|
| | 1. |
2005 May |
Evolutionary strategies and adaptations for survival between mosquito-parasitic microsporidia and their intermediate copepod hosts: a comparative examination of Amblyospora connecticus and Hyalinocysta chapmani (Microsporidia: Amblyosporidae).
Andreadis TG
Folia Parasitol. 2005 May;52(1-2):23-35.
Abstract
The epizootiology, transmission dynamics, and survival strategies employed by two mosquito-parasitic microsporidia that utilize copepods as intermediate hosts are examined in relation to the biological attributes of their hosts and the environments in which they inhabit. Amblyospora connecticus Andreadis, 1988, a parasite of Ochlerotatus cantator (Coquillett) and Acanthocyclops vernalis (Fischer) is found in an unstable salt marsh environment that is subject to periodic flooding and drying. Both hosts have distinct non-overlapping generations. A. connecticus exhibits a well-defined seasonal transmission cycle that relies heavily on maternal-mediated transovarial transmission by female O. cantator during the summer, and horizontal transmission via the copepod host during the spring (copepod to mosquito) and fall (mosquito to copepod). Its survival strategies include: delayed virulence, low pathogenicity and high tissue specificity that allow for transstadial transmission of horizontally acquired infections and maximum spore production, reliance on living hosts throughout most of its life cycle with overwintering in the copepod, polymorphic development that is well synchronized with host physiology, and production and dissemination of infectious spores that are coincident with the seasonal occurrence of susceptible stages in each host. Hyalinocysta chapmani Hazard et Oldacre, 1975, a parasite of Culiseta melanura (Coquillett) and Orthocyclops modestus (Herrick) is found in a comparatively stable, subterranean habitat that is inundated with water throughout the year. Copepods are omnipresent and C. melanura has overlapping broods. H. chapmani is maintained in a continuous cycle of horizontal transmission between each host throughout the summer and fall but lacks a developmental sequence leading to transovarial transmission in the mosquito host. It relies on living hosts for most of its life cycle and overwinters in diapausing mosquito larvae. Transstadial transmission does not occur and there is no dimorphic development in the mosquito host. The spatial and temporal overlap of both mosquito and copepod hosts during the summer and fall affords abundant opportunity for continuous horizontal transmission and increases the likelihood that H. chapmani will find a target host, thus negating the need for a transovarial route. It is hypothesized that natural selection has favoured the production of meiospores in larval female mosquitoes rather than congenital transfer of infection to progeny via ovarian infection as a strategy for achieving greater transmission success. Analysis of the molecular phylogeny data suggest that (1) transovarial transmission and the developmental sequence leading to ovarian infection have been secondarily lost in H. chapmani, as they occur in all other closely related genera, (2) the ancestral state included complex life cycles involving transovarial transmission and an intermediate host, and (3) mosquito-parasitic microsporidia are adjusting their life cycles to accommodate host ecological conditions.
[Pubmed: 16004361]
| | 2. |
2002 Oct |
Epizootiology of Hyalinocysta chapmani (Microsporidia: Thelohaniidae) infections in field populations of Culiseta melanura (Diptera: Culicidae) and Orthocyclops modestus (Copepoda: Cyclopidae): a three-year investigation.
Andreadis TG
J. Invertebr. Pathol. 2002 Oct;81(2):114-21.
Abstract
The epizootiology, transmission dynamics and survival strategies employed by the microsporidium Hyalinocysta chapmani were examined in field populations of its primary mosquito host, Culiseta melanura and its intermediate copepod host, Orthocyclops modestus over a three-year period in an aquatic subterranean habitat. H. chapmani was enzootic and was maintained in a continuous cycle of horizontal transmission between each host. There were three distinct periods during the summer and fall when developing mosquito larvae acquired infections; each was preceded by or coincident with the detection of infected copepods. Results were corroborated in laboratory bioassays, wherein transmission was achieved in mosquito larvae that were reared in water and sediment samples taken from the site during the same time periods. The highest infection rates, ranging from 60% to 48%, were repeatedly observed during the first six weeks of larval development. These were coincident with the most sustained collections of infected copepods obtained during the year and highest levels of infection achieved in the laboratory transmission studies. The high prevalence rates of lethal infection observed in larval populations of C. melanura at this site are among the highest recorded for any mosquito-parasitic microsporidium and clearly suggest that H. chapmani is an important natural enemy of C. melanura. H. chapmani appears to overwinter in diapausing mosquito larvae but may also persist in copepods. The absence of vertical transmission in the life cycle of H. chapmani and the sole reliance on horizontal transmission via an intermediate host are unique survival strategies not seen among other mosquito-parasitic microsporidia. The epizootiological data suggest that this transmission strategy is a function of the biological attributes of the hosts and the comparatively stable environment in which they inhabit. The subterranean habitat is inundated with water throughout the year; copepods are omnipresent and C. melanura has overlapping broods. The spatial and temporal overlap of both hosts affords abundant opportunity for continuous horizontal transmission and increases the likelihood that H. chapmani will find a target host. It is hypothesized that natural selection has favored the production of meiospores in female host mosquitoes rather than congenital transfer of infection to progeny via ovarian infection as a strategy for achieving greater transmission success.
[Pubmed: 12445795]
| | 3. |
|
Life cycle, ultrastructure and molecular phylogeny of Hyalinocysta chapmani (Microsporidia: Thelohaniidae), a parasite of Culiseta melanura (Diptera: Culicidae) and Orthocyclops modestus (Copepoda: Cyclopidae).
