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Guo Y, Zhou JX, Guo XG, Song WY, Zhao CF, Zhang ZW, Fan R, Chen T, Lv Y, Yin PW, Jin DC. Species diversity and related ecology of chiggers on small mammals in a unique geographical area of Yunnan Province, southwest China. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2023; 91:439-461. [PMID: 37870736 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00841-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Chiggers are common ectoparasites and the exclusive vector of scrub typhus. Based on previous investigations from a unique geographical area in Yunnan Province of southwest China, the Three Parallel Rivers Area, we retrospectively studied the species diversity and related ecology of chiggers on rodents and other small mammals. A very high species diversity of 120 chigger species was identified. Five dominant chigger species accounted for 59.4% (5238/8965) of total chiggers, and among them Leptotrombidium scutellare is the second major vector of scrub typhus in China. Species diversity of the chigger community fluctuates greatly in different altitudinal and latitudinal gradients. There are significant differences in species composition, species diversity and dominant species of chiggers among hosts with apparent community heterogeneity. Based on the species abundance distribution, the expected total number of chigger species was estimated to be 170, 50 more than the number of actually collected species; this further indicates a very high chigger species diversity in this area. The bipartite ecological network analysis revealed the intricate relationships between chigger and host species-positive and negative correlations existed among some species of dominant and vector chiggers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Guo
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, 671000, Yunnan, China
| | - Juan-Xiu Zhou
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, 671000, Yunnan, China
| | - Xian-Guo Guo
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, 671000, Yunnan, China.
| | - Wen-Yu Song
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, 671000, Yunnan, China
| | - Cheng-Fu Zhao
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, 671000, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Zhang
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, 671000, Yunnan, China
| | - Rong Fan
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, 671000, Yunnan, China
| | - Ting Chen
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, 671000, Yunnan, China
| | - Yan Lv
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, 671000, Yunnan, China
| | - Peng-Wu Yin
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, 671000, Yunnan, China
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Dao-Chao Jin
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
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Guo Y, Guo X, Peng P, Lv Y, Xiang R, Song W, Huang X. Infestation and distribution of chiggers on the Anderson's white-bellied rats in southwest China. Vet Med Sci 2023; 9:2920-2926. [PMID: 37725255 PMCID: PMC10650356 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
As a group of ectoparasites, chiggers (larvae of chigger mites) are the exclusive vector of scrub typhus (tsutsugamushi disease). Rodents are the most important hosts of chiggers. The Anderson's niviventer rat, Niviventer andersoni, is an endemic species of rodent in China. However, few studies have involved this endemic rodent species and its ectoparasites including chiggers. According to the field investigation in five provincial regions of southwest China between 2001 and 2019, this paper retrospectively analysed the infestation and distribution of chiggers on the body surface of N. andersoni in southwest China for the first time. From 77 Anderson's niviventer rats captured, a total of 527 chiggers were collected and they were identified as 39 species and nine genera in two subfamilies of family Trombiculidae. Of 39 chigger species identified, Leptotrombidium deliense and L. scutellare are the most important vectors of scrub typhus in China. The overall infestation indexes were PM = 29.87%, MA = 6.84 and MI = 22.91, and the indexes of chigger mite community were Mf = 39, H' = 2.60, E = 0.71 and D = 0.12. The dominant chigger species are L. wenense, L. xiaguanense and L. fujianense with a total Cr = 51.04%, among which L. wenense is one of the six main vectors of scrub typhus in China. The dominant chigger species are of aggregated distribution among different individuals of the rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Guo
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and PreventionInstitute of Pathogens and VectorsDali UniversityDaliYunnanChina
| | - Xian‐Guo Guo
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and PreventionInstitute of Pathogens and VectorsDali UniversityDaliYunnanChina
| | - Pei‐Ying Peng
- Institute of MicrobiologyQujing Medical CollegeQujingYunnanChina
| | - Yan Lv
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and PreventionInstitute of Pathogens and VectorsDali UniversityDaliYunnanChina
| | - Rong Xiang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and PreventionInstitute of Pathogens and VectorsDali UniversityDaliYunnanChina
| | - Wen‐Yu Song
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and PreventionInstitute of Pathogens and VectorsDali UniversityDaliYunnanChina
| | - Xiao‐Bin Huang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and PreventionInstitute of Pathogens and VectorsDali UniversityDaliYunnanChina
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Chaisiri K, Linsuwanon P, Makepeace BL. The chigger microbiome: big questions in a tiny world. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:696-707. [PMID: 37270375 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.05.002] [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: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
'Chiggers' (trombiculid mite larvae) are best known as vectors of rickettsial pathogens, Orientia spp., which cause a zoonosis, scrub typhus. However, several other pathogens (e.g., Hantaan orthohantavirus, Dabie bandavirus, Anaplasma spp., Bartonella spp., Borrelia spp., and Rickettsia spp.) and bacterial symbionts (e.g., Cardinium, Rickettsiella, and Wolbachia) are being reported from chiggers with increasing frequency. Here, we explore the surprisingly diverse chigger microbiota and potential interactions within this microcosm. Key conclusions include a possible role for chiggers as vectors of viral diseases; the dominance in some chigger populations of unidentified symbionts in several bacterial families; and increasing evidence for vertical transmission of potential pathogens and symbiotic bacteria in chiggers, suggesting intimate interactions and not simply incidental acquisition of bacteria from the environment or host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kittipong Chaisiri
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Piyada Linsuwanon
- Department of Entomology, US Army Medical Component, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Benjamin L Makepeace
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK.
