1
|
Mirzajanzadeh F, Karami M, Gorgani-Firouzjaee T, Babapour R, Jafarzadeh J, Jalilnavaz-Novin M. High mitochondrial gene diversity of Pediculus humanus capitis among children in northern Iran. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2024:trae040. [PMID: 38895866 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trae040] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis, is an obligate ectoparasite and its infestation remains a major public health issue worldwide. Determining the genetic characteristics of the existing clades is essential to identify the population structure and to develop head lice-control programs. Hence, we aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of head lice among infested individuals in northern Iran. METHODS Adult head lice were collected from 100 infested individuals referring to the health centers throughout five geographical regions in Mazandaran Province, Iran. Partial fragments of the mitochondrial cytb gene were amplified by PCR, then consequently sequenced. RESULTS The results of the phylogenetic tree of collected head lice confirmed the existence of two clades, A and B, in the studied areas. Thirteen haplotypes were detected in the studied populations, of which 11 were novel haplotypes. Clade A was the dominant form and accounted for 75% of samples, while clade B included the rest. Haplotype and nucleotide diversity were 0.999 and 0.0411, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Clade A and B of Pediculus humanus capitis exist among the human populations of northern Iran. We observed high genotypic diversity of this head lice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fayaz Mirzajanzadeh
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Ganj Afrooz Ave., Babol 47176-47745, Iran
| | - Mohsen Karami
- Department of Mycology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Ganj Afrooz Ave., Babol 47176-47745, Iran, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Ganj Afrooz Ave., Babol 47176-47745, Iran
| | - Tahmineh Gorgani-Firouzjaee
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Ganj Afrooz Ave., Babol 47176-47745, Iran
| | - Rahman Babapour
- Babol Health Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Ganj Afrooz Ave., Babol 47176-47745, Iran
| | - Jalal Jafarzadeh
- Department of Mycology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Ganj Afrooz Ave., Babol 47176-47745, Iran, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Ganj Afrooz Ave., Babol 47176-47745, Iran
| | - Mohamad Jalilnavaz-Novin
- Smart University of Medical Sciences, No 3, 1st Alley, Sarafraz St., Shaheed Beheshti St., Tehran 1416634793, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kamani J, Irene S, Nachum-Biala Y, Shand M, Harrus S. Phylogenetic and network analysis of Pediculus humanus in Nigeria reveal the presences of clade E body lice and novel haplotypes. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:3087-3100. [PMID: 37847393 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07999-w] [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: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
An investigation was conducted for the first time to determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of human lice, for the first time in Nigeria, using conventional PCR and sequencing methods. Three mitochondrial genes, cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (cox1), cytochrome b (cytb), and 12S rRNA of Nigerian human lice, were amplified, sequenced, and analyzed. Overall, high prevalence (72.5%; 103/142) of lice infestation was recorded among the examined volunteers. Head lice infestation was more common 63 (61.2%) than body lice infestation 34 (33.0%). Co-infestation with both head and body lice was recorded in six humans (5.8%). The Nigerian human lice specimens were placed mostly into clade A with few in clade E, including body lice for the first time. Six, three, and eight haplotypes of Nigerian human lice were obtained for the cytb, cox1, and 12S rRNA genes, respectively. Additionally, one (E51), three (A31, A32, and E5), and six (A20, A21, A23, A24, A30, and E1) novel haplotypes were recorded for cox1, cytb, and 12S rRNA, respectively, from the Nigerian specimens which were corroborated by the ML phylogenetic trees and MJ network analyses. Genetic diversity indices indicate minimal variation in the parameters analyzed among the clades of the three genes. However, a statistically significant Snn test, negative Tajima's D test for clade A (cox1 and 12S rRNA genes), and negative Fu and Li's D test in clade A for cox1 gene indicate a geographical structure and the signature of population expansion of the Nigerian human lice. The findings from this study provide additional data on the human lice structure in Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Kamani
- Parasitology Division, National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Plateau State, PMB 01, Nigeria.
