Biologija

Title

2023-12-04T19:32:51+02:00

2023-12-05T21:09:11+02:00

Detection of IgG antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi in adults

2023-12-04T20:42:20+02:00

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of IgG antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi in adults who were bitten by a tick at least once and did not have classical signs and symptoms of Lyme disease. A total of 88 people from different cities in Lithuania were tested for the presence of Lyme disease IgG. The results showed that the prevalence of infection among participants was 11.4%. Unit values ranged from 12.26 U to 44.78 U. A higher number of Lyme disease cases was observed in older people and those who actively spend their time outdoors. This study shows the importance of the use of serological tests in the diagnosis of Lyme disease for patients with non-specific symptoms.

Provisional atlas of breeding birds of Walvis Bay in the coastal Namib Desert

2023-12-04T20:42:37+02:00

In austral summer 2016/17, a provisional bird atlas project was conducted in the town of Walvis Bay (~260 ha), Namibia. In total, 18 breeding bird species were recorded. Four eudominant species (Cape Sparrow, Rock Dove, Laughing Dove, and Common Waxbill) comprised together 65.2% of all breeding birds. Three dominant species – House Sparrow, Southern Masked Weaver, and Speckled Pigeon – comprised additional 23.0%. The community dominance index (DI) was = 0.40, Shannon’s Diversity Index H’ = 2.21, Simpson’s Diversity Index D = 0.87, and Pielou’s Evenness Index J’ = 0.76. By far the most numerous feeding guild were granivores (88.0% of all birds recorded) followed by insectivores (6.0%) and frugivores (5.3%). Tree and/or shrub nesting birds comprised 59.5%, while birds nesting in/on buildings the remaining 40.5%. There were neither ground-nesting nor holenesting birds. Structure-wise, the avian community in the town resembles avian communities in other parts of the world (strong dominance of granivores, such as sparrows and doves). In austral summer 2018/19, a total of 25 marine species were recorded in the lagoon, of which nine (36%) were Palearctic migrant and 16 (64%) African residents. In terms of the number of individuals, Palearctic migrants constituted 17% and African residents 83%. More than half of all marine birds were Greater Flamingos, while the most numerous Palearctic species was the Curlew Sandpiper.

Most common vector-borne diseases in dogs in Europe: a review

2023-12-04T20:42:07+02:00

The wide variety of infectious and parasitic disorders known as vector-borne diseases are spread by blood-feeding parasites such as ticks, fleas, lice, and mosquitoes. Anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, and borreliosis are important for both animal welfare and their potential to spread to humans. In addition, several social and environmental factors, such as shifts in the planet temperature and ecosystems, an increase in animal and human mobility, and chemoresistance to insecticides and acaricides are constantly changing the epidemiological scenario of vector-borne diseases. When these arthropods feed on an infected animal, they pick up the disease-causing pathogens. When, subsequently, they feed on a healthy animal, they can transmit the pathogen to that animal through their saliva. Early detection and treatment of these diseases is critical to ensure the best possible outcomes for affected dogs. The aim of the article was to discuss the most common vector-borne diseases in dogs in Europe, looking at the prevalence of the diseases and the health risks for dogs. We attempted to summarise the latest literature on various aspects of the disease pathophysiology, epidemiology, advantages and disadvantages of diagnostic techniques, available treatments, and methods for prevention in dogs.

Identification of Demodex spp. mites on human eyelashes in Lithuania

2023-12-04T20:41:53+02:00

The aim of the study was to identify the Demodex mites collected from the patients’ eyelashes from the X outpatient clinic in Lithuania and the bacteria they carry. A total of 62 mites were collected from 15 different patients who complained of redness and itchiness around the eyes, rubbing around the eye area. Morphological examination of mites was carried out with an optical microscope. The Mites’ DNA was isolated using a DNA isolation kit, bacterial amplification was performed using specific primers for amplification of the 16S RNA gene fragment. Demodex folliculiorum was identified in all the examined samples, Demodex brevis was detected in only one sample. No bacteria were detected in the analysed samples.

Biologija

Title

Contents

Detection of IgG antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi in adults

Provisional atlas of breeding birds of Walvis Bay in the coastal Namib Desert

Most common vector-borne diseases in dogs in Europe: a review

Identification of Demodex spp. mites on human eyelashes in Lithuania