Andreadis TG, Vossbrinck CR
J. Eukaryot. Microbiol.;49(4):350-64.
Abstract
The complete life cycle of the microsporidium Hyalinocysta chapmani is described from the primary mosquito host Culiseta melanura and the intermediate copepod host Orthocyclops modestus. Infections are initiated in larval C. melanura following the oral ingestion of uninucleate spores from infected copepods. Spores germinate within the lumen of the midgut and directly invade fat body tissue where all development occurs. Uninucleated schizonts undergo binary division (schizogony) followed by karyokinesis (nuclear division) to form diplokaryotic meronts. Merogony is by synchronous binary division. The onset of sporogony is characterized by the simultaneous secretion of a sporophorous vesicle and meiotic division of the diplokaryon resulting in the formation of eight ovoid meiospores enclosed within a sporophorous vesicle. Most infected larvae die during the fourth stadium and there is no evidence of a developmental sequence leading to vertical transmission. Hyalinocysta chapmani is horizontally transmitted to O. modestus via oral ingestion of meiospores. Infections become established within ovarian tissue of females and all parasite development is haplophasic. Uninucleate schizonts divide by binary division during an initial schizogonic cycle. Newly formed uninucleate cells produce a thin sporophorous vesicle and undergo repeated nuclear division during sporogony to produce a rosette-shaped, multinucleated sporogonial plasmodium with up to 18 nuclei. This is followed by cytoplasmic cleavage, sporogenesis, and disintegration of the sporophorous vesicle to form membrane-free uninucleate spores. Infected females eventually die and there is no egg development. The small subunit rDNA sequence of H. chapmani isolated from meiospores from C. melanura was identical to the small subunit rDNA sequence obtained from spores from O. modestus, corroborating the laboratory transmission studies and confirming the intermediary role of O. modestus in the life cycle. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted with closely related microsporidia from mosquitoes. Hyalinocysta chapmani did not cluster within described Amblyospora species and can be considered a sister group, warranting separate genus status.
[Pubmed: 12188227]
| | 4. |
2011 Apr 15 |
Barcoding Bugs: DNA-Based Identification of the True Bugs (Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera)
Park, Foottit, Maw, Hebert
PLoS One 2011 Apr 15;6(4). published online before print
Abstract
DNA barcoding, the analysis of sequence variation in the 5′ region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene, has been shown to provide an efficient method for the identification of species in a wide range of animal taxa. In order to assess the effectiveness of barcodes in the discrimination of Heteroptera, we examined 344 species belonging to 178 genera, drawn from specimens in the Canadian National Collection of Insects.
[Pubmed: 21526211]
| | 5. |
2011 Jun 8 |
Liao ning virus in China
Lu, Liu, Fu, Lu, Dong, Zhang, Tong, Li, Li, Tang, Liang
Virol J 2011 Jun 8;8:282. published online before print
Abstract
Liao ning virus is in the genus Seadornavirus within the family Reoviridae and has a genome composed of 12 segments of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). It is transmitted by mosquitoes and only isolated in China to date and it is the only species within the genus Seadornavirus which was reported to have been propagated in mammalian cell lines. In the study, we report 41 new isolates from northern and southern Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region in China and describe the phylogenetic relationships among all 46 Chinese LNV isolates.
[Pubmed: 21649929]
| | 6. |
2011 Jul |
West nile and usutu viruses in mosquitoes in Spain, 2008-2009.
Vázquez A, Ruiz S, Herrero L, Moreno J, Molero F, Magallanes A, Sánchez-Seco MP, Figuerola J, Tenorio A
Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg. 2011 Jul;85(1):178-81.
Abstract
Abstract. West Nile virus lineage 1 (similar to the strains obtained from golden eagles in Spain, 2007) and Usutu virus (similar to the strains obtained from Culex pipiens in Spain, 2006) were detected in pools from Culex perexiguus collected in southern Spain in 2008 and 2009, respectively. This is the first detection and isolation of West Nile virus lineage 1 from mosquitoes in Spain.
[Pubmed: 21734145]
| | 7. |
2011 May 6 |
Role of the repartition of wetland breeding sites on the spatial distribution of Anopheles and Culex, human disease vectors in Southern France
Cailly, Balenghien, Ezanno, Fontenille, Toty, Tran
Parasit Vectors 2011 May 6;4:65. published online before print
Abstract
In this study, carried out in the Camargue region (France), we combined entomological data with geomatic and modelling tools to assess whether the location of breeding sites may explain the spatial distribution of adult mosquitoes. The species studied are important and competent disease vectors in Europe: Culex modestus Ficalbi and Cx. pipiens Linnaeus (West Nile virus), Anopheles atroparvus Van Thiel, a former Plasmodium vector, and An. melanoon Hackett, competent to transmit Plasmodium.
