Marta Heroldová | Mendel University in Brno (original) (raw)
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Papers by Marta Heroldová
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2019
During 2008-2018, we collected samples from rodents and patients throughout the Czech Republic an... more During 2008-2018, we collected samples from rodents and patients throughout the Czech Republic and characterized hantavirus isolates. We detected Dobrava-Belgrade and Puumala orthohantaviruses in patients and Dobrava-Belgrade, Tula, and Seewis orthohantaviruses in rodents. Increased knowledge of eco-epidemiology of hantaviruses will improve awareness among physicians and better outcomes of patients.
Journal of Helminthology, 2010
A study of nematode (Heligmosomum costellatum) prevalence in the common vole (Microtus arvalis) p... more A study of nematode (Heligmosomum costellatum) prevalence in the common vole (Microtus arvalis) population was performed in 2002 and 2003 in an agricultural region of southern Moravia, Czech Republic. The influence of the trapping date, body weight, age, gender and reproduction of the common vole on the prevalence of the larvae ofH. costellatumencapsulated in the stomach wall was examined. Of 503 common voles examined, 27.6% wereH. costellatumpositive. The prevalence ofH. costellatumin the common vole population was influenced mainly by the weight, trapping date, year and reproductive state, as well as by the interactions between year and gender and between year and reproductive state. The influence of age was weak. The most infected common vole groups were the older, heavier and already reproducing females captured from April to August and all voles captured in 2002. In general, parasite prevalence seems to be dependent on the population parameters of the host species. However, the...
European Journal of Wildlife Research
The population dynamics of shrews (Soricidae) are not well known even though they form an importa... more The population dynamics of shrews (Soricidae) are not well known even though they form an important part of forest ecosystems and represent suitable bioindicators of ecosystem quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the population dynamics of shrews in mountain and upland forest clearings in four study areas within the Czech Republic and to reveal how climatic factors influenced fluctuations in their abundance for a decade (2007–2017). In total, we trapped 7,538 individuals of 18 small mammal species. From 760 individuals of seven shrew species, the common shrew (Sorex araneus) was significantly dominated in all study areas. We did not observe any significant, regular multi-annual cycles of the common shrew. However, a cross-correlation in density fluctuation of this species was detected in all mountain areas indicating the influence of environmental factors acting on a larger geographical scale. The autumn abundance of shrews was dependent on the subset of climatic variables...
Remote. Sens., 2021
The article summarizes the previous experience and results from the study of wild rodents using t... more The article summarizes the previous experience and results from the study of wild rodents using the NIRS method. The importance and role of rodents in ecosystems and the specifics associated with their research using the NIRS method are briefly mentioned. The results of previous partial studies are mentioned and discussed. The NIRS method proved to be a useful tool to determine the amount of a particular food ingredient in the diet from faeces or chyme and to estimate the food quality (i.e., diversity of nitrogenous substances in chyme). On this basis, other possible directions of research using the NIRS method in wild rodents are proposed. These could help to better understand both the relationship between rodents and their environment and practical management in sectors where rodents interfere with human interests, especially in agriculture and forestry.
