Are Cape Peninsula baboons raiding their way to obesity and type II diabetes? - a comparative study.

Researchers, managers and conservationists in the Cape Peninsula, South Africa, have reported cases of individual baboons (Papio ursinus) appearing overweight, lethargic and having poor teeth. Despite an intensive baboon management programme, there are certain individual baboons and troops that continue to raid human food sources. These food sources often are high in processed carbohydrates and saturated fats. As this diet is highly associated with obesity, insulin resistance and type II diabetes, the present study aimed to establish if these baboons may be at risk of developing insulin resistance. Post mortem muscle samples from 17 Cape Peninsula and 7 control adult male baboons were rapidly frozen in liquid nitrogen and analysed for insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), oxidative and glycolytic markers of metabolism (citrate synthase, 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA-dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase activities), and muscle fibre morphology. The sampled Peninsula baboons were heavier (33 ± 2 vs. 29 ± 2 kg, P < 0.05) and had a higher frequency of poor teeth compared to control baboons. Muscle fibre type, fibre size, GLUT4 content, oxidative and glycolytic metabolism were not different between the two groups. However, IRS-1 content, a marker of insulin sensitivity, was significantly lower (by 43%, P < 0.001) in the Peninsula baboons compared to the controls. This study provides the first indirect evidence that some Peninsula baboons with a history of raiding human food sources, may be at risk of developing insulin resistance in the wild, with long term implications for population health.

Protected and un-protected urban wetlands have similar aquatic macroinvertebrate communities: A case study from the Cape Flats Sand Fynbos region of southern Africa.

Rapid urbanisation has led to major landscape alterations, affecting aquatic ecosystems' hydrological and biogeochemical cycles, and biodiversity. Thus, habitat alteration is considered a major driver of aquatic biodiversity loss and related aquatic ecosystem goods and services. This study aimed to investigate and compare aquatic macroinvertebrate richness, diversity and community structure between urban temporary wetlands, located within protected and un-protected areas. The latter were found within an open public space or park with no protection or conservation status, whereas the former were inaccessible to the public and had formal protected, conservation status. We hypothesised that; (1) protected urban wetlands will harbour higher aquatic macroinvertebrate biodiversity (both dry and wet) as compared to un-protected urban wetlands, and (2) that the community composition between the two urban wetlands types will be significantly different. Contrary to our hypothesis, our results revealed no major differences between protected and un-protected urban wetlands, based on the measures investigated (i.e. taxon richness, Shannon-Weiner diversity, Pielou's evenness and community composition) during the dry and wet phase. The only exception was community composition, which revealed significant differences between these urban wetland types. These results suggest that human activities (potential littering and polluting) in the un-protected urban wetlands have not yet resulted in drastic change in macroinvertebrate richness and composition, at least from the dry phase. This suggests a potential for un-protected urban wetlands suffering from minimal human impact to act as important reservoirs of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Parasite community structure as a predictor of host population structure: An example using Callorhinchus capensis.

This paper describes the parasite community structure of the Cape elephant fish or St Joseph shark (Callorhinchus capensis) caught off the West and South Coast of South Africa between 2010 and 2015. These data were used to build species accumulation curves (SAC) and calculate biodiversity indices including rarefied species richness, Shannon Weiner's diversity index, Simpson's index and Pielou's J index. The biodiversity indices were correlated with the host's biological data to determine how these affected the parasite community structure and provide insight into the host's population structure. The parasites identified in C. capensis (n = 259) include a cestode (Gyrocotyle plana), two monogeneans (Callorhynchicotyle callorhynchi and Callorhinchicola multitesticulatus), an isopod (Anilocra capensis) and a leech (Branchellion sp.). Gyrocotyle plana was the most prevalent at 71.43% and the monogenean C. callorhynchi had the highest mean abundance (1.55 ±â€¯0.45 parasites.fish-1) and the highest mean infection intensity (4.79 ±â€¯0.66 parasites.infected fish-1). The SAC and biodiversity measures indicate a uniform parasite community across the sampled host population, suggesting a highly interactive shark community with no evidence for population structure. These results show that parasite community structure can be used to infer their host's population structure.

Pseudalataspora vanderlingeni n. sp. (Myxosporea: Bivalvulida) from gall bladders of the Cape hakes Merluccius capensis Castelnau, and M. paradoxus Franca (Teleostei: Merlucciidae).

