1
|
Caixeta EA, Pinheiro MA, Lucchesi VS, Oliveira AGG, Galinari GCF, Tinoco HP, Coelho CM, Lobato ZIP. The Study of Bluetongue Virus (BTV) and Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (EHDV) Circulation and Vectors at the Municipal Parks and Zoobotanical Foundation of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil (FPMZB-BH). Viruses 2024; 16:293. [PMID: 38400068 PMCID: PMC10892844 DOI: 10.3390/v16020293] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Bluetongue Virus (BTV) and Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (EHDV) are Orbiviruses primarily transmitted by their biological vector, Culicoides spp. Latreille, 1809 (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). These viruses can infect a diverse range of vertebrate hosts, leading to disease outbreaks in domestic and wild ruminants worldwide. This study, conducted at the Belo Horizonte Municipal Parks and Zoobotany Foundation (FPMZB-BH), Minas Gerais, Brazil, focused on Orbivirus and its vectors. Collections of Culicoides spp. were carried out at the FPMZB-BH from 9 December 2021 to 18 November 2022. A higher prevalence of these insects was observed during the summer months, especially in February. Factors such as elevated temperatures, high humidity, fecal accumulation, and proximity to large animals, like camels and elephants, were associated with increased Culicoides capture. Among the identified Culicoides spp. species, Culicoides insignis Lutz, 1913, constituted 75%, and Culicoides pusillus Lutz, 1913, 6% of the collected midges, both described as competent vectors for Orbivirus transmission. Additionally, a previously unreported species in Minas Gerais, Culicoides debilipalpis Lutz, 1913, was identified, also suspected of being a transmitter of these Orbiviruses. The feeding preferences of some Culicoides species were analyzed, revealing that C. insignis feeds on deer, Red deer (Cervus elaphus) and European fallow deer (Dama dama). Different Culicoides spp. were also identified feeding on humans, raising concerns about the potential transmission of arboviruses at the site. In parallel, 72 serum samples from 14 susceptible species, including various Cervids, collected between 2012 and 2022 from the FPMZB-BH serum bank, underwent Agar Gel Immunodiffusion (AGID) testing for BTV and EHDV. The results showed 75% seropositivity for BTV and 19% for EHDV. Post-testing analysis revealed variations in antibody presence against BTV in a tapir and a fallow deer and against EHDV in a gemsbok across different years. These studies confirm the presence of BTV and EHDV vectors, along with potential virus circulation in the zoo. Consequently, implementing control measures is essential to prevent susceptible species from becoming infected and developing clinical diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Alves Caixeta
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine (DMVP), Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (E.A.C.); (M.A.P.); (V.S.L.); (A.G.G.O.); (G.C.F.G.)
| | - Mariana Andrioli Pinheiro
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine (DMVP), Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (E.A.C.); (M.A.P.); (V.S.L.); (A.G.G.O.); (G.C.F.G.)
| | - Victoria Souza Lucchesi
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine (DMVP), Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (E.A.C.); (M.A.P.); (V.S.L.); (A.G.G.O.); (G.C.F.G.)
| | - Anna Gabriella Guimarães Oliveira
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine (DMVP), Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (E.A.C.); (M.A.P.); (V.S.L.); (A.G.G.O.); (G.C.F.G.)
| | - Grazielle Cossenzo Florentino Galinari
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine (DMVP), Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (E.A.C.); (M.A.P.); (V.S.L.); (A.G.G.O.); (G.C.F.G.)
| | - Herlandes Penha Tinoco
- Belo Horizonte Municipal Parks and Zoobotany Foundation (FPMZB-BH), Belo Horizonte 31365-450, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (H.P.T.); (C.M.C.)
| | - Carlyle Mendes Coelho
- Belo Horizonte Municipal Parks and Zoobotany Foundation (FPMZB-BH), Belo Horizonte 31365-450, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (H.P.T.); (C.M.C.)
