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Milani M, Naddaf SR, Ziapour SP, Sepahi AA, Rohani M. Borrelia theileri infections in Rhipicephalus annulatus ticks from the north of Iran. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2024; 93:81-95. [PMID: 38869723 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-024-00924-5] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Ticks serve as vectors and reservoirs of various Borrelia species, potentially causing diseases in humans and animals. Mazandaran, a fertile green land in northern Iran, provides ample grazing grounds for livestock and harbors at least 26 hard tick species. This study investigated Borrelia infection in hard ticks from forest areas in this region and compared their genetic identity with the species data in the GenBank database. A total of 2,049 ticks were collected manually from mammalian hosts or using dragging and flagging methods. These ticks were then grouped into 190 pools and 41 individuals based on host, species, developmental stage, and gender. A real-time PCR (qPCR) detected Borrelia DNA in 26 pools from female, male, and nymph of Rhipicephalus annulatus (n = 17) and Ixodes ricinus (n = 9) ticks and one individual female Haemaphysalis punctata tick. The generated partial flaB and glpQ sequences from qPCR-positive Rh. annulatus ticks exhibited the highest identities of 98.1-100% and 98.2% with Borrelia theileri and closely related undefined isolates. Additionally, in phylogenetic analysis, these sequences clustered within well-supported clades with B. theileri and the closely related undefined isolates from various geographic regions, confirming the presence of B. theileri in the north of Iran. Divergence in B. theileri flaB and glpQ sequences across various geographical areas suggests potential subspeciation driven by adaptations to different tick species. This divergence in our flaB sequences implies the possible introduction of B. theileri-infected ticks from different geographical origins into Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahnaz Milani
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saied Reza Naddaf
- Department of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Seyyed Payman Ziapour
- Department of Parasitology, Zoonoses Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Amol, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Abbas Akhavan Sepahi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, North Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Rohani
- Department of Bacteriology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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Kamani J, Irene S, Nachum-Biala Y, Shand M, Harrus S. Phylogenetic and network analysis of Pediculus humanus in Nigeria reveal the presences of clade E body lice and novel haplotypes. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:3087-3100. [PMID: 37847393 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07999-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
An investigation was conducted for the first time to determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of human lice, for the first time in Nigeria, using conventional PCR and sequencing methods. Three mitochondrial genes, cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (cox1), cytochrome b (cytb), and 12S rRNA of Nigerian human lice, were amplified, sequenced, and analyzed. Overall, high prevalence (72.5%; 103/142) of lice infestation was recorded among the examined volunteers. Head lice infestation was more common 63 (61.2%) than body lice infestation 34 (33.0%). Co-infestation with both head and body lice was recorded in six humans (5.8%). The Nigerian human lice specimens were placed mostly into clade A with few in clade E, including body lice for the first time. Six, three, and eight haplotypes of Nigerian human lice were obtained for the cytb, cox1, and 12S rRNA genes, respectively. Additionally, one (E51), three (A31, A32, and E5), and six (A20, A21, A23, A24, A30, and E1) novel haplotypes were recorded for cox1, cytb, and 12S rRNA, respectively, from the Nigerian specimens which were corroborated by the ML phylogenetic trees and MJ network analyses. Genetic diversity indices indicate minimal variation in the parameters analyzed among the clades of the three genes. However, a statistically significant Snn test, negative Tajima's D test for clade A (cox1 and 12S rRNA genes), and negative Fu and Li's D test in clade A for cox1 gene indicate a geographical structure and the signature of population expansion of the Nigerian human lice. The findings from this study provide additional data on the human lice structure in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Kamani
- Parasitology Division, National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Plateau State, PMB 01, Nigeria.
| | - Sacristán Irene
- Animal Health Research Centre, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Centro Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yaarit Nachum-Biala
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Mike Shand
- School of Geographical and Earth Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Shimon Harrus
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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Feldmeier H. Head lice as vectors of pathogenic microorganisms. Trop Med Health 2023; 51:53. [PMID: 37730694 PMCID: PMC10510260 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-023-00545-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Body lice and head lice are the most common ectoparasites of humans. Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) occur worldwide in children and their caretakers, irrespective of their social status. In contrast, body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) are confined to marginalized population groups in countries of the Global South, homeless people, and refugees. Body lice are known to transmit an array of bacterial pathogens, such as R. prowazekii, R. rickettsii, C. burneti, B. quintana, B. recurrentis, and Y. pestis. The vector capacity of head lice is still a matter of debate. The objective of the review was to scrutinize the existing evidence on the vector capacity of head lice for the transmission of bacterial pathogens. The PUBMED database was searched using a combination of the terms "pediculus humanus" OR "body lice" OR "head lice" AND "pathogen" OR "Rickettsia prowazekii" OR "Bartonella quintana" OR "Borrelia recurrentis" OR "Coxiella burneti" without a time limit. Data from epidemiological studies as well as historical observations demonstrate that body lice and head lice can carry the same array of pathogens. Since the presence of a bacterial pathogen in an arthropod is not sufficient to state that it can be transmitted to humans, and since experimental models are lacking, as yet one cannot conclude with certainty that head lice serve as vectors, although this review presents circumstantial evidence that they do. Adequately designed experimental and epidemiological studies are needed to ascertain the exact transmission potential of head lice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermann Feldmeier
- Institute of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203, Berlin, Germany.
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4
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Deng YP, Fu YT, Yao C, Shao R, Zhang XL, Duan DY, Liu GH. Emerging bacterial infectious diseases/pathogens vectored by human lice. Travel Med Infect Dis 2023; 55:102630. [PMID: 37567429 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2023.102630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Human lice have always been a major public health concern due to their vector capacity for louse-borne infectious diseases, like trench fever, louse-borne relapsing fever, and epidemic fever, which are caused by Bartonella quintana, Borrelia recurrentis, and Rickettsia prowazekii, respectively. Those diseases are currently re-emerging in the regions of poor hygiene, social poverty, or wars with life-threatening consequences. These louse-borne diseases have also caused outbreaks among populations in jails and refugee camps. In addition, antibodies and DNAs to those pathogens have been steadily detected in homeless populations. Importantly, more bacterial pathogens have been detected in human lice, and some have been transmitted by human lice in laboratories. Here, we provide a comprehensive review and update on louse-borne infectious diseases/bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Ping Deng
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yi-Tian Fu
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chaoqun Yao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
| | - Renfu Shao
- Centre for Bioinnovation, School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Xue-Ling Zhang
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - De-Yong Duan
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Guo-Hua Liu
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Mallick PK, Sindhania A, Gupta T, Singh DP, Saini S, Singh OP. First report of classical knockdown resistance (kdr) mutation, L1014F, in human head louse Pediculus humanus capitis (Phthiraptera: Anoplura). MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 37:209-212. [PMID: 35822871 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
There are at least three known knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations reported globally in the human head louse Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer (Phthiraptera: Anoplura) that are associated with reduced sensitivity to pyrethroids. However, the prevalence of kdr mutation in head lice is not known in the Indian subcontinent. To identify kdr mutations in the Indian head lice population, the genomic region of the voltage-gated sodium channel gene encompassing IIS1-2 linker to IIS6 segments was PCR-amplified and sequenced from P. humanus capitis samples collected from different geographic localities of India. DNA sequencing revealed the presence of four kdr mutations: M827I, T929I, L932F and L1014F. The presence of a classical kdr mutation L1014F, the most widely reported mutation across insect-taxa associated with the kdr-trait, is being reported for the first time in P. humanus capitis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Toshi Gupta
- Centre for Genomics, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, India
| | - Dhirendra P Singh
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Seema Saini
- State Forensic Science Laboratory, Jaipur, India
| | - Om P Singh
- National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
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Head Lice Infestation in Pre-High School Girls, Lak Hok Suburban Area, Pathum Thani Province, in Central Thailand. J Parasitol Res 2023; 2023:8420859. [PMID: 36733373 PMCID: PMC9889157 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8420859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
This is a cross-sectional descriptive survey to determine the prevalence of lice infestation in a pre-high school, Lak Hok subdistrict, Pathum Thani Province, in central part of Thailand. The knowledge, attitudes, and practices of parents/guardians toward head lice in female children during February-April 2020 were evaluated. A total of 83 out of 111 parents (74.8%) agreed to complete consent forms and questionnaires. The prevalence of pediculosis found in this study was 68.7%. The infestation was found in the primary school level (87.5%), which was significantly higher than pre-primary school (29.6%; p < 0.05). Itching scalp was revealed in 93.0% of pediculosis. The results showed that occupation, religion, education, and income showed no significant difference between lice infested and non-infested students (p > 0.05). There was no significant association between sex, occupation, religion, education, income, status of parents, and family size among lice infested and non-infested students (p > 0.05). The parents/guardians showed the middle level of knowledge concerning with pediculosis capitis (66.8%). The lack of knowledge leading, first, to the belief that pediculosis does not need any treatment (89.2%), followed by boys getting head lice more frequently than girls (85.5%), and the belief that sharing infested combs, brushes, or hair ribbons does not result in lice transmission (79.9%). More than 75% of the parents/guardians had experienced infestation of head lice and showed themselves willing and able to diagnose and treat their family. However, 50.6% of them did not feel shame when their children were infested with head lice. Children washing their hair by themselves were found to be a significant factor in infestation (88.5%). High rate of pediculosis in this suburban school needs more intensive care by parents/guardians and teachers. Furthermore, improvement strategies to prevent and control lice in the school need to be more specifically planned and scheduled by teachers and health administrators.
