The phylogeny and evolution of host choice in the Hippoboscoidea (Diptera) as reconstructed using four molecular markers

Morphology of the wings and attachment apparatus in the evolution of the family Hippoboscidae (Diptera)

Using a complex analysis of the molecular genetics, morphological, and ecological characteristics of Hippoboscidae flies, the phylogenetic structure and trends in the evolution of morphological characters that contribute to the ectoparasitic lifestyle of hippoboscid flies of the north of Eurasia were studied for the first time. The research was carried out on 26 Palearctic species from 10 genera. The analysis of molecular phylogeny revealed the levels of clustering of the family with the species predominantly parasitizing mammals or birds, the time of cluster formation, and the divergence of species in the Palearctic conditions. An independent adaptation to birds occurred in the genera Icosta, Pseudolynchia, Ornithoica, and others. Bird parasites are characterized by bifid tarsal claws, long hooks on pulvilli, and long empodium setae (except genus Ornithoica). Mammalian parasites are characterized by simple tarsal claws, short lobes of hooks on pulvilli, and zones on empodium with short setae. Specialization in empodium and pulvillus morphotypes and wing reduction are higher diverged in mammalian parasites than in bird parasites. The decrease of flight ability and wing reduction independently arose in different subfamilies of Hippoboscidae flies. Our results assume that the tribe Ornithomyini is a paraphyletic group, since, according to the complex of morphological features, the genus Ornithoica can be considered a separate lineage of evolution.

Diversity of bartonellae in mites (Acari: Mesostigmata: Macronyssidae and Spinturnicidae) of boreal forest bats: Association of host specificity of mites and habitat selection of hosts with vector potential

Research into various bacterial pathogens that can be transmitted between different animals and may have zoonotic potential has led to the discovery of different strains of Bartonella sp. in bats and their associated ectoparasites. Despite their enormous species diversity, only a few studies have focussed on the detection of bacterial pathogens in insectivorous bats of boreal forests and their associated Macronyssidae and Spinturnicidae mites. We collected and molecularly analysed mite samples from forest-dwelling bat species distributed all along the boreal belt of the Palearctic, from Central Europe to Far East. Ectoparasitic mites were pooled for DNA extraction and DNA amplification polymerase chain reaction (PCRs) were conducted to detect the presence of various bacterial (Anaplasmataceae, Bartonella sp., Rickettsia sp., Mycoplasma sp.) and protozoal (Hepatozoon sp.) pathogens. Bartonella sp. DNA was detected in four different mite species (Macronyssidae: Steatonyssus periblepharus and Spinturnicidae: Spinturnix acuminata, Sp. myoti and Sp. mystacinus), with different prevalences of the targeted gene (gltA, 16-23S ribosomal RNA intergenic spacer and ftsZ). Larger pools (>5 samples pooled) were more likely to harbour Bartonella sp. DNA, than smaller ones. In addition, cave-dwelling bat hosts and host generalist mite species are more associated with Bartonella spp. presence. Spinturnicidae mites may transmit several distinct Bartonella strains, which cluster phylogenetically close to Bartonella species known to cause diseases in humans and livestock. Mites with ubiquitous presence may facilitate the long-term maintenance (and even local recurrence) of Bartonella-infestations inside local bat populations, thus acting as continuous reservoirs for Bartonella spp in bats.

Ornithomya biloba, Pseudolynchia garzettae and Pseudolynchia canariensis (Diptera: Hippoboscidae): three new United Kingdom colonists and potential disease vectors

In the northern hemisphere, many species' ranges are shifting northwards with climate change. Here I present evidence, from the first large-scale citizen science study of the Hippoboscidae in the United Kingdom, for the colonisation of the United Kingdom by three species of Diptera in the family Hippoboscidae, which are obligate ectoparasites of birds. The Swallow Louse Fly, Ornithomya biloba; the Nightjar Louse Fly, Pseudolynchia garzettae and the Pigeon Louse Fly, Pseudolynchia canariensis were previously considered to be vagrants from more southerly latitudes but the presence of a pair taken possibly in the act of copulation, gravid females and the increase in numbers of the various species provides good evidence of local breeding activity. I discuss the potential for further northwards range shift and whether the presence of three new species of parasite may have implications for the spread of avian disease within the region. I also include a concise key to the genus Pseudolynchia and images of P. canariensis, P. garzettae and O. biloba to aid further identification of these species in the region.

Contributions to our knowledge on avian louse flies (Hippoboscidae: Ornithomyinae) with the first European record of the African species Ornithoctona laticornis

BACKGROUND

Louse flies (Diptera, Hippoboscidae) are important blood-sucking parasites of birds and mammals with a worldwide distribution. The aim of our study was to collect louse flies from birds across multiple sites in Hungary and evaluate the effects of avian traits on louse fly-host relationships.

METHODS

Between 2015 and 2022, 237 louse flies were collected from birds at multiple locations in Hungary. The louse flies were identified to species level by morphological and molecular methods. Louse fly species and their seasonal dynamics were analyzed.

RESULTS

Six louse fly species were identified: Ornithomya avicularia, Ornithomya fringillina, Ornithomya biloba, Ornithomya chloropus, Ornithoica turdi and Ornithoctona laticornis. Results of statistical analyses indicated that habitat, migration habits and the feeding places of birds have significant effects on their possible role as hosts of O. avicularia, O. fringillina and O. turdi. Analysis of the temporal distribution of avian louse flies showed different seasonal patterns according to species. Phylogenetic analyses highlighted that O. turdi clustered separately from other members of the subfamily Ornithomyinae which thus did not form a monophyletic group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study presents one of the longest continuous collections of ornithophilic louse fly species in Europe so far. Avian traits were shown to influence louse-fly infestation. To our best knowledge, this is the first report on O. laticornis in Europe. The ability of this African louse fly species to survive in Europe, as demonstrated in the present study, may be an indication of its future establishment. Our findings, in accordance with previous reports, also indicated that the subfamily Ornithomyinae should be taxonomically revised.

First report of the morphological and molecular characterization of Pseudolynchia canariensis (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) from Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia

This study aims to study the morphological and molecular characterization of (Pseudolynchia canariensis; Macquart, 1839)in the Al-Baha region of Saudi Arabia. Ninety-four pigeons were obtained from traditional pigeon breeding farms of the Al-Baha region, and fly samples were collected. Taxonomic keys were used to define the morphology of flies, whereas molecular characteristics were identified based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1. The rate of Pseudolynchia canariensis infestation in the examined pigeons was 44.5%. The genetic sequences of the fly samples were deposited in GenBank (accession number OQ073507). The match rate between the fly samples from the present study and those previously recorded in GenBank (accession numbers: EF531220, OM073981, and MW853922) displayed 99.66%. This study demonstrates that Pseudolynchia canariensis is common in the Al-Baha region; thus, further studies are required to detect other species from the same genus and their geographical distribution.

Infection status and molecular detection of pathogens carried by ectoparasites of Miniopterus fuliginosus bats in Yunnan, China

Bats serve as natural hosts for various infectious agents that can affect both humans and animals, and they are geographically widespread. In recent years, the prevalence of bat-associated pathogens has surged on a global scale, consequently generating significant interest in bats and their ectoparasites. In this study, we specifically selected the Miniopterus fuliginosus as the host and conducted bat captures in Nanjian Yi Autonomous County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, and the other in Mouding Township, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, located in Yunnan Province, China. Ectoparasites were meticulously collected from the bat body surface, alongside blood samples for subsequent analyses. Following collection, the ectoparasites were methodically identified and subjected to comprehensive ecological analysis. Additionally, DNA was extracted from both the bat blood and bat flies, with conventional PCR techniques utilized for molecular screening of four pathogens: Anaplasma sp., Babesia sp., Hepatozoon sp., and Bartonella sp. The capture efforts yielded a total of 37 M. fuliginosus, from which 388 ectoparasites were recovered, including 197 gamasid mites (Cr = 50.77%, PM = 94.59%, MA = 5.32, MI = 5.63) and 191 bat flies (Cr = 49.23%, PM = 75.68%, MA = 5.16, MI = 6.82). Notably, Steatonyssus nyctali (Y = 0.28, m*/m = 2.44) and Nycteribia allotopa (Y = 0.23,m*/m = 1.54) predominated among different individuals of M. fuliginosus, exhibiting an aggregated distribution pattern. The infection rates of Bartonella sp. were identified to be 18.92% (7/37) among bats and 37.17% (71/191) among bat flies, based on the testing of 37 bats and 191 bat flies. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the Bartonella sequences exhibited similarity to those found in bats and bat flies within China and South Korea. This study not only contributes to our comprehension of ectoparasite infection in M. fuliginosus but also establishes a foundation for potential exploration of their role as vectors.