Parasites & Vectors, 2019
Background: Rodents are important reservoirs for zoonotic vector-borne agents. Thus, the distribu... more Background: Rodents are important reservoirs for zoonotic vector-borne agents. Thus, the distribution of rodents and their vicinity to humans and companion animals may have an important impact on human and animal health. However, the reservoir potential of some rodent genera, e.g. Microtus, has not yet been precisely examined concerning tick-borne pathogens in Central Europe. Therefore, we examined small mammals from Germany and the Czech Republic for the following vector-borne pathogens: Babesia spp., Bartonella spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, "Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis" (CNM) and Coxiella burnetii. Spleen DNA from 321 small mammals belonging to four genera, Myodes (n = 78), Apodemus (n = 56), Microtus (n = 149), Sorex (n = 38), collected during 2014 in Germany and the Czech Republic were available for this study. DNA samples were examined for the presence of Babesia and Bartonella DNA by conventional PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene and the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer region, respectively. For the detection of CNM, A. phagocytophilum and C. burnetii real-time PCR assays were performed. Results: Bartonella spp. DNA was detected in 216 specimens (67.3%) with 102/174 (58.6%) positive in Germany and 114/147 (77.6%) in the Czech Republic. The prevalence in each genus was 44.9% for Myodes, 63.2% for Sorex, 77.2% for Microtus and 75% for Apodemus. Four Bartonella species, i.e. Bartonella sp. N40, B. grahamii, B. taylorii and B. doshiae, as well as uncultured bartonellae, were detected. The Bartonella species diversity was higher in rodents than in shrews. In total, 27/321 (8.4%) small mammals were positive for CNM and 3/321 (0.9%) for A. phagocytophilum (S. coronatus and M. glareolus). All samples were negative for Babesia spp. and Coxiella spp. Conclusions: While the detected high prevalence for Bartonella in Apodemus and Myodes spp. is confirmatory with previous findings, the prevalence in Microtus spp. was unexpectedly high. This indicates that individuals belonging to this genus may be regarded as potential reservoirs. Interestingly, only Sorex spp. and M. glareolus were positive for A. phagocytophilum in the present study, suggesting a possible importance of the latter for the maintenance of certain A. phagocytophilum strains in nature.
Journal of Forest Science, 2011
Conversion of coniferous monocultures to more stable mixed stands is one of the crucial tasks of ... more Conversion of coniferous monocultures to more stable mixed stands is one of the crucial tasks of present forestry in the Czech Republic. One of the factors hampering this process is the activity of small rodents that can cause severe damage to young plantations in winter. Little knowledge is still available of the ecology of small mammals in the forest environment and of the factors influencing their distribution and extent of damage. In order to acquire relevant information on rodent impacts on forest regeneration, we mapped the cumulated damage to forest plantations in 13 regions within the Czech Republic in 2007 and 2008. We checked 19,650 trees of eight species on 393 plots. Broadleaves were affected by browsing much more than conifers (20% and 4%, respectively). Of the monitored species, beech was damaged the most frequently (26% individuals). Browsing intensity differed among the regions (6–60% browsed individuals). The least damaged were the plantations at the altitudes...
Plant, Soil and Environment, 2011
Winter rape stands are important habitat for the common vole (Microtus arvalis) and the pygmy fie... more Winter rape stands are important habitat for the common vole (Microtus arvalis) and the pygmy field mouse (Apodemus microps). In autumn, the common vole is dominant in this habitat (D = 75%) and reproduces in it (17% of population). This species also dominates the small mammal community of winter rape in early spring (D = 87%), and its reproduction begins in this habitat early; under suitable meteorological conditions 44% of the population of common vole reproduce in March. Analyses of the spring and autumn diet of M. arvalis in winter rape have shown that green leaves of this species form the dominant component of its diet. During the period when the rape crop is ripening, the population abundance of the common vole decreases as green food at ground level decreases. The pygmy field mouse (A. microps) has a contrasting response to winter rape, and it is almost absent from the rape crop from autumn to late spring. However, when winter rapeseeds begun to ripen, the pygmy field mouse c...
European Journal of Forest Research, 2016
We studied the impact of vole bark gnawing in forest plantations dominated by European beech in t... more We studied the impact of vole bark gnawing in forest plantations dominated by European beech in two Czech mountain ranges (the Hrubý Jeseník Mts, the Moravskoslezské Beskydy Mts) with different habitat conditions. Of the four present vole species, only the field vole caused significant damage, the impact of the bank vole being inconclusive. In both ranges, the key factor determining the presence and abundance of voles (Microtus sp.) was the occurrence of grasses. Saplings in the Hrubý Jeseník Mts suffered significantly higher damage than those in the Moravskoslezské Beskydy Mts (13.6 vs. 3.3 % damaged seedlings), with degree of damage closely related to the abundance and spatial distribution of voles. We relate it to lower carrying capacity caused by poor herb layer and higher proportion of spruce monocultures surrounding the plantations in the Hrubý Jeseník Mts. Our results indicate that artificial beech regeneration is more successful in mixed and spruce forests with rich undergrowth (the Moravskoslezské Beskydy Mts) than in large spruce stands with reduced herb undergrowth (the Hrubý Jeseník Mts).
