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Alcalá-Gómez J, Alcalá-Gómez G, Balleza-Díaz Barriga KG, Vite-Méndez GDJ, Reyes-Hernández M. Beauveria bassiana native strains affect the reproductive index of Rhipicephalus microplus ticks. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2024; 93:485-496. [PMID: 38980594 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-024-00942-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Rhipicephalus microplus poses a significant economic threat due to its role in transmitting Babesia bigemina, B. bovis and Anaplasma marginale. Chemical control methods, commonly employed, encounter challenges like resistance, high costs, and environmental concerns. Emerging as an alternative, entomopathogenic fungi, particularly Beauveria bassiana, present a promising avenue for biological control. Molecular identification using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS1-5.8-ITS4) region ensures accurate species identification. This study investigated two B. bassiana strains, assessing their molecular characterization, impact on R. microplus mortality, and reproductive effects on adult females. The Reproductive Aptitude Index (RAI) is employed to evaluate tick egg viability post-treatment, providing insights into the potential of these fungi for tick control. Results indicate the BbLn2021-1 strain causes 96% mortality, and BbSf2021-1 induces 100% mortality. The commercial strain exhibited 28% mortality, while the control treatment showed 12%. Statistical analysis reveals a significant difference between treatments (p < 0.01). The Reproductive Efficiency Index (REI) underscores BbSf2021-1is superiority, yielding lower egg weights than other treatments. Regarding the RAI, BbLn2021-1 and BbSf2021-1 show no significant differences but differ significantly from the commercial and control (p < 0.01). These findings suggest that strains isolated and characterized from the natural environment could have potential applications in field trials, serving as a biocontrol alternative for R. microplus ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Alcalá-Gómez
- Laboratorio de Zoología, Departamento de Biotecnológicas y Ambientales, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Av. Patria 1201, Zapopan, 45129, México
| | - Gabriela Alcalá-Gómez
- Laboratorio de Zoología, Departamento de Biotecnológicas y Ambientales, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Av. Patria 1201, Zapopan, 45129, México
| | - Karol Georgina Balleza-Díaz Barriga
- Laboratorio de Zoología, Departamento de Biotecnológicas y Ambientales, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Av. Patria 1201, Zapopan, 45129, México
| | - Ghierana de Jesus Vite-Méndez
- Laboratorio de Zoología, Departamento de Biotecnológicas y Ambientales, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Av. Patria 1201, Zapopan, 45129, México
| | - Martha Reyes-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Zoología, Departamento de Biotecnológicas y Ambientales, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Av. Patria 1201, Zapopan, 45129, México.
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Reis AADL, de Avelar BR, Rocha MBDS, Borges DA, Campos DR, Fiorotti J, Golo PS, Scott FB. Ultrastructural characterization and quantification of hemocytes in engorged female Amblyomma sculptum ticks. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102312. [PMID: 38277717 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2024.102312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Amblyomma sculptum (formerly Amblyomma cajennense) ticks have been implicated in the transmission of pathogens that cause diseases in animals and humans. Their wide geographic distribution and high impact on animal health and zoonotic disease transmission highlight the importance of studying and implementing effective control measures to mitigate the risks associated with this tick species. The aim of this study was to quantify and characterize the morphology and the ultrastructure of different types of hemocytes in the hemolymph in engorged A. sculptum females fed on rabbits. The hemolymph samples were collected by perforation of the cuticle in the dorsal region. Hemocyte types, sizes, and differential counts were determined using light microscopy, while ultrastructural analysis of hemocytes was performed using transmission electron microscopy. The average number of total hemocytes in the hemolymph was 1024 ± 597.6 cells µL-1. Five morphologically distinct cell types were identified in A. sculptum females: prohemocytes (6 % ± 8.8), plasmatocytes (10 % ± 7.7), granulocytes (78 % ± 12.2), spherulocytes (5 % ± 4.48), and oenocytoids (1 % ± 1.6). In general, prohemocytes were the smallest hemocytes. The ultrastructural morphology of A. sculptum hemocytes described in the present study agrees with the findings for other hard ticks. This is the first study to investigate ultrastructural characteristics of hemocytes of female A. sculptum ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andressa Aparecida de Lima Reis
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Km 07, Zona Rural, BR-465, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil.
