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Lingeman DG, O'Dell KL, Syed Z. Developing attractants and repellents for ticks: promises and challenges. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 63:101181. [PMID: 38401667 PMCID: PMC11139562 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2024.101181] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Historically, some of the most effective tools to counter vector-borne diseases have been those directed against the vectors. Ticks are undergoing a population explosion as evidenced by the recent expansion of their distribution range. Tick control has traditionally relied heavily on pesticides. However, sustained use of acaricides is resulting in resistant tick populations. Multipronged management strategies that build and expand upon innovative control methods are sorely needed. Behavior-modifying chemicals, referred to as semiochemicals, such as pheromones and repellents, offer a first line of personal protection against ticks. We review the current understanding of tick semiochemicals, and how such understanding is leading to the identification of novel chemistries that are effective and safe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G Lingeman
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| | - Kenneth L O'Dell
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
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Kovacs EM, Pinard C, Gries R, Manku A, Gries G. Carbon Dioxide, Methane, and Synthetic Cattle Breath Volatiles Attract Host-Seeking Stable Flies, Stomoxys calcitrans. J Chem Ecol 2024:10.1007/s10886-024-01502-0. [PMID: 38806939 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-024-01502-0] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), are blood-feeding ectoparasites of cattle. Host-seeking stable flies respond to various cattle host cues, but a potential role of cattle breath gases [carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4)] and cattle breath volatiles (acetone, isoprene, 2-butanone, 2-propanol, propionic acid, 3-methyl butyric acid, phenol), alone or in combination, on host-seeking behavior of stable flies has not yet been comprehensively investigated. In laboratory and greenhouse experiments, we tested the hypotheses that (1) CO2 and CH4 interactively attract stable flies, (2) CO2 'gates' attraction of stable flies to CH4, and (3) breath volatiles on their own, or in combination with both CO2 and CH4, attract stable flies. In Y-tube olfactometer experiments, the blend of CH4 (0.5%) and CO2 (1%) in breathing air ('b-air') attracted significantly more female flies than CH4, or CO2, in b-air. The flies' responses to CH4 were contingent upon their prior or concurrent exposure to CO2. In two-choice experiments in a large greenhouse compartment, significantly more flies landed on the host-look-alike barrel that disseminated a blend of CO2 and CH4 in b-air (CO2/CH4/b-air) than on the barrel disseminating either b-air or CO2. Moreover, significantly more flies landed on the barrel that disseminated synthetic breath volatiles (SBVs) than on the barrel disseminating b-air. The blend of CO2/CH4/b-air and SBVs elicited more fly landings on barrels than CO2/CH4/b-air but not than SBVs. SBVs, possibly combined with both CH4 and CO2, could be developed as a lure to enhance trap captures of stable flies in livestock production facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M Kovacs
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - Charlotte Pinard
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Regine Gries
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Arshpreet Manku
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Gerhard Gries
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
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3
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Elati K, Salhi I, Kodia R, Rekik M, Gharbi M. Epidemiological situation of bovine tropical theileriosis in an arid region in central Tunisia with a phylogenetic analysis of Theileria annulata. Vet Med Sci 2023; 9:2862-2870. [PMID: 37725348 PMCID: PMC10650360 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1276] [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: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tropical theileriosis, Theileria annulata infection, is the most prevalent summer disease in Tunisia. It is transmitted by Hyalomma scupense, a two-host tick known to be endophilic. OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to estimate the infection prevalence of cattle by T. annulata in two districts from central Tunisia. METHODS Blood samples collected from 270 Holstein cattle from the Sidi Bouzid (140 samples) and Kasserine districts (130 samples) were analysed by Giemsa staining and T. annulata-specific PCR. RESULTS In both regions, PCR revealed a prevalence of 32.6%. This was significantly higher than the 6.3% prevalence obtained by Giemsa staining blood smears (p < 0.001). Giemsa staining also revealed a low parasitaemia of 0.05%. The PCR-based prevalence was not statistically different between the two districts (31.4 ± 0.04 and 33.8 ± 0.04% in Sidi Bouzid and Kasserine districts, respectively, p = 0.6). On the contrary, the results of blood smear examination (2.85 and 10% in Sidi Bouzid and Kasserine, respectively) differed significantly between the two sampling sites (p = 0.01). There was no evidence of a statistically significant difference between the overall molecular infection prevalence when the samples were segregated based on animals' age or gender (p = 0.1 and 0.2, respectively) and a similar trend was observed for Giemsa staining. Ten PCR amplicons of the Tams1 gene (721 bp) were subsequently sequenced from the two regions. The phylogenetic analyses showed 100% similarity between all sequences. The unique conserved Tams1 sequence was deposited in GenBank under the accession number OP428816 and used to infer its phylogenetic relationships with those available in the GenBank repository. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report of the presence of T. annulata in this region of central Tunisia which has no history of tropical theileriosis. Priority areas for future studies include understanding the origin of these T. annulata-positive animals in a region where the presence of a known natural vector tick, H. scupense, has not been reported. Given that the disease severely constrains cattle productivity, it would also be worthwhile to investigate if other potential vectors for T. annulata, such as Hyalomma dromedarii, are present in the arid regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khawla Elati
- Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary MedicineFreie Universität BerlinBerlinGermany
- Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research, Department of Veterinary MedicineFreie Universität BerlinBerlinGermany
- Laboratoire de ParasitologieÉcole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles. Univ. ManoubaSidi ThabetTunisia
| | - Ismail Salhi
- Laboratoire de ParasitologieÉcole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles. Univ. ManoubaSidi ThabetTunisia
| | - Ridha Kodia
- Laboratoire de ParasitologieÉcole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles. Univ. ManoubaSidi ThabetTunisia
| | - Mourad Rekik
- International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA)AmmanJordan
| | - Mohamed Gharbi
- Laboratoire de ParasitologieÉcole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles. Univ. ManoubaSidi ThabetTunisia
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4
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López-López N, Rojas JC, Cruz-López L, Ulloa-García A, Malo EA. Dog hair volatiles attract Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Acari: Ixodidae) females. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 60:432-442. [PMID: 36893033 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjad019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) (Latreille) feeds on domestic dogs worldwide. This tick species uses dog volatiles during host-seeking behavior. In this study, we identified volatile compounds from dog hairs involved in the host location of R. sanguineus s.l. The R. sanguineus s.l. females, but not males, were attracted to hair samples and Super Q extracts from Schnauzer dogs in Y-tube olfactometer bioassays. A total of 54 compounds from dog hair extracts were identified by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, including hydrocarbons, aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, and carboxylic acids. Screening the identified compounds by the single sensillum recording technique showed that isovaleric acid, hexanal, heptanal, and sucaltone (6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one) significantly stimulated the olfactory receptor neurons of the basiconic, chaeticum, and trichodeum sensilla of female ticks. When synthetic compounds were evaluated alone, or in binary, tertiary, or quaternary mixtures, female ticks were only attracted to isovaleric acid and 1 tertiary mixture (hexanal, heptanal, and isovaleric acid). We conclude that isovaleric acid functions as an attractant for R. sanguineus s.l. These findings contribute to the understanding of the chemical ecology of ticks during host location.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noe López-López
- Grupo de Ecología de Artrópodos y Manejo de Plagas, Departamento de Agricultura, Sociedad y Ambiente, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto Km 2.5, Tapachula, Chiapas 30700, Mexico
| | - Julio C Rojas
- Grupo de Ecología de Artrópodos y Manejo de Plagas, Departamento de Agricultura, Sociedad y Ambiente, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto Km 2.5, Tapachula, Chiapas 30700, Mexico
| | - Leopoldo Cruz-López
- Grupo de Ecología de Artrópodos y Manejo de Plagas, Departamento de Agricultura, Sociedad y Ambiente, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto Km 2.5, Tapachula, Chiapas 30700, Mexico
| | - Armando Ulloa-García
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas, Carretera a Puerto Madero Km. 1.5, Centro, Tapachula, Chiapas 30580, Mexico
| | - Edi A Malo
- Grupo de Ecología de Artrópodos y Manejo de Plagas, Departamento de Agricultura, Sociedad y Ambiente, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto Km 2.5, Tapachula, Chiapas 30700, Mexico
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Cordeiro L, Cabrita ARJ, Oliveira HM, Maia MRG, Rodrigues JA, Fonseca AJM, Valente IM. A Novel Approach for Monitoring the Volatile Metabolome in Biological Samples from Ruminants through Miniaturized Liquid-Liquid Extraction and Multiclass Gas Chromatography Analysis. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:3886-3897. [PMID: 35298153 PMCID: PMC9776526 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c06662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A straightforward and versatile methodology for the extraction of volatile metabolites in biological samples from ruminants for gas chromatography analysis is proposed. The methodology was applied in the determination of multiclass metabolites (short-chain fatty acids, aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, esters, phenols, and sulfides) in different analytical matrices (rumen fluid, urine, and feces) collected from Holstein cows. The 24 multiclass volatile metabolites reported in the different biological samples and their respective concentrations were critically discussed in the context of digestive physiology. Most detected compounds are derived from the rumen and lower gut fermentation of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids or their metabolism, being consistent with the prior state of the art. The proposed method also takes advantage of the already existing tools in animal nutrition laboratories, providing a novel methodological ground that can generate relevant bioanalytical information with a significant impact on ruminant's nutritional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Cordeiro
- REQUIMTE, LAQV, ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana R J Cabrita
- REQUIMTE, LAQV, ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Hugo M Oliveira
- INL, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Avenida Mestre José Veiga s/n, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal
| | - Margarida R G Maia
- REQUIMTE, LAQV, ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - José A Rodrigues
- REQUIMTE, LAQV, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - António J M Fonseca
- REQUIMTE, LAQV, ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Inês M Valente