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Guo Y, Guo XG, Song WY, Lv Y, Yin PW, Jin DC. Comparison of Chiggers (Acari: Trombiculidae, Leeuwenhoekiidae) on Two Sibling Mouse Species, Apodemus draco and A. ilex (Rodentia: Muridae), in Southwest China. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13091480. [PMID: 37174517 PMCID: PMC10177448 DOI: 10.3390/ani13091480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Chigger mites (Acari) are common ectoparasites on rodents, and they are the exclusive vector of scrub typhus. South China field mouse (Apodemus draco) and Lantsang field mouse (A. ilex) are two sibling rodent species. Based on field investigations in southwest China (2001-2015), this paper compared the infestation of these two mouse species with chiggers. Of 42 chigger species identified from two mouse species, 36 were found on A. draco, 11 on A. ilex and 5 common species on both mice. Jaccard similarity index (J = 0.12, J < 0.25) showed a very different species composition of chiggers on two mouse species, and some parameters of the chigger community were also different. The overall mean intensity of chiggers on A. draco (MI = 4.26) was higher than that on A. ilex (MI = 3.91, p < 0.05). The dominant chigger species on A. draco were Trombiculindus yunnanus, Leptotrombidium scutellare (a major vector species in China) and L. sinicum with a total constituent ratio Cr = 42.9% (106/247). Leptorombidium sinicum and L. scutellare independently occurred on A. draco with an association coefficient V = 0.09 (V ≈ 0). The dominant chigger species on A. ilex were L. rusticum, L. densipunctatum and L. gongshanense, with a total Cr = 58.14% (25/43). Leptorombidium rusticum and L. densipunctatum on A. ilex had a slight positive association (V = 0.49, 0.5 < V < 1). All dominant chigger species were unevenly distributed among different individuals of two mouse species. Chigger infestation showed sex bias on different sexes of two mouse species. The species abundance of the chigger community on A. draco was revealed as a log-normal distribution pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Guo
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali 671000, China
| | - Xian-Guo Guo
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali 671000, China
| | - Wen-Yu Song
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali 671000, China
| | - Yan Lv
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali 671000, China
| | - Peng-Wu Yin
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali 671000, China
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Dao-Chao Jin
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
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Chen K, Roe RM, Ponnusamy L. Biology, Systematics, Microbiome, Pathogen Transmission and Control of Chiggers (Acari: Trombiculidae, Leeuwenhoekiidae) with Emphasis on the United States. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15147. [PMID: 36429867 PMCID: PMC9690316 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Chiggers are the larval stage of Trombiculidae and Leeuwenhoekiidae mites of medical and veterinary importance. Some species in the genus Leptotrombidium and Herpetacarus vector Orientia species, the bacteria that causes scrub typhus disease in humans. Scrub typhus is a life-threatening, febrile disease. Chigger bites can also cause dermatitis. There were 248 chigger species reported from the US from almost every state. However, there are large gaps in our knowledge of the life history of other stages of development. North American wide morphological keys are needed for better species identification, and molecular sequence data for identification are minimal and not clearly matched with morphological data. The role of chiggers in disease transmission in the US is especially understudied, and the role of endosymbionts in Orientia infection are suggested in the scientific literature but not confirmed. The most common chiggers in the eastern United States were identified as Eutrombicula alfreddugesi but were likely misidentified and should be replaced with Eutrombicula cinnabaris. Scrub typhus was originally believed to be limited to the Tsutsugamushi Triangle and the chigger genus, Leptotrombidium, but there is increasing evidence this is not the case. The potential of Orientia species establishing in the US is high. In addition, several other recognized pathogens to infect humans, namely Hantavirus, Bartonella, Borrelia, and Rickettsia, were also detected in chiggers. The role that chiggers play in these disease transmissions in the US needs further investigation. It is possible some of the tick-borne diseases and red meat allergies are caused by chiggers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiying Chen
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - R. Michael Roe
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Loganathan Ponnusamy
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
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Li B, Guo XG, Zhao CF, Zhang ZW, Fan R, Peng PY, Song WY, Ren TG, Zhang L, Qian TJ. Infestation of chigger mites on Chinese mole shrew, Anourosorex squamipes, in Southwest China and ecological analysis. PARASITE (PARIS, FRANCE) 2022; 29:39. [PMID: 35900094 PMCID: PMC9331648 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2022038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
The Chinese mole shrew, Anourosorex squamipes Milne-Edwards, 1872, is a common species of insectivorous mammal in Southwest China. Based on field investigations between 2001 and 2019, the present study reports the infestation of chiggers (larvae of chigger mites) on the shrew in Southwest China and certain ecology parameters for the first time. A total of 3169 chiggers were collected from 1694 A. squamipes and they were identified into 72 species and 10 genera in the family Trombiculidae. The overall infestation prevalence (Pm), mean abundance (MA) and mean intensity (MI) of A. squamipes with chiggers reached 11.1%, 1.87 and 16.86, respectively. The species diversity, species composition and infestation of chiggers on A. squamipes fluctuated in different environments (latitudes, altitudes, habitats and landscapes) and on different sexes and ages of the shrew hosts with high heterogeneity and low species similarity. In the established linear regression equation (M* = 0.173 + 1.054 M) for dominant mite Leptotrombidium densipunctatum, both the α and β values (α = 0.173, β = 1.054) exceeded the boundary values (F = 4.67, p < 0.05), and therefore the spatial distribution pattern of this mite was determined as an aggregated distribution among different individuals of shrew hosts. The species abundance distribution of the chigger community on A. squamipes conformed to the lognormal distribution, and its curve showed a gradually descending tendency from the rare mite species to the dominant mite species. The curve tendency of species-sample relationship implies that more species of chiggers would be found if the host samples infinitely keep increasing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Li