[Pubmed: 21548912]
| | 8. |
2011 May 19 |
The spider family Selenopidae (Arachnida, Araneae) in Australasia and the Oriental Region
Crews, Harvey
Zookeys 2011 May 19;(99):1-104. published online before print
Abstract
We relimit and revise the family Selenopidae to include four new genera and 27 new species from Australia and the Oriental Region. The family is redefined, as are the genera Anyphops Benoit, Garcorops Corronca, Hovops Benoit, Selenops Latreille, and Siamspinops Dankittipakul & Corronca, to accommodate the new genera and to correct previous inconsistencies in the diagnoses and definitions of the aforementioned genera. The species of Selenops that occur throughout India and China are also reviewed. Three species occur in China: Selenops bursarius Karsch 1879, also known from Japan, Korea and Taiwan, Selenops ollarius Zhu, Sha, & Chen 1990, and Selenops radiatus Latreille 1819, the type of the genus and most widespread selenopid. Selenops cordatus Zhu, Sha & Chen syn. n. is recognized as a junior synonym of Selenops radiatus. Amamanganops gen. n. is monotypic, with Amamanganops baginawa sp. n. (♀; from the Philippines). Godumops gen. n. is monotypic, with Godumops caritus sp. n. (♂; from Papua New Guinea). Karaops gen. n. occurs throughout Australia and includes 24 species. A new combination is proposed for Karaops australiensis (L. Koch 1875) comb. n. (ex. Selenops), and the new species: Karaops gangarie sp. n. (♀, ♂), Karaops monteithi sp. n. (♀), Karaops alanlongbottomi sp. n. (♂), Karaops keithlongbottomi sp. n. (♂), Karaops larryoo sp. n. (♂), Karaops jarrit sp. n. (♂,♀), Karaops marrayagong sp. n. (♀), Karaops raveni sp. n. (♂,♀), Karaops badgeradda sp. n. (♀), Karaops burbidgei sp. n. (♂,♀), Karaops karrawarla sp. n. (♂,♀), Karaops julianneae sp. n. (♀), Karaops martamarta sp. n. (♀), Karaops manaayn sp. n. (♀, ♂), Karaops vadlaadambara sp. n. (♀, ♂), Karaops pilkingtoni sp. n. (♀, ♂), Karaops deserticola sp. n. (♀), Karaops ngarutjaranya sp. n. (♂,♀), Karaops francesae sp. n. (♂,♀), Karaops toolbrunup sp. n. (♀, ♂), the type species Karaops ellenae sp. n. (♂,♀), Karaops jenniferae sp. n. (♀), and Karaops dawara sp. n. (♀).The genus Makdiops gen. n. contains five species from India and Nepal. A new combination is proposed for Makdiops agumbensis (Tikader 1969), comb. n., Makdiops montigenus (Simon 1889), comb. n., Makdiops nilgirensis (Reimoser 1934) comb. n.,(ex. Selenops). Also, there are two new species the type of the genus Makdiops mahishasura sp. n. (♀; from India), and Makdiops shiva sp. n. (♀). The genus Pakawops gen. n. is monotypic. A new combination is proposed for Pakawops formosanus (Kayashima 1943) comb. n. (ex. Selenops), known only from Taiwan. A new combination is proposed for Siamspinops aculeatus (Simon)comb. n. (ex. Selenops). The distribution and diversity of the studied selenopid fauna is discussed. Finally, keys are provided to all of the selenopid genera and to the species of Karaops gen. n.and Makdiops gen. n.
[Pubmed: 21738435]
| | 9. |
2011 Jun 20 |
Novel Polymorphic Microsatellite Loci for the Korean Black Scraper (Thamnaconus modestus), and Their Application to the Genetic Characterization of Wild and Farmed Populations
An, Kim, Lee, Dong, Lee, Kim
Int J Mol Sci 2011 Jun 20;12(6):4104-4119. published online before print
Abstract
In this study, we developed 20 polymorphic microsatellite markers for the Korean black scraper, Thamnaconus modestus (Günther, 1877), Monacanthidae, and used them to compare allelic variation between wild and hatchery populations in Korea. All loci were readily amplified and demonstrated allelic variability, with the number of alleles ranging from 5–35 in the wild population and 5–22 in the farmed population. The average observed and expected heterozygosities were estimated, respectively, as 0.74 and 0.80 in the hatchery samples and 0.78 and 0.81 in the wild ones. These results indicate lower genetic variability in the hatchery population than in the wild population and minor, but significant, genetic differentiation between the two populations (FST = 0.005, P < 0.01). Additionally, cross-amplification was tested in another monacanthid species, Stephanolepis cirrhifer; many loci were found that yielded useful information. The high degree of polymorphism exhibited by the 20 microsatellites will be useful in future aquaculture and population genetic studies for developing conservation and management plans.
[Pubmed: 21747727]
| | 10. |
2011 Jul 21 |
Mating and Parental Care in Lake Tanganyika's Cichlids
Sefc
Int J Evol Biol 2011 Jul 21;2011. published online before print
Abstract
Cichlid fishes of Lake Tanganyika display a variety of mating and parental care behaviors,
including polygamous and monogamous mouthbrooding and substrate breeding, cooperative breeding, as well as various alternative reproductive tactics
such as sneaking and piracy. Moreover, reproductive behaviors sometimes vary within species both in space and in time. Here, I survey reports on
mating and parenting behaviors of Lake Tanganyika cichlid species and address the evolution of mating and parental care patterns and sexual dimorphism.
Notes on measures of sexual selection intensity and the difficulties of defining mating systems and estimating selection intensities at species
level conclude the essay.