| | - Barbara Rauta de Avelar
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Km 07, Zona Rural, BR-465, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil
| | - Marisa Beatriz da Silva Rocha
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Km 07, Zona Rural, BR-465, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil
| | - Debora Azevedo Borges
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Km 07, Zona Rural, BR-465, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil
| | - Diefrey Ribeiro Campos
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Km 07, Zona Rural, BR-465, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil
| | - Jessica Fiorotti
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Silva Golo
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Km 07, Zona Rural, BR-465, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil
| | - Fabio Barbour Scott
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Km 07, Zona Rural, BR-465, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil
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Barbieri A, Rico IB, Silveira C, Feltrin C, Dall Agnol B, Schrank A, Lozina L, Klafke GM, Reck J. Field efficacy of Metarhizium anisopliae oil formulations against Rhipicephalus microplus ticks using a cattle spray race. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102147. [PMID: 36893500 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Rhipicephalus microplus tick is the main ectoparasite of cattle in Brazil. The exhaustive use of chemical acaricides to control this tick has favored the selection of resistant tick populations. Entomopathogenic fungi, as Metarhizium anisopliae, has been described as a potential biocontroller of ticks. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of two oil based formulations of M. anisopliae for the control of the cattle tick R. microplus under field conditions using a cattle spray race as a method of treatment. Initially, in vitro assays were carried out with an aqueous suspension of M. anisopliae, using mineral oil and/or silicon oil. A potential synergism between oils and fungus conidia for tick control was demonstrated. Additionally, the usefulness of silicon oil in order to reduce mineral oil concentration, while improving formulation efficacy was illustrated. Based on the in vitro results, two formulations were selected for use in the field trial: MaO1 (107 conidia/mL plus 5% mineral oil) and MaO2 (107 conidia/mL plus 2.5% mineral oil and 0.01% silicon oil). The adjuvants concentrations (mineral and silicon oils) were chosen since preliminary data indicate that higher concentrations caused significant mortality in adult ticks. For this, 30 naturally infested heifers were divided into three groups based on previous tick counts. The control group did not receive treatment. The selected formulations were applied on animals using a cattle spray race. Subsequently, tick load was evaluated weekly by counting. The MaO1 treatment significantly reduced the tick count only on day +21, reaching approximately 55% efficacy. On the other hand, MaO2 showed significantly lower tick counts on days +7, +14, and +21 after treatment, with weekly efficacy achieving 66%. The results showed a substantial reduction of tick infestation, up to day +28, using a novel formulation of M. anisopliae based in the mixture of two oils. Moreover, we have shown, for the first time, the feasibility of employing formulations of M. anisopliae for large-scale treatment methods, such as a cattle spray race, which in turn, may increase the use and adhesion to biological control tools among farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Barbieri
- Centro de Pesquisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Estrada do Conde, 6000, Eldorado do Sul, RS 92990-000, Brazil
| | - I B Rico
- Centro de Pesquisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Estrada do Conde, 6000, Eldorado do Sul, RS 92990-000, Brazil
| | | | - C Feltrin
- Fazenda Escola BIOTECH, Guaiba, RS, Brazil
| | - B Dall Agnol
- Centro de Pesquisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Estrada do Conde, 6000, Eldorado do Sul, RS 92990-000, Brazil
| | - A Schrank
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste - UNNE, Corrientes, Argentina
| | - L Lozina
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - G M Klafke
- Centro de Pesquisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Estrada do Conde, 6000, Eldorado do Sul, RS 92990-000, Brazil
| | - J Reck
- Centro de Pesquisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Estrada do Conde, 6000, Eldorado do Sul, RS 92990-000, Brazil.