| | - Sacristán Irene
- Animal Health Research Centre, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Centro Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yaarit Nachum-Biala
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Mike Shand
- School of Geographical and Earth Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Shimon Harrus
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ouarti B, Fonkou DMM, Houhamdi L, Mediannikov O, Parola P. Lice and lice-borne diseases in humans in Africa: a narrative review. Acta Trop 2022; 237:106709. [PMID: 36198330 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Lice are host-specific insects. Human lice include Pediculus humanus humanus (body lice) which are known to be vectors of serious human bacterial infectious diseases including epidemic typhus, relapsing fever, trench fever and plague; Pediculus humanus capitis (head lice) that frequently affect children; and Pthirus pubis, commonly known as crab lice. In Africa, human infections transmitted by lice remained poorly known and therefore, underestimated, perhaps due to the lack of diagnostic tools and professional knowledge. In this paper we review current knowledge of the microorganisms identified in human lice in the continent of Africa, in order to alert health professionals to the importance of recognising the risk of lice-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Basma Ouarti
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France; IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
| | | | - Linda Houhamdi
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France; IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France.
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France; IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fu YT, Yao C, Deng YP, Elsheikha HM, Shao R, Zhu XQ, Liu GH. Human pediculosis, a global public health problem. Infect Dis Poverty 2022; 11:58. [PMID: 35619191 PMCID: PMC9134731 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-022-00986-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human pediculosis is caused by hematophagous lice, which are transmitted between individuals via direct and/or indirect contact. Despite the public health importance of louse infestation, information concerning the global burden of pediculosis and the epidemiological landscape of louse-borne diseases is limited. The aim of this review was to summarize the biology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and control of lice infestation in humans. We also discussed the latest advances in molecular taxonomy and molecular genetics of lice. Methods We searched five electronic bibliographic databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, CNKI, VIP Chinese Journal Database, and Wanfang Data) and followed a standard approach for conducting scoping reviews to identify studies on various aspects of human lice. Relevant information reported in the identified studies were collated, categorized, and summarized. Results A total of 282 studies were eligible for the final review. Human pediculosis remains a public health issue affecting millions of people worldwide. Emerging evidence suggests that head lice and body lice should be considered conspecific, with different genotypes and ecotypes. Phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial (mt) cytb gene sequences identified six distinct clades of lice worldwide. In addition to the direct effect on human health, lice can serve as vectors of disease-causing pathogens. The use of insecticides plays a crucial role in the treatment and prevention of louse infestation. Genome sequencing has advanced our knowledge of the genetic structure and evolutionary biology of human lice. Conclusions Human pediculosis is a public health problem affecting millions of people worldwide, particularly in developing countries. More progress can be made if emphasis is placed on the use of emerging omics technologies to elucidate the mechanisms that underpin the physiological, ecological, and evolutionary aspects of lice. Graphic Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40249-022-00986-w.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Tian Fu
- Research Center for Parasites and Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chaoqun Yao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
| | - Yuan-Ping Deng
- Research Center for Parasites and Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Renfu Shao
- Centre for Bioinnovation, School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, 4556, Australia
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China. .,Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Higher Education of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650201, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guo-Hua Liu
- Research Center for Parasites and Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Amanzougaghene N, Charlier P, Fenollar F, Raoult D, Mediannikov O. Putative native South Amerindian origin of head lice clade F: evidence from head lice nits infesting human shrunken heads. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4307. [PMID: 35279677 PMCID: PMC8918326 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08176-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis, is a strictly obligate human ectoparasite with a long history of association with humans. Here, 17 ancient head lice nits were recovered from six shrunken human heads (known as tsantsas) of individuals from the Shuar/Jivaro tribe, a native Amazonian population from Ecuador, South America. Cytochrome b DNA analysis revealed the presence of three known mitochondrial clades. Clade A was the most frequent (52.94%), followed by F (35.29%), and B (11.76%). Eleven haplotypes were found in 17 samples, and nine of the haplotypes were novel, indicating an unusually high genetic diversity. In conclusion, we confirmed the presence of clades A, B and F in South Amerindian population. Moreover, the description of clade F, together with its previous reports in another Amerindian population from French Guiana, strongly support the hypothesis of a native South American origin for this clade, and probably derived from clade B which was carried to America by an ancestral Eurasian Beringian population. Further support to our conclusion and new insights might come from the analysis of a larger collection of modern and ancient native American lice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Amanzougaghene