[Pubmed: 21822482]
| | 11. |
2011 Jul 26 |
Phylogenetic Molecular Ecological Network of Soil Microbial Communities in Response to Elevated CO2
Zhou, Deng, Luo, He, Yang
mBio 2011 Jul 26;2(4). published online before print
Abstract
Understanding the interactions among different species and their responses to environmental changes, such as elevated atmospheric concentrations of CO2, is a central goal in ecology but is poorly understood in microbial ecology. Here we describe a novel random matrix theory (RMT)-based conceptual framework to discern phylogenetic molecular ecological networks using metagenomic sequencing data of 16S rRNA genes from grassland soil microbial communities, which were sampled from a long-term free-air CO2 enrichment experimental facility at the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve in Minnesota. Our experimental results demonstrated that an RMT-based network approach is very useful in delineating phylogenetic molecular ecological networks of microbial communities based on high-throughput metagenomic sequencing data. The structure of the identified networks under ambient and elevated CO2 levels was substantially different in terms of overall network topology, network composition, node overlap, module preservation, module-based higher-order organization, topological roles of individual nodes, and network hubs, suggesting that the network interactions among different phylogenetic groups/populations were markedly changed. Also, the changes in network structure were significantly correlated with soil carbon and nitrogen contents, indicating the potential importance of network interactions in ecosystem functioning. In addition, based on network topology, microbial populations potentially most important to community structure and ecosystem functioning can be discerned. The novel approach described in this study is important not only for research on biodiversity, microbial ecology, and systems microbiology but also for microbial community studies in human health, global change, and environmental management.
[Pubmed: 21791581]
| | 12. |
2011 Aug 25 |
Moving Cages Further Offshore: Effects on Southern Bluefin Tuna, T. maccoyii, Parasites, Health and Performance
Kirchhoff, Rough, Nowak
PLoS One 2011 Aug 25;6(8). published online before print
Abstract
The effects of offshore aquaculture on SBT health (particularly parasitic infections and haematology) and performance were the main aim of this study. Two cohorts of ranched Southern Bluefin tuna (SBT) (Thunnus maccoyii) were monitored throughout the commercial season, one maintained in the traditional near shore tuna farming zone and one maintained further offshore. SBT maintained offshore had reduced mortality, increased condition index at week 6 post transfer, reduced blood fluke and sealice loads, and haematological variables such as haemoglobin or lysozyme equal to or exceeding near shore maintained fish. The offshore cohort had no Cardicola forsteri and a 5% prevalence of Caligus spp., compared to a prevalence of 85% for Cardicola forsteri and 55% prevalence for Caligus spp. near shore at 6 weeks post transfer. This study is the first of its kind to examine the effects of commercial offshore sites on farmed fish parasites, health and performance.
[Pubmed: 21901129]
| | 13. |
2011 Sep 15 |
Biological Consequences of Ancient Gene Acquisition and Duplication in the Large Genome of Candidatus Solibacter usitatus Ellin6076
Challacombe, Eichorst, Hauser, Land, Xie, Kuske
PLoS One 2011 Sep 15;6(9). published online before print
Abstract
Members of the bacterial phylum Acidobacteria are widespread in soils and sediments worldwide, and are abundant in many soils. Acidobacteria are challenging to culture in vitro, and many basic features of their biology and functional roles in the soil have not been determined. Candidatus Solibacter usitatus strain Ellin6076 has a 9.9 Mb genome that is approximately 2–5 times as large as the other sequenced Acidobacteria genomes. Bacterial genome sizes typically range from 0.5 to 10 Mb and are influenced by gene duplication, horizontal gene transfer, gene loss and other evolutionary processes. Our comparative genome analyses indicate that the Ellin6076 large genome has arisen by horizontal gene transfer via ancient bacteriophage and/or plasmid-mediated transduction, and widespread small-scale gene duplications, resulting in an increased number of paralogs. Low amino acid sequence identities among functional group members, and lack of conserved gene order and orientation in regions containing similar groups of paralogs, suggest that most of the paralogs are not the result of recent duplication events. The genome sizes of additional cultured Acidobacteria strains were estimated using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis to determine the prevalence of the large genome trait within the phylum. Members of subdivision 3 had larger genomes than those of subdivision 1, but none were as large as the Ellin6076 genome. The large genome of Ellin6076 may not be typical of the phylum, and encodes traits that could provide a selective metabolic, defensive and regulatory advantage in the soil environment.
[Pubmed: 21949776]
| | 14. |
2011 Jun |
13,16-Dimethyl Octacosanedioic Acid (iso-Diabolic Acid), a Common Membrane-Spanning Lipid of Acidobacteria Subdivisions 1 and 3
▿
†
Sinninghe Damsté, Rijpstra, Hopmans, Weijers, Foesel, Overmann, Dedysh
Appl Environ Microbiol 2011 Jun;77(12):4147-4154.
Abstract
The distribution of membrane lipids of 17 different strains representing 13 species of subdivisions 1 and 3 of the phylum Acidobacteria, a highly diverse phylum of the Bacteria, were examined by hydrolysis and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (MS) and by high-performance liquid chromatography-MS of intact polar lipids. Upon both acid and base hydrolyses of total cell material, the uncommon membrane-spanning lipid 13,16-dimethyl octacosanedioic acid (iso-diabolic acid) was released in substantial amounts (22 to 43% of the total fatty acids) from all of the acidobacteria studied. This lipid has previously been encountered only in thermophilic Thermoanaerobacter species but bears a structural resemblance to the alkyl chains of bacterial glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs) that occur ubiquitously in peat and soil and are suspected to be produced by acidobacteria. As reported previously, most species also contained iso-C15 and C16:1ω7C as major fatty acids but the presence of iso-diabolic acid was unnoticed in previous studies, most probably because the complex lipid that contained this moiety was not extractable from the cells; it could only be released by hydrolysis. Direct analysis of intact polar lipids in the Bligh-Dyer extract of three acidobacterial strains, indeed, did not reveal any membrane-spanning lipids containing iso-diabolic acid. In 3 of the 17 strains, ether-bound iso-diabolic acid was detected after hydrolysis of the cells, including one branched GDGT containing iso-diabolic acid-derived alkyl chains. Since the GDGT distribution in soils is much more complex, branched GDGTs in soil likely also originate from other (acido)bacteria capable of biosynthesizing these components.