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Comparative Analysis of Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever Spirochaetes from Ethiopia and Nigeria. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12010081. [PMID: 36678428 PMCID: PMC9865995 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010081] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite increasing reports of tick-borne diseases in Africa, remarkably, reports of tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) in Nigeria are lacking. Ornithodoros savignyi from Nigeria have been reported with the relapsing fever Candidatus Borrelia kalaharica. Conversely, in Ethiopia, the agent of relapsing fever is the louse-borne relapsing fever (LBRF) spirochaete Borrelia recurrentis with no TBRF reported to occur. A total of 389 Ornithodoros ticks, Ethiopia (N = 312) and Nigeria (N = 77), were sampled, together with 350 cattle, and 200 goat sera were collected from Nigeria. Samples were screened for Borrelia spp. by RT-PCR. Reactive samples were confirmed, then sequenced using flagellin B, 16S rRNA, and 16S-23S intergenic spacer region. The prevalence of Borrelia spp. in livestock was 3.8% (21/550) and 14% (3/21) after final molecular confirmation. Of 312 ticks from Ethiopia, 3.5% (11/312) were positive for Borrelia, with 36% (4/11) by conventional PCR. Sequencing revealed that the borreliae in soft ticks was C. B. kalaharica, whilst that found in animals was Borrelia theileri. Soft ticks were confirmed by sequencing 7% (22/312) and 12% (9/77) of the Ethiopian and Nigerian ticks, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these were Ornithodoros savignyi. This is the first evidence of C. B. kalaharica in Ethiopia and demonstrates the co-existence of TBRF in a country endemic to LBRF. Important, this might cause a diagnostic challenge given that LBRF is predominantly diagnosed by microscopy, which cannot differentiate these two spirochaetes. Furthermore, we report B. theileri in ruminants in Nigeria, which may also be of veterinary and economic importance.
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Expression of Concern: Head Lice of Pygmies Reveal the Presence of Relapsing Fever Borreliae in the Republic of Congo. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010925. [PMID: 36512543 PMCID: PMC9746945 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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9
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Ouarti B, Fonkou DMM, Houhamdi L, Mediannikov O, Parola P. Lice and lice-borne diseases in humans in Africa: a narrative review. Acta Trop 2022; 237:106709. [PMID: 36198330 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Lice are host-specific insects. Human lice include Pediculus humanus humanus (body lice) which are known to be vectors of serious human bacterial infectious diseases including epidemic typhus, relapsing fever, trench fever and plague; Pediculus humanus capitis (head lice) that frequently affect children; and Pthirus pubis, commonly known as crab lice. In Africa, human infections transmitted by lice remained poorly known and therefore, underestimated, perhaps due to the lack of diagnostic tools and professional knowledge. In this paper we review current knowledge of the microorganisms identified in human lice in the continent of Africa, in order to alert health professionals to the importance of recognising the risk of lice-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basma Ouarti
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France; IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
| | | | - Linda Houhamdi
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France; IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France.
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France; IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
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Fu YT, Yao C, Deng YP, Elsheikha HM, Shao R, Zhu XQ, Liu GH. Human pediculosis, a global public health problem. Infect Dis Poverty 2022; 11:58. [PMID: 35619191 PMCID: PMC9134731 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-022-00986-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human pediculosis is caused by hematophagous lice, which are transmitted between individuals via direct and/or indirect contact. Despite the public health importance of louse infestation, information concerning the global burden of pediculosis and the epidemiological landscape of louse-borne diseases is limited. The aim of this review was to summarize the biology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and control of lice infestation in humans. We also discussed the latest advances in molecular taxonomy and molecular genetics of lice. Methods We searched five electronic bibliographic databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, CNKI, VIP Chinese Journal Database, and Wanfang Data) and followed a standard approach for conducting scoping reviews to identify studies on various aspects of human lice. Relevant information reported in the identified studies were collated, categorized, and summarized. Results A total of 282 studies were eligible for the final review. Human pediculosis remains a public health issue affecting millions of people worldwide. Emerging evidence suggests that head lice and body lice should be considered conspecific, with different genotypes and ecotypes. Phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial (mt) cytb gene sequences identified six distinct clades of lice worldwide. In addition to the direct effect on human health, lice can serve as vectors of disease-causing pathogens. The use of insecticides plays a crucial role in the treatment and prevention of louse infestation. Genome sequencing has advanced our knowledge of the genetic structure and evolutionary biology of human lice. Conclusions Human pediculosis is a public health problem affecting millions of people worldwide, particularly in developing countries. More progress can be made if emphasis is placed on the use of emerging omics technologies to elucidate the mechanisms that underpin the physiological, ecological, and evolutionary aspects of lice. Graphic Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40249-022-00986-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Tian Fu
- Research Center for Parasites and Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chaoqun Yao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
| | - Yuan-Ping Deng
- Research Center for Parasites and Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Renfu Shao
- Centre for Bioinnovation, School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, 4556, Australia
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China. .,Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Higher Education of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650201, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guo-Hua Liu
- Research Center for Parasites and Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Amanzougaghene N, Charlier P, Fenollar F, Raoult D, Mediannikov O. Putative native South Amerindian origin of head lice clade F: evidence from head lice nits infesting human shrunken heads. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4307. [PMID: 35279677 PMCID: PMC8918326 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08176-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis, is a strictly obligate human ectoparasite with a long history of association with humans. Here, 17 ancient head lice nits were recovered from six shrunken human heads (known as tsantsas) of individuals from the Shuar/Jivaro tribe, a native Amazonian population from Ecuador, South America. Cytochrome b DNA analysis revealed the presence of three known mitochondrial clades. Clade A was the most frequent (52.94%), followed by F (35.29%), and B (11.76%). Eleven haplotypes were found in 17 samples, and nine of the haplotypes were novel, indicating an unusually high genetic diversity. In conclusion, we confirmed the presence of clades A, B and F in South Amerindian population. Moreover, the description of clade F, together with its previous reports in another Amerindian population from French Guiana, strongly support the hypothesis of a native South American origin for this clade, and probably derived from clade B which was carried to America by an ancestral Eurasian Beringian population. Further support to our conclusion and new insights might come from the analysis of a larger collection of modern and ancient native American lice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Amanzougaghene
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Charlier
- Laboratory «Anthropology, Archaeology, Biology» (LAAB), Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, 78180, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
- Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, 222 rue de l'Université, 75007, Paris, France
| | - Florence Fenollar
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
- Aix Marseille Université, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France.
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Hammoud A, Louni M, Missé D, Cortaredona S, Fenollar F, Mediannikov O. Phylogenetic relationship between the endosymbiont "Candidatus Riesia pediculicola" and its human louse host. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:73. [PMID: 35248159 PMCID: PMC8898481 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05203-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The human louse (Pediculus humanus) is a haematophagous ectoparasite that is intimately related to its host. It has been of great public health concern throughout human history. This louse has been classified into six divergent mitochondrial clades (A, D, B, F, C and E). As with all haematophagous lice, P. humanus directly depends on the presence of a bacterial symbiont, known as “Candidatus Riesia pediculicola”, to complement their unbalanced diet. In this study, we evaluated the codivergence of human lice around the world and their endosymbiotic bacteria. Using molecular approaches, we targeted lice mitochondrial genes from the six diverged clades and Candidatus Riesia pediculicola housekeeping genes. Methods The mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (cytb) of lice was selected for molecular analysis, with the aim to identify louse clade. In parallel, we developed four PCR primer pairs targeting three housekeeping genes of Candidatus Riesia pediculicola: ftsZ, groEL and two regions of the rpoB gene (rpoB-1 and rpoB-2). Results The endosymbiont phylogeny perfectly mirrored the host insect phylogeny using the ftsZ and rpoB-2 genes, in addition to showing a significant co-phylogenetic congruence, suggesting a strict vertical transmission and a host–symbiont co-speciation following the evolutionary course of the human louse. Conclusion Our results unequivocally indicate that louse endosymbionts have experienced a similar co-evolutionary history and that the human louse clade can be determined by their endosymbiotic bacteria. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05203-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alissa Hammoud
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU) Méditerranée Infection, 13005, Marseille, France.,Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Aix-Marseille University, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Meriem Louni
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU) Méditerranée Infection, 13005, Marseille, France. .,Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Aix-Marseille University, 13005, Marseille, France. .,Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, M'Hamed Bougara University, 35000, Boumerdès, Algeria.
| | - Dorothée Missé
- IRD, CNRS, MIVEGEC, Université Montpellier, 34394, Montpellier, France
| | - Sébastien Cortaredona
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU) Méditerranée Infection, 13005, Marseille, France.,Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), Vectors Infections Tropicales and Mediterranean (VITROME), Aix-Marseille University, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Florence Fenollar
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU) Méditerranée Infection, 13005, Marseille, France.,Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), Vectors Infections Tropicales and Mediterranean (VITROME), Aix-Marseille University, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU) Méditerranée Infection, 13005, Marseille, France. .,Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), Microbes Evolution Phylogeny and Infections (MEPHI), Aix-Marseille University, 13005, Marseille, France.