ABSTRACT Forest seed crop, particularly beechnuts and acorns, significantly influence the populat... more ABSTRACT Forest seed crop, particularly beechnuts and acorns, significantly influence the population dynamics of granivorous rodents negatively affecting the development of forest stands. In seven beech stands of various age and at various altitude, we determined the actual food supply for seed--eating species. The average feeding supply biomass in autumn 2007 was 23.23 g . m2. To evaluate effects of seed--eating species on forest regeneration we found out information on the population density of seed--eating species (wood mouse 12 individuals/ha; bank vole 1 ind./ha) but also data on the consumption of forest seeds by the species. Under laboratory conditions, daily consumption of beechnuts was determined for two dominant forest species as bank vole (Myodes glareolus /Pallas/) and yellow--necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis /Mel./). Our test took 10 days. In M. glareolus (n = 5; mean body mass 21 g), daily consumption ranged from 2.2 to 3.4 g (mean 2.8 g) of beechnuts (seeds of Fagus sylvatica /L./), i.e. on average 12 beechnuts per day. In A. flavicollis (n = 5, mean body mass 26 g), daily consumption ranged from 3.0 to 5.5 g (mean 4.25 g), i.e. about 19 beechnuts per day (0.23 g = mean weight of 1 beechnut). In any of the species, waste feeding did not occur during beechnut consumption. The weight of individuals was in correlation with the weight of consumed food (r = 0.91, p < 0.01). Both of these rodents were able to lower the harvest by removing 43% of the total amount of the seeds. Results obtained can contribute to the evaluation of the effect of M. glareolus and A. flavicollis on seed losses and thus to the elucidation of their importance in the process of the natural regeneration of broadleaved species.
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2019
During 2008-2018, we collected samples from rodents and patients throughout the Czech Republic an... more During 2008-2018, we collected samples from rodents and patients throughout the Czech Republic and characterized hantavirus isolates. We detected Dobrava-Belgrade and Puumala orthohantaviruses in patients and Dobrava-Belgrade, Tula, and Seewis orthohantaviruses in rodents. Increased knowledge of eco-epidemiology of hantaviruses will improve awareness among physicians and better outcomes of patients.
Journal of Helminthology, 2010
A study of nematode (Heligmosomum costellatum) prevalence in the common vole (Microtus arvalis) p... more A study of nematode (Heligmosomum costellatum) prevalence in the common vole (Microtus arvalis) population was performed in 2002 and 2003 in an agricultural region of southern Moravia, Czech Republic. The influence of the trapping date, body weight, age, gender and reproduction of the common vole on the prevalence of the larvae ofH. costellatumencapsulated in the stomach wall was examined. Of 503 common voles examined, 27.6% wereH. costellatumpositive. The prevalence ofH. costellatumin the common vole population was influenced mainly by the weight, trapping date, year and reproductive state, as well as by the interactions between year and gender and between year and reproductive state. The influence of age was weak. The most infected common vole groups were the older, heavier and already reproducing females captured from April to August and all voles captured in 2002. In general, parasite prevalence seems to be dependent on the population parameters of the host species. However, the...
European Journal of Wildlife Research
The population dynamics of shrews (Soricidae) are not well known even though they form an importa... more The population dynamics of shrews (Soricidae) are not well known even though they form an important part of forest ecosystems and represent suitable bioindicators of ecosystem quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the population dynamics of shrews in mountain and upland forest clearings in four study areas within the Czech Republic and to reveal how climatic factors influenced fluctuations in their abundance for a decade (2007–2017). In total, we trapped 7,538 individuals of 18 small mammal species. From 760 individuals of seven shrew species, the common shrew (Sorex araneus) was significantly dominated in all study areas. We did not observe any significant, regular multi-annual cycles of the common shrew. However, a cross-correlation in density fluctuation of this species was detected in all mountain areas indicating the influence of environmental factors acting on a larger geographical scale. The autumn abundance of shrews was dependent on the subset of climatic variables...