[Pubmed: 21515715]
| | 15. |
2011 Dec 9 |
Spatio-temporal patterns of distribution of West Nile virus vectors in eastern Piedmont Region, Italy
Bisanzio, Giacobini, Bertolotti, Mosca, Balbo, Kitron, Vazquez-Prokopec
Parasit Vectors 2011 Dec 9;4:230. published online before print
Abstract
West Nile Virus (WNV) transmission in Italy was first reported in 1998 as an equine outbreak near the swamps of Padule di Fucecchio, Tuscany. No other cases were identified during the following decade until 2008, when horse and human outbreaks were reported in Emilia Romagna, North Italy. Since then, WNV outbreaks have occurred annually, spreading from their initial northern foci throughout the country. Following the outbreak in 1998 the Italian public health authority defined a surveillance plan to detect WNV circulation in birds, horses and mosquitoes. By applying spatial statistical analysis (spatial point pattern analysis) and models (Bayesian GLMM models) to a longitudinal dataset on the abundance of the three putative WNV vectors [Ochlerotatus caspius (Pallas 1771), Culex pipiens (Linnaeus 1758) and Culex modestus (Ficalbi 1890)] in eastern Piedmont, we quantified their abundance and distribution in space and time and generated prediction maps outlining the areas with the highest vector productivity and potential for WNV introduction and amplification.
[Pubmed: 22152822]
| | 16. |
2012 Jan 11 |
Molecular detection of Setaria tundra (Nematoda: Filarioidea) and an unidentified filarial species in mosquitoes in Germany.
Czajka C, Becker N, Poppert S, Jost H, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Krueger A
Parasit Vectors. 2012 Jan 11;5(1):14. Epub 2012 Jan 11.
Abstract
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: : Knowledge of the potential vector role of Culicidae mosquitoes in Germany is very scanty, and until recently it was generally assumed that they are not involved in the transmission of anthroponotic or zoonotic pathogens in this country. However, anticipated changes in the course of global warming and globalization may alter their status. METHOD: S: We conducted a molecular mass screening of mosquitoes for filarial parasites using mitochondrial 12S rRNA-based real-time PCR. RESULTS: : No parasites causing disease in humans such as Dirofilaria spp. were detected in about 83,000 mosquitoes tested, which had been collected in 2009 and 2010 in 16 locations throughout Germany. However, minimum infection rates of up to 24 per 1000 mosquitoes were revealed, which could be attributed to mosquito infection with Setaria tundra and a yet unidentified second parasite. Setaria tundra was found to be widespread in southern Germany in various mosquito species, except Culex spp. In contrast, the unidentified filarial species was exclusively found in Culex spp. in northern Baden-Wurttemberg, and is likely to be a bird parasite. CONCLUSIONS: : Although dirofilariasis appears to be emerging and spreading in Europe, the absence of Dirofilaria spp. or other zoonotic filariae in our sample allows the conclusion that the risk of autochthonous infection in Germany is still very low. Potential vectors of S. tundra in Germany are Ochlerotatus sticticus, Oc. cantans, Aedes vexans and Anopheles claviger. Technically, the synergism between entomologists, virologists and parasitologists, combined with state-of-the-art methods allows a very efficient near-real-time monitoring of a wide spectrum of both human and veterinary pathogens, including new distribution records of parasite species and the incrimination of their potential vectors.
[Pubmed: 22236560]
| | 17. |
2011 |
Clinical Aspects of Dermatitis Associated with Dirofilaria repens in Pets: A Review of 100 Canine and 31 Feline Cases (1990–2010) and a Report of a New Clinic Case Imported from Italy to Dubai
Tarello
J Parasitol Res 2011;2011.
Abstract
Cutaneous dirofilariasis is a parasitic disease caused by the mosquito-borne filarial nematodes Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) repens, living in the subcutaneous tissue of dogs, cats, wild carnivores, and humans. Cases have been recently reported also from Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Ukraine, Russia, Austria, Switzerland, France, The Netherlands, and the Middle East. D. repens is not widely known to cause chronic pruritic dermatitis in animals. Dermatological signs observed in 100 canine clinic cases were pruritus (100%), erythema (79%), papulae (62%), focal or multifocal alopecia (55%), hyperkeratosis (18%), crusting (14%), nodules (12%), acantosis (5%), and eczema (3%). Signs other than dermatological were conjunctivitis (46%), anorexia (35%), vomiting (26%), fever (25%), lethargy (20%), and lymph-adenomegaly (10%). A case imported from Italy to Dubai is described. The opportunistic role of D. repens might explain the presence of asymptomatic carriers, the concurrent observation of nondermatological signs, and the development of dermatitis in a subgroup of parasitized dogs.