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13
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Amanzougaghene N, Drali R, Shako JC, Davoust B, Fenollar F, Raoult D, Mediannikov O. High Genetic Diversity and Rickettsia felis in Pediculus humanus Lice Infesting Mbuti (pygmy people), -Democratic Republic of Congo. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:834388. [PMID: 35310843 PMCID: PMC8924665 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.834388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediculus humanus is an obligate bloodsucking parasite of humans that has two ecotypes, the head louse and the body louse, which share an intimate history of coevolution with their human host. In the present work, we obtained and analysed head and body lice collected from Mbuti pygmies living in the Orientale province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Cytochrome b DNA analysis was performed in order to type the six known lice clades (A, D, B, F, C and E). The results revealed the presence of two mitochondrial clades. Clade D was the most frequent (61.7% of 47), followed by clade A (38.3% of 47). Sixteen haplotypes were found in 47 samples, of which thirteen were novel haplotypes, indicating an unusually high genetic diversity that closely mirrors the diversity of their hosts. Moreover, we report for the first time the presence of the DNA of R. felis in three (6.4% of 47) head and body lice belonging to both clades A and D. Additional studies are needed to clarify whether the Pediculus lice can indeed transmit this emerging zoonotic bacterium to their human hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Amanzougaghene
- Aix Marseille Univ Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), Microbes, Evolution (MEPHI), Phylogénie et Infection, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU)-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Rezak Drali
- Aix Marseille Univ Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), Microbes, Evolution (MEPHI), Phylogénie et Infection, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU)-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Plateforme Génomique - Bioinformatique, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie, Rue du Petit Staouéli, Algiers, Algeria
| | | | - Bernard Davoust
- Aix Marseille Univ Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), Microbes, Evolution (MEPHI), Phylogénie et Infection, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU)-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Florence Fenollar
- Aix Marseille Univ Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), Microbes, Evolution (MEPHI), Phylogénie et Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille Univ, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), Vecteurs – Infections Tropicales et Méditeranéennes (VITROME), Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix Marseille Univ Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), Microbes, Evolution (MEPHI), Phylogénie et Infection, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU)-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille Univ Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille (APHM), Microbes, Evolution (MEPHI), Phylogénie et Infection, Marseille, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU)-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- *Correspondence: Oleg Mediannikov,
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14
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Qiu Y, Squarre D, Nakamura Y, Lau ACC, Moonga LC, Kawai N, Ohnuma A, Hayashida K, Nakao R, Yamagishi J, Sawa H, Namangala B, Kawabata H. Evidence of Borrelia theileri in Wild and Domestic Animals in the Kafue Ecosystem of Zambia. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2405. [PMID: 34835531 PMCID: PMC8624021 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the genus Borrelia are arthropod-borne spirochetes that are human and animal pathogens. Vertebrate hosts, including wild animals, are pivotal to the circulation and maintenance of Borrelia spirochetes. However, information on Borrelia spirochetes in vertebrate hosts in Zambia is limited. Thus, we aimed to investigate the presence of Borrelia spirochetes in wild animals and cattle in Zambia. A total of 140 wild animals of four species and 488 cattle DNA samples from /near the Kafue National Park were collected for real-time PCR screening, followed by characterization using three different genes with positive samples. Five impalas and 20 cattle tested positive using real-time PCR, and sequence analysis revealed that the detected Borrelia were identified to be Borrelia theileri, a causative agent of bovine borreliosis. This is the first evidence of Borrelia theileri in African wildlife and cattle in Zambia. Our results suggest that clinical differentiation between bovine borreliosis and other bovine diseases endemic in Zambia is required for better treatment and control measures. As this study only included wild and domestic animals in the Kafue ecosystem, further investigations in other areas and with more wildlife and livestock species are needed to clarify a comprehensive epidemiological status of Borrelia theileri in Zambia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjin Qiu
- Division of International Research Promotion, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan;
| | - David Squarre
- Wildlife Diseases Unit, Department of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Lusaka P.O. Box 50060, Zambia;
- Division of Collaboration and Education, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (Y.N.); (L.C.M.); (N.K.); (K.H.); (J.Y.)
| | - Yukiko Nakamura
- Division of Collaboration and Education, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (Y.N.); (L.C.M.); (N.K.); (K.H.); (J.Y.)
| | - Alice C. C. Lau
- Laboratory of Wildlife Biology and Medicine, Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N 18 W 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan;
| | - Lavel Chinyama Moonga
- Division of Collaboration and Education, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (Y.N.); (L.C.M.); (N.K.); (K.H.); (J.Y.)
| | - Naoko Kawai
- Division of Collaboration and Education, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (Y.N.); (L.C.M.); (N.K.); (K.H.); (J.Y.)
| | - Aiko Ohnuma
- Technical Office, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan;
| | - Kyoko Hayashida
- Division of Collaboration and Education, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (Y.N.); (L.C.M.); (N.K.); (K.H.); (J.Y.)
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
| | - Ryo Nakao
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, N 18 W 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan;
| | - Junya Yamagishi
- Division of Collaboration and Education, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan; (Y.N.); (L.C.M.); (N.K.); (K.H.); (J.Y.)
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Sawa
- Division of International Research Promotion, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan;
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
- One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, N 20 W 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
| | - Boniface Namangala
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, Lusaka 10101, Zambia;
| | - Hiroki Kawabata
- Laboratory of Systemic Infection, Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Toyama 1-23-1, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan;
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Trevisan G, Cinco M, Trevisini S, di Meo N, Ruscio M, Forgione P, Bonin S. Borreliae Part 2: Borrelia Relapsing Fever Group and Unclassified Borrelia. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:1117. [PMID: 34827110 PMCID: PMC8615063 DOI: 10.3390/biology10111117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Borreliae of the relapsing fever group (RFG) are heterogenous and can be divided mainly into three groups according to vectors, namely the soft-tick-borne relapsing fever (STBRF) Borreliae, the hard-tick-borne relapsing fever (HTBRF) Borreliae, the louse-borne relapsing fever (LBRF) Borreliae, and the avian relapsing fever ones. With respect to the geographical distribution, the STBRF Borreliae are further subdivided into Old World and New World strains. Except for the Avian relapsing fever group Borreliae, which cause avian spirochetosis, all the others share infectivity in humans. They are indeed the etiological agent of both endemic and epidemic forms of relapsing fever, causing high spirochaetemia and fever. Vectors are primarily soft ticks of Ornithodoros spp. in the STBRF group; hard ticks, notably Ixodes sp., Amblyomma sp., Dermacentor sp., and Rhipicephalus sp., in the HTBRF group; and the louse pediculus humanus humanus in the TBRF one. A recent hypothesis was supported for a common ancestor of RFG Borreliae, transmitted at the beginning by hard-body ticks. Accordingly, STBRF Borreliae switched to use soft-bodied ticks as a vector, which was followed by the use of lice by Borrelia recurrentis. There are also new candidate species of Borreliae, at present unclassified, which are also described in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giusto Trevisan
- DSM-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Marina Cinco
- DSV-Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Sara Trevisini
- ASUGI-Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, 34129 Trieste, Italy
| | - Nicola di Meo
- DSM-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
- ASUGI-Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, 34129 Trieste, Italy
| | - Maurizio Ruscio
- ASUGI-Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, 34129 Trieste, Italy
| | - Patrizia Forgione
- UOSD Dermatologia, Centro Rif. Regionale Malattia di Hansen e Lyme, P.O. dei Pellegrini, ASL Napoli 1 Centro, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Serena Bonin
- DSM-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
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16
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Phadungsaksawasdi K, Sunantaraporn S, Seatamanoch N, Kongdachalert S, Phumee A, Kraivichian K, Sawaswong V, Payungporn S, Brownell N, Siriyasatien P. Molecular analysis of mitochrondrial cytb of Pediculus humanus capitis in Thailand revealed potential historical connection with South Asia. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257024. [PMID: 34492093 PMCID: PMC8423300 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pediculus humanus capitis or head louse is an obligate ectoparasite and its infestation remains a major public health issue worldwide. Molecular analysis divides head lice into six clades and intra-clade genetic differences have been identified. Several hypotheses have been formulated to elucidate the discrepancies of the variety of head lice among different regions of the world. It is currently concluded that head lice distribution might be associated with human migration history. This study aims to investigate genetic data of human head lice in Thailand. We believe that the analysis could help establish the correlation between local and global head lice populations. Method We investigated mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) gene of the collected 214 head lice to evaluate genetic diversity from 15 provinces among 6 regions of Thailand. The head lice genes were added to the global pool for the phylogenetic tree, Bayesian tree, Skyline plot, and median joining network construction. The biodiversity, neutrality tests, and population genetic differentiation among the 6 Thailand geographic regions were analyzed by DNAsp version 6. Results The phylogenetic tree analysis of 214 collected head lice are of clade A and clade C accounting for roughly 65% and 35% respectively. The Bayesian tree revealed a correlation of clade diversification and ancient human dispersal timeline. In Thailand, clade A is widespread in the country. Clade C is confined to only the Central, Southern, and Northeastern regions. We identified 50 novel haplotypes. Statistical analysis showed congruent results between genetic differentiation and population migration especially with South Asia. Conclusions Pediculosis remains problematic among children in the rural areas in Thailand. Cytb gene analysis of human head lice illustrated clade distribution and intra-clade diversity of different areas. Our study reported novel haplotypes of head lice in Thailand. Moreover, the statistic calculation provided a better understanding of their relationship with human, as an obligate human parasite and might help provide a better insight into the history of human population migration. Determination of the correlation between phylogenetic data and pediculicide resistance gene as well as residing bacteria are of interest for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kobpat Phadungsaksawasdi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Vector Biology and Vector Borne Disease Research Unit, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sakone Sunantaraporn
- Vector Biology and Vector Borne Disease Research Unit, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nirin Seatamanoch
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Vector Biology and Vector Borne Disease Research Unit, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Switt Kongdachalert
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Vector Biology and Vector Borne Disease Research Unit, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Atchara Phumee
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Kanyarat Kraivichian
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Vector Biology and Vector Borne Disease Research Unit, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Vorthon Sawaswong
- Program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sunchai Payungporn
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Narisa Brownell
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Vector Biology and Vector Borne Disease Research Unit, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail:
| | - Padet Siriyasatien
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Vector Biology and Vector Borne Disease Research Unit, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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17
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Kahlig P, Paris DH, Neumayr A. Louse-borne relapsing fever-A systematic review and analysis of the literature: Part 1-Epidemiology and diagnostic aspects. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0008564. [PMID: 33705384 PMCID: PMC7951878 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Louse-borne relapsing fever (LBRF) is a classical epidemic disease, which in the past was associated with war, famine, poverty, forced migration, and crowding under poor hygienic conditions around the world. The disease's causative pathogen, the spirochete bacterium Borrelia recurrentis, is confined to humans and transmitted by a single vector, the human body louse Pediculus humanus. Since the disease has had its heyday before the days of modern medicine, many of its aspects have never been formally studied and to date, remain incompletely understood. In order to shed light on some of these aspects, we have systematically reviewed the accessible literature on LBRF, since the recognition of its mode of transmission in 1907, and summarized the existing data on epidemiology and diagnostic aspects of the disease. Publications were identified by using a predefined search strategy on electronic databases and a subsequent review of the reference lists of the obtained publications. All publications reporting patients with a confirmed diagnosis of LBRF published in English, French, German, and Spanish since 1907 were included. Data extraction followed a predefined protocol and included a grading system to judge the certainty of the diagnosis of reported cases. Historically, Ethiopia is considered a stronghold of LBRF. The recognition of LBRF among East African migrants (originating from Somalia, Eritrea, and Ethiopia) arriving to Europe in the course of the recent migration flow from this region suggests that this epidemiological focus ostensibly persists. Currently, there is neither evidence to support or refute active transmission foci of LBRF elsewhere on the African continent, in Latin America, or in Asia. Microscopy remains the most commonly used method to diagnose LBRF. Data are lacking on sensitivity and specificity of most diagnostic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Kahlig
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel H. Paris
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Neumayr
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Queensland, Australia
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18
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Molecular Characterization and Genetic Diversity of Haplogroup E Human Lice in Guinea, West Africa. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9020257. [PMID: 33513865 PMCID: PMC7911403 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediculus humanus capitis, the head louse, is an obligate blood-sucking ectoparasite that occurs in six divergent mitochondrial clades (A, D, B, F, C and E). Several studies reported the presence of different pathogenic agents in head lice specimens collected worldwide. These findings suggest that head louse could be a dangerous vector and a serious public health problem. Herein, we aimed to study the mitochondrial genetic diversity, the PHUM540560 gene polymorphisms profile of head lice collected in Guinea, as well as to screen for their associated pathogens. In 2018, a total of 155 head lice were collected from 49 individuals at the Medicals Centers of rural (Maférinyah village) and urban (Kindia city) areas, in Guinea. Specimens were subjected to a genetic analysis and pathogens screening using molecular tools. Results showed that all head lice belonged to eight haplotypes in the E haplogroup, with six newly identified for the first time. The study of the PHUM540560 gene polymorphisms of our clade E-head lice revealed that 82.5% exhibited the same polymorphism profile as the previously reported clade A-body lice. Screening for targeted pathogens revealed the presence of Acinetobacter spp., while sequencing highlighted the presence of several species, including Acinetobacter baumannii, Acinetobacter nosocomialis, Acinetobacter variabilis, Acinetobacter towneri and for the first time Acinetobacter haemolyticus. Our study is the first to report the existence of the Guinean haplogroup E, the PHUM540560 gene polymorphism profile as well as the presence of Acinetobacter species in head lice collected from Guinea.