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan 671000, PR China
| | - Xian-Guo Guo
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan 671000, PR China
| | - Cheng-Fu Zhao
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan 671000, PR China
| | - Zhi-Wei Zhang
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan 671000, PR China
| | - Rong Fan
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan 671000, PR China
| | - Pei-Ying Peng
- Institute of Microbiology, Qujing Medical College, Qujing, Yunnan 655000, PR China
| | - Wen-Yu Song
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan 671000, PR China
| | - Tian-Guang Ren
- Nursing College of Dali University, Dali, Yunnan 671000, PR China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan 671000, PR China
| | - Ti-Jun Qian
- Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan 671000, PR China
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Herrera-Mares A, Guzmán-Cornejo C, Ulloa-García A, Córdoba-Aguilar A, Silva-de la Fuente MC, Suzán G. Mites, rodents, and pathogens: A global review for a multi-species interaction in disease ecology. Acta Trop 2022; 232:106509. [PMID: 35569525 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
More than ever, there is a need to understand how pathogens, vectors and hosts occur temporally and spatially to predict the occurrence of zoonotic outbreaks. Related to this, mites of the Mesostigmata and Trombidiformes orders have the potential to transmit several diseases, yet their information of occurrence, distribution and zoonotic accompanying agents have not been systematically organized. We conducted a systematic review using a combination of words through the Sysrev platform, as well as literature searches in specialised databases to identify global patterns of infections, trends in mite-rodent-pathogen research and existing knowledge gaps. The inclusion criterion was the detection of pathogens in mites, either by molecular or serological techniques or by direct observation under the microscope, which rendered 125 papers. Most works have been carried out in Asia, mainly around the transmission of Orientia tsutsugamushi. Interestingly, co-infections, i.e., the presence of more than one pathogen in an individual, are common in other Acari groups such as ticks. Moreover, this is not the case for Trombidiformes and Mesostigmata as only 4.7 percent of the articles reviewed detected more than one pathogen in these mites. It is important to include a multi-host, multi-vector and multi-pathogen approaches to understand complex systems in disease ecology. A synergy between mite taxonomists, physicians and veterinarians, decision-makers, governmental organisations, and society is needed to address the emergence of mite-borne new or neglected diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Herrera-Mares
- Departamento de Etología, Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades y Una Salud, Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico; Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Unidad de Posgrado, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico
| | - Carmen Guzmán-Cornejo
- Departamento de Biología Comparada, Facultad de Ciencias, Laboratorio de Acarología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Armando Ulloa-García
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Campus IV, Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas, Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico
| | - Alex Córdoba-Aguilar
- Instituto de Ecología, Universidad, Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Gerardo Suzán
- Departamento de Etología, Laboratorio de Ecología de Enfermedades y Una Salud, Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Wang T, Meng F, Che T, Chen J, Zhang H, Ji Y, Fan Z, Zhao G, Zhang W, Jiang B, Xu Q, Lv C, Shi T, Ruan S, Liu L, Liu W, Yang Y, Fang L. Mapping the distributions of blood-sucking mites and mite-borne agents in China: a modeling study. Infect Dis Poverty 2022; 11:41. [PMID: 35397554 PMCID: PMC8994071 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-022-00966-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Emerging mite-borne pathogens and associated disease burdens in recent decades are raising serious public health concerns, yet their distributions and ecology remain under-investigated. We aim to describe the geographical distributions of blood-sucking mites and mite-borne agents and to assess their ecological niches in China. Methods We mapped 549 species of blood-sucking mites belonging to 100 genera at the county level and eight mite-associated agents detected from 36 species of blood-sucking mites in China during 1978–2020. Impacts of climatic and environmental factors on the ecology of 21 predominant vector mites and a leading pathogen, Orientia tsutsugamushi, were assessed using boosted regression tree (BRT) models, and model-predicted risks were mapped. We also estimated the model-predicted number, area and population size of affected counties for each of the 21 mite species in China. Results Laelaps echidninus is the leading mite species that potentially affects 744 million people, followed by La. jettmari (517 million) and Eulaelaps stabularis (452 million). Leptotrombidium scutellare is the mite species harboring the highest variety of mite-borne agents including four Rickettsia species and two viruses, followed by Eu. stabularis (2 agents), L. palpale (2) and La. echidninus (2). The top two agents that parasitize the largest number of mite species are O. tsutsugamushi (28 species) and hantavirus (8). Mammalian richness, annual mean temperature and precipitation of the driest quarter jointly determine the ecology of the mites, forming four clusters of major mite species with distinct geographic distributions. High-risk areas of O. tsutsugamushi are mainly distributed in southern and eastern coastal provinces where 71.5 million people live. Conclusions Ecological niches of major mite species and mite-borne pathogens are much more extensive than what have been observed, necessitating expansion of current filed surveillance. Graphic Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40249-022-00966-0.