[Pubmed: 22203888]
| | 18. |
2011 Dec 14 |
Relationship between Exposure to Vector Bites and Antibody Responses to Mosquito Salivary Gland Extracts
Fontaine, Pascual, Orlandi-Pradines, Diouf, Remoué, Pagès, Fusaï, Rogier, Almeras
PLoS One 2011 Dec 14;6(12). published online before print
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases are major health problems worldwide. Serological responses to mosquito saliva proteins may be useful in estimating individual exposure to bites from mosquitoes transmitting these diseases. However, the relationships between the levels of these IgG responses and mosquito density as well as IgG response specificity at the genus and/or species level need to be clarified prior to develop new immunological markers to assess human/vector contact. To this end, a kinetic study of antibody levels against several mosquito salivary gland extracts from southeastern French individuals living in three areas with distinct ecological environments and, by implication, distinct Aedes caspius mosquito densities were compared using ELISA. A positive association was observed between the average levels of IgG responses against Ae. caspius salivary gland extracts and spatial Ae. caspius densities. Additionally, the average level of IgG responses increased significantly during the peak exposure to Ae. caspius at each site and returned to baseline four months later, suggesting short-lived IgG responses. The species-specificity of IgG antibody responses was determined by testing antibody responses to salivary gland extracts from Cx. pipiens, a mosquito that is present at these three sites at different density levels, and from two other Aedes species not present in the study area (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus). The IgG responses observed against these mosquito salivary gland extracts contrasted with those observed against Ae. caspius salivary gland extracts, supporting the existence of species-specific serological responses. By considering different populations and densities of mosquitoes linked to environmental factors, this study shows, for the first time, that specific IgG antibody responses against Ae. caspius salivary gland extracts may be related to the seasonal and geographical variations in Ae. caspius density. Characterisation of such immunological-markers may allow the evaluation of the effectiveness of vector-control strategies or estimation of the risk of vector-borne disease transmission.
[Pubmed: 22195000]
| | 19. |
2012 Jan 10 |
Species Composition and WNV Screening of Mosquitoes from Lagoons in a Wetland Area of the Algarve, Portugal
Freitas, Novo, Esteves, de Almeida
Front Physiol 2012 Jan 10;2. published online before print
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate mosquito abundance, species diversity, larval and adult population dynamics in seven lagoons integrated in the wetland coastal system of the Algarve, Portugal, in the summer of 2007, as well as the screening of these for West Nile virus (WNV). WNV has been isolated from mosquitoes in this region, in the summer of 2004, next to the putative area of infection of two linked human WN cases. Adult mosquitoes were collected with CDC traps baited with CO2, and potential breeding sites were surveyed for immature stages. Morphological identification of 1,432 adult mosquitoes and 85 larvae revealed the presence of 10 species: Anopheles atroparvus, Anopheles algeriensis, Coquillettidia richiardii, Culex modestus, Culex pipiens, Culex theileri, Culex univittatus, Culiseta longiareolata, Aedes caspius, and Aedes detritus. Adult mosquito peak densities were recorded in July, contrasting with null larval breeding in the same month in the surveyed biotopes. Most abundant species were C. pipiens (52%), C. theileri (29%), and A. caspius (11%). Lagoon Salgados and Quinta das Salinas, exhibited the highest similarity of culicid fauna, despite being most distant from each other, Female mosquitoes (1,249 specimens) screened by RT-PCR, did not reveal WNV products. However, previous detection of WNV activity in this area, susceptible to re-introductions, demands for continued vigilance.
[Pubmed: 22347862]
| | 20. |
2011 Dec 16 |
Cyanotoxins: Bioaccumulation and Effects on Aquatic Animals
Ferrão-Filho, Kozlowsky-Suzuki
Mar Drugs 2011 Dec 16;9(12):2729-2772. published online before print
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic prokaryotes with wide geographic distribution that can produce secondary metabolites named cyanotoxins. These toxins can be classified into three main types according to their mechanism of action in vertebrates: hepatotoxins, dermatotoxins and neurotoxins. Many studies on the effects of cyanobacteria and their toxins over a wide range of aquatic organisms, including invertebrates and vertebrates, have reported acute effects (e.g., reduction in survivorship, feeding inhibition, paralysis), chronic effects (e.g., reduction in growth and fecundity), biochemical alterations (e.g., activity of phosphatases, GST, AChE, proteases), and behavioral alterations. Research has also focused on the potential for bioaccumulation and transferring of these toxins through the food chain. Although the herbivorous zooplankton is hypothesized as the main target of cyanotoxins, there is not unquestionable evidence of the deleterious effects of cyanobacteria and their toxins on these organisms. Also, the low toxin burden in secondary consumers points towards biodilution of microcystins in the food web as the predominant process. In this broad review we discuss important issues on bioaccumulation and the effects of cyanotoxins, with emphasis on microcystins, as well as drawbacks and future needs in this field of research.
[Pubmed: 22363248]
| | 21. |
2011 May 17 |
A Review of Chemosensation and Related Behavior in Aquatic Insects
Crespo
J Insect Sci 2011 May 17;11. published online before print
Abstract
Insects that are secondarily adapted to aquatic environments are able to sense odors from a diverse array of sources. The antenna of these insects, as in all insects, is the main chemosensory structure and its input to the brain allows for integration of sensory information that ultimately ends in behavioral responses. Only a fraction of the aquatic insect orders have been studied with respect to their sensory biology and most of the work has centered either on the description of the different types of sensilla, or on the behavior of the insect as a whole. In this paper, the literature is exhaustively reviewed and ways in which antennal morphology, brain structure, and associated behavior can advance better understanding of the neurobiology involved in processing of chemosensory information are discussed. Moreover, the importance of studying such group of insects is stated, and at the same time it is shown that many interesting questions regarding olfactory processing can be addressed by looking into the changes that aquatic insects undergo when leaving their aquatic environment.