Remote. Sens., 2021
The article summarizes the previous experience and results from the study of wild rodents using t... more The article summarizes the previous experience and results from the study of wild rodents using the NIRS method. The importance and role of rodents in ecosystems and the specifics associated with their research using the NIRS method are briefly mentioned. The results of previous partial studies are mentioned and discussed. The NIRS method proved to be a useful tool to determine the amount of a particular food ingredient in the diet from faeces or chyme and to estimate the food quality (i.e., diversity of nitrogenous substances in chyme). On this basis, other possible directions of research using the NIRS method in wild rodents are proposed. These could help to better understand both the relationship between rodents and their environment and practical management in sectors where rodents interfere with human interests, especially in agriculture and forestry.
Parasites & Vectors, 2019
Background: Rodents are important reservoirs for zoonotic vector-borne agents. Thus, the distribu... more Background: Rodents are important reservoirs for zoonotic vector-borne agents. Thus, the distribution of rodents and their vicinity to humans and companion animals may have an important impact on human and animal health. However, the reservoir potential of some rodent genera, e.g. Microtus, has not yet been precisely examined concerning tick-borne pathogens in Central Europe. Therefore, we examined small mammals from Germany and the Czech Republic for the following vector-borne pathogens: Babesia spp., Bartonella spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, "Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis" (CNM) and Coxiella burnetii. Spleen DNA from 321 small mammals belonging to four genera, Myodes (n = 78), Apodemus (n = 56), Microtus (n = 149), Sorex (n = 38), collected during 2014 in Germany and the Czech Republic were available for this study. DNA samples were examined for the presence of Babesia and Bartonella DNA by conventional PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene and the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer region, respectively. For the detection of CNM, A. phagocytophilum and C. burnetii real-time PCR assays were performed. Results: Bartonella spp. DNA was detected in 216 specimens (67.3%) with 102/174 (58.6%) positive in Germany and 114/147 (77.6%) in the Czech Republic. The prevalence in each genus was 44.9% for Myodes, 63.2% for Sorex, 77.2% for Microtus and 75% for Apodemus. Four Bartonella species, i.e. Bartonella sp. N40, B. grahamii, B. taylorii and B. doshiae, as well as uncultured bartonellae, were detected. The Bartonella species diversity was higher in rodents than in shrews. In total, 27/321 (8.4%) small mammals were positive for CNM and 3/321 (0.9%) for A. phagocytophilum (S. coronatus and M. glareolus). All samples were negative for Babesia spp. and Coxiella spp. Conclusions: While the detected high prevalence for Bartonella in Apodemus and Myodes spp. is confirmatory with previous findings, the prevalence in Microtus spp. was unexpectedly high. This indicates that individuals belonging to this genus may be regarded as potential reservoirs. Interestingly, only Sorex spp. and M. glareolus were positive for A. phagocytophilum in the present study, suggesting a possible importance of the latter for the maintenance of certain A. phagocytophilum strains in nature.
Journal of Forest Science, 2011
Conversion of coniferous monocultures to more stable mixed stands is one of the crucial tasks of ... more Conversion of coniferous monocultures to more stable mixed stands is one of the crucial tasks of present forestry in the Czech Republic. One of the factors hampering this process is the activity of small rodents that can cause severe damage to young plantations in winter. Little knowledge is still available of the ecology of small mammals in the forest environment and of the factors influencing their distribution and extent of damage. In order to acquire relevant information on rodent impacts on forest regeneration, we mapped the cumulated damage to forest plantations in 13 regions within the Czech Republic in 2007 and 2008. We checked 19,650 trees of eight species on 393 plots. Broadleaves were affected by browsing much more than conifers (20% and 4%, respectively). Of the monitored species, beech was damaged the most frequently (26% individuals). Browsing intensity differed among the regions (6–60% browsed individuals). The least damaged were the plantations at the altitudes...