Phylogenomic analysis of Tachinidae (Diptera: Calyptratae: Oestroidea): a transcriptomic approach to understanding the subfamily relationships

Tachinidae is the second most species-rich family of Diptera. It comprises four subfamilies, and all of its members have parasitoid habits. We present the first phylogenomic analysis of Tachinidae using transcriptomic data, based on 30 species. We constructed four datasets: three using translated data at the amino acid level (100% coverage, with 106 single-copy protein-coding genes; 75% coverage, with 1359 genes; and 50% coverage, with 1942 genes). The trees were estimated by analysing four matrices using maximum likelihood and maximum parsimony inferences, and only minor differences were found among them. Overall, our topologies are well resolved, with high node support. Polleniidae is corroborated as a sister group to Tachinidae. Within Tachinidae, our results confirm the hypothesis (Phasiinae + Dexiinae) + (Tachininae + Exoristinae). Phasiinae, Dexiinae and Exoristinae are recovered as monophyletic, and Tachininae as polyphyletic. Once again, the tribe Myiophasiini (Tachininae) composes a fifth lineage, clade sister to all the remaining Tachinidae. The Neotropical tribe Iceliini, formerly in Tachininae, is recovered within Exoristinae, sister to Winthemiini. In general, our results are congruent with recent phylogenetic studies that include tachinids, with the important confirmation of the subfamilial relationships and the existence of a fifth lineage of Tachinidae.

Genome analysis of "Candidatus Aschnera chinzeii," the bacterial endosymbiont of the blood-sucking bat fly Penicillidia jenynsii (Insecta: Diptera: Nycteribiidae)

Insect-microbe endosymbiotic associations are omnipresent in nature, wherein the symbiotic microbes often play pivotal biological roles for their host insects. In particular, insects utilizing nutritionally imbalanced food sources are dependent on specific microbial symbionts to compensate for the nutritional deficiency via provisioning of B vitamins in blood-feeding insects, such as tsetse flies, lice, and bedbugs. Bat flies of the family Nycteribiidae (Diptera) are blood-sucking ectoparasites of bats and shown to be associated with co-speciating bacterial endosymbiont "Candidatus Aschnera chinzeii," although functional aspects of the microbial symbiosis have been totally unknown. In this study, we report the first complete genome sequence of Aschnera from the bristled bat fly Penicillidia jenynsii. The Aschnera genome consisted of a 748,020 bp circular chromosome and a 18,747 bp circular plasmid. The chromosome encoded 603 protein coding genes (including 3 pseudogenes), 33 transfer RNAs, and 1 copy of 16S/23S/5S ribosomal RNA operon. The plasmid contained 10 protein coding genes, whose biological function was elusive. The genome size, 0.77 Mbp, was drastically reduced in comparison with 4-6 Mbp genomes of free-living γ-proteobacteria. Accordingly, the Aschnera genome was devoid of many important functional genes, such as synthetic pathway genes for purines, pyrimidines, and essential amino acids. On the other hand, the Aschnera genome retained complete or near-complete synthetic pathway genes for biotin (vitamin B7), tetrahydrofolate (vitamin B9), riboflavin (vitamin B2), and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (vitamin B6), suggesting that Aschnera provides these vitamins and cofactors that are deficient in the blood meal of the host bat fly. Similar retention patterns of the synthetic pathway genes for vitamins and cofactors were also observed in the endosymbiont genomes of other blood-sucking insects, such as Riesia of human lice, Arsenophonus of louse flies, and Wigglesworthia of tsetse flies, which may be either due to convergent evolution in the blood-sucking host insects or reflecting the genomic architecture of Arsenophonus-allied bacteria.

Launching insectphylo.org; a new hub facilitating construction and use of synthesis molecular phylogenies of insects

The Holy Grail of an Insect Tree of Life can only be 'discovered' through extensive collaboration among taxon specialists, phylogeneticists and centralized frameworks such as Open Tree of Life, but insufficient effort from stakeholders has so far hampered this promising approach. The resultant unavailability of synthesis phylogenies is an unfortunate situation given the numerous practical usages of phylogenies in the near term and against the backdrop of the ongoing biodiversity crisis. To resolve this issue, we establish a new online hub that centralizes the collation of relevant phylogenetic data and provides the resultant synthesis molecular phylogenies. This is achieved through key developments in a proposed pipeline for the construction of a species-level insect phylogeny. The functionality of the framework is demonstrated through the construction of a highly supported, species-comprehensive phylogeny of Diptera, built from integrated omics data, COI DNA barcodes, and a compiled database of over 100 standardized, published Diptera phylogenies. Machine-readable forms of the phylogeny (and subsets thereof) are publicly available at insectphylo.org, a new public repository for species-comprehensive phylogenies for biological research.

Hershkovitzia (Diptera: Nycteribiidae): revision, phylogeny, and cophylogeny

Hershkovitzia Guimares & DAndretta, 1956 belongs to Nycteribiidae (Diptera), a family of hematophagous and obligate ectoparasites of bats. Hershkovitzia parasitize bats in the Thyropteridae family, which includes only one genus, Thyroptera Spix, 1823. Hershkovitzia species mostly have a one-to-one association pattern with their hosts, except for H. cabala Peterson & Lacey, 1985 and Hershkovitzia autinoae sp. nov., which share the same host. A review is presented of the species known to date, i.e., H. primitiva Guimares & DAndretta, 1956, H. coeca Theodor, 1967, H. inaequalis Theodor, 1967, H. cabala, and H. mariae Hrycyna, Santos, Rbelo & Graciolli, 2022, and a new species, H. autinoae sp. nov., is described herein. A parsimony analysis of Hershkovitzia was carried out based on a matrix of morphological characters. A cophylogenetic analysis of these parasites and their hosts was performed using a phylogeny of Thyroptera based on a modified version of a previously-published character matrix. As a result, both Hershkovitzia and Thyroptera are monophyletic. Hershkovitzia was divided and organized into two morphological groups based on its phylogeny. As the host of H. coeca is not known, five hypothetical coevolutionary scenarios were performed with each species of Thyroptera. For each coevolutionary scenario only one solution was generated, and all scenarios indicate that the hypothetical ancestor of Hershkovitzia emerged together with the hypothetical ancestor of Thyroptera. An identification key to Hershkovitzia species is presented together with schematic drawings of the abdomen, head, and legs of each species.

Exploring the relationship between bats (Mammalia, Chiroptera) and ectoparasitic flies (Diptera, Hippoboscoidea) of the Orinoquia Region in South America

Bat flies (Nycteribiidae and Streblidae) have been used to study co-evolutionary patterns between ectoparasites and bats. In the world, Nycteribiidae and Streblidae are represented by approximately 276 and 237 species, respectively. In regions such as the Orinoquia located in the north of South America (Colombia and Venezuela), the richness of bats is high (more than 100 documented species), but studies on Nycteribiidae and Streblidae are scarce and discontinuous. To contribute to the knowledge of ectoparasitic flies in the Orinoquia, records of flies and their interactions with bats were reviewed, including new records and associations using interaction networks. We documented 124 species of Streblidae and only 12 of Nycteribiidae for the Orinoquia in approximately 102 bat species reported in Colombia and Venezuela. New records for six species of bat flies in Colombia were found (Mastopteraguimaraesi, Noctiliostreblamaai, Paradyschiriaparvuloides, Trichobiusjubatus, Trichobiusparasiticus, and Basiliaferrisi) associated with six species of bats (Cynomopsplanirostris, Desmodusrotundus, Myotishandleyi, Molossusrufus, Noctilioalbiventris, and Phyllostomushastatus). The bat-ectoparasite interaction networks in the Orinoquia revealed a pattern of antagonistic relationships, with high specialization, modularity, and low connectivity and nesting. The identified networks are between bat fly species belonging to different ecomorphological groups with unique host species. This supports the idea of ecological niche partitioning among ectoparasitic bat flies and hosts. Our study expanded the knowledge of the distribution of some fly species and the associations with bat hosts in Colombia, by presenting morphological descriptions and new observations, which are key to understanding the ecology, diversity, and distribution of these species.

Efficiency of mitochondrial genes and nuclear Alu elements in detecting human DNA in blood meals of Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes: a time-course study

BACKGROUND

The time required for PCR detection of DNA in human blood meals in vector mosquitoes may vary, depending on the molecular markers used, based on the size and copy number of the amplicons. Detailed knowledge of the blood-feeding behavior of mosquito populations in nature is an essential component for evaluating their vectorial capacity and for assessing the roles of individual vertebrates as potential hosts involved in the transmission of vector-borne diseases.