[Pubmed: 21864156]
| | 22. |
2012 Feb 9 |
West Nile virus vector Culex modestus established in southern England
Golding, Nunn, Medlock, Purse, Vaux, Schäfer
Parasit Vectors 2012 Feb 9;5:32. published online before print
Abstract
The risk posed to the United Kingdom by West Nile virus (WNV) has previously been considered low, due to the absence or scarcity of the main Culex sp. bridge vectors. The mosquito Culex modestus is widespread in southern Europe, where it acts as the principle bridge vector of WNV. This species was not previously thought to be present in the United Kingdom.
[Pubmed: 22316288]
| | 23. |
2011 May 4 |
Faunistic Composition, Ecological Properties and Zoogeographical Composition of the Family Elateridae (Coleoptera) of the Central Anatolian Region of Turkey
Kabalak, Sert
J Insect Sci 2011 May 4;11. published online before print
Abstract
The focus of this study was to understand the faunistic composition, ecological properties and zoogeographical composition of Elateridae (Coleoptera) of the Central Anatolian region. 72 species belonging to seven subfamilies and 25 genera were identified. The major part of the Elateridae fauna of the Central Anatolian region is formed by the subfamilies Elaterinae and Cardiophorinae. The genus Cardiophorus was the most species-rich genus. The species composition of the Elateridae fauna of the Central Anatolian region is partially consistent with known Elateridae fauna of Turkey. The Central Anatolian region shares most species with the European part of the Western Palaearctic as does the Elateridae fauna of Turkey. Detailed localities of nine species are given for the first time for Turkey, with emphasis on the Central Anatolian region.
[Pubmed: 21864150]
| | 24. |
2011 Aug 5 |
A catalogue of Lithuanian beetles (Insecta, Coleoptera)
Tamutis, Tamutė, Ferenca
Zookeys 2011 Aug 5;(121):1-494. published online before print
Abstract
This paper presents the first complete and updated list of all 3597 species of beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera) belonging to 92 familiesfound and published in Lithuania until 2011, with comments also provided on the main systematic and nomenclatural changes since the last monographic treatment in two volumes (Pileckis and Monsevičius 1995, 1997). The introductory section provides a general overview of the main features of the territory of Lithuania, the origins and formation of the beetle fauna and their conservation, the faunistic investigations in Lithuania to date revealing the most important stages of the faunistic research process with reference to the most prominent scientists, an overview of their work, and their contribution to Lithuanian coleopteran faunal research.
[Pubmed: 22461725]
| | 25. |
2011 Oct |
Emergence of Genotype I of Japanese Encephalitis Virus as the Dominant Genotype in Asia
▿
Pan, Liu, Wang, Fu, Liu, Zhang, Li, Gao, Wang, Sun, Lu, Zhai, Meng, He, Wang, Han, Wei, Wu, Feng, Yang, Wang, Tang, Xia, Kurane, Rayner, Liang
J Virol 2011 Oct;85(19):9847-9853.
Abstract
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a mosquito-borne zoonotic pathogen, is one of the major causes of viral encephalitis worldwide. Previous phylogenetic studies based on the envelope protein indicated that there are four genotypes, and surveillance data suggest that genotype I is gradually replacing genotype III as the dominant strain. Here we report an evolutionary analysis based on 98 full-length genome sequences of JEV, including 67 new samples isolated from humans, pigs, mosquitoes, midges. and bats in affected areas. To investigate the relationships between the genotypes and the significance of genotype I in recent epidemics, we estimated evolutionary rates, ages of common ancestors, and population demographics. Our results indicate that the genotypes diverged in the order IV, III, II, and I and that the genetic diversity of genotype III has decreased rapidly while that of genotype I has increased gradually, consistent with its emergence as the dominant genotype.
[Pubmed: 21697481]
| | 26. |
2011 |
Mapping Malaria Transmission Risk in Northern Morocco Using Entomological and Environmental Data
Adlaoui, Faraj, El Bouhmi, El Aboudi, Ouahabi, Tran, Fontenille, El Aouad
Malar Res Treat 2011;2011.
Abstract
Malaria resurgence risk in
Morocco depends, among other factors, on environmental
changes as well as the introduction of parasite
carriers. The aim of this paper is to analyze the
receptivity of the Loukkos area, large wetlands in
Northern Morocco, to quantify and to map malaria
transmission risk in this region using biological and
environmental data. This risk was assessed on
entomological risk basis and was mapped using
environmental markers derived from satellite imagery.
Maps showing spatial and temporal variations of
entomological risk for Plasmodium
vivax and P. falciparum were
produced.
Results showed this risk to be highly seasonal and much higher in
rice fields than in swamps. This risk is lower for Afrotropical
P. falciparum strains because of the low
infectivity of Anopheles labranchiae, principal
malaria vector in Morocco. However, it is very high for P.
vivax mainly during summer corresponding to the rice
cultivation period. Although the entomological risk is high in
Loukkos region, malaria resurgence risk remains very low, because
of the low vulnerability of the area.
[Pubmed: 22312566]
| | 27. |
2011 Nov |
Recovery of As-Yet-Uncultured Soil Acidobacteria on Dilute Solid Media▿
George, Hartmann, Liles, Agathos
Appl Environ Microbiol 2011 Nov;77(22):8184-8188.
Abstract
A growing number of Acidobacteria strains have been isolated from environments worldwide, with most isolates derived from acidic samples and affiliated with subdivision 1. We recovered 18 Acidobacteria strains from an alkaline soil, among which 11 belonged to the previously uncultured subdivision 6. Various medium formulations were tested for their effects on Acidobacteria growth.
