1. Ivermectin belongs to the macrocyclic lactone class of endectocides and consists of a mixture of two homologous compounds, 22,23-dihydroavermectin B1a (H2B1a, not less than 80%) and 22,23-dihydroavermectin B1b (H2B1b, not more than 20%). Avermectins are potent anthelmintic, insecticidal and acaracidal compounds which, by increasing the membrane permeability to chloride ions, mediate the para...

Ectoparasites are often difficult to detect in the field. We developed a method that can be used with occupancy models to estimate the prevalence of ectoparasites on hosts, and to investigate factors that influence rates of ectoparasite occupancy while accounting for imperfect detection. We describe the approach using a study of fleas (Siphonaptera) on black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovic...

Women's preferences for men's androgen dependent secondary sexual traits are proposed to be phenotypically plastic in response to exposure to pathogens and pathogen disgust. While previous studies report that masculinity in facial shape is more attractive to women who have recently been exposed to pathogenic cues and who are high in self-reported pathogen disgust, facial hair may reduce male at...

Malaria is responsible for major diseases of humans, while associated haemosporidians are important factors in regulating wildlife populations. Polychromophilus, a haemosporidian parasite bats, phylogenetically close to human-pathogenic Plasmodium species, and their study may provide further clues understanding the evolutionary relationships between vertebrates malarial parasites. Our aim was i...

In this investigation on endoparasites (helminths) and ectoparasites of the Nile rat (Arvicanthis niloticus Desmarest, 1822), a total of 220 Nile rats were trapped from different regions of Sudan during the period January 2003-January 2006. Examination of different tissues, identification of parasites, effect of these parasites on the organs, the prevalence and intensity of infestation of the p...