Plant, Soil and Environment, 2011
Winter rape stands are important habitat for the common vole (Microtus arvalis) and the pygmy fie... more Winter rape stands are important habitat for the common vole (Microtus arvalis) and the pygmy field mouse (Apodemus microps). In autumn, the common vole is dominant in this habitat (D = 75%) and reproduces in it (17% of population). This species also dominates the small mammal community of winter rape in early spring (D = 87%), and its reproduction begins in this habitat early; under suitable meteorological conditions 44% of the population of common vole reproduce in March. Analyses of the spring and autumn diet of M. arvalis in winter rape have shown that green leaves of this species form the dominant component of its diet. During the period when the rape crop is ripening, the population abundance of the common vole decreases as green food at ground level decreases. The pygmy field mouse (A. microps) has a contrasting response to winter rape, and it is almost absent from the rape crop from autumn to late spring. However, when winter rapeseeds begun to ripen, the pygmy field mouse c...
European Journal of Forest Research, 2016
We studied the impact of vole bark gnawing in forest plantations dominated by European beech in t... more We studied the impact of vole bark gnawing in forest plantations dominated by European beech in two Czech mountain ranges (the Hrubý Jeseník Mts, the Moravskoslezské Beskydy Mts) with different habitat conditions. Of the four present vole species, only the field vole caused significant damage, the impact of the bank vole being inconclusive. In both ranges, the key factor determining the presence and abundance of voles (Microtus sp.) was the occurrence of grasses. Saplings in the Hrubý Jeseník Mts suffered significantly higher damage than those in the Moravskoslezské Beskydy Mts (13.6 vs. 3.3 % damaged seedlings), with degree of damage closely related to the abundance and spatial distribution of voles. We relate it to lower carrying capacity caused by poor herb layer and higher proportion of spruce monocultures surrounding the plantations in the Hrubý Jeseník Mts. Our results indicate that artificial beech regeneration is more successful in mixed and spruce forests with rich undergrowth (the Moravskoslezské Beskydy Mts) than in large spruce stands with reduced herb undergrowth (the Hrubý Jeseník Mts).
ABSTRACT Forest seed crop, particularly beechnuts and acorns, significantly influence the populat... more ABSTRACT Forest seed crop, particularly beechnuts and acorns, significantly influence the population dynamics of granivorous rodents negatively affecting the development of forest stands. In seven beech stands of various age and at various altitude, we determined the actual food supply for seed--eating species. The average feeding supply biomass in autumn 2007 was 23.23 g . m2. To evaluate effects of seed--eating species on forest regeneration we found out information on the population density of seed--eating species (wood mouse 12 individuals/ha; bank vole 1 ind./ha) but also data on the consumption of forest seeds by the species. Under laboratory conditions, daily consumption of beechnuts was determined for two dominant forest species as bank vole (Myodes glareolus /Pallas/) and yellow--necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis /Mel./). Our test took 10 days. In M. glareolus (n = 5; mean body mass 21 g), daily consumption ranged from 2.2 to 3.4 g (mean 2.8 g) of beechnuts (seeds of Fagus sylvatica /L./), i.e. on average 12 beechnuts per day. In A. flavicollis (n = 5, mean body mass 26 g), daily consumption ranged from 3.0 to 5.5 g (mean 4.25 g), i.e. about 19 beechnuts per day (0.23 g = mean weight of 1 beechnut). In any of the species, waste feeding did not occur during beechnut consumption. The weight of individuals was in correlation with the weight of consumed food (r = 0.91, p < 0.01). Both of these rodents were able to lower the harvest by removing 43% of the total amount of the seeds. Results obtained can contribute to the evaluation of the effect of M. glareolus and A. flavicollis on seed losses and thus to the elucidation of their importance in the process of the natural regeneration of broadleaved species.