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Boctor J, Pandey G, Xu W, Murphy DV, Hoyle FC. Nature's Plastic Predators: A Comprehensive and Bibliometric Review of Plastivore Insects. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1671. [PMID: 38932021 PMCID: PMC11207432 DOI: 10.3390/polym16121671] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Unprecedented plastic production has resulted in over six billion tons of harmful waste. Certain insect taxa emerge as potential agents of plastic biodegradation. Through a comprehensive manual and bibliometric literature analysis, this review analyses and consolidates the growing literature related to insect-mediated plastic breakdown. Over 23 insect species, representing Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, and 4 other orders, have been identified for their capacity to consume plastic polymers. Natural and synthetic polymers exhibit high-level similarities in molecular structure and properties. Thus, in conjunction with comparative genomics studies, we link plastic-degrading enzymatic capabilities observed in certain insects to the exaptation of endogenous enzymes originally evolved for digesting lignin, cellulose, beeswax, keratin and chitin from their native dietary substrates. Further clarification is necessary to distinguish mineralisation from physicochemical fragmentation and to differentiate microbiome-mediated degradation from direct enzymatic reactions by insects. A bibliometric analysis of the exponentially growing body of literature showed that leading research is emerging from China and the USA. Analogies between natural and synthetic polymer's degradation pathways will inform engineering robust enzymes for practical plastic bioremediation applications. By aggregating, analysing, and interpreting published insights, this review consolidates our mechanistic understanding of insects as a potential natural solution to the escalating plastic waste crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Boctor
- Bioplastics Innovation Hub, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (W.X.); (D.V.M.); (F.C.H.)
| | - Gunjan Pandey
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Environment, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia;
| | - Wei Xu
- Bioplastics Innovation Hub, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (W.X.); (D.V.M.); (F.C.H.)
| | - Daniel V. Murphy
- Bioplastics Innovation Hub, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (W.X.); (D.V.M.); (F.C.H.)
- SoilsWest, Centre for Sustainable Farming Systems, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Frances C. Hoyle
- Bioplastics Innovation Hub, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (W.X.); (D.V.M.); (F.C.H.)
- SoilsWest, Centre for Sustainable Farming Systems, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
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Gallorini M, Marinacci B, Pellegrini B, Cataldi A, Dindo ML, Carradori S, Grande R. Immunophenotyping of hemocytes from infected Galleria mellonella larvae as an innovative tool for immune profiling, infection studies and drug screening. Sci Rep 2024; 14:759. [PMID: 38191588 PMCID: PMC10774281 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51316-z] [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: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a considerable increasing interest in the use of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella as an animal model. In vivo pharmacological tests, concerning the efficacy and the toxicity of novel compounds are typically performed in mammalian models. However, the use of the latter is costly, laborious and requires ethical approval. In this context, G. mellonella larvae can be considered a valid option due to their greater ease of use and the absence of ethical rules. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that the immune system of these invertebrates has similarity with the one of mammals, thus guaranteeing the reliability of this in vivo model, mainly in the microbiological field. To better develop the full potential of this model, we present a novel approach to characterize the hemocyte population from G. mellonella larvae and to highlight the immuno modulation upon infection and treatments. Our approach is based on the detection in isolated hemocytes from G. mellonella hemolymph of cell membrane markers typically expressed by human immune cells upon inflammation and infection, for instance CD14, CD44, CD80, CD163 and CD200. This method highlights the analogies between G. mellonella larvae and humans. Furthermore, we provide an innovative tool to perform pre-clinical evaluations of the efficacy of antimicrobial compounds in vivo to further proceed with clinical trials and support drug discovery campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marialucia Gallorini
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d' Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Beatrice Marinacci
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d' Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Benedetta Pellegrini
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d' Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Amelia Cataldi
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d' Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
- UdA TechLab, "G. d' Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Dindo
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simone Carradori
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d' Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Rossella Grande
- Department of Pharmacy, "G. d' Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy.