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Xu Q, Zhang W, Wang Q, Fu X, Han J, Huang Y. Detection of co-infection with Orientia tsutsugamushand and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome by next-generation sequencing. Int J Neurosci 2021:1-4. [PMID: 34387528 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2021.1967951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: The co-infection with Orientia tsutsugamushand and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome is rare. There are many similarities in early clinical practice between the two diseases, and sometimes it is easy to misdiagnose, especially when co-infection occurs.Methods: We describe a patient who presented with fever and headache after bitten by an insect and whose physical examination showed conjunctival hyperemia, eschar and petechiae in tongue and the soft palate. To lead to a diagnosis, the serum antibody of Hantaan virus, Weil-Felix test and next-generation sequencing of cerebrospinal fluid was performed.Results: The Weil-Felix test was negative on the 15th day after the onset of the disease and a repeated Weil-Felix test on the 21st day showed a titer of 1:160 and the IgM against Hantaan virus was positive. The number of sequence reads identified corresponding to O. tsutsugamushi was 239 with a genomic coverage of 0.9178%. This patient was diagnosed with intracranial infection with Orientia tsutsugamushi and co-infection with epidemic hemorrhagic fever. The symptoms in our patient quickly decreased after the administration of tetracycline.Conclusion: Next-generation sequencing is helpful for the early diagnosis of scrub typhus, especially when the Weil-Felix test is negative. Clinicians need to be reminded to screen for common pathogens that may be co-infected, such as epidemic hemorrhagic fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianhui Xu
- Department of Neurology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenyi Zhang
- Department of General Medical, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Neurology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuejun Fu
- Department of Neurology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing Han
- Department of Neurology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Department of Neurology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
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Linsuwanon P, Auysawasdi N, Wongwairot S, Leepitakrat S, Rodkhamtook W, Wanja E, Monkanna T, Wegner M, Davidson S, Poovorawan Y, Poole-Smith B, Limsuwon C, McCardle P. Assessing scrub typhus and rickettsioses transmission risks in the Chiang Rai province of northern Thailand. Travel Med Infect Dis 2021; 42:102086. [PMID: 34044127 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2021.102086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scrub typhus is an important disease in the Asia-Pacific countries with increasing relevance for public health worldwide. Entomological risk assessment for scrub typhus and rickettsial disease in Phu Chi Fah village-Chiang Rai was performed to determine areas at greatest risk for disease transmission in order to increase awareness of diseases to travelers and healthcare workers. METHODS From 2016 to 2018, rodents and chiggers were collected from 7 sites covering residential, grassland, and forest areas to determine the prevalence of pathogen of interest. The correlation between land type and vector-host-pathogen interaction system was investigated. RESULT High prevalence of O. tsutsugamushi-infected and Rickettsia-infected chiggers was observed especially in areas with grassland and forest ecotones. Chigger and rodent species composition were negatively associated with the level of human disturbance. Increased density of rodents was responsible for a higher abundance of chigger population and increased prevalence of O. tsutsugmaushi infection in chigger in the following year. CONCLUSION Communities in the study areas have an increased exposure risk to scrub typhus and potentially spotted fever group rickettsiosis. Travellers to this endemic area should pay more attention pathogen risks so as to avoid vector and disease exposure. Seasonal rodenticidal activity may help migitate the risk of pathogen transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyada Linsuwanon
- Department of Entomology, US Medical Directorate-Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Science, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Nutthanun Auysawasdi
- Department of Entomology, US Medical Directorate-Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Science, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sirima Wongwairot
- Department of Entomology, US Medical Directorate-Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Science, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Surachai Leepitakrat
- Department of Entomology, US Medical Directorate-Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Science, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wuttikon Rodkhamtook
- Research Division, Royal Thai Army Component-Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Science, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Elizabeth Wanja
- Department of Entomology, US Medical Directorate-Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Science, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Taweesak Monkanna
- Department of Entomology, US Medical Directorate-Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Science, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Matthew Wegner
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, US Medical Directorate-Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Science, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Silas Davidson
- Department of Entomology, US Medical Directorate-Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Science, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yong Poovorawan
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Betty Poole-Smith
- Department of Entomology, US Medical Directorate-Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Science, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chawin Limsuwon
- Department of Entomology, US Medical Directorate-Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Science, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Patrick McCardle
- Department of Entomology, US Medical Directorate-Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Science, Bangkok, Thailand
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11
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Bezerra-Santos MA, Sgroi G, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Khedri J, Camarda A, Iatta R, Sazmand A, Otranto D. Ectoparasites of hedgehogs: From flea mite phoresy to their role as vectors of pathogens. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2021; 15:95-104. [PMID: 33996441 PMCID: PMC8102208 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hedgehogs are synanthropic mammals, reservoirs of several vector-borne pathogens and hosts of ectoparasites. Arthropod-borne pathogens (i.e., Rickettsia spp., Borrelia spp., and Anaplasmataceae) were molecularly investigated in ectoparasites collected on hedgehogs (n = 213) from Iran (161 Hemiechinus auritus, 5 Erinaceus concolor) and Italy (47 Erinaceus europaeus). In Iran, most animals examined (n = 153; 92.2%) were infested by ticks (Rhipicephalus turanicus, Hyalomma dromedarii), and 7 (4.2%) by fleas (Archeopsylla erinacei, Ctenocephalides felis). Of the hedgehogs infested by arthropods in Italy (i.e., 44.7%), 18 (38.3%) were infested by fleas (Ar. erinacei), 7 (14.9%) by ticks (Haemaphysalis erinacei, Rh. turanicus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato), and 6 (12.8%) by mites (Caparinia tripilis, Acarus nidicolous, Ornithonyssus spp.). Phoretic behavior of C. tripilis on Ar. erinacei was detected in two flea specimens from Italy. At the molecular analysis Rickettsia spp. was detected in 93.3% of the fleas of Italy. In Iran, Rickettsia spp. was detected in 8.0% out of 212 Rh. turanicus ticks, and in 85.7% of the Ar. erinacei fleas examined. The 16S rRNA gene for Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp. was amplified in 4.2% of the 212 Rh. turanicus ticks. All sequences of Rickettsia spp. from fleas presented 100% nucleotide identity with Rickettsia asembonensis, whereas Rickettsia spp. from Rh. turanicus presented 99.84%–100% nucleotide identity with Rickettsia slovaca, except for one sequence, identical to Rickettsia massiliae. The sequences of the 16S rRNA gene revealed 99.57%–100% nucleotide identity with Anaplasma spp., except for one, identical to Ehrlichia spp. A new phoretic association between C. tripilis mites and Ar. erinacei fleas has been herein reported, which could be an important route for the spreading of this mite through hedgehog populations. Additionally, spotted fever group rickettsiae were herein detected in ticks and fleas, and Anaplasma/Ehrlichia spp. in ticks, suggesting that hedgehogs play a role as reservoirs for these vector-borne pathogens. New phoretic association of Caparinia tripilis mites on Archaeopsylla erinacei fleas. Occurrence of spotted fever group rickettsiae in Rhipicephalus turanicus from hedgehogs. Occurrence of Anaplasmataceae in Rhipicephalus turanicus from hedgehogs. High Prevalence of Rickettsia asembonensis in Archaeopsylla erinacei fleas from hedgehogs. Hedgehogs are suggested as reservoirs of vector-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giovanni Sgroi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, 70010, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Javad Khedri