METHODS

Laboratory experiments were conducted to compare the time course of PCR detection of DNA in human blood meals from individual blood-fed Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes, using loci with different characteristics, including two mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genes, cytB (228 bp) and 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) (157 bp) and nuclear Alu-repeat elements (226 bp) at different time points after the blood meal.

RESULTS

Human DNA was detectable up to 84-120 h post-blood-feeding, depending on the length and copy number of the loci. Our results suggest that 16S rRNA and Alu-repeat markers can be successfully recovered from human DNA up to 5 days post-blood-meal. The 16S rDNA and Alu-repeat loci have a significantly (P = 0.008) slower decline rate than the cytB locus. Median detection periods (T50) for the amplicons were 117, 113 and 86.4 h for Alu-repeat, 16S rDNA and cytB, respectively, suggesting an inverse linear relationship between amplicon size/copy number and digestion time.

CONCLUSION

This comparative study shows that the Alu-repeat locus is the most efficient marker for time-course identification of human DNA from blood meals in female mosquitoes. It is also a promising tool for determining the anthropophilic index (AI) or human blood index (HBI), i.e. the proportion of blood meals from humans, which is often reported as a relative measure of anthropophagy of different mosquito vectors, and hence a measure of the vector competence of mosquito species collected in the field.

Molecular pathogen screening of louse flies (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) from domestic and wild ruminants in Austria

BACKGROUND

Hippoboscid flies (Diptera: Hippoboscidae), also known as louse flies or keds, are obligate blood-sucking ectoparasites of animals, and accidentally of humans. The potential role of hippoboscids as vectors of human and veterinary pathogens is being increasingly investigated, but the presence and distribution of infectious agents in louse flies is still unknown in parts of Europe. Here, we report the use of molecular genetics to detect and characterize vector-borne pathogens in hippoboscid flies infesting domestic and wild animals in Austria.

METHODS

Louse flies were collected from naturally infested cattle (n = 25), sheep (n = 3), and red deer (n = 12) across Austria between 2015 and 2019. Individual insects were morphologically identified to species level and subjected to DNA extraction for molecular pathogen screening and barcoding. Genomic DNA from each louse fly was screened for Borrelia spp., Bartonella spp., Trypanosomatida, Anaplasmataceae, Filarioidea and Piroplasmida. Obtained sequences of Trypanosomatida and Bartonella spp. were further characterized by phylogenetic and haplotype networking analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 282 hippoboscid flies corresponding to three species were identified: Hippobosca equina (n = 62) collected from cattle, Melophagus ovinus (n = 100) from sheep and Lipoptena cervi (n = 120) from red deer (Cervus elaphus). Molecular screening revealed pathogen DNA in 54.3% of hippoboscids, including infections with single (63.39%), two (30.71%) and up to three (5.90%) distinct pathogens in the same individual. Bartonella DNA was detected in 36.9% of the louse flies. Lipoptena cervi were infected with 10 distinct and previously unreported Bartonella sp. haplotypes, some closely associated with strains of zoonotic potential. DNA of trypanosomatids was identified in 34% of hippoboscids, including the first description of Trypanosoma sp. in H. equina. Anaplasmataceae DNA (Wolbachia spp.) was detected only in M. ovinus (16%), while < 1% of the louse flies were positive for Borrelia spp. and Filarioidea. All hippoboscids were negative for Piroplasmida.

CONCLUSIONS

Molecular genetic screening confirmed the presence of several pathogens in hippoboscids infesting domestic and wild ruminants in Austria, including novel pathogen haplotypes of zoonotic potential (e.g. Bartonella spp.) and the first report of Trypanosoma sp. in H. equina, suggesting a potential role of this louse fly as vector of animal trypanosomatids. Experimental transmission studies and expanded monitoring of hippoboscid flies and hippoboscid-associated pathogens are warranted to clarify the competence of these ectoparasites as vectors of infectious agents in a One-Health context.

The evolution of sanguivory in vampire bats: origins and convergences

Blood-feeding (sanguivory) has evolved more than two dozen times among birds, fishes, insects, arachnids, molluscs, crustaceans, and annelids; however, among mammals, it is restricted to the vampire bats. Here, the authors revisit the question of how it evolved in that group. Evidence to date suggests that the ancestors of phyllostomids were insectivorous, and that carnivory, omnivory, and nectarivory evolved among phyllostomids after vampire bats diverged. Frugivory likely also evolved after vampire bats diverged, but the phylogeny is ambiguous on that point. However, vampire bats lack any genetic evidence of a frugivorous past, and the behavioural progression from frugivory to sanguivory is difficult to envision. Thus, the most parsimonious scenario is that sanguivory evolved in an insectivorous ancestor to vampire bats via ectoparasite-eating, wound-feeding, or some combination of the two—all feeding habits found among blood-feeding birds today. Comparing vampire bats with other sanguivores, the authors find several remarkable examples of convergence. Further, it was found that blood-feeding has been ca. 50 times more likely to evolve in a vertebrate lineage than in an invertebrate one. The authors hypothesize that this difference exists because vertebrates are more likely than invertebrates to have the biochemical necessities required to assimilate the components of vertebrate blood.

The genome of sheep ked (Melophagus ovinus) reveals potential mechanisms underlying reproduction and narrower ecological niches

BACKGROUND

Melophagus ovinus is considered to be of great veterinary health significance. However, little is known about the information on genetic mechanisms of the specific biological characteristics and novel methods for controlling M. ovinus.

RESULTS

In total, the de novo genome assembly of M. ovinus was 188.421 Mb in size (330 scaffolds, N50 Length: 10.666 Mb), with a mean GC content of 27.74%. A total of 13,372 protein-coding genes were functionally annotated. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the diversification of M. ovinus and Glossina fuscipes took place 72.76 Mya within the Late Cretaceous. Gene family expansion and contraction analysis revealed that M. ovinus has 65 rapidly-evolving families (26 expansion and 39 contractions) mainly involved DNA metabolic activity, transposases activity, odorant receptor 59a/67d-like, IMD domain-containing protein, and cuticle protein, etc. The universal and tightly conserved list of milk protein orthologues has been assembled from the genome of M. ovinus. Contractions and losses of sensory receptors and vision-associated Rhodopsin genes were significant in M. ovinus, which indicate that the M. ovinus has narrower ecological niches.

CONCLUSIONS

We sequenced, assembled, and annotated the whole genome sequence of M. ovinus, and launches into the preliminary genetic mechanisms analysis of the adaptive evolution characteristics of M. ovinus. These resources will provide insights to understand the biological underpinnings of this parasite and the disease control strategies.

Louse flies holding on mammals' hair: Comparative functional morphology of specialized attachment devices of ectoparasites (Diptera: Hippoboscoidea)

Hippoboscidae and Nycteribiidae of the dipteran superfamily Hippoboscoidea are obligate ectoparasites, which feed on the blood of different mammals. Due to their limited flight capability, the attachment system on all tarsi is of great importance for a secure grasp onto their host and thus for their survival. In this study, the functional morphology of the attachment system of two hippoboscid species and two nycteribiid species was compared in their specificity to the host substrate. Based on data from scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy, it was shown that the attachment systems of both Hippoboscidae and Nycteribiidae (Hippoboscoidea) differ greatly from that of other calyptrate flies and are uniform within the respective families. All studied species have an attachment system with two monodentate claws and two pulvilli. The claws and pulvilli of the Hippoboscidae are asymmetric, which is an adaptation to the fur of even-toed ungulates (Artiodactyla). The fur of these mammals possesses both, thinner woolen and thicker coat hair; thus, the asymmetry of the attachment system of the hippoboscid species enables a secure attachment to all surfaces of their hosts. The claws and pulvilli of the nyceribiid species do not show an asymmetry, since the fur of their bat (Chiroptera) hosts consists of hairs with the same thickness. The claws are important for the attachment to mammals' fur, because they enable a secure grip by mechanical interlocking of the hairs through the claws. Additionally, well-developed pulvilli are able to attach on thicker hairs of Artiodactyla or on smooth substrates such as the skin.