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Boumbanda-Koyo CS, Mediannikov O, Amanzougaghene N, Oyegue-Liabagui SL, Imboumi-Limoukou RK, Raoult D, Lekana-Douki JB, Fenollar F. Molecular identification of head lice collected in Franceville (Gabon) and their associated bacteria. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:410. [PMID: 32782016 PMCID: PMC7422577 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04293-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediculus humanus, which includes two ecotypes (body and head lice), is an obligate bloodsucking parasite that co-evolved with their human hosts over thousands of years, thus providing a valuable source of information to reconstruct the human migration. Pediculosis due to head lice occurred each year throughout the world and several pathogenic bacteria, which are usually associated with body lice, are increasingly detected in them. In Gabon, where this pediculosis is still widespread, there is a lack of data on genetic diversity of head lice and their associated bacteria. METHODS This study aimed to investigate the phylogeny of head lice collected in Gabon and their associated bacteria, using molecular tools. Between 26 March and 11 April 2018, 691 head lice were collected from 86 women in Franceville. We studied the genetic diversity of these lice based on the cytochrome b gene, then we screened them for DNA of Bartonella quintana, Borrelia spp., Acinetobacter spp., Yersinia pestis, Rickettsia spp., R. prowazekii, Anaplasma spp. and C. burnetii, using real time or standard PCR and sequencing. RESULTS Overall 74.6% of studied lice belonged to Clade A, 25.3% to Clade C and 0.1% to Clade E. The phylogenetic analysis of 344 head lice yielded 45 variable positions defining 13 different haplotypes from which 8 were novel. Bacterial screening revealed the presence of Borrelia spp. DNA in 3 (0.4%) of 691 head lice belonging to Clade A and infesting one individual. This Borrelia is close to B. theileri (GenBank: MN621894). Acinetobacter spp. DNA has been detected in 39 (25%) of the 156 screened lice; of these 13 (8.3%) corresponded to A. baumannii. Acinetobacter nosocomialis (n = 2) and A. pittii (n = 1) were also recorded. CONCLUSIONS To of our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the genetic diversity of head lice from Gabon. It appears that Clade C is the second most important clade in Gabon, after Clade A which is known to have a global distribution. The detection of Borrelia spp. DNA in these lice highlight the potential circulation of these bacteria in Gabon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Scherelle Boumbanda-Koyo
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Unité d'Evolution, Epidémiologie et Résistances Parasitaires (UNEEREP), Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), B.P. 769, Franceville, Gabon.,Ecole Doctorale Régionale en Infectiologie Tropicale d'Afrique Centrale, B.P. 876, Franceville, Gabon
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France. .,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France.
| | - Nadia Amanzougaghene
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | | | - Roméo Karl Imboumi-Limoukou
- Unité d'Evolution, Epidémiologie et Résistances Parasitaires (UNEEREP), Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), B.P. 769, Franceville, Gabon
| | - Didier Raoult
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Jean Bernard Lekana-Douki
- Unité d'Evolution, Epidémiologie et Résistances Parasitaires (UNEEREP), Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), B.P. 769, Franceville, Gabon.,Ecole Doctorale Régionale en Infectiologie Tropicale d'Afrique Centrale, B.P. 876, Franceville, Gabon.,Département de Parasitologie-Mycologie et Médecine Tropicale, Faculté de Médecine, Université des Sciences de la Santé (USS), B.P. 4009, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Florence Fenollar
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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20
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Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Pediculus Capitis Prevention and Control and Their Predictors among Schoolchildren in Woreta Town, Northwest Ethiopia, 2018: A School-Based Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Pediatr 2020; 2020:3619494. [PMID: 32695186 PMCID: PMC7350088 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3619494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pediculus capitis is a human head lice infestation, a major public health issue that is most prevalent in resource-limited countries globally. The current study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of pediculus capitis prevention and control and their predictors among schoolchildren in North West Ethiopia. Methods About 402 randomly selected schoolchildren from three schools in Woreta town participated in the study from April to June 2018. The outcomes of this study were knowledge, attitude, and self-reported practice of schoolchildren about pediculus capitis prevention and control. We used EPI Info 7.1 and SPSS 21 software for data entry and analysis, respectively. Binary logistic regression was employed to test the association of covariates with the outcome/response variables. Variables with a p value <0.2 during the bivariable binary logistic regression analysis were included in the multivariable binary logistic regression analysis. Variables with p value <0.05 were declared as significantly associated with outcomes. Results The mean age of the study participants was 10.19 (±1.62) years. About 58.8%, 45.8%, and 78.6% of the schoolchildren had better self-reported pediculus capitis prevention knowledge, attitude, and practice, respectively. Age of children [9 to 11 years (AOR = 2.24, 95% C.I (1.10, 4.55)) and>12 years (AOR = 3.84, 95% C.I (1.56, 9.46))], better practice (AOR = 2.93, 95% C.I (1.39, 6.18)), and those who were not infested (AOR = 2.25, 95% C.I (1.14, 4.44)) were predictors of knowledge regarding pediculus capitis prevention. Better practice (AOR = 4.33, 95% C.I (1.69, 11.09)) and absence of infestation (AOR = 2.97, 95% C.I (1.64, 5.36)) were predictors of attitude of schoolchildren about pediculus capitis prevention. Number of students in a class [51 to 56 students per classroom, AOR = 4.61, 95% C.I (1.83, 11.67); 57 to 58 students per classroom, AOR = 8.18, 95% C.I (2.73, 24.46)], less than five family size (AOR = 2.37, 95% C.I (1.24, 4.54)), better knowledge (AOR = 2.93, 95% C.I (1.32, 6.50)), desirable attitude (AOR = 4.24, 95% C.I (1.60, 11.23)), and absence of infestation (AOR = 3.52, 95% C.I (1.22, 10.15)) were predictors of self-reported pediculus capitis prevention practice. Conclusion The knowledge, attitude, and practice of schoolchildren regarding pediculus capitis prevention and control were not satisfactory. To bring change, intensive efforts on factors associated with the knowledge, attitude, and practice should be encouraged.