- REQUIMTE, LAQV, ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- REQUIMTE, LAQV, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
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Otálora-Luna F, Dickens JC, Brinkerhoff J, Li AY. Behavior of Nymphs and Adults of the Black-Legged Tick Ixodes scapularis and the Lone Star Tick Ambylomma americanum in Response to Thermal Stimuli. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13020130. [PMID: 35206704 PMCID: PMC8876853 DOI: 10.3390/insects13020130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Ticks use chemical and thermal signals emitted by humans and other vertebrates to locate suitable hosts for a blood meal. Here, we study the behavior of black-legged Ixodes scapularis and the lone star ticks Amblyomma americanum exposed to heat sources held at temperatures near those of vertebrate hosts (32 °C). First, we used a locomotion compensator to test behavioral responses of ticks to an infrared light emitting diode (LED). The servosphere allowed us to measure parameters such as velocity, acceleration, linearity, and orientation. Then a heating element (Peltier) located in one of the extremes of a double-choice vertical rod (flying T), was employed to observe upward movement of the ticks toward such a heat source. While both species oriented toward the LED, only lone star ticks were attracted to the Peltier element while climbing upward. In conclusion, we showed that heat attracted ticks from short distances up to several centimeters on a the servosphere, and those responses differed between the two species of ticks on the flying T. We discuss our results in the context of the ecology of both tick species and their potential in tick survey and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Otálora-Luna
- Department of Biology, School of Art & Sciences, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA 23173, USA; (J.C.D.); (J.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(804)-549-9175
| | - Joseph C. Dickens
- Department of Biology, School of Art & Sciences, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA 23173, USA; (J.C.D.); (J.B.)
| | - Jory Brinkerhoff
- Department of Biology, School of Art & Sciences, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA 23173, USA; (J.C.D.); (J.B.)
| | - Andrew Y. Li
- Invasive Insect Biocontrol & Behavior Laboratory, USDA, ARS, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA;
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7
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Geotropic, hydrokinetic and random walking differ between sympatric tick species: the deer tick Ixodes scapularis and the lone star tick Ambylomma americanum. J ETHOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10164-021-00741-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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8
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Poldy J. Volatile Cues Influence Host-Choice in Arthropod Pests. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E1984. [PMID: 33126768 PMCID: PMC7692281 DOI: 10.3390/ani10111984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Many arthropod pests of humans and other animals select their preferred hosts by recognising volatile odour compounds contained in the hosts' 'volatilome'. Although there is prolific literature on chemical emissions from humans, published data on volatiles and vector attraction in other species are more sporadic. Despite several decades since the identification of a small number of critical volatiles underpinning specific host-vector relationships, synthetic chemicals or mixtures still largely fail to reproduce the attractiveness of natural hosts to their disease vectors. This review documents allelochemicals from non-human terrestrial animals and considers where challenges in collection and analysis have left shortfalls in animal volatilome research. A total of 1287 volatile organic compounds were identified from 141 species. Despite comparable diversity of entities in each compound class, no specific chemical is ubiquitous in all species reviewed, and over half are reported as unique to a single species. This review provides a rationale for future enquiries by highlighting research gaps, such as disregard for the contribution of breath volatiles to the whole animal volatilome and evaluating the role of allomones as vector deterrents. New opportunities to improve vector surveillance and disrupt disease transmission may be unveiled by understanding the host-associated stimuli that drive vector-host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Poldy
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Health & Biosecurity, Black Mountain Laboratory, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
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9
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Garner KD, Payton ME, Talley JL, Noden BH. Olfactory responses of Amblyomma maculatum to rumen fluid and other odourants that attract blood-seeking arthropods. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 34:49-58. [PMID: 31433506 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12405] [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: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Amblyomma maculatum Koch (Ixodida: Ixodidae) has emerged as a significant vector of human and companion animal diseases in the U.S.A. When expanding in range, A. maculatum can be difficult to collect in the field and control on livestock. A novel method is needed to improve the field collection of A. maculatum, as well as to control their effects as ectoparasites of livestock and companion animals. The present study aimed to test the effects of known volatiles on the activation and selection choices of A. maculatum in a laboratory-based Y-tube assay and field-based assays. Although the majority of adult A. maculatum were activated to move by five of the seven semiochemicals tested, only rumen fluid significantly attracted ticks to make a selection in the Y-tube apparatus. Rumen fluid attracted the most A. maculatum in the laboratory, with 56% (84/150) making it to the rumen Y-tube arm, although the results were not replicated in semi-field experiments. These studies highlight the need for continued work to identify attractants for tick vectors that will assist field collections. These attractants could also be incorporated into management strategies that lead to prevention technologies to reduce tick burdens on cattle or in risk areas of humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- K D Garner