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Antonio Camarda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, 70010, Bari, Italy.,Osservatorio Faunistico Regionale - Wildlife Rescue Center of Apulia, Bitetto, 70020, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, 70010, Bari, Italy
| | - Alireza Sazmand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, 6517658978, Hamedan, Iran.,Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, 8915173160, Yazd, Iran
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, 70010, Bari, Italy.,Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, 6517658978, Hamedan, Iran
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12
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Peng PY, Guo XG, Jin DC, Dong WG, Qian TJ, Qin F, Yang ZH. Species abundance distribution and ecological niches of chigger mites on small mammals in Yunnan province, southwest China. Biologia (Bratisl) 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/biolog-2017-0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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13
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Jiang F, Wang L, Wang S, Zhu L, Dong L, Zhang Z, Hao B, Yang F, Liu W, Deng Y, Zhang Y, Ma Y, Pan B, Han Y, Ren H, Cao G. Meteorological factors affect the epidemiology of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome via altering the breeding and hantavirus-carrying states of rodents and mites: a 9 years' longitudinal study. Emerg Microbes Infect 2017; 6:e104. [PMID: 29184158 PMCID: PMC5717093 DOI: 10.1038/emi.2017.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in Qingdao, China was three times higher than that of the average national level. Here we characterized the epidemiology, ecological determinants and pathogen evolution of HFRS in Qingdao during 2007–2015. In this longitudinal study, a total of 1846 HFRS patients and 41 HFRS-related deaths were reported. HFRS in Qingdao peaked once a year in the fourth quarter. We built a time series generalized additive model, and found that meteorological factors in the previous quarter could accurately predict HFRS occurrence. To explore how meteorological factors influenced the epidemic of HFRS, we analyzed the relationship between meteorological factors and hantavirus-carrying states of the hosts (including rodents and shrews). Comprehensive analysis showed humidity was correlated to high host densities in the third quarter and high hantavirus-carrying rates of animal hosts in the third to fourth quarters, which might contribute to HFRS peak in the fourth quarter. We further compared the L segments of hantaviruses from HFRS patients, animal hosts and ectoparasites. Phylogenetic analysis showed that hantaviruses in gamasid and trombiculid mites were the same as those from the hosts. This indicated mites also contributed to the transmission of hantavirus. Furthermore, Hantaan virus from HFRS patients, hosts and mites in Qingdao formed a distinct phylogenetic cluster. A new clade of Seoul virus was also identified in the hosts. Overall, meteorological factors increase HFRS incidence possibly via facilitating hosts’ reproduction and consequent mite-mediated hantavirus transmission. New hantavirus subtypes evolved in Qingdao represent new challenges of fighting against HFRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fachun Jiang
- Department of Acute Infectious Diseases, Municipal Center of Disease Control and Prevention of Qingdao, Qingdao, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liyan Dong
- Department of Acute Infectious Diseases, Municipal Center of Disease Control and Prevention of Qingdao, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhentang Zhang
- Centre of Disease Control and Prevention of Huangdao District, Qingdao, China
| | - Bi Hao
- Department of Acute Infectious Diseases, Municipal Center of Disease Control and Prevention of Qingdao, Qingdao, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenbin Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Deng
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Huadong Research Institute for Medicine and Biotechnics, Nanjing, China
| | - Yajun Ma
- Department of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bei Pan
- Department of Acute Infectious Diseases, Municipal Center of Disease Control and Prevention of Qingdao, Qingdao, China
| | - Yalin Han
- Department of Acute Infectious Diseases, Municipal Center of Disease Control and Prevention of Qingdao, Qingdao, China
| | - Hongyan Ren
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guangwen Cao
- Department of Epidemiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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14
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Milazzo ML, Cajimat MNB, Richter MH, Bradley RD, Fulhorst CF. Muleshoe Virus and Other Hantaviruses Associated with Neotomine or Sigmodontine Rodents in Texas. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2017; 17:720-729. [PMID: 28714801 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2017.2108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The broad objective of this study was to increase our knowledge of Muleshoe virus and other hantaviruses associated with cricetid rodents in Texas. Anti-hantavirus antibody was found in 38 (3.2%) of 1171 neotomine rodents and 6 (1.8%) of 332 sigmodontine rodents from 10 Texas counties; hantaviral RNA was detected in 23 (71.9%) of 32 antibody-positive rodents. Analyses of nucleocapsid protein gene sequences indicated Muleshoe virus infection in four hispid cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) from northern Texas; Bayou virus, three Texas marsh oryzomys (Oryzomys texensis) from the Gulf Coast; Limestone Canyon virus, five brush mice (Peromyscus boylii) from western Texas; and Sin Nombre virus-five Texas mice (P. attwateri), one Lacey's white-ankled deer mouse (P. laceianus), four white-footed mice (P. leucopus), and one fulvous harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys fulvescens) from northern, central, or southern Texas. The results of this study together with the results of a previous study revealed that Muleshoe virus, perhaps in association with S. hispidus, is distributed across northern Texas. Finally, the results of Bayesian analyses of glycoprotein precursor (GPC) gene sequences and pairwise comparisons of complete GPC (amino acid) sequences strengthened support for the notion that Muleshoe virus is distinct from Black Creek Canal virus, Bayou virus, and all other species included in the Bunyaviridae, genus Hantavirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Louise Milazzo
- 1 Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston, Texas
| | - Maria N B Cajimat
- 1 Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston, Texas
| | - Martin H Richter
- 1 Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston, Texas
| | - Robert D Bradley
- 2 Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University , and Museum of Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
| | - Charles F Fulhorst
- 1 Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch , Galveston, Texas
