in two cyprinid species in southern France - native and threatened Parachondrostoma toxostoma and introduced Chondrostoma nasus - was investigated. In sympatry, these two species form two hybrid zones in the Durance and Ardeche Rivers. Due to their different feeding preference and habitat positions in allopatry, we supposed a difference in parasite communities between fish species. We expected more similar parasite communities in sympatric zones associated with habitat overlap (facilitating the transmission of ectoparasites) and similar feeding (more generalist behaviour when compared to allopatry, facilitating the transmission of endoparasites) in both fish species. Finally, we investigated whether P. toxostoma x C. nasus hybrids are less parasitized then parental species. METHODS: One allopatric population of each fish species plus two sympatric zones were sampled. Fish were identified using cytochrome b gene and 41 microsatellites loci and examined for all metazoan parasites. RESULTS: A high Monogenea abundance was found in both allopatric and sympatric populations of C. nasus. Trematoda was the dominant group in parasite communities of P. toxostoma from the allopatric population. In contrast, the populations of P. toxostoma in sympatric zones were parasitized by Dactylogyrus species found in C. nasus populations, but their abundance in endemic species was low. Consequently, the similarity based on parasite presence/absence between the sympatric populations of P. toxostoma and C. nasus was high. Sympatric populations of P. toxostoma were more similar than allopatric and sympatric populations of this species. No difference in ectoparasite infection was found between P. toxostoma and hybrids, whilst C. nasus was more parasitized by Monogenea. CONCLUSIONS: The differences in endoparasites between P. toxostoma and C. nasus in allopatry are probably linked to different feeding or habitat conditions, but host-parasite evolutionary associations also play an important role in determining the presence of Chondrostoma-specific monogeneans. Our findings suggest that Dactylogyrus expanded with the source host C. nasus into introduced areas and that P. toxostoma became infected after contact with C. nasus. Although the genotype of P. toxostoma and recombinant genotypes of hybrids are susceptible to Dactylogyrus transmitted from C. nasus, the intensity of infection is low in these genotypes.

Consequent effects of the great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) predation on parasite infection and body condition of common carp (Cyprinus carpio).

Lesions ranging from surface wounds to deep tissue wounds caused by cormorant predation were observed on several species of the farmed fish in Pohorelice, Czech Republic. Two-year-old stocked common carp Cyprinus carpio harvested in late March were examined for ectoparasites and endoparasites, injuries extent, and lysozyme concentration in skin mucus. Additionally, three body condition indices were measured. Endoparasite infection occurred only scarcely. Wounded fish were more susceptible to the ectoparasites Gyrodactylus spp. and Dactylogyrus spp. (Monogenea), and Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ciliophora). The intensity of infection of other ectoparasites Eudiplozoon nipponicum (Monogenea), Argulus spp. (Branchiura) and trichodinids (Ciliophora) did not significantly differ between wounded and control groups of fish. Lysozyme concentration in fish mucus was significantly higher in wounded fish and was positively associated with both the extent of damaged epithelium and Gyrodactylus spp. abundance. There were no differences in Fulton's condition factor and lipid content in muscle and liver tissues between wounded and non-wounded fish. Higher values of spleen-somatic index in wounded fish corresponded to increased intensity of parasite infection, most likely reflecting changes in immune system of infected fish. Although our results did not show any significant effect of cormorant attacks on fish condition, the wounded fish had significantly higher parasite numbers which could impact the growth or survival of the fish throughout the production season.