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Charlier
- Laboratory «Anthropology, Archaeology, Biology» (LAAB), Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, 78180, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
- Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, 222 rue de l'Université, 75007, Paris, France
| | - Florence Fenollar
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Amanzougaghene N, Drali R, Shako JC, Davoust B, Fenollar F, Raoult D, Mediannikov O. High Genetic Diversity and Rickettsia felis in Pediculus humanus Lice Infesting Mbuti (pygmy people), -Democratic Republic of Congo. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:834388. [PMID: 35310843 PMCID: PMC8924665 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.834388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediculus humanus is an obligate bloodsucking parasite of humans that has two ecotypes, the head louse and the body louse, which share an intimate history of coevolution with their human host. In the present work, we obtained and analysed head and body lice collected from Mbuti pygmies living in the Orientale province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Cytochrome b DNA analysis was performed in order to type the six known lice clades (A, D, B, F, C and E). The results revealed the presence of two mitochondrial clades. Clade D was the most frequent (61.7% of 47), followed by clade A (38.3% of 47). Sixteen haplotypes were found in 47 samples, of which thirteen were novel haplotypes, indicating an unusually high genetic diversity that closely mirrors the diversity of their hosts. Moreover, we report for the first time the presence of the DNA of R. felis in three (6.4% of 47) head and body lice belonging to both clades A and D. Additional studies are needed to clarify whether the Pediculus lice can indeed transmit this emerging zoonotic bacterium to their human hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Amanzougaghene
- Aix Marseille Univ Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), Microbes, Evolution (MEPHI), Phylogénie et Infection, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU)-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Rezak Drali
- Aix Marseille Univ Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), Microbes, Evolution (MEPHI), Phylogénie et Infection, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU)-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Plateforme Génomique - Bioinformatique, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie, Rue du Petit Staouéli, Algiers, Algeria
| | | | - Bernard Davoust
- Aix Marseille Univ Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), Microbes, Evolution (MEPHI), Phylogénie et Infection, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU)-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Florence Fenollar
- Aix Marseille Univ Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), Microbes, Evolution (MEPHI), Phylogénie et Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Univ, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), Vecteurs – Infections Tropicales et Méditeranéennes (VITROME), Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix Marseille Univ Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), Microbes, Evolution (MEPHI), Phylogénie et Infection, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU)-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille Univ Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), Microbes, Evolution (MEPHI), Phylogénie et Infection, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU)-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- *Correspondence: Oleg Mediannikov,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yingklang M, Banjong D, Haonon O, Intuyod K, Dangtakot R, Thongpon P, Pinlaor P, Laha T, Siriyasatien P, Pinlaor S. Phylogeography and demographic history of Thai Pediculus humanus capitis (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae) revealed by mitochondrial DNA sequences. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 91:104825. [PMID: 33775906 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Pediculus humanus (human louse) is a hematophagous insect that feeds on human blood. It is distributed worldwide. Understanding phylogeography and population-genetic structure of the human louse will illuminate the evolution of this insect and the dynamics of how resistance alleles might spread in the landscape. In this work, we used mitochondrial (cox1 and cytb genes) sequences of the human louse to investigate genetic diversity, population-genetic structure and demographic history of the louse in Thailand. Human lice in Thailand belonged to mitochondrial clades A and C. Most genetic variation was attributed to intra-region 65.71% within provinces for clade A and 68.92% for clade C, while inter-region level was 34.40% among provinces within regions for clade A and 20.09% for clade C. Neutrality and other indices suggested that louse populations from clades A and C in Thailand have experienced a population expansion. But head lice from Khon Kaen Province in clade C demonstrated a significant recent population bottleneck or natural selective pressure with constant population size. Head lice in Thailand showed varying degrees of low to high genetic differentiation at the level of province with many populations being genetically distinct from each other among regions and within the same region. Knowledge of the clades present in Thailand and that gene flow occurs between regions will assist in developing appropriate strategies for management of head lice at the local level in the country.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manachai Yingklang
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Ditsayathan Banjong
- Biomedical Science Program, Graduate School, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Ornuma Haonon
- Faculty of Medical Technology, Nakhonratchasima College, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Kitti Intuyod
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Rungtiwa Dangtakot
- Biomedical Science Program, Graduate School, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Phonpilas Thongpon
