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Han X, Zhao S, Liu Z, Zhang Y, Zhao G, Zhang C, Tang L, Cui L, Wang Y. Bartonella, Blechomonas and Trypanosoma in fleas from the long-tailed ground squirrel ( Spermophilus undulatus) in northwestern China. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 24:100958. [PMID: 39040597 PMCID: PMC11261052 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100958] [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: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Fleas are known to be vectors for a variety of pathogens in veterinary medicine. However, no information is available on the presence of Bartonella and Trypanosomatidae in fleas of the long-tailed ground squirrel (LTGR, Spermophilus undulatus). The present study shows detection of these pathogens in LTGR fleas. During 2022-2023, a total of 396 fleas were collected from 91 LTGRs in 4 alpine regions of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (northwestern China) and grouped into 54 flea pools. Flea species were identified according to morphological characteristics and molecular data. In addition, all flea samples were analyzed for Bartonella with amplification and sequencing of a 380-bp part of the gltA gene and Trypanosomatidae with targeting the 18S rRNA (850-bp) and gGAPDH (820-bp) genes. The flea species included Frontopsylla elatoides elatoides (203), Neopsylla mana (49), and Citellophilus tesquorum dzetysuensis (144). Of 54 flea pools, seven (12.96%) tested positive for Bartonella, and three (5.56%) were positive for Trypanosomatidae. Based on BLASTn and phylogenetic analyses, i) Bartonella washoensis in F. elatoides elatoides and C. tesquorum dzetysuensis, and Bartonella rochalimae in F. elatoides elatoides were identified. Interestingly, a new haplotype within the species Ba. washoensis was discovered in C. tesquorum dzetysuensis; and ii) Blechomonas luni was confirmed in C. tesquorum dzetysuensis and Trypanosoma otospermophili in F. elatoides elatoides. Two Bartonella species and two Trypanosomatidae members were discovered for the first time in fleas from LTGRs. This study broadens our understanding of the geographic distribution and potential vectors for Bartonella and Trypanosomatidae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoshuang Han
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, People's Republic of China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, People's Republic of China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziheng Liu
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, People's Republic of China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujiang Zhang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoyu Zhao
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunju Zhang
- Tumushuk City Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 17 Qianhai East Street, Tumushuk City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 843806, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijuan Tang
- Bayingol Vocational and Technical College, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Cui
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, People's Republic of China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanzhi Wang
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, People's Republic of China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 832002, People's Republic of China
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Fu YT, Xun Y, Peng YY, Zhang Y, Wu X. The complete mitochondrial genome of the rodent flea Nosopsyllus laeviceps: genome description, comparative analysis, and phylogenetic implications. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:253. [PMID: 38863074 PMCID: PMC11165799 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06329-y] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fleas are one of the most common and pervasive ectoparasites worldwide, comprising at least 2500 valid species. They are vectors of several disease-causing agents, such as Yersinia pestis. Despite their significance, however, the molecular genetics, biology, and phylogenetics of fleas remain poorly understood. METHODS We sequenced, assembled, and annotated the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of the rodent flea Nosopsyllus laeviceps using next-generation sequencing technology. Then we combined the new mitogenome generated here with mt genomic data available for 23 other flea species to perform comparative mitogenomics, nucleotide diversity, and evolutionary rate analysis. Subsequently, the phylogenetic relationship within the order Siphonaptera was explored using the Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods based on concentrated data for 13 mt protein-coding genes. RESULTS The complete mt genome of the rodent flea N. laeviceps was 16,533 base pairs (bp) in a circular DNA molecule, containing 37 typical genes (13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA [tRNA] genes, and two ribosomal RNA [rRNA] genes) with one large non-coding region (NCR). Comparative analysis among the order Siphonaptera showed a stable gene order with no gene arrangement, and high AT content (76.71-83.21%) with an apparent negative AT and GC skew except in three fleas Aviostivalius klossi bispiniformis, Leptopsylla segnis, and Neopsylla specialis. Moreover, we found robust evidence that the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene was the most conserved protein-coding gene (Pi = 0.15, non-synonymous/synonymous [Ka/Ks] ratio = 0.13) of fleas. Phylogenomic analysis conducted using two methods revealed different topologies, but both results strongly indicated that (i) the families Ceratophyllidae and Leptopsyllidae were paraphyletic and were the closest to each other, and (ii) the family Ctenophthalmidae was paraphyletic. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we obtained a high-quality mt genome of the rodent flea N. laeviceps and performed comparative mitogenomics and phylogeny of the order Siphonaptera using the mt database. The results will enrich the mt genome data for fleas, lay a foundation for the phylogenetic analysis of fleas, and promote the evolutionary analysis of Siphonaptera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Tian Fu
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
| | - Ying Xun
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China
| | - Yan-Yan Peng
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China
| | - Xiang Wu
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
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Zurita A, Trujillo I, García-Sánchez ÁM, Cutillas C. Survey of flea infestation in cats and dogs in Western Andalusia, Spain: Seasonality and other risk factors for flea infestation. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2024; 38:244-251. [PMID: 38259177 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12705] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
This epidemiological survey aims to provide an update on the main flea species that parasitize domestic animals in the Western Andalusia assessing several ecological features that could be considered as possible risk factors for flea infestation. Over a 19-month period (June 2021 to January 2023), we obtained a total of 802 flea samples from 182 dogs (Canis lupus familiaris, Carnivora: Canidae, Linnaeus, 1758) and 78 cats (Felis silvestris catus, Carnivora: Felidae, Schreber, 1775). For each parasitized host, an epidemiological survey was completed, including the following information: geographical origin, age, sex, rural or urban habitat, type of animal's lifestyle (domestic or non-domestic), health status, cohabiting or not with other animals and the total number of collected fleas. The most common species was Ctenocephalides felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) (Bouché, 1835) with a total of 713 specimens, which accounted for 89% of the total fleas. The second most abundant species was Pulex irritans (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) (Linnaeus, 1758) with a total of 46 collected fleas (6% of the total). The remaining species identified were Archaeopsylla erinacei (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) (Bouché, 1835) (25 specimens), Spilopsyllus cuniculi (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) (Dale, 1878) (12 specimens) and Ctenocephalides canis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) (Curtis, 1826) (6 specimens), which accounted for 3%, 1% and 1%, respectively, of the total fleas collected. The months with the highest number of collected fleas were, in ascending order, May 2022, September 2021 and July 2021. Dogs had a greater diversity of flea species, and flea sex ratios were female biased in all identified species and among all studied hosts. Finally, we identified some potential host risk factors that promoted higher flea intensities, such as living in rural areas, or presenting other pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Zurita
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Ignacio Trujillo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Cristina Cutillas
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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Guo W, Zhu W, Jia L, Tao Y. Unique microbial communities of parasitic fleas on wild animals from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:40916-40924. [PMID: 38834927 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33885-8] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Fleas, one of the most significant ectoparasites, play a crucial role as vectors in spreading zoonotic diseases globally. The Qinghai Province, as part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, is one of the provinces in China with the largest number of flea species. In this study, we characterized the microbial communities of eighty-five adult fleas, belonging to nineteen species within four families (Ceratophyllidae, Ctenophthalmidae, Leptopsyllidae, and Pulicidae). We identified a total of 1162 unique operational taxonomic units at the genus level, with flea-borne pathogens such as Wolbachia, Bartonella, Rickettsia being the members of top abundant taxa. Except for comparison between Ctenophthalmidae and Leptopsyllidae families, the analyses of both alpha- and beta- diversity indicators suggested that bacterial diversity varied among flea families. This could be attributed to flea phylogeny, which also influenced by their geographical sites and animal hosts. Results of Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) indicated that 29 genera in Ceratophylloidea, 11 genera in Ctenophthalmidae, 15 genera in Leptopsyllidae, and 22 genera in Pulicidae were significantly responsible for explaining the differences among the four flea families (linear discriminant analysis score > 2, P < 0.05). Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt2) analyses showed that the functional pathways varied significantly across flea families, which was supported by the significant correlation between the functional pathways and the microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Guo
- Qinghai Institute for Endemic Disease Prevention and Control, Xining, 811602, China
| | - Wentao Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Luo Jia
- Qinghai Institute for Endemic Disease Prevention and Control, Xining, 811602, China
| | - Yuanqing Tao
- Qinghai Institute for Endemic Disease Prevention and Control, Xining, 811602, China.
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Zurita A, Trujillo I, Cutillas C. New records of pathogenic bacteria in different species of fleas collected from domestic and peridomestic animals in Spain. A potential zoonotic threat? Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 107:102153. [PMID: 38460359 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2024.102153] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Climate change is causing many vectors of infectious diseases to expand their geographic distribution as well as the pathogens they transmit are also conditioned by temperature for their multiplication. Within this context, it is worth highlighting the significant role that fleas can play as vectors of important pathogenic bacteria. For this purpose, our efforts focused on detecting and identifying a total of 9 bacterial genera (Rickettsia sp.; Bartonella sp.; Yersinia sp.; Wolbachia sp., Mycobacterium sp., Leishmania sp., Borrelia sp., Francisella sp. and Coxiella sp.) within fleas isolated from domestic and peridomestic animals in the southwestern region of Spain (Andalusia). Over a 19-months period, we obtained flea samples from dogs, cats and hedgehogs. A total of 812 fleas was collected for this study. Five different species were morphologically identified, including C. felis, C. canis, S. cuniculi, P. irritans, and A. erinacei. Wolbachia sp. was detected in all five species identified in our study which a total prevalence of 86%. Within Rickettsia genus, two different species, R. felis and R. asembonensis were mainly identified in C. felis and A. erinacei, respectively. On the other hand, our results revealed a total of 131 fleas testing positive for the presence of Bartonella sp., representing a prevalence rate of 16% for this genus identifying two species B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae. Lastly, both Y. pestis and L. infantum were detected in DNA of P. irritans and C. felis, respectively isolated from dogs. With these data we update the list of bacterial zoonotic agents found in fleas in Spain, emphasizing the need to continue conducting future experimental studies to assess and confirm the potential vectorial role of certain synanthropic fleas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Zurita
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Profesor García González 2, Seville 41012, Spain.
| | - Ignacio Trujillo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Profesor García González 2, Seville 41012, Spain.
| | - Cristina Cutillas
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Profesor García González 2, Seville 41012, Spain.
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Wang S, Wang S, Han X, Hornok S, Wang H, Wang N, Liu G, Yang M, Wang Y. Novel trypanosomatid species detected in Mongolian pikas (Ochotona pallasi) and their fleas in northwestern China. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:152. [PMID: 38519971 PMCID: PMC10958963 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06216-6] [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: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the family Trypanosomatidae, the genus Trypanosoma contains protozoan parasites that infect a diverse range of hosts, including humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Wild rodents, as natural reservoir hosts of various pathogens, play an important role in the evolution and emergence of Trypanosomatidae. To date, no reports are available on the trypanosomatid infection of pikas (Lagomorpha: Ochotonidae). METHODS In this study, Mongolian pikas and their fleas were sampled at the China-Mongolia border, northwestern China. The samples were analyzed with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing for the presence of Trypanosomatidae on the basis of both the 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene and the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gGAPDH) gene. The morphology of trypomastigotes was also observed in peripheral blood smears by microscopy. RESULTS Molecular and phylogenetic analyses revealed a new genotype of the Trypanosoma lewisi clade that was found both in pika blood and flea samples. This genotype, which probably represents a new species, was provisionally designated as "Trypanosoma sp. pika". In addition, a novel genotype belonging to the genus Blechomonas of Trypanosomatidae was detected in fleas. On the basis of its molecular and phylogenetic properties, this genotype was named Blechomonas luni-like, because it was shown to be the closest related to B. luni compared with other flea-associated trypanosomatids. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report any trypanosomatid species in Mongolian pikas and their fleas. Further studies are needed to investigate the epidemiology of these protozoan parasites, as well as to evaluate their pathogenicity for humans or domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyi Wang
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Suwen Wang
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xiaoshuang Han
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Sándor Hornok
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-UVMB Climate Change, New Blood-Sucking Parasites and Vector-Borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Huiqian Wang
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Nan Wang
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Meihua Yang
- College of Agriculture, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Republic of China
| | - Yuanzhi Wang
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, Uygur Autonomous Region, China.