A new species of myxosporean parasite is described from the gall bladders of the hakes Merluccius capensis Castelnau and M. paradoxus Franca (Pisces: Teleostei) caught off the west and south coasts of South Africa. The new species, Pseudalataspora vanderlingeni, is described morphologically and molecularly and compared with the 15 other species of Pseudalataspora previously described from marine fish. Although a molecular description is available on GenBank for only one of these 15 species, the morphological description supports the status of P. vanderlingeni as a new species. Earlier reports, without detailed descriptions, of Leptotheca sp. and Ceratomyxa sp. from the same hosts caught off Namibia were very likely to have been of P. vanderlingeni. These earlier studies reported high prevalences of infection, similar to those of >60% described in the present study. The effects of fixation and freezing on the dimensions of spores of Pseudalataspora spp. are described, and the status of the genus Pseudalataspora within the family Ceratomyxidae is discussed.

Life in a rock pool: Radiation and population genetics of myxozoan parasites in hosts inhabiting restricted spaces.

INTRODUCTION: Intertidal rock pools where fish and invertebrates are in constant close contact due to limited space and water level fluctuations represent ideal conditions to promote life cycles in parasites using these two alternate hosts and to study speciation processes that could contribute to understanding the roles of parasitic species in such ecosystems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Gall bladder and liver samples from five clinid fish species (Blenniiformes: Clinidae) were morphologically and molecularly examined to determine the diversity, prevalence, distribution and host specificity of Ceratomyxa parasites (Cnidaria: Myxozoa) in intertidal habitats along the coast of South Africa. Phylogenetic relationships of clinid ceratomyxids based on the SSU rDNA, LSU rDNA and ITS regions were assessed additionally to the investigation of population genetic structure of Ceratomyxa cottoidii and subsequent comparison with the data known from type fish host Clinus cottoides. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Seven Ceratomyxa species including previously described Ceratomyxa dehoopi and C. cottoidii were recognized in clinids. They represent a diverse group of rapidly evolving, closely related species with a remarkably high prevalence in their hosts, little host specificity and frequent concurrent infections, most probably as a result of parasite radiation after multiple speciation events triggered by limited host dispersal within restricted spaces. C. cottoidii represents the most common clinid parasite with a population structure characterized by young expanding populations in the south west and south east coast and by older populations in equilibrium on the west coast of its distribution. Parasite and fish host population structures show overlapping patterns and are very likely affected by similar oceanographic barriers possibly due to reduced host dispersal enhancing parasite community differentiation. While fish host specificity had little impact on parasite population structure, the habitat preference of the alternate invertebrate host as well as tidal water exchange may be additional crucial variables affecting the dispersal and associated population structure of C. cottoidii.

Shark parasites as bio-indicators of metals in two South African embayments.

Concentrations of metals in the tissues of the sharks Callorhinchus capensis, Rhinobatos annulatus and Rhinobatos blochii collected in False Bay and Saldanha Bay, South Africa, in 2013 were investigated. Metal concentrations in the tissue of the parasites Gyrocotyle plana infecting the spiral intestine of C. capensis and Proleptus obtusus infecting the stomach of R. annulatus and R. blochii were also analysed. G. plana showed accumulation of arsenic (4073.52±5561.54 µg/g), manganese (522.16±578.21 µg/g), lead (64.87±101.7 µg/g), titanium (1821.42±1348.16 µg/g) and zinc (12439.57±9743.60 µg/g). These results when compared to baseline values, showed that accumulation of the metals in G. plana are orders of magnitude higher than those in the surrounding environment and 2 to 6 times the concentration of the surrounding host's tissues. These results show the usefulness of marine endoparasites as early warning indicators of heavy metal pollution.

The surface topography of Callorhynchocotyle callorhynchi (Manter, 1955) (Monogenea: Hexabothriidae), a parasite of the holocephalan fish Callorhinchus capensis.

A scanning electron microscopical study, incorporating some transmission electron microscopical observations, was undertaken on the surface topography of the gill parasite Callorhynchocotyle callorhynchi (Manter, 1955) (Monogenea: Hexabothriidae) from the Cape elephant fish Callorhinchus capensis (Holocephali) off the western coast of South Africa. The study revealed the presence of several new characteristics for this species. These include the presence of regularly distributed, knob-shaped projections on the surface of the haptor, haptoral appendix and sucker peduncles measuring 0.2 µm and in concentrations of approximately 100 per 10 µm(2) and the existence of a ridge which bisects each sucker lumen, forming two different loculi. We also report, for the first time for any monogenean, the presence of 'true spines'; these occur on the luminal surface of the haptoral suckers and have all of the characteristics of the tegumental spines of digeneans, i.e. they are situated within the distal syncytial tegumental cytoplasm, rest on the basal plasma membrane, have a uniform structure and are covered apically by the tegumental surface plasma membrane. These spines are simple, straight and single-pointed. Under the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), within an area of 20 µm in diameter, 23 such spines were counted, but their concentration and arrangement varies in different regions of the sucker. At their base, they measure about 1.5 µm in width and reach approximately 2 µm in height above the general level of the tegument, but transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements of an entire spine indicate that they may reach 3 µm in total length. The presence of spines, possessing similar morphological characteristics in both basal polyopisthocotylean monogeneans and digeneans, represents another characteristic which may prove useful in understanding the evolutionary relationships within the Neodermata.