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Porntip Pinlaor
- Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Thewarach Laha
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Padet Siriyasatien
- Vector Biology and Vector Borne Disease Research Unit, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Somchai Pinlaor
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Molecular Characterization and Genetic Diversity of Haplogroup E Human Lice in Guinea, West Africa. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9020257. [PMID: 33513865 PMCID: PMC7911403 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediculus humanus capitis, the head louse, is an obligate blood-sucking ectoparasite that occurs in six divergent mitochondrial clades (A, D, B, F, C and E). Several studies reported the presence of different pathogenic agents in head lice specimens collected worldwide. These findings suggest that head louse could be a dangerous vector and a serious public health problem. Herein, we aimed to study the mitochondrial genetic diversity, the PHUM540560 gene polymorphisms profile of head lice collected in Guinea, as well as to screen for their associated pathogens. In 2018, a total of 155 head lice were collected from 49 individuals at the Medicals Centers of rural (Maférinyah village) and urban (Kindia city) areas, in Guinea. Specimens were subjected to a genetic analysis and pathogens screening using molecular tools. Results showed that all head lice belonged to eight haplotypes in the E haplogroup, with six newly identified for the first time. The study of the PHUM540560 gene polymorphisms of our clade E-head lice revealed that 82.5% exhibited the same polymorphism profile as the previously reported clade A-body lice. Screening for targeted pathogens revealed the presence of Acinetobacter spp., while sequencing highlighted the presence of several species, including Acinetobacter baumannii, Acinetobacter nosocomialis, Acinetobacter variabilis, Acinetobacter towneri and for the first time Acinetobacter haemolyticus. Our study is the first to report the existence of the Guinean haplogroup E, the PHUM540560 gene polymorphism profile as well as the presence of Acinetobacter species in head lice collected from Guinea.
Collapse
|
9
|
Mokhtar AS, Ling Lau Y, Wilson JJ, Abdul-Aziz NM. Genetic Diversity of Pediculus humanus capitis (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae) in Peninsular Malaysia and Molecular Detection of Its Potential Associated Pathogens. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 57:915-926. [PMID: 31828310 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Pediculosis capitis caused by Pediculus humanus capitis (De Geer) is endemic all over the world, and children are mostly affected, particularly those living in overcrowded institutions. Several studies have shown that P. h. capitis carried human pathogenic bacteria, suggesting the potential role of head lice in the transmission of pathogens to humans. In this study, we determined the genetic diversity of head lice collected from welfare homes sheltering underprivileged children by using DNA barcoding and demonstrated the presence of Acinetobacter spp., Serratia marcescens, and Staphylococcus aureus in head lice, which have never been investigated before in Malaysia. Cox1 DNA barcoding identified the head lice, P. h. capitis collected from welfare homes across two geographical areas of Peninsular Malaysia as belonging to clades A, B, and D. Acinetobacter bacteria: Acinetobacter guillouiae, Acinetobacter junii, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Acinetobacter nosocomialis were detected in head lice belonging to clades A and also D. In addition, DNA from S. marcescens and S. aureus were also detected in both clades A and D. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the genetic diversity of head lice in Malaysia through DNA barcoding, as well as the first to provide molecular evidence on the type of bacteria occurring in head lice in Malaysia. It is anticipated that the DNA barcoding technique used in this study will be able to provide rapid and accurate identification of arthropods, in particular, medically important ectoparasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aida Syafinaz Mokhtar
- Malaysian Life Science Accelerator, UM Centre of Innovation and Commercialization, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yee Ling Lau
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - John-James Wilson
- International College Beijing, China Agricultural University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Karakuş M, Atıcı T, Karabela ŞN, Baylan O, Limoncu ME, Balcıoğlu İC. Detection of permethrin resistance and phylogenetic clustering of turkish head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis; De Geer, 1767 populations. Acta Trop 2020; 204:105362. [PMID: 32006522 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Head lice infestation caused by Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer, 1767 is one of the most common public health problems. The relationship between humans and head lice dates back millions of years ago that differentiated into different phylogenetic clades. Treatment of head lice infestation usually based on insecticide-based products, which promotes the resistance in the head lice populations. In the present study, we aimed to screen the presence of permethrin resistance among collected P. h. capitis specimens in Turkey. Three mutation sites (T917I, L920F, and M815I) were screened using real-time PCR and resistance was identified by melt analysis. Of the studied specimens, resistance allele frequency (RAF) was found 0.98 for T917I, 0.99 for L920F, and 1.00 for M815I. The phylogenetic study revealed that Clade A and Clade B are present and overlap in Turkey. The present study is first to screen the resistance among Turkish head lice specimens. To not stimulate the pyrethroids resistance in head lice populations, early detection of resistance is crucial and will help the health professionals to choose suitable formula in the treatment. We suggest that the resistance status needs to be screened in randomly selected populations before any treatment application is given.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Karakuş
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Hamidiye Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, İstanbul, Turkey.