| | - Zélia Inês Portela Lobato
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine (DMVP), Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; (E.A.C.); (M.A.P.); (V.S.L.); (A.G.G.O.); (G.C.F.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bellekom B, Bailey A, England M, Langlands Z, Lewis OT, Hackett TD. Effects of storage conditions and digestion time on DNA amplification of biting midge (Culicoides) blood meals. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:13. [PMID: 36635709 PMCID: PMC9837887 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05607-x] [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: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molecular analysis of blood meals is increasingly used to identify the hosts of biting insects such as midges and mosquitoes. Successful host identification depends on the availability of sufficient host DNA template for PCR amplification, making it important to understand how amplification success changes under different storage conditions and with different durations of blood meal digestion within the insect gut before being placed into the storage medium. METHOD We characterised and compared the digestion profile of two species of Culicoides over a 96-h period using a novel set of general vertebrate primers targeting the 16S rRNA gene. A set number of individuals from each species were killed over 13 time points post-blood feeding and preserved in 95% ethanol. Samples were stored either at ambient room temperature or in a - 20 °C freezer to examine the effect of storage condition on the PCR amplification success of host DNA. RESULTS We found that amplification success across the 96-h sampling period post-feeding was reduced from 96 to 6% and 96% to 14% for Culicoides nubeculosus and Culicoides sonorensis, respectively. We found no effect of storage condition on PCR amplification success, and storage in 95% ethanol was sufficient to maintain high rates of amplifiable host DNA for at least 9 months, even at room temperature. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the limited time frame during which an individual may contain amplifiable host DNA and demonstrate the importance of timely sample capture and processing post-blood feeding. Moreover, storage in 95% ethanol alone is sufficient to limit host DNA degradation. These results are relevant to the design of studies investigating the biting behaviour and disease transmission potential of Culicoides and other biting Diptera.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ben Bellekom
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Biology, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3SZ UK
| | - Abigail Bailey
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Biology, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3SZ UK
| | - Marion England
- grid.63622.330000 0004 0388 7540The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright, Surrey, GU24 0NF UK
| | - Zoe Langlands
- grid.63622.330000 0004 0388 7540The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright, Surrey, GU24 0NF UK
| | - Owen T. Lewis
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Biology, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3SZ UK
| | - Talya D. Hackett
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Biology, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3SZ UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kadjoudj N, Bounamous A, Kouba Y, Dik B, Zeroual S, Amira A, Chenchouni H. Composition and diversity of Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in rural and suburban environments of Algeria. Acta Trop 2022; 234:106588. [PMID: 35803337 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106588] [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: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Culicoides biting midges are well known biological vectors of several arboviruses causing more than 100 veterinary and medical diseases worldwide. In Algeria, bluetongue virus, which is transmitted by Culicoides midges, is responsible for one of the most critical insect-borne diseases of sheep. For example, this disease caused clinically severe morbidity of about 2,661 confirmed cases out of 21,175 susceptible sheep in Algeria. This study compared the abundance, richness, and diversity of Culicoides species in rural and suburban environments of semi-arid regions in North Africa. It examined the potential influence of the bio-climatic factors on the variation of population sizes and the elevation distribution of biting midges. Specimen collection was carried out from June to September during two successive years (2018 and 2019) using CDC light traps installed at 15 sites in different environments. Culicoides specimens were dissected, slide-mounted, and morphologically identified using the interactive identification key IIKC and various standard morphological criteria. A total of 1,046 Culicoides specimens (1,024 females and 22 males) were trapped and classified into 22 species, belonged to nine distinct subgenera. Two new species records for Algeria and even North Africa are reported: Culicoides albicans (Winnertz, 1852) and Culicoides nubeculosus (Meigen, 1830). Culicoides newsteadi Austen, 1921 (51.6%) was the dominant species, and it was followed by Culicoides punctatus (Meigen, 1804) (16.3%) and Culicoides odiatus Austen, 1921 (11.5%). These three species, comprising 80% of the collected Culicoides, were the most abundant both outside and inside livestock stables in rural and suburban environments. Species diversity was similar in the two settings, with a slight increase in suburban environments. None of the Culicoides species encountered correlated significantly with the climatic factors (mean temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity). Elevation was the most determinant environmental parameter that affected the abundance and distribution of Culicoides midges in the semi-arid and sub-humid areas studied. The maximum distribution of Culicoides species was detected at mid elevations (400‒800 m). Using a modeling approach, we explored for the first time the variation of composition and diversity in Culicoides communities within different climatic regions, environments and livestock settings in Algeria. This survey deepens our understanding of the relationships among environmental factors, abundance, diversity, and geographic distribution of Culicoides. This is a crucial step to assess the epidemiological situation of the diseases transmitted by these biting midges and to allow mitigation of the associated risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Kadjoudj