Ultrastructural characteristics of the caeca of basal polyopisthocotylean monogeneans of the families Chimaericolidae and Hexabothriidae parasitic on cartilaginous fishes.

Ultrastructural differences are shown between the caecal organization in three blood-feeding polyopisthocotylean monogeneans, i.e., the chimaericolid Chimaericola leptogaster from the holocephalan Chimaera monstrosa and two hexabothriids, Callorhynchocotyle callorhynchi from the holocephalan Callorhynchus capensis and Rajonchocotyle emarginata from the elasmobranch Amblyraja radiata. In C. leptogaster, digestive cells and connecting syncytium, joined close to the luminal surface by septate junctions, are arranged alternately along the caecal epithelial wall; the nuclear regions of both cell types are sunk below the general level of the caecal epithelium; a concave depression on the apical margin of the digestive cells bears lamellae; and this depression is covered by a lamellate bubble formed by thin projections emanating from the connecting syncytium. The luminal surface of the connecting syncytium is covered with outgrowths terminating in the form of long, narrow processes. In R. emarginata and C. callorhynchi, the predominant digestive cells are at different stages of development and occur in groups, developing digestive cells bulge into the caecal lumen from the connecting syncytium with contact sites present close to the luminal surface, and the luminal surface structures of both the connecting syncytium and the digestive cells are short lamellae. In these two hexabothriids, a holocrine (or apocrine) process for the elimination of digestive product is assumed via the detachment of fully differentiated, bulging digestive cells. Free, apparently sloughed digestive cells and residual bodies are present within the caecal lumen, and replacement digestive cells are numerous in the connecting syncytium. In the chimaericolid, free bubbles containing residual bodies and portions of digestive cells filled with degenerating digestive vesicles occur in the caecal lumen along with large amounts of male and female reproductive material. The usefulness of characteristics of the caecal ultrastructure as taxonomic traits at the family level is discussed.

Morphology and phylogeny of two new species of Sphaeromyxa Thélohan, 1892 (Cnidaria: Myxozoa) from marine fish (Clinidae and Trachichthyidae).

Our survey of marine fish from South Africa and Indonesia revealed the presence of two new myxosporean species of the genus Sphaeromyxa for which we provide morphological and sequence data. Sphaeromyxa clini n. sp. detected in three Clinus spp. and Muraenoclinus dorsalis from South Africa is morphologically similar to Sphaeromyxa noblei previously described from Heteroclinus whiteleggii from Australia and to several other sphaeromyxids with arcuate spores and rounded ends. This similarity is reflected by phylogenetic positioning of S. clini n. sp. which clusters within the 'incurvata' group of the Sphaeromyxa clade. It differs from morphologically similar species by spore and polar capsule dimensions, host specificity and geographic distribution. Sphaeromyxa limocapitis n. sp., described from Gephyroberyx darwinii from Java, is morphologically similar to sphaeromyxids with straight spores and to marine Myxidium species with spindle-shaped spores but differs from them by spore and polar capsule dimensions, host specificity and geographic distribution. S. limocapitis n. sp. represents a separate lineage of the Sphaeromyxa clade and appears to be a missing link in the evolution of sphaeromyxids.

Incorporating parasite data in population structure studies of South African sardine Sardinops sagax.

A multidisciplinary approach has been applied to examine the population structure of sardine Sardinops sagax off South Africa, where this species supports significant fisheries and is also of ecological and eco-tourism importance. Observations of discontinuous sardine distribution patterns, discrete spawning grounds and significant spatial differences in a variety of phenotypic characteristics have suggested the existence of discrete western, southern and eastern sardine sub-populations or stocks. The use of parasites as biological tags to elucidate sardine population structure has recently been investigated, and strong spatial gradients around South Africa in the prevalence, mean infection intensity and mean abundance of a digenean 'tetracotyle' type metacercarial endoparasite considered to be of the genus Cardiocephaloides and found in the humours of fish eyes support and have proved particularly convincing evidence for the sardine multiple stock hypothesis. A discontinuous distribution in the occurrence of another parasite, the coccidean Eimeria sardinae found in fish testes, has provided additional but weaker evidence of discrete stocks. These results have contributed to a changed understanding of the population structure of South African sardine and have significant implications for management of the fisheries for this species.