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Mee PT, Buultjens AH, Oliver J, Brown K, Crowder JC, Porter JL, Hobbs EC, Judd LM, Taiaroa G, Puttharak N, Williamson DA, Blasdell KR, Tay EL, Feldman R, Muzari MO, Sanders C, Larsen S, Crouch SR, Johnson PDR, Wallace JR, Price DJ, Hoffmann AA, Gibney KB, Stinear TP, Lynch SE. Mosquitoes provide a transmission route between possums and humans for Buruli ulcer in southeastern Australia. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:377-389. [PMID: 38263454 PMCID: PMC10847040 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01553-1] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Buruli ulcer, a chronic subcutaneous infection caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, is increasing in prevalence in southeastern Australia. Possums are a local wildlife reservoir for M. ulcerans and, although mosquitoes have been implicated in transmission, it remains unclear how humans acquire infection. We conducted extensive field survey analyses of M. ulcerans prevalence among mosquitoes in the Mornington Peninsula region of southeastern Australia. PCR screening of trapped mosquitoes revealed a significant association between M. ulcerans and Aedes notoscriptus. Spatial scanning statistics revealed overlap between clusters of M. ulcerans-positive Ae. notoscriptus, M. ulcerans-positive possum excreta and Buruli ulcer cases, and metabarcoding analyses showed individual mosquitoes had fed on humans and possums. Bacterial genomic analysis confirmed shared single-nucleotide-polymorphism profiles for M. ulcerans detected in mosquitoes, possum excreta and humans. These findings indicate Ae. notoscriptus probably transmit M. ulcerans in southeastern Australia and highlight mosquito control as a Buruli ulcer prevention measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter T Mee
- Centre for AgriBioscience, AgriBio, Agriculture Victoria, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Andrew H Buultjens
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane Oliver
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karen Brown
- Centre for AgriBioscience, AgriBio, Agriculture Victoria, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jodie C Crowder
- Centre for AgriBioscience, AgriBio, Agriculture Victoria, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jessica L Porter
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emma C Hobbs
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Louise M Judd
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - George Taiaroa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natsuda Puttharak
- Centre for AgriBioscience, AgriBio, Agriculture Victoria, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Deborah A Williamson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kim R Blasdell
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, CSIRO, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ee Laine Tay
- Department of Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Mutizwa Odwell Muzari
- Medical Entomology, Tropical Public Health Services Cairns, Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Services, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Chris Sanders
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stuart Larsen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simon R Crouch
- South East Public Health Unit, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul D R Johnson
- North East Public Health Unit, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - John R Wallace
- Department of Biology, Millersville University, Millersville, PA, USA
| | - David J Price
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ary A Hoffmann
- Pest and Environmental Adaptation Research Group, School of BioSciences, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katherine B Gibney
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Timothy P Stinear
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Mycobacterium ulcerans, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Stacey E Lynch
- Centre for AgriBioscience, AgriBio, Agriculture Victoria, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, CSIRO, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
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Ebani VV. Coxiella burnetii Infection in Cats. Pathogens 2023; 12:1415. [PMID: 38133298 PMCID: PMC10747756 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12121415] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii, with farm ruminants being considered the main sources of infection for humans. However, there have been several cases of the disease in people that have been related to domestic cats as well. Cats can become infected through various routes, including ingestion of raw milk, hunting and consuming infected rodents and birds, consumption of contaminated pet food, inhalation of contaminated aerosols and dust, and bites from hematophagous arthropods. Infected cats typically do not show symptoms, but pregnant queens may experience abortion or give birth to weak kittens. Accurate diagnosis using serological and molecular methods is crucial in detecting infected cats, allowing for prompt action with appropriate treatments and preventive measures. Breeders, cattery personnel, veterinarians, and owners should be informed about the risks of C. burnetii infections associated with cats experiencing reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Virginia Ebani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
- Centre for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Chen B, Liu YF, Lu XY, Jiang DD, Wang X, Zhang QF, Yang GP, Yang X. Complete mitochondrial genome of Ctenophthalmus quadratus and Stenischia humilis in China provides insights into fleas phylogeny. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1255017. [PMID: 37771942 PMCID: PMC10526365 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1255017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Fleas (Order Siphonaptera) are common blood-feeding ectoparasites, which have important economic significance. Limited mitochondrial genome information has impeded the study of flea biology, population genetics and phylogenetics. The Ctenophthalmus quadratus and Stenischia humilis complete mt genomes are described in this study. The samples were collected from Jianchuan, Yunnan plague foci, China. The mt genomes of C. quadratus and S. humilis were 15,938 bp and 15,617 bp, respectively. The gene arrangement of mt genome was consistent with that of other fleas, which include 22 tRNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes, and two rRNA genes, with a total of 37 genes. The relationship between C. quadratus and S. humilis in fleas was inferred by phylogenetic analysis of mt genome sequence datasets. Phylogenetic analyzes showed that the C. quadratus and S. humilis belonged to different species in the same family, and were closely related to Hystrichopsylla weida qinlingensis in the same family; and revealed that the family Hystrichopsyllidae is paraphyletic, supporting the monophyly of the order Siphonaptera. This study decodes the complete mt genomes of the C. quadratus and S. humilis for the first time. The results demonstrate that the C. quadratus and S. humilis are distinct species, and fleas are monophyletic. Analysis of mt genome provides novel molecular data for further studying the phylogeny and evolution of fleas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Chen
- Integrated Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, College of Preclinical Medicine, Dali University, Dali, China
| | - Ya-fang Liu
- Integrated Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, College of Preclinical Medicine, Dali University, Dali, China
| | - Xin-yan Lu
- Integrated Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, College of Preclinical Medicine, Dali University, Dali, China
| | - Dan-dan Jiang
- School of Public Health, Dali University, Dali, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Nanchang University Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Quan-fu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Guo-ping Yang
- Integrated Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, College of Preclinical Medicine, Dali University, Dali, China
| | - Xing Yang
- Integrated Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, College of Preclinical Medicine, Dali University, Dali, China
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10
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Shultz L, López-Pérez AM, Jasuja R, Helman S, Prager K, Tokuyama A, Quinn N, Bucklin D, Rudd J, Clifford D, Brown J, Riley S, Foley J. Vector-Borne Disease in Wild Mammals Impacted by Urban Expansion and Climate Change. ECOHEALTH 2023; 20:286-299. [PMID: 38015408 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-023-01650-x] [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: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Ecologies of zoonotic vector-borne diseases may shift with climate and land use change. As many urban-adapted mammals can host ectoparasites and pathogens of human and animal health concern, our goal was to compare patterns of arthropod-borne disease among medium-sized mammals across gradients of rural to urban landscapes in multiple regions of California. DNA of Anaplasma phagocytophilum was found in 1-5% of raccoons, coyotes, and San Joaquin kit foxes; Borrelia burgdorferi in one coyote, rickettsiae in two desert kit foxes, and Yersinia pestis in two coyotes. There was serological evidence of rickettsiae in 14-37% of coyotes, Virginia opossums, and foxes; and A. phagocytophilum in 6-40% of coyotes, raccoons, Virginia opossums, and foxes. Of six flea species, one Ctenocephalides felis from a raccoon was positive for Y. pestis, and Ct. felis and Pulex simulans fleas tested positive for Rickettsia felis and R. senegalensis. A Dermacentor similis tick off a San Joaquin kit fox was PCR-positive for A. phagocytophilum. There were three statistically significant risk factors: risk of A. phagocytophilum PCR-positivity was threefold greater in fall vs the other three seasons; hosts adjacent to urban areas had sevenfold increased A. phagocytophilum seropositivity compared with urban and rural areas; and there was a significant spatial cluster of rickettsiae within greater Los Angeles. Animals in areas where urban and rural habitats interconnect can serve as sentinels during times of change in disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Shultz
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Andrés M López-Pérez
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
- Red de Biología y Conservación de Vertebrados, Instituto de Ecología, Xalapa, Veracruz, A.C. 91073, México.