- Laboratory of Natural Sciences and Materials, Institute of Science and Technology, University Center A. Boussouf of Mila, Mila 43000, Algeria
| | - Azzedine Bounamous
- Laboratory of Natural Sciences and Materials, Institute of Science and Technology, University Center A. Boussouf of Mila, Mila 43000, Algeria
| | - Yacine Kouba
- Department of Geography and Spatial Planning, Larbi Ben Mhidi University, 04000, Algeria
| | - Bilal Dik
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selçuk University, Konya 42250, Turkey
| | - Samir Zeroual
- Laboratory of Genetics, biotechnology and valorization of bio-resources, University Mohamed Khider, Biskra, Algeria
| | - Aicha Amira
- Laboratory of Natural Sciences and Materials, Institute of Science and Technology, University Center A. Boussouf of Mila, Mila 43000, Algeria
| | - Haroun Chenchouni
- Department of Forest Management, Higher National School of Forests, Khenchela 40000, Algeria; Laboratory of Natural Resources and Management of Sensitive Environments 'RNAMS', Larbi Ben Mhidi University, Oum-El-Bouaghi 04000, Algeria.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
González MA, Goiri F, Prosser SWJ, Cevidanes A, Hernández-Triana LM, Barandika JF, Hebert PDN, García-Pérez AL. Culicoides species community composition and feeding preferences in two aquatic ecosystems in northern Spain. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:199. [PMID: 35690834 PMCID: PMC9188056 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05297-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aquatic ecosystems provide breeding sites for blood-sucking insects such as Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), but factors affecting their distribution and host choice are poorly understood. A study was undertaken at two nature reserves in northern Spain to examine the abundance, species composition, population dynamics and feeding patterns of biting midges between 2018 and 2019. Methods Culicoides were captured by light suction traps baited with CO2 and by sweep netting vegetation. Blood meals and species identification of blood-fed specimens were determined using cytochrome c oxidase I subunit (COI) DNA barcoding. Multivariate generalized linear models were used to evaluate the associations between the abundance of Culicoides, the species richness and other parameters. Results The 4973 identified specimens comprised 28 species of Culicoides. These included two species reported for the first time in northern Spain, thus raising to 54 the number of Culicoides species described in the region. Specimens of all 28 species and 99.6% of the total specimens collected were caught in suction traps, while sweep netting vegetation revealed just 11 species and 0.4% of the total specimens. Midge abundance peaked in June/early July, with five species comprising > 80% of the captures: Culicoides alazanicus (24.9%), Culicoides griseidorsum (20.3%), Culicoides poperinghensis (16.2%), Culicoides kibunensis (10.7%) and Culicoides clastrieri (9.6%). DNA barcode analysis of blood meals from eight Culicoides species revealed that they fed on 17 vertebrate species (3 mammals and 14 birds). Species in the subgenus Avaritia were primarily ornithophilic, except for C. griseidorsum and C. poperinghensis. Host DNA from blood meals was successfully amplified from 75% of blood-fed females. A pictorial blood meal digestion scale is provided to accurately assess the blood-fed status of female Culicoides. Conclusions The large number of different blood meal sources identified in the midges captured in this study signals the likely importance of wild birds and mammals (e.g. red deer and wild boar) as reservoir/amplifying hosts for pathogens. Available hosts are more exposed to being bitten by biting midge populations in aquatic ecosystems in late spring and early summer. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05297-5.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mikel A González
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, Spain.,Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation Research Group, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Fátima Goiri
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Sean W J Prosser
- Centre for Biodiversity Genomics, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Aitor Cevidanes
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Luis M Hernández-Triana
- Vector-Borne Diseases Research Group, Virology Department-Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, UK
| | - Jesús F Barandika
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Paul D N Hebert
- Centre for Biodiversity Genomics, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Ana L García-Pérez
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