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Species diversity of ectoparasitic chigger mites (Acari: Prostigmata) on small mammals in Yunnan Province, China. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:3605-18. [PMID: 27212464 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5127-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Chigger mites are a large group of arthropods and the larvae of mites are ectoparasites. Some species of ectoparasitic mites (larvae) can be the transmitting vectors of tsutsugamushi disease (scrub typhus). Yunnan Province is located in the southwest of China with complicated topographic landform and high biodiversity, where there are five zoogeographical subregions. Rodents and some other small mammals were trapped and examined for ectoparasitic chigger mites in 29 investigation sites in Yunnan during 2001-2013. From 13,760 individuals and 76 species of small mammal hosts, we collected 274 species of mites, which were identified as comprising 26 genera in two families. The species diversity of chigger mites (274 species) in the present study were not only much higher than that from other provinces of China but also largely exceeded that recorded from other regions and countries in the world. Of the five zoogeographical subregions, both the species diversity and Shannon-Weiner's diversity of mites were the highest in subregion II (southern subregion of Hengduan Mountains) with middle altitudes and middle latitude. Both the species diversity of mites and Shannon-Wiener diversity index showed a parabolic tendency from the low altitude (<500 m) to the high altitude (>3500 m) along the vertical gradients with the peak occurring in the middle-altitude regions (2000-2500 m). Of four dominant hosts, the species richness of mites was highest on Eothenomys miletus (S = 165) and Shannon-Wiener diversity index was highest on Rattus norvegicus (H = 3.13). Along latitude gradients, species richness of chigger mites increased first and then decreased, peaking at 25° to 26° N with 193 mite species. The geographical location, complex topography, and landscape with diverse small mammal hosts in Yunnan Province have contributed to the extremely high species diversity of mites in the province. The large sampling size of small mammal hosts in a wide geographical scope within a long time span also made it possible to have collected so many species of chigger mites.
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An updated distribution and hosts: trombiculid mites (Acari: Trombidiformes) associated with small mammals in Yunnan Province, southwest China. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:1923-38. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-4934-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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17
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Ectoparasitic chigger mites on large oriental vole (Eothenomys miletus) across southwest, China. Parasitol Res 2015; 115:623-32. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4780-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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18
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Peng PY, Guo XG, Ren TG, Song WY. Faunal analysis of chigger mites (Acari: Prostigmata) on small mammals in Yunnan province, southwest China. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:2815-33. [PMID: 25930112 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4483-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 04/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This paper studied the species diversity and fauna distribution of chigger mites on small mammals in Yunnan province, southwest Yunnan. In total, 120,138 individuals of chigger mites were collected from 13,760 individual small mammals, and these mites were identified as comprising two families, 26 genera, and 274 species. Of the five zoogeographical subregions, the mite species diversity in subregions I and II was higher than that in subregions III, IV, and V. Four mite species (Leptotrombidium scutellare, Leptotrombidium sinicum, Leptotrombidium deliense, and Helenicula simena) were the most dominant species in the whole province. Several vector species of chigger mites co-existed in Yunnan, and L. deliense (a main vector of scrub typhus in China) was mainly distributed in subregions IV and V with lower latitude and average altitude whereas L. scutellare (also a main vector in China) was mainly distributed in subregions I, II, and III with higher latitude and average altitude. Some geographically widely distributed mite species were also the mites with wide host ranges and low host specificity. The dominant mite species and their clustering tendency in the dendrogram of hierarchical clustering analysis were highly in accordance with the zoogeographical divisions. The species diversity of chigger mites showed a parabolic tendency from the low altitude (<500 m) to the high altitude (>3,500 m) along the vertical gradients and reached the highest value in the middle altitude regions in 2,000-2,500 m. The highest species diversity of the mites and their small mammal hosts happened in the regions around the Hengduan Mountains, which is a hotspot of biodiversity in Asia continent. The host and its sample size, geographical scope, landscape, topography, and some other factors comprehensively influence the species diversity and faunal distribution of chigger mites. A systematic field investigation with a wide geographical scope and large host sample is strongly recommended in the fauna study of chigger mites and other ectoparasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Ying Peng
- Vector Laboratory, Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Dali University (Branch of Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Control and Prevention), Dali, Yunnan Province, 671000, People's Republic of China
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Hantaan virus can infect human keratinocytes and activate an interferon response through the nuclear translocation of IRF-3. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2015; 29:146-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2014.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2014] [Revised: 11/09/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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20
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Fischer K, Walton S. Parasitic mites of medical and veterinary importance--is there a common research agenda? Int J Parasitol 2014; 44:955-67. [PMID: 25218570 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2014.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Revised: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 08/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
There are an estimated 0.5-1 million mite species on earth. Among the many mites that are known to affect humans and animals, only a subset are parasitic but these can cause significant disease. We aim here to provide an overview of the most recent work in this field in order to identify common biological features of these parasites and to inform common strategies for future research. There is a critical need for diagnostic tools to allow for better surveillance and for drugs tailored specifically to the respective parasites. Multi-'omics' approaches represent a logical and timely strategy to identify the appropriate mite molecules. Recent advances in sequencing technology enable us to generate de novo genome sequence data, even from limited DNA resources. Consequently, the field of mite genomics has recently emerged and will now rapidly expand, which is a particular advantage for parasitic mites that cannot be cultured in vitro. Investigations of the microbiota associated with mites will elucidate the link between parasites and pathogens, and define the role of the mite in transmission and pathogenesis. The databases generated will provide the crucial knowledge essential to design novel diagnostic tools, control measures, prophylaxes, drugs and immunotherapies against the mites and associated secondary infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Fischer
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Infectious Diseases Program, Biology Department, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Shelley Walton
- Inflammation and Healing Research Cluster, School of Health and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia.