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Pascacio-Villafán C, Caravantes-Villatoro LA, Osorio-Paz I, Guillén L, García HS, Enciso-Ortiz E, Altúzar-Molina A, Barran-Prior R, Aluja M. Larval Rearing and Nutrition of the Polyphagous Tephritid Pest Anastrepha ludens on Artificial Diets with Calcium Alginate, Agar, or Carrageenan as Gelling Agents at Various Concentrations and across Extreme Larval Density Conditions. INSECTS 2023; 14:952. [PMID: 38132628 PMCID: PMC10743761 DOI: 10.3390/insects14120952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Research on larval rearing and nutrition of tephritid flies on artificial diets is key for the sterile insect technique. Here, we examined the effects of the type of gel (calcium alginate, agar, or carrageenan), at varying percentages in artificial diets for the polyphagous pest Anastrepha ludens, on the physicochemical and nutritional traits of the diets, and the effects of the type of gel, the gel content and the larval density (larvae/g of diet) used in production, quality parameters for mass-reared tephritids, diet removal (an indirect estimation of diet consumption), and nutritional traits of flies. Regardless of the gel content, calcium alginate diets were firmer and more resistant to penetration than the agar and carrageenan diets. The larval recovery, pupation, pupal weight, and flight ability of A. ludens were lower in calcium alginate diets than in agar and carrageenan diets. Diet removal was higher in calcium alginate diets; however, low levels of ammonium and high levels of uric acid in excretions from larvae on these diets suggest an alteration in protein metabolism. The firmness and penetration resistance characteristics of calcium alginate diets may have limited movement and feeding of larvae, but this could be overcome by the collective feeding of large groups of larvae. Our findings provide insights into the mechanism governing gel-diet rearing systems for A. ludens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Pascacio-Villafán
- Red de Manejo Biorracional de Plagas y Vectores, Clúster Científico y Tecnológico BioMimic®, Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Xalapa 91073, Veracruz, Mexico; (L.A.C.-V.); (I.O.-P.); (L.G.); (E.E.-O.); (A.A.-M.); (R.B.-P.); (M.A.)
| | - Luis A. Caravantes-Villatoro
- Red de Manejo Biorracional de Plagas y Vectores, Clúster Científico y Tecnológico BioMimic®, Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Xalapa 91073, Veracruz, Mexico; (L.A.C.-V.); (I.O.-P.); (L.G.); (E.E.-O.); (A.A.-M.); (R.B.-P.); (M.A.)
| | - Ixchel Osorio-Paz
- Red de Manejo Biorracional de Plagas y Vectores, Clúster Científico y Tecnológico BioMimic®, Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Xalapa 91073, Veracruz, Mexico; (L.A.C.-V.); (I.O.-P.); (L.G.); (E.E.-O.); (A.A.-M.); (R.B.-P.); (M.A.)
| | - Larissa Guillén
- Red de Manejo Biorracional de Plagas y Vectores, Clúster Científico y Tecnológico BioMimic®, Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Xalapa 91073, Veracruz, Mexico; (L.A.C.-V.); (I.O.-P.); (L.G.); (E.E.-O.); (A.A.-M.); (R.B.-P.); (M.A.)
| | - Hugo S. García
- Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo de Alimentos, Tecnológico Nacional de México, Instituto Tecnológico de Veracruz, Veracruz 91897, Veracruz, Mexico;
| | - Erick Enciso-Ortiz
- Red de Manejo Biorracional de Plagas y Vectores, Clúster Científico y Tecnológico BioMimic®, Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Xalapa 91073, Veracruz, Mexico; (L.A.C.-V.); (I.O.-P.); (L.G.); (E.E.-O.); (A.A.-M.); (R.B.-P.); (M.A.)
| | - Alma Altúzar-Molina
- Red de Manejo Biorracional de Plagas y Vectores, Clúster Científico y Tecnológico BioMimic®, Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Xalapa 91073, Veracruz, Mexico; (L.A.C.-V.); (I.O.-P.); (L.G.); (E.E.-O.); (A.A.-M.); (R.B.-P.); (M.A.)
| | - Roxana Barran-Prior
- Red de Manejo Biorracional de Plagas y Vectores, Clúster Científico y Tecnológico BioMimic®, Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Xalapa 91073, Veracruz, Mexico; (L.A.C.-V.); (I.O.-P.); (L.G.); (E.E.-O.); (A.A.-M.); (R.B.-P.); (M.A.)
| | - Martín Aluja
- Red de Manejo Biorracional de Plagas y Vectores, Clúster Científico y Tecnológico BioMimic®, Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Xalapa 91073, Veracruz, Mexico; (L.A.C.-V.); (I.O.-P.); (L.G.); (E.E.-O.); (A.A.-M.); (R.B.-P.); (M.A.)
