Prevalence and molecular characterization of Sarcoptes scabiei from vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna) from Southern Peruvian Andes

Abstract

Sarcoptic mange is a disease caused by an infectious parasite in the vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna) from South America. Although molecular studies have provided much information about the epidemiology of this disease, this information is still unknown in vicuñas. This study determined the prevalence and molecular characterization of Sarcoptes scabiei from vicuñas from Southern Peruvian Andes. During the 2018 shearing season, 181 vicuñas were clinically evaluated for lesions compatible with mange. Sarcoptes scabiei was detected in 35 (19.3%) vicuñas, and 50 mites from 25 vicuñas were selected for molecular analyses of the mitochondrial (cox1) and nuclear (ITS2) genetic markers. Molecular analyses of the cox1 and ITS2 sequences showed an identity of 94–99% and 99.8–100% with previous S. scabiei sequences registered in the GenBank, respectively. Sequence polymorphisms were more evident in the ITS2 than in the cox1, but only the cox1 had an association with the host. Phylogenetic analysis of S. scabiei cox1 sequences from vicuñas showed a cluster with S. scabiei cox1 sequences from canids, suggesting that the origin of S. scabiei from vicuña is associated with canid mites. This research is the first molecular analysis of S. scabiei from vicuñas. Future molecular studies will be necessary to determine the species variety, geographic segregation and host–parasite adaptation for this vicuña's mite.

Sarcoptic mange outbreaks in vicuñas (Cetartiodactyla: Camelidae): A scoping review and future prospects

“…This highlights the relevance of considering grey literature for understanding the impact of sarcoptic mange disease in vicuñas, including unpublished records, academic studies, technical reports from environmental NGOs, and information from natural resource agencies (Escobar et al., 2022 ; Table 1 ). We thus advocate for more scientific studies shedding light on the epidemiology of sarcoptic mange in vicuñas, as it indeed seems to be occurring (e.g., Angulo‐Tisoc et al., 2021 ; Ferreyra et al., 2022 ; Gomez‐Puerta et al., 2021 ; Mayhua, 2021 ; Montecino‐Latorre et al., 2020 ). This recent increase in mange research mirrors the concern amongst scholars of this parasitic disease in vicuñas.…”

“…We thus advocate for more scientific studies shedding light on the epidemiology of sarcoptic mange in vicuñas, as it indeed seems to be occurring (e.g., Angulo-Tisoc et al, 2021;Ferreyra et al, 2022;Gomez-Puerta et al, 2021;Mayhua, 2021;Montecino-Latorre et al, 2020).…”

“…Mange was further responsible for a sharp decline of vicuña and guanaco populations in a protected area of Argentina (Ferreyra et al., 2022 ). In Peru, this disease is considered a problem for some vicuña populations (Gomez‐Puerta et al., 2021 ). Indeed, experts recently highlighted that sarcoptic mange may represent an emerging threat to wild SACs (Astorga et al., 2018 ).…”

Sarcoptic Mange is an Emerging Threat to Biodiversity in the Qinling Mountains in China

“…Although the genus Sarcoptes has only one species, genetic diversity among S. scabiei from different hosts and areas has been proven (Gomez-Puerta et al, 2022;Soglia et al, 2007). The ITS2 region and cox 1 gene are widely used in the molecular diagnosis of sarcoptic mange, and ITS2 sequencing is more suitable for phylogenetic studies of astigmatid mites than the characterization of different species based on geographical distribution (Alasaad et al, 2009;Oleaga et al, 2012).…”

“…The ITS2 region and cox 1 gene are widely used in the molecular diagnosis of sarcoptic mange, and ITS2 sequencing is more suitable for phylogenetic studies of astigmatid mites than the characterization of different species based on geographical distribution (Alasaad et al, 2009;Oleaga et al, 2012). However, the cox 1 gene is also suitable for the phylogenetic analysis of S. scabiei (Gomez-Puerta et al, 2022;Lastuti et al, 2019;Peltier et al, 2017b). S. scabiei is distributed among three genetically distinct clades; human-origin S. scabiei from Panama and Australia comprise 2 distinct clades, respectively, and rabbit-originS.…”