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Ly TDA, Amanzougaghene N, Hoang VT, Dao TL, Louni M, Mediannikov O, Gautret P. Molecular Evidence of Bacteria in Clothes Lice Collected from Homeless People Living in Shelters in Marseille. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 20:872-874. [PMID: 32366193 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We sought to evidence the presence of emerging bacterial pathogens in clothes lice collected from sheltered homeless individuals from Marseille, France. During the 2013-2018 period, a total of 507 lice were collected from 37 individuals and were processed for molecular analysis. We reported a low prevalence of Bartonella quintana DNA carriage (1.2%). No louse tested positive for Rickettsia sp., Rickettsia prowazekii, Borrelia sp., Anaplasma sp., Yersinia Pestis, or Coxiella burnetii. A comparison with studies conducted before 2013 showed a 17.5-fold reduction in the rate of B. quintana DNA positivity. By contrast, a high prevalence of Acinetobacter species DNA carriage (40.8%), mostly A. baumannii (32.9%), was observed, tending to increase over time. In addition, we detected Acinetobacter ursingii DNA in clothes lice for the first time. Genotypic characterization and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of A. baumannii isolates from clothes lice are needed to assess whether these A. baumannii strains present in lice are similar to those responsible for human infections and harbor mechanisms of resistance against antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tran Duc Anh Ly
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Nadia Amanzougaghene
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Van Thuan Hoang
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Family Medicine Department and Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Biinh, VietNam
| | - Thi Loi Dao
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Pneumology Department, Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Biinh, VietNam
| | - Meriem Louni
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Gautret
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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22
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Mokhtar AS, Ling Lau Y, Wilson JJ, Abdul-Aziz NM. Genetic Diversity of Pediculus humanus capitis (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae) in Peninsular Malaysia and Molecular Detection of Its Potential Associated Pathogens. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 57:915-926. [PMID: 31828310 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Pediculosis capitis caused by Pediculus humanus capitis (De Geer) is endemic all over the world, and children are mostly affected, particularly those living in overcrowded institutions. Several studies have shown that P. h. capitis carried human pathogenic bacteria, suggesting the potential role of head lice in the transmission of pathogens to humans. In this study, we determined the genetic diversity of head lice collected from welfare homes sheltering underprivileged children by using DNA barcoding and demonstrated the presence of Acinetobacter spp., Serratia marcescens, and Staphylococcus aureus in head lice, which have never been investigated before in Malaysia. Cox1 DNA barcoding identified the head lice, P. h. capitis collected from welfare homes across two geographical areas of Peninsular Malaysia as belonging to clades A, B, and D. Acinetobacter bacteria: Acinetobacter guillouiae, Acinetobacter junii, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Acinetobacter nosocomialis were detected in head lice belonging to clades A and also D. In addition, DNA from S. marcescens and S. aureus were also detected in both clades A and D. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the genetic diversity of head lice in Malaysia through DNA barcoding, as well as the first to provide molecular evidence on the type of bacteria occurring in head lice in Malaysia. It is anticipated that the DNA barcoding technique used in this study will be able to provide rapid and accurate identification of arthropods, in particular, medically important ectoparasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Syafinaz Mokhtar
- Malaysian Life Science Accelerator, UM Centre of Innovation and Commercialization, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yee Ling Lau
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - John-James Wilson
- International College Beijing, China Agricultural University, Beijing, P.R. China
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Amanzougaghene N, Mediannikov O, Ly TDA, Gautret P, Davoust B, Fenollar F, Izri A. Molecular investigation and genetic diversity of Pediculus and Pthirus lice in France. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:177. [PMID: 32264930 PMCID: PMC7140345 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04036-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Humans are parasitized by three types of lice: body, head and pubic lice. As their common names imply, each type colonizes a specific region of the body. The body louse is the only recognized disease vector. However, an increasing awareness of head lice as a vector has emerged recently whereas the status of pubic lice as a vector is not known since it has received little attention. METHODS Here, we assessed the occurrence of bacterial pathogens in 107 body lice, 33 head lice and 63 pubic lice from Marseille and Bobigny (France) using molecular methods. RESULTS Results show that all body lice samples belonged to the cytb Clade A whereas head lice samples belonged to Clades A and B. DNA of Bartonella quintana was detected in 7.5% of body lice samples and, for the first time to our knowledge, in 3.1% of pubic lice samples. Coxiella burnetii, which is not usually associated with transmission by louse, was detected in 3.7% of body lice samples and 3% of head lice samples. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of C. burnetii in Pediculus lice infesting humans in France. Acinetobacter DNA was detected in 21.5% of body lice samples, 6% of head lice samples and 9.5% of pubic lice samples. Five species were identified with A. baumannii being the most prevalent. CONCLUSIONS Our study is the first to report the presence of B. quintana in pubic lice. This is also the first report of the presence of DNA of C. burnetii in body lice and head lice in France. Further efforts on the vectorial role of human lice are needed, most importantly the role of pubic lice as a disease vector should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Amanzougaghene
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France. .,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France. .,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
| | - Tran Duc Anh Ly
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Gautret
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Bernard Davoust
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Florence Fenollar
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Arezki Izri
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology, AP-HP, Hôpital Avicenne, Bobigny, France.,UMR "Émergence des Pathologies Virales" (EPV, Aix-Marseille University-IRD, 190-Inserm 1207 EHESP-IHU Méditerranée Infection), Marseille, France
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Abstract
Louse-borne relapsing fever (LBRF) is an epidemic disease with a fascinating history from Hippocrates’ times, through the 6th century ‘Yellow Plague’, to epidemics in Ireland, Scotland and England in the 19th century and two large Afro-Middle Eastern pandemics in the 20th century. An endemic focus persists in Ethiopia and adjacent territories in the Horn of Africa. Since 2015, awareness of LBRF in Europe, as a re-emerging disease, has been increased dramatically by the discovery of this infection in dozens of refugees arriving from Africa. The causative spirochaete, Borrelia recurrentis, has a genome so similar to B. duttonii and B. crocidurae (causes of East and West African tick-borne relapsing fever), that they are now regarded as merely ecotypes of a single genomospecies. Transmission is confined to the human body louse Pediculus humanus corporis, and, perhaps, the head louse P. humanus capitis, although the latter has not been proved. Infection is by inoculation of louse coelomic fluid or faeces by scratching. Nosocomial infections are possible from contamination by infected blood. Between blood meals, body lice live in clothing until the host's body temperature rises or falls, when they seek a new abode. The most distinctive feature of LBRF, the relapse phenomenon, is attributable to antigenic variation of borrelial outer-membrane lipoprotein. High fever, rigors, headache, pain and prostration start abruptly, 2–18 days after infection. Petechial rash, epistaxis, jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly and liver dysfunction are common. Severe features include hyperpyrexia, shock, myocarditis causing acute pulmonary oedema, acute respiratory distress syndrome, cerebral or gastrointestinal bleeding, ruptured spleen, hepatic failure, Jarisch–Herxheimer reactions (J-HR) and opportunistic typhoid or other complicating bacterial infections. Pregnant women are at high risk of aborting and perinatal mortality is high. Rapid diagnosis is by microscopy of blood films, but polymerase chain reaction is used increasingly for species diagnosis. Severe falciparum malaria and leptospirosis are urgent differential diagnoses in residents and travellers from appropriate geographical regions. High untreated case-fatality, exceeding 40% in some historic epidemics, can be reduced to less than 5% by antibiotic treatment, but elimination of spirochaetaemia is often accompanied by a severe J-HR. Epidemics are controlled by sterilising clothing to eliminate lice, using pediculicides and by improving personal hygiene.
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Ectoparasites. J Am Acad Dermatol 2020; 82:551-569. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2019.05.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Amanzougaghene N, Fenollar F, Raoult D, Mediannikov O. Where Are We With Human Lice? A Review of the Current State of Knowledge. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 9:474. [PMID: 32039050 PMCID: PMC6990135 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediculus humanus is an obligate bloodsucking ectoparasite of human that includes two ecotypes, head louse and body louse, which differ slightly in morphology and biology, but have distinct ecologies. Phylogenetically, they are classified on six mitochondrial clades (A, B, C, D, E, and F), head louse encompasses the full genetic diversity of clades, while body louse belongs to clades A and D. Recent studies suggested that not only body louse, but also head louse can transmit disease, which warrants greater attention as a serious public health problem. The recent sequencing of body louse genome confirmed that P. humanus has the smallest genome of any hemimetabolous insect reported to date, and also revealed numerous interesting characteristics in the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. The transcriptome analyses showed that body and head lice were almost genetically identical. Indeed, the phenotypic flexibility associated with the emergence of body lice, is probably a result of regulatory changes, perhaps epigenetic in origin, triggered by environmental signals. Current lice control strategies have proven unsuccessful. For instance, ivermectin represents a relatively new and very promising pediculicide. However, ivermectin resistance in the field has begun to be reported. Therefore, novel opportunities for pest control strategies are needed. Our objective here is to review the current state of knowledge on the biology, epidemiology, phylogeny, disease-vector and control of this fascinating and very intimate human parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Amanzougaghene
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Florence Fenollar
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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Margos G, Fingerle V, Cutler S, Gofton A, Stevenson B, Estrada-Peña A. Controversies in bacterial taxonomy: The example of the genus Borrelia. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 11:101335. [PMID: 31836459 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
In this paper we survey key issues in bacterial taxonomy and review the literature regarding the recent genus separation proposed for the genus Borrelia. We discuss how information on members of the genus Borrelia is increasing but detailed knowledge on the relevant features is available only for a small subset of species. The data accumulated here show that there is considerable overlap in ecology, clinical aspects and molecular features between clades that argue against splitting of the genus Borrelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Margos
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, German National Reference Center for Borrelia, Veterinärstr. 2, Oberschleissheim, Germany.