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Kim JH, Roh JY, Kwon DH, Kim YH, Yoon KA, Yoo S, Noh SJ, Park J, Shin EH, Park MY, Lee SH. Estimation of the genome sizes of the chigger mites Leptotrombidium pallidum and Leptotrombidium scutellare based on quantitative PCR and k-mer analysis. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:279. [PMID: 24947244 PMCID: PMC4079623 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leptotrombidium pallidum and Leptotrombidium scutellare are the major vector mites for Orientia tsutsugamushi, the causative agent of scrub typhus. Before these organisms can be subjected to whole-genome sequencing, it is necessary to estimate their genome sizes to obtain basic information for establishing the strategies that should be used for genome sequencing and assembly. METHOD The genome sizes of L. pallidum and L. scutellare were estimated by a method based on quantitative real-time PCR. In addition, a k-mer analysis of the whole-genome sequences obtained through Illumina sequencing was conducted to verify the mutual compatibility and reliability of the results. RESULTS The genome sizes estimated using qPCR were 191 ± 7 Mb for L. pallidum and 262 ± 13 Mb for L. scutellare. The k-mer analysis-based genome lengths were estimated to be 175 Mb for L. pallidum and 286 Mb for L. scutellare. The estimates from these two independent methods were mutually complementary and within a similar range to those of other Acariform mites. CONCLUSIONS The estimation method based on qPCR appears to be a useful alternative when the standard methods, such as flow cytometry, are impractical. The relatively small estimated genome sizes should facilitate whole-genome analysis, which could contribute to our understanding of Arachnida genome evolution and provide key information for scrub typhus prevention and mite vector competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Hyeon Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-921, Korea
| | - Jong Yul Roh
- Division of Medical Entomology, National Institute of Health, Osong 363-951, Korea
| | - Deok Ho Kwon
- Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-921, Korea
| | - Young Ho Kim
- Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-921, Korea
| | - Kyungjae A Yoon
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-921, Korea
| | - Seungil Yoo
- Deparment of Research, Codes Division, Insilicogen, Inc, Suwon 441-813, Korea
| | - Seung-Jae Noh
- Deparment of Research, Codes Division, Insilicogen, Inc, Suwon 441-813, Korea
| | - Junhyung Park
- Deparment of Research, Codes Division, Insilicogen, Inc, Suwon 441-813, Korea
| | - E-hyun Shin
- Division of Medical Entomology, National Institute of Health, Osong 363-951, Korea
| | - Mi-Yeoun Park
- Division of Medical Entomology, National Institute of Health, Osong 363-951, Korea
| | - Si Hyeock Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-921, Korea
- Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-921, Korea
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Zhan YZ, Guo XG, Speakman JR, Zuo XH, Wu D, Wang QH, Yang ZH. Abundances and host relationships of chigger mites in Yunnan Province, China. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2013; 27:194-202. [PMID: 23167491 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2915.2012.01053.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
This paper reports on ectoparasitic chigger mites found on small mammals in Yunnan Province, southwest China. Data were accumulated from 19 investigation sites (counties) between 2001 and 2009. A total of 10 222 small mammal hosts were captured and identified; these represented 62 species, 34 genera and 11 families in five orders. From the body surfaces of these 10 222 hosts, a total of 92 990 chigger mites were collected and identified microscopically. These represented 224 species, 22 genera and three subfamilies in the family Trombiculidae (Trombidiformes). Small mammals were commonly found to be infested by chigger mites and most host species harboured several species of mite. The species diversity of chigger mites in Yunnan was much higher than diversities reported previously in other provinces of China and in other countries. A single species of rodent, Eothenomys miletus (Rodentia: Cricetidae), carried 111 species of chigger mite, thus demonstrating the highest species diversity and heaviest mite infestation of all recorded hosts. This diversity is exceptional compared with that of other ectoparasites. Of the total 224 mite species, 21 species accounted for 82.2% of all mites counted. Two species acting as major vectors for scrub typhus (tsutsugamushi disease), Leptotrombidium scutellare and Leptotrombidium deliense, were identified as the dominant mite species in this sample. In addition to these two major vectors, 12 potential or suspected vector species were found. Most species of chigger mite had a wide range of hosts and low host specificity. For example, L. scutellare parasitized 30 species of host. The low host specificity of chigger mites may increase their probability of encountering humans, as well as their transmission of scrub typhus among different hosts. Hierarchical clustering analysis showed that similarities between different chigger mite communities on the 18 main species of small mammal host did not accord with the taxonomic affinity of the hosts. This suggests that the distribution of chigger mites may be strongly influenced by the environment in which hosts live.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y-Z Zhan
- Vector Laboratory, Institute of Pathogens and Vectors, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
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Gulati S, Maheshwari A. Dengue fever-like illnesses: how different are they from each other? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 44:522-30. [PMID: 22506663 DOI: 10.3109/00365548.2012.669044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In tropical countries and possibly elsewhere, dengue fever can be confused with other common tropical infections like enteric fever, leptospirosis, typhus fever, malaria, etc. Many of these illnesses can present in significant numbers after rains, and because of similar early presentations, can cause confusion in decision-making. With global warming, these diseases can assume significant proportions even in non-endemic areas. Identifying these illnesses in a non-immune returning traveller is equally challenging. Recognition of these diseases is important to diagnose them and treat them early, in order to avoid potentially fatal complications. This review is an attempt to highlight important clinical and laboratory differences among dengue fever-like illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameer Gulati
- Department of Internal Medicine, St Stephens Hospital, Tis Hazari, Delhi, India.