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Aguilar-Díaz H, Quiroz-Castañeda RE, Salazar-Morales K, Miranda-Miranda E. A newly optimized protocol to extract high-quality hemolymph from the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus: Improving the old conditions. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2021; 2:100066. [PMID: 36589873 PMCID: PMC9795341 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are hematophagous ectoparasites with importance to animal and human health. In recent years, the study of ticks has had significant development, including immune response, vector-host interactions, physiological and multi-omics approaches. However, one of the main impediments is obtaining a significant amount of high-quality hemolymph. For this reason, we developed a protocol that allows obtaining up to 100 μl of hemolymph free of host blood per engorged tick. The technique consists of continuous hipocuticular punctures of the tick dorsum and an anticoagulant buffer that impedes hemolymph coagulation, allowing constant extravasation and ensuring high yields. Additionally, the hemocytes recovered with this protocol are intact and can be used for further analysis. The high-quality hemolymph obtained using this protocol and its applications will help to better understand the processes involving the hemolymph and its components. Although there are other hemolymph extraction protocols, the method developed here is very well suited for Rhipicephalus microplus, and in our experience, results in better yields and high-quality samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Aguilar-Díaz
- Unidad de Artropodología del Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, INIFAP, Carretera Federal Cuernavaca-Cuautla No. 8534, Progreso, 62550, Jiutepec, Morelos, Mexico,Corresponding author.
| | - Rosa Estela Quiroz-Castañeda
- Unidad de Anaplasmosis del Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, INIFAP, Carretera Federal Cuernavaca-Cuautla No. 8534, Progreso, 62550, Jiutepec, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Karina Salazar-Morales
- Unidad de Artropodología del Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, INIFAP, Carretera Federal Cuernavaca-Cuautla No. 8534, Progreso, 62550, Jiutepec, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Estefan Miranda-Miranda
- Unidad de Artropodología del Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Salud Animal e Inocuidad, INIFAP, Carretera Federal Cuernavaca-Cuautla No. 8534, Progreso, 62550, Jiutepec, Morelos, Mexico
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How Dopamine Influences Survival and Cellular Immune Response of Rhipicephalus microplus Inoculated with Metarhizium anisopliae. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7110950. [PMID: 34829237 PMCID: PMC8622812 DOI: 10.3390/jof7110950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) is a biogenic monoamine reported to modulate insect hemocytes. Although the immune functions of DA are known in insects, there is a lack of knowledge of DA’s role in the immune system of ticks. The use of Metarhizium anisopliae has been considered for tick control, driving studies on the immune response of these arthropods challenged with fungi. The present study evaluated the effect of DA on the cellular immune response and survival of Rhipicephalus microplus inoculated with M. anisopliae blastospores. Exogenous DA increased both ticks’ survival 72 h after M. anisopliae inoculation and the number of circulating hemocytes compared to the control group, 24 h after the treatment. The phagocytic index of tick hemocytes challenged with M. anisopliae did not change upon injection of exogenous DA. Phenoloxidase activity in the hemolymph of ticks injected with DA and the fungus or exclusively with DA was higher than in untreated ticks or ticks inoculated with the fungus alone, 72 h after treatment. DA was detected in the hemocytes of fungus-treated and untreated ticks. Unveiling the cellular immune response in ticks challenged with entomopathogenic fungi is important to improve strategies for the biological control of these ectoparasites.