| | - Tuğçe Atıcı
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Şemsi Nur Karabela
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Orhan Baylan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Hamidiye Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Emin Limoncu
- Vocational School of Health Services, Manisa Celal Bayar University Manisa, Turkey
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Amanzougaghene N, Fenollar F, Raoult D, Mediannikov O. Where Are We With Human Lice? A Review of the Current State of Knowledge. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 9:474. [PMID: 32039050 PMCID: PMC6990135 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediculus humanus is an obligate bloodsucking ectoparasite of human that includes two ecotypes, head louse and body louse, which differ slightly in morphology and biology, but have distinct ecologies. Phylogenetically, they are classified on six mitochondrial clades (A, B, C, D, E, and F), head louse encompasses the full genetic diversity of clades, while body louse belongs to clades A and D. Recent studies suggested that not only body louse, but also head louse can transmit disease, which warrants greater attention as a serious public health problem. The recent sequencing of body louse genome confirmed that P. humanus has the smallest genome of any hemimetabolous insect reported to date, and also revealed numerous interesting characteristics in the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. The transcriptome analyses showed that body and head lice were almost genetically identical. Indeed, the phenotypic flexibility associated with the emergence of body lice, is probably a result of regulatory changes, perhaps epigenetic in origin, triggered by environmental signals. Current lice control strategies have proven unsuccessful. For instance, ivermectin represents a relatively new and very promising pediculicide. However, ivermectin resistance in the field has begun to be reported. Therefore, novel opportunities for pest control strategies are needed. Our objective here is to review the current state of knowledge on the biology, epidemiology, phylogeny, disease-vector and control of this fascinating and very intimate human parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Amanzougaghene
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Florence Fenollar
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Boumbanda Koyo CS, Amanzougaghene N, Davoust B, Tshilolo L, Lekana-Douki JB, Raoult D, Mediannikov O, Fenollar F. Genetic diversity of human head lice and molecular detection of associated bacterial pathogens in Democratic Republic of Congo. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:290. [PMID: 31174587 PMCID: PMC6555951 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3540-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis, is an obligatory blood-sucking ectoparasite, distributed worldwide. Phylogenetically, it occurs in five divergent mitochondrial clades (A-E); each exhibiting a particular geographical distribution. Recent studies suggest that, as in the case of body louse, head louse could be a disease vector. We aimed to study the genetic diversity of head lice collected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) and to screen for louse-borne pathogens in these lice. METHODS A total of 181 head lice were collected from 27 individuals at the Monkole Hospital Center located in Kinshasa. All head lice were genotyped and screened for the presence of louse-borne bacteria using molecular methods. We searched for Bartonella quintana, Borrelia recurrentis, Rickettsia prowazekii, Anaplasma spp., Yersinia pestis, Coxiella burnetii and Acinetobacter spp. RESULTS Among these head lice, 67.4% (122/181) belonged to clade A and 24.3% (44/181) belonged to clade D. Additionally, for the first time in this area, we found clade E in 8.3% (15/181) of tested lice, from two infested individuals. Dual infestation with clades A and D was observed for 44.4% individuals. Thirty-three of the 181 head lice were infected only by different bacterial species of the genus Acinetobacter. Overall, 16 out of 27 individuals were infested (59.3%). Six Acinetobacter species were detected including Acinetobacter baumannii (8.3%), Acinetobacter johnsonii (1.7%), Acinetobacter soli (1.7%), Acinetobacter pittii (1.7%), Acinetobacter guillouiae (1.1%), as well as a new potential species named "Candidatus Acinetobacter pediculi". CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this study reports for the first time, the presence of clade E head lice in DR Congo. This study is also the first to report the presence of Acinetobacter species DNAs in human head lice in DR Congo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Celia Scherelle Boumbanda Koyo