Biogeographical events, not cospeciation, might be the main drivers in the historical association between Noctiliostrebla species (Streblidae) and their bulldog bat hosts

The genus Noctiliostrebla Wenzel (Diptera: Streblidae) stands out for its high degree of specificity exhibited in relation to bat species of the genus Noctilio Linnaeus and provides an exciting system for understanding the history behind host–parasite associations. Here, we present a phylogeny of Noctiliostrebla based on an analysis of DNA sequences and morphological characters, along with cophylogenetic and biogeographical analyses. Our results strongly support the monophyly of Noctiliostrebla, but with uncertainties within the genus. With a low frequency of cospeciation events explaining the associations between hosts and parasites, cophylogenetic analyses did not show an overall congruence between the host and parasite phylogenies. Indeed, two parallel histories were recovered in the host–parasite associations, which might indicate that niche segregation is determined evolutionarily, facilitating the coexistence of parasites and promoting diversification. Biogeographical analysis showed a strong spatial congruence between disjunct distributions of Noctiliostrebla and major river basins in South America and with areas of higher elevation, which might be associated with the glacial periods throughout the Pliocene and Pleistocene. Overall, our findings suggest an agreement with the expectations of the ‘Stockholm paradigm’ framework, in which biogeographical events and ecological factors act as important components to explain the associations, instead of cospeciation events.

Molecular detection of novel Anaplasma sp . and zoonotic hemopathogens in livestock and their hematophagous biting keds (genus Hippobosca) from Laisamis, northern Kenya

Background: Livestock are key sources of livelihood among pastoral communities. Livestock productivity is chiefly constrained by pests and diseases. Due to inadequate disease surveillance in northern Kenya, little is known about pathogens circulating within livestock and the role of livestock-associated biting keds (genus Hippobosca) in disease transmission. We aimed to identify the prevalence of selected hemopathogens in livestock and their associated blood-feeding keds. Methods: We randomly collected 389 blood samples from goats (245), sheep (108), and donkeys (36), as well as 235 keds from both goats and sheep (116), donkeys (11), and dogs (108) in Laisamis, Marsabit County, northern Kenya. We screened all samples for selected hemopathogens by high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis and sequencing of PCR products amplified using primers specific to the genera: Anaplasma, Trypanosoma, Clostridium, Ehrlichia, Brucella, Theileria, and Babesia. Results: In goats, we detected Anaplasma ovis (84.5%), a novel Anaplasma sp. (11.8%), Trypanosoma vivax (7.3%), Ehrlichia canis (66.1%), and Theileria ovis (0.8%). We also detected A. ovis (93.5%), E. canis (22.2%), and T. ovis (38.9%) in sheep. In donkeys, we detected ' Candidatus Anaplasma camelii' (11.1%), T. vivax (22.2%), E. canis (25%), and Theileria equi (13.9%). In addition, keds carried the following pathogens; goat/sheep keds - T. vivax (29.3%) , Trypanosoma evansi (0.86%), Trypanosoma godfreyi (0.86%), and E. canis (51.7%); donkey keds - T. vivax (18.2%) and E. canis (63.6%); and dog keds - T. vivax (15.7%), T. evansi (0.9%), Trypanosoma simiae (0.9%) , E. canis (76%), Clostridium perfringens (46.3%), Bartonella schoenbuchensis (76%), and Brucella abortus (5.6%). Conclusions: We found that livestock and their associated ectoparasitic biting keds carry a number of infectious hemopathogens, including the zoonotic B. abortus. Dog keds harbored the most pathogens, suggesting dogs, which closely interact with livestock and humans, as key reservoirs of diseases in Laisamis. These findings can guide policy makers in disease control.

Low host specificity of Hippobosca equina infestation in different domestic animals and pigeon

This study aimed to highlight the low host specificity of Hippobosca equina (H. equina) that poses a danger in diseases transmission between different animal species as well as, identification of the collected flies using light microscope and molecular characterization of H. equina in Egypt. Two hundred and forty flies were collected weekly from different animal species from El-Faiyum, Al Qalyubia and Kafr El-Sheikh Governorates, Egypt at the period from May to September of 2020. Insects were phenotypically and genetically identified then classified into 170 (70.8%) males and 70 (29.2%) females. The highest prevalence of H. equina was noticed from mid-June to the end of August. The sequencing of COI gene of five H. equina fly collected from different hosts as (horse, pigeon, cattle, buffalo, and donkey) were submitted to the GenBank under the accession numbers of MZ452239, MZ452240, MZ461943, MZ461944, and MZ461945, respectively. For insect infestation control, fipronil and deltamethrin is monthly sprayed for animals, birds and their circumference give a best result in our control study in the field. Deltamethrin showed a success in the elimination process and control measures of external parasites of pigeon.

Avian Louse Flies and Their Trypanosomes: New Vectors, New Lineages and Host–Parasite Associations

Louse flies (Hippoboscidae) are permanent ectoparasites of birds and mammals. They have a cosmopolitan distribution with more than 200 described species. The aim of this study was to reveal host–vector–parasite associations between louse flies, birds, and trypanosomes. A total of 567 louse fly specimens belonging to 7 species were collected from birds at several localities in Czechia, including the rare species Ornithophila metallica and Ornithoica turdi. There was a significant difference in the occurrence of Ornithomya avicularia and Ornithomya fringillina on bird hosts according to their migratory status, O. fringillina being found more frequently on long-distance migrants. Trypanosomes were found in four species, namely, Ornithomya avicularia, O. fringillina, O. biloba, and Ornithoica turdi; the later three species are identified in this paper as natural trypanosome vectors for the first time. The prevalence of trypanosomes ranged between 5 and 19%, the highest being in O. biloba and the lowest being in O. fringillina. Phylogenetic analysis of the SSU rRNA gene revealed that a vast majority of trypanosomes from hippoboscids belong to the avian T. corvi/culicavium group B. Four new lineages were revealed in group B, with louse flies being probable vectors for some of these trypanosome lineages. We also confirmed the transcontinental distribution of several trypanosome lineages. Our results show that hippoboscids of several genera are probable vectors of avian trypanosomes.

Louse fly (Diptera, Hippoboscidae) associations with raptors in southern Canada, with new North American and European records

Louse flies (Diptera, Hippoboscidae) are ectoparasites often found on birds. As they spend most of their life on their host, they are not often collected or studied. Hence, little is known about their species richness and prevalence on raptors in Canada. In this study, louse flies were collected from 184 out of 1467 raptors examined during the 2020 fall migration in southern Ontario, Canada, giving an overall prevalence of 12.5%. In total, 256 louse fly specimens were collected (mean intensity = 1.41) representing four species (identified morphologically, with support of DNA barcoding): Icosta americana (91.9%), Ornithomya anchineuria (0.3%), O. avicularia (7.3%) and O. bequaerti (0.3%). Mite clusters were found on 42% of O. avicularia. This study also presents the first North American record for O. avicularia and the presence of O. bequaerti in Europe was confirmed for the first time. Based on the different parameters recorded during banding, it appears that the host species and the month play a part in the presence of louse flies on the host. Further study of louse flies is needed to better understand their prevalence across different bird groups and geographic distribution.

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The overall prevalence of louse flies on raptors was 12.5%.

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Host species and month influence the presence of louse flies.

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Ornithomya avicularia is recorded from North America for the first time.

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Ornithomya bequaerti is confirmed for the first time from Europe.

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Icosta americana was the most abundant louse fly (91.9%).

Detection of Candidatus Bartonella odocoilei n. sp. in Lipoptena mazamae associated with white-tailed deer in Campeche, Mexico

The deer ked Lipoptena mazamae (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) (Róndani), is a blood-feeding obligate ectoparasite of several species of deer and brocket. However, at present little information is available about its role as a vector of hemoparasites. Nonetheless, it is considered a competent vector for the transmission of Bartonella species. The aim of this study was performing the morphological and molecular identification of ked flies and to carry out the detection of Bartonella. We collected specimens from Chiná, Campeche, Mexico associated with white-tailed deer. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), of COI, gltA and rpoB genes, we were able to obtain the first barcode for L. mazamae from Mexico and identified a new species of Bartonella which was found with a prevalence of 73%. The data obtained in this study confirmed the presence of L. mazamae associated with white-tailed deer and its possible role as vector of Candidatus Bartonella odocoilei n. sp. in Mexico and we considered that it may also be present in white-tailed deer populations in the U.S.A. Additional investigations into Bartonella species associated with deer ked could provide further insight into their pathogenicity and its role as a zoonotic agent.

Relationship among bats, parasitic bat flies, and associated pathogens in Korea

Background

Bats are hosts for many ectoparasites and act as reservoirs for several infectious agents, some of which exhibit zoonotic potential. Here, species of bats and bat flies were identified and screened for microorganisms that could be mediated by bat flies.

Methods

Bat species were identified on the basis of their morphological characteristics. Bat flies associated with bat species were initially morphologically identified and further identified at the genus level by analyzing the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene. Different vector-borne pathogens and endosymbionts were screened using PCR to assess all possible relationships among bats, parasitic bat flies, and their associated organisms.