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, U.S.A
| | - M E Payton
- Department of Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, U.S.A
| | - J L Talley
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, U.S.A
| | - B H Noden
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, U.S.A
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10
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Galassi FG, Picollo MI, Gonzalez-Audino P. Head Louse Feces: Chemical Analysis and Behavioral Activity. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 57:336-342. [PMID: 31652319 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz184] [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: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Human head lice Pediculus humanus capitis (De Geer) (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae) are insect parasites closely associated with humans, feeding on the blood of their hosts and causing them skin irritation and probable secondary infections. Despite being a severe nuisance, very few studies have reported on intraspecific chemical communication in head lice. Here, we evaluated the attractive response of head lice to the volatile compounds and solvent extracts from their feces. We also chemically analyzed the main volatile components of these feces and those of the feces' extracts. Head lice were attracted to the methanol extract of their feces but not to the hexane or dichloromethane extracts, suggesting the polar nature of bioactive chemicals present in head louse feces. Follow-up chemical identifications, in fact, showed the presence of hypoxanthine, uric acid, and another purine tentatively identified as either guanine or iso-guanine. Additionally, head lice were significantly attracted by volatiles emitted from samples containing feces. The volatiles emanated from feces alone contained 19 identified substances: 2-pentanone, hexanal, heptanal, 3-methyl-3-buten-1-ol, octanal, sulcatone, nonanal, acetic acid, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, decanal, 1-octanol, butyric acid, 1-nonanol, hexanoic acid, octanoic acid, 2,6-dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol, 2-undecanone, geranylacetone, and hexadecane. The major compounds found were decanal, nonanal, hexanal, and acetic acid, together representing approximately 60% of the identified compounds. This work represents the first chemical evidence of intraspecies communication among head lice. The results support the existence of active substances present in the feces of P. humanus capitis that may be involved in its aggregation behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M I Picollo
- Centro de Investigaciones en Plagas e Insecticidas, Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo Estratégico para la Defensa (UNIDEF-CONICET-CITEDEF) Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - P Gonzalez-Audino
- Centro de Investigaciones en Plagas e Insecticidas, Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo Estratégico para la Defensa (UNIDEF-CONICET-CITEDEF) Buenos Aires, Argentina
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11
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Argaez V, Solano-Zavaleta I, Zúñiga-Vega JJ. Do ectoparasites affect survival of three species of lizards of the genus Sceloporus? ZOOLOGY 2019; 138:125723. [PMID: 31756648 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2019.125723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The short-term effects that ectoparasites cause to their hosts, such as local wounds and secondary infections that occur within a few hours or days after infection, are well documented in a wide variety of taxa, whereas long-term negative effects on the fitness of hosts, which result from chronic infections and are evident after several months, are less understood. Lizards are hosts of distinct species of mites and ticks that cause short-term negative effects such as ulcers, sores and local inflammation. However, the negative effects that these ectoparasites may have on the long-term survival of lizards have not been evaluated. In this study, we collected two years of capture-mark-recapture data and implemented a multi-model inference framework to examine if high ectoparasite loads have negative effects on the long-term survival probability of three lizard species of the genus Sceloporus (S. grammicus, S. megalepidurus, and S. torquatus). In addition, we considered that the potential negative effect of ectoparasites on survival may vary depending on sex, body condition, reproductive season, or climatic season. Contrary to our expectations, our results did not support the hypothesis that high ectoparasite loads reduce the survival probability of these lizards. In S. grammicus and S. megalepidurus we found no evidence of an effect of ectoparasite load on host survival. In S. torquatus ectoparasites influenced survival probability, but the effect was opposite to what we predicted: survival increased substantially as ectoparasite load increased. This unexpected result might be explained by mites discriminating between hosts and attaching more frequently to lizards in better health status, or by high-quality lizards having greater chances of contracting ectoparasites, because these individuals move around large areas and frequently engage in social interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Argaez
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Israel Solano-Zavaleta
- Departamento de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - J Jaime Zúñiga-Vega
- Departamento de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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12
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Laboratory and field evaluation of brown dog tick behavioral responses to potential semiochemicals. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 8:226-234. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Revised: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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13