| | - Raina Jasuja
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Sarah Helman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Katherine Prager
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Amanda Tokuyama
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Niamh Quinn
- South Coast Research and Extension Center, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Danielle Bucklin
- South Coast Research and Extension Center, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Jaime Rudd
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Wildlife Investigations Laboratory, Rancho Cordova, CA, USA
| | - Deana Clifford
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Wildlife Investigations Laboratory, Rancho Cordova, CA, USA
| | - Justin Brown
- National Park Service, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Calabasas, CA, USA
| | - Seth Riley
- National Park Service, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Calabasas, CA, USA
| | - Janet Foley
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
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11
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Esmaeili S, Esmaeili P, Mahmoudi A, Ghasemi A, Mohammadi A, Bagheri A, Sohrabi A, Rezaei F, Hanifi H, Neamati AH, Gouya MM, Mostafavi E. Serological evidence of Yersinia pestis infection in rodents and carnivores in Northwestern Iran. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011021. [PMID: 36668675 PMCID: PMC9858819 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plague may recur after several decades in its endemic regions; therefore, the continuous monitoring of wildlife is essential, even when no human cases are reported in the old foci. The present study was conducted to monitor rodents and their ectoparasites as well as carnivores to learn about the epidemiology of plague infection in an old focus of Iran. METHODOLOGY The present study was conducted from 2019 to 2020 in Takestan county of Qazvin Province in northwestern Iran. Rodents were caught using live traps, and their fleas were separated. Blood and spleen specimens were taken from the captured rodents. Serum samples were also collected from sheepdogs and wild carnivores. The collected samples were tested by culture, serology (ELISA), and molecular methods to detect Yersinia pestis infection. FINDINGS A total of 399 small mammals were caught, of which 68.6% were Meriones persicus. A total of 2438 fleas were collected from the rodents, 95.3% of which were Xenopsylla buxtoni. Overall, 23 out of 377 tested rodents (5.7%, CI 95%, 3.9-9.0) had IgG antibodies against the F1 antigen of Y. pestis, and all the positive samples belonged to M. persicus. Nine (4.8%) out of 186 collected sera from the sheepdogs' serum and one serum from the Canis aureus had specific IgG antibodies against the F1 antigen of Y. pestis. There were no positive cases of Y. pestis in the rodents and fleas based on the culture and real-time PCR. CONCLUSION Serological evidence of Y. pestis circulation was observed in rodents and carnivores (sheepdogs and C. aureus). The presence of potential plague vectors and serological evidence of Y. pestis infection in the surveyed animals could probably raise the risk of infection and clinical cases of plague in the studied region. Training health personnel is therefore essential to encourage their detection of possible human cases of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saber Esmaeili
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, KabudarAhang, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parisa Esmaeili
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, KabudarAhang, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Mahmoudi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Ahmad Ghasemi
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, KabudarAhang, Hamadan, Iran
- Reference Health Laboratories, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammadi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health and National Institute of Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amin Bagheri
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aria Sohrabi
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, KabudarAhang, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farshid Rezaei
- Center for Communicable Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Hanifi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Hesam Neamati
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Gouya
- Center for Communicable Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Mostafavi
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q Fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, KabudarAhang, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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12
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Mitchell CL, Schwarzer AR, Miarinjara A, Jarrett CO, Luis AD, Hinnebusch BJ. A Role for Early-Phase Transmission in the Enzootic Maintenance of Plague. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010996. [PMID: 36520713 PMCID: PMC9754260 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Yersinia pestis, the bacterial agent of plague, is enzootic in many parts of the world within wild rodent populations and is transmitted by different flea vectors. The ecology of plague is complex, with rodent hosts exhibiting varying susceptibilities to overt disease and their fleas exhibiting varying levels of vector competence. A long-standing question in plague ecology concerns the conditions that lead to occasional epizootics among susceptible rodents. Many factors are involved, but a major one is the transmission efficiency of the flea vector. In this study, using Oropsylla montana (a ground squirrel flea that is a major plague vector in the western United States), we comparatively quantified the efficiency of the two basic modes of flea-borne transmission. Transmission efficiency by the early-phase mechanism was strongly affected by the host blood source. Subsequent biofilm-dependent transmission by blocked fleas was less influenced by host blood and was more efficient. Mathematical modeling predicted that early-phase transmission could drive an epizootic only among highly susceptible rodents with certain blood characteristics, but that transmission by blocked O. montana could do so in more resistant hosts irrespective of their blood characteristics. The models further suggested that for most wild rodents, exposure to sublethal doses of Y. pestis transmitted during the early phase may restrain rapid epizootic spread by increasing the number of immune, resistant individuals in the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedar L. Mitchell
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| | - Ashley R. Schwarzer
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| | - Adélaïde Miarinjara
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| | - Clayton O. Jarrett
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| | - Angela D. Luis
- Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, United States of America
| | - B. Joseph Hinnebusch
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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13
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Zanen LA, Kusters JG, Overgaauw PAM. Zoonotic Risks of Sleeping with Pets. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101149. [PMID: 36297206 PMCID: PMC9606909 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101149] [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: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pets are increasingly becoming part of the family and interactions between pets and their owners is changing. This results in extended and more intimate contact between owners and their pets, which give rise to zoonotic risks. Objective: To establish the presence of potential zoonotic pathogens in pets that sleep with their owner. Methods: As a pilot study, a group of 28 healthy dogs and 22 healthy cats were monitored for the presence of the zoonotic parasites Cheyletiella, Ctenocephalides spp. and Toxocara spp., the dermatophyte Microsporum canis, and the bacteria Clostridium difficile, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter jejuni and Enterobacteriaceae. This was investigated by taking samples from the fur, the footpads and the animal bed. The owners filled in a questionnaire. Results: In total, 29 of the 50 pets (58%) slept on the bed, of which 15 pets (30%) slept in the bed (under the blankets). A total of 19/22 dogs (86%) and 7/22 cats (32%) tested positive for Enterobacteriaceae on the fur or footpads. Fleas were found in 5/22 of the cats’ (23%) and 2/28 of the dogs’ (7%) favourite sleeping spots. High levels of aerobic colonies were found, up to 216 colony forming units/cm2. Other pathogens were not found in this study. Conclusions: The results of this preliminary study confirm literature reports that pets may constitute a potential risk in the transmission of zoonotic pathogens to their owner, especially during direct contact when sleeping in the same bed. Owners should therefore be informed about these risks and educated to interact with their pets in a more responsible way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie A. Zanen
- Department Population Health Sciences, Division of Veterinary Public Health, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80178, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes G. Kusters
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Paul A. M. Overgaauw
- Department Population Health Sciences, Division of Veterinary Public Health, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80178, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
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14
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Samuel MD, Poje JE, Rocke TE, Metzger ME. Potential Effects of Environmental Conditions on Prairie Dog Flea Development and Implications for Sylvatic Plague Epizootics. ECOHEALTH 2022; 19:365-377. [PMID: 36125583 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-022-01615-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Fleas are common ectoparasites of vertebrates worldwide and vectors of many pathogens causing disease, such as sylvatic plague in prairie dog colonies. Development of fleas is regulated by environmental conditions, especially temperature and relative humidity. Development rates are typically slower at low temperatures and faster at high temperatures, which are bounded by lower and upper thresholds where development is reduced. Prairie dogs and their associated fleas (mostly Oropsylla spp) live in burrows that moderate outside environmental conditions, remaining cooler in summer and warmer in winter. We found burrow microclimates were characterized by stable daily temperatures and high relative humidity, with temperatures increasing from spring through summer. We previously showed temperature increases corresponded with increasing off-host flea abundance. To evaluate how changes in temperature could affect future prairie dog flea development and abundance, we used development rates of O. montana (a species related to prairie dog fleas), determined how prairie dog burrow microclimates are affected by ambient weather, and combined these results to develop a predictive model. Our model predicts burrow temperatures and flea development rates will increase during the twenty-first century, potentially leading to higher flea abundance and an increased probability of plague epizootics if Y. pestis is present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Samuel
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
| | - Julia E Poje
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Tonie E Rocke
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI, 53711, USA
| | - Marco E Metzger
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
- Vector-Borne Disease Section, Division of Communicable Disease Control, Center for Infectious Diseases, California Department of Public Health, Ontario, CA, 91764, USA
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15
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García-Sánchez AM, Zurita A, Cutillas C. Morphometrics as a Complementary Tool in the Differentiation of Two Cosmopolitan Flea Species: Ctenocephalides felis and Ctenocephalides canis. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13080707. [PMID: 36005332 PMCID: PMC9409166 DOI: 10.3390/insects13080707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Fleas (Siphonaptera) are one of the most important ectoparasites that represent a potential danger for the transmission of pathogens in our environment. The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché, 1835), and the dog flea, Ctenocephalides canis (Curtis, 1826) are among the most prevalent and most frequently studied species throughout the world. However, the variations observed in their morphological characteristics complicate their correct identification, especially when there is a lack of access to the equipment and funds required to carry out molecular biology techniques. With the objective to provide an additional tool to help in the differentiation of Ctenocephalides species, a principal component analysis was carried out for the first time in the present work on populations of C. felis and C. canis from countries in three continents, namely Spain (Europe), South Africa (Africa) and Iran (Asia). The factor maps assisted in the differentiation of both species and the detection of differences in overall size, although morphological ambiguity prevented the delimitation in populations of the same species. Thus, morphometrics represents a complementary tool to other traditional and modern techniques, with great potential to assist in the differentiation of fleas, particularly species that have historically been difficult to identify.
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Zhang Y, Nie Y, Li LY, Chen SY, Liu GH, Liu W. Population genetics and genetic variation of Ctenocephalides felis and Pulex irritans in China by analysis of nuclear and mitochondrial genes. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:266. [PMID: 35897029 PMCID: PMC9327250 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05393-6] [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: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fleas are the most economically significant blood-feeding ectoparasites worldwide. Ctenocephalides felis and Pulex irritans can parasitize various animals closely related to humans and are of high veterinary significance. Methods In this study, 82 samples were collected from 7 provinces of China. Through studying the nuclear genes ITS1 and EF-1α and two different mitochondrial genes cox1 and cox2, the population genetics and genetic variation of C. felis and P. irritans in China were further investigated. Results The intraspecies differences between C. felis and P. irritans ranged from 0 to 3.9%. The interspecific variance in the EF-1α, cox1, and cox2 sequences was 8.2–18.3%, while the ITS1 sequence was 50.1–52.2%. High genetic diversity was observed in both C. felis and P. irritans, and the nucleotide diversity of cox1 was higher than that of cox2. Moderate gene flow was detected in the C. felis and P. irritans populations. Both species possessed many haplotypes, but the haplotype distribution was uneven. Fu's Fs and Tajima's D tests showed that C. felis and P. irritans experienced a bottleneck effect in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Henan province. Evolutionary analysis suggested that C. felis may have two geographical lineages in China, while no multiple lineages of P.irritans were found. Conclusions Using sequence comparison and the construction of phylogenetic trees, we found a moderate amount of gene flow in the C. felis and P. irritans populations. Both species possessed many haplotypes, but the distribution of haplotypes varied among the provinces. Fu’s Fs and Tajima’s D tests indicated that both species had experienced a bottleneck effect in Guangxi and Henan provinces. Evolutionary analysis suggested that C. felis may have two geographical lineages in China, while no multiple lineages of P.irritans were found. This study will help better understand fleas' population genetics and evolutionary biology. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China
| | - Yu Nie
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China
| | - Le-Yan Li
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China
| | - Shu-Yu Chen
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China
| | - Guo-Hua Liu
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China.
| | - Wei Liu
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China. .,The Key Laboratory of Animal Vaccine & Protein Engineering, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, China.
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17
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Brown LD, Maness R, Greer K. Detection of Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia spp. in cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) collected from free-roaming domestic cats in southeastern Georgia, USA. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 32:100743. [PMID: 35725106 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100743] [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: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) is a competent vector of numerous bacterial pathogens in the genera Bartonella and Rickettsia. In the United States, free-roaming domestic cats (Felis catus) increase the risk of exposure to C. felis for humans and their companion animals. In collaboration with a trap-neuter-return program, we collected fleas from 283 feral/stray cats in southeastern Georgia between May and July of 2020. A total of 3,643 flea specimens were collected, and C. felis was the only flea species recovered from all cats sampled. The mean number of fleas per cat host was highest in the month of June when compared to May and July, and higher in juvenile cats (< 1 year) than the adults (≥ 1 year). Real-time PCR assays were used to test a subset of the collected fleas (n = 468) for the presence of Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia spp. DNA. Among those flea pools tested, 35.2% were positive for genus-specific citrate synthase gene of Bartonella, 16.5% were positive for the genus-specific 17-kDa protein antigen gene of Rickettsia, and none were positive for the species-specific outer membrane protein B gene of Rickettsia typhi. The identification of potential flea-borne pathogens was more frequent from the subset of C. felis collected in May, and female cats had more Bartonella-positive fleas and less Rickettsia-positive fleas than male cats. Overall, the present study provides valuable insights into the frequency of C. felis from outdoor community cats in southeastern Georgia, and highlights the possible risk for human exposure to potential flea-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa D Brown
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, 4324 Old Register Rd., Statesboro, GA 30460, USA.