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Unité d'Evolution Epidémiologie et Résistances Parasitaires (UNEEREP), Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon.,Ecole Doctorale Régionale en Infectiologie Tropicale d'Afrique Centrale, Franceville, Gabon
| | - Nadia Amanzougaghene
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Bernard Davoust
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Leon Tshilolo
- Monkole Mother and Child Hospital, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jean Bernard Lekana-Douki
- Unité d'Evolution Epidémiologie et Résistances Parasitaires (UNEEREP), Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon.,Ecole Doctorale Régionale en Infectiologie Tropicale d'Afrique Centrale, Franceville, Gabon.,Département de Parasitologie-Mycologie Médecine Tropicale, Faculté de Médecine, Université des Sciences de la Santé (USS), Libreville, Gabon
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France. .,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
| | - Florence Fenollar
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mitochondrial diversity and phylogeographic analysis of Pediculus humanus reveals a new Amazonian clade “F”. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2019; 70:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2018] [Revised: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
|
14
|
Detection of bacterial pathogens in clade E head lice collected from Niger's refugees in Algeria. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:348. [PMID: 29907122 PMCID: PMC6003154 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2930-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis, are obligate blood-sucking parasites. Phylogenetically, they occur in five divergent mitochondrial clades (A, D, B, C and E), each having a particular geographical distribution. Recent studies have revealed that head lice, as is the case of body lice, can act as a vector for louse-borne diseases. Here, we aimed to study the genetic diversity of head lice collected from Niger’s refugees (migrant population) arriving in Algeria, northern Africa, and to look for louse-borne pathogens. Comparative head lice samples collected from indigenous population of schoolchildren (non-immigrant) were also analyzed to frame the study. Results In this study, 37 head lice samples were collected from 31 Nigerien refugees, as well as 45 head lice from 27 schoolchildren. The collection was established in three localities of eastern Algiers, north Algeria. Quantitative real-time PCR screening of pathogens bacteria and the genetic characterisation of the head lice satut were performed. Through amplification and sequencing of the cytb gene, results showed that all head lice of Nigerien refugees 37/82 (45.12%) belonged to clade E with the presence of four new haplotypes, while, of the 45 head lice of schoolchildren, 34/82 lice (41.46%) belonged to clade A and 11/82 (13.41%) belonged to clade B. Our study is the first to report the existence of clade E haplogroup in Nigerien head lice. DNA of Coxiella burnetii was detected in 3/37 (8.10%) of the head lice collected from 3 of the 31 (9.67%) migrant population. We also revealed the presence of Acinetobacter DNA in 20/37 (54.05%) of head lice collected from 25/31 (80.64%) of the Nigerien refugees, and in 25/45 (55.55%) head lice collected from 15/27 (55.55%) schoolchildren. All positive Nigerien-head lice for Acinetobacter spp. were identified as A. baumannii, while positive schoolchildren-head lice were identified as A. johnsonii 15/25 (60%), A. variabilis 8/25 (32%) and A. baumannii 2/25 (8%). Conclusions Based on these findings from head lice collected on migrant and non-migrant population, our results show, for the first time, that head lice from Niger belong to haplogroup E, and confirm that the clade E had a west African distribution. We also detected, for the first time, the presence of C. burnetii and A. baumannii in these Nigerien head lice. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to determine whether the head lice can transmit these pathogenic bacteria from one person to another.