| | - Volker Fingerle
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, German National Reference Center for Borrelia, Veterinärstr. 2, Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Sally Cutler
- School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, University of East London, London E15 4LZ, UK
| | - Alexander Gofton
- Australian National Insect Collection, CSIRO, Black Mountain, Clunies Ross St, Acton, ACT, 2901, Australia
| | - Brian Stevenson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, and Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 40502, USA
| | - Agustín Estrada-Peña
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Miguel Servet, 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
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28
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Eremeeva ME, Warang SS, Anderson ML, Capps D, Zohdy S, Durden LA. Molecular Survey for Pathogens and Markers of Permethrin Resistance in Human Head Lice (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae) from Madagascar. J Parasitol 2019. [DOI: 10.1645/18-146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marina E. Eremeeva
- Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, 501 Forest Drive, P.O. Box 8015, Statesboro, Georgia 30458
| | - Shamta S. Warang
- Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, 501 Forest Drive, P.O. Box 8015, Statesboro, Georgia 30458
| | - Matthew L. Anderson
- Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, 501 Forest Drive, P.O. Box 8015, Statesboro, Georgia 30458
| | - Danielle Capps
- Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, 501 Forest Drive, P.O. Box 8015, Statesboro, Georgia 30458
| | - Sarah Zohdy
- School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849
| | - Lance A. Durden
- College of Science and Mathematics, Georgia Southern University, P.O. Box 8042-1, Statesboro, Georgia 30458
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Boumbanda Koyo CS, Amanzougaghene N, Davoust B, Tshilolo L, Lekana-Douki JB, Raoult D, Mediannikov O, Fenollar F. Genetic diversity of human head lice and molecular detection of associated bacterial pathogens in Democratic Republic of Congo. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:290. [PMID: 31174587 PMCID: PMC6555951 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3540-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis, is an obligatory blood-sucking ectoparasite, distributed worldwide. Phylogenetically, it occurs in five divergent mitochondrial clades (A-E); each exhibiting a particular geographical distribution. Recent studies suggest that, as in the case of body louse, head louse could be a disease vector. We aimed to study the genetic diversity of head lice collected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) and to screen for louse-borne pathogens in these lice. METHODS A total of 181 head lice were collected from 27 individuals at the Monkole Hospital Center located in Kinshasa. All head lice were genotyped and screened for the presence of louse-borne bacteria using molecular methods. We searched for Bartonella quintana, Borrelia recurrentis, Rickettsia prowazekii, Anaplasma spp., Yersinia pestis, Coxiella burnetii and Acinetobacter spp. RESULTS Among these head lice, 67.4% (122/181) belonged to clade A and 24.3% (44/181) belonged to clade D. Additionally, for the first time in this area, we found clade E in 8.3% (15/181) of tested lice, from two infested individuals. Dual infestation with clades A and D was observed for 44.4% individuals. Thirty-three of the 181 head lice were infected only by different bacterial species of the genus Acinetobacter. Overall, 16 out of 27 individuals were infested (59.3%). Six Acinetobacter species were detected including Acinetobacter baumannii (8.3%), Acinetobacter johnsonii (1.7%), Acinetobacter soli (1.7%), Acinetobacter pittii (1.7%), Acinetobacter guillouiae (1.1%), as well as a new potential species named "Candidatus Acinetobacter pediculi". CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this study reports for the first time, the presence of clade E head lice in DR Congo. This study is also the first to report the presence of Acinetobacter species DNAs in human head lice in DR Congo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Scherelle Boumbanda Koyo
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Unité d'Evolution Epidémiologie et Résistances Parasitaires (UNEEREP), Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon.,Ecole Doctorale Régionale en Infectiologie Tropicale d'Afrique Centrale, Franceville, Gabon
| | - Nadia Amanzougaghene
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Bernard Davoust
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Leon Tshilolo
- Monkole Mother and Child Hospital, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jean Bernard Lekana-Douki
- Unité d'Evolution Epidémiologie et Résistances Parasitaires (UNEEREP), Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon.,Ecole Doctorale Régionale en Infectiologie Tropicale d'Afrique Centrale, Franceville, Gabon.,Département de Parasitologie-Mycologie Médecine Tropicale, Faculté de Médecine, Université des Sciences de la Santé (USS), Libreville, Gabon
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, Marseille, France. .,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
| | - Florence Fenollar
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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Mitochondrial diversity and phylogeographic analysis of Pediculus humanus reveals a new Amazonian clade “F”. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2019; 70:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2018] [Revised: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Ly TDA, Kerbaj J, Edouard S, Hoang VT, Louni M, Dao TL, Benkouiten S, Badiaga S, Tissot-Dupont H, Raoult D, Brouqui P, Mediannikov O, Gautret P. The Presence of Acinetobacter baumannii DNA on the Skin of Homeless People and Its Relationship With Body Lice Infestation. Preliminary Results. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:86. [PMID: 31024857 PMCID: PMC6460902 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of Acinetobacter baumannii was demonstrated in body lice, however, little is known about the mechanism of natural lice infection. In 2013 and 2014, cross-sectional one-day studies were therefore performed within two Marseille homeless shelters to assess the presence of A. baumannii DNA on human skin, blood and in body lice collected from the same homeless individuals. All 332 participants completed questionnaires, were examined for dermatologic signs, and provided four skin samples (hair, neck, armpits, and pelvic belt), blood samples and body lice (if any). We developed a new real-time PCR tool targeting the ompA/motB gene for the detection of A. baumannii for all collected samples. Blood culture was also performed. Body lice were found in 24/325 (7.4%) of subjects. We showed a prevalence of A. baumannii DNA skin-carriage in 33/305 (10.8%) of subjects. No difference was found in A. baumannii DNA prevalence according to body sites. A strong association between body lice infestation (OR = 3.07, p = 0.029) and A. baumannii DNA skin-carriage was noted. In lice, A. baumannii DNA was detected in 59/219 arthropods (26.9%). All blood cultures and real-time PCR on blood samples were negative for A. baumannii. Lice probably get infected with A. baumannii while biting through the colonized skin and likely transmit the bacteria in their feces. We found no evidence that lice facilitate the invasion of A. baumannii into the blood stream. Further investigations are needed to compare phenotypic and genotypic features of A. baumannii isolates from human skin and lice from the same individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tran Duc Anh Ly
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | | | - Sophie Edouard
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Van Thuan Hoang
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Department of Pneumology, Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Binh, Vietnam
| | - Meriem Louni
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Thi Loi Dao
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Department of Pneumology, Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Binh, Vietnam
| | - Samir Benkouiten
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Sekene Badiaga
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, Service des urgences CHU Hôpital Nord, Marseille, France
| | - Herve Tissot-Dupont
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Brouqui
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, MEPHI, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Gautret
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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Amanzougaghene N, Fenollar F, Nappez C, Ben-Amara A, Decloquement P, Azza S, Bechah Y, Chabrière E, Raoult D, Mediannikov O. Complexin in ivermectin resistance in body lice. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007569. [PMID: 30080859 PMCID: PMC6108520 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ivermectin has emerged as very promising pediculicide, particularly in cases of resistance to commonly used pediculicides. Recently, however, the first field-evolved ivermectin-resistance in lice was reported. To gain insight into the mechanisms underlying ivermectin-resistance, we both looked for mutations in the ivermectin-target site (GluCl) and searched the entire proteome for potential new loci involved in resistance from laboratory susceptible and ivermectin-selected resistant body lice. Polymorphism analysis of cDNA GluCl showed no non-silent mutations. Proteomic analysis identified 22 differentially regulated proteins, of which 13 were upregulated and 9 were downregulated in the resistant strain. We evaluated the correlation between mRNA and protein levels by qRT-PCR and found that the trend in transcriptional variation was consistent with the proteomic changes. Among differentially expressed proteins, a complexin i.e. a neuronal protein which plays a key role in regulating neurotransmitter release, was shown to be the most significantly down-expressed in the ivermectin-resistant lice. Moreover, DNA-mutation analysis revealed that some complexin transcripts from resistant lice gained a premature stop codon, suggesting that this down-expression might be due, in part, to secondary effects of a nonsense mutation inside the gene. We further confirmed the association between complexin and ivermectin-resistance by RNA-interfering and found that knocking down the complexin expression induces resistance to ivermectin in susceptible lice. Our results provide evidence that complexin plays a significant role in regulating ivermectin resistance in body lice and represents the first evidence that links complexin to insecticide resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Amanzougaghene
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Florence Fenollar
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Claude Nappez
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Amira Ben-Amara
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | | | - Said Azza
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Yassina Bechah
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Eric Chabrière
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- * E-mail: (DR); (OM)
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- * E-mail: (DR); (OM)
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Mutations in GluCl associated with field ivermectin-resistant head lice from Senegal. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2018; 52:593-598. [PMID: 30055248 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Through its unique mode of action, ivermectin represents a relatively new and very promising tool to fight against human lice, especially in cases of resistance to commonly used pediculicides. However, ivermectin resistance in the field has already begun to be reported. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms involved is a key step in delaying and tackling this phenomenon. In this study, field head lice with confirmed clinical resistance to ivermectin in rural human populations from Senegal were subjected to genetic analysis targeting the GluCl gene, the primary target of ivermectin known to be involved in resistance. Through DNA-polymorphism analysis, three relevant non-synonymous mutations in GluCl which were found only in ivermectin-resistant head lice (76 head lice tested), were identified. The A251V mutation found in the TM3 transmembrane domain was the most prevalent (allelic frequency of 0.33), followed by the S46P mutation (0.28) located at the N-terminal extracellular domain. The H272R was in the M3-M4 linker transmembrane region of GluCl and has shown the lowest frequency (0.18). Polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) diagnostic assays were also developed for their accurate genotyping. Our study is the first to report the presence of GluCl point mutations in clinical ivermectin-resistant head lice occurring in rural human populations of Senegal.
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Detection of bacterial pathogens in clade E head lice collected from Niger's refugees in Algeria. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:348. [PMID: 29907122 PMCID: PMC6003154 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2930-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis, are obligate blood-sucking parasites. Phylogenetically, they occur in five divergent mitochondrial clades (A, D, B, C and E), each having a particular geographical distribution. Recent studies have revealed that head lice, as is the case of body lice, can act as a vector for louse-borne diseases. Here, we aimed to study the genetic diversity of head lice collected from Niger’s refugees (migrant population) arriving in Algeria, northern Africa, and to look for louse-borne pathogens. Comparative head lice samples collected from indigenous population of schoolchildren (non-immigrant) were also analyzed to frame the study. Results In this study, 37 head lice samples were collected from 31 Nigerien refugees, as well as 45 head lice from 27 schoolchildren. The collection was established in three localities of eastern Algiers, north Algeria. Quantitative real-time PCR screening of pathogens bacteria and the genetic characterisation of the head lice satut were performed. Through amplification and sequencing of the cytb gene, results showed that all head lice of Nigerien refugees 37/82 (45.12%) belonged to clade E with the presence of four new haplotypes, while, of the 45 head lice of schoolchildren, 34/82 lice (41.46%) belonged to clade A and 11/82 (13.41%) belonged to clade B. Our study is the first to report the existence of clade E haplogroup in Nigerien head lice. DNA of Coxiella burnetii was detected in 3/37 (8.10%) of the head lice collected from 3 of the 31 (9.67%) migrant population. We also revealed the presence of Acinetobacter DNA in 20/37 (54.05%) of head lice collected from 25/31 (80.64%) of the Nigerien refugees, and in 25/45 (55.55%) head lice collected from 15/27 (55.55%) schoolchildren. All positive Nigerien-head lice for Acinetobacter spp. were identified as A. baumannii, while positive schoolchildren-head lice were identified as A. johnsonii 15/25 (60%), A. variabilis 8/25 (32%) and A. baumannii 2/25 (8%). Conclusions Based on these findings from head lice collected on migrant and non-migrant population, our results show, for the first time, that head lice from Niger belong to haplogroup E, and confirm that the clade E had a west African distribution. We also detected, for the first time, the presence of C. burnetii and A. baumannii in these Nigerien head lice. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to determine whether the head lice can transmit these pathogenic bacteria from one person to another.