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Sun HZ, Wang DM, Wang B, Wang JK, Liu HY, Guan LL, Liu JX. Metabolomics of Four Biofluids from Dairy Cows: Potential Biomarkers for Milk Production and Quality. J Proteome Res 2015; 14:1287-98. [DOI: 10.1021/pr501305g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Zeng Sun
- Institute
of Dairy Science, MoE Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition,
College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Di-Ming Wang
- Institute
of Dairy Science, MoE Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition,
College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Bing Wang
- Institute
of Dairy Science, MoE Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition,
College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Jia-Kun Wang
- Institute
of Dairy Science, MoE Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition,
College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Yun Liu
- Institute
of Dairy Science, MoE Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition,
College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Le Luo Guan
- Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada, T6G 2P5
| | - Jian-Xin Liu
- Institute
of Dairy Science, MoE Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition,
College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
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14
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Gharbi M, Darghouth MA. A review of Hyalomma scupense (Acari, Ixodidae) in the Maghreb region: from biology to control. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 21:2. [PMID: 24507485 PMCID: PMC3917376 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2014002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 01/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Hyalomma scupense (syn. Hyalomma detritum) is a two-host domestic endophilic tick of cattle and secondarily other ungulates in the Maghreb region (Africa). This species transmits several pathogens, among which two are major livestock diseases: Theileria annulata and Theileria equi. Various other pathogens are also transmitted by this tick species, such as Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia bovis. Hyalomma scupense is common in sub-humid and semi-arid areas of several regions in the world, mainly in the Maghreb region. In this region, adults attach to animals during the summer season; larvae and nymphs attach to their hosts during autumn, but there is a regional difference in H. scupense phenology. There is an overlap between immature and adult ticks, leading in some contexts to a dramatic modification of the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases. This tick species attaches preferentially to the posterior udder quarters and thighs. Tick burdens can reach 130 ticks per animal, with a mean of 60 ticks. Calves are 70 times less infested than adult cattle. The control can be implemented through six options: (i) rehabilitation of the farm buildings by roughcasting and smoothing the outer and inner surfaces of the enclosures and walls. This control option should be recommended to be combined with a thorough cleaning of the farm and its surrounding area. With regard to Theileria annulata infection, this control option is the most beneficial. (ii) Acaricide application to animals during the summer season, targeting adults. (iii) Acaricide application during the autumn period for the control of the immature stages. (iv) Acaricide application to the walls: many field veterinarians have suggested this option but it is only partially efficient since nymphs enter deep into the cracks and crevices. It should be used if there is a very high tick burden or if there is a high risk of tick-borne diseases. (v) Manual tick removal: this method is not efficient since the ticks can feed on several other animal species in the farm. This control option can lead to a reduction of the tick population, but not a decrease in tick-borne disease incidence. (vi) Vaccination: this control option consists of injecting the protein Hd86; trials have shown a partial effect on nymphs, with no effect on adult ticks. Combination of two of these control options is recommended in regions where there are high burdens of important tick vectors. Further studies are needed to improve our knowledge on this tick species in the Maghreb region, since the number of published studies on Hyalomma scupense in this region is very limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Gharbi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de la Manouba, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Aziz Darghouth
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de la Manouba, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
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15
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Proteomics approach to the study of cattle tick adaptation to white tailed deer. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:319812. [PMID: 24364032 PMCID: PMC3865695 DOI: 10.1155/2013/319812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 11/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Cattle ticks, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, are a serious threat to animal health and production. Some ticks feed on a single host species while others such as R. microplus infest multiple hosts. White tailed deer (WTD) play a role in the maintenance and expansion of cattle tick populations. However, cattle ticks fed on WTD show lower weight and reproductive performance when compared to ticks fed on cattle, suggesting the existence of host factors that affect tick feeding and reproduction. To elucidate these factors, a proteomics approach was used to characterize tick and host proteins in R. microplus ticks fed on cattle and WTD. The results showed that R. microplus ticks fed on cattle have overrepresented tick proteins involved in blood digestion and reproduction when compared to ticks fed on WTD, while host proteins were differentially represented in ticks fed on cattle or WTD. Although a direct connection cannot be made between differentially represented tick and host proteins, these results suggested that differentially represented host proteins together with other host factors could be associated with higher R. microplus tick feeding and reproduction observed in ticks fed on cattle.