| | - Ryne Maness
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Kania Greer
- The Center for STEM Education, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA
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18
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Pontifes PA, Fernández‐González A, García‐Peña GE, Roche B, Suzán G. Drivers of flea abundance in wild rodents across local and regional scales in the Chihuahuan Desert, northwestern Mexico. Ecosphere 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Paulina A. Pontifes
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria Ciudad de México Mexico
- Departamento de Etología Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria Ciudad de México Mexico
| | - Adriana Fernández‐González
- Departamento de Etología Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria Ciudad de México Mexico
| | - Gabriel E. García‐Peña
- Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad C3 Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria Ciudad de México Mexico
| | - Benjamin Roche
- MIVEGEC (Infectious Diseases and Vectors: Ecology, Genetics, Evolution and Control), IRD (Research Institute for Sustainable Development), CNRS (National Center for Scientific Research) University of Montpellier Montpellier France
| | - Gerardo Suzán
- Departamento de Etología Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria Ciudad de México Mexico
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Lu S, Andersen JF, Bosio CF, Hinnebusch BJ, Ribeiro JMC. Integrated analysis of the sialotranscriptome and sialoproteome of the rat flea Xenopsylla cheopis. J Proteomics 2022; 254:104476. [PMID: 34990822 PMCID: PMC8883501 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2021.104476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Over the last 20 years, advances in sequencing technologies paired with biochemical and structural studies have shed light on the unique pharmacological arsenal produced by the salivary glands of hematophagous arthropods that can target host hemostasis and immune response, favoring blood acquisition and, in several cases, enhancing pathogen transmission. Here we provide a deeper insight into Xenopsylla cheopis salivary gland contents pairing transcriptomic and proteomic approaches. Sequencing of 99 pairs of salivary glands from adult female X. cheopis yielded a total of 7432 coding sequences functionally classified into 25 classes, of which the secreted protein class was the largest. The translated transcripts also served as a reference database for the proteomic study, which identified peptides from 610 different proteins. Both approaches revealed that the acid phosphatase family is the most abundant salivary protein group from X. cheopis. Additionally, we report here novel sequences similar to the FS-H family, apyrases, odorant and hormone-binding proteins, antigen 5-like proteins, adenosine deaminases, peptidase inhibitors from different subfamilies, proteins rich in Glu, Gly, and Pro residues, and several potential secreted proteins with unknown function. SIGNIFICANCE: The rat flea X. cheopis is the main vector of Yersinia pestis, the etiological agent of the bubonic plague responsible for three major pandemics that marked human history and remains a burden to human health. In addition to Y. pestis fleas can also transmit other medically relevant pathogens including Rickettsia spp. and Bartonella spp. The studies of salivary proteins from other hematophagous vectors highlighted the importance of such molecules for blood acquisition and pathogen transmission. However, despite the historical and clinical importance of X. cheopis little is known regarding their salivary gland contents and potential activities. Here we provide a comprehensive analysis of X. cheopis salivary composition using next generation sequencing methods paired with LC-MS/MS analysis, revealing its unique composition compared to the sialomes of other blood-feeding arthropods, and highlighting the different pathways taken during the evolution of salivary gland concoctions. In the absence of the X. cheopis genome sequence, this work serves as an extended reference for the identification of potential pharmacological proteins and peptides present in flea saliva.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Lu
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - John F Andersen
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Christopher F Bosio
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - B Joseph Hinnebusch
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - José M C Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Tomás A, da Fonseca IP, Valkenburg T, Rebelo MT. Parasite island syndromes in the context of nidicolous ectoparasites: Fleas (Insecta: Siphonaptera) in wild passerine birds from Azores archipelago. Parasitol Int 2022; 89:102564. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2022.102564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Lu S, Tirloni L, Oliveira MB, Bosio CF, Nardone GA, Zhang Y, Hinnebusch BJ, Ribeiro JM, Andersen JF. Identification of a substrate-like cleavage-resistant thrombin inhibitor from the saliva of the flea Xenopsylla cheopis. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101322. [PMID: 34688666 PMCID: PMC8573170 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The salivary glands of the flea Xenopsylla cheopis, a vector of the plague bacterium, Yersinia pestis, express proteins and peptides thought to target the hemostatic and inflammatory systems of its mammalian hosts. Past transcriptomic analyses of salivary gland tissue revealed the presence of two similar peptides (XC-42 and XC-43) having no extensive similarities to any other deposited sequences. Here we show that these peptides specifically inhibit coagulation of plasma and the amidolytic activity of α-thrombin. XC-43, the smaller of the two peptides, is a fast, tight-binding inhibitor of thrombin with a dissociation constant of less than 10 pM. XC-42 exhibits similar selectivity as well as kinetic and binding properties. The crystal structure of XC-43 in complex with thrombin shows that despite its substrate-like binding mode, XC-43 is not detectably cleaved by thrombin and that it interacts with the thrombin surface from the enzyme catalytic site through the fibrinogen-binding exosite I. The low rate of hydrolysis was verified in solution experiments with XC-43, which show the substrate to be largely intact after 2 h of incubation with thrombin at 37 °C. The low rate of XC-43 cleavage by thrombin may be attributable to specific changes in the catalytic triad observable in the crystal structure of the complex or to extensive interactions in the prime sites that may stabilize the binding of cleavage products. Based on the increased arterial occlusion time, tail bleeding time, and blood coagulation parameters in rat models of thrombosis XC-43 could be valuable as an anticoagulant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Lu
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Lucas Tirloni
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland, USA; Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Markus Berger Oliveira
- Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Christopher F Bosio
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Glenn A Nardone
- Research Technologies Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Yixiang Zhang
- Research Technologies Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - B Joseph Hinnebusch
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - José M Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - John F Andersen
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
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22
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Brown LD, Maness R, Hall C, Gibson JD. Reactive oxygen species-mediated immunity against bacterial infection in the gut of cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis). INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 136:103620. [PMID: 34216781 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2021.103620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Fleas (Order Siphonaptera) transmit numerous bacterial pathogens that cause severe human diseases (e.g., cat scratch disease, flea-borne spotted fever, murine typhus, plague). Because initial entry of these infectious agents occurs while blood feeding, the immune response in the flea gut is considered to be the first line of defense against invading microbes. However, relatively few studies have identified the flea immune molecules that effectively resist or limit infection in the gut. In other hematophagous insects, an immediate immune response to imbibed pathogens is the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we utilized cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) to investigate whether oral infection with a well-known insect bacterial pathogen (Serratia marcescens) induces ROS synthesis in the flea gut, and whether production of ROS provides a defense mechanism against microbial colonization. Specifically, we treated fleas with an antioxidant to limit the number of free radicals in the digestive tract prior to infection, and then measured the following: S. marcescens infection loads, hydrogen peroxide (ROS) levels, and mRNA abundance of ROS signaling pathway genes. Overall, our data shows that ROS levels increase in response to infection in the flea gut, and that this increase helps to strengthen the flea immune response through the microbicidal activity of ROS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa D Brown
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, 4324 Old Register Rd., Statesboro, GA, 30460, USA.
| | - Ryne Maness
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, 4324 Old Register Rd., Statesboro, GA, 30460, USA
| | - Clark Hall
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, 4324 Old Register Rd., Statesboro, GA, 30460, USA
| | - Joshua D Gibson
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, 4324 Old Register Rd., Statesboro, GA, 30460, USA
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23
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Scanlon L, Hobson-West P, Cobb K, McBride A, Stavisky J. Assessment of health and welfare in a small sample of dogs owned by people who are homeless. Vet Rec 2021; 190:e776. [PMID: 34402075 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pet ownership is common among homeless people, with dogs the most frequently reported pets. However, homeless people receive considerable criticism for keeping pets due to public perception of poor care provision. MATERIALS AND METHODS A convenience, cross-sectional sample of 19 homeless people, owning a total of 21 dogs were recruited, and their dogs' health and wellbeing assessed using the PDSA Petwise MOT (P-MOT). RESULTS The dogs compared favourably with conventionally owned pets in most areas, including exercise and companionship. Problems included being overweight/obese (although at lower prevalence than the general population). Some owners had difficulty in accessing veterinary care. Behavioural concerns were reported for 61.9% of the dogs, most commonly separation-related distress. DISCUSSION Being unable to safely leave their pets may impair owners' access to services. Provision of accessible veterinary care, behavioural support and pet-friendly services could improve the health of homeless owners and their pets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Scanlon
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Pru Hobson-West
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Kate Cobb
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Anne McBride
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jenny Stavisky
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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González MG, González J, Valcárcel F, Sánchez M, Tercero JM, Barrios L, Olmeda AS. Seasonal Dynamics of Fleas (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae, Ceratophyllidae and Leptopsyllidae) on Oryctolagus cuniculus in a Meso-Mediterranean Area of Central Spain. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:1740-1749. [PMID: 33822180 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Flea infestations of wild rabbits were examined monthly in central Spain in a meso-Mediterranean area for 5 yr. A total of 1,180 wild rabbits were trapped and 7,022 fleas were collected from them. Overall, the prevalence was 74.1% with a mean flea index of 5.95 fleas per rabbit. Four flea species were identified: Spilopsyllus cuniculi (Dale, 1878) was the most abundant species (accounting for 74.3% of fleas collected) followed by Xenopsylla cunicularis (Smit, 1957), Odontopsyllus quirosi (Gil Collado, 1934), and Nosopsyllus fasciatus (Bosc, 1800) (18.9, 6.7, and 0.1%, respectively). The highest prevalence was observed in S. cuniculi (48.6%) followed by X. cunicularis, O. quirosi, and N. fasciatus (34.3, 20.0, and 0.6%, respectively). Odontopsyllus quirosi and S. cuniculi were mainly collected from autumn to spring with the peak of infestation in winter, while X. cunicularis was mainly found from spring to autumn with maximum levels of infestation during the summer months. The relevance of these findings is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G González
- Villamagna S.A., Finca 'La Garganta', 14440 Villanueva de Córdoba, Spain
- Grupo de Parasitología Animal, Animalario del Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA, Madrid, Spain
| | - J González
- Villamagna S.A., Finca 'La Garganta', 14440 Villanueva de Córdoba, Spain
- Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - F Valcárcel
- Grupo de Parasitología Animal, Animalario del Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Sánchez
- Villamagna S.A., Finca 'La Garganta', 14440 Villanueva de Córdoba, Spain
- Grupo de Parasitología Animal, Animalario del Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA, Madrid, Spain
| | - J M Tercero
- Villamagna S.A., Finca 'La Garganta', 14440 Villanueva de Córdoba, Spain
| | - L Barrios
- Statistics Department, Computing Center, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - A S Olmeda
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, UCM, Madrid, Spain
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25
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Miarinjara A, Bland DM, Belthoff JR, Hinnebusch BJ. Poor vector competence of the human flea, Pulex irritans, to transmit Yersinia pestis. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:317. [PMID: 34112224 PMCID: PMC8194109 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04805-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The human flea, Pulex irritans, is widespread globally and has a long association with humans, one of its principal hosts. Its role in plague transmission is still under discussion, although its high prevalence in plague-endemic regions and the presence of infected fleas of this species during plague outbreaks has led to proposals that it has been a significant vector in human-to-human transmission in some historical and present-day epidemiologic situations. However, based on a limited number of studies, P. irritans is considered to be a poor vector and receives very little attention from public health policymakers. In this study we examined the vector competence of P. irritans collected from foxes and owls in the western United States, using a standard protocol and artificial infection system. Methods Wild-caught fleas were maintained in the laboratory and infected by allowing them to feed on human or rat blood containing 2 × 108 to 1 × 109Y. pestis/ml. The fleas were then monitored periodically for infection rate and bacterial load, mortality, feeding rate, bacterial biofilm formation in the foregut (proventricular blockage), and ability to transmit Y. pestis after their single infectious blood meal. Results P. irritans were susceptible to infection, with more than 30% maintaining high bacterial loads for up to 20 days. Transmission during this time was infrequent and inefficient, however. Consistent with previous studies, a low level of early-phase transmission (3 days after the infectious blood meal) was detected in some trials. Transmission at later time points was also sporadic, and the incidence of proventricular blockage, required for this mode of transmission, was low in fleas infected using rat blood and never occurred in fleas infected using human blood. The highest level of blockage and transmission was seen in fleas infected using rat blood and allowed to feed intermittently rather than daily, indicating that host blood and feeding frequency influence vector competence. Conclusions Our results affirm the reputation of P. irritans as a feeble vector compared to rodent flea species examined similarly, and its vector competence may be lower when infected by feeding on bacteremic human blood. Graphic abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04805-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adélaïde Miarinjara
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - David M Bland
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - James R Belthoff
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA
| | - B Joseph Hinnebusch
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Hamilton, MT, USA.