Results

Seventy-four bat flies were collected from 198 bats; 66 of these belonged to Nycteribiidae and eight to Streblidae families. All Streblidae bat flies were hosted by Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, known as the most common Korean bat. Among the 74 tested bat flies, PCR and nucleotide sequencing data showed that 35 (47.3%) and 20 (27.0%) carried Wolbachia and Bartonella bacteria, respectively, whereas tests for Anaplasma, Borrelia, Hepatozoon, Babesia, Theileria, and Coxiella were negative. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Wolbachia endosymbionts belonged to two different supergroups, A and F. One sequence of Bartonella was identical to that of Bartonella isolated from Taiwanese bats.

Conclusions

The vectorial role of bat flies should be checked by testing the same pathogen and bacterial organisms by collecting blood from host bats. This study is of great interest in the fields of disease ecology and public health owing to the bats’ potential to transmit pathogens to humans and/or livestock.

Graphical abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-05016-6.

Colour Preference of the Deer Ked Lipoptena fortisetosa (Diptera: Hippoboscidae)

Simple Summary

Insects use visual stimuli to find habitats, food, or a mate while moving around. This trait might be exploited to intercept flying insects to monitor their populations and reduce their presence. Among the various visual stimuli, colours are commonly used to attract insects. Lipoptena fortisetosa is a hematophagous deer ectoparasite native to Japan that has spread to several central European countries and was recently recorded in Italy. Measures to monitor and control L. fortisetosa would be helpful given its potential threat as a pathogen vector for animals and humans. The objective of this research was to assess the potential use of colour to attract and trap L. fortisetosa. The response of the winged adults was evaluated through an experimental trial carried out in a wooded area of Tuscany using differently coloured sticky panels as traps. Blue panels attracted the highest number while yellow panels showed the lowest performance. This preference for blue could be useful in the design of traps to reduce the population of this parasitic fly which, at certain times, can reach a very high density, causing annoyance to wildlife and humans visiting natural areas.

Abstract

Lipoptena fortisetosa, a deer ked native to Japan, has established itself in several European countries and was recently recorded in Italy. This hippoboscid ectoparasite can develop high density populations, causing annoyance to animals and concern regarding the potential risk of transmitting pathogens to humans. No monitoring or control methods for L. fortisetosa have been applied or tested up to now. This research evaluated the possible response of L. fortisetosa winged adults to different colours as the basis for a monitoring and control strategy. In the summer of 2020, a series of six differently coloured sticky panels were randomly set as traps in a wooded area used by deer for resting. The results indicated a clear preference of the deer ked for the blue panels that caught the highest number of flies during the experimental period. Lower numbers of flies were trapped on the red, green, black, and white panels, with the yellow panels recording the fewest captures. The response clearly demonstrates that this species displays a colour preference, and that coloured traps might be useful for monitoring and limiting this biting ectoparasite in natural areas harbouring wildlife and visited by people.

Ascodipteron sanmingensis sp. nov., a new bat fly (Hippoboscidae: streblid grade) from Fujian, China

BACKGROUND

The bat fly genus Ascodipteron Adensamer, 1896 currently contains 15 species, all of which occur in tropical and subtropical areas of the Eastern Hemisphere. A new species of endoparasitic bat fly, Ascodipteron sanmingensis sp. nov., was collected from the Great Himalayan Leaf-nosed Bat, Hipposideros armiger (Hodgson, 1853), during ecological studies on bats in Fujian, China.

NEW INFORMATION

A new species, Ascodipteron sanmingensis sp. nov., is described, based on dealate neosomic females and is supported by molecular data from a 368 bp fragment of the cytochrome B (Cytb) gene. Habitus and diagnostic details, as well as the attachment sites on the host, are documented with photographs. A detailed comparison of the new species with related species is provided and the new species is accommodated in the most recent key to the world species of Ascodipteron.

Molecular Characterization of Lipoptena fortisetosa from Environmental Samples Collected in North-Eastern Poland

Simple Summary

Lipoptenafortisetosa is an invasive, hematophagous insect, which lives on cervids and continues to spread across Europe. The species originated from the Far East and eastern Siberia. Besides wild animals, these ectoparasites can attack humans, companion animals, and livestock. These insects may also play a role in transmitting infectious diseases. The objective of this study was to confirm the presence of L.fortisetosa in north-eastern Poland and to characterize the examined population with the use of molecular methods. Deer keds were collected from six natural forests in the region of Warmia and Mazury. DNA of L.fortisetosa was extracted and subjected to molecular studies. Two species of deer keds (Lipoptenacervi and L.fortisetosa) were obtained in each location during field research. There were no differences in the sex distribution of these two ectoparasite species. During the research, more L.cervi than L.fortisetosa specimens were obtained. The studied insects were very closely related to specimens from Lithuania, the Czech Republic, and Japan. Our study indicates various ectoparasite lineages, and such research contributes to the improvement of basic knowledge on the distribution, genetic structure, and variability of the invasive ked fly L. fortisetosa.

Abstract

Recent years have witnessed an increase in the population of Lipoptenafortisetosa in Central Europe. The genetic profile of this ectoparasite has not been studied in Poland to date. The aim of the present study was to confirm the presence of L.fortisetosa in north-eastern Poland and to characterize the examined population with the use of molecular methods. Deer keds were collected between June and July 2019 in six natural, mixed forests. A fragment of the rRNA 16S gene was used as a marker to identify L.fortisetosa by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). DNA samples were sequenced in the last step. Six new locations of L. fortisetosa were confirmed. No significant differences were observed in the sex ratios of L. cervi and L. fortisetosa (L. cervi p-value = 0.74; L. fortisetosa p-value = 0.65). Significant differences were noted between the total size of L. cervi and L. fortisetosa populations (p-value < 0.001). The similarity to GenBank sequences ranged from 95.56% to 100%. The obtained nucleotide sequences were very closely related to L. fortisetosa sequences from Lithuania, the Czech Republic, and Japan. Molecular analyses revealed considerable genetic diversity, which could indicate that various ectoparasite lineages have spread throughout Europe.

Molecular characterization of Lipoptena cervi from environmental samples collected in Poland

The activity of Lipoptena cervi has intensified in Poland in recent years. The population genetics of this ectoparasite in Poland has never been described in the literature. The objectives of this study were to investigate the population genetics of L. cervi in selected regions of Poland, to evaluate molecular differences between L. cervi populations, and to determine phylogenetic relationships with other L. cervi sequences obtained in previous studies. In 2019, louse flies were sampled in natural mixed forests in five Polish voivodeships. Seven samples of L. cervi were collected from each voivodeship, and a total of 35 insects were analyzed molecularly. In the first step, Lipoptena spp. were identified to species level under a stereoscopic microscope. A fragment of the rRNA 16S gene was used as a marker to identify L. cervi by the PCR assay. The sequences were assigned accession numbers MT337409 to MT337416. A total of eight haplotypes were identified, two of which were dominant. In the obtained sequences, intraspecific pairwise genetic distances varied between 0.000 and 0.0496 (m = 0.0135; SD = 0.0149; SE = 0.0006; V = 110.11). Mean interpopulation diversity was d = 0.0135 (SE = 0.0027). The acquired nucleotide sequences were highly similar to the sequences from the Czech Republic (MF495940, AF322437), Lithuania (MN889542-MN889544) and Poland (MF541726–MF541729). The similarity with GenBank sequences ranged from 97.24% to 100%. This study revealed two dominant haplotypes of L. cervi in Poland, MT337410 and MT337413. Fragments of the analyzed sequences were detected in only one voivodeship. These findings suggest that the two dominant sequences are the oldest sequences that gave rise to the locally identified haplotypes. The lack of significant correlations with the sequences obtained in regions situated west of the research sites suggests the presence of other genetic populations in Europe.

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Eight new haplotypes with 0.000–0.0496 intraspecific pairwise genetic distance.

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Similarity with sequences from GenBank ranged from 97.24% to 100%.

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Two dominant haplotypes of L.cervi were observed in Central Europe.

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Part of the sequences have been discovered in single studied location.

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The lack of significant connections with sequences obtained from West Europe.

The prevalence, abundance, and molecular characterization of Lipoptena deer keds from cervids

The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence and abundance of deer keds on various cervids in Lithuania, to molecularly characterize the deer ked species based on mitochondrial COI and 16S rRNA genes, and to compare them with Lipoptena species found in other countries. A total of 11,939 deer keds (Lipoptena cervi and Lipoptena fortisetosa) was collected from the fur of 30 cervids in Lithuania between 2015 and 2019. The values of infestation with deer keds differed among the species of the hosts. Moose and red deer were more frequently infested with L. cervi than with L. fortisetosa, while L. fortisetosa was found more often on roe deer. Phylogenetic analysis of the COI and 16S rRNA genes of five Lipoptena species revealed 110 and 55 variable nucleotide positions, respectively. Among Lithuanian samples, three COI haplotypes of L. cervi and three haplotypes of L. fortisetosa were detected, while there was no variation observed in the 16S rRNA sequences analyzed with one haplotype of L. cervi and one haplotype of L. fortisetosa. This is the first study on L. cervi and L. fortisetosa parasitizing cervids and the first molecular characterization of these deer ked species in Lithuania.