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16
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Fabbro SD, Nazzi F. From Chemistry to Behavior. Molecular Structure and Bioactivity of Repellents against Ixodes ricinus Ticks. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67832. [PMID: 23805329 PMCID: PMC3689731 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne zoonoses are considered as emerging diseases. Tick repellents represent an effective tool for reducing the risk of tick bite and pathogens transmission. Previous work demonstrated the repellent activity of the phenylpropanoid eugenol against Ixodes ricinus; here we investigate the relationship between molecular structure and repellency in a group of substances related to that compound. We report the biological activity of 18 compounds varying for the presence/number of several moieties, including hydroxyl and methoxy groups and carbon side-chain. Each compound was tested at different doses with a bioassay designed to measure repellency against individual tick nymphs. Both vapor pressure and chemical features of the tested compounds appeared to be related to repellency. In particular, the hydroxyl and methoxy groups as well as the side-chain on the benzene ring seem to play a role. These results are discussed in light of available data on chemical perception in ticks. In the course of the study new repellent compounds were identified; the biological activity of some of them (at least as effective as the “gold standard” repellent DEET) appears to be very promising from a practical point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Del Fabbro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Udine, Udine, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Francesco Nazzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Udine, Udine, Italy
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17
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Gharbi M, Hayouni ME, Sassi L, Dridi W, Darghouth MA. Hyalomma scupense (Acari, Ixodidae) in northeast Tunisia: seasonal population dynamics of nymphs and adults on field cattle. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 20:12. [PMID: 23547915 PMCID: PMC3718523 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2013012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2012] [Accepted: 03/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Hyalomma scupense is a two-host tick infesting mainly cattle representing in North Africa the vector of tropical theileriosis (Theileria annulata infection), a major tick-borne disease affecting cattle. Any effective control programme of ticks requires a good knowledge of the biology of the target species. In the present study, three cattle farms in northeast Tunisia were surveyed during the activity seasons for adult and nymphs of Hyalomma scupense. Several indicators were studied, including chronological indicators, infestation prevalence, infestation intensity and feeding predilection sites of the ticks. The adult ticks were present from mid-June to late November. Nymphs were observed on animals from early September to late November. A large proportion of the ticks were attached in the posterior udder quarters: 41% and 64% of adult ticks and nymphs, respectively. The animals that were heavily infested by adult ticks were also heavily infested by nymphs. Moreover, 17% of adult ticks and 53% of nymphs were present on only 5% of cattle population. These data are important for the success of targeted acaricide application leading to a dramatic decrease of acaricide quantity needed for the treatment. When the preferential sites of attachment are known, the effectiveness of manual removal of ticks can be improved. The presence of highly infested animals is to be considered when any control programme is implemented, since these animals harbour a high proportion of the ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Gharbi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de la Manouba, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
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18
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Efficacy testing of several Ixodes ricinus tick repellents: Different results with different assays. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2013; 4:256-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2012.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2009] [Revised: 11/02/2012] [Accepted: 11/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Abstract
SUMMARYParasites exposed to fast-developing hosts experience a variety of conditions over a short time period. Only few studies in vertebrate-ectoparasite systems have integrated the timing of ectoparasite infestations in the host's development into the search for factors explaining ectoparasite burden. In this study we examined the temporal pattern of attachment in a nidicolous tick (Ixodes arboricola) throughout the development of a songbird (Parus major). In the first experiment, we exposed bird clutches at hatching to a mix of the 3 tick instars (larvae, nymphs and adults), and monitored the ticks that attached in relation to the average broods' age. In a complementary experiment we focused on the attachment in adult female ticks – the largest and most significant instar for the species' reproduction – after releasing them at different moments in the nestlings’ development. Our observations revealed a positive association between the size of the attached instar and the broods' age. Particularly, adult females were less likely to be found attached to recently hatched nestlings, which contrasts with the smaller-sized larvae and nymphs. These differences suggest either an infestation strategy that is adapted to host physiology and development, or a result of selection by the hosts' anti-tick resistance mechanisms. We discuss the implications of our results in terms of tick life-history strategies.