Collapse
|
15
|
Louni M, Mana N, Bitam I, Dahmani M, Parola P, Fenollar F, Raoult D, Mediannikov O. Body lice of homeless people reveal the presence of several emerging bacterial pathogens in northern Algeria. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006397. [PMID: 29664950 PMCID: PMC5922582 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human lice, Pediculus humanus, are obligate blood-sucking parasites. Body lice, Pediculus h. humanus, occur in two divergent mitochondrial clades (A and D) each exhibiting a particular geographic distribution. Currently, the body louse is recognized as the only vector for louse-borne diseases. In this study, we aimed to study the genetic diversity of body lice collected from homeless populations in three localities of northern Algeria, and to investigate louse-borne pathogens in these lice. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In this study, 524 body lice specimens were collected from 44 homeless people in three localities: Algiers, Tizi Ouzou and Boumerdès located in northern Algeria. Duplex clade specific real-time PCRs (qPCR) and Cytochrome b (cytb) mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis were performed in order to identify the mitochondrial clade. Screening of louse-borne pathogens bacteria was based on targeting specific genes for each pathogen using qPCR supplemented by sequencing. All body lice belong to clade A. Through amplification and sequencing of the cytb gene we confirmed the presence of three haplotypes: A5, A9 and A63, which is novel. The molecular investigation of the 524 body lice samples revealed the presence of four human pathogens: Bartonella quintana (13.35%), Coxiella burnetii (10.52%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (0.76%) and Acinetobacter species (A. baumannii, A. johnsonii, A. berezeniae, A. nosocomialis and A. variabilis, in total 46.94%). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to show the genetic diversity and presence of several emerging pathogenic bacteria in homeless' body lice from Algeria. We also report for the first time, the presence of several species of Acinetobacter in human body lice. Our results highlight the fact that body lice may be suspected as being a much broader vector of several pathogenic agents than previously thought. Nevertheless, other studies are needed to encourage epidemiological investigations and surveys of louse-associated infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meriem Louni
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Laboratoire de Valorisation et Conservation des Ressources Biologiques (VALCORE), Faculté des Sciences, Université M’Hamed Bougara Boumerdes, Boumerdès, Algeria
| | - Nassima Mana
- Laboratoire Biodiversité et Environnement: Interactions, Génomes, Département de Biologie, Université des Sciences et Technologies Houari Boumediene, Bab Ezzouar, Algeria
| | - Idir Bitam
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Laboratoire Biodiversité et Environnement: Interactions, Génomes, Département de Biologie, Université des Sciences et Technologies Houari Boumediene, Bab Ezzouar, Algeria
- Ecole Supérieure des Sciences de l'Aliment et des Industries Agro-Alimentaires, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Mustapha Dahmani
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Florence Fenollar
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Al-Shahrani SA, Alajmi RA, Ayaad TH, Al-Shahrani MA, Shaurub ESH. Genetic diversity of the human head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis, among primary school girls in Saudi Arabia, with reference to their prevalence. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:2637-2643. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5570-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
|
17
|
Mana N, Louni M, Parola P, Bitam I. Human head lice and pubic lice reveal the presence of several Acinetobacter species in Algiers, Algeria. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2017; 53:33-39. [PMID: 28750865 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
There are two majorspecies of medically important lice that parasitize humans: Phthirus pubis, found in pubic hair, and Pediculus humanus. Pediculus humanus consists of two eco types that live in specific niches on the human host: body lice (Pediculus humanus humanus), found on the human body and clothing, and head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis), found on the scalp. To date, only body lice are known to be vectors of human disease; however, it has recently been reported that the DNA of several bacterial agents has been detected in head lice, raising questions about their role in the transmission of pathogens. This issue caught our attention, in addition to the fact that the pathogenic bacteria associated with P. pubis and P. humanus capitis have never been investigated in Algeria. To investigate this,molecular techniques (real-time PCR) were used to screen for the presence of Acinetobacter spp., Bartonella spp., Borrelia spp. and Rickettsia prowazekii DNA from P. humanus capitis (64 lice) collected from schoolchildren,and P. pubis (4 lice),collected from one adultman living in Algiers. Positive samples for Acinetobacter spp.were identified by sequencing therpoBgene. Conventional PCR targeting the partial Cytb gene was used to determine the phylogenetic clade of the collected lice. Of the 64 samples collected, Acinetobacter spp. DNA was detected in 17/64 (27%) of head lice, identified as: A. baumannii (14%), A. johnsonii (11%) and A. variabilis (2%). Of the four P. pubissamples, 2(50%) were positive for A. johnsonii. The phylogenetic tree based on the Cytb gene revealed that P. humanus capitis were grouped into clades A and B. In this study, we report andidentify for the first time Acinetobacter spp.in Algerian P. pubis and P. humanus capitis. The detection of the genus Acinetobacter in lice should not be underestimated, especially in P. humanus capitis, which is distributed worldwide. However, additional epidemiological data are required to determine if human lice may act as an environmental reservoir and are actively involved in the propagation of these bacteria to humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nassima Mana