A Survey on Native and Invasive Mosquitoes and Other Biting Dipterans in Northern Spain. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:867-877. [PMID: 35298775 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00529-1] [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: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Haematophagous Diptera, such as mosquitoes (Culicidae), biting midges (Ceratopogonidae), and black flies (Simuliidae), are important insects for public and animal health due to their capacity to bite and transmit pathogens. Outdoor recreation areas are usually affected by biting species and provide suitable habitats to both adult and immature stages. This study aimed to determine the species diversity and larval sites of these Diptera groups in two golf courses. METHODS A multi-method collection approach using ultraviolet-CDC traps, human landing catches, collection in breeding sites, and ovitraps was implemented during summer 2020 in northern Spain. Insects were determined by morphological features accompanied by DNA barcoding. RESULTS A total of ten native mosquito species were recorded either as adults or as larval stages. The invasive species Aedes japonicus was collected only at egg or pupa stage in ovitraps. Culex pipiens s.l. and Culex torrentium were both common mosquito species accounting for 47.9% of the total larval site collections and their larvae might be found in a wide range of natural and artificial sites. Culiseta longiareolata specimens were also prominent (30.1% of the total) and occurred exclusively in man-made water-filled containers. A total of 13 Culicoides species were identified, 10 of which were captured by ultraviolet-CDC traps, particularly members of the Obsoletus complex (Culicoides obsoletus/Culicoides scoticus, 74.9%) and seven species by emergence traps, being the two most abundant C. kibunensis (44.8%) and C. festivipennis (34.9%). Simulium cryophilum was also collected hovering around the operator under field sampling. CONCLUSION A comprehensive representation of the blood-sucking Diptera fauna and their larval sites was obtained by the multi-method approach in two Spanish golf courses.
Collapse
|
6
|
A Qualitative Risk Assessment for Bluetongue Disease and African Horse Sickness: The Risk of Entry and Exposure at a UK Zoo. Viruses 2022; 14:v14030502. [PMID: 35336912 PMCID: PMC8950286 DOI: 10.3390/v14030502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Bluetongue virus (BTV) and African horse sickness virus (AHSV) cause economically important diseases that are currently exotic to the United Kingdom (UK), but have significant potential for introduction and onward transmission. Given the susceptibility of animals kept in zoo collections to vector-borne diseases, a qualitative risk assessment for the introduction of BTV and AHSV to ZSL London Zoo was performed. Risk pathways for each virus were identified and assessed using published literature, animal import data and outputs from epidemiological models. Direct imports of infected animals, as well as wind-borne infected Culicoides, were considered as routes of incursion. The proximity of ongoing disease events in mainland Europe and proven capability of transmission to the UK places ZSL London Zoo at higher risk of BTV release and exposure (estimated as low to medium) than AHSV (estimated as very low to low). The recent long-range expansion of AHSV into Thailand from southern Africa highlights the need for vector competence studies of Palearctic Culicoides for AHSV to assess the risk of transmission in this region.
Collapse
|
7
|
Carvalho LPC, Pereira Júnior AM, de Paulo PFM, Silva GS, Costa GDS, Freitas MTDS, Pessoa FAC, Medeiros JF. DNA-based blood meal analysis of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) species from Jamari National Forest, Southwestern Amazon, Brazil. Acta Trop 2021; 221:106025. [PMID: 34175266 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Culicoides biting midges are insects involved in the transmission of filarial nematodes, protozoans, and viruses. Greater knowledge of Culicoides blood meal sources could improve our understanding of parasite transmission cycles. Our study used molecular tools to evaluate the blood meal sources of Culicoides biting midges from sylvatic environments. This study was conducted in Jamari National Forest, Rondônia, Brazil. Culicoides were captured using HP light traps positioned at ground level (1.5 m above ground) and in canopy (15 m above ground). To identify blood meal sources, females were subjected to DNA extraction and PCR targeting the cytb gene fragment, and the obtained sequences were analyzed and compared with sequences from GenBank. DNA extraction and PCR were performed on 455 Culicoides females, and blood meal sources were identified in 186 females. Thirty Culicoides specimens were collected from the Potosi trail and 156 were collected from the Santa Maria trail. A total of 22 species were captured; all 22 species were collected in canopy (100%) but only three species were collected at ground level (13.6%). The cytb fragment was amplified in 162 of 186 samples. Sample sequencing identified cytb DNA from nine blood-meal sources: Pauxi sp., Psophia viridis, Ramphastos tucanus tucanus, Choloepus didactylus, Choloepus hoffmanni, Tamandua tetradactyla, Ateles chamek, Homo sapiens and Pithecia irrorata. We observed that several different blood meal sources were utilized by a high diversity of Culicoides species. The abundance of Culicoides in the canopy may be related to the fact that the majority of blood meal hosts feed in treetops. We observed that C. (Hoffmania) sp. and C. coutinhoi tend to be more generalist, feeding on a range of mammals and piciform, gruiform and galliform birds. This data improves our knowledge of the feeding profile of biting midges from forest environments and should serve as a future basis for defining zoonotic transmission cycles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Paulo Costa Carvalho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Experimental, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia, BR 364, Km 9.5, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; Laboratório de Entomologia, Fiocruz Rondônia, Rua da Beira, 7671, Lagoa, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil.