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Asrar M, Bakht I, Rasool B, Hussain S, Hussain D, Javed Z. Efficacy and toxicity of different plant extracts over the period of time in Bracon hebetor (Say) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Heliyon 2023; 9:e21631. [PMID: 38027796 PMCID: PMC10643269 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Bracon hebetor (Say) is an important parasitoid and played a suitable model role for bio control programs. Pest management through biocontrol approaches such as plant extracts is an ecologically responsive and enthusiastic means of reducing insect pests. The main objective of the present research was to discover the efficiency and susceptibility periods of plant extracts for the assessment of parasitoids. The toxicity of five plants (Cymbopogon nardus, Azadirachta indica, Syzygium aromaticum, Datura stramonium and Parthenium hysterophorus) extracts were evaluated against B. hebetor to detect the possible way forward to controlling insect pests along with the adverse effects on beneficial insects. The data was recorded regarding mortality of B. hebetor, after calculated time periods with different intervals of up to 2 days. Datasets were followed by a statistical probe which exhibited significant results. The extracts of C. nardus, A. indica, S. aromaticum and D. stramonium exhibited non-toxic effects, whereas P. hysterophorus indicated low toxicity annotations against investigated parasitoid. These investigations suggested that four plants examined are not hazardous to the parasitoids whereas P. hysterophorus somehow has detrimental effects at low toxicity levels. Further development of insecticide resistance mechanisms in the parasitoid favors the enhancement of parasitoid efficacy with plant extracts. The possible selective use of these plant extracts and their effects on the safety period of parasitoids for integration with other approaches in sustainable pest management programs is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Asrar
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Irum Bakht
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Bilal Rasool
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Saddam Hussain
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Agriculture Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan
| | - Dilbar Hussain
- Entomological Research Institute, Ayub Agriculture Research Institute, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Zeeshan Javed
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
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Gohl P, LeMoine C, Cassone B. Diet and ontogeny drastically alter the larval microbiome of the invertebrate model Galleria mellonella. Can J Microbiol 2022; 68:594-604. [PMID: 35863073 DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2022-0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Larvae of the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) are an emerging animal model to study the innate immune response and biodegradation of plastic polymers. Both of these complex biological processes are likely impacted by the plasticity of host-microbe interactions, which remains understudied in lepidopterans. Consequently we carried out 16S rRNA sequencing to explore the effect diet (natural, artificial) has on the bacterial assemblages of G. mellonella in different tissues (gut, fat bodies, silk glands) throughout development (eggs, six instar stages, adults). The microbiome was rich in diversity, with Proteobacteria and Firmicutes being the most represented phyla. Contrary to other lepidopterans, G. mellonella appears to possess a resident microbiome dominated by Ralstonia. As larvae progress through development, the bacterial assemblages become increasingly shaped by the caterpillar's diet. In particular, a number of bacteria genera widely associated with the G. mellonella microbiome (e.g., Enterococcus and Enterbacter) were significantly enriched on an artificial diet. Overall these results indicate that the G. mellonella microbiome is not as simplistic and homogenous as previously described. Rather, its bacterial communities are drastically affected by both diet and ontogeny, which should be taken into consideration in future studies planning to use G. mellonella as model species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Gohl
- Brandon University Faculty of Science, 414985, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada;
| | - Christophe LeMoine
- Brandon University Faculty of Science, 414985, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada;
| | - Bryan Cassone
- Brandon University, 1916, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada;
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Aceituno-Medina M, Hernández E, Rincón-Betancurt O, García-Fajardo LV, Diego-García E. Effects of a Bulking Agent on the Protein:Carbohydrate Ratio, Bioconversion, and Cost-effectiveness of a Larval Diet for Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae). JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 115:739-747. [PMID: 35348717 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toac025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Although the bulking agent is categorized as 'inert', it could modify protein bioavailability and nutritional quality. In this study, the main goal was to determine if the bulking agent modified the protein:carbohydrate (P:C) ratio and bioconversion from diet biomass to larval biomass of Anastrepha ludens. The diet was altered only by modifying the type of bulking agent (corncob powder, coconut fiber, carrot fiber, oatmeal) added without changing the composition and concentration of the other components in the formulation. This allowed reclassification of the food matrices according to P:C ratios of 1:30, 1:35, 1:64, and 1:93. A food matrix with a high P:C ratio promoted a high protein and carbohydrate content in the larval hemolymph and immediately influenced the life-history traits of the larva or delayed them in the adult. The present study indicated a positive relationship between the P:G+T (glucose+trehalose) ratio in the larval hemolymph and the P:C ratio in the larval diet. Our results highlight the importance of including the optimum and real P:C ratio in whole fresh larval diets, since considering only the theoretical concentration of the formulation is not enough to understand the variation in key life-history traits. In addition, the bioconversion index should be included as an indicator of the efficacy of larval diets for mass rearing insects. A diet with high cost-effectiveness should be evaluated by taking into account flying flies as the end product of the mass rearing process to enhance operational SIT programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marysol Aceituno-Medina
- Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), Calle Bravo Murillo No. 38, Madrid, España
- Departamento de Dieta Experimental y Poscosecha, Subdirección de Desarrollo Tecnológico, Programa Moscas de la Fruta SADER-SENASICA, Camino a Cacahotales S/N, Metapa de Dominguez, Chiapas, México
- Instituto de Biociencias, Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas, Blvd. Príncipe Akishino S/N, Solidaridad 2000, Tapachula, Chiapas, México
| | - Emilio Hernández
- Departamento de Dieta Experimental y Poscosecha, Subdirección de Desarrollo Tecnológico, Programa Moscas de la Fruta SADER-SENASICA, Camino a Cacahotales S/N, Metapa de Dominguez, Chiapas, México
- Instituto de Biociencias, Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas, Blvd. Príncipe Akishino S/N, Solidaridad 2000, Tapachula, Chiapas, México
| | - Olivia Rincón-Betancurt
- Departamento de Dieta Experimental y Poscosecha, Subdirección de Desarrollo Tecnológico, Programa Moscas de la Fruta SADER-SENASICA, Camino a Cacahotales S/N, Metapa de Dominguez, Chiapas, México
- Instituto de Biociencias, Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas, Blvd. Príncipe Akishino S/N, Solidaridad 2000, Tapachula, Chiapas, México
| | - Luz Verónica García-Fajardo
- El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Laboratorio de Biotecnología Ambiental y Agroecológica, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto km 2.5, Tapachula, Chiapas, México
| | - Elia Diego-García
- El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Laboratorio de Biotecnología Ambiental y Agroecológica, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto km 2.5, Tapachula, Chiapas, México
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Cassone BJ, Grove HC, Kurchaba N, Geronimo P, LeMoine CMR. Fat on plastic: Metabolic consequences of an LDPE diet in the fat body of the greater wax moth larvae (Galleria mellonella). JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 425:127862. [PMID: 34872037 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The caterpillar larvae of the greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) are avid plastivores, as when provided a diet of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) they actively feed on it. Recent work has highlighted the importance of their microbiome in the putative biodegradation of this plastic polymer, though the impact of plastic metabolism on the insect host is less clear. In the present study, we undertook an integrative approach spanning all levels of biological organization to explore the effects of a plastic diet on the metabolic physiology of this animal model of plastic biodegradation. We demonstrate that an LDPE diet is not sufficient to maintain optimal larval growth and survival. In addition, we confirm that plastic fed waxworms retain their fat body lipid stores in a manner proportional to their individual polyethylene consumption suggesting a direct effect of LDPE biodegradation. At the functional level, the oxidative capacity of the fat body of LDPE-fed larvae is maintained reflecting unaltered metabolic function of the tissue. Finally, metabolomic analyses confirmed fat body lipid stores maintenance in LDPE-fed worms, but uncovered various other nutritional deficiencies. Overall, this work unveils novel insights in the complex interplay between LDPE biodegradation and the metabolic physiology of this model plastivore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan J Cassone
- Department of Biology, Brandon University, Brandon, MB R78 6A9, Canada.
| | - Harald C Grove
- Department of Biology, Brandon University, Brandon, MB R78 6A9, Canada
| | - Nicholas Kurchaba
- Department of Biology, Brandon University, Brandon, MB R78 6A9, Canada
| | - Paola Geronimo
- Department of Biology, Brandon University, Brandon, MB R78 6A9, Canada
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Bertola M, Mutinelli F. A Systematic Review on Viruses in Mass-Reared Edible Insect Species. Viruses 2021; 13:2280. [PMID: 34835086 PMCID: PMC8619331 DOI: 10.3390/v13112280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Edible insects are expected to become an important nutrient source for animals and humans in the Western world in the near future. Only a few studies on viruses in edible insects with potential for industrial rearing have been published and concern only some edible insect species. Viral pathogens that can infect insects could be non-pathogenic, or pathogenic to the insects themselves, or to humans and animals. The objective of this systematic review is to provide an overview of the viruses detected in edible insects currently considered for use in food and/or feed in the European Union or appropriate for mass rearing, and to collect information on clinical symptoms in insects and on the vector role of insects themselves. Many different virus species have been detected in edible insect species showing promise for mass production systems. These viruses could be a risk for mass insect rearing systems causing acute high mortality, a drastic decline in growth in juvenile stages and in the reproductive performance of adults. Furthermore, some viruses could pose a risk to human and animal health where insects are used for food and feed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Bertola
- Laboratory of Parasitology Micology and Sanitary Enthomology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Franco Mutinelli
- National Rereference Laboratory for Honey Bee Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy;
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