[Pubmed: 21948845]
| | 28. |
2011 May 05 |
Continuity and Change of Japanese Encephalitis Virus in Toyama Prefecture, Japan
Obara, Yamauchi, Watanabe, Hasegawa, Ueda, Matsuno, Iwai, Horimoto, Kurata, Takizawa, Kariwa, Takashima
Am J Trop Med Hyg 2011 May 05;84(5):695-708.
Abstract
To determine the mechanisms of maintenance and evolution of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) in a temperate zone, we attempted to isolate JEV from mosquitoes and pigs in Toyama Prefecture, Japan. A total of 87 JEVs were isolated from female Culex tritaeniorhynchus mosquitoes and pigs during 2005–2009. The prevalence of JEV in Toyama Prefecture was seasonally late in comparison with that of the virus during 1966–1972. Furthermore, JEVs were isolated after the peak in the number of female Cx. tritaeniorhynchus. Among JEV strains isolated in this study, two distinct groups were observed within genotype I of the phylogeny generated from nucleotide sequence information derived from the envelope and capsid/premembrane genes: strains belonging to the major type were isolated during 2005–2009, and strains from the minor type were isolated only in 2007. The major type has exhibited gradual change in its envelope and capsid/premembrane genes, and all isolates obtained in 2008 and 2009 had a novel deletion of seven nucleotides in the variable region of the 3′-untranslated region.
[Pubmed: 21540378]
| | 29. |
2012 Mar 30 |
Culex genome is not just another genome for comparative genomics
Reddy, Labbé, Corbel
Parasit Vectors 2012 Mar 30;5:63. published online before print
Abstract
Formal publication of the Culex genome sequence has closed the human disease vector triangle by meeting the Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti genome sequences. Compared to these other mosquitoes, Culex quinquefasciatus possesses many specific hallmark characteristics, and may thus provide different angles for research which ultimately leads to a practical solution for controlling the ever increasing burden of insect-vector-borne diseases around the globe. We argue the special importance of the cosmopolitan species- Culex genome sequence by invoking many interesting questions and the possible of potential of the Culex genome to answer those.
[Pubmed: 22463777]
| | 30. |
2012 May 30 |
Mosquito, Bird and Human Surveillance of West Nile and Usutu Viruses in Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy) in 2010
Calzolari, Gaibani, Bellini, Defilippo, Pierro, Albieri, Maioli, Luppi, Rossini, Balzani, Tamba, Galletti, Gelati, Carrieri, Poglayen, Cavrini, Natalini, Dottori, Sambri, Angelini, Bonilauri
PLoS One 2012 May 30;7(5). published online before print
Abstract
In 2008, after the first West Nile virus (WNV) detection in the Emilia-Romagna region, a surveillance system, including mosquito- and bird-based surveillance, was established to evaluate the virus presence. Surveillance was improved in following years by extending the monitoring to larger areas and increasing the numbers of mosquitoes and birds tested.
[Pubmed: 22666446]
| | 31. |
2012 Jun 5 |
Parrots Eat Nutritious Foods despite Toxins
Gilardi, Toft
PLoS One 2012 Jun 5;7(6). published online before print
Abstract
Generalist herbivores are challenged not only by the low nitrogen and high indigestibility of their plant foods, but also by physical and chemical defenses of plants. This study investigated the foods of wild parrots in the Peruvian Amazon and asked whether these foods contain dietary components that are limiting for generalist herbivores (protein, lipids, minerals) and in what quantity; whether parrots chose foods based on nutrient content; and whether parrots avoid plants that are chemically defended.
[Pubmed: 22679496]
| | 32. |
2012 Jun 22 |
Feeding Patterns of Potential West Nile Virus Vectors in South-West Spain
Muñoz, Ruiz, Soriguer, Alcaide, Viana, Roiz, Vázquez, Figuerola
PLoS One 2012 Jun 22;7(6). published online before print
Abstract
Mosquito feeding behaviour determines the degree of vector–host contact and may have a serious impact on the risk of West Nile virus (WNV) epidemics. Feeding behaviour also interacts with other biotic and abiotic factors that affect virus amplification and transmission.
[Pubmed: 22745781]
| | 33. |
2012 Jul |
A robust PCR primer design platform applied to the detection of Acidobacteria Group 1 in soil
Gans, Dunbar, Eichorst, Gallegos-Graves, Wolinsky, Kuske
Nucleic Acids Res 2012 Jul;40(12):e96.
Abstract
Environmental biosurveillance and microbial ecology studies use PCR-based assays to detect and quantify microbial taxa and gene sequences within a complex background of microorganisms. However, the fragmentary nature and growing quantity of DNA-sequence data make group-specific assay design challenging. We solved this problem by developing a software platform that enables PCR-assay design at an unprecedented scale. As a demonstration, we developed quantitative PCR assays for a globally widespread, ecologically important bacterial group in soil, Acidobacteria Group 1. A total of 33 684 Acidobacteria 16S rRNA gene sequences were used for assay design. Following 1 week of computation on a 376-core cluster, 83 assays were obtained. We validated the specificity of the top three assays, collectively predicted to detect 42% of the Acidobacteria Group 1 sequences, by PCR amplification and sequencing of DNA from soil. Based on previous analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequencing, Acidobacteria Group 1 species were expected to decrease in response to elevated atmospheric CO2. Quantitative PCR results, using the Acidobacteria Group 1-specific PCR assays, confirmed the expected decrease and provided higher statistical confidence than the 16S rRNA gene-sequencing data. These results demonstrate a powerful capacity to address previously intractable assay design challenges.
[Pubmed: 22434885]
|
|