Genetic diversity of Calliphora vicina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in the Iberian Peninsula based on cox1, 16S and ITS2 sequences

The study of Diptera at the scene of a crime can provide essential information for the interpretation of evidence. Phylogeographic reconstruction could help differentiate haplotypes of a dipteran species in a geographical area, clarifying, for example, the details of a possible relocation of a corpse. In addition, inferring the ancestral areas of distribution helps to understand the current status of the species and its biogeographic history. One of the most important species in forensic entomology is Calliphora vicina Rovineau-Desvoidy, 1830 (Diptera: Calliphoridae). The aim of this work is to increase our knowledge of this species in the Iberian Peninsula using 464 specimens from Spain and Portugal. These samples were identified using morphological keys and by molecular methods using fragments of the cox1, 16S and ITS2 genes. The phylogeographic history of these populations was inferred from haplotype networks and the reconstruction of ancestral areas of distribution. The molecular results corroborated the morphological identifications of the samples. Phylogeographic networks showed no geographical structure, as haplotypes are shared among almost all populations. reconstruct ancestral state in phylogenies analyses showed a high rate of movement among populations, possibly related to human activity. These results suggest that this species had a very rapid and recent spatial and demographic expansion throughout the Iberian Peninsula.

Molecular detection of Trypanosoma spp. in Lipoptena cervi and Lipoptena fortisetosa (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) and their potential role in the transmission of pathogens

The family Hippoboscidae is a less known group of blood-sucking flies. Deer ked are particularly important for animal health; they may act as potential vectors of disease to ungulates, and may transmit pathogens to animals and humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Trypanosoma (Megatrypanum) DNA in deer keds using molecular methods. Results prove the presence of Megatrypanum trypanosome DNA in the studied winged adult deer keds and this is the first detection of this pathogen in Lipoptena fortisetosa. In addition, this paper evidences the occurrence of L. fortisetosa in two new locations: one in the Białowieża Primeval Forest, and another in the Strzałowo Forest Inspectorate (Piska Forest), both in north-eastern Poland.

Keds, the enigmatic flies and their role as vectors of pathogens

Hippoboscid flies (Diptera: Hippoboscidae), commonly known as keds or louse flies, have been for long time overlooked by the scientific community, and their vector role of infectious agents to humans and domestic animals has been scantly investigated. This is partly due to the fact that the host range for most species is primarily restricted to wildlife, being rarely reported on domestic animals and humans. This led to a scarce scientific knowledge about their biology, ecology, behaviour, epidemiology as well as vector competence. However, the life history of some hippoboscid species, e.g., Melophagus ovinus, Lipoptena cervi and Hippobosca equina, suggests that these ectoparasites are important candidates to vector infectious disease agents (e.g., Rickettsia spp., Borrelia spp., Bartonella spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Theileria ovis). Indeed, the peculiar biological and behavioural traits (i.e., obligatory blood sucking and reproductive physiology) of many ked species make them a suitable pabulum for pathogen's multiplication and for their transmission to receptive hosts. Therefore, studies focusing on the ked bio-ecological aspects as well as on their vector role are advocated along with the control of keds affecting different animal species. This review discusses current information on keds, highlighting their importance as vectors of pathogens of medical and veterinary concern to all animal species, with a special focus on mammals.

Haemosporidian Parasites of Chilean Ducks: The Importance of Biogeography and Nonpasserine Hosts

Biogeography is known to have shaped the diversity and evolutionary history of avian haemosporidian parasites across the Neotropics. However, a paucity of information exists for the temperate Neotropics and especially from nonpasserine hosts. To understand the effect of biogeography in the temperate Neotropics on haemosporidians of nonpasserine hosts we screened ducks (Anseriformes) from central Chile for the presence of these parasites. Forty-two individuals of 4 duck species (Anas flavirostris, Anas georgica, Mareca sibilatrix, Spatula cyanoptera cyanoptera) were collected and assessed for haemosporidian parasite infections by real-time polymerase chain reaction screening and subsequent sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Haemoproteus (subgenus Haemoproteus) and Plasmodium were detected in 2 host species, A. georgica and S. c. cyanoptera, with no Leucocytozoon found. Overall haemosporidian prevalence was low (14.2%), with the prevalence of Plasmodium (11.9%) being substantially greater than that of Haemoproteus (4.8%). Six haemosporidian cytochrome b lineages were recovered, 2 Haemoproteus and 4 Plasmodium, with all 6 lineages identified for the first time. In phylogenetic reconstruction, the Chilean Plasmodium lineages were more closely related to South American lineages from passerine birds than to known lineages from anseriforms. The subgenus Haemoproteus known from nonpasseriformes has never been identified from any anseriform host; however, we recovered 2 lineages from this subgenus, one from each A. georgica and S. c. cyanoptera. Further work is needed to determine if this presents true parasitism in ducks or only a spillover infection. The results of phylogenetic reconstruction demonstrate a unique evolutionary history of these Chilean parasites, differing from what is known for this host group. The unique geography of Chile, with a large part of the country being relatively isolated by the Atacama Desert in the north and the Andes in the east and south, would present opportunities for parasite diversification. Further work is needed to investigate how strongly the biogeographical isolation has shaped the haemosporidian parasites of this area. Our results add to the growing body of evidence that nonpasserine hosts support unique lineages of haemosporidian parasites, while also demonstrating the role of biogeography in haemosporidian parasite diversity in the temperate Neotropics.

Detection of blood pathogens in camels and their associated ectoparasitic camel biting keds, Hippobosca camelina: the potential application of keds in xenodiagnosis of camel haemopathogens

Background: Major constraints to camel production include pests and diseases. In northern Kenya, little information is available about blood-borne pathogens circulating in one-humped camels ( Camelus dromedarius) or their possible transmission by the camel haematophagous ectoparasite, Hippobosca camelina, commonly known as camel ked or camel fly. This study aimed to: (i) identify the presence of potentially insect-vectored pathogens in camels and camel keds, and (ii) assess the potential utility of keds for xenodiagnosis of camel pathogens that they may not vector.

Methods: In Laisamis, northern Kenya, camel blood samples (n = 249) and camel keds (n = 117) were randomly collected from camels. All samples were screened for trypanosomal and camelpox DNA by PCR, and for Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Brucella, Coxiella, Theileria, and Babesia by PCR coupled with high-resolution melting (PCR-HRM) analysis.

Results: In camels, we detected Trypanosoma vivax (41%), Trypanosoma evansi (1.2%), and “ Candidatus Anaplasma camelii” (68.67%). In camel keds, we also detected T. vivax (45.3%), T. evansi (2.56%), Trypanosoma melophagium (1/117) (0.4%), and “ Candidatus Anaplasma camelii” (16.24 %). Piroplasms ( Theileria spp. and Babesia spp.), Coxiella burnetii, Brucella spp., Ehrlichia spp., and camel pox were not detected in any samples.

Conclusions: This study reveals the presence of epizootic pathogens in camels from northern Kenya. Furthermore, the presence of the same pathogens in camels and in keds collected from sampled camels suggests the potential use of these flies in xenodiagnosis of haemopathogens circulating in camels.

Detection of blood pathogens in camels and their associated ectoparasitic camel biting keds, Hippobosca camelina: the potential application of keds in xenodiagnosis of camel haemopathogens

Background: Major constraints to camel production include pests and diseases. In northern Kenya, little information is available about blood-borne pathogens circulating in one-humped camels ( Camelus dromedarius) or their possible transmission by the camel haematophagous ectoparasite, Hippobosca camelina, commonly known as camel ked or camel fly. This study aimed to: (i) identify the presence of potentially insect-vectored pathogens in camels and camel keds, and (ii) assess the potential utility of keds for xenodiagnosis of camel pathogens that they may not vector. Methods: In Laisamis, northern Kenya, camel blood samples (n = 249) and camel keds (n = 117) were randomly collected from camels. All samples were screened for trypanosomal and camelpox DNA by PCR, and for Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Brucella, Coxiella, Theileria, and Babesia by PCR coupled with high-resolution melting (PCR-HRM) analysis. Results: In camels, we detected Trypanosoma vivax (41%), Trypanosoma evansi (1.2%), and " Candidatus Anaplasma camelii" (68.67%). In camel keds, we also detected T. vivax (45.3%), T. evansi (2.56%), Trypanosoma melophagium (1/117) (0.4%), and " Candidatus Anaplasma camelii" (16.24 %). Piroplasms ( Theileria spp. and Babesia spp.), Coxiella burnetii, Brucella spp., Ehrlichia spp., and camel pox were not detected in any samples. Conclusions: This study reveals the presence of epizootic pathogens in camels from northern Kenya. Furthermore, the presence of the same pathogens in camels and in keds collected from sampled camels suggests the potential use of these flies in xenodiagnosis of haemopathogens circulating in camels.