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26
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Belthoff JR, Elgin AA, Navock KA, Bernhardt SA. Burrowing owls as potential phoretic hosts of ground squirrel fleas during a plague epizootic. JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2021; 46:48-56. [PMID: 35229581 DOI: 10.52707/1081-1710-46.1.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
During the course of a plague epizootic, decimation of rodent host populations may result in the transfer of fleas to alternate or phoretic hosts, including to sympatric raptors that prey on rodents. We studied flea abundance and flea species assemblages on burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) in southwestern Idaho before (2012 - 2014), during (2015 - 2016), and after (2017) an epizootic of plague in Piute ground squirrels (Urocitellis mollis). We examined (1) if a larger proportion of burrowing owl nests contained fleas, (2) the likelihood that owls within a high flea abundance class increased, and (3) if owls harbored ground squirrel fleas during the epizootic. Using a flea abundance index assigned to 1,184 owls from 236 nests, the proportion of nests and the likelihood that owls had high flea abundance decreased rather than increased during epizootic years. Moreover, of 3,538 collected fleas from owls at 143 nests, no fleas were species that Piute ground squirrels typically harbor. Instead, Pulex irritans was the predominant flea collected in all study years (> 99%). Thus, although raptors may play a role in plague, there was no evidence that the die-off of ground squirrels resulted in higher flea intensity in burrowing owls or that they served as frequent accidental or phoretic hosts for ground squirrel fleas that could potentially be infectious with Yersinia pestis.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Belthoff
- REU Site in Raptor Research, Raptor Research Center and Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University, Boise, ID, U.S.A.,
| | - Andrew A Elgin
- REU Site in Raptor Research, Raptor Research Center and Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University, Boise, ID, U.S.A
- Biology Department, William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA, U.S.A
| | - Kara A Navock
- REU Site in Raptor Research, Raptor Research Center and Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University, Boise, ID, U.S.A
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BAĞRIAÇIK N, SAMANCI TEKİN Ç. Knowledge Level About Insects and Mites of Health School Students. CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.33808/clinexphealthsci.722203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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28
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Zhang Y, Nie Y, Deng YP, Liu GH, Fu YT. The complete mitochondrial genome sequences of the cat flea Ctenocephalides felis felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) support the hypothesis that C. felis isolates from China and USA were the same C. f. felis subspecies. Acta Trop 2021; 217:105880. [PMID: 33662336 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The cat flea Ctenocephalides felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) is the most important ectoparasite in cats and dogs worldwide. Over the years, there has been much dispute regarding the taxonomic and systematic status of C. felis. Mitochondrial (mt) genome sequences are useful genetic markers for the identification and differentiation of ectoparasites, but the mt genome of C. felis and its subspecies has not yet been entirely characterized. In the present study, the entire mt genome of C. f. felis from China was sequenced and compared with that of C. felis from the USA. Both contain 37 genes and a long non-coding region of >6 kbp. The molecular identity between the Chinese and American isolates was 99%, except for the non-coding region. The protein-coding genes showed differences at both the nucleotide (1.2%) and amino acid (1%) levels. Interestingly, the cox1 gene of the Chinese isolate had an unusual putative start codon (TTT). Taken together, our analyses strongly support the hypothesis that C. felis isolates from China and the USA were the same C. f. felis subspecies. The mt genome sequence of the C. f. felis China isolate presented in this study provides useful molecular markers to further address the taxonomy and systematics of C. felis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering in Animal Vaccines, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410128, China
| | - Yu Nie
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering in Animal Vaccines, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410128, China
| | - Yuan-Ping Deng
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering in Animal Vaccines, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410128, China
| | - Guo-Hua Liu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering in Animal Vaccines, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410128, China; Hunan Co-Innovation Center of Animal Production Safety, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410128, China.
| | - Yi-Tian Fu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering in Animal Vaccines, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410128, China.
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Zurita A, Benkacimi L, El Karkouri K, Cutillas C, Parola P, Laroche M. New records of bacteria in different species of fleas from France and Spain. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 76:101648. [PMID: 33895462 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2021.101648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we assessed the presence of vector-borne microorganisms in different species of fleas collected from different hosts in diverse areas of South-Western Europe by molecular methods. A total of 319 fleas belonging to eight different species was tested for the presence of eight microorganisms. Wolbachia spp. endosymbionts were detected in Ctenocephalides felis, Pulex irritans, Archaeopsylla erinacei and Ctenophthalmus baeticus boisseauorum specimens. Rickettsia felis, an emerging pathogen, was detected in C. felis, A. erinacei and Ct. b. boisseauorum. Rickettsia typhi, the agent of murine typhus was detected for the first time in A. erinacei and Mycobacterium spp. were detected for the first time in fleas (C. felis, P. irritans and A. erinacei). Lastly, five different species of Bartonella were detected in fleas' DNA in this study, including a possible new bacterium belonging to this genus. With this study, we updated the knowledge of the flea-borne bacteria present in the South-West of Europe reinforcing the idea about the necessity to expand and increase the current knowledge on flea-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Zurita
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Professor García González 2, 41012, Seville, Spain
| | - Linda Benkacimi
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - Khalid El Karkouri
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - Cristina Cutillas
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Professor García González 2, 41012, Seville, Spain
| | - Philippe Parola
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - Maureen Laroche
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.
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Bouvenot T, Dewitte A, Bennaceur N, Pradel E, Pierre F, Bontemps-Gallo S, Sebbane F. Interplay between Yersinia pestis and its flea vector in lipoate metabolism. THE ISME JOURNAL 2021; 15:1136-1149. [PMID: 33479491 PMCID: PMC8182812 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-020-00839-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
To thrive, vector-borne pathogens must survive in the vector's gut. How these pathogens successfully exploit this environment in time and space has not been extensively characterized. Using Yersinia pestis (the plague bacillus) and its flea vector, we developed a bioluminescence-based approach and employed it to investigate the mechanisms of pathogenesis at an unprecedented level of detail. Remarkably, lipoylation of metabolic enzymes, via the biosynthesis and salvage of lipoate, increases the Y. pestis transmission rate by fleas. Interestingly, the salvage pathway's lipoate/octanoate ligase LplA enhances the first step in lipoate biosynthesis during foregut colonization but not during midgut colonization. Lastly, Y. pestis primarily uses lipoate provided by digestive proteolysis (presumably as lipoyl peptides) rather than free lipoate in blood, which is quickly depleted by the vector. Thus, spatial and temporal factors dictate the bacterium's lipoylation strategies during an infection, and replenishment of lipoate by digestive proteolysis in the vector might constitute an Achilles' heel that is exploited by pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Typhanie Bouvenot
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780Univ. Lille, Inserm, CNRS, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 9017 – CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Amélie Dewitte
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780Univ. Lille, Inserm, CNRS, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 9017 – CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Nadia Bennaceur
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780Univ. Lille, Inserm, CNRS, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 9017 – CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Elizabeth Pradel
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780Univ. Lille, Inserm, CNRS, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 9017 – CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - François Pierre
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780Univ. Lille, Inserm, CNRS, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 9017 – CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Sébastien Bontemps-Gallo
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780Univ. Lille, Inserm, CNRS, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 9017 – CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Florent Sebbane
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780Univ. Lille, Inserm, CNRS, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019 - UMR 9017 – CIIL - Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
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López-Pérez AM, Chaves A, Sánchez-Montes S, Foley P, Uhart M, Barrón-Rodríguez J, Becker I, Suzán G, Foley J. Diversity of rickettsiae in domestic, synanthropic, and sylvatic mammals and their ectoparasites in a spotted fever-epidemic region at the western US-Mexico border. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:609-622. [PMID: 33667026 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Over one hundred cases of human rickettsiosis, many fatal, are reported annually across the US-Mexico transboundary region, representing a likely undercount. Although cases are often attributed to Rickettsia rickettsii, the agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, multiple other Rickettsia pathogens are present in North America. We conducted multiple-host surveillance of domestic, synanthropic, and sylvatic mammals and their ectoparasites to investigate the ecology of Rickettsia species in this region. A total of 499 mammals, including 83 dogs, 23 wild carnivores, five lagomorphs, and 388 rodents were sampled, and 413 fleas and 447 ticks belonging to 15 and 4 species, respectively, were collected during 2017 and 2018. We detected Rickettsia spp. DNA in one blood sample of coyote (Canis latrans), 11 ear tissues of rodents (10.6%), and 79 ectoparasites (9.5%). Of the 64 Rickettsia-positive fleas, 54 were Echidnophaga gallinacea and 10 were Pulex simulans, while of the 15 ticks, 11 were Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. and four Ixodes pacificus. The DNA sequence alignment of gltA and ompB regions revealed one and ten genetic variants of Rickettsia spp., respectively. These variants were clustered in clades of zoonotic species (R. felis, R. massiliae, R. parkeri, R. rickettsii, and R. typhi) and organisms of unknown pathogenic significance (R. asembonensis and Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae). The finding of a coyote infected with R. rickettsii and the multiple zoonotic SFG rickettsial agents in the study area suggest that: 1) wild canids could serve as an amplifying host for RMSF, an alternate host for Rh. sanguineus s.l. ticks, and a means to spread infection and ticks over large areas; and 2) at least some of the human rickettsiosis cases attributed to R. rickettsii could be caused by other Rickettsia species. This study strongly supports the importance of multiple-host and vector eco-epidemiological studies and the One Health approach to better understand disease in a RMSF-epidemic region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés M López-Pérez
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.,Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Andrea Chaves
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Sokani Sánchez-Montes
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, región Tuxpan, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, México.,División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Medicina Tropical, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Patrick Foley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sacramento State University, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Marcela Uhart
- Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Julio Barrón-Rodríguez
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Ingeborg Becker
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, región Tuxpan, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, México
| | - Gerardo Suzán
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Janet Foley
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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32
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Teoh MC, Furusawa G, Veera Singham G. Multifaceted interactions between the pseudomonads and insects: mechanisms and prospects. Arch Microbiol 2021; 203:1891-1915. [PMID: 33634321 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-021-02230-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Insects and bacteria are the most widespread groups of organisms found in nearly all habitats on earth, establishing diverse interactions that encompass the entire range of possible symbiotic associations from strict parasitism to obligate mutualism. The complexity of their interactions is instrumental in shaping the roles of insects in the environment, meanwhile ensuring the survival and persistence of the associated bacteria. This review aims to provide detailed insight on the multifaceted symbiosis between one of the most versatile bacterial genera, Pseudomonas (Gammaproteobacteria: Pseudomonadaceae) and a diverse group of insect species. The Pseudomonas engages with varied interactions with insects, being either a pathogen or beneficial endosymbiont, as well as using insects as vectors. In addition, this review also provides updates on existing and potential applications of Pseudomonas and their numerous insecticidal metabolites as biocontrol agents against pest insects for the improvement of integrated pest management strategies. Here, we have summarized several known modes of action and the virulence factors of entomopathogenic Pseudomonas strains essential for their pathogenicity against insects. Meanwhile, the beneficial interactions between pseudomonads and insects are currently limited to a few known insect taxa, despite numerous studies reporting identification of pseudomonads in the guts and haemocoel of various insect species. The vector-symbiont association between pseudomonads and insects can be diverse from strict phoresy to a role switch from commensalism to parasitism following a dose-dependent response. Overall, the pseudomonads appeared to have evolved independently to be either exclusively pathogenic or beneficial towards insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao-Ching Teoh
- Centre for Chemical Biology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11900, Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Go Furusawa
- Centre for Chemical Biology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11900, Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia
| | - G Veera Singham
- Centre for Chemical Biology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11900, Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia.
