IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library
   

 

View printer friendly
Gakuya, F.; Rossi, L.; Ombui, J.; Maingi, N.; Muchemi, G.; Ogara, W.; Soriguer, R.C.; Alasaad, S.
The curse of the prey: _Sarcoptes_ mite molecular analysis reveals potential prey-to-predator parasitic infestation in wild animals from Masai Mara, Kenya
2011  Parasites & Vectors (4): 193-199

Recently, there have been attempts to understand the molecular epidemiology of _Sarcoptes scabiei_, to evaluate the gene flow between isolates of _S. scabiei_ from different hosts and geographic regions. However, to our knowledge, a molecular study has not been carried out to assess the molecular diversity and gene flow of _Sarcoptes_ mite in a predator/prey ecosystem. Our study revealed an absence of gene flow between the two herbivore (Thomson's gazelle and wildebeest)- and between the two carnivore (lion and cheetah)-derived _Sarcoptes_ populations from Masai Mara (Kenya), which is in discrepancy with the host-taxon law described for wild animals in Europe. Lion- and wildebeest-derived _Sarcoptes_ mite populations were similar yet different from the Thomson's gazelle-derived _Sarcoptes_ population. This could be attributed to _Sarcoptes_ cross-infestation from wildebeest ("favourite prey") of the lion, but not from Thomson's gazelle. The cheetah-derived _Sarcoptes_ population had different subpopulations: one is cheetah-private, one similar to the wildebeest- and lion-derived _Sarcoptes_ populations, and another similar to the Thomson's gazelle-derived _Sarcoptes_ mite population, where both wildebeest and Thomson's gazelle are "favourite preys" for the cheetah. In a predator/prey ecosystem, like Masai Mara in Kenya, it seems that _Sarcoptes_ infestation in wild animals is prey-to-predator-wise, depending on the predator's "favourite prey". More studies on the lion and cheetah diet and behaviour could be of great help to clarify the addressed hypotheses. This study could have further ramification in the epidemiological studies and the monitoring protocols of the neglected _Sarcoptes_ mite in predator/prey ecosystems.

PDF files are only accessible to Friends of the Cat Group. Joining Friends of the Cat Group gives you unlimited access and downloads in the Cat SG Library for one year, and allows you to receive our newsletter Cat News (2 regular issues per year plus special issues). More information how to join here

 

(c) IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group ( IUCN - The World Conservation Union)