Single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) of mitochondrial genes helps to estimate genetic differentiation, demographic parameters and phylogeny of Glossina palpalis palpalis populations from West and Central Africa

A good understanding of tsetse fly population structure and migration is essential to optimize the control of sleeping sickness. This can be done by studying the genetics of tsetse fly populations. In this work, we estimated the genetic differentiation within and among geographically separated Glossina palpalis palpalis populations from Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ivory Coast. We determined the demographic history of these populations and assessed phylogenetic relationships among individuals of this sub-species. A total of 418 tsetse flies were analysed: 258 were collected in four locations in Cameroon (Bipindi, Campo, Fontem and Bafia), 100 from Azaguié and Nagadoua in Ivory Coast and 60 from Malanga in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We examined genetic variation at three mitochondrial loci: COI, COII-TLII, and 16S2. 34 haplotypes were found, of which 30 were rare, since each was present in <5% of the total number of individuals. No haplotype was shared among Cameroon, Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of the Congo populations. The fixation index F_ST of 0.88 showed a high genetic distance between Glossina palpalis palpalis populations from the three countries. That genetic distance was correlated to the geographic distance between populations. We also found that there is substantial gene flow between flies from locations separated by over 100 km in Cameroon and between flies from locations separated by over 200 km in Ivory Coast. Demographic parameters suggest that the tsetse flies from Fontem (Cameroon) had reduced in population size in the recent past. Phylogenetic analysis confirms that Glossina palpalis palpalis originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo are genetically divergent from the two other countries as already published in previous studies.

Deer keds on wild ungulates in northern Italy, with a taxonomic key for the identification of Lipoptena spp. of Europe

Deer keds (Lipoptena spp.) are blood-sucking ectoparasites of domestic and wild animals, and also accidentally of humans. In Europe, five Lipoptena spp. have been recorded, although the lack of specific taxonomic keys has often led to mistaken identification or to missing data. The present study aimed to develop an identification key of the European species and also to identify Lipoptena spp. found on wild ungulates in northern Italy. In total, 390 hippoboscids were collected from Rupicapra rupicapra, Capreolus capreolus, Cervus elaphus and Ovis aries musimon in an Alpine area of Italy. After morphological identification, 140 specimens were subjected to phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial (CO1) and nuclear (CAD) gene sequences. Despite the expected presence of slight morphological variations, all specimens examined were identified both microscopically and molecularly as Lipoptena cervi (100% identity for both CO1 and CAD genes). The massive increase in wild ungulate populations can favour the possibility of detecting other species of Lipoptena. The identification keys proposed in the present study may help with monitoring the presence of Lipoptena species, particularly in European countries where this ectoparasite is neglected and for which various data (from diffusion to control methods) are still missing.

Genome skimming is a low-cost and robust strategy to assemble complete mitochondrial genomes from ethanol preserved specimens in biodiversity studies

Global loss of biodiversity is an ongoing process that concerns both local and global authorities. Studies of biodiversity mainly involve traditional methods using morphological characters and molecular protocols. However, conventional methods are a time consuming and resource demanding task. The development of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) techniques has reshaped the way we explore biodiversity and opened a path to new questions and novel empirical approaches. With the emergence of HTS, sequencing the complete mitochondrial genome became more accessible, and the number of genome sequences published has increased exponentially during the last decades. Despite the current state of knowledge about the potential of mitogenomics in phylogenetics, this is still a relatively under-explored area for a multitude of taxonomic groups, especially for those without commercial relevance, non-models organisms and with preserved DNA. Here we take the first step to assemble and annotate the genomes from HTS data using a new protocol of genome skimming which will offer an opportunity to extend the field of mitogenomics to under-studied organisms. We extracted genomic DNA from specimens preserved in ethanol. We used Nextera XT DNA to prepare indexed paired-end libraries since it is a powerful tool for working with diverse samples, requiring a low amount of input DNA. We sequenced the samples in two different Illumina platform (MiSeq or NextSeq 550). We trimmed raw reads, filtered and had their quality tested accordingly. We performed the assembly using a baiting and iterative mapping strategy, and the annotated the putative mitochondrion through a semi-automatic procedure. We applied the contiguity index to access the completeness of each new mitogenome. Our results reveal the efficiency of the proposed method to recover the whole mitogenomes of preserved DNA from non-model organisms even if there are gene rearrangement in the specimens. Our findings suggest the potential of combining the adequate platform and library to the genome skimming as an innovative approach, which opens a new range of possibilities of its use to obtain molecular data from organisms with different levels of preservation.

Comparative genomic analysis of six Glossina genomes, vectors of African trypanosomes

BACKGROUND

Tsetse flies (Glossina sp.) are the vectors of human and animal trypanosomiasis throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Tsetse flies are distinguished from other Diptera by unique adaptations, including lactation and the birthing of live young (obligate viviparity), a vertebrate blood-specific diet by both sexes, and obligate bacterial symbiosis. This work describes the comparative analysis of six Glossina genomes representing three sub-genera: Morsitans (G. morsitans morsitans, G. pallidipes, G. austeni), Palpalis (G. palpalis, G. fuscipes), and Fusca (G. brevipalpis) which represent different habitats, host preferences, and vectorial capacity.

RESULTS

Genomic analyses validate established evolutionary relationships and sub-genera. Syntenic analysis of Glossina relative to Drosophila melanogaster shows reduced structural conservation across the sex-linked X chromosome. Sex-linked scaffolds show increased rates of female-specific gene expression and lower evolutionary rates relative to autosome associated genes. Tsetse-specific genes are enriched in protease, odorant-binding, and helicase activities. Lactation-associated genes are conserved across all Glossina species while male seminal proteins are rapidly evolving. Olfactory and gustatory genes are reduced across the genus relative to other insects. Vision-associated Rhodopsin genes show conservation of motion detection/tracking functions and variance in the Rhodopsin detecting colors in the blue wavelength ranges.

CONCLUSIONS

Expanded genomic discoveries reveal the genetics underlying Glossina biology and provide a rich body of knowledge for basic science and disease control. They also provide insight into the evolutionary biology underlying novel adaptations and are relevant to applied aspects of vector control such as trap design and discovery of novel pest and disease control strategies.

Comparative genomic analysis of six Glossina genomes, vectors of African trypanosomes

BACKGROUND

Tsetse flies (Glossina sp.) are the vectors of human and animal trypanosomiasis throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Tsetse flies are distinguished from other Diptera by unique adaptations, including lactation and the birthing of live young (obligate viviparity), a vertebrate blood-specific diet by both sexes, and obligate bacterial symbiosis. This work describes the comparative analysis of six Glossina genomes representing three sub-genera: Morsitans (G. morsitans morsitans, G. pallidipes, G. austeni), Palpalis (G. palpalis, G. fuscipes), and Fusca (G. brevipalpis) which represent different habitats, host preferences, and vectorial capacity.

RESULTS

Genomic analyses validate established evolutionary relationships and sub-genera. Syntenic analysis of Glossina relative to Drosophila melanogaster shows reduced structural conservation across the sex-linked X chromosome. Sex-linked scaffolds show increased rates of female-specific gene expression and lower evolutionary rates relative to autosome associated genes. Tsetse-specific genes are enriched in protease, odorant-binding, and helicase activities. Lactation-associated genes are conserved across all Glossina species while male seminal proteins are rapidly evolving. Olfactory and gustatory genes are reduced across the genus relative to other insects. Vision-associated Rhodopsin genes show conservation of motion detection/tracking functions and variance in the Rhodopsin detecting colors in the blue wavelength ranges.

CONCLUSIONS

Expanded genomic discoveries reveal the genetics underlying Glossina biology and provide a rich body of knowledge for basic science and disease control. They also provide insight into the evolutionary biology underlying novel adaptations and are relevant to applied aspects of vector control such as trap design and discovery of novel pest and disease control strategies.