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Abstract
The emerging viral diseases haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) are a cause of global concern as they are increasingly reported from newer regions of the world. The hantavirus species causing HFRS include Hantaan virus,Seoul virus, Puumala virus, and Dobrava-Belgrade virus while Sin Nombre virus was responsible for the 1993 outbreak of HCPS in the Four Corners Region of the US. Humans are accidental hosts and get infected by aerosols generated from contaminated urine,feces and saliva of infected rodents. Rodents are the natural hosts of these viruses and develop persistent infection. Human to human infections are rare and the evolution of the virus depends largely on that of the rodent host. The first hantavirus isolate to be cultured, Thottapalayam virus,is the only indigenous isolate from India,isolated from an insectivore in 1964 in Vellore, South India. Research on hantaviruses in India has been slow but steady since 2005. Serological investigation of patients with pyrexic illness revealed presence of anti-hantavirus IgM antibodies in 14.7% of them. The seropositivity of hantavirus infections in the general population is about 4% and people who live and work in close proximity with rodents have a greater risk of acquiring hantavirus infections. Molecular and serological evidence of hantavirus infections in rodents and man has also been documented in this country. The present review on hantaviruses is to increase awareness of these emerging pathogens and the threats they pose to the public health system.
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Deter J, Bryja J, Chaval Y, Galan M, Henttonen H, Laakkonen J, Voutilainen L, Vapalahti O, Vaheri A, Salvador AR, Morand S, Cosson JF, Charbonnel N. Association between the DQA MHC class II gene and Puumala virus infection in Myodes glareolus, the bank vole. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2007; 8:450-8. [PMID: 17693139 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2007.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2007] [Revised: 07/02/2007] [Accepted: 07/05/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Puumala virus (PUUV) is a hantavirus specifically harboured by the bank vole, Myodes (earlier Clethrionomys) glareolus. It causes a mild form of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in humans, called Nephropathia epidemica (NE). The clinical severity of NE is variable among patients and depends on their major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genetic background. In this study we investigated the potential role of class II MHC gene polymorphism in the susceptibility/resistance to PUUV in the wild reservoir M. glareolus. We performed an association study between the exon 2 of the DQA gene and PUUV antibodies considering a natural population of bank voles. Because immune gene polymorphism is likely to be driven by multiple parasites in the wild, we also screened bank voles for other potential viral and parasitic infections. We used multivariate analyses to explore DQA polymorphism/PUUV associations while considering the potential antagonist and/or synergistic effects of the whole parasite community. Our study suggests links between class II MHC characteristics and viral infections including PUUV and Cowpox virus. Several alleles are likely to be involved in the susceptibility or in the resistance of bank voles to these infections. Alternatively, heterozygosity does not seem to be associated with PUUV or any other parasite infections. This result thus provides no evidence in favour of the hypothesis of selection through overdominance. Finally this multivariate approach reveals a strong antagonism between ectoparasitic mites and PUUV, suggesting direct or indirect immunogenetic links between infections by these parasites. Other datasets are now required to confirm these results and to test whether the associations vary in space and/or time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Deter
- Centre de Biologie et de Gestion et des Populations, Département INRA-EFPA 1062, Campus International de Baillarguet, CS 30016, 34988 Montferrier sur lez, France.
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Kuno G, Chang GJJ. Biological transmission of arboviruses: reexamination of and new insights into components, mechanisms, and unique traits as well as their evolutionary trends. Clin Microbiol Rev 2005; 18:608-37. [PMID: 16223950 PMCID: PMC1265912 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.18.4.608-637.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Among animal viruses, arboviruses are unique in that they depend on arthropod vectors for transmission. Field research and laboratory investigations related to the three components of this unique mode of transmission, virus, vector, and vertebrate host, have produced an enormous amount of valuable information that may be found in numerous publications. However, despite many reviews on specific viruses, diseases, or interests, a systematic approach to organizing the available information on all facets of biological transmission and then to interpret it in the context of the evolutionary process has not been attempted before. Such an attempt in this review clearly demonstrates tremendous progress made worldwide to characterize the viruses, to comprehend disease transmission and pathogenesis, and to understand the biology of vectors and their role in transmission. The rapid progress in molecular biologic techniques also helped resolve many virologic puzzles and yielded highly valuable data hitherto unavailable, such as characterization of virus receptors, the genetic basis of vertebrate resistance to viral infection, and phylogenetic evidence of the history of host range shifts in arboviruses. However, glaring gaps in knowledge of many critical subjects, such as the mechanism of viral persistence and the existence of vertebrate reservoirs, are still evident. Furthermore, with the accumulated data, new questions were raised, such as evolutionary directions of virus virulence and of host range. Although many fundamental questions on the evolution of this unique mode of transmission remained unresolved in the absence of a fossil record, available observations for arboviruses and the information derived from studies in other fields of the biological sciences suggested convergent evolution as a plausible process. Overall, discussion of the diverse range of theories proposed and observations made by many investigators was found to be highly valuable for sorting out the possible mechanism(s) of the emergence of arboviral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goro Kuno
- Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
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