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Muniz ER, Ribeiro-Silva CS, Arruda W, Keyhani NO, Fernandes ÉKK. The Msn2 Transcription Factor Regulates Acaricidal Virulence in the Fungal Pathogen Beauveria bassiana. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:690731. [PMID: 34354961 PMCID: PMC8329533 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.690731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Beauveria bassiana holds promise as a feasible biological control agent for tick control. The B. bassiana stress–response transcription factor Msn2 is known to contribute to fungal growth, conidiogenesis, stress–response and virulence towards insects; however, little is known concerning whether Msn2 is involved in infection across Arthropoda classes. We evaluated the effects of Msn2 on B. bassiana virulence against Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari, Ixodidae) using wild-type, targeted gene knockout (ΔBbmsn2) and complemented mutant (ΔBbmsn2/Bbmsn2) strains. Reproductive parameters of R. microplus engorged females treated topically or by an intra-hemocoel injection of conidial suspensions were assessed. Treated cuticles of engorged females were analyzed by microscopy, and proteolytic activity of B. bassiana on cuticles was assessed. Topically treated engorged females showed high mean larval hatching (>84%) in control and ΔBbmsn2 treatments, whereas treatment with the wild-type or ΔBbmsn2/Bbmsn2 strains resulted in significantly decreased (lowered egg viability) larval hatching. Percent control of R. microplus topically treated with ΔBbmsn2 was lower than in the groups treated with wild-type (56.1%) or ΔBbmsn2/Bbmsn2 strains. However, no differences on reproductive parameters were detected when R. microplus were treated by intra-hemocoel injection using low (800 conidia/tick) doses for all strains tested; R. microplus injected with high doses of wild-type or mutant strains (106 conidia/tick) died before laying eggs (~48 h after treatment). SEM analyses of B. bassiana infection showed similar conidial germination and formation of pseudo-appressoria on tick cuticle. Histological sections of ticks treated with the wild-type or ΔBbmsn2/Bbmsn2 strains showed fungal penetration through the cuticle, and into the tick interior. Hyphae of ΔBbmsn2, however, did not appear to penetrate or breach the tick exocuticle 120 h after treatment. Protease activity was lower on tick cuticles treated with ΔBbmsn2 than those treated with the wild-type or ΔBbmsn2/Bbmsn2 strains. These data show that loss of the Msn2 transcription factor reduced B. bassiana virulence against R. microplus, but did not interfere with conidial germination, appressoria formation or sporulation on tick cadavers, and plays only a minimal role once the cuticle is breached. Our results indicate that the BbMsn2 transcription factor acts mainly during the fungal penetration process and that decreased protease production may be one mechanism that contributes to the inability of the mutant strain to breach the tick cuticle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elen R Muniz
- Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil.,Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Cárita S Ribeiro-Silva
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Walquíria Arruda
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Nemat O Keyhani
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Éverton K K Fernandes
- Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil.,Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
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Ebani VV, Mancianti F. Entomopathogenic Fungi and Bacteria in a Veterinary Perspective. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10060479. [PMID: 34071435 PMCID: PMC8229426 DOI: 10.3390/biology10060479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Several fungal species are well suited to control arthropods, being able to cause epizootic infection among them and most of them infect their host by direct penetration through the arthropod’s tegument. Most of organisms are related to the biological control of crop pests, but, more recently, have been applied to combat some livestock ectoparasites. Among the entomopathogenic bacteria, Bacillus thuringiensis, innocuous for humans, animals, and plants and isolated from different environments, showed the most relevant activity against arthropods. Its entomopathogenic property is related to the production of highly biodegradable proteins. Entomopathogenic fungi and bacteria are usually employed against agricultural pests, and some studies have focused on their use to control animal arthropods. However, risks of infections in animals and humans are possible; thus, further studies about their activity are necessary. Abstract The present study aimed to review the papers dealing with the biological activity of fungi and bacteria against some mites and ticks of veterinary interest. In particular, the attention was turned to the research regarding acarid species, Dermanyssus gallinae and Psoroptes sp., which are the cause of severe threat in farm animals and, regarding ticks, also pets. Their impact on animal and human health has been stressed, examining the weaknesses and strengths of conventional treatments. Bacillus thuringiensis, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae are the most widely employed agents. Their activities have been reviewed, considering the feasibility of an in-field application and the effectiveness of the administration alone or combined with conventional and alternative drugs is reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Virginia Ebani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-050-221-6968