- Laboratoire de Biodiversité et Environnement: Interactions et Génomes, Faculté des Sciences Biologiques, Université des Sciences et de la Technologie Houari Boumediene, BP 32, El Alia Bab Ezzouar, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Meriem Louni
- Laboratoire de Valorisation et Conservation des Ressources Biologiques (VALCORE), Faculté des Sciences, Université M'Hamed Bougara, Boumerdes, Algeria
| | - Philippe Parola
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), Aix-Marseille Université UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198 (Dakar), Inserm 1095, AP-HM Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Idir Bitam
- Laboratoire de Biodiversité et Environnement: Interactions et Génomes, Faculté des Sciences Biologiques, Université des Sciences et de la Technologie Houari Boumediene, BP 32, El Alia Bab Ezzouar, Algiers, Algeria; Laboratoire de Valorisation et Conservation des Ressources Biologiques (VALCORE), Faculté des Sciences, Université M'Hamed Bougara, Boumerdes, Algeria; Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), Aix-Marseille Université UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198 (Dakar), Inserm 1095, AP-HM Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Ecole Supérieure des Sciences de l'Aliment et des Industries Agro-Alimentaires, Algiers, Algeria.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Amanzougaghene N, Mumcuoglu KY, Fenollar F, Alfi S, Yesilyurt G, Raoult D, Mediannikov O. High Ancient Genetic Diversity of Human Lice, Pediculus humanus, from Israel Reveals New Insights into the Origin of Clade B Lice. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164659. [PMID: 27741281 PMCID: PMC5065229 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The human head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis, is subdivided into several significantly divergent mitochondrial haplogroups, each with particular geographical distributions. Historically, they are among the oldest human parasites, representing an excellent marker for tracking older events in human evolutionary history. In this study, ancient DNA analysis using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), combined with conventional PCR, was applied to the remains of twenty-four ancient head lice and their eggs from the Roman period which were recovered from Israel. The lice and eggs were found in three combs, one of which was recovered from archaeological excavations in the Hatzeva area of the Judean desert, and two of which found in Moa, in the Arava region, close to the Dead Sea. Results show that the head lice remains dating approximately to 2,000 years old have a cytb haplogroup A, which is worldwide in distribution, and haplogroup B, which has thus far only been found in contemporary lice from America, Europe, Australia and, most recently, Africa. More specifically, this haplogroup B has a B36 haplotype, the most common among B haplogroups, and has been present in America for at least 4,000 years. The present findings confirm that clade B lice existed, at least in the Middle East, prior to contacts between Native Americans and Europeans. These results support a Middle Eastern origin for clade B followed by its introduction into the New World with the early peoples. Lastly, the presence of Acinetobacter baumannii DNA was demonstrated by qPCR and sequencing in four head lice remains belonging to clade A.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Amanzougaghene
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE) UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM 1095, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille cedex 05, France
| | - Kosta Y. Mumcuoglu
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Florence Fenollar
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE) UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM 1095, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille cedex 05, France
- Campus International UCAD-IRD, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Shir Alfi
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gonca Yesilyurt
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Didier Raoult
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE) UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM 1095, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille cedex 05, France
- Campus International UCAD-IRD, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE) UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM 1095, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille cedex 05, France
- Campus International UCAD-IRD, Dakar, Senegal
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Host switching of human lice to new world monkeys in South America. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2016; 39:225-231. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Revised: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|