| | - Antônio Marques Pereira Júnior
- Laboratório de Entomologia, Fiocruz Rondônia, Rua da Beira, 7671, Lagoa, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental - INCT-EpiAmO, Rua da Beira, 7671, Lagoa, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | | | - Geisiane Santos Silva
- Laboratório de Entomologia, Fiocruz Rondônia, Rua da Beira, 7671, Lagoa, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Glaucilene da Silva Costa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Experimental, Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia, BR 364, Km 9.5, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; Laboratório de Entomologia, Fiocruz Rondônia, Rua da Beira, 7671, Lagoa, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | | | - Felipe Arley Costa Pessoa
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental - INCT-EpiAmO, Rua da Beira, 7671, Lagoa, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; Laboratório de Ecologia de Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazônia, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane, Fiocruz Amazônia, Rua Terezina, 476, Adrianópolis, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - Jansen Fernandes Medeiros
- Laboratório de Entomologia, Fiocruz Rondônia, Rua da Beira, 7671, Lagoa, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Epidemiologia da Amazônia Ocidental - INCT-EpiAmO, Rua da Beira, 7671, Lagoa, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kasičová Z, Schreiberová A, Kimáková A, Kočišová A. Blood meal analysis: host-feeding patterns of biting midges (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae, Culicoides Latreille) in Slovakia. Parasite 2021; 28:58. [PMID: 34283022 PMCID: PMC8336726 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2021058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Biting midges of the genus Culicoides are vectors of important pathogens affecting domestic and wild animals and have played a major role in the re-emergence of new outbreaks of bluetongue (BTV) and Schmallenberg (SBV) viruses in Europe. To determine vector-host specificity, trophic preference from blood meal analysis is of major importance in the surveillance of arthropod-borne diseases. Of 28,752 specimens collected, we identified 17 Culicoides species and investigated a total of 48 host sequences from the blood meals. Culicoides obsoletus/C. scoticus, C. dewulfi, C. pulicaris, C. lupicaris, C. punctatus, C. newsteadi, C. riethi, and C. furcillatus were found to feed on mammals (cattle, horses, and humans), birds (domestic chickens), small rodents (Apodemus flavicollis), and hares (Lepus europaeus). To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating trophic preferences of Culicoides spp. in Slovakia. This study demonstrated that Culicoides species are able to feed on domesticated host vertebrates as well as birds, rodents, and humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Kasičová
- Department of Epizootiology, Parasitology and Protection of One Health, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice Komenského 73 041 81 Košice Slovak Republic
| | - Andrea Schreiberová
- Department of Epizootiology, Parasitology and Protection of One Health, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice Komenského 73 041 81 Košice Slovak Republic
| | - Andrea Kimáková
- Department of Epizootiology, Parasitology and Protection of One Health, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice Komenského 73 041 81 Košice Slovak Republic
| | - Alica Kočišová
- Department of Epizootiology, Parasitology and Protection of One Health, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice Komenského 73 041 81 Košice Slovak Republic
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Snyman J, Snyman LP, Labuschagne K, Venter GJ, Venter M. The utilisation of CytB and COI barcodes for the identification of bloodmeals and Culicoides species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) reveals a variety of novel wildlife hosts in South Africa. Acta Trop 2021; 219:105913. [PMID: 33831346 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Biting midges in the genus Culicoides (Diptera; Ceratopogonidae) are vectors of pathogens that can cause diseases of major economic importance in humans and animals. Identifying host ranges of these biting midges might aid in understanding the complex epidemiology of such diseases, often involving reservoir hosts and multiple species. In this study, we aim to identify bloodmeal origin from engorged female Culicoides biting midges. All bloodfed females were opportunistically collected as part of an ongoing surveillance programme using Onderstepoort light traps in two provinces in South Africa. DNA of individuals was extracted and subjected to PCR targeting the cytochrome B (CytB) gene region of mammals and avians as well as cytochrome oxidase I (COI) for species