| | - Francesca Mancianti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Nicaretta JE, Dos Santos JB, Couto LFM, Heller LM, Cruvinel LB, de Melo Júnior RD, de Assis Cavalcante AS, Zapa DMB, Ferreira LL, de Oliveira Monteiro CM, Soares VE, Lopes WDZ. Evaluation of rotational grazing as a control strategy for Rhipicephalus microplus in a tropical region. Res Vet Sci 2020; 131:92-97. [PMID: 32325299 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Rhipicephalus microplus is the most significant tick of livestock and its control is particularly challenging due to its resistance to commercial acaricides. Pasture rotation is considered a management strategy that could help control R. microplus, however, the literature only contemplates mathematical models and little is known about the effects of this practice in the field. The objective of this work was to determine whether pasture rotation is an efficient method for controlling R. microplus. Two different experiments were performed that involved groups of continuous and rotational grazing bovines. Female ticks measuring 4.5-8.0 mm were counted on animals while larvae in pasture were counted using the flannel drag technique. Treatment for infested bovines was applied when the average group tick count was ≥30 females. The results showed that rotational grazing (with 20-day periods of rest) had a higher tick count on-host than continuous grazing (P < 0.05) and additional bovine treatment was needed. Sixty and 105 days were needed to re-infest and disinfest pasture of R. microplus larvae, respectively. The first treatment of bovines occurred 91 days after the animals were placed in a closed area. The results indicate that rotational grazing is not an efficient way to control R. microplus.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Eduardo Nicaretta
- Centro de Parasitologia Veterinária, Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Jordana Belos Dos Santos
- Centro de Parasitologia Veterinária, Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Luiz Fellipe Monteiro Couto
- Centro de Parasitologia Veterinária, Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Luciana Maffini Heller
- Centro de Parasitologia Veterinária, Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Bueno Cruvinel
- Centro de Parasitologia Veterinária, Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Rubens Dias de Melo Júnior
- Centro de Parasitologia Veterinária, Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | | | - Dina María Beltrán Zapa
- Centro de Parasitologia Veterinária, Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Lorena Lopes Ferreira
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Caio Márcio de Oliveira Monteiro
- Centro de Parasitologia Veterinária, Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil; Departamento de Biociências e Tecnologia, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | | | - Welber Daniel Zanetti Lopes
- Centro de Parasitologia Veterinária, Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil; Departamento de Biociências e Tecnologia, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
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Fiorotti J, Menna-Barreto RFS, Gôlo PS, Coutinho-Rodrigues CJB, Bitencourt ROB, Spadacci-Morena DD, Angelo IDC, Bittencourt VREP. Ultrastructural and Cytotoxic Effects of Metarhizium robertsii Infection on Rhipicephalus microplus Hemocytes. Front Physiol 2019; 10:654. [PMID: 31191351 PMCID: PMC6548823 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Metarhizium is an entomopathogenic fungus widely employed in the biological control of arthropods. Hemocytes present in the hemolymph of invertebrates are the cells involved in the immune response of arthropods. Despite this, knowledge about Rhipicephalus microplus hemocytes morphological aspects as well as their role in response to the fungal infection is scarce. The present study aimed to analyze the hemocytes of R. microplus females after Metarhizium robertsii infection, using light and electron microscopy approaches associated with the cytotoxicity evaluation. Five types of hemocytes (prohemocytes, spherulocytes, plasmatocytes, granulocytes, and oenocytoids) were described in the hemolymph of uninfected ticks, while only prohemocytes, granulocytes, and plasmatocytes were observed in fungus-infected tick females. Twenty-four hours after the fungal infection, only granulocytes and plasmatocytes were detected in the transmission electron microscopy analysis. Hemocytes from fungus-infected tick females showed several cytoplasmic vacuoles with different electron densities, and lipid droplets in close contact to low electron density vacuoles, as well as the formation of autophagosomes and subcellular material in different stages of degradation could also be observed. M. robertsii propagules were more toxic to tick hemocytes in the highest concentration tested (1.0 × 108 conidia mL-1). Interestingly, the lowest fungus concentration did not affect significantly the cell viability. Microanalysis showed that cells granules from fungus-infected and uninfected ticks had similar composition. This study addressed the first report of fungal cytotoxicity analyzing ultrastructural effects on hemocytes of R. microplus infected with entomopathogenic fungi. These results open new perspectives for the comprehension of ticks physiology and pathology, allowing the identification of new targets for the biological control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Fiorotti
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil
| | | | - Patrícia Silva Gôlo
- Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo Oliveira Barbosa Bitencourt
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil
| | | | - Isabele da Costa Angelo
- Departamento de Epidemiologia e Saúde Pública, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil
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