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20
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The Fecal Odor of Sick Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) Mediates Olfactory Attraction of the Tick Ixodes hexagonus. J Chem Ecol 2011; 37:340-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s10886-011-9936-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2010] [Revised: 02/22/2011] [Accepted: 03/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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21
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Heylen DJA, Matthysen E. Experimental evidence for host preference in a tick parasitizing songbird nestlings. OIKOS 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0706.2010.19358.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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22
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Gish M, Dafni A, Inbar M. Mammalian herbivore breath alerts aphids to flee host plant. Curr Biol 2010; 20:R628-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2010.06.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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23
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Abstract
Nitroaromatic compounds are relatively rare in nature and have been introduced into the environment mainly by human activities. This important class of industrial chemicals is widely used in the synthesis of many diverse products, including dyes, polymers, pesticides, and explosives. Unfortunately, their extensive use has led to environmental contamination of soil and groundwater. The nitro group, which provides chemical and functional diversity in these molecules, also contributes to the recalcitrance of these compounds to biodegradation. The electron-withdrawing nature of the nitro group, in concert with the stability of the benzene ring, makes nitroaromatic compounds resistant to oxidative degradation. Recalcitrance is further compounded by their acute toxicity, mutagenicity, and easy reduction into carcinogenic aromatic amines. Nitroaromatic compounds are hazardous to human health and are registered on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's list of priority pollutants for environmental remediation. Although the majority of these compounds are synthetic in nature, microorganisms in contaminated environments have rapidly adapted to their presence by evolving new biodegradation pathways that take advantage of them as sources of carbon, nitrogen, and energy. This review provides an overview of the synthesis of both man-made and biogenic nitroaromatic compounds, the bacteria that have been identified to grow on and completely mineralize nitroaromatic compounds, and the pathways that are present in these strains. The possible evolutionary origins of the newly evolved pathways are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kou-San Ju
- Department of Microbiology, University of California, Davis, California 95616
| | - Rebecca E. Parales
- Department of Microbiology, University of California, Davis, California 95616
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24
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Olfactory and behavioural responses of tsetse flies, Glossina spp., to rumen metabolites. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2009; 195:815-24. [PMID: 19626328 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-009-0459-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2009] [Revised: 06/27/2009] [Accepted: 07/03/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Herbivores provide tsetse flies with a blood meal, and both wild and domesticated ruminants dominate as hosts. As volatile metabolites from the rumen are regularly eructed with rumen gas, these products could serve tsetse flies during host searching. To test this, we first established that the odour of rumen fluid is attractive to hungry Glossina pallidipes in a wind tunnel. We then made antennogram recordings from three tsetse species (G. pallidipes morsitans group, G. fuscipes palpalis group and G. brevipalpis fusca group) coupled to gas chromatographic analysis of rumen fluid odour and of its acidic, mildly acidic and neutral fractions. This shows tsetse flies can detect terpenes, ketones, carboxylic acids, aliphatic aldehydes, sulphides, phenols and indoles from this biological substrate. A mixture of carboxylic acids at a ratio similar to that present in rumen fluid induced behavioural responses from G. pallidipes in the wind tunnel that were moderately better than the solvent control. The similarities in the sensory responses of the tsetse fly species to metabolites from ruminants demonstrated in this study testify to a contribution of habitat exploitation by these vertebrates in the Africa-wide distribution of tsetse.