A review of parasite studies of commercially important marine fishes in sub-Saharan Africa.

Scattered records of parasitic species infecting commercially important marine fishes in sub-Saharan Africa are known from just a few countries where concerted efforts have been made by local parasitologists (e.g. Senegal, Nigeria, South Africa). Most of these consist of taxonomic records or general surveys of parasite faunas associated with marine hosts, which may or may not have been of commercial value. Little to no multi-disciplinary research is conducted in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa and hence parasitological data are not commonly used to advise fisheries management procedures. This review summarizes current knowledge on all parasitological research associated with commercially important marine fish species in sub-Saharan Africa.

Four new myxozoans (Myxosporea: Bivalvulida) from intertidal fishes along the south coast of Africa.

Current records of marine myxozoans from the coast of Africa are limited to the descriptions of 52 species from mostly Senegal, with a few from Tunisia and southern Africa. Between 1998 and 2000 several intertidal fishes from the southern Cape coast of South Africa were examined for the presence of myxozoan infections. Three new species, Ceratomyxa dehoopi sp. n., C. cottoidii sp. n. and C. honckenii sp. n. were identified from the gall bladders of Clinus superciliosus L., C. cottoides Valenciennes and Amblyrhynchotes honckenii (Bloch), respectively. A fourth new species Henneguya clini sp. n. was also identified from the gills and gill arches of C. superciliosus.

An unusual intraerythrocytic parasite of Parablennius cornutus from South Africa.

An intertidal horned blenny, Parablennius cornutus, captured at De Hoop Nature Reserve, South Africa, was found to harbor an unusual blood parasite and the haemogregarine Haemogregarina bigemina. In Giemsa-stained blood films, the enigmatic parasite occurred primarily as intraerythrocytic ringlike stages, with unstained centers and peripheral bands of beaded chromatin, not unlike Haemohormidium spp. Larger forms of the same organism stained pink with Giemsa, with nuclei occurring as 4-8 minute structures around the parasite body or distributed within it. These larger parasites apparently segmented into up to 8 individuals that were rounded or oval with deep-stained, comma-shaped or polar regions surrounding blue cytoplasm. Extracellular, binucleate, sporelike structures in clusters of as many as 16 individuals were also seen in blood films. Praniza larvae of the isopod Gnathia africana were seen in histological sections of gill tissue. Examination of spleen tissue by transmission electron microscopy showed intraerythrocytic organisms with ultrastructural characteristics like those of Haematractidium scombri, namely, a single boundary membrane, sometimes closely apposed nuclei with nucleoli, and profiles of dense material of variable structure. It is concluded that the parasite is probably related to Haemohormidium spp. and H. scombri, but it also shares features with some Microsporida.

Myxozoans infecting the sharptooth catfish, Clarias gariepinus in the Okavango River and Delta, Botswana, including descriptions of two new species, Henneguya samochimensis sp. n. and Myxobolus gariepinus sp. n.

During a recent investigation of parasites infecting fishes from the Okavango River and Delta, Botswana (southern Africa) fourteen sharptooth catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) (Siluriformes: Clariidae) were examined for the presence of myxozoan infections. Results revealed the presence of two species of the genus Henneguya Thélohan, 1895 and one species of the genus Myxobolus Bütschli, 1882 infecting this fish host. Two of the sampled fish exhibited large plasmodia of Henneguya suprabranchiae Landsberg, 1987 in the cartilage of the accessory breathing organ, another two individuals were infected with H. samochimensis sp. n. plasmodia in the gills and another three individuals revealed an infection with Myxobolus gariepinus sp. n. plasmodia in the ovaries.

Myxobolus species (Myxozoa), parasites of fishes in the Okavango River and Delta, Botswana, including descriptions of two new species.

Fieldwork was conducted in 1998 and 1999 in the Okavango River and Delta and a total of 275 fishes representing 31 species were examined for the presence of myxosporean parasites. A total of seven myxosporeans of the genus Myxobolus Bütschli, 1882 were found infecting the fishes. Two new species namely Myxobolus etsatsaensis sp. n. from Barbus thamalakanensis Fowler, 1935 and M. paludinosus sp. n. from Barbus paludinosus Peters, 1852 are described. Myxobolus africanus Fomena, Bouix et Birgi, 1985, M. camerounensis Fomena, Marqués et Bouix, 1993, M. hydrocyni Kostoïngue et Toguebaye, 1994, M. nyongana (Fomena, Bouix et Birgi, 1985) and M. tilapiae Abolarin, 1974 are recorded for the first time in Botswana and descriptions of these species are provided.