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Yingklang M, Sengthong C, Haonon O, Dangtakot R, Pinlaor P, Sota C, Pinlaor S. Effect of a health education program on reduction of pediculosis in school girls at Amphoe Muang, Khon Kaen Province, Thailand. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198599. [PMID: 29889851 PMCID: PMC5995376 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediculosis caused by head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) infestation is still an important health problem in schoolchildren, especially girls, worldwide, including in Thailand. Although pediculicidal agents effectively kill head lice, the re-infestation rate is still high. Thus, prevention is an important strategy for any sustainable control program. We aimed to develop and evaluate the efficacy of a health education program for increasing knowledge, changing attitudes and promoting preventive practices to reduce prevalence of pediculosis among school girls in Amphoe Muang, Khon Kaen, northeastern Thailand. METHODOLOGY Six schools were selected using multistage simple randomization and were allocated into intervention or control groups. A total of 267 girls was enrolled from these schools. A "knowledge, attitude and practice" (KAP) questionnaire, consent forms and health education materials were constructed and tested by experts and in one pilot school before the main investigation. Baseline prevalence of adult lice and nits was determined. The health education package was given only to the intervention group. The KAP questionnaire was re-evaluated at two months after intervention. RESULTS At baseline, the prevalence and intensity of head lice infestation, and the KAP scores did not differ significantly between the two groups. After re-evaluation at two months, the KAP score was significantly greater in the intervention group. A significant decrease of the infestation rate from 59% to 44% was observed in the intervention group, whereas infestation increased in the control group (from 56% to 65%). The incidence of new cases in the intervention group (6.14%) was lower than in the control group (12.62%). CONCLUSION These findings indicated that the newly-established health education package is an effective tool for increasing KAP and reducing head lice infestation in school girls. Efforts to combat pediculosis in schoolchildren elsewhere may consider including this, or a similar, health education package in their programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manachai Yingklang
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Chatchawan Sengthong
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Ornuma Haonon
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Rungtiwa Dangtakot
- Biomedical Science Program, Graduate School, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
- Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Porntip Pinlaor
- Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Chulaporn Sota
- Department of Health Education, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Somchai Pinlaor
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
- * E-mail:
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Louni M, Mana N, Bitam I, Dahmani M, Parola P, Fenollar F, Raoult D, Mediannikov O. Body lice of homeless people reveal the presence of several emerging bacterial pathogens in northern Algeria. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006397. [PMID: 29664950 PMCID: PMC5922582 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human lice, Pediculus humanus, are obligate blood-sucking parasites. Body lice, Pediculus h. humanus, occur in two divergent mitochondrial clades (A and D) each exhibiting a particular geographic distribution. Currently, the body louse is recognized as the only vector for louse-borne diseases. In this study, we aimed to study the genetic diversity of body lice collected from homeless populations in three localities of northern Algeria, and to investigate louse-borne pathogens in these lice. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In this study, 524 body lice specimens were collected from 44 homeless people in three localities: Algiers, Tizi Ouzou and Boumerdès located in northern Algeria. Duplex clade specific real-time PCRs (qPCR) and Cytochrome b (cytb) mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis were performed in order to identify the mitochondrial clade. Screening of louse-borne pathogens bacteria was based on targeting specific genes for each pathogen using qPCR supplemented by sequencing. All body lice belong to clade A. Through amplification and sequencing of the cytb gene we confirmed the presence of three haplotypes: A5, A9 and A63, which is novel. The molecular investigation of the 524 body lice samples revealed the presence of four human pathogens: Bartonella quintana (13.35%), Coxiella burnetii (10.52%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (0.76%) and Acinetobacter species (A. baumannii, A. johnsonii, A. berezeniae, A. nosocomialis and A. variabilis, in total 46.94%). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to show the genetic diversity and presence of several emerging pathogenic bacteria in homeless' body lice from Algeria. We also report for the first time, the presence of several species of Acinetobacter in human body lice. Our results highlight the fact that body lice may be suspected as being a much broader vector of several pathogenic agents than previously thought. Nevertheless, other studies are needed to encourage epidemiological investigations and surveys of louse-associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meriem Louni
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Laboratoire de Valorisation et Conservation des Ressources Biologiques (VALCORE), Faculté des Sciences, Université M’Hamed Bougara Boumerdes, Boumerdès, Algeria
| | - Nassima Mana
- Laboratoire Biodiversité et Environnement: Interactions, Génomes, Département de Biologie, Université des Sciences et Technologies Houari Boumediene, Bab Ezzouar, Algeria
| | - Idir Bitam
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Laboratoire Biodiversité et Environnement: Interactions, Génomes, Département de Biologie, Université des Sciences et Technologies Houari Boumediene, Bab Ezzouar, Algeria
- Ecole Supérieure des Sciences de l'Aliment et des Industries Agro-Alimentaires, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Mustapha Dahmani
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Parola
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Florence Fenollar
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- * E-mail:
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Candy K, Amanzougaghene N, Izri A, Brun S, Durand R, Louni M, Raoult D, Fenollar F, Mediannikov O. Molecular Survey of Head and Body Lice, Pediculus humanus, in France. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2018; 18:243-251. [PMID: 29652646 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2017.2206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Human lice, Pediculus humanus, are obligate blood-sucking parasites. Phylogenetically, they belong to several mitochondrial clades exhibiting some geographic differences. Currently, the body louse is the only recognized disease vector, with the head louse being proposed as an additional vector. In this article, we study the genetic diversity of head and body lice collected from Bobigny, a town located close to Paris (France), and look for louse-borne pathogens. By amplifying and sequencing the cytb gene, we confirmed the presence of clades A and B in France. Besides, by amplifying and sequencing both cytb and cox1 gene, we reported, for the first time, the presence of clade E, which has thus far only been found in lice from West Africa. DNA from Bartonella quintana was detected in 16.7% of body lice from homeless individuals, but in none of the head lice collected from 47 families. Acinetobacter DNA was detected in 11.5% of head lice belonging to all three clades and 29.1% of body lice. Six species of Acinetobacter were identified, including two potential new ones. Acinetobacter baumannii was the most prevalent, followed by Candidatus Acinetobacter Bobigny-1, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Acinetobacter nosocomialis, Acinetobacter junii, and Candidatus Acinetobacter Bobigny-2. Body lice were found to be infected only with A. baumannii. These findings show for the first time, the presence of clade E head lice in France. This study is also the first to report the presence of DNAs of several species of Acinetobacter in human head lice in France.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerdalidec Candy
- 1 Department of Parasitology-Mycology, AP-HP, Hôpital Avicenne , Bobigny, France .,2 UMR "Émergence des Pathologies Virales" (EPV: Aix-Marseille University-IRD 190-Inserm 1207-EHESP-IHU Méditerranée Infection) , Marseille, France
| | - Nadia Amanzougaghene
- 3 IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Aix Marseille University , Marseille, France
| | - Arezki Izri
- 1 Department of Parasitology-Mycology, AP-HP, Hôpital Avicenne , Bobigny, France .,2 UMR "Émergence des Pathologies Virales" (EPV: Aix-Marseille University-IRD 190-Inserm 1207-EHESP-IHU Méditerranée Infection) , Marseille, France
| | - Sophie Brun
- 1 Department of Parasitology-Mycology, AP-HP, Hôpital Avicenne , Bobigny, France
| | - Rémy Durand
- 1 Department of Parasitology-Mycology, AP-HP, Hôpital Avicenne , Bobigny, France
| | - Meriem Louni
- 4 IRD, APHM, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Aix Marseille University , Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- 3 IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Aix Marseille University , Marseille, France
| | - Florence Fenollar
- 4 IRD, APHM, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Aix Marseille University , Marseille, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- 3 IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Aix Marseille University , Marseille, France
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Abstract
Chemical, physical, and mechanical methods are used to control human lice. Attempts have been made to eradicate head lice Pediculus humanus capitis by hot air, soaking in various fluids or asphyxiation using occlusive treatments. In this study, we assessed the maximum time that head lice can survive anoxia (oxygen deprivation) and their ability to survive prolonged water immersion. We also observed the ingress of fluids across louse tracheae and spiracle characteristics contrasting with those described in the literature. We showed that 100% of lice can withstand 8 h of anoxia and 12.2% survived 14 h of anoxia; survival was 48.9% in the untreated control group at 14 h. However, all lice had died following 16 h of anoxia. In contrast, the survival rate of water-immersed lice was significantly higher when compared with non-immersed lice after 6 h (100% vs. 76.6%, p = 0.0037), and 24 h (50.9% vs. 15.9%, p = 0.0003). Although water-immersed lice did not close their spiracles, water did not penetrate into the respiratory system. In contrast, immersion in colored dimeticone/cyclomethicone or colored ethanol resulted in penetration through the spiracles and spreading to the entire respiratory system within 30 min, leading to death in 100% of the lice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerdalidec Candy
- Parasitology-Mycology Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Bobigny, France - Unité des Virus Emergents (Aix-Marseille Univ - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - IHU Méditerranée infection), Marseille, France
| | - Sophie Brun
- Parasitology-Mycology Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Bobigny, France
| | - Patrick Nicolas
- Unit of Pharmacology, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Bobigny, France
| | - Rémy Durand
- Parasitology-Mycology Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Bobigny, France
| | - Remi N Charrel
- Unité des Virus Emergents (Aix-Marseille Univ - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - IHU Méditerranée infection), Marseille, France
| | - Arezki Izri
- Parasitology-Mycology Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Bobigny, France - Unité des Virus Emergents (Aix-Marseille Univ - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207 - IHU Méditerranée infection), Marseille, France
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Durand R, Andriantsoanirina V, Brun S, Laroche L, Izri A. A case of severe pediculosis capitis. Int J Dermatol 2017; 57:e14-e15. [PMID: 29265348 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.13881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rémy Durand
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Avicenne, Bobigny, France
| | - Valérie Andriantsoanirina
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Avicenne, Bobigny, France
| | - Sophie Brun
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Avicenne, Bobigny, France
| | - Liliane Laroche
- Department of Dermatology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Avicenne, Bobigny, France
| | - Arezki Izri
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Avicenne, Bobigny, France
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Antinori S, Colombo V, Corbellino M. Relapsing fever in young refugees from East Africa. Crit Care 2017; 21:205. [PMID: 28774320 PMCID: PMC5543426 DOI: 10.1186/s13054-017-1777-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Tomaso H, Otto P, Peters M, Süss J, Karger A, Schamoni H, Zuchantke E, Hotzel H. Francisella tularensis and other bacteria in hares and ticks in North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany). Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 9:325-329. [PMID: 29239792 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Tularemia is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. The disease can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals such as the European brown hare (Lepus europaeus) and ticks as vectors. The aim of this study was to isolate F. tularensis from ticks and hares in North Rhine-Westphalia using cysteine heart agar to determine their genetic relatedness and to identify other bacteria that grow on this medium. 848 European brown hares and 1556 questing ticks (all Ixodes ricinus) from forests were tested using cultivation and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry or partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The majority of F. tularensis isolates from hares (n=24; 96%) and genomic F. tularensis DNA recovered from ticks belonged to the basal genetic clade IV and subclade B.18. These isolates were sensitive to erythromycin and were assigned to biovar I. Only a single strain isolated from a hare was assigned to basal clade I (B.12/B.35). All isolates were sensitive to tetracycline, doxycycline, streptomycin, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, and ciprofloxacin. Only 4 tick pools were positive for F. tularensis and cultivation was not successful in any of the pools. Most of the other isolated bacteria belonged to the order Bacillales with 36 Staphylococcus isolates, 9 Bacillus isolates and 8 Paenibacillus isolates. Prominent members of Enterobacterales were represented by different genera like Pantoea, Erwinia, Raoultella etc. Several of the bacterial species were soil or plant-associated, but some of the bacterial species were found in I. ricinus for the first time. Our results showed that F. tularensis was detected only in few ticks of an endemic area, but ticks were also infected by several other bacteria with zoonotic potential. Therefore, a wider spectrum of pathogens should be considered if a patient was bitten by a tick.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herbert Tomaso
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Naumburger Strasse 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany.