Diversity and temporal dynamics of primate milk microbiomes

Milk is inhabited by a community of bacteria and is one of the first postnatal sources of microbial exposure for mammalian young. Bacteria in breast milk may enhance immune development, improve intestinal health, and stimulate the gut-brain axis for infants. Variation in milk microbiome structure (e.g., operational taxonomic unit [OTU] diversity, community composition) may lead to different infant developmental outcomes. Milk microbiome structure may depend on evolutionary processes acting at the host species level and ecological processes occurring over lactation time, among others. We quantified milk microbiomes using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing for nine primate species and for six primate mothers sampled over lactation. Our data set included humans (Homo sapiens, Philippines and USA) and eight nonhuman primate species living in captivity (bonobo [Pan paniscus], chimpanzee [Pan troglodytes], western lowland gorilla [Gorilla gorilla gorilla], Bornean orangutan [Pongo pygmaeus], Sumatran orangutan [Pongo abelii], rhesus macaque [Macaca mulatta], owl monkey [Aotus nancymaae]) and in the wild (mantled howler monkey [Alouatta palliata]). For a subset of the data, we paired microbiome data with nutrient and hormone assay results to quantify the effect of milk chemistry on milk microbiomes. We detected a core primate milk microbiome of seven bacterial OTUs indicating a robust relationship between these bacteria and primate species. Milk microbiomes differed among primate species with rhesus macaques, humans and mantled howler monkeys having notably distinct milk microbiomes. Gross energy in milk from protein and fat explained some of the variations in microbiome composition among species. Microbiome composition changed in a predictable manner for three primate mothers over lactation time, suggesting that different bacterial communities may be selected for as the infant ages. Our results contribute to understanding ecological and evolutionary relationships between bacteria and primate hosts, which can have applied benefits for humans and endangered primates in our care.

Hyperparasitism in caves: Bats, bat flies and ectoparasitic fungus interaction

Bat flies (Diptera: Nycteribiinae) are highly specialized bloodsucking bat ectoparasites. Some of the ectoparasitic bat flies are themselves parasitized with an ectoparasitic fungus of the genus Arthrorhynchus (Laboulbeniales). Ascospores of the fungus attach to the cuticle of a bat fly and develop a haustorium that penetrates the host cuticle. This interaction defines the fungus as a hyperparasite. Both the fly and the fungus are obligate parasites and this peculiar case of hyperparasitism has remained largely unstudied. We studied the prevalence of Laboulbeniales, genus Arthrorhynchus, in natural populations of bat flies infesting the bat species Miniopterus schreibersii, Myotis bechsteinii, My. blythii, My. daubentonii, My. escalerai and My. myotis in Portuguese caves. Laboulbeniales were found infecting 10 of the 428 screened bat flies (2.3%) in natural populations, with fewer infections in winter. Images obtained with transmission electron microscopy show the fungal haustorium within the bat fly host tissue, from where it extracts nutrition.

Bats, Bat Flies, and Fungi: A Case of Hyperparasitism

Bats are parasitized by numerous lineages of arthropods, of which bat flies (Diptera, Nycteribiidae and Streblidae) are the most conspicuous. Bat flies themselves can be parasitized by Laboulbeniales, fungal biotrophs of arthropods. This is known as hyperparasitism, a severely understudied phenomenon. Three genera of Laboulbeniales occur on bat flies: Arthrorhynchus on Nycteribiidae, Gloeandromyces and Nycteromyces on Streblidae. In this review we introduce the parasitic partners in this tripartite system and discuss their diversity, ecology, and specificity patterns, alongside some important life history traits. Furthermore, we cover recent advances in the study of the associations between bat flies and Laboulbeniales, which were neglected for decades. Among the most immediate needs for further studies are detailed tripartite field surveys. The vermin only teaze and pinch Their foes superior by an inch So, naturalists observe, a flea Has smaller fleas that on him prey; And these have smaller still to bite 'em, And so proceed ad infinitum. Jonathan Swift (On Poetry: A Rhapsody, 1733).

The Application of COI Gene for Species Identification of Forensically Important Muscid Flies (Diptera: Muscidae)

Muscid Flies (Diptera: Muscidae) are of great forensic importance due to their wide distribution, ubiquitous and synanthropic nature. They are frequently neglected as they tend to arrive at the corpses later than the flesh flies and blow flies. Moreover, the lack of species-level identification also hinders investigation of medicolegal purposes. To overcome the difficulty of morphological identification, molecular method has gained relevance. Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene has been widely utilized. Nonetheless, to achieve correct identification of an unknown sample, it is important to survey certain muscid taxa from its geographic distribution range. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to contribute more geographically specific. We sequenced the COI gene of 51 muscid specimens of 12 species, and added all correct sequences available in GenBank to yield a total data set of 125 COI sequences from 33 muscid species to evaluate the COI gene as a molecular diagnostic tool. The interspecific distances were extremely high (4.7-19.8%) in either the standard barcoding fragment (658 bp) or the long COI sequence (1,019-1,535 bp), demonstrating that these two genetic markers were nearly identical in the species identification. However, the intraspecific distances of the long COI sequences were significantly higher than the barcoding region for the conspecific species that geographical locations vary greatly. Therefore, genetic diversity presented in this study provides a reference for species identification of muscid flies. Nevertheless, further investigation and data from more muscid species are required to enhance the efficacy of species-level identification using COI gene as a genetic marker.

Discrimination of Anopheles species of the Arribalzagia Series in Colombia using a multilocus approach

The Arribalzagia Series of the Anopheles Subgenus comprises morphologically similar species or members of species complexes which makes correct species identification difficult. Therefore, the aim of this work was to discriminate the morphospecies of the Arribalzagia Series present in Colombia using a multilocus approach based on ITS2, COI and CAD sequences. Specimens of the Arribalzagia Series collected at 32 localities in nine departments were allocated to seven species. Individual and concatenated Bayesian analyses showed high support for each of the species and reinforced the previous report of the Apicimacula species Complex with distribution in the Pacific Coast and northwestern Colombia. In addition, a new molecular operational taxonomic unit-MOTU was identified, herein denominated near Anopheles peryassui, providing support for the existence of a Peryassui species Complex. Further, the CAD gene, just recently used for Anopheles taxonomy and phylogeny, demonstrated its power in resolving phylogenetic relationships among species of the Arribalzagia Series. The divergence times for these species correspond to the early Pliocene and the Miocene. Considering the epidemiological importance of some species of the Series and their co-occurrence in malaria endemic regions of Colombia, their discrimination constitutes an important step for vector incrimination and control in the country.

Molecular detection of Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia spp. in bat ectoparasites in Brazil

The family Streblidae comprises a monophyletic group of Hippoboscoidea, hematophagous dipterans that parasitize bats. Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia spp. have been reported in bats sampled in Europe, Africa, Asia, North, Central and South America. However, there are few reports on the Bartonella and Rickettsia bacteria infecting Hippoboscoidea flies and mites. While Spinturnicidae mites are ectoparasites found only in bats, those belonging to the family Macronyssidae comprise mites that also parasitize other mammal species. This study investigates the occurrence and assesses the phylogenetic positioning of Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia spp. found in Streblidae flies and Spinturnicidae and Macronyssidae mites collected from bats captured in Brazil. From May 2011 to April 2012 and September 2013 to December 2014, 400 Streblidae flies, 100 Macronyssidaes, and 100 Spinturnicidae mites were collected from bats captured in two sites in northeastern Nova Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil. Forty (19.8%) out of 202 Streblidae flies were positive for Bartonella spp. in qPCR assays based on the nuoG gene. Among the flies positive for the bacterium, six (18%) were Paratrichobius longicrus, seven (29%) Strebla guajiro, two (40%) Aspidoptera phyllostomatis, five (11%) Aspidoptera falcata, one (10%) Trichobius anducei, one (25%) Megistopoda aranea, and 18 (32%) Trichobius joblingi, and collected from bats of the following species: Artibeus lituratus, Carollia perspicillata, Artibeus planirostris, Sturnira lilium, and Artibeus obscurus. Six sequences were obtained for Bartonella (nuoG [n = 2], gltA [n = 2], rpoB [n = 1], ribC = 1]). The phylogenetic analysis based on gltA (750pb) gene showed that the Bartonella sequences clustered with Bartonella genotypes detected in bats and ectoparasites previously sampled in Latin America, including Brazil. Only one sample (0.49%) of the species Trichobius joblingi collected from a specimen of Carollia perspicillata was positive for Rickettsia sp. in cPCR based on the gltA gene (401bp). This sequence was clustered with a 'Candidatus Rickettsia andaenae" genotype detected in an Amblyomma parvum tick collected from a rodent in the southern region of Brazilian Pantanal. The sampled Macronyssidae and Spinturnicidae mites were negative for Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia spp. This study demonstrated the first occurrence of Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia spp. DNA in Streblidae flies collected from bats in Brazil.