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25
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Nchu F, Maniania N, Touré A, Hassanali A, Eloff J. The use of a semiochemical bait to enhance exposure of Amblyomma variegatum (Acari: Ixodidae) to Metarhizium anisopliae (Ascomycota: Hypocreales). Vet Parasitol 2009; 160:279-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2008] [Revised: 10/30/2008] [Accepted: 11/05/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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26
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Jeanbourquin P, Guerin PM. Chemostimuli implicated in selection of oviposition substrates by the stable fly Stomoxys calcitrans. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2007; 21:209-16. [PMID: 17897360 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2915.2007.00685.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Horse and cow dung were tested as substrates for oviposition by the stable fly Stomoxys calcitrans (L) (Diptera: Muscidae) in laboratory cages. Odour alone from either horse or cow dung was sufficient to attract flies for oviposition. This was confirmed in wind tunnel experiments, where both horse and cow dung were shown to attract gravid stable flies. However, when S. calcitrans was offered a choice between these two oviposition substrates, flies always chose horse dung over cow dung, both when allowed to contact the substrates and when relying on dung odour alone. Analyses of volatile compounds emanating from horse and cow dung by gas chromatography linked antennogram recordings from S. calcitrans antennae revealed no differences in the chemostimuli released from the two substrates. The predominant chemostimulant compounds in both substrates were carboxylic acids (butanoic acid), alcohols (oct-1-en-3-ol), aldehydes (decanal), ketones (octan-3-one), phenols (p-cresol), indoles (skatole), terpenes (beta-caryophyllene) and sulphides (dimethyl trisulphide). Higher levels (20-40 p.p.m.) of carbon dioxide were recorded over horse dung compared with cow dung, a factor that may contribute to the preference exhibited by S. calcitrans for this substrate for oviposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Jeanbourquin
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, 2009 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
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27
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Jeanbourquin P, Guerin PM. Sensory and behavioural responses of the stable fly Stomoxys calcitrans to rumen volatiles. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2007; 21:217-24. [PMID: 17897361 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2915.2007.00686.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Analysis of volatiles from rumen digesta by gas chromatography linked antennogram recordings from Stomoxys calcitrans (L) (Diptera: Muscidae) antennal receptor cells revealed about 30 electrophysiologically active constituents, the most important of which is dimethyl trisulphide with a sensory threshold in the femtogram range. The behavioural responses of S. calcitrans to five chemostimulants (dimethyl trisulphide, butanoic acid, p-cresol, oct-1-en-3-ol and skatole) were tested in a wind tunnel where activation and attraction of hungry flies to rumen volatiles were recorded. Dimethyl trisulphide, butanoic acid and p-cresol were found to attract S. calcitrans. This sensitivity to rumen volatile constituents, that also occur in animal wastes used for oviposition by Stomoxys spp., as well as in flowers used by stable flies as sources of nectar is discussed in the context of the behavioural ecology of these flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Jeanbourquin
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, 2009 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
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28
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Andronopoulou E, Labropoulou V, Douris V, Woods DF, Biessmann H, Iatrou K. Specific interactions among odorant-binding proteins of the African malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2006; 15:797-811. [PMID: 17201772 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2006.00685.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
In this report we present results from a comprehensive study undertaken toward the identification of proteins interacting with odourant-binding proteins (OBPs) of the African malaria vector Anopheles gambiae with a focus on the interactions among different OBPs. From an initial screen for proteins that interact with a member of the Plus-C group of OBPs, OBP48, which is primarily expressed in female antennae and downregulated after a blood meal, a number of interacting proteins were identified, which included five classic OBPs and OBP48 itself. The interacting OBPs as well as a number of other classic and Plus-C group OBPs that were not identified in the initial screen, were expressed in lepidopteran cells and subsequently examined for in vitro interactions in the absence of exogenously added ligands. Co-immunoprecipitation and chemical cross-linking studies suggest that OBP48 is capable of homodimerizing, heterodimerizing and forming higher order complexes with those examined examples of classical OBPs identified in the initial screen but not with other classical or Plus-C group OBPs that failed to appear in the screen. The latter OBPs are, however, also capable of forming homodimers in vitro and, at least in the case of two examined classic OBPs, heterodimers as well. These results suggest a previously unsuspected potential of nonrandom combinatorial complexity that may be crucial for odour discrimination by the mosquito.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Andronopoulou
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Group, Institute of Biology, National Centre for Scientific Research Demokritos, Aghia Paraskevi Attikis, Athens, Greece
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29
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Crooks E, Randolph SE. Walking by Ixodes ricinus ticks: intrinsic and extrinsic factors determine the attraction of moisture or host odour. J Exp Biol 2006; 209:2138-42. [PMID: 16709915 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.02238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARY
Spontaneous walking by Ixodes ricinus nymphs in the horizontal plane was investigated within choice arenas to test whether these ticks move preferentially up a humidity gradient, and whether they are attracted towards host odour, specifically volatile substances from the back of a dog's ear. Responses by ticks with high and low fat contents and in different states of hydration were compared. Ticks with higher energy reserves were more likely to walk horizontally over short distances. Only if they were slightly dehydrated were they more likely to walk towards fully saturated air than drier air, and only if the atmosphere was sufficiently wet were they likely to walk towards odour secreted by host skin. It seems that, under certain circumstances, ticks of this ambushing species will move short distances towards host odour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Crooks
- Department of Zoology, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK
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