Multivariate Abundance Analysis of Multi-Host/Multi-Parasite Lungworms in a Sympatric Wild Ruminant Population

• Main Authors: Tessa Carrau, Carlos Martínez-Carrasco, María Magdalena Garijo, Francisco Alonso, Rocío Ruiz de Ybáñez, Paolo Tizzani
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-05-01
• Series: Diversity
• Subjects: multi-host parasitism; lungworms; shared parasites; sympatry; wild ruminants
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/13/6/227

In the analysis of a multi-host/multi-parasite system and its associated risk factors, it is particularly interesting to understand the natural dynamics among pathogens, their hosts, and the environment in wildlife populations. This analysis is particularly feasible in a scenario where multiple overlapping host populations are present in high densities, along with a complex community of parasites. We aimed to describe and analyze the naturally occurring lungworm polyparasitism in a wild ruminant community in Southeast Spain. The respiratory tracts of 250 specimens belonging to four different species (red deer, mouflon, Iberian ibex, and fallow deer) were studied. Almost half (48.0%) of the animals were infected with bronchopulmonary nematodes. Seven different nematodes were identified of which two genera (<i>Protostrongylus</i> spp. and <i>Dictyocaulus</i> spp.) and three additional species (<i>Cystocaulus ocreatus, Muellerius capillaris,</i> and <i>Neostrongylus linearis</i>) were recorded in at least two ruminants, with the mouflon as the commonest host. Our study shows a significant effect of host species and sampling area, plus a marginal effect of age, on parasite multivariate abundance at the host population level. Mouflon and adults of all hosts appear to carry the highest parasite load on average. From a spatial perspective, the highest parasite abundance was detected at the central part of the park.