| | - Peter Otto
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Naumburger Strasse 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany.
| | - Martin Peters
- Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt Westfalen, Standort Arnsberg, Zur Taubeneiche 10-12, 59821 Arnsberg, Germany.
| | - Jochen Süss
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Naumburger Strasse 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany.
| | - Axel Karger
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
| | | | - Eric Zuchantke
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Naumburger Strasse 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany.
| | - Helmut Hotzel
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Naumburger Strasse 96a, 07743 Jena, Germany.
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Liao CW, Cheng PC, Chuang TW, Chiu KC, Chiang IC, Kuo JH, Tu YH, Fan YM, Jiang HT, Fan CK. Prevalence of Pediculus capitis in schoolchildren in Battambang, Cambodia. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2017; 52:585-591. [PMID: 29150362 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2017.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Revised: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Pediculus capitis is the most common human ectoparasite. When it feeds on the blood through the scalp of its host, the anticoagulant in its saliva causes scalp inflammation and itching, and consequent scratching by the host causes further inflammation from bacterial infection. P. capitis infestation is currently a common parasitic dermatosis and a critical public health concern in underdeveloped countries. METHODS Through naked eye inspection of P. capitis on or in the hair from 323 school children in Cambodia. RESULTS A total of 143 children (44.3%) were found to have P. capitis infestation. Univariate analysis revealed that girls had a significantly higher infection rate than boys. Overall, young aged schoolchildren (10 yrs old ≤) showed significantly higher infection rate than old aged schoolchildren (>10 yrs old). Groups stratified by time revealed that schoolchildren studied at the afternoon classes than morning classes in Tuol Prum Muoy Primary School had a significantly higher risk in acquisition of P. capitis infestation. Multivariate analysis results indicated that relative to the boys, the girls were at a significantly higher risk of contracting P. capitis infection. When stratified by inspection time with the Tuol Prum Muoy Primary School morning classes as the reference, the Tuol Prum Muoy Primary School afternoon classes exhibited a significantly higher risk of P. capitis infection. CONCLUSION Primary school children in Cambodia have a high P. capitis infection rate and thus require effective treatment and prevention measures to treat symptoms and lower the infection rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Wei Liao
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Tropical Medicine Division, International Master/PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Ching Cheng
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Tropical Medicine Division, International Master/PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Wu Chuang
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Tropical Medicine Division, International Master/PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Chih Chiu
- Institute of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - I-Chen Chiang
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Juo-Han Kuo
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Hung Tu
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Min Fan
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hai-Tao Jiang
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Kwung Fan
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Tropical Medicine Division, International Master/PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Amanzougaghene N, Fenollar F, Sangaré AK, Sissoko MS, Doumbo OK, Raoult D, Mediannikov O. Detection of bacterial pathogens including potential new species in human head lice from Mali. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184621. [PMID: 28931077 PMCID: PMC5606924 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In poor African countries, where no medical and biological facilities are available, the identification of potential emerging pathogens of concern at an early stage is challenging. Head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis, have a short life, feed only on human blood and do not transmit pathogens to their progeny. They are, therefore, a perfect tool for the xenodiagnosis of current or recent human infection. This study assessed the occurrence of bacterial pathogens from head lice collected in two rural villages from Mali, where a high frequency of head lice infestation had previously been reported, using molecular methods. Results show that all 600 head lice, collected from 117 individuals, belonged to clade E, specific to West Africa. Bartonella quintana, the causative agent of trench fever, was identified in three of the 600 (0.5%) head lice studied. Our study also shows, for the first time, the presence of the DNA of two pathogenic bacteria, namely Coxiella burnetii (5.1%) and Rickettsia aeschlimannii (0.6%), detected in human head lice, as well as the DNA of potential new species from the Anaplasma and Ehrlichia genera of unknown pathogenicity. The finding of several Malian head lice infected with B. quintana, C. burnetii, R. aeschlimannii, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia is alarming and highlights the need for active survey programs to define the public health consequences of the detection of these emerging bacterial pathogens in human head lice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Amanzougaghene
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IRD, INSERM, AP-HM, URMITE, IHU - Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Florence Fenollar
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IRD, INSERM, AP-HM, URMITE, IHU - Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Abdoul Karim Sangaré
- University of Bamako, Epidemiology Department of Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Odonto-Stomatology, Faculty of Pharmacy (MRTC/DEAP/FMOS-FAPH), Bamako, Mali
| | - Mahamadou S. Sissoko
- University of Bamako, Epidemiology Department of Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Odonto-Stomatology, Faculty of Pharmacy (MRTC/DEAP/FMOS-FAPH), Bamako, Mali
| | - Ogobara K. Doumbo
- University of Bamako, Epidemiology Department of Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Odonto-Stomatology, Faculty of Pharmacy (MRTC/DEAP/FMOS-FAPH), Bamako, Mali
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IRD, INSERM, AP-HM, URMITE, IHU - Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Campus International UCAD-IRD, Dakar, Senegal
- * E-mail: (OM); (DR)
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IRD, INSERM, AP-HM, URMITE, IHU - Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Campus International UCAD-IRD, Dakar, Senegal
- * E-mail: (OM); (DR)
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Mana N, Louni M, Parola P, Bitam I. Human head lice and pubic lice reveal the presence of several Acinetobacter species in Algiers, Algeria. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2017; 53:33-39. [PMID: 28750865 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
There are two majorspecies of medically important lice that parasitize humans: Phthirus pubis, found in pubic hair, and Pediculus humanus. Pediculus humanus consists of two eco types that live in specific niches on the human host: body lice (Pediculus humanus humanus), found on the human body and clothing, and head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis), found on the scalp. To date, only body lice are known to be vectors of human disease; however, it has recently been reported that the DNA of several bacterial agents has been detected in head lice, raising questions about their role in the transmission of pathogens. This issue caught our attention, in addition to the fact that the pathogenic bacteria associated with P. pubis and P. humanus capitis have never been investigated in Algeria. To investigate this,molecular techniques (real-time PCR) were used to screen for the presence of Acinetobacter spp., Bartonella spp., Borrelia spp. and Rickettsia prowazekii DNA from P. humanus capitis (64 lice) collected from schoolchildren,and P. pubis (4 lice),collected from one adultman living in Algiers. Positive samples for Acinetobacter spp.were identified by sequencing therpoBgene. Conventional PCR targeting the partial Cytb gene was used to determine the phylogenetic clade of the collected lice. Of the 64 samples collected, Acinetobacter spp. DNA was detected in 17/64 (27%) of head lice, identified as: A. baumannii (14%), A. johnsonii (11%) and A. variabilis (2%). Of the four P. pubissamples, 2(50%) were positive for A. johnsonii. The phylogenetic tree based on the Cytb gene revealed that P. humanus capitis were grouped into clades A and B. In this study, we report andidentify for the first time Acinetobacter spp.in Algerian P. pubis and P. humanus capitis. The detection of the genus Acinetobacter in lice should not be underestimated, especially in P. humanus capitis, which is distributed worldwide. However, additional epidemiological data are required to determine if human lice may act as an environmental reservoir and are actively involved in the propagation of these bacteria to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nassima Mana
- Laboratoire de Biodiversité et Environnement: Interactions et Génomes, Faculté des Sciences Biologiques, Université des Sciences et de la Technologie Houari Boumediene, BP 32, El Alia Bab Ezzouar, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Meriem Louni
- Laboratoire de Valorisation et Conservation des Ressources Biologiques (VALCORE), Faculté des Sciences, Université M'Hamed Bougara, Boumerdes, Algeria
| | - Philippe Parola
- Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), Aix-Marseille Université UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198 (Dakar), Inserm 1095, AP-HM Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Idir Bitam
- Laboratoire de Biodiversité et Environnement: Interactions et Génomes, Faculté des Sciences Biologiques, Université des Sciences et de la Technologie Houari Boumediene, BP 32, El Alia Bab Ezzouar, Algiers, Algeria; Laboratoire de Valorisation et Conservation des Ressources Biologiques (VALCORE), Faculté des Sciences, Université M'Hamed Bougara, Boumerdes, Algeria; Unité de Recherche en Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes (URMITE), Aix-Marseille Université UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198 (Dakar), Inserm 1095, AP-HM Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Ecole Supérieure des Sciences de l'Aliment et des Industries Agro-Alimentaires, Algiers, Algeria.
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