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33
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Otranto D, Dantas-Torres F, Fourie JJ, Lorusso V, Varloud M, Gradoni L, Drake J, Geurden T, Kaminsky R, Heckeroth AR, Schunack B, Pollmeier M, Beugnet F, Holdsworth P. World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (W.A.A.V.P.) guidelines for studies evaluating the efficacy of parasiticides in reducing the risk of vector-borne pathogen transmission in dogs and cats. Vet Parasitol 2021; 290:109369. [PMID: 33548595 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
These guidelines are intended to provide an in-depth review of current knowledge and assist the planning and implementation of studies for evaluating the efficacy of parasiticides in reducing transmission of vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) to dogs and cats. At present, the prevention of VBP transmission in companion animals is generally achieved through the administration of products that can repel or rapidly kill arthropods, thus preventing or interrupting feeding before transmission occurs. The present guidelines complement existing guidelines, which focus on efficacy assessment of parasiticides for the treatment, prevention and control of flea and tick infestations, but also give guidance for studies focused on other vectors (i.e. mosquitoes and phlebotomine sand flies). The efficacy of parasiticides in reducing VBP transmission can be evaluated through laboratory or field studies. As such, the present guidelines provide recommendations for these studies, representing a tool for researchers, pharmaceutical companies and authorities involved in the research, development and registration of products with claims for reducing VBP transmission in dogs and cats, respecting the overall principles of the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement). Gaps in our current understanding of VBP transmission times are herein highlighted and the need for further basic research on related topics is briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Otranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy.
| | - Filipe Dantas-Torres
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, 70010, Valenzano, Italy; Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (Fiocruz-PE), Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | - Vincenzo Lorusso
- Global Research and Intellectual Property, Vetoquinol, 37 Rue de la Victoire, 75009, Paris, France; School of Science, Engineering and Environment, Peel Building, University of Salford, Greater Manchester, M5 4WT, United Kingdom
| | | | - Luigi Gradoni
- Unit of Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Jason Drake
- Elanco Animal Health, 2500 Innovation Way, Greenfield, IN, 46140, USA
| | - Thomas Geurden
- Zoetis, Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, Hoge Wei 10, B-1930, Zaventem, Belgium
| | - Ronald Kaminsky
- ParaC-Consulting for Parasitology and Drug Discovery, 79685, Haeg-Ehrsberg, Germany
| | - Anja R Heckeroth
- MSD Animal Health Innovation GmbH, Zur Propstei, 55270, Schwabenheim, Germany
| | - Bettina Schunack
- Bayer Animal Health GmbH: an Elanco Animal Health Company, 51368, Leverkusen, Germany
| | - Matthias Pollmeier
- Bayer Animal Health GmbH: an Elanco Animal Health Company, 51368, Leverkusen, Germany
| | - Frédéric Beugnet
- Boehringer-Ingelheim Animal Health, 29 Av Tony Garnier, Lyon, 69007, France
| | - Peter Holdsworth
- PAH Consultancy Pty Ltd, Wanniassa, 2903, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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34
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Otiang E, Chen D, Jiang J, Maina AN, Farris CM, Luce-Fedrow A, Richards AL. Pathogen Carriage by Peri-Domestic Fleas in Western Kenya. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:256-263. [PMID: 33481673 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fleas are carriers for many largely understudied zoonotic, endemic, emerging, and re-emerging infectious disease agents, but little is known about their prevalence and role as a vector in Africa. The aim of this study was to determine the diversity of fleas and the prevalence of infectious agents in them collected from human dwellings in western Kenya. A total of 306 fleas were collected using light traps from 33 human dwellings; 170 (55.56%) were identified as Ctenocephalides spp., 121 (39.54%) as Echidnophaga gallinacea, 13 (4.25%) as Pulex irritans, and 2 (0.65%) as Xenopsylla cheopis. Of the 306 individual fleas tested, 168 (54.9%) tested positive for rickettsial DNA by a genus-specific quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay based on the 17-kDa antigen gene. Species-specific qPCR assays and sequencing revealed presence of Rickettsia asembonensis in 166 (54.2%) and Rickettsia felis in 2 (0.7%) fleas. Borrelia burgdorferi, normally known to be carried by ticks, was detected in four (1.3%) flea DNA preparations. We found no evidence of Yersinia pestis, Bartonella spp., or Orientia spp. Not only were Ctenocephalides spp. the most predominant flea species in the human dwellings, but also almost all of them were harboring R. asembonensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elkanah Otiang
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Daniel Chen
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Ju Jiang
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Alice N Maina
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Christina M Farris
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Alison Luce-Fedrow
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,Department of Biology, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Allen L Richards
- Viral and Rickettsial Diseases Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA.,Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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35
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Thoroughgood JT, Armstrong JS, White B, Anstead CA, Galloway TD, Lindsay LR, Shury TK, Lane JE, Chilton NB. Molecular Differentiation of Four Species of Oropsylla (Siphonaptera: Ceratophyllidae) Using PCR-Based Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism Analyses and DNA Sequencing. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:241-245. [PMID: 33432353 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
It is often difficult to distinguish morphologically between closely related species of fleas (Siphonaptera). Morphological identification of fleas often requires microscopic examination of internal structures in specimens cleared using caustic solutions. This process degrades DNA and/or inhibits DNA extraction from specimens, which limits molecular-based studies on individual fleas and their microbiomes. Our objective was to distinguish between Oropsylla rupestris (Jordan), Oropsylla tuberculata (Baker), Oropsylla bruneri (Baker), and Oropsylla labis (Jordan & Rothschild) (Ceratophyllidae) using PCR-based single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analyses and DNA sequencing. A 446 bp region of the nuclear 28S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene was used as the genetic marker. The results obtained for 36 reference specimens (i.e., fleas that were morphologically identified to species) revealed no intraspecific variation in DNA sequence, whereas the DNA sequences of the four species of Oropsylla differed from one another at two to six nucleotide positions. Each flea species also had a unique SSCP banding pattern. SSCP analyses were then used to identify another 84 fleas that had not been identified morphologically. DNA sequencing data confirmed the species identity of fleas subjected to SSCP. This demonstrates that PCR-SSCP combined with DNA sequencing of the 28S rRNA gene is a very effective approach for the delineation of four closely related species of flea.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James S Armstrong
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Brandon White
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Clare A Anstead
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Terry D Galloway
- Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 2N2
| | - L Robbin Lindsay
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 2R2
| | - Todd K Shury
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 2R2
- Parks Canada Agency, Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7N 5B4
| | - Jeffery E Lane
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Neil B Chilton
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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36
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Santoyo-Colín V, Sánchez-Montes S, Salceda-Sánchez B, Huerta-Jiménez H, Alcántara-Rodríguez V, Becker I, Gual-Sill F, López-Pérez AM. Urban foci of murine typhus involving cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis felis) collected from opossums in Mexico City. Zoonoses Public Health 2020; 68:1-7. [PMID: 33280264 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Murine typhus, a neglected rickettsiosis caused by Rickettsia typhi, is a common disease in several Latin-American countries. The sylvatic life cycle of R. typhi encompasses the presence of several wild mammals, particularly opossums of the genus Didelphis and their associated fleas. Due to the colonization of wild environments by human populations, the increase in contact with opossum fleas has generated the presence of urban outbreaks of typhus. For this reason, the aim of our study was to identify the presence and diversity of Rickettsia sp. in fleas collected from opossums of an urban reserve in Mexico City. Opossums were captured from February to September 2017. For the detection of Rickettsia DNA, fragments of 800 bp of the citrate synthase (gltA) and the outer membrane protein B (ompB) were amplified. A total of 141 fleas (111 ♀, 30 ♂) of a single species (Ctenocephalides felis felis) were recovered from 31 Didelphis virginiana. Rickettsia DNA was detected in 17.7% (25/141) of the analysed fleas, recovered from seven infested opossums. The Maximum likelihood of sequences exhibited an identity of 99%-100% with sequences of R. typhi from southern United States. This work represents the first record of R. typhi in fleas from opossums in Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Santoyo-Colín
- Departamento de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana -Unidad Xochimilco, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Sokani Sánchez-Montes
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México.,Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias región Tuxpan, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, México
| | - Beatriz Salceda-Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Entomología, Instituto de Diagnóstico y Referencia Epidemiológicos, Secretaría de Salud, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Herón Huerta-Jiménez
- Laboratorio de Entomología, Instituto de Diagnóstico y Referencia Epidemiológicos, Secretaría de Salud, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Virginia Alcántara-Rodríguez
- Unidad Departamental de Vigilancia Epidemiológica de la Red de Hospitales de la Ciudad de México, Secretaría de Salud del Gobierno de la Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Ingeborg Becker
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Fernando Gual-Sill
- Departamento de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana -Unidad Xochimilco, Ciudad de México, México.,Dirección General de Zoológicos y Conservación de la Fauna Silvestre, Secretaría del Medio Ambiente de la Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México, México.,Departamento de Etología, Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Andrés M López-Pérez
- Departamento de Etología, Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México.,School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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37
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Enscore RE, Babi N, Amatre G, Atiku L, Eisen RJ, Pepin KM, Vera-Tudela R, Sexton C, Gage KL. The changing triad of plague in Uganda: invasive black rats (Rattus rattus), indigenous small mammals, and their fleas. JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2020; 45:333-355. [PMID: 33207051 DOI: 10.1111/jvec.12404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Rattus rattus was first reported from the West Nile Region of Uganda in 1961, an event that preceded the appearance of the first documented human plague outbreak in 1970. We investigated how invasive R. rattus and native small mammal populations, as well as their fleas, have changed in recent decades. Over an 18-month period, a total of 2,959 small mammals were captured, sampled, and examined for fleas, resulting in the identification of 20 small mammal taxa that were hosts to 5,109 fleas (nine species). Over three-fourths (75.8%) of captured mammals belonged to four taxa: R. rattus, which predominated inside huts, and Arvicanthis niloticus, Mastomys sp., and Crocidura sp., which were more common outside huts. These mammals were hosts for 85.8% of fleas collected, including the efficient plague vectors Xenopsylla cheopis and X. brasiliensis, as well as likely enzootic vectors, Dinopsyllus lypusus and Ctenophthalmus bacopus. Flea loads on small mammals were higher in certain environments in villages with a recent history of plague compared to those that lacked such a history. The significance of these results is discussed in relation to historical data, the initial spread of plague in the WNR and the continuing threat posed by the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell E Enscore
- Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Enteric, Zoonotic, and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, U.S.A
| | - Nackson Babi
- Plague Program, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Gerald Amatre
- Plague Program, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Linda Atiku
- Plague Program, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Rebecca J Eisen
- Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Enteric, Zoonotic, and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, U.S.A
| | - Kimberly M Pepin
- National Wildlife Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, Fort Collins, CO, U.S.A
| | - Rommelle Vera-Tudela
- Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Enteric, Zoonotic, and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, U.S.A
| | - Christopher Sexton
- Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Enteric, Zoonotic, and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, U.S.A
| | - Kenneth L Gage
- Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Enteric, Zoonotic, and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, U.S.A
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38
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Diarra AZ, Kone AK, Doumbo Niare S, Laroche M, Diatta G, Atteynine SA, Coulibaly M, Sangare AK, Kouriba B, Djimde A, Dabo A, Sagara I, Davoust B, Ranque S, Thera MA, Raoult D, Doumbo OK, Parola P. Molecular Detection of Microorganisms Associated with Small Mammals and Their Ectoparasites in Mali. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:2542-2551. [PMID: 33146105 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Small mammals are the natural reservoirs for many zoonotic pathogens. Using molecular tools, we assessed the prevalence of bacteria and protozoans in small mammals and their ectoparasites in Faladjè, Bougouni, and Bamoko, Mali. A total of 130 small mammals belonging to 10 different species were captured, of which 74 (56.9%) were infested by ectoparasites, including Laelaps echidnina, Xenopsylla cheopis, Amblyomma variegatum, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, and Haemaphysalis spp. nymphs. DNA of Bartonella was found in 14/75 (18.7%), 6/48 (12.5%), and 3/7 (42.8%) small mammals from Faladjè, Bougouni, and Bamako, respectively. In Faladjè, Bartonella DNA was detected in 31/68 (45.6%) of L. echidnina and 14/22 (63.6%) of X. cheopis. In Bougouni, it was found in 2/26 (7.7%) of L. echidnina and 10/42 (23.8%) of X. cheopis. The sequences of Bartonella obtained from small mammals were close to those of Bartonella mastomydis, Bartonella elizabethae, and uncultured Bartonella spp. In Faladjè, Coxiella burnetii DNA was detected in 64.4% (29/45) of Haemaphysalis spp. ticks, 4.5% (2/44) of Mastomys erythroleucus, 12.5% (1/8) of Praomys daltoni, and 1.5% (1/68) of L. echidnina. We found DNA of Wolbachia in X. cheopis from Faladjè and DNA of Rickettsia africae and Ehrlichia ruminantium in Am. variegatum from Bougouni. The results of our study show that several small mammal species harbor and may serve as potential reservoirs of Bartonella spp., likely to play a major role in the maintenance, circulation, and potential transmission of bacteria in Mali. The pathogenicity of these bacteria for humans or animals remains to be demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adama Zan Diarra