identification. In total, 21 new reference barcodes were generated for C. bedfordi, C imicola, C. leucosticus, C. magnus, and C. pycnostictus. Seventy-four blood meals were identified, originating from 12 mammal and three avian species. COI sequence data performed well for species delimitation and 54 Culicoides specimens were identified with C. imicola the predominant species identified (41.8%). Generally, Culicoides species feed on a variety of hosts and host availability might be an important factor when selecting a host. Culicoides species thus appear to be opportunistic feeders rather than specialists. This implicates Culicoides as transfer vectors and demonstrates possible transmission routes of arboviruses and other pathogens from wildlife onwards to domestic animals and humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jumari Snyman
- Centre for Viral Zoonoses, Department Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Louwrens P Snyman
- Durban Natural Science Museum, Durban, South Africa; Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Karien Labuschagne
- Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors, Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Gert J Venter
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors, Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Marietjie Venter
- Centre for Viral Zoonoses, Department Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Caballero-Gómez J, Cano Terriza D, Pujols J, Martínez-Nevado E, Carbonell MD, Guerra R, Recuero J, Soriano P, Barbero J, García-Bocanegra I. Monitoring of bluetongue virus in zoo animals in Spain, 2007-2019. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:1739-1747. [PMID: 33963677 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14147] [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: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Bluetongue (BT) is an emerging and re-emerging communicable vector-borne disease of animal health concern. A serosurvey was performed to assess exposure to BT virus (BTV) in zoo animals in Spain and to determine the dynamics of seropositivity in longitudinally sampled individuals during the study period. Serum samples were collected from 241 zoo animals belonging to 71 different species in five urban zoos (A-E) in Spain between 2007 and 2019. Twenty-four of these animals were longitudinally surveyed at three of the sampled zoos (zoos B, C and E) during the study period. Anti-BTV antibodies were found in 46 (19.1%; 95% CI: 14.1-24.1) of the 241 captive animals analysed by commercial ELISA. A virus neutralization test confirmed specific antibodies against BTV-1 and BTV-4 in 25 (10.7%; 95% CI: 6.7-14.6) and five (3.0%; 95% CI: 0.3-4.0) animals, respectively. Two of the 24 longitudinally sampled individuals (one African elephant (Loxodanta africana) and one aoudad (Ammotragus lervia)) showed anti-BTV antibodies at all samplings, whereas seroconversions were detected in one mouflon (Ovis aries musimon) in 2016, and one Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) in 2019. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first large-scale survey on BTV conducted in both artiodactyl and non-artiodactyl zoo species worldwide. The results confirm BTV exposure in urban zoo parks in Spain, which could be of animal health and conservation concern. Circulation of BTV was detected in yearling animals in years when there were no reports of BTV outbreaks in livestock. Surveillance in artiodactyl and non-artiodactyl zoo species could be a valuable tool for epidemiological monitoring of BTV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Caballero-Gómez
- Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), Department of Animal Health, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Clinical Virology and Zoonoses Group, Infectious Diseases Unit, Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba, Reina Sofia Hospital, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - David Cano Terriza
- Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), Department of Animal Health, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Joan Pujols
- IRTA, Animal Health Research Center (CReSA, IRTA-UAB), Campus of the Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Jesús Recuero
- Veterinary and Conservation Department, Bioparc Fuengirola, Málaga, Spain
| | | | - Jesús Barbero
- Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), Department of Animal Health, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), Department of Animal Health, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Caballero-Gómez J, García-Bocanegra I, Navarro N, Guerra R, Martínez-Nevado E, Soriano P, Cano-Terriza D. Zoo animals as sentinels for Schmallenberg virus monitoring in Spain. Vet Microbiol 2020; 252:108927. [PMID: 33243564 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2020.108927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Schmallenberg virus (SBV) is a newly emerged vector-borne pathogen that affects many domestic and wild animal species. A serosurvey was carried out to assess SBV exposure in zoo animals in Spain and to determine the dynamics of seropositivity in longitudinally sampled individuals. Between 2002 and 2019, sera from 278 animals belonging to 73 different species were collected from five zoos (A-E). Thirty-one of these animals were longitudinally sampled at three of these zoo parks during the study period. Seropositivity was detected in 28 (10.1 %) of 278 animals analyzed by blocking ELISA. Specific anti-SBV antibodies were confirmed in 20 (7.2 %; 95 %CI: 4.2-10.3) animals of six different species using virus neutralization test (VNT). The multiple logistic regression model showed that "order" (Artiodactyla) and "zoo provenance" (zoo B; southern Spain) were risk factors potentially associated with SBV exposure. Two (8.7 %) of the 31 longitudinally-sampled individuals showed specific antibodies against SBV at all samplings whereas seroconversion was detected in one mouflon (Ovis aries musimon) and one Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) in 2016 and 2019, respectively. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first surveillance conducted on SBV in zoos in Spain. The results confirm SBV exposure in zoo animals in this country and indicate circulation of the virus before the first Schmallenberg disease outbreak was reported in Spain. Surveillance in zoological parks could be a complementary approach to monitoring SBV activity. Further studies are warranted to assess the impact of this virus on the health status of susceptible zoo animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Caballero-Gómez
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), 14014 Córdoba, Spain; Grupo de Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Reina Sofía, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - I García-Bocanegra
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), 14014 Córdoba, Spain.
| | - N Navarro
- IRTA, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA, IRTA-UAB), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - R Guerra
- Centro de conservación Zoo Córdoba, Córdoba, 14004, Spain
| | | | - P Soriano
- Río Safari Elche, 03139 Alicante, Spain
| | - D Cano-Terriza
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Martínez-de la Puente J, Soriguer R, Senar JC, Figuerola J, Bueno-Mari R, Montalvo T. Mosquitoes in an Urban Zoo: Identification of Blood Meals, Flight Distances of Engorged Females, and Avian Malaria Infections. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:460. [PMID: 32974390 PMCID: PMC7472536 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoological gardens are home to a large number of vertebrate species and as such are suitable sites for both mosquito breeding and maintenance. They are excellent places for entomological studies of mosquito phenology, diversity, and blood-feeding patterns, as well as for xenomonitoring. During 2016, we sampled mosquitoes in Barcelona Zoo and used molecular methods to determine their blood-feeding patterns and the prevalence and diversity of avian malaria parasites. We also estimated the flight distance of engorged mosquitoes in the area. Overall, 1,384 adult Culex pipiens s.l., Culiseta longiareolata, and Aedes albopictus were captured. Birds dominated the diet of Cx. pipiens s.l. (n = 87) and Cs. longiareolata (n = 6), while humans were the only blood-meal source of Ae. albopictus (n = 3). Mosquitoes had a mean flight distance of 95.67 m after feeding on blood (range 38.71–168.51 m). Blood parasites were detected in the abdomen of 13 engorged Cx. pipiens s.l., eight of which had fed on magpies. Four Plasmodium lineages and a single lineage of the malaria-like parasite Haemoproteus were identified. These results suggest that Cx. pipiens s.l. is involved in the local transmission of avian Plasmodium, which potentially affects the circulation of parasites between and within wildlife and enclosed animals. Vigilance regarding possible mosquito breeding sites in this zoo is thus recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Sevilla, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ramón Soriguer
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Sevilla, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Senar
- Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology Research Unit, Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Sevilla, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rubén Bueno-Mari
- Laboratorios Lokímica, Departamento de Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D), Valencia, Spain
| | - Tomás Montalvo
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,Agencia de Salud Pública de Barcelona, Consorci Sanitari de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|