- Aix Marseille Univ., IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases (DEAP), Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, UMI 3189 "Environnement, Santé, Sociétés", University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Abdoulaye Kassoum Kone
- Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases (DEAP), Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, UMI 3189 "Environnement, Santé, Sociétés", University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | - Safiatou Doumbo Niare
- Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases (DEAP), Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, UMI 3189 "Environnement, Santé, Sociétés", University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | - Maureen Laroche
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ., IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - Georges Diatta
- VITROME Dakar, Campus International IRD-UCAD Hann, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | - Maïmouna Coulibaly
- Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases (DEAP), Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, UMI 3189 "Environnement, Santé, Sociétés", University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | - Abdoul Karim Sangare
- Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases (DEAP), Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, UMI 3189 "Environnement, Santé, Sociétés", University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali.,Centre d'Infectiologie Charles Mérieux, Bamako, Mali
| | - Bouréma Kouriba
- Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases (DEAP), Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, UMI 3189 "Environnement, Santé, Sociétés", University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali.,Centre d'Infectiologie Charles Mérieux, Bamako, Mali
| | - Abdoulaye Djimde
- Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases (DEAP), Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, UMI 3189 "Environnement, Santé, Sociétés", University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | - Abdoulaye Dabo
- Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases (DEAP), Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, UMI 3189 "Environnement, Santé, Sociétés", University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | - Issaka Sagara
- Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases (DEAP), Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, UMI 3189 "Environnement, Santé, Sociétés", University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | - Bernard Davoust
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ., IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Stéphane Ranque
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ., IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - Mahamadou A Thera
- Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases (DEAP), Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, UMI 3189 "Environnement, Santé, Sociétés", University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | - Didier Raoult
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ., IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Ogobara K Doumbo
- Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases (DEAP), Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, UMI 3189 "Environnement, Santé, Sociétés", University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | - Philippe Parola
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ., IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
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Transcriptomic profiling of the digestive tract of the rat flea, Xenopsylla cheopis, following blood feeding and infection with Yersinia pestis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008688. [PMID: 32946437 PMCID: PMC7526888 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, is a highly lethal pathogen transmitted by the bite of infected fleas. Once ingested by a flea, Y. pestis establish a replicative niche in the gut and produce a biofilm that promotes foregut colonization and transmission. The rat flea Xenopsylla cheopis is an important vector to several zoonotic bacterial pathogens including Y. pestis. Some fleas naturally clear themselves of infection; however, the physiological and immunological mechanisms by which this occurs are largely uncharacterized. To address this, RNA was extracted, sequenced, and distinct transcript profiles were assembled de novo from X. cheopis digestive tracts isolated from fleas that were either: 1) not fed for 5 days; 2) fed sterile blood; or 3) fed blood containing ~5x108 CFU/ml Y. pestis KIM6+. Analysis and comparison of the transcript profiles resulted in identification of 23 annotated (and 11 unknown or uncharacterized) digestive tract transcripts that comprise the early transcriptional response of the rat flea gut to infection with Y. pestis. The data indicate that production of antimicrobial peptides regulated by the immune-deficiency pathway (IMD) is the primary flea immune response to infection with Y. pestis. The remaining infection-responsive transcripts, not obviously associated with the immune response, were involved in at least one of 3 physiological themes: 1) alterations to chemosensation and gut peristalsis; 2) modification of digestion and metabolism; and 3) production of chitin-binding proteins (peritrophins). Despite producing several peritrophin transcripts shortly after feeding, including a subset that were infection-responsive, no thick peritrophic membrane was detectable by histochemistry or electron microscopy of rat flea guts for the first 24 hours following blood-feeding. Here we discuss the physiological implications of rat flea infection-responsive transcripts, the function of X. cheopis peritrophins, and the mechanisms by which Y. pestis may be cleared from the flea gut. The goal of this study was to characterize the transcriptional response of the digestive tract of the rat flea, Xenopsylla cheopis, to infection with Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague. This flea is generally considered the most prevalent and efficient vector of Y. pestis. Because most pathogens transmitted by fleas, including Y. pestis, reside in the insect digestive tract prior to transmission, the transcriptional program induced in the gut epithelium likely influences bacterial colonization of the flea. To determine the specific response to infection, RNA profiles were generated from fleas that were either unfed, fed sterile blood, or fed blood containing Y. pestis. Comparative analyses of the transcriptomes resulted in identification of 34 infection-responsive transcripts. The functions of these differentially regulated genes indicate that infection of fleas with Y. pestis induces a limited immune response and potentially alters the insect’s behavior, metabolism, and other aspects of its physiology. Based on these data, we describe potential mechanisms fleas use to eliminate bacteria and the corresponding strategies Y. pestis uses to resist elimination. These findings may be helpful for developing targeted strategies to make fleas resistant to microbial infection and thereby reduce the incidence of diseases they spread.
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REIS DA SILVA FERNANDES DL, FILGUEIRA BEZERRA M, SOBREIRA BEZERRA DA SILVA M, LEAL NC, DE SOUZA REIS CR, DE ALMEIDA AMP. Rodent hosts and flea vectors in Brazilian plague foci: a review. Integr Zool 2020; 16:810-819. [DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nilma Cintra LEAL
- Nacional Reference Service for PlagueInstitut Aggeu Magalhães—FIOCRUZ PE Recife PE Brazil
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Calvani NE, Bell L, Carney A, De La Fuente C, Stragliotto T, Tunstall M, Šlapeta J. The molecular identity of fleas (Siphonaptera) carrying Rickettsia felis, Bartonella clarridgeiae and Bartonella rochalimae from dogs and cats in Northern Laos. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04385. [PMID: 32695906 PMCID: PMC7364039 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) are the most commonly recognised ectoparasites of domestic pets globally and are frequently implicated in the transmission of a variety of zoonotic vector-borne pathogens. The aim of the present study was to investigate the morphological and molecular identity of fleas parasitising cats and dogs in Northern Laos and screen them for a range of bacterial pathogens. Fleas (n = 120) were collected from dogs and cats and morphologically identified as Ctenocephalides felis (115/120), Ctenocephalides orientis (4/120) and Pulex irritans (1/120). Molecular barcoding using the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (cox1) was used to confirmed species identity of 21 selected fleas. The cat flea (C. felis) was the most dominant flea identified. Rickettsia and Bartonella spp. DNA was detected in 21/21 and 7/21 samples, respectively, via a multiplex real-time PCR targeting gltA and ssrA. Sequencing of the seven Bartonella-positive samples and ten Rickettsia-positive samples revealed Bartonella clarridgeiae, Bartonella rochalimae, Rickettsia felis and Rickettsia sp. genotype RF2125 DNA. Anaplasma platys DNA was detected in a single C. felis after 20 of the 21 DNA samples were screened using a commercial PCR panel for vector-borne pathogens. The detection of a range of bacterial pathogens in fleas from owned cats and dogs in Northern Laos provides further evidence to the importance of these ectoparasites as vectors of zoonotic diseases in the region.
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Sánchez-Montes S, Salceda-Sánchez B, Ballados-González GG, Valtierra-Alzaga L, Soto-Gutiérrez JJ, Becker I. Rickettsia asembonensis: New records associated with the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis felis) in Mexico. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2020; 21:100433. [PMID: 32862918 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In the present work, we report for the first time the presence of an emerging rickettsial agent in Mexico, Rickettsia asembonensis, recorded in the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis felis) collected in dogs from the states of Morelos and Veracruz. Possible implications for public health and its contribution to the biodiversity of the country are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sokani Sánchez-Montes
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico; Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Región Tuxpan, Universidad Veracruzana, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Beatriz Salceda-Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Entomología, Instituto de Diagnóstico y Referencia Epidemiológicos, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | | | - Laura Valtierra-Alzaga
- Laboratorio de Entomología, Laboratorio Estatal de Salud Pública, Secretaría de Salud, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Juan J Soto-Gutiérrez
- Laboratorio de Entomología, Instituto de Diagnóstico y Referencia Epidemiológicos, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ingeborg Becker
- Centro de Medicina Tropical, División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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Driscoll TP, Verhoeve VI, Gillespie JJ, Johnston JS, Guillotte ML, Rennoll-Bankert KE, Rahman MS, Hagen D, Elsik CG, Macaluso KR, Azad AF. A chromosome-level assembly of the cat flea genome uncovers rampant gene duplication and genome size plasticity. BMC Biol 2020; 18:70. [PMID: 32560686 PMCID: PMC7305587 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-020-00802-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fleas (Insecta: Siphonaptera) are small flightless parasites of birds and mammals; their blood-feeding can transmit many serious pathogens (i.e., the etiological agents of bubonic plague, endemic and murine typhus). The lack of flea genome assemblies has hindered research, especially comparisons to other disease vectors. Accordingly, we sequenced the genome of the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, an insect with substantial human health and veterinary importance across the globe. RESULTS By combining Illumina and PacBio sequencing of DNA derived from multiple inbred female fleas with Hi-C scaffolding techniques, we generated a chromosome-level genome assembly for C. felis. Unexpectedly, our assembly revealed extensive gene duplication across the entire genome, exemplified by ~ 38% of protein-coding genes with two or more copies and over 4000 tRNA genes. A broad range of genome size determinations (433-551 Mb) for individual fleas sampled across different populations supports the widespread presence of fluctuating copy number variation (CNV) in C. felis. Similarly, broad genome sizes were also calculated for individuals of Xenopsylla cheopis (Oriental rat flea), indicating that this remarkable "genome-in-flux" phenomenon could be a siphonapteran-wide trait. Finally, from the C. felis sequence reads, we also generated closed genomes for two novel strains of Wolbachia, one parasitic and one symbiotic, found to co-infect individual fleas. CONCLUSION Rampant CNV in C. felis has dire implications for gene-targeting pest control measures and stands to complicate standard normalization procedures utilized in comparative transcriptomics analysis. Coupled with co-infection by novel Wolbachia endosymbionts-potential tools for blocking pathogen transmission-these oddities highlight a unique and underappreciated disease vector.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Victoria I Verhoeve
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joseph J Gillespie
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - J Spencer Johnston
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Mark L Guillotte
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kristen E Rennoll-Bankert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - M Sayeedur Rahman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Darren Hagen
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Christine G Elsik
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- MU Informatics Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Kevin R Macaluso
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA
| | - Abdu F Azad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Erkunt Alak S, Köseoğlu AE, Kandemir Ç, Taşkın T, Demir S, Döşkaya M, Ün C, Can H. High frequency of knockdown resistance mutations in the para gene of cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) samples collected from goats. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:2067-2073. [PMID: 32468188 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06714-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Fleas are ectoparasites of mammals and birds. In livestock such as sheep and goat, flea bites cause many clinical signs. Several types of insecticides including pyrethroids are used to struggle against fleas. The widespread use of these insecticides causes an increase in the number of resistant individuals in flea populations. T929V and L1014F mutations corresponding to pyrethroid resistance have been found in the para gene of cat fleas. We aimed to investigate T929V and L1014F mutations in flea samples (n:162) collected from goats in seven different farms where cypermethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid, had been used intensively. To achieve this aim, collected flea samples were morphologically identified under a stereo microscope and DNA isolation was conducted by HotSHOT method. Later, a bi-PASA targeting the para gene was applied to identify both mutations in corresponding samples. According to the results obtained, all fleas were Ctenocephalides felis. Frequencies of T929V and L1014F mutations in fleas were 92.6% (150/162) and 95.7% (155/162), respectively. In conclusion, the frequency of mutations related to pyrethroid resistance was very high in the fleas collected from all the farms and it was thought that the high frequency of these mutations can be attributed to intensive use of pyrethroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedef Erkunt Alak
- Molecular Biology Section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, 35040, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Efe Köseoğlu
- Molecular Biology Section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, 35040, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Çağrı Kandemir
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ege University, 35040, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Turğay Taşkın
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ege University, 35040, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Samiye Demir
- Zoology Section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, 35040, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Mert Döşkaya
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, 35100, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Cemal Ün
- Molecular Biology Section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, 35040, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Hüseyin Can
- Molecular Biology Section, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, 35040, İzmir, Turkey.
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Alonso R, Ruiz M, Lovera R, Montes De Oca D, Cavia R, Sánchez J. Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) ectoparasites in livestock production systems from central Argentina: Influencing factors on parasitism. Acta Trop 2020; 203:105299. [PMID: 31837978 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Haematophagous ectoparasites are worldwide vectors of many zoonotic bacterial diseases, both emerging and re-emerging, whose incidences are rising. Livestock development alters different environmental characteristics such as the microclimate of a site, changing the availability, density and susceptibility of the hosts to pathogens and vectors, indirectly influencing the spread and persistence of a disease within an ecosystem. The Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus), the most abundant vertebrate pest species found on livestock farms from Argentina, is a reservoir for several important zoonotic bacteria and may harbor ectoparasite species, which act as their vectors. Even though the Norway rat is widely known for its role as an ectoparasite host, the ecological characteristics of their ectoparasite communities and the related factors with parasitism on livestock farms have never been described. In the present study, we describe the ectoparasite community in Norway rats from central Argentina livestock farms, while also depicting the influencing factors on both ectoparasite occurrence and abundance. Ectoparasites were collected from rats captured in 20 sites from Buenos Aires province, between the winter of 2016 and the summer of 2018. A total of 1441 ectoparasite individuals were collected from 159 Norway rat individuals [Total ectoparasite prevalence = 69.2%; Mean ectoparasite specimen abundance (± CI) = 9.06 ± 2.32 ectoparasite individuals per rat; Mean ectoparasite specimen intensity (±CI) = 13.10 ± 3.08 ectoparasite individuals per infested rat found]. Ectoparasite assemblage consisted of four cosmopolitan species, recognized for their sanitary relevance: mites (Laelapidae: Laelaps nuttalli and Laelaps echidninus), lice (Polyplacidae: Polyplax spinulosa) and fleas (Pulicidae: Xenopsylla cheopis). We observed higher Norway rat abundance in sites related to higher ectoparasite occurrence and abundance frequencies on the rats. Additionally, ectoparasites were more abundant on rats in warm seasons and on male individuals, over female rats. Moreover, the geographical location of the studied sites influenced the ectoparasite assemblage structure observed on the rats. This study broadens the knowledge on the role of Norway rats as zoonotic ectoparasites hosts and analyzes the drivers influencing ectoparasite occurrence and abundance on the most populated region of Argentina, which is also the region with the most intensive livestock farming. Therefore, this survey may assist in evaluating potential risks for humans and generate effective sanitary control strategies for ectoparasite-borne infectious diseases.
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Anstead GM. History, Rats, Fleas, and Opossums: The Ascendency of Flea-Borne Typhus in the United States, 1910-1944. Trop Med Infect Dis 2020; 5:E37. [PMID: 32121541 PMCID: PMC7157735 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed5010037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Flea-borne typhus, due to Rickettsia typhi and Rickettsia felis, is an infection causing fever, headache, rash, hepatitis, thrombocytopenia, and diverse organ manifestations. Although most cases are self-limited, 26%-28% have complications and up to one-third require intensive care. Flea-borne typhus was recognized as an illness similar to epidemic typhus, but having a milder course, in the Southeastern United States and TX from 1913 into the 1920s. Kenneth Maxcy of the US Public Health Service (USPHS) first described the illness in detail and proposed a rodent reservoir and an arthropod vector. Other investigators of the USPHS (Eugene Dyer, Adolph Rumreich, Lucius Badger, Elmer Ceder, William Workman, and George Brigham) determined that the brown and black rats were reservoirs and various species of fleas, especially the Oriental rat flea, were the vectors. The disease was recognized as a health concern in the Southern United States in the 1920s and an increasing number of cases were observed in the 1930s and 1940s, with about 42,000 cases reported between 1931-1946. Attempts to control the disease in the 1930s by fumigation and rat proofing and extermination were unsuccessful. The dramatic increase in the number of cases from 1930 through 1944 was due to: the diversification of Southern agriculture away from cotton; the displacement of the smaller black rat by the larger brown rat in many areas; poor housing conditions during the Great Depression and World War II; and shortages of effective rodenticides and insecticides during World War II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory M. Anstead
- Medical Service, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; ; Tel.: +210-567-4666; Fax: +210-567-4670
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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Wang HC, Lee PL, Kuo CC. Fleas of Shrews and Rodents in Rural Lowland Taiwan. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 57:595-600. [PMID: 31693136 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Fleas transmit a variety of pathogens to humans but are relatively understudied in comparison to mosquitoes and ticks, including in Taiwan, where fleas in rural lowlands have never been systematically surveyed. In total, 700 fleas of four species were collected from 1,260 shrews and rodents at nine counties across lowland Taiwan. Nosopsyllus nicanus Jordan (Siphonaptera: Ceratophyllidae) and Xenopsylla cheopis Rothschild (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) were the most abundant flea species (79.0 and 14.6% of total fleas, respectively); the former was largely limited to the islets, while the latter was restricted to the Taiwan main island. Rattus losea Swinhoe (Rodentia: Muridae) was the most common small mammal species (49.3% of total) and hosted the majority of fleas (88.3% of total). Five Rickettsia spp., including Rickettsia conorii Brumpt (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), Rickettsia felis Bouyer et al. Rickettsia japonica Uchida, Rickettsia raoultii Mediannikov, and Rickettsia rickettsii Brumpt or closely related species, were identified from 67 individually assayed fleas based on ompB and gltA genes. Rickettsia felis, mainly transmitted by fleas, was detected in one X. cheopis in southern Taiwan where a confirmed human case of infection with R. felis has been reported. The presence of R. felis, along with the other four tick-borne Rickettsia spp., demonstrates that a variety of rickettsiae circulate in rural lowland Taiwan and could pose risks to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsi-Chieh Wang
- Center for Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Lung Lee
- Center for Diagnostics and Vaccine Development, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Chien Kuo
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Moog F, Plichart GV, Blua JL, Cadiergues MC. Evaluation of a plant-based food supplement to control flea populations in dogs: A prospective double-blind randomized study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2020; 12:35-38. [PMID: 32114287 PMCID: PMC7049570 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2020.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A prospective double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study evaluated the tolerance and efficacy of the biological plant-based food supplement Bioticks® (extracts of thyme, rosemary, melissa, fenugreek, absinthe and lemongrass) as a flea-control product. Twelve dogs were used as placebo controls (group A). Ten dogs under similar housing conditions received the same food daily but supplemented with Bioticks® (group B). Flea counts were performed on D0 and 14, then 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 months after the beginning of the study. No flea treatment was given or environmental modifications made during the 6 months prior to beginning and throughout the duration of the study. Efficacy was calculated according to Abbott's formula. No adverse event was recorded. At inclusion, dogs in groups A and B hosted a mean ± standard deviation of 7.9 ± 3.3 and 9.5 ± 3.6 fleas, respectively. The mean flea population in group A steadily increased until 4 months after D0 (21.5 ± 4.9 fleas/dog). Meanwhile, the mean flea population in group B dogs remained stable for the first month but then steadily decreased to reach an average of 3.1 ± 1.7 fleas/dog at D0+5 months. The percentage efficacy in the treated group as compared to the non-treated group was 33%, 51%, 71%, 80% and 82% at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 months, respectively. Bioticks® was shown to be safe and effectively limited the flea population in dogs with a moderate flea infestation in conditions that were highly favourable to flea development. This is the first study to evaluate a plant-based product as an oral supplement for flea control. There is a growing demand for non-chemical, biological or “natural” flea products. In vivo studies assessing the efficacy of plant extracts are lacking in animals. The food supplement Bioticks® (Biodevas) contains several plant-extracts. Two groups of flea-infested dogs underwent a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Dogs fed with Bioticks® had a flea population reduced by 80% after 4 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Moog
- Small Animal Clinic, Université de Toulouse, ENVT, 23 chemin des Capelles, 31076, Toulouse, France.
| | | | - Jean-Louis Blua
- Laboratoires BIODEVAS, ZA de l'Epine, 72460, Savigné-L'Evêque, France.
| | - Marie-Christine Cadiergues
- Small Animal Clinic, Université de Toulouse, ENVT, 23 chemin des Capelles, 31076, Toulouse, France; UDEAR, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, ENVT, Hôpital PURPAN, Place du Dr Baylac TSA 40031, 31059, Toulouse, France.
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49
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Goldberg AR, Conway CJ, Biggins DE. Flea sharing among sympatric rodent hosts: implications for potential plague effects on a threatened sciurid. Ecosphere 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda R. Goldberg
- Department of Fish & Wildlife Sciences Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit University of Idaho 875 Perimeter Drive, MS 1141 Moscow Idaho 83844 USA
| | - Courtney J. Conway
- U.S. Geological Survey Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit University of Idaho 875 Perimeter Drive, MS 1141 Moscow Idaho 83844 USA
| | - Dean E. Biggins
- U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center 2150 Centre Avenue Building C Fort Collins Colorado 80526 USA
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Insight into diversity of bacteria belonging to the order Rickettsiales in 9 arthropods species collected in Serbia. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18680. [PMID: 31822714 PMCID: PMC6904564 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55077-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Rickettsiales bacteria in arthropods play a significant role in both public health and arthropod ecology. However, the extensive genetic diversity of Rickettsiales endosymbionts of arthropods is still to be discovered. In 2016, 515 arthropods belonging to 9 species of four classes (Insecta, Chilopoda, Diplopoda and Arachnida) were collected in Serbia. The presence and genetic diversity of Rickettsiales bacteria were evaluated by characterizing the 16S rRNA (rrs), citrate synthase (gltA) and heat shock protein (groEL) genes. The presence of various Rickettsiales bacteria was identified in the majority of tested arthropod species. The results revealed co-circulation of five recognized Rickettsiales species including Rickettsia, Ehrlichia and Wolbachia, as well as four tentative novel species, including one tentative novel genus named Neowolbachia. These results suggest the remarkable genetic diversity of Rickettsiales bacteria in certain arthropod species in this region. Furthermore, the high prevalence of spotted fever group Rickettsia in Ixodes ricinus ticks highlights the potential public health